Nancy Lee Badger's Blog, page 6
June 16, 2023
My ANNIVERSARY SALE is now on!
June 1, 2023
A Horse as a Character and Free Excerpt
PG Excerpt from THE ROGUE'S RING
OnceBryce had peeled the frozen coat from his body, he headed up the ladder. Theblankets were reasonably clean. Heat enveloped him within minutes of havingnestled beneath them.
“A short nap is all I need.” His voice echoed amid the rafters. The outside rush of wind and pitter-patter of sleet accentuated the weariness evident in hisvoice. The cold that had washed over him as he and Ghost rode the traildisappeared. Having only a few blankets for warmth saddened him.
What I’d give for a lass to share my bed…
A dream about Cat and her luscious lips disappeared when he awokein the dark. No sounds emanated from the roof, meaning the sleet had abated.The darkness concerned him, though. He had overslept, which might be thelingering result of the sleeping draught Cat had given him.
He hated to head out in the dark, but the better weather meant hemight get out of the area and closer to Inverness sooner. Climbing down fromthe loft, Ghost snorted his disapproval at being ignored and alone for so long.Turning his head, he neighed so loud a barn owl flew from the rafters and out abroken window.
“Now, do not be upset. You hated having sleet coat your head asmuch as I. Here.”
The beast gulped down the fresh water and a handful of oats Bryceoffered him.
“We need to go, my friend.”
The farmer appeared before Bryce could lead Ghost from the barn.“Leaving this late, my lord? My wife sent ye some food and wine.”
“My thanks to you and your wife. I overslept, so must be on myway.” He grabbed the sliced loaf of bread stuffed with a hunk of ham andcheese. He ignored the wine.
“Which way toward Inverness? The road closest to the sea wasblocked by downed trees.”
“The main road be that a way, my lord. With the clouds gone, themoon should light yer way, good enough.”
Mounting atop Ghost, he tipped his cap and rode away, eager toleave the area in his wake. As they trotted along and Bryce chewed his food, hethought back to the lass he had loved years earlier. She lived on a similarfarm in the same area, and had welcomed him into her heart and into her bed.
NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!
Find all Buy Links HERE
May 26, 2023
A New BOOK, A Blog Tour, and a Giveaway. Oh My!
What a difference a week makes. A week ago, I published my 45th book, THE ROGUE'S RING. That same day, I took a bad fall and broke my wrist and five ribs, all on my left side. (I am writing this with the one-handed hunt & peck method.)
So, I am thankful I am recuperating and that I have family to help me. I am also applauding SILVER DAGGER BLOG TOURS who have continued to get the word out there about my book release.
BUY LINKS
Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads
Enter to Win my Giveaway HERE
while learning more about my new book!(Contest will end June 4th)...and thanks for all yourgood wishes and prayers. Nancy Lee Badger
May 11, 2023
Announcing the Release of my New Book!
Writing a novel is a lonely occupation. Promoting our work can make our throats grow closed and our skin crawl. The idea of 'putting myself out there' is not my favorite thing to do, or try to do. Please bear with me as I announce the release of
Book Number
The Rogue's Ring, a Scottish historical romance, was released May 12, 2023 and follows Love, Hamish and The Earl's Treasure and The Duke's Diamond in my Treasure Tales series. Buy Links:
AMAZON AMAZON UKAMAZON CA AMAZON AU
and everywhere else HERE
(coming soon in print)
To celebrate, I am giving away a prize package which you can see and enter by clicking HERE
I will also be involved in a book tour next week with other prizes so watch for this banner and be sure to check out my book.
Book Blurb
The last thing CatDouglas wished to do was steal coins from the handsome stranger. When he later shootsher while she threatened a nobleman’s coach, she suspected he had no idea itwas her. Kidnapped boys, pirate threats, and murder propel them to save a boynamed Blake. He was, after all, special to them both.
May 4, 2023
What do Pirates Have to do With it?
On my way to publishing another book (yes, I have lost count but its around 40) I decided that I love all things Scottish. I enjoy reading historical novels set in Scotland (thank you Hannah Howell!) and this series grew more exciting the minute I added pirates.
My Treasure tales series follows three 'Englishmen' who actually have Scottish ties, and the Scottish women they meet. Please consider reading all three novels, but any will take you from beginning to end with a full story, a treasure hunt, some villains, and romance.
The third and final book in the series
releases May 12th
IN ONE WEEK!
It is available for pre-order as an ebook. The print book will follow shortly. Until then, here is a short plot description:
Bryce Ketteridgewould never let down his friends. If finding the owners of signet rings wasimportant, he would do his share. Shooting a masked bandit turned his life onend. What followed was not in his plans.
