Tag Archives: First Encounter

Medieval Monday ~ THE HERALD’S HEART

18 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,


Welcome back to Medieval Monday! I’m thrilled to have the talented Rue Allyn here today! We’re featuring her medieval romance, The Herald’s Heart.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the seventh snippet of Robert and Constance’s first encounter on Rue’s blog. Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book! Here’s the link: https://www.rueallyn.com/blog/

Now, let’s enjoy Rue’s seventh snippet:

He had swung his leg across the horse’s rump when a hideous wail arose, bleeding through the fog to ooze fear down his spine. He hung there, suspended above the earth on the strength of a single stirrup. That the horse didn’t bolt was a miracle of good training.

Catch last week’s snippet on Jenna Jaxon’s blog: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com

Follow her to next week’s snippet on Elisabeth Hobbes’s blog: https://elisabethhobbes.co.uk

A little more about the book:

A man on a king’s mission and a woman determined to defeat him. Murder, mistaken identity and love will change everything, especially The Herald’s Heart.

Royal herald, Sir Talon Quereste could never love an overly adventurous, impulsive, argumentative woman of dubious background who threatens everything he values. Lady Larkin Roshan can only despise a man who would deny her identity and steal her heritage. So why has fate thrown them together to solve the mysteries of the heart?

Buy the book:

Amazon

B & N

Google Books

Kobo

Crimson Romance/Simon & Schuster

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ TO SUPPORT A KING

11 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,


Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  I’m excited to have the lovely Lane McFarland here today!  We’re featuring To Support a King, part of The Turnberry Legacy Series.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the sixth snippet of Robert and Constance’s first encounter on Lane’s blog.  Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book!  Here’s the link: http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/

Now, let’s enjoy Lane’s sixth snippet:

With worry for her brother heavy on her heart, Laird MacAndrew’s menacing demeanor infuriated her. She fingered the sharp blade hidden within the folds of her skirt. Her chin rose. “I am armed and wouldnae hesitate to defend myself.”

He advanced so close she discerned gray wisps in his otherwise dark beard and mustache. “Is that right?” A whiff of wine drifted off his breath.

Leave a comment for a chance to win an eBook of To Support a King, and follow along next week on Cathy MacRae’s blog: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

A little more about To Support a King:

Plagued by atrocities he committed against innocent victims while pursuing his father’s killers, Laird Mangus MacAndrew pledged to defend and provide for his clan. But his leadership is tested when two of his ships are attacked and his crews massacred. Desperate to fulfill his obligation to protect the clan, Mangus agrees to help reinstate The Turnberry Bond. His mission—garner support for the Bruce and avenge the deaths of his men.

The MacAndrew clan provides Catriona Butler something her Irish home could not, a safe haven. But when she receives a missive her brother is imprisoned and will be executed unless acceptable éraic can be obtained, she must return to her homeland. Mangus agrees to take Catriona to Ireland and vows she will not become a distraction, but he longs to be near her. Catriona witnesses Mangus’s fierce anger and grows distrustful. After a life of suffering her father’s vicious temper, she is skeptical of anyone with a penchant for violence. She attempts to keep her distance, but her traitorous heart pulls her in Mangus’s direction.

With the fate of the kingdom on his shoulders, will Mangus reunite the men of The Turnberry Bond? Can he pursue vengeance against his enemies without taking more innocent lives? And can Catriona free her brother and grow to trust Mangus, staying true to her heart?

Buy the book: Amazon

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ THE PIRATE’S JEWEL

04 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Welcome back to Medieval Monday, and welcome back, Ruth A. Casie!  You might remember, I featured The Pirate’s Jewel a few weeks ago on its release day.  Now we get a peek inside the pages!

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the fifth snippet of Robert and Constance’s first encounter on Ruth’s blog.  Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book!  Here’s the link: https://www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com

Now, let’s enjoy Ruth’s fifth snippet:

Wesley made his way back to Richards and helped roll the last of the barrels up the gangplank.

Richards mopped his brow and looked at the sky.

“I’ll make sure there is no other cargo lingering on the dock while you lash down the barrels, then I’ll rouse the men in the tavern. From the looks of the sky and building wind, you’ll want to leave as soon as possible.” Wesley hurried down the gangplank.

