Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 44

First Kiss Friday with Rue Allyn

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Today’s guest is fellow Bluestocking Belle Rue Allyn who has an excerpt from her soon to be released novel, Her Cadillac Cowboy. Take it away, Rue!

Sherry, thank you so much for the opportunity to share Josh and Sara Anne’s first kiss with your readers and followers. I love writing Her Cadillac Cowboy, and hope everyone has as much fun with them as I did.

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Excerpt:

Like yesterday, her tone was hard, completely at odds with the smiling, gentle Sara he remembered. As a teen, despite her father’s warnings, she’d filled the angry void that denied his mother’s death. But he wasn’t that kid anymore, and she wasn’t the starry-eyed teen who liked and respected him enough to make him finally feel safe. This woman wasn’t about to brave her father’s displeasure. And Josh wasn’t about to let memories of sweet, gentle Sara ruin his chance to make other kids feel safe. Nor his chance to prove he was more than a rodeo jock from a Detroit slum.

He lifted his head and watched for any sign of emotion. The glower was gone and her expression remained carefully set. Harder to read than a professional gambler.

“Well?” Impatience flashed in her eyes.

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Finally, some emotion other than stony indifference. Could he prompt more than impatience from her? The urge was irresistible. “At your service, Miss Carson.” He grinned and swept in for a quick kiss.

For an instant, her mouth softened beneath his, just before she stepped back and slapped him.

“Ow.” He put a hand to his burning cheek and ran the other through his hair. “I suppose I deserved that.”

“Ya think.”

He nodded despite knowing the question was rhetorical.

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She stared at his forehead. Her hand lifted, then dropped back. “What…what happened to you?”

Had she been about to touch him?

Tagline:  The past and a classic car stand between them. Will he give up the car he treasures, or will she abandon her dreams in order to ride into a loving future?

Blurb: A rich cowboy with a classic Cadillac—sounds like the stuff of dreams for a small-town Texas girl, right?  Wrong!  Josh McKinley and his classic car have been Sara Carson’s nightmare since Josh left ten years ago.  Now the cowboy and his Caddy are back.  Sara must choose between loyalty to her family and love for the one man she shouldn’t want.

Is the key to Sara Carson’s heart the Cadillac that their families have been feuding over for ten years?  Or will Josh McKinley have to give up the car he treasures in order to win the woman he loves?

Interested in more by Rue Allyn? Sign up for her newsletter https://www.rueallyn.com/ravonsubscribe/and get a FREE sneak peek at her May release, Forever Hold My Heart.

Save the Date: March 18, 2019 from 7PM to 9PM EST Her Cadillac Cowboy release day FB party. Many authors and prizes.

*Buy Links ~ Available for pre-order

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.in/Her-Cadillac-Cowboy-Rue-Allyn-ebook/dp/B07MQ25ZLQ/

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About Rue Allyn: Hi, I’m Rue Allyn, I write heart melting romance novels. Books about characters and adventures in which love triumphs at the darkest moment. The kind of hopeful, steal-your-breath romance that melts a reader’s heart. The type of book I like to read. Hope you will too.

Find Rue Allyn at the following social media sites:

Rue’s Website: https://RueAllyn.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rue-allyn

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00AUBF3NI/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5031290.Rue_Allyn

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/RueAllyn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RueAllyn

 

 

 

Medieval Monday with Cathy MacRae

It’s Medieval Monday and we’re on week five of our first meet theme. This week, please help me welcome guest Cathy MacRae who has an excerpt from The Highlander’s Welsh Bride. Enjoy, my lovelies, and happy reading!

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Excerpt:

“A short sword at my back, two dirks in my belt, three throwing blades at wrist and boot, and a sgian dubh in the other boot,” he said, as if reading her thoughts.

Carys shrugged. “I do not like being a prisoner.”

“Killing me willnae get ye released. ’Twould be another feat to fight yer way down the stairs and out of the tower. Plenty of men would be anxious to stop ye before ye traveled far.”

 

The Highlander’s Welsh Bride

 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.

