Sep 24, 2017 | Barbara Devlin, Blog, September 2017
The Marooner by Barbara Devlin is a must read story about trust, redemption and the idea that everyone is worthy of love. Every book in the Pirates of the Coast series is an adventure regardless of where you begin your journey. One-click now.
Get ready for an oceanic adventure with sexy pirates, a brawl or two, a few favorite characters from previous books, and intimate scenes that leave you breathless. This book has it all and more!
Barbara’s attention to the lush details in each and every scene, especially the ones on the ship, allows for a fully enveloped reading experience in the Pirates of the Coast. Because of this, you will add every future release to your auto-buy list.
Leland Stryker has faced insurmountable challenges and obstacles, and will have to face his biggest one yet when he meets Lady Sophia. Could it be that she’s his true soul mate? Can he trust Sophia to his secret? If not, it could kill them both.
From the first page to the last you will wish that it was you on that ship. Hang on to your heart, it’s about to melt and squeeze a multiple times. I wonder which pirate will be next in this high-seas adventure series?
With the heat and intensity in this book I give it 3 Peppers as it’s pretty hot and might offend. For mature readers 18+
THE MAROONER – Excerpt
Derbyshire, England
September, 1818
Somewhere in the dim light of the chandeliers, his future wife mingled with so-called polite society, but he would argue the perfumed peacocks, despite their refined manners, were every bit as cutthroat as the worst of his associates, especially the marriage-minded mamas, as they trotted their daughters before a man they believed was a well-heeled, wealthy American merchant.
In truth, he was but a wolf in gentleman’s clothing, with his face clean-shaven and his black hair trimmed and tied in a leather thong, that he might appear civilized. Of course, the as-yet unknown darling did not know she was marked as the bride for ruthless former pirate Leland Stryker, as he surveyed the various targets, bedecked in their finery, and how the beast was hungry. What would he choose from so many tempting offerings? Blonde, brunette, ebony, or redhead? Curvy or slender? Blue, green, hazel, or brown eyes? Tall or short? Meek and mild or saucy and fiery of temperament?
In the end, his body would decide.
“Good evening, Mr. Stryker.” Another in a long line of chits paraded past, batting her lashes at him, and he waited for some sign of life below his belly button, as he dipped his chin.
“Good evening.” Thus far, his notoriously fickle interest rejected every single blushing debutante, but he was in no rush to the altar.
Known throughout the pirate ranks as The Marooner, for his habit of abandoning his victims on deserted islands, a practice he considered far more charitable than gunning down, running through with a sword, slashing with a knife, or feeding to the sharks, as did other buccaneers, patience guided his every move. Whereas he always thought it unfair that the general public deemed him heartless and brutal for leaving his quarry to their own fate, his colleagues viewed his eccentricity as a sign of weakness.
For most marauders, innocents manifested prey to be consumed, in some form or another, if only to provide amusement for the crew. For Leland, those who had the misfortune of falling into his custody, through no fault of their own, other than happenstance, presented a connection to his childhood, to the young lad sold into servitude because his parents could not afford to feed him. Perhaps that was why he could not, by his own hands, kill the guiltless.
“My, my, Lady Sophia, what an interesting ensemble you sport, tonight.” An unseen female snickered in a nasty tone. “Is that not last year’s fashion?”
In that moment, he came alert.
“This is my favorite gown, so I see no reason to dispose of it, simply because it might offend your delicate sensibilities.” Given the cutting retort, the heretofore-unfamiliar Lady Sophia charged the fore, as she piqued Leland’s curiosity. “As always, Miss Barty, you exhibit the stellar comportment one would expect of a lady. Your parents must be so proud.”
“My father says your father has driven the earldom to ruin, and you have no dowry.” Now that bit of information snared Leland’s attention, because it made his goal much easier. “Such a pity. Who will have you now, when you possess naught but a good name to recommend you?”
