Extra Scene from Confessions from an Arranged Marriage

For lovers of Sebastian Iverley - or simply if you'd like to see a glimpse of his feud with Blake coming to an end - I've posted an extra scene that was cut from the book. Contains spoilers so better enjoyed if you've read Confessions. Here it is! I'd love to know what you think.

Mini-Excerpt from Confessions From An Arranged Marriage

This brief snippet has already appeared on my Facebook page. It's a glimpse of the first meeting between Minerva and Blake in the book. (They already know each other quite well, to their mutual disgust.)

 ***

A gentleman staggered through the double doors and skidded on the polished parquetry floor. At a distance of twenty feet, Minerva saw the newcomer preserve his balance by grabbing the shoulders of a large-bosomed, open-mouthed matron. Swinging her aside, his backward slide was arrested by the wall. Without a hint of embarrassment he slouched against a pilaster and scowled at the assembly.

He was as gorgeous as ever. A lock of dark blond hair with glints of gold flopped over a noble brow. No nose had ever been more perfectly carved, no jaw as firmly etched. The shapely mouth was full, sensuous and sulky, matching the expression in his dusky blue eyes.

He’d always been a handsome devil but the sight of him filled Minerva with disgust.

Lord Blakeney had arrived.

Surveying the room, his glance came to rest on her. His lips twisted into a derisive half smile and their eyes met in mutual displeasure. He shoved his back away from the wall and ambled over to her

“Our dance, I believe, Miss Montrose.” He hadn’t changed a bit.

Minerva felt a strong desire to slap his arrogant face. “Lord Blakeney,” she said with the merest hint of a curtsey. “I believe our dance was over half an hour ago.”

“This one will do just as well.”

 ***

Confessions from an Arranged Marriage releases March 27, 2012.  I will post a longer excerpt in about a month.

Who's Up Next?

I've made no secret of the fact that Minerva Montrose is the heroine of CONFESSIONS FROM AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE, coming in late March. But who's her hero? His identity is revealed today at The Ballroom Blog where I have convened a special meeting of The Burgundy Club. 

I'm frantically doing final edits on the book now. As soon as I've sent them to my editor, I'll sort out the winner of my current contest, for NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION. I also hope to have news of future projects very soon.