Cecelia Mecca's Blog, page 3

The Bachelor Pact Playlist

I give in. Though I’ve never created a book playlist before, a few have stuck out for me as I write The Bachelor Pact series, so I’ve begun to collect them and will add to is as I write books in the series. Enjoy! And read the series here.

Medieval Heroines Who Break the Mold

Medieval romance often brings to mind dashing knights and swooning ladies, but let’s be honest… our heroines are anything but damsels in distress. They are warriors, spies, strategists, and queens of their own fate. In my books, I love writing heroines who defy expectations while staying true to the medieval world. Here are three unforgettable medieval romance heroines (from my books and beyond) who refuse to be tamed.

1. Lady Isolde of Hawthorne Manor (Heirs of Eldor)

With duty pulling her one way and desire another, Isolde is torn between responsibility to her people and the undeniable pull of adventure. She wields not only political strategy but also a rare gift that makes her invaluable in a world on the brink of war.

Why you’ll love her: If you enjoy a heroine who can outmaneuver kings and go toe-to-toe with a rogue corsair, Isolde is your girl.

2. Genevieve of Thornwyck (The Savage Knight – in 2025)

Stolen away by the brooding, battle-hardened Warrick of Blackmoor, Genevieve is anything but a passive captive. As she unravels the secrets behind her family’s enemies, she must decide whether to fight for her freedom—or claim a dangerous passion that could change everything.

Why you’ll love her: A fierce, intelligent woman who turns her own kidnapping into an opportunity to rewrite her fate? Yes, please.

3. Alienor of Aquitaine (Real-Life Medieval Queen & Ultimate Power Player)

One of history’s most legendary women, Alienor wasn’t just a queen—she was twice a queen, ruling both France and England. A political mastermind, she played the game of thrones centuries before George R.R. Martin ever dreamed of it.

Why you’ll love her: If you adore court intrigue, power struggles, and a woman who refuses to be overshadowed, Alienor is a historical heroine worth reading about.

What’s Your Favorite Type of Heroine?

Do you love bold warrior women, clever courtiers, or women who change history from the shadows? Drop a comment below and let’s talk medieval heroines!

Inspiration Images for Elydor

I thought it might be fun to show you a few of the images I’ve been using as inspiration for the various clans and their kingdoms. Starting with the “air clan” of Aetheria featured in Whisper of War and Storms, this is the capital of Aethralis, the Temple where the Gate is located and my vision of the book’s heroine, Mev. Did you envision something similar or different than this?

Aethralis, Capital of AetheriaThe Temple, AetheriaPrincess Mevlida of Aetheria

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you may have seen in my last newsletter, the cover and blurb for book #2, Tide of Waves and Secrets, has been officially revealed with it now on pre-order on Amazon. You met our hero, Sir Rowan, the mysterious human, in book one where we left him about to travel to Thalassaria, the “water clan,” to obtain the Tidal Pearl, one of three ancient artifacts necessary to re-open the Gate and reunite Mev and her parents. Rowan meets a woman by the name of Nerys who changes the tides of Elydor’s future (and of course they fall in love) as she challenges the current queen at the Festival of Tides, a sacred celebration of water magic which I envision looking something like this:

Festival of Tides, Thalassaria

The story continues on May 11th with Rowan and Nerys’ story and will include cameos from your favorite characters from book one as well! Preorder Tide of Waves and Secrets and get ready for the next chapter of Heirs of Elydor.

Coming May 11th!

What Makes a Medieval Romance Unforgettable? 8 Elements Every Reader Loves

If you’re anything like me, you love a swoon-worthy medieval romance… the kind filled with daring knights, strong-willed heroines, and epic love stories that defy the odds. Whether it’s a slow-burn courtly romance or a sizzling enemies-to-lovers tale, medieval romance books have a timeless appeal. But what exactly makes these stories so addictive? As an author of medieval romance, sometimes with a touch of fantasy, I spend a lot of time researching what readers love most about the genre. So let’s dive into the key ingredients that make medieval historical romance novels so captivating!

1. A Chivalrous (Yet Rugged) Hero

From gallant knights to roguish warriors, the hero is always a mix of honor and untamed passion. Fans of medieval romance love a man who wields a sword by day and swears undying devotion by night. Think Scottish Highlanders, noble crusaders, and outlawed princes, each with a tragic past and a heart ready to be conquered.