“Certainly not that delicious Mr. Stryker from America.” So another tormentor joined the fray, and he gritted his teeth. “I mean, he could afford to marry anyone.”
“Why would he settle for nothing but an empty title?” Miss Barty replied, in the shrill voice that grated his last nerve. “When he could have a woman of taste and fortune.”
If there was anything he hated, it was a bully, because he was small in his youth and often the recipient of abuse aboard ship. But as the boy grew into a man, and he gained physical strength, he never forgot the seemingly endless beatings, and he always championed the unfortunate.
“Then I congratulate him on his good fortune, should he choose either of you.” Ah, Lady Sophia boasted a sharp tongue, and what he would love to do with that spirit. He had to see her.
With that in mind, he rotated casually, to glimpse a group of ladies, but the valiant Sophia remained with her back to him, as he identified the insufferable Miss Barty and her friend, Miss Oswald, two self-important debutantes he had already dismissed as viable candidates for a mate, because they inspired nothing but a queasy belly. Petite in stature, with dark brown hair, the mystery woman squared her shoulders, as she confronted her adversaries, and he cleared his throat.
“I beg your pardon, but would you care to dance?” Life was too complicated in England. In Jamaica, he would have taken her by the hand and hauled her into his arms.
“Oh, Mr. Stryker.” The snobbish Miss Barty gloated, and he savored the opportunity to take her down a peg or two. “It would be my pleasure.”
“I am so sorry, Miss Barty, but I address Lady Sophia.” Now he enjoyed that, as the haughty Miss Barty frowned, and his intended partner flinched, ever so subtly. When Lady Sophia faced him, a shiver of awareness kissed his flesh, and he gazed directly into her velvety brown eyes. “Leland Stryker, most definitely at your service, Lady Sophia.”
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Author Info:
USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, and she earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
Aug 25, 2017 | August 2017, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Elle Boon
Miami Inferno by Elle Boon is a romantic suspense set in Miami and is a must read. When Angelina can’t recall certain details surrounding the night of her eighteenth birthday it leaves a huge hole in her heart. Years will pass before she discovers the truth and the impact it has affects the one man she can’t forget, Lorenzo.
When their happy reunion is under attack, Lorenzo will stop at nothing to protect Angelina, the one woman he’s always loved. The connection between them is unbreakable despite the distance. If you like hot beaches and nights that sizzle, head to Miami.
With the heat and intensity in this book I give it 3 Peppers as it’s pretty hot and might offend. For mature readers 18+
Get your copy here:
Rescuing Miami by Elle Boon is part of the Dallas Fire & Rescue World and is all about Lorenzo’s brother Ando. Even if you have not read Miami Inferno, this can be read as a standalone. Tragedy has struck it’s time to take care of the things that matter, for Ando it means leaving his family behind. Unprepared he will need strength, courage and the help of family to move beyond the past, if not he will never recover and find love again.
What do you do when you witness a crime so brutal that it puts you in harms way? Jules isn’t worried about herself, instead she’s only focused on the victim and puts her EMT skills to use quickly. In order to ensure her safety surrounding that horrific night she takes a break and heads out of town. What will happen when her location is discovered? Who will save her?
A new city. A fresh start. Two people recovering from loss will find out what happens when love strikes in the most unexpected place, right next door.
While I haven’t read any other books in the Dallas Fire & Rescue World, this book can be read as a standalone.With the heat and intensity in this book I give it 3 Peppers as it’s pretty hot and might offend. For mature readers 18+
Get your copy here
Morgan by Barbara Devlin is the fourth book in the Brethren Origins series. It’s time to find out what happens to our young night when he’s forced to marry and his bride is not of his choosing. Will he grow to love her? Will they have a happy-ever-after?
Lady Hawisia Van Goens and Morgan Le Aguillon have a lot of work to do if they are going to find love. Despite duty to his country he needs to curb his wicked, lustful nights and redirect his focus on his lovely bride. Will she let him close to her guarded heart? Will he find the passion he seeks?
