Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 54

Medieval Monday with guest Cathy MacRae.

Welcome back to our Medieval Monday snippets. Today I have author Cathy MacRae as my guest. Here’s a snippet from The Highlander’s Crusader Bride. Happy reading and enjoy!

[image error]

Excerpt:

Caelen held back from the free-flowing wine and whisky. He walked among his new clan by marriage, accepting the toasts and accolades, his bride on his arm, his blood little tainted by alcohol. He had no desire to enter his marriage a drunkard. The night ahead already held too many questions for him to willingly add to the discomfort and regrets.

A wedding night was anticipated by the guests and family. What did Arbela expect?

Bloodied sheets would be displayed on the morrow. Whose blood would it be?

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

Join Cathy next week on Barbara Bettis’s blog http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk   for the next excerpt from The Highlander’s Crusader Bride!

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing & If My Heart Could See You

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday with yours truly! This weekend I’ll be celebrating my birthday so I’d like to take you back to the beginning and the book that started my whole medieval & time travel series: If My Heart Could See You.

In case you need a reminder for this scene, Amiria of Clan MacLaren is ill and running a fever. She even thinks that she is wed to Dristan, the Devil’s Dragon of Blackmore, while he watches over her with worry. Happy reading and enjoy!

[image error]

Excerpt:

He went to the bed and gazed down upon his beautiful lady. He could think of her as nothing else for she would in truth become his wife once she was well again. ’Twas whilst he stared at her that he began to notice the slight beginnings of a smile playing upon her lips, and he pondered what she dreamed of. She began to stir most alluringly and whispered his name as provocatively and sweetly as any lover could.

He pulled the coverings from Amiria and lifted her into his arms. She molded her body closer to his own and his heart began to beat a little faster. Dristan was caught off guard, feeling her silky limbs wrapping themselves around his neck. The warmth of her lips began to nuzzle his neck and she gave a sigh of contentment as his arms held her tighter.

“You came for me… I knew you would,” she purred into his ear in a soft confident whisper.

“Aye, so it appears,” he said as a tingle went through him with the feel of her breath in his ear. Carrying her to the tub placed by the fire, he slowly swung his legs over its rim to feel the water at his knees. “Brace yourself, Amiria.” She held him tighter as he began to sink down into their bath. Water sloshed over the sides onto the floor the lower he brought them.

“’Tis too cold,” she said groggily with a shiver, trying to get closer to the very heart of him.

“’Tis for the best, my lady, and will make you well again.”

“I do not like it,” she said with a pout and proceeded to turn in his arms.

Afore Dristan could cease her motion, Amiria lifted slightly away from him, moving both legs to either side of his own, and promptly sat down upon his upper thighs with a wiggle of her bare bottom. This certainly was not what he had intended whilst he watched in fascination her fixed glassy eyes take in his face. Her tongue moistened her lips. Smiling, she stole a quick fleeting kiss.

“Warm me,” she demanded, molding herself to his chest and lowering her lips to receive another of his kisses as if she had done so a dozen times afore.

A part of him sprang to life against his better judgment and yet he could not for the life of him cease the intoxicating kiss she gave him. He breathed life into her as their tongues intertwined in a dance known to lovers for centuries. For just a moment longer would he indulge in what she offered, for he knew she would not remember what she did once she was herself again.

He cupped her head, bringing her closer and deepened their kiss. His fingers tangled themselves in the length of her hair ’til he could stand no more. His hands lowered themselves down her back in a gentle caress. She sighed in pleasure and Dristan heard the throaty moan that escaped her. He would have smiled through their kiss if ’twere possible for he had the notion he had awakened a temptress that would forever belong only to him.

She pulled away from his lips with a shake of her glorious red mane and gave a satisfying laugh. Her eyes widened in bewilderment from the hardness of him against her naked flesh. “I have roused my dragon, I see,” she smirked knowingly.

“That you have my dear, but you must yield the day for I would not have you hate me come the morrow. I am, after all, just a man with a man’s desires.”

“You want me then as I want you?” she inquired shyly with a blush to her face.

Dristan gave a brief laugh and caressed her cheek as she leaned into the palm of his hand. “Aye, my lady, more than I should but we cannot continue this.”

“Who are you to say we cannot?”

“I am your liege lord, Amiria. When we come together I would have you more yourself that you remember our first time together as husband and wife.”

Her brows puckered into a frown as she pondered his words. “Are we not wed?” she whispered in puzzlement. Afore he could answer, she continued onward with a brazen look upon her features. “It matters not,” she declared possessively, “for you belong to me!”

Dristan watched his lady as she for the first time hesitantly reach out and began running her fingers over his wet furred chest. Making small circles, she watched him through lowered lids and he shivered at her touch. He sat back amused at her expression since he could tell she was enjoying the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips. Her hushed words confirmed his suspicions.

“I somehow thought a dragon such as you would be smooth to the touch and not covered with so much hair. I believe I like it better this way…” she declared, with a promise reaching her eyes.

Dristan took hold of her hand as she began to reach lower and tenderly placed a kiss to the inside of her wrist. She sighed again at his touch. “Nay, my lady, do not test my resolve further, I beg you. One of us must remember not to let this insanity overtake us, so behave, you vixen!” he said with a chuckle although he had to admit he enjoyed this playful side to Amiria. “Now sit back down that I may bathe you to bring down your fever,” he ordered.

“I am not a child to be treated so.”

“Then do not behave as one so I can do my best to heal your illness.”

