First Lines Friday – November 16

This is a weekly meme hosted by Wandering Words, where you give the first few lines of a book to hook your readers before introducing the book.

Here are my first lines:

“‘Jasper!’ Imogene Chively shouted as she jumped to her feet, flinging her sketch into the grass. ‘Don’t move! Stay. Stay exactly where you are!’ Grabbing her skirts ankle-height with one hand and desperately waving the other, she raced across the courtyard of the old castle. ‘Emily, help!’ she shouted over her shoulder without a backward glance.”

Do you recognize these first lines?

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And the book is… Suitors and Sabotage by Cindy Anstey.

Goodreads synopsis:

Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father’s approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.

Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother’s intended.

But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of “accidents,” it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .

Have you read Suitors and Sabotage? What did you think of it?