All Wrapped Up is Free on Amazon!

It’s Christmas a little early!

all wrapped up

My Christmas short story collection, All Wrapped Up, is now FREE on Amazon!

Blurb:

Four short stories filled with romance at Christmastime:

A girl breaks the news to her sister’s boyfriend that he’s being dumped–two days before Christmas.

An awkward situation develops when a guy is sent to fire a girl from his caroling group.

Two children discover a secret place on Christmas Day.

A Christmas dinner announcement shatters a girl’s dream of a magical social season.

Like eating romance M&Ms

To download it  for FREE click here.

And now, another Christmas present for you:

My new Christmas novella, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, releases this week! Based on the ‘Tis the Season short story in All Wrapped Up, this novella gives a more detailed account of what happened to Jenny during her “Christmas Season.”

AKBTM15

 

Blurb:

Jenny Crowley has been duped! At her eighteenth birthday celebration her parents announce that instead of having the London Season she’s dreamed of for years, Jenny has been betrothed from birth to Alexander Isley, son of family friends and heir to a title. A distraught Jenny refuses point-blank to marry Alec, and when her aunt offers to whisk her away to a Christmas house party, complete with many eligible young bachelors, Jenny jumps at the chance to enjoy a variety of entertainments, be courted, and perhaps fall in love.

Alec Isley is between a rock and a hard place. He desires a marriage with Jenny no more than she does, but when his family’s dire financial status is revealed, he follows Jenny to the house party in hopes of convincing her to marry him after all. When he discovers who else is courting her there, Alec is frantic to keep her from making a dreadful mistake. Struggling with new-found feelings for his childhood friend, can Alec convince her of his love in time to save her from being ruined under the mistletoe?

Excerpt:

“Aunt Arabella, what is this running the mistletoe Lady Celinda told me about? I’ve not heard of it before.”

“Well, that is a bit of a story.” Her aunt laughed and linked arms with her. “It’s a custom in Marbury’s family. His mother is German and when she married, she brought a lot of those customs to England. That’s why we celebrate Christmas with a Christmas tree.”

“I’d wondered about that,” Jenny said with a smile. “Mama thought it very odd when she first heard of it.”

“Many people do, although Queen Charlotte has had one for many years.”

“Yes, I’d heard that as well. And we are to decorate it on Christmas Eve, aunt?” It sounded like a fun time. “And the Snapdragon? We will have that as well, won’t we?”

“Of course.” Aunt Arabella stopped to look around. “This way,” she called to the larger party following behind them and pointed to several large evergreen trees on her left.

“But what is running the mistletoe?” Jenny had almost forgotten about that mysterious event.

Aunt Arabella laughed, a tinkling sound in the crisp air. “You know what mistletoe is?”

Jenny nodded. She’d seen sprigs of it hung over the doorway at home at Christmas and caught her parents kissing under it a time or two.

“Well, when we come to cut greenery for the house, we also find a ball of mistletoe to take back for the doorways.” Her eyes twinkled. “Be careful going through the doorways for the next couple of weeks, Jenny. You don’t know who you’ll meet coming the opposite way. You’ll end up collecting a lot of little white berries.”

Collecting berries? How odd. “What do you mean, aunt?”

“For each kiss, the gentleman cuts off one of the berries and gives it to the young lady he kissed.”

Jenny’s cheeks heated despite the nipping cold, and her aunt laughed.

“But the ball we find out here is high off the ground. So in Germany the young men dare the ladies to run under the mistletoe. They give them a five count start and if they can catch them by the time they reach the mistletoe ball, they can claim a kiss.” Her aunt grinned and whispered, “That’s how I met Marbury.”

“Really, Aunt?” Jenny’s heart beat a little faster. Would she fall in love with someone who caught her under the mistletoe?

Capture Mistletoe

You can download free copies of All Wrapped Up also at Smashwords.

