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Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.

Monday, August 31, 2020

Book Review: New Orleans Vampires, History and Legend by Marita Woywod Crandle

New Orleans Vampires: History and Legend (Haunted America) by [Marita Crandle]


https://www.amazon.com/New-Orleans-Vampires-History-Haunted-ebook/dp/B075H2MT6R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1Q10F8MXQQ16V&dchild=1&keywords=new+orleans+vampires&qid=1598924148&s=digital-text&sprefix=new+orleans+vam%2Caps%2C217&sr=1-3

An interesting read. 4 stars.

I was looking for inspiration and decided to read this book based on vampire tales that originated in New Orleans.  I found the stories interesting. I've read quite a few books on vampires, but I'd never heard of these stories about The Casket Girls, Comte De St. Germain, and the Carter Brothers. As I was reading them, I could almost sense the mystery and spookiness of the Quarter. The author's own vampire encounter gave me chills. As an added bonus, there is a bibliography at the end for further reading. Highly recommended for anyone who loves well-researched vampire tales.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Even her unrestrained heart can be captured. Awakening the Wolf, an erotic werewolf thriller #MFRWSteam

 


AWAKENING THE WOLF

SHADOW-WALKERS BOOK 2

(This is a standalone story.)

Do you like paranormal romances with hunky werewolves and a murder mystery? Rock Star meets Supernatural in this exciting new series. The women are the rock stars here, and they command the supernatural alpha males in their lives. Grab a copy now and enter the sexy, scary, and thrilling world of Shadow-walkers.

 She doesn’t believe in love.

 The controversial, promiscuous lead singer of the all-female hard rock band Hecate’s Fury, Cyn has vowed never to commit to one man. She’s also a Shadow-walker, whose Wolfsangel rune binds her to werewolves.

 When a werewolf mysteriously dies in her bed after a BDSM session, she tries to hunt down his killer. It’s no easy task since the werewolf had a lot of enemies within his pack and a rival one.

 Even her unrestrained heart can be captured.

 Two charming, handsome werewolves vie for her attentions. Both are suspects. As the clues lead to a shocking discovery connected to her past, Cyn realizes she is tied to these werewolves by more than her mystical rune. Even if she opens her heart to love, werewolves are monogamous. She is not.

*

Buy links: Kindle:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFRDLM6

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1791614736

More info on the Shadow-walkers series: https://www.kelleyheckart.com/shadowwalkers.html

*

Excerpt: (Rated R)

“What are you waiting for? I thought you were eager to see what was inside.” Lucius held the handle of the sturdy rectangular metal box.

“It’s something Henry told me tonight, that some things are best left alone. What if it’s like opening Pandora’s box?”

It was a weird coincidence that my cat’s name was Pandora.

My Spidey senses tingled. “What if people get hurt by what’s inside?”

“What about finding Eddie’s killer?” he asked.

“Eddie’s gone. There’s nothing we can do that will bring him back.”

“You are a wise woman, Blue.” Lucius’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “Maybe he entrusted you with the key to keep it away from the box.”

I sucked in a deep breath, the dreaded box glinting in the moon’s light. “We need to get rid of it.”

“First, I have to kiss you again,” he rasped and leaned in, the cold metal container pressed between us.

He crushed his lips to mine and eased his tongue inside my mouth. Warmth and tingles consumed me. That ache between my thighs grew into an unbearable tight knot that needed release. My knees weakened, and I was grateful for his strong arms as he let go of the box and embraced me.

The metal case dropped to the ground with a clunk, and the key slipped from my fingers.

Lucius yanked off his flannel from over his T-shirt and placed it on the ground. Gently, he lowered me down onto the soft shirt. He knelt before me, unfastened and tugged my jeans down, his eyes shining with desire like he was opening a wrapped gift.

Beneath his appreciative gaze, I kicked off my boots and my jeans and then shimmied out of my G-string.

Growling, he positioned himself between my legs and nibbled my naked thigh, moving his mouth up to my sex, nuzzling my waxed pussy. He suckled my nub, his stubble eliciting delightful quivers against my bare skin. He knew just where to lick and suckle to bring me pleasure. I’d never been kissed down there with such tenderness, like he really cared about satisfying me. Ready to explode from his passionate caresses, I fisted his hair, moaning and writhing. His flicking tongue sent me into orgasmic heaven, my body shuddering beneath his mouth.

