Enemy's
Kiss
Kristi
Jun
Genre:
Regency Historical Romance
Date
of Publication: May 12, 2015
Number
of pages: 270
Word
Count: 73,000
Cover
Artist: Kim Killion
Book
Trailer: No
Book
Description:
She
gave up her future for justice...
Emma
Willoughby had an idyllic life until her parents were murdered and
her world, as she knew it, came undone. She sacrificed everything and
even accepted a marriage proposal from a man she thinks knows the
identity of the killer.
Unfortunately,
he is murdered before she’s able to discover the truth. Now the
Crown claims a mission to Tibet will bring the answers she seeks. The
trouble is, the man who has been assigned to protect her, a man she'd
once deceived, is an arrogant spy who wants nothing to do with her.
He
lived a lie to protect his family...
Michael
Whitfield left home nearly a decade ago, but when his childhood
friend is murdered and accused of high treason, he is determined to
clear his name and his killer be brought to justice no matter the
cost, even if it meant accompanying the woman who turned out to be
nothing more than a heartless viper. But as their mission takes
twisted turns and reveals a sinister plot that threatens both their
lives and the lives of the innocent, his admiration for her grows and
sparks between them once again ignite. But can he trust his heart to
a woman whose history holds nothing but lies?
Excerpt:
Finding
the strength, Emma pulled away from the door, walked up the stairs,
and stepped into her room, biting back the hot emotions igniting
again with new purpose. She had no room for tears, no room for—
A
cold blade drew up to her neck and her breath snagged in her throat.
Her hands gripped the culprit’s solid arm and her chin tilted up as
the cold knife pressed on her neck.
“Afraid?”
A chilling yet familiar voice taunted.
His
musky male scent propelled peculiar tingles up and down her spine. He
lowered his free hand and slid into her bodice. She gasped when his
fingers touched the tip of her breasts, heart racing with
anticipation. With one flick of his hand, he pulled out a pen knife
she'd hidden between the mounds of her bosoms before departing home.
Before she could react he released her with a gentle shove, leaving
several feet between them.
Their
eyes met and her gaze swept the very tall length of him. She had
forgotten how delicious he smelled. His stark blue eyes darkened and,
for one single moment, she thought she caught a glimpse of lust
brewing there.
Lust?
Wrong. He despises you.
“Danger,
Miss Willoughby, lurks everywhere.” Michael slid his knife back
into the sheath tucked into his boot.
“Apparently
so,” she whispered.
“I
thought you were trained?” He tossed her knife on the settee.
“I
am.” Her eyes swept his broad frame, the loose cravat about his
neck.
“Really?”
He walked around the room and tipped his head to look out the window,
then back at her. “If that were the case, you would have had your
knife about my neck. How many missions, exactly?”
She
unlocked her gaze from his and turned to the window. She felt him
approach, closer. Closer still. Her heart quickened. She dared not
move.
"How
many?"
One.
But she was not about to give him the satisfaction. “I do not need
to use physical force to accomplish my task.”
“Ah
yes, the good old game of seduction. A skill you've quite mastered, I
think. I know this first hand."
If
only he knew the truth, he wouldn't be so cruel. She felt him
approach her from behind, his hand caressing the curve of her neck.
Slowly snaking around, he pulled her to him, her back now against his
firm chest. Heat flared inside her, wishing for the impossible.
"That
may work well with a target, especially when the poor soul is already
in love with the spy charged to take him out, don’t you think?”
he said.
She
pulled away from him. "I did what I had to."
“Listen
well. You are an amateur at best and you will only end up rotting in
the gutter if you persist.” He took several strides towards her,
leaving barely a foot between them.
“So
you have come here to teach me a lesson? Is that it? I can assure you
that there is nothing you can say or do to deter me from my goal.”
“No,
I am not here to teach anyone a lesson. But I do need to know the
extent of your capacity."
“Now
you know, so kindly get the bloody hell out of my house,” she
warned. Walking over to the settee, she retrieved her knife and held
it firmly in her hand.
He
didn’t bat an eye at her blasphemy. She refused to let this man
intimidate her under his scrutiny. She tipped her chin up and looked
squarely at him.
“Tell
Lord Tomkin you want out and I'll give you my word to deliver the
message and find the killer.”
Typical
male, thinking he would be her knight to save the day. No, it was her
responsibility to find justice for her family and to keep him on
task. “I will do no such thing. I will have my satisfaction of
looking him in the eye when he is caught.”
His
jaws twitched. “Then I suggest you prepare yourself because we will
be entering a hostile territory in the middle of a bloody war.
Gurkhas will not hesitate to slit your throat once they discover
you.”
“Gurkhas?”
She tried to sound impassive, but her tone gave it away.
“Nepalese
mercenaries,” he said. “Quite unforgiving where the English are
concerned. Lord Hastings is fighting a bloody war that no English
cares a damn about.” He paused for her reaction. “And the Chinese
military, well….that’s another matter altogether.”
