The Scandal in Kissing an Heir Blog Tour & Giveaway

About the author:

 Sophie Barnes

Visit her website at www.sophiebarnes.com

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Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian.

She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing.

When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.

About The Scandal in Kissing an Heir:

He is the next Marquis of Wolvington…

She is a lady with nothing but beauty and wits…

Together they share a forbidden kiss.

Lady Rebecca is determined to find a husband on her own terms, rather than marry any of the aging suitors her greedy aunt and uncle foist upon her. Her chance comes at the Kingsborough Ball, where she meets several potential grooms…yet no one compares to the dangerously handsome Daniel Neville.

Daniel Neville, notorious rake and heir to the Marquis of Wolvington, is in need of a bride, but finding a lady who’s willing to accept his past, is an entirely different matter. When he spies a stunning woman across the ballroom, Daniel believes he’s found her…until scandal erupts around them. How can he convince Rebecca to take a chance on him…and on the love that could be theirs forever after?

EXCERPT #1

     There were few people in the world that Daniel disliked, but Nigel Coulter, the fourth Earl of Starkly, was definitely one of them. Seeing the raven haired beauty he’d playfully named Nuit talking to the fellow ignited something dangerous within him – something possessive that he had no right or reason to feel. He approached the two of them, coming up behind Lady Nuit just as she turned into him, causing him to spill the champagne he’d been carrying.

     “Forgive me,” she gasped.

     “No need, my lady,” he said, trying not to follow the direction in which the liquid was going as it ran down her chest. He offered her his handkerchief and returned his attention to the other man. “Lord Starkly,” he ground out, his eyes on the smug face of the earl who was shamelessly perusing Lady Nuit’s figure. It took little imagination to know what was going through his sordid mind and the thought of it made Daniel want to slam his fist right into the blighter’s arrogant smile.

     He stopped himself, wary of drawing unwanted attention. It wouldn’t benefit Lady Nuit if everyone present became aware of the fact that she was keeping company with two of England’s foremost scoundrels. There was little comfort to be had in knowing that he was a much better man than the earl, for Daniel was well aware that Society made no distinction between the two of them regarding their reputations. On the contrary, the earl had always been more discreet whereas Daniel in his youthful stupidity had flaunted his conquests and bragged about his escapades to anyone willing to listen.

     “Ah, Neville,” Starkly said, his gaze meeting Daniel’s. “So good of you to join us.”

     “I hadn’t thought you’d be here – imagined Kingsborough would have better taste regarding his guests.”

     “The same could be said of you,” Starkly drawled. “After all, it’s a well-known fact that you’re not accepted into polite society. In fact, I expect this invitation is the only one you’ll receive this year.”

     Daniel felt his whole body tense as he fought for a calm composure. His situation was not a secret, but he still doubted that it was one Lady Nuit was aware of, for there had been no recognition in her eyes when he’d introduced himself to her. He feared now that if Starkly said anything further, she’d want nothing to do with him – a thought he did not relish in the least, because as far as marriage prospects went, Lady Nuit was his only option so far. He’d rather hoped to make a good impression on her.

     Frustrated, he glared back at Starkly with distaste. “And what of you? From what I hear your membership was revoked from Brook’s last week when you were found cheating at cards.” The barb struck, judging from Starkly’s rigid expression.

     “Take care, Neville.” His eyes narrowed with menace. “Considering your uncle’s good health, it will be decades before you outrank me. Until then, I suggest you address me in the manner that is my due.”

     “Go rot,” was all Daniel could say to that as he turned away with every intention of removing himself and Lady Nuit from Starkly’s presence, only to find that she was no longer standing next to him.

     In fact, the lady had completely vanished.

     Hell and damnation.

     “Where did she go?” he asked as he looked around the room. What he really wanted to know was how much of the conversation she’d heard before taking her leave.

     Starkly laughed. “It would appear that she’s slipped through your fingers.” Leaning closer to Daniel he lowered his voice to a whisper. “And since it’s just become clear to me that you and the lady are not attached, I do believe I’ll double my efforts to get her into my bed. Care to wager on my success?”

     Forcing back a scathing remark, Daniel waited for Starkly to leave before downing the contents of both champagne flutes. He then abandoned the glasses on a footman’s tray and went in search of his quarry, ignoring the disapproving glances that followed in his wake. One would think he’d committed murder the way everyone was treating him. God how he hated the hypocrisy of the ton – as if most of the men present didn’t engage in illicit affairs while their wives turned a blind eye. He’d done far less. For one thing, he wasn’t married and for another, he’d never seduced someone who was. Nor had he ever taken a woman’s innocence. He smiled at that thought. No, there was nothing innocent at all about the women he’d taken to his bed – he’d just been too … blatant about it, he supposed. It didn’t help that he had a penchant for scandalous wagers as well. He ought to be proud of himself for not accepting Starkly’s, but instead he just felt irritable. Where the bloody hell was she?

(Excerpt provided by Harper Colins/Avon Romance and used with permission)

~ Giveaway ~

The Trouble with being a Duke

Sometimes happily ever after…

Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough knows the time has come for him to produce an heir. But first he must find a bride. When he meets the most exquisite woman at his masquerade ball, he thinks his search is over…until the breathtaking beauty runs off. With few clues other than her figure, her scent, and the memory of her kiss, Anthony must find his mystery lady.

…needs a little bit of help.

Isabella Chilcott can scarcely believe it: she is finally at the Kingsborough Ball. As a child, she dreamed of dancing a waltz here and now, thanks to a gorgeous gown she’s found in the attic, Isabella is living her fairytale fantasy. And she’s waltzing with the Duke of Kingsborough himself! But she must escape before he discovers her secrets…for she is not who she pretends to be, and falling in love with Prince Charming is the last thing she can allow herself to do…

T

Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure

It's going to be a wild ride…

Lady Alexandra Summersby is not your average society miss. Not only is she more likely to climb a tree than she is to wear a dress, but she has also sworn off marriage. Alex loves taking chances, which is how she finds herself embroiled in a secret mission as she races across the country with the Earl of Trenton. But Alexandra is about to discover that the real danger lies not in duels, but in her completely unexpected reaction to Lord Trenton's company.

Michael Ashford, Earl of Trenton, is a man of duty. Honorable, charming, and a hit with the ladies, he's never had trouble staying focused—until now. Lady Alexandra is like no other woman he's ever met, and suddenly the prospect of marriage seems far more appealing. Now, to convince Alexandra that a life together could be an adventure like no other…

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Please Note: Giveaway is sponsored by the publisher who will distribute the prizes. Good Luck!

More excerpts and Sneak peeks can be found at the following:

Tuesday 12/17- Serialized Excerpt #2

· READING BETWEEN THE WINES

Wednesday 12/18-- Review, Serialized Excerpt #3

· FALLEN ANGELS REVIEWS

· ROMANCING THE READERS

Thursday 12/19- Serialized Excerpt #4

· CK2S KWIPS & KRITIQUES

Friday 12/20—Serialized Excerpt #5

· THE BOOK CELLAR X