2. A Fierce Heroine Who Defies Expectations

Gone are the days when medieval romance heroines sat idly in towers, waiting to be rescued. Today’s leading ladies are healers, spies, warriors, and queens who shape their own destinies. Readers love heroines who challenge societal norms while still feeling authentic to the medieval period.

3. The Tension of Forbidden Love

Some of the best historical romance books thrive on the thrill of the forbidden—whether it’s a lady in love with her family’s enemy, a knight bound by duty, or a secret affair that could topple a kingdom. This is what makes medieval romance novels so intense and full of longing!

4. Castles, Battlefields, and Hidden Passages

One of the best parts of medieval romance books is the immersive world-building. Grand castles, shadowy forests, and warring kingdoms create the perfect backdrop for love and adventure. Readers want to be transported to another time—where passion burns as fiercely as the battles waged.

5. Political Intrigue and Power Struggles

Nothing spices up a romance like treachery at court or a hero torn between love and loyalty. The best medieval romance novels often weave in elements of court intrigue, royal conflicts, and betrayals that keep readers turning the pages late into the night.

Looking for Your Next Medieval Romance Escape?

If you love all of these elements, you’ll find them in my Heirs of Eldor series! Book One, Whisper of War and Storms, introduces a world of hidden magic, rival kingdoms, and an undeniable love story that sets the stage for Book Two, Tide of Waves and Secrets, featuring an adventurous seafarer and a lady with secrets of her own.

For exclusive content, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes extras, sign up for the Mecca Romance Insider and be the first to know about new releases, special offers, and VIP perks!

Mecca Romance Insider Oasis

Welcome to the Oasis

You made it! With that exclusive insider boarding pass you’ve unlocked a secret corner of my world. Think of this as your private escape, a hidden oasis where you’ll find exclusive content, sneak peeks, and surprises that no one else gets to see. From bonus scenes and deleted moments to early reveals and special giveaways, this is your VIP pass to all things Mecca Romance.

Rather than returning for each new blog post, you can subscribe here to receive Oasis updates in your inbox.

And because I believe in treating my Insiders right, I have a little something for you today…

SECRET CHARM CITY GIVEAWAY

As a thank you for being here, I’d love to give you a little prize. Just come back to the table and tell me or Jena “I found the oasis and am here for the key” so we can give you a little something that goes hand in hand with my brand new contemporary romance series book one, Fallen Hearts. (Hint, the hero is a NYC cop who returns home to take over his father inn called ‘Heritage Hill.’)

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK FOR ROMANTASY LOVERSTide of Waves and Secrets, Heirs of Elydor Book #2

Rowan

Estmere, Elydor

I stood with my hand on the door, unable to open it.

When I’d left, my grandfather had been reasonably well. But the second I returned home, it was apparent something was amiss. The hall of our manor house wasn’t bustling with activity. Instead, I’d been greeted by our steward as if someone had died.

I pushed the door open.

Knowing my grandfather would not live forever and being confronted with the evidence of that fact were two very different things. Propped up by pillows, he sat alone.

‘You look like shite,’ I said, striding toward him and leaning down to kiss the wrinkled, white-haired man on his forehead. Sitting on the side of the canopied bed, I wasn’t surprised when he reached for my hand.

‘Talk to me when you’re dying,’ he said with a weak smile. ‘It is a messy business, death. With luck, you will find a way to delay your own, but I fear my time has come.’

I wanted to argue with him. Tell Sir Thomas Durnell, my grandfather and mentor, he simply could not die. I’d thought he was invincible.

‘The Fade?’

His frail fingers squeezed my own. ‘I’d always imagined it to happen much more slowly,’ he said.

‘Would you rather it this way?’

‘Now that you’re home, aye. I would.’

I suspected as much. ‘I wish I could stay.’

My grandfather sighed heavily. ‘I already know that you cannot.’

All humans in Elydor, but especially my family, had some sort of intuitive abilities. But as The Keeper, my grandfather had more than most. Only those with Durnell blood – or Harrow blood, to be precise, though that name hadn’t been used in centuries – knew of it.

‘What did you see?’

‘The lost princess has, indeed, returned. You intercepted her and spent some time in Aethralis. You are on a mission, heading to Thalassaria, are you not?’

As always, my grandfather was entirely accurate.

