Monthly Archives: August 2017

Medieval Monday ~ “First Encounter” in ELSBETH

28 Monday Aug 2017

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday and Week Four of our “First Encounter” theme!

If you’re following the moment when my hero and heroine meet in Soul of the Wolf, you can find the fourth snippet on Lane McFarland’s blog: http://lanemcfarland.com/2017/08/medieval-monday-with-judith-sterling/

Let’s check out Lane’s fourth snippet from Elsbeth:

Familiar resentment bubbled into her throat, and she choked on the bitter taste.

As he advanced, his gloved hand tugged the cloth from his face. Her breath caught at his intense scrutiny, his commanding presence. An overwhelming urge to slam and bolt the door nearly overcame her, but her feet remained rooted to the spot.

“Sister, there’s not much time,” his deep voice resounded. “Yer life is in danger. Ye must flee.”

See what happens next on Sherry Ewing’s blog on Monday, September 4!  Here’s the link: https://sherryewing.com/blog/

A little more about Elsbeth:

Elsbeth MacDougall recoils at the violent Scottish rebellion and the bleak plight of orphans. Vowing to protect the homeless, she embarks on a journey to Scone and sets her course to become a nun, sheltering children from the cruelties of war. But when Brandon McLeod arrives at the Abby, he shakes her convictions and stirs provoking emotions she buried long ago.

After English soldiers murder his family, Brandon McLeod determines a course of revenge and leads numerous clans in Scotland’s fight for freedom. Bent on the annihilation of English oppression, he is resolved to a life of solitude, vowing never to marry and chance the pain of losing loved ones again. However, that was before he met the enchanting Elsbeth.

Buy the book on Amazon

Still celebrating!

23 Wednesday Aug 2017

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The Long and Short Reviews 10th anniversary party is still going strong!  Join us today to learn more about Flight of the Raven, the first of The Novels of Ravenwood.

Here’s the link:  http://wp.me/p2ZcT9-hJB

Answer a simple question and enter to win one of several prizes, including a $100 Amazon gift card.  See you there!

The party continues!

22 Tuesday Aug 2017

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The celebration continues in honor of Long and Short Reviews’ 10th anniversary.  Today, you can read more about The Cauldron Stirred, the first book in my Guardians of Erin series.

Here’s the link:  http://wp.me/p5u5ZH-bEA

Join in and you could win one of several prizes, including a $100 Amazon gift card!

Join the party!

21 Monday Aug 2017

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Long and Short Reviews is celebrating their 10th anniversary, and my books have joined the festivities.  There are lots of prizes, including $100 Amazon gift cards!  Read more about my medieval romance Soul of the Wolf, the second of The Novels of Ravenwood series here:

http://wp.me/p2ZcT9-hFO

Medieval Monday ~ “First Encounter” in BETROTHAL

21 Monday Aug 2017

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday and Week Three of our “First Encounter” theme!

If you’re following the moment when my hero and heroine meet in Soul of the Wolf, you can find the third snippet on Jenna Jaxon’s blog: http://www.jennajaxon.wordpress.com

But let’s focus on Jenna’s third snippet from Betrothal:

“I beg pardon, sire.” She hurried from behind the table, too aware of all the eyes now on her. As she moved to stand before the king, the low drone of many voices rose around the room.

“Impudent girl.”

“I’d not want to be in her place.”

“Do you think the king will…”

Each snatch of conversation made her heart beat faster.

What will he do to me?

Her normal embarrassment at being the center of attention tripled at the thought of this blatant lapse of protocol. She stopped several feet from the dais and the room hushed as though everyone held their breath.

See what happens next on Ashley York’s blog on Monday, August 28!  Here’s the link: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog

A little more about Betrothal:

The heart can choose, but can it also change?

Lady Alyse de Courcy has fallen in love with Lord Braeton, a nobleman in King Edward III’s court and a man to whom she has barely spoken. Fate, however, has decreed her betrothal to his best friend, Sir Geoffrey Longford—a handsome and imposing knight, yet hardly the man she wants to wed.

When Sir Geoffrey is bound in betrothal by his father, he could not have expected the beautiful stranger to win his heart the moment they meet. But Alyse’s infatuation with his friend casts doubt on whether she can ever return his regard and their wedding day is fast approaching… Will he have time enough to win her love?

Buy the book:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CF6UZFW

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/betrothal-jenna-jaxon/1115182506?ean=2940044481251

SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/307838

An Interview with Mary Morgan, Author of QUEST OF A WARRIOR

16 Wednesday Aug 2017

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A warm welcome to Mary Morgan!  Congrats on your new release, Quest of a Warrior!  It’s getting rave reviews, and I wish you great success with it.  Now, let’s get this interview started!

