Hi Everyone!

I’m thrilled to welcome you to the world of The Lyon’s Alliance, my follow-up story to The Lyon’s Gambit, which is part of the Lyon’s Den Connected World.

In Regency London, Christina Hartfield, facing financial woes, assists Mrs. Dove-Lyon with charity work. Her heart is caught between Viscount Wolfton and Richard St. John. Whispers of embezzlement, scandal, and betrayal abound. Can love triumph over deceit, or will shadows destroy Christina’s chance at happiness?

As a special treat, I’m sharing an exclusive sneak peek with you.

Before you get lost in an excerpt from the opening chapter, I want to extend a massive thank you. My story, My Heart’s Song, is part of A Wraith at Midnight, a historical romance anthology filled with ghost stories that hit the #1 bestseller list on Amazon, and it’s all thanks to the amazing support of readers like you.

 

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy this excerpt of The Lyon’s Alliance. I promise it’s just the beginning of what’s to come.

The Lyon’s Alliance

In a world where alliances are everything,
love becomes the most daring and unpredictable alliance of all.

London
April 19, 1821 – Afternoon

Marcus, the Viscount Wolfton, the eldest son of the Earl of Aldbury, should have been pleased. The fog that had plagued London for days, if not weeks, had dissipated, allowing the sunlight to play amongst the trees and paint a dabbled pattern on the paths by St. James Palace. The soft spring breeze, refreshing as it was, changed the shadow designs at will.

He maneuvered his way around the marketplace, unaware of the commotion. He should have been pleased, but Wolfton did not appreciate the fine day or the gaping mouths of women whose unabashed stares followed him as he passed.

Last night’s events had gone well enough. As usual, people, primarily women, were drawn to his wit, confidence, and full bachelor pockets. The usual beauties that frequented every society event were eager for his attention. Their mothers, many of whom were just as keen for him as their daughters, counseled and coaxed their prodigy on how to make themselves more appealing to him.

An enjoyable conversation with one young woman could easily set the gossipmongers’ jaws flapping. Wagers were set at Whites on a wedding date, heaven forbid. More often than not, the wager was for the date of the woman’s broken-hearted disappointment, as if he would consider any of them to be his viscountess. He pushed his dour thoughts away and instead assumed the mask of a lighthearted, debonair gentleman. He continued to weave through the crowd on his way to Cleveland Row.

* * * *

Not far away, Christina Hartfield took advantage of the brilliant day strolling through the market. Enticed by the fragrant flowers, she stopped at a stall to admire the colorful array of flowers on display. Christina bent to sniff a bouquet of roses when she was startled, and her attention was drawn to a nearby commotion. She spotted a dashing gentleman a few steps away, gracefully maneuvering through the crowded market.

Caught off guard by his charismatic presence, Christina stared as he wove through the crowd. Unable to pull her eyes away. She found him and the mischievous twinkle in his eye quite compelling.

He moved with an air of authority that seemed innate, his tall frame cutting through the throng with an ease that spoke of his high birth. His hair, the color of midnight, was styled away from a forehead that was smooth and untroubled, suggesting a life untouched by common strife.

His eyes, a deep gray like the heart of a storm, seemed to hold a myriad of secrets and a history of both fiery passion and measured restraint. The sharp angles of his face told a story of privilege, yet there was something in the set of his jaw, a certain determination, that hinted at challenges overcome. Even from a distance, Christina could feel the pull of his charisma, an almost tangible aura that drew the attention and silent respect of those around him.

He glanced at her with a charming smile and sent her a playful wink as he passed by, leaving her breathless. After the brief contact, she let out a hearty laugh that rippled through the air.

* * * *

Wolfton’s smile broadened. The sound of the young woman’s infectious laughter stayed with him all the way down Cleveland Row to Number 8. He took the two steps up to the entrance in one bound and lifted the brass lion head door knocker.

Releases November 13 – Currently on Pre Order https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ5P61FK

Last but not least!   I’m taking over the Dragonblade Publishing Readers Group – Join me on release day, November 13, for fun, games, and prizes!