‘This mission of yours will not go as planned. I see nothing else yet, but worry for your safety, Rowan.’

That was not information to take lightly. My grandfather had mentored me since I could wield a sword. He knew I was capable and very rarely worried for me. Or at least enough to admit as much.

‘That isn’t like you.’

‘No,’ he said. ‘It is not.’

I waited, but he didn’t seem inclined to elaborate. If he were anyone else, anyone but The Keeper, I could use my own intuitive skills to sense his emotion. To learn more. But he had long-ago learned how to shield out others from gaining information from him: an essential skill for someone who held all of the secrets of our family’s history.

He blinked, as if attempting to focus on me. All Keepers, every person with the same blood running through them, had been trained for this. For my grandfather’s death. Some with more trepidation than others, but all knew the signs.

‘Your eyesight?’ I asked.

He nodded. ‘I can see you, but not as well as when you left. Tell me everything.’

I started from the beginning.

‘I met Princess Mevlida, Mev, on the road fleeing north. As you foretold, she’d been taken by Prince Kael of Gyoria, but in an interesting twist of fate, the two had already formed a bond. And later, a formal union,’ I said. ‘Kael has sworn his allegiance to King Eldrin.’

‘Mmm,’ Grandfather sighed. ‘So that is why I could see a rift between the Gyorian king and one of his sons. If either of them were to fall in love with an Aetherian woman, I’d have expected it to be Kael, and not Terran.’

‘I’d not have expected any Gyorian, least of all one of King Balthor’s sons, to fall in love with the daughter of their enemy. But I supposed that’s why you’re The Keeper and I’m just a spy.’

His grandfather made a sound of disbelief. ‘You are not “just” anything, Rowan and know it well. If I’d ever met a more kind, loyal, resourceful—’

‘Dying,’ I teased, knowing my grandfather did not like mincing words or being anything other than forthright, ‘has not diminished your overhyping capabilities.’

‘Overhyping? A new word for me,’ he said. ‘The meaning of which I can easily discern. The princess must have quite a vocabulary, among other attributes from the modern world. Tell me of her.’

And so, I did. Anything not to think about the fact that my grandfather’s eyesight was leaving him, one of the final stages of The Fading. I recalled my adventures with Mev, Kael and Lyra, telling him what I’d learned of the modern world in the human realm from Mev. I recounted how difficult it had been to gain Kael’s trust, and how, after confronting his own brother to protect Mev, Kael had eventually pledged his loyalty to she and King Galfrid. I also told my grandfather what the king had revealed to the others about reopening the Gate: that the most powerful artifacts in each clan needed to be recovered and used in a spell known only to two men – the Aetherian king who opened it, and the Gyorian one who closed it.

‘This is as close as we’ve been since it was closed to seeing the Gate reopened once again.’

‘I agree.’ With my grandfather’s frail hand still holding my own, I acknowledged the pang inside my chest at such a sight. No man in Estmere was more fierce, or determined, than him. His family had long-argued the merits of how the new Keeper was chosen. Some said that when the current Keeper died, their magic was transferred to the most loyal of those living with Harrow blood coursing through their veins. Others believed it to be someone who excelled at keeping secrets: an essential quality for The Keeper.

But I knew the truth of it.

Having observed and trained with my grandfather since an early age, I was convinced the new Keeper was the man, or woman, who possessed all of it. Loyalty. Strength. Integrity. Wisdom. Resilience. My grandfather possessed all of these things.

There was not a better man alive.

‘Do not look so sad, Grandson. I’ve lived a full life and will be glad to reunite with your grandmother. It’s been an honor to serve our family, and our people. But it’s a duty I gladly pass along to another.’

He had served their family well, but I also knew how much my grandfather wished to reopen the Gate. He’d been alive when it closed, when so many who had come through, never intending to remain in Elydor, were cut off from their families. King Balthor had not just punished his enemy, the Aetherians, but the humans and, in Rowan’s mind, all of Elydor. It had been stronger, according to his grandfather, when the free pass of information and knowledge had been allowed between Elydor and the human realm.

‘We will reopen it.’ It was not a vow I made lightly. Many resourceful people, including my grandfather, had attempted it for many years. And failed. ‘Somehow,’ I said, ‘Mev was able to pass through the Gate, despite it being closed. I believe it is a sign. Her Aetherian powers are strong, and her union with Prince Kael, fortuitous. Together, we will see it done. I make that vow to you, Grandfather.’

