Tag Archives: Shadow of the Swan

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!  🙂

Medieval Monday #2 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

28 Monday Sep 2020

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Welcome back to another Medieval Monday! Our nature theme continues, and today I’m sharing Snippet #2 of my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan. Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find other participating authors’ snippets. (#MedMonFall20)

For anyone unfamiliar with Shadow of the Swan, here’s the blurb:

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.

Now, here’s the second snippet:

            They retired to the bedchamber and peeled off layers of clothing until all that remained was her chemise and his breeches.  Constance willed her gaze from Robert’s torso to his eyes as he approached.

            He halted an arm’s length away.  “Thank you for your honesty…and your trust.”

            She grinned.  “Thank you for marrying me.”

            His dimples appeared.  “My pleasure.”

            Pleasure.  The word hung in the air between them like a watchful, seductive spirit.

Buy the book of audiobook:

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

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

Medieval Monday ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

21 Monday Sep 2020

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Welcome to another round of Medieval Monday! Once again, our theme will be “Nature.” Last time, I contributed snippets of an excerpt from Night of the Owl, the fourth book in my medieval romance/time travel series, The Novels of Ravenwood. (By the way, my editor should be sending me the preliminary galley of the fifth and final book, Return of the Raven, soon. Stay tuned for updates!)

For this round of Medieval Monday, I’ll share snippets of an excerpt from the third book, Shadow of the Swan. The “nature” elements won’t become apparent until Snippet #6…unless we’re talking about human nature!

This round will also be different from our usual routine. For the next 12 weeks, I and the other participating authors will post only our own snippets, instead of each other’s. To find links to all of our excerpts each week, visit the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page and look for the Medieval Mondays post. (#MedMonFall20)

Now, on with the show! Here’s a little 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.

Here’s the first snippet:

            He cradled her face with his hands. “I feel I finally know you. At least, more than I ever have.”

            She smiled through her tears. “I want to be known.”

            “Do you?”

            She nodded. “In every way.”

            He dropped his hands to his sides. “When you say ‘every’…”

            “I want our marriage to be more than spiritual.”

            His eyes widened, and hope shone within them. “You mean physical?”

            “Aye.” Heat flowed into her cheeks. “But not tonight. I still need time to adjust. Please be patient.”

            His gaze probed her soul. “I’ll be anything you want, Constance. Whatever you need, I shall give.”

Buy the book or audiobook:

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

Well, that’s it for now. Have a lovely week, and I’ll see you next Monday!  🙂

Celebrate Mothers Bookish Event ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

08 Friday May 2020

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In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m participating in the Celebrate Mothers Bookish Event at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven.  They’re spotlighting 26 books, including one of mine:  Shadow of the Swan, the third book in my medieval romance series, The Novels of Ravenwood.

You can read excerpts from my book and others here and enter to win an e-book bundle of all 26 books featured in the event.

Open internationally.

Runs May 7 – 10, 2020.

Winner will be drawn on May 18, 2020.

Enter here and good luck!  And happy (early) Mother’s Day!  🙂

FREE AUDIO CODES STILL AVAILABLE!

13 Monday Apr 2020

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The audiobook fair on Story Origin is still going strong! There are more than 30 books from which to choose, including four of mine. Request the titles you’d like to review here!

These are the stories I’m offering for free:

How eager would the bridegroom be if he knew he could never bed the bride?

Lady Emma of Ravenwood Keep is prepared to give Sir William l’Orage land, wealth, and her hand in marriage. But her virginity? Not unless he loves her. The curse that claimed her mother is clear: unless a Ravenwood heir is conceived in love, the mother will die in childbirth. Emma is determined to dodge the curse. Then William arrives, brandishing raw sensuality which dares her to explore her own.

William the Storm isn’t a man to be gainsaid. He’ll give her protection, loyalty, and as much tenderness as he can muster. But malignant memories quell the mere thought of love. To him, the curse is codswallop. He plans a seduction to breach Emma’s fears and raze her objections. What follows is a test of wills and an affirmation of the power of love.

A Norman loyalist, Lady Jocelyn bristles when ordered to marry Wulfstan, a Saxon sorcerer. She nurses a painful secret and would rather bathe in a cesspit than be pawed by such a man…until her lifelong dream of motherhood rears its head.

