This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Diane Scott Lewis will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
To Entice A Spy
by Diane Scott Lewis
In 1794, Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne seeks revenge for the brutal death of her female companion during a Paris riot. On her return to England, Eseld delves into espionage to defeat the French rebels.
Baron Robert Penhale, Eseld’s childhood love, rejoins the Secret Services after his wife’s death. He’s determined to protect England from the revolution terrorizing France.
A ruthless French spy fights for the common man while disguised as an English aristocrat. He’s intent on revenge against those who oppose him.
With the spy stalking them and Robert in fear for Eseld's life, the fate of the couple verges on disaster.
Read an Excerpt:
Eseld finished her punch and looked away.
“I was being friendly with the viscount, on a purely decent level, on my part.”
“I’m worried about you. Men can take advantage.
As in being purely mercenary.” Robert’s emotion rose to the surface, rawer than he wished. “I want you to be very cautious.”
“I’m aware of greedy men. And I’m not romantically involved, if that’s what concerns you.” She didn’t sound angry, more a question. A yearning?
“Are you collecting friends or inquiring where you should not?” He toned down his rhetoric, not wishing to upset her.
“That again. You think me foolish, or incapable.”
Her reply was soft despite what she stated. She didn’t deny her motives.
He moved closer. His heartbeat thudded; was she investigating a possible spy as he first surmised?
“You are one of the most capable women I know. Please, confide in me.”
They appeared to still dance around one another—this time with words.
She turned and faced him. “I don’t want us to be at odds.”
She paused for a moment and lightly touched his stock. “Is that all you seek, me to confide? Am I but a contrary girl who must be guided by you?”
“Truthfully, as we were always truthful in our youth, I want to kiss you.”
He cupped her upper arms and couldn’t believe he’d said that aloud. Her jasmine perfume invaded his senses.
“Pardon my boldness. I’m not of your station anymore, am I?”
“That doesn’t matter to me,” she whispered. “But aren’t you still in mourning?”
Eseld finished her punch and looked away.
“I was being friendly with the viscount, on a purely decent level, on my part.”
“I’m worried about you. Men can take advantage.
As in being purely mercenary.” Robert’s emotion rose to the surface, rawer than he wished. “I want you to be very cautious.”
“I’m aware of greedy men. And I’m not romantically involved, if that’s what concerns you.” She didn’t sound angry, more a question. A yearning?
“Are you collecting friends or inquiring where you should not?” He toned down his rhetoric, not wishing to upset her.
“That again. You think me foolish, or incapable.”
Her reply was soft despite what she stated. She didn’t deny her motives.
He moved closer. His heartbeat thudded; was she investigating a possible spy as he first surmised?
“You are one of the most capable women I know. Please, confide in me.”
They appeared to still dance around one another—this time with words.
She turned and faced him. “I don’t want us to be at odds.”
She paused for a moment and lightly touched his stock. “Is that all you seek, me to confide? Am I but a contrary girl who must be guided by you?”
“Truthfully, as we were always truthful in our youth, I want to kiss you.”
He cupped her upper arms and couldn’t believe he’d said that aloud. Her jasmine perfume invaded his senses.
“Pardon my boldness. I’m not of your station anymore, am I?”
“That doesn’t matter to me,” she whispered. “But aren’t you still in mourning?”
About the Author:
Her spy novella, To Entice a Spy, set in England during the French Revolution—two former lovers chase a ruthless spy; will love rekindle as murder stalks them?—will be released on October 11, 2021.
Diane lives with her husband and one naughty dog in western Pennsylvania.
For more on her books visit her website.
Website: http://www.dianescottlewis.org
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Diane-Scott-Lewis/e/B003NTK2GM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1632593463&sr=1-1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/diane-scott-lewis-999d8de3-fdae-46d4-8758-665f9362c2ae
FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Diane-Scott-Lewis-277223019312535/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3999998.Diane_Scott_Lewis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhparkin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DSLewisHF
Diane
Scott Lewis will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner
via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me.
ReplyDeleteOoh...fun excerpt! The teasing! Love it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Sue.
ReplyDelete