The man that had trained me… loved me… smiled.

‘I have no doubt that you will.’

Sighing, as if our conversation had weakened him, he added, ‘Tread carefully in Thalassaria. You’ve not spent as much time there as in the other clans. They are neither as welcoming to humans as Aetherians nor as hostile to us as Gyorians, but their neutrality toward us has been just as detrimental. Thalassarians care about their freedom above all. Remember that. There is power in unity, and hope, and a peaceful future between all of Elydor’s clans is possible. But only if the Gate is reopened.’

‘I will retrieve the Tidal Pearl from Thalassari’s queen. We will reopen it,’ Rowan vowed once again. ‘I will make you proud, Grandfather.’

Smiling, he let go of my hand, patted it and closed his eyes, obviously tired. ‘You already have, Rowan. You already have.’

 

RETURN TO THE OASIS

Thank you for coming to the Oasis. If you’d like, subscribe to receive Oasis updates in your inbox. I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you! ~Cecelia

Which Elydorian Clan Are You?

Finished reading Whisper of War and Storms? Take this quiz to find out which clan you belong to. Are you an air wielder, land wielder, water-wielder or intuitive human?

Which Elydorian Clan Do You Belong To?

The realm of Elydor is shaped by its people, each tied to the elements in their own way. Answer the following questions to discover where you truly belong.

Q1: When faced with a challenge, your first instinct is to…

A) Analyze the situation from every angle before making a move
B) Hold your ground and weather the storm no matter what
C) Stay flexible and adapt as needed to keep control
D) Trust your intuition and go with what feels right

Q2: The place that feels most like home is…

A) Somewhere high above it all where the wind speaks and the sky stretches endlessly
B) A quiet forest clearing or a mountainside where the earth is solid beneath your feet
C) The open sea or a misty shore where the waves never stop moving
D) Anywhere I can observe and understand the people around me

Q3: How do you handle conflict?

A) Use my words and knowledge to shift the outcome in my favor
B) Stand firm and let my strength speak for itself
C) Read between the lines and find a way to turn the tide
D) Anticipate what’s coming before it even happens

Q4: You discover a hidden path leading somewhere unknown. You:

A) Study it first…there’s always a pattern to uncover
B) Leave a marker in case I need to return and then move forward
C) Follow the path without hesitation…adventure is calling
D) Close my eyes and listen… sometimes the answer isn’t in sight, but in feeling

Q5: If someone betrays you, how do you respond?

A) Outsmart them…knowledge is power
B) Cut them off entirely…some things can’t be forgiven
C) Keep my cool and make sure they regret it in time
D) I probably saw it coming, but it still stings

Q6: The ability you’d most want to master is…

A) Calling the wind and controlling sound itself
B) Shaping the earth and harnessing its hidden strength
C) Moving water with a thought and bending mist to my will
D) Seeing beyond the present and knowing what lies ahead

Q7: The item you carry with you at all times is…

A) A carved stone that hums when the wind moves over it
B) A small, unbreakable crystal hidden in my pocket
C) A reflective surface…water, a mirror, something that shifts and changes
D) A token passed down through generations, humming with unseen energy

Q8: The legacy you hope to leave behind is…

A) A story that echoes through time, my name spoken in whispers carried by the wind
B) A foundation so strong it cannot be undone, a lasting mark on the world
C) A ripple that spreads far and wide, touching lives in ways they never expected
D) A truth uncovered, a path revealed, a future shaped by my insight

Q9: The people who know you best would describe you as…

A) Clever, quick-thinking, always aware of what’s going on around me
B) Steady, unshakable, someone who can always be relied on
C) Charismatic, mysterious, someone who keeps their true thoughts hidden
D) Thoughtful, intuitive, often seeing what others overlook

Q10: In times of peace, you find the most fulfillment in…

A) Exploring new ideas, discovering hidden truths, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible
B) Strengthening my home, growing something lasting, protecting what matters
C) Traveling freely, embracing change, making connections across different worlds
D) Guiding others, offering wisdom, preserving knowledge for the future

Results

Tally up your answers and see which letter you chose the most!

