Mingling of Characters

ANOTHER NIGHT FALLS

Another Night Falls,  Part III of the Tides of Charleston

Ya'll know that I love a good family saga and I'm kinda partial to American History. Another Night Falls is the end of the Tides of Charleston Series, but it isn't my only American Revolution saga.

RUSE OF LOVE

Winds of Betrayal series is set during the turmoil of the American Revolution exploding around two siblings, Hannah and Jonathan Corbett. When Jonathan is assigned to the Southern Continental Army down in Charleston in the second book of the Winds of Betrayal Series- Ruse of Love, Jonathan crosses paths with Sumner Meador. Sumner Meador- the hero in Another Night Falls! I admit I enjoyed having characters from different books and series interacting and mingling together.

In the first two books of the Tides of Charleston Series, Sumner is an interesting secondary character. Sumner is the half-brother of Catherine Blankenship and bastard son of a British Governor. Sumner shocks his sister by taking up arms against the British. Sumner has grown up in the wealth that his father's position and status allowed. So how could Sumner side with the Patriot cause?

THE PROMISE

Taking a small excerpt from The Promise when Catherine finds out that Sumner is a Patriot...

     “Why would William lie? He knows we are loyal subjects to the crown!” Cathryn declared in fury.

     “Calm yourself, Cathryn. Much has changed since you left. Your father, himself, was sympathetic to some of the unjust laws fostered upon the colonist,” Juriah said firmly. “Sumner said nothing because he knew you would react in the manner you have done. He didn’t want you upset with all you have gone through. In essence, it has no effect upon you as of yet.”

     “He couldn’t betray Father!”

     “No, Cathryn, he would never betray your father. But he is young and brash and dreams the world as he wants to see it, fired by idealism to create a new world,” she said simply. “He loved the Colonel and admired him greatly. Did you know that the man that killed your father was from a leading Loyalist family? I believe there were many factors. You will need to talk with him when you get control of your feelings. Ask yourself if it’s so important at the moment?"

So from that excerpt, one can assume that Sumner is his own man set to make his way in the world.
The next excerpt comes from Ruse of Love...different series, but set in the same time and place...here Jonathan is riding along side Sumner.

Within the hour, Jonathan found himself mounted next to Major Sumner Meador. Meador himself headed out to his home, Elm Bluffs, with family issues of his own, but neither man exchanged specifics of their issues.

Riding in silence for a time, Meador said directly, “Something bothering you, Doc?”

Glancing over at Sumner, Jonathan shrugged. “Just wondering about how the whole of the army is handled here in Charles Town. Doesn’t it bother you? Men coming in and out. Running in battle. No one listens to the commander of the army…”

“Hold on, Doc,” Meador cautioned. “You don’t know these men, lived with them. I don’t know how it’s been where you’ve been, but down here, we’ve always looked after our own. These men have their families to look after. Leaving them alone means they’re unprotected from a lot more than ’em Brits. You haven’t seen a farm after an Indian attack and you don’t want to. Or try picking up the pieces after a raid. These men take a stand and it leaves their families vulnerable and they ain’t at home to protect ’em. So don’t sit in judgment of people you don’t know anything about.”

“I think it is an excuse, Meador. We all have our issues and losses. No, here everyone wants to be in command. Seems to take offense when given an order. If you ask me, men are looking for a reason to justify a grudge. We fight more with ourselves than the British…”

“Suppose you may be right,” Meador interrupted. “I’ve been around it too long to notice.”

Just didn't feel right, Jonathan thought, but he didn’t have time to contemplate more. Sumner eyed him.

"Now, I'm just wondering, Doc. Do you do that often?"

"Do what?"

"Make friends like you did. You know what I mean. Rile up the troops like you did yesterday."

"Said what needed to be said."

"If you think so," Sumner said plainly. "But I'll give you fair warning. You won't do that often around here and live."

A great start to a friendship...

Sumner Meadow's character screamed to me that he needed his own book. So here it is...

Another Night Falls...

A short excerpt....

Sumner settled the girl in the front bedroom of the house. He laid the mystery lady down on the bed. What the bloody hell had happened here? Who was this woman? She hadn’t the look of a homeless wanderer. Moreover what was she doing in his house?

The room looked as though she lived within it, littered with female garments. A dress hung over the back of a hardback chair. Slippers sat on the underside of the bed. Running his hand through his hair, his gaze fell back upon her. He studied her while he felt the bump on her head, a large bump.

With his touch, she began to mutter unintelligible words. At least he hadn't killed the poor thing. He hadn't known what to expect when he entered the stable and saw the horse. The house in the darkness had given no indication of someone lived in his house, no light, no noise. Seeing the horse put him on immediate alert.