You can download free copies of my contemporary Christmas short, An Almost Perfect Christmas, at Smashwords, B & N, and ARe.

And you can download free copies of Betrothal at Smashwords, B & N, and ARe.

Hope you enjoy all this  Christmas cheer!

Posted in A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, Free Reads, Holiday Posts, New Release, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Medieval Monday ~ First Encounter: Barbara Bettis and Silverhawk

Medieval Monday is back, with a new twist. This time around we post excerpts that fulfill a different requirement each month. For November we must post an excerpt with the meeting of the hero and heroine. My guest today is Barbara Bettis with Silverhawk.

MedMon

  

Silverhawk--new+coverBLURB

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. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have

 

EXCERPT

(Sir Giles has been rescued from outlaws by Lady Emelin’s escort of soldiers and she’s insisted that she take the unconscious knight to her betrothed’s castle for treatment.)

Swollen eyelids, a puffy cheek, and bloody scrapes couldn’t hide the knight’s handsome features. Waves of midnight hair fell across his wide forehead to brush one side of his square, stubble-darkened jaw. Grit clustered on the high bridge of his nose. What shame such a strong, rugged man should be cut down. Her pulse fluttered, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Ashamed of such reaction, she squeezed shut her eyes.

Would Stephen have been so handsome, had he lived through the crusade? She hardly recalled what her youthful first betrothed looked like when he left, a hopeful squire at nineteen, to follow his foster father on King Richard’s journey. If only he’d returned from Outremer, she’d be wed now, with the family she craved.

She sighed, reached for her patient’s cheek—and found herself staring into the palest gray eyes she had ever seen. His mouth moved, and she leaned forward.

“What is it?” she murmured.

“Before…I…die…” came the hoarse whisper.

“Yes? What would you like before you die?” If it were in her power, she would provide the poor man with his wish. Drink? Food?

A strong hand gripped the back of her head, pulled her forward. That close, she saw his eyes weren’t flat gray, but clear, layered like a winter pond winking with ice. They were silver.

“To…kiss…a nun,” came the outrageous reply before his lips met hers.

The brush of his warm mouth robbed her breath for an instant. Then she snapped back with a gasp. And, with in-born reflex, slapped him. His head jerked, his eyes closed, and he lay motionless.

“Oh, Sweet Mary,” Emelin whispered, “I’ve killed him.” Leaning close, she saw his narrow, beautifully molded lips relax. His mouth curved at the corner.

At least he died with a smile on his face.

 

BUY LINK:

http://amzn.to/1WTz3KJ

 

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week when our excerpts will change to celebrations in honor of the season.

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A New Cover for My Christmas Novella!

You are never too old to learn a new trick. Over the Thanksgiving holiday I did just that: learned how to create a cover using Microsoft Word. Now, I will be the first to tell you design is NOT my forte, however, things came together and before I knew it, I’d spent a pleasurable two days tinkering with the design elements, watching Youtube videos, and cursing loudly as my learning curve escalated.

A friend of mine had said she’d do the cover for my Christmas novella. She’s done the covers to my other two Christmas stories, so I thought it would be great to continue the tradition. Then the image I got for the couple was difficult for her to drop the background on. My daughter volunteered (ok, I volunteered her) to do that pic. She sent the couple to me to send to my friend, and I thought, “Hey, I think I could do this.” (Famous last words. That’s exactly how I started to write romance in the first place. LOL) So I had the elements, I’d messed around a few weeks ago with creating a meme, so I knew a very tiny bit about what to do, and so I just started to put the elements together.

Long story short, with the help–read encouragement and tons of advice–of some of my author friends, I have created what I think is a serviceable cover for my Christmas book. It won’t win any awards, but I think it will catch readers’ attention and that’s all anyone can want their cover to do.

One more note about the book itself. It began as a very short, short story that was published as ‘Tis the Season in my collection of Christmas stories, All Wrapped Up (currently free on Smashwords and B & N.) Grab your copy and read the original before the new, very expanded version is released. 🙂

So without further ado, I give you a sneak peek at my brand new cover for A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe!

