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Thursday's Threads with Dawn Ireland

Help me welcome Dawn Ireland to Thursday's Threads today with her historical romance, The Perfect Duke.
Title: The Perfect Duke

Genre: Historical Romance (Late Georgian Era)

Heat Level: Three out of Five

 

 

Back Cover Blurb:  Known as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt to become a perfect duke.  Nothing that is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he’d thought dead. His intended believes-of all things-that she is a Vicar’s daughter. The “perfect” duke needs a “perfect” duchess, but how was he to discern her suitability? Employing her as a governess to his niece seemed like an ideal solution. But whose “suitability” is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget what’s important.

 Cara believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart that “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder? 

 

Excerpt

 

“The horse seems to know you.”

“He should. There was a time when I practically lived in the stable. Storm was my favorite.”

“What happened?”

“I became a duke.”

“Oh.”

He straightened and forced his features into a mask of indifference. “So, Rachel loves horses.” He turned to face Cara. “I can appreciate my niece’s fondness, but I can not allow her to frequent the stable.”

“Why not?”

“It is not proper for young ladies of her station.”

“Garret, she’s a child.”

It was the first time she’d used his name, and somehow, Rachel visiting the horses didn’t seem like such a large request. “I will only allow it if she uses the passageway. At least I can keep the knowledge of her visits to a minimum. If you come with her, you will need to use the tunnel as well.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

She blushed and turned away. “I’m afraid.” She said it so quietly, he wasn’t sure he heard her.

“Afraid? Of what?”

“Dark, enclosed places. Even as a child, I fell asleep with a candle burning.” She faced him and gave a small smile. “Perhaps I’m afraid that a beast will gobble me up in the dark.”

“There are no beasts at Belcraven, Miss McClure. I would not allow anyone to hurt you.”

“Anyone?”

“Never.” He started toward her and stopped. Damn, it would be better if he didn’t get close to her. As he left the stable, her whisper followed him.

“Not even you?”

                                                  * * * 

Links: 

www.dawn-ireland.com

www.authordawnIreland.wordpress.com

www.smpauthors.wordpress.com

Twitter.com/AuthorDIreland

Facebook.com/DawnIrelandAuthor

 

The Perfect Duke

ASIN: B00BT0NGOC

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BT0NGOC

 

  

 

Medieval Monday with Lauren Linwood

Today's post for Medieval Monday is Lauren Linwood and her novel, A Bit of Heaven on Earth

Back Cover Blurb:

When Gavin of Ashgrove and his closest friend are captured in a fierce battle during the Hundred Years’ War, their captors demand a hefty ransom from their fathers for their return. Robert is quickly set free, but Gavin’s father refuses to pay for his son’s release, leaving him to rot in a squalid French prison. Aided by a sympathetic priest, he escapes and returns home to England, only to find he has been proclaimed a bastard and disinherited.

 With nowhere to turn Gavin journeys to Kentwood, where he fostered as a boy, hoping Lord Aldred will take him on as a knight in his guard. The old warrior is close to death, but he soon realizes Gavin is his son. Aldred plots to have Gavin inherit Kentwood and marry his much younger wife, Elizabeth, a famed and opinionated beauty who remains a virgin after a decade of marriage.

 Will the king recognize Lord Aldred’s first request of a marriage between Elizabeth and Robert, uniting Robert’s estate with Kentwood—or will the temperamental Edward reward Aldred’s years of service and honor a dying man’s final request?  

Excerpt:  

     Fear struck Elizabeth as Gavin’s lips met hers. A kiss! What was he thinking? She could not kiss him. She didn’t kiss anyone. Aldred’s feeble attempts over the years flittered into her mind. She stiffened in his arms.

     Her hesitation did not stop him. His lips slowly brushed against hers. The sensation was most pleasant. A ripple of heat ran through her. His hand stroked her hair. Her scalp tingled. Her body relaxed.

     Panic set in suddenly. She tensed again. She didn’t know what to do, how to respond. Yet respond she did, as if her body were no longer her own. Her knees grew watery. She gripped Gavin’s shoulders for support. He pulled her closer still. His arms wrapped firmly around her, drawing her into a muscled chest.

     And still his lips worked their magic, now nipping her lower one, teasing her. He licked the corner of her mouth and trailed kisses along her jaw. Her head fell back. A shudder rushed up her spine. 

     This is heaven.

