Monday, July 01, 2013

Release Day for Matilda's Freedom ~ Tea Cooper + GIVEAWAY!

I'm delighted to welcome the lovely Téa Cooper to help celebrate the release of Matilda's Freedom today! Happy book birthday, Téa :-)

Not only do we have an enticing excerpt for you, but Téa is generously giving away a copy of one of her other historical romances - either Lily's Leap or A Winning Streak to one lucky commenter!

Exciting Update! Matilda's Freedom  is currently sitting at #6 in Top Paid Historical Romances on iTunes and #62 in overall romances!




Matilda's Freedom by Téa Cooper

Blurb:

An unconventional woman clashes with colonial society in this spicy and sweet Australian-set historical romance. 

His carefree bachelor days over, Christopher Matcham returns to Sydney to take responsibility for his mother, two stepsisters, and the family property. Fortune smiles on him when he is introduced to Matilda Sweet, a woman in need of work. Though unusual, Christopher senses that her fresh ideals and positive outlook can only benefit his sisters, so he hires her as a companion. 

By the time they arrive at Christopher’s family home, the two are fast friends. But Matilda’s unorthodox ways and her convict heritage make her a second class citizen to the family. Christopher has responsibilities, and they include an advantageous match. A breeches-wearing, fish-pond-swimming, plain-talking convict’s daughter will never fit in. After all, romance is a luxury the upper classes cannot afford…

Digital Edition: AU$4.99 | ISBN: 9780857990600| Length: 59,000 words
Publication Date: July 1, 2013 | PDF – MOBI – EPUB |Historical Romance
 Harlequin Escape
Excerpt:

Sydney, Autumn 1856

‘Paris is a city of contradictionsrich and poor, the glamorous and the debauchedand I loved every moment of it.’

Christopher Matcham turned his head as the girl’s breath caught, although he was uncertain whether the sound was from shock or delight. In another situation, he might have interpreted it as a sign of pleasure. Rocking back in his chair, he stared across the table at the delectable Miss Matilda Sweet.

Matilda radiated vitality and vivacity. In the flickering candlelight, her skin had an almost amber hue, highlighting her honeyed hair. Her wide eyes beckoned to him, and a tiny pulse flickered along her elegant neck. She might be a currency lass and of convict stock, but her looks were far from disappointing. She was so different from the women of Sydney societyand that of Paris.

‘Kit, I think you’re getting worse with age instead of better. Remember, there are ladies present.’

The delighted grin on Emily Bainbridge’s face belied her husband’s words. ‘Richard, don’t be such a stuffed shirt. I would love to hear about Paris. We get so little news from elsewhere, and I’m sure Matilda doesn’t mind.’

The girl smiled and lowered her eyes behind lashes that would have done a courtesan proud. Her hand fluttered to the column of her throat.

‘I am totally fascinated. I cannot imagine what Paris must be like. They say half the world visited the city for the Exhibition Universelle.’

Matilda’s low contralto rippled across his skin like a warm brandy, and the temptation to lean across the table and inhale her scent was almost overpowering. Clearing his throat, Christopher dragged his eyes away from her generous mouth and made an effort to pay due attention to his host and hostess.

‘Paris is certainly a fascinating city, full of intriguing layers. The upper classes cling to the skirts of the Emperor and Empress while on the seamier side, the commoners flex their muscles and enjoy life. The cafés are open day and night, and the entertainment is outrageous. La chahut dancers have claimed the streets as their own. Their acrobatic skills are phenomenal. The dancers kick their legs so high they can remove a man’s hat and then, of course, display delightful glimpses of their under—’

10 comments:

Venetia Green said...

Lovely excerpt, Tea, and congratulations on your latest release!
The early colonial history of Australia makes such a wonderful story setting - so much hardship, challenge, and opportunity to carve a new life. Makes me feel we have it very easy these days.

Joanna Lloyd said...

I love the characters already Tea and have always loved Australia's early history. Those times attracted the most vivid characters! The book sounds wonderful...good luck with the sales.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new release Tea, and for scoring the well deserved ratings :))

Tea Cooper said...

Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog Chrisitna!

Venetia - I am totally fascinated by Australian history and I live and breath it everyday. Wollombi in NSW exists in a time warp . It is such fun to set my books here.

Thanks Joanna and Maryde I hope you enjoy Matilda!

Suzi Love said...

Tea, your book sounds wonderful. I love this period of Australian history. So much happening with trade and expansion.

Christina Phillips said...

Venetia, I love reading historical romance but I do love my all my modern conveniences :-)

Joanna, I love Matilda and Christopher too! Such a gorgeous couple :-)

Christina Phillips said...

You're very welcome, Tea, it's lovely to have you here!!

Hi Maryde, thank you for popping by!!

Suzi, it's a fascinating period of history, I love it too :-)

bn100 said...

Nice excerpt

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

Tea Cooper said...

Thanks for stopping by Suzi...it was certainly an interesting time in Australia - particularly the Hunter Valley, which was dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age by a man called John Portus who gets a very brief mention in Matilda's Freedom. He merits a book all of his own.

Christina Phillips said...

Hi bn100, I agree, it's a wonderful excerpt!