Mostly A’s – Aetherian

The wind is your ally, and your mind is as sharp as a blade. As an Aetherian, you are gifted with the ability to manipulate air, sound, and even storms themselves. Your presence is impossible to ignore, and your words can carry farther than most realize—sometimes literally. Whether using your talents to influence others or simply to explore the world, you were meant to move freely, untethered by anything but your own ambition.

Mostly B’s – Gyorian

Steady as the mountains and strong as the earth itself, you belong to the Gyorian clan. Your power comes from the land beneath your feet, giving you the ability to shape and manipulate the physical world. People rely on you for your unwavering loyalty and unshakable resolve, and though you don’t give your trust easily, once earned, it lasts a lifetime.

Mostly C’s – Thalassari

Like the sea, you are both fluid and unpredictable, capable of great stillness and great fury alike. As a Thalassarian, you can bend water to your will, speak through reflections, and command the tides in more ways than one. Your charm is undeniable, and though your true thoughts often remain beneath the surface, those who get close enough know just how deep your emotions truly run.

Mostly D’s – Human Seer

You may not command the elements, but your power is no less significant. With an intuition that borders on the supernatural, you can see things others overlook, making you a skilled diplomat, strategist, or seer. Your presence is one of quiet wisdom, and whether you embrace your gifts or struggle against them, your ability to read the world around you shapes the path ahead.

 

Come join us in Mecca Romance Readers, a private Facebook group, to share your results as we get ready for the second book in Heirs of Elydor, Tide of Waves and Secrets.

Discover Your Rune {TO DESIRE Bonus Content}

All finished with To Desire and ready to step into Liana’s mystical world of runes and uncover the ancient symbol that reflects your unique qualities? Runes have long been used for divination and guidance, each carrying its own wisdom and meaning. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll discover the rune that aligns with your personality and life’s journey.

Ready to unlock your rune? Take the quiz below!

Quiz: Which Rune Are You?What quality best describes you?A) StrengthB) WisdomC) LoveD) SuccessWhich element do you feel most connected to?A) EarthB) AirC) WaterD) FireWhat’s your ideal way to spend a day?A) Solving challenges and taking actionB) Learning something new or reflectingC) Connecting with loved onesD) Celebrating your wins or chasing dreamsWhat motivates you the most?A) Overcoming obstaclesB) Sharing knowledge and ideasC) Building meaningful relationshipsD) Achieving greatness and recognitionScoring GuideMostly A’s: Uruz (Strength and Courage)Mostly B’s: Ansuz (Wisdom and Communication)Mostly C’s: Gebo (Love and Generosity)Mostly D’s: Sowilo (Success and Vitality)Rune ResultsYour Rune: Uruz

 

Symbolizing: Strength and Courage
Uruz signifies inner power and resilience. You have the strength to overcome challenges and shape your destiny. Embrace your courage and take bold steps forward.

Your Rune: Ansuz

Symbolizing: Wisdom and Communication
Ansuz represents clarity, insight, and the power of expression. Trust your intuition and use your voice to inspire and connect with others.

Your Rune: Gebo

Symbolizing: Love and Generosity
Gebo stands for balance, partnership, and generosity. You’re driven by connection and the beauty of giving and receiving. Celebrate the relationships that bring you joy.

Your Rune: Sowilo

Symbolizing: Success and Vitality
Sowilo shines with the energy of the sun, representing triumph and positivity. You’re a beacon of joy, inspiring others with your optimism and drive.

Maybe after reading To Desire you’re interested in dipping your toes into a bit more fantasy in your romance novels? I’m releasing my first epic romantasy in 2025, the Heirs of Elydor series. Grab Whisper of War and Storms (book one) here and try it out!

A Sneak Peek into a Brand New Trilogy

 

No, the Brotherhood of the Border is not at an end. We have plenty of siblings and cousins to follow along the border, but in the meantime, this author needs to mix it up a bit and will be doing that with the launch of a brand new series this summer. It is yet unnamed (ideas welcome) but will be a trilogy and, for the first time, be set completely in Scotland. . . in the Highlands actually.

The idea began with my discover of the Battle of the Clans, a fascinating tale of two warring clans. From there, the idea of one young man escaping a brutal battle only to be captured, and raised, by his enemy as the story opens fifteen years later is the stage of our story. Here’s a sneak (unedited) peek:

Untitled

Chapter one

Chapter 1

Duncraig Castle, Scottish Highlands

“The Duncraig wishes to see you both.”

