Monday, December 24, 2018

Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Ruth A. Casie

Today is the last day of our blog hop. It’s been fun sharing excerpts from stories written by my friends. I hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as I have. Also, there's a holiday surprise for you at the end of the post.
Here is the entire scene from my story, The Guardian’s Witch. I love Alex and Lisbeth.
An Amazon review… [Ruth has] woven an extraordinary story of a brave knight, a beautiful heroine, a King, a mystery crest, visions and a white must. Oh mercy! What more do you need??? Absolutely nothing! Don't miss this journey!!
Complete Excerpt:
“Jamie,” Tom called. “We captured six English. They were tracking Alex.”
Jamie and Alex sat in the main room of the hunting lodge. They looked up from a large parchment map on the table.
“Your brothers?” Jamie waved his hand at the six men accompanied by highland guards.
“Yes, I thought they would follow.” Alex left the table to welcome them.
“Alex.” Cameron came forward. “With the carnage we passed on the trail, we arrived at the conclusion you’ve made at least one friend here. We thought about going back but we knew we would upset Mother if we arrived without you.” He slapped Alex on the back and put his arm around him. At close look, there were heavy lines on his brother’s face and the laughter was gone from his voice. “What goes here? You gave us a fright. When we left, Mother and Father were in deep conversation with Edward.”
All his brothers now gathered around him. They stood behind him like an impenetrable wall. Just being with them gave him strength. “Jamie, these are my brothers Geoffrey, Bennett, Damian, Edwin, Fayne and Cameron.”
Alex waited while the Scotsman evaluated his brothers. He knew together the seven of them could be a bit intimidating. But nothing intimidated Jamie.
“You didn’t tell me you traveled with a private army.”
Alex gave Jamie a wide smile. “I hope they get to know you and your men as I do, but right now, Jamie, tell them what your man found.”
The brothers relaxed and found places to sit. Alex noted how easily they seemed to fit in with Jamie’s men. He also noted they didn’t let their guard down.
“Mitchell has detained the king’s protectors and their men in a dungeon in Ravencroft. He holds them prisoner and has them believing they’re being held and ransomed by us,” said Jamie. “He plans to liberate the men and organize them and their followers in a march on Scotland.”
“Does he think he can simply walk into Edinburgh and the Scots will hand over their throne?” asked one of the Stelton men.
“Without a king on our throne and the Scots in disarray, he does,” said Jamie.
“Does he know about the king’s involvement with Scotland?” Bennett spoke up.
“You mean about Edward arbitrating the selection of the next rightful king? I don’t think Mitchell cares. He has been planning this intrigue for some time.” Jamie rubbed his chin.
“He’s accused you of treason,” Cameron said to Alex, “while all along he’s the criminal.”
“How so?” asked Jamie.
“Mitchell’s interfering and undermining the king’s strategy in Scotland. That is treason,” stated Cameron.
“If we free his prisoners and bring them back to Glen Kirk, the king will attest he hasn’t been negotiating a ransom. We can expose Mitchell and his plan,” offered Alex.
“Alex, if Mitchell marches on Scotland with anything that resembles an army he will surely start a war. He may think he can saunter in and take our throne. No matter his secret weapon. That will never happen.” said Jamie.
“Secret weapon? Does he have a secret weapon?” asked Cameron.
“No. He thinks he needs Glen Kirk and Lisbeth to take the throne,” said Jamie.
“Jamie, tell me about Lisbeth, her sister, her parents. There must be something to give us some clue why Mitchell thinks he needs the castle and Lisbeth,” said Alex.
An early winter breeze blew outside but the men didn’t notice, until the glint of something in the tree caught Alex’s attention. He straightened up. “Jamie, tell me about the charms she puts about.”
“Lisbeth uses them to encourage peace and tranquility.”
“What about her visions?” asked Alex.
“Laura told me she’s had them ever since she can remember.”
“What does she do to bring them on?”
“Nothing. Laura told me they just happen. Lisbeth was born with a thin sheath of skin covering her face. She’s grown to be an exceptional healer, and she is plagued with visions.”
Alex felt like the wind was knocked out of him. “A caul. And she’ll bear kings.”
Everyone turned to him.
“Caul? I don’t understand,” said Cameron.
“According to the legend, caul bearers, people born with a shimmering veil over their face, are great healers and are gifted with foresight, a way of knowing the outcome of things before they happen.” He turned to Jamie. “Her visions.” He looked at the men. “And they bear kings. That’s why he needs her. He doesn’t want to be king. He wants to sire kings and manipulate the throne that way. He doesn’t need her. He needs her child.”
“She’s safe as long as she stays at Glen Kirk. He wouldn’t dare do anything with the king there,” said Edwin.
“I wouldn’t think he would do anything to the king’s protectors, but that didn’t stop him,” Alex stated. “We must free those men and get back to Glen Kirk. Only they can testify to Mitchell’s plot.”
“All we have to do is storm Ravencroft, a well-fortified holding, free the protectors, and bring them back to Glen Kirk. Any idea how we do that?” asked Damian.
“My man was there. He’ll take us.” Jamie pointed to Tom. “We can make our plan on the way.”
“Lead on,” said Alex as they headed for their horses.
Don’t forget, commenters each week will be entered into a drawing for a free digital copy of THE GUARDIAN’S WITCH.
The Guardian’s Witch – Book 1 of the Stelton Legacy
Will he come in time or must she trust in her magic and risk exposure as a witch to save them both?
England, 1290
Lord Alex Stelton can't resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it's his. Desperate for land of his own, he'll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.     
Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she'd never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.
Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can't get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they'll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.