As with each and every book in Barbara Devlin’s backlist this one is another must read. If you love sexy knights, adventure and lots of romance, one-click this right now. Duty, honor and friendship from the Brethren will aid these two as they seek love. Don’t miss this must read historical romance series that proves love prevails.
A two peppers spicy latte hot delight with the perfect amount of sizzle to make you tingle. Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+. 
Get your copy here
Aug 23, 2017 | August 2017, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Lucy Farago, Mary Wine, Sarah Ballance, Sarina Bowen
Her Sexy Challenge by Sarah Ballance is witty, charming, and absolutely sexy. Any story that involves firefighters, a bookstore and a woman overcoming her fears is worth reading.
Our dear hero, Shane Hendricks is ready to stop chasing ghosts and put the past behind him. If he’d only realize that he doesn’t have to leave town to feel complete and discover who he was truly meant to be.
Caitlyn Tyler is the perfect woman for Shane with her unique approach to conquering her fears and her sense of humor. Every book I’ve read from Sarah has strong women who just find themselves in the most precarious situations. We all have fears we’d like to conquer and I’m sure many readers will relate to Caitlyn, especially if it might involve a sexy fireman ;).
One-click this contemporary romance and discover a witty, charming and absolute must read from an author who makes me laugh and finally conquer my own fears.
A spicy 2 1/2 pepper read that has enough 
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
While I received an advance copy from the publisher for a fair and honest review it makes a great gift for yourself or anyone looking for a book adventure. At a bargain price of $0.99 it makes a great gift for yourself or a friend!
Get your copy here: Her Sexy Challenge
If you love stories set in the Scottish Highlands with clans, battles and men in kilts then be sure to one-click Mary Wine’s latest historical romance release.
A man feared by many and a woman who will take a stand. Add a kidnapping with a twist and a ransom fit for a war chief and you are sure to find a love that burns bright. Helen must find a way to let Marcus MacPherson close enough to capture her heart. Will Marcus prove he’s worth of her love?
A majestic love story of one man who will stop at nothing to ensure his homeland is protected. Will he make it in time to protect Helene and keep her reputation in tact? Helene is strong and will challenge Marcus to prove that she will not be commanded. The tension between them is wicked 😉 as they adjust to their new arrangement.
Take a trip back in time to a world of clans, castles, lairds and lots of men in kilts. If you are suffering from Outlander withdrawal than one-click this must read. It has that and more! Yes! A thousand times more.
Get your copy here: Highland Vixen (Highland Weddings Book 2)
Pipe Dreams by Sarina Bowen is an emotionally satisfying conclusion in her Brooklyn Bruisers hockey series. When Mike Beacon discovers his wife’s unforgivable secret he is prepared to start fresh and find happiness. It will take a tragic turn of events to tear him apart from the one woman who could give him everything he wants.
We have been told that time heals the heart, but for Mike, he will discover that if he’s to find love then he must make the ultimate sacrifice. Hearts have been broken and lives changed.
Lauren Williams was there for Mike when he was betrayed but when he leaves her without any word it tears her world apart. Was it all a lie? What they had was raw, real and sizzled. When the truth is leaked, will his heart survive the fallout? No amount of protective gear can save him when he has a chance to redeem himself and confront his past.
Sarina’s series gives a perfect balance of squeeze and spice in this 2 1/2 pepper read that has enough heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
I received an advance copy from the publisher for a fair and honest review it makes a great gift for yourself or anyone looking for a book adventure.
Get your copy here: Pipe Dreams (A Brooklyn Bruisers Novel)
The Stablemaster’s Daughter by Barbara Devlin is infused with romance, heat and beloved characters from her spicy Pirate series. Fans of The Iron Corsair will rejoice in reading about the devoted and loyal brother Lord Ernest who deserves a happy-ever-after with the one woman he’s never forgotten, his childhood crush Henrietta. When these former friends reunite it’s page perfect.
