Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 40

Medieval Monday with Ashley York

It’s week six for our bad boy theme on Medieval Monday. Today, Ashley York will be sharing a snippet from Daughter of the Overking. Happy reading, my lovelies!

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Snippet:

“Cathair is dead.”

The collective gasp from the crowd sent a sensation like cold fingers sliding up Brighit’s back.

“In battle?”

The large man’s eyes seemed to bore into Tadhg’s. “No battle ensued. We found his body.”

“An accident?”

Daughter of the Overking

Book Three in The Warrior Kings series

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.

BUY LINK: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/daughter-of-the-king

Medieval Monday with Barbara Bettis

Welcome to Medieval Monday and week five of our bad boy theme!. This week’s guest is Barbara Bettis who is sharing a snippet from her story For This Knight Only. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Snippet:

Waiting for the king’s brother seemed to be Paxton’s lot in life. And waiting for him to speak now rated worse than facing a trio of soldiers on the battlefield. He could at least defend himself there.

 “Did any of Cantleigh’s men survive?” The sudden sound of the prince’s voice made

him start.

“None of those with him.”

“Jenkins as well?”

“Dead.”

For This Knight Only

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 Link: Amazonhttps://amzn.to/2Xlzynj

To brush up on last week’s installment, visit me on Bambi Lynn’s blog and comment to be entering in a drawing for a free ebook. https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com 

Follow along on Ruth A. Casie’s blog next week and comment to be entering in a drawing for a free ebook https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/

First Kiss Friday with guest Barbara Bettis & a Giveaway!

Welcome to my First Kiss Friday Blog. I’m happy to have as my guest Barbara Bettis whom you’ve also seen during Medieval Monday’s. Enjoy this excerpt from her novel For This Knight Only. Take it away Barbara!

GIVEAWAY: Summer has arrived with a vengeance, hasn’t it? To help readers keep cool. I’m having a giveaway. From comments on this post, a winner will be drawn for a copy of FOR THIS KNIGHT ONLY, along with a surprise cool gift.

Thank you for having me on your lovely blog today, Sherry. I’m celebrating the four-month anniversary of the release of my latest medieval. I loved writing Roark and Alyss’s story. Both are determined to have their own way, but each must learn to compromise.

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Excerpt:

Anger drove her to answer without thought. “No one can force me to marry.”

He stepped back. “Sir Baldwin, tell Lady Alyss of the messenger who just left.”

Baldwin shot her a pained look of apology. “From Windom he came, milady. The new master there commands an interview tomorrow, under order of Prince John. I sent him on his way, but it don’t look good. This new master’ll be here early in the morn, I’m bettin’.”

Alyss stood, chin high, arms crossed beneath her breasts. “Let him come.”

Sir Roark chuckled. “By God, my lady, we’ll deal well together.” He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her against his broad chest.

Before she could protest, Sir Roark’s mouth was on hers, and she was forced to clutch his sleeves. Only to keep from tumbling over, of course, because her traitorous legs threatened to collapse. Then the tip of his tongue brushed the seam of her lips, and she lost all thought but his taste and the strangely comforting arms holding her up.

****

The kiss had been a damned mistake. Roark had meant it as a statement of possession. But her softness hit him like a mace. When he inhaled the rich fragrance of spice and roses and woman, his intent changed. He hauled her closer, slanted his mouth, stroked his tongue along the seam of her lips. At her whimper, a flicker of guilt undercut Roark’s stirring of desire. He ought not do this to the lady. He ought to gather his belongings and be on his way.

But the memory of the recent messenger lingered. That one portended nothing good. If Roark gave in to his inconveniently awakening conscience, by tomorrow night Chauvere, its people, and its lady would be the property of the neighboring lord. Of that, Roark was certain. So the way he saw it, either Lady Alyss married him or she’d be forced to accept someone else. And if Windom’s representative was any indication of his master, she’d not like that alternative.

What would it take to persuade her? A sudden pain burst between his legs, and he gasped, eyes blurry. The little hell-cat kneed him. Even though chain mail deflected some of the impact, he used every bit of his willpower to remain standing.

Apparently persuasion took more than a kiss.

For This Knight Only

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

Apple Books

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Bio:

Award-winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved history and English. As a college freshman, she considered becoming an archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved. And math. Through careers as a newspaper reporter and editor, then a college journalism and English professor, she’s retained her fascination with history. Give her a research book and a pot of tea, and she’s happy for hours. But what really makes her smile is working on a new story. Now retired, she lives in Missouri where she spins tales of heroines to die for—and heroes to live for.

