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Wednesday, July 8, 2015

A Tempting Ruin CR Banner

Title: A Tempting Ruin Author: Kristin Vayden Genre: Regency Series: Greenford Waters Legacy Publisher: Blue Tulip Publishing Release Date: July 28th

ATemptingRuin_300DPI   Synopsis He might be a gentleman by title, but he was a rogue at heart... Beatrix Lamont is in hiding. Sequestered at Lady Southridge's country estate, she assumes the identity of a lady's companion: never once expecting her past would catch up with her. It does, however, in the vexing and seducting form of Lord Neville. Determined and far too charming for his own good--after all who simply demands a woman marry him? Not a gentleman. Lucky for Lord Neville, being a gentleman has never been an option, especially when it comes to Beatrix, the woman would try the patient of a saint, and every encounter with her leaves his body yearning for more. Caught between wanting her for himself and needing to protect her from dangers that lurk in the shadows of both their pasts, he must eventually make a choice. Become the gentleman he's never been--or play the seducer she brings out in him, and hope in the end she'll forgive him for using her to catch a killer.

***This is an Interconnected Standalone***

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Excerpt

“What is it you are reading?” “Ah, I doubt you’d approve.” She shot him a glance over the page. “Try me.” “Lady Maybelle’s Mysterious Suitor.” “It’s the butler.” He leaned forward and grinned evilly. “What? No. You did not… I—“ Beatrix stood, closed the book and paced irritatedly. Opening the book, she glanced to the last page and read, her fury rising by the moment. “It was the butler! You ruined it!” she all but shouted as she lifted the book. For a fleeting moment, she wanted to throw it at him! How dare he ruin the fantastic book, the sweet mystery, by giving away the ending! Of all her pet peeves, this was champion. “I do hope you’re a poor aim if you decide to follow through with hurling the volume at my head.” He stood and held up his hands. “Why? Why would you do that?” Beatrix lamented, tossing the book on the chaise and glaring at him. “Because it amuses me.” She stilled, knowing her glare grew more menacing by the moment as she studied the horrible creature she had, only moments ago, thought so devastatingly attractive. “It… amuses you?” “Rather, you amuse me. Your reaction.” He lifted his shoulder in a blasé manner, as if he hadn’t just provoked her! “I — you — you!” Beatrix ground out then stomped. “Did you just stomp?” he asked, his grin growing. “A lady doesn’t stomp. There was a spider,” she lied and stalked away toward the window, hoping the horrible man would get the point and take his leave. The sound of footsteps approaching had her stiffening her back. “I’m sorry for offending you so greatly. But I do thank you for being the cause of such a prized few moments of amusement. It was… delightful. And I’ll tell you a secret…” His voice was close, sending prickles of awareness up her arms as his velvet voice spoke softly. “Humbled to be your entertainment, sir,” she replied frostily, trying to keep her reaction to him hidden away and forgotten. Turning to face him, she shifted her gaze from him to the door meaningfully. His amused chuckle was the only response. Drat. “If you read the next book, you’ll find out a little bit more about the butler… because, Miss Beatrix, things are not what they always seem,” he replied kindly and then turned to leave. “Wait,” she called out before she thought about it. He paused and turned to her, his grey eyes clear and completely drawing her in. “You don’t have to leave just yet.” “I do believe that is the kindest thing you’ve said to me.” He bit back a grin. Barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Beatrix walked over to the bookshelf where she had originally found the book and looked for the sequel. “What is the title of the second book?” she called over her shoulder. Lord Neville smiled and glanced down, then strode toward her. “The Butler’s Secret.” “Oh! I can’t wait.” She smiled as she searched for the book. “Ah! There it is!” She stood on her very tiptoes, reaching for the book, her fingers brushing the spine and missing in the effort to withdraw it. “Blast it all,” she mumbled. “Such language from a lady!” Lord Neville scolded, tsking his tongue. In spite of his grin, which bespoke his unoffended nature, Beatrix still felt her face heat with a painful blush. “Allow me.” “No, I’ve got it.” Beatrix tried again. “Very well.” Lord Neville stepped back, crossing his arms. After several additional attempts to dislodge the book, Beatrix sighed and turned to face him. “Can you please help?” “I thought you’d never ask, though I must say