Discover what happens when two kindred souls uncover a secret that nearly destroyed them both. Is there room for forgiveness? In order for a relationship to work there needs to be honesty, acceptance, and selfless acts of devotion. Will they finally succeed in being together forever?
Whenever I pick up one of Barbara Devlin’s books I am guaranteed that I will be reading until the very last page. Every book has rich and vivid details, a fast moving pace, and a plot full of twists and surprises. It’s time to dive in and read a book that is satisfying in every way and will leave you swooning for Lords, Pirates and romance. One-click now.
I received this book for a fair and honest review.
Get your copy here: The Stablemaster’s Daughter (Regency Rendezvous Book 10)
A Necessary Lie by Lucy Farago will keep you on the edge of your comfy chair till the very last page. This was my first adventure from Lucy and I can’t wait to read more. From the sexy cover to the men of the Investigative Collection Unit it’s a must for your summer reading.
Cowboy has one job and with it comes deception and a few secrets. No one knows his real name and he’s never wanted to tell any woman his true identity. That’s all about to change.
Grace Irvine is a reporter and will stop at nothing until she uncovers the truth even if it means the worst involving her missing friend. Meddling family, dangerous secrets and knowing when to ask for help will impact Grace and her resolution in her latest case. When she needs help, in the form of a tall and handsome Cowboy, she will find out that looks are deceiving, evidence can be tampered with and her heart can’t be protected.
I loved the chemistry, the writing and the gradual suspense of uncovering a mystery that’s shocking and characters that are wickedly charming, wity, and naughty. Dive into a world of reporters, politicians, the ICU, and one sexy Cowboy.
I received an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review and look forward to the next installment.
Get your copy here: A Necessary Lie (Search and Recover)
Jul 25, 2017 | Barbara Devlin, Blog, July 2017
Exerpt:
CHAPTER ONE
The steady drumbeat of rain pounded the roof, followed by a rumble of thunder, and roused Nautionnier Knight Morgan Le Aguillon from blissful slumber and an ale-induced stupor, as he stretched long and yawned. As he ordered his thoughts, after a night of drinking and wenching, his favorite pursuits, he grazed warm flesh with his toes and smiled. To his right, a supple female form posed a delicious temptation. To his left, another enticing whore snored none too elegantly, and he sat upright.
Naked, a condition he preferred to the heavy garb of his station, he rubbed his eyes, slid from the bed, belched, and scratched his bare arse. At the basin, he poured water from the pitcher, washed his face, and cleaned his teeth. After running his fingers through his hair, he collected his garb from the floor.
As he stepped into his breeches, he noticed a sliver of light filtering through a hole in the linen that covered the window, and he stepped toward the wall, peered outside—and started.
“No.”
In a strange dance, he sprang into action, yanking on his black chausses, slipping his feet into his boots, and pulling on his doublet. At last, he donned his tunic and grabbed his cloak. From a small bag, he drew a fistful of coins, tossed them atop a table, and made his exit.
On the street, he glanced at the grey sky, realized he was very late, and cursed. “Arucard is going to kill me.”
After locating his destrier, he leaped into the saddle. Flicking the reins, he heeled the flanks of his stallion and sped through the narrow thoroughfares of London, as he had not a moment to spare.
Given the amount of activity in the various businesses, as well as the number of people out and about, Morgan urged his mount faster, until the painfully familiar shadow of Westminster Abbey loomed in the distance. It was then he slowed his horse and continued at his leisure, because he was in no rush to meet his fate.
A Nautionnier Knight in service to the Crown, he had been born into a noble family with valuable connections to the House of Capet, but with equally slim coffers, in the crowded town of Rouen, on the River Seine. At the age of eight, he had been sent to La Rochelle, along with a slew of other second sons, for whom their families had no use and could ill afford, and commenced his training as a Templar, the warriors of the Crusades, at Vauclair Castle.