It was time. 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

Catch last week’s excerpt on Bambi Lynn’s blog: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

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

First Kiss Friday with Lizzi Tremayne

Please help me welcome fellow Bluestocking Belle Lizzi Tremayne to another First Kiss Friday. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Blake and Lena are finally talking… and maybe more, after a lovely friendship—with undercurrents—has slowly developed, neither wanting to destroy this fragile love they have begun…

Excerpt: THE KISS

“Who was he?” Blake’s voice was edged with steel.

“He?” I turned my head away.

“The man who wouldn’t let you feel safe in any man’s arms.”

I hesitated until he gave me a little jiggle.

“He… he was another vet student. A few years ahead of me. Thinks he’s god’s gift…. but he’s just a bully.”

“What did he do?” Blake growled, tension locking his every muscle.

“Wined and dined, then proceeded to get demanding. When I resisted, he got rough. When I wouldn’t go out with him again, he threatened me. I still have nightmares.”

“What’s his name?”

“It doesn’t matter. He’s graduated and gone. I’ll never see him again.”

“Did you report him?”

“What’s there to report?”

“You’re that scared of him, eh?”

I nodded and stared off into the distance. “It would be his word against mine. Just drop it, please. I’m happy now. I didn’t think I’d let a guy near me again, but your patience won out.” I looked into his eyes and his lips lowered to mine, softly, gently, in a kiss, then he lifted his head.

“Okay?”

“Better than okay. Fantastic,” I said and sought his lips myself this time.

His body stiffened and hardened “against me as the kiss deepened and somehow spread between us. I opened my lips to his soft request and he asked for more. I gave it willingly and soon forgot my surroundings in the rolling wave catching us up, until a wet nose worked its way under my armpit, and I giggled.

Jake LaRue grinned into my face.

“Jake, you know just when to show up, don’t you?” Blake said, shaking his head. The other two dogs crowded around, now Jake had broken the ice. We patted them and looked up to see Myrtle coming out the front door.

“We’re screwed now,” I whispered.

“No, we ain’t,” he replied.

I’d learned his mantra last week. It broke the tension when things weren’t going quite to plan.

“Off again, more golf,” Myrtle said, not looking down at us. “Don’t wait up.”

“She’s getting cocky,” Blake said.

Myrtle turned and shook her head. “Just leaving you two alone, or you’ll never get together.” She stomped off.

We stared at each other.

“Are we really taking too long?” I whispered, joking.

“Maybe. If Myrtle thinks so, we might indeed be.”

“Do you think we should do something about it?”

“Got any bright ideas?” He raised a lazy brow at me.

“A few…”

“I’d like to see them… shall we go inside?”

My heart pounding, I slid to the deck and stood, reaching a hand out to him. He took it and rose, then kissed my hand, picked me up and carried me over the threshold and up the stairs.

We didn’t awaken until the dawn peeked through the east-facing windows and spread its light over Blake’s big four-poster log bed.

“Good morning,” he whispered, his arms snug around me.

“Mmmm… I don’t think they get any better,” I said and rolled over, still in his arms, to face him.

“No, surely they don’t. And it’s only Sunday morning. We have another whole day more.” He took my lips with his and pulled me hard against him.

“But what about the horses?” I leaned back and looked into his hooded eyes. Eyes that were anything but sleepy.

“Found a note slipped under the door an hour ago. Myrtle’s feeding everyone. Complete with threats.” He held it up and read it aloud. “If you come down those stairs before ten, I’ll murder you both.”

“I’d sure hate to see her get arrested for a double murder,” I murmured.

“Me too. See? She even brought up a breakfast tray.”

I shook my head and chuckled under my breath. “Wonderful woman.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lizzi’s novella, Once Upon a Vet School #6: Fifty Miles at a Breath, is set Southern California in 1987.

Once Upon a Vet School #6: Fifty Miles at a Breath

Horses bring them together and their future looks rosy—it’s the present they can’t handle.

A summertime stint at a small animal clinic takes veterinary student Lena away from her beloved horses, but at an endurance ride she finds horses— and her ideal man, veteran pilot Blake. She decides she can’t do without him and his world— after finishing vet school, that is.

Blake’s past experiences don’t help his attitude when Lena heads back to vet school. Things don’t improve with the distance and her workload. His green-eyed monsters strain the already-tense situation, but at least he has his horses and dogs.