     His kisses continued along her exposed throat. She began to throb everywhere. Her fingers kneaded his shoulder. She heard a noise that sounded like a satisfied growl come from him. 

     Then his lips were gone. A shiver passed through her as the gentle breeze blew. She opened her eyes, only to meet his gazing down at her. He brushed a kiss against her temple, another one on her cheek. The slow play of his mouth began again as he caressed her. The throbbing built within her, starting an ache that clamored for a satisfaction she didn’t know how to satisfy. 

     Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, to ask what was happening. Gavin’s hand, tangled in her curls, caught them and pulled slightly, forcing her head back. His eyes glowed, a heat in them that frightened and excited her at the same time. 

     Then his mouth was upon hers, gentle no longer. She clung to him. His tongue demanded to mate with hers, taking, taking. Again and again he took from her, even her very breath, till she no longer knew where she ended and he began. His arms pinned her against him. Her breasts ached. Her bones melted. A dizziness swept across her. She wanted this to go on. Forever.

     A rooster crowed in the distance. It brought her to her senses. She broke their embrace.
 

Buy Link:  http://amzn.com/B00QHMH0IU

 

Teaser Tuesday

Tam the collie, at nearly 8 months old, loves a bit of fun. He is also a bit protective of Brianna.

Thursday's Threads with CT Green

Title: The S.E.R.A. Files Volume 3

 Sizzling paranormal romances.

This is a selection of stories written especially as 'lunch time reads' or just to snatch some 'me' time. Each story is a standalone with a happily every after.

 

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/S-E-R-Files-3-ebook/dp/B00QUOH7Z6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418293416&sr=1-1&keywords=The+S.E.R.A.+Files+volume+3  

Website: http://www.ctgreen-author.com  

HIDING SILVER

Sometimes, being a vampire sucks.  

Silver Illyés is determined not to fall into the same love-‘til-death trap that almost killed his brother. But he’s finding his Fairy Godmother partner irresistible…even if she keeps her Great Aunt’s coffin in her living room.

Alice Gale is not going to let her feelings for her new partner stop her from doing her job. With him on the Goblin King’s most wanted list — it’s time for Alice to prove this is a love Silver shouldn’t hide from. Oh, and she’s tired of explaining about the coffin.

RESISTING REIGN

Angels are simply irresistible. Fairy Godmothers are simply unstoppable.

When Reign meets Adele Kent while hanging naked from a pair of handcuffs in a hag’s den (don’t ask), he discovers he’s not so sure about working alone anymore.  

Adele is finding her new angel partner is quite a handful, literally. The guy can never keep his clothes on. But when they team up to find out what the hags want with angel blood, they’re an irresistibly unstoppable force. 
 

STEALING ASH

Will this stray wolf finally find a home that always has a spare pair of pants?  

Lucy Sinclair has the big, bad wolf in her bed. Mainly because she’s stolen him. And S.E.R.A. wants him back. With a matchmaking Grandmother and a beautiful woman determined to keep Ash in her power, Lucy’s got her work cut out in keeping her man.  

Ash is committed to finding out what’s been happening to the men who visit ‘Circe’ the new club in town. Now, he must put the girl he’s falling in love with into the line of fire if he’s going to solve this case. 
 

THAWING FROST

Can a scorching new love warm up this Ice Prince’s heart?  

Frost, of the Ice People, was in love with Silver Illyés until the vampire found his mate. What can a prince do, but hide his broken heart and step gracefully aside? Then he meets another vampire, who heats him up in an inferno of desire. The only problem is, he’s Silver’s brother.  

Adorján Illyés believed he’d never find love again. But is being a substitute for his brother enough? With the Unseelie Court’s Dark Fae on the hunt for someone, he’s going to need all his wits if he’s to regain his S.E.R.A. badge and rediscover his heart.  

SEEING DESTINY

A determined Fairy. A suspicious Phantom. And a Dark Fae.

This could be messy.  

Being with a Phantom means accepting a three-way relationship, but Destiny’s not a Fairy who’s happy about sharing. Until she meets a Dark Fae called Elair, and she realizes that two mates means double the love.  

Cam can’t deny the sparks between him and Elair. But how can he trust the Dark Fae, let alone allow the male into his heart and closer to Destiny?  

Elair loves Destiny and finds Cam irresistible, but in order to have them, he’s going to have convince the Phantom he’s trustworthy and that means reining in his considerable pride. With the Unseelie Court determined to drag him home, time is running out for Elair to find freedom and love.

