Cathy MacRae's Blog, page 2
March 21, 2021
Medieval Monday with Anastasia Abboud
Medieval Monday
week #7
Happy Medieval Monday! I have the talented Anastasia Abboud here today with a snippet from her book, Tremors!
You'll find my first kiss snippet from The Highlander's Pirate Bride on her blog here: https://www.anastasiaabboud.com
Will sharing their pasts lead to something more?
Lachlann and Deidre have spent the day at the Texas Renaissance Festival. More a medieval fair than anything else, it unexpectedly forced traumatic memories upon Lachlann that he wasn’t prepared to deal with. Of course, he can’t explain that to Deidre.
Snippet:
“But you’re still here, still fighting, just like I am. I’ve had my share of hurt, too.”
“I know.”
Her eyes widened. “How do you know?”
‘The first time I saw you, that first night when you stood looking out at the golf course, you were crying.”
She nodded. “I didn’t give up. I won’t, and neither should you.”
“I have no intention of giving up.”
* * *
Last week’s snippet on Sophia Nye’s blog: https://sophianyewrites.com/blog/
Follow along next week on Daryl Devore’s blog: https://daryldevore.blogspot.com
Blurb:
A Norse farmer crashes into this century from fourteenth-century Scotland. How did it happen? Why did he escape the plague when the rest of his family died? He should have died with them.
Three years later, Lachlann is no closer to the truth. His body has healed. He has a job and a place to lay his head at night. He has even learned a little modern English. If he could just figure out how to go back, he might be able to save his family, save his son. But he still can’t read, is still tormented by throbbing headaches and nightmares. Maybe he died after all. Maybe he’s in hell.
But would there be an angel in hell?
Deidre became a medieval history professor because of a treasured family heirloom, the medieval drawing of a farmer that she loved since childhood. Too bad she couldn’t have married him instead of the lying, vicious cheat who had almost ruined her life. Almost.
With a new life in a new city, she has moved forward. She doesn’t need anyone, especially a man. But she can’t seem to ignore her new neighbor, a gorgeous giant with a strange accent, haunted eyes, and a shocking resemblance to her medieval ploughman.
How can she erase the tormented look in his eyes? If only he would confide in her.
But is she prepared to do the same? To explain how she lost everything – her job, her family, her self-respect – because of her own, poor choices?
And why does she have the feeling that she could lose it all again?
Buy Link: getbook.at/Tremors http://getbook.at/Tremors
March 14, 2021
Medieval Monday with Barbara Bettis
Medieval Monday
week #6
Welcome back for another week of First Kiss snippets! Today I'm hosting the lovely Barbara Bettis with lines from her book, The Lady of the Forest.
You'll find my First Kiss snippet from The Highlander's Pirate Bride on her blog here: www.barbarabettis.com
Don't forget to follow the other authors' snippets! You'll find those links on the Medieval Romance Lover's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130
Henry and Kate's attraction is growing, but their duties threaten to keep them apart. What will he risk for Kate's kiss?
Snippet:
Damn me for a fool. Knowing it for a bad decision, he closed the tiny space between them.
Her lips opened slightly in surprise, seating his own mouth perfectly. Soft, pliable, warm.
Desire shot through him, so intense it caught his breath. And then he breathed with her, his tongue tracing the arc of her upper lip, the plump cushion of her lower one.
She shivered, because of the cooling night or in response to the kiss, he didn’t know. Her breasts flattened against him, and even through the layers of clothing, he felt her nipples harden. He vowed her heart thundered in time with his.
Blurb:
He must pursue his enemy; she must protect her people. Can their love survive the duties that drive them apart?
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 – http://amzn.to/2gIrn1j
March 7, 2021
Medieval Monday with Mary Morgan
Medieval Monday
Week #5
It's another Monday, and I'm welcoming the marvelous Mary Morgan today. She's sharing my First Kiss excerpt from The Highlander's Pirate Bride on her blog here: https://www.marymorganauther.com/blog
Be sure and check the other authors' links to their fabulous snippets on the Medieval Romance Lover's page on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130
Here's what's happening in Mary's book, Magnar, the first book in her new Wolves of Clan Sutherland series. Magnar has been ordered by King William to offer marriage to Elspeth Gunn to secure an alliance and protection for the new young chieftain—her nephew. The marriage is not looked upon as favorable to Magnar nor Elspeth. The wolf surrenders to no one...
