Welcome to a weekend of book promotions at The Celtic Rose Blog--Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9, 2012.
Authors - Please feel free to promote your new releases and back list books in the Comments section. If you can replace your avatar with your book cover, great. We'd love to see some covers. Blurbs, excerpts, buy links--all are welcome. And if you'd like to offer those who leave comments a free book or other incentive, please mention it and check back through the comments for names and emails.
Readers - We hope you'll enjoy this selection offered throughout the weekend from Celtic, historical and fantasy authors. Here is a great way to see new releases. You can copy and paste buy links right into your browser to go see more of these books. If you have an interest in a specific giveaway, please indicate that in your comment and be sure to leave your email address.
Have fun!
ReplyDeleteMy previous novels have all been mainstream. In The Iron Warrior series I mention here, my writing now enters that realm called Manlove, the erotic end of the heat scale. For those of you who like the tang of hidden passion and the zest of heady adventure, I hope you’ll give them a try.
Here is a G rated excerpt from Warrior, Stand Tall. The former Roman soldier Gristle and his friends are returning from Wales to Ireland in a Saxon longship they have seized as spoils of war. Gristle’s mind ranges to the past, then to the task ahead, and finally he confronts the present moment as a group of Saxon mercenaries break into wine-soaked song:
Now all thoughts of being a “solitary warrior” had been chased from Gristle’s mind by a handsome, irreverent, mischievous young pony trainer—Wynn Talfryn. Even now, thinking about a particular scene of lusty passion, his lips moved in an inchoate smile. If the bitch goddess knew how happy he was, surely she would send the devil’s own minions to sink the ship he sailed on.
His mind ranged back to what Wynn had told him of the clootie tree and how he craved the cleansing of his body through the ancient rite of purification. Gristle sourly reminded himself that he, too, would need purging. Once they reached the sacred tree, he would seek to cleanse his own mind of the twisted jealousies and deep-rooted fears that kept him from the joy of simple, heartfelt love. He did love Wynn. He knew that for a fact, he knew it with a certainty that burned in his gut. If he told Wynn his feelings, what would Fortuna do then? He was scared shitless to tell his lover, for fear Fortuna would sweep him away some day, taking with him all that Gristle had ever given another human being.
Piss. Life is never completely happy. For every surge of joy, Fortuna sends a stab of pain. That was Gristle’s definition of life. That is what kept his face expressionless. If Fortuna should see a scowl, she might think she had won. Or if she saw a smile, she might resolve to turn it to pain.
Wynn was lying no more than a few feet from him, curled into the timbers of the ship’s prow. The night was warm and clear, with no moon. The overhead canopy was a black travel cloak imbedded with diamonds.
He thought of the trip that awaited them out of Dunleary, three days of riding in brilliant green pastureland and wooded bogs, north to the seat of the high kings of Éire. The seaport settlement of Dunleary itself was a fort—Dun Lóegaire—the fort of Leary, the high king of that beautiful country. They would leave the Saxon ship there with Mór, the wide-waisted Shipmaster, and they would no doubt receive a handsome price for it, to be divided among all of them. This ship represented the spoils of war, and they had earned the prize.
Gristle reckoned that they would see the rough stretch of water wistfully called Dunleary Harbor shortly after daybreak--a bitch of an inlet, hard-fought by every sailor who entered her harsh embrace. They would eat a well-deserved morning meal and then pay for the horses they had boarded. Gristle thought they would do well to buy some new clothing, and even to spend some time walking, before they began the long trek to Tara.
Now the longship was slicing through the waves, borne by lusty winds that too rarely had sprung out of the east. Gristle saw the tireless Glaed Keepers lean away from their oarlocks and take long draughts from their immense wineskins. A sailor’s song lifted, then sped away with the wind:
“Sternenlicht”…Starlight
“auf dem Meer”…on the sea
“O führe mich”…guide me
“Zu meine Liebe”…to my love.
Your buy links are:
Warrior, Ride Hard: http://www.bookstrand.com/warrior-ride-hard Warrior, Stand Tall: http://www.bookstrand.com/warrior-stand-tall
Thanks for stopping by Miriam’s lovely Celtic Rose. I wish you all a joyous weekend!
Miriam, this is a wonderful idea. Thank you for the opportunity to spread the word.
ReplyDeleteTEMPTATION IN A KILT is my debut novel, available now in paperback or e-book.
She’s on her way to safety
It’s a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s desperation that
she’s seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging
as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn’t care about
hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master
of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is
completely beyond her control…
He redefines dangerous…
Ciaran MacGregor knows it’s perilous to get
embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as
headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise
to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he’s stuck
with her, even though she challenges his legendary
prowess at every opportunity. When temptation
reaches its peak, he’ll be ready to show her who he
really is…on and off the battlefield.