He heard crackling of leaves and trigs when he dismounted. He eased off and waited. He attacked with the same force he would have a man. He hadn’t intended to harm a young woman, especially one as beautiful as she. Or was it the moonlight that had shone down upon her?

He watched her breathing. His eyes inspected her from her lovely face sweeping down her body to her bare feet. He hadn't looked upon a woman in this manner for a long time. The fabric of the white nightgown hung from her shoulders, leaving her arms bare and revealed the swell of her breasts, falling loose around her petite body. Her hair as dark as midnight hung, unbound, over her shoulders and down her back. He wondered what color her eyes were, but her features were fine. 

Uncomfortable, she squirmed. One of her dainty hands folded into a fist and hit against the mattress, twisting and turning. Of course she was! He had knocked her out, but Lord, he must be in a bad state, for he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Questions raked his mind. Who was she? Why became clear as he thought. She was running, hiding. She had to be or she wouldn't be in such an isolated homestead. Was she running from her father, an abusive husband? In that he didn't know.

A few things he could discern about her while he watched her. She didn't frighten easily. She knew how to fight. And by God, she was beautiful.

Another Night Falls has it all...literally. Action, romance, adventure, intrigue...
Sumner Meador is one of my all time favorite characters. I look at him as the prototype for the American Cowboy. Read it and let me know what your think!

ROMANTIC PICKS BLOG

Also, Octoberfest With Books continues. I'm welcoming a great group of authors this week...a group of Indie Finalists from The New Kindle Book Review. I'm so excited about this group...such great books. I'm so happy for this group to be included in Octoberfest With Books.

Love the Fall. Have a good one! Keep reading!

TURNING POINTS

I’ll confess there are certain points in a book I can’t wait to write especially writing romantic suspense. The scene I’m sharing with you is a turning point in the book RUSE OF LOVE. Ruse of Love is the second book in the Winds of Betrayal series. When I wrote the first book, Patriot Secrets, I broke it into two because it was too long. Winds of Betrayal is the second part of Patriot Secrets. I was in the middle of revising the second chapter in Winds of Betrayal when it hit me—I was missing a key piece. Ruse of Love evolved from that thought. I think of Ruse of Love as my bridge book between Patriot Secrets and Winds of Betrayal. Winds of Betrayal series is a true family saga inspired by writers such as John Jake. I’m a huge fan of family sagas.

ROMANTIC PICKS

Also want to mention, this month on Novel Works is Octoberfest With Books. If you love romance, you’ll love Octoberfest. This year I’m hosting Octoberfest With Books from Romance in Books, Romantic Picks Just For You!

If you want a chance to host Novel Works for a week, join me in celebrating Octoberfest With Books- comment here on Roses of Prose, Romance in Books, like me over on Novel Works. Have a good one! Keep Reading!

 

RUSE OF LOVE

 

RUSE OF LOVE

Excerpt 

 

Jonathan ran his hand through his hair, looking disgusted with the view before him, a torrential downpour. His mood was no better than the storm that raged. His orders had finally come through. He was to report to General Howe in less than two days’ time. His aggravation built. No, he thought, his anger, especially when his thoughts turned to Rebekah.

Beyond angry—the stubborn woman! He had called on her three times, three times! And what! The last time he had known she was home and she left him standing uncomfortably in the middle of the foyer. He would take no more! How long could he make a fool of himself! The look on the butler’s face said all that needed to be said.

Awkwardly standing with his hat in hand, his chest heaved heavily. What possessed him? Had he not done what was proper? Dr. Jenkins should be satisfied. He had done what would be expected. She was alive, well, and it seemed, wealthy. If she was in danger, Cutler seemed the sort to well take care of her problem.

The home she lived in sat along King Street, one of the grandest along a main stay of magnificent houses. As he had seen on his first visit, the whole of the house encompassed elegance; moreover, according to Rebekah’s chatty friend he met at a dinner, Katy Landor, all this was Rebekah’s. Cutler had not exaggerated Rebekah’s inheritance.

He supposed he had done all he could to rectify the situation. Cutler learned he wasn’t the answer to Rebekah’s situation, that Daniel was wrong. Rebekah made her position perfectly clear. She did not hold to the past and clearly not to him. Why the thought bothered him so was beyond reason, but it did. It bothered him greatly.

Bother! He wished he could leave this minute. He needed a diversion. He didn’t need time to think. Over the last few days, thoughts ran rampant in him. Disappointment. He laughed to himself. What a pitiful fool he was! Good God! He wanted Rebekah to turn to him. He wanted to remember the man he was before this godforsaken war! He wanted to cling to the thread that there was a semblance of the life he had known…

Suddenly, there was a pounding on his door. Before he had time to open it, it opened abruptly. Daniel pressed his way in. “Dr. Corbett, you have to come. Quickly. Rebekah has left,” he cried, holding a note in his hand. “You have to find her and stop her.”

