Cecelia Mecca's Blog, page 4

5 Ways the Weeping Monk in Cursed is Like My Book Hero

When I began writing the medieval romance series Kingdoms of Meria two characters stuck out in my head most. The first, Kipp Aldwine. The bastard son of the king of Meria, an “Aragon-like” figure, I knew would Kipp would the hero in the fourth and final book in the series. And the second character I could not wait to write? Father Aiken. A mysterious Elderman, a warrior priest, who first appears in book one of the Series, The King’s Commander. Taking inspiration directly from Daniel Sharman’s Weeping Monk in Cursed, I could barely contain myself for two books to begin penning his story.

With just a few weeks until the release of Taken by the Elderman, featuring none other than Father Aiken, aka Daniel aka the Weeping Monk, here’s a bit of a comparison breakdown. There are a few differences, of course, but here are some of the similarities between the two men.

1. Both are church men and serve a not-so-good guy

While the Weeping Monk works with the Red Paladins, Father Aiken is an Elderman in the medieval world of Meria. He’s pledged himself to God, works with the Prima, or head of the church, who also happens to be a bad, baddie guy, like our monk’s evil Father Carden.

 

2. Both wear a hood

This may seem like a small, inconsequential fact, but one look at this image below, and I’m sure you will agree that hood, and what it potentially hides, really ups the sexiness factor.

Am I wrong?

 

 

3. Both have the broody/mysterious gig down pat

For “reasons” both the Weeping Monk (real name suppressed since it is a major spoiler) and Father Aiken say few words and are the epitome of broody heroes.

 

4. Both are kick-ass swordsmen

Did you really think I would create a warrior priest without the skills to match his alpha male hero status? Never!

 

 

4. Both are bad boys

When I say “bad,” the Weeping Monk has a leg up on Father Aiken. He’s a bit more murderey than I was willing to make our hero. But Aiken has a secret which gives him more of a bad-boy edge than even his Shadow Warrior status gives him.

Learn Father Aiken’s secret, and see what kind of heroine can handle such a man, in Taken by the Elderman, a medieval romance, coming on May 13th. Get a new release notice so you don’t miss out on the $2.99 special release price. Already signed up! Then your next order of business is to enter to win a Kingdoms of Meria starter pack of two signed paperbacks here.

CM Insider Archive

 

January 2025

Happy New Year

My Anniversary Wine Trip

Mac and Teens

 

Discover Your Rune {TO DESIRE Bonus Content}

ATTN ARC READERS: THIS PAGE IS NOT YET COMPLETE

 

In To Desire, Liana’s runes are more than tools—they are glimpses into fate, guiding her choices and revealing hidden truths. Now, you too can uncover your personal rune and the qualities it symbolizes. Explore the meanings behind these ancient symbols and see which one aligns with your essence.

When you enter a room full of strangers, you typically:

Observe and analyze the dynamics before engaging


Make your presence known confidently


Look for someone who seems friendly to talk to


Feel the energy of the space first

Take Quiz Again

const results = { "A": { name: "Ansuz - The Messenger", description: "You are a natural seeker of knowledge and truth. Like the god Odin, you value wisdom and understanding above all. Your analytical mind and gift for communication make you an excellent teacher and advisor." }, "B": { name: "Uruz - The Strength", description: "You embody primal strength and untamed potential. Like the mighty aurochs, you have natural leadership abilities and the power to manifest your will in the world." }, "C": { name: "Gebo - The Gift", description: "You understand the sacred nature of giving and receiving. Your strength lies in building connections and fostering harmony in relationships." }, "D": { name: "Raidho - The Journey", description: "You are a natural wayfinder, understanding that life is a journey of continuous growth. You see patterns others miss and navigate change with grace." }};</p><p>function submitAnswer(type) { document.getElementById('quiz-container').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('results-container').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('rune-name').textContent = results[type].name; document.getElementById('rune-description').textContent = results[type].description;}</p><p>function restartQuiz() { document.getElementById('quiz-container').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('results-container').style.display = 'none';}

Summer Author Favorites Giveaway

You’ve followed everyone? NICE JOB! Five extra entries for you…

 

If you’re just stumbling onto this post and haven’t entered the Summer Author Favorites Giveaway, click here to enter to win some of your favorite historical romance author’s favorite items and discover new books to read in this summer-themed histrom giveaway.