AKBTM15

Is one kiss ever enough?

BLURB:

Jenny Crowley has been duped! At her eighteenth birthday celebration her parents announce that instead of having the London Season she’s dreamed of for years, Jenny has been betrothed from birth to Alexander Isley, son of family friends and heir to a title. A distraught Jenny refuses point-blank to marry Alec, and when her aunt offers to whisk her away to a Christmas house party, complete with many eligible young bachelors, Jenny jumps at the chance to enjoy a variety of entertainments, be courted, and perhaps fall in love.

Alec Isley is between a rock and a hard place. He desires a marriage with Jenny no more than she does, but when his family’s dire financial status is revealed, he follows Jenny to the house party in hopes of convincing her to marry him after all. When he discovers who else is courting her there, Alec is frantic to keep her from making a dreadful mistake. Struggling with new-found feelings for his childhood friend, can Alec convince her of his love in time to save her from being ruined under the mistletoe?

EXCERPT :

“Aunt Arabella, what is this running the mistletoe Lady Celinda told me about? I’ve not heard of it before.”

“Well, that is a bit of a story.” Her aunt laughed and linked arms with her. “It’s a custom in Marbury’s family. His mother is German and when she married, she brought a lot of those customs to England. That’s why we celebrate Christmas with a Christmas tree.”

“I’d wondered about that,” Jenny said with a smile. “Mama thought it very odd when she first heard of it.”

“Many people do, although Queen Charlotte has had one for many years.”

“Yes, I’d heard that as well. And we are to decorate it on Christmas Eve, aunt?” It sounded like a fun time. “And the Snapdragon? We will have that as well, won’t we?”

“Of course.” Aunt Arabella stopped to look around. “This way,” she called to the larger party following behind them and pointed to several large evergreen trees on her left.

“But what is running the mistletoe?” Jenny had almost forgotten about that mysterious event.

Aunt Arabella laughed, a tinkling sound in the crisp air. “You know what mistletoe is?”

Jenny nodded. She’d seen sprigs of it hung over the doorway at home at Christmas and caught her parents kissing under it a time or two.

“Well, when we come to cut greenery for the house, we also find a ball of mistletoe to take back for the doorways.” Her eyes twinkled. “Be careful going through the doorways for the next couple of weeks, Jenny. You don’t know who you’ll meet coming the opposite way. You’ll end up collecting a lot of little white berries.”

Collecting berries? How odd. “What do you mean, aunt?”

“For each kiss, the gentleman cuts off one of the berries and gives it to the young lady he kissed.”

Jenny’s cheeks heated despite the nipping cold, and her aunt laughed.

“But the ball we find out here is high off the ground. So in Germany the young men dare the ladies to run under the mistletoe. They give them a five count start and if they can catch them by the time they reach the mistletoe ball, they can claim a kiss.” Her aunt grinned and whispered, “That’s how I met Marbury.”

“Really, Aunt?” Jenny’s heart beat a little faster. Would she fall in love with someone who caught her under the mistletoe?

660px-Cfry_Holly_svg

I’ll give you updates this week as to when this book will release–I’m hoping for Friday, December 4th, but we’ll see. Meanwhile, have a fantastic Sunday and don’t forget to visit me  for Medieval Monday!

 

 

Posted in A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, Book Spotlights, Cover Art, Cover Reveal, Historical Romance, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Cover Spot: An Honorable Wish by Eileen Richards

An Honorable Wish

Blurb:

LOVE MAY BE THEIR GREATEST GAMBLE…  

Tony Matthews spends his time in London’s most notorious gambling dens, frittering away his fortune. But when his latest victory leaves a man ruined, Tony knows he’s reached his lowest point. Determined to make amends, he returns home to his family’s country estate with plans to settle down and marry at last. And he hopes the lovely Juliet Townsend will help him—if only he can keep his disgrace a secret.

