Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 37

Medieval Monday with Mary Morgan

It’s Medieval Monday and we’re up to week seven on our Celebration theme. You’ve seen her work here before so it’s always a pleasure to welcome back my friend Mary Morgan to my blog. Today Mary has an excerpt from her recently released novel To Weave A Highland Tapestry. I just love this cover! Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Excerpt:

“About bloody time. We thought ye were rooted to the floor. Until all are accounted for, Cathal will not make his entrance.”

“For the love of the Goddess, leave it be, husband,” pleaded Fiona.

“Gwen was admiring the hall,” confessed Patrick.

Fiona brushed her hand over her husband’s cheek. “See. I told you so.”

Alastair grumbled, but took possession of his wife’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “As always, ye are correct.”

She giggled and scooted closer to him.

After Patrick and Gwen settled into their respective chairs, he reached for a jug of mead. “How can the druid ken when everyone has entered?”

“Exactly what I was going to ask.” Gwen held out her mug to Patrick.

“Never misjudge a druid,” remarked Alastair.

Follow along next week on Bambi’s blog here: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com/

TO WEAVE A HIGHLAND TAPESTRY

(A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights)

By Mary Morgan

Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul.  Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.

When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.

A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Weave-Highland-Tapestry-Dragon-Knights-ebook/dp/B07Z2ZWQW7/

  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry-mary-morgan/1134375461?ean=9781509229079

AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry/id1483415813?mt=1

Book Page: https://www.marymorganauthor.com/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry

New Release From Sherry Ewing

There’s never a better feeling in the world then when you release a new book. It’s like a beautifully wrapped present just waiting to be opened. Today marks the fifteenth book that I’ve published and I hope you’ll enjoy the continuing saga of Lady Freya of Berwyck and Sir Charles de Grey in To Love An English Knight: De Wolfe Pack Connected World. I’ve given you a brief excerpt, my lovelies. Happy reading and enjoy my latest book baby!

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Excerpt:

Now was the time to set her plan into motion. She only needed to make her way to the stables to change! In her haste to quicken her own departure from Berwyck, she dodged around one knight and then another before she ran straight into one. ’Twas as though she had run into a wall. She mumbled an apology, but arms of steal wrapped around her waist.

“Where do you go in such a hurry, Lady Freya?”

 That voice… Was there anything else in this world that could make her insides quiver in delight than to hear such a tone as his?

Lifting her head from examining his tabard, her eyes met his, and she could see he was amused. ’Twas a startling surprise considering their past was littered with her mistakes that had cost him so much. He had hated her for months since their return from Caen, and she could hardly blame him.

“Sir Charles,” she said while a small smile lifted at the corners of her mouth. “I thought I would return tae the keep and up tae the battlements tae watch everyone’s departure.”

An amused chuckle rumbled in his chest as he let go of her. For one brief instant while he held her, her heart rejoiced at being in his arms. He pointed in the opposite direction from where she had been heading. “The keep is that way…or have you forgotten?”

Her eyes widened as she realized she had been caught in a lie. Instead of admitting she had other motives, she cocked her head to one side to examine him more closely. “Are ye perchance jesting with me?”

“Mayhap, although you are going the wrong way if ’tis your intent to return to the keep,” he replied while his eyes crinkled at the corners.

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To Love An English Knight:

De Wolfe Pack Connected World

By Sherry Ewing

$0.99 or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Can a chance encounter lead to love?

Sir Charles de Grey is in turmoil. He cannot forget the Scottish lass he kissed in Caen, but her jealous spite toward the lady he was sworn to guard infuriated him. Living at Berwyck Castle, he is torn between his desire for Lady Freya and his need to rebuke her sometimes reckless behavior. Leaving her almost tears him apart, but it might give him time to recover some balance.

Lady Freya of Clan MacLaren didn’t expect to become blinded by love until she became quickly besotted on first seeing the English knight in Caen. How quickly everything fell apart when she defies him! Even worse, when he begins to show signs of returning her feelings, he receives a message from home that will tear them apart. Defying him again may put an end to any chance they may have together, but what other choice does she have when he leaves her?

