Monday, December 30, 2019

Medieval Monday with Ashley York


My guest today is Ashley York. I’m so excited to host her. Ashley writes with so many plot twists with betrayal, deception and of course romance. In my opinion, this is one of her best stories!
Daughter of the Overking
A mistaken identity. A gruesome murder.
Trained as a warrior...
Brighit of Clonascra despises the trappings and demands of womanhood and is far more comfortable training for battle. Long held alliances require she set aside selfish dreams and take Darragh as her husband. The union intended to promote peace between the clans is interrupted by the shocking murder of a neighboring king and she quickly discovers there are far worse things than being wed.
Trained to be king...
Darragh of Drogheda has no wish to be king, but he is an obedient son and supports his father's plans. His marriage to Brighit, however, will be no hardship at all since he finds her most intriguing when she fights him at every turn. A she-warrior indeed. Her persistent dismissal of him merely blows the fire aflame and sets him down the path to discovery of all her most tightly held secrets—secrets that could cost him his life. 
Available in e-book or paperback  https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/daughter-of-the-king
Excerpt:
He refused to share his own hopes that he was winning her over or his disappointment at how uninterested she’d seemed at the chapel doors. She was a beautiful, alluring lass, but there were many beautiful lasses. He would as soon marry one who wished to be his wife—or be given the opportunity to entice Brighit into his arms before bedding her. What a wretched arrangement he was walking into.
“They cannot hand ye over to her without some show of… of… protection,” Tadhg said, his last word nearly growled. “I do not claim to understand their reasoning, but I choose to respect their wishes. Can ye not see yer way clear to do their bidding?”
“With a lass a bit more willing…” If given half a chance, he believed he could spur her interest, which was the reason behind his whispered words to her. She was certainly passionate. He could ignite her fire again as she had his. If she chose to remain stubborn, it could be awkward.  
Follow me next week for snippet #8 when I visit Judith Sterling’s blog at https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/


Monday, December 23, 2019

Medieval Monday with Barbara Bettis

Happy Holidays! If your holiday is anything like mine, you are rushing around, wrapping gifts, cooking, hitting your head with the palm of your hand for that gidt that either didn’t arrive or to totally forgot to buy?
Here is some sanity. As you get ready for your celebration take a moment to sit back and read Barbara Bettis’ snippet. Does Sir Roark really think he can make this marriage work? Here is Barbara’s next snippet of For This Knight Only!
He’ll do anything for land, even marry her; she’ll do anything for her people, except marry him.  If only either had a choice.  It’s a marriage only love can save.
Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that, although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin.   

Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises for her new all-too-tempting lord.

But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation. Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.

Buy Links                                                                                                                                              Amazon   B&N  iTunes

His anger had been replaced by bewilderment. Nothing had gone according to plan today, from the moment he and Alain rode through the gates. Least of all the reaction of Lady Alyss. 
He had to persuade her one way or another. 
The more he learned about past attempts on the castle, he more he realized time was, indeed, short. Although he hated what he was about to do, he murmured, “Make no mistake. You will marry me now. If you value your home and your people, there will be no more foolishness.”
Alyss swung her hand. He caught her wrist before she could connect with his face. She glared at him, her eyes filled with anger.  “Do you think you can force me into marriage with threats? Better men than you have tried and failed.”

Has Roark really threatened her? Check next week on Judith Sterling’s blog: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/

 Read last week’s snippet at: https://sherryewing.com/blog/

Monday, December 16, 2019

Medieval Monday with Cathy MacRae



I LOVE weddings, they are joyous, and filled with the excitement of the what is yet to be. Let’s wish the Arbela and Caelen well on their new life together. Can someone please pass the wine!!

 THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE

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.
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 links:

Excerpt:
As they stepped inside the chapel, Arbela fingered the ring Caelen had placed on the third finger of her right hand. The red and gold cabochon jasper was smooth beneath her thumb as she twisted the beaten gold band on her finger. Though she had jewels aplenty—and of much greater worth than the semi-precious jasper—this one would never leave her hand. The idea drew her thoughts away from the nuptial mass.
She moved through the responses with little awareness. She stood, sat, and knelt as prescribed. With effort, she pulled her attention to the priest’s words. Her father, Zora, Rory, and a second representative from Dunfaileas stepped forward and held a shimmering veil over Arbela and Caelen’s heads as the priest spoke a blessing over them. His hand rested lightly on her head and she peered at Caelen from the corner of her eye.