He leaned back and opened his jeans, his huge erection bobbing upward. I clutched him, squeezing his hard, velvety length while I pulled a condom from my small purse.

At his raised eyebrows, I shrugged. “Always prepared.” I rolled it on and guided him to my sex. Arching up to receive him, I ached for more of him.

He plunged into me, leaning down to kiss my mouth while he thrust deeper. Tasting myself on him only heightened my excitement. We were one soul. I’d never felt anything like this before. Moonlight embraced us in cold, silver light like a blessing.

The handsome werewolf slid his lips along my neck, filling me with thousands of blissful sensations as I clenched around him, his tender yet impassioned thrusts stroking my inner walls. I wanted him deeper, and I wrapped my legs around him, drawing him closer. His powerful body bucked against mine, so primal and so heavenly. Beneath the moon’s glow, we found our rhythm and moved as one being.

Lucius groaned, and his body jerked with his orgasm. He drew his mouth back, and his eyes glowed amber, his teeth elongating. Feral passion glittered in his gaze.

I should have been terrified, but I wasn’t. A thrilling shudder rippled through me, and I clutched his back, digging my fingernails into his shirt. I glided my nub against his skin and came right after, my body rolling with tremors. It was the best vanilla sex I’d ever had. My rune tingled like crazy, and I widened my eyes.

“Ah, Blue, I…” He turned his face away.

“What’s wrong?” I cupped his face with both hands and forced him to look at me.

Tears glistened in his eyes. Was that regret in his dark depths?

My gut clenched. “Talk to me, Lucius.”

“I warned you not to go behind my back again.”

Both of us jumped at the sound of Henry’s lethal voice, and we fumbled with our clothes. Lucius shielded me and closed his pants while I managed to get my G-string on and cover my lower body with his oversized flannel. I looked up and gaped at the gun in Henry’s hand, my chest constricting.

*

Series blurb:

The five young women of Hecate’s Fury are more than rock stars.

They are Shadow-walkers, chosen to help the supernatural world.

There’s just one problem—no one trained them.

*

Check out these other talented erotic authors:

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or Click here:

http://mfrwsteam.blogspot.com/

*

Kelley Heckart

Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

https://www.facebook.com/kelleyheckartauthor

http://www.goodreads.com/kheckart

https://www.amazon.com/author/kelleyheckart

https://www.pinterest.com/kelleyheckart

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Sometimes the end is really the beginning. Awakening: A Shadow-walkers supernatural romance #MFRWHooks

Sometimes, the end is really the beginning.

After destroying her successful music career, the close friendship with her bandmates, and her marriage, author Kaitlyn Storm, aka Kate Wolf, former bassist for the all-female rock band Hecate’s Fury, is given a second chance. She receives an offer to turn her book series into three movies, but her troubled rock-star past continues to haunt her.

She never expected to find love or a way back.

When she is trapped in a haunted cabin during a snowstorm with Kane Devlin, the hot Scottish movie star playing her hero, their rising passion for one another ignites. What they awakened will change their lives, but before she can move on, Kate must let go of the guilt and shame keeping her from claiming her shared destiny. For she may not know it yet, but she and her bandmates are chosen.

“Suspenseful, passionate, and sexy.”


 *

Buy links: 

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1P9242

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/172574287X

*

Excerpt:

I didn’t get any more texts from Kane that night, but he was probably busy or sleeping, since there was an eight-hour time difference. Too excited about his earlier text, I could hardly sleep.

First thing in the morning, I texted Britany. Hey, Brit. Kane said to check with you. Said he had a surprise for me. Going nuts here.

It’s a plane ticket to Ireland. GF, he’s so in love with you.

Stunned, I gaped at her message. He was sending for me, which meant he wanted to go public with our relationship.

I had to be sure so I texted him. Wow. What a surprise. Are you sure you are ready? I am if you are.

Nothing.

I went about my Sunday, coordinating a schedule of what I needed done with my new P.A. Apparently, P.A.s did whatever you wanted them to do, within reason of course. Well, it had to be legal anyway.

Still nothing from Kane. Too jacked up to work, I picked up my bass and played along to some songs. Someone banged on my door. I sighed, paused my music file on my laptop, set my bass down and turned off my amp. Probably an angry neighbor coming to complain about the loud noise. More frantic raps reverberated.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.” Geez. I opened the door.

Britany stood there, crying. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve been trying to call you.”