In the meantime, here is the perfect summer read from each participating author:

To Honor by Cecelia Mecca

Secret’s of a Highlander’s Heart by Julie Johnstone

The Reiver by Glynnis Campbell

The Passion of a Marquess by Linda Rae Sande

Dancing with the Devil by Emma Brady

The Lady Takes It All by Terri Brisbin

A Duke, Love and Sunshine by Tabetha Waite

The Yellow Polka-Dotted Bathing Costume by Caroline Lee

Earl of Benton by Madeline Martin

Hopeful in Yellow by Sandra Sookoo

Not Like a Lady by Judith Lynne

Inevitable by Debra Falsco

Historical Romance Easter Egg Hunt Hop

Welcome to my page in the Historical Romance Easter Egg Hop! Good luck winning the $150 prize. Since there’s only one winner, I have a mini-prize for any “new to me readers,” a prequel novella to my bestselling medieval romance series which you can grab free here.

Keep hopping… and as a reminder, here are the directions on how to officially enter.

Sandra Sookoohttps://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor/Collette Cameronhttps://facebook.com/collettecameronauthorEllie St. Clairhttps://www.facebook.com/elliestclairauthorGlynnis Campbellhttps://www.glynnis.net/promotions/Annabelle Andershttps://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.Anders1/Kathryn Le Vequehttps://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels/Cecelia Meccahttps://ceceliamecca.com/historical-roman…ter-egg-hunt-hop/Heather McCollumhttps://www.heathermccollum.com/fun-for-readers/Celeste Barclayhttps://www.celestebarclay.com/2024easteregghuntTara Kingstonhttps://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor/Katherine Bonehttps://www.katherinebone.com/Deb Marlowehttps://www.debmarlowe.com/historical-mysteries.htmlElizabeth Rosehttps://www.facebook.com/ElizabethRoseNovelsTina Gabriellehttps://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielleAlissa Baxterhttp://www.facebook.com/alissa.baxter.writerMelanie Rose Clarkehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1159564541120841Jane Charleshttps://www.janecharlesauthor.com/happy-easterC.H. Admirandhttps://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthorAlanna Lucashttps://alannalucas.com/Lori Ann Baileyhttps://loriannbailey.com/Lisa Williams Klinehttps://www.facebook.com/lisawilliamskline/Kara Griffinhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaraGriffinSophia Nyehttps://sophianyewrites.com/April Moranhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorAprilMoranTabetha Waitehttps://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabethaAubrey Wynnehttps://aubreywynne.com/historical-romance-easter-egg-hunt/Terri Brisbin https://terribrisbin.com/news/?p=1874 Ruth A. Casiehttps://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/Brenna Ashhttps://www.brennaash.com/parlorAmy Quintonhttps://amyquinton.net/published-works/historial-romance-novels/

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.”

 

Keep up with the progress by saying hello in our reader group or following me on TikTok or Instagram.

Son of a Reiver: Sneak Peek

Chapter One

Mercia, England

“This had better be important.”

Oliver’s eyes widened. 

Holt’s squire had not bargained for what he saw as he barged into Holt’s bedchamber. To Holt’s recollection, Oliver had never done such a thing before. Otherwise, Holt might have had much more to say as the woman in his bed hastily pulled up the coverlet.

At least they’d just finished. Perhaps he should be commending the squire on his timing instead.

“Pardon, my lord.”

Holt sighed, realizing it was indeed important for Oliver to interrupt him. He climbed out of bed, his squire not even blinking as Holt strode across the chamber to where he and the woman, Ella perhaps, had relieved themselves of their clothing.

Oliver had been with him nearly five years, since the boy sidled up to him at a tourney, and refused to leave him, finally admitting he had no home or parents. He said Holt had been his idol—not an unusual claim for a tourney knight in training. After five years with him, Oliver had seen quite a bit, including more of Holt’s bed partners than Ella alone.

Partially dressing, he guided his squire to a corner of the room. The clear blue eyes of the redheaded boy––so different from Holt’s own dark looks––stared up at him in awe. Holt shook his head. The lad dearly needed to shed this hero worship once and for all. Holt would do well to be reminded he was a mere mortal. At least, that’s what his brothers often told him.

“A missive has arrived from Shirston Hill.”

That got his attention. 

Oliver handed it to him. 

“How did it find its way to me?” he pondered, breaking the seal.

He and Oliver had only stayed at Whithorn Manor after their most recent tournament because Holt knew the invitations for Round Table would be offered soon. Rather than returning north, he’d taken advantage of the baron’s kind offer of hospitality a bit longer.

