Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 29
November 15, 2016
99 Cent Wednesday! Timeless Tales of Passion!
Every Wednesday, I will bring you a great deal. A boxed set for only 99 cents. That’s a quarter a book, or sometimes, less! How can you beat that?
Today’s deal is
Contributing Authors
Dawn Brower
Catherine Kean
Amanda Mariel
Anna Markland
Laurel O’Donnell
Elizabeth Rose
Lana Williams
Victoria Zak
Blurb
A magnificent collection from best-selling and award-winning authors! This set includes –
Searching for My Rogue by DAWN BROWER –
While attending a wedding, Alys Dewitt falls through a time hole and wakes up in 1815. James Kendall, the Duke of Weston returns from war to find an injured woman on his estate. Will they fall in love or uncover a way to send Alys home?
Bound By His Kiss by CATHERINE KEAN –
On her way to visit Lord Bramwell Hawksley days before they will marry, Lady Miranda de Vornay is taken captive by forest outlaws. Held hostage by their leader, she fights her shocking desire for the bold, handsome rogue she should despise—especially when he insists he is Bram, and that her betrothed is his corrupt half brother. Uncertain what to believe, Miranda must find out the truth. She will love only one man: the lord to whom she’s bound by his long-ago kiss.
Scandalous Redemption by AMANDA MARIEL –
Ruined by scandal, Claudia Akford survived years of marriage to a cruel brute. Widowed, she is determined to regain her standing in society, but Lord Shillington personifies temptation. Kind and gentle, yet masculine and sinfully handsome, he would make the perfect lover, but he wants more than she is willing to give.
Carried Away by ANNA MARKLAND –
Chained by duty, released by capture.
Blythe became Dieter’s captive then stole his heart. A fast paced novella set in medieval Germany.
Cherished Protector of Her Heart by LAUREL O’DONNELL –
The honored LADY of Acquitaine prepares for her upcoming marriage. Her BETROTHED battles the unwanted visitors that have come for more than just celebration. Will his past catch up to him and ruin all he has fought so hard to protect?
Beast Lord by ELIZABETH ROSE –
Stefan De Bar is the next of his siblings to be cursed by the old witch, Hecuba. Now he is slowly turning into a beast, and his enemy, Lady Bonnibel might be the only one who can save him.
A Knight’s Kiss by LANA WILLIAMS –
Sir Hugh is a knight on a vital mission to halt a murderous plot with no time for distractions.
Liza is known far and wide for brewing fine ale but is faced with unbearable choices when both her sister and her livelihood are threatened. Widowed following a brutal marriage, Liza trusts no man, yet the kindness of this strong knight and the passion he awakens in her tempt her to reconsider.
Having loved and lost, Hugh has no desire to risk his heart again but needs Liza’s help to fulfill his mission. Together, these two wounded souls must trust themselves and each other to foil a plot against the king and claim their second chance at love.
Once Upon a Winter Solstice by VICTORIA ZAK –
What if all moments throughout time existed at once? What if you had a love that stood the test of time? Never faltering, never fading. What if one legend brought both time and love together as one? Once Upon a Winter Solstice is dedicated to those who believe in true love.
Authors work hard to bring you these sets. Please don’t forget to leave a review!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 13, 2016
Medieval Monday! The Maxwell Ghost by Ruth A. Casie
For this Medieval Monday, I’m featuring The Maxwell Ghost by Ruth A. Casie! This novella is featured in Once Upon a Haunted Castle. Enjoy!
Here’s the blurb so you get an idea of what the story is about –
In Ruth A. Casie’s The Maxwell Ghost, traitors, deception, murders and ghosts run rampant at The Maxwell’s Caerlaverock Castle. Jamie Maxwell Collins, a man of reality not magic, serves Lord Herbert in exchange for his own farm. Laura Reynolds, Lord Herbert’s distant cousin comes to the castle to solve the murders and put the ghost to rest. The two, long-time friends find their destinies intertwined with hidden passions, but all is in jeopardy when Laura becomes the murderer’s next target. Jamie will find he needs some ghostly assistance to save Laura and declare his love.
Excerpt from The Maxwell Ghost –
He and Laura were targets in the swift moving water. He needed to get farther downstream, away from the marshland. He cursed himself for worrying about her propriety rather than her safety.
The sound of splashing from up river grew closer.
“Wrap your arms around my waist and try not to lose your seat.”
They reached the far bank and raced along the river, the raiders not far behind.
“You need to let me down,” she yelled at him in the wind. “You can go faster without me.”
“Keep down,” he said between clenched teeth and pulled his sword. They raced on, the land a blur as they flew by.
The spray of water from his horse’s pounding hooves turned into small clouds of dust as they came out of the marshland into the meadow. His horse couldn’t maintain this speed much longer. They reached the area where the river dog-legged to the right. A dense fog hung low in the forest. Jamie let loose his battle cry then veered into the woods.
They raced on. Out of the mist his men charged and dashed past them set to do battle with the reivers close behind them.
Jamie and Laura raced on. Laura glanced over his shoulder.
“Rider behind us.” Jamie urged his horse on faster. If they didn’t stop soon, the poor animal would collapse.
Another glance. The man was gaining ground. Think, she told herself. Sunlight bounced off Jamie’s sword. Could it work? It had to.
“Put your sword on your left shoulder then make a quick half-turn to your left and face the rider. Don’t stop, charge,” Laura said as she lay as close to his horse as possible to give Jamie more room to maneuver.
“Don’t look. It’s not going to be a pretty sight.”
She closed her eyes tight.
Jamie followed her instructions. The sound of the horse’s hooves echoed in her head as he completed the maneuver and his horse sprang forward. With the full weight of the charging horse behind his sword, he hit the raider in the chest. The man fell to the ground. His disembodied head rolled somewhere in the mist.
Jamie turned his horse again and continued into the woods. Laura sat up. The trees sped by. She began to panic at the tall hedge row that loomed in front of them.
Their direction didn’t waver. Rather than slow down, the animal gathered speed. Jamie crushed her in front of him and held her head against his chest.
“I won’t let anything happen to you. Hold me.”
The sensation of flying through the air frightened and exhilarated her at the same time. For a moment, her heart stopped. How they landed without the horse falling or them being thrown was beyond her, but they did.
The horse slowed to a halt, lathered and blowing hard. His men were soon with them.
Buy Links: Amazon/Kindle, iBook, BN, KOBO
Authors work hard to bring you these wonderful stories. Please don’t forget to leave a review!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 10, 2016
November 8, 2016
99 Cent Wednesday! Swords, Secrets and Seduction!
Every Wednesday, I will bring you a great deal. A boxed set for only 99 cents. That’s a quarter a book, or sometimes, less! How can you beat that?
Today’s deal is
Contributing Authors
Elizabeth Rose
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Ruth Kaufman
Laurel O’Donnell
Blurb
From USA Today and Bestselling authors that you love! This set includes these four full-length novels –
THE TAMING OF MAIRI MACKENZIE by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
The fate of a battle-weary warrior depends on a mysterious woman, but when they join forces, the passion that consumes them poses a greater threat: a forbidden love so powerful it could destroy them.
LORD OF ILLUSION by Elizabeth Rose –
A lady on the run is looking to escape her betrothed, and a thief is looking to escape his life. Passion and love blooms between two people who shouldn’t be together, when they find each other’s life more intriguing than their own.
CHAMPION OF THE HEART by Laurel O’Donnell –
He is an outcast THIEF known as the Black Fox, vowing revenge against those who unjustly stripped his father of his knighthood and lands. She is the PROTECTOR of the orphaned children of her village, promising to bring the Black Fox to justice for his dark deeds. Can Fox uncover the sinister secrets from their past and become the champion of his lady’s heart?
FOLLOW YOUR HEART by Ruth Kaufman –
Joanna Peyntor sees the world through the jewel-like windows she creates, with her only goal to save her glass-painting workshop from ruin. Sir Adrian Bedford will do anything to restore his family name and estate. When irresistible passion makes their marriage of convenience inconvenient, will his dangerous secrets keep them from following their hearts?
Authors work hard to bring you these sets. Please don’t forget to leave a review!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 6, 2016
Medieval Monday – The Saint by Cathy MacRae
For this Medieval Monday, I’m featuring the Saint by Cathy MacRae! Enjoy!
Here’s the blurb so you get an idea of what the story is about –
Following in the footsteps of his uncle, the famous Lord William de Wolfe, Geoffrey de Wylde was counted among the greatest knights England had ever known. Revered for his justness and strict adherence to the chivalric code, he was known as The Saint.