the… stretching… offered a very pleasant view of your ankles,” he replied as he brushed past her and began to reach for the book. “Ooo…” Beatrix elbowed him in the ribs just as he stretched. “What the—“ He dislodged the book only slightly and turned to glare at her. “Was that necessary?” “You were looking at my ankles,” she replied haughtily. “You were looking at me earlier.” He crossed his arms, knowing he had won the argument, judging by the triumphant gleam in his eyes. “The book, please?” Beatrix shifted the topic of conversation. “Here.” He easily reached the book’s spine and removed it to the point of where it was teetering on the edge. “You simply could not resist, could you?” Beatrix grumbled as she reached and pulled out the book. “No,” he answered honestly, “but to be honest… if you were in my position, would you have done any different?” “No… wait. Yes.” He cocked his head, waiting. “I would have tried to make the book fall on your head,” Beatrix replied then dashed across the room. “Unbelievable!” he called out and gave chase. “You’re simply jealous I thought of it rather than you.” She spoke as she strategically stepped, placing the chaise between them. “I’d never do anything so diabolical to a lady,” he shot back then slowly circled the chaise. Beatrix matched him step for step till they’d made a full lap around the piece of furniture. “This is pointless,” he replied, walked away and sat in the chair. He reached for a book on the side table and began reading. Beatrix watched him for a moment then took a seat as well. Halfway into the first chapter of her book she glanced up, noticing that Lord Neville was not across from her any longer. “Lesson one… never let your guard down,” he whispered from beside her. “How did you do that?” she asked, startled that she had missed his movement. “Shouldn’t you be more concerned with why?” he asked. Beatrix swallowed, trying not to notice how his nearness radiated comforting warmth or how the very air was permeated with a masculine spicy scent that called to her. “Why?” “In this case… it was the only way I could get close enough to do this,” he whispered as he leaned in slightly. His hand reached up and gently placed a lock of hair behind her ear. “What if… if I don’t want you to?” Beatrix asked, knowing full well how much she did want him too; however, the last thing she wanted was for him to know that! “Then simply say no,” he murmured, his gaze darting from her lips to her eyes once more. “Are you… going to say no?” Beatrix blinked, unable to break the swirling fog of desire that wound around them like mist from the sea. “No.” He leaned away, and Beatrix realized the misunderstanding. He had thought she’d meant she didn’t welcome his affection! Quickly, she reached up and placed her hand against his cheek, immediately feeling his warm skin through her glove. Hope dawned in his expression, and immediately he closed the distance and pressed his lips to hers, caressing them softly. Longingly. He withdrew slightly, but only to tilt his head further before placing another kiss to her lips, sliding his across hers softly, invitingly. She reached up and placed her hand at his shoulder, pulling him in closer, a request he immediately obeyed. His kiss deepened, and Beatrix lost herself in the thousands of blissful sensations that were all awakening each moment. She almost gasped when his velvet tongue slid across her lower lip a second before his teeth playfully nipped at it. Not wanting to be outdone, she tentatively mimicked his actions, glorying in his reaction as her hand at his shoulder felt the telling bunching of his musculature as he leaned in deeper to their shared kiss. With each nip and caress, she gave and took, a constant partner in the dance, moving with the music of desire awakening. The sound of voices, angry voices, interrupted Beatrix’s blissful state and shook her back to the reality of her situation. She was alone. With an unmarried gentleman. Which was enough to consider her compromised, not to mention she had been willingly participating in a far-more-than-chaste kiss. Greenford Waters Legacy The Only Reason For the London Season

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  Author Bio authorpictureprof Kristin Vayden Kristin’s inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He’s given her.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Title: Whispered Lies Author: Kristin Vayden Genre: New Adult

Whispered Lies Cover Synopsis

Atonement is my only salvation. So when the opportunity presented itself, to save her. I did. And the tangled web began…Knowing her, but not letting her know me. Keeping her at arm's length when all I wanted to do was have her in my arms. Protecting her, because I finally fell. And the monster she needed protection from… Was me.