She'd
deal with them once she was there. "Thank you for the cautionary
advice. I am well prepared for miscreants that cross my path."
"I
don't think you are," he said carefully. "And that can be
very dangerous for us both."
She
glared at him. “Since you seem to have everything figured out, what
is your plan?”
“My
plan,” he said with a mocking tone, “is to stay alive.”
“Is
that supposed to frighten—”
“This
isn't a game.”
His
gaze fixed on her lips and lingered, sending waves of heat through
her body. She cursed herself for allowing this man to affect her.
“I’m quite aware this isn't a game, Mr.Whitfield.” Her tone
belied her show of confidence. No doubt he could see her quaking skin
and shivering nerves.
He
looked deep into her eyes. "Emma," he said, his voice
taking on a softer tone. "I need you to back away from this. I
give you my word I'll find the killer."
Their
gazes locked and she saw he meant what he said. "I can't,"
she said softly, shaking her head. "I won't."
He
backed away from her, his features hardening once more. “Then I
only have one thing to say to you."
"And
what would that be?" she said, curtly.
"Be
prepared," he said, "for the hell you are about to enter."
About
the Author:
Kristi
Jun resides in Southern California with an infinitely patient husband
and a beautiful quirky son. If she isn't conjuring up another Happily
Ever After, she can be found searching the web for all things
English, watching reruns of Star Trek (new and old), Dr. Who, and
Downton Abbey. She LOVES to hear from her readers!
Interview
I was born in South Korea. From there my family moved
to US when I was about 10. I spent most of my life in Southern California,
where I now reside with my husband and son.
Tell us your latest news?
I am currently writing the first book in my new
Regency Series, Sinful Pleasures (Book #1). It will be out late this Fall.
When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in 5th grade in my history class, but
I didn't finish my first manuscript until I was in graduate school. I went on
to finish two more manuscripts and took 1st place in a historical romance
category.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself a writer when I received my first rejection
letter. I was disappointed, but also excited that I was working toward my
dream. I knew I couldn't stop and I had to keep trying. It was in my blood and
the stories were in my head and needed to be told.
What inspired you to write your first book?
It was a way to escape and I fell in love with writing.
While I enjoyed going to college and networking, it didn't always feel right to
me. During classes or study sessions with friends, I would jot down story ideas,
plot development.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I have been told by a N.Y. editor that my writing
reminds her of Joanna Bourne. Of course, I was ecstatic to hear this as I have
read Bourne's books and respect her very much.
I don't write a lot of narratives and there is usually
lots of white space in my stories, especially for a historical romance. My stories
are fast pace and filled with intrigue and romance.
Is there a message in your novel that you want
readers to grasp?
While I write about spies and betrayal, the cores of
my stories revolve around family, finding roots, and coming home. I didn't
realize this until I took a course with Laura Baker (love her classes) where
she forced me to dig deep and really helped me to get to know my characters and
their issues.
How much of the book is realistic?
My characters are all fictional and are not based on
any particular historical or living figures. Certain historical events in my
stories are based on real events. There are elements that I may barrow from my
life experiences, but other than that, it's all fictional.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events
in your own life?
Enemy's Kiss is loosely based on my experience when my
dad was killed in a car accident. He went out to run errands and didn't come
back. Writing this really helped me to heal.
I think in many ways, we've all lost someone dear to
us. It connects us on a deeper level and renew out spirit in knowing what is truly
important in this life.
What books have most influenced your life most?
"Old Man and the Sea" by Hemingway. It's
been so long since I've read the story, but it comes back to me now and again
when I think of my parents and the struggles my parents faced. Its hits us at
the core, I think. Not just in our struggles, but our fears and lessons in
life.
If you had to choose, which writer would you
consider a mentor?
Nora Roberts. I had a chance to attend one of her
workshop in Orlando. I learned so much from her. I have tremendous respect for
her work ethics, professionalism, and her honesty. Not only is she a great
writer, she inspires me to be the best I can be.
What book are you reading now?
I just bought Denise Grover Swank's book, The Substitute.
I can't wait to sip some wine and dig into her book.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
There are so many....
The two comes to mind are, I would have to say, Sally Orr and Gina
Conkle. They are fairly new authors of historical romance. I find their voice
refreshing.
What are your current projects?
I am currently writing the first book of a new series
called Sinful Ladies of London Novel. It's about these three women with
scandalous pasts that meet in most unusual circumstances and start a school for
fallen women. And, of course, each of the heroines will have her happily ever
after.
What would you like my readers to know?
I always appreciate an honest review. It also helps
readers find new books and connect readers to new authors.
Enemy's Kiss on now on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Enemys-Kiss-Kristi-Jun-ebook/dp/B00XLZ37NS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1432405010
I'd love to connect with you:
www.kristijun.com
www.facebook.com/kristijun
www.twitter.com/kristijunauthor
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Great excerpt Kristi. Thanks. :D
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