That was where he forged an alliance with his lifelong friends—his brothers.
After Philip the Fair was denied entry into the estimable Order, he conspired with Pope Clement V to steal the vast treasure the knights had amassed, accused the Templars of heresy, as well as a slew of other foul crimes, hunted, tortured, and executed the great men. Naught in Morgan’s world had been the same, since he fled France and sought refuge in England.
And that was what brought him to Westminster Abbey, on that dark and dreary morning.
At the east entrance, in the midst of a slew of coaches and horses, he drew rein and jumped to the ground. In a series of quick strides, he navigated the cloister walk, which brought him to a double-door entry topped by a Portland stone tympanum.
On the left lingered the other four knights that made up the Brethren of the Coast, along with three wives, and it was another marriage that brought him to the Chapter House steps.
“Reprehensible silk-snatcher, you are late for your own wedding.” Ever the venerable leader, Arucard scowled and folded his arms. “His Majesty was just about to dispatch a compliment of soldiers to hunt you down and drag you hither—after he installed us in the tower.
Want more? You know you do….one-click for your copy here:Morgan (Brethren Origins Book 4)
Author Info:
Bestselling author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love of writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, where she developed a love of all things British, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. And then one uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
Apr 4, 2017 | April 2017, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Ellen Dugan
The Whole Latte:
As soon as I heard the news that Barbara Devlin and Ellen Dugan were collaborating I eagerly waited to see how they would connect two genres, a pirate, and a witch. How would it link them together? Dear readers, the wait paid off In the most creative, romantic and fast paced way possible!
Bewitched and Beloved by Barbara Devlin and Ellen Dugan is a must read romance full of adventure and the perfect amount of magick. While each authors story can be read as a standalone, together they weave a tale that is one of the best collaborations I’ve ever read!
In the mood for a sexy pirate? Dive into the latest from Barbara, you are in for a treat! Cager Tyne’s story is full of secrets, sexy banter and of course sprinkled with a few of my favorite characters! Cager is ready to leave his pirating ways behind him, but can he move beyond his past?
Francie Osbourne has met her match in Cager and finally has found someone who challenges her. When Francie discovers his secret, will she run or help him navigate to move beyond the pain? They both may discover that love isn’t finished with either one of them quite so soon.
From the first page to the last Ellen’s story is full of rich, vivid scenes that draw you into the story and transport you into something exquisite. It’s like staring at the sidewalk scenes in Mary Poppins and before long, you find yourself in the painting! In Hannah Osbourne is a modern witch with a legacy to decipher amidst a sprinkling of clues. I adore Hannah, she’s bold, sassy and unafraid to say what’s on her mind. Especially when she meets our sexy hero, Detective Henry Walker, he’s mysterious, determined and absolutely yummy! There is something about him that begs for another story!
I give the collection a spicy 2 1/2 pepper read. It has enough 
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
While I received an advance copy from the author for a fair and honest review, I purchased this collection because it’s that good! Oh, and at a bargain price of $0.99 it makes a great gift for yourself or a friend!
Check out an Except from THE BUCCANEER:
The love of a good woman could destroy a man’s peace of mind, because she often forced him to confront the less-than-noble aspects of his character, in order to win her heart, and he rarely recovered his sanity after the battle. It was for that reason Cager Tyne, former bosun of the pirate ship Black Morass turned captain of the renamed, respectable merchant vessel Lady Madalene, never sought more than free and easy access to a light skirt. Give him a three-penny upright or a disgruntled and dissatisfied wife, any day of the week, and he was happy.
Yet, as he admired the shapely arse of Francie Osborne, the young and pretty housekeeper and self-described Jane of all trades in the Cavalier home, as she bent to set a bucket on the floor and her cotton frock stretched taut across her hips, he was tempted to take up the fight, if only to savor a taste of her flesh.
