Tag Archives: medieval romance

Medieval Monday #5 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

19 Monday Oct 2020

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! I’m sharing Snippet #5 from Shadow of the Swan today, and as you’ll see, Constance is definitely rethinking her relationship with Robert.

Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find links to the other authors’ excerpts. (#MedMonFall20) Now, on to the fifth snippet:

            For the next week, their bedtime ritual followed a similar pattern.  He kissed her forehead and said good night.  Sometimes they talked in bed about the day’s activity; sometimes not.  For the most part, she was content.  But she couldn’t help comparing their situation to the fervid affair between Alice and Guy.  The squire made nightly visits to the handmaiden’s chamber while Meg busied herself elsewhere.

            The comfort of friendship versus the passion of love.  The latter appealed to Constance, more with each passing day.

A little more about the story:

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 or audiobook:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Audible | Apple Audio

That’s all for today. Have a lovely week, and I’ll see you next Monday!  🙂

Medieval Monday #4 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

12 Monday Oct 2020

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! I’m sharing Snippet #4 from Shadow of the Swan today. As always, you can find links to the other participating authors’ snippets by visiting Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook. (#MedMonFall20)

Now, here’s my fourth snippet:

            “Good night, Constance.”  His breath was hot on her flesh.

            She found her voice.  “Good night.”

            He pulled away and strode toward the bed.

            My dear Robert, you are patience incarnate.  She hastened toward her side of the bed and sighed as the feather mattress embraced her weary frame.  ’Twas a glorious thing to lie down with a clear conscience.  Finally!  Within minutes, she slipped into sleep.

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 or audiobook:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Audible | Apple Audio

That’s all for this Medieval Monday. See you next week!  🙂

Medieval Monday #3 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

05 Monday Oct 2020

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Today, I’m sharing Snippet #3 from Shadow of the Swan. Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find other authors’ snippets. (#MedMonFall20)

If you’re new to Medieval Monday or unfamiliar with Shadow of the Swan, here’s the story:

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.

Without further ado, here’s my third snippet:

            She held her breath.  What is he thinking?  Will he kiss me?

            He hesitated, then stepped forward and leaned closer.  His lips connected with her forehead in a soft, lingering kiss.

            His nearness was at once a balm and a temptation.  But I’m not ready!

Buy the book or audiobook:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Walmart | Apple | Kobo | Audible | Apple Audio

That’s all for this week. See you next Monday!  🙂

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN BOOKISH GIVEAWAY ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

01 Thursday Oct 2020

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October is here, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year. The weather turns chilly, the leaves change color, and I get an excuse to binge-eat Halloween chocolate. As the wind shakes my windows, I love to curl up with a good book. N. N. Light feels the same way, and they’re hosting a spooktacular giveaway. No tricks, just treats for booklovers! Everything from romance to paranormal to audiobook codes are being given away. You can even enter to win one of my books: Soul of the Wolf, the second of The Novels of Ravenwood.

Go on, indulge your inner kid and enter this giveaway. If there’s a particular book or prize you’d like to win, be sure to say which one when you enter via Rafflecopter. Enter below and good luck!

Spooky Halloween Bookish Giveaway

Literary Giveaway Portal

MAGNAR by Mary Morgan

27 Thursday Aug 2020

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Today, we’re celebrating the new release of my dear friend and sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press), Mary Morgan. Magnar is the first book in her highly anticipated new series, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, and she’s here to tell us all about it. The floor is yours, Mary!

Hello Judith! I’m thrilled to be here on your lovely blog today!

One of the fascinating parts about writing a historical (and paranormal) story is the wonderful world of research. I spent hours devouring books and talking to experts on Norse mythology. The ancient Vikings had a complex and layered belief system, and I found it mesmerizing to study.

The Vikings followed a set of guidelines known as the Nine Noble Virtues. These were a set of moral codes and edicts taken from several sources, mainly the Hávamál (ancient Norse poems that are ascribed to the God Odin), and other Icelandic sagas. These virtues contained insight into the wisdom and values of the Vikings. Here they are:

Courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, and perseverance.

Therefore, when writing Magnar’s story, I thought to give the Wolves of Clan Sutherland their own set of virtues and expanded on them. This elite guard for King William of Scotland also happens to be men who are part wolf. Here they are:

The Nine Noble Virtues of Sutherland Wolf Lore

~ Learn to control the beast within. If not, the man will cease to exist.

~ First lesson for the wolf—the man is always Alpha.

~ Scotland is our home. Orkneyjar calls to our soul.

~ When conflicted, follow the path of the stars. Odin will shine his light upon you.

~ Keep your weapon as strong as Thor’s hammer.

~ Discipline your beast to honor the code of the Brotherhood.

~ Honor the Gods. Do not beg at their feet for mercy.

~ When All Father calls you to His table, storm proudly across the void.

~ Remember your ancestors and honor their wisdom.

Sounds like a wonderfully magical story and series, Mary! I can’t wait to read it and wish you all the best!

A little more about Magnar:

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds a safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

A peek between the pages:

She stomped the ground with her foot. “I will not be forced to marry a…a heathen!”

