Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Excerpt & Giveaway - - London's Late Night Scandal


London's Late Night Scandal
by Anabelle Bryant
Midnight Secrets - Book 3
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release Date: September 24, 2019


In Anabelle Bryant’s novel of unexpected romance, a lord and lady learn that not all emotions can be expressed in the light of day . . .
 
Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously. Not only does it distract him from the painful aftermath of a gunshot wound to the leg, earned most honorably, it is important work. So he feels duty-bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot about a suspect article. Matthew dashes from London to Oxfordshire, despite wretched weather that only exacerbates his injury, reminding him he is far from the dashing gentleman he once was . . .
 
Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society. But her identity as the true author of Talbot’s article is about to be exposed. And if Matthew expects a dour bluestocking, surprises abound. Not only do Theodosia’s botanical concoctions soothe his leg, he’s clearly attracted by her delicate beauty. But dare she hope for more? It will take an urgent trip to London for both to discover how passion and lasting love can ignite under the cover of darkness . . .




EXCERPT


Theodosia approached the sleigh with caution. She may have rationalized her decision upstairs and confidently deflected her maid’s interrogation, but beneath several layers of flannel and wool, her heart beat a furious rhythm.
“What’s all this? You’ve taken on quite a challenge for one afternoon’s distraction.”
Matthew had come around the other side of the sleigh and she noticed he seemed surefooted on the snow-packed drive despite the lack of a walking stick.
“What good is a sleigh if it never sees snow?” He chuckled and his deep tenor rippled through her. “Besides, the world is brand new after a snowfall. I thought we might enjoy the scenery. At least until we decide it’s too cold to bear.”
She watched him, her mind working now as hard as her pulse. He took her gloved hand in his and helped her into the sleigh. When she was settled on the seat, he climbed in beside her and arranged two fur blankets across their legs. All the while the heated coals in the brazier warmed the soles of her boots.
“Are you ready?”
He cast her a sideways glance, leather reins in hand, and she was struck by his handsome profile and the way fractured sunlight glinted in his eyes. He wore no hat and as he turned, the not-so-subtle wind lifted a fallen lock of hair across his brow. He must be quite popular within society’s chosen circle, a man as striking, intelligent, and generous as he.
So why would he take time to arrange such a complicated diversion this afternoon?
“Wait.” Her objection came out in a puff of breath as translucent and fleeting as a ghost from the past. She refused to allow him to feel sorry for her. “I’m not lonely.”
“Nor am I, but I thought, today, we might be not-lonely together.”
He smiled and something sparked inside her, a tremor of excitement that began at her heart and reverberated to her fingertips and toes. She returned his grin and before she could consider it further, he snapped the ribbons and the sleigh lurched forward. Wind stung her cheeks and snuck beneath her hood to nip at her earlobes, the sense of fast flight refreshing and invigorating. She tried to portray a more composed mien, not that Matthew’s opinion mattered or she considered herself lacking the city polish he was accustomed, but once the sleigh took the drive and raced over a series of gentle slopes, her stomach dropped with delight and she couldn’t suppress her laughter.
Heavens, it was wonderful to laugh. It seemed too many weeks, months…too long she’d gone without the unconditional freedom of pure joy.
She turned and he did as well, their eyes matched in the moment before he averted his attention to the landscape ahead. They coasted along for a good stretch, wordlessly happy in the uncomplicated thrill of the ride.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of Anabelle Bryant's books yet?

Have you ever gone on a sleigh ride? 

Have you discovered any homemade concoctions that you would recommend? 

One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, September 5, will receive Anabelle Bryant's giveaway package shown below. (U.S. only)





47 comments:

  1. I haven't read Anabelle Bryant's novels but look forward to enjoying this captivating story. I did go on a sleigh ride when I lived in the Great White North and the experience was memorable and beautiful. A starry, wintry night and peace. A concoction which I recommend is lemon with hot water.

