Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 47

Happy Holidays from the Bluestocking Belles & a giveaway!

Happy holidays, my lovelies! I would like to extend the very best to you and your families for this holiday season from the Bluestocking Belles. Welcome to our blog hop in celebration of our holiday box set, Follow Your Star Home. My gift to you is a short story of what happened to the ring after Thomas returned it to his father.

If you’ve read my novella in the set, One Last Kiss, you’ll certainly remember Jade Calloway’s friend, Zoe.

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Zoe & the ring

Zoe’s breath hitched. She must be dreaming. How else could she possibly be walking through an ancient hall in a medieval castle? She moved forward, or more like floated, so she knew she must have been sleeping.

She watched the scene play out before her as though she watched it on a flickering movie screen. She smiled when she saw her friend Jade conversing with a knight at the raised dais. The name Thomas skimmed across her mind and Zoe knew her friend had found her soul mate whether Jade knew it yet or not. But how was any of this possible?

A feeling of being watched washed over her and she suddenly turned as though a force beyond her control made her do so. Startled, she came face to face with a handsome stranger. A knight of olden days to make any fair maiden lose her heart in the instant their glances met. Tall with black hair that fell below his broad shoulders, the knight continued to watch her with sparkling blue eyes as though he knew some secret she was not privy to.

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“Mademoiselle,” the knight murmured before taking her hand and raising it to his lips. His eyes searched hers until they assessed her clothing… her very modern day clothing.

Zoe suddenly felt out of place. “Sir…” she allowed her unfinished words to linger in the air between them.

“Morgan… at your service,” he replied. He looked around the room before he took her arm and placed it in the crook of his arm.  A jolt of heat raced up her hand at the contact. “You appear lost. Mayhap you are one of the new ladies come here to attend the Lady Amiria?”

Zoe’s eyes widened. “Lady Amiria? As in the lady of Berwyck Castle?”

“Is there any other who could measure up to such a name?” he chuckled. “Let me escort you to her. She will be able to ensure you are properly attired. You must have traveled a long way in order to be here.”

“Sir Morgan, I need you to take me to Kenna. Is she here?” she asked quietly. Kenna would be able to explain everything… after all… the woman was her great-grandmother, several generations removed that is.

“She must still be outside. We had several men who were injured in the lists this day. Come, I can take you to her hut,” Morgan said, as he began ushering Zoe from the hall.

He grabbed at a cloak thrust into his hand by a servant and placed it upon her shoulders. She shivered when he closed the clasp at her neck. “Thank you,” she murmured, suddenly feeling shy in the presence of this very handsome knight.

“You are most welcome, Lady…” he gave her this lopsided grin that completely transformed his rugged face making him appear several years younger.

Zoe laughed realizing she had not given her name. “Zoe. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Morgan,” she answered him as she thrust her hand forward for him to take.

He looked at her offering oddly before taking her hand in his calloused one. Warm heat seared straight to her heart and Zoe watched his eyes widen at their contact. He raised her hand once more towards his lips but instead kissed the inside of her wrist. Her toes curled and she swore such a sensation had never before consumed her of this magnitude.

“The pleasure is mine, dear lady. Perchance once you have concluded your business with our healer, you would allow me to accompany you to the table to break your fast.”

Zoe smiled. “I would love to, kind sir,” she said. I could get used to this kind of treatment.

He opened the door of the hall and Zoe walked outside only to stare in wonder at what she saw: snow falling upon a full-blown medieval castle in all its glory. She should have been watching where she was going but she was so preoccupied with the view and her companion that she completely missed the steps in front of her. She began to tumble forward while a scream tore from her lips.

Arms of steel wrapped around her to break her fall and her arms automatically went around his neck as though holding onto Morgan was the only thing that kept reality and her dream from colliding. His lips parted and she watched when his head began to bend forward to steal a kiss. She had never wanted anything more in her entire life.

“Zoe!”

Their lips were but a breath away. Quickly they broke apart but Zoe still clung to Morgan’s arm, afraid that if she were to let go she would lose him to Time.

“Zoe… you must needs go home!” Kenna’s voice rang out in the inner bailey.