He gritted his teeth—her words sparked outrage from his inner beast. Glancing over his shoulder, he offered, “Then which would you prefer? Halvard or me? Make your choice, Elspeth. Did you not consider I do not favor this union either?”

Confusion marred her features. She fisted her hands on her hips and glanced upward. “Did you argue against this marriage with King William?”

“Aye.”

“Yet he convinced you?”

“Aye.”

When she returned her gaze to him again, resolve and a bit of stubbornness filled them. “Why, Magnar?”

 “The king will permit me to continue with my duties with the elite guard, including an important task which requires my attention after our marriage.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, she nodded slowly. “Then you will be absent most months from Steinn?”

“Most assuredly, and when I am there, Erik will be my focus.”

Her face softened as she moved slowly toward Magnar. “Therefore this marriage is in name only for Erik’s protection, aye?”

Annoyed with the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. How Magnar longed to tell the lie on the tip of his tongue. The word ached to be released. He turned and stared into her jeweled eyes in an attempt to offer her any hope of what she wanted to hear.

When she placed a hand on his arm, she whispered, “Tell me honestly, Magnar.”

He swallowed and removed her hand from his arm. Placing it securely over his heart, he stated, “Our marriage will be binding in all ways, Elspeth—in name and body. You may worship your God and I shall do so with mine, but ken this, you will be mine completely.”

The battle of emotions splayed across her face. She stepped closer and pulled her hand free from his. “Then you understand this, Magnar MacAlpin, you can have my body on my terms. The time of my choosing. I am tired of having men telling me what to do. Will you accept my terms?”

By the hounds! Her words sparked his lust further. Magnar concluded he did not want a simpering wife by his side. For the first time, he yearned to have one challenging him—in mind and body.

Grasping her around the waist, he ignored her gasp and cupped her chin. Her eyes widened as he slowly lowered his head. “Agreed.” He breathed the word against her cheek.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B & N | Apple | Kobo

More about Mary:

Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy 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. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.

Connect with her:

WEBSITE/BLOG:  https://www.marymorganauthor.com/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

PINTEREST:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/

BOOKBUB:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

AUDIBLE AUTHOR PAGE:  https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER READING GIVEAWAY ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

11 Tuesday Aug 2020

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Having a hard time choosing what to read in 2020? While there are so many wonderful authors and books available, it’s imperative to have a dependable and responsible place that can help you choose what to read. It’s even better when you get a chance to win free books! Every month, you can win free books from multiple authors (including me!) hosted by N. N. Light’s Book Heaven. Numerous authors are offering their books in this collaborative group entitled Literary Giveaway Portal. The best part is they’re all screened and approved by N. N. Light, a top reviewer.

In this month’s giveaway, you can win free books plus an Amazon gift card generously donated by some of my favorite authors. The genres range from young adult to romance to mystery to romantic poetry.  Flight of the Raven, the first book in my medieval romance series, is one of the prizes.

If there’s a particular book or prize you’d like to win, be sure to say which one when you enter via Rafflecopter. Enter below and good luck!

Dog Days of Summer Reading Giveaway

Literary Giveaway Portal

 

Medieval Monday ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL

13 Monday Jul 2020

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Welcome to the eleventh and final week of Medieval Monday…for this round, at least!  We’re finishing our nature theme, and I’m sharing the conclusion to the excerpt from my time travel romance, Night of the Owl.  So without further ado…

Hugh frowned. “What is it?”

“Naught. I’m sure I’m wrong. Anyway, we found you, and the rest you know.”

“Not in full. You said you kicked and punched the man called Degarre. I would I’d seen you.”

Ardyth jumped to her feet. “I’ll show you now, if you’d like. I promise to be gentle.”

A wicked grin spread across her face. God’s teeth, but she was alluring!

He stood, all too aware of his stiff manhood. “Show me.”

She stepped closer. “I kicked here…” Swiftly, she lifted her leg between his, thankfully stopping short of the obvious goal. “…and he bent forward.” Grasping his shoulders, she made him fold over at the waist. “Then I punched him right here.” Her fist tapped his temple. “He fell to the ground, and your mother hit him over the head with a rock. Then I tied his hands and feet with my stockings.”

He whistled as he straightened. “Pray, remind me not to anger you in future.”

Again, she grinned. “Fear not. You’re safe with me.”

“Am I?” He inched closer, and an invisible cloak of intimacy wrapped around them.

Her smile disappeared, and her eyes darkened in a subtle yet soulful invitation. “Always.”

A little more about Night of the Owl:

PhD student Ardyth Nightshade has renounced men and pursues her twentieth-century career with single-minded focus. When fate whisks her to medieval England, she meets her match in a man whose passions mirror her own. Can she sacrifice ambition for a love she never sought?

Hugh, Lord Seacrest confounds all who know him. He refuses to marry without a meeting of minds and hearts, and no lady has even approached his ideal…until Ardyth. But she’s an odd one, with unique skills, shocking habits, and total conviction she needs no man. She also harbors secrets, and in the midst of rumors, plots, and murder, trust is fragile.