Can the fragile love they found blossom into something more or will circumstances beyond their control continue to provoke behavior that keeps them apart?

Buy Links or read for #Free in Kindle Unlimited:

Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT |  Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

Welcome to the last First Kiss Friday of the year, my lovelies. Let’s end the year with a bang, shall we?

Today I have the first kiss scene from my upcoming book that releases tomorrow, To Love An English Knight: De Wolfe Pack Connected World. This novella picks up the story of Freya of Clan MacLaren who is the sister of Douglas, Laird of Berwyck Castle (hopefully you read his story in To Love A Scottish Laird), and Sir Charles de Grey. Sir Charles is the captain of the guard of Douglas’s wife, Lady Catherine (who used to be a de Wolfe). Happy holidays and a Happy New Year. Enjoy this first kiss scene, my lovelies.

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Excerpt:

Caen, Normandy

1152

Lady Freya of Clan MacLaren peaked around the canvas of a tent to watch the English knight as he made his way through the crowd. She had first seen him leaving his own tent just this morn, and on impulse she asked a nearby squire for the knight’s name. Sir Charles de Grey, she had been told, and a small smile had lit her face upon hearing it while she began following him through camp. ’Twas as though all of England and France’s nobility were in attendance considering a small village had been erected overnight.

At the request of Henry, the Duke of Normandy, her brother Douglas, the laird of the clan, had answered the duke’s summons to attend the celebration of his recent marriage to Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine. With their home of Berwyck Castle sitting at the border of England and Scotland, Douglas could do no less knowing he must keep peace between himself and the man who would one day be England’s king. Freya had begged her brother to allow her to accompany him, and he had reluctantly agreed. He would be mortified to learn she was following an English knight about camp.

Heart pounding, she continued to dodge people and other obstacles in her pursuit to stay near Sir Charles. She was unprepared when he suddenly turned as though he felt her presence. She quickly ducked behind another tent in hope he had not caught her following him. She could not say why she was so drawn to this handsome stranger, but he had certainly held her interest from afar. No harm could come from a closer look, could it?

With her chest heaving at the near thought of being found out, she dared another look around the shelter only to find him gone! She stepped from her hiding place in order to once more continue her search for him. She was unprepared when her arm was taken in a fierce grip. Forced backward against the canvas that had obviously not provided any source of concealment, she stared into the eyes of the very person who had momentarily escaped her. He was taller up close than she expected, for she barely reached to his chest. With his blond hair and vivid, blue eyes, she almost sighed at how handsome he was now that he stood before her. And then he spoke, and her world crashed down around her.

“Why are you following me?” he asked in an amused tone. Before she could answer, he continued, much to her dismay. “If you are looking for a bit of sport, I do not have time to dally at the moment. Perchance later, although I must admit, you are prettier than most of the wenches who meander about.” He took hold of her chin as though to examine her closer before leaning down to quickly kiss her lips.

“How dare ye kiss me!” Freya sputtered. Heat flushed her face.

He began fumbling at a leather pouch upon his belt. Drawing out a coin, he held out the meager offering for her to take. “For your troubles.”

A gasp escaped her. “Do ye ken who ye are speaking tae?”

A chuckle escaped him. “Given you have been dodging my every move this morn, I assumed you were one of the women camp followers who earn their way at such events. Was I mistaken?”

He thought her a whore! His insult stung even as she knew she would never hear the end of Douglas’s tirade if he learned she had been observing the stranger in the first place. Swinging her arm to smack the smirk off his face, he easily caught her hand before pulling her closer. Her breath left her while she tried to think clearly.

“Perchance I have a moment or two to spare after all.” His grin was pure sin, and he began to tighten his arm around her waist.

She struggled in his embrace. She would in no way bed this stranger no matter how handsome he was. She was still a maid and obviously not what he took her for.

“Ye braying arse! I am Lady Freya of Berwyck,” she shouted. He let go of her so swiftly she stumbled to right herself and not land in the dirt.

“As in the sister to Laird Douglas of Clan MacLaren?” A look passed across his features showing her that he was not pleased.

“Aye. I will tell him of yer insult tae me,” she hissed.

“Tell him anything you like, but for your own sake and mine, stay away from me. I apologize for making the wrong assumption, my lady, but I have had all I can handle from a MacLaren for one day.”

