12 Days of Clean Romance - Day 10 featuring Annette K. Larsen

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY

12 Days of Clean Romance - Day 10

featuring Annette K. Larsen

For Day 10 of our 12 Days of Clean Romance, we're featuring author Annette K. Larsen. Just Ella, the first book in the Books of Dalthia series, is ON SALE for only $0.99 to 18 December.

Also available: Missing Lily (read my blog post), Saving Marilee, Painting Rain, and Keeping Kinley (ON SALE for $0.99; read my blog post).

This promotion is hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader and features 12 of her favorite authors, whose books you can trust to be clean, fun, and 100% worth reading!

Just Ella
(Books of Dalthia Book 1)

by Annette K. Larsen

Description

Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined.

“I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me.”

Excerpt

He gave me a sad smile and shrugged. “I apologize if my bluntness offends you. I figured you would leave if you were upset by me.”

“That would be very rude of me.”

“It’s what I’d expect.”

“Why? Because that’s what a noble would do?”

“Well.” The confusion was back, forcing him to make a slight concession. “Any other noble.” It was somewhat gratifying that he no longer felt compelled to lump me with the nobles he despised. However, the fact remained—I wasn’t a noble. And I knew he would think even less of me when he knew what I was.

I wouldn’t lie. “I told you, I’m not—”

“Come now, Ella. Your tree climbing hasn’t got me fooled.” He used an almost paternal tone, his eyes laughing. “You are nobility, aren’t you?”

I buried my hurt. “No, I’m something worse.”

“Oh, come now, I don’t think that badly of people. The only thing that might be worse is royalty.” How charming he was, even when insulting me.

I stood silent for a moment, wondering if he would catch on. When he continued to gaze at me, I simply said, “Exactly.”

A look of horror crossed his face and I gave him a sad smile before turning to leave.

“Oh,” I heard him stuttering behind me, sounding utterly mortified. “No, I…my apologies, miss—Your Highness,” he corrected himself sharply. “Princess, I’m so very sorry, I…”

I shook my head as I turned to face him again. He looked so different: the confidence, the grin, the amusement were all gone, replaced with a look akin to physical pain. “It’s all right,” I said quietly. “You’re not wrong.” I should have inclined my head, waiting for him to bow before I left. Instead I lifted my hand in farewell.

Praise for the Book

“This book is so well written it felt just perfect. Honest. I loved it from beginning to end.” ~ Aimee Brown, Getting Your Read On

“Full of those tender moments you want to go back and read again, plus exciting moments, clever humor, and some suspense as well.” ~ Jana, The Writer’s Assistant

“Loved every second of this book. It was engaging, eventful, beautifully written and hard to put down. It’s wonderful for all ages!” ~ Jen, Goodreads

“This was one of those rare books where I just had to finish reading before doing anything else.” ~ Kathy, I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

“I haven't come across a book that I loved like this in a long time.” ~ Tarah, Goodreads

About the Author

I was born in Utah, but migrated to Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Idaho.

Though I dabbled in writing throughout school, being an author seemed like an unattainable dream. It took me seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel. Not the most time effective method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me.

I write clean romance because I love it. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that clinging to your convictions will be hard, but will bring you more genuine happiness than giving in ever can.

I love chocolate, Into the Woods, ocean waves, my husband, and my five littles. And I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment.

Links

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Giveaway

Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Keeping Kinley" by Annette K. Larsen

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY

Keeping Kinley
(Books of Dalthia Book 5)

by Annette K. Larsen

Keeping Kinley is the fifth book in the Books of Dalthia series by Annette K. Larsen. It is due for publication mid-March 2017. Already available: Just Ella, Missing Lily (read my blog post), Saving Marilee, and Painting Rain.

Keeping Kinley is currently listed on Kindle Scout. Nominate the book by 9 March and, if it's selected for publication, you will receive a FREE copy when it's published! This book blast and giveaway is brought to you by I Am a Reader.

Description

He’s noble. She’s common. It’s complicated.

Kinley is content with her common life until a chance meeting with an old friend - a noble - brings the possibility of love. Though Rylan pursues her with a charming carelessness, she doesn’t dare hope that their relationship will be accepted. When Kinley’s livelihood is threatened, she is thrust into his world as a servant, but the Rylan she encounters there isn’t the quirky friend she thought she knew. Can she trust him, or will she be forced to accept that her dreams are only that - dreams?

Book Video

Excerpt

My breath caught as soon as he said the name and my eyes searched his features, looking for the little boy I had known in the man that stood before me. “Rylan?” I breathed and he nodded, still with that familiar grin in place. “Oh…my,” was all my idiot brain could say as I took in his fine horse and his fine clothes and his fine eyes.