Find Barb Here:

Bookbub

Facebook

Twitter

Blog/Website

Medieval Monday with Cathy MacRae

Welcome to another Medieval Monday. Today’s guest is Cathy MacRae who is sharing her next snippet from The Highlander’s Welsh Bride. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Snippet:

A Welsh princess on the run from King Edward’s army, Carys finds herself embroiled with pirates pillaging the western coastline of Scotland. She has escaped their clutches twice before. Has her luck at last run out?

Carys and Hanna turned to Iain. Hanna nodded grimly. “We are at your disposal.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Tell your captain to keep us away from the witch’s cauldron.”

“They will attempt to run us aground.”

Birk startled at Hanna’s voice at his shoulder. “Ye shouldnae be here. Protect the bairns.”

She laughed softly, a sound of defiance and challenge. “The women in your family are warriors, Birk MacLean. ’Twill serve ye well to never forget.”

The Highlander’s Welsh Bride

By Cathy & DD MacRae

It was over. Prince Llywelyn was dead, his soldiers fleeing before King Edward’s army. Carys, a distant cousin to the prince, herself a princess of Wales, had picked up arms alongside her husband more than a year ago. Now homeless, her husband buried beneath the good Welsh soil, she seeks shelter in the north, far from the reach of Longshanks’s men. Carys and Wales would never be the same again.

Birk MacLean has been ordered to take a bride and produce an heir. He grows weary of the lasses paraded before him, women of delicate nature and selfish motives. He desires a wife strong enough to help lead one of the most powerful clans in Western Scotland.

One like the Welsh woman sitting in his dungeon, arrested for poaching MacLean deer.

Can Birk convince Carys marriage to him is preferable to a hangman’s noose? And will the heard-headed Scot be worthy of a Princess of Wales?

From the towering Welsh mountains to the storm-swept Scottish coast comes a tale of betrayal and loss, deceit and passion. An epic tale of honor and the redeeming power of love.

Buy link: Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B07KNYTMPK

Follow the excerpt next week to Ruth A. Casie’s blog: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.co.uk/

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook (kindle) of The Highlander’s Welsh Bride!

First Kiss Friday with One Last Kiss

It’s First Kiss Friday and there’s no better way to show off my latest release One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time! So let’s get right to it with the first kiss scene between Thomas & Jade. Happy reading, my lovelies!

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Excerpt:

Silence descended upon the room with only the crackling fire to break the mood that had come upon them. He stood and went to her.

He was pleasantly surprised when she watched him as carefully as he observed her. “You are not afraid of me?”

A small smile lit her face. “No, of course not, unless you think I should be.”

“Nay, I do not,” he answered honestly before giving her a short bow. “Mayhap, we should start again. I am Sir Thomas, ever at your service, my lady.”

“And I’m Jade. A pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Thomas.” A short giggle escaped her afore she held out her hand for him to take.

“I am certain the pleasure is mine,” he murmured. Bending to brush a kiss across her knuckles, his eyes widened when he became distracted by a strange glow coming from her opposite hand. ’Twas then that he recognized she wore his ring!

Suddenly, her left arm swept around his neck with alarming speed. The force brought their bodies together, and he could feel for himself when Jade attempted to catch her breath. “Thomas! I swear I didn’t do that on purpose.”

“Aye, I know,” he muttered as his eyes widened in surprise when a power bigger than either of them could have imagined began to bring their lips closer together.

“Thomas…” she said in a breathy whisper.

“Jade…” he returned as their breaths mingled on a heartbeat afore they surrendered to their first real kiss.

***

Jade was unsure what madness had overcome her to be kissing a man she barely knew, but, in many ways, she felt as though Thomas had always been a part of her. Crazy as it may seem to even have such thoughts, she gave in to the invisible energy surrounding and pulling them together.

The moment their lips touched, everything changed. Where before she felt as though she were being forced into something she didn’t want, now, it was as if this was where she was always meant to be. With Thomas… in his arms… kissing him with all the love she could muster up for another human being.

Their kiss ended just as quickly as it had started. Their breaths ragged, they could only stare into each other eyes. Thomas reached down to caress her cheek, and a sense of wonderment filled her, knowing she had truly crossed time. He gave her a half smile as though he had heard her thoughts before he leaned down to taste what she now freely offered. It was as though they were now in control of their destiny.