Freya continued to stare at him while he stomped away. As she watched him go, she was uncertain if she was happy or sad at his leaving. In the months to come, she would wonder if she would ever be able to win his love.

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To Love An English Knight:

De Wolfe Pack Connected World

By Sherry Ewing

Release Date: December 28, 2019

Only $0.99 or FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Can a chance encounter lead to love?

Sir Charles de Grey is in turmoil. He cannot forget the Scottish lass he kissed in Caen, but her jealous spite toward the lady he was sworn to guard infuriated him. Living at Berwyck Castle, he is torn between his desire for Lady Freya and his need to rebuke her sometimes reckless behavior. Leaving her almost tears him apart, but it might give him time to recover some balance.

Lady Freya of Clan MacLaren didn’t expect to become blinded by love until she became quickly besotted on first seeing the English knight in Caen. How quickly everything fell apart when she defies him! Even worse, when he begins to show signs of returning her feelings, he receives a message from home that will tear them apart. Defying him again may put an end to any chance they may have together, but what other choice does she have when he leaves her?

Can the fragile love they found blossom into something more or will circumstances beyond their control continue to provoke behavior that keeps them apart?

Buy Links or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited:

Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT |  Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK

#FREE eBook just for you!

My gift to you this holiday season is the gift of a good read. Under the Mistletoe was the first book I published with the fabulous group of authors called the Bluestocking Belles. We’ve gone to publish a box set every year since 2015 for your reading enjoyment.

Grab this freebie while you can. It will be a refresher for you when our next box set, Fire & Frost, comes out on February 4, 2020. My story in the box set, A Second Chance At Love, continues to the story of secondary characters Lady Constance Whittles and Viscount Digby Osgood. I know you’ll just love this story, too!

Read on for an excerpt from Under the Mistletoe and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may you all have a prosperous New Year!

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Excerpt:

With Digby gone, Margaret took a seat by the fire, and Frederick sat opposite her. An awkward silence fell between them, broken only by the crackling and popping of the wood within the hearth. Conversation had never been stilted between them, but Margaret was clearly nervous because she kept peeking over her shoulder as if she were being watched. Frederick was unsure what he should say to calm her nerves.

 

“You have no need to fear me, Margaret,” Frederick whispered softly now that they were alone.

 

“I do not fear you, Freddy.”

 

He was pleased to hear his name as it passed her lips. “Then what is troubling you so?”

 

The eyes raised to his were filled with worry. “Why are you here?”

 

He watched her fidget with the fabric of her gown. “You know why. I was invited,” Frederick answered.

 

A sound escaped her, but it was hardly ladylike. “You could easily have made your excuses and refused.”

 

“I wanted to make sure you were safe,” he replied.

 

“How could I not be safe? Captain Morledge is practically my betrothed.”

 

Frederick ran his hand across his eyes. “I do not trust him. There are rumors—”

 

The laugh she gave was meant to be merry, but sounded forced. “Frederick, please tell me you have not taken to believing in town gossip. I would have thought you, above all people, were above such nonsense.”

 

He frowned. “Nonsense or not, I needed to see for myself that you are not in danger, even if I must watch over you myself.”

 

“It is hardly necessary.” Margaret’s attention once more flew to the entryway.

 

He reached over to take her hand.

 

She wrenched back with a silent and pleading look, and the briefest shake of her head. Leaning slightly forward, she confided, “Please do not, for it will not be wise. The servants watch my every move, and even now, it is reckless of me to be here alone with you.”

 

“You see! There is cause for concern. Why will you not let me help you?”

 

“Please, Freddy. This is my one chance to find some happiness. Do not ruin it for me.”

 

“We have discussed this before, Margaret. You know my offer still stands. I would wed you on the morrow if you would have me.”

 

“Shush, you fool. You know I cannot.”

 

“Yet you would enter into a marriage with a man you do not love.”

 

A heavy sigh left her lips. “I can learn to love him.”

 

“Now who is the fool?” he grumbled irritably.

 

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Under the Mistletoe

by Sherry Ewing

FREE – through December 29th

A new suitor seeks her hand. An old flame holds her heart. Which one will she meet under the kissing bough?