PRAISE FOR TEMPTATION IN A KILT:
RT Rating: 4 Stars Review
"Roberts’ debut novel will charm fans of Scottish romance. Her love of Scottish history and Highland heroes is quite evident in the fast-moving plot. Well written, full of intrigue and a sensual, believable romance, this book captivates the reader immediately. Definitely an author whose next book will be eagerly awaited by her readers."
―RT Book Reviews
"Readers seeking a break from raunchier romances will appreciate the focus on the protagonists forming a real relationship over time."
―Publishers Weekly
"The frightening, gut-wrenching events that lead up to the climax makes one’s heart pound and keeps adrenaline pumping. The many twists and turns that take place are skillfully interlaced with foreshadowing and subtle clues that are threaded throughout. Ms. Roberts weaves together historical events, exquisite descriptions, intrigues, humor, and compelling characters to create a love story that leaves the reader with a satisfied sigh—ah, yes, a happy-ever-after."
―Long and Short Reviews
"I will forever have the story and the characters in my heart. I recommend this story to everyone."
―Romancing the Book
BUY LINKS:
http://www.amazon.com/Temptation-Kilt-Victoria-Roberts/dp/1402270062/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347105851&sr=8-1&keywords=temptation+in+a+kilt
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temptation-in-a-kilt-victoria-roberts/1108937012?ean=9781402270062
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Temptation-Kilt/Victoria-Roberts/9781402270062?id=5311479167706
Hello, everyone. Glad to see Miriam is stirring up fun again!
ReplyDeleteMy latest release is Fiery Roses, Book Two in the
Band of Roses Trilogy, a series of romantic action/adventures set in a modern Ireland that might have been. The "what if" premise supposes that High King Brian Boru survived the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 AD and established a royal dynasty still in existence. As head of state, the current King Brian upholds ancient traditions, as does his daughter, Crown Princess Talty, though Talty has a knack for landing in trouble.
In Book One, A Band of Roses, the indomitable Princess Talty must hide her identity to outwit assassins, but she can't hide her ingrained training as a warrior sworn to protect her homeland. From Japan to California to an eleventh century Ireland, she finds romance and adventure, yet all she wants is to return to her family and Neil Boru, the adoptive cousin she secretly loves but cannot have—or so she thinks. Warrior Neil has secrets of his own.
In Fiery Roses, a major discovery of offshore gas ensnares the Boru clan in a web of blackmail and murder. When the residents of rural County Mayo object to plans to run pipelines over their land, an arsonist tries to change their minds. One of his fires sends newlyweds Talty and Neil to an ancient world with a waking volcano. While they struggle to find their way home, King Brian locks horns with ruthless oilmen. The resulting conflict proves fatal for the Boru clan, whose members again close ranks to defend the kingdom they’re sworn to protect.
The third book, Salty Roses, a pirate adventure, is due out in November. My web page, www.patmcdermott.net, has more info and several excerpts for all three books.
A Band of Roses and Fiery Roses are available on Kindle and Nook, and from MuseItUp Publishing. My Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Pat-McDermott/e/B002U6E8NW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1347106724&sr=1-2-ent
Pat here again. I also have a Young Adult paranormal adventure set in that same Ireland that might have been. Glancing Through the Glimmer, a sweet romance fraught with fairy mischief, is guaranteed to entertain Young Adults of all ages. It's a prequel to the Band of Roses Trilogy. The sequel, Autumn Glimmer, is due out in January, 2013. Here's the Blurb for "Glancing":
ReplyDeleteIn the modern Kingdom of Ireland, few mortals believe in the fairy folk. Without that belief, the fairies are dying. Finvarra, the King of the Fairies, would rather dance than worry—but he must have a mortal dancing partner.
When Janet Gleason’s grandfather becomes the new U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, the sixteen-year-old orphan must leave Boston and her friends behind. Janet is lonely in Dublin and unused to her grandparents’ stuffy social life. An invitation to a royal ball terrifies her. She can’t even waltz and dreads embarrassment. Finvarra’s fairy witch overhears her fervent wish to learn to dance.
Seventeen-year-old Prince Liam Boru loathes the idea of escorting another spoiled American girl to a ball. In fact, he detests most of his royal duties. He dresses down to move through Dublin unnoticed and finds himself on his royal backside when Janet crashes into him. Intrigued, he asks to see her again, and she willingly agrees. Unaware of each other’s identities, they arrange to meet. When they do, the fairies steal Janet away.
Liam’s attempts to find her trigger a series of frustrating misadventures. Can he and Janet outwit a treacherous fairy king who’s been hoodwinking mortals for centuries?
Here's an Excerpt, a scene set in Dublin's vibrant Temple Bar section. Prince Liam, the King of Ireland's son, is breaching royal security by venturing out of the house in disguise with his hungry cousin, Kevin.
