Ludlow Hall Series, designed by reader Jane Aschtgen Bowen
It’s not like me not to have a cover for this one, but we’re struggling to find the right model. Anyway, for you avid readers who’ve been asking about Jacob and want peek and a preview of what’s coming. Here’s the prologue. I don’t usually write prologues, but in this case it was required since readers have met Jacob before and know what he’s like, so I’ve had fans ask me what happened to him to make him the way he is. Plus we meet him in The Trouble With Coco Monroe, which means I’ll be inundated with queries.
Here’s the answer - enjoy!!
The Fall of Jacob Del Garda
A Ludlow Hall Story, book 5.
Prologue
‘I’m sorry, Jacob. But I can’t do this. I can’t go through with it.’
Gabriella’s voice was no more than a whisper.
Her fiancè’s spectacular face swam in front of her eyes.
And she blinked to clear them.
He simply stared at her as if she’d sprouted another head.
Blanking out her surroundings, the penthouse apartment of The Prince Felipe Hotel in the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. This was their dream home with its carefully chosen pieces. Pieces they’d shopped for together. Yet another wedding gift, beautifully boxed with a waterfall of silver ribbon lay unopened and forgotten on the table between them.
‘I do not understand, querida,’ he said carefully. His deep voice went rough and he cleared his throat. And those dark, dark eyes were riveted on her face. ‘You want to postpone our wedding. Or you do not want to marry me, ever?’
Colour rose and fell from high cheekbones leaving him too pale.
Her heart fractured.
Gabriella clung to the back of the chair for support. A corner of her mind registered the fact that her knuckles were bone white.
She wouldn’t think about why her life, her future, with a man she loved so much was lying in tatters. If she thought about it, she knew she’d never be able to go through with this.
Even now the mere thought of the pain, the harm, she was inflicting on a man who didn’t deserve either, made her sick to her stomach.
But the alternative made her straighten her spine and look him dead in the eye.
Jacob Del Garda was a hard man. In business he gave no quarter, she knew that. But with her he’d been patient, so loving and giving. Dark eyes the colour of burnt chestnuts narrowed into hers, while a crease lined his usually perfect forehead. He had a smooth lean face that complemented the aristocratic carve of his cheekbones and his long, thin mouth. His nose was slightly aquiline, which had always appealed to her. The hair, raven black, and those brooding eyes always made her think of one of those statues of a fallen angel.
She was used to seeing wonderful looking men. In her line of work a carefully maintained body was a given. At twenty-three she needed to workout four times a week to stay lean, healthy and to keep her body in shape.
A body she’d taken utterly for granted. And body that had let her down in the worst possible way.
Bitter tears stung again. Oh God, please help her do this.
The buzz in her ears became louder and she forced herself to take a shallow breath.
Her eyes stayed on his.
‘Ever.’
She saw the blow hit him and read a toxic mix of pain, confusion and desperation.
Her legs threatened to give way so she held on tight to the chair.
Be strong, you can do this, she told herself.
‘This is madness, Gabriella.’ Jacob’s deep voice cracked as he paced and ran a shaky hand over his hair. He wore a lightweight suit in pale grey, immaculately cut by an up and coming tailor from Savile Row. His crisp shirt was pristine white cotton, the windsor knot of his silk tie perfection.
He shook his head.
Dark eyes lasered into hers. ‘I know I have been busy with the new acquisition. You knew how it would be.’
She could almost hear his clever, analytical mind clicking through the probabilities of what had gone wrong.
Now he stopped. ‘You have been quiet and distracted, lost a little weight. But I put it down to nerves. I know you wanted a small wedding.’ He frowned, rubbed the back of his neck, that strong jaw. He stared hard at her. ‘Is that what this is all about? I agree things have got way out of hand. My father is enough to drive any sane person crazy. Has he …?’