When Margaret Templeton is requested to act as hostess at Captain Sander Morledge’s Christmas party and possibly agree to marry him, she did not think she would see the man who once held her heart. Frederick Maddock, Viscount Beacham had never forgotten the young woman he had fallen in love with, and his feelings are evident when he sees her at a holiday gathering. In a swirl of Christmas miracles and joyous celebration, will the two finally put down their differences and once again fall in love?

Buy Links:

Amazon US  |  Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | Amazon UK

Medieval Monday with Ashley York

Our celebration theme for Medieval Monday is just flying by, isn’t it? This week, please help me welcome author Ashley York to my blog. Ashley has her sixth excerpt from Daughter of the Overking. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

“Do they really plan to witness my deflowering of the lass?”

Tadhg frowned. “Do not be so crude.”

Pressing to a halt, Darragh frowned at his father. “Certainly ye do not believe I would be unkind?”

Others continued past them, headed toward the refreshments lavishly displayed for their consumption. Tadhg moved closer to him. “I do not.”

The crowd passing to either side of them seemed to never end, and the longer Darragh had to wait to have his say, the angrier he became. Finally alone, he pierced his father with his glare.

“I did not wish to take a woman to wife who was so opposed to the idea, as I said. Over and over again. ’Twas not I that insisted.”

Daughter of the Overking

By Ashley York

A mistaken identity. A gruesome murder.

Trained as a warrior…

Brighit of Clonascra despises the trappings and demands of womanhood and is far more comfortable training for battle. Long held alliances require she set aside selfish dreams and take Darragh as her husband. The union intended to promote peace between the clans is interrupted by the shocking murder of a neighboring king and she quickly discovers there are far worse things than being wed.

Trained to be king…

Darragh of Drogheda has no wish to be king, but he is an obedient son and supports his father’s plans. His marriage to Brighit, however, will be no hardship at all since he finds her most intriguing when she fights him at every turn. A she-warrior indeed. Her persistent dismissal of him merely blows the fire aflame and sets him down the path to discovery of all her most tightly held secrets—secrets that could cost him his life.

Available in e-book or paperback  https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/daughter-of-the-king

First Kiss Friday with Mary Morgan

Welcome to my blog and another First Kiss Friday! It’s my pleasure to welcome back my friend Mary Morgan who is also celebrating her latest release, To Weave A Highland  Tapestry. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Excerpt:

“Are ye not overly fond of the bread?”

Gwen blinked and returned her attention to the man. “Excuse me?”

Patrick pointed to the spot in front of her on the table.

Glancing down, she was horrified to find she’d shredded the bread into tiny bits. “The bread is good. I have too much on my mind.” She scooped up the remnants of the bread and tossed them on the trencher.

He leaned his forearms onto the table. “We can have our conversation now, if ye wish.”

Gwen stood. “No. We made a bargain for after your fever lessens. To bed, MacFhearguis.”

A mischievous look came into his eyes as he stood. “I like how ye order me to my bed, lass.”

Chuckling softly, she folded her arms over her chest. I’m not going to continue with this flirtatious bantering. “I’m waiting.”

He approached her. “For what, pray tell.”

“I’m not playing this game.” She tried to hide the mirth from her features. Instead, she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the bed.

“I do love a good game,” he declared in a husky voice.

Releasing her hold, she pointed once again to the bed. When Patrick lowered his head toward her face, Gwen shoved against his chest, causing him to tumble ack onto the furs. “Rest.”

“Ye could have injured my arm,” he protested.

She fisted her hands on her hips. “A brawn warrior like yourself? Nah. If you can endure the harsh outdoors, climbing the stairs, and attempts at stealing kisses from me, then a tumble on the furs would not do you any harm.”

Patrick’s expression went from humor to compelling and magnetic. He swept a glance down over her body as if he had removed her clothing. Gwen’s breathing hitched, and heat blossomed in places she’d never thought to experience again.

His hand stroked the furs in invitation. “One kiss for healing?”

Her mind screamed to leave and deny Patrick his wish. Her body hastily overrode the demand.