She ignored his words and rose, slightly kneeling with him between her legs. She took her hands and smoothed his tresses back from his face in a gentle caress. He gave a sharp intake of breath as she began to touch him at her leisure. ’Twas apparent she approved of feeling a power that she could affect him so.

“You are mine,” she declared knowingly, “and mine alone.”

Dristan stared back at the seriousness in her eyes. “Aye, as you are and will be mine.”

“Then take me now, Sir Dragon.”

“Not today and not like this Amiria.”

“Please Dristan… I want you and only you.”

“You know not what you say, mon amour,” he said, trying to calm his racing heart. God help him but his need to be inside her was beyond anything he had ever felt afore.

If Dristan had known her better, he would have realized from the stubborn tilt of her chin that Amiria would not have him gainsay her as she was wont to have her way. She leaned forward ’til her breasts caressed his chest. Enjoying the sensation it created, she captured his lips again in another searing kiss even whilst she began to lower her body to meet his own.

If My Heart Could See You – The MacLaren’s,
A Medieval Romance

[image error]

When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?

For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.

Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knight in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.

Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.

If My Heart Could See You is available now as an eBook and paperback on Amazon. eBooks are also available on major platforms. I have this eBook currently up for free in the hopes that you’ll enjoy Amiria and Dristan’s journey to finding love and will write an honest review!

Buy Links – Read for #FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Available in eBook and paperback:

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

If My Heart Could See You  is also now available as an Audiobook. Come listen to how Marian Hussey has made my novel come to life!


Audiobook Buy Links:

Amazon  |  Audible  |  iTunes
Don’t forget Medieval Monday!

And just in case you can’t get enough of my medieval & time travel romances, Medieval Monday will start again this coming Monday, January 29th. I’ll be giving away an eBook to one lucky winner who follows my snippets and comments on the blog hop. Good luck and thanks for stopping by my site!

Medieval Monday returns next week!

[image error]

Hello, my lovely readers! I just wanted to give a quick shout out that Medieval Monday will be returning next week with snippets from some of your favorite authors. Return here to my blog next week, January 29th, to read the excerpt from my first guest.

Can’t wait until next Monday? Then join our Facebook group, Medieval Romance Lovers  here. We’ll be having a Featured Friday guest, parties, giveaways, and more. We’d love for you to join our group!

Until the next week, I hope to see you around our mutual social media outlets!

First Kiss Friday with my guest Kilby Blades

On today’s First Kiss Friday I’d like to welcome my guest Kilby Blades who is a member of my local Romance Writers of America chapter. I think your going to enjoy this excerpt from her novel, Snapdragon. Now I’m off to go order the book! Happy reading, my lovelies!

[image error]

Excerpt:

“You want the truth?”

“I always want the truth.”

Trepidation crossed his face. He took a breath before he spoke again.

“The truth is, I like you. I think you’re the kind of girl I’d like to have dinner with and take to social functions. I think we’d have more good conversation, some fun times, and sizzling hot sex.”

He paused long enough to measure her reaction. In the dark, he wouldn’t have been able to see the goosebumps that prickled her flesh.

“But I don’t need to start something with you to know how it’ll end. Experience has taught me that women are biologically incapable of having unattached relationships. Since I’m too busy for the kind of commitment they want, I go without. I’d rather do that than lead them on.”

Darby let out a measured breath. “Wow, that was…” presumptuous, she wanted to say. Though he delivered them gently, his words still cut.

“I know my share of women who are obsessed with getting a man to commit,” she returned in the same tone. “But your broad categorization of women is short-sighted.” And borderline sexist. “If you think there aren’t plenty of single women who want to stay that way, you are mistaken. My parents’ marriage was a disaster, and the idea of emulating that repulses me. Despite all you’ve heard about biological clocks and maternal instincts, not all women have them. I have a career I love that has me working just as many hours as you do. The last thing I need is to come home after a hard day to somebody who is biologically incapable of not needing his ego stroked.”

She didn’t let on how much she was enjoying watching the widening of his eyes, the subtle slacking of his jaw. “And because I can’t find a man who wants nothing more than to give me four toe curling orgasms twice a week and then get the hell out of my house…”

She saw the bob of his Adam’s apple and was dying to know what other reactions she may have caused.

“Do you honestly expect me to believe that you can’t find a guy who only wants to have sex with you? Because I don’t believe that.”

His voice was so low that it wiped out any doubt that the attraction was mutual.

“I expect you to believe girls like me have only two options: one-night stands and Romeos. I don’t do one-night stands because the world is full of psychopaths who like doing bad things to pretty girls. And I stay away from Romeos because I find it insulting to watch someone go through the pomp and circumstance of ”dating” me because he thinks that’s what it’ll take for me to sleep with him.”

By the time she finished, she noted a change in his expression and wondered whether her words had triggered something. Men could be fragile, especially the better looking ones.

“So, paint me a picture of someone who’s different.” Her body hummed with the awareness of how quickly their conversation was leaving the realm of the hypothetical. “How would that someone come into your life?” he implored.

“It’s complicated.”

For Darby, there could be no innocent flirtations, no absent minded affairs, no tawdry trysts. Her father was a public figure, and she had her own respectable career to protect. She wasn’t like every other woman her age who could take to Tinder every time she wanted a good time.

“I like complex things.”

His breath near her ear made her tingle, and she had to concentrate to calm her voice lest it betray her emotions.

“He couldn’t be a complete stranger. I’d have to meet him someplace safe and know that I could trust him.” Saying it felt strange. As if she were creating a different persona. As if she were pretending some alternative could exist. “And there’d have to be a real attraction,” she added.

“What else?”

