So glad you could stop by my First Kiss Friday blog. It’s always a pleasure to welcome back Sara Adrien whenever she has a new release to share with us. How to Seduce a Duke this Autumn is now available and you can read it for free in Kindle Unlimited. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

“Just Charlene. We’re alone, Adam. Just call me—”

“Charlene.” 

“You were away for a long time. Without a word.”

He tilted his head. “What?”

Her eyes locked with his.

And there, he saw something other than reproach. That glimmer of magic he’d seen in her eyes before.

Oh, she should really run.

Before Charlene could consider doing so—she wouldn’t—Adam closed the inches between them. His lips caught hers, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. Every thought slipped from her mind—words, logic, all of it vanished. 

Oh dear!

***

A protest should have formed, some logical rebuttal against this madness, but none came. Instead, she wound her arms around his neck to steady herself. Or was it to lean into the kiss? Both, perhaps. Both, most certainly. His hands found her waist, pulling her close, and took that as an invitation to lean into him. He tasted of something unmistakably, maddeningly him even though they had never kissed before. She tasted him in a way she hadn’t expected—a faint trace of mint, the undercurrent of some type of brandy—rich and warm. It was strange but intoxicating, and her head felt light.

Charlene trembled as his mouth moved against hers, unhurried but purposeful. The friction, soft but steady, sent ripples up her spine. And behind her, somewhere, the fireworks blasted into the air as if they tried to shine as brightly as the feeling blooming in her chest.

She didn’t know if she was doing it right. The kiss was a language she had never spoken, but she wanted to learn, wanted to understand every word, so she mirrored as best she could. The sensation deepened even more, if that were at all possible. A spark ignited—sharp and startling—and a soft gasp broke free, though she wasn’t sure if it came from her or him.

Adam’s hands shifted slightly. One moved from her waist to her lower back, while the other hand brushed the curve of her jaw. His thumb made the lightest pass over her cheek, and she leaned into the touch without thinking, feeling her breath quicken. His hand on her back pressed slightly, holding her as if he feared she might slip away. 

I’m kissing Adam.

Of all the things she thought she’d ever do, this never even reached her list! It was so… so… unexpected it almost felt as though she had entered a dream. Were all kisses like this? This deep? This exploratory? The man kissed her as though tasting her, as though he had all the time in the world to learn the shape of her mouth. 

Charlene’s head swirled with sensation. She felt everything in sharp relief—the pull of his lips, the slight intake of his breath, the charge from where they touched. Her pulse raced, her body humming with some unfamiliar, thrilling spark that made her toes curl. It was a collision of want and recklessness, a breathless unraveling that left no room for sense or second thoughts.

No room for doubt.

Only want.

Her hands, wound around his neck, drew to his chest, her fingers brushing the fabric of his coat. The wool was smooth under her touch, and she gripped it, pulling him closer. And she realized, with no small shock, just how much she didn’t want this to end.

And just like that, he broke the kiss.

He eased back, enough to breathe, her eyes fluttering open. Her lips felt flushed, tingling from his kiss, her senses racing to catch up.

“Charlene,” he murmured, his voice rough, almost hoarse. Her name on his lips sent a shiver skimming down her spine. “I don’t know what happened, but I did send you a note before I left. I don’t know why it didn’t reach you.” 

He did? She could tell he wasn’t lying. Tension seeped from her body. So, he had sent a note but it hadn’t reached her? She shouldn’t be feeling so relieved, but she did. She couldn’t even summon words—none seemed adequate. Instead, her lips curved faintly, and her fingers stayed curled against his coat. Whatever this was, whatever came next, she only knew one thing. 

She didn’t want it to stop.

Which was exactly why it had to.

One scandal. One missed chance. One impossible love.

Lady Charlene Fielding has no interest in dukes, rakes—or anyone named Cross. Not after Adam Cross shattered her trust and vanished without a word. With the help of friends, laughter, and hard-won independence, she’s mended what he broke. She doesn’t need a man. Least of all him.

She vowed never to forgive him. He vowed never to give up.

Adam Cross never wanted a title—let alone his brother’s disgrace. But as the new Duke of Rotheworth, he returns to London with more than duty on his shoulders. He carries regret. And the memory of the one woman he let down. The one he still wants.

But winning her back won’t be easy.

She’s colder now. Sharper. And determined never to let him close enough to hurt her again.

But the Season is full of surprises.
Weddings bloom like wildflowers.
Old secrets resurface.
And one stolen kiss could undo everything.

Is love worth risking it all… again?

A full-length steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and plenty of heat, heartbreak, and redemption.

Tropes You’ll Love:
 Childhood Sweethearts
Friends to Lovers
 Second Chance Romance
 He Fell First
 Protective, Sexy Duke
 Stolen Kisses
 Dance Lessons
 Twin Brother Rivalry
 Secret Past
 Fireworks & First Kisses
 Found Family / Female Friendship Circle
 Autumn Romance

If you crave your Regency romance with emotional stakes, sizzling tension, and a hero who never stopped loving her—this is your next must-read.

Step into a world of glittering ballrooms, fiery attraction, and scandalous secrets in Book 3 of this steamy Regency romance series by #1 bestselling authors Sara Adrien and Tanya Wilde. Perfect for fans of enemies to lovers, sizzling chemistry, and revenge served with a smile. This captivating continuation is packed with witty banter, dangerous stakes, and a love that refuses to be tamed. While best enjoyed in order, this book can also be read as a standalone.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Wedding Fever Series
Book 1: Dare to Tempt an Earl This Spring
Book 2: How to Lose A Prince This Summer
Book 3: How To Seduce A Duke This Autumn
Book 4: Ways To Kiss A Marquess This Winter

Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT44P8GQ

About the Author:

Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot, heart-melting regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers. She is the author of the series Infiltrating the Ton, Diamond Dynasty, Check Mates, and Miracles on Harley Street. Get 50% off her #1 bestselling 9-book bundle https://www.saraadrien.com/products/diamond-of-the-ton-collection-1

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