My chest tightened. “Here. I was playing my bass. I didn’t hear my phone. What’s wrong? Come inside.” I moved aside and shut the door behind her.

“It’s Kane. There was an accident on the set. He was hurt during a fight scene. It’s serious, Kaitlyn.”

*

Check out the other books hooks from some talented authors:

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Monday, July 13, 2020

Medieval Monday: White Rose of Avalon Final Excerpt #medmonspring20

Welcome to the final day of Medieval Monday. This snippet is the ending to my excerpt from White Rose of Avalon.



Blurb:
Do you like captivating, passionate historical fantasy featuring King Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, Nimue, Morgaine, and Lancelot? Inspired by The Mists of Avalon, this sensual retelling of the Arthurian romances brings these legendary characters to life.
Destiny cannot be altered.
With Britannia falling to the Saxon hordes, Morgaine, Queen of the Faeries, has no choice but to make a pact with the Christian monks. She promises to give them a High King who will unite the Britons against the Saxons if he takes a queen from the faery realm. Morgaine hopes this will restore the Goddess faith and return Avalon to its rightful place. She sends Lancelot to guard the future High King, but when a love potion falls into the wrong hands, all seems lost.
Gwenhwyfar is the only hope for the future, but betrayal, revenge, and forbidden love surround her, all of which could send both Britannia and Avalon into ruins.

Buy links:

Also available in KU
Excerpt snippet #11-Final

The familiar, deep masculine voice sent pleasant shivers throughout her body. She opened her eyes. “Lancelot!”
He was not wearing his armor or carrying his weapons. Warmth bloomed inside. That meant he was staying at least for the night.
He plopped down next to her and stroked her long black hair. “I have missed you so.”

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

Passion and betrayal in ancient Greece, The Bear Goddess #MFRWsteam

Welcome to the MFRW steamy blog hop. Enjoy!



 The Bear Goddess: Book 1: The Arcadia Series by [Kelley Heckart, Nicole Zoltack]



Do you like Greek myths with a twist?

Callisto is the nymph who betrayed Artemis. This is her story.


Callisto, the daughter of the great Arcadian King Lycaon and the nymph Maia, has taken a sacred vow of purity, forsaking all others for Artemis, and attains the revered position of Bear Goddess among the nymphs. When she meets Kasin, a follower of Zeus and her sworn enemy, her life is shattered.

Kasin is a centaur prince and one of few who can take human shape. Despite having sworn allegiance to Zeus, he saves the life of one of Artemis’s nymphs. He is torn between his love for Callisto and his duty to his people and his god.

When their secret, forbidden connection is exposed, and they make their escape, danger and betrayal follow Kasin and Callisto. To survive, they must evade a god obsessed with having Callisto for himself, as well as others who also want to keep them apart. With a devastating war looming between the centaurs and the nymphs, Callisto must make a difficult choice. To prevent bloodshed and to save an innocent life, she must die.

Excerpt (Rated R)

Despite looking frightened at first, she had given her consent and now she willingly arched her hips to meet Kasin’s thrusts and drive him deeper. Her tightness engulfed him in a warm, soft, heaven-like place. She was like a precious stone only just discovered and polished to a beautiful sheen, untouched by any other man. Her clean, floral scent spoke of her purity and drove his desire.

He stopped himself from ravishing her. He didn’t want to hurt or frighten her, but she surprised him by writhing and capturing him deeper inside of her. Her nails raked against his back in fierce abandon and he let out a satisfying groan. Smiling, he enjoyed the pleasant shiver her boldness produced. She was not as delicate as a flower. In the throes of coupling, she possessed the fierceness of a centauride along with the tenderness he craved in a mate.

Letting go of his hesitation, he took her with passion and force, surrendering to the throes of lovemaking. He delighted in taking her innocence, producing in him a sense of power, and strangely, he had a twinge of affection for her because she trusted him with something so precious to her.

Her body shuddered in the final throes of rutting, her quivers gently milking him, releasing his pent-up lust. Twin tremors racked their bodies. His groans and her strangled cries mingled as one unbridled, passionate sound.

He held her close even after the final shudder had subsided. Gods, he had never experienced such lovemaking. And he had never bedded a virgin. The sense that she belonged to him tightened around him and wouldn’t let go.

Her flushed look of passion turned into a troubled look. “What have I done?” She eased out from under him. “I do not know what kind of enchantment came over me.”

