As a writer, when a couple sticks with you for well over two years, whispering in your ear that they demand their story to be told, you know you need to allow them their chance to be set free upon the reading world.
That was the case with the hero and heroine from His Perfect Gift, my novella that’s included in Avon Impulse’s FIVE GOLDEN RINGS Christmas anthology. The Duke of Ashton and Lady Eleanor have a most scandalous past—as in they’ve indulged in each other prior to marriage. Heated kissing and passionate embraces, the stuff of which would get a person ostracized back in their day.
But they were different people in their past—for one, Ashton wasn’t a duke then, his older brother was. Lady Eleanor was younger too, and she trusted in her (drunken, foolish) father to make the right choice for her. When he told Eleanor surely someone better would come along, she’d believed him.
Her father was terribly wrong. Lady Eleanor realizes this now but pride won’t let her admit it. Besides, why in the world would the Duke of Ashton want her after she so rudely rejected him?
That was half the fun in writing this novella. My hero is rather dogged in his pursuit of his lady. Whereas that’s not usually the case in many romances, where the hero tends to be reluctant, believing he’s not worthy, he’s not ready to settle down, etc.
Not my Ashton. He’s not only ready to settle down, he knows he wants to be with the only woman he’s ever truly cared for—Lady Eleanor. Once he sets his sights on her, he’s most determined to make her agree. In any way he can…
Here’s a quick excerpt for you to sample my hero’s pursuit of his lady. Enjoy!
“There’s no need to argue, darling.” He pressed his gloved finger to her mouth, rendering her silent. Her lips tingled at his touch, at the murmured endearment. Desolation filled her when his hand dropped away. “I will keep pursuing you until I finally wear you down.”
The man was truly mad. And she despised how easily he aroused her. “Wearing a lady down isn’t the way you should pursue her,” she tossed over her shoulder as she turned away from him, eager to escape so she could be alone with her feelings and dissect them.
“Really?” he drawled. “Then please inform me exactly how I should convince a certain female that I want her as my duchess?”
She stilled, slowly turned around to face him. He didn’t mean it. He couldn’t. “You jest.”
“Never again will I make light of your feelings. I hope you can offer me the same promise.” He touched the ribbon round her neck again, light as gossamer wings. His finger curled about the end of the bow and tugged, causing the narrow bit of silk to unravel. Pulling it from her neck slowly, the rasp of soft fabric slid across her skin like a caress. She shivered, watched helplessly as he tucked the bit of ribbon in his coat pocket. “A keepsake. To remember the color of your gown the night I declared my renewed intentions for you.”
“Henry.” Her heart stilled, and she pressed her hand to her chest. “Don’t say such things, especially if you don’t mean …”
His fingers clasped around her upper arm, and he tugged her close. “I still want you, Eleanor. You wish for me to be honest, do you not?”
Her eyes slid closed, and his index finger drew across the bared flesh of her shoulder. “Yes,” she said shakily.
“We are meant to be together as husband and wife. I will prove it to you, Lady Eleanor. Watch me.”
Happy Holidays everyone!
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Where you can find FIVE GOLDEN RINGS: Amazon | B&N | iBookstore
Happy Release day, Karen!
Let me just say, for all the world to hear – I LOVED your story!!! This is the first I’ve ever read by you and it’s definitely made me eager for more. You mention that the H & h have been sticking with you for over two years in the hope you’d write their story – does that mean you have another book in which they appear? Title please – must read NOW =D
Have a fabulous day & enjoy the release!
Hey Sophie! So glad you enjoyed my story (I loved yours too!). My hero and heroine appeared in another story that has…never seen the light of day. I didn’t finish it. I wrote it over two years ago and nothing ever came of it. So this is finally their chance to shine. 🙂
I thought the Duke was dreamy! You have mad writing skills, Karen. It was an honor being in this collection with you.
Aw, thanks Sandra. I really loved your story – I loved all of them! 🙂
Very romantic! I love a hero who can express himself in such a deeply romantic and sexy way. Sigh. I’m putting Five Golden Rings on my Wish List. Come on, Santa! Bring it to me! 🙂
Karen, I’ve said it before, but it begs repeating; I loved His Perfect Gift! I agree with both Sophie and Sandra. I’m so glad you shared Eleanor and Ashton’s story.
However, I feel I must warn the readers who are about to read His Perfect Gift:
1. When you’ve finished the story, you’ll want to read more.
2. You’ll also want to purchase an assortment of ribbons.
😀
So true, Vivienne 🙂
Karen,
I have to say, I love how you begin the story – there’s so much yearning…and predatory watching in that first scene when Ashton sees Eleanor. I love a good story about second chance loves, which also reminds me of Sandra’s story! I can’t wait to read more of your work.
Rena, I LOVED your story! So glad to see you comment. In fact, I was hoping you could email me at karen.e.erickson @ gmail.com (minus the spaces) because I have a question to ask you. A good one, I promise. 🙂
Color me intrigued! Just sent you an email. Hope to hear back soon.
I’d like to read more about these characters.
Thanks for the interview & peek at the book, it looks to be a great holiday read. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Thanks for stopping by everyone! 🙂