The final race tests their horse’s endurance—and Lena’s and Blake’s, as well. The pair must come to terms with their fears and make the right choices to create the future they so desire.

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About Lizzi Tremayne

Unpretentious, eminently readable Contemporary and Historical Fiction… by a horse vet!

Lizzi’s awarded historical and contemporary suspense, women’s, YA, and veterinary fiction has an equestrian flair, part and parcel of her other life as an equine veterinarian and carriage competitor.

The Long Trails historical fiction sagas follow a growing list of dashing heroes and heroines from the wilderness of 1860 Utah to Colonial New Zealand, Historical Scotland, and Tsarist Russia. Not necessarily in that order!

In the Once Upon a Vet School series, you’ll find the tale of a gutsy equestrian who dreamed of becoming a vet—her life on the way and beyond. Did YOU ever dream of becoming a vet?

Lizzi grew up riding wild in the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods, became an equine veterinarian at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and practiced in the California Pony Express and Gold Country before emigrating to New Zealand. Her writing is awarded in fiction and veterinary nonfiction.

When she’s not writing or reading, she’s swinging a rapier or shooting a bow in medieval garb, riding, driving a carriage or playing on her hobby farm, singing, or working as an equine veterinarian.

  Social Media

Lizzi’s website and blog: www.lizzitremayne.com/lizzi-tremayne-author

Subscribe to Lizzi’s VIP Club: https://lizzitremayne.com/VIP/

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/profile/lizzi-tremayne

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lizzitremayneauthor

Amazon author page: www.amzn.to/16VVn1w

Books + Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/LizziTremayne

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lizzitremayne/

Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/lizzitremayne/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LizziTremayne/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/LizziTremayne

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/lizzikiwi

New release from Rue Allyn

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Available for Pre-order ~ Her Cadillac Cowboy ~ Rue Allyn’s Premier Indie-published Book

My primary concern as an author is that my readers get the book my blurb and opening lines promise them, that they not only get what they pay for, but a satisfying, even heart-melting, read as well, I have a few readers with whom I’ve held this discussion. I’d like to share the results with you and discover how Her Cadillac Cowboy measures up.

What qualities does a reader want in a book on which you spend your hard-earned dollars? Well I know the characteristics I and my discussion group readers look for, genre, author rep, originality, ease of purchase. Does Her Cadillac Cowboy have all of these? Let’s take a look:

Genre: Genre isn’t just a matter of does this book fall into the category of book I’m looking to read. Too often, the book is categorized as romance or historical, or both and it comes up short on the historical side or on the romance side. Example, the ‘history’ presented in the book is completely implausible. Or, the romance only shows up as an aside. That is, the romance is poorly integrated into the action and emotional arcs of the story. Her Cadillac Cowboy is a contemporary romance with comedic elements. The story actually does take place in the present day. Details such as cell phones, lack of newspapers, and various types of junk food—to name only a few—are used appropriately and with very little fanfare—throughout the book to help the reader stay in the story. I say comedic elements, because there are some fairly funny incidents related in the story—well my editor said she LOL’d. I too think the story is funny in some ways. However, I’m making promises about genre to readers. Opinions vary greatly as to what is funny and what is not. Hence, I describe the book as having comedic elements rather than calling it a romantic comedy outright. Her Cadillac Cowboy has some very serious moments, so it isn’t entirely comedic. I’m not promising my readers a laugh on every page.
Author Reputation: This is difficult for me to discuss as pertains to my own work. My discussion group said an author’s reputation for consistency in authorial vice and writing quality are a must. Most authors get only one chance—if that much—to prove themselves to a new reader. I do this too. If my first experience of a new to me author’s writing is not satisfactory or fails to deliver on the book’s promise, I’ll never buy another book by that author. I don’t have a huge reputation—that’s very difficult to achieve in today’s book market. But I believe that my authorial voice and writing quality are consistent. In other words, people who have read a Rue Allyn book will probably tell you that they got what they paid for, or that the author fulfilled her promises.
Originality—This quality is also difficult to discuss, but because there really are only three plot lines—Man vs Man, Man vs Nature (or ‘unnature’ if you read paranormals), and Man vs God. I could bore you into the next century with explanations and examples of how these three plot lines work, but I hope you’d rather know how Her Cadillac Cowboy measure’s up in terms of originality. Time for a confession. Her Cadillac Cowboy was previously published. I wrote it, under a different name, but a now non-existent publisher bought the rights (returned to me when they went out of business) and produced the book for sale to the general public. Even the first edition of this book was highly original in the situations, conflicts, and characters presented to the reader. Having been revised and edited with the aid of one of the best editors in the publishing business, Her Cadillac Cowboy is now even better.
Purchasing Ease—I would give Her Cadillac Cowboy middle marks for purchasing ease. First it isn’t available until March 18th, several weeks from now. Even then, the book will be available exclusively on Amazon. Many folks don’t like to buy from Amazon. If you are in that group, Amazon’s exclusive distribution rights expire in mid-June. At that time, I plan to distribute Her Cadillac Cowboy on as may platforms as I can manage, since like many other authors, I’m doing this entire job—writing, editing, and marketing—on my own.