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    1. Writing this winter scene was fun. Although I love the summer sun, nothing compares to the beauty of a fresh snowfall. :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. I haven't read Ms. Bryant's stories before. this sounds intrguing. No sled ride either. Been on hay rides but it isn't the same. Sleigh rides require being outside in the snow. LOL my husband does a sore throat gargle of salt and borax. seems to work for him.

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    1. I like hay rides too. I'm lucky to live in New Jersey where there are plenty of farms. A winter sleigh ride is a little magical. It's nice to meet you, Eileen. :)

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  3. Shes a new author to me!! I have been on sleigh ride and ice skating!! Sleigh rides are fun ice skating not so much unless you know how to skate

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    1. Hi Natasha! Sleigh rides are fun. We have that in common - ice skating is not for me. My ankles are too wiggly. Lol!

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  4. I have Anabelle's "Last Gamble" on my e-reader, but sadly, I haven't read it yet. Opportunities for sleigh rides are rare in Arizona. My town hasn't frozen over since Christmas Eve, 1990, when some friends of mine overturned their Volvo and blocked the only road out of town for several hours.
    Homemade concoctions: Epsom salt paste is good for pink eye infections as well as infected feet, since it kills both bacteria and fungus.

    Susan in AZ

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    1. Hi Susan, I hope you have some reading time soon. Icy conditions are certainly dangerous. Hope everyone turned out all right.

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    2. The Volvo sustained a dented roof, and it was back on the road in about a month. The couple inside were fine, but were unable to reach their relatives in Albuquerque until the 28th.

      Susan

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  5. I haven't read any of Anabelle Bryant's books yet but this one sounds intriguing. Never been on a sleigh ride but sounds like fun and definitely could be romantic. I haven't discovered any concoctions that would be helpful but we've been known to try an existing few from time to time.

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    1. Hi Melanie! I also thought a sleigh ride was a romantic scene for Matthew and Theodosia - although at this time in the book they aren't fully aware of their feelings. :) Thanks for commenting!

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  6. Anabelle is a new Author to me. I've never been on a sleigh-ride although it sounds really lovely.

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    2. Let's try that again without my typo - lol!
      Hi Diane, I suppose a sleigh ride in Florida is quite rare. But that's why we escape through books, to travel to out of reach places, right?

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  7. I own several but haven't read any of them yet. I've been on a sled but never a sleigh - I dislike snow so not many opportunities for sleigh rides.

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    1. Hi Glenda - I liked writing about the snow...but I'm a "stay inside and drink hot cocoa" kind of person. :) Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. Anabelle's books would be interesting to explore. A sleigh ride in the Northern clime where I grew up was beautiful and which I think about a great deal. A drink which I find soothing and works well is salt dissolved in warm water.

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    1. Yes, we get our fair share of snow up here in New Jersey. Sleigh rides are fun and a bit of a novelty. In London's Late Night Scandal, it was the perfect opportunity for Theodosia and Matthew to get a little closer.

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  9. Well, sadly, I have to answer NO to each of your questions. Even though I live in Michigan, when the opportunity to go on a sleigh ride occurred...there was no snow! Bummer! But, I would love to remedy at least one to a big YES, I've read her books...please cyberhat, let me win!

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    1. Hi Karen! Thanks for reading and for stopping by. Snow is a must-have for a true sleigh ride, but living through the words on a page are almost as much fun. :)

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  10. I have to admit that this is a new to me author. As for a sleigh ride, sled-yes, sleigh-never, though it sounds like fun to me! The only concoction that I can think of is one that I use when I have a cold and cough, it is a tea of ginger slices and lemon sweetened with a bit of honey. I find it helpful but cannot say whether it is simply due to the comfort of habit that has me making it when I am ill.

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    1. Hi Lil, so nice to meet you here. I like your remedy because ginger, lemon and honey is a wonderful combination. Theodosia would approve. :)

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  11. I think I've read 4 or 5 of Anabelle's books, including this ARC. It's fantastic!

    Haven't been on a sleigh ride, but I've been on a carriage ride.

