Cover reveal: Silk and Scars by Cassandra Dean

SILK & SCARS

The Silk Series Book 3

Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

Published Date: TBA

Genre(s): Historical Romance, Sweet Romance, Early Victorian Romance

Heat Rating: 2 – kissing, petting

For over a year, Miss Gwendolyn Parkes and the Duke of Sowrith have corresponded. At first an error, the letters quickly became something much more, a friendship forged on like minds and perhaps the hope of something more…

When Gwen is compelled by her employer to attend the duke at his Dartmoor estate, she is devastated to find her beloved friend cold and imperious, even if he is the most handsome man she’s ever seen – despite his scars.

Edward, Duke of Sowrith, has longed to meet Gwen. Arranging her passage to his estate, he is tongue-tied when confronted with her quiet beauty. All too aware of the twisted ruin of his face, he allows fear to hold him silent…until Gwen’s safety is threatened.

Finally together, they grow closer until it seems they can never again be apart – but can a commoner and a duke find a happily ever after?

Other books in the series

SILK & SCANDAL (The Silk Series Book 1) - http://cassandradean.com/books/the-silk-series/silk-scandal/

SILK & SCORN (The Silk Series Book 2) - http://cassandradean.com/the-silk-series/silk-scorn

Excerpt

Crossing her arms over her stomach, Gwen leaned forward, pressing deep. Good heavens, she was nervous, and excited, and nervous. She was going to meet Edward. One moment soon, he was going to open that door and she would see him. She would see the man she’d corresponded with for over a year, to whom she’d expressed every thought, and who had expressed his to her. It did not matter that he was a duke, so far above her in consequence as to be laughable. He was her friend, and at last they would meet.

Foot tapping wildly, she leaned her head back against the wall. This was all so ridiculous. She was ridiculous, to have this unbridled excitement rioting through her. Exhaling, she caught the stare of the gargoyle. The gargoyle knew how ridiculous her thoughts. Its stone features laughed at her, and in a fit of pique, she poked her tongue out.

The study door opened. Leaping to her feet, she swayed as the blood rushed from her head.

Lord Beecham appeared in the door way and, eyes lighting upon her, he crooked a finger. “Miss Parkes. Come.”

Heart beating a rapid tattoo, she bent to grip the handle of her carpet bag. Lord Beecham had abandoned the door by the time she had gathered herself enough to approach, the worn wooden handle of the bag pressing deep into her palm.

Passing through the door, Gwen stopped and, jaw slack, she looked about the chamber. The room was huge, cavernous even, and dark. So dark. Lit only by the flame of the massive fireplace dominating one wall and the wan flicker of a lamp seated on the enormous desk, the light picked up rows upon rows of books while heavy drapes of an unidentifiable fabric covered what she could only presume were windows. The floor was the same stone as the hall, the only carpet appearing before the fire under the clawed feet of a large armchair.

Her gaze returned to the fireplace. A man stood before it, his back to her, right hand held by his left.

Her heart, already racing, started a wild thud against her ribs. That was him. The duke. Edward.

He did not turn, though she willed him to. Willed him to turn, so she could utter that most important of phrases, the one she’d longed to say for an age now.

Hello, Edward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cassandra Dean is a best-selling, multi-published author of historical and fantasy romance. Her latest novel, SLUMBER, is part of Decadent Publishing’s Beyond Fairytales and features Cassandra’s take on Sleeping Beauty. Her next novel, SILK & SCARS, is part of her popular Silk Series, featuring Victorian Era lawyers and their happily ever after.

Cassandra is proud to call South Australia her home, where she regularly cheers on her AFL football team and creates her next tale.

Visit Cassandra’s website at http://cassandradean.com

Join Cassandra’s mailing list at http://eepurl.com/kzesP

Follow Cassandra on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraDean and on Twitter @authorCassDean

Contact Cassandra at cassandra@cassandradean.com

Social Media Links

Website: http://cassandradean.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/kzesP

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/authorCassDean

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraDean

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cassandradean/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Cassandradean

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Dean/e/B006W6BUE6/

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5016740.Cassandra_Dean

Authorgraph: https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/authorCassDean

Printable Book List

http://cassandradean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Cassandra-Dean-Printable-Book-List.pdf

Rachel Brimble spills the beans

Hi, Rachel! So glad to have you at Spilling the Beans, where we can learn a little bit about you, and your book. Grab a cappuccino and let’s chat. 

Fur or feathers, pet-wise? 
Fur 

Any pet peeves? One thing that really burns your biscuits? 
Any kind of prejudice 

Tell us something about yourself that’s not in your bio. 
I am an avid knitter, bibliophile and British monarchy fanatic

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 
See above – knit, read, research or visit the many historical places where I live in the UK 

Are you a night owl or early bird? 
Early bird 

How would your muse describe you? 
Insane 

If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why? 
Any of Henry VIII’s six wives – there have been so many books written and TV documentaries screened but I would still like to know what it was really like being married to Henry, and what the wife’s intentions were when they found themselves married to him.

Beethoven, Beatles, Foo Fighters or Keith Urban (what type of music makes you rock out)?