Thomas deepened their kiss, and she heard his moan of pleasure even as she held back one of her own. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been kissed before, but there was a reason she had remained single for so long and not married right out of high school like so many had done. No man had ever stepped into her life that seemed to be the other half of herself or just the piece of her that had been missing. She had sworn to herself she would never settle, but with Thomas, she had an instant connection she knew she would never find again in any other man. In an instant, the universe tilted as though they became as one, almost as though Zoe’s words pulled them together from across the centuries.

As though she watched the scene in a movie theater, his arm wrapped around her waist, and he held her even tighter, bending her over. He made her swoon as no other man had ever done before. Her hand reached up and took ahold of his hair. Gosh, she never wanted to let him go.

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One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck

A Quest Through Time, Book Five

Just $0.99!

Sometimes it takes a miracle to find your heart’s desire…

Scotland, 1182: Banished from his homeland, Thomas of Clan Kincaid lives among distant relatives, reluctantly accepting he may never return home… Until an encounter with the castle’s healer tells him of a woman traveling across time—for him.

Dare he believe the impossible?

Present Day, Michigan: Jade Calloway is used to being alone, and as Christmas approaches, she’s skeptical when told she’ll embark on an extraordinary journey. How could a trip to San Francisco be anything but ordinary? But when a ring magically appears, and she sees a ghostly man in her dreams…

Dare she believe in the possible?

Thrust back in time, Jade encounters Thomas—her fantasy ghost. Talk about extraordinary. But as time works against them, they must learn to trust in miracles.

Can they accept impossible love before time interferes?

One Last Kiss was previously in the Bluestocking Belles’ 2018 holiday box set entitled Follow Your Star Home. This novella is now being released for individual sale and includes bonus material of several entries that appeared on the Belles’ blog the Teatime Tattler.

Buy links – only $0.99:

Amazon US  | Apple Books  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo

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

Happy Release Day One Last Kiss!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… there’s no better feeling on earth than when an author releases another book baby out into the world. Today I’m happy to announce the release of One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book Five) a medieval/time travel romance. Yes! We’re celebrating Christmas in July. Previously released in the Bluestocking Belles/ 2018 boxset, Follow Your Star Home, my novella is now available for individual sale.

I’ve had a few people ask “What about Book Four?” Never fear, dear readers. Unfortunately, I started book four entitled Love Will Find You and then life got in the way and I needed to set it aside so I could meet my committment with the Belles. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for its release. Love Will Find You is currently with my editor!

In the meantime, read on to learn about Thomas and Jade and their journey with time so they can find their happily-ever-after ending!

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One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck,

A Quest Through Time (Book Five)

Only $0.99!

Sometimes it takes a miracle to find your heart’s desire…

Scotland, 1182: Banished from his homeland, Thomas of Clan Kincaid lives among distant relatives, reluctantly accepting he may never return home… Until an encounter with the castle’s healer tells him of a woman traveling across time—for him.

Dare he believe the impossible?

Present Day, Michigan: Jade Calloway is used to being alone, and as Christmas approaches, she’s skeptical when told she’ll embark on an extraordinary journey. How could a trip to San Francisco be anything but ordinary? But when a ring magically appears, and she sees a ghostly man in her dreams…

Dare she believe in the possible?

Thrust back in time, Jade encounters Thomas—her fantasy ghost. Talk about extraordinary. But as time works against them, they must learn to trust in miracles.

Can they accept impossible love before time interferes?

One Last Kiss was previously in the Bluestocking Belles’ 2018 holiday box set entitled Follow Your Star Home. This novella is now being released for individual sale and includes bonus material of several entries that appeared on the Belles’ blog the Teatime Tattler.

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Buy links – only $0.99:

Amazon US  | Apple Books  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo

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

Medieval Monday with Judith Sterling

It’s week three with our “bad boy” theme for Medieval Monday and today’s guest is Judith Sterling who has a snippet from Shadow of the Swan. I just know you’re going to be anxiously waiting for next week to see where this goes! Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Excerpt:

He leered at her.  “My, we think highly of ourselves, don’t we?”

“Do not presume to know what I think…of myself or anyone else.”

“Ha!  I could always read your thoughts.”  He slunk toward her.

She recoiled and backed into the hard altar.  “Is that the lie you tell yourself when you seek God’s favor?”

“I needn’t seek it.  ’Tis already mine.”