Morgan pulled her close, even while Zoe knew she was beginning to return to her own place in time. “Stay with me…” he murmured against her ear. “I just found you and cannot let you leave me so easily.”

Zoe reached up to cup his cheek, rubbing her thumb against his five o’clock shadow. “I would stay if I could,” she whispered. “Remember me…”

“Always.” He took her hand and once more placed a gentle kiss into her palm. “Come back to me, Zoe,” he said before leaning forward to kiss her.

It was everything she would ever want in a first kiss and as she tightened her arms around this handsome knight she gave herself into the moment… that was until her eyes snapped open and she found herself staring up at the ceiling in her apartment. A sob tore from her throat while she flung off the covers to sit at the edge of her bed.

“Why!” she yelled out in frustration only to see a vague vision of Kenna standing before her. “Why? Why would you show me him and then not let me stay?”

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“Dearest granddaughter… I showed you nothing other than what you desire but you are not finished with your work in this time and until you are, you must stay here.”

“But what about Morgan?” she asked while tears ran down her face.

“You will know when it is the right time and place for you to find each other again. He will be waiting for you to come home…”

Zoe reached out for the woman who had been a constant in her life yet lived century’s ago. Before her grandmother faded from view, a soft golden glow began shimmering in her hand. She blew a kiss and a twinkling trail like starlight went towards Zoe’s bedside table. Zoe stared in wonder when a golden ring took shape. She reached over to clasp the ring to her chest and smiled knowing she would one day see Morgan again.

***

And in another place in time, Morgan awoke to still feel the lips of Zoe upon his own. He reached up to feel them still tingling from the contact. He began to dress to seek out Berwyck’s healer knowing Kenna would have the answers he stood in need of. He needed to find Zoe no matter the cost. Even Time itself would not keep them apart!

The Holiday Blog Hop Giveaway!

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Did you enjoy Zoe & Morgan’s dream together? I sure have an idea for a full story for them after I take care of a few other characters who are vying for my attention. Be sure to leave me a comment here and to follow the Viking star ring to each of the Belles’ websites to be in the running for our giveaway. You can learn more about it here at the Belles’ website along with the sale we’re running until December 15th: https://bluestockingbelles.net/follow-your-star-blog-hop/. The more you comment on each site, the better your chances to win!

Follow Your Star Home

Divided sweethearts seek love and forgiveness in this collection of seasonal novellas.

Forged for lovers, the Viking star ring is said to bring lovers together, no matter how far, no matter how hard.

In eight stories covering more than a thousand years, our heroes and heroines put this legend to the test. Watch the star work its magic as prodigals return home in the season of goodwill, uncertain of their welcome.

Amazon US  |  iBooks |  Kobo |  Nook | Smashwords

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 Elisabeth Hobbes

Today on Medieval Monday, I’d like to welcome back Elisabeth Hobbes who is sharing a snippet from her novel A Wager for the Widow. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

Will sighed. He had intended to keep his encounter with Lady Peyton to himself, but now the matter had arisen of its own accord. The wine had relaxed his mood enough that he had a sudden impulse to share his tale.

‘We have met before tonight, though not in the best circumstances,’ Will admitted, a wry smile crossing his face. ‘Today I nearly caused her to drown. I’m fortunate not to be packing my bags as we speak!’ He described the encounter on the ferry and his requests for a kiss. By the time he had finished his tale Rob was open mouthed in disbelief. Edmund’s face was twisted into an incredulous smile.

‘I swear, Edmund, if I had known she was your sister I would never have behaved in such a manner,’ Will insisted. ‘I intended no offence.’

Edmund swigged his wine with a careless shrug and raised an eyebrow. ‘None taken. The thought of my dear sister in such disarray has brightened up an otherwise tedious day. In all honesty I wish you had kissed her, Will. I wish anyone would, in fact.’

Blurb: “I suppose a kiss of gratitude is out of the question?”

Widowed Lady Eleanor Peyton has chosen a life of independence. Living alone on her rocky coastal outcrop, she’s cut herself off from the world of men—until William Rudhale saves her life and demands a kiss!