Fleeing the unwanted attentions of her late husband’s brother, Marsaili de Ville runs headlong into the path of The Saint. She wants nothing more than to reach the safety of her family’s home in Scotland before Edmund de Ville’s henchmen capture her, but Geoffrey de Wylde insists on becoming her protector, slowing her flight and putting her unknowingly at risk.
As her past catches up with her, Marsaili will find more than a safe haven in The Saint’s arms. And Geoffrey de Wylde will discover his code does not tell him what to do with a woman who has been accused of murder, yet has captured his heart.
Sounds delicious! Here’s the excerpt –
“You will ride with us,” Geoffrey informed her, changing his mind once again. Simon and Walter gave him startled looks and his neck warmed. “The Church teaches us to care for women and children,” he reminded them. He returned Marsaili’s furious stare. “And those unable to fend for themselves. ’Tis not safe for you to travel alone, and you will be under our protection until your journey ends or you are passed on to another for safe-keeping.”
“Here’s a miracle for yer impending sainthood, Lord de Wylde! ’Tis a miracle no one has kilt ye out of a fit of total aggravation for yer interfering ways. I told ye I dinnae need yer care, and I meant it!”
“I heard you, and you do,” Geoffrey intoned evenly, reining in his building annoyance with supreme effort. Never had anyone—much less a woman—gainsaid him as this woman did. “I am used to having my orders followed to the letter, so let me speak plainly. You will ride with us until we reach my estate at Galewood, which is not far from the Scottish border. At that time, escort will be arranged for you that will take you to your destination. No other options, opinions or attempts to sway a change in my order will be entertained.”
He paused, waiting for the woman to explode. Her cheeks flamed, her neck arched, and sparks flew from her clear blue eyes. Impressive! The only drawback was the thinning of her full lips, marring their lush perfection. And, of course, ’twas now likely she had a full arsenal of vindictive words ready to hurl at him.
“Do I make myself clear?” he asked, forestalling her tirade.
“Ye amadan!” she hissed. “Ye dinnae care what damage ye cause. I have reason to not ride with ye, or any man. I willnae have my journey impeded by such as ye.”
“Such as me?” he returned, curious as to what specific fault she found with him.
She waved an arm in the air, encompassing everyone in the room. “Ye have two horses where four would give better service pulling that wagon. Yer driver is elderly and likely not capable of demanding the best of what nags he has. And two men are an impressively small guard for a landed English lord.” She cast a look at their booted feet. “And, ’twere it not for the gold spurs ye wear, I’d find myself wondering at their abilities.”
Stung, Walter rose to his full height. “The three of us are completely formidable, milady,” he informed her, his voice rising with each word.
“Everyone knows the might of The Wolfe rides at our back,” Simon added with a nonchalant shrug. “It has been quite some time since anyone was foolish enough to challenge us.”
Marsaili drew back, a chill coursing up her spine at the thought of these men aligned with the formidable baron, Lord William de Wolfe, the king’s champion.
She suppressed a shudder. “Nevertheless, there are but two of ye now, unless milord fights from his chair. Though he has a commanding presence, I have yet to see him without his cane.”
“Despite our grievous faults, the fact remains you are safer with us than without us,” Geoffrey clipped. “Make yourself presentable and begin your sojourn with our lackluster party by helping with a few of the chores. We will bide the night here and leave at first light.”
Amazon Kindle Worlds: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B01LMHIC4K
Authors work hard to bring you these wonderful stories. Please don’t forget to leave a review!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 3, 2016
November 1, 2016
99 Cent Wednesday! Enchanting the Highlander!
Every Wednesday, I will bring you a great deal. A boxed set for only 99 cents. That’s a quarter a book, or sometimes, less! How can you beat that? Today’s deal is on Preorder now!
Today’s deal is
Contributing Authors
Eliza Knight
Terry Spear
Vonda Sinclair
Victoria Roberts
Willa Blair
Blurb
Five new, enchanting, Scottish romance novellas by five bestselling authors!