Follow me for next week’s snippet on Judith Sterling’s blog: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/


Monday, December 9, 2019

Medieval Monday with Judith Sterling


Welcome to week four of Medieval Mondays. Today I am hosting Judith Sterling. So far, the gossip at the banquet is about the Seacrest treasure buried beneath the castle and fairy lights that have been seen, by reputable seamen, at night on the cliffs. I Isobel correct? Is it all hogwash? Judge for yourself.

Night of the Owl


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

          He shrugged as a cupbearer refilled his wine.  “I suppose Giles is trying to compete with Ranulf’s more imaginative songs.”
          To his immediate right, Lady Seacrest sat forward.  “I expect you’re right, but Giles shouldn’t feel threatened.  He’ll always have a place here.  And goliards are expected to perform more provocative fare.”

Follow along next week on Lane McFarland’s blog: http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/

Monday, December 2, 2019

Medieval Monday with Lane McFarland


A feud between two families leads to intrigue and even a spark of love between the abductor and the abductee. Read on!
Cameron
Determined to band Scots together against English tyranny, Laird Robert Graham seals a truce with his feuding neighbor, the MacDougalls. But after his brother is nearly killed in a treacherous attack, Graham kidnaps the laird’s daughter in an act of revenge.
Cameron MacDougall has devoted her life to the healing arts. She’s long rebelled against her father’s feuding ways, but when Robert Graham abducts her, she’s finds herself at the center of the dispute between their families. She expects the anger she feels, not the simmering attraction to the powerful warrior, or the love she develops for his clan.
Can she stop further violence between the clans with her escape? Or will she find her surrender leads to a lasting peace and her own heart’s desire?
Buy Link: Amazon
Excerpt 3
The music stopped and everyone clapped. “Mistress, may I have the honor?” Walter asked.
Cameron shook her head and held up a hand. “Oh nay, I’m worn out. Thank ye, but I’d best rest a bit.”
He chuckled and returned to the dance floor.
She weaved between the merrymakers, skirting couples twirling to the lively tunes. A lad chased two lasses as they squealed and raced through the throng of dancers. Walter spun Glenda, bent her backward and planted a big kiss on her smiling mouth. The hall erupted in cheers. Cameron clapped at the man’s antics. She veered to the side of the room and paused to watch the revelers, her gaze skimming the great hall in search of Robert.

Follow along next week on Laurel McDonnell’s blog at http://www.laurel-odonnell.com/.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing

To Love A Scottish Laird: De Wolfe Back Connected World

Forced to marry on the whim of the Duke of Normand doesn’t sit well with our hero even though he is entranced by his intended. They’ve only just met. Here is the second excerpt of To Love A Scottish Laird: De Wolfe Back Connected World.
Sometimes you really can fall in love at first sight…
Lady Catherine de Wolfe knows she must find a husband before her brother chooses one for her, but none of the knights and lords she knows have caught her eye. A tournament to celebrate the wedding of the Duke of Normandy might be her answer. She does not expect to fall for a man after just one touch.
 Laird Douglas MacLaren of Berwyck is invited to the tournament by the Duke of Normandy. He goes to ensure Berwyck’s safety once Henry takes the throne. He does not expect to become entranced by a woman who bumps into him.
 Before they can express their feelings, the Duke orders them wed to strengthen ties between his English supporters and the borderland, and then separates them by commanding Douglas’s escort to his home.
Yet, nothing is ever quite that simple. Not everyone is happy with the union of this English lady and a Scottish laird. From the shores of France, to Berwyck Castle on the border between their countries, Douglas and Catherine must find their way to protect their newfound love.
Buy Links or read for Free in Kindle Unlimited:
Excerpt Week 2
Still… He could imagine the grim encounter that was sure to follow between him and the lady, for he had the distinct impression Catherine would in no way be pleased with the turn of events any more than he was. There was no question as to her appeal, especially when their previous conversations left him with the need to plunge himself into a cold stream in order to sate the desire she sparked within him. She had a fiery nature, Douglas could see that for himself. What else might possibly lie behind her pretty face?
Would they be able to find common interests outside their bedchamber?
Follow along next week at Judith Sterling’s blog at https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
And here is where you can find all Sherry’s excerpts in the weeks to come:


