Face to Face, Book 1 in A Waltz with Destiny by Alanna Lucas is a Historical Fiction/Romance Event pick #regency #historicalromance #giveaway
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    • Mar 22
    • 5 min read

Face to Face, Book 1 in A Waltz with Destiny by Alanna Lucas is a Historical Fiction/Romance Event pick #regency #historicalromance #giveaway



Title:

Face to Face

Book 1 in A Waltz with Destiny

 

Author:

Alanna Lucas

 

Genre:

Historical Romance- Regency

 

Book Blurb:

 

Kidnapped: His Bride-to-Be

 

Penelope Ashurst is a dutiful daughter, but wishing for just one adventure before she submits to marriage to the stuffy old viscount her father has selected, she sneaks off to attend a society masked ball. There, she dances and shares a secret kiss with a handsome blond stranger. Her heart is stolen! How can she find a way to come face to face with this mystery man once more?

 

When Ranulph Rochefort, Earl of Monfort, meets Miss Ashurst, he realizes this goddess is the young woman picked out for him as a suitable wife. However, it’s clear Penelope has no idea he’s the one she’s been promised to. He decides not to reveal his identity but to contrive to see her again.

 

Only then, Penelope is abducted! Lord Percival Trane, a ne’er-do-well aristocrat, needs to marry a wealthy woman to settle his debts. When Ranulph fathoms who has taken Penelope, and that they are bound for Gretna Green, he knows he must move heaven and earth to find her. But can he reach her in time, and instead, claim her as his rightful bride?

 

Excerpt:

 

What am I doing here? Ranulph thought to himself for the hundredth time that evening. And just like the previous ninety-nine times, the answer was the same, Nigel. His younger brother had quite the flair for getting into trouble. When Ranulph had discovered Nigel’s plans, instead of deterring him, he’d somehow ended up agreeing to accompany him. This sort of entertainment had ceased to intrigue him years ago. Actually, this sort of entertainment had never appealed to him. He was not a rake or rogue, never had time to indulge in such pastimes. His late father had made sure of that. The future heir to an earldom, according to his papa, was supposed to be respectable and responsible, two words that Ranulph had come to detest.

 

“It is amazing,” Nigel said, looking at Ranulph, taunting him as only a younger brother could.

 

Meeting Nigel’s eyes, Ranulph gave him a stern glare. “What is ‘amazing’?” He was in no mood to deal with his brother’s sense of humor, or lack thereof.

 

“Even behind a black mask, the scowl on your face is most apparent.” His brother delivered another jab. “You’ll never secure a companion for the evening with that glower.”

 

“I don’t want a companion. I am only here to ensure that you behave yourself. After last week’s fiasco with that opera singer, I am not sure Mother could take another scandal.” Ranulph’s heart ached with the thought of all the embarrassment his brother’s misdemeanors had brought to their mother’s doorstep over the years.

 

“What happened to you? You used to laugh and at least pretend to enjoy yourself, and now…” His brother shook his head at him before continuing, “You’ve grown much too serious. What you need is…”

 

Nigel’s words faded into a dull hum. He meant well, but he did not understand. Ever since Ranulph was a young child, he’d been held to a higher standard, constantly reminded that he would one day take his father’s place as the Earl of Monfort. His entire life had been spent under the crushing weight of a responsibility he could not bring himself to ignore.

 

His brother’s words became audible again, “You’re on your own for the rest of the evening, dear brother.”

 

Ranulph was about to give Nigel his “you’d better not cause too much trouble or else” look when he saw her, a veritable goddess in soft primrose silk. He heard his brother bid farewell for the evening, but suddenly he did not care. Standing not ten feet in front of him was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

 

Her elegant costume was draped about her form, emphasizing her womanly curves. She was neither too petite nor too tall. Her hair, pinned with small crepe roses sporadically adorning its soft tendrils, cascaded down her delicate neck. He watched as she smiled at the antics of a pair of dominoes who had disrupted the dance with their own version of a waltz. Even though her mask covered most of her face, it did not hide the sweet dimples that peeked through.

 

She did not belong here, any more than he. Curious to know who she was, he pushed his way through the boisterous crowd. He meant to speak to her. However, when he reached her side, for the first time in his life, he struggled for words. Clearing his throat, he stuttered, “May… I have the…” He swallowed hard before getting the rest of his words out. “Pleasure of this waltz?”

 

Good Lord, he was acting like a schoolboy attempting his first conquest. No woman had ever discomposed him so. Leaning in, he waited in agony, the seconds drawing out in anticipation of her response.

 

When she lowered her lashes, he thought she would refuse him. But when she glanced up at him with a mixture of uncertainty and excitement, her green eyes twinkled with delight. She did not speak, just nodded her acceptance, and extended her gloved hand. The moment Ranulph took it, his pulse raced, and a jolt careened through his body.

 

The music began, and he guided her with ease to the flowing, melodious sound. Her body was made to fit against his. He wondered if his goddess felt the same. “You are a graceful dancer.” He hoped his compliment would coax words from her delectable mouth. He wanted to know who she was and why she was here.

 

Her eyelids fluttered lower with a sweet shyness. “Thank you.”

 

He knew without a doubt his initial thought was correct. This goddess was not meant to be here. The trouble was, it would appear that she was not one for conversation. “And who are you pretending to be this evening?” That question earned him a direct look. He noticed her eyes were not just green, but jade with flecks of gold.

 

“Penelope.”

 

“Wife of Odysseus?”

 

Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):

 





https://www.bookbub.com/books/face-to-face-a-waltz-with-destiny-by-alanna-lucas                                                                                                                                       


 


What makes your featured book a must-read?

 

A masquerade, hidden identities, and a kidnapping—the perfect recipe for a romance.

 

Giveaway –

 

Enter to win a $40 Amazon gift card:

 

 

Open Internationally.

 

Runs March 21 – April 2, 2024.

 

Winner will be drawn on April 3, 2024.

 


Author Biography:

 

Bestselling, award-winning author, Alanna Lucas pens Regency-set historicals filled with romance, adventure, and of course, happily ever afters. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination, Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, tending to her garden, or going for long walks. She makes her home in California with her husband and children, and too many books to count.

 

Just for the record, you can never have too many handbags or books. And travel is a must.

 

Social Media Links:

 





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