EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY
Tabitha’s Folly
(Regency House Party: Somerstone Book 5)
(Regency House Party: Somerstone Book 5)
by Jen Geigle Johnson
During September and October, we will be featuring 20 fabulous authors who write clean romance. Today we feature Jen Geigle Johnson with Tabitha’s Folly, available for only $0.99.
Tabitha’s Folly is one of six books all set at the same Regency House Party: Somerstone series by several authors. While each is a standalone story, the characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order. Also available for only $0.99: Damen’s Secret.
Description
Lady Tabitha Easton recklessly dodges four over-protective brothers while trying to gain attention from the man who holds her heart. She has many choices of suitors, and with Henry as disinterested as ever, she turns to what is wholly forbidden, an irresistibly handsome footman. While their friendship grows, her trust in him increases while her hurt and doubt in her childhood love and friend pushes her away from all she’s ever known as family.
When Lord Henry Courtenay discovers a new attraction to his childhood friend, his role as one of her chaperones at the house party becomes near impossible. Irrationally defensive about any potential suitors and seeking time alone with the enticing Tabby, maintaining friendship with her brothers proves more difficult than he ever imagined. His task becomes all the more difficult when she refuses to understand his growing attraction and often finds herself in almost compromising situations.
When Tabitha’s choices might lead her to danger, and doubt and distrust are high, Henry must prove himself or lose her forever.
Excerpt
Damen, most valued footman of the Countess du Breven, walked precisely three steps behind his employer, cradling her dog in his arms.
She waved impatiently but kept at her slow pace. “Come Damen, I insist upon personally inspecting each of the rooms before our guests arrive.”
Of all the ridiculous notions. “Shall we visit all 365 rooms before tea?”
She lifted her chin. “I hear your sarcasm. It would do you well to mind your tongue.”
“But then you wouldn’t like me half as much.” He paused. When she did not respond, he added, “Perhaps if we run? We could see the first one hundred today.”
The old countess sighed, and Damen couldn’t help but grin. He cared for her with a sort of familial loyalty he couldn’t shake. There were certainly other houses not as large, other employers not so demanding, but he couldn’t find it in him to leave her. And she paid better than anyone he knew. And of course, there were the other reasons he stayed.
She called over her shoulder, “How’s Wellington? Are you supporting him properly?”
This time he sighed.
“Tut! You sound like an old woman, with your sighing.”
“Perhaps we would get further in our inspection if Wellington did not need to accompany?” He could hope.
The pug dog draped across his arms, drool wetting his sleeve. He would have to change his jacket as soon as he returned from their walk. A low growl rumbled in Wellington’s chest.
The Countess ran a gloved hand along the arm of one of the statues. “He is lovely, is he not?” The man in question stood tall, remembered in white marble.
Damen shook his head. They often came here on their walks, to admire the men who had been immortalized in varying degrees of undress. She had a fine eye for sculpture, the dimension, the expression. But he just saw a room full of shirtless men, or worse.
They continued through the statuary hall to the armory’s door. Here was a room he could appreciate. But as if she were trying to torture him, she waved her hand as they walked by. “No one will want to go in there.”
He would not argue. The more rooms they skipped the better.
This house party–another one of the countess’s eccentric efforts at meddling.
She invited select members of the ton, and she prided herself in the vast number of couples who had become affianced in her home. In the past, he had endured the many incessant, simpering demands of the titled and wealthy guests and received little in return.
But not this year. This year, he too would benefit.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]
Praise for the Book
“It’s the perfect hit of romance, regency, and intrigue. A very fun read.” ~ Mary Jolley
“Great characters with the potential for so many more stories. This is a sweet romance and a beautiful ending.” ~ Emily F
“This was a fun and quick read.” ~ nari
“Absolutely loved it!” ~ Karsa_Writer
“This was my first time reading anything by Jen Geigle Johnson, and I must say I enjoyed it!” ~ Kara M. Stratz
About the Author
Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep’s roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager.
Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference.
Also by the author:
Giveaway
Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.
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