Snippet:
Elspeth snorted and folded her arms over her full breasts. “’Tis not your right.”
“To which? Marriage or slaying Baardsen?”
“Both. I shall return to the abbey, and when Erik is of age, he can seek his vengeance for the death of his father,” she answered in a rush.
Magnar stormed to her side, glaring down at her. “You would allow him to carry this burden until the deed was done? The lad is only seven. It will harden him to a shell of violence, and he cannot rule without counsel."
* * *
Last week’s snippet on Barbara Bettis’ blog: http://www.barbarabettis.com/index.php/blog/
Follow along next week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/
* * *
Blurb:
Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.
After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.
In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OXUb6d
BN: https://bit.ly/2WTrefY
Apple Books: https://apple.co/32VsVNV
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3gkFLbm
February 28, 2021
Medieval Monday with Ashley York
Medieval Monday
week #4
Today I'm welcoming the lovely Ashley York to my blog. She's show-casing her First Kiss snippet from her latest book, Lachlann's Legacy. You'll find my snippet from The Highlander's Pirate Bride on her blog here: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com
Don't forget to check out the snippets from the other Medieval Monday authors on the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130
Lachlann has been injured. Will Ethne's care lead to something neither expected?
An 11th-century highlander must deceive a lovely woman living among outcasts in order to save his priory, but it’s his heart that’s truly at stake…
Snippet:
Lachlann watched her, her eyes on her work, not noticing him looking at her.
“But aye, the bleeding had stopped, and I was able to secure the poultice. That is the pain ye feel in yer side.”
Wetting her mouth with a swipe of her tongue, she rubbed her lips together. When she let out a long, slow breath, his discomfort was quickly forgotten.
He studied her, the quickened breath and mesmerizing motion. “And how long will I have this pain?”
Blurb:
Hidden secrets could tear them apart as fast as their passion drove them together
On the Moray coast in Scotland…
Ethne’s genuine and caring nature makes her invaluable to her brother as his son’s caretaker, but he and his wife treat her as little more than their servant. When she learns their tribal leader would use her chaste status for his own purposes, Ethne plans to escape and reluctantly accepts the help of Lachlann—a handsome pilgrim she only just met at the local faire.
Despite her independent spirit, Ethne feels drawn to Lachlann. Her instincts say his intentions are honorable, but can she trust him with her heart?
Raised by his godfather with few clues to his family’s past, Lachlann values his freedom and the brotherhood of his highlander kin. Disguised as a pilgrim on a mission for the priory, he encounters Ethne, a warm, intelligent maiden whose courage in the face of a loveless marriage awakens an intense need to protect her.
Unfortunately, Ethne is one of the very people he must deceive to explore the cave system containing clues to the lost treasure he seeks. But he cannot abandon her to an uncertain fate—or deny the simmering tension between them.
With religious prejudice running high and both of them facing tests of loyalty, Lachlann and Ethne may realize the only way to fight for their futures is to surrender... to each other.
BUY LINK: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/lach...
February 22, 2021
Medieval Monday with Eliza Knight
Medieval Monday
week #3
Help me welcome the fabulous Eliza Knight to this week's Medieval Monday First Kiss excerpt post! She's sharing a wee bit from her latest book in her Stolen Bride Series, The Highlander's Reward.
She belonged to another . . . But was destined to be his!
You'll find my third First Kiss snippet from The Highlander's Pirate Bride on Eliza's blog here: www.elizaknight.com
Don't miss the other authors's snippets! You'll find the links here on the Medieval Monday Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130
Magnus has decided the only way to save Arbella is to marry her. Convincing her may take some doing . . .. Snippet:
He spoke softly, controlling his urge to shake some sense into her. He didn’t want to marry any more than she did. But it was the only way. “Ye have to trust me, lass. No one touches what is mine. No one will touch ye. I canna bear for another man to attack ye. Who knows if ye will survive if they do. If I marry ye, they will accept ye.”
