Cathy MacRae's Blog, page 14
February 4, 2018
Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Barbara Bettis
Today I'm sharing the hop with Barbara Bettis. Her excerpt is from her book, The Lady of the Forest.
You can find my excerpt from The Highlander's Crusader Bride on her blog: http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk
Don't forget to comment for a chance to win one of my ebooks!
Excerpt:
The Lady of the Forest
“Yes?” Kate tried to keep her manner calm, but dread made her voice shake. When Jamie didn’t continue, she prompted, “What about Oscar?”
“They’re going to chop off his fingers. Tomorrow, so’s everyone can watch. He’s to be made a ’zample.”
“An example?”
Jamie nodded. “Maude says as how the lord wants folks to see what’ll happen if they don’t do what he says. Especially ’bout going into the forest. She were cryin’ something awful.”
A wave of nausea hit Kate. She caught her breath in a sharp, “Ah,” and sank onto a stool. His fingers. An especially cruel sentence for a champion archer. She couldn’t allow Oscar to be hurt.
“Let me think for a bit.” She forced confidence into her tone to reassure the lad. “We’ll find a way to help.”
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Follow Barbara's excerpts next week at http://www.jennifletcher.com/. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance at an ebook of your choice.
You'll find me on Elisabeth Hobbes' blog: https://elisabethhobbes.co.uk/
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Book Blurb:
When her elderly husband dies, Lady Katherine fakes her own death and disappears into the forest with others escaping the brutish new lord. Determined to protect her people, she knocks the wrong man senseless. But Lord Henry isn’t an enemy, he’s the brother of her childhood friend. Although his tender confidence tempts her, she’s bound by duty.
Henry of Chauvere has found the one lady he wants for his own, never mind she’s tied him hand and foot. When he learns the king has ordered her to wed Stonehill’s ruthless new master, he insists Kate seek haven with his sister. But she won’t desert her friends. Henry vows to solve her problem, provided he catches a traitor before the threat from Kate’s past catches her.
When a daring rescue compels Henry and Kate to join forces, their attraction grows into love. If only duty didn’t drive them apart.
Buy Link: Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B01LDJUXK8
January 28, 2018
Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing!
Welcome back to Medieval Monday's blog hop! I'm kicking off this session with Sherry Ewing and an excerpt from her book, Only For You.Keep up with the hop! I'll be hosting a give away to one lucky reader. By following my excerpts and commenting on each of my post, you automatically are entered in the drawing at the end of the hop (April, 2018) for your choice of one of my ebooks!
Leave comments for Sherry on each of her blog posts to be in the running for one of her eBooks. She’ll choose a random winner from the comments left and you’ll be able to get an autograph from her through Authorgraph!
Let's get started!
You'll find today's excerpt from my book, The Highlander's Crusader Bride, on Sherry's blog: https://sherryewing.com/blog/
Excerpt:
Only For You
Riorden felt Katherine trembling in his arms and was at a loss for what to say. His fury was barely controlled as his eyes swept the interior of his hall, and his temper almost shattered in a thousand directions. He had not felt such raw, unrestrained anger since the last time he stood almost in this exact same place. Was this Karma coming to get him that Katherine had been telling him about?
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Follow along for Sherry's next excerpt on Jenna Jaxon’s blog at https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com
You'll find my next excerpt on Barbara Bettis' blog: http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk
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Book Blurb:
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that true love conquers all only after the battle is over…
Katherine de Deveraux has it all or so she believes when she begins her life with her husband Riorden. But as she starts to settle into her duties as the Countess of Warkworth Castle, she finds that an easy life is not only difficult but downright dangerous to her well-being.
Consumed with the haunting memories of his father, Riorden must deal with his sire’s widow who just happens to also be his ex-lover. Yet how could he know just how far Marguerite is willing to go in order to have the life she feels they were truly meant to live?
Torn apart by circumstances neither Katherine nor Riorden could ever imagine, Time becomes their true enemy even while Marguerite continues her ploy to keep Riorden at her side. With all hope lost, will Katherine and Riorden find a way to save their marriage and have their happily ever after ending, or will Katherine be whisked back to where Time truly feels she belongs?
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Buy Links ~ Read for #FREE in Kindle Unlimited:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MLVECd
AU: http://bit.ly/1EQxFBo
CA: http://amzn.to/1BUjhZj
UK: http://amzn.to/1CBMCHX
January 21, 2018
Medieval Monday Resumes January 29!
We will again be posting excerpts from our featured books, so follow along each week to get the next installment!Our theme this time is 'Author's Choice'.
What do you think I've chosen from The Highlander's Crusader Bride as my theme?