I am an 80s rock lover through and through – especially love Heart and Starship!

While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?

That I will never, EVER, stop doubting myself at the dreaded halfway stage – I am currently writing my 15^th novel and just hit the 42,000 word mark. Just imagine my head and a brick wall and you’ll get the picture! 

Where can readers find out more about you? 
I am always on Twitter but can also be found at my website, Facebook and my blog. Here’s the links:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Please tell us a bit about your latest book. 
The Temptation of Laura is the second Victorian romance in my ongoing series with eKensington, although each book can be read as a stand-alone. The Temptation of Laura is set in and around Bath, England and is the story of a hopeful, kind and determined prostitute striving for a better life. When she meets Adam, one of Bath’s biggest stars of the stage, Laura knows her life will never be the same again…

Here’s the blurb and buy links:

Laura Robinson has always been dazzled by the glamour of the stage. But perhaps acting and selling one’s favors are not so different—for Laura must feign pleasure with the men she beds to survive. Now, with her only friend at death’s door and a ruthless pimp at her heels, escaping her occupation seems impossible. Hoping to attract a gentleman, she attends the theater. Yet the man Laura captivates is no customer, but a rising star and playwright…

Adam Lacey has been driven to distraction since the moment he saw Laura. She is his ideal leading lady come to irresistible life—and so much more. Certain they can make the perfect team on and off stage, he is determined to win her heart—and discover her story. But that is precisely what Laura fears. And she has no idea that Adam harbors shameful secrets of his own. Will the truth free them to love—or destroy all their dreams…? 
Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

What inspired you to write it? 
Laura was a secondary character in the series debut, The Seduction of Emily – as soon as she appeared on the page, she intrigued me and I knew I had to write her story. When I read a book on the famous Nell Gwynn, I found my inspiration for Laura’s journey. 

Thanks for spilling the beans today, Rachel! Best of luck with your books.

Do you have a favorite genre?

Or do you just love a great story? Do you like authors to stick to only one genre?

Come share your thoughts at the Daily Dose of Decadence blog, where we're chatting about the subject!

Betting It All, historical romance

Betting It All

Historical romance novella

About 30k

Decadent Publishing

Blurb

Norah Hawkins wants a new life as far from her old one as possible, but where can she ever find that chance? When a letter arrives promising her the deed to property in San Francisco, Norah packs her bags and flees the broken shards of her troubled past.

With its anything-goes atmosphere, 1906 San Francisco suits Irishman Gerard MacKenzie just fine. He loves tending bar in Norah’s saloon, and verbally sparring with the shrewd businesswoman for more privileges and work. Her beauty, wit and sass make his blood boil with need.

But disaster looms over their promising new lives when a terrible earthquake buries their dreams and threatens to shatter their future. Norah and Mac must rebuild their lives from the ruins and they’ll need each other more than ever, but can their ties to each other save them or tear them apart?

Available from

Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=823&osCsid=hdmana51khc0lq5rr15a5sl3i5  

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Betting-it-All-ebook/dp/B00EJQDMHY/ref=sr_1_34?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376520296&sr=1-3

All Romance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bettingitall-1268390-340.html

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116477095?ean=2940148442585

Coffee Time Romance: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookStore/pubs_product_book_info/decadent-publishing-c-93/betting-it-all-p-10696

Reviews 

Sweet, romantic and exciting, I read this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. I loved Norah's determination to go it alone, but when she gives in to the strength and safety she could have in Gerard's arms, the love they share is even more captivating.

All Romance Ebooks - Recommended Read

I don’t want to give too much in the way that I liked how Ms. Masters plotted her story but I will say that it flowed and I got caught up in everything that Mac and Norah were doing to build something great and also watching them go from friends/boss/employee to lovers.  The tent camp scenes were heartbreaking knowing that the camps were real.  Those scenes added an authencity to the story and made it much more layered.

The end scenes were some of the best in the book.  Secrets from Norah’s past are revealed and they are sweet to say the least.  I will have to say that while I loved the book, I want more of Mac’s and Norah’s story.  I know that authors don’t like to hear that too much, but I would.  Did they make it in the aftermath?  Did true love prevail?  In mind they did but I completely fell in love with this book and its characters.  And you will too.

Harlie's Book Reviews - 5 Harlies and a Recommended Read

Casting Call 
Who starred in the movie version in my head? View the Casting Call here.

Excerpt

Guilt filled her as she sealed the envelope. Her first letter should have been to her mother. Estelle probably forgot I left. More likely, she bought a bottle and forgot everything, period.

Downstairs in the hotel lobby, Mac stepped around the corner into her path. “A letter to your beau?”

She bristled. “No.”

Leering, he nodded. “Ah. You left him behind.”

“Certainly not.” My, but he cleaned up nicely. The electric wall sconce gave his black hair a sheen like raven’s feathers in the sun. His smooth-shaved skin accentuated the whites of his eyes, rimmed with thick dark lashes. Curled in a teasing smile, his lips appeared soft, not weather-worn like some men.

He cocked a brow. “He’s joining you later?”