At what age did you write your first story? Around the age of ten. Prior to that, I was writing short poems about my pets.

Which genre was the first to hook you? Historical Fiction.

What was your first published book? Dragon Knight’s Sword

What’s your favorite part of the writing process? Brainstorming? Research? Outlining? Writing? Editing? Research and outlining the story. I’m obsessed with finding historical details—no matter how small—to fit into my stories.

Those historical details are so important! I also love doing research and outlines for my books. What are you working on now? Currently, I have two projects. In pre-galley edits with a Dragon Knights novella, scheduled for release near the holidays. It’s centered around Fiona’s brother, Desmond O’Quinlan. Fiona is the heroine from Dragon Knight’s Axe, and you were introduced to all of her brothers in that story. In addition, I’m writing the second Fenian Warrior, Rory MacGregor’s story called Oath of a Warrior.

Of all the settings you’ve used (or created!) for your books, which is your favorite? Why? Without a doubt, Urquhart Castle in Scotland! I’ve dreamt of this place for decades and was fortunate to explore the ruins this summer. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and mystery of Urquhart and of course, Loch Ness. That day will remain etched within my soul.

I know the feeling, that tug on your soul which is undeniable. I also visited Urquhart, back when I studied in Aberdeen. The ruins and loch are the stuff of dreams! Speaking of which, have you ever dreamed about a character you created? No. Yet, Angus MacKay (hero and oldest brother from Dragon Knight’s Shield) did approach me at Urquhart. It was a surreal moment—one where I was all alone in this small stone enclosure, glancing outward at the loch through an arched window. He told me, “Ye have told our tale well.”

Very cool! If you could have a conversation with anyone—dead or alive—who would it be? The great Irish King, Brian Boru (941-1014) of Ireland. Brian led the Irish to the peak of their Golden Age—from poetry, arts, saints, and scholars. A remarkable man.

I’ve long admired Brian Boru, too! If you could travel to any time and place, when and where would that be? Kensington Palace. June 20, 1837, the morning Victoria was told she had become queen. A pivotal point in British history. She was young and sheltered. Yet, Victoria proved them all wrong with her strength and determination.

That would be amazing to witness! If you could step inside any book or series and live there for a week, which would you choose? My own—the Dragon Knights of Urquhart!

If a fairy godmother appeared and offered you one thing—anything at all—what would you request? To heal all those in great pain.

I share that desire.  Now, it’s time to learn some of your favorites!

Sound: Babies laughter
Eye color: Green
Foreign language (whether or not you speak it!): Gaelic
Song: The Celts by Enya
Book: I have many favorites, so I can’t limit it to one, lol! “The Lion of Ireland” by Morgan Llywelyn. “The Mists of Avalon” by Marion Zimmer Bradley. “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon.  (Ooh! The Mists of Avalon! I have that book in English and Swedish.)
Movie: Braveheart
TV show: The Highlander (Adrian Paul). It’s an old series, but remains my favorite.
Cuisine: Italian
Cookie: Shortbread
US location: Pacific Northwest (Love!)
Foreign location: Scotland and Ireland (Double love!)

And finally, list your preference from the following choices:

Tea or coffee? Both!
Cake or pie? Pie
Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes? Nancy Drew
Jane Austen or the Brontë sisters? Jane Austen
A mortal, vampire, ghost, or fae for a lover? Vampire
English gent, Scottish highlander, European count, or all-American guy? Scottish Highlander

A little about Quest of a Warrior

“You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!”

Fenian Warrior, Conn MacRoich has traveled the earth for thousands of years, guarding the realm between mortal and Fae. His deeds are legendary. Yet, one mistake will force him on a journey to fix a broken time-line. However, on Conn’s quest, he must face a human female who will eventually bring this ancient warrior to his knees.

When Ivy O’Callaghan inherits her uncle’s estate, she never imagines there will be more secrets to unravel, including the one she hides from the world. With the help of a mysterious stranger, she learns to trust and step out of the shadows. However, nothing prepares Ivy when she learns Conn’s true identity.

As the loom of fate weaves a thread around the lovers from two different worlds, will the sacrifices they make lead them to love? Or will their secrets destroy and separate them forever?

A peek between the pages

“Intoxication can unleash the beast within a Fae.” ~ Chronicles of the Fae

Conn fought the bolt of desire spearing a path throughout his body. Her touch spoke volumes—an invitation to taste. Never had he longed to kiss a human like this wee lass. His heart beat loudly, and he found himself unable to move. She was a Goddess of the moonlight. It danced off her face and hair, and he trembled before her. Ivy’s fingers traced down his cheek and across his lips. He was helpless to contain the growl that escaped from his mouth.