The last thing CatDouglas wished to do was steal coins from the handsome stranger. When he later shootsher while she threatened a nobleman’s coach, she suspected he had no idea itwas her. Kidnapped boys, pirate threats, and murder propel them to save a boynamed Blake. He was, after all, special to them both.
Find all Buy Links HERE
April 27, 2023
Like Historical Romance set in Scotland? Another Chapter Teaser
PG Excerpt: TheRogue’s Ring
Whereis it? Cat murmured, cursing under her breath as she soughtthe rest of the stranger’s gold coins. The sleeping draft would not last long.Long enough, she prayed, so she could make her way back home before he woke.
Whenshe couldn’t reach into the bulky overcoat and satchel he slept upon, she dugher fingers into his jacket’s inside pocket.
Success!
Removingher fingers, three more gold coins appeared. As she slipped them down herbodice, two silver eyes glared up at her.
“Whatare you doing?” The stranger sat up, grabbed both of her wrists, and pulled herinto his lap.
“Why,nothing. Ye fell asleep and I dinna’ wish to wake ye. I worried that ye hadstopped breathing, ’tis all. ’Twould never do to have a guest of the inn cometo any harm. Are ye well?”
Heblinked, then lowered his gaze to the tops of her breasts. She could feel theheat stirring from his attention. Was her flesh growing pink with guilt?
Hadhe seen her hide the coins? Did he realize how much time had passed since shehad offered him drugged wine? He ought to be fast asleep, but he blinked again,then growled.
“Please.I must be on my way home.” If she did not leave now, Devlin might slap her onceagain, or throw her to his men. His threats had grown worse and more depraved.Her plans to escape his influence required money. The three coins she’d stolenfrom the Englishman would help her achieve her goal.
Hestared back at her face, then released one hand and turned her head sideways. “Didsomeone hit you?”
Hiswarm fingers gently stroked her scar and the newer bruise she had to assume hadturned purple. “Aye. ’Tis a consequence of working in such a place. Manytravelers curse the weather yet take out their frustrations on whomever straysclose. I shall survive.”
“Likethe brute who grabbed you by the hair tonight? You seemed to know him, but astranger would do worse? You need a protector.”
Whenshe attempted a small smile, he released his hold on her chin. In an instant,his free hand strayed down her bodice and gripped the coins.
“Nay!”she cried, to no avail.
“Athief? Strange, since I believe I compensated you more than enough inside.” Hepushed her away.
Stumblingbackward, she hit the wall, then returned to his side with her fists defiantlyon her hips. She could only glare down at him. She was not leaving withoutthose coins. Her future depended on acquiring the means to live elsewhere andfree from her brother’s abuse. Those coins could get her and Blake hundreds ofmiles from him and his pirate crew.
Hestaggered to his feet. Surprise filled his handsome face at his loss ofequilibrium. He tunneled his fingers through his dark hair. Several strands ofsilver glimmered at his temples, nearly matching the glaring silver of his eyes.Surprised to face eyes the same color as her son’s, she gasped.
Pre-Order Today here:
AMAZON AMAZON UKAMAZON CA AMAZON AU
and everywhere else HERE
(coming soon in print)
April 20, 2023
Highland Games have Given me another Book Idea!
The 29th Annual Loch Norman Highland Games were held last weekend in Huntersville, North Carolina. We arrived on a sunny day to bagpipes playing and meat pies cooking. We enjoyed watched as our old American flags burned in a solemn ceremony, then really enjoyed the women hurling heavy metal objects. The caber tossing came later.
Marching bands and a sheep herding demonstration went on while the other athletes tossed a big bean bag over a very high bar. There was so much to see that it took until the next day to visit all the venders as I tried to replace a set of Celtic-themed earrings I recently broke.
The historical village, the longbow competition, the parade of tartans, and the children's wrestling kept us enthralled even when the second day clouded over and threatened to rain. The beauty of an outdoor festival is that the weather does what it wants and we must adapt.
Yes, I got to see the Highland cows. There were four in the meadow this year: two adults and two calves. Their horns are amazing and their disposition reminds me of playful puppies. Just don't let one step on your foot!
These two days gave me a lot of ideas which will soon end up in another book. Happy trails!