* * * *

The rain began again. The storm brewing on the horizon burst forth on the streets of Charles Town. Rebekah was getting soaked standing outside the Meeting Street Inn. The choice seemed so simple a short while ago. She made it without a second thought: a very practical solution to a number of issues.

Nervousness swept over her, a sense that there would be no coming back from this step across the threshold. Try as she might, she couldn’t get Katy’s pleas out of her head.

“You can’t seriously be considering this. Rebekah, he’s a madman. He kidnapped you and…and…” Katy’s hand waved toward her stomach. “I don’t mean to be so brutal, but Rebekah, my dearest friend, he’s a murderer! He…he will kill you this time.”

“You don’t understand, Katy. He’ll do me no harm. I’m not sure he will go. I’m not sure of anything except I have to leave. I have to protect everyone. Over in France, I will have a chance to live a life without fear. If he gives up his life here…if Rory wants a hope of a life again with his child away from the killing and loss…then I will consider it once I get to my destination. I have to get away.”

“We have only just met this Mademoiselle Fontaine, Rebekah. I beg you…Go to this friend of yours. Dr. Corbett, please. He will help you. I know, Ernie says…”

Rebekah took her friend’s hand in hers. “I can’t do this to him or anyone. I wish everything was different, but it’s not.”

She cast one last troubled glance at her dearest friend and turned back toward the door. She couldn’t explain to Katy what she herself couldn’t understand. One note from Rory called her away from the people who loved her, but it was for that reason she had to leave. She put all in danger. She felt it.

If she could only leave and go away from anyone who knew her, she could raise her child safe away from this madness. Rebekah thought back to the casual meeting with Mademoiselle Fontaine at Katy’s home, a friend of Randa. Rebekah found Mademoiselle Fontaine the most interesting of women, elegant and refined. The woman talked of the court of King Louis and the world allowed in France. To Rebekah it seemed she was heaven sent.

Had she not begged Rory to go away with her and start anew? Was not France the perfect place for this? She decided well before the arrival of this woman to leave. She had no choice, especially with Jonathan’s appearance. Oh, why had they seemed fit to play on Jonathan’s sense of honor? Jonathan of all people! She could not face him.

Rebekah didn’t remember how the subject arose, but in honesty when Mademoiselle Fontaine talked of a new life, Rebekah wasn’t surprised to hear her say that Rory sent her to deliver a message, a message only Rory would have known to send.

The hurt of his betrayal stung deep, but in her mind, she had little choice. She needed to leave, immediately…without delay…for everyone’s sake. She reasoned she would start her new life away from all the danger, betrayal, and lies. She would have her child. If Rory chose to follow, she would forgive him. For no matter his actions, no matter the words uttered about him, she refused to believe he meant her or his own child harm. She loved him. Didn’t she? She had given herself to him so freely and now they had a child set to come into this world.

She shook her head. She needed to ignore the doubts swelling in her. It was too late to do anything other than to meet with Mademoiselle Fontaine as planned. Soon she would be on board ship to France. With any luck, she would be settled into the chateau well before the birth of her child in September. She sighed heavily and pulled her hood over her head.

By the harbor, the inn itself was respectable. Many passengers on board ships arriving and departing stayed in these walls. Ignoring the stares from the patrons for entering unattended, she lowered her gaze and entered. She walked straightaway for the stairs, following the instructions she memorized.

She needed only to reach Mademoiselle. She stood at the top of the stairs and hesitated. Looking back over her shoulder, she walked toward her destination. Suddenly, she heard voices before she turned the corner. The voices rose louder. She felt a faint trickling of uneasiness, but she pushed it aside. Easing ever so quietly, she pressed against the wall, glancing around the bend before turning down the hall.

Halting in her tracks, Rebekah stiffened. Tobias was there and had gripped Mademoiselle Fontaine by her arm, pushing the woman back against the wall.

“Where is the girl?” The force of his words made Rebekah shudder. “Rory ain’t gonna be happy!”

She needed not hear anymore. She spun on her heels, castigating herself as an absolute idiot. Rory was after her! Oh, what a fool she had been! She backed up, knocking into the table in the hall. The vase came crashing down. Trembling uncontrollably, she edged down the wall. Hearing hurried footsteps, fear encompassed her when she saw two men running up the staircase.Rory’s men! She panicked.

Bolting in the opposite direction, she headed for the back stairs. Her hope of slipping down the stairs undetected dissipated hearing the rumblings behind her. Rebekah quickened her pace, rapidly taking each step until she hit the first floor. She hit the back door running, struck by an impelling urge to get as far from the inn as possible.