An Extra Holiday Present!

If you'd like to read about Wesley and Darla, Lisbeth's parents, keep your eyes open for The Pirate's Jewel releasing February 12, 2019.

Their story is part of the Pirates of Britannia series and a cross-over to The Stelton Legacy series.


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?

Monday, December 17, 2018

Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Mary Morgan

Today we have an excerpt from Dragon Knight’s Shield, Book 4 of Order of the Dragon Knights. This story is full of twists and turns in the fight against the evil druid. 

"Mary Morgan is a true bard, weaving together a world that is rich in texture." Amazon Review
Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?
Excerpt Seven:
Angus could sense there was more Stephen wanted to say and stepped closer. “’Tis not your fault what happened to Deirdre.” He laughed. “She will prove to be a handful, but ’tis what I love most about her.”
Stephen sighed and embraced his brother. “Then thank the gods she is your woman.”
“Aye!” agreed Angus, releasing him.

Follow along next week on Mary Morgan’s blog for the final installment: http://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog
Blurb:
Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him. 
Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.
Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?

Buy Links: AMAZON | BN | KOBO | iTUNES


Monday, December 10, 2018

Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Cathy and DD MacRae

Today Cathy and DD MacRae are here with their excerpt from The Highlander’s Crusader Bride. This story has betrayal, lots of action, intrigue and LOVE. Also, I LOVE this cover!

"I adore historical romances, and this one hit the nail on the head..." Helois, Stainonthepage.com
Excerpt Six:
“I will have an answer, Bram,” Caelen insisted. Bram resumed swinging his legs, the toes of his boots tapping the table leg ever so gently. Arbela shook her head slightly as Caelen opened his mouth.
“When I come to Dunfaileas, I will bring Toros and Garen, as well as Voski,” she murmured in a low, soothing voice. “Ye and I will spend time together and give your nurse time to rest. I have been told my stories are exactly right for a boy who will soon pass his sixth summer.” Arbela sighed as Bram continued to refuse her overture. “Your father and I have an agreement. I believe ye and I should have one as well.”
Catch last week’s excerpt here: http://www.marymorganauthor.com
Follow me to next week’s blog here: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
Don’t forget - Commenters each week will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of my ebook, The Highlander’s Crusader Bride!
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:

Monday, December 3, 2018

Medieval Monday Blog Hop with Barbara Bettis

Today Barbara Bettis joins us with an excerpt from her wonderful story, SILVERHAWK.

"Silverhawk is a thrilling medieval romance that is both touching and filled with adventure. " Amazon Review
He’s everything a proper lady should never want; she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.
Excerpt Five:
Emelin jerked away from Garley. Rebellion overpowered the hurt, and she spoke without thought. Again. “Or what? You’ll immure me in a convent? I believe we’ve done that already.” Garley’s slap caught the side of the face, sent her staggering onto the bed.
“Keep your mouth shut.” His voice held no trace of emotion as he strode to the door. “At least
until after the wedding. Then you’re his problem.”
Please leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of SILVERHAWK. And follow along next week at Judith Marshall’s blog: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
If you would like to read last week’s installment, check out Cathy MacRae’s blog: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog
Blurb:
He’s everything a proper lady should never want; she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.
Sir Giles has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.
Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution: escape
Rescuing the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate.  But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them.
Buy Link: SILVERHAWK