Monday, March 2, 2015
Excerpt:
"Come, Zoe." One of her cousins unceremoniously pulled her from her chair and her female relatives surrounded her. "It's time to prepare you for your wedding night."
Her wedding night. Her stomach twisted sharply and she battled back nausea. Her aunts smiled and giggled as they swept her out of the courtyard and up to the honeymoon suite. She hunched her shoulders as corroding fear, thick and searing hot, bled through her body. It pooled under her skin, pressing harder and harder, threatening to burst through.
It suddenly sank into her. She belonged to the Sheikh. A man they called The Beast.
She was married to him. Married.
She was married to him. Married.
Her married cousins were offering words of advice, telling her how to please her husband, but Zoe didn't hear a word of it. There was a desperate energy among the women. Their laughter was a little shrill, their advice raw and uncoated.
Zoe didn't resist as the women settled her in the center of the bed. She knelt on the mattress, her hands folded in front of her, her head bent down. She wanted to jump out of bed and run, but she knew these women would bring her back and guard the bedroom.
She closed her eyes and took a deep, jagged breath. She heard the women leaving the room, their laughter harsh as they tossed her more marital advice. She had always thought her wedding day would be different. In her daydreams it had been full of laughter and joy, not to mention love.
The reality was much bleaker. Zoe slowly opened her eyes. She was marrying because she was out of options and running out of luck. She was taking a leap of faith, believing she could use this marriage to her advantage. But she might have given up more than her freedom to a man who was a dangerous stranger.
What had she done?
Praise:
"This book is everything that you would enjoy about a Harlequin, and will fulfill the echoing refrain in the heart of every Presents fan who wants a new story to strike that familiar chord. -- The Season for Romance
"The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar shimmers with a fiery spirit and surprises galore. Susanna Carr blends strong likeable characters with a plot spiced with steamy situations. The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar is an unusual twist on romance. Perfect vacation reading fare!" -- Romance Junkies
"This book had me captivated from start to finish and I would highly recommend this book." -- Harlequin Junkie
"This fast-paced read is filled with love, turmoil, hope and understanding. It's cover to cover of 4-star worthy talent and captured my heart from the start. Transported to the middle of Jazaar, Ms. Carr made me a true part of this story and I loved walking beside these amazing characters! I can't wait for the next book! -- The Romance Reviews
"The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar is a book that entertains and takes a reader on a journey filled with emotions and feelings. The finale was peaceful, romantic and true to all time-loved happily ever after endings. The dialogue is insightful, the romance scenes were wonderfully done and although harsh at times, the story is compelling. It’s a quick tale but well worth taking the time to read." -- Longand Short Reviews
The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar is anything but tarnished. It is a standout in the “Sheikh finds love” plotline. Zoe and Nadir make a sexy and smart couple! I look forward to sampling more of Ms. Carr's writing because it's beautiful and rife with emotion."-- Joyfully Reviewed
About the Author:
Susanna Carr is an award-winning author known for her contemporary romances. Readers throughout the world find Susanna's stories a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy" and "a must read." When she isn't writing or spending time with her family in the Pacific Northwest, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online.