Tag Archives: new release

Christmas and Family ~ My Guest Post on Iona Morrison’s Blog

12 Wednesday Dec 2018

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Bestselling author Iona Morrison asked me to write a guest post for her blog about Christmas and family, so I whipped up something short and sweet.  You can read the post here:

http://ionamorrison.com/guest-author-judith-sterling/

She’s also sharing an excerpt from my upcoming young adult release, The Stone Awakened.  We’re only a week away from release day, and I’m so excited to share the Donoghues’ continuing story with you! Have you read the first book in the series?  Have you preordered your copy of the second?  Click here for buy links and travel to Ireland from the comfort of your own home.

Speaking of buying, my husband and I finally finished our holiday shopping.  Our boys don’t know it yet, but they’re going to have a great Christmas.  Then again, maybe they do know; they’re spooky that way!

Happy Wednesday, and of course, happy holidays!  🙂

 

 

Mary Morgan’s New Release: TRIAL OF A WARRIOR

11 Tuesday Dec 2018

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My dear friend, Mary Morgan, is here to celebrate tomorrow’s release of Trial of a Warrior, the third book in her Legends of the Fenian Warriors series. Yay! More Celtic mythology! You know about my Guardians of Erin series and the upcoming release of The Stone Awakened (Book 2). My love for Ireland runs deep, and Mary is definitely a kindred spirit in that respect! Let’s see what she has to say about her new release.

What inspired you to write this book/series?

Initially, you meet these warriors in my first series, Order of the Dragon Knights. I knew one day I would have to write each of their stories.

I have always been fascinated with Celtic mythology, so it only made sense that I would develop and expand the world of the Fenian Fae Warriors. Theirs was a world rich in legends, colors, and senses. I’ve based my own fictional account on the legend of the Tuatha Dé Danann—one of the invasions of Ireland. They were known as the Shining Ones or the Fae.

With my warriors, there is nothing diminutive with these heroes. They’re ancient, extremely tall, and commanding. As always, it will take a strong woman to stand beside these ancient Fae.

Absolutely! The Tuatha Dé Danann fascinate me too, which is why I’ve woven them into my young adult series. Dreams–or what appear to be dreams–play an important role in that saga, especially in the first book, The Cauldron Stirred. Speaking of dreams, have you encountered any of your characters in one? Yes, all of them! They’re usually speaking all at once, arguing over a specific plot. I never interfere, but tend to sit back and try to absorb the messages.

Awesome! If you could give your hero a word of advice, what would it be? To always maintain his humor.

Any advice for your heroine? Try to curb the stubbornness.

In general, which do you enjoy writing more: description or dialogue? Both. I love the ebb and flow of describing a scene and then adding dialogue.

So do I. What do you love most about being an author? The freedom to create stories. There’s always a tale to be told within my mind.

I’m right there with you, Mary! Thanks so much for joining me today. I’m positive the new book will be a great success.

A little more about Trial 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!”

A warrior sentenced to die.

On trial for breaking a supreme Fae law, Fenian Warrior, Liam MacGregor has no regrets. He is prepared to accept his sentence—even if it means his death. However, freedom comes in an unexpected manner, and brings with it certain dangers as he travels through the Veil of Ages.

A princess honor-bound to remain hidden.

Princess Abela might be a priestess and the daughter of royalty, but that doesn’t prevent her from doing the unimaginable. She sacrifices duty and honor to set free the man who captured her heart so many years ago. No matter the severity of his crimes, she cannot let Liam die.

A rescue that will bring about a war and divide a kingdom!

In their quest to secure a treaty to forestall Liam’s death sentence, they must fight their desires for one another, as well as the Fenian Warriors sent to capture them.

A peek inside the pages:

Taking the end of her braid, Liam wove the soft hair around his finger. Black as ebony, the lock glistened in the soft glow of the fire. She’d tempted him beyond reason. Once, he thought there might have been a destiny, but her words of rejection slammed the door on any possibility. If she had no desire to claim him, why did Abela come to his initiation?

“Why witness my ceremony?” He let out a frustrated breath and brought the braid to his lips.

“Because I never said goodbye,” she uttered softly. Lifting her head, her eyes sought his and her cheeks colored from the heat of his gaze.

Liam was unable to look away from her beauty. “No. I recall harsh words and tears.”

“We were young—naïve.”

“Stubborn and set on a path of adventure,” he added.

“But our roads have led us to this fork, so to speak.”