“He’d respect me enough to be honest about our arrangement and respect himself enough to be mature, conscientious, and discreet about the whole thing.” She took a shaky breath. “And I, uh…wasn’t kidding about the orgasms, either. They need to be toe-curling and there’d need to be at least four, every time we…”

He closed his eyes for a moment too long for it to be a blink. Darby wondered what he was imagining.

“What about you?” she said finally. “If you could find a woman who was different, how would things be?”

He took his time to answer, his eyes focused toward the water. Before he did, he turned back to her with a look of halting intensity. She sensed that he wanted to be honest, though his deep blue eyes reserved an ocean of secrets. It only made him more intriguing. As a psychiatrist it was her job to read people, but she couldn’t read him fully.

“I want a woman who doesn’t confuse me loving her company with me being in love with her. She has to know that whatever we have today may not be there tomorrow, not because I’m heartless or distant or incapable of intimacy—but because right now, I choose my career, and my love isn’t in play—only my companionship.”

“I need a woman who’s prepared for the fact that what we share won’t feel transactional. It will feel intimate and intense, because I only spend time with women I genuinely like and because I take pride in doing things well. She needs to know that me showing her respect and treating her like a lady and making her feel worshipped has nothing to do with her being more special to me than a good friend and everything to do with my idea of how a woman deserves to be treated.”

He put down his empty champagne flute, placing it absently on the cushion next to him so that he could turn his body toward her.

“She’d have to understand that it’s never more than meets the eye—and that each of us is responsible to the other to break things off the second things get too complicated. And she has to be prepared for what’s inevitable. Because the end will come, Darby. Even if it doesn’t get complicated, I’ll make partner one day, or get transferred halfway around the world, or maybe even go to work for another firm. And my job comes first. It just…does.”

They held hands all the way back up the beach, feet sinking into the sand as the foamy surf lapped at their ankles. Words seemed unnecessary—perhaps enough had been said that night—but she was still disappointed to see the evening come to an end. The look he had given her when he had taken her hand hadn’t been gentlemanly. His small touches and glances were magnetic, and she thought about what it would be like to see him again.

When they separated at the steps to brush off sandy feet and put their shoes back on, Darby almost spoke, convinced she should say something before she lost her nerve. Instead, his arm came around her shoulders, the other sweeping her up behind her knees. She drew a breath as she felt him start to carry her up the steps.

“You didn’t think I was going to let you walk up a hundred steps in four-inch heels, did you?”

She felt the words vibrate as they formed in his chest, felt the solidity of his body beneath her. With her nose so close to his neck she could smell his skin, could easily inhale more of him. His fragrance was as complex as everything else about him. She wrapped her own arms around him, and leaned her head against his shoulder. Strong arms hadn’t held her in a very long time.

They reached the top far too quickly and she was sorry when he gently set her down. Before they untangled themselves from each other’s arms, he leaned in for a soft but thorough kiss. His thumbs caressed her cheeks as his tongue massaged hers with such expertise that she knew instantly that he’d be incredible at certain other things.

“What if I promised you five?” He pulled away only long enough to ask the question and fix her with a hawkish gaze before leaning in for seconds. “Would you see me if I promised you five?” He asked again only after he’d gently devoured her mouth once more.

“Lofty goal, Don’t you think?” she murmured against his chin, not waiting for an answer before capturing his lips once again.

“I’m an overachiever,” he said darkly as he pulled back. “Six?” He nipped at her neck.

She might have laughed at his bravado if kissing him hadn’t felt so good, and had his voice held any of the humor that should have accompanied such a ridiculous dare, yet his voice held no mirth. The idea was ludicrous—six orgasms? Even the four she’d mentioned had been an exaggeration. Still, a stab of anticipatory pleasure tingled up her spine as she realized this talented man might just deliver.

“This ends at sunrise,” she managed, still out of breath as she pulled away long enough to say the words.

“I thought you didn’t do one-night stands.”

“It’s not a one-night stand. It’s an interview.”

Snapdragon Blurb

The rules are simple: unattached companionship, toe-curling sex and a clean break whenever it ends. Darby’s groundbreaking medical research will launch her to career stardom. Michael’s status as an architectural wunderkind will send him to a far-flung locale. Either one can say the single word that will break it off: Snapdragon.

Buy Link: Amazon

[image error]

Bio

Kilby Blades is a business executive by day, a writer of smart contemporary fiction by night, a lover of words and an admirer of the artists who arrange them cleverly.  She’s also the mother of two, an oenophile, a cinephile, and above all else, a hopeless fic fiend.

Snapdragon, the first novel in her Love Conquers None series was a Semi-Finalist in the 2017 Publisher’s Weekly Booklife Prize for Fiction. She is the author of two other erotic romance novels, Chrysalis and The Art of Worship, and the author of Marketing Steamy Romance, an advertising manual for erotic authors.

Social Media

Web Site: http://www.kilbyblades.com

Newsletter: http://www.kilbyblades.com/subscribe

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kilbybladesauthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kilby-Blades/e/B01N4770M0/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

First Kiss Friday with guest Judith Sterling

It’s First Kiss Friday and today I have Judith Sterling returning to my blog. Judith will be sharing an excerpt from her novel, Soul of the Wolf. Happy reading and enjoy!

[image error]

Excerpt:

Wulfstan’s expression shifted faster than the midnight clouds. “Why are you here?” he asked in a low, tight voice.

Keeping her distance, Jocelyn eyed the wolf behind him and willed her voice to sound calm. “Why do you think?”

Wulfstan’s eyes were like ice. “I think…that you’re spying on me.”

She held his wintry gaze. “Then you think rightly.”