“Do you regret our coupling because I worship Zeus?” He tried to keep the anger out of his voice.

“No.” She sat with her knees drawn up to her chest. “I have taken a vow to serve only Artemis.”

“You seemed to enjoy what I was doing to you.” He savored her scent lingering on his skin, an intoxicating scent that tightened around his loins like an alluring ribbon of mist. He wanted more of her, but he hesitated to reveal his true feelings for her until he knew of her feelings.

“It does not matter. It cannot happen again.”

He shook his head. “How can you deny yourself pleasure?”

“Because the penalty for breaking my vow is death.” Tears glistened in her eyes.

He sat up. Part of him felt some guilt for being party to her disgrace.

“I am no longer worthy of my goddess.” She lowered her head.

He cupped her chin in his hand, compelled to take the risk and reveal a small part of his feelings. “You are worthy to me.” Gazing at her, he conveyed the warmth in his heart with his eyes.

****

Check out the other steamy posts from these MFRW authors. 

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or http://mfrwsteam.blogspot.com

****

Kelley Heckart

Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.

https://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

https://www.facebook.com/kelleyheckartauthor

http://www.goodreads.com/kheckart

www.amazon.com/author/kelleyheckart

https://www.pinterest.com/kelleyheckart

https://booksprout.co/author/3632/kelley-heckart

 


Monday, July 06, 2020

Medieval Monday: Night of the Owl by Judith Sterling

Welcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet is from Night of the Owl by Judith Sterling. Enjoy!



Tagline:
True love transcends time.

Blurb:
PhD student Ardyth Nightshade has renounced men and pursues her twentieth-century career with single-minded focus. When fate whisks her to medieval England, she meets her match in a man whose passions mirror her own. Can she sacrifice ambition for a love she never sought?
Hugh, Lord Seacrest confounds all who know him. He refuses to marry without a meeting of minds and hearts, and no lady has even approached his ideal…until Ardyth. But she's an odd one, with unique skills, shocking habits, and total conviction she needs no man. She also harbors secrets, and in the midst of rumors, plots, and murder, trust is fragile.
A woman outside of her time. A man ahead of his. They must take a leap of faith to forge a bond that will shape history.

Buy links:

Snippet #10


He dropped the blade of grass and sat up. “Now you must tell me…how did you know to look for me in the cave last night?”
She bit her luscious lower lip, then gave him a curt nod, as if she’d reached a decision. “Very well, I’ll tell you. Bertram told us you mentioned the granary after reading the note, so we went thither. The owl you and I saw earlier was still there. I don’t know what made me do it, but I asked him for help. And then, as I stared into his eyes, I got an answer. ʼTwas as if he planted the words in my mind: ‘the sea cave…go by way of the secret passage.’”
“You actually heard a voice?”
“ʼTis woodness, I know, but I swear to you, I heard a male voice. Now that I think of it, it almost sounded like…no. That’s impossible.”


Follow along next week on Judith’s blog: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/


Wednesday, July 01, 2020

Book Review: NIGHTSHIFTER: A Werewolf Thriller #bookreviews

I gave this five stars on Amazon. 

NIGHTSHIFTER: A Werewolf Thriller (Book 1 of 5) by [L.E. Horn]

A thrilling ride.

This story by L.E. Horn kept my attention from the first page and had me sitting on the edge of my seat with its twists and turns.  Written in first person POV, the writing style was engaging. I loved the main character, Liam,  a veterinarian who becomes immersed in the world of werewolves. Danger lurks in this new world Liam has stumbled upon, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. I love how the author went into believable detail about how werewolves (wulfan) transform. There was also some romance and sexual tension that I liked in this story. I found a new favorite author. Highly recommended if you like thrilling werewolf stories.

Monday, June 29, 2020

Medieval Monday: Love Will Find You: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book Four) By Sherry Ewing

Welcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet is from Love Will Find You: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book 4) by Sherry Ewing. Enjoy!



Blurb:

Sometimes a moment is all we have…

Ella Fitzpatrick is a woman with a secret. As she comes and goes from Berwyck Castle, seeking refuge within its gates, she yearns to be reunited with the one for whom she crossed time from the twenty-first century. She has lived another lifetime in the twelfth century waiting for the date of their reunion and it is almost upon her. But how could she have known the man she believes she loves is not the person she needs?