Juliet’s secret wish has always been for Tony to love her. The only bright spot in her dreadful London season was dancing with him—before he disappeared to the card rooms. Now, he’s returned, but has he truly changed? Or will gambling always be his mistress, even if she becomes his wife? And does Juliet dare risk her heart by finding out?

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/nchbv3g

B&N: http://tinyurl.com/pjjcrel

iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/p63l6vd

Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/pp6wjzc

Google plus: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Eileen_Richards_An_Honorable_Wish?id=RYHeBgAAQBAJ

 

eileen-richards-authorAuthor Bio:

Eileen Richards has been writing for most of her life. Poetry, totally inappropriate answers to essay questions in school, and interesting error codes during her 30 year IT career has prepared her for the manic world of publishing.

She writes sassy regency romps set in the small villages of England where the rules are bent a bit and gossip rules the day.

Eileen resides with her husband and their diva of a greyhound in North Carolina.

 

Social Media:

Website: http://www.eileenrichardsauthor.com

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/EileenRAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EileenRAuthor

 

 

Posted in Book Spotlights, Cover Art, Cover Spot, Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family, friends, fans, and readers.  May you have safe travels and a blessed day with loved ones.

This is my favorite Thanksgiving song–just perfect for the day.  Please enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Medieval Monday ~ First Encounter: Mary Morgan’s Dragon Knight’s Axe

Medieval Monday is back, with a new twist. This time around we post excerpts that fulfill a different requirement each month. For November we must post an excerpt with the meeting of the hero and heroine. My guest today is Mary Morgan with Dragon Knight’s Axe.

MedMon

  

DragonKnightsAxe_w9181_750Blurb:

Battled scarred, Dragon Knight, Alastair MacKay, has fled to the seas to separate himself from his powers that are connected to the land. Yet, when he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland, he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and leading him on a journey to confront his greatest fears.

Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay.

Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity?

Excerpt:

The closer he came, the more Fiona began to tremble. His face bore a deep crescent scar from his left eyebrow down below his cheek. This giant was a demon, and some actually crossed themselves as he passed them.

When he reached the platform, he narrowed his eyes and glared at the two men by her side. They instantly stepped away. As with everyone else, he was no different. He looked her up and down, though when he gazed into her eyes for a moment, Fiona saw confusion.

The demon spoke. “How much do ye want, Robert?”

“Ye cannot have her.” He spit onto the ground in front of the man.

The monster’s voice remained deadly calm. “And why would that be?”

“Ye have nothing to offer.”

Fiona saw the shift of color in the demon’s green eyes. It was enough for the man called Robert to back away.

“I dinnae want any trouble.”

The giant leaned his head down. “Would ye take these?” He pulled out a small pouch and opened it. Pulling out several stones, he held them aloft. “Amber from the Northmen’s homeland.”

Robert’s eyes went wide, but then he crossed his arms. “I will take the lot and a barrel of your whisky.”

The man arched a brow. “How do ye ken I have whisky?”

“Do ye take me for a fool, MacKay?”

“Nae, Robert, but only foolish if ye do not take my offer of ten stones and one barrel.”

The moments stretched out between the two men, and Fiona’s heart pounded in her chest. She was being traded for amber stones and a damn barrel of whisky.

 

****

 

Buy Links:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Knights-Axe-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B00Y5756TO/

The Wild Rose Press http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6263

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-knights-axe-mary-morgan/1122070231?ean=2940151305426

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-knights-axe/id996720081?mt=11

 

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week!

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

A Christmas Present for Readers!

It’s Christmas a month early!

I’ve put both my Christmas short story collection, All Wrapped Up, and my contemporary Christmas short story An Almost Perfect Christmas up for FREE during November and December!