Hope to see you soon!
November 13, 2017
Interview with Madeline Martin
Today I have Madeline Martin on my blog to give us a little insight on her newest book, Highland Ruse, and with great reasons why she writes about spies, but isn't one herself.
You're going to love this!
(And isn't this cover fabulous?)
Thanks for joining us today, Madeline!
**Madeline Martin**
Oftentimes we as writers will write the characters we wish we could be. That is most definitely the case with the Mercenary Maidens series where the heroines are swept into an underground organization of all female spies. These women are tough, skilled and all kinds of awesome. In honor of the release of my second book, Highland Ruse, coming out, I’m going to share how my Mercenary Maidens are awesome spies and how I am so not.
The Mercenary Maidens are trained to be stealthy and can walk quietly when needed.
Every joint in my body audibly pops, especially my ankles.
The Mercenary Maidens are fluent in English and Gaelic with some of the girls also able to speak several other languages.
I can pass with rusty French and know enough Spanish to get me onto an episode of Dora.
The Mercenary Maidens have an expert on medicine, healing and gadget creation.
I swear by Motrin, abhor the odor of Valerian root and manage to break most things I touch.
The Mercenary Maidens have mad skills at being covert and smooth, lying when necessary to ensure their survival and success.
When I try to lie, my face goes all red, my arm pits get sweaty, my brain overheats and I can’t remember what gibberish I’m spewing on about.
The Mercenary Maidens are graceful and sure of themselves whether fighting, or captivating a room.
I have actually tripped up an entire flight of stairs only to fall once I got to the top. I’ve fallen down quite a few as well, and regularly trip over the sidewalk, my own feet and air.
The Mercenary Maidens have amazing fighting moves they execute with grace and skill.
My hip pops when my foot goes higher than my waist.
The Mercenary Maidens are exceptional horse riders.
I rode a pony at a Ren Faire once.
The Mercenary Maidens are always planning the next move, orchestrating everything like a complicated chess game.
I’m always plotting out my food schedule and fantasizing about my next meal.
The Mercenary Maidens navigate an elegant party seamlessly and beautifully.
I once fell in a fountain while holding a glass of wine.
The Mercenary Maidens know how to use many different weapons and with considerable skill.
I cut myself on a plastic butter knife once and burned my chest when a spent bullet shell fell down my shirt.
The Mercenary Maidens can fight in a corset.
I can barely take wearing one more than five hours without feeling stabby.
The Mercenary Maidens are able to handle Scottish rain, sleet and snow.
I’m a Florida girl who dons a parka when it hits 60.
All that said, I think you can understand why I write about spies instead of trying to be a spy myself. But the concept is so cool, I just can’t get it out of my head! So, all those fun ideas get put into my books for my heroines to navigate to perfection and I get the experience of writing about it. Win, win!
* * *
About Highland Ruse:
Kaid MacLeod couldn’t protect his clan from an unimaginable slaughter that killed his father and many of his people. He knows retaliation will only bring more death to his people, but if he does nothing, the massacres will continue. His clan is growing angry and all seems lost…until Kaid discovers his nemesis’s betrothed will be traveling through Scotland. Abducting her will give him the leverage he desperately needs to end the slaughter and bring peace to his clan.
Delilah Canterbury is not the highborn daughter of a noble, nor is she by any means wealthy, she’s merely pretending to be a Scottish laird’s betrothed as a means of bringing justice to the man rumored to seek vengeance. Beautifully dressed and ready to succeed on her first mission alone, Delilah is more than she seems…she’s a trap.
Matters get complicated as the truth behind their intentions come to light, especially when a sizzling attraction blossoms between them. With so many lives on the line, and loyalties pledged, will Kaid be able to save his people? And can their love survive the lies and ultimate betrayal?
* * *
Praise for Highland Ruse:
“Fans of swashbuckling, high-drama adventure and romance are sure to revel in the second entry in the Mercenary Maidens series. With an empowered heroine and tormented hero, a high degree of sensuality and a fast-moving plot, readers are sure to be satisfied from beginning to end. The added mystery and contemporary theme of addiction enhance the story so it truly resonates with readers.” – RT Reviews
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Buy Links:
Free Preview of Ch1: http://www.madelinemartin.com/2017/11/highland-ruse-preview-of-chapter-1/
Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/hramz
Nook: http://hyperurl.co/hrnk
iBooks: http://hyperurl.co/Hrib
Kobo: http://hyperurl.co/Hrkobo
Google Play: http://hyperurl.co/hrgp
Print: http://hyperurl.co/hrprint
BN Paperback: http://hyperurl.co/hrbnpb
* * *ABOUT MADELINE:
Madeline Martin is a USA TODAY Bestselling author of Scottish set historical romance with tons of page-turning action and tough heroines. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her two daughters (AKA OldestMinion and YoungestMinion) and Mr. Awesome.