Killian of Clan MacLaren has been infatuated with Ella for many a year but has guarded his heart, knowing her affection lies with another. When Ella must flee Berwyck, Killian vows to escort her to her encounter with destiny. But passion flares between them and there is no doubt the bond they have is far greater than either of them expected.

Their time together is running out. Killian has a decision to make that might give him and Ella a future together. If you could change someone’s past, would you seize the moment?

Buy Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3crq6pU

Week 9 Excerpt

He gave a nod and continued to steer his horse towards the trees. Relief flooded through Ella. She had the distinct feeling she would not be able to handle a deep conversation with Killian right now. Each time he gazed upon her, her heart leapt almost as though they could see into each other’s souls. Such a revelation was not comforting when Ella continued to try to remind herself her heart belonged to another. Or did it? She rubbed at her eyes feeling the beginnings of a migraine.

They rode deeper into the forest longer than Ella would hope but finally Killian pulled on the reins, halting the animal beneath them. Night had now fallen, but Ella was used to the dark, for she had concealed herself for many a year by using little to no light. She had not survived as long as she had by not adjusting to her surroundings and her need to remain hidden, not only from her son, but from those who roamed the countryside and would physically harm her if they came upon her.

Did you miss week eight? Find it on Jenna Jaxon’s blog here: http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com
Join Sherry next week for another excerpt on Bambi Lynn’s blog here: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Awakening: A sexy, thrilling ghost story with a hot Scot #MRWRSteam

Welcome to the first MFRW Steamy blog hop.


Blurb:

Sometimes, the end is really the beginning.

After destroying her successful music career, the close friendship with her bandmates, and her marriage, author Kaitlyn Storm, aka Kate Wolf, former bassist for the all-female rock band Hecate’s Fury, is given a second chance. She receives an offer to turn her book series into three movies, but her troubled rock-star past continues to haunt her.

She never expected to find love or a way back.

When she is trapped in a haunted cabin during a snowstorm with Kane Devlin, the hot Scottish movie star playing her hero, their rising passion for one another ignites. What they awakened will change their lives, but before she can move on, Kate must let go of the guilt and shame keeping her from claiming her shared destiny. For she may not know it yet, but she and her bandmates are chosen.

“Suspenseful, passionate, and sexy.”


Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1P9242


(Rated R)

After I looped the belt around my waist, I adjusted the fitted tunic dress, shortened for a warrior. It fit snug around my chest and showed off my cleavage. My bare legs peeked out from beneath the thigh-length edge as I leaned against bed and tugged on tall brown suede boots. I straightened and glanced at Kane.

Standing in front of me, he was wearing snug, patterned Irish trews, or leggings, a belted tunic, and tall brown suede boots. With his long hair and short beard, he looked every bit like an Irish king. Holy crap, why couldn’t that be the fashion now?

“I think I’m going to come right now,” I said.

He chuckled, eyeing my outfit. A huge bulge tented the front of his leggings. “Me too.”

Shivers rippled through my sex. Hands on my hips, I pushed my chest out and tilted my head, peering up at him. “Come hither, my vigorous wolf lord, and rut me.”

His eyes smoldering with desire, he grabbed me and pulled me into him, kissing me with tender yet forceful caresses. His erection prodded my belly.

“My spear is ready for you, my sweetling.” He spoke in a thick Irish brogue.

My knees went weak. I’d never been so turned on. Gotta love actors.

He slipped his fingers under my skirt. No underwear came with this costume. Very convenient.

“Impale me with your thick spear, my lord. I’m at your mercy to do as you wish.”

He growled, picking me up and laying me down on the bed.

With my best seductive gaze, I slowly glided my skirt up over my thighs and drew my legs up, spreading them wide. I crooked my finger, beckoning him. “Come hither, my vigorous lord, I’m wet and ready for you.”

Quickly, he untied his leggings, releasing his throbbing erection, his handsome face drawn into an intense, fierce expression like the formidable warrior king he portrayed.

Excited breaths swelled my chest and my pussy quivered at the thought of this powerful male dominating me. “Your spear is so big, my lord.”

“Aye, to pleasure you, lass.” He grasped his hard thickness and knelt between my legs, his impassioned stare taking in my heaving, half-exposed breasts and my uncovered sex.

“And pleasure me you shall, my virile lord,” I moaned as he penetrated me, his velvety, rigid length gliding against my walls.