Just to make it an even Merrier Christmas, my medieval novella, Betrothal, Book 1 of the Time Enough to Love series is also still FREE! (See the links below)

And now, another Christmas present for you: a sneak peek at my upcoming Regency Christmas novella, which I am struggling to name! So far the contenders are ‘Tis the Season, Beneath the Mistletoe, Under the Mistletoe, A Christmas Season for Jenny, and Jenny’s Christmas Season. Which one do you prefer? Or if you have a suggestion, please put it in the comments below.

Blurb:

Jenny Crowley has been duped! At her eighteenth birthday celebration her parents announce that instead of having the London Season she’s dreamed of for years, Jenny has been betrothed from birth to Alexander Isley, son of family friends and heir to a title. A distraught Jenny refuses point-blank to marry Alec, and when her aunt offers to whisk her away to a Christmas house party, complete with many eligible young bachelors, Jenny jumps at the chance to enjoy a variety of entertainments, be courted, and perhaps fall in love.

Alec Isley is between a rock and a hard place. He desires a marriage with Jenny no more than she does, but when his family’s dire financial status is revealed, he follows Jenny to the house party in hopes of convincing her to marry him after all. When he discovers who else is courting her there, Alec is frantic to keep her from making a dreadful mistake. Struggling with new-found feelings for his childhood friend, can Alec convince her of his love in time to save her from being ruined under the mistletoe?

Excerpt:

A subtle poke in her back from Celinda forced Jenny to continue into the room, glancing around wildly. “Where do we go? I told you I’ve never been to such an entertainment before.”

“Smile and follow me.” Her friend headed toward a small knot of young ladies to the right of the entrance, and Jenny recognized Lady Mary Cope and Miss Anna Newel, their familiar faces a welcome sight despite their short acquaintance.

“Good evening, Mary, Anna. You remember Miss Crowley?” Celinda spoke to the young ladies even as her gaze skimmed the crowd.

“Indeed, it is a pleasure to meet you again, Miss Crowley,” Lady Mary replied, looking down her nose at Jenny. “I understand you are the guest of honor at these festivities.”

Startled by the cold hostility in the young woman’s voice, Jenny stuttered, “I…I suppose I am, Lady Mary. My aunt invited me to the entertainments this week as a kind of birthday present.” Best leave it at that.

“Well, I should think—”

“Good evening, ladies.” A masculine voice silenced Lady Mary.

Jenny looked up at her dark-haired cousin, Eric, his handsome friend Lord Somersby at his side. Eric had introduced Somersby, a childhood companion from a neighboring estate, to her while they had waited for dinner to be announced. Son and heir to the Marquess of Meare, the most powerful peer in the county according to Eric, Lord Somersby nevertheless had been most gracious to her, laughing and talking to her easily as they awaited the gong.

So tall she had to tilt her head back to look into his face, Somersby seemed like a prince out of one of the fairy tales she’d read as a child. His broad shoulders seemed barely confined by his well-cut black evening coat. The elaborately tied cravat at his neck seemed almost too stark a contrast to the lean, chiseled planes of his face. Wavy blonde hair and dark blue eyes completed the features of one of the most handsome men she had ever met.

“Lady Celinda, would you do me the honor of dancing the first set with me?” Eric’s grave face belied his merry eyes.

Celinda gave him a keen look. “Have I ever danced the first with you, Mr. Conroy?”

“Why no, I do not believe you have, my lady.” His eyes were twinkling now. “Apparently I have never been the first in line to ask.”

Celinda smiled at him and gave him her hand. “I am happy to see you are now fleeter of foot, sir.” She moved off on his arm, her blue satin dress swishing as they headed toward the dance floor where the set was making up.

“I would also beg to claim the first set from you,” Lord Somersby began.

Lady Mary stepped forward eagerly, an arch smile on her lips.

Jenny moved to the side, twitching her skirt out of the lady’s way. She didn’t want Lady Mary to trip on it in her haste to claim her partner.

“Miss Crowley,” Somersby finished a beat later.

Lady Mary gasped and stumbled back.

