Toni V. Sweeney's Blog, page 19

The kan Ingan Archives Drfaws to its Conclusion...

The royal family of Arcanis was never shy about telling of its triumphs or its failures. Some called them “Noble Exhibitionists” because they even placed their most intimate moments in the royal archives.

SINNER, Book One

Deroes kan Ingan, the stubborn and strong-willed Margrave of Arcanis, has eluded all attempts to get him to marry, and never intends to fall in love, but then he meets
Elizabeth Sheffield.

Spoiled, beautiful and accustomed to getting her way with men, Elizabeth professes love for and weds Deroes, privately calculating the benefits of marrying the ruler of a galaxy. Unexpected obstacles derail her plan – most significantly, Deroes’ nephew (and former heir), Aric.

Taken from his mother at age twelve and raised as the heir to the Arcanian throne, Aric bitterly rebuffs Elizabeth’s overtures of friendship. Events take an unexpected turn when he falls in love with his uncle’s wife.

While Aric and Elizabeth begin a passionate affair, other forces in the kingdom are plotting rebellion and murder…

…using Aric as a less-than-innocent pawn.

“Science fiction and fantasy lovers will enjoy this book, as well as anyone who just likes a good journey of love and political intrigue.”

Penelope Adams
PRG Reviewer

BUY LINK: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/s...

EXILE, Book Two

Exiled from Arcanis for crime he didn’t commit, Aric wanders a lonely ten years before he signed on as a guards at a Terran mining colony. There he will meet two people who’ll become important to his life…Susan Moran, the colony doctor who has secrets of her own, and Miles Sheffield, his former mistress’ younger brother, the man becoming his best friend. Now Aric must make a decision…to cling to his vows of celibacy or accept the new life offered him and the possible death it may bring.

“This book is simply a reader's delight.”

--TwoLips Reviews

BUY LINK: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/s...


RETURN, Book Three

In an attempt to clear himself of the charges for which he was exiled, Aric kan Ingan returns to Arcanis and immediate arrest. After he’s saved from execution by his cousin and former betrothed Pallas, he’s faced with a heartbreaking choice. Marrying Pallas means giving up his beloved Susan, but it also means regaining what he lost—the Throne of Arcanis—as well getting revenge against TAS and best friend Eby, now TAS right-hand man. Aric must choose to give up his happiness to protect his Margravine and the Throne, or return to Susan and leave his cousin to TAS vengeance.

“if there's one thing a book the caliber of a Recommended Read does, whether you love the direction it takes or not, is grab you at the beginning and never let go until the very end…Return does that extraordinarily well.
Although occasionally dark and disturbing, this book is nevertheless uplifting with its touching in-depth study of a man with all too human failings who finds within himself the integrity, sense of self-sacrifice, and strength to do what he must, rather than what he wants...all for the greater good.”

--TwoLips Reviews

BUY LINK: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/s...


RETRIBUTION, Book Four

Civil War rages on Arcanis, plague has broken out. Miles Sheffield is chosen to head a medical ship bringing vaccine to the stricken planet. Though they can’t land, communications with Arcanis tell a horrific story…the margrave and his wife are dead in the crash on their warship on an isolated moon, and TAS has also fallen to the sickness. Sending the vaccine planetward, the UFS Clara Barton heads home but the captain heeds Miles’ pleas to stop at the moon so he can pay his respects to his lost friend.

What they find there once more fans the flames of hatred and love and will bring about more death before the throne of Arcanis is reclaimed.

“Ms. Sweeney's last sentence on the very last page provides one whopper of a cliffhanger that cries out for resolution.”

--TwoLips Reviews


BUY LINK: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/s...


DOWNFALL, Book Five

At the age of nineteen, Barbara Sheffield is stunned to learn she’s not her parents’ daughter but the child of Aric kan Ingan, Margrave of Arcanis, and not only that, she has a twin brother. Soon, she’s on her way to a joyous reunion with the father she has never known, but there are others on Arcanis who aren’t so glad to meet the Margrave’s long-lost child, including Aric’s second wife, Dr. Susan Moran. Dazzled with her new family and charmed by her handsome but spoiled twin, Barbara finds herself falling in love with Eden san Gene, the young White Shield sent to escort her from Earth. When vengeful forces trigger treachery and madness, Eden’s love may not be enough to protect her from the wickedness hidden within Aljansur Palace’s walls

BUY LINK: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/s...

COMING SOON…the last entry in The Kan Ingan Archives saga:

SPACE STUDS

From Double Dragon Publishing.