To sum up how well Her Cadillac Cowboy meets reader requirements, I believe most readers will have a satisfying experience. Some will not, but a few might actually want to try another of my books. I hope that’s you. Just in case you are one of those interested in my books, you can get a free sneak peek at my May release, Forever Hold My Heart by signing up for my newsletter here https://www.rueallyn.com/ravonsubscribe/.

Thank you all for taking time to read this blog post. If you wish to comment about the information I’ve shared, please do so in the comment form at the bottom of this post. Now for some details about Her Cadillac Cowboy.

Blurb: A rich cowboy with a classic Cadillac—sounds like the stuff of dreams for a small-town Texas girl, right?  Wrong!  Josh McKinley and his classic car have been Sara Carson’s nightmare since Josh left ten years ago.  Now the cowboy and his Caddy are back.  Sara must choose between loyalty to her family and love for the one man she shouldn’t want.

Is the key to Sara Carson’s heart the Cadillac that their families have been feuding over for ten years?  Or will Josh McKinley have to give up the car he treasures in order to win the woman he loves?

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About Rue Allyn: Hi, I’m Rue Allyn, I write heart melting romance novels. Books about characters and adventures in which love triumphs at the darkest moment. The kind of hopeful, steal-your-breath romance that melts a reader’s heart. The type of book I like to read. Hope you will too.

 

Find Rue Allyn at the following social media sites:

Rue’s Website: https://RueAllyn.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rue-allyn

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00AUBF3NI/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5031290.Rue_Allyn

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/RueAllyn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RueAllyn

Medieval Monday with Judith Sterling & a Giveaway!

Welcome to week four of Medieval Monday. Our first meet theme continues and today’s guest is my friend Judith Sterling who has an snippet from Shadow of the Swan. Be sure to read all the way down to be in the running for Judith’s giveaway! Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

The red veil lifted, revealing two pairs of dusty, leather boots, one of which sported the gilt spurs of a knight.  “He’s gone.  You may come out now.”

God be praised!  She crawled out from under the table, stood, and met the steel-gray gaze of her savior.

’Twas one thing to be handsome; the knight before her took it entirely too far.  He appeared to be in his late twenties and was clean-shaven, with strong features and straight, jaw-length black hair.  Tall, broad-shouldered, and clad in blue, he cut a striking figure.  Yet something indefinable struck her more.  The longer she stared into his eyes, the more familiar he seemed.  They’d met before.  Shrouded were the details, but a link existed…invisible and ever fixed.

She found her tongue.  “Sir Robert, I presume?”

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

Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of Shadow of the Swan, and follow along next week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog : https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/

 

First Kiss Friday with NN Light

Please welcome NN Light to another First Kiss Friday who will be sharing the first kiss scene from Planting the Seeds of Love. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Excerpt:

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Sally put her palm on her forehead, feeling feverish.

“Yeah, I think so.” She looked at him. “Did I read that figure right? Five million dollars?”

Jack exhaled.

“Yes.” He paused and searched her face. “It’s a lot of money, more money than I ever thought I’d hear, let alone be offered.”

Sally looked off into the distance, daydreaming.

“That kind of money could set us up for life.” She refocused on his face. “I mean, we’d never have to work a day in our lives.”

Jack sat down beside her. He closed his eyes while tilting his head back.

“It’s a very generous offer, that’s for sure.”

Sally grabbed his hand and stared into his dreamy eyes.

“We could retire and do the things we’ve always wanted to do. I could open my own little cafe. You could travel.”

“You mean, your cafe in the city?” Jack’s tone was like a bucket of cold water, causing Sally to sputter.

“I-I-I don’t have to have it in the city.” She turned away, letting go of his hand.

He swore under his breath.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the moment.”

Anger rose up in Sally’s chest.

“Why do you do that? Why do you insist on bringing up the city at a time like this?” She narrowed her eyes. “It’s like you’re trying to drive a wedge between you and me.”

His eyes flashed and without warning, Jack pulled her into his embrace.

“Because,” he briskly spoke. “You belong to Trevor and not me. Yet this is all I think about.”

His lips kissed her with pent-up passion and need. She responded with the same intensity, tongues dancing, and her body on top of his, his desire for her evident. She moaned, giving into him. All thought fled from her mind except one.

You have to choose, city or country.

 Jack shifted and pain shot up her arm. She screamed in his mouth and pulled away.

“Ow!” Tears sprang to her eyes.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Jack cradled her body, gentle so her injured hand didn’t twist.

She shook her head, her cheeks warm from the blush.

“No, it’s just my hand.” She peered at him through her lashes. “I’m… oh Jack, I’m so confused…”

Jack put a finger up to her lips.

“It’s okay, it’s my own fault.” He stared into her eyes for a long time. “I kissed you, remember?” He dropped his finger from her lips and ran his fingers through his hair.

Planting the Seeds of Love: A Novella

by N. N. Light

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Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, New Adult Romance

Blurb:

The day her grandfather died, Sally’s life changed forever.

Twenty-Two-year-old Sally Rayton returns to the family farm she deserted four years ago to bury her grandfather. Her plan: to settle her grandfather’s estate and return to her life in the city with her boyfriend, Trevor Mattson.

Her childhood friend, Jack Smith, has other ideas.

Jack convinces Sally to transform the farm into a brewery and fulfill her grandfather’s dream while keeping the Rayton Farm in the family. Sally works side-by-side with Jack while Trevor is hundreds of miles away in the city. The more time she spends with Jack, the stronger her feelings are for him. Sally’s torn between her new feelings for her best friend, Jack and her boyfriend, Trevor.

When Trevor shows up to propose to Sally right before Christmas and finds her in Jack’s embrace, she’s unsure which man she loves. Will it be her best friend and farmer, Jack, or will it be rich, successful Trevor? City or Country… only Sally’s heart knows what’s right and true.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/plantingseeds

Amazon https://books2read.com/u/4781Qa?store=amazon 

​Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/Planting-the-Seeds-of-Love-A-Novella-eBook/545712189

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940155029793 

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1321493388

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/Search/Query?fcmedia=Book&query=9781386472568

24 Symbols https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2490898

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39979296-planting-the-seeds-of-love​

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/planting-the-seeds-of-love-a-novella-by-n-n-light

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Author Bio: N. N. Light is the award-winning husband-wife writing team, commonly known as Mr. N and Mrs. N. Mrs. N. has been creating stories ever since she was little. Her grandfather remembers when she was two years old, she would stand at the top of the stairs and tell him a story filled with emotion (and in a language foreign to him) with her hands on her hips. Let’s just say she was a born storyteller.

They’re blissfully happy and love all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports, trains, history, cooking and baking. Their mantra is to spread the Light.

Most of the time you can find them on Twitter or getting new ideas on how to spread the Light on Pinterest. They’re a proud member of ASMSG and Independent Author Network.

In addition to being authors, they’re also book promoters/reviewers, social media marketers/influencers and the owners of N. N. Light Author Promotions. They both love books, have ever since they were young. Matching up books and readers is something that gives them great pleasure.

They’d love to connect with you either via email or via these various social media sites:

Website: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/

Newsletter: ow.ly/jWec308TabL 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/nnlight

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NNP_W_Light

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/n_n_light/

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-n-light

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nnlight

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/n-n-light/90/1a7/902

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/nnlight

Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/n-n-light.html

Medieval Monday with Lane McFarland & a Giveaway!

Welcome to our Medieval Monday hop. It’s week three and today’s guest is Lane McFarland who has a snippet from To Support A King. Happy reading and enjoy!