‘No,’ she said quickly. She adored his father. ‘It has nothing to do with him. I’m sorry …’
Her voice faded. She could have written a letter, run as fast as she could. The thought had crossed her mind more than once. But that would have been sheer cowardice.
Jacob deserved to be told face to face that the future he’d dreamt of, of having a wife, a family, with her, could never be.
Of course, she could never tell him why because he’d never let her go. He was an honourable man with a highly developed sense of duty. He’d stick by her, of course he would.
But she was the one who couldn’t live with it, refused to even consider giving him a choice in his own future, his own destiny. She loved him too much to see him suffer, to see him look at other couples, normal couples, living a normal life. To see him wish that he’d chosen differently.
Jacob’s eyes went into dark slits, became cool and she shivered.
Those eyes missed nothing as they searched her face.
‘I know you can handle him. You can handle anything.’ But the tone had gone cold now. ‘Why?’
Gabriella licked parched lips.
‘I made a mistake. I’m so sorry. I can’t tell you how sorry I am. But I …’
Her voice broke.
‘Stop saying you are sorry,’ he exploded and moved towards her.
Gabriella winced and took a step back, fear skidding up her spine. If he touched her she would break and never, ever, let him go.
His eyes went wide and she recognised hurt battling through utter disbelief.
‘You are scared of me?’
Shame scorched her cheeks.
Nausea crawled into her throat.
She was deliberately hurting a good man. A man who would stand by her, she knew he would. And that was precisely why she needed to let him go.
‘I would never harm you. How could you even think of such a thing,’ he said, and his Spanish accent became stronger as he looked at her as if he’d never seen her before. ‘Gabriella, we love each other. Do we not?’
His eyes, dark with pain pierced a shaft of agony right into her heart.
Sending up a prayer for forgiveness, she lied straight to his face.
‘No. I don’t love you,’ she whispered. And rubbed the burning ache below her breast bone.
She’d thought she’d experienced anguish, but it was nothing compared to this.
Jacob’s breath came hard and fast, and she watched him fighting a war of attrition to keep it together, hands clenched at his sides.
With trembling fingers, she took off her diamond and platinum engagement right, placing it on the table.
He flinched as if she’d slapped him.
‘Keep it.’ The raw torment in his voice mirrored the spear of agony in her chest.
But she merely shook her head and on shaky legs moved past him. ‘What about the house?’ he asked.
Their new home was almost complete, but she couldn’t think of it.
Truly she was in the middle of a waking nightmare, had been for ten hellish days, reliving over and over again the exact moment when her whole world had collapsed.
Don’t think about it, not now.
‘It’s yours,’ she whispered. ‘It’s the least I can do.’
‘Just like that? That is it? No discussion?’
Rage replaced pain in those dark eyes and Jacob’s fury lanced a heart already in pieces.
Gabriella knew that if she didn’t get out now, she never would. The only thing keeping her together was the unbearable knowledge of what their future held. And she drew strength from that.
She picked up her coat, her purse, and moved towards the door.
‘Stop!’
With her hand on the handle she paused, the pleading in his tone almost broke her.
She could not bear to look at him.
‘I want the truth. Is there someone else?’
For a second she stiffened, blinking with shock, then realised he’d thrown her a lifeline. What difference would one more lie make? And there would be no going back now. Because she knew Jacob would never, ever, forgive betrayal.
Her conscience was screaming now, asking what the hell she was doing?
He would be there for her in sickness and in health. But that was the whole point, wasn’t it? Thank God, she’d found out before they’d taken their vows. He deserved to be happy. Deserved to have a future, to have all the things he dreamed of, things she couldn’t give him.
‘Something like that.’
The shocked gasp behind her had her open the door.
‘Damn you, Gabriella. God damn you straight to hell,’ he said through clenched teeth as his voice finally cracked.
Hot tears blinded her.
‘I’m already there, my darling,’ she said so softly he could never hear her.
With a shaky breath Gabriella Dolman straightened her spine and stepped through the door to an uncertain future.