Niall all but laughed in his clansman’s face. He and his brother Kieran had been training, as they did most days, when their father’s friend found them. Dougal and his father had be raised together, and though most thought the two cousins, they were, in fact, naught but clansmen.

“Wishes?” Kieran asked the question he’d been about to raise. When did their father ever wish for anything? Chief of Clan Duncraig for more than twenty years, he commanded. Demanded. But never ‘wished’ for aught to happen. Including summoning his sons.

Dougal shrugged. “Seemed a kinder message than the one he gave.”

Niall and Kiernan exchanged a glance. 

“Go on then,” Niall said, sheathing his claymore as Kiernan did the same. “Give us the message.”

Poor Dougal looked uncomfortable now. But since Niall and Kiernan loved nothing more than making Dougal squirm, for no other reason than he did so much too easily, neither man budged. For his part, known as the ‘rock of Duncraig’ for his apparent lack of emotion, Niall would never reveal his inner thoughts. His brother, however, very well may burst into laughter at any moment. 

Niall gave him a look that said, ‘Do not. Let this play out.’

Poor Dougal.

He shifted from one foot to the other. How this man was the same one that saved their father’s life on the battlefield, that was as close to the chief of Clan Duncraig as any man, but was still half-afraid of him almost made Kiernan smile.

Almost.

“He said to come to the keep,” Dougal said, turning as if to walk away from them.

Niall shook his head as his brother began to follow. Kiernan rolled his eyes but stood his ground.  

He may be a right bastard. A cold-hearted warrior through and through. A ‘stubborn goat like your father’ according to Niell’s mother. But if he loved one thing besides his family and clan, it was a jest. And this one was too good to pass on. Making Dougal repeat their father’s foul mouthed demand—since there was no doubt that was the reason Dougal hesitated—was nearly as much fun as having his brother yield to him, something that was becoming more and more difficult of late during their training sessions.

“Ah,” Dougal turned back to them. Framed by lush green mountains and the familiar sight of Castle Duncraig on the hill behind him, Dougal made a right-sight. Niell struggled to keep a smile from his face. “You’ll make me say it?”

“Aye,” his brother said, clearly impatient to be on his way. Unlike Niell, his primary concern was always pleasing their father. Mayhap because Niell seemed to do it more naturally, he never actively attempted as much. If his father did not care for his temperament, or mannerisms, or decisions, the chief would let him know. And Niell may or may not change course.

Kiernan? He would do anything for their father’s approval, one he gave freely if not quite as freely as with Neill.

“You know I do nae cuss, lad.”

“I know it well,” Neill said. ‘Twas an oddity that could not be found among any other Duncraig clansman. “But ‘tis the chief’s words, not your own.”

“Aye,” my brother added. “If anything, the Duncraig is liable for giving you such a message knowing your dislike for such language.”

Dougal gave us both such a look.

The man loved us like sons, too. Having none of his own, we only did our duty to treat him as we would family. And in our family, none went a day without a gentle provoking.

“Your father,” Dougal said, likely knowing the chief would not be pleased at the delay, “bid me to fetch my two blethering neds from the training yard.”

“Hmm,” my brother said, “tis not so bad. I’d say he’s spot on describing Niell. Sorry, brother, but you’re more an instigator than any I know.”

“Perhaps,” I said. “But if he meant either of us blethered, ‘tis easily you. Though I will admit, you’ve done less of it today than usual.”

As the two of us continued to trade barbs, Dougal shook his head, made an indistinguishable sound and left us. Finally allowing myself to smile as his back was turned, my brother did the same. Nodding toward Dougal, he began to follow, as I did. We continued all the way up the hill, through the courtyard and into the keep.

It was only when we entered the mostly empty great hall and saw our father’s expression that my brother and I quickly desisted from our antics.

The Duncraig, as he was widely known, was not angry.

He was furious.

Father did not get red in the face over a delay. This had naught to do with us, a fact he confirmed as both Kiernan and I approached him.

“When have you last seen him this angry,” my brother whispered.

I did not answer. Could not, as we were now within earshot of him. But the answer, had I given it, would be have been, ‘Not in a long, long time.’

“MacKinlay.”

‘Twas just one word. But enough to understand at least part of his anger. We feuded with many clans, but none as fiercely as the one that the king of Scotland himself was forced to intervene about some fifteen years ago.