__________
Flowers cascaded from windows and terraces. Fanciful murals adorned several walls. Traditional music oozed from brightly painted pubs and flew from the fingers of street musicians.
"There's at least six guards in the crowd," Kevin said.
Liam had already spotted the yellow jackets and visored black hats of the Dublin police. If anyone recognized him, the sharp-eyed gardaí would. Seeking to avoid them, the cousins crossed the street that led to the square.
They stopped at the corner near the ice cream shop. Before them, in the center of the bustling square, scores of bibliomaniacs rummaged though boxes of books set on tables. Liam couldn't wait to join them. "Which way is the Mexican restaurant, Kev?"
Kevin tilted his head to the left. "Over there. I've been craving their nachos all morning." He raised his eyes in ecstasy. "And they have the best chicken chili! Let's go."
Liam hopped over a puddle and turned—straight into a warm, solid object.
The crash knocked the breath from him. He didn't see who'd clobbered him. He only knew his royal arse was on the cobblestones.
"Li!" Kevin dropped beside him, inspecting him like a fussing mother hen. "Li, are you all right?"
Thankful he hadn't landed in the puddle, Liam heaved himself up on his elbows. He wanted to get away before a crowd gathered. "I'm fine," he said, raising his arm. "Give us a hand, Kev."
As Kevin pulled him to his feet, he noticed a girl his age sprawled on the ground nearby. Blond. Ponytail. Extremely good-looking, with high round cheeks that tapered to a charming chin. Before he could help her to her feet, a dark-haired miss did just that.
The second girl was clearly a friend. Pretty enough. A tad overweight. Glasses. Backpack. "Nice going, Jan," she said. "You did it again."
"I'm so sorry!" the blond named Jan blurted out. "Are you okay?"
Yanks, for sure. The brunette seemed amused, but the blond sounded desperate. Terrified. In need of immediate consolation.
Liam hatched his best smile.
__________
Available on Kindle and Nook. Thanks!
www.patmcdermott.net
And here I am again. Readers, leave a comment with your contact info, and after the weekend, I'll select a winner to receive a pdf of one of my books, your choice. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMiriam, thanks so much for this opportunity! I'm excited to share the first two books in my Claddagh Series.
ReplyDeleteA Valiant Survivor of Famine and Tyranny
Siobhan Desmond will do anything to keep the tattered remains of her family alive, even if it means working for the new landlord – a darkly handsome stranger with secrets in his eyes and pain in his smile. As she watches her village return to life and begin to thrive under Rory O’Brien’s care, she comes to understand his true nature and soon finds herself falling under his dangerously sensual spell.
As danger ignites all around them, Rory and Siobhan fight to right the wrongs of the past – and protect their newfound love.
In Sunshine or in Shadow
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0974624950/002-9576380-5473642
And Book II, Coming Home.
ReplyDelete“A woman’s love is strong, more powerful than all the ghosts in Ireland..”Daughter of an Irish village girl, step-daughter of the landlord, Ashleen O’Brien has lived between two very different worlds. But after a year in America, she yearns to return to the green land that is her heart’s home.
War and betrayal have taken everything from Cavan Callaghan – his home, his family, and the woman he loved. A hero of the Irish Brigade at Antietem, he’s searching for the family he never knew.
Love and deception await Cavan and Ashleen along those emerald shores, as the ghosts of a past that can never quite be forgotten rise to threaten their newfound happiness.
http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Cynthia-Owens/dp/0983396000/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
Cynthia here again. Leave a comment and include your contact info, and I'll choose a winner to receive a paperback edition of one of my books (your choice!)
ReplyDeleteONLY FOR A KNIGHT, the second book in the KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOR series by Michelle Miles. Coming later this year from Ellora's Cave!
ReplyDeleteBLURB:
The Sword of Light is missing. Innocent Fae nobles are slaughtered. And now someone wants Princess Elyne’s head.
After saving her love from certain death, Princess Elyne returns to the Otherworld by order of her mother, Queen Maeve. But it’s not the homecoming she expects. The queen is furious she has been meddling with humans and imprisons her, stripping away her magic. The only way Elyne can get her powers back is to perform one selfless act.
When Queen Maeve sends Sir Derron to find the Guardian of the ancient Sword of Light, one of the Four Treasures of the Otherworld, he can’t leave without releasing Elyne. After all, she altered time to save his life in the human world. But freeing the princess comes with a steep price—he must take her with him on this dangerous quest.
Their search becomes much more than a pursuit for the missing Guardian. Dark Elf, Lord Kieran, rises to dominate the Unseelie court. He will stop at nothing to gain control of both the Otherworld and the human realm—he's murdering Guardians and stealing the sacred Treasures of the Fae. Even with the help of Elves, dragons, and their human friends, the odds are stacked against Derron and Elyne.
