Fall into Romance Blog Hop-guest post Becky Lower

It’s Jasmine Fitzpatrick’s year to shine at this season’s Cotillion and men will be throwing themselves at her. But she sets her sights on a man she’s never met, the Viscount of Foxborough. He’s wealthy and has an English title. Only a few things stand in her way: a wealthy, young, beautiful widow who captures the viscount’s attention immediately, her fear of riding horses when he owns a breeding stable and racetrack, and the viscount’s stableboy, Parr.

            Parr O'Shaughnessy loses his heart to Jasmine the moment he meets her. However, he has no title to interest her. He left behind an impoverished existence in Ireland when the viscount offered to bring him and his famous horse to America to build a dynasty together. He believes Jasmine barely noticed him when she was introduced--she only had eyes for the viscount. He struggles with his loyalty to the viscount and his love for Jasmine. But winning her love might mean losing all he has worked for.

Excerpt:

She brought a bag out from behind her back and handed it to him. 

“I thought of you when I came across this, and wanted to give it to you.”

Parr opened the bag and pulled out a fine, gray tweed cap. He ran his hands over it,

aware of its sumptuousness. It was much finer than anything he had ever before had. He

got a lump in his throat, and swallowed hard before he answered.

“’Tis lovely, Miss Fitzpatrick, but I canna accept such a generous gift.”

“Yes, you can, and you will. I owe you much more than that. You were able to get me

past my fear of horses. Look at me now, standing here next to them. Not to mention the

whole boot idea. I have much to thank you for. Here, let me put it on you, so I can see

how it looks.”

She took the cap from his hands, and reached up to brush his hair back from his

forehead. Parr’s stomach jumped at the contact, as did other body parts. She smiled at

him and ran a hand through his hair as she took another step forward. Placing the cap on

his head, she then tugged on it gently to get the right angle. Their gazes locked for a long

moment. Parr noticed desire in her eyes, and it mirrored the flash of fire in his. Feelings

that had been too long denied. He took a step back.

“Shouldn't you get a move on back to your dinner party, and to Alistair? He told me

that Lydia Smith is visiting her sister in Virginia for a few weeks, so the way is now clear

for you.”

Jasmine dropped her head. “I suppose it is.”

“Well, you don’t sound all that happy about it, Caitlin. That is what you want, isn't it?”

Her eyes came back up and searched his face. “Yes, of course it is.” Her eyes flashed

as she held his bold stare. He followed the movement in her delicate throat as she

swallowed. And nearly groaned as her pink tongue darted out to moisten her lips.

He reached up and removed the cap, carefully setting it on an overturned bucket. Then

he moved back to her side. They were a hair’s breadth apart. His eyes focused on her lush

lower lip and he lost control.

“I don’t think Alistair is what you want at all. I think this is.” He backed her up to the

stall fence and captured that full lower lip between his teeth in a kiss that had been too

long in coming. His tongue entered her mouth and his stomach jumped when she moaned

in delight.

Finally emerging from this dream, he blinked his eyes and backed away. For the love

of God, what had he done?

Jasmine was breathing as hard as he was, as she stood by the wall, looking well kissed

but furious. Her hand slashed through the space between them and connected with his

cheek.

“How dare you kiss me!” Her eyes sparkled with fury as she stared at him. She

reached out for him again, but this time she put her hands on either side of his head and

pulled him to her, kissing him with a passion he wasn't aware existed in her.

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