As steward to Lady Eleanor’s father, Will knows the desire he burns with is futile—but he’ll still wager he can claim Eleanor’s kiss by midwinter. Yet when the tide turns Will realizes vulnerable Eleanor is far too precious to gamble with. Can he win his lady before it’s too late?

  Buy links

Amazon: viewbook.at/WagerforWidow

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-wager-for-the-widow-elisabeth-hobbes/1121093242?ean=9781460384640

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/a-wager-for-the-widow-mills-boon-historical-1

Mills & Boon: https://www.millsandboon.co.uk/p45341/a-wager-for-the-widow.htm

Is Will going to rise to the bait?  Read next week to find out on Mary Morgan’s blog. www.marymorganauthor.com

For the previous excerpt visit  https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/

First Kiss Friday with Cathy MacRae

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. You may remember today’s guest, Cathy MacRae, from our Medieval Monday hop. Today she’ll be sharing a first kiss excerpt from Mhàiri’s Yuletide Wish that is currently available in the box set, Once Upon a Christmas Kiss. Happy reading and enjoy!

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First Kiss excerpt:

Mhàiri closed the brooch carefully, folding it within her fingers. She stood and Michaell rose to his feet. “Och, Michaell, this is beyond my wildest hope. I hadnae thought to find it so quickly. I dinnae know how to thank ye.”

Her eyes sparkled, lips parted slightly.

Michaell stepped closer, placed his hand lightly on her sleeve, feeling every warp and weave against his fingertips, aware of the warmth of her skin through the cloth. He lowered his head, inhaled the sweet fragrance of her hair. He threaded his fingers through the plaited tresses at the back of her head, cupping her head in his palm.

“Like this.”

Mhàiri’s eyes closed at the touch of Michaell’s fingers at the nape of her neck and she melted as his lips touched hers. Colors as luminous as the lights in the north sky burst inside her. She leaned into his embrace, giddy with the sensations of his hands and mouth. She was no longer the long-suffering granddaughter of Lord Scott, doomed to wed a man who did not want her, but the young woman Michaell Kerr had chosen for his bride.

A crash doused them in reality. Henry yipped and leapt onto the bed as if the platter rattling to a stop on the floor had chased him to the tall mattress. Giving the tray a glower, he sank onto the thick coverlet and proceeded to devour the meat pie he’d stolen.

“Henry!” Michaell’s scold was half-hearted and breathless. He cleared his throat and pulled Mhàiri against his chest. She rested there, hand tucked beneath her chin, one arm about Michaell’s waist. No place had ever felt so good, so right. All her accusations and anger against Michaell vanished. He was her hero and had saved her once again. But she had a more pressing task ahead, and regret at leaving his arms would not save her uncle.

“I must go.” She gently broke from his embrace.

“Ye cannae,” he protested. “’Tis late and the weather is bad for travel. Yule feasting begins tomorrow, and . . ..”

Mhàiri placed three fingers over his lips, stalling his objections. “My uncle willnae live past Yule. I will wait here the night, but must be gone on the morrow.” She inhaled swiftly, blocking the pain of leaving Michaell. “My horse is sheltered in a copse just beyond the wall. I must bring him inside for the night.”

“I will send someone to fetch him. Rest easy.” He stroked a braid over her shoulder and Mhàiri’s heartbeat quickened.

Overwhelmed by the desire to return to his arms, she twirled slowly, grasping for distraction. Her gaze lit on the little terrier greedily licking stains off the bed cover and rushed to his side, shaking a scolding finger.

“Henry! Ye are a naughty pup. Did Michaell not explain eating in bed attracts rodents?”

“That would suit Henry just fine.” Michaell’s voice tightened, his eyebrows tilted together over his nose.

Mhàiri’s heart twisted, knowing he thought she spurned him. “Dinnae be angry with me, Michaell,” she murmured. “Let me catch my breath. I am at a loss . . ..”

His smile returned. “’Tis the first night before Yule. Whatever ye wish for this night will come true.”

“Truth?” She flashed him a merry grin. “What if I make more than one wish?”

His hand lifted then dropped back to his side. “It will be granted. I promise ye, Mhàiri.”

Their gazes locked for long yearning moments. “And if I dinnae know what to ask?”

“Another kiss would be simple enough to grant.”