The excerpt continues next week on Cathy MacRae’s blog: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

You can catch last week’s snippet on Lane McFarland’s blog: https://lanemcfarland.com/blog/

Commenters each week will be entered into a drawing for a free digital copy of Ruth’s work, The Maxwell Ghost.

A little more about The Pirate’s Jewel:

He had walked away from women before, but never with remorse, never with his heart broken.

Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.

Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.

When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

Buy the book:  Amazon

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ IF MY HEART COULD SEE YOU

25 Monday Feb 2019

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

 

Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  I’m thrilled to have my friend Sherry Ewing here today.  We’re featuring her medieval romance, If My Heart Could See You.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the fourth snippet of Robert and Constance’s first encounter on Sherry’s blog.  Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book!  Here’s the link: https://www.sherryewing.com/blog

Now, let’s enjoy Sherry’s fourth snippet:

Once again, her hooded head gave no answer whilst she clutched the tartan closer to her, as if it offered the security she stood in need of.

“No? Well, I cannot in all good conscience leave you here to fend for yourself. A name then,” he encouraged, “tell me your name?”

“My n-name?”

Dristan heard her whispered words softly teasing his senses. “Aye, mistress, your name. Surely you have one?”

He stood fascinated as the head of the woman swiveled quickly in his direction. For one brief moment he beheld eyes of violet, reminding him of the heather on the Scottish moors. Still he waited patiently for her answer and yet she provided nothing to give her identity away.

Be sure to leave a comment to be in the running for Sherry’s giveaway – an eCopy of If My Heart Could See You.  A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Medieval Monday, May 6th.

Catch last week’s excerpt here: https://lanemcfarland.com/blog/

Follow her to next week’s blog (March 4th) here: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

A little more about If My Heart Could See You:

When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?

For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.

Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knights in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.

Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.

Buy the book:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1LV1qnk

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2pNkekK

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1D5NSBw

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1HQzhwH

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ THE VIKINGS

18 Monday Feb 2019

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,


Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Bambi Lynn is here today, and we’re featuring her work, The Vikings.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the third snippet of Robert and Constance’s first encounter on Bambi’s blog.  Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book!  Here’s the link: www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

Now, let’s check out Bambi’s third snippet:

Oh, she might seem willing to spread her legs for him at first, until she felt she had her hooks in him.  It would only be a matter of time before she began to feign headaches, fatigue, her monthly curse.  In the end, his most reliable sex partner would be his own fist while she lazed around the house she refused to clean and ate him out of hearth and home.

For more information on Bambi and her books, click here.  Follow along next week by visiting Cathy MacRae: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

A little more about The Vikings:

Five fierce invaders. Five innocent maids. One land to conquer.

THE VIKINGS OF NORMANDY

When the Viking leader, Rollo, sets his sights on conquering Paris, he sends a band of his fiercest warriors to capture a stronghold to shelter the invaders through the winter. Collect all five episodes in one volume.

GUNNAR – Gunnar Sigurdsen finds an unguarded stronghold at the mouth of the Seine River is the perfect target. Oliana du Fossé waits helplessly for her brute of a husband to claim her.

WULF – Wulf contemplates his share of the spoils after capturing a stronghold in Francia, fat with treasure and slaves. Farin longs to escape her fate as bed slave to the most savage barbarian of them all.

BRON – Brondulf Adilson has struck terror into his enemies for as long as he can remember, as well as the women who share his bed. Now he finds himself saddled with a beauty who may just steal his heart.

THORLEIF – Thorleif Rolvsson has been captured by the enemy. The Queen of the Franks has needs. Will a single night of passion change his fate? Or will he dine with his sons in Valhalla?

MAGNUS – Magnus hasn’t the time or motivation to take a wife. Especially not one who will most likely try to slit his throat while he sleeps.