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Excerpt “Why are you avoiding me?” I asked, hating that I sounded so weak and insecure. I risked a glance up, biting my lip as Alder studied me. He didn’t immediately refute my claim, which basically affirmed that I was right. He was avoiding me. Fan-freaking-tastic. Which totally solidified my stalker status. “Jayne, it’s for the best… okay?” He spoke quietly, his gaze searching my face, landing on my lips. He closed his eyes and turned away slightly. Opening his eyes, he studied the wall. “Why?” “Because I’m… I’m the last person… you deserve someone so much…. better, you know? It’s not you. It’s me.” He turned to face me as he spoke. “Whenever anyone says that, it just makes you feel like they're trying to let you down nicely, you know?” I took a deep breath and stood. “It’s okay. I get it. I just…” I searched his hazel eyes. “…I thought there was something more, and I was wrong. It’s okay.” I tried to smile bravely, but I knew I failed by the expression on his face. “Jayne, don’t.” His expression was tortured, as if he were fighting an internal civil war, and no matter the side, he would lose. “It’s okay, Alder. I… I’m sorry I cornered you. It’s just that I felt safe around you… and it’s…” I took a shaky breath as I continued. “…it’s been a long time since I felt that way, you know?” I gave a weak smile as my eyes stung with tears. “Oh shit, don’t cry, please don’t cry. You… I… Jayne, I’m not worth your tears.” His voice was hoarse as he stood and reached out toward me then pulled back his hand as if reaching for something that would burn him. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed forcefully then closed his eyes. “Seriously, Jayne, if you only knew…” He shook his head and then rubbed the back of his neck. I paused, studying him. “Is… is it because of your past?” I asked tentatively, knowing that I was about to walk on thin, fragile ice. He froze, and his eyes slowly slid to meet mine. “You could say that,” he whispered. I could see his breathing grow rapid as his gaze locked with mine, his expression full of fear. “And… you think it would be hard for me to see past it,” I guessed, taking a cautious step forward. He watched my slow movement with a heavily guarded expression, as if he was terrified. Slowly, he nodded. I risked another step toward him, watching as his gaze held steady, locked on mine. “Because what you did is unforgiveable?” I murmured. He nodded once, barely blinking as he watched me take the final step that would bring us toe to toe. “I see,” I whispered as I tilted my head slightly and inhaled the warm scent coming from his skin, a mix of sweat and raw power. It was intoxicating, alluring and called to me, urging me to be reckless. I wasn’t the kind of girl to be forward, to chase the guy. Alder had changed all of that. Reaching down, I slowly laced my fingers with his, thankful he had taken off the tape as we left the gym. His fingers tightened around mine, warming me with the security of his gentle grip. Heart pounding, I glanced up, studying his expression, memorizing the walnut-and-moss-green highlights of his eyes, the strong line of his jaw. His gaze traced my face, as if he were studying me just as intently. “I’m stronger than you think,” I murmured and rose up on my toes as I ran my nose along his lower jaw. His breathing hitched and I sensed his muscles lock down, as if straining against himself, not wanting to move, to either step away or step closer. It was a turning point. I could almost feel the battle being fought within him, and I wasn’t sure which side would win. So I risked it all, hoping I would turn the tide. Before I could possibly overthink my actions, I lifted my chin just enough to meet his mouth. Softly, I pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, lingering for a moment. It was as far as I was going to go. Now I waited. Leaning back slightly, I lifted my gaze to study his expression. Indecision flickered before the hunger that I had only glimpsed earlier began to burn brightly in his gaze. Immediately, he tugged me close and all but devoured me with his kiss. There was no easing into the passion; it was like the Fourth of July, explosive and beautiful and passionate. His hands released mine and ran up my shoulders till they framed the back of my neck, guiding me to tilt my head so he could deepen the kiss. His lips caressed mine, his teeth playful and ardent as they nipped at my lower lip, teasing me. He darted his tongue along the seam of my lips and tortured me with just a taste of his flavor. Not wanting to be outdone, I gripped his shoulders and ran my fingers along the hills and valleys of his back, delighting in the raw power he held. I could feel his heartbeat racing as I pressed into him, wanting to be closer, wanting more. Wanting to forget everything but him, wanting to lose myself, even if it were just for one moment. For one night. “Alder…” I whispered his name as his lips left mine and traveled down my neck, nipping and teasing my skin till he reached my collarbone. Almost frantically he met my lips once more, seemingly desperate to taste my kiss. A desperation I felt as well. Breaking the kiss, I grinned and gently pressed against his chest till his knees hit his chair. His chest rose and fell quickly, same as mine, as I kissed him once, then pushed down on his shoulders, encouraging him to sit down. Climbing on his lap, it was almost as if I were watching it unfold outside my body. This wasn’t me… I didn’t do things like this… But here I was, seducing him in a dingy prison-looking office. Alder didn’t need any further encouragement. Where I had started everything, he was now taking control, and I was thrilled to follow. His hands circled my waist and pulled me tightly against his lap as his lips took mine hostage, demanding and hot. I felt the last reservations fall away. Warm hands gripped my hips till they toyed with the edge of my shirt. His tongue wove around mine, dancing, seducing. Deftly, his hands found skin, caressing my lower back and wandering around to my stomach, climbing higher till they grazed the edge of my bra. Then, like someone had poured a bucket of ice water over his head, he froze. He carefully ended the kiss and gently pulled my shirt down so it covered me. Confused, I leaned back to study him. “Jayne…” His tone was labored. I waited, barely breathing. My heart thundered with the fear of rejection. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the back of the chair as his hands wound around my waist, and he held me as if he were afraid I’d disappear. Alder would forever be a complete contradiction. And like a drug, I couldn’t stop needing hit after hit. His breathing slowed, and he lifted his eyes to meet my gaze. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” That wasn’t what I was expecting. And it was the most romantic, sweet thing any guy had ever said. A piece of my heart melted, and a smile broke through the fear. “Honestly… in all the world, I don’t think I’d ever find anyone so beautiful, inside and out.” He shook his head slightly, his expression full of wonder, but a rough edge to his tone gave me a shiver up my spine. Ignoring it, I shrugged. “You don’t know me that well… yet.” I grinned flirtatiously. “Actually…” Alder’s expression froze then grew resolute. “…Jayne, I do.”