Downfall Released

Downfall, Book 5 of the kan Ingan Archives has just been released by Double Dragon Publishing.

At the age of nineteen, Barbara Sheffield is stunned to learn she’s not her parents’ daughter but the child of Aric kan Ingan, Margrave of Arcanis, and not only that, she has a twin brother. Soon, she’s on her way to a joyous reunion with the father she has never known, but there are others on Arcanis who aren’t so glad to meet the Margrave’s long-lost child, including Aric’s second wife, Dr. Susan Moran. Dazzled with her new family and charmed by her handsome but spoiled twin, Barbara finds herself falling in love with Eden san Gene, the young White Shield sent to escort her from Earth. When vengeful forces trigger treachery and madness, Eden’s love may not be enough to protect her from the wickedness hidden within Aljansur Palace’s walls.

Buy Link: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/s...

EXCERPT:

“Dad?” Mark was yelling as he ran, not attempting to lower his voice, certain the Emissary could hear through the door . “Dad? Dad, there’s a guy here. He’s asking for you. At least, I think he wants you.”
Miles came through the door, a cup containing coffee substitute in hand.
“He says he wants to talk to the Warrior Sheffield. He…Dad, is that you?”
Miles looked slightly surprised, then laughed out loud.
“Been a long time since I’ve heard that,” he muttered and walked into the living room, looking around. “Where is he?”
“He's outside. I asked him to wait.”
“For God’s sake, Mark.” Miles’ scowl commented on his son’s manners. “Let him in!”
Obediently, Mark ran back to the door, opened it and said, hastily, “Come in, please. Sorry to keep you waiting.” He hoped that would soothe any ruffled Arcanian feathers.
The young man followed him into the living room, looking around with obvious curiosity. As he saw Miles, he stopped, staring at him for a full minute before speaking. “Warrior Sheffield?” Again, that stiff little bow, the words accompanying it asked in what Mark thought was a combination of hope and disbelief. He felt a slight ruffle of anger as he imagined disapproval in the way the man looked first at his surroundings and then at the jeans and sweatshirt in which his father was dressed.
“I’m the Warrior, and you are—?” Miles set down his cup, acknowledging the gesture with a bow replicating the other’s exactly. Mark managed to turn his laugh into a quick cough, putting his hand to his mouth to cover his smile.
“Eden san Gene, White Shield, sent by His Majesty, Aric, to deliver this to your hand.” From the cuff of one glove, he pulled a small disk, its cover sealed with a crimson shield.
“Would you get my hand unit, Mark?” Miles took the disk and broke the seal. As the boy picked up the little mini-comp sitting on a nearby table and held it out to him, he was startled to see that his father’s hand shook slightly. Miles slid the disk inside. The little screen rolled, words appeared, and he began to read. There was no greeting, none of the formalities he had included in his own letter. What he saw were the words of an old friend.

Miles.

I received your letter with surprise and pleasure. While it is true I relinquished all parental claim to my daughter, I’ve never ceased to think of her. Seeing my son grow up, I couldn’t help wondering how his sister fared, but I swear to you, I’ve never attempted in any fashion to communicate with her.

Being kan Ingan means being too proud, but you already know that, and I should’ve also. I should’ve profited from my past mistakes, but I never seem to be able to. I was wrong to do what I did, a man in grief long regretting that one act, and my pride wouldn’t let me recant it. I said I never wanted to hear of her again, and I forced myself to hold to that.

Tell my daughter it would please me to see her. Bring her to me. Whether she forgives me or not is unimportant. I merely wish, for a short while, to be reunited with my child.

Aric.

Miles looked up, forcing himself to look stern. For the moment, he concentrated on Eden san Gene while the young men regarded him just as solemnly. They both ignored Mark as if he wasn’t there.
“Are you aware of the contents of this letter?” he asked the White Shield.
“Only the gist, sir,” the young man answered. “That it concerns the Lady Barbara’s returning to Arcanis.”
Lady Barbara? Barbie? Again, Mark had to stifle a smile. Shit with a hat on!
“Do the people of Arcanis know about my— about His Majesty’s daughter?”
“Yes, sir. Lord Aric called an emergency meeting of the Council of Advisors after receiving your letter. Shortly afterwards, he personally made an announcement via satellite to the entire galaxy, announcing that his daughter, who was raised on Terra, is returning home.”
“How was that received?” Managed to cover that up nicely, didn’t you, Aric? Miles managed an ironic smile at that thought.
“With great surprise, sir,” came the answer. “As you know, besides his heir, His Majesty and the Lady Susan have five children, and now, to discover there’s another Royal child—”
“That’s right.” Miles looked thoughtful. “Susan's children aren’t considered nobility, are they?”