November 5, 2017
Medieval Monday blog hop with Cathy MacRae
Today marks the end of this segment of the Medieval Monday blog hop featuring our hero and heroine's First Encounter.Here is my final snippet from The Highlander's Viking Bride:
After tonight’s encounter, she vowed to avoid her sire more than ever.
Unsettled by her reaction to the new MacGerry laird, it was best to stay away until they concluded their business. She wasn’t sure she could stomach watching whatever duplicity her father planned, and she didn’t want their visitors to think she played any part in the treachery.
* * *
Don't forget your opportunity to win an ebook from each of our Medieval Monday authors ends with this post! Give it one more shot and comment below to enter!
* * *
In case you missed any of the previous snippets, here is the excerpt in its entirety:
The Sinclair’s voice boomed from the high table.
“Allow me to express my sympathies on the loss of yer father. I dinnae know him, but all said he was a good man. This feud has been costly for both clans. I welcome the offer to end hostilities between our people. No one here can remember why we are at odds.”
“’Tis the same for us,” Calder replied.
“Then let us toast to new beginnings,” Sinclair offered as he raised his
quaich high. Around the tables, the others followed their laird’s example. So far, their welcome was more than Calder could have hoped for. A prickling sensation down his spine cautioned him something was afoot.
Katja reluctantly heeded her father’s summons to the great hall. She much preferred taking meals in her chamber as constant criticism and scorn from her father made for poor company. Her only regret was not spending the time with her brothers. She remembered the days before her amma died when mealtimes were pleasant, even enjoyable. She did not remember the days when her ma was alive.
Everyone in the keep knew guests had arrived—rumored to be the hated MacGerrys. Her father would likely use the opportunity to dangle her as bait again for some sort of alliance, her hand in marriage as part of the bargain. She grimaced. The MacGerry laird was as old as her sire—as were all the men her da had presented as prospective husbands.
“I willnae marry a man thrice my age. Why does he keep bringing such old relics about, Freki? Has the man not made the acquaintance of anyone younger than two score?”
Her companion did not answer.
Katja hurried to the great hall with Freki at her side. If she allowed her sire to wait too long, he would add to her humiliation by displaying her like a freshly caught trout in front of his guests. Much as she disliked appeasing him, flaunting her disdain was far worse.
When they reached the door to the hall, she raised a hand, whispering a command for her companion to wait outside the door as she perused the people seated in the great hall. Pale auras of color surrounded each man, giving the room a festive look were it not for the unsettling tale each told her. The reds of anger and lust, the brown of dishonesty, gray and sulphur of dark thoughts and pain. From long practice, she ignored the pale green of pity she knew were aimed at her.
Skirting the red auras, Katja moved silently into the room, attracting no
attention. Years of avoiding her father gave her the skill to move about the castle like a ghost, finding tremendous value in being invisible when the need called for it. It wasn’t until she stood near the foot of the lower tables that anyone noticed her. Laird Sinclair’s eyes gleamed.
“Ah, here is my daughter. Katja, meet the new MacGerry Laird.”
Calder glanced at the young woman who’d entered the room as silent as a ghost. Though the Sinclair men did not stand in respect at her introduction, Calder, Finn and the rest of the MacGerry men rose immediately from their seats. She offered a small curtsy, her gaze dropping to the floor, seeming uncomfortable with
the attention.
Calder stood stricken as if struck by a smithy’s hammer. He could do
nothing but stare at the lass in front of him who’d haunted his thoughts and dreamsfor so long. To his amazement, she appeared even more beautiful than he remembered. Grey. Her eyes were grey, not the dark blue he imagined. If he’d been told she was an angel come to earth he would not have doubted the claim for a moment.
Finn tugged on his sleeve and inclined his head toward the girl. Calder
retrieved enough of his wits to speak. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lady Katja.”
The sight of a young man instead of the old laird she expected startled Katja. Tall, lean of muscle with dark brown hair and fair skin, his deep blue eyes were the color of sapphires or perhaps the ocean on a calm day. A high forehead, strong jaw and full lips made for a very handsome face. Lips which curved into a kind smile at her.
His eager blue eyes stared at her, as if caught in a pleasant dream. Katja’s stomach twisted in a way she’d not experienced before. Heat scorched its way from her head to her shoulders, tingling along her breasts and descending lower. She didn’t recognize or understand the strange awareness. Her breathing picked up its pace as her heart beat tripled. How could one look from a man inspire such a reaction?