“I don’t see how it’s any of your concern.” Unless he still hoped for employment. His long, smooth fingers might be handy for more than cards. Still, if she wanted music, she could buy a player piano and not have to pay it a weekly salary. Though it wouldn’t be nearly as nice to look at as Mac.

He shrugged. “It isn’t. Unless you run into debt playing poker. I want to be assured someone will back you up.”

“You needn’t worry. I never get in over my head.” In anything.

He tipped his cap. “Smart woman.”

Not enough to fool him. Last night, Norah had imitated her drunken mother to perfection, another skill that came in handy. Believing her vulnerable, the men made themselves moreso. Not Mac. He’d grown more careful, as if he guessed at her intent.

“What are you doing here?” She wondered what sort of a racket he ran. Everyone had one. Uppity ladies in their lace-edged gowns and mansions excelled at scamming men into marriage, but only succeeded in trapping themselves in the bargain. She preferred a prison with bars.

“Renting a room,” he said, “the same as you.”

Coincidence? Or had he followed her? “I’m curious. Do you possess other skills?”

Smiling, he tugged at his jacket lapels. “I’m a man of many talents. Why do you ask?”

Lo, his ego reared again. “Have you no real trade to ply?”

“Playing the piano is a ‘real’ trade, Miss Hawkins. However, I can work at almost anything, from carpenter to barkeep.”

Like Dan. All her stinging retorts vanished. “Oh.”

He grimaced. “You disapprove?”

“Not at all. Those are honorable trades.” Why should she feel relieved?

“As honorable as your own?”

What was he hinting at? Did he know about Estelle? Her face flushed hot. Pointedly, she said, “Yes, as honorable as owning a saloon.”

“Saloon,” he repeated, as if unsure. “I thought it was a gentleman’s club.”

Did he mean to imply she’d employ herself in some other occupation, such as her mother’s? In defiance, she curbed her tongue, unwilling to satisfy him with an answer.

Excerpt 2

Lord, she must have left her common sense in New Jersey. A man like Mac would prove to be nothing but trouble. Mischief twinkled in his eyes. Back in her hotel room to repack her scant belongings, Norah felt it in her bones. Deeper than your bones, a small voice told her. She felt it in a way unfamiliar to her. It rattled her nerves. It turned her thoughts to him at the most inconvenient times, wondering what sort of man Gerard McKenzie truly was beneath his sharp tongue and wily ways. It robbed her of common sense and self-control, inventing ways to stay near him. When he’d practically insisted she hire him, the thrill running through her both startled and intrigued her. No man had so much as laid a finger on her, not with her permission anyway. Yet she found herself imagining what Mac’s touch might feel like.

In the hallway, he whistled Melody of Love. She imagined him singing the lyrics:

Hold me in your arms, dear

Dream with me

Cradled by your kisses, tenderly

While a choir of angels from above

Sings our melody of love.

What must it be like, to know such a deep love? To trust a man with her heart?

A small laugh burst forth. If she’d learned anything in her twenty-five years, it was that men couldn’t be trusted. Especially not with a woman’s heart. The only time she’d given in to curiosity and let her heart rule over her head left her burning with shame. The thrill of Floyd Enders’s attentions turned to surprise when his fluttering kiss grew forceful, his groping desperate as he pinned her to the ground. Another attempt to prove her cut from the same cloth as Estelle, another whore to be used at his whim and tossed aside.

A bitter chuckle escaped. She’d done the tossing instead, and her kick to his hard groin left him writhing in agony. Too bad it wasn’t the lasting kind of pain, like he’d inflicted on her, claiming she’d begged for it. His lie followed her for years on the whispering lips of other boys who wanted what Floyd supposedly had.

Would Mac treat her so poorly? Of course not. She’d provide him with wages. If she wasn’t careful, he’d woo more from her, and soon she’d have less than nothing. No money, no saloon and worst, a ruined reputation. No man would rob her of that.

She lifted her bag, then thought better of it. Let Mac learn right away to take orders from her. After setting it on the bed, she put on her hat and opened the door.

Mac leaned his shoulder against the wall, one leg crossed over the other, aimlessly twirling his tweed cap in his hands. Glancing up, he straightened and scrunched the cap.

At least he pretended seriousness. “Please get my bags.”

He flashed a smile and winked. “Yes ma’am.”

A more fragile female might be devastated by his charms. Oh, she hoped this wouldn’t turn out to be a terrible mistake.

Hoisting one bag under his arm, he grabbed the handle of the remaining one. “All set.”

“Excellent.” She led the way downstairs, stopping at the front desk to check out and settle her account. Outside, she found Mac wearing his cap and a smile.

The bustle of the busy street made her hurry in excitement. “I wish I had time to explore the city.”

“It’s something, isn’t it? Makes me feel more alive.”

Slowing her pace, she glanced over. “Yes. Exactly.” She couldn’t hide her surprise at sharing that feeling. “Once I make my success, I’ll indulge my curiosity. Until then, I have too much work ahead.” She hurried on.

He fell into easy step with her. “There’s always time for work. My mama always said it’s more important to take time to celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?”

“Life.” He said it as if she should have known the answer.

Funny, she’d never shared that inclination. Life presented too many challenges, too many obstacles she had to scrabble over. “