His handsome features strained in the throes of passion, he thrusted deep, lighting every one of my nerve-endings on fire. My rune tattoo tingled and spread the powerful, blissful sensation. The sense that he was mine and I was his engulfed me. We were one soul. His eyes widened. He’d felt it, too.

“Bloody hell, you feel perfect, my sweetling,” he grunted. Kane pressed his hands down on the bed on either side of me, and he leaned over, his powerful body pushing my knees to my chest, increasing the penetration to my G-spot. Mere inches from mine, his eyes glistened with desire and adoration. “I love you, Katie, so damn much.”

“I love you, too, Kane,” I moaned as exhilarating heat engulfed me, the pressure building. While I stroked his muscular thighs, I bucked my hips up against his body, my clit rubbing against his pubis with each forceful thrust. We came together, our bodies rocking and shuddering.

“That was awesome,” I panted.

“I agree.” He eased back, stroking my thighs as I lowered them.

*

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*

Kelley Heckart

Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

https://www.facebook.com/kelleyheckartauthor

http://www.goodreads.com/kheckart

www.amazon.com/author/kelleyheckart

https://www.pinterest.com/kelleyheckart


Monday, June 22, 2020

Medieval Monday: A Pirate's Jewel by Ruth A. Casie

Welcome to Medieval Monday. Today's snippet comes from A Pirate's Jewel by Ruth A. Casie. Enjoy! Follow along each Monday using this hashtag #medmonspring20.



Deception and family honor are at stake – so is her heart.
Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.
Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.
When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

Ruth A. Casie’s vivid descriptions place you right in the story. It is a wonderful read I highly recommend.” ~ Deb

$2.99 or Kindle Unlimited
Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M81Y7HM

June 22 - Excerpt 8

The wind roared down the deck, sprays of water erupted from the prow as the ship bounced and rolled in the sea. Nothing hindered the man’s grip. Finally, she raised her head, but the shroud of fog blanketing the ship made it difficult to see.
Darla strained and made out dark wet hair plastered to his face. The ship shifted beneath her feet. Unsteady, he held her close, she clung to him. She didn’t have to see clearly to know who held her.

Did you miss excerpt seven? Find it on Ashley’s blog https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog
Join Ruth next week for another excerpt on Bambi’s blog https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Book Review: Warlord by Miriam Newman

Warlord by [Miriam Newman]


I gave this 5 stars on Amazon. Beautifully written and compelling

I have been a fan of Ms. Newman's stories for a while, and this one doesn't disappoint. Ganina has been sold by her warlord father to a man old enough to be her grandfather and when he dies, his other wives want to kill the younger, prettier wife. Senec, son of the deceased chieftain, claims her as his. I felt for Ganina because she never gets to make her own choices, but she learns to be a survivor, so she isn't weak. Senec is a complicated character. He is a warlord and doesn't show emotions, but his actions speak for him. Ms. Newman's words are magical, and her storytelling is captivating. Highly recommended!

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Book Review: The Burnt Watcher--Suspense, Horror, Fantasy, Magic

The Burnt Watcher (The Fear Book 1) by [Keith Healing]




I gave it 5 stars on Amazon/Thought-provoking and suspenseful.

Five hundred years ago the old world burned and Fear rose from the ashes and Glass. Master Grey is a Watcher, chosen to seek out and fight the Fear. He is retired now but is called back to investigate strange happenings in a small village in the west of England. The story keeps a good pace that kept my attention with suspense and conflict. We gradually learn more about Master Grey and how his life as a Watcher ended in tragedy. When he comes out of retirement, he is met with suspicion since most of those in the village don't believe there is any danger. I liked the world the author created and how the Fear is an entity seeking something, possibly vengeance or power. Maybe both. There is also a strong main female character who I liked a lot. If you like a bit of suspense, horror, fantasy, and magic, then this is for you.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Medieval Monday: The Prince’s Highland Bride by Cathy MacRae

Welcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet is from The Prince's Highland Bride by Cathy MacRae. Enjoy!



Blurb:

Phillipe de Poitiers, a prince of Antioch, finds himself a breath away from wrongful execution. Risking everything, he leaves behind his crown, his family, his country—and a body sworn to be his by the Bishop, himself.

Free of court intrigue and drawn to Scotland by memories of a woman who once possessed his heart, Phillipe sells his sword to pay for his travels and accepts the task of guarding the daughter of Laird MacLaren.