“How will ye know ’tis what I’ve wished for?”

This time his hand reached her cheek, smoothing the pad of his thumb across her skin. “I will see it in yer eyes. In the way ye part yer lips, inviting me to kiss ye.”

Happiness and something unidentifiable swept through Mhàiri. She sighed.

Michaell lowered his hand. “Go to bed. Ye will be safe here. I will be in the hall below with the others. Heat from the great fireplace will rise up the stairwell and help keep this chamber warm.” He nodded at the bed. “Keep Henry with ye. He’ll alert ye if anyone or anything approaches.”

Mhàiri nodded, afraid if she spoke again she’d ask him to stay. It was impossible to want him so and know she was expected to marry Lord Henderson. If Baron de Percy rejected the offer of her brooch, Lord Henderson was her uncle’s only hope.

Michaell gripped one of her hands then kissed her cheek. A moment later, he was gone.

Mhàiri’s Yuletide Wish

by Cathy MacRae

Bound to a man more than twice her age in exchange for the price of her uncle’s ransom, Mhàiri Burns is desperate to avoid the match. Rather than simply await her fate, she sets out in a snow storm to seek a mysterious brooch rumored to the answer to her prayers. Though it is the season for peace and goodwill, her uncle will perish at the hands of the English if Mhàiri cannot rescue him by the end of Yuletide.

Michaell Kerr has loved Mhàiri since they were children. Discovering her grandfather has pledged her to another man sets Michaell in a race against time to find a way to break the betrothal—and help Mhàiri save her uncle.

What Mhàiri and Michaell receive this Yuletide season could prove more than they had ever dreamed.

Buy link for Once Upon a Christmas Kiss: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B07J1CWS9X

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Author bio:

Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course.

You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers!

To keep up with new releases and other fun things, sign up for her newsletter!

Other ways to connect with Cathy:

Facebook

Twitter: @CMacRaeAuthor

Instagram: cathymacrae_author

Amazon author page

Pinterest

Book bub

Medieval Monday with guest Mary Morgan

Today’s guest for Medieval Monday is my dear friend, Mary Morgan who is sharing an excerpt from her novel Dragon Knight’s Shield, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 4. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

Walking steadily along the wall, he opened the door to his chamber. Sniffing the air and hearing movement below and to the right, he bent down.

“So, I see Nell has sent ye to watch over me. Is it Cuchulainn?”

The dog gave a low growl.

“Are ye angry with me, as well?”

The dog let out a short bark.

Angus ruffled the dog’s fur. “I shall make good on my sour mood. Go fetch your mistress and tell her I need my horse and Deirdre’s, as well.”

Cuchulainn barked again and ran off.

Blurb:

Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?

Buy Links: AMAZON | BN | KOBO | iTUNES

Follow along on Cathy MacRae’s blog: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

First Kiss Friday with Meant to Be…Kissed

Welcome to First Kiss Friday. Today I have a box set treat for you, my lovelies and a couple of sales. Check it out and happy reading!

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Meant to Be Press announces the release of Meant to Be…KISSED (Love Notes Book 2). This is the second collection of sweet of stories from Meant to Be Press authors. This heartwarming collection is themed around winter kisses. The two primary stories are historical romances, with a bonus contemporary flash fiction piece from Meant to Be Press’s newest author, M. M. Genet.

There are several stories in Meant to Be…Kissed, so you get more than one first kiss!

“The Grand Gesture” by Lela Bay, takes a public humiliation and turns it into an act of heroism. Rosamund Windham, daughter to the duke, literally drops herself into a pool of filth to save an innocent and in the process befriends the girl’s brother.

From “The Grand Gesture” by Lela Bay in Meant to Be…KISSED

Rosamund inhaled, examining his face for any spark of malice and finding none. He’d really come out of gratitude. “Your sister is a treasure. I am glad to know her better. Take care of her.”

“Naturally.”

He stepped toward the doorway, and Rosamund pressed a hand to his sleeve. She pointed above their heads.

“Mistletoe.”

The tall, striking fellow with the cocky half-smile blinked in surprise and colored. “Yes, I see.”

He bent down and delivered a peck on her cheek.

“I see you take after your maiden aunt.”