Liam cupped her chin. “Was it destined?” He felt her tremble from his touch.

“I am not a seer,” she replied, darting her tongue out along her bottom lip.

His mind screamed at him to move away. She was a princess—a priestess. But the temptation to taste her lips once more seeped into his being. Liam bent his head and placed a feather-like kiss on the corner of her mouth.

A small breathless whisper escaped her lips, “More.”

Her invitation sparked a desire that had remained sealed. Cupping the back of her head, he continued to kiss her tenderly on the eyes, nose, and forehead. As he shifted his position, Liam brought his arms around her and dared to feast on something that was forbidden. If death was his future, he wanted one more kiss to take with him.

Buy the book:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JGMH8XS/

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trial-of-a-warrior-mary-morgan/1129784209?ean=2940161545003

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/trial-of-a-warrior/id1441254175?mt=11

The Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/6349-trial-of-a-warrior.html

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.

Where to find her:

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/

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

Guest Post and Giveaway ~ Sherry Ewing’s Blog

05 Wednesday Dec 2018

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With the fast-approaching release of The Stone Awakened, my dear friend and bestselling author, Sherry Ewing, is featuring me and my Guardians of Erin series on her blog today.  We’d love for you to visit!  If you comment on the post, you could win an e-copy of The Cauldron Stirred, the first book in the series.  Then you’ll be all caught up and ready to read the continuing story once Book Two is released on December 19.

If you love Ireland or the paranormal (or both!) you’ll want to check this out!  Come and join us:  https://sherryewing.com/2018/12/05/a-new-release-from-judith-sterling-a-giveaway/

 

Medieval Monday ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

30 Monday Apr 2018

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We’ve reached the end of the Author’s Choice round of Medieval Monday, and you know what that means!  I’m featuring the final installment of my own excerpt from Shadow of the Swan.  Today’s my birthday, but I’m offering you a gift.  Comment below for a chance to win an eBook copy of one of my books:  your choice!

So here’s your peek at Robert and Constance’s unconventional wedding night:

She stepped back. “What are you doing?”

“Undressing.” He set his belt on the table.

Her stomach dropped. “Why?”

“Aren’t you the suspicious one?” He pulled off his boots. “’Tis customary to doff one’s clothes at bedtime.”

She whirled around, turning her back on him. “I slept fully clothed at the nunnery.” She stared hard at the stone wall.

“I hate to state the obvious, but this isn’t a nunnery.”

“Well, how do you sleep?”

“Naked, of course.”

Heat flooded her cheeks and forehead. “Is that necessary?”

“I could wear my breeches.”

She sighed. Whew!

“On one condition.” His tone was loaded with meaning beyond her grasp.

What condition? What does he want from me?

She turned to face him. Apart from his calf-length breeches, he was nude. Her gaze locked onto his chest.

Sculpted by combat. Scarred by war. Covered with black hair.

“Any objection?” His voice was soft, deep.

She forced her gaze to his eyes. They looked darker now. Was it a trick of the light?

He’s waiting for an answer. Say something! “No.”

“Good.”

“How did you undress so fast?”

“The battlefield teaches one to do everything fast.” His eyes sparkled. “Well, not everything.”

Did her heart still beat? She couldn’t tell. His tone was so suggestive.

“You blush, my lady.”

Her hands flew to her cheeks. “And whose fault is that?”

He gave her a rueful smile. “Mine. But if we’re to be friends, I have to speak honestly.”

“About sexual matters?”

“About all matters. Can you live with that?”

She hesitated, then gave him a nod. “I can. And in that vein, what is the condition you proposed?”

“Right. If I’m to smother myself with added linen—”

“Breeches, Sir Robert. They’re just breeches.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “So say you. But if I do that, you must sleep in your chemise only.”

Her jaw dropped. Then she frowned. “Why?”

“For the sake of comfort.”

“I’m comfortable clad.”

He looked down, and his fingers seized the tie to his breeches. “Fine. If you’d rather I drop my—”

“Stop!” She grumbled. “Very well. I’ll sleep in my chemise.”

He smiled. “I’ll go lie in bed and shut my eyes, if you’d like.”

“I would like.”

“Do you prefer one side of the bed to the other?”

She shrugged. “It matters not.”

“Then I lay claim to the left.”

As soon as the bed creaked beneath his weight, she removed her headdress. Then she disrobed as quickly as she could and scurried to the bed.

“Why such haste?” he asked as she slid beneath the covers.

“My feet are cold.”

“Mine are warm. You’re welcome to—”

“No, Sir Robert. I’ll warm up soon enough.”

And there you have it.  Here’s a little more info about Shadow of the Swan:

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:

Amazon

B & N

The Wild Rose Press

Thanks for spending time with me and my characters.  Hope to see you for the next round of Medieval Monday!

 

Medieval Monday ~ ONLY FOR YOU

05 Monday Mar 2018

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Today, I’m featuring Sherry Ewing’s Only for You:  The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time Novel (Book Two).

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the sixth snippet of Robert and Constance’s unconventional wedding night on Sherry’s blog:  https://sherryewing.com/blog/

Now, let’s enjoy her sixth snippet:

Riorden felt Katherine flinch at the sound of another calling his name. He watched her emotions play across her face whilst she gazed upon what she most certainly must consider a rival for his affections. It could not be further from the truth. Then he felt his own feeling of disbelief when Katherine’s grip was ripped away and she became dislodged from his arms. He saw her mouth open in a display of her own sense of shock as she was rudely pulled then pushed away from him when Marguerite reached his side and deftly took her place within his arms.

“Riorden, you have come back to me!” she voiced in a rush, flinging her arms around him. “I always knew you still loved me and would return so we could be together.”

Follow along next week on Mary Morgan’s blog: http://www.marymorganauthor.com

A little more about Only for You:

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that true love conquers all only after the battle is over…

Katherine de Deveraux has it all or so she believes when she begins her life with her husband Riorden. But as she starts to settle into her duties as the Countess of Warkworth Castle, she finds that an easy life is not only difficult but downright dangerous to her well-being.

Consumed with the haunting memories of his father, Riorden must deal with his sire’s widow who just happens to also be his ex-lover. Yet how could he know just how far Marguerite is willing to go in order to have the life she feels they were truly meant to live?

Torn apart by circumstances neither Katherine nor Riorden could ever imagine, Time becomes their true enemy even while Marguerite continues her ploy to keep Riorden at her side. With all hope lost, will Katherine and Riorden find a way to save their marriage and have their happily ever after ending, or will Katherine be whisked back to where Time truly feels she belongs?

Buy the book:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MLVECd
AU: http://bit.ly/1EQxFBo
CA: http://amzn.to/1BUjhZj
UK: http://amzn.to/1CBMCHX

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ EYES OF THE SEER

26 Monday Feb 2018

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Today, I’m featuring Ashley York’s Eyes of the Seer, the second book in The Derbfine Series.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the fifth snippet of Robert and Constance’s unconventional wedding night on Ashley’s blog: www.ashleyyorkauthor.com

Now, let’s enjoy her fifth snippet:

“Oh, Astrid.” He gripped his hands to keep from reaching for her. “Forgive my heartless words. Ye do not need to hear such things.” He was babbling like a damn fool and shook his head. “Please do not feel ye must stay here with me. I am fine, but I am not fit company.”

The auburn-haired lass returned. Closing the door behind her, she waited until Marcán’s eyes found her. Then, a fresh horn in her hand, she approached him with determined steps.

Follow along next week on Mary Morgan’s blog: www.marymorganauthor.com

A little more about Eyes of the Seer:

In ancient Ireland, men and women take to the legends for answers. Different-colored eyes are the mark of a Seer, it is said, and those who can see the future are in league with the devil. They cannot be suffered to live.

He wishes to prove himself…

Marcán of Clonascara bears the bloodline of Brian Boru, the legendary high king, and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect. But he was born with different-colored eyes, and there are some who would have him suffer a Seer’s fate. His fiercest adversary is Beibhinn, mother to Diarmuid, his close friend and king, and Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. If Astrid ever showed him any interest, he would fight Beibhinn and any army to wed her.

She is desperate to escape…

Astrid is sick of her mother’s belittling, but her brother is in no hurry to see her married, so she decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway. When Astrid discovers Marcán’s love for her, she realizes that what she wants has been in front of her all along. True happiness awaits them, but only if they can put a stop to her mother’s plans.