With slow steps, Gwen approached the bed. Leaning forward, she cupped his face. “I shall give the warrior one kiss.”

When the first brush of his mouth touched hers, a prickling of pleasure caressed her entire body. She only meant to give him a chaste peck on the lips, but the man placed his hand on the back of her head and deepened the kiss. As his tongue sought entry into her mouth, Gwen let out a groan and dropped her hands onto his massive thighs. She opened herself to the heady sensation. The kiss promised divine ecstasy, and Gwen surrendered to the mastery of his lips.

Never before had she been kissed so seductively. Her body burned from his touch, and she hungered for more.

As he slowly broke free, she tried to bring her breathing back to normal. She stumbled back, brushing a trembling hand over her lips.

To Weave A Highland Tapestry

By Mary Morgan

Blurb:

Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul.  Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.

When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.

A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Weave-Highland-Tapestry-Dragon-Knights-ebook/dp/B07Z2ZWQW7/

  Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Weave-Highland-Tapestry-Dragon-Knights-ebook/dp/B07Z2ZWQW7/

  Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Weave-Highland-Tapestry-Dragon-Knights-ebook/dp/B07Z2ZWQW7/

  Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Weave-Highland-Tapestry-Dragon-Knights-ebook/dp/B07Z2ZWQW7/

  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry-mary-morgan/1134375461?ean=9781509229079

  AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry/id1483415813?mt=1

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About the Author:

Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

 

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.

Connect with Mary at these places:

WEBSITE/BLOG:  https://www.marymorganauthor.com/

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

PINTEREST:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/ 

AUDIBLE AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI

Medieval Monday with Barbara Bettis

Another Medieval Monday is finally here and today I have Barbara Bettis with an excerpt from her novel For This Knight Only. I can’t wait until next week to see what happens! Read on, my lovelies, and enjoy.

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Excerpt:

“Hold still.” A smack to her bottom punctuated his words. “And that was a command.” God’s elbow. Another act guaranteed to increase her ire. Would he ever learn?

A few of the servants had gathered eagerly below, peering up at the entertainment.

“The day has been such a trial to my lady,” Roark announced to them, “I thought I would assist her.”

As they reached the bottom of the steps, he set her on her feet and gently patted her back as if she were a babe. He could feel the tension in her body, and he knew it took all her control to keep from slapping him.

Will she give in to her impulse? See next week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog:    http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/

Read last week’s snippet here: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com/

For This Knight Only

Knights of Destiny

By Barbara Bettis

He’ll do anything for land, even marry her; she’ll do anything for her people, except marry him.  If only either had a choice.  It’s a marriage only love can save.

Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that, although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin.

Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises for her new all-too-tempting lord.

But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation. Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.

Buy Links:

Amazon   B&N  iTunes

 

First Kiss Friday with Kathryn Le Veque

Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to another First Kiss Friday! Today’s guest is the fabulous Kathryn Le Veque who is not only sharing a first kiss scene but she’s also celebrating a new release! We hope you enjoy reading this excerpt from The Best Is Yet To Be. 

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Excerpt:

Jemma forgot all about their argument. She was genuinely concerned as she knelt down beside him.

“Tell me where it hurts,” she said.

He just lay there and groaned. “You flipped me off of a horse, woman,” he said. “I am not as young as I used to be. Did you really think this would end well?”

Jemma was trying not to feel guilty for what she’d done. She hadn’t meant to injure the man, only stress a point. “I am sorry,” she said. “I dinna mean tae hurt ye, just… oh, it doesna matter now, anyway. Show me where ye hurt. When William returns, I’ll have him help me get ye back on yer horse and we’ll return tae Castle Questing.”

He seemed to be in great pain. “Nay,” he muttered. “Take me home, to Northwood. At least some of the servants can tend me. I don’t wish to be a burden on William and Jordan.”

“’Tis no burden because I’ll tend ye myself,” Jemma said firmly. “I’ll heal whatever ails ye. I became very good at it when Kieran was sick, so I can care for ye.”

“I could not impose.”

“’Tis not an imposition.”

“You are doing it… out of pity.”

She sighed heavily, all of her irritation with the man gone. “Nay,” she said. “This is my fault. I dinna mean tae hurt ye.”