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He had been away for long periods of time when she’d first arrived. Morna said he took care of Scotland’s business, which left Catriona pondering a hidden meaning. Upon her friend’s whispered hints, she suspected he played a secretive role in the rebellion.

The laird strode toward her.

To Support A King ~ The Turnberry Legacy Series ~ Book II

Blurb :

Plagued by atrocities he committed against innocent victims while pursuing his father’s killers, Laird Mangus MacAndrew pledged to defend and provide for his clan. But his leadership is tested when two of his ships are attacked and his crews massacred. Desperate to fulfill his obligation to protect the clan, Mangus agrees to help reinstate The Turnberry Bond. His mission—garner support for the Bruce and avenge the deaths of his men.

The MacAndrew clan provides Catriona Butler something her Irish home could not, a safe haven. But when she receives a missive her brother is imprisoned and will be executed unless acceptable éraic can be obtained, she must return to her homeland. Mangus agrees to take Catriona to Ireland and vows she will not become a distraction, but he longs to be near her. Catriona witnesses Mangus’s fierce anger and grows distrustful. After a life of suffering her father’s vicious temper, she is skeptical of anyone with a penchant for violence. She attempts to keep her distance, but her traitorous heart pulls her in Mangus’s direction.

With the fate of the kingdom on his shoulders, will Mangus reunite the men of The Turnberry Bond? Can he pursue vengeance against his enemies without taking more innocent lives? And can Catriona free her brother and grow to trust Mangus, staying true to her heart?

  Buy Link: Amazon

Follow along next week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog at https://www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com , and  leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook of To Support A King.

First Kiss Friday with Caroline Warfield.

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Please help me welcome my dear friend Caroline Warfield who will give you an excerpt from her novella Candles in the Dark from the Bluestocking Belles’ box set, Valentines From Bath! Happy reading and enjoy.

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Excerpt:

The bad leg—acquired at the Battle of Toulouse—doesn’t stop Doug Marsh from coming to the aid of Esther Hopkins when her employer at the Bath Assembly Rooms imposes himself on her. He has been afraid to court a woman so far above his station, but the woman herself has other ideas.

_________________

She turned to Doug with wide eyes, her hand fluttering down to her side. He reached out and cupped her cheek to sooth her. “He’s gone,” he whispered.

She nodded, a swift bob of her head, and he worried for a moment she might fall to pieces.

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He kissed her brow and the spot next to her eye, murmuring reassuring nothings. Her hands slipped up to his shoulders, and she clutched him as if she feared he would go away.

Never, he thought. Never.

***

Esther snuggled into Doug’s shoulder, unable to get close enough, wishing she could crawl inside him. One arm came around her waist to hold her in place; he moved the hand that held her cheek to the back of her head, his thumb caressing her neck. He paused for a moment as if asking for the permission he must surely know he had, lowered his mouth to hers, and covered her lips with his. He moaned when she opened for him with no encouragement and deepened their kiss, pulling her with him to lean against the wall for support. All thought of what had happened fled, and she kissed him in earnest, intoxicated with his scent and the feel of his hands.

Long moments later, Doug pulled his mouth from hers, leaned back in for one swift kiss and then another, and finally, tipped his head to lean, head and shoulders, against the wall facing her, his arm still pulling her close.

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He sighed deeply. “Battle madness,” he said.

“What?” she jerked up. He soothed her back.

“Men go a bit mad wanting release after battle,” he explained, staring into her eyes. “Apparently women do, too. We could call this battle madness.”

Her lips curved upward. “We could, Sergeant Marsh, except I have wanted you to do that for a very long time.”

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Candles in the Dark in

Valentines From Bath

Just $0.99!

Doug Marsh and his candles bring light to many, none more than Esther.  They may light the Assembly Rooms even as his love lights her life.

Doug Marsh knew what the army expected of him. Invalided out, he struggles to run his uncle’s candle-works and look after those dependent on it. A contract with the Bath Assembly Rooms would go a long way toward succeeding at both of those things. The plight of a young woman is a distraction he doesn’t need.