Monday, November 18, 2019

Medieval Monday with Ruth A. Casie


Medieval Monday is back with its winter edition. Just in time for the holiday’s this time we're all about celebrations. I’m sure you’ll find a swoon-worthy hero or two! Get ready for ten more weeks of snippets from some of your most loved medieval romance authors. And who knows, you may just meet some that are new to you!
Back Cover Copy:
After her beloved father dies, Moira MacDougall becomes chieftain of their small clan. She is tested on every level, not only by her councilors who question her every move, but also by an exiled Englishman who raids her village under the guise of a notorious pirate, Gareth Talbot.
He wants the secret weapon Moira possesses, and will do anything to get his hands on it—including committing murder so he can give it to King Henry to prove his worthiness and be welcomed home.
Moira will follow her destiny and do whatever is necessary to protect her clan.
The real Gareth Talbot is through with love. His last romance did not end well. He suffered a broken heart and doesn’t trust women.
Humiliated, Gareth goes to sea and becomes a captain for MacAlpin, the pirate king. When raids along the Scottish coast are blamed on him, he seeks revenge. Nothing less than death will do.
Moira and Gareth are on different missions but seek the same goal. Can they work together and eliminate their greatest enemy, and in the process, find the one thing they didn’t know they were searching for, true love?
Buy Link: Amazon KU

Excerpt One: The Pirate’s Redemption
The evening breeze was gentle, the sky clear. Feeling nervous, she marched up the plank.
“I request permission to board,” she called out, blinded by a lantern held high, unable to make out anything on deck.
The lantern lowered. She was caught off guard by her discovery, a bare-chested Gareth standing in front of her. His hair was wet, and his chest glistened with droplets of water.
“Permission granted.” A tankard in one hand, Gareth held out his other to help her aboard.
Moira took his hand, but she couldn’t take her eyes off his chest. His cough brought her eyes to his face. Reluctantly, he released her hand. He smiled as he grabbed his shirt from a peg on the mast and struggled in the breeze to put it on. When he faced her, she didn’t miss the spark in his eyes. He didn’t appear angry, but that didn’t matter. She still had to fix what she had done.
Moira licked her dry lips and settled her shoulders back. Now what?
Gareth cleared his throat.
“Here. Ta go wi’ yer ale.” She nodded toward the barrels to emphasize her point, then thrust the basket toward him.
“What did you bring me?”
“I thought ta bring you….” She let out a sigh. “A peace offering.”
Gareth took the basket and coughed again.
“You should speak ta Fiona. Her elderberry and honey tea would help wi’ that cough,” she said.
He still didn’t speak.

Here is where you will find all my excerpts for The Pirate's Redemption for the next eleven weeks.

November 25: Sherry Ewing https://www.SherryEwing.com/blog/
December 2: Lane McFarland http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/
December 9: Judith Sterling https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
December 16: Cathy MacRae https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com
December 23: Barbara Bettis http://www.barbarabettis.com/index.php/blog/
December 30: Ashley York https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog
January 6: Laurel O'Donnell https://www.laurel-odonnell.com/
January 13: Bambi Lynn www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com
January 20: Mary Morgan https://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog
January 27: Back here for the final snippet www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com

Follow along next week (November 25) for excerpt #2 here: https://www.sherryewing.com/blog
Please leave a comment below.

Monday, September 2, 2019

Medieval Monday with Ruth A. Casie - Final Excerpt

This is the last excerpt of Medieval Monday. To put it all in context, here is the full scene. A guess at who wins the fist fight.

Here is the full excerpt!