“What? No denial? No protestations of innocence?”

“Would you have me lie?”

He clenched his fists. “No.”

“Then you cannot—”

“Nor would I have you pound your pestle into my private affairs.”

Heat swept through her. “Pray, what affairs have you that are not private?”

“I’ve given you a free hand with the servants and the keep. What more do you want?”

The wolf turned away and padded toward the forest. Her courage doubled. “More.”

Her mind made up, she strode past Wulfstan and approached Woden’s Stair. She raised her foot above the first step.

“Stay!” Wulfstan shouted above the wind.

She stopped short and turned to him. “Are you addressing me?”

He tore his gaze from the forest and settled it on her. “No. The wolf.” With powerful strides, he bridged the gap between them.

Her stomach quivered. He stood but a foot away. “Good,” she croaked. Then she cleared her throat. “For a moment, I thought you ordered me to stay, as you would order a dog.”

Humor softened his features. “Now there’s an idea. I must say, it does have a certain appeal.”

“Be serious.”

“A dog can be trained to please its master, but the master also enjoys pleasing the dog. Some hounds are spoiled, in fact.”

She frowned. Something in his tone was…suggestive. “Were I a bitch, I would not be so easily managed.”

He grinned. “That I believe. And I know you’re no animal to be trained. You’re a strong woman with a mind of your own. But even the strong-willed like to be pampered. Wouldn’t you like it?”

“I…I wouldn’t mind being pampered.”

His hair looked like spun starlight. “And pleasured?”

She stepped backward, and the heel of her boot met stone. Flustered, she clambered onto the step.

Wulfstan’s demeanor darkened. “Get down from there.” His large hands invaded her mantle and encircled her waist.

She wriggled free of his hands and backed onto the second step.

He crossed his arms. “Didn’t you hear me? Come down. That’s an order.”

Her body heat flared anew, and she climbed three steps higher. “I heard you, but I’ll not play the bitch to any man.”

“This isn’t a game.”

“No? What would you do if I ran all the way to the top?”

His words, exactly measured, were a promise. “I would stop you.”

“You could try.” She whirled around and started upward.

He grabbed her from behind and hoisted her several inches off the stairs. She struggled and kicked, and her left foot connected with his flesh.

“Woden’s blood!” He hauled her away from the stairs and planted her on the ground.

She twisted in his arms to face him. “Your nerve is unparalleled.”

His face was mere inches from hers. “Trust me, it bows to yours.”

“You’ve a clever tongue, my lord.” The hard, hot length of his body pressed against her.

His eyes were now dark and inviting. Expectant. “Would you care to see how clever?”

He lowered his lips to hers in a feather-light kiss. She gasped at the intimacy of it. He slipped his tongue inside her open mouth and began to explore.

’Twas her first kiss. A secret made known.

He’s tasting me, she thought. He tasted like mulled wine.

She melted to the kiss and opened her mouth wider. Their tongues entwined in a wet, rhythmic dance every bit as intricate as the patterns of Saxon art.

This is magic, she thought. And she wanted it to last forever.

He started to retreat. She moaned in protest and thrust her tongue deep inside his mouth. With a groan, he pulled her body hard against him. The kiss grew wild, hungry. His hands roamed over her hips. He squeezed her buttocks. His pelvis pushed against her in a primitive caress that sent shivers through her entire frame.

This was passion. This was life. This was—

He wrenched himself from her arms and backed away.

Blurb:

A Norman loyalist, Lady Jocelyn bristles when ordered to marry Wulfstan, a Saxon sorcerer. She nurses a painful secret and would rather bathe in a cesspit than be pawed by such a man…until her lifelong dream of motherhood rears its head.

A man of magic and mystery, Wulfstan has no time for wedded bliss. He fears that consummating their marriage will bind their souls and wrench his focus from the ancient riddle his dying mother begged him to solve. He’s a lone wolf, salving old wounds with endless work. But Jocelyn stirs him as no woman ever has.

Their attraction is undeniable. Their fates are intertwined. Together, they must face their demons and bring light to a troubled land.

Buy links:

Buy at The Wild Rose Press 

Buy at Amazon 

Buy at Barnes and Noble

[image error]

Author Bio:

Judith Sterling’s love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Flight of the Raven, Soul of the Wolf, and Shadow of the Swan are part of her medieval romance series, The Novels of Ravenwood. The Cauldron Stirred is the first book in her young adult paranormal series, Guardians of Erin.  Written under Judith Marshall, her nonfiction books—My Conversations with Angels and Past Lives, Present Stories—have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons.

Social Media:

Website – https://judithmarshallauthor.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/judithsterlingfiction/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16291161.Judith_Sterling

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MT3KB7L

The Wild Rose Press – https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/2212_judith-sterling

First Kiss Friday with guest Tricia Linden

Let’s start the year off with a bang! Today’s guest on First Kiss Friday is my dear friend Tricia Linden who has an excerpt from her novel, Until You Love Me. I loved this book and hope you will enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading and enjoy!

[image error]

Excerpt:

“Now, what were we discussing before this little interruption?”

“I believe the topic was seduction, or lack thereof.” Her eyes held mirth, as if she was enjoying their little game. “Now that I think about it, I believe it was the lack of seduction on your part that has contributed to our separate lifestyle.”

He was about to rebut her statement but she continued speaking, gracefully holding up a hand to halt his words.

“Before you get too riled up, let me explain. Our marriage was arranged by my father, hence, no seduction required on your part. Our wedding night did not go well, for which we are both to blame, but again, essentially no seduction on your part. It’s my observation that men like to seduce women. It’s the hunter in them, and yet your hunter instincts have not been tested since we’ve met.”

