Disturbingly Beautiful
by J. & L. Wells
Series: A Paradox In Time, #1
Genre: Historical Romance/Time Travel
Release Date: November 13, 2014
Is it really possible that somewhere in time, the perfect paradox could be created? Does romance really stand a chance, and could it ever flourish amidst so many intricacies and broken lives? How can a nineteenth-century governess unknowingly cause so much devastation?
As Nell’s world opens up, we follow her on a complex journey, on which she discovers love, loss and betrayal, and is forced to play a dangerous game from which there appears to be no escape.
An intricate family plot slowly begins to unravel, in which she finds herself centre stage. She was never supposed to leave Haunchcroft estate, and he will do everything in his power to keep her there…
Could a possible rip in time be the salvation that Nell seeks?
“I find you disturbingly beautiful,” are the contradictory words bestowed upon the governess by her master.
Mr Buchannan’s infatuation is a shadow from which Nell cannot escape. The feelings he holds for her are not reciprocated, and though his lust soon turns to love, Nell’s feelings towards him turn to hatred. Dreams and a love of literature are Nell’s only escapism from the downtrodden life she leads as a governess in the nineteenth century.
One night, an intruder on the estate catches Nell off guard, but she gives chase; a decision that leads her through an opening in time between the centuries, where she finds equality, true friendship and a completely different outlook on life.
Despite using this to her advantage to escape the advances of her unwanted suitor, she is somewhat perturbed when she unexpectedly finds him at her side in the twenty-first century. Will love conquer all, or will time always stand in their way?
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Our idea actually came from the cover photo- it was a photo the amazing Regina Wamba posted of Kim Tallman…. Our last two novels are time travel, and being massive regency fans…it all slotted into place. We do try and write books with twists and turns, and I guess that was the hardest part- the paradox.
What genre does your book fall under?
New-adult regency/ time travel romance
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Michelle Keegan for Nell (English soap star)
Mr Buchannan – oooo not sure actually- he’s in my head at the moment, maybe a Colin Firth (with green eyes)
Lawrence – Clarke Gable
Jeremy – Eldon Henson
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
An interlinking of regency/ time travel romance, and a perfect paradox to undo so many wrongs
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Indie
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
6 months- 2/3 months extra to make perfect
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Film/book- butterfly effect meets pride and prejudice (I hate comparing anything to the amazing Jane Austen, but being that Era, she is the only author I can think of)
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
The Cover picture – a lot of my ideas come to me of a night when my 9m old is asleep
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The beautiful cover, beautiful story that unravels many intricacies as you read. It isn't an easy read, it's one in depth and one to savour, until the final page is closed
As Nell rolled down her window and breathed in the sea air, Spencer informed them that they would have the beach to themselves for the night, since it had been closed due to falling rocks. Nell turned to look out of the car’s back window and up at the vast cliff face. Spencer did not seem perturbed in the slightest, and informed her and Mr Buchannan that they should definitely be okay, though his eyes were evasive.
Mr Buchannan described the navy canvas tent as an unsightly carbuncle blighting the scenery, to which Nell had to laugh.
“I’ll leave you with the night,” Spencer said playfully.
Jumping back in the driver’s seat, he reversed up the narrow incline, with sand spitting up from the tyres. Nell looked up at the cloudless sky, breathing in the sea’s salty liquor. She shook her hair free, feeling the soft caress of the breeze as it waltzed across her face and shoulders.
It seemed to her that Mr Buchannan was trying to get into the spirit of things, as he had already pulled off his long boots and she could see his breeches rolled up to just below his knees. She offered her assistance willingly as he struggled to unfold a fleecy blanket and place it for them to sit on, though the breeze had other ideas and kept lifting its corners. With its antics all played out, they reclined on the coarseness of its fibres, entranced by the tide’s rolling waves as the lowering sun highlighted its journey.
Nell exhaled with contentment on feeling the cotton material of Mr Buchannan’s shirt slip across her shoulders, and she warmed instantly at the strength of his loving embrace. Sitting for a while lost in the ambience and passing of time, the two grew hungry. Mr Buchannan reached for the strap of a cool bag Spencer had left with them, filled with mouth-watering refreshments. But that was not the food of love for which Nell yearned. Pulling free from his arms, she lifted herself to her feet and reached her hands up to the narrow straps of her dress, then slid them down from her shoulders. She knew the game she played as she followed the intensity of his dreamy green eyes as the silken material fell from her tiny frame. There was not a moment she felt even the slightest ounce of embarrassment. She stood open to the elements in her near naked form; there were no frills or petticoats to cover her virtue, only sheer lace panties and a matching brassiere.
Mr Buchannan lay back unhurriedly, and Nell’s eyes caught the quick-fingered unbuttoning of his tight-fitting shirt. She gasped back her innermost desires as he revealed the perfectly toned contours of his broad ivory physique.
Without taking his eyes from her own, Mr Buchannan reached up to her awaiting hand. Teasingly she ran her tongue between her lips, smiling down. Prompted by the call of the waves, she turned briskly and ran for the unspoilt shoreline. She was unable to pick up the silence of Mr Buchannan’s steps as they gave chase. Unsteady in her footing, his arms scooped her up, and child-like she squealed as he pulled her unclad frame tightly into the tautness of his chest. As the waves leapt up and kissed at his ankles, Nell felt the release of his arm and watched as his breeches were thrown far from the water’s edge. With his long tailed shirt flailing wide, he waded deeper until the cool waves cushioned the small of Nell’s back. Her eyes rested upon the fullness of his handsome face, where the sea spray glistened like white diamond droplets as they splashed upon his cheeks.
Her heart raced beyond belief as she pawed her way up to his shoulders, clasping her arms around his neck. Like a ballerina in flight, she lifted her legs, pressing her knees boldly into the narrow physique of his waistline. She gasped as he grew beneath her. She could feel the desire in his fingertips as they released her panties, and watched as the lacy undergarments were washed out to sea. She surrendered to an uncontrollable tremble inside on feeling the hardness of his male form as it moved inside her to the rhythmical motion of the tide, and cried out at the climatic heights to which he took her. Their love making went unwatched, hidden beneath the unbinding secrets of the crashing white waves.
At their ebbing crescendo, Mr Buchannan carried her breathless body out of the darkened waters. Cradling her head in his hand, he gently lowered her onto the red tartan blanket, wrapping away her involuntary shivers.
The fruit of love is so apt, Nell thought as she felt the tickling sensation as he teased her navel with the ripest of English strawberries, licking away the fruity sweetness from her skin. His mouth slipped up her body, between the creamy soft skin of her breasts, and she exhaled loudly at the meeting of their lips, each kiss enhanced by the vibrant fragrance of fruits which volleyed between the intimate twisting of tongues. It seemed that their lips were not wanting to part.
Cossetted by the serenade of rolling waves, they were rocked into a peaceful sleep by the arms of true love. As the vibrant stars visited the night sky they smiled down from the heavens, throwing their light and a blessing upon the sleeping lovers.
Laura Wells is a swimming teacher, with a love of books, animals and, of course, Jane Austen. Once a national swimmer, she now runs three swim schools of her own. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and two mad Shiba Inus. She lives in Staffordshire, England.
Judy Wells works at a school; in her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and novels, and spending time with her animals. She also lives in Staffordshire, England.
Laura and Judy are a mother and daughter duo; with Judy's love of poetry and writing and Laura's ideas, they work extremely well together. Time-travel and historical romance novels are their passion, and they hope that after you have read their books, you will feel the same.
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