Can they stop Lord Kieran before he slays the queen and tears down the walls of the Otherworld?
TEASER:
He wanted her. Under him. On top of him. Next to him. It didn’t matter. All that did matter was taking her to his bed and making slow sweet love to her. He wanted to feel the quiver of her body under his, know every inch of her from head to toe. Kiss every expanse of milky-white skin.
Thanks for this lovely opportunity, Miriam! And to all the wonderful readers: Leave me a comment with your email addy and I'll be happy to send a ONE lucky commentor TWO pdf's! THE HIGHLANDER'S FURY AND BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER. A bit more about each book is listed below and I've also pasted the link to my Amazon page. Enjoy! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Highlander's Fury (ISBN 978-1-61217-021-3) from The Wild Rose Press
A satisfying blend of saucy sensuality and heartrending sincerity. RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
An average day in the life of an immortal Fury?
Flex powers. Locate evil. Administer justice.
Until Ciara’s goddess mothers convince her to seduce a brooding mortal and bear the man a gifted child. All she has to do is swap places with his betrothed. A simple task−become the seductive wife, bear the man a child and train the young one in the Ways. Once the boy reaches seven years of age, they’ll swap her back with the wife Faolan thinks he selected and Ciara can resume her job of rousting wickedness from the world.
Faolan MacKay’s advisors plague him daily about his matrimonial duties as laird, dragging prospects from across the Highlands: plump dowries attached to each one.
Faolan’s lost everyone he’s ever loved. He’d rather go straight to the fiery pits of Hell than down the wedding aisle. Out of desperation, a plan takes seed. He’ll select a wife he can ignore. There’s just one problem with this foolproof theory. Nobody ignores Ciara.
Against his better judgment, he’s enthralled with the woman and to Ciara’s surprise, this strange thing called love burns hotter than her hunger for vengeance.
At the end of the seven years the ruse is up, all will return to as it was. Can the bond of love overcome the mandate of the ultimate powers?
Beyond A Highland Whisper (ISBN: 1-60154-879-6) – from The Wild Rose Press
Make sure that you have a free weekend to read it; I guarantee that you won’t be able to put this one down easily. 5 Hearts ~ Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
Can love prevail over the dark magic of a woman scorned?
The last time Latharn MacKay walked among his kinsman was in Scotland of 1410. Sensuous and charismatic, all the women wanted him, but none could capture his heart. Latharn's charm became his curse when a dark sorceress didn’t take rejection well. She snared his soul into a crystal globe until the one woman destined to be his love whispered his release. Now all Latharn has to do is find her and guide her to him without speaking a word.
One of the youngest archeologists in St Louis of 2010, Nessa credits one thing for this achievement: the recurring dream of a heart-stopping Highlander since the summer she turned eighteen years old. Little does she know, he's not some fantasy cooked up by her subconscious. He’s a trapped soul determined for Nessa to end his six centuries in hell.
http://www.amazon.com/Maeve-Greyson/e/B004PE9T9U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Have a wonderful weekend all! :-)
Thanks for this fantastic promo chance on your beautiful and interesting blog, Miriam!
ReplyDeleteI have some ancient world and medieval stories that I hope others may like.
'Flavia's Secret,' set in ancient Roman Britian with a Celtic heroine and Roman hero who has just become her master.
'Bronze Lightning' set in ancient Britain in the Bronze Age with a bull-leaper heroine and a hero with power over storms.
'The Snow Bride,' set in the snowy wastes of medieval Britain with a witch heroine and a wounded, disfigured hero, both seeking kidnapped brides - my take on Beauty and the Beast.
The Lord and Eleanor - medieval again. When the lord of the manor decides to help former bonds-woman Eleanor, what will he expect in return?
The Amorous Chatelaine - an older knight visits a lady's castle, hoping she will teach him courtly ways. Or will they teach each other?
My Kensington Zebra 'knight' novels, all with dashing knights as heroes - 'A Knight's Vow,' A Knight's Captive,' 'To Touch the Knight,' 'A Knight's Enchantment'.
To see covers, read excerpts, chapters and more, please visit my website at http://www.lindsaytownsend.net
Miriam,
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us post our Celtic-themed books.
A Greek vampire, Celtic kings, vengeful goddesses, an ancient faery curse…
All three books of my Dark Goddess trilogy are available in Print and Ebook. Set in dark age Scotland, I mixed history with a Samhain/Beltaine myth that revolves around an Irish clan and the goddesses Brigit and Cailleach.
http://kelleyheckart.com/BookShelf.html
http://kelleyheckart.com/cats_curse.html
Cat's Curse, Book 1: Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical romance/fantasy
Enter Dark Age Scotland—a mysterious, dangerous & exciting place…
Blurb: Cardea is cursed to live an eternity as a blood drinker. Aedan mac Gabrain, prince of Dal Riata, trusts no one after suffering a curse that keeps him from touching any females. Can two tortured souls find love while battling a dark goddess determined to destroy them?
