Sarah’s
Surrender
Bound and Determined # 2.5
Bound and Determined # 2.5
By: Lavinia Kent
Releasing September 22, 2015
Loveswept
Blurb
In Lavinia Kent’s scorching new
eBook original novella, two wounded hearts find that only the sweet release of
temptations long denied can heal the pain of past sins.
Over time, Jonathan has learned quite a bit about the art of pleasure—though nothing has ever given him so much joy as the husky timbre of Sarah’s laugh. It had hurt to leave her, but what other choice did he have? Perhaps he’d been too afraid of ending up like his brother, targeted by a woman seeking a title. Seeing her again, Jonathan can’t help wondering what might have been if only Sarah had surrendered to red-hot lust. Fortunately, judging by the wicked look in her eyes, it may not be too late to find out.
Excerpt
He
could not be here. Miss Sarah Swilp closed her eyes and prayed that when she
opened them she would find it had all been an illusion, that he would be an
illusion. He could not possibly be here. He’d been gone for five years, been
out of England for five years. Why would he return now? And why here? He’d been
a rich man when he left; now he was supposedly beyond rich. Why would he
possibly choose the Carringtons’ ball as his first appearance in London?
Keeping
her eyes closed, she continued to pray. This night was bad enough without Mr.
Jonathan Perry deciding to appear.
He
couldn’t be here. He couldn’t.
All
the pain and anger of that night five years ago descended on her. She’d fought
so hard to forget and now he was here—and on this night of all nights. Wasn’t
it bad enough that she’d just discovered Lord Duldon was to marry Lady Bliss
Danser, that her own foolish hopes were to be dashed? She should have known
better. Not since that night five years ago had her life ever worked out the
way that she wished.
She
would have to open her eyes soon. Somebody would notice. And people thought her
strange and moody already.
Still,
perhaps she could afford one more moment.
No,
she would be brave; nothing was ever gained by delay.
With
slow deliberation she cracked her eyes, and squinted.
And
against her will, her eyes sought out the strong figure of the man across the
room, then lingered over his long, lean frame. He seemed taller, broader than
she remembered, different from the man she had once thought she loved.
Love.
Had it ever been love or had it all been the foolish imaginings of a child? It
had certainly felt real at the time, but she’d learned her lesson. It had been
burnt into her soul.
You
do know I won’t marry you.
Had
there ever been a phrase so hateful? So designed to cut a woman to the quick?
She’d
been glad that he’d been gone these last five years, glad not to see him, not
to remember him. Glad to forget he’d ever existed.
Glad
to forget those dark eyes and their piercing stare; those endless shoulders
that had protected her from the world; the scent of green grass and leather
that always clung to him when she pressed her face against his chest. Glad to
forget the safety of his embrace. Glad to forget how hard he’d felt against her
cheek; the delicious sensations she’d felt when his hands skimmed over her.
Glad to forget how happy his grin could make her; how constantly he’d made her
laugh. Glad to forget the feel of his lips pressed against hers, his tongue
sliding along the crease. Glad to forget . . .
And
now he was back. And of course he’d arrived tonight, when it felt as though her
world were falling about her. He’d have loved to laugh at her dreams, to have
laughed at poor Miss Swilp reaching so far above herself once again, to have
laughed that she’d ever imagined Duldon could be interested in her.
God,
Jonathan looked good though, better than she’d remembered—and that should have
been impossible. Why couldn’t he have grown thick about the waist or lost some
of that dark hair? Why did he stand there so tall and proud, the black of his
evening wear so stark and elegant? There simply was no justice in the world.
His
head turned.
His
chin dropped slightly, and his eyes met hers, pierced hers—and then moved on.
Did
he not recognize her? She knew she had changed, but . . . Then his gaze
returned, swept her from head to toe. His lips tightened. He turned away.
She
knew what that look and gesture meant. Pity was all too apparent when aimed at
oneself.
Without
another thought, she turned and fled, pushing through the crush and up the stairs.
The retiring room. She would find a moment’s peace there, a chance to collect
herself before risking a confrontation with Jonathan.
She
paused at the door. Hopefully, it would be empty. The evening was still too
young for torn hems, and the ball was so glorious in its intensity that she
couldn’t imagine that anyone would want to miss a moment of the excitement.
She
slipped through the door and into the chamber, releasing a long sigh. Not even
a maid was present. She was alone. Pouring cold water from a pitcher, she
splashed her face, hoping to draw some color into her pallid cheeks. It didn’t
take a glance in the mirror to know she lacked color. She’d felt it all drain
the moment she’d seen him. Not that there had been much to begin with; the days
when her cheeks shone like roses were rare indeed, and this certainly was not
one of them.
No.
No mirror was needed.
She
knew exactly what she looked like, knew exactly what Jonathan had seen.
Sarah’s Surrender is intended for mature audiences.
Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/07/sarahs-surrender-bound-and-determined.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25058233-sarah-s-surrender?ac=1
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/125212-bound-and-determined
Author Info
Lavinia Kent is a former two-term
president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of
America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family
and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.
Website: http://www.laviniakent.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaviniaKent
Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/LaviniaKent
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Review from Stephanie
This is an Arc I received from the publisher and
author through netgally. For an honest review. I have to say it was freaking
perfect I don't normally read alot of books like this but this author has won
me over with this series. It makes you feel apart of history I love seeing how
things were so different in these times. Jonathan did frustrate me sometimes
but he was just protecting himself. Sarah was just this beautiful heartbroken
young lady trying her best to survive in the cruel times. The story just gives
you kinda a magical feel and you get swept away by the story. My only complaint
is that it was short. It doesn't matter though because you are a clever author
and put everything in the story. I'm just being selfish and need more. So if
you haven't read anything by this author please take my advice and grab this
series. Even though this is a standalone but its better to read this authors
stuff. Thanks again for letting me review. Reviewing for Night and Day book
blog http://ndbbr2014.com Stephanie
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