“Will you fetch me another cup of coffee, pretty lady?” Sitting at the servant’s table in the kitchen, he held out his empty mug and smiled, which he knew from experience would ruffle her feathers, a pastime he rather enjoyed. “As I am quite thirsty this morning.”
“Get it yourself, Mr. Tyne.” Ah, there was the governessy tone that never failed to set his blood on fire. “I do not work for you.”
“Aw, now do not get your cute little nose in a snit.” As Cager imagined running his fingers through her thick blond hair, he licked his lips and relished the red flush of her cheeks. “I only want to be friends. Why do you always frown at me, Francie?”
“Because I know who you are, what you are, and what you want, and I am not interested. And it is Miss Osborne to you, sir.”
When he stood and blocked her path, Francie bared her teeth. Bloody hell, he could have proposed to her, then and there. “Now get out of my way, as there is work to be done, and I have no time for the likes of you.”
“But I have time for you.” In a flash, he snatched the bucket and mop from her grasp. “Now why do you flee, when I just want to become better acquainted, beautiful Francie? Would that not be nice?”
“Mr. Tyne—”
“Cager.”
In that instant, she gave vent to a snort of frustration, and he could have kissed her silly. All that spirit wrapped in a dainty package he could not wait to unwrap, if she would simply cooperate.
“Mr. Tyne, give me back my things, and let me pass.” With her foot, she tapped an impatient rhythm, and he could not stifle his amusement. “Fine. I will dust the back parlor, first, and you can stand here, all day, and hold my mop and bucket.”
“My, but you are a stubborn bit o’ fluff.” Given her uncompromising demeanor, he shrugged, as he followed in her wake. “We could have fun, you and I. Why will you not take a chance on me?”
“Because fun is all you want, I am a good girl, and my father raised no fool.” She smoothed her crisp white apron. “What is your excuse?”
“You are a saucy wench, but I like that in my women.” He wagged a finger. “Mark my words, I will have you.”
“Would you care to wager on that, Mr. Tyne?” At last, he snared her attention, as she turned, faced him, and squared her shoulders, and her ample bosom distracted him. “Tell me, what can you afford to lose?”
“Are you that sure of yourself?” Surprised by her new tack, he rocked on his heels, because he was not only a betting man but also a winner. “Or would you prefer I think that, when in truth you are curious about me?”
“You are too bold by half, sir.” She snickered, as she returned to the kitchen, marched into the pantry, collected a couple of rags, and stomped to the back parlor, with Cager in tow. “And you mistake annoyance for curiosity, because I know your type.”
“And what is that, if I dare inquire?” Of course, it did not matter what she thought of him, because he wanted her. It was that simple.
“Mrs. Cavalier confides in me, as my family has served hers since before she was born.” After clearing a side table, Francie wiped clean the wood surface. “You were a buccaneer, as was Mr. Cavalier.”
“And you do not approve.” It was a statement, not a question.
“It is not my place to approve or disapprove of the master’s former occupation, though I cannot fathom whatever possessed Mrs. Cavalier to take him as her husband, but I do not have to tolerate it in you, Mr. Tyne.” Riding a wave of high dudgeon, which he found adorable, she tidied a stack of newspapers, and he studied her lush red lips, which he could suckle for hours. “And I certainly would never associate with you beyond the confines of my position in this household.”
Locking his legs, he folded his arms. “But you will.”
“Will—what?” She blinked.
“Associate with me, in my bed.” To increase the stakes, and rile her even more, because he could not resist her, he winked. “And it will make your eventual surrender all the more sweet.”
“Indeed.” The fascinating housekeeper scoffed. Then she smiled the sort of smile that gave him collywobbles. “Will you do me one favor, Mr. Tyne?”
“Anything you ask shall be granted, dear Francie.” He braced for the blow that he knew was forthcoming.