Fleeing through the rainstormed night, she tried to peer through the pouring rain. She had gone some distance when she gasped for breath. Leaning against a brick building, she hadn’t a clue where she had run. Clasping her side against the pain, she blinked away the water streaming down her face, not knowing whether it was the rain or tears.

Suddenly a hand grasped her shoulder…

 

“Rebekah!” Jonathan fought the wind. Doubting she could hear him, he ignored the pelleting rain and rushed forward, grabbing her arm. In one swift motion, he swirled her around to face him.

Instantly, a look of sheer terror swept across her face. Slowly, recognition flooded her. She gripped tightly to his arm. “Oh, Jonathan!”

The next moment she collapsed into his arms. He wasted no time, but carried her down the street into the waiting carriage. A large black man quickly opened the carriage door for Jonathan. “Is she…?”

“She’s fine. She has only just fainted…”

“Jasper, Dr. Corbett, Jasper,” the old man said and closed the carriage’s door, but not before Jonathan heard the servant utter, “Thank the good Lord.”

Jonathan wrapped a blanket around Rebekah while he felt the wheels of the carriage move beneath him. He drew her into his arms and instinctually, she nestled into him. He stroked her head. As much as she claimed she had changed, she still inspired love and loyalty into those around her.

The wind picked up, shaking the carriage; the rain pounded harder. He was drenched and soaked. Strange—warmth spread through him he hadn’t felt in years.

 

“Jasper.” Jonathan set Rebekah down in the middle of her bedroom. A young blackie girl followed, frantically crying that her mistress was dead. No, Rebekah wasn’t dead, he thought. She had wakened and she wasn’t happy. “Jasper, shut the door and keep everyone else out.”

“Oh, Mistress Esther won’t like that none,” Rebekah’s maid uttered. “No sir.”

Jonathan shot her a look that silenced the girl. Rebekah pushed back from Jonathan, stumbling. Reaching out, he caught her arm. “Be careful,” he said in a harsh voice, his patience lost.

“Leave,” she answered his behavior. “You have done your duty.”

“Duty?” Jonathan’s voice rose. “Duty? You call looking for you in the midst of a torrential storm duty? Where was your head, Rebekah?”

“You would not understand,” she said. Her eyes flamed at him, but her hand reached down for her midriff; her hand trembled.

Immediately, he swept her back into his arms and carried her to the side of her bed. He motioned for the maid to step forward. “Get her dry clothes! She is to be put to bed.”

“Sully,” Rebekah said. “It is fine. I need only to get out of these wet clothes.”

Sully nodded, but fear shone in her eyes at Jonathan. She skirted to the wardrobe and withdrew a nightgown. Turning, she waited for Jonathan to leave, but he made no movement.

“If you don’t get her out of these wet clothes, I will.”

The young maid looked at Rebekah inquiringly, reluctant to begin undressing her mistress in front of a man.

“It is fine, Sully,” Rebekah said as she slung off her cloak. “Obviously, Dr. Corbett feels it is his duty.”

“I do.” Jonathan walked to the door. “I will be right outside. This is not over, Rebekah.”

He slammed the door behind him, shaking the wall. He found Jasper in the hall with a set of dry clothes for him. “Mistress Esther left these for you. You can change in the room down the corridor. I’ll take your boots to dry. It was some of Mistress Esther’s husband’s. Master Ian’s would be too small. She sent word to the others that Rebekah’s been found. I’ll stay here and make sure no one enters.”

“And Mistress Esther?” Jonathan asked.

“Said you can deal with Miss Rebekah.”

 

Going Indie

Last year at this time, Ruth Cardello was a guest blogger on Roses of Prose. I read her post with interest. Ruth talked of her experience of going Indie and how she went about it. I went to her blog and followed her suggestions.

Beautiful Ireland!
Anyone want to guess where I got inspired for my next book?

Why would I even consider going Indie?

I’ll step back a tad. When I began to write, I hadn’t a clue what I was doing. I was (and still am) extremely native. I was under the mistaken impression that when you became a writer that’s all you did-write. I hadn’t a clue when I got my first acceptance letter what the world of publishing entailed. It didn't dawn on me I was only a small little fish in a large ocean.

My concentration when I first started to write was to get my book published. It was only afterwards that I discovered the other part of being an author-promoting. I found promoting my largest challenge. The challenge of getting your book read…

The answer to that came in Ruth Cardello’s post. Give a sample of your work away. Now when I read that I was like ‘Are you crazy?’ Do you know how much time and effort it takes to write a book? But looking over the dismal sales of my other books, I thought to myself what do I have to lose?