    Denise

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    1. Hello Denise, thanks so much for reading and stopping by. Carriage rides are just as romantic as sleigh rides. Both are delightful!

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  12. Ms Bryant is a new to me author. In the distant past, I lived where sledding was a good pastime, but I have never ridden in a sleigh.

    Apple cider vinegar on a q-tip dabbed on a canker sore will make it go away within a day. Also, apple cider vinegar and baking soda made into a paste will help with insect bites.

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    1. Hello Annette, thanks for stopping by. Sledding was fun when I was young, but I haven't been on a sled (by choice!) in years. Of course, a little romance on a winter sleigh ride might be nice. :)

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  13. HER "MIDNIGHT SECRETS SERIES" IS ON MY MUST READ LIST!!! I'VE BEEN ON ONE SLEIGH RIDE--MOST ENJOYABLE AND OVER FAR TOO QUICKLY. "HOME REMEDIES" ARE A GIVEN IN MY FAMILY--THEY'RE GENERATIONAL I AM SURE MY LATE GRANDMOTHER WOULD HAVE CREATED JUST THE MOST PLEASING, POTENT POULTICE FOR ME TO ADMINISTER TO MATTHEW!!!

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    1. Hi Virginia! I like how you think. Matthew would have appreciated that potent poultice. :) I hope you take a chance on the Midnight Secrets series. Good luck!

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  14. Hi, Everyone! Welcome, Anabelle!

    Even though I grew up in Michigan and have been on many sleds, saucers, and toboggans, I've never been on a sleigh. It's something I've always wanted to do though. But that would require traveling somewhere with snow and now that I live in the south, that's not high on my list! LOL!

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    1. I think I'll just live vicariously through your characters, Anabelle. :)

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    2. It sounds like a perfect plan to me! :) Anabelle

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  15. No to reading this author, yes to a sleigh ride, and no to homemade concoctions (I'm so sensitive, that I never trust new things). Thanks for sharing!

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    1. A sleigh ride is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter. You're one of the few people who commented yes to a sleigh ride! Lucky you. :) Anabelle

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  16. I have not read any of her books yet and I have never been on a sleigh ride. Sorry, no homemade concoctions. lindaherold999(at)gmail.com

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    1. I hope you'll give the Midnight Secrets trilogy a try. :) Anabelle

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  17. Haven't read any of any of Annabelle's books yet, but now she's on my to-read list. Havn't been on a sleigh ride either, just a hay ride or two (they were fun).

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    1. Is a sleigh ride on your to-do list. ;) Anabelle

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  18. No I haven't read any of her books. Yes I have been on a sleigh ride. No I have no homemade concoctions to share.

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    1. I hope your sleigh ride was romantic and wonderful! Anabelle

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  19. I don't think I've read Anabelle's books yet, but have added to the TBB! No sleigh rides here, alas--no snow ;) As for homemade concoctions, nothing beyond smashed ginger for headaches or hot Coca Cola with lemon for coughs :)

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    1. I like those homemade remedies...In the story, Theodosia would too! Anabelle

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  20. I did go on a short sleigh ride a long time ago. It was on a groomed track, so not nearly as exciting or freeing as Theodosia and Matthew's ride.
    I don't believe I have read any of her books yet, but I do like the premise and excerpt of this one. I will have to try her books.
    The only home concoction I have ever relied on is hot tea with honey (and sometimes a touch of brandy or Irish whiskey) for sore throats and colds.

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    1. A touch of brandy never hurts. ;) I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Anabelle

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  21. I have not read any of her books but they sound great!. I have never been on a sleigh ride either since we live in the South where snow is rare.

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    1. Yes, snow is mandatory for a sleigh ride. ;) But you have all that lovely sunshine! Anabelle

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  22. I haven't read any of this author's books yet, nor have I gone on a sleigh ride. It sounds like fun, though.

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    1. It is. Fun and thrilling as long as you don't stay out too long in the biting winter air. :) Anabelle

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