“Because you’ve been made an archdeacon?”

He raised his chin and pursed his thin lips.  “Because I know God’s will.”

“Only if He’s in league with Satan.”

Shadow of the Swan

The Novels of Ravenwood, Book 3

Blurb:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present. Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden. Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm! But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it. From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them. When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one. She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Buy links:

Amazon https://amzn.com/B078JYQDTX

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-of-the-swan-judith-sterling/1127751024?ean=2940158925597

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadow-of-the-swan/id1332023091

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/shadow-of-the-swan-3

Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Shadow-of-the-Swan-Audiobook/B07CMDCL7D

****Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win digital copies of the first three books in The Novels of Ravenwood series, and follow along next week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog: https://www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com

First Kiss Friday with Caroline Warfield

It’s always a pleasure when I can have Caroline Warfield on my First Kiss Friday blog. Today she has an excerpt from The Unexpected Wife. Take it away, Caroline!

The Unexpected Wife made it to the final list for the RONE award! In May I gave you their first kiss, and impulsive reaction to his return from a dangerous secret mission inside the forbidden city of Canton. This excerpt is the scene before he left. As to the kiss—it lurks in here.

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Excerpt:

A rustle of cloth alerted her to Charles, who watched the conversation from the foot of the stairs. He dressed entirely in black, and he carried a Chinese robe in a green so dark it almost looked black thrown over his shoulder. He wore a bowl-shaped hat.

“He’s right, you know,” he said.

“About being above the law?” she demanded.

“About ruining your chances for a good marriage.”

She rolled her eyes. “You know how little I care about that.”

“I didn’t say dynastic marriage—I said good. You have seen what Temperance and Aaron have—or my uncle and aunt.” He wandered closer and leaned one elbow on the wall next to her. “Don’t you wish for it? You ought to, Zambak.”

The warmth in his eyes pulled her in, driving the breath from her body. Charles wants what they have for himself. This gentle man, locked in union to the hellish Julia, wants domestic peace above all else. For the space of a heartbeat, she longed for it as well, but knew it for the impossible desire it was. “I, Charles? I want to own my life, to not be a pawn in some political chess game. In the unlikely event a choice like the one you describe arises then, yes. I might take it. I have little hope that it will.”

His eyes lit with a fire that burned into her. “Sometimes life surprises us with unexpected gifts,” he said, studying her. His intensity burned deep into her heart and radiated through her. When he leaned closer, she realized he meant to kiss her. His desire didn’t frighten her; it filled her with wonder. Her own yearning to accept him, however, shot terror straight to her core.

Good God, Zambak. You’re lusting after a married man! She pulled away.

Stricken, his face flushed red, and he stood straighter. “Zambak, I—”

“What have you done to your face?” she asked. She didn’t know if he meant to apologize or express disappointment. She couldn’t bear either of them and was grateful when he let her turn the subject.

“Walnut juice.”

She felt her lips twitch into a smile. He always finds a way to amuse me. She loved that about him.

If their dilemma troubles you, it did their author as well. Charles is a good and honorable man, and his wife is, well, not. Given the chance, he will resolve his problems honorably.

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About the Book: The Unexpected Wife

Children of Empire Book 3

Crushed with grief after the death of his son, Charles Wheatly, Duke of Murnane, throws himself into the new Queen’s service in 1838. When the government sends him on an unofficial fact finding mission to the East India Company’s enclave in Canton, China, he anticipates intrigue, international tensions, and an outlet for his frustration. He isn’t entirely surprised when he also encounters a pair of troublesome young people that need his help. However, the appearance of his estranged wife throws the entire enterprise into conflict. He didn’t expect to face his troubled marriage in such an exotic locale, much less to encounter profound love at last in the person of a determined young woman. Tensions boil over, and his wife’s scheming—and the beginnings of the First Opium War—force him to act to rescue the one he loves and perhaps save himself in the process.

Zambak Hayden seethes with frustration. A woman her age has occupied the throne for over a year, yet the Duke of Sudbury’s line of succession still passes over her—his eldest—to land on a son with neither spine nor character. She follows her brother, the East India Company’s newest and least competent clerk, to protect him and to safeguard the family honor. If she also escapes the gossip and intrigues of London and the marriage mart, so much the better. She has no intention of being forced into some sort of dynastic marriage. She may just refuse to marry at all. When an old family friend arrives she assumes her father sent him. She isn’t about to bend to his dictates nor give up her quest. Her traitorous heart, however, can’t stop yearning for a man she can’t have.