****
http://kelleyheckart.com/BeltainesSong.html
Beltaine’s Song, Book 2, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy
Blurb: For each of them, spring's song has a different meaning.
Aedan and Domelch must battle earthly foes—enemy kings and traitorous allies. For the first time, the arrival of spring heralds the sound of a harsh battle horn as their foes close in. Through all this turmoil, can their love survive?
For their son, Gartnait, spring brings with it the promise of new love and the thrilling sound of the battle horn, putting those he cares about in danger.
****
http://kelleyheckart.com/winters_requiem.html
Winter’s Requiem, Book 3, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy
Blurb:
Three different women, one ancient curse…
An ancient curse is revealed, leading Domelch, Brigit and Cailleach into certain danger amid a web of deceit. Can they break the curse and put the shattered pieces of their lives back together?
kelleyheckart.com
Another teaser from ONLY FOR A KNIGHT:
ReplyDelete“Whom have you brought to me, Ainthas?” he asked at last. “Is this Princess Elyne I see?”
“Aye, Father, it is the crown princess of the Otherworld, as she so pointedly told me.”
Elyne didn’t appreciate his condescending tone, nor did she appreciate the fact that the Elven prince hadn’t bothered to announce himself when he rescued her from a certain plunging death. She glanced at Ainthas and could clearly see the resemblance he had to Sobriel and Eldrin. She looked back at the king, wondering how many children the man had.
“Rise, your highness.” The king stood, waving her to her feet. “There is no need to bend the knee to me. Your family was once a friend to mine.”
Low voices muttered throughout the court, as if trying to decide if the king had truly lost his mind. The Fae were not welcome in the Woodlands, yet he seemed to welcome her here. Something about his words dislodged an ancient memory, one that Elyne had buried long, long ago.
“I come with a message from Queen Maeve, your grace,” Elyne said, standing to her full height.
His brows rose over those dark, searching eyes. He stepped down off the dais to stand in front of her, peering at her with curiosity. “Why would Queen Maeve send me a message?”
“We have a common enemy. If I may have a word with you? Alone?”
Gasps filtered through the room as though asking for a private audience with the king was unheard of. Next to her, Ainthas laughed but the king never looked away from her. His gaze narrowed, the curiosity replaced by wariness.
“Shall I grant her request, Ainthas? Would you like to hear what the princess has to say?”
“Aye, Father, I think we both should.”
Elyne flushed hot. She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, trying to maintain her cool. It took all her strength not to lash out at them.
“Come then, your highness, to my private chamber so that we may speak.” He glanced around at those gathered in his court. “Alone.”
Miriam, thanks so much for this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteReaders, why not try a different type of story? HER HIGHLAND CHAMPION, my first Honor Guard story, is a CONTEMPORARY Scottish romantic suspense. It's set in the Highlands, has a hunky Scotsman for a hero, a sassy American for a heroine, a dash of suspense and LOTS of romance! Here's the official blurb:
Heather Winchester leads a charming life. With good friends, a beautiful flat in one of the most amazing cities in the world, and a promising future once she finishes her Ph.D., she is finally pursuing her own dreams instead of catering to everyone else’s…except she doesn’t remember any of it.
Malcolm Fraser has returned to his Highland village to forget his failings as a professional bodyguard. Believing he could just lose himself in the mundane activities of running his bed & breakfast, he finds a woman’s lifeless body by the loch instead….
Captivated by Heather as she regains her memory, Malcolm is thrown into the line of duty. As danger comes knocking on their door, will he be strong enough to love her and keep her safe?
Are you tempted yet?
If yes, here's a link to buy it now: http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Champion-Honor-Series-ebook/dp/B007PJ1GM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344107555&sr=8-1&keywords=alexa+bourne
If I haven't tempted you yet, visit my blog (http://alexabourne.blogspot.com) or my website (www.alexabourne.com) to learn more about my writing and me.
OR...leave a comment about my post and you'll be in the running for a FREE copy of my book! I'll choose a winner from any commenters (who comment on my post) once the weekend is over.
No matter what, thanks for visiting us today!
ONLY FOR A KNIGIHT is not available yet...but the first book in the series is! You can read ONE KNIGHT ONLY and find out how it all began.
ReplyDeleteONE KNIGHT ONLY
Blurb:
A snarky Faery princess, a Scottish knight with a gambling problem, and a murderous earl all add up to one thing: Trouble. Maggie’s medieval education never prepared her for life in the Middle Ages!