A woman outside of her time. A man ahead of his. They must take a leap of faith to forge a bond that will shape history.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B & N | Apple Books | Kobo

Thanks so much for joining us for this round of Medieval Monday.  We’ll be back with another one soon!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ WHITE ROSE OF AVALON

06 Monday Jul 2020

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our nature theme continues, and I’m delighted to feature Kelley Heckart’s Arthurian romance, White Rose of Avalon.  It was inspired by The Mists of Avalon, a book I enjoyed so much that I read it in English and Swedish!

If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the tenth snippet on Kelley’s blog today.  Now, let’s enjoy her tenth snippet:

Sighing, she lay down, closing her eyes, thinking of Lancelot. She missed his fiery touch. Melancholy weighed on her heart.

A large shadow blocked the sun.

“You are a fine sight to see, my dark beauty.”

Check out the ending to this excerpt on her blog next Monday: https://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

A little more about White Rose of Avalon:

Do you like captivating, passionate historical fantasy featuring King Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, Nimue, Morgaine, and Lancelot? Inspired by The Mists of Avalon, this sensual retelling of the Arthurian romances brings these legendary characters to life.

Destiny cannot be altered.

With Britannia falling to the Saxon hordes, Morgaine, Queen of the Faeries, has no choice but to make a pact with the Christian monks. She promises to give them a High King who will unite the Britons against the Saxons if he takes a queen from the faery realm. Morgaine hopes this will restore the Goddess faith and return Avalon to its rightful place. She sends Lancelot to guard the future High King, but when a love potion falls into the wrong hands, all seems lost.

Gwenhwyfar is the only hope for the future, but betrayal, revenge, and forbidden love surround her, all of which could send both Britannia and Avalon into ruins.

Buy the book:

Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Also available in KU

That’s all for this Medieval Monday!  Join me next week for the conclusion of not only our nature theme round but also my excerpt from Night of the Owl.  See you then!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ TO WEAVE A HIGHLAND TAPESTRY

29 Monday Jun 2020

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our nature theme continues, and I’m thrilled to feature my dear friend Mary Morgan’s To Weave a Highland Tapestry (A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights).  Such a magical cover, don’t you think?

If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the ninth snippet on Mary’s blog today.  Now, let’s enjoy her ninth snippet:

His features grew serious, and he brought her hand to his chest. “I can learn. Ye can start by telling me why ye ran out of the chambers.”

And tell you I’m from a land eight hundred years in the future? Nope. Not going to confess that to you. I’ll pretend some silly female problem.

“I think one of those awful men hit me too hard on the head,” she lied.

“Ye seemed taken aback by the year.”

She tried pulling him along, but the man was apparently built of steel. “Not really. You need to get out of this biting chill.”

Patrick lifted his hand and smiled. “’Tis mild.”

Follow along next week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog here: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/

A little more about To Weave a Highland Tapestry:

Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul.  Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.

When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.

A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?

Buy the book:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | APPLEBOOKS | BOOK PAGE

That’s all for this Medieval Monday.  See you next week!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ A WINTER KNIGHT

15 Monday Jun 2020

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our nature theme continues, and I’m delighted to feature A Winter Knight by award-winning author and friend Barbara Bettis.  This book is part of her Knights of Destiny series and a wonderful read.  If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the seventh snippet on Barbara’s blog today.

Now, let’s enjoy her seventh snippet:

Luck was with him, however. The snow, while blowing like a needle-toothed banshee earlier, hadn’t completely filled in the tracks left by the riderless horse. Faint, but Nicholas could make out the slight indentations. Northeast, then.

He and Solomon plodded along the path, stopping once to investigate a drift at the edge of the road, only to find a skiff of hardened snow covering a low bush.  When he remounted, he tugged the heavy wool cloak tighter around his shoulders. The wind might have laid, but the air was turning colder. He beat his hands together. They were numbing in spite of his sturdy leather gloves.

See what happens next here: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

Find last week’s here: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.co.uk

A little more about A Winter Knight:

Sir Nicholas has given up on marriage. These days he’s content to captain his friend’s troops and avoid entanglements—until one winter night when he rescues a half-frozen woman from a snowstorm. Her irrepressible spirit and kindness to others reminds him that all ladies aren’t like his former intended, who wed his brother while Nick was on crusade. But he can’t open his heart to Lady Clare. She’s bound to another, and Nick won’t forfeit his honor. Even if she were free, he has nothing to offer but love, and this lady deserves everything.

Lady Clare’s dying grandfather has arranged her betrothal, but the arrival of the man she’s to wed sends her fleeing into a snowstorm. Injured when her horse stumbles, she’s rescued by a mysterious knight. She recovers at his run-down manor, safe at last—until her betrothed tracks her down two days before Christmas. Trapped at home with the wedding imminent, she longs for the winter knight she’s come to love.

Only a miracle can bring Clare and Nick together. But at Christmas, anything is possible.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Kobo

That’s all for this Medieval Monday.  See you next week!  🙂