When thirty of our men slaughtered thirty of theirs, effectively ending a decades-long feud. Since the Battle of Black Friars, the word ‘MacKinlay’ was all but banned in these halls.

“What have they done?” Kiernan asked. Even Dougal looked surprised. Clearly he did not know why they’d been fetched. If any of them had, they’d not have wasted time coming to the hall.

“Their cattle was found grazing on our land along the northern border.”

Shite. 

Fifteen years. And now this. ‘Twas enough to being another war between our clans, as well every man in this hall knew.

“You will go to their chief and put a stop to it,” he said, though not clarifying which of us would do so.

“Should you not go, as chief?” I asked the obvious question.

Our father’s grimace was his answer. For a moment, Niall thought ‘twould be the only one. But then he ground out. “If I go there, I will kill him. And we will be at war once again.”

 

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Day in the Life of a Romance Author (But Not Really)

I’d love to say my days are as exciting as hanging out on the beach with author buddies and fleeing from a hurricane with my favorite writing friends, but honestly they usually look more like me and the cat staring at each other, Tiki refusing to help title my next book.

Anyhoo, if you’ve been around these parts, you know I am a people person. That having my first medieval romance novel published in 2017 was a dream come true. It’s been amazing, thanks to you…my favorite of all favorite readers. But going from the girl who planned happy hours to penning novels at home all by my lonesome was an adjustment. Then COVID hit and a few of my author buddies decided to start a writing craft group because we love making our stories better.

The group became a WhatApp chat. The “Tiki Pals” chat become a cherished part of my life, and it was with these crazy kids (minus one…missed you Boo Walker) our extended retreat was interrupted by Ian in September. We fled to Georgia, stayed safe, and so I wanted to share some of my favorite pics from that week. Below you’ll see Lucy Score, (or as we call her, Lucy freaking Score), James Blatch (my favorite Brit) and Nathan Van Coops (who literally could not be any cooler) as well as my NEPA bestie Tina Gallagher and new friend Avery Maxwell along with one of the chillest gals, Katherine Nolan.

How beautiful it is to find someone who asks for nothing but your company. -Brigitte Nicole

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King of the Bean: A Medieval Twelfth Night Tradition {Kissed by the Knight}

Researching for my medieval Christmas romance, Kissed by the Knight, I was surprised to learn of a Twelfth Night game which fits my story perfectly. Moving it to Christmas and taking a liberty or two in its execution, “King of the Bean” seemed like a perfect fit for Tristan and Regina’s love story. Without revealing any spoilers (you can read Kissed by the Knight, a prequel short to Brotherhood of the Border here) it is a game with medieval origins that has the cook dropping a bean in a cake prior to the Epiphany feast. The man who found this bean while eating the cake was declared “King of the Bean.” This person presided over festivities and even, in some cases, held his own “court.”

 

And it typical medieval fashion [insert eye roll] if a woman found the bean she was declared queen and named a king who would preside over activities.

English poet Robert Herrick (1591-1674) describes a seventeenth-century English Twelfth Night feast:

Now, now the mirth comes With the cake full of plums, here bean’s the king of sport here; Beside we must know, The pea also Must reveal as queen in the court here.

Begin then to choose This night as ye use, Who shall for the present delight here Be a king by the lot, And who shall not Be Twelfth-day queen for the night here.

Which known, let us make Joy-sops with the cake; And let not a man then be seen here, Who unurg’d will not drink, To the base from the brink, A health to the king and the queen here [Miles, 1990, 338].

As always, I did rearrange facts a bit to fit the story, bringing this tradition back into a Christmas feast. And since this is my first holiday story, and first opportunity to research Christmas in the middle ages, I was surprised to discover so many of the same traditions as today. One example is the convenient mistletoe which, of course, my hero Sir Tristan, takes advantage of.

Here’s a sneak peek of the story in case you haven’t grabbed it yet:

Kissed by the Knight, A Brotherhood of the Border Prequel

Camburg Castle, England, 1299

“Sir Tristan is back.”

These four words, spoken by her best friend—second best friend if Tristan were to be included—were not the ones Regina wished to hear this eve. They had finally finished baking for the day. Exhausted, in need of a bath and woefully underprepared to see him, Regina nevertheless hurried her step.

“I thought perhaps that might prompt you to change your mind.” Cateline did not bother to hide her smile.