Author Bio

authorpictureprof Kristin Vayden

Kristin’s inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He’s given her.

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Sunday, February 15, 2015

Whispered LIES Release this week!

Title: Whispered Lies Author: Kristin Vayden Genre: New Adult Release Date: February 19, 2015

Whispered Lies Cover Synopsis Atonement is my only salvation. So when the opportunity presented itself, to save her. I did. And the tangled web began…Knowing her, but not letting her know me. Keeping her at arm's length when all I wanted to do was have her in my arms. Protecting her, because I finally fell. And the monster she needed protection from… Was me. 6881a-add-to-goodreads-button31 Whispered Lies Teaser #1 Excerpt Watching her from across the room was the most perfect of torture. As much as I wanted her, I knew she'd never be mine. So I allowed myself to simply burn, experiencing the pain as a reminder that she was close, but also a warning that she was almost too close. The thin line that existed was the tightrope I walked each day, yet like an addict I continued to push the limit, just waiting, hoping against the impossibility. Class ended and I stood up, still watching her from the corner of my eye. She was graceful in a way I doubted anyone else noticed. Every movement was a fluid part of the previous one that transitioned effortlessly into the second, the third till her every motion became part of the dance. The rest of the day went by like a boring litany that continued forever. I tapped my pen on my notebook and then realized the professor was glaring at me. Setting it down I turned my attention to the clock, mentally calculating the seconds it would take till I was free. When class was finally released I was first out the door, my eyes scanning the crowd eagerly, searching for her.

After all, the heart always wants what it can never have.

I knew she'd never look at me twice.

But that didn't stop my heart from beating for her.

You see, I’m not the good guy.

On the outside, I might look like it, I might even smile at you.

But it’s a lie.

It’s all a lie.

There’s nothing redeemable about me.

Except for her.

But I’m the last person she’d ever want to be with.

Because I’m the reason he died. I’m at fault.

But she doesn’t know it was me.

Atonement is my only salvation.

Protecting her, because I finally fell.

And the monster she needed protection from…

Was me.

Whispered Lies Teaser #2

Author Bio

authorpictureprof Kristin Vayden

Kristin’s inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He’s given her.

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Celebrate the Release of Whispered Lies with a PARTY! We will start the celebrating early on Wednesday, February 18th!

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