As she leaned near, he noted a subtle lavender scent, and it drew him as a bee to honey. “Hold your breath until that comes to pass.”
Then she rushed to the door, flung open the oak panel, and stormed from the parlor.
“You are a witch, Francie Osborne.” Now Cager chuckled, as she hiked her skirts and broke into a sprint, and he admired her shapely calves. “You cast a spell, and I am your most devout servant.”
Here’s a sneak peek of The Hidden Legacy!
“The temper I’d tried to keep at bay began to boil as soon as I heard those boots hit the hardwood floor. I set my jaw and did my best to ignore him.
Henry moved in my line of sight. “Hannah, do I have any messages?”
“Yes, you do.” Without sparing him a glance, I snatched a stack of messages from the desk and snapped my hand up in the air. “If you’d be so kind as to return them.”
“I’ll get right on that, this morning,” he drawled, taking the notes.
“That,” I said acidly, “would be a refreshing change.”
“Something sure has you riled up.” Henry leaned a hip on my desk. I could see him out of my peripheral vision. My shoulders stiffened when he smiled down at me.
He was baiting me. I knew it, and still I couldn’t help but snarl at him. “Get your ass off my desk.”
He started to laugh. “I don’t think I’ve ever hear you cuss before.”
I kept working on the computer, and refused to spare him a glance. “Be assured Mr. Walker, the very last thing you want— is for me to curse you.”” © The Hidden Legacy, Bewitched & Beloved April 2017 by Ellen Dugan
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Mar 22, 2017 | Barbara Devlin, Blog, March 2017
Don’t miss the exciting new release from Barbara Devlin, The Iron Corsair. The second installment in the Pirates of the Coast series full of sexy pirates and thrilling adventures. Check out this excerpt and then click the link below to get your copy for just $0.99.
Excerpt:
North Atlantic Ocean
September, 1817
Redemption proved the greatest test of a man’s patience, as he counted down the days until his liberation, often resulting in many nights spent lost in the seemingly endless depths of a bottle of cheap rum, reflecting on the mistakes of his past and reconsidering his every move toward a future that still struck him as impossible. Yet, as Barrington endeavored to win absolution, he remained focused on a singular objective.
Reclaiming Lady Florence, if only he was not too late.
As a gaping hole, as an interminable festering wound in his heart, he suffered her absence the last four years, and if he lost her, all his efforts at recovering his life were for naught. No matter what he had to do, no matter how many times he had to intercede on behalf of innocent travelers at sea, no matter how many fellow pirates he angered, he would win the full and unconditional pardon, so he could return to England and to his woman.
“Ship, two points off the larboard bow, Cap’n.” McNish, the longtime first mate of the Audacious, peered through a spyglass. “She looks to be the one.”
“Bring us about and drop anchor.” Barrington pulled the message from his coat pocket and studied the pedestrian plea, which awaited his return to Jamaica only a fortnight ago. “I wonder what he wants with me.”
“We abided by the terms of the agreement, Barry.” The seasoned tar scratched his cheek and rested his hip against the starboard rail. “Did we not defend a transport vessel against the Marooner, last month, which saved a couple hundred innocent lives?”
“And if memory serves, the Marooner was none too happy about it.” The ruthless buccaneer, known for abandoning survivors on deserted islands, raised a hell of an objection, and Barrington thought, for an instant, the two would come to blows, when they met in their usual Port Royal haunt. “This is something altogether unrelated, I suspect.”
And that was what bothered him.
After a few minutes, the Demetrius glided alongside, and the military compliment assumed a defensive position at the rail, but Lance commanded the lobsters to stand down and then waved a greeting. “Ahoy, my friend.”
“I was surprised to receive your summons.” With a nod, Barry signaled his crew. “Prepare the mainsail hull.”
As the men lowered a plank between the two vessels, he mustered courage and an appearance of ennui, given he suspected he knew the reason behind the request to assemble, and he slept little in the previous sennight, as nightmares plagued the dark hours.