Do-gooder Maggie Chase throws her thesis out the window when she wakes up in the arms of a hot Scottish knight. When she realizes she’s somehow ended up back in time, she embraces the persona of Lady Margaret. But she may be in over her head when she realizes she has to keep the sexy knight alive during a jousting tournament in order to get back to her own time.
Sir Finian “Finn” McCullough is a gambling man and owes a very large debt to an evil earl who is after his family estate. When the beautiful and outgoing Maggie arrives in his bed, he can’t remember tupping her the night before and thinks she’s a spy for one of his neighboring clans. He intends to find her kinsman and return her safely but he can’t resist her charms, her smart mouth or her sex appeal. Instead he keeps her close, taking her with him to an important jousting tournament—one he has to win or lose his castle forever.
Read an excerpt and get buy now information here:
http://michellemiles.net/books/knights/
Thanks, everyone, for your posts today! I hope readers won't be shy about leaving comments to win one of your books. I've had the pleasure of seeing at least a couple of these since they were twinkles in their authors' eyes and I love them!
ReplyDeleteMy newest release, The Eagle's Woman, came out on August 2. It was my birthday, as it happened. This is Book I of my Viking romance series, The Eagle, and I'll be leaving for Ireland on September 26 to research the sequel, The Eagle's Lady.
BLURB:
Son of an impoverished, dying Norse chieftain, Ari raids for booty and slaves so he can feed his people. Pagan himself, still he spares priests though he sells them. He’s a heathen, a murderer, and it is a sin for any Christian woman to love him. Yet when he abducts Maeve from her peaceful Irish fishing village, he may have found the one woman who can.
EXCERPT:
“What?” Ari asked, reaching with his free hand to take her chin in it. His thumb caressed her bottom lip and she thought she was not out of danger with him, no matter how disheveled her appearance. This man wanted her, no doubt of it. Not enough to commit violence on her, apparently, but she thought gentleness held its own dangers. If she was not careful, it could weaken her will. He was not unattractive—with fair skin, strong angular features and striking eyes—though just then he looked like a drowned rat as all of them did. It did not obscure the strength of his body or the keen intelligence in those eyes. She turned her head to the side, dislodging his thumb.
“I have not seen tears from you before,” he said thoughtfully, “though many of the others are crying. What has finally broken you?”
“I am not broken,” she spat, “only mourning two good people who raised me. But I am sure you know nothing of such feelings.”
He sat back on his heels. “Do I not? Two good people raised me as well. One lies crippled in his sickbed and the other waits for me to bring coin to buy things a sick man needs.”
Maeve was silent, surprised and momentarily chastened. She had never seriously supposed he had motives other than greed.
“Do you think raiding is worthy of a fighting man?” he persisted. “I would rather face an army than hungry children.”
She stifled an impulse toward sympathy. “Ours are dead or captive. You seem to have no trouble facing that.”
Abruptly, he set both feet beneath himself and got up, undaunted by the motion of the ship which made such things impossible for Maeve. She had not noticed a wineskin hanging from the rigging, but she saw him reach for it then. “I cannot help your children.” He took a fulsome swig. “Just mine.” Wiping the neck with his wet tunic, he held the wineskin out to her.
It was decent wine, probably from their monastery, tasting of strength and summer. She needed strength to remember that summer would come again, so she drank.
BUY LINKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theeagle039swoman-904928-162.html
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b134393/?si=0
http://www.amazon.com/The-Eagles-Woman-ebook/dp/B008RZD4Q2
Thanks Miriam. My debut release is part of the Paradise Pines Series named Night Angel. It is set after the end of the 1849 California gold rush.
ReplyDeleteNIGHT ANGEL EXCERPT:
Different colored bottles of whiskey and beer reflected in the mirrors along the wall behind the long wooden bar. Perfect. That's where she'd start her evening.
She slipped off her cape and handed it to Declan. His appreciative gasp brought a smile to her lips. Having men ogle her appearance was hardly new. She'd learned early to use her looks to her advantage. The way Declan's eyes heated with appreciation when he cast a glance at the deep cut of her décolletage reminded her how good it felt to be a woman.
"Now you'll see who I really am."
Declan grabbed her arm. "Don't let them forget you're a lady, Amalie."
She cast him a wicked smile. "The name's Lily Fox. Believe me, honey, Lily's no lady."
She approached a couple of gamblers and leaned over slightly to give them full effect of her daring dress. "Would you mind helping me, gents? I have need of your table for a moment."
The men jumped to their feet in unison, their cards forgotten. Amalie took the nearest man's outstretched palm, stepped onto a chair, over their cards and up onto the long wooden plank bar.
"Good evening, boys." She strutted along the length of wood, avoiding whiskey glasses and kicking away eager hands.