He laughed aloud, “Insults. Now I recognize you.”

She laughed too.

He reached for her shoulders and drew her close, lowering his mouth to hers with slow intensity. She gave herself over to the warm press of his lips, finding it too brief.

He drew back, releasing her.

He bowed and stepped away.

She pressed a hand to her lips. “Sparks.

“Miss Montague’s Winter Kiss” by Emmy Z. Madrigal turns sadness into hope. Grayson is a man who has lost everything, but Cecelia saves his life and rekindles his belief in love. Broken ice and traumatic losses give way to the start of something new, if only the hero can give up past hurts.

From “Miss Montague’s Winter Kiss” by Emmy Z. Madrigal in Meant to Be…Kissed

“Miss Montague?” Mr. Nash called.

Miss Montague turned from her friends in the parlor to face him. She blushed and her eyes grew big, as if she’d been caught doing something bad.

“Might I have a word?”

“Of course, Mr. Nash.”

He took her arm and led her onto the porch where they’d been that afternoon. The memory of her lips on his cheek brought heavier thoughts then he wished to explore at that moment.

“Miss Montague, I wanted to thank you again for helping me on the cliff and for your discretion.”

“You need not be uneasy.” Miss Montague’s expression relaxed into a smile and she placed a hand on his forearm. “I was simply repaying a favor and I…” She looked into his eyes, her face lit by the moonlight, her dark curls blowing back in the slight breeze. “I’ve come to care what happens to you.”

The emotion in his chest could not be withheld. In that instant, he loved her with all of his being. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything and so he did what any man with nothing left to lose would do. He took her in his arms and kissed her well. She gasped at first and drew back, but then she touched her lips again to his and melted into his embrace. His sense of propriety would not allow him to hold her there long, but he tasted her lips as long as he dared. When he pulled back, he looked into her eyes, trying to gauge her feelings.

Fun stuff!

Meant to Be Press is celebrating the release with sales and raffles!

November 20-25th: For five days only, Tempo of Temptations by Lela Bay and Lord Harrington’s Lost Doe by Emmy Z. Madrigal will be on sale for $0.99 each!

November 19-30th enter to win free Meant to Be Press ebooks. Prizes include the Meant to Be…MINE anthology, Tempo of Temptations by Lela Bay, Lord Harrington’s Lost Doe by Emmy Z. Madrigal, and The Harpist by M. M. Genet and Michele Roger.

https://kingsumo.com/g/d3ynaw/meant-to-be-press-romance-ebook-raffle

Learn more at http://meanttobepress.wordpress.com

About Meant to Be…KISSED

Love sweet romance? Meant to Be…KISSED is a collection of short stories to sample Meant to Be Press romance authors.

“The Grand Gesture” by Lela Bay, takes a public humiliation and turns it into an act of heroism. Rosamund Windham, daughter to the duke, literally drops herself into a pool of filth to save an innocent and in the process befriends the girl’s brother. His sister quotes him as saying, “You can’t just throw two people together and expect sparks. It takes the right sorts, like flint and steel. They may not look like they go together until they hit up against each other. Then, sparks.”

“Miss Montague’s Winter Kiss” by Emmy Z. Madrigal turns sadness into hope. Grayson is a man who has lost everything, but Cecelia saves his life and rekindles his belief in love. Broken ice and traumatic losses give way to the start of something new, if only the hero can give up past hurts. As Emmy writes, “It was more of a feeling that, if the flame between them was fanned, they could be happy for the rest of their lives. He’d endured so much grief, she longed to bring him joy.”

Finally, as a bonus, check out the contemporary romance flash fiction from Meant to Be Press’s newest author M. M. Genet, “A Year and a Day.” Behold of the promise of the future.

Like the seasons, love has many variations, so let these stories inspire you to discard what holds you back and welcome new opportunities.

Buy Link

Meant to Be…KISSED is available as an ebook on Amazon. Read it for free through Kindle Unlimited, and remember to enter the raffle for other Meant to Be Press romances!

Medieval Monday with guest Judith Sterling & a giveaway!

Welcome to the third week of our Medieval Monday hop. Today’s guest is Judith Sterling who has an excerpt from Flight of the Raven (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book One). Enjoy!