Teaser Tuesday- meet the Character, Connor MacLaurey

Medieval Monday with Berengaria Brown

This week's Medieval Monday post is from Berengaria Brown's novel,  “Elinor’s Stronghold” Book 1:

Welcome to Elinor's Stronghold.

Elinor's Stronghold, Book 1, “Pillaging Elinor’s Castle”

Lady Elinor's father and two brothers are killed in battle, and Lord Rhys loses his demesne. To protect her people Elinor decides she will marry Lord Rhys, but only if he agrees the Captain of the Guard, Hammond, will share their bed and the decision making from now on. They agree and seal their contract in blood. Rhys and his people move into the stronghold.

Buy link: http://www.bookstrand.com/pillaging-elinors-castle

Thursday's Threads with SC Mitchell

This week, SC Mitchell visits Thursday's Threads with his sci-fi romance, The Blarmling Dilemma.

Heat Level: Sizzling

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Blarmling-Dilemma-Hearts-Orbit-Book-ebook/dp/B00QHND71S/

 



Blurb:

“They’re not animals. They’re people!”  

Phoebe Callista’s pleas fall on deaf ears and she’s forced to rescue two helpless Blarmlings from certain death. Fleeing across a backwater sector of the galaxy, with Galactic Marshals in hot pursuit, Phoebe falls into the hands of a handsome but determined bounty hunter.  

Rigel Antares has captured wanted criminals throughout the galaxy rim, but he’s never come across anything like Phoebe Callista. The gorgeous blonde is playing the innocent, and something deep inside wants to believe her, but Rigel has problems of his own—a ship that’s falling apart and an unscrupulous Galactic Marshal looking for any excuse to send him back to the prison planets of the Theiler System.  

An intergalactic circus, vicious space pirates, and a planet full of backtechers cross their paths as two hearts go into orbit to save a pair of adorable Blarmlings.  

Hearts in Orbit - Volume 1: The Blarmling Dilemma is a science fiction romance set in the far-flung space traveling future, and sets a new course across the galaxy that leads to love and adventure.
 

Available now at: http://www.amazon.com/Blarmling-Dilemma-Hearts-Orbit-Book-ebook/dp/B00QHND71S/

Excerpt:  

Rigel sighed. Without the full rap sheet, he didn’t even know exactly what she’d stolen. It could be anything from a subatomic particle to a Ramuligan Horned Calophant. He’d hoped she’d just hand him the merchandise. Maybe a bluff?

“You know I’ll be searching your ship.”

The woman nodded, but her eyes never left his. “You will find no stolen biological specimens on this ship.” Her gaze never wavered.

The statement, and the honesty behind her words, floored him. Rigel wanted to believe her. Her sincerity and defeated attitude made him feel like a pirate. Deep in his soul, something knotted. Should I let her go?

Realization of what he’d been tempted to do hit him like a gut-punch and new resolve flowed through him. Oh yes, this woman was dangerous. With just one look in those incredible emerald eyes, he’d almost melted.

Phoebe Callista was possibly the most dangerous criminal he’d ever faced.

                                                 ***
Bio: Hidden strengths, adventurous hearts.

S.C.Mitchell grew up an avid reader of comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature. He’s been writing stories for over thirty years. In 2010 he left his job as a computer desktop support specialist to pursue his passion for writing full time. He is a member of the Romance Writers of America as well as the Wisconsin chapter. 

As a writer of paranormal and sci-fi romance, fantasy, and science fiction, Steve crafts unique and wondrous worlds where his characters explore, romp, and fall in love. Whether traveling through dark, demon filled dimensions, the edge of wild space, or ancient mythological heavens, his heroes and heroines, guided by their adventurous hearts, discover hidden strengths on their pathway to enduring love. 

Links:

Web Site: http://scmitchellauthor.com/

Blog: http://scmitchell.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSCMitchell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSMitchell

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007D0Z1MW

 

Medieval Monday with Carmen Stefanescu

Today Carmen Stefanescu takes the page for Medieval Monday with her novel, Shadows of the Past.

Excerpt

 "Come, we should leave at once," she said and glanced nervously over her shoulder. "Something terrible happened after you left for town. I think the Abbess found out about us. Our meeting in Uncle Ryan's cabin is no longer a secret. We have been overheard. For all I know someone spies on us even as we speak. I think the Abbess, or one of her 'friends,' is hovering somewhere nearby and listening to every word."