Jenny’s attention snapped back to his face. “I beg pardon, my lord?” The words came out as a squeak. Had he actually asked her to dance?

He smiled, his deep blue eyes amused, and offered his arm. “Would you honor me with the first set, Miss Crowley?”

Vaguely aware of Lady Mary’s hasty retreat, Jenny smiled and nodded. “Yes, thank you, my lord. I would be pleased.” She lay her hand on his, her heartbeat thudding like a drum. Lord, help her, she couldn’t faint now. In a daze she glided across the floor as he led her out to the very first dance of her season.

You can download free copies of All Wrapped Up at Smashwords. This collections includes he short story ‘Tis the Season, the inspiration for the Christmas novella coming this December.

You can download free copies of An Almost Perfect Christmas at Smashwords, B & N, and ARe.

You can download free copies of Betrothal at Smashwords, B & N, and ARe.

Hope you enjoy!

Posted in Free Reads, Holiday Posts, Promotion | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Cover Spot: Heartbreak and Honor by Collette Cameron

HeartbreakandHonor3_850

Heartbreak and Honor

Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, Book 3

By Collette Cameron

 

Abducted by a band of renegade Scots, Highland gypsy Tasara Faas doesn’t hesitate to blacken her rescuer’s eye when the charming duke attempts to steal a kiss. Afterward, she learns she’s the long-lost heiress Alexandra Atterberry and is expected to take her place among the elite society she’s always disdained.

Lucan, the Duke of Harcourt, promised his gravely ill mother he’d procure a wife by Christmastide, but intrigued by the feisty lass he saved in Scotland, he finds the haut ton ladies lacking. Spying Alexa at a London ball, he impulsively decides to make the knife-wielding gypsy his bride despite her aversion to him and her determination to return to the Highlands.

The adversary responsible for Alexa’s disappearance as a toddler still covets her fortune and joins forces with Harcourt’s arch nemesis. Amidst a series of suspicious misfortunes, Lucan endeavors to win Alexa’s love and expose the conspirators but only succeeds in reaffirming Alexa’s belief that she is inadequate to become his duchess.

Author Quote:

HEARBREAK AND HONOR’S cover artfully depicts my privileged duke and his gypsy-turned-lady against a stunning  manor house backdrop, all interspersed with the subtle Christmastide theme that’s interwoven throughout the story. It’s one of my favorite covers so far!

Posted in Cover Spot, Historical Romance, Regency Romance | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Spotlight: Married by Christmas by Lindsay Downs

married by christmas med

Blurb:

When Nash, Marquis of Renfield, learns of a plot to make his love, Lady Amelia, marry someone else he marshals his friends, their wives along with both sets of parents and retreat to the Fenwick ducal estate.

Everyone starts planning for a Christmas Eve ball until things go awry, in the name Smedley, allegedly the only son of the Earl and Countess of Rosewood.

At first it was thought Rosewood, supposedly in the dun, was after Amelia’s dowry. It turned out the earl and countess were seeking more. Power. Great power which could bring England to its knees.

When Nash is kidnapped it falls on Amelia and their friends to rescue him. With the assistance of Justin, Nash’s groom, they devise a plan to save him from certain death.

Once back at the ducal palace Nash keeps his word to Amelia just as the ball starts.

The duke and duchess are also hiding a secret from everyone in regards to the Rosewood earldom.

Excerpt:

Strolling up to his valet, Nash saw the man frowning which wasn’t a good sign.

“M’ lord, welcome. It seems the ride with the maids was interesting, to say the least, enlightening at most.”

“Let’s wait until we’re out of earshot then you can tell me,” Nash stated.

He accepted a nod from his valet, then followed Ryan into the tavern and up the stairs to the first floor then down the opposite hall from the ladies. The fact they were a distance away made him happy.