******************
So that’s the answer to all the questions.
God, you’re an impatient lot. I like that about you!
Christine x
So excited for the next Ludlow Hall book to be released, started this series a week ago gonna be hard waiting for the next one!!!
Hi Aubrey,
Thank you so much for commenting! You’ve made my day! Yes, Jacob and Tobin are in book five! I’ll send you an alert when it’s out.
I would like an update too. I’m waiting on my toes for Josh book as well. I soon like you books. Continue the good work
LOL! They are coming very soon!
When is the 5 book going to be released. I can wait to read Jacob’s story. I loved. The first 4
I love the Ludlow hall series I can’t wait to read book five! And will there be one about jannie and josh? I hope so!! You keep writing and we will keep reading them all!!!
LOL! Thank you, Cynthia!! There is one about Josh and Janine, already started and I’ll keep you posted on when it’s due!!!! :)
Great! I can’t wait!! Thank you!!
Omg ! Please let me when the book comes out . It was so good
Hi Janie,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - I was away!!!! I will let you know!
I am so in love with coco I like the way it tells you bits about jacob, jannie, and josh. I can’t wait for book about Jacob and I hope one about jannie and josh. I’m so hooked! Thanks for writing such wonderful characters!
Cynthia!
You’ve made my day - thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment! Jacob is still in production. And so it Josh and Janine. I’ll keep you posted on when Jacob goes live - I’m torturing him at the moment and he’s not liking it - hehehe!
I’ve loved the whole series, I found the first by accident and was instantly addicted so I read them all one after another. I can’t wait to read the next installment, I’m always checking to see if its out, any clues for the release date??
Hi Nicola, Thank you for your kind words. I’m thrilled your enjoying the series. Jacob’s story should be out by the end of the year. I’ll keep you posted on the date.
When will you release the fall of jacob?
Hi Carrie, End of the year, if I can get it done and dusted and edited in good time. I will let you know!
And thank you for asking!
I have read all the books of Ludlow Hall I can’t wait for Jacob and Josh and Janine’s story’s please let me know when we can expect them. Love the writing awsome.
Hello Robin!
Thank you so much for taking the time to drop by and comment. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the stories. I’m just about to jump into Jacob’s story after I’ve written the Ludlow Hall Christmas Special. It’s a novella and coming very soon. Jacob is in edits, which is the best bit as far as I’m concerned. I love them. And then Josh’s story is next and it’s called A Daddy For Daisy and due early 2014. I’m ‘hoping’ The Fall of Jacob Del Garda will be out in December/January. I’m behind due to hospital visits, which have thrown my projects right out the window. Plus I needed to take a break!
I’ll keep you posted!
Just wanted to say how much I have loved the whole Ludlow Hall series, the characters and the romance between them made me feel all warm and fuzzy (but then I am soft like that). Looking forward to reading the rest of this series. You mentioned that you had a stand alone book coming in the summer - Desert Orchid but I don’t see it on the Amazon page, has this been delayed?
Hi Ruth! Thank you so much for commenting. You’ve made my day. Yes, Desert Orchid has been delayed. It is being expanded - it’s going to be the beginning of a new series. The story is in edits at the moment, the cover is done so I’m hoping to have it go live around Christmas (fingers crossed). I’m just finishing a Ludlow Hall Christmas special titled, “A Film Star, A Baby, and A Proposal” and it will be out by the end of November. We meet Bronte and Nico and Alexander and Rosie but the romance is about a movie star. It’s a novella of about 30,000 words to keep the readers going until Jacob’s story comes out in the New Year. Then I’m diving into Janine and Josh. I’ll keep you posted when the books go live.
:)
I love the ludlow series!!! I wish I could write like that!!!! I love the way your mind works and thinks and imagination off the hook!!!! I can’t wait to read the rest of all the ludlow series!!!!!!!
Hi Cynthia!
You’re very kind. It is true my mind works in mysterious ways! LOL!