“Are you challenging me, Mrs. Jaffray?” he asked, retracting his ire as he mused over her interesting observation.

“Do you have any idea how much I love hearing you call me Mrs. Jaffray?”

His brows spiked. “Really. I had no idea.”

“When you call me Rebecca, you sound as if you don’t like me very much.”

He recognized the truth in what she said. He resented Rebecca Wheland, and all she represented, but when he thought of her as his wife, she seemed different somehow. “Would you prefer I call you Mrs. Jaffray all the time?”

She chuckled, a mirthful sort of sound. “I don’t think I would mind.”

“It seems rather formal, don’t you think?” He had heard other couples call each other Mr. and Mrs. and never cared for the practice.

“Then perhaps something more friendly, something that is special between us.” She paused, as if giving it some consideration, then added, “Perhaps you should call me Becca.”

“Becca? Hmm, yes, I like the sound of that. It suits you.”

“But only when we’re alone, not in front of others,” she said in a whisper, as if she were sharing a secret.

“Like now?”

“Yes, like now.” She reached up and began to pull pins from her head, setting them one by one on the table next to her as she unraveled her elaborately styled hair. The simple act was both intimate and completely unexpected. She must have noticed his startled reaction and said, “Do you mind? I think this hair style has reached its expiration.”

“Not at all, please continue,” he said, enjoying the show. He had never seen a woman undo her hair in front of him like this and he found it more arousing than he would have imagined.

“Would you mind helping me find all the pins?” she asked, looking marvelously seductive.

“My pleasure.” He went to stand behind her and she lowered her hands, letting him take over the task. Sighing, she closed her eyes as he ran his fingers through her hair. It felt unbelievably silky in his hands. He noticed a faint scent of lavender and leaned closer to breathe it in. Taking his time to find each and every pin, he delighted in the way the heavy tresses fell across the back of his hand and over his wrists. Lingering, he wound thick curls over his fingers as he searched for the last few pins. When he could find no more, he gently massaged her scalp and was rewarded with her moan of pleasure.

“Oh my goodness, James, that feels so good. I’ll give you thirty or forty minutes to stop.”

He chuckled at her jest and continued to massage her head, enjoying the feel of her hair in his fingers, before he spread it out across her slender, white shoulders like a veil of silk.

“I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to do this.” He bent down and pushed her hair aside to kiss her slender pale neck, noticing the pulse racing beneath her skin, before moving further along her shoulder, his hands tracing a teasing path down her arms.

“I can’t say the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.”

He paused for a moment. “Do confess.”

“You must know I find you attractive.” He noticed how her breathing had increased, her breasts rising and falling mere inches from his eyes.

“As your husband, I would hope you do.” He caressed his way back up her shoulders and neck, softly rubbing his lips across her warm skin, and inhaled her subtle scent. She arched her neck, moaning out a little purr. Yes, he would make his kitten purr.

“But we didn’t get off to a good start, and I didn’t know how to change that.” He was skimming his fingers back up her arms now, and her voice sounded breathless and airy.

His hands settled on her shoulders. “How could you? I wanted to be the one doing the choosing. I wanted to be in control.” For too long, it had felt as if her father had robbed him of his rightful control, but now Becca was giving it back.

She gazed up over her shoulder at him through lidded lashes. “Now that you’re in control, what do you suggest?”

“I’d like to ravish you,” he said, somewhat surprised by his own boldness. He nipped her earlobe and whispered at her ear, “With your permission, of course.” Although at this point, he knew she would not refuse him. It was obvious, she wanted this as much as he did.

Her smile was wicked, and enticing. “Permission granted.”

Blurb

More than a century separate Becky Sue Dobson and Rebecca Wheland Jaffray.  One of them is about to discover how deeply their lives are connected.

Becky Sue Dobson lives a dull, middle-class existence in the 21st century. After the loss of her infant daughter, she’s ready to end her life. When her car plunges over a steep hillside, instead of death, she encounters a mysterious man called the Maestro. Suddenly, everything she had thought to be true is turned inside out.

In the 1890’s, Rebecca Wheland Jaffary is living the pampered life of New York’s gilded age elite, but after only four months of marriage, she would rather face the scandal of divorce than continue to live with a man she doesn’t love. The only reason James agreed to marry her was to secure a loan from her father. Feeling angry and rejected, she runs off to hide at her family’s summer home though it’s closed for the winter season.

Facing financial ruin after the market crash in May, 1893, James Jaffray turns to one of the most ruthless men in all of New York and agrees to marry his daughter, Rebecca Wheland. Though their marriage was never based on love, when she suddenly disappears, James realizes his wife wants nothing to do with him.

Seven days later, when Rebecca returns home, James suspects something has changed, but he’s not sure what or why. Only one thing is certain, prior to her disappearance, James hadn’t believed he could ever love his wife.

Buy Links:

Amazon  |  Apple  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo

[image error]

Bio:

Tricia Linden ~  Author of Timeless Romance

with a Touch of Magic.

An International Banker by trade, and a romance writer by desire.

In this lifetime, I’ve lived in five states, on two islands, and on a farm, and am now living in Northern California. My travels have taken me to Guam, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong, England, Scotland, several countries in Europe, and several states in the US.  Besides my love of reading and writing romance, I have a great fondness for zydeco dancing, classic rock and best of all, Pink Flamingos. Over the years, I’ve gathered a rather large collection of the fun pink birds.

I believe in life, love and the pursuit of romance and am living happily ever after with my soul-mate in Northern California. “My life is magical, I am truly blessed.”

