Breaking
Ties
Lost
Colony Series
Book
One
Jo
Grafford
Genre:
historical romance
Publisher:
Astraea Press
Date
of Publication: October 16, 2013
ISBN:
978-1-62135-219-8
ASIN:
B00FYIYM7A
Number
of pages: 404
Word
Count: 121,390
Cover
Artist: Mande Matthews
Book
Description:
Intelligent
and well ahead of her times, ROSE PAYNE'S world is shattered after a
secret betrothal to the duke’s son costs her job as a clerk in his
father's household. Without a letter of recommendation, she becomes
an easy target for recruiters to the Colonies. Desperate for work,
she signs up for a risky overseas venture and sails for the New
World, vowing never again fall for a wealthy gentleman.
Returning
from a diplomatic tour in London, CHIEF MANTEO is bewitched by the
elusive, fiery-haired ship clerk and determined to overcome her
distrust. He contrives a daring plan to win her heart – a plan he
prays will protect her from a chilling conspiracy involving murder,
blood money, and a betrayal of their fledgling colony so terrifying
it can only be revealed in BREAKING TIES.
Special
Note: BREAKING TIES is the never-before-told rest of the story of the
Lost Colony.
Excerpt:
"You
want my help." 'Twas an accusation.
"Aye."
His
eyes darkened. "I save your life. I give gifts. I offer
marriage." He closed the remaining distance between us, his eyes
burning into mine.
I
stumbled back.
"You
give nothing in return," he snarled. "You only ask for
more."
"I
would had I something to offer," I whispered. "But I have
nothing. I am nothing."
"Then
what use are you to me?" He wheeled away.
I
sagged against the door, eyes stinging. I blinked rapidly and pressed
a hand to my stomach. Nausea rolled at the thought of informing the
others of my failure.
Manteo
circled the cabin like a hawk stalking its prey. 'Twas a fine room
with ornately carved shelves lining one wall. Bunks were built into
the next wall. A generous desk jutted from the third, overflowing
with maps and navigational devices. I recognized the compass and
hourglass but could not identify the other instruments. I jerked in
surprise when Manteo swooped down upon me.
"I
know our location." His arms shot out and slapped the wall on
either side of me, hemming me to the door. "I could swim ashore
from here."
"Then
why do ye stay if ye can leave and save yourself?"
"Governor
White gave his word to deliver me home."
"We
are going to starve, Manteo. 'Tis only a matter of days now."
"Nay.
You alone starve. The others eat."
"I
have no appetite."
"You
act as one already dead."
I
straightened my back. "I accept what I cannot change."
"And
I change what I cannot accept." He shifted his weight to the
wall, one arm propped over my head. He drew his fingertips down the
side of my face in a feather-light caress.
I
closed my eyes against the rush of unbearable sweetness. He made me
long for things forbidden. "'Tis within your power to help us. I
am begging you."
"Very
well."
My
eyes flew open. "Ye will do this for us."
"For
you." His voice was silken, his features as hard as granite.
I
smiled tremulously. "I thank thee, Manteo. Chief Manteo, that
is." The new title felt strange on my lips. I beheld him with a
mixture of awe and pride.
"I
have yet to name my price."
I
stared, confused.
He
grunted in disgust. "You refuse me as both husband and lover, so
you are left with the hiring of my services."
I
worried my lower lip between my teeth. At least he was willing to
negotiate. His eyes flashed with lust as he followed my movements.
"I
will entreat the Dares for payment."
"Nay.
You are the one in my debt."
I
raised and dropped my hands helplessly.
"You
serve this company, no? You can serve my people, too."
"Ye
would hire me as clerk?" Hope leaped in my chest at the
possibilities. I would not have to part from him so soon.
"My
people have no clerks." His eyes narrowed. "We have
slaves."
My
breath hitched. "Ye wish to punish me, humiliate me?"
"Nay,
I only wish to marry you."
I
briefly closed my eyes against the pain. He already knew the reason
for my refusal.
"Rose."
"Say
no more. I will do it. 'Twill be punishment enough to see you so
often and—“ I clamped my lips.
Exultation
flickered briefly across his face. "You would give up your
freedom to save your friends?"