Lol! Well thanks you your books and i will wait patiently for the next book of the Ludlow series!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
Happy thanksgiving, Cynthia!
The Ludlow series is the best and I can’t wait to read the rest of your books. Have a Happy Thansgiving and Merry Christmas if I don’t come back in time. Keep up the good work
Hi Nickeisha!
Man, I love your name! Thank you very much, you’re very kind! And a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you too.
Hi really liked all the books in the Ludlow series so far can’t wait for the next ones to come can you let me when they are due for release thanks Jane
Hi Jane,
Thank you for commenting and reaching out to me.
The FAll Of Jacob Del Garda is coming at the end of January. And a Ludlow Hall Christmas Special is coming next week!
I’ll keep you posted.
I want to thank you for several great reads. I keep checking to see if the Ludlow Hall Christmas Special is out, not to mention Jacob’s story. And Josh and Janine. And maybe even a story for Ethan and Louise? I am totally hooked! I hope all is well after the hospital visits you mentioned. Thanks again.
Hi Nelia,
The Christmas Special is just out and I’m about to do a blog post about it. Here’s the Amazon link (still waiting for it to go ‘live’ in iBooks and B&N) The Title is ‘A Film Star, A Baby, And A Proposal’ https://amzn.to/1bvBSLV
The first two chapters of The Fall of Jacob Del Garda (book 5) is at the back of the Christmas special. Jacob should be out at the end of January. Josh and Janine’s story - A Daddy For Daisy (book six) - in late spring.
Before that I’m publishing the first of a series of Desert Princes stories - it’s a romantic thriller/suspense with the focus on the romance - called Desert Orchid and that is coming out in January too. (I’ve readers waiting for it.)
Still have hospital visits lined up - I’m a breast cancer survivor and doing well, I’ve been very lucky and dodged a bullet - thank you for asking!
And thank you for your patience!
Christine
A huge THUMBS UP and CONGRATULATIONS to you on being a survivor! You are definitely on my watch list for books, looking forward to the Desert Princes series as well. Keeping my fingers crossed for your continued healing and recovery.
LOL! Nelia!
I’ll let you know when the next one goes ‘live’. :)
You truly are a survivor.Not only having to go through treatment and hospital stays,you still find the time to respond to your many fans.
Reckless Nights In Rome got me hooked on your books and I like many others can’t wait for the Fall of Jacob Del Darda but realise your health is more important at this stage.
Thank you for the pleasure you bring to us as we read your books.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.xxxxx
When is ‘THE FALL OF JACOB DEL GARDA – LUDLOW HALL BOOK 5′ coming out. i so enjoyed the first three books that I cannot wait to read Jacob’s story. I trust that it will be fab.
Hi Nike,
I’m hoping book five, Jacob’s story is out at end of February. I’m in the middle of edits for Desert Orchid, due out at the end of this month.
Thank you for asking!
I picked up a free copy of Reckless Nights in Rome and feel like I have made a bunch of new friends…looking forward to reading Jacob’s story…it would be awesome if it came out sooner than later but worth the wait.
Thank you, Sharon.
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series. I know what you mean about making new friends - I feel like that about the characters, too!! I’m in the end game with Desert Orchid edits and then I’ll be diving into working on Jacob and Gabriella’s story and edits and revisions. I’ll also be hammering out Josh and Janine’s story, too.
My mom passed away very suddenly last week, but she’d expect me to keep on keeping on. So I’m doing it all for her.
The fact that you guys take the time to contact me makes the hard work so very worthwhile - thank you again.
Sorry about your mom passin. Can’t imagine what you going through but keep the faith and press on.
So very sorry to hear about your mom. My dad recently passed away as well. That is the best way to honor your mom (and maybe name a character after her)…
Thank you, Sharon.
It’s been a tough couple of weeks. Naming a character after her is a GREAT idea! How clever are you?
Will Louise and Ethan have their moment in the sun?