Looking for more?
Follow Eliza's snippet next week on Ruth A. Casie's blog: https://RuthACasie.blogspot.com
Blurb:
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her, she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.
The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?
"For fans of Highlander romance, this series is a must read!" ~ Night Owl Reviews, TOP PICK!
Buy Links:
➡️Amazon: https://amzn.to/31v9rxZ
➡️Apple: https://bit.ly/HighlandersReward
➡️B&N: https://bit.ly/BN-Reward
➡️Kobo: https://bit.ly/KoboReward
February 15, 2021
Medieval Monday with Celeste Barclay
Medieval Monday
MedMonSpring2021
week #2
Welcome back! I have the wonderful Celeste Barclay with me this week with her First Kiss snippet from Book #1 in her Viking Glory series, Leif.
Fate brought them together. Free will binds them.
War is the last thing Leif wants, but he'll do whatever necessary to save the seer who has foretold their destiny--and who has captured his heart.
You'll find my next First Kiss snippet from The Highlander's Pirate Bride on Celeste's blog here: www.celestebarclay.com/blog
Don't forget to check out the other authors' posts by clicking on the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130
Snippet:
Leif forced himself to take several deep breaths lest he maul the woman when she let him in. He heard objects being moved away from the door before she lifted the bar and the bolt slid back to its home. She pulled the door open and peered out. Leif saw the knife in her hand. She dropped it when she knew he was alone and threw open the door wide then stepped back. His intention not to maul her fell away the moment he could reach her. He pulled her into his arms, and he felt her come willingly. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her off her feet. Their mouths came together with a hunger born of fear and longing. The kiss was not gentle but fed a simmer that had started for Sigrid long before it did for Leif.
* * *
Looking for more?
Check out last week’s blog from Celeste Barclay: www.celestebarclay.com/blog
Follow along next week with Ruth A Casie: http://www.ruthacasie.blogspot.com/
Blurb:
After months at sea, Leif Ivarrson wants nothing more than to revel in the comforts of home. Yet when word arrives that a new threat has invaded their land, Leif is forced to take up his sword once more. Tasked with rescuing a jarl’s niece, Sigrid, from this malicious enemy, Leif departs on a journey that will alter the course of his fate.
Since she was a young girl, Sigrid Torbensdóttir’s visions have been both a blessing and a curse. Now a grown woman and powerful seer, she knew enemies would come for her, eager to exploit her gift. Yet her visions taught her that fate could not be denied or ignored. As she had foreseen it, the heroic Viking would save her and sweep them both up in the raging storm of inescapable destiny.
Drawn together by the will of the gods, Leif and Sigrid battle to save their people from a rival tribe’s scramble for power. Will their blossoming love survive the tests of war and family? Can a match created by fate withstand the machinations of man?
Set sail for adventure in this steamy Viking romance sure to leave you breathless! Norse lore meets passion and intrigue in Leif, written by Celeste Barclay!
Buy Links: www.books2read.com/leifvikingglory
February 7, 2021
Medieval Monday Spring 2021
Welcome back to Medieval Monday!
This is week #1 of an exciting new series of snippets from some of your favorite historical authors. If you're following on Twitter, check out the #MedMonSpring21 hashtag for other posts.
You can also find the other authors on Facebook in the Medieval Romance Lovers group every Monday: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130
Our theme this session is 'First Kiss' and you'll find some great snippets in the weeks ahead!
Let's get started!
I'll be showcasing The Highlander's Pirate Bride. It was first introduced last Christmas in an anthology titled, Merry Mayhem, but has received edits which include three additional chapters, and a few characters you'll see in the next book.
Will the theft of the wrong ship land her in a hangman's noose? Or the arms of a Highlander? Rona MacNeill and Pedr MacLean have been taken a few minutes to talk over the betrothal her father is holding over their heads. Neither had marriage on their minds, but Pedr is more taken with the notion than Rona is.
Excerpt:
A single thud on the heavy portal announced their time in private was coming to an end.
Rona heaved a reluctant sigh. “Shall we open the door?”
Pedr shook his head. “Nae until we reach an accord. I would have ye sign yer name willingly to the contract. A reluctant or rebellious wife isnae my intention.”