Visit Tricia at:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  | Email

 

Filed under: First Kiss Friday Tagged: Be My Guest, First Kiss Friday, Historical Romance

First Kiss Friday with guest Susana Ellis

For my last First Kiss Friday for the year, I’d like to welcome my friend Susana Ellis who has an excerpt from her upcoming novel, The Marriage Obligation. Happy reading and hope everyone has a happy New Year!

[image error]

The Temple of Venus (folly) at Warrington Manor

  Excerpt

Note: At this point in the story, Cornelia has confessed her terrible secret to Preston, her husband-in-name-only.

He took her hand and led her back to the folly. “There, you got it out. That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

She tilted her head to look at him. “You’re not—shocked? Disgusted?”

He squeezed her hand and looked directly into her eyes. “Surprised, yes, certainly. Disgusted? I don’t quite understand your meaning, Cornelia.” His eyes widened. “Unless you are thinking—surely not—that I should be disgusted by you!”

She burst into tears. He pulled her trembling body into his arms and held her against him until her body quieted and the tears slowed, eventually turning into occasional hiccups. When she raised her head from his chest, he handed her his handkerchief. “Shall we sit down? When you are ready, you can tell me what it is that has you so distressed.”

Dabbing at her eyes, she nodded and allowed him to guide her back to the stone seat.

“I must look a mess,” she said finally, in a shaky voice.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his hand making gentle circles on the surface of her back.

She made a face. “Liar. I’ve seen my face in this condition before. Red eyes, splotchy cheeks, shiny nose. Definitely not a good look for me.”

In response, he reached over and turned her face toward his before capturing her lips with his for a tender kiss. Her sweet response tempted him to deepen it into something more passionate, but he sensed she was not ready for that and reined in his desire.

“Do you still believe I was lying, my dear?” he said as their kiss ended.

She swallowed. “Perhaps you were just being kind.”

Well, then. If she did indeed need more convincing, he would be more than pleased to deliver it.

He took her face in his hands again and kissed her again, this time with more pressure, then pulling away slightly to tease her lips with his tongue, before probing between them with his tongue. Her eyes widened with surprise, but far from protesting, she pressed closer to him, her arms floating to his shoulders. She smelled of violets and tasted like a combination of innocence and passion. His hands drifted to her hair, where his gentle caresses caught on pins and sent dark locks spilling down her back. When her eyes widened, he took her lips again, this time plunging his tongue between her teeth and coercing a timid response from hers. His hands floated down her back, lightly touching the side of her breasts before settling possessively at her waist.

Mine. My woman. This woman was made for me. She has to know it too.

When they finally pulled apart, she looked down, flushed and breathing hard.

“Well?” he said when he found himself able to talk again. “Was that a ‘just being kind’ kiss, do you think?”

She looked up at him, her eyes lit with a mischievous glow. “You’ve proved your point. There was nothing ‘kind’ about it. I must allow that you are a magnificent kisser, Preston.”

His breath quickened. “There is nothing I would like better than to kiss you like that every day. Several times, in fact. I am convinced that we could have an exemplary partnership, my dear, if we were to make our marriage a real one.”

About The Marriage Obligation 

Cornelia Hardcastle has been determined never to marry since she was eighteen and discovered an ugly family secret. Now that she’s twenty-four, however, her parents want to see her settled so they can move to Canada for her father’s prestigious new government post. Not a chance!

The second son of a viscount, Preston Warrington is more than happy to leave the viscount business to his brother so he can travel the world in search of adventure. His recent stint as a spy for the British in the War with the French has come to an end, and he’s getting pressured to marry and settle down. Hell no!

How could the notorious Marriage Maker from Inverness all the way in Scotland possibly know that these two marriage-averse individuals are perfect for each other?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Available soon in The Marriage Maker Goes Undercover series.

[image error]

About Susana

Susana Ellis has always had stories in her head waiting to come out, especially when she learned to read and her imagination began to soar.

A former teacher, Susana lives in Toledo, Ohio in the summer and Florida in the winter. She is a member of the Central Florida Romance Writers and the Beau Monde chapters of RWA, Maumee Valley Romance Inc., and the (in)famous Bluestocking Belles.

Website: http://www.SusanaEllis.com

Blog: https://susanaellisauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Susana.Ellis.5\

History Lovers FB: https://www.facebook.com/historicalfictionbooks/

Lady P Chronicles FB: https://www.facebook.com/ladypchronicles/

Vauxhall Vixens by Susana: https://www.facebook.com/vauxhallgardens/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanaAuthor

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

Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/u5u3X

Filed under: First Kiss Friday Tagged: #BellesInBlue, Be My Guest, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Susana Ellis

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing & a Giveaway!

It’s First Kiss Friday and today I’m featuring… well… myself and Home For The Holidays… just in time for Christmas. Read on for the first kiss scene for Margaret & Frederick from Under The Mistletoe along with how to enter for your chance to win my giveaway!

 

[image error]

Excerpt:

Heading into the foyer, Margaret asked for her cloak and Frederick assisted her with donning the garment. He went to the door and opened it wide with his hand extended towards her.

“Walk with me,” Frederick urged.

She took his gloved hand without hesitation. In truth, she would follow him to the ends of the earth, if she must, just to be with him. The snow crunched beneath their feet as he escorted her towards the back of the house and into the nearby trees that would surely offer them a few moments of privacy.

Once they were far enough away from prying eyes, Frederick pulled her into his arms. She had never been this close to him, or any other man for that matter, not since those happy years long ago when they were but children tumbling down a grassy hill as they played. Her shiver had nothing to do with the weather.