She averted her gaze in an effort to wrestle her body and emotions under control. Inhaling deeply, she raised her eyes again only to find the same sensations slamming into her anew. She needed a distraction.
Use the sight. It doesnae lie.
Looking past her normal ability to see, she glanced first at her father. The darkening gray aura surrounding him reflected his greed, his nature growing more corrupt with time. A band of deep brown layered on top of the gray was new today. She knew it as a sign of deceit and wondered what he was up to. Scanning the rest of the table, the light blue surrounding her brothers Bjorn, Christer and Patrik reflected confusion. Whatever her father contrived with the MacGerry, they knew
nothing of it.
Katja exited the room quickly, daring her sire to rebuke her abruptness. As she crossed the doorway, Freki rose, following close behind. She made the necessary arrangements with the housekeeper, then headed for the respite of her bedchamber.
She slammed the door and threw the bolt as soon as she and Freki entered the room. Her father was clearly up to some deception. No matter his generous words, his brown aura said everything she needed to know, guaranteeing he would try to trick the MacGerry in some manner despite his seemingly warm hospitality.
Though the MacGerrys and Sinclairs had been bitter enemies longer than she could remember, she couldn’t help feeling sorry for them. Even the MacGerrys deserved better than betrayal at the hands of her father.
After tonight’s encounter, she vowed to avoid her sire more than ever.
Unsettled by her reaction to the new MacGerry laird, it was best to stay away until they concluded their business. She wasn’t sure she could stomach watching whatever duplicity her father planned, and she didn’t want their visitors to think she played any part in the treachery.
Blurb:
Calder MacGerry, laird of an impoverished clan, has resolved to end the
bitter feud between the MacGerrys and Sinclairs. He jumps at Laird Sinclair’s offer of marriage to his only daughter, Katja, to seal the agreement between their clans—only to get more than he bargained for.
Katja’s chance to escape her father’s harsh treatment appears to be too good to be true. But becoming Lady of a clan that despises her because she’s a Sinclair, doesn’t make her life any easier. When the attacks turn deadly, she fights her way out, making a dangerous passage to the Shetland Isles for refuge with her Viking family.
Calder and Katja’s marriage, built on mistrust, rushes quickly into disaster. As Calder seeks to repair the damage, Katja discovers not another enemy, but a husband who pledges a new beginning.
Buy link:
Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B0728HWJRY
October 29, 2017
Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Lane McFarland
Today's spotlight is on an excerpt from Lane McFarland's book, Elsbeth. Another peek into our hero and heroine's First Encounter.
EXCERPT Thirteen:
The nun’s guileless belief indicated her innocence in the ways of men in battle. After Longshank’s defeat at Stirling Castle, Edward meant to set an example and strike fear in the
Scots. His barbaric, depraved acts were taken on all women, including those devoted to the church in an attempt to terrify and bend the people to his will. “Ye are not safe, especially in this house of worship.”
* * *
Join Lane next week to find out what happens on her blog!
And you can find my snippet for week #13 on Lane's blog today!
* * *
BLURB:
Elsbeth MacDougall recoils at the violent Scottish rebellion and the bleak plight of orphans. Vowing to protect the homeless, she embarks on a journey to Scone and sets her course to become a nun, sheltering children from the cruelties of war. But when Brandon McLeod arrives
at the Abby, he shakes her convictions and stirs provoking emotions she buried long ago.
After English soldiers murder his family, Brandon McLeod determines a course of revenge and leads numerous clans in Scotland’s fight for freedom. Bent on the annihilation of English oppression, he is resolved to a life of solitude, vowing never to marry and chance the pain of
losing loved ones again. However, that was before he met the enchanting Elsbeth.
BUY LINK: Amazon
October 22, 2017
Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Bambi Lynn
Bambi Lynn joins me today with an excerpt from her erotic short story, The Viking Bron.Week 12:
Leda tossed the satchel containing everything she owned in the world—two extra shifts, a comb, and a pair of knitted socks—into the corner. Fear and uncertainty threatened to be her undoing, but she tamped down her anxiety and did as he bade her.
* * *
Follow along next week at Ruth A. Casie’s blog. Be sure to comment for a chance to win an e-copy of Bron.
You can find my week 12 snippet from The Highlander's Viking Bride on Bambi's blog HERE.
* * *
Blurb:
After escaping the brutal tyrant who holds her under his boot, Leda’s newfound hope is shattered
to discover her safe-haven to be nothing more than a den of brutal Norsemen, intent on
conquering all of Francia and claiming its riches for their own. When she is offered as a bed
slave to the fiercest Viking of them all, she despairs to realize freedom comes at a price.