Yes! I’ve outlined a new series called The Monroes, and Ethan and Louise will be there, too. We meet the Monroe brothers again in Desert Orchid. I just can’t help but have characters interact throughout all my series. It keeps me on my toes!
I read the series and can’t wait for Jacob and Gabriella’s story. Two romances in one book, I’m looking forward to it!
Thank you, Teresa!
Yes, two romances with Jacob and Tobin. Man, those guys give a girl a run for her money!
Will we get to see more interaction between Nico and his brother? One can imagine the force of nature those two would be if their girls were in trouble :)
I hadn’t planned to, Sharon. But you’ve given me an idea! :)
That would be so exciting!
I just read the series and can’t wait for more. You have me hooked and loving it. thanks so much for a great series.
Thank you, Terri!
You’re very kind!
Has book 5 came out yet
Sending a hello and hope your year is going better for you now.
It is, Sharon, thank you. Doing the final edit of Desert Orchid and it’s reading well - which is a huge blessing. Thank you, God.
What ever happened to Ludlow 5 book - Fall Of Jacob Del Garda? Did I miss the release of this book? I can’t seem to find it on Kindle or iBook.
Hi Chris, You haven’t missed the release, my mom passed away in January and everything has been put back. I’m working on the edits of Desert Orchid and then I’ll be working on Jacob’s story. I’m hoping for the end of May.
Amazing series that had me hooked, and I know your busy with other books but please finish this series 1st. :)
LOL! Liz!
Yes, ma’am. I’m in the final edits of Desert Orchid. Just got a couple of scenes to write, she says. Then I’m diving into Jacob’s story.
Hi Christine,
I don’t normally write on people’s blogs. But after following your Ludlow series since the first release I fell in love with your books I can not wait till you next two books come out, I’m sorry to hear about your mothers passing it must a difficult time for you all xx
Hi Maxine,
Thank you so much for your kind message. It has been a difficult start to the year. The way bereavement has hit my creativity has taught me a huge life lesson. I can’t force it. However, ideas are beginning to simmer again. Thank goodness.
Your muse was just giving you the chance to grieve. That isn’t to say we will not be looking forward to Jacob’s story…can’t wait for it. And if creativity finds a way to fit in a story with Nico and his brother showing their fighting Italian spirit that would be awesome…wink wink…
LOL! I’ll wink wink you, Sharon. You little devil. Hmmmm, Nico and his brother….. Now there’s a thought - if only there were two of me. :)
And the cover models for Run Rosie Run look like they have graced a few other covers together…they look like a popular couple…actually they look like a couple…
I know. Gabrielle who does my covers reckons she’s Rosie - and she looks just like the Rosie in my head - so we went with the couple. That’s not to say we might not fiddle with the covers, but changing them over seven distributors plus facebook, twitter, Goodreads, blog etc., And not to mention the promotion sites (!) is a huge task.
Dear CC: I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Just know that the wonderful memories u have in your heart will give u comfort and ease the pain somewhat. U r definitely a survivor and should be so proud. I want to thank u so much for your Ludlow Hall books. They have given me wonderful moments of true enjoyment, happiness, peace and contentment. I am now beginning to read book four and look forward to the next books in the series. The fact that u keep your readers abreast of the life happenings of the characters we already know through your previous stories is the most brilliant aspect of your writing. So many times when reading other books, we r left to wonder what happens next in the future of the characters that we have grown to care for. Once again, I thank u. You have become my very favorite romance writer. Please take care and take your time. We, your readers will patiently wait for your future books. Please notify me via email of their availability.
Elizabeth O.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
I appreciate you taking the time to reach out to me. I’m feeling a lot better, and easing back into the work. I’ve got your email addy, so I’ll let you know when Desert Orchid goes live. Been working on Jacob’s book, and it made me laugh - this is a good thing.