“I believe you owe me a kiss, sweet Margaret,” Frederick whispered in a husky, seductive tone that set her soul to flight.

[image error]

Her hands made their way to rest upon his chest, and she fingered the lapels of his coat. “I promised you no such thing.” She laughed lightly.

“It is tradition, after all, when you stand under the mistletoe, my dearest,” he said with a roguish grin.

Her eyes moved upwards, and her own smile formed. Sure enough, the scoundrel had maneuvered her so a patch of Christmas mistletoe hung high above their heads. “Frederick…whatever am I to do with you?”

“Just love me, Margaret, for all of our days and nights together.”

Any answer she could have given him was cut off as his mouth lowered to hers. Soft lips touched her own, and her breath hitched at their contact. She took a small step forward, and he deepened their kiss even while his arms tightened around. With her heart beating a rapid staccato with his nearness, Margaret’s mind swirled in a dizzying haze while she lost herself in this moment. Her first kiss.

Everything in her world seemed to right itself in this one instant in time, and, for once, her life became balanced. If Margaret had known his kisses would render her senseless, she would have never refused his original offer. They had lost years where they could have been together, perhaps even already having a family of their very own, and it was all her fault. He must have sensed where her thoughts had led her for he ended their kiss abruptly but continued to hold her close to his heart.

“Promise me you shall become my wife,” he murmured against her hair.

[image error] About HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are upon us and there’s nothing like curling up with the gift of a good Christmas book. Enjoy this Regency box set with two of Sherry Ewing’s previously released holiday novellas, A Kiss For Charity & Under The Mistletoe!

A Kiss For Charity – Young widow, Grace, Lady de Courtenay, has no idea how a close encounter with a rake at a masquerade ball would make her yearn for love again. Lord Nicholas Lacey is captivated by a lovely young woman he encounters at a masquerade. Considering the company she keeps, she might be interested in becoming his mistress. From the darkened paths of Vauxhall Gardens to a countryside estate called Hollystone Hall, Nicholas and Grace must set aside their differences in order to let love into their hearts.

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

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Just $0.99!

Buy Links:

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

 

[image error]

Giveaway!

For a chance to win an eCopy of Under The Mistletoe that is found in Home For The Holidays, leave me a comment telling me something you enjoy during the holiday season. I’ll leave this giveaway open through Christmas before I generate a random comment on Tuesday as the winner. Good luck!

Filed under: First Kiss Friday Tagged: First Kiss Friday, Friends to Lovers, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Sherry Ewing, Under the Mistletoe

First Kiss Friday with guest Jude Knight

Today on First Kiss Friday, I’d like to welcome back my dear friend, Jude Knight. Forged in Fire, Jude Knight’s contribution to the Bluestocking Belles’ anthology Never Too Late, keeps the hero and heroine busy surviving a volcano during their story; their first kiss comes right at the end. Rather than spoil the impact by sharing it too soon, the following excerpt has the kiss that Tad dropped on Lottie’s hand as they walked back to the tourist town of Rotorua after the eruption.

[image error]

Excerpt:

Tad and Lottie returned to Rotorua with a group of Te Wairoa refugees, who had been invited to stay with relatives at the Ohinemutu village. The great pall thrown up by the volcano still darkened the sky, and the walk took the whole day, from just after breakfast. Atame wasn’t with them. He had joined a boat trip across Lake Tarawera to see what had become of the Māori villages around its shores. Lottie had seen enough to know he would find nothing, but assured Tad that, if he wanted to go with his friend, she would be fine.

“I’m not leaving you until I see you safe,” he replied. “Besides…”

His voice trailed off, and he put out a hand to help her over a fallen tree trunk in their path. On the other side, he didn’t release her hand, instead lifting it to see the scratches and torn nails disclosed by this morning’s wash in the muddy water of a lake they had passed.

“They will heal,” she reminded him.

[image error]

He raised it further, kissing the back of it before letting it drop, but still he continued to keep it tucked inside his own. “We are survivors, you and I.”

He was not, she thought, talking about the volcano. Yes. She had survived her scandal, her grief, her dull and empty life with Myrtle. But he had more than survived. He had thrived in this far land, transcending his undeserved disgrace.

They stopped for a bite of lunch on the shores of Tikitapu, where the conversation became more general, though mostly in the lyrical fluid sounds of the Māori language. Tad kept translating bits for her, and occasionally one of the others would address her in English.

She was content, she realised. Her various scrapes and bruises hurt, she must stink to high heaven and would seriously consider selling her soul to any devil who offered her a bath, and she was walking through a devastation worse than any she had imagined. But no one had scolded her in two days, she had friendly company even if she did not understand what they said, and the man with her held her hand and looked at her as if he liked her.

About the story

Burned in their youth, neither Tad nor Lottie expected to feel the fires of love. The years have soothed the pain, and each has built a comfortable, if not fully satisfying, life, on paths that intersect and then diverge again.

But then the inferno of a volcanic eruption sears away the lies of the past and frees them to forge a future together.

[image error]
About the Book

Eight authors and eight different takes on four dramatic elements selected by our readers—an older heroine, a wise man, a Bible, and a compromising situation that isn’t.

Set in a variety of locations around the world over eight centuries, welcome to the romance of the Bluestocking Belles’ 2017 Holiday Anthology.

For more information and buy links to a variety of retailers, click here.

About Jude Knight

[image error]

Jude Knight’s writing goal is to transport readers to another time, another place, where they can enjoy adventure and romance, thrill to trials and challenges, uncover secrets and solve mysteries, delight in a happy ending, and return from their virtual holiday refreshed and ready for anything.