Neither expects the epic historical drama that unfolds around them.

Here’s a short video about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di7cBi_EyAE

It is ***FREE*** with Kindle Unlimited or you can buy a copy at:

US https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

Canada https://www.amazon.ca/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

EuroZone  https://www.amazon.de/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

India https://www.amazon.in/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

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About the Author

Traveler, would-be adventurer, former tech writer and library technology professional, Caroline Warfield has now retired to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, and divides her time between writing and seeking adventures with her grandbuddy. In Children of Empire series three cousins torn apart by lies each find their way home from the far corners of the British Empire, finding love along the way.

She has works published by Soul Mate Publishing and also independently published works. In addition she has participated in six group anthologies.

For more about the series and all of Caroline’s books, look here:

https://www.carolinewarfield.com/bookshelf/

Medieval Monday with Ruth A. Casie

Welcome to week two of our bad boy theme for Medieval Monday. Today’s guest is Ruth A. Casie who is sharing her next excerpt from The Highlander’s English Woman. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Excerpt Two:

“It’s a challenge keeping everyone’s spirits up. At times, I succeed.” She shrugged. “Other times, I fail miserably. Lisbeth stayed at the Keep for a while then left for the hunting lodge to be alone.”

Jamie turned to her. Her drawn ashen face disturbed him.

“The rain has stopped. Would you care to take some fresh air in the garden?” Jamie presented his arm. Laura answered by looping her arm through his and drew him out the door.

He went willingly. Her warmth chased away any lingering chill from his journey. She’s Richard’s little sister, a warning voice whispered in his head. He took a breath and led her to the garden door.

“I understand you’re skeptical of Lisbeth’s gift, but she told me she saw Richard’s death before Bryce carried… brought Richard home. Now, she blames herself for not taking action.” Laura sighed heavily. “Everyone blames themselves. Father shouldn’t have let him go, not that he could stop Richard. Mother should have seen this coming, not that she could. And Lisbeth…”

Blurb:

Laura Reynolds is in love with her long-time friend, Jamie Maxwell Collins. She adores his playful sense of humor, caring nature as well as his strong sense of family and honor.

Jamie lives across the border in Scotland. Outwardly carefree, he hides a dark secret. He can’t involve Laura in this deception. He can’t give her hope for a future together.

Laura stumbles upon Jamie’s secret. In her heart of hearts she knows Jamie is innocent. Their relationship in tatters and with no hope of reconciliation, she plays a deadly game to exonerate Jamie, she agrees to a political marriage. She has no idea the entire game has been orchestrated by her future husband, Jamie’s greatest enemy.

Buy Links: Amazon |  B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Follow Ruth to next week’s snippet (July 8th) here: https://RueAllyn.com/blog

Miss last week and a chance to comment? Check it out here: www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com

Be sure to leave a comment for Ruth to be in the running for her giveaway – an eCopy of The Highlander’s English Woman. A winner will be randomly selected and announced  on Medieval Monday, September 9th.

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

Every day is Valentine’s Day when you’re in love, right? Since it’s First Kiss Friday, how about if we go back a few months to the release of Valentine’s From Bath: A Bluestocking Belles Collection? My novella contribution to the set was The Earl Takes a Wife featuring Adrian de Courtenay whom you first met in his sister’s story, A Kiss for Charity. I might just have a giveaway at the end of this post so be sure to read all the way to the end. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Excerpt:

Adrian gently maneuvered her against the brick of the manor, his body a protective shield along with a trellis filled with ivy vines to efficiently hide her. Her mind work furiously hoping she was not another conquest and this was not some kind of habit he had done before with some other willing lady.

His long fingers reached out and took her chin, tilting her face upward so she could do nothing more than stare into those mesmerizing blue eyes. The corners of his mouth lifted into a sensual grin and Celia was lost to everything but him.

“Adrian…”

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His name rushed out from between her lips as though they were already lovers causing her face to flush crimson if he could but see it in the dim light. Her hands moved of their own accord to tentatively touch his waist. At her apparent encouragement, he stepped even closer until she could feel the very heat of him against her young trembling body. His hand slid to her cheek, the thumb rubbed a gentle pattern as if to calm her but she was anything but calm. The anticipation of his kiss was going to kill her.

A heavy sigh escaped him. “You should leave.” His voice was strained as though he was struggling within himself.