The Highlander’s English Woman by Ruth A. Casie


Jamie turned to the family sitting around the hearth. Wesley slouched in his chair staring at the fire, grief still raw on his face. He had aged over the year. His gray hair thinned, his eyes rimmed red and dulled with pain.
“He’s been like this since we buried... the burial.” Laura, Richard’s sister, was next to him. “Father tires easily and stays locked up inside himself. Mother is the sole person who can reach him, although I have hope. Alex did make him laugh.”
Jamie’s focus turned to Laura, the younger of the two sisters. Laura and Lisbeth were alike from their slender, petite size bodies, long auburn hair, and large green eyes with a fan of thick lashes. The sisters may be similar in appearance, however, not in temperament. Lisbeth was the deep thinker. Laura was head strong and outspoken, the feistier defiant sister.
“How are you and Lisbeth faring?” He gazed back at Wesley.
“It’s a challenge keeping everyone’s spirits up. At times, I succeed.” She shrugged. “Other times, I fail miserably. Lisbeth stayed at the Keep for a while then left for the hunting lodge to be alone.”
Jamie turned to her. Her drawn ashen face disturbed him.
“The rain has stopped. Would you care to take some fresh air in the garden?” Jamie presented his arm. Laura answered by looping her arm through his and drew him out the door.
He went willingly. Her warmth chased away any lingering chill from his journey. She’s Richard’s little sister, a warning voice whispered in his head. He took a breath and led her to the garden door.
“I understand you’re skeptical of Lisbeth’s gift, but she told me she saw Richard’s death before Bryce carried... brought Richard home. Now, she blames herself for not taking action.” Laura sighed heavily. “Everyone blames themselves. Father shouldn’t have let him go, not that he could stop Richard. Mother should have seen this coming, not that she could. And Lisbeth...”
 “I understand all too well. I berated myself for not being with him, protecting his back.” They reached the stone porch.
Formal gardens sprawled before them with raised flower beds, neat hedges, and bare trellises waiting for next year’s roses. He waited with her in silence, willing her his strength.
“Is it wise for Lisbeth to be alone?” Jamie finally asked, and gazed past the lawn to the well-worn path on the other side of the garden gate.
“She’s not unaccompanied. John escorted her to the hunting lodge at Ann’s request, over Lisbeth’s heated protest.” She turned to him. “I haven’t thanked you for coming to us. I know The Maxwell has his demands and travel is a hardship.”
He stilled her trembling hand. Her brows creased in pain over eyes that stared off without seeing. He waited.
“I find it difficult to comprehend we’ll not see Richard again.” Laura’s voice choked and she shrugged with resignation despite tears that threatened at the edges of her eye.
“Me as well,” Jamie said. He had the same thoughts.
“How long are you staying with us?” Her question was reasonable but he dreaded answering.
“I return to Caerlaverock tomorrow.” He took a deep breath and saw a momentary flash of disappointment in her eyes.
“Then we best return to the others. They’ll want to spend time with you, too.” They moved on toward the hall.
“I have no words, nothing to say to comfort you.” He could barely get the words out.
“Your presence is enough.”
He held back a nervous smile. He visited to give the family comfort. Instead, she comforted him.
“How are my Maxwell cousins?” Laura asked. Jamie guided her toward the great hall.
“They are well when I last saw them.”
“You’ll let me know your decision, Wesley.”
Jamie brought Laura to a halt. An exasperated male voice drifted out of the great hall.
“I want to make the announcement as soon as possible. With Richard gone and Glen Kirk so close to the Scottish border, you need someone strong to hold back the devils.” Lord Bryce Mitchell of Ravencroft, the manse next to Glen Kirk, stood with Wesley and Darla.
Standing at the great hall entrance, Jamie stiffened when Laura’s pulse skittered into a panic beneath his fingertips. Jamie’s free hand covered hers until the beat settled into a normal rhythm. If Bryce couldn’t feel sympathetic toward the family, couldn’t he at least curb his speech?
“You didn’t waste any time getting here.” The rude remark directed toward Jamie raised his temper even more. The man’s baiting tactics hadn’t changed since they served Wesley as squires. Surely he wasn’t foolish to pick a fight with him, at least not here.
When they trained, Bryce took aim at him whenever possible, most often urged on by Reeve. Richard and the girls rallied to his defense, but Bryce’s intolerance of Jamie’s Scottish background stayed near the surface.
Bryce gasped for air, seething after having lost a foot race to him.
“You’re nothing. A filthy Scot beggar. Go back to your tribe of mongrels. You’re not fit to be here.” Bryce pushed him hard.
Jamie didn’t go down. Not satisfied, Bryce rushed at him again, this time with fists. Jamie ducked and backed off. Bryce kept up the assault.
Jamie didn’t care for bullies or being baited by them. He wouldn’t fight.
“Here, here Bryce. That’s enough.” Richard grabbed his neighbor’s arm but Bryce shook him off. Reeve pulled Richard back.
“Enjoy the spectacle. It’s time he learned his place,” Reeve said.
“Stay out of this,” Bryce screamed at Richard, then turned to Jamie. “Fight, or are you a puny coward, too?”
Jamie said nothing. He held his fists at his side and stepped back again.
The fight started in the yard, progressed to the field, and finished near the pond. A small group of people followed and urged Jamie to defend himself.
The next punch caught the Scotsman in the chest. He didn’t flinch.
“You should be lying on the ground by now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Jamie pulled up his arms to protect his face as best he could against the onslaught of punches. He didn’t retaliate.
His face cut and bloodied, he still didn’t strike back.
“Fight, damn you,” Bryce shouted and followed with a quick barrage of solid body punches.
He held his position and didn’t fight back.
In a close clinch, Bryce muttered for Jamie’s ear only. Jamie pushed his tormentor away. Years of restraint from insults and attacks disappeared with the maliciously whispered words.
Bryce threw his punch. Jamie caught the left jab in his palm mid-strike. Alarm and panic flashed in Bryce’s eyes. The bully stared at Jamie’s hand holding his fist.
Jamie almost tore Bryce’s arm out of its socket as he pushed it aside and set his stance, one foot in front of the other.
For a moment Jamie thought to stop the madness, but the idea quickly died. Bryce had no idea what he let loose.
Before Bryce threw his next punch, Jamie exploded with a rapid cannon volley of left jabs at Bryce’s jaw. Stunned, Bryce dropped his defenses.
Jamie’s right cross burst from his shoulder as he shifted from his back leg to his front, throwing all his weight into the swing. He caught Bryce squarely in the face. Blood exploded in an arc of fine spray as Bryce’s head snapped back. Droplets flew, the warm blood spattered across Jamie’s face.
Bryce’s head came forward. Jamie followed with a left uppercut and caught him under his chin. The solid strike lifted Bryce into the air, then sent him to the ground. To everyone’s amazement, Bryce laid unconscious at Jamie’s feet. No one said a word as he stood panting over the prone figure. Every ounce of him wanted to drag Bryce on his feet for another round. Instead, he marched away.