He lay there, grunting and groaning as he pointed at his neck. “I… I can’t…”

His voice was fading and with great concern, Jemma bent over him, close to his mouth. “What did ye say?” she asked. “Where do ye hurt, Paris? I canna help ye if ye dunna tell me.”

“I… I…”

She bent lower, her ear by his mouth. “What did ye say?”

Suddenly, he grabbed her by the head and planted a kiss right on her lips. When she looked at him in shock, he smiled boldly.

“Were you worried for me? I could tell that you were. Tell me you were.”

Her eyes flew open when she realized he’d been fooling her. “Ye… ye idiot!” she gasped. “Ye had me believing ye were badly hurt!”

The Best Is Yet To Be

By Kathryn Le Veque

The story every Le Veque reader has been waiting for…

Paris de Norville (The Wolfe) and Jemma Scott Hage (The Wolfe) find love in their sunset years… with each other?!

It seems like an impossible suggestion. Paris and Jemma first met in The Wolfe, in a fiery explosion of temper and taunting – her temper mostly because he was taunting. Handsome and arrogant in his youth, Paris was a powerful knight, second in command to the great William de Wolfe, and found great sport in taunting a Scots captive named Jemma Scott.

Pretty, green-eyed Jemma was the oil to his water. The fire to his ice. Perhaps the sparks that flew between them at first were those of attraction, but soon another knight had Jemma’s attention and Paris was relegated to a role of both friend and tormenter. He affectionately called her ‘banshee’ and what she called him is not fit for delicate ears.

It was a like/hate relationship for the ages.

The years passed and Paris married Jemma’s cousin, Caladora. They had a wonderful marriage but sickness took Caladora from him and Jemma lost her beloved husband, Kieran.

Missing Kieran, and missing Caladora, now it is Paris and Jemma again in their twilight years as the sparks that flew between them so long ago are rekindled.

Find out how sweet and romantic love the second time can be as two widowers discover that life is worth living again… with each other. Love can be passionate and powerful, no matter what the age.

“Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be…”

Buy Links

Amazon – https://amzn.to/2kt03sz

Apple – https://apple.co/2lWtvYn

KOBO – http://bit.ly/2mqsQyw

B&N – http://bit.ly/2mp3Mb9

 

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About Kathryn Le Veque

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Charter Amazon All-Star Author

#1 ranked English Medieval Romance Author on Amazon

KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a critically acclaimed 18-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Kathryn is a multiple award nominee and winner, including the winner of Uncaged Book Reviews Magazine 2017 and 2018 “Raven Award” for Favorite Medieval Romance. Kathryn is also a multiple RONE nominee (InD’Tale Magazine), holding a record for the number of nominations. In 2018, her novel WARWOLFE was the winner in the Romance category of the Book Excellence Award and in 2019, her novel A WOLFE AMONG DRAGONS won the prestigious RONE award for best pre-16th century romance.

Kathryn is considered one of the top Indie authors in the world with over 2M copies in circulation, and her novels have been translated into several languages. Kathryn recently signed with Sourcebooks Casablanca for a Medieval Fight Club series coming in 2020.

In addition to her own published works, Kathryn is also the President/CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, a boutique publishing house specializing in Historical Romance, and the President/CEO of DragonMedia Publishing, a publishing house that publishes the Pirates of Britannia Connected World series. In July 2018, Kathryn launched yet another publishing house, WolfeBane Publishing, which publishes the World of de Wolfe Pack Connected series (formerly Kindle Worlds).

Kathryn loves to hear from her readers. Please find Kathryn on Facebook at Kathryn Le Veque, Author, or join her on Twitter @kathrynleveque. Sign up for Kathryn’s blog at www.kathrynleveque.com.

Social Media Links

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Medieval Monday with Cathy MacRae

Welcome to week four in our Medieval Monday hop! Today I’m welcoming back Cathy MacRae who has a snippet from The Highlander’s Crusader Bride. I do so love a good celebration along with a stunning cover, don’t you? Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Snippet:

The crowd followed. Pausing at the door to the castle’s small chapel, Arbela and Caelen exchanged their vows. Caelen’s voice flowed solemnly to Arbela’s ears.

“I receive ye as mine, that ye become my wife and I yer husband.”

She repeated the words back to him. “I receive ye as mine, that ye become my husband, and I your wife.”

THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE

By Cathy MacRae

Born in the Holy Land to a life of danger and adventure, Arbela MacLean is not the bride Caelen expected.

Born in the Holy Land only a few years after the Third Crusade, half-Armenian, half-Scot Arbela MacLean is a true daughter of the desert, beautiful and untamed. Trained to be a warrior to avoid her gentle mother’s fate, Arbela has honed her skills with Turkish bow and arrow, sword, and throwing darts—and dreads the day her father choses a man for her to marry.

After more than thirty years in the Holy Land, Donal MacLean, Baron of Batroun, is recalled to Scotland, the last son available to take up leadership of clan MacLean. He brings with him knights, treasure, trade—and a daughter of marriageable age.

Caelen MacKern, known as the Bull of the Highlands, is cynical about women. His first marriage formed an alliance, and he did not grieve when his spoiled, immature bride passed away. He has agreed to marry again—against his better judgement—for the men, means, and coin to recover from a devastating pestilence that all but wiped out his clan.

More than a little resentful at finding himself forced to remarry, Caelen’s proposal to Donal MacLean’s headstrong daughter nevertheless piques her interest. Each will receive what they want most from life—the ability to live as they please without interference from a meddling spouse. But their marriage of indifference will soon change to one of passion that neither Arbela nor Caelen could have predicted.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B0762TL89Z

B&N: http://bit.ly/THCBB_N

Kobo: http://bit.ly/THCB_Kobo

Follow Cathy for next week’s snippet on Ruth A. Casie’s blog: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.co.uk

First Kiss Friday with Collette Cameron & a Giveaway!

Good morning, my lovelies, and welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Today on my blog I have USA Today Bestselling and award winning author Collette Cameron. If you’ve never read Collette’s work then you’re in for a treat. And let’s just take a moment to appreciate this swoon-worthy cover! Collette is not only sharing a first kiss scene form her story, Earl of Scarborough, but she’s also offering a giveaway. Be sure to read to the end and comments. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

After setting the paper atop the table, she smoothed her palms down the front of her gown, almost nervously. “Will there be anything else, my lord?”

So formal. So proper and polite.

How he wished she’d say his given name. To hear it upon her lips would be the greatest gift. But as she’d said, such intimacy also suggested a different sort of relationship between them. One most inappropriate and implausible.

In her expressive eyes, the mirth and effervescence that was Willow shone brightly. It fairly radiated from her, and something deep within his spirit craved more. Craved her. She was his rudder, and with her, he mightn’t need the routines he’d imposed upon himself.

Willow could help him cope. With her by his side, he felt he could accomplish anything.

But she was a commoner. A servant in his employee. Two factors that were difficult—no, almost impossible—to overcome in a society brimming with strictures and snobbery. If she could even consider such a farfetched thing. He wasn’t sure that he could, if he were perfectly honest with himself.

Deliberately veering his morose musings to the upcoming holiday, he considered her. Was this her first Christmastide without her family? Might she be feeling nostalgic?

“Do you have any particular Christmas traditions that you enjoy?” he asked on impulse. Surely she’d celebrated with her family and friends in Cambridgeshire and America.

Her eyes flared wide in genuine surprise, the gold shards in her irises glinting as if reflecting the very sun itself. “Me, my lord? What does that matter? The servants celebrate the holiday below stairs.”

“I still cannot think of you as a servant, Willow. Especially one in my employ.” He gave a derogatory laugh, tinged with a smattering of derision. “Believe me, I am trying.”

Not bloody hard enough.

Because, the simple truth was, he didn’t want to. He’d continue to push the bounds. She’d become his friend, when neither had sought the relationship. A friendship unlike any he’d ever experienced, and far more valuable and precious as well.

“I have a fondness for mulled cider. We picked apples from our orchard and made the cider ourselves.” Her eyes took on a faraway look as she gazed out the window. “We played games, too. Blind Man’s Bluff. Snap-dragon. Hot Cockles and other games such as Short Answers, Bullet Pudding, and Move-All. And of course, we sang carols and ate Christmas pudding and other delectable treats.”