Nancy Lee Badger
April 13, 2023
Teaser from The Rogue's Ring
My new book will be released May 12th. Here is the Plot and Excerpt:Book Blurb
Bryce would never let down his friends. Findingthe owners of signet rings was important. Shooting a masked bandit turned hislife on end. The last thing Cat wished to do was steal coins from the handsomestranger. When masked, he shoots her. She suspected he had no idea it was her. Togetherthey will save a boy named Blake. He was, after all, special to them both.
PG Excerpt
OnceBryce had peeled the frozen coat from his body, he headed up the ladder. Theblankets were reasonably clean. Heat enveloped him within minutes of havingnestled beneath them.
“Ashort nap is all I need.” His voice echoed amid the rafters. The outside rushof wind and pitter-patter of sleet accentuated the weariness evident in hisvoice. The cold that had washed over him as he and Ghost rode the traildisappeared. Having only a few blankets for warmth saddened him.
WhatI’d give for a lass to share my bed…
Adream about Cat and her luscious lips disappeared when he awoke in the dark. Nosounds emanated from the roof, meaning the sleet had abated. The darknessconcerned him, though. He had overslept, which might be the lingering result ofthe sleeping draught Cat had given him.
Hehated to head out in the dark, but the better weather meant he might get out ofthe area and closer to Inverness sooner. Climbing down from the loft, Ghostsnorted his disapproval at being ignored and alone for so long. Turning hishead, he neighed so loud a barn owl flew from the rafters and out a brokenwindow.
“Now,do not be upset. You hated having sleet coat your head as much as I. Here.”
Thebeast gulped down the fresh water and a handful of oats Bryce offered him.
“Weneed to go, my friend.”
Thefarmer appeared before Bryce could lead Ghost from the barn. “Leaving thislate, my lord? My wife sent ye some food and wine.”
“Mythanks to you and your wife. I overslept, so must be on my way.” He grabbed thesliced loaf of bread stuffed with a hunk of ham and cheese. He ignored thewine.
“Whichway toward Inverness? The road closest to the sea was blocked by downed trees.”
“Themain road be that a way, my lord. With the clouds gone, the moon should lightyer way, good enough.”
Mountingatop Ghost, he tipped his cap and rode away, eager to leave the area in hiswake. As they trotted along and Bryce chewed his food, he thought back to thelass he had loved years earlier. She lived on a similar farm in the same area,and had welcomed him into her heart and into her bed.
Pre-Order Today here:
AMAZON AMAZON UKAMAZON CA AMAZON AU
and everywhere else HERE
(coming soon in print)
April 6, 2023
A New Book by Author Donna Steele
I met Donna Steele many years ago at a writer's meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina. She lives quite a distance away so it was nice to see her and talk over coffee after those monthly meetings. The pandemic meant we 'talked' on zoom for the next couple of years, but we kept competing by writing the next book and the next (she is winning). I am excited to help her share the release of her latest book, a contemporary romance that will take your breath away.
Blurb-
Dylan has no time for a relationship, even oneher older relative dictates. She’s learning the corporation she will eventuallyhead and that’s enough, until she steps off the elevator and see the new guywho moved in next door.
Nash’s military career is over, due to an explosion, but he has a job now withfriends at Sutton and Associates and new place to live. He can heal there andwork from home. Then his new neighbor steps into the hall…
Excerpt -
Dylan stepped off the elevator outside of her place, more thanready to kick off her shoes and relax. It had been a long day and she was morethan ready to sluff it off. She had even taken the time to stop in the lobby ofher building to look at her dad’s portrait. That had helped. It was on the wallnext to Granddad now. Great-aunt Lucille’s picture wasn’t on the wall, not yet,even though she was running the company currently. Such placement would beDylan’s responsibility after Lucille was gone no doubt.
It was a good portrait of Dad, but she’d so much rather have himback. She would run the company one day, for him. It would have been better todo it together.
She stopped short at the sight of the chaos and mess thatconfronted her in the hall outside of her apartment.
Flattened cardboard, bubble wrap, and paper wrappings were piledhigh outside the apartment next door to hers. The place had been unoccupied fora couple of weeks while the company cleaned it. Looked like she had a newneighbor. At least she didn’t see a drum set or any brass instruments thankgoodness. Before she could get to her door, the other one opened and a manstepped out.
Okay, yes, she swallowed hard at the sight of him. Damn, did theyreally make them like that? Tall, well over six feet, military short dark hair,and all muscle. The t-shirt covering his chest showed his pecs off to greatadvantage. Had she ever seen an honest-to-god six pack not air brushed before?There was no way she could get her arms around his chest. Not that she’d everhave an opportunity to try. She took a mental step back.