She writes historical novels, novellas, and short stories, mostly set in the early 19th Century. She writes strong determined heroines, heroes who can appreciate a clever capable woman, villains you’ll love to loathe, and all with a leavening of humour.

Website and blog: http://judeknightauthor.com/

Subscribe to newsletter: http://judeknightauthor.com/newsletter/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/jknight1033/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Jude-Knight/e/B00RG3SG7I

 

 

Filed under: First Kiss Friday Tagged: #BellesInBlue, #NeverTooLate, First Kiss Friday, Jude Knight

Throughout time, it has never been too late for love…

[image error]Welcome, Time Travelers, to 1181.

You’ve arrived in the year of my novella, The Piper’s Lady, which appears in the Bluestocking Belles’ box set Never too Late. I hope you enjoyed your visit to 1916 when you traveled to Picardy, France via Caroline Warfield’s blog last week here. Did you leave her a comment for our giveaway? Be sure to do so along with leaving one for me here on my blog!

You’ve now found yourself in medieval, England… Sorry about the war, harsh living condition, and bad drinking water but there is a lot more happening at the time of my story…

Ruler of England

[image error]Henry II (1133-1189) is king of England in 1181, and he’s part of the good news. He’s building up our court systems and seems to be very big on the rule of law, something that may catch on. He and Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) had eight children but of course they haven’t all lived to adulthood. One who did is known as Ricc hard the Lionheart (1157-1199). Unfortunately, several of them have led revolts to secure the succession and are eager to acquire power and lands.

[image error]

Their mother, Eleanor is one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Western Europe at this time. Henry II might be called a ruthless ruler in his determination to restore the lands and privileges of his grandfather Henry I, but he has done a good job of strengthening England’s borders with Wales and Scotland. He’s also used the country’s wealth to fund a long-running war with his rivals in France.

 

Lovers

[image error]

The tale of Tristan and Iseult is one of the favorite tales at this time. The story is a tragic one about the adulterous love between the Cornish knight Tristan and an Irish princess Iseult (Isolde). However terrible the ending to their story, we love it and believe it will have a substantial impact on Western art and the idea of romantic love.

 

The Lives of Lovers ~ What they ate…

[image error]

[image error]My characters in The Piper’s Lady are members of the nobility and what they eat is far different from the food of commoners or even kings. They eat plenty of fresh game seasoned with exotic spices and display refined table manners, and have wine on a daily basis. Their servants and the lower classes drink ale or mead. Meals are usually a communal affair and my Knights of Berwyck gather in the Great Hall for their meals.

What they wore…

[image error]

We care about fashion in 1181, just like your own time. Men wear an inner tunic or shirt with long tight sleeves and drawers or braies. Tailored cloth leggings called chausses or hose (separate garments for each leg) are often worn with an outer tunic that reached to their knees or ankles. A recent innovation the surcoat has been well received and is worn by both men and women.  The knights in my story, wear chainmail to go to war or practice in the lists. Full body armor, which you might think of when envisioning a knight in shining armor, won’t be introduced until later. [image error]

Women wore an under tunic called a chemise (usually made of linen), over which is worn one or more long tunics (or gowns/kirtles). A close fit to the body, full skirts and long flaring sleeves are characteristic of my characters in The Piper’s Lady. They also wear a veil over their hair that was often parted in the center and hung down in long braids.

 

Where they live…

[image error]

My characters from The Piper’s Lady live in a castle called Berwyck located at the England/Scotland border. Note:  although there is in fact a castle located at Berwick-Upon-Tweed, little remains of it in your century as the foundation was torn down to build other structures in the area during intervening centuries. As an author, I decided to change the spelling of the castle name and, as my time traveling ladies will attest, the castle will still be thriving in the future.

  Barriers to Love…

[image error]

Marriage in 1181 usually happen to gain power, wealth and lands, at least for the nobility. Commoners have to seek permission from their master in order to marry or they will be punished. Lady Coira Easton and Garrick of Clan MacLaren from The Piper’s Lady also have had the problem that Garrick is not a knight. Since he holds no title, Coira’s cousin, Lord Dristan of Berwyck, may not give so readily his permission for the match. But love always finds a way…

 

Giveaway!

Comment on all eight blogs in the tour and be entered to win a $25 gift voucher from Amazon and a print copy of Never Too Late!

You can get to all eight blogs via the time machine page on our Bluestocking Belle’s website once all tour stops are published.

Fare thee well, time traveler! Try not to land in the midst of the Black Plague, the Great Fire of London or the sack of Rome!

About The Piper’s Lady:

[image error]

True love binds them. Deceit divides them. Will they choose love?

Lady Coira Easton spent her youth traveling with her grandfather. Now well past the age men prefer when they choose a wife, she has resigned herself to remain a maiden. But everything changes once she arrives at Berwyck Castle. She cannot resist a dashing knight who runs to her rescue, but would he give her a second look?

[image error]

 

Garrick of Clan MacLaren can hold his own with the trained Knights of Berwyck, but as the clan’s piper they would rather he play his instruments to entertain them—or lead them into battle—than to fight with a sword upon the lists. Only when he sees a lady across the training field and his heart sings for the first time does he begin to wish to be something he is not.

Will a simple misunderstanding between them threaten what they have found in one another or will they at last let love into their hearts?

Buy Links:

Amazon US  | Barnes & Noble   | iBooks  |  Kobo | 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

 

Filed under: 2017 Tagged: #Amwriting, #BellesInBlue, Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, Sherry Ewing, The Piper's Lady, Time Travel