Once more, he couldn’t resist cradling her velvety skin, and he cupped her jaw. “I hadn’t considered the holiday might be a difficult time for you.”

“Not so very difficult.” Her burnished lashes fluttered to fan her curved cheeks, and she parted her lips.

Before he was even fully aware of moving, Ansley bent his neck and swept his mouth across the tempting petals that had so tortured his dreams for the past month.

They were sweet, supple, and soft. So very, very soft. And absolutely scrumptious.

She tasted of tea. And lemon. And Willow.

Was there ever such a captivating, intelligent, clever, or resilient woman as Willow Harwood? He angled his head to deepen the kiss, and she sighed against him, edging nearer and clasping his coat lapels.

Exhilaration and triumph careened for dominance.

She wanted him, too.

A step echoed in the corridor, and with a tiny gasp, she promptly jerked away from him.

The promised tea tray.

Averting her gaze, she put one hand to the back of her head as if checking for any loose strands that might give her away. “Forgive me, my lord. I don’t know what came over me.” Her voice trembled the merest bit. “It won’t happen again.”

“Willow…?” He touched her arm. “We need to talk about this. About us.”

She shook her head, backing away. “I cannot,” she whispered, her eyes and voice tortured. “I cannot.”

And then she was gone in a flurry of dark blue wool

The Earl of Scarborough

By Collette Camaron

When a woman desperate for a job saves the life of an earl…

… both of their plans for the future are thwarted.

He’s eccentric and society-shy…

There’s no polite way to describe Ansley, Earl of Scarborough’s obsession with schedules and inflexible routines. Unfortunately, he’s also in need of a wife, which forces him squarely in the midst of the society he can scarcely function in. If only he dared to ignore the haut ton’s censure and claim the lovely, wholly unsuitable Willow as his own.

She seeks a governess post…

Up from the country, Willow Harwood must quickly secure a governess position and save enough money to return to America. Only, her plans are foiled when she rushes to the rescue of a devastatingly handsome earl in the process of being robbed. Though he’s far above her station, she can’t fight the irrepressible attraction she feels toward him.

Neither is prepared for the upheaval to their lives when she reluctantly accepts his offer of employment…as his housekeeper. Nor can either predict the mayhem that follows when a lord who disdains society and a country miss with no experience plan a haut ton Christmastide gathering.

This charming Regency holiday historical by a USA Today bestselling author will make you smile, laugh, and sigh with contentment as you witness the sweet and tender love growing between Ansley and Willow.

If you enjoy reading entertaining Christmas, class difference, strong heroine, and lovable rogue stories with a dash of romantic humor and heart-warming emotion, then you’ll adore Collette Cameron’s enthralling WICKED EARLS’ CLUB SERIES. Buy EARL OF SCARBOROUGH and settle into your favorite reading nook for a page-turning escape into a Regency world adventure you can’t put down.

Though part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.

CHECK OUT COLLETTE’S OTHER SERIES:

Castle Brides

Heart of a Scot ~ Coming soon!

Highland Heather Romancing a Scot

Seductive Scoundrels

The Blue Rose Regency Romances: The Culpepper Misses

The Honorable Rogues

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XMG2LCB

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/earl-of-scarborough-collette-cameron/1133400782?ean=2940163181698

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/earl-of-scarborough

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=UeetDwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/earl-of-scarborough/id1479294740

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About the author:

USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author COLLETTE CAMERON® scribbles Scottish and Regency historicals featuring dashing rogues and scoundrels and the intrepid damsels who reform them. Blessed with an over-active and witty muse that won’t stop whispering new romantic romps in her ear, she’s lived in Oregon her entire life, though she dreams of living in Scotland part-time. A self-confessed Cadbury chocoholic, you’ll always find a dash of inspiration and a pinch of humor in her sweet-to-spicy timeless romances®

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GIVEAWAY Opportunity! Be sure to leave Collette a comment to be in the running for an eCopy of Earl of Wainthorpe. We’ll leave this giveaway open through the weekend. A random comment will be generated on Monday as the winner! Good luck, my lovelies!