A man of magic and mystery, Wulfstan has no time for wedded bliss. He fears that consummating their marriage will bind their souls and wrench his focus from the ancient riddle his dying mother begged him to solve. He’s a lone wolf, salving old wounds with endless work. But Jocelyn stirs him as no woman ever has.

Their attraction is undeniable. Their fates are intertwined. Together, they must face their demons and bring light to a troubled land.

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.

Ashling Donoghue never dreamed moving to Ireland would rock her perception of reality and plunge her into a mystery that brings legend to life.

At seventeen, she’s never had a boyfriend, but she feels an immediate connection to Aengus Breasal, the son of the wealthy Irishman who’s invited her family to stay at his Killarney estate. For the first time in her life, a guy she likes seems attracted to her.

But Aengus is secretive, with good reason. He and his family are the Tuatha Dé Danann, ageless, mythical guardians adept at shifting between this reality and the magical dimension known as the Otherworld. Evil forces from that world threaten the Breasals, the Donoghues, and all of Ireland. Ashling must open her heart, face her fears, and embrace a destiny greater than she could ever have imagined.

Happy listening, and happy Monday! 🙂

Free Audiobooks!

30 Monday Mar 2020

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Love audiobooks?  How about FREE audiobooks?  If your response was “Yes, please!” then this event is for you:  a selection of over 30 audio gems in the genres of romance, suspense, and paranormal — FREE for listeners willing to review!  Audiobooks are the perfect complement for walking, gardening, spring cleaning, or just putting your feet up and getting lost in a suspenseful or heartwarming story during these difficult times.

Four of my books are featured in this audiobook fair:  Flight of the Raven, Soul of the Wolf, Shadow of the Swan, and The Cauldron Stirred. 

The fair is now live through April 30.  Request the titles you’d like to review on Story Origin (free account needed) by following this link.  Happy Listening!

Sale ending soon!

25 Tuesday Feb 2020

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Today, I’m working on Return of the Raven, the fifth and final book of The Novels of Ravenwood series.  I wanted to let you know…the first four books are still on sale for 99 cents, but only for a few more days.  If you’ve ever considered reading them, now is the perfect time!  Here’s what you can expect from each book:

Flight of the Raven (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book One)

How eager would the bridegroom be if he knew he could never bed the bride?

Lady Emma of Ravenwood Keep is prepared to give Sir William l’Orage land, wealth, and her hand in marriage. But her virginity? Not unless he loves her. The curse that claimed her mother is clear: unless a Ravenwood heir is conceived in love, the mother will die in childbirth. Emma is determined to dodge the curse. Then William arrives, brandishing raw sensuality which dares her to explore her own.

William the Storm isn’t a man to be gainsaid. He’ll give her protection, loyalty, and as much tenderness as he can muster. But malignant memories quell the mere thought of love. To him, the curse is codswallop. He plans a seduction to breach Emma’s fears and raze her objections. What follows is a test of wills and an affirmation of the power of love.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B & N | Apple

Soul of the Wolf (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book Two)

A Norman loyalist, Lady Jocelyn bristles when ordered to marry Wulfstan, a Saxon sorcerer. She nurses a painful secret and would rather bathe in a cesspit than be pawed by such a man…until her lifelong dream of motherhood rears its head.

A man of magic and mystery, Wulfstan has no time for wedded bliss. He fears that consummating their marriage will bind their souls and wrench his focus from the ancient riddle his dying mother begged him to solve. He’s a lone wolf, salving old wounds with endless work. But Jocelyn stirs him as no woman ever has.

Their attraction is undeniable. Their fates are intertwined. Together, they must face their demons and bring light to a troubled land.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B & N | Apple

Shadow of the Swan (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book Three)

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.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B & N | Apple

Night of the Owl (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book Four)

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.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B & N | Apple

Now, my characters in Return of the Raven are waiting for me, so I’ve got to go.  Happy Tuesday, and happy reading!  🙂

Happy Valentine’s Day!

14 Friday Feb 2020

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Happy Valentine’s Day!  Sending an abundance of love to you this morning.

If thoughts of romance inspire you to read, all four of The Novels of Ravenwood are still on sale for only 99 cents.  Find the links here.

Wishing you a beautiful day and a great weekend ahead!  🙂