Nash shrugged out of his jacket followed by his cravat and shirt. After he dropped them onto the bed he took care of his needs. With his hands washed, he splashed water on his face then ran his wet fingers through his unfashionably long hair. Dried off, he returned to where Ryan awaited.

Accepting a clean shirt, he fastened it then waited while a new cravat was tied. That done he turned to his valet. “All right what had you distraught earlier and still does.”

“What I’m going to tell you was told me in confidence but with permission to inform you. It would seem the true reason for Lady Amelia to travel in your company wasn’t to see how you both dealt with it but something more sinister. Her Grace didn’t collect Lady Amelia but the other way around.”

“I don’t understand, why did Her Grace say it differently?”

“The eldest son of an earl, close to being in the dun, is trying to marry her under his father’s direction. They are hoping the dowry will rescue them from debtor prison.”

“So, by sending Lady Amelia to London with me, her parents are hoping to throw the son off the scent?” Then, he remembered the note from his father. Stepping over to his jacket, freshly brushed out, Nash retrieved it, broke the seal, and read.

Son,

I’m sure by now you are aware of why Lady Amelia is traveling to London with you and your mother. Both myself and The Duke of Appleton have complete faith in you protecting her, your future bride.

I’ve remained behind but will shortly be joining you all.

Finally, might I give you a piece of advice, which I pray you’ll heed?

We men, in general, tend to forget important days in the lives of our wife. On that, I would suggest you marry by Christmas, if not on that date. This way you’ll never have to worry about overlooking your anniversary.

Thomas

Now it all made sense. The strange worried look in her eyes two days ago. Not to mention what the ladies had talked about when he’d returned to the sitting room before luncheon.

Nash marched over to the fireplace, took a lucifer stick, rubbed it against the stone mantle’s rough surface then touched the flame to the paper. He waited until the paper was almost engulfed, before throwing it in the hearth and watching the rest of it burn.

 

Buy Links-

US- http://tinyurl.com/pcol7gw

UK- http://tinyurl.com/oosse7c

CA- http://tinyurl.com/pwe9tcg

AU- http://tinyurl.com/q5kwlyx

IN- http://tinyurl.com/ppzq4mh

 

Author Photo Lindsay DownsAbout the Author:

I’ve been an avid readers ever since I was old enough to hold a red leather bound first edition copy of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake in my lap.

So it only seemed natural at some point in my life I take up pen and paper to start writing. Over time my skills slightly improved which I attribute to my English teachers.

My breakthrough came about in the mid 1970’s when I read a historical romance written by Sergeanne Golon, Angelique. This French husband and wife team opened my eyes to the real world of fiction. Stories about romance, beautiful damsels, handsome heroes and plots which kept me hooked. Of course, being a man, I had to keep my reading hidden from others as that wasn’t appropriate reading for men.

With this new found appreciation of the written word I took up other books and devoured them as a starving person would a plate of food. I them attempted to write again. I still wasn’t satisfied so I put it aside for years as other events entered my life.

Finally, in the early years of the new millennium I tried again to write and once again met with limited success. At least now I was able to get past the first page or two. Then, in 2006 a life changing event brought me back to my love, I took a job as a security officer. This allowed me plenty of time to read different genres.

My favorite was regency. As I poured through everyone I could get my hands on I knew this could be something I wanted to attempt.

In 2012 when my debut regency romantic suspense released I was hooked and have, except for a few contemporaries, focused on this genre.

Since 2012 I’ve lived in central Texas. I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America and their local chapter.

 

Where you can find me-

Facebook- http://tinyurl.com/pgq8vzz

Facebook Pages-         http://tinyurl.com/nresq5j

Twitter- @ldowns2966

LinkedIn- http://tinyurl.com/e8t56

Goodreads-http://tinyurl.com/prcdmml

Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://tinyurl.com/kvfz468

Amazon- http://tinyurl.com/ktem76c

 

 

 

Posted in Book Spotlights, Historical Romance, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Medieval Monday ~ First Encounter: Ashley York’s The Irish Warrior

Medieval Monday is back, with a new twist. This time around we post excerpts that fulfill a different requirement each month. For November we must post an excerpt with the meeting of the hero and heroine. My guest today is Ashley York with her newest  release The Irish Warrior.