"Without
question."
"Swear
it," he said grimly.
"I
swear it."
His
eyes flared with emotion. He bent slowly 'til his breath stirred my
lips. My eyelids fluttered closed. Heaven help me, for I had no will
left to resist him.
"Now
you will eat," Manteo commanded hoarsely. He stepped back,
surveying me from head to feet.
"Eat?"
"I
have no slaves so thin and weak. Go. Collect your rations." He
turned from me and bent to pore over a map on the table.
I
reached for the door handle, disbelieving at the curt dismissal.
"And
send for Anthony. I have need of him."
I
glared at his back. Faith, should I press my face to the floor as
well? "Aye, master." I bit the words out and fled.
Trail
of Crosses
Lost
Colony Series
Book
Two
Jo
Grafford
Genre:
historical romance
Publisher:
Astraea Press
Word
Count: 112,300
Cover
Artist: Mande Matthews
Book
Description:
Jane
Mannering can shoot a rifle and handle a knife as well as any
Englishman. However, she is no match for the red-painted warriors who
ambush her section of a Colonial caravan the moment she and her
comrades reach the shores of Virginia.
Jane
plots their escape during a forced march inland, leaving a trail of
maltese crosses carved on the trees – their pre-agreed upon signal
of distress. All the while, she fumes over what interest their
captors could possibly have in a twenty-three-year-old spinster and a
rugged band of brick masons, sawyers, and farmers.
When
the ruthless Chief Wanchese intercepts them at the crossroads of the
Great Trading Path, Jane is shaken to discover their greatest enemy
plans to keep her for himself. It’s a pity he’s the only man on
two continents who’s ever stirred her heart. Alas, she has an
entire colony to save, and capturing his attentions is not part of
their escape plan.
Special
Note: The Lost Colony Seires is the never-before-told rest of the
story of the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island.
EXCERPT
#1
PREFACE
July
26, 1587 - Roanoke Island
If
it had not been for the barking of the dogs and chattering of the
lads who scampered at my side, I might have heard the shot - the low
vibration of the string as the thin, wooden shaft released, the faint
whistle of the arrow as it sliced an invisible yet deadly path
through the air, the scattering of wildlife as the forest itself
braced before the world's most fearsome predator. Instead, I merely
felt the gentle lifting of my late father's top hat as the arrowhead
sank into the aged leather and pinned it to the heart of the oak
behind me.
The
men assigned to guard me fired their muskets wildly into the
perimeter of trees. My ears rang with their gunfire and frenzied
oaths. Then the slow burn of anger took over.
I
pivoted to yank the arrow, top hat and all, from the trunk.
Separating the two, I jammed the damaged hat back on my head and
tapped the lone arrow against my gloved hand. The miss was
deliberate, meant as a taunt. Had the shadowy creature intended to
kill me, I would already be dead.
I
glared over my shoulder as the gunfire ceased. He remained out there,
I was certain. Watching. This was a reminder that he is the hunter. I
am the hunted.
About
the Author:
Jo
is a mega reader of all genres and loves to indulge in marathon
showings of Big Bang Theory, NCIS, and Castle. Her favorite books are
rich in Colonial and Elizabethan history, romance, strong women,
alpha males, Native Americans, and creatures from the paranormal - an
occasional dragon, vampire, or time traveler.
From
St. Louis, Missouri, Jo moves a lot with her soldier husband. She has
lived in the Midwest, the deep South, and now resides in Bavaria. Jo
holds an M.B.A. and has served as a banker, college finance
instructor, and high school business teacher. She is a member of
Romance Writers of America, From the Heart Romance Writers RWA
Chapter, and the Writers Group of Ansbach/Katterbach/Illesheim.
Website:
www.JoGrafford.com
Twitter:
@jografford
YouTube
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/nBB8_qcG-9I
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/JoGrafford/
Tour
giveaway
2
dropcard gift cards with six free eBooks on each card (including
Breaking Ties)
1
grand prize – a reader’s tote bag with a Lost Colony t-shirt,
signed paperback of Breaking Ties, and signed bookmark
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for hosting me today on your blog!
ReplyDeleteCheerio,
Jo