How could that be, Mark wondered. If that kan Ingan guy was their father, and he’s the king, how can they not be Royal while Barbie, his bratty little sister, was? He wanted to ask but was hesitant to interrupt. It was getting weirder by the minute.
“Miles, who was at the door?” Debra came through the kitchen door and the atmosphere in the room changed.
“My wife… Uh…” For a moment, Miles appeared undecided how to refer to Debra. “Mistress Sheffield. Deb, this is Eden san Gene.”
“Hi.” Debra held out her hand.
“My lady.” She was given a gracious bow as the White Shield took her hand, gently brushing his lips across the backs of her fingers. Mark goggled. Debra looked surprised.
“May I meet Her Ladyship, sir?” san Gene asked, releasing Debra’s hand. “I’ve a personal message for her, also.”
“Mark?” Miles’ words brought his son back to reality. “Would you ask your sis— the Lady Barbara to come downstairs?”
The White Shield turned to look at him, blond brows raising slightly as if commenting on his ability to perform such a simple task.
“Sure, Dad.” A sudden rebellious streak rushed through Mark, a desire to put the visitor in his royal-emissarial place and show that he, Marcus Sheffield, wasn’t impressed by his uniform. Walking to the foot of the staircase, he looked up, and bellowed, “Hey, Barb! Get down here! There’s someone wants to see you!”
“Mark!” The hiss of disapproval came from Debra.
Mark didn’t answer, just turned, looked at his mother and ducked his head in apology as Barbara appeared on the landing, leaning over the railing to ask, “Do you have to shout like that? Dad, can’t you make Mark act—” She saw the Arcanian and stopped. “Oh. Hello. Wh-who are you?”
San Gene cleared his throat, a fleeting smile crossing his face before he assumed a more serious expression. Two steps brought him to the foot of the stairs where he stopped, looking up at her.
He’s going to bow again, Mark thought. I just know it.
Sure enough, san Gene ducked his head, then raised it to look at her again. “Lady Barbara?”
“Uh…well, I’m Barbara.” She glanced at Miles. “Daddy, who—”
“Barbara, this is Eden san Gene, the— Your father’s representative.”
“Oh.” She thought about that a moment, then smiled. “And how is dear old Dad?”
That made Mark grin, though the Margrave’s emissary appeared a little flustered by the question. “I— His Majesty’s well, but...”
His voice trailed away as Barbara came down the stairs, holding out her hand. It was certainly a graceful gesture, Mark had to admit. Maybe a little Royal, too.
“I’m very glad to meet you. I’m sorry I was so impertinent. I sometimes do that on serious occasions. And this definitely is serious, isn’t it?”
He looked as if he wasn’t certain what to say, studied the outstretched hand, stepped forward as if he were going to touch it, then bowed again, directly over her fingers. Then he dropped to one knee. “Eden san Gene, Your Ladyship, White Shield and representative of your Royal father, Aric, Margrave—”
With a look of disbelief, Barbara stared at him, and then at Miles, as the Arcanian reeled off a string of titles. This time, Mark snickered out loud. He couldn’t help it. Seeing someone actually kneeling to Barbie, of all people! God! A glare from Miles made him choke back the rest of the laugh.
“Please, get up.” She reached out and touched his shoulder.
Quickly, Eden got to his feet.
“This is embarrassing.”
“My lady.” He pulled another disk from the high cuff and offered to her.
Silently, Miles held out the hand unit, and they waited while Barbara read whatever Aric had written to his daughter. As she finished, she clutched the little unit tightly and continued to stare at the screen.
“Well, Daddy, this is what I wanted, isn’t it?” She looked a little frightened.
“What are your orders?” Miles turned to Eden.
“I’m to accompany you, the Lady Barbara, and your heir—” He turned to include a surprised Mark in his reply. “To Arcanis, should she decide to accept my Lord’s invitation. Otherwise, I’ll return immediately. Alone.”
“Of course we’re going,” Barbara answered for all of them. “I’m just as curious about him as he is about me. Maybe even more so.” She handed the hand unit back to Miles. “This should be fun.”
Fun wasn’t exactly the word Mark had in mind. Silently, he studied the White Shield. Damn it, the guy’s too handsome! Dad had said Arcanians were good-looking but this Eden was more than that. It ought to be against intergalactic law for a man to have hair that shade of blond. Hell, it’s almost white, with a…kind of glint to it, like angelica-dust! And the way he was looking at Barbie… Kind of a you’re-a-chocolate-éclair-and-I’ve-got-a-tremendous-sweet-tooth stare. Mark really didn’t like that. There was nothing subservient about that topaz gaze. Where’d he get those yellow eyes, anyway? Mark could feel all his Big Brotherly instincts lumbering to their feet.