MedMon

  

IrishWarrior_300Blurb:

Outcast and alone, Thomasina MacDonell is hell bent on finding her brother, the only person who can thwart their father’s latest scheme to offer her as payment for his gambling debts. Disguised as a lad, she defiantly sets off on foot to locate him—never expecting to find a handsome, Irish warrior riding her beloved horse. The warrior’s offer of help and unsolicited advice on how to be manlier sparks an intimate desire to reveal her more feminine side.

Rejected by the love of his life, Sean O’Cisoghe wants simply to return home and heal his broken heart. When a young “lad” steals the horse out from under him, he discerns the spirited woman may be in way over her head against her ruthless father. Finding her brother while keeping her would-be betrothed at bay, Sean must confront the fact that Thomasina has stolen his heart. Will Norman soldiers out for his blood and shifting clan alliances cut short their growing passion?

Excerpt:

Sean took a few steps into the woods, allowing his eyes to adjust. The shadowed figure of the mounted animal became discernible. It whinnied and backed further into the darkness.

“Hold!” Sean said. He struggled not to let his anger be heard. “Ye’ve bested me. Steal the horse but I’m for the coast. I need my things.”

“’Tis not stealing it if it’s mine.”

Not a woman’s voice. A young lad then.

“I paid for the use of it, son.”

“I’m not yer son.” The voice broke, confirming Sean’s suspicions.

“Nae. Ye’re not but I have quite a walk ahead of me. May I at least collect my belongings?”

A loud thud accompanied the bag that dropped at his feet. Sean stared at the sack. Arrogant little shite. The few items he’d collected to bring home were no doubt in pieces now. Anger simmered. He glanced toward the rider.

“My thanks. And will ye toss the weapons at me as well?”

“They’re mine now… the price for the use of my horse.”

Sean forced himself to appear calm. “I told ye I paid for the use.”

“But it wasn’t paid to me.”

Sean moved in closer but with every step, the rider retreated. If he could get his hands on him, Sean would teach him a lesson he wouldn’t soon be forgetting. By his size, the boy looked to be about ten.

“But I did pay for its use. An honest agreement between men. I had nae way of knowing it had been stolen. I had plans to return it.” Despite the blood racing through him at being outsmarted by some unknown, he shifted his tactics. He used his ever-so-amicable tone of voice but would not be letting the horse—or rider—get away. “When was the horse stolen from ye?”

The lad didn’t respond at first but the beast shifted, indicating uneasiness. “It was taken without my permission.”

Sean gave a small smile, moving closer as he spoke. “That’s what I said.”

“Nae ye asked when it was stolen from me.”

“Is there a difference?”

The lad tipped his head back as if looking heavenward in exasperation. Taking his eyes off Sean proved to be his mistake. With three long strides Sean closed in, yanked at the reins, and ripped them from the rider’s loose grip. Stepping clear, he waited while the courser jerked against the rope now held firmly in his grip. The rider, struggling to keep his seat, tossed about with the rough motion.

Arghhh.”

Definitely a young lad. Not even a curse uttered from the unexpected change of events.

“Damn it.”

Sean smiled and stepped in to put his arm around the horse’s snout to settle it down. He spoke in a quiet, calming voice. “Easy now, Roana.”

“Roana! What kind of name is that?” The lad threw his leg over the far side of its body in preparation for his escape.

The courser was not very tall. Sean wondered why he didn’t just jump off.

“The one I gave it! A handsome beast deserves a handsome name.”

He grabbed at the lad’s skinny arm, hauling him across the saddle, flat on his belly, facing him.

Sean offered a contented smile. “Did ye have somewhere to go?”

 

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Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week!

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments