Lady Pricilla is one damsel who does not need rescuing by a Prince Charming unlike her sister, Cinderella. She has brains and intends to use them!
Lady Pricilla is one damsel who does not need rescuing by a Prince Charming unlike her sister, Cinderella. She is a modern woman. Marriage and children? Hah! She has brains and intends to use them.
Sir Arnald is used to women falling at his feet. After all, his mother’s magical matchmaking machinations are all too obvious with her silly incantations. Yet how is it that Lady Pricilla is immune to his mother’s hexes and those of his own compellation powers?
And how long will they live when they find themselves running from villains embroiled with smuggled goods and danger? At least until true love sweeps in...
Excerpt
“What do you see?” Lady Pricilla asked from behind. Soft breath whispered across his neck. He closed his eyes, wishing for a force of strength he was sure he did not possess, and willed her to step back.
She didn’t. Mayhap he was losing his powers.
With darkness fast approaching, he searched the far reaches of his mind for a stratagem. None came forth. If he demanded she wait while he investigated the cottage she would be right on his heels. He considered his options—and his companion. He turned to face her in the growing dusk. Her eyes were wide and. . .trusting. Surprise riveted through him, he lifted a hand to push back a wayward strand of her that flaxen hair. If his usual compelling notions did not apply to her, mayhap a more traditional one would work. He narrowed his eyes on those full lips as he recognized the danger of what he was actually contemplating. He was certain to lose this match.
Arnald leaned close to Lady Pricilla’s ear and let out a soft deliberate breath. Her shiver of awareness was his cue. “My lady.” He paused, breathing in that irresistible fragrance of jasmine. “Mayhap, you would be so kind as to wait here?” He spoke softly.
“But—”
“S’il vous plaît,” he whispered, drawing one fingertip along her jaw. He suppressed unquenched desire that threatened his control. He wanted to taste that succulent mouth. He settled with brushing his lips along her jaw. Smooth as silk. Knowing he shouldn’t carry it too far was different than being able to actually stop. He worked his way to the lobe of her ear, and suckled gently.
She gasped. It managed to bring his attention back to his dishonorable tactics.
“It could be dangerous. I would ne’er forgive myself should something dreadful happen to you.” Another shiver spoke that she was not so immune as she pretended.
That thought quickened his pulse. Skin, so soft to his touch had him fighting further urges to explore. Unfortunately, now was not the ideal time to dwell on such thoughts.
“You’ll wait, then?” Her hair brushed his cheek with her small nod. “I shall signal you once I feel ’tis safe,” he whispered. Unable to completely resist, he touched his lips to hers, sealing her promise. He lingered there for an eternity unable to draw away. The tip of his tongue touched her lips. Her sharp gasp forced him to pull back, to remember safety and shelter were needed. Her cooperation was needed.
Her eyes widened with shock. Not without force of effort, his arms fell to his sides. “This is not finished,” he said harshly.
Professional Reviews
Fun Story
This book is better then the first. A fun, adventurous and loving story. I think I like this sister the most, Cindy seems weak most of the time and the youngest I feel bad for. You do get a better picture to why each sister is the way she is based on the memories of their childhood and their reactions to the mom.
Awesome Read
I loved the first book and had to get this one too. Hard to put it down and made me have to read the third one in this series.
who knew?
I didn't know that there was a book written about Cinderella's step-sister. I enjoyed it so much that I told several friends about it.
Book I of Southern Swallow Series – 12th Century scholar Li K'ai-men takes command of his first official assignments during a time of political unrest and barbarian invasions.
Third Book in Five Book Series - Southern Swallow - a tale of 12th Century China. Li K'ai-men becomes entangled in an intrigue that becomes his undoing.