“Yes… I probably should.” Her hands crept upward to finger the buttons of his waistcoat, the floral pattern in deep contrast to the rest of his dark attire. A mental image from her dreams of her undressing Adrian on their wedding night flashed in her head. With such a startling memory, her hands quickly travelled to the edge of his jacket as if holding onto him might give her strength and the support she needed to remain level headed.

His breath was warm against her temple when he placed a soft kiss at her hairline before he touched his forehead to her own.

“You are not leaving,” he murmured, his hands moving down her arms as if she needed warming. His voice was low and husky causing her flesh to shiver in anticipation of the unknown.

“I cannot,” she managed to croak out while she tried to find a way to breathe. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind she knew she must flee but she ignored the warning especially when her stomach flipped when his arm swooped around her waist.

“Why not?” he asked, pulling her closer so there was no doubt left in her mind that he wanted her. She may be young but she certainly understood the fundamentals of what she should have expected when she took his hand into the coolness of the night.

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Celia wound her arm around his neck, touching the curling edges of his brown hair. God only knew how much she had been dying to do that since Hollystone Hall. She swallowed hard and rushed onward, her fate sealed to this man whether he knew it or not. “Because I have dreamed of your kisses from the day we first met,” she confessed, her words seemingly loud as though such an admission should be shouted for all the world to hear.

Adrian muttered something beneath his breath before he gave her a little shake. “I made you a promise that I would behave as a gentleman,” he growled out while he apparently continued to struggle with whatever he was feeling.

His voice made her shiver yet again but she kept her place within his embrace. “I would expect nothing less.”

He took her face into the palm of his hands in order to study her reaction to his touch. She covered one of his hands with her own. “If we stay out here, I have no doubt I will break such a vow,” he replied.

“Then before I lose my nerve to ask such a request of you…” Celia hesitated but an instant before she rushed on in an urgent plea, “…kiss me, Adrian. Kiss me like—”

…you love me, she finished when he cut off her words for she had no other recourse because Adrian did just that. Kissed her. Right there. In the moonlight. With half of Society but a breath away.

His kiss was demanding at first before he softened his lips on hers. Clearly she had no idea what to do with her mouth since this was her very first kiss. He must have realized such a fact because everything changed between them. Although with the possession of his mouth on hers, their situation was charged with an unseen energy that Celia never wanted to end.

Unsure what to do, she stood as still as one of the marble statues in her uncle’s garden. Until, with a gentle urging from Adrian, she opened her mouth and followed his lead. A willing pupil while the master taught her what he enjoyed.

He easily slipped his tongue inside. Warm fire erupted in her veins while her tongue warred with his. A low moan escaped her, unbidden, but easily detected in the silence of the night. A tell-tale sign of the true depth of her feelings for the man who kissed her senseless.

Nothing had ever prepared her for the heady rush of emotions that enveloped her whole being. His arms tightened around her, she clutched at him like she was starving and only Adrian could satisfy her cravings. Nothing mattered. Not the ball. Not her sisters. Not Phillip. Not even her father. The only thing Celia realized was that if Adrian could kiss her like this, than surely he, too, must care for her. Did he love…?

“Celia!”

They tore their lips apart while the sound of her name continued to echo off into the night. Her breathing heavy, she melted into Adrian’s arms and heard his own heartbeat running wild. He was just as affected as she was.

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The Earl Takes a Wife by Sherry Ewing in

Valentine’s From Bath: A Bluestocking Belles Collection

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It began with a memory, etched in the heart…

Lady Celia Lacey is too young for a husband, especially man-about-town Lord Adrian de Courtenay. But when she meets him at a house party, she falls in love and cannot get him out of her mind. Will he ever think she is old enough to become his wife?

Adrian finds the appealing innocent impossible to forget, though she is barely out of the schoolroom and a relative by marriage. If they are constantly in each other’s company, then how can he move on without her?

His sister’s deceptions bring them together but destroys their happiness. Can they reach past the hurt to the love that still burns?

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Did I mention a giveaway? If you haven’t read A Kiss For Charity, here’s your chance to win a eCopy of the novella that first appeared in Holly and Hopeful Hearts. For your chance to win, leave me a comment about one of those romantic moments you’ve experienced that still lingers in your heart. I’ll generate a random comment after the weekend as the winner.

Click on the book tab above to learn more about Lady Grace de Courtenay and her journey to finding love!