PROTECTED BY THE LAIRD by Eliza Knight
While on a siege, Laird Douglas Hay discovers a lass’ half-frozen body. Though she’s his enemy, he cannot abandon her. As his captive, she could bring a hefty ransom. He revives her, a task easier managed than dealing with her fiery temper, and the intense desire heating his veins. Taken prisoner by a brutish warrior, Lady Annora Comyn is determined to escape. Secretly, she believes the war between Scots is ludicrous, that the vying for the crown should have ceased when her royal brother was murdered. Annora struggles with the notion of letting men fight their battles, or offering herself as collateral to unite the warring Scots. After all, there are far worse things than having to kiss Laird Hay everyday for ever and ever…
~~~
VEXING THE HIGHLANDER by Terry Spear
Lady Aila MacIntosh hopes she doesn’t regret the king’s marital choices for her and her sister. Until one braw Highlander bumps into her at the king’s gathering. He’s as taken with her as she is with him, until she learns he is but a commoner, when she is a lady. The king would never make a match between them. Alban of the Clan Daziel meets a beautiful woman at the king’s court, only she is a lady and out of his reach. When the lady and he meet under awkward circumstances, they chance to overhear a plot to assassinate the king. Their lives spiral out of control and losing his heart to Aila is only one of his pressing concerns. Protecting her from those who wish the king dead—his greatest.
~~~
DEFENDED BY A HIGHLAND RENEGADE by Vonda Sinclair
When Lady Mairiana MacKerrick witnesses her fiancé, Alec Lindsay, committing a murder three days before their wedding, she decides she must run away. Darack Grant, secretly an outlaw MacGregor, is on a secret mission, but when he finds Mairiana hiding in the stables, he decides to help her escape. He remembers the lovely lass from their one meeting a few years before. Though he was drawn to her, he always saw her as far beyond his reach. Mairiana finds her hidden inner strength and trusts the Highland renegade to protect her on their journey through the Scottish Highlands. On the way, they find an astonishing passion. But Alec will stop at nothing to reclaim his betrothed and destroy Darack, even pin a murder on him.
~~~
TARTANS AND TRYSTS by Victoria Roberts
Sorcha Gunn has realized the error of her ways and wants to make amends for everything she’s done. But when her cousin mysteriously disappears and Sorcha suspects her father is responsible, she needs to make a choice: betray the man who has given her everything or seek help from his enemy. As captain of the MacKay guard, Doughall Forbes will do anything to protect his clan from the ruthless Gunn laird. The last thing he needs is a wily female luring him into a nefarious trap. But he believes Sorcha, even though he can tell she’s holding something back. He’s determined to help her but soon discovers he’s the one who needs protection…from losing his heart.
~~~
HIS HIGHLAND ROSE by Willa Blair
Iain Brodie is a fierce warrior and passionate lover, but to prove he’s responsible enough to be the clan’s chief, he must find a bride—quickly. One of the three Rose daughters fills his mind—and heart—even when he discovers she is not who she claimed to be. Annie Rose doesn’t want to be a bride, not even deliciously and annoyingly sexy Iain’s. But her father wants an alliance with Iain’s clan, and he’s chosen her to forge it. Then Annie falls under Iain’s seductive spell at the spring known in old tales as the fairy pool. When her father suddenly decides against their match, Iain must risk losing everything he values—the clan he was born to lead and even Annie—his only love.
Authors work hard to bring you these sets. Please don’t forget to leave a review!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
October 31, 2016
Medieval Monday – Seduction at the Christmas Court by Jenna Jaxon
I’m so excited to bring you this new feature! Every Monday I will bring you an excerpt from a medieval romance! This week, I’m featuring Jenna Jaxon! From her upcoming release Seduction at the Christmas Court. Enjoy!
The cold, crisp air burned the inside of Alyse’s nose on the second day of their journey to Havering. Geoffrey had insisted they move slowly to accommodate young Thomas and his nurse, Ysa, a young girl from the village whose husband had been taken by the pestilence and whose babe had been stillborn. Grief stricken, the girl had come to dote on Thomas as though he were her own. They now rode together in the cart, bundled alongside numerous trunks and goods that would last them the month they would spend at court.
Alyse had chosen to ride Mirabelle and now relished the cold that stung her cheeks and made her impatient to move swiftly. Under its blanket of snow and ice, the countryside looked like a new world as the morning sun glinted off the dazzling white. She squinted at the glare and turned to Geoffrey, mounted on Saracen. The big black stallion pranced along, snorting as if he too was impatient for a gallop.
“Shall I race you to that oak tree yonder, my lord? Are you as ready for adventure as your steed or overtired with your journey?” Alyse grinned at her husband who constantly surveyed the landscape. Although the pestilence had left the land bereft of people for the most part, of those who had survived many had become lawless, roaming the countryside, robbing travelers and ravaging outlying villages.