In November, 2011, I released my first attempt as an Indie- Whispers of a Legend, Part One- Shadows of the Past choosing to write under a pen name, Carrie James Haynes and yes…I gave it away. I discovered for the first time readers, not only family and friends, were reading my book.

Since my first release with Shadows of the Past last November, I have released the next two installments of Whispers of a Legend saga—The Path Now Turned and Vision of Destiny. I also have released a backlist book previously titled Dreamwalker now Dreamscape. In August, I released the second book of my Winds of Betrayal Series, Ruse of Love.

As with any venture, there have been ups and down. Being an Indie writer is a challenge. My challenge with becoming Indie—my release Daughter of Deceit- now under the title of Seductive Secrets by Colleen Connally. Besides that I do love my new pen name, Colleen Connally, this book has been a life lesson. I’m not going to go into specific particulars, but before I released Daughter of Deceit I had never in my life heard of trolls. I have now. But I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. As I said, life lesson.

On a positive note between its free days as Daughter of Deceit and Seductive Secrets being offered free, it’s had over 100,000 downloads!  100,000 readers have downloaded one of my books! I have also sold more books than I have in the past.

So what is the difference becoming an Indie.

Support. The world of Indie authors is filled with support. Most Indie authors support each other actively. Also, there are so many blogs and websites that offer free promotions for Indies.

Control. There are no more rejection letters. There is no more waiting months to hear whether it’s a go with your book. Now I am in total control over what I publish. Cover. Edits. Content. It’s on me. (This I will say to anyone that is considering going Indie…finish your product. Readers expect Indies to be just as polished as the traditional books released.)

Money. I’ve made more money being an Indie. Obviously it still depends on selling your book, but you make a larger percentage.

Ease.  Publishing your book has been made easy between Amazon- Kindle Direct, Barnes and Noble-Pubit, Smashwords, Lulu, Kobo… it will give you a complete outline on how to publish your book.

Important to note- If you’re interested in going Indie, do your homework. Remember nothing good comes easy.

So besides my semblance of advice today…I have a few free books for you.

Whispers of a Legend, Part One-Shadows of the Past by Carrie James Haynes

FREE everywhere!

So begins the legend...Whispers of a Legend saga. Kela Calledwdele was born with a destiny, a Euchoun with only one purpose in life...to protect. Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. Now she must find the courage to face the destiny fate has dictated to her.

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE

Seductive Secrets by Colleen Connally

FREE everywhere!

Someone wants Alyce Hythe dead…

Shunned from London society for being the daughter of England’s most notorious spy, Alyce Hythe desires only to clear her father’s name. For years, she has been hidden away from all prying eyes, given a new identity and told to forget who she was. But strange things have been happening causing old rumors to once more be whispered. Long has Lord Julian Casvelyn lived with guilt brought on when his brother was murdered by England’s most infamous traitor. But one eventful night has changed everything Lord Julian believed about his brother’s death. Never did he suspect the woman he has just saved from certain harm is the daughter of that man. Now Julian is caught in midst of a conspiracy and desire for that woman. Thrown together by fate, the two search for answers long denied them and along the way discover a love that can free them both.

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE

SPECIAL Today and tomorrow only- RUSE OF LOVE by Jerri Hines

FREE on Amazon!

The tides of war have shifted. When all eyes turn south, Doctor Jonathan Corbett finds himself once more thrust into the war’s turmoil. On assignment from General Washington, the dashing doctor discovers his mission has taken him straight into a conflict where the British are not the only ones to be feared.

Rebekah Morse has no time to contemplate the exploding war around her. Caught up as a pawn in a deadly conspiracy, she finds her only hope lies with her old friend, but things have changed since they last saw each other.

Yet destiny has not intervened in their lives without cause. Rebekah’s strength, courage, and breathtaking sensuality sets within Jonathan a desire he swore never to feel again. When Rebekah’s life is threatened, Jonathan is determined to save the stubborn woman whether she wants to be saved or not. Now Jonathan and Rebekah must face the perilous threat together—only to discover a passion they never imagined...

AMAZON
FREE TODAY AND TOMORROW!

Enjoy! Have a good one! Keep reading!

JERRI'S LITTLE MUSE!

ANOTHER NIGHT FALLS
COMING OCTOBER, 2012

Jerri's Little Muse

I write what I feel. It’s probably the reason I usually have more than one book going at a time. At the moment, I’m revising Whispers of a Legend, Time of the Nuxvenom, but at the same time I’m about half way through on a regency romance, Broken Legacy, and in the back of my mind, I have Winds of Betrayal stirring within me. Most authors don’t write like this.

It’s just how I write. The story lives inside of me. It’s almost like I have someone whispering over my shoulder telling me what to write. My muse perhaps? Has to be because sometimes I wonder where I come up with my ideas.

