Once Upon a Christmas Moon
by Christine
Young, Genie Gabriel, C. L. Kraemer
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GENRE: Fantasy/Romance/Antology
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BLURB:
Blurb Twelve Days to Love
When Archer Steele showed up at Calanthe Durand's failing plantation with an alligator over his shoulder, Cali thought she'd never seen a more handsome man. During the war she'd had to defend herself and her servants from both union and confederate soldiers. Independent and self-sufficient, she'd vowed to never marry.
But Archer Steele has different ideas. The first time Archer had seen Cali in town, he felt an instant attraction. He decided he'd do everything and anything to convince the beautiful Miss Durand he was worthy of her love. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, he gave her twelve gifts to in hopes she'd fall in love with him.
When Archer Steele showed up at Calanthe Durand's failing plantation with an alligator over his shoulder, Cali thought she'd never seen a more handsome man. During the war she'd had to defend herself and her servants from both union and confederate soldiers. Independent and self-sufficient, she'd vowed to never marry.
But Archer Steele has different ideas. The first time Archer had seen Cali in town, he felt an instant attraction. He decided he'd do everything and anything to convince the beautiful Miss Durand he was worthy of her love. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, he gave her twelve gifts to in hopes she'd fall in love with him.
EXCERPT
Twelve Days to Love
Christine Young
“Enough love talk.” His grin spoke of the
devil is disguise. “Let’s go for a walk. Call it a feeble attempt to court the
woman of my dreams, the woman I want to convince she can’t live without me.”
Laughing softly, she cocked her head to
one side, studying Archer Steel. “I’d like that. Let me grab a shawl. You’re
not afraid of Mr. Lawson popping up.”
“No, not while I’m with you. He’s a sly
and manipulative person, a man of no courage. He won’t battle me, but he will
wait until you’re vulnerable.”
They walked down the stairs and along a
path skirting the bayou. A soft breeze sifted through the cypress trees,
stirring the hanging moss. The quiet time spent without conversation left a
peaceful feeling within. This moment could last forever, if she had her way and
if she admitted the truth, she could get used to having Archer by her side.
A gator slipped into the water as a crane
flew by. Cali leaned her head against Archer’s arm, wishing for the past, for
easier times. Her father would have made sure the chaperone was a few feet
behind. Now there was no one guarding her or her virtue. She didn’t know if she
cared. Maybe she wanted Archer to make love to her.
But she didn’t want to ever marry.
He turned her. Their gazes met and she
licked her lips, wanting the kiss that now seemed inevitable. Slowly bending
toward her, his lips met hers. They were warm and soft, so gentle she almost
swooned. Swooning was in the past when women wore corsets. A corset had not
molded her shape since the war began and her father left the plantation.
Leaving the garment in the wardrobe not only freed her body but also her mind.
With her eyes closed she felt heat sweep
within, knew the longing for a man. Fire enveloped her body and the small groan
emanating was coupled with the same sound from Archer.
Did he feel the same way? They were doomed.
No coherent thoughts made their way inside her head.
His hand touched her neck, one thumb on
her jaw. She felt his tongue against her lips. Without thought she opened for
him, acknowledged the touch inside her mouth. He deepened the kiss, exploring
her, his hand running the length of her arm. She pushed into him, enjoying the
hard muscles protecting her, enfolding her in his strength. She realized while
she didn’t need protection, she loved the closeness. This was an intimacy she’d
never understood or known, deeper than the bond between parents and daughter.
One hand on the small of her back pulled
her closer, his kiss deepened. She slipped her tongue inside his mouth, teeth,
tongue, a primal dual.
He pulled away, a grim expression on his
face. “We need to stop.”
Licking her lips, “I’m not sure I want
this to end.”
She heard his groan. “This kiss has to
end or Sam will be out here defending your honor. I don’t want him to have to
do that.”
“No one but me needs to defend my honor.”
She bristled, wishing for one more kiss.
REVIEW:
This was not your usual mix of Christmas stories. Each had its own distinct flavor. I enjoyed the mix of places and times as well as the unusual characters. A nice book to pick up when you are pressed for time and want something novella length to read.
REVIEW:
This was not your usual mix of Christmas stories. Each had its own distinct flavor. I enjoyed the mix of places and times as well as the unusual characters. A nice book to pick up when you are pressed for time and want something novella length to read.
AUTHOR Bio and
Links:
Christine
Young Bio
Born in Medford, Oregon,
novelist Christine Young has lived in Oregon all of her life. After graduating
from Oregon State University with a BS in science, she spent another year at
Southern Oregon State University working on her teaching certificate, and a few
years later received her Master's degree in secondary education and counseling.
Now the long, hot days of summer provide the perfect setting for creating
romance. She sold her first book, Dakota's Bride, the summer of 1998 and her
second book, My Angel to Kensington. Her teaching and writing careers have
intertwined with raising three children. Christine's newest
venture is the creation of Rogue Phoenix Press. Christine is the
founder, editor and co-owner with her husband. They live in Salem,
Oregon.
Links
Christie L. Kraemer Bio
A traveler for most of her
life, C. L. Kraemer has settled in the Northwest with her husband and two cats.
When not creating a new world or entity, she likes riding next to her husband
on their Harleys.
Genie Gabriel Bio
I'm an optimist whose
rose-colored glasses have bent frames and cracked lenses. When life kicks me in
the teeth, I find miracles and lessons I refused to learn an easier way. In
fact, I live with a small herd of miracles in the furry forms of dogs, who are
constantly trying to teach me to forgive, to play more, and to love without
limits.
I write about people who
find courage and integrity in the darkest times of their lives, who rescue
stray dogs and kittens, who find a person they would willingly give their lives
for, and who make their little corners of the world a better place.
People have remarked my
stories "aren't what they expected." With rose-colored glasses firmly
in place, I take that as a compliment.
Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/genene.valleau
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Christine Young, Genie Gabriel, C. L. Kraemer will be awarding one
digital copy of Once Upon a Christmas Moon to a randomly drawn winner via
rafflecopter during the tour.
Visit the other blogs on the tour, comment for additional changes to win.
December 14: Emily Carrington
December 21: books are love
December 21: Sharing Links and Wisdom
January 4: Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
January 4: Locks, Hooks and Books
January 11: The Reading Addict
January 11: Mixed Book Bag
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting our anthology and taking the time to review our stories!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting as well as the review. I am looking forward to seeing this review on Amazon. Thanks again.
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ReplyDeleteNice to have you and your stories here today.
ReplyDeleteThank you for featuring our Anthology on your blog today.
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