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Jan 28, 20216 min read

I Shot the Sheriff by @ReginaJeffers is a New Year New Books Fete pick #regency #romance #giveaway



Title: I Shot the Sheriff: Tragic Characters in Classic Lit Series Novel


Author: Regina Jeffers


Genre: Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Clean Romance


Book Blurb:


How does one reform the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham? Easy. With “Patience.” William de Wendenal, the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham, has come to London, finally having wormed his way back into the good graces of the Royal family. Yet, not all of Society is prepared to forgive his former “supposed” transgressions, especially the Earl of Sherwood. However, when de Wendenal is wounded in an attempt to protect Prince George from an assassin, he becomes caught up in a plot involving stolen artwork, kidnapping, murder, and seduction that brings him to Cheshire where he must willingly face a gun pointed directly at his chest and held by the one woman who stirs his soul, Miss Patience Busnick, the daughter of a man de Wendenal once escorted to prison. I Shot the Sheriff is based on the classic tales of Robin Hood, but it is given a twist and brought into the early 19th Century’s Regency era. Can even de Wendenal achieve a Happily Ever After? If anyone can have the reader cheering for the Sheriff of Nottingham’s happiness, it is award-winning author Regina Jeffers.


Excerpt:


For the next hour they smiled and “danced around” a variety of questions. “Did you know the man who shot you?” “Was it an accident?” “Did the man mean to assault the Prince instead?” “Were you acting in an official capacity at the Prince’s fête?” As well as... “How long have you two been courting?” “When did you take each other’s acquaintance?” Even those bold enough to ask... “Does your brother approve of the match, Miss Busnik? “Are we to expect news of your nuptials soon?” William found the blushes and nervous mannerisms displayed by Miss Busnik endearing. She might be one of Pennington’s best marksmen, but, when her “pretend character” was too close to reality, she displayed her vulnerability, which triggered his protective instincts. It was quite remarkable to realize she was nearly as socially inept as he. Perhaps they were a better match than he initially thought. “A carriage with a broken wheel or some other troubles ahead, my lord,” Mr. Scott said over his shoulder. William twisted in his seat for a better view. “Is there room to pass?” he asked. Glancing around, he realized they had few choices, for the line of carriages coming and going was endless and very close together, and thanks to the recent rains, maneuvering even the lightest of vehicles off the prescribed path would be difficult. He started to rise to lend a hand, but the lady’s words stayed him. “Not with your shoulder, my lord. There are plenty of footmen and other servants in the park who can aid the person.” “Naturally, you are correct, my dear,” he said as he sat back into his seat. “Jessup, see if you may be of service.” “Aye, my lord.” Miss Busnik also glanced around searching for a solution to the dilemma. “Perhaps we should climb down and walk for a bit—make it easier for Mr. Scott to traverse the soft shoulder. I think if everyone took turns, the traffic might manage until the carriage is set aright.” William’s eyes swept the area. Noting others held the same idea, he said, “Such appears the best solution.” He stood and moved to the side to step down. “We will walk until you are clear of the disabled carriage, Mr. Scott.” “Very good, my lord,” Scott said as he held the horses in place. With a bit of awkwardness caused by his injury, William made his way to the ground from the barouche. Turning, he reached up to brace Miss Busnik. “Come, my dear. Permit me to assist you safely to the path. As you suspect, the grassy area remains a bit damp. I fear your hem will know the moisture.” She smiled down on him as she stood. William enjoyed the freedom with which she shared her approval. The woman was quite remarkable, and he wished he had the right to claim her. At length, Miss Busnik edged closer to the open door, before standing. He studied her beauty as she prepared to accept his outstretched hand, but then she froze in place, her gaze intent upon the nearby tree line. * * * Patience smiled at the baron: She genuinely enjoyed the man’s company. In some ways, she wished this pretense they practiced held a basis in reality. Although the man thought himself too old for her to consider him seriously, her heart quietly disagreed. She edged across the seat and made her way to the opening, keeping her eyes upon Lord de Wendenal. His figure was quite different from the other men who had piqued her interest over the years. Squarer.Not so lanky, she thought. Solid. Sturdy. She straightened before preparing to step down. It was then she saw him. A shadowy figure. A man stepping from behind a tree to face the line of carriages. To Patience’s horror, the person lifted a gun and pointed it in the direction of where Lord de Wendenal stood, his arms outstretched to lift her to the ground. His back to the man. Again. Without considering the consequences, Patience took flight—an awkward leap of faith, thanks to the hem of her gown catching on the latch of the door of the barouche, but “flight,” nevertheless. “Gun!” she shouted as her body slammed into Lord de Wendenal. Strong arms locked about her, clasping her tight to him as they tumbled to the ground—his body absorbing the impact of slamming into the hardened earth before rolling her over so he was draped above her. Above them, the sound of a gun being fired sent the ton into a frenzy. Screams filled the air. Horses whinnied and pawed the earth. Drivers cursed their commands for order. Two riders sped past them; yet, still she laid, cocooned in the warmth of Lord de Wendenal’s tight embrace. The weight of his body upon hers, both comforting and disturbing at the same time. “My lord,” she whispered softly so others could not hear. “It is I who is charged with protecting you, not the other way around.” His lordship chuckled. “Old habits are difficult to break, my dear.” He sighed heavily. “Tell me you are well. That the fall did not harm you.” Unfortunately, before she could respond, Mr. Scott called from the carriage seat. “My lord. My lord! Are you injured, sir? Is Miss Busnik well?” Lord de Wendenal groaned as he lifted his weight from her form. “Just well shaken, Mr. Scott.” He gritted his teeth as he put space between them. Still bent over, he extended his hand to her. “Permit me to assist you to your feet, Miss Busnik.” Patience glanced about her as crowds gathered nearer. “Thank you, my lord.” Recognizing Society’s tendency to gossip, she attempted to cover her ankles as she rose from the ground. Lord de Wendenal did not require any more naysayers. “Are you injured?” his lordship whispered, as he supported her to her feet. Before they were forced to encounter those looking on, Lords Crumbley and French appeared, leading out Lord Humbolt from the wooded area and drawing everyone’s initial attention away from them. “I have a right to discipline my wife,” Humbolt argued in loud tones while struggling with his captors. Crumbley caught Humbolt’s arm tighter. “You’ve no right to endanger the lives of others.”


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It’s a brand-new year, full of possibilities. Did you make any resolutions/goals for 2021? If so, please share one.


I promised myself I would continue to monitor my Type 2 diabetes so insulin is not required and my life remains as “normal” as a continuing pandemic will allow.


Why is your featured book a must-read in 2021?


Here is what one reader said of the book: “Making the Sheriff of Nottingham into a man who is redeemed through love of a brave and good woman is absolutely genius! And I loved all the research you did to educate us about the Sheriff and the Earl of Sherwood (and Maid Marion being such a no good!) I absolutely love this book! What a treat to read it!” I have nothing to add except my gratitude for loyal fans.


Giveaway:


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Open internationally


Runs January 1 – 31, 2021.


Drawing will be held on February 1, 2021.



Author Biography:


Regina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”


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