Read what happens next on Celeste Barclay's blog: https://www.celestebarclay.com/
Blurb:
As the pirate The Black MacNeill, Rona MacNeill has stolen more than one English ship to keep her clan from starving. With Yule only days away, will the theft of the wrong ship land her in a hangman’s noose? Or the arms of a Highlander?
Rona MacNeill has done everything she can to help her small, impoverished clan—except marry for money. Her luck seems to lie in stealing ships, not attracting suitors. Only days before Yule, she seeks one last ship with stores to keep her people fed over the long, harsh winter. Too bad her luck has run out.
Pedr MacLean is happy to be the younger (by three minutes) son of Baron MacLean. His days are filled with running the family’s shipping business and sailing the world. His heart belongs to the sea—or so he thinks, until one of his ships is stolen, and the woman responsible turns his world upside down.
Drawn to Rona’s strength and love of the sea, Pedr will agree to her father’s demand—information on the whereabouts of his ship in exchange for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Will Rona find herself caught between a marriage of convenience and a hangman’s noose? Or will she discover something far more compelling?
The Highlander’s Pirate Bride is the swash-buckling seventh addition to the Hardy Heroines series. If you like pirates, rags-to-riches, and swoon-worthy Highlanders, you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s newest high-seas romance.
Available soon from Amazon!
December 11, 2020
FREE!
Grab this holiday special December 11-14 FREE!
Click here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B07HZ54GXG
This magical tale of Yuletide romance includes an uncle imprisoned by the English, the lad of Mhàiri’s dreams (and his boisterous family), a mysterious brooch, and a wee terrier named Henry. This promises to be a Yule to remember.
December 6, 2020
Medieval Monday, Fall 2020 -- final week
Medieval Monday
Fall 2020
final week
Welcome back! It's both fun and a little sad to reach the end of each snippet set. But we'll set up the next set soon!
I've had a great time sharing the start of Phillipe's and Balgair's friendship, and hope you've enjoyed their accidental meeting in lovely Malagar, Spain. Balgair will become quite important in Phillipe's search for the family he once fostered with, and in watching Phillipe's back when pirates and other travails arise.
Here's the link to the other authors' posts. You certainly don't want to miss them! https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...
Here's the final snippet from their meeting. Snippet:
The brawl at the inn had given Phillipe a much-needed release from anger and unease which had built since he’d boarded the Sea Falcon.
“We’d best look lively,” Balgair added with a nod to the ship. “The captain doesnae like to be held up.”
Phillipe shot the man a curious look. “Ye travel on the Falcon?”
“Och, aye. I’m headed back to bonnie Scotland.” His cheerfulness turned thoughtful. “If ye’ve a mind to sell yer sword, and havenae a yen to linger in France, being a mercenary in Scotland isnae a bad thing.”
“I am uncertain where my path lies.”
Balgair shoved his meaty hand at Phillipe. “Join me, laddie. Ye willnae regret it.”
Phillipe gripped the man’s forearm. “I am happy to join ye insofar as our paths lie together.”
“We’ll come guid, laddie. A sword in one hand, a lassie in the other—and a bit o’ coin in our pouches. What more could a man ask?”
* * *
Blurb:
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
November 29, 2020
Medieval Monday -- week #11
Medieval Monday
week #11
Week 11 is now upon us, which means the end is in sight. Don't forget to check out the other authors' snippets as they post here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013... You'll find adventure and romance await on every page!
Speaking of adventure, Phillipe and Balgair have set things to right at the inn (or at least, have left funds to see repairs made). Phillipe has previously earned scars in battle. What's one more? Snippet:
Phillipe shrugged. “They were brawlers. Ye and I have had more experience.”
Balgair peered at him, concern on his face. “That cut over yer eye might need a wee bit of attention. Shall I sew it for ye?”
Phillipe touched a finger to the cut and winced. “Nae. I’ve had enough wounds stitched lately. ’Twill heal on its own.”
“A braw laddie ye are.” Balgair nodded approvingly. “Yer scars will give ye a hint of danger. Lasses like a man who can hold his own in a fight.”
* * *
Blurb:
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