Kathryn Knight, A Giveaway, and a COOKBOOK review...Really!

Kathryn Knight is my guest this week, talking about her novel SIlver Lake and having a giveaway. There's also a trailer from New Zealander Greg Scowen of his novel The Spanish Helmet and a review of the All Romance Passionate Cooks cook book. That's right...cook book. Stop by, get in on the giveaway and read some delicious recipes. http://www.tonivsweeney.com/

the RFenaissance...a Romance....a Bit of Steampunk...

The Renaissance…Romance…and a Bit of Steampunk…

The second offering in the LOVERS OF LEONESSE series…available soon from Class ACT BOOKS.
When Andre duCleau’s Will leaves his entire estate to his runaway son, François, daughter Antoinette is forced to make a drastic choice: Find her brother or live in poverty. She chooses the later and travels to Leonesse disguised as a young nobleman. Antoinette doesn’t find François, but she does find a home with the city’s flying squadron, the Mothmen.
Once the guardians of Leonesse, these brash young men took to the air in flying machines created by King Georges’ Venitani inventor, but now, they and their brave deeds have been almost forgotten…until war again arises.
Secure in her disguise, Antoinette is ready to fight…until her feelings for Etienne, a fellow flyer, get in the way. What will happen if Etienne and the others discover her secret? Will they denounce her or will they accept as The Seventh Mothman?
EXCERPT:

Toinette had no trouble at all in finding the barracks. It was another gray building, but built of brick. It also looked slightly shabby as if evidence of the Mothmen’s decline into obscurity had to be borne by everything associated with them, including the place where they lived. High above it, perched on the edge of a cliff rising to become part of the mountain itself, was the home and workshop of the inventor of the flying machines, as well as many other contraptions employed daily by the army, the navy, and the city itself. From the little she could see from such a distance, Master Leonardo’s dwelling appeared well-kept compared to that of his pupils.
Dismounting, she tied Etoile to the hitching rail and removed the pannier from behind the saddle, then trudged to the door. There were three steps and a wide stoop, almost a veranda, surrounded by a mass of drooping plants with equally discouraged-looking dusty-pink blossoms. It ran a quarter the length of the building, which was a small single story with two very wide picture windows in front, and two smaller, one half-raised. The bricks were very dusty and silvered to an off-white by the dirt and grime ingrained in its surface. It looked to be at least a decade since anyone had bothered to wash either the outside of the building or its cloudy, stained windows. Attached to the single weather-beaten wooden door was a large oval ring.
Seizing it, Toinette brought it down against the metal plate as firmly as she could. Then, she waited.
Nothing happened. She listened. No footsteps approached from inside, but she could hear sounds. Music, someone playing a piano and quite well, too, and voices, laughter. Seizing the knocker, she brought it down, harder this time, the resultant clanging making Etoile raise his head and snort. A third time, she struck the metal plate, then let the ring fall from her hand.
Several seconds passed before she heard soft footfalls on bare flooring. A key jangled in the lock and the door swung open.
“All right. All right. Stop that noise! How many times do we have to tell you? Take deliveries to the rear…”
Toinette looked up. A young man stood there. A young man with very dark, very wet hair dripping onto his shoulders. His naked shoulders. He was slim, what one might call wiry, chest bare and well-muscled. Her startled gaze wandered down his body, over the flat plane of his belly to what lay nestled in the curling thatch at his thighs. She couldn’t move, just stood there, staring as if transfixed by something never before seen by her maidenly eyes…the blatant, and slightly rampant evidence of his manhood.
“When you get through inspecting my privates, you can tell me who you are and what you’re doing here.” The sarcastic amusement in his voice make her jerk her gaze upward. He was holding a towel in one hand but making no move to cover himself. Instead, he touched it to his chest, blotting away the moisture there. His eyes were laughing as he waited for her to answer. “Well?”
“I-I’m Antoine DuCleau.” He didn’t say anything to that. “I-I’m a Mothman.” His mouth quirked disbelievingly. “No, truly. I just signed up...” Her words died away under that dark blue gaze.
“So le Admiral finally snared another one?” He sighed as if relieved. “And here I thought I’d be the last. Come in, mon frère!” His free hand reached out, seized her arm and pulled her inside. “Welcome.”