The saloon girl stopped caterwauling. The room went still. She had everyone's attention, just the way Lily liked it.
"Get down, young woman. This ain't no place for you to prance about," the barkeep snarled in outrage.
Ignoring the scowling face with the handlebar mustache, she kicked up her heels. Adding a dance step, she pranced back and forth the length of the makeshift stage. Lily reveled in the whistles and disregarded the uncouth remarks. She was in her element. "My name is Lily Fox and I'm here to entertain you tonight."
With the flick of her hand, she caught the attention of the stunned piano player. "Play something quick and lively, will you, honey?" She glanced around the room of excited faces and turned on her brightest smile.
Night Angel is in ebook form and can be purchased at Desert Breeze Publishing, Amazon and Barnes and Nobel.
Website: paisleykirkpatrick,com
Thanks, Paisley. It's good to see the strength of the Western historical--they are so loved by so many--and this should be a good one! Glad you stopped by.
ReplyDeleteThis book, The Comet, is one of my best-loved and best-selling historicals.
ReplyDeleteAn ambitious young Norman knight, Neel, is seriously wounded at the Battle of Hastings and nursed back to health by a Saxon girl, Rowena. For her, it is only a matter of Christian duty and she is shocked to receive his proposal of marriage in return. She dares not refuse, but how can she love a Norman?
EXCERPT:
Fumbling at the gaudy tie, she drew out a necklace of stones like the eyes of a cat. Carefully drilled and strung on a fine wire, they slid through her fingers smoothly.
“They are called topaz,” Neel explained. Stunned, Rowena had neither moved nor spoken. “They are the color of your eyes. I have given Bryna a gown for you, too. And a head covering.” He smiled at her. “I think you will like ours better. All I ask is that you wear them for Christ’s Mass.”
She remained obdurately silent, but she could not…dared not…refuse. No doubt the gown was Norman. He called her “little Saxon,” yet did not wish her to appear to be one. And perhaps, if Ralf had spoken truly, he was correct and she wasn’t one at all.
“Here,” Neel said as if her acceptance was a given. “Sit beside me and I will put it on you.”
Still mute, she perched rigidly on the edge of the mattress she had shared with him in perfect comfort when he was unconscious. This time he was awake and aware and so was she-- jolted by every nuance as he touched her for the first time.
He was efficient, raising her wild hair with a hand holding its weight, parting it and dropping it forward over both shoulders so that he could fix the clasp of the necklace. She felt the cold, rich stones against her collarbones and heard the tiny snick of the clasp as he put his claim on her.
He lifted her hair back carefully, not catching it in the necklace. But he did not take his hands from her shoulders after he had done it.
She fell back upon manners, drilled into her by Bryna. “I have nothing for you,” she said faintly.
“Then give me a kiss.”
There it was--the trap she had sensed. She could wrest her body from beneath his hands and bolt for the door and he couldn’t stop her, but that was only postponing the inevitable. Slowly, she turned her head to the side, not moving towards him but not moving away.
“Come,” he said softly, inching closer. How was he doing that…hurt as he was?
“Be careful,” she said, ambiguously.
“It’s just a kiss.”
BUY LINKS:
http://www.amazon.com/the-comet-ebook/dp/B004MMEG8O?tag=t0e7-20
Also available at www.fictionwise.com and www.allromanceebooks.com
Thanks for this awesome opportunity! I'm Nancy Henderson and I write historical romance and paranormal romance (sometimes a combination of the two). My latest release is Four Winds, an American set Colonial romance with a Native American Hero, Hunter. Here is a blurb:
ReplyDeleteA killer sworn to protect the one she risked everything to destroy.
Revenge is all Julia “Cade” Skye has left. Determined to avenge the death of her husband, Cade is shot by one of Colonel Grey’s men, Hunter, a local native sworn to protect Grey.
Discovering he shot a woman, Hunter has no choice but to take Cade home to his people and nurse her back to health. While recovering, Cade opens up a world to Hunter, one of compassion and understanding, something the hardened warrior never had. Hunter, in turn, teaches Cade that forgiveness is possible. Can they each forget the pain of their pasts and find a future with one another?
Visit my website for more information: http://www.nancyhenderonauthor.com
Thanks for reading!
All the best,
Nancy
Nancyhendersonauthor.com
Welcome to Ballycashel, a tiny, wind-swept village off the Galway Coast. Here you’ll meet Siobhan Desmond and Rory O’Brien and their daughters, Ashleen and Katie. You’ll also meet the Flynns, Grannie Meg Kilpatrick, Liam Brady, Paddy Devlin, and a host of other endearing folk. Join them for sweeping romance, danger, and stories of Ireland after the Great Hunger.