Buy the book:  Amazon

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ BEGUILED BY THE FORBIDDEN KNIGHT

11 Monday Feb 2019

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  I’m excited to have the talented Elisabeth Hobbes here today, and we’re featuring her medieval romance, Beguiled by the Forbidden Knight.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the second snippet of Robert and Constance’s first encounter on Elisabeth’s blog.  Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book!  Here’s the link: https://elisabethhobbes.co.uk

Now, let’s enjoy Elisabeth’s second snippet:

At first Gui had mistaken her for a child: partly because of her manner, but mainly because she was so slightly built. Now she was closer he could make out the shape of small breasts beneath her shift and the blossoming curve of hips as she twisted and bent to unlace her shoes.

She was more woman than child.

Faced with this new evidence Gui gulped in surprise. He lowered himself further beneath the water, conscious of his own nakedness. Fortunately for Gui’s composure the girl did not do as he had done and shed every layer. She hitched up the skirt of her shift and waded purposefully into the water to her knees. Just as Gui had done she shivered in the cold. Beneath the water Gui grinned to himself in sympathy as another shudder racked his body.

You can catch up with Gui and the mysterious girl next week on Cathy MacRae’s blog: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

Elisabeth is offering one reader the chance to win an e-book copy of her brand new Scottish romance, A Runaway Bride for the Highlander which comes out in May. To be in with a chance, all you have to do is leave a comment on each of her snippets.

A little more about Beguiled by the Forbidden Knight:

He’s her enemy…

…and she must not fall for him!

When her mistress is claimed as an enemy knight’s betrothed, handmaiden Aelfhild knows it would be too dangerous for her lady; she must go in her place. But there’s more to the scarred knight than she first thought—she isn’t expecting to fall for him! As the line between friend and enemy blurs, Aelfhild realizes she might be protecting her mistress, but not her heart…

Buy the book:

Amazon getbook.at/ForbiddenKnight

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beguiled-by-the-forbidden-knight-elisabeth-hobbes/1127581333?ean=9781488086755

Harlequin https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488086755_beguiled-by-the-forbidden-knight.html

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/beguiled-by-the-forbidden-knight-mills-boon-historical

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

04 Monday Feb 2019

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

It’s time for a new round of Medieval Monday!  For this round, our theme is “First Encounter,” that moment when the hero and heroine first meet.  Every Monday for the next 13 weeks, I’ll feature a snippet from a medieval romance and tell you where to find the next bit of the story.

My excerpt (broken into 13 snippets) is from the award-nominated Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood, so it’s the first encounter of Sir Robert le Donjon and Lady Constance.  If you comment on my snippets, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a signed print copy of the book.  Without further ado, here’s the beginning of my characters’ first encounter:

Not twelve steps away was a table covered in red cloth that hung an inch shy of the ground. Bolts of fabric sat on top, but the clothier was nowhere in sight. ’Twould make the perfect hiding place.

Avoiding the gaggle of geese, she dashed to the table and crouched on the ground beneath it. The red, woolen fabric created the thinnest of barriers, but she was grateful for it. With any luck, Dominy would pass right by and never notice.

Two male voices came within earshot and grew louder as the men paused in front of the table. One sounded younger, belonging to a body of six- or seventeen years; the other voice was seasoned, yet soothing.

The latter spoke. “You have need of new cloth?”

“Aye, sir.”

“I see. You wouldn’t be trying to impress a certain handmaiden, would you?”

The younger man sighed. “Alice. How did you guess?”

“I have eyes, Guy.”

“And a nose like a hound, if I may say so.”

The man addressed as “sir”—a knight, perchance?—chuckled and slid the tip of his boot beneath the red fabric.

Dust swirled and tickled her nostrils. She fought a sneeze, but it exploded three seconds later.

The laughter ceased. “Did you hear something?”

“Aye, sir. A sneeze. It came from under there.”

Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of Shadow of the Swan, and follow along next week on Elisabeth Hobbes’s blog: https://elisabethhobbes.co.uk

A little more about the book:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present. Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden. Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm! But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it. From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them. When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one. She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Buy the book (which happens to be on sale for 99 cents at the moment):

Amazon https://amzn.com/B078JYQDTX

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-of-the-swan-judith-sterling/1127751024?ean=2940158925597

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadow-of-the-swan/id1332023091

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/shadow-of-the-swan-3

See you next Monday!