The Flu, Editing, and Christmas...

...Editing, the Flu and Christmas...DO NOT MIX. This week's blog with Sultry Summers. Stop by. http://www.tonivsweeney.com/

The Girl who gets the Alpha

Join me for Vallory Vance's take on the Girl Who Gets the Alpha male. I'm also reviewing TJ Glenn's Songs of a Warrior Priest. http://www.tonivsweeney.com/

A Message to Beverly Oakley, author of The Cavalier

Can't find your email addy but believe you're a member here.

I've review The Cavalier and the review is available at:m http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content...

Steampunk Fantasy Coming Soon...

COMING SOON>>>Book 3 of the Lovers of Leonesse

FIRST>>>THERE WAS THE KING’S SWORDSWOMAN…

“The King’s Swordswoman is probably the best thing that author Toni V. Sweeney has ever written.”

---Margaret Marr, Nights and Weekends.

“More than anything it is a beautiful love story.”

--Linda Tonis, PRG review



The King is dead; How Long will the New King Live?

Invalid Crispin of Leonesse isn’t expected to long survive his coronation…and then Swordswoman Janel Redhu becomes his bodyguard.

Smothered by the Queen Mother and his Physician, Crispin is an odd combination of feeble body, rebellious spirit, and frightened child, but in spite of that, king and guard have become close friends.

What follows is a tale of suffering and love as a boy transforms into manhood and a young woman helps him meet his planned destiny

THEN>>>THERE WAS MY LORD AX…

“This was a wonderful novel, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance, mixed with a good helping of humor. Whether or not you have read other books by Ms. Sweeney, you should not miss this one.”

--Linda Tonis, Paranoral Romance Guild reviewer



Marry to save their countries, though they hate each other.

When the king of the Nords wishes to end the generations-old war with a marriage between his daughter and the Purdhan ruler’s son, Vicomte François faces a problem: His son is only seven years old. Then His Majesty comes up with a clever solution…

He betroths his illegitimate son and warlord, Ax, to the Nord King’s daughter, and peace is ensured…except for one minor detail...

Neither Ax nor Princess Astrid want to get married, especially to each other.

When all seems lost, there’s a drunken feast, a storm and a shipwreck, and now two young people who despise each other are going to have to work together to survive…or else.



NOW>>>THERE’S THE SEVENTH MOTHMAN!

Romance, fantasy, and a dash of stempunk! Book 3 in the Lovers of Leonesse Series.

When Andre duCleau’s Will leaves his entire estate to his runaway son, François, daughter Antoinette is forced to make a drastic choice: Find her brother or live in poverty. She chooses the later and travels to Leonesse disguised as a young nobleman. Antoinette doesn’t find François, but she does find a home with the city’s flying squadron, the Mothmen.

Once the guardians of Leonesse, these brash young men took to the air in flying machines created by King Georges’ Venitani inventor, but now, they and their brave deeds have been almost forgotten…until war again arises.

Secure in her disguise, Antoinette is ready to fight…until her feelings for Etienne, a fellow flyer, get in the way. What will happen if Etienne and the others discover her secret? Will they denounce her or will they accept as The Seventh Mothman?

AVAILABLE FROM CLASS ACT BOOKS January 15, 2013.

Once Again, I didn't Intend to Write a Series...

I DIDN"T INTEND TO WRITE A SERIES...IT JUST HAPPENED. How many time have you heard me say that? I'm giving the same excuse for my last-of-2012 blog at Marianne Stephens, at RB4U. Going into detail about my new series The Lovers of Leonesse, and the newest one which will come out in January, a steampunk of a sorts called The 7th Mothman. There's a giveaway, of course, but I'd like to invite everyone to stop by and read the blog, just to see why I always end up writing that second book, and then a third...etc.http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/?... Tentative cover below:

Still asking for votes!

If You haven't voted in the P&E Reader's Polls, vote for me! I’ve two novels in the running for Best of 2012 at Preditors & Editors Reader’s Poll. Please vote for me.

Novels: Romance: My Lord Ax
Novels: SF/Fantasy: Exile, Book 2 the kan Ingan Archives

Any and all votes will be appreciated: http://critters.org/predpoll/