He looked up and gave her the most adorable sideways grin whichtransformed his face from slightly scary to mischievous. There was even atwinkle in his dark eyes. “Sorry. I’ll get this stuff out of here as soon aspossible.”
“Don’t worry about it. Moving is a messy business. I’m Dylan, Ilive there.” She pointed at the apartment next to his. Their doors were next toeach other, so his place was a mirror image of hers. Good, their bedrooms wereon opposite ends of the apartments because a man who looked like him would nodoubt have lots of overnight company.
“Nash.” He held out a hand and she took it, though it engulfedhers. Wherever he came from, they grew ‘em big. Did she hear a slight southernaccent? She couldn’t stop herself from wondering how large he was everywhereand mentally slapped herself. This was no way to think about a new neighbor.Even a hunk like him.
“Let me get this out of the way.”
His packing material wasn’t encroaching on her door yet, but itwould be soon if he had much more.
“Guess I’ll be seeing you around.” His devastating sideways grinwas back, and her next thought was ‘player.’ Damn good-looking player. Yeah, a lot ofovernight guests. And she couldn’t blame them.
Snap judgment, Dylan, she chastised herself butmet his grin with a smile of her own. “I’m sure we will,” she offered as shestepped inside.
She let herself in and with a last glance, closed the door behindher.
And sank against it.
Damn, he was pretty. Okay, pretty wasn’t nearly the correct word,but looking at him at been no hardship at all. If thugs took over theneighborhood, she was planning to huddle behind him. They’d never see her. Toobad she didn’t have time to pursue something with him. Nope, he was a neighborin any case, too close for that kind of thing. And she was pretty sure shewasn’t his type. Why did strippers and pole dancers immediately come to mind?
He had however brightened her outlook at the end of a long day.
She kicked off her shoes and headed for the kitchen.
As far as she was concerned, the neighborhood, alreadynice—despite her aunt’s opinion—had just ticked up several notches.
Bio -
Donna writesscience fiction, paranormal and small-town romances about women coming intotheir strength and having the courage to find and accept love.
Now that she hasretired from going into an office every day, she created an office at home andwrites full time. Talk about living the dream!
She was the girlat the party who was yearning for the quiet corner and a book to read (go RoryGilmore!) and has been writing in her head since she learned to read. Gettingthose stories down on paper (or in her laptop) has been more fun than she everimagined it could be.
The possibilitiesof science fiction have always drawn her, and she’s read them all, there justneeded to be a little more romance in them. She finallygot up the courage to write them herself and is delighted to be able to sharethese stories with you.
She is a memberof Romance Writers of America and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.
Please sign upfor her newsletter here.
And follow her at Twitter, Bookbub, Goodreads, Facebook
March 24, 2023
Cover Reveal: The Rogue's Ring by author Nancy Lee Badger
Life happens when you are making other plans.
My plans tend to go by the wayside. My third full-length book in my Treasure Tales series, following The Earls Treasure and The Dukes Diamond, was on the calendar to be released in early January 2023. The plot takes place starting on New Years Day 1817 amid snow surrounding the Bellmeer Estate in Northern England. The next day, my hero and some friends head into Scotland to follow a treasure and reunite nobles with their stolen signet rings.
What happened to my proposed book's release day you ask?
I had cataract surgeries December 12th and January 30th which should have occurred November 28 and December 12th. If the original plan happened, my eyesight would have been perfect and the last edits and the book's release would occur on schedule. Because the first eye was delayed (someone in the surgeon's family got Covid), he could not do my second surgery until the end of January. In those six weeks between surgeries, I could not read, write, or drive. Add to this a member of my family coming down with Covid in early January that put her in the hospital and you can imagine my priorities had changed.
So, I decided to let fate take my lemons and give me lemonade (sugar-free, of course) I took my time editing my book, and created a cover that continued the theme of the series. My thanks to Kim Killion at The Killion Group Images for wonderful subjects that fit my vision of the main characters.
The Rogues Ring is up for pre-order just about everywhere. Look for buy links HERE. Also, please read the short plot:
Bryce Ketteridge would never let down his friends. If finding the owners of signet rings was important, he would do his share. Shooting a masked bandit turned his life on end. What followed was not in his plans.
The last thing Cat Douglas wished to do was steal coins from the handsome stranger. When he later shoots her while she threatened a nobleman’s coach, she suspected he had no idea it was her. Kidnapped boys, pirate threats, and murder propel them to save a boy named Blake. He was, after all, special to them both.
Check out the other books in the Treasure Tales series
in ebook & Print!
Remember to pre-order The Rogue's Ring.
Release day is May 12, 2023
