by: Kate Ellington
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Miranda Harlake's only chance to escape the detestable match her parents are arranging is a sham betrothal to her best friend, Peter, who proposes solely to save her from a loveless marriage. She gratefully accepts, though both know they'll never wed.
Piqued by her parents' scheming, Miranda secretly attends a masked ball and dances with a fascinating stranger all night. Upon discovering her partner was the insufferable George Rockford, she tries to forget the romantic evening they shared.
George, lonely despite his popularity and roguish ways, is intrigued by Miranda but she's apparently immune to his charms.
Miranda must listen to her heart and find courage to be honest with everyone—especially herself—if for once she's going to fulfill her own dreams.
Miranda fidgeted with her fan as she and Peter made their slow way up the Rockfords’ torchlit drive. Ahead, costumed guests climbed the stairs and disappeared into the elegant manor.
When they at last came to a halt, Peter opened the door and helped Miranda out.
“I’ll meet you inside after I settle the horses,” he said.
Miranda clutched his arm. “No, we’re supposed to go in together.”
“I need to see to the carriage. I forgot about that when I devised this plan.”
“But—”
“You’ll be fine. Arriving alone will give you an even greater air of mystery.”
Not seeing any other option, she reluctantly let go of his sleeve. “Don’t be long.”
“I won’t.” He jumped into the driver’s seat and gave her a wave before driving away.
Miranda hesitated at the foot of the long staircase, debating about whether or not to just step onto the lawn to wait for Peter. But then she realized she was blocking the way for people behind her. Mustering her nerve, she climbed the stairs with the chattering crowd.
Once inside, she looked for a place to wait for Peter. Miranda didn’t want to go too far into the house, as it would be easy to miss each other in the throng. She found an alcove off to the side of the front doors with a window affording a good view of the drive.
Miranda had just turned to look out the window again when she felt someone step into the alcove behind her.
When they at last came to a halt, Peter opened the door and helped Miranda out.
“I’ll meet you inside after I settle the horses,” he said.
Miranda clutched his arm. “No, we’re supposed to go in together.”
“I need to see to the carriage. I forgot about that when I devised this plan.”
“But—”
“You’ll be fine. Arriving alone will give you an even greater air of mystery.”
Not seeing any other option, she reluctantly let go of his sleeve. “Don’t be long.”
“I won’t.” He jumped into the driver’s seat and gave her a wave before driving away.
Miranda hesitated at the foot of the long staircase, debating about whether or not to just step onto the lawn to wait for Peter. But then she realized she was blocking the way for people behind her. Mustering her nerve, she climbed the stairs with the chattering crowd.
Once inside, she looked for a place to wait for Peter. Miranda didn’t want to go too far into the house, as it would be easy to miss each other in the throng. She found an alcove off to the side of the front doors with a window affording a good view of the drive.
Miranda had just turned to look out the window again when she felt someone step into the alcove behind her.
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After graduating from college with an art degree she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.
Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down, just for fun, but soon it took on a life of its own.
Places to find Kate Ellington:
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Sounds like a good story. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting today and featuring EVER SINCE THE BALL.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteThe excerpt sounds great.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful cover
ReplyDeleteYes. I love the color of the dress.
DeleteThis looks very intriguing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletelooks like a fun one.
ReplyDelete