Kind regards,
Christine
Dear CC, I have loved reading your Ludlow Hall series and look forward to your additions. I lost my beloved suddenly three years ago and am still recovering. Romances, specifically Your Romances, help bring back those feelings from the beginnings of our 40 years together. I had the joy of the first wedding amongst our brood of five children last month. He is the second to the youngest, although with a spread of only three minutes separating our last three, it was a toss-up as to whose ankle was grabbed first during the c-section. Quite exciting for me, both events. But back to your writing, I bought both the Sugar and Sin bundles and these lead me to you. I suspect it was after reading “A Stormy Spring” that I purchased the remainder of the Ludlow Hall series and held them back to savor at a later time. Their time finally came this week as I started over with “Reckless Nights in Rome” and carried on through the other four. I look forward to your other efforts. I might even give your vampire series a go, even though I don’t like scary. I find there are enough frightening things in the everyday world. To finish, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and hope you’ve seen the last of your health scare. Please never fail to let your loved ones know how much you care. Thank you for the smiles and chuckles and naughty ideas your writing brings to us, your readers.
xo John
Oh my goodness, John.
Thank you so much for reaching out to me. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family sounds amazing - and triplets!
When I first started writing, my goal was to touch a reader in a way that made them laugh and cry and connect with them in a very real sense. I cannot tell you how much this message means to me. You’ve told me very clearly that I’m getting something right.
And thank you, too, for your condolences. Life does throw us a curve when we least expect it.
The Ludlow series shows no sign of slowing down with Jacob’s story, The Fall of Jacob Del Garda, then Josh and Janine’s story, A Daddy for Daisy. Then my contribution to The Invitation To Eden continuity series, called Delicious and Deadly - it’s about Emma Ludlow (cousin to Bronte) and top chef Oscar Zimani.
But first, there’s Desert Orchid, the beginning of a new romance adventure series, with a twist. And the twist is that the couple we meet in the first book, we will follow all their adventures, and those of their family and friends, right through the whole series. I’ve always wanted to do this, and my editor felt that the characters are strong enough to maintain multiple story lines right through the books. Having said that, each story will stand alone and have a beginning, a middle and an end. So I’m having great fun creating the outlines.
The vampire books are a leetle bit hotter than my contemporaries. And I just want to say that those books are all being re-written and expanded and will be written for everyone, and not shelved in the Adult section of the stores, so you might want to wait until I’m finished the first three. They should be ready (she says) in mid 2015. And they’re not that scary, John. Honest!
Kind regards,
Christine
Do you have a release date for the Fall of Jacob yet? Really loved the whole series so far.
I love the Ludlow Hall series. I just read the entire series this week. Is there a date for Jacob’s book yet?
Hi Dea, thank you for reaching out to me.
Yes, early July for Jacob!!!
Isn’t it exciting to know that there is so much anticipation for this book?
Yes, Sharon!
And thank you, I pray to God it will hit the spot with readers. This is always the worst part - making sure the revisions and edits rock!
August is almost here…any idea when Jacob’s story will be released? Anxiously looking forward to it.
It’s coming, Nancy. It’s in editing hell!
Anticipating Jacobs book. I read you have A Daddy for Daisy done which is also exciting but did I miss Jacob’s story? Does it have a different name and I am tying it in wrong? I know it should be out there somewhere, I want it with me lol Hope you are well. I will go leave a wonderful review for Desert Orchid and maybe I will hear something wonderful about Jacobs story
Help ???????
Faithful reader as always
Susan
Hi Susan, Jacob’s story is nearing the end of editing. My fault! No I haven’t written A Daddy For Daisy, but I do have an excerpt that will be in the back of Jacob’s story. LOL!
So pleased you enjoyed Desert Orchid! It was a bit of a departure, but with a lot more to come and I didn’t end it on a cliffhanger as advised. Just say’ing Mrs. Editor!
Jacob’s story will go to proofing and then formatting and then another proofing before it’s out. Who said this gig was easy?
Lovely to hear from you, and I am very well, thank you for asking!
Christine X