Brondulf Adilson has struck terror into his enemies for as long as he can remember, to include
the women who share his bed. Shunned for his frightful appearance, he doesn’t expect
compliance from his new thrall and is resigned to forcing her to his will.
But the beauty he finds himself saddle with turns out to be anything but meek and compliant.
Buy Link Amazon
October 15, 2017
Medieval Monday blog hop with Judith Sterling
Judith Sterling joins me today in the Medieval Monday blog hop First Encounter series with her book Soul of the Wolf.Excerpt, Week 11:
She shook her head. “You return if you like. I’d rather stay.”
“To be drenched by the storm?”
“’Twill be refreshing. I’m still warm from the walk.”
A cold raindrop splashed onto Wulfstan’s cheek. “I doubt you’ll remain so. Come, don
your mantle and—”
“There’s no need. I’m quite warm-blooded. I was about to propose you take my mantle back to the keep. ’Tis cumbersome when wet.”
* * *
My snippet from The Highlander's Viking Bride is on Judith's blog HERE.
* * *
Soul of the Wolf – Blurb
A Norman loyalist, Lady Jocelyn bristles when ordered to marry Wulfstan, a Saxon sorcerer. She
nurses a painful secret and would rather bathe in a cesspit than be pawed by such a man...until
her lifelong dream of motherhood rears its head.
A man of magic and mystery, Wulfstan has no time for wedded bliss. He fears that
consummating their marriage will bind their souls and wrench his focus from the ancient riddle
his dying mother begged him to solve. He's a lone wolf, salving old wounds with endless work.
But Jocelyn stirs him as no woman ever has.
Their attraction is undeniable. Their fates are intertwined. Together, they must face their demons
and bring light to a troubled land.
Buy Links
Buy at The Wild Rose Press
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Barnes and Noble
October 8, 2017
Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Ruth A. Casie
Let's welcome Ruth A. Casie to the Medieval Monday blog hop today! She's offering a snippet from her book, The Guardian's Witch.Excerpt Nine:
“Good day, Lisbeth. I’ll leave you to your patient.” Bryce’s voice was courteous yet
arrogant.
Mine. The whispered thought rang in his head. The very idea startled him.
Lisbeth looked at Bryce. “Good day, Bryce.” Alex heard the touch of sadness in her voice. Then all was quiet.
The flexing fist at Bryce’s side was not lost on Alex. Neither was Bryce’s discomfort at Lisbeth’s silence and steady stare.
“Ann, send word when … I will need to tell the king,” Bryce mumbled. The door closed behind him.
“You can wash up here.”
* * *
You can find my snippet on Ruth's blog today HERE:
* * *
Blurb:
England, 1290
Lord Alex Stelton can't resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it's his. Desperate for land of his own, he'll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.
Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she'd never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.
Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can't get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they'll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/ZgvmDw
BN: http://bit.ly/ZQkCuY iBook: http://bit.ly/TGWiBook
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-guardian- s-witch
October 1, 2017
Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Mary Morgan
Today I'm welcoming Mary Morgan to the Medieval Monday blog hop as she shares the next installment in our First Encounter series from her book, Dragon Knight's Axe.Snippet:
An inspection…
Then a third man jumped down from the boat and circled around her. “’Tis clothing I have never seen. Perchance, she is one of them.”
Fiona backed away from the men. Good God, they were looking at her like some sort of specimen. She retreated right into the arms of a fourth man.
“Whoa, little elf, can I be of service?”
She stumbled away from him, but received a huge smile.
“Do not try and use your charms on her. It is Alastair’s slave,” grumbled the first man.
Alastair pointed at Fiona. “She is not my slave, Gunnar.”
Gunnar crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell me, why did you buy her then?”
Placing his hands on his hips, he glared at all of them. “I will take her back to the O’Quinlan.”
Fiona flinched. What was he saying? Who was this other O’Quinlan? And why did her captor’s name sound familiar?
Something snapped inside of her. “Like hell you will.”
* * *
Follow along next week for Mary's next snippet on Barbara Bettis’s blog
My snippet for this week is on Mary's blog: HERE
Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Dragon Knight’s Axe by Mary Morgan.
Blurb:
Alastair MacKay, a battled-scarred Dragon Knight flees to the sea to separate himself from his fae-given power connecting him to the land. But it is on land that he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland. It is through Fiona he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and at the same time leading him on a journey to confront his greatest regret and fears.
Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay.
Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity?
Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
iBooks