I probably still had pear juice on my face.

“How are you, Miss Kinley?” he asked with the same light in his eyes that he used to have whenever he would tell me about his favorite part of a lesson.

“I am…well,” I answered in a breathless sort of stuttering. “Very well, thank you. I hope all is well with you and your family. How are Lord and Lady Baylor?”

“My father runs his business affairs with an iron fist and my mother coddles the staff, so everything is as it should be.” He grinned.

“Good.” I had to ignore the grin so that I could speak. “And Master Welsley and Tayana?”

“Welsley takes life too seriously, but is ready to take over for father at a moment’s notice. Tayana is soon to be married.”

“Good, good. That’s very good.” It was so very awkward to be standing in front of this man who had befriended me as a child. How was I supposed to act?

“And what of your family?” he asked eagerly. “It was your brother, was it not? That married…”

“Princess Ariella, yes.” No one seemed to be able to say it out loud, worried that if they were wrong, I’d somehow be offended. I was used to finishing the thought.

He gave a crooked smile. “That must have been an interesting adjustment.”

I laughed, surprised at how succinct that description was. “It was a surprise and an adventure, and I really do adore her.”

“I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting her, but everyone seems to have an opinion one way or the other.”

“I can only imagine.” While most of the common folk had accepted Ella and Gavin, I knew that the nobility had not been so easily convinced when she’d stooped to marry a commoner.

He smiled, so casual, so comfortable.

I felt the need to fill the silence. His horse bobbed its head, trying to get Rylan’s attention. I pointed to him. “And who is this?”

He reached up, stroking the horse behind its ear. “This is Apollo. Say ‘Good day,’ old man.”

The horse actually nodded its head up and down. I was reminded of Herman, who I had abandoned.

“I should go.” I gestured awkwardly down the lane. “It was a pleasure seeing you.”

“Wait, can I see you tomorrow?”

My confusion made the corner of my mouth quirk up. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I’d like to speak with you again,” he said as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

“Oh, um.” He was nobility, and I was decidedly not. “I have to get Herman. My pony, he’s—” I pointed behind me as if that would explain my inability to speak coherently, then turned to walk back the way I had come.

About the Author

I was born in Utah, but migrated to Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Idaho.

Though I dabbled in writing throughout school, being an author seemed like an unattainable dream. It took me seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel. Not the most time effective method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me.

I write clean romance because I love it. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that clinging to your convictions will be hard, but will bring you more genuine happiness than giving in ever can.

I love chocolate, Into the Woods, ocean waves, my husband, and my five littles. And I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment.

Giveaway

Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win some a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links

Add to Goodreads

Kindle Scout

Amazon US author page

Amazon UK author page

Blog

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Twitter @Annetteklarsen

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"Missing Lily" by Annette K. Larsen

NEW RELEASE and GIVEAWAY

Missing Lily

by Annette K. Larsen

Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen has just been released. This is the author's second novel, which follows the story of Ariella’s younger sister, Lylin. Also available: Just Ella (ON SALE for $3.99 to 6 June)

This book blast and giveaway is brought to you by I Am a Reader, Not A Writer. You can also follow the blog tour starting 21 May.

Description

“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move - either away from me, or closer - and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.

He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.

Lylin was not used to being alone - much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.

Yet the turmoil felt at Lord Fallon’s estate is nothing compared to the upheaval she faces upon returning home.

Excerpt

When the light fell on me, Lord Fallon’s eyes widened. I tried to push myself to my feet, but he drew a sword that I had not realized was hanging at his side and pointed it at my throat. I fell back against the wall, crouching, my chest aching from the heavy beating of my heart.

“I don’t take kindly to vagrants on my property.” His fatigue had vanished. Now he looked menacing - terrifying.

My voice was barely audible as I forced a reply, “I’m not a vagrant, sir.”

His eyes narrowed in question. “Remove your hood.”

I raised my hand slowly and pushed the fabric back. His eyebrows raised, even more surprised by my appearance than by my voice. The sword lowered. “Giles, take her inside and put her in front of a fire. She’s freezing.” And with that, he walked away and I slumped back to the ground, numb with relief.

Featured Review

By Karen Rowley

I love this book. Such a good intriguing plot that kept me wondering if Lylin would ever share her letters to her love. And will he find out who she really is? Great job, Annette! Just Ella was so good and this one is amazing also!

From the Author

I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, and St. Louis, Missouri, before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.

I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Giveaway

Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links

Add to Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Amazon US author page

Amazon UK author page

Barnes & Noble author page

Blog

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Twitter @Annetteklarsen

Website