When Maggie MacLaren’s abusive marriage fails, she wants nothing more than to retire to her childhood home on the banks of Loch Lomond. Trouble follows her, putting her clan in danger, and she travels to the Isle of Hola, placing her safety in the hands of a mysterious mercenary with a haunted smile and a kind heart.

As Maggie and Phillipe struggle with their pasts, love blooms. But when a pirate’s treasure offers a seductive lure, will it free them—or prove the downfall of all they hold dear?


Tagline:

Free of court intrigue, Phillipe seeks a new start in life. Falling in love was not in his plans. Until he met Maggie MacLaren.

Buy links:

Preorder through May 15 for only 99 cents!

Lead line:
Nature can provide beauty and inspiration. It can also bring danger. Maggie’s island is a place of solace and great beauty, but it is also completely without defenses, something Phillipe must correct before he completes his task of protecting the woman he has come to love—and says good-bye to her forever.


Excerpt 7

“Thank ye. Ye have put a great deal of thought into this. ’Tis clear we are in need of a way to protect ourselves. I willnae keep running. This will be my home.”
Phillipe’s muscles relaxed. His eyes softened. “I did not think ye would run. That would not be the woman I have come to know.”
Maggie’s lips curved. “Your suggestions are sound ones. But I have nae means to pay for supplies. I dinnae know what the income from the cyser will be. I doubt there is surplus wool from the sheep to sell. There are fewer than ten men on the isle. Each seems to have his own responsibility. I doubt they could spend much time rebuilding the abbey. I would need to hire workers.”


Join me next week on Barbara Bettis’ blog: http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk

Monday, June 08, 2020

Medieval Monday: Mask of the Highlander ~ A Gods of the Highlands Prequel (2nd Edition)

Welcome to Medieval Monday. Today's snippet comes from Mask of the Highlander by Bambi Lynn. Enjoy! Keep following along each Monday to catch the the rest of the excerpts with this hashtag 
#medmonspring20



BLURB:


Forced to marry to avoid war between clans, Kenna Cleary endured three days of her new husband's painful brutality, unaware of his demon heritage. Leaving her for dead, he rode off to battle the English. In the five years of his absence, she bore him a daughter, increased his holdings, and gained the love and respect of his people. Now he's home. Must she and the clan learn to endure his cruelty once more?

Can an ancient Celtic god find peace in the mortal world?

The Laird of Domhnul has returned from war a changed man—moreso than his wife can possibly know. Now the warrior faces a new battle, one for his wife's heart, and his peoples' trust. He must walk the knife's edge of deception and danger, all while learning to manage the supernatural power flaring inside him and discovering a heritage he never imagined.

But when his father embroils both them in a deadly plot, can the couple find a way to prevent war between their clans?


BUY LINK:

June 8 excerpt:
Startled, Demona jumped to her feet. “Arduinna. You are early.”

Arduinna stopped next to her. “Shall I leave and return at a more appropriate time?” She smirked down at the god lying on the ground. Definitely unconscious. “What have you done to him?”
One side of Demona’s luscious mouth quirked up as she looked down at him. She sighed. “Everything.” She turned and gave Arduinna a quick assessment, head to toe. “You look good, Arduinna. Even if you are crawling with fairies.” She scrunched up her delicate nose.
Arduinna knelt and brushed away the black hair that had fallen across the god’s forehead. She pulled in a sharp breath. She had never seen anyone more handsome, god nor man.

Follow along for the next installment on Jenna's blog next Mondayhttp://jennajaxon.wordpress.com



Monday, June 01, 2020

Medieval Monday: To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan

Medieval Monday: To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary MorganWelcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet is from To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan. Enjoy!


Tagline:
Do they dare unravel the past for a future of love?


Blurb:
Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul.  Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.
When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.
A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?

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Excerpt #5

“Your companion is called Cuchulainn, and there are many ghosts of the past that walk the land in the Great Glen.”

She observed the animal, now in a sitting position. “He’s named after the great leader of the Red Branch?”

“Aye. A proud, fierce name for this champion. He has protected many within Urquhart. Do not let him fool ye with his missing leg. He is faster than others with four.”

She glanced sideways at the man. Unsure of what to say, she just remained fixed on his features. So many questions burned inside her, but he must already think her mad with her earlier question about the year. She thought it best not to bring up the subject again.

Follow along next week on Jenna’s blog here: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/