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Excerpt:

Robert came up beside him but spoke not a word.

William huffed.  “I said—”

“Save your commands for someone who’ll listen to them.  I have news, and I think you’ll want to hear it.”

“What news?”

“In the night, Erik spotted a lone rider beyond the fields.”

William turned to him.  “Whence came the rider?”

“Out of the Long Wood.  Headed north.”

“To Nihtscua?”

“ʼTis possible, but we’ll know more once Erik returns.  He followed the rider.”

Flight of the Raven (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book One)

How eager would the bridegroom be if he knew he could never bed the bride?

Lady Emma of Ravenwood Keep is prepared to give Sir William l’Orage land, wealth, and her hand in marriage.  But her virginity?  Not unless he loves her.  The curse that claimed her mother is clear:  unless a Ravenwood heir is conceived in love, the mother will die in childbirth.  Emma is determined to dodge the curse.  Then William arrives, brandishing raw sensuality which dares her to explore her own.

William the Storm isn’t a man to be gainsaid.  He’ll give her protection, loyalty, and as much tenderness as he can muster.  But malignant memories quell the mere thought of love.  To him, the curse is codswallop.  He plans a seduction to breach Emma’s fears and raze her objections.  What follows is a test of wills and an affirmation of the power of love.

Buy Links

Amazon http://buff.ly/2eRAwRW

Barnes and Noble http://buff.ly/2eWWIx3

The Wild Rose Press http://buff.ly/2eRuYXX

Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Flight-of-the-Raven-Audiobook/B07D6VCGVH

Make sure to comment below for a chance to win a digital copy of Flight of the Raven (or if you already own a copy, your choice of another of Judith’s books).  A winner will be randomly chosen and announced on December 31.

Follow along next Monday on Elisabeth Hobbes’s blog: https://elisabethhobbes.co.uk/

First Kiss Friday with Beth Barany & a giveaway!

It’s First Kiss Friday, my lovelies! Please welcome my friend and fellow San Francisco Area of Romance Writers of America chapter member Beth Barany. Beth is sharing an excerpt from A Cupcake Christmas. Be sure to read all the way to the end about her giveaway. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

“Kate took his hand and let Florian bring her to standing. She wasn’t surprised by the sparks that flowed from him into her, she welcomed them, in fact. He still hadn’t answered her question.

“Shall we stroll?” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, in an old-fashioned charming way. They were shoulder to shoulder.

“To the van?” She shivered at their closeness.

“If you like.” He gazed into her eyes.

“I like.” If her voice sounded husky, she didn’t mind.

Florian grinned. She could swear his eyes twinkled but maybe it was the light of the restaurant or of the sky. Dusk was falling. Low sunlight reflected off the fog hovering above them. Kate walked back with him, arm in arm, to her van parked behind the kitchen a block away. There they stood in the cold foggy night.

He smiled down at her. “Still want me to come by to practice the magic show?”

She never really paid attention to their height difference. Maybe because she was a few inches taller in her work shoes and hadn’t noticed. Now, she was in her flats and the top of her head came to just above his nose, which had a light dusting of freckles to go with his shock of red, wavy hair.

“Yes, I’d feel better about Saturday.” She stared at his lips.

“Did you want to go over the schedule too?”

She nodded and leaned closer to him. “I should.”

“But what do you want to do?” he said softly and stepped closer to her.

Somewhere a horn honked. She blinked and gazed into his sparkling green eyes. “I want—” You, I want you to stay, she wanted to say.

He searched her eyes, waiting.

“To have a—” She shook her head. No, she didn’t want a fling. But she wanted him, something more meaningful.

He leaned a little closer. “A cupcake nightcap? I know, a wine cupcake.”

“I like how you think.” She laughed and kissed him on the lips. Just a brief kiss. He was delicious—sweet and alluring.

He leaned in to deepen the kiss, but she pulled away. “Come on. Let’s walk to my place. It’s not far.” She stepped toward the street.

But Florian didn’t follow. He chuckled. “You’re a bit of a tease.”

“I don’t mean to be,” she said quietly, turned toward him, and held out her hand.