Esther Hopkins, formerly ‘the Honorable’, has no time to mourn the life denied her by a single mistake. A woman alone with a new-born son to raise needs work, and she is determined to make it on her own. If only she could stop yearning for the sturdy arms and kind blue eyes of the man who rescued her from starvation and enlisted the entire Marsh Candle Works to her support. But Sergeant Marsh shows nothing but benevolent interest in her welfare. Why should he care for a fallen woman?

In the normal course of things Esther is far above Doug’s touch. Can he find the courage to court her and still take care of business at the same time?

Valentines From Bath:

A Bluestocking Belles Collection

The Master of Ceremonies announces a great ball to be held on Valentine’s Day in the Upper Assembly Rooms of Bath. Ladies of the highest rank—and some who wish they were—scheme, prepare, and compete to make best use of the opportunity. Dukes, earls, tradesmen, and the occasional charlatan are alert to the possibilities as the event draws nigh.

But anything can happen in the magic of music and candlelight as couples dance, flirt, and open themselves to romantic possibilities. Problems and conflict may just fade away at a Valentine’s Day Ball.

25% of the proceeds benefit our mutual charity, the Malala Fund.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords

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

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About the Author

Caroline Warfield has been many things. Now retired to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, she divides her time between writing and seeking adventures with her grandbuddy and the prince among men she married. Her new series sends the children of the heroes of her earlier books to seek their own happiness in the far-flung corners of the British Empire.

Website: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinewarfield7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaroWarfield
Newsletter: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/newsletter/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/warfieldcaro/boards/

 

Medieval Monday with Ruth A. Casie

It’s week two of our Medieval Monday hop. This week I’m hosting author Ruth A. Casie and her excerpt from The Pirate’s Jewel. Isn’t this cover just stunning. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

“The Black Opal approached us at the Point. When we shifted the rudder to avoid a collision, we lost the wind, but by adjusting the mainsail and using the lateen, we caught the wind, circled the pirates, and sailed into the channel. The Black Opal’s sheet was limp. They had to use their oars,” Maxwell said.

“Luck?” Lord Ewan’s left eyebrow raised a bit.

Blurb ~ The Pirate’s Jewel – part of Pirates of Britannia

He had walked away from women before, but never with remorse, never with his heart broken.

Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.

Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.

When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

Buy Link: Amazon

The excerpt continues! Next week I’ll be here Rue Allyn

You can catch last week’s excerpt here: Ruth A. Casie

Don’t forget, commenters each week will be entered into a drawing for a free digital copy of THE MAXWELL GHOST.

Tomorrow is a big day – release day for The Pirate’s Jewel!

Happy Release Day ~ Valentines From Bath!

There is no greater day in an author’s life than when she has a new book baby released out into the world. Today is no exception. The Bluestocking Belles and I are pleased to announce that Valentines From Bath is now available for your reading pleasure. This box set is packed full with love and adventure, just in time for the holiday meant for lovers so pick up your copy now.

Read on to learn about Valentines From Bath and my novella, The Earl Takes a Wife! Happy reading, my lovelies, and thank you for your continued support!

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In five original stories, Jessica Cale, Sherry Ewing, Jude Knight, Amy Quinton, and Caroline Warfield bring you Valentines From Bath.

The Master of Ceremonies announces a great ball to be held on Valentine’s Day in the Upper Assembly Rooms of Bath.

Ladies of the highest rank—and some who wish they were—scheme, prepare, and compete to make best use of the opportunity.

Dukes, earls, tradesmen, and the occasional charlatan are alert to the possibilities as the event draws nigh.

But anything can happen in the magic of music and candlelight as couples dance, flirt, and open themselves to romantic possibilities. Problems and conflict may just fade away at a Valentine’s Day Ball.

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My contribution to the set is The Earl Takes a Wife, by Sherry Ewing. 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.

Adrian finds the appealing innocent impossible to forget, though she is barely out of the schoolroom and a relative by marriage.

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

Buy Links for Valentines From Bath:

Amazon US | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords

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

With your purchase, 25% of all sales benefit our mutual charity the Malala Fund.

[image error] Valentines from Bath Release Party

Saturday, February 9, 2019

3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Be sure to join the Bluestocking Belles and their guests later today on Facebook for fun, games, and giveaways as we celebrate our latest box set release! Join the party here at this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/306566746633565/