I’ll give you an example. When I wrote Patriot Secrets, it was titled Before the Sun Sets and was way too long. When I sent it to my publisher, she told me to cut it into two books. Last year, I picked up the second part to revise for Winds of Betrayal. I hit the second chapter and I had to stop. Something just didn’t feel right. There was something missing.

The whispers began again. I went back and read over Patriot Secrets. There it was. Rebekah who was barely mentioned in Patriot Secrets now because the heroine in Ruse of Love. My bridge book between Patriot Secrets and Winds of Betrayal emerged.

Ah…then I have Sumner Meador. When I began the Tides of Charleston series he was nothing more than the half-brother of Cathryn Blankenship. Now Sumner is the hero in my next release with Whiskey Creek Press. If you have an affinity for alpha male heroes, you’ll gonna love Sumner. The epitome of an American hero! A cowboy before there was cowboys. Pays to listen to my little voice…Another Night Falls is due out October 1^st!

So what kind of stories does my little muse give me. You can get a chance to find out. Since we’re giving away freebies this month, here’s your chance for a copy of Ruse of Love!  

Let me know if you think I should continue to listen to my little muse! Leave a comment and win a copy. 

Have a good one! Keep reading!

RUSE OF LOVE

The tides of war have shifted. When all eyes turn south, Doctor Jonathan Corbett finds himself once more thrust into the war’s turmoil. On assignment from General Washington, the dashing doctor discovers his mission has taken him straight into a conflict where the British are not the only ones to be feared.

Rebekah Morse has no time to contemplate the exploding war around her. Caught up as a pawn in a deadly conspiracy, she finds her only hope lies with her old friend, but things have changed since they last saw each other.Yet destiny has not intervened in their lives without cause. Rebekah’s strength, courage, and breathtaking sensuality sets within Jonathan a desire he swore never to feel again. When Rebekah’s life is threatened, Jonathan is determined to save the stubborn woman whether she wants to be saved or not. Now Jonathan and Rebekah must face the perilous threat together—only to discover a passion they never imagined...

ALPHA MALE HEROES WHO MAKE OUR HEARTS SWOON!

Interview Assignment 1776: Doctor Jonathan Corbett: Historical Romance: Winds of Betrayal Series…new release, Ruse of Love...continued.

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, KOBO

Two weeks I've worked on this assignment. Two weeks of research, upon research, upon research. I want everyone to understand the commitment I have to this job. I have drudged around the middle of South Carolina back in the back country in the time of no electricity, internet, and no insect repellent! For what you might ask. To give you the best interviews with not one but three...three alpha male heroes from a historical romance series. 

Alpha Male heroes by my definition hold to an extremely high standard. First and foremost, they are a hero first. Examples of heroism include but are not limited to such actions as leading an unit of rag-tagged soldiers against a superior army case in point Battle of Sarotoga, 1777; going behind enemy lines to secure the woman you love's safety; protecting your love in the face of one of the deadliest renegades of the Revolutionary war. Bravery, honor, and duty exudes from their being along with raw masculinity. 

THE PROMISE

Be still my heart...alpha male heroes are men most women can only dream of; men who are loyal to a fault...case in point...Jonathan Corbett's (Ruse of Love) refusal to leave Rebekah. Ah, the stubborn woman refusing help she so desperately needs, but our hero is stubborn as hell, too. There again an alpha hero expels confidence...oh, our hero is quite cocky...never questioning their decisions. Take Jake Pennington (The Promise) disobeying orders to save Cathryn. Remember Jake places himself in peril to protect what he loves, rising against extreme odds; another quality our hero—he never fails. Then you have Sumner Meador coming up in Another Night Falls...oh, I can't tell you what he must face because the book hasn't been released...yet...it's coming...October. Know though, as with most alpha male heroes, he is steadfast in his love for the woman that captures his heart.

Which bears the point...alpha heroes do not give their hearts lightly. Alpha heroes fight the attraction, but  in the end they can't deny their love—a love that will last for eternity. 

But there is a problem that most alpha male heroes have in common...they don't like to be interviewed. 

Girls...I tried. I did. I followed these men around for two weeks. The best I can do is give you an excerpt from the Ruse of Love. My advice...read. I know of three great books: Ruse of Love, The Promise and coming soon Another Night Falls. If you love alpha heroes you won't be disappointed!

Excerpt: RUSE OF LOVE by Jerri Hines, Book Two of Winds of Betrayal Series

EXCERPT

She didn't need to hear anymore. She spun on her heels, castigating herself as an absolute idiot. Rory was after her! Oh, what a fool she had been! She backed up, knocking into the table in the hall. The vase came crashing down. Trembling uncontrollably, she edged down the wall. Hearing hurried footsteps, fear encompassed her when she saw two men running up the staircase. Rory’s men! She panicked.