He took her hand. “I know.” He cleared his throat. “You keep the van here overnight?”

“It’s safe. There are cameras in the lot.”

“Will they catch us doing this?” Florian leaned in to land a kiss on her lips. Her insides warmed. She kissed him back. He tasted sweeter than the chocolate shake they’d shared for desert.

She laughed. “I think the cameras have had enough of a show. Let’s go.”

It took twice as long to walk the fifteen minutes to her apartment. They had to stop every few minutes for more kisses. She felt warm all over, as if she were enveloped in the softest comforter.

They made it up the two flights of stairs without stopping too many times. When she opened the door to her apartment, she felt breathless with the kissing and how he made her laugh with his suggestions for ridiculous cupcake recipes, each one more silly than the next, and jokes about putting on a show for the whole neighborhood.

They stumbled into her front hallway of her one-bedroom apartment. She shut the door behind them and then pulled Florian toward her. “I want to kiss you without walking,” she said into his neck. She inhaled his wonderful scent of man and cinnamon. She was burning up and couldn’t wriggle out of her coat fast enough. He helped her, and then leaned in for a long, deep kiss that had her sighing and reaching to slip off his coat. She caressed his strong back muscles under his shirt and sighed some more.

When they finally came up for air, he asked, “Don’t you want to practice for the party?”

“I want to practice a much more ancient art.” She nuzzled his neck and smoothed her hands on his chest, his strong chest, and over his strong muscular arms. He kept himself in good shape. Must be all that lifting and stirring. Too bad he still had his shirt on.

“You sure, Kate?”

“I want you, Florian. I want to be with you.” She pulled back to look in his eyes. “I trust you. I know you’re ready for the kid’s party. I was just stressing out.”

He gazed into her eyes. She thought she saw a flicker of doubt or worry, but she couldn’t be sure, because then she saw nothing but adoration. He smiled. “I want you, too, Kate. Very much.”

She kissed him and pulled him toward her bedroom. “Let’s get practicing.” She hadn’t asked him to stay and he hadn’t reminded her he was leaving. At least they had now.

ABOUT A CUPCAKE CHRISTMAS (A CHRISTMAS ELF STORY) (TOUCHSTONE SERIES #5)

What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special?

Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves.

Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming.

But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.

MORE ABOUT A CUPCAKE CHRISTMAS

For a longer excerpt, go here: http://author.bethbarany.com/books/a-cupcake-christmas-a-christmas-elf-story-romance/excerpt-a-cupcake-christmas/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ReDzDj (ebook) http://amzn.to/1kDKb07 (print)

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cupcake-christmas-beth-barany/1123174352?ean=2940157906924

iBook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-cupcake-christmas/id1036098226?mt=11&uo=8

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-cupcake-christmas

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603017

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ABOUT BETH BARANY

Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in several genres including young adult adventure fantasy, paranormal romance, and soon science fiction mysteries. Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.

For fun, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with a piano and over 1,000 books.

More about Beth’s fiction and to get a free time travel romance, go here: http://author.bethbarany.com/free-romance-story/.

CONNECT WITH BETH BARANY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beth_barany

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bethbarany/

GIVEAWAY

Post your favorite silly cupcake recipe in the comments and Beth will pick one lucky winner at random to win an e-book edition of A Cupcake Christmas.

Medieval Monday with guest Ruth Casie

It’s week two for Medieval Monday and today’s guest is my friend Ruth Casie who is sharing an excerpt from The Guardian’s Witch. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

He slapped Alex on the back and put his arm around him. At close look, there were heavy lines on his brother’s face and the laughter was gone from his voice. “What goes here? You gave us a fright. When we left, Mother and Father were in deep conversation with Edward.”

All his brothers now gathered around him. They stood behind him like an impenetrable wall. Just being with them gave him strength. “Jamie, these are my brothers Geoffrey, Bennett, Damian, Edwin, Fayne and Cameron.”

Alex waited while the Scotsman evaluated his brothers. He knew together the seven of them could be a bit intimidating. But nothing intimidated Jamie.

The Guardian’s Witch – Book 1 of the Stelton Legacy

Will he come in time or must she trust in her magic and risk exposure as a witch to save them both?