LAST CHANCE! Be sure to leave a comment for me to be in the running for my giveaway – an eCopy of The Highlander’s English Woman. A winner will be randomly selected and announced next week on Medieval Monday, September 9th.

Miss last week and a chance to comment? Check it out here: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.org

The Highlander’s English Woman
 Laura Reynolds is in love with her long-time friend, Jamie Maxwell Collins. She adores his playful sense of humor, caring nature as well as his strong sense of family and honor.

Jamie lives across the border in Scotland. Outwardly carefree, he hides a dark secret. He can’t involve Laura in this deception. He can’t give her hope for a future together.
Laura stumbles upon Jamie’s secret. In her heart of hearts she knows Jamie is innocent. Their relationship in tatters and with no hope of reconciliation, she plays a deadly game to exonerate Jamie, she agrees to a political marriage. She has no idea the entire game has been orchestrated by her future husband, Jamie’s greatest enemy.
Buy Links: AmazonB&N | iBooks | Kobo

Monday, August 26, 2019

Medieval Monday with Mary Morgan - Excerpt #10

Welcome to Medieval Monday. Mary Morgan is our guest author today.
Magic and monsters fill this story. Can Adam protect Meggie and defeat the evil Lachlan?


Excerpt #10
She glanced at her brothers, each holding up their relic: Angus’s shield, Duncan’s sword, Stephen’s medallion, and Alastair’s axe.


Angus’s voice bellowed. “From the land of the Ancients. From the stars of the Fae. We, the Dragon Knights from the Order, keepers of the fire, storm, water, and land dragons, open the gate and call forth the beasts!”


The Earth trembled with a power the world had never seen before. Her brothers’ eyes mirrored the energy. It gathered, grew, and finally with a deafening roar, four dragons burst forth in a blinding light from their relics, scorching a trail in the inky blackness. Their tails twisted and snapped. She could hear the flapping of wings and gnashing of teeth. Fire burst free from all of them.

Follow along next week on Mary Morgan’s blog https://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog and leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of Dragon Knight’s Ring.




DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 5
Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy. 


Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind and heart?


Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights? 


Buy Links: