Seven Wonders - Donna Hatch

7 things I love about being published, my book, blurb and excerpt:

1. I've finally achieved a goal I set way back in my early teens -- being a published author.

2. I find if surprising and wonderful that my brother has read all my romances.

3. My regency romances are available in both digital and paperback.

4. I adore my bookcovers because they are very eye-catching (not that I had much to do with the design). But something really fun is on the cover of The Guise of a Gentleman; a quote from New York Times best-selling author, Jennifer Ashley:
"Combining Jane Austen with swashbuckling adventure, The Guise of a Gentleman is a fine specimen of pirate romance!"

5. Getting fan mail is the most rewarding part of writing books.

6. My back cover blurb gives enough info to tell you the basic story, doesn't give away any surprises...and yes, there are surprises.


Blurb:
The widowed Elise is a perfect English lady living within the confines of Regency English society for the sake of her impressionable young son. Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for freedom and adventure. But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret.

A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared accepts one last assignment before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging. His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not survive the revelation of Jared’s past…or still love him when the truth is revealed.


7. And...here's an excerpt from where they first meet in chapter one, right after she rescues him from the villains:


“You are a woman of great courage to face those cutthroats.”

His fingers closed around hers as if she were a lifeline. Her late husband's hands had always been smooth and soft, the hands of a gentleman, so unlike this man's calluses which bespoke hard work.

She marveled at their size, and at the tingles that traveled up her arm.

A flush crept over her face as she realized the direction of her thoughts. “I saw a cruel act and felt compelled to intervene. I could do nothing less.”


His eyes darted over her face and he said in a stronger voice, “They might have turned on you.”

“I'm an excellent shot.”


“And did you not consider that you may have been in danger from me as well?”

She suspected many women found him a very great danger, but not for the reason he spoke. Swallowing against a dry mouth, she lifted her chin. “You hardly looked dangerous at the time. And I daresay you lack the strength to offer any threat now.”


The barest hint of smile twitched his mouth.