England, 1290

Lord Alex Stelton can’t resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it’s his. Desperate for land of his own, he’ll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.

Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she’d never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.

Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can’t get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they’ll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.

Buy all my books here!

The excerpt continues! Next week I’ll be here: Elisabeth Hobbes

You can catch last week’s excerpt here: Judith Sterling

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

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

Today on First Kiss Friday, I’d like to give you an excerpt from my medieval/time travel, One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time Novella which is my contribution to Follow Your Star Home: A Bluestocking Belles Collection. When I had the opportunity to write a time travel for this year’s Belles anthology, I jumped at the chance because… you know… I love a good time travel, don’t you? Enjoy this first kiss scene with Jade, a modern day woman, and Thomas, one of my Knights of Berwyck. Happy reading!

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Excerpt:

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. Emptiness surrounded her when he abruptly tore his lips from hers and pushed away from her. The cooler air of the room coming into contact with her flushed skin caused her to shiver.

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He muttered something, possibly in Gaelic, giving Jade the impression he was of Scottish descent. But whatever his words meant, Jade couldn’t understand any of them. He began to pace the room, much like she had done but moments before. She went to him and gently laid her hand upon his arm.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, almost afraid to hear his answer.

He stared at her hand for several minutes until his words exploded from his lips. “St. Michael’s wings! Where did you come by this?” he growled out before taking her hand and inspecting the ring she couldn’t seem to get off her finger. He began to pull at the shiny gold band, but it wouldn’t budge for him any more than it had moved for her.

Roughly, she tore her hand from his. “Stop that. You’re hurting me,” she shouted.

“I did not mean to cause you harm, but how came you by this ring?” he questioned again, his frown deepening.

Gazing down at the object of his concern, she held the ring close to her chest, hugging her hand as though it was wounded. If anything, the jewelry was her one way to return home, or so she guessed. She could not let him have it. Not at any cost, no matter the thoughts that had just gone through her head about the two of them belonging together.

His angry stance told her much, causing her thoughts to jumble around inside her head. She almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of her whole situation if it were to be believed. Time travel? Please… Yet how could she possibly wrap her head around the fact she appeared to be in some bedchamber in a medieval castle, let alone come to care for a complete stranger with just one kiss?

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Follow Your Star Home:

A Bluestocking Belles Collection

Divided sweethearts seek love and forgiveness in this collection of seasonal novellas.

Forged for lovers, the Viking star ring is said to bring lovers together, no matter how far, no matter how hard.

In eight stories covering more than a thousand years, our heroes and heroines put this legend to the test. Watch the star work its magic as prodigals return home in the season of goodwill, uncertain of their welcome.

Blurb for One Last Kiss:

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

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 travelling across time—for him.

Dare he believe the impossible?

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?

Follow Your Star Home is available now. 25% of the proceeds benefit the Belles’ mutual charity the Malala Fund.

Buy Links:

Amazon US  |  iBooks |  Kobo |  Nook | Smashwords | 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 guest Cathy MacRae

Welcome back to our Medieval Monday blog hop! Over the next eight weeks, we’ll be sharing snippets from our stories so be sure to stay tuned and follow along. Please welcome this weeks guest, Cathy MacRae and a snippet from The Highlander’s Crusader Bride.

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To attain an alliance between the MacLean and MacKern clans, Arbela has accepted Caelen’s proposal of marriage.

Excerpt:

Arbela rose to her feet and lifted her goblet. “May we be blessed with peace and a prosperous alliance.” She tilted her head to Caelen. “Orhnut’yunner.”

“Blessings,” her father replied, translating her Armenian salute, then took a sip of his wine.

“Orhnut’yunner.” Alex tossed the contents of his goblet back and a serving girl quickly refilled it. He stood and surveyed the crowd. “My sister is a woman of priceless value—and Caelen MacKern the most fortunate of men. May their union be a blessed one.” He gave Arbela a short bow. “Orhnut’yunner.”

Blurb:

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.

Though 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 Link:

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

You can follow the excerpt to Elisabeth Hobbes’ website next week (Nov. 12) at https://elisabethhobbes.co.uk/  Commenters each week will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of her ebook, The Highlander’s Crusader Bride!