Andrew pulled Genevieve to his chest. "Do you regret you've come with me?"

Passion smothered Genevieve's doubt and guilt. "Never," she answered, aware of her body's response to his touch, and she succumbed to his embrace.

Calming the gnawing unease in her mind and the thought of Sister Dominica guessing she was the dough of a sinner, Genevieve repeated, "Never."

With her eyes closed and their bodies touching she became, for the very first time, simply a woman. She melted in his embrace in spite of the invisible vicious threat breathing around them. Aware they might never be alone again, she fought hard to silence the voice of conscience berating her.

"Oh, God. Please forgive me," Andrew muttered under his breath when he bowed his head to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate first kiss.

Genevieve's spirits fell and her heart skipped a beat when, a couple of seconds later, she opened her eyes and her gaze fell on a knot strangers.

                             … . . .

            Tears welled in Anne's eyes, blurring her vision. She couldn’t explain them, or the sudden sadness seeping into her heart. This should’ve been a moment of happiness or, at least, contentment. She was with Neil again, and the outcome of their trip together should, very likely, bring their reconciliation. Why then did she seem detached from where she stood?

Anne shivered. Why the deep feeling of having seen this place, this forest before? And why the eerie sensation of being present here only in the body, while her mind was far away?

Away from the forest.

Away from Neil, the man who'd betrayed her trust and her love.

            An onrush of sensations unfamiliar to her followed. Dizziness and a malevolent feeling of unreality suffocated her.

Anne edged cautiously closer to the rim of the bare cliff. Her foot tapped the edge. It seemed solid. She stared into the darkness of the abyss at her feet. It echoed the shadows in her heart.  An unusual curiosity took hold of her. Should she step ahead? What was down there? Other human bones? Another mystery? The presence of evil, creeping up and enveloping her, became almost palpable. The vines of fog folded around her, dragging her to the depth. Her throat turned dry, and she gasped for air.

Megan's face contorted, the voice no longer pleasant. A hoarse gurgle, spluttering distorted words, "Yes, come... I'm waiting... I've been waiting for you for such a long time..."
                                                      * * *

Buy Link: Wild Child Publishing

http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=84&products_id=410
 
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-of-the-Past-ebook/dp/B00AK2D9I8/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354874514&sr=1-15&keywords=shadows+of+the+past

Buy Link: Barnes & Noble

 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-of-the-past-carmen-stefanescu/1113910162?ean=2940015715026  

Thursday's Threads

This week we have a Valentine collection waiting to warm your heart!

MY SEXY VALENTINE

Soul Mate Collection I

Contributing Authors: Cheryl Yeko, Sage Spelling, Lynn Cahoon, S.C. Mitchell,  Tina Susedik, Char Chaffin

Romantic Anthology

Heat Level:  Steamy

 

Blurb:

 

“Valentine’s Day Breakup” by Cheryl Yeko

Finding her fiancé in a clutch with the coat check girl sends Shelly straight into the arms of her Soul Mate.

“Inked Hearts” by Sage Spelling

One night. No boundaries. Uninhibited passion.

Boycotting Valentine’s Day had been Piper’s preferred way of protecting her heart until she collided with bad-boy sexy-tattoo artist Dex. Driven with lust, Piper has her first one-night stand, but dreads morning and saying goodbye to the man who stirs her innermost desires.

“The Twelve Days of Valentines” by Lynn Cahoon

As her home business grows, a specialty jam creator receives gifts from a secret admirer. When the news breaks, two men step up claiming to be the gifter. As the twelve days pass, can she figure out the clues and claim her Mr. Right?

“Valentine’s Day Canceled” by S.C. Mitchell

When Thor’s son Magni, the new King of Asgaard, cancels Valentine’s day, Astrid knows something is drastically wrong. Can she make things right again and save the fertility festival?

“The Valentine’s Proposal” by Tina Susedik

When a Valentine's Day proposal doesn't go the way she expected, librarian Janetta Simonson's life changes in ways she’s never dreamed.

“I’ve Got A Heart-on For You” by Char Chaffin

How hard can it be to stash three kids with an overnight babysitter, slip into something ridiculously decadent and skimpy, and do naughty things to each other by candlelight on Valentine’s Day?

Sex-deprived spouses Sam and Dell might be finding out pretty soon, and not in the way they’d hoped.

 

Buy Link:

http://www.amzn.com/B00SSFM1OC/