ReplyDeleteIn In Sunshine or in Shadow, Siobhan Desmond, a valiant survivor of famine and tyranny, and Rory O’Brien, a gambler with a thirst for revenge, must fight to right the wrongs of the past – and protect their newfound love.
In Coming Home, Siobhan’s daughter, Ashleen, must prove that “a woman’s love is strong, more powerful than all the ghosts in Ireland,” even as the ghosts of a past that can never quite be forgotten rise to threaten her happiness with Irish American war hero, Cavan Callaghan.
In Playing For Keeps, Rory’s daughter, Katie, and American actor Lucas Howard, must battle prejudice and buried secrets before they can learn to trust each other. Is their love just a brief intermission, or are they Playing For Keeps?
The Claddagh ring is an ancient wedding ring from the west of Ireland. The hands represent friendship, the crown loyalty, and the heart, love, three themes that resonate through all my stories.
In Sunshine or in Shadow: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0974624950/002-9576380-5473642
Coming Home: http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Cynthia-Owens/dp/0983396000/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2
Playing For Keeps, coming soon!
What a wonderful opportunity- many thanks! I am not a romance author, but I have a series of mystery shorts set in 5th century Ireland- my hero, Conor Mac Cormac, is a warrior chieftain who often has to solve murders that are always more than they seem, and are connected to the political intrigues of Eire and the late Roman Empire.
ReplyDeleteSo far there have been two installments- THE KING'S AVENGER and THE INFIDELS- but there are many more to come!
THE KING'S AVENGER: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069WGPHK
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/106213
Murder and Intrigue in 5th century Ireland! Conor MacCormac is not only the most honored warrior of Connacht, he is the king’s closest friend. When his leader is murdered at the High-King’s Fair, it is up to Conor to find the killer. The king had no shortage of enemies –but which one is guilty? And what price must Conor pay to find the answer?
THE INFIDELS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069WUGPC
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/106219
Murder and Intrigue in 5th century Ireland! Conor MacCormac, the new King of Connacht, had not wanted a Christian church in his territory, but the High-King – a new convert – had insisted. Now the priests have been slaughtered by raiders from the northlands – or so it seems. Conor must unravel the mystery, and he fears the truth may rock the Emerald Isle…
EXCERPT from THE KING'S AVENGER:
Mugs of ale were placed in their hands. The warrior and the Druid stood and spoke at length of the old talesthe Fian, the Knights of the Red Branch, and many others. They were interrupted by an outcry in the darkness.
A sobbing young woman, clutching a woolen mantle to her bosom, was being dragged out of the shadows by an angry man. She resisted, and he wrenched her arm savagely. A slightly swaying Shane came stumbling out behind them, grinning crookedly. The drunken crowd around the fire laughed and cheered.
"You are humiliating me, Brian!" she whimpered.
"No!" he shouted. "It is you who are humiliating me, Dectaire, and our whole family as well -rolling in the shadows with this lout!"
"I'm only glad the oaf stopped me," Shane said. "My senses have been so dulled by drink that I would soon have humiliated myself."
Shane's remark elicited many bawdy comments from the other celebrants.
Brian's face reddened further.
"Sire, you have insulted the clan MacDare!" he said. "I demand redresslet the matter be settled by personal combat!"
Shane MacGuire wagged a finger. "The King's Peace," he chided.
"Very well then," said the youth. "After the Fair!"
"My boy," Shane said sadly. "You are addressing a king. Do you, a common peasant, presume to chastise me? There are kings enough waiting to try that, I assure you! Now begone, before I order you punished for stirring violent contentions during the Fair."
Brian MacDare, fuming, scanned faces in the group -looking for sympathy. Finding none, he stalked away.
Shane returned to his drinking, Dectaire and three of her friends fetching his cups. Conor shook his head indulgently. He wondered if he would be forced to slay the hot-headed MacDare in a few days.
Thanks again for the opportunity to direct the attention of Celtic story fans to my crime-solving chieftain!
Troy D. Smith
www.troyduanesmith.com
Thanks, everybody for your posts. Troy, I don't think we've had Celtic crime-solving on here before! :) Cynthia's books I know and love, and Karen's time-traveling romance is yummy. I am so glad you stopped by. I hope readers today found something to their liking and that everyone had a great weekend. I sure did.
ReplyDeleteMiriam,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this opportunity. The sequel to my historical romance, FLIGHT OF LITTLE DOVE is coming out next month. SISTERS INN is also set in early 1870s and is the saga of two women striving to run a successful Inn! It is available through Whiskey Creek Press.
All the best,
Ruth
www.ruthzonline.com
Thanks, Ruth. Hey, you saved us from having 13 authors on here! Yes, I know your book Little Dove and it's wonderful. Congratulations on Sisters Inn coming out.
ReplyDelete