At the waist of the Demetrius, Barry shared a firm handshake with Lance, and then he noticed a stunning, raven-haired goddess lingering on the quarterdeck.
Lance peered over his shoulder and groaned. “Cara, I told you to remain in our cabin.”
“But I wish to greet our guest.” With grace and elegance, and a telltale stubborn set of her chin that reminded Barry of Florence, Lady Cara descended the companion ladder and strolled to the fore. “Lord Ravenwood, it is wonderful to see you, again, after so long. I believe it has been four years, has it not?”
“Indeed, it has, Lady Cara.” Out of old habit, Barrington bowed. “I prefer Barry, given I doubt I retain my title.”
“Actually, you do.” At Lance’s assertion, Barry came alert. “Your brother lost his bid to have you declared deceased.”
“Oh?” In shock, because he had not expected that development, he stumbled back but just as quick gained his footing. So many responses swirled in his brain, yet he could not form a coherent sentence. “Why?”
“What is this? You ask why?” Lance arched his brows. “No celebration? No expression of gratitude?”
“Of course, I am thankful, yet I can hardly manage the estate from my exile.” However, Barrington pondered the revelation and counted it as an important first step toward his ultimate absolution. “What was the judge’s rationale for the ruling?”
“The Crown requires proof of your demise before declaring you dead, in absentia, and dispossessing you of your inheritance, per the right of primogeniture, which is sacred to England.” Lance drew his wife to his side and kissed her temple. “Thus you remain fully vested in your holdings.”
“I know not what to say.” Suddenly, the world seemed a much smaller place, and the familiar trappings of his former existence loomed within reach, that he might seize the much-desired prize. Then a single provoking thought struck him between the eyes. “What of my brother and Lady Florence?” Swallowing hard, he inhaled a deep breath. “Did they wed, as you mentioned when we met in November?”
“No, they have not, and I do not anticipate they will ever marry.” Something dark and chilling danced on the fringe of Lance’s reply, and Barrington met his friend’s stare.
“What is it?” He squared his shoulders and stiffened his spine. “What have you not told me?”
“I thought you should know there are rumors circulating the ton’s ballrooms, most noticeably during the Season.” Lance peered at his bride. “But I should emphasize such gossip is naught but speculation and innuendo.”
Then Lance hesitated, as he appeared at a loss for words.
“Lord Ravenwood, no one has seen Lady Florence since the Little Season.” Lady Cara averted her gaze, appeared lost in thought, and then gave him her full attention, as Lance shuffled his feet. “There is no easy way to deliver ill tidings, other than to simply state the facts.”
When Lady Cara quieted, Barrington considered, for the first time, that the ill tidings had something to do with Florence. Clenching his jaw, he fisted his hands.
“Please, tell me what is wrong.” A heavy sensation weighted his chest. “Why did they delay the nuptials? Whatever it is, I need to know, now.”
“According to the most recent reports, which we received from my mother-in-law, Lady Amanda, Admiral Douglas’s wife, the wedding has been postponed, indefinitely.” Lance twined his fingers with his bride’s. “It is said that Lady Florence is gravely ill, and Lord Braithwaite makes funeral arrangements.”
For a few seconds, the last statement echoed in Barrington’s ears.
Pain functioned as the great leveler, because it knew no marks of wealth, rank, or privilege. Without mercy, it crept up on its victim and engulfed him in the black blanket of torment, chilling every scrap of flesh, shuddering through every bone, stretching taut every muscle, winding every nerve tight as a clock spring, and leaving nothing unscathed. In that moment of realization, in that terrible sliver of time in which the verisimilitude of his situation confronted him inasmuch as he studied his reflection in a mirror, Barrington tripped and fell to his knees, as he contemplated his lady’s death.
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Author Info:
Bestselling author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love of writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, where she developed a love of all things British, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. And then one uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