Most especially, Lady Ella’s fine hospitality. 

God, he loved widows.

Tearing open the missive, he scanned its contents. Then, withholding his reaction, a skill he’d learned from his stoic brother Hayden, he handed it to Oliver. The young man could read now; Holt had ensured it was so. He’d become a fine squire and was well on his way to knighthood.

Oliver’s eyes widened. 

“Mmmm.” 

Holt’s bed companion was looking for attention. Before Oliver had come, he’d been inclined to give it to her. But now? There was naught he wanted to do but begin the journey to Shirston Hill. They would arrive well before the fortnight of activities culminating in the tilt. But it would afford him extra training time. 

“You’ve been invited.” Oliver had finally found his tongue.

“Aye, lad. Prepare the horses. We leave immediately.”

“You’re leaving?” the widow asked. 

Oliver, with a quick glance at Lady Ella, bowed his head, and fairly ran from the chamber. Poor boy. Though he’d kissed girls before, he was yet a virgin. If he continued to train hard, Holt told him repeatedly, that would not be the case for long.

“I am,” he said, tossing aside the idea of one final fare-thee-well. She was pretty enough. Very pretty, in fact. And extremely willing. But no woman, not even one with breasts as ample as Lady Ella, mattered more than winning this tilt.

Holt may have won many, many tourneys these past years, but this was the first Round Table for which he’d been both eligible and invited. Only the best in the world would be there to compete; others would come only as spectators, and to garner political favor with the king, who was also sure to be in attendance.

“Adieu,” Holt said as Lady Ella sat up and grabbed his hand. 

“Will you stay? For just a bit longer?”

He hated to make a woman sad, and Lady Ella surely seemed to have changed her manner since Oliver had appeared. But there was no help for it.

“I can not,” he said. “But thank you for these past very enjoyable days.”

“Take me with you,” she blurted.

A demand he’d heard so often his response rolled from his lips.

“I’d do so easily,” he said. “But alas, I am a tourney knight. Never in one place for long. A life not suitable for a lady such as yourself.”

Before Lady Ella could raise an argument, Holt leaned down to kiss her forehead, and strode from the chamber. 

He never looked back. For there was naught of importance behind him; all that he ever wanted was in front of him. 

And now, ’twas time to claim it.

Son of a Reiver will be available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited on March 23, 2023. Get it here.

Crazy for Box Sets

Love box sets? Me too! Here are the series I currently have all boxed up. Click the image to purchase/read in KU on Amazon:

 

 

 

What’s Coming in 2023

After seven books and one novella under two pen names, I can officially call 2022 a wrap. On the historical romance front, the spin-off series Brotherhood of the Border continued, and I was proud to co-author and release a Scottish historical trilogy with my friends Keira Montclair and Emma Prince. It was also a busy year for my steamy small town pen name, Bella Michaels. Launching and finishing Grado Valley Vineyards which took inspiration from a trip to Napa Valley has been an absolutely pleasure, and not just because I did a lot of wine tasting tours for “research.” In fact, I’m so proud of this new world in the Finger Lakes of New York that. . . we’re not leaving!

Are you ready to hear more about what’s in store for 2023?

Starting with Cecelia…

First up, the next Brotherhood of the Border book which pits Boyd Kerr with a feisty heroine named Lady Galia in A Lass of His Own is coming in January. Next, it’s Holt Waryn’s story, the tourney knight I’ve been waiting to write since kicking off the series. And though Brotherhood will continue with more tales along the Anglo-Scottish border during the time of William Wallace, I also plan to begin a brand new series just beginning to take shape. All I can say so far is that we’re heading back in time a bit to (likely) 11th century England and Scotland, but more news to come as the new series develops.

And for Bella…

As I said, falling in love with Grado Valley means I’m not ready to leave it just yet. After the Sicily-based standalone romance Meet, Play, Love releases in February (featuring Gian from Boys of Bridgewater), readers will re-visit GVV in a brand new series focusing on Kitchi Falls, NY. Like Entry Level with Owen Smith, the new “Main Street” series will draw inspiration from its business owners including a hot new military hero returning home to open a controversial business in a small town known for upholding, not bucking, traditions.

 

Which begs the question, if you could choose any profession for the hero/heroines of Bella’s new “Main Street” series, what would they be? 

Comment for a chance to win any signed paperback of your choice from either pen name. Include your email and country. (Open internationally.)

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

Come hang with me in Books and Brawn on Facebook for even more author shennanigans.