Bolting in the opposite direction, she headed for the back stairs. Her hope of slipping down the stairs undetected dissipated hearing the rumblings behind her. Rebekah quickened her pace, rapidly taking each step until she hit the first floor. She hit the back door running, struck by an impelling urge to get as far from the inn as possible.

Fleeing through the rainstormed night, she tried to peer through the pouring rain. She had gone some distance when she gasped for breath. Leaning against a brick building, she hadn’t a clue where she had run. Clasping her side against the pain, she blinked away the water streaming down her face, not knowing whether it was the rain or tears.

Suddenly a hand grasped her shoulder…

“Rebekah!” Jonathan fought the wind. Doubting she could hear him, he ignored the pelleting rain and rushed forward, grabbing her arm. In one swift motion, he swirled her around to face him.

Instantly, a look of sheer terror swept across her face. Slowly, recognition flooded her. She gripped tightly to his arm. “Oh, Jonathan!”

The next moment she collapsed into his arms. He wasted no time, but carried her down the street into the waiting carriage. A large black man quickly opened the carriage door for Jonathan. “Is she…?”

“She’s fine. She has only just fainted…”

“Jasper, Dr. Corbett, Jasper,” the old man said and closed the carriage’s door, but not before Jonathan heard the servant utter, “Thank the good Lord.”

Jonathan wrapped a blanket around Rebekah while he felt the wheels of the carriage move beneath him. He drew her into his arms and instinctually, she nestled into him. He stroked her head. As much as she claimed she had changed, she still inspired love and loyalty into those around her.

The wind picked up, shaking the carriage; the rain pounded harder. He was drenched and soaked. Strange—warmth spread through him he hadn’t felt in years.

“Jasper.” Jonathan set Rebekah down in the middle of her bedroom. A young blackie girl followed, frantically crying that her mistress was dead. No, Rebekah wasn’t dead, he thought. She had wakened and she wasn’t happy. “Jasper, shut the door and keep everyone else out.”

“Oh, Mistress Esther won’t like that none,” Rebekah’s maid uttered. “No sir.”

Jonathan shot her a look that silenced the girl. Rebekah pushed back from Jonathan, stumbling. Reaching out, he caught her arm. “Be careful,” he said in a harsh voice, his patience lost.

“Leave,” she answered his behavior. “You have done your duty.”

“Duty?” Jonathan’s voice rose. “Duty? You call looking for you in the midst of a torrential storm duty? Where was your head, Rebekah?”

“You would not understand,” she said. Her eyes flamed at him, but her hand reached down for her midriff; her hand trembled.

Immediately, he swept her back into his arms and carried her to the side of her bed. He motioned for the maid to step forward. “Get her dry clothes! She is to be put to bed.”

“Sully,” Rebekah said. “It is fine. I need only to get out of these wet clothes.”

Sully nodded, but fear shone in her eyes at Jonathan. She skirted to the wardrobe and withdrew a nightgown. Turning, she waited for Jonathan to leave, but he made no movement.

“If you don’t get her out of these wet clothes, I will.”

The young maid looked at Rebekah inquiringly, reluctant to begin undressing her mistress in front of a man.

“It is fine, Sully,” Rebekah said as she slung off her cloak. “Obviously, Dr. Corbett feels it is his duty.”

“I do.” Jonathan walked to the door. “I will be right outside. This is not over, Rebekah.”

He slammed the door behind him, shaking the wall. He found Jasper in the hall with a set of dry clothes for him. “Mistress Esther left these for you. You can change in the room down the corridor. I’ll take your boots to dry. It was some of Mistress Esther’s husband’s. Master Ian’s would be too small. She sent word to the others that Rebekah’s been found. I’ll stay here and make sure no one enters.”

“And Mistress Esther?” Jonathan asked.

“Said you can deal with Miss Rebekah.”

Have a Good One! Keep Reading!

 

 

HEADLINES FOR SURE! ALPHA MALE HEROES!

Interview Assignment 1776: Doctor Jonathan Corbett: Historical Romance: Winds of Betrayal Series…new release, Ruse of Love.

 

Dawg gone it! I forgot insect repellent. The mosquitoes are huge and swarming around me, but what did I expect when I volunteered for this assignment to interview alpha males in romance novels? So, I bet you guys are wondering where I'm at. I know...I know I thought I was supposed to be going on an assignment to a contemporary romance...but no. The new girl, Arabella, took that assignment. She's flying off to her assignment in someone's private jet!!! She's getting to cover those Billionaire series and living the life of luxury. Where am I? I’ll tell you. In the midst of mosquito heaven somewhere in the backwoods of the Carolinas! Okay, okay, I confess I overslept...again. Yes, Frank, my boss, warned me. I didn’t listen. So now I've got to go find this doctor. I ask you who is going to be interested in an army doctor back in 1780?