Geoffrey quirked an eyebrow at her. “You are in fine fettle this morn.” He glanced once more across the still land, but nothing stirred. “What forfeit will you pay when I am the victor?”
Laughing at the arrogant flare of his nose as he arched his neck, Alyse blew him a kiss. “Another of these, save it will have more substance.”
“I’ll take that wager, my lady. ‘Twill be my pleasure to claim your lips when we two are done.”
“And what will you forfeit to me, Lord Longford, when I best you?”
A grin immediately split his face, blue eyes brightening. “What would you ask of me, fair lady? Another feat of Hercules?”
Alyse laughed in return and a warmth spread through her heart, for he reminded her of their early days of courtship. “Nay, my lord. I think those days are put to rest.” Still, what could she ask of him? There was nothing he would deny her an she ask for it. At least she thought not. “If I am the winner, I beg…a lock of your hair.”
The startled expression on his face brought on a fit of giggling from Alyse.
“You want me to cut my hair?” The horror in his voice sent her into fresh peals of laughter.
“Not all of your hair, Sampson. One lock only.” She cut her eyes toward him to find him dragging his fingers through his dark hair, as if to assure himself it still remained on his head. “I want to make a keepsake token, like the one I gave you.”
“Aye. I can bear to be shorn thus.” He stole his hand to the breast of his dark green tunic, to rub the spot above his heart where her favor, a small blue silk bag with a lock of her black hair, lay. His eyes twinkled. “An I lose this wager, of course.”
During their conversation they had walked their horses much closer and the massive oak tree seemed to tower over them.
Not waiting for a signal, Alyse tapped Mirabelle hard with her heel and the mare shot away at a gallop.
“Ahhh.”
Geoffrey sounded farther behind her than she expected. He would not remain so for long. She leaned almost flat over the horse’s withers, urging her mount to greater speed. A quick glance over her shoulder showed Geoffrey and Saracen closing the gap at a frightening pace. They were but yards from the goal if only Mirabelle could keep her lead.
Blurb:
Lord and Lady Longford have journeyed to the Christmas Court of King Edward III in the year 1349 to wait upon the king and take place in some Yuletide merriment. However, when Geoffrey is called suddenly into the king’s service again, Alyse must remain at the court, attending the queen and dissuading her rebellious sister from a disastrous action. When rumors of Geoffrey’s death arise, Alyse fends off an old suitor who pays court to her once more. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
October 25, 2016
99 Cent Wednesday! Ravishing Rogues!
Every Wednesday, I will bring you a great deal. A boxed set for only 99 cents. That’s a quarter a book, or sometimes, less! How can you beat that?
Today’s deal is
Contributing Authors
Amanda Mariel
Lynne Barron
Dawn Brower
Tammy Andresen
Sue London
Aileen Fish
Blurb
Rakes, Rogues, and Scoundrels, oh my! Six tantalizing stories that will leave you breathless for more…
Scandalous Endeavors by Amanda Mariel: Lady Amelia’s willing to create a scandal to stay in her beloved England. A Scottish duke ignites her passion, but will she abandon her endeavor for love?
Portrait of Passion by Lynne Barron: For nearly a decade, Miss Beatrice Morgan has dreamed of reclaiming Idyllwild. Will she sacrifice her virtue, her honor, and Viscount Easton’s heart to do so?
A Treasured Lily by Dawn Brower: Lilliana needs one thing–freedom. Randall’s willing to assist her, for a fee. One kiss and he’ll help her obtain her wish. As they set sail sparks fly, both questioning their true desires.
Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart by Tammy Andresen: Piper Baker desperately needs to marry but the only man she wants, Barrett Maddox, Duke of Manchester, is a sworn bachelor. Can she Tame a Duke’s Reckless Heart?
His Lovely Rogue by Sue London: Hans Von Rosen has not adjusted well to retirement, but the wars are over. Now Krystyna Rokiczana, sister of a former colleague, needs assistance. What he doesn’t expect is to become so enchanted by her. (Previously published as Sweet Tannenbaum).
Her Impetuous Rakehell by Aileen Fish: When Laurence Pierce inherits a baronetcy and a very young ward, he turns to the only lady friend he’s never seduced–his best friend’s sister–in a plea for help.
Authors work hard to bring you these sets. Please don’t forget to leave a review!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
October 23, 2016
Laurel O'Donnell's Blog
“What do you want from me?”
Perhaps it was ridiculous, Ryen thought. Men never seemed to have a problem with taking what, ...more
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