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.
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/nBB8_qcG-9I
Available at Amazon BN Smashwords Kobo Astraea Press iTunes
"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.
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.
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
I’ve always considered myself to be a writer. Most of my life, writing has been my hobby. Now it’s a full time career, and I’ve never enjoyed anything more.
Who is your publisher?
Astraea Press – They are a small, digital-first publisher which specializes in sweet reads.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
It took three to five months to secure a publishing contract for BREAKING TIES – book one in the Lost Colony Series, five more months to see it released in eBook form, plus an additional year until it went to print (trade paperback).
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
TRAIL OF CROSSES is book two in the Lost Colony Series.
BLURB: Attempting to rescue her enslaved colony, a sharp-tongued spinster arouses the attentions of Virginia’s most feared tribal chief.
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
It takes me about three months to work up a rough draft for a 100,000 word novel and a full month to edit and prepare it for submission to a publisher.
What genre would you place your books into?
My Lost Colony Series is pure historical romance, set in Colonial/Native America. I’m currently working on a second historical romance series, but it steps back a few years further into history – all the way to the Viking era!
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I LOVE reading historical romance. It was as natural as breathing to eventually write one on of my own.
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
I’m going to focus on historical romance for the next several years, but I do have a few other projects waiting behind the curtain, to include a YA paranormal and a middle grade fantasy novel (thanks to my own children who begged me to write something at their reading level).
How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve been writing all of my life. It started with crayons on the nursery wall. Then I experimented with short stories and poetry during middle school and high school. I finally graduated to writing full-length historical romance.
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
I don’t have the luxury of setting a writing routine at this point in my life. I’m a very busy mother of three and spend a lot of time balancing my laptop on my knees during soccer and cheerleading practice. I also write standing up at the kitchen bar while cooking family meals. Other times, I’m reclining on the couch, burning the midnight oil because that’s when the inspiration happened to strike after all my kiddos’ many activities are finished for the day.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
Yes J I want to know what my readers are thinking, what they like or don’t like, what they want more of or less of. Their feedback helps make me a better writer.
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
So far, all of my titles have come before the writing starts.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
Hours and hours of research, scanning baby names websites, poring over ancient maps and journals, scouring through old church registries, etc.
Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?
eBooks are so darn convenient for travel, but I’ll never get over my love affair with turning pages in a traditional book – accompanied, of course, by a glass of wine.
Your favorite Author is?
Nora Roberts – queen of romance!
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
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JoGraffordAuthor
Twitter: @jografford
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360736.Jo_Grafford
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JoGrafford
YouTube Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/nBB8_qcG-9I
Highlighted Author: www.HighlightedAuthor.com
Amazon.com Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/jografford
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JoGrafford/
Thank you for hosting me today on Darkest Cravings! --Jo
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