 

“Where the hell did you come from?”

 

Abruptly, I turned and came face to face with my objective…maybe my day wasn’t going to be as bad as I first thought. No, not bad at all. Tall, unquestionably handsome, and those eyes, those mesmerizing blue eyes… Deep breath. You’re here for a reason. Remember your cover story. Questions.

 

“Dr. Corbett?” I asked. “Dr. Jonathan Corbett?”

 

“Depends on whose asking.”

 

His response was short and to the point. I nodded. No nonsense. Not bad…a challenge, but not bad. I gave him a small smile.

 

“My name is Missy Elliot. I heard you served with the Continental Army up north. Saratoga. Served under General Washington. My father runs a small paper in Charleston…I mean, Charles Town.” Okay, slow down. Frank’s gonna kill you if you screw this up. Keep your facts straight. Charleston wasn’t called Charleston until after the war. After the war! I paused for a moment to compose myself. These time changes were gonna be the death of me. “He’s sick at the moment. Gout.”

 

“Not uncommon,” Dr. Corbett answered me. “But it doesn’t tell me why you’re here. It’s not safe for an unescorted woman. To be honest with all the raiders around this area it’s not safe for anybody.”

 

“I assure you I will be as brief as I can. My father wanted to interview you. A person of interest in these parts, Dr. Corbett. Something of a legend. It’s not often you hear of a fighin’ doctor.”

 

“I’m a doctor first. The fighting part just happened. Sometimes you don’t have a choice.”

 

“From the way I heard it you gave no thought to yourself, but grabbed a rifle and led a group of…”

 

“That was in Saratoga.” Jonathan Corbett cut me off.

 

Doesn’t like to talk about himself. Brave, courageous and humble. Nice, but it’s my job to get him to talk. “Patience, Dr. Corbett. The good people of the Carolinas want to understand you, the Virginian doctor. Is there any truth to the rumor that you came down here for a woman? A Rebekah Morse?”

 

No answer, just a stare that would have killed me if it had been a bullet. Asked and answered. “I apologize if you think I’m being noisy, but you have to admit you are an intriguing person. It would be quite understandable your first wife died…”

 

“I don’t talk about Catherine. Now you will have to excuse me. I have to get back to a patient.”

 

I glanced around. What patient? I timed this interview in-between battles. Where was I anyway? We weren’t close to his unit’s camp. Wait. There was a small cabin up the road a piece. Was someone coming out of the door? A broad muscular man ducked down to step outside… he wore no shirt which gave me a full view of his firm abs; his sweat glistened in the sunlight. Oh, yeah. My day was getting better and better.

 

“Who's this, Doc?” the man asked from the porch.

 

Dr. Corbett...Jonathan...looked back at me. He shrugged, “Not quite sure, but she’ll be leaving. Won’t ca, ma’am? I’m doing a favor for a friend that needed a doctor. Not interesting I’m sure to anyone.”

 

“I think the readers...for my...father's paper, would love it if I included...your friend…”

 

“Where are my manners? Sumner Meador, this is…”

 

My heart fluttered. Sumner Meador clicked in my head....Tides of Charleston Series...Hero in book three, Another Night Falls, soon to be released. Oh...oh...oh...can we say exclusive? Then Sumner's next statement  sent shivers down my spine.

"Doc, don't have time for this. Jake's seems to be doing better, but we need to get him out of here and back to the British before you know who discovers him."

I almost shouted for glee! I knew it! I just knew that Jonathan Corbett had to have been the doctor that saved Jake! Jake Penington, alpha hero of Books One and Two of the Tides of Charleston series. Headlines for sure!

"Looks as though we'll have to put this interview on hold at the moment, ma'am," Doctor Corbett said. 

But I won't be that easily dismissed. Oh, no! I won't leave this jackpot...three leading heroes converged into one spot....to be continued....

Whatever is a girl to do? We love our alpha heroes. 

RUSE OF LOVE
COMING AUGUST 7TH!

Want to learn more about the men in the interviews? Yes, at one point all three men interact with  each other in these two series, Tides of Charleston and Winds of Betrayal. Check out their adventures.  

PATRIOT SECRETS

Want to catch up with the series, Book One of Winds of Betrayal, Patriot Secrets is going to be free on Amazon coming up August 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9th in celebration of Book Two, Ruse of Love's release!

And don't miss out on Tides of Charleston Series, The Judas Kiss and The Promise already released. Coming soon...Another Night Falls...September, 2012!

And Missy Elliot's interview will continue...two weeks from today...

Have a good one! Keep Reading!