Buy the book:

Amazon

iTunes

KOBO

Barnes & Noble

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ A KING’S ENEMIES

19 Monday Feb 2018

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  I’m delighted to have Lane McFarland here today, featuring her work, A King’s Enemies.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the fourth snippet of Robert and Constance’s unconventional wedding night on Lane’s blog: lanemcfarland.com/blog/

Now, let’s check out her fourth snippet:

Before the king’s declaration, she’d intended to poison the cur.  She’d managed to gather a pouch of wolfsbane roots and planned to slip crushed bits of the plant into the tonic de Seabrooke habitually requested before retiring for the evening.  After a few hours of retching, the fatal poisoning would’ve worked its magic.  No one would’ve been aware of his ailment until morn–much too late to save his wretched life.

Now armed guards surrounded the man.  The king’s protection made her mission harder.  And the fiend would reside in Edinburgh.  Unlike here in London, where she roamed the castle at will, she wouldn’t have access to him or his quarters in Scotland.

Damn it!  In her aim to find the perfect opportunity, she prayed she hadn’t missed the chance she’d waited for.

Follow along next week on Sherry Ewing’s blog: https://sherryewing.com/blog/

A little more about A King’s Enemies:

Tormented by King Edward’s brutality against Scottish sympathizers, Drake Fletcher vows revenge, but only a madman single-handedly attacks the Crown. Instead, he enters the royal court as a spy to aid Robert the Bruce’s rise to power and place a formidable leader on Scotland’s throne.

Scottish lass Katherine Mackenzie Armstrong targets three of King Edward’s officers who brutally raped and murdered her mother. Disguised as one of Queen Margaret’s attendants, she sets a course to destroy the men.

The acts of treason both Drake and Katherine commit are punishable by death in The Tower of London, but their determination pushes dangerous limits. Considered enemies, they use each other to gain vital information. Neither expect their overwhelming attraction to one another, the staggering emotions stirred. But the closer they become, the more they jeopardize their pledges of vengeance.

Will the weight of retaliation crush them, see them beheaded? Or will Katherine and Drake form an alliance and learn to live and love again?

Buy the book:

Amazon

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ BETRAYAL

12 Monday Feb 2018

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Today, I’m featuring Jenna Jaxon’s latest work, Betrayal.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the third snippet of Robert and Constance’s unconventional wedding night on Jenna’s blog: www.jennajaxon.wordpress.com

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

Thomas glanced at his wife, expecting a glaze of terror—and instead looked into eyes filled with a ferocity he had never beheld there before. They shifted back and forth from him to the retreating figure of Lady Carlyle. So the seeds of jealousy had taken root. Mayhap this night would end in true marriage rather than counterfeit.

“Are you prepared, wife?” He ran his hot gaze over the proud form before him.

“I am, my lord.” Her calm voice held only a touch of nervousness. She had recovered well from the sight of his nudity. Given the circumstances, a truly remarkable woman.

Follow along next week on Ashley York’s blog: www.ashleyyorkauthor.com

A little more about Betrayal:

The worst betrayals come from within.

After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.

A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth.

Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey, or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?

Buy the book:

Amazon

B & N

Smashwords

See you next Monday!

Medieval Monday ~ MASK OF THE HIGHLANDER

05 Monday Feb 2018

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Today, I’m featuring Bambi Lynn’s Mask of the Highlander.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan for a chance to win a free eBook, you can find the second snippet of Robert and Constance’s unconventional wedding night on Bambi’s blog.  Remember to comment, so I’ll know you were there!  Here’s the link: www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

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

Mrs. Dingwell cleaned the room regularly, but the air reeked of a mustiness brought on by disuse. There was an unearthly silence to the granite walls, hung with faded tapestries and notched with arrow slits at random intervals. A single window let in light from outside, but it was not enough to chase away the gloom. Or the memories.

Follow along next week on Lane McFarland’s blog:  landmcfarland.com/blog/

A little more about Mask of the Highlander:

Once she was afraid to touch him. Now she’s afraid to let go.

Forced to marry to avoid war between clans, Kenna Cleary endured three days of her new husband’s painful brutality before he rode off to battle the English. In the five years of his absence, she bore him a daughter, increased his holdings, and gained the love and respect of his people. Now he’s home. Must she and the clan learn to endure his cruelty once more?

The Laird of Domhnul has returned from war a changed man—moreso than his wife or clan can possibly know. Now the warrior faces a new battle, one for his wife’s heart, and his peoples’ trust. He must walk the knife’s edge of deception and danger, while proving he is no longer the cruel tyrant they came to know all too well.

But when his father embroils both them in a deadly plot, can the couple find a way to prevent war between the clans?

Buy the book:

Amazon

For more info about Bambi and her books, visit www.bambilynn.net/

See you next Monday!