“You’ve been outside the walls all day. How do you know?” Regina asked as the two women made their way around the buildings on the outskirts of the village. Neither wished to be seen as they were at the end of a long day. Regina looked as if a sack of flour had attacked her, and Cateline, the alewife’s daughter . . . well, she smelled as if she’d bathed in a vat of yeast.

“When the lord’s son returns”—Cateline gave Regina a knowing, sidelong gaze—“everyone knows of it.”

Which was true, of course. Tristan had been gone for his longest stint away from Camburg yet. She’d last seen him in May, seven months ago. Regina had begun to fret he may not return in time for Christmas, which was just two days away. The thought of him returning made her pulse race. As it always had.

As it should not.

The eldest son of Lord Thornhurst, seneschal of Camburg Castle, would not, could not, see the baker’s daughter as anything but what the two of them had enjoyed since they could walk. A beautiful, lifelong friendship that Regina truly cherished, even if, as they grew older, she couldn’t help but notice the boy was becoming very much a man. One every single woman at Camburg looked at the way she was determined not to. Tristan did not need another woman pining for him. He had plenty of those.

But he did need a friend. Even now, so many years later. He might smile for all to see, but there was a sadness to him only she and a few others detected.

“Now will you come this eve?” Cateline asked.

As they passed the mill, the sky already darkened and streets of the village emptying as its inhabitants prepared for supper, Regina’s answer was automatic. “Aye.”

Perhaps she simply enjoyed torturing herself, but she’d no sooner miss Tristan’s homecoming than an opportunity to nibble on her father’s freshly baked pandemain, her favorite bread but one they rarely made.

“Good eve, Regina,” a young man called, waving enthusiastically to them as the women turned the corner.

“Good eve,” she called back to the miller. He had lost his wife just a sennight ago, and Regina had personally brought him two loaves of rye bread earlier that day. “I feel so poorly for him,” she told Cateline.

“You feel poorly for everyone,” her friend remarked.

Regina looked up. Indeed, as she suspected. Snow had begun to fall, ever so lightly. Smiling, she took off her glove and attempted to catch a flake in her hand. How perfect that it would snow the day before Christmas. Her smile fled, though, when she spied Cateline’s expression. “You would do well to find enjoyment where you can. Look,” she said, “tis snowing.”

Cateline, who was quite opposite her—tall, even willowy, with golden hair that seemed as if it had been spun to perfection—rolled her eyes. “I find as much enjoyment in a pre-Christmas snowfall as you.”

“Then why do you frown so?” she teased, knowing full well the reason.

“Ugh, you are maddening.”

Regina stopped, sighed loudly, and ignored the cold on her hand. She would not give up attempting to catch a snowflake. Ah, there. Got one. “What would you have me say, Cat? That I am ecstatic Tristan has returned? That I’ve been pining for him since he left last spring?”

Her friend’s eyes softened. “It would be the truth,” she said. Cat did not blink as the corners of her lips tugged upwards.

“Aye,” Regina agreed. “But a truth that holds little significance. He is the lord’s only son. You heard the rumors as well as I. They say his betrothal to Lady Johanne of Willmore is imminent. Lord Thornhurst would do well to make such an alliance with so much uncertainty about the king’s next move. After the pope’s condemnation of the king, all of the border lords seek stability when continued upheaval is all but a certainty.”

“Upheaval is our way of life. You talk of politics to avoid the discussion at hand. You have been miserable . . . miserable . . . since Tristan has been gone.”

She dearly loved Cat but her friend’s relentlessness could also be a bit of a chore too. “I have been fine,” she insisted, saying the lie as firmly as she was able. “As I will be when he marries.” An even bigger lie. “Do you wish to join the festivities or nay?”

All were welcomed into the great hall both this eve and for the next twelve days. For most, this day was the last they would work until after the new year, she and her parents included. They had paid the price this past sennight, working well before dawn and beyond sunset to accomplish such a feat, but there was now enough bread to supply Camburg Castle for a fortnight.

As such, Regina was so tired she’d planned only to retire to the manor she occupied with her parents and younger brother, and sleep. Perhaps until well after the sun rose on the morrow. But now it seemed her plans had changed.

Tristan was home.

The day she both welcomed, and dreaded, for months had finally arrived.

Keep reading Kissed by the Knight, available now on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.