The rush of passion overtook him, and Conn slammed the door on his mind. Grasping Ivy around the waist, he hoisted her up on top of the bridge. Her lips parted on a sigh, and he lowered his mouth to feast on something he dared not take. The first brush of her soft lips against his own ignited a hunger he could no longer contain. Taking her moan deep into him, Conn glorified in the sensation of her mouth—one filled with a honeyed sweetness.

The Fae warrior became just a man for the first time. Something primal burst within him. Emotions he had never felt left him dizzy, spiraling to a physical plane. He craved them all. His lips seared a course down her neck, to her throat, and then recaptured the velvet warmth of her mouth.

Where to purchase Quest of a Warrior

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Warrior-Legends-Fenian-Warriors-ebook/dp/B072HPBMDM/
Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/quest-of-a-warrior-mary-morgan/1126404360/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/quest-of-a-warrior

More about Mary

Award-winning Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

Where to find Mary

WEBSITE: http://www.marymorganauthor.com
BLOG: http://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

Thanks so much for joining me today, Mary.  All the best with your new release!

Medieval Monday ~ “First Encounter” in THE VIKING: BRON

14 Monday Aug 2017

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday and Week Two of our “First Encounter” theme! 

Remember, if you follow along and comment on every snippet of a particular encounter, you could win the mother lode:  14 e-books from the authors of Medieval Monday!

If you’re following the moment when my hero and heroine meet in Soul of the Wolf, you can find the second snippet on Bambi Lynn’s blog:  www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

The first snippet appeared last week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog:  http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/

Now, let’s check out Bambi’s second snippet from The Viking: Bron:

Now that he thought back on it, he could not remember if he had ever gotten a good look at Wulf’s house guest. She could be hard to look at, growing harder as the years passed. And she was a Frankish maid. He would have to sleep with one eye open.

See what happens next on Lane McFarland’s blog on Monday, August 21!  Here’s the link:  http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/

A little more about Bron:

After escaping the brutal tyrant who holds her under his boot, Leda’s newfound hope is shattered to discover her safe-haven to be nothing more than a den of brutal Norsemen, intent on conquering all of Francia and claiming its riches for their own. When she is offered as a bed slave to the fiercest Viking of them all, she despairs to realize freedom comes at a price.

Brondulf Adilson has struck terror into his enemies for as long as he can remember, to include the women who share his bed. Shunned for his frightful appearance, he doesn’t expect compliance from his new thrall and is resigned to forcing her to his will.

But the beauty he finds himself saddled with turns out to be anything but meek and compliant.

Buy the book:

 

Medieval Monday ~ “First Encounter” in THE GUARDIAN’S WITCH

07 Monday Aug 2017

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We’re starting a new round of Medieval Monday, and this time, you could win big!

The theme is “First Encounter,” that moment when the hero and heroine first meet.  Every Monday for the next 14 weeks, I’ll feature a snippet from a medieval romance and tell you where to find the next bit of the story.  If you follow along and comment on every snippet of a particular “first encounter” (14 in all) you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a collection of e-books from the authors of Medieval Monday.

THAT’S 14 FREE E-BOOKS!

My excerpts are from Soul of the Wolf.  Ruth A. Casie is sharing the first one today on her blog.  Here’s the link: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/

But for now, let’s focus on Ruth’s snippet from The Guardian’s Witch, Book One in The Stelton Legacy:

“There aren’t many left in service. The king’s protectors scared them away.” Ann gave the linen a final tug.

“You mean the rumors of the curse.” Bryce’s voice held a bitter edge of cynicism.

“No, not because of the rumors, which are ridiculous, but because over the last two years no one in this castle has cared about the village or the people,” she dipped her head toward Alex. “Except for him.”

“Bryce?” Alex’s whispered words went unheard. Exhausted and in pain, he fought to open his eyes, to no avail. He would not surrender control. Instead he struggled to take in bits and pieces of the conversation.

See what happens next on Lane McFarland’s blog on Monday, August 14!  Here’s the link:  http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/

A little more about The Guardian’s Witch:

England, 1290

Lord Alex Stelton can’t resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it’s his. Desperate for land of his own, he’ll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.

Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she’d never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.

Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can’t get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they’ll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.

Buy the book:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/ZgvmDw

BN: http://bit.ly/ZQkCuY

iBook: http://bit.ly/TGWiBook

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-guardian-s-witch