Heart of Desire Thunderclap Campaign

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

This week I began a Thunderclap Campaign to promote my upcoming release, Heart of Desire. It’s a sweet Regency romance, Book 2 of my Handful of Hearts series.

Follow your heart to find your desire

Miss Katherine Locke is irked to start her third season dancing with the disagreeable Lord Haversham, her brother’s friend and her own arch enemy. After three years out, however, she’s finally interested in the dashing Lord Finley—only to find out her cousin has set her cap for him too. To make the man jealous, Kate feigns interest in Lord Haversham, only to be shocked to find the handsome lord apparently falling for her. With time running out, should she accept his suit and risk falling in love despite herself?

Marcus, Lord Haversham, is in a tight pinch. His estates are failing and worse, he’s just lost three thousand pounds to his best friend, Lord Ainsley. Ainsley’s solution: have Marcus marry his shrewish sister and he’ll cancel his gambling debt plus give him ten thousand more pounds for her dowry. With nowhere to turn, Marcus agrees, praying he can keep word of the wager from Kate long enough to charm her into marrying him. But can he avoid falling in love himself?

If you don’t know what a Thunderclap Campaign is, in a nutshell it’s a promotional tool that all your friends, fans, and supporters can help with and it’s FREE, which makes it even better. 🙂 To support the campaign, you click the link below and agree to allow Thunderclap to send a message from me out through one or more of your social media accounts. So on a particular day and time, you would Tweet or share my message about Heart of Desire. In signing up, you sort of “set it and forget it” because Thunderclap does the sending automatically.

In the case of Heart of Desire, your Tweet or Facebook post would go out at 12:00 noon on August 24, 2016. That is the only time it would be sent. But just think of that blast of promotion going out to the followers and friends of 100 or more people! The reach would be enormous!

But that’s the caveat of the deal. You have to have 100 supporters sign up or the blast doesn’t go out. So it’s terribly important that I get 100 or more people to sign up for this promotion. Do you think you might help me?

I’ve gotten off to a very good start. I opened the campaign on Tuesday. It was approved Wednesday and I began to promote the campaign and by this morning my stats are as follows:

Total Supporters: 45

Total Social Reach: 136,637!!!!

So I’m almost halfway there! Thank you so much to all my family, friends, and fans who’ve signed up so far to support me!

But I only have 12 days left to gain those 55 other supporters. Won’t you be one?

All you need to do is click

HERE.

The link will take you to the Thunderclap site where you can sign up for any or all of the social media options (the more the merrier!) and help me reach my goal in promoting Heart of Desire.

Many thanks in advance, and I’ll update everyone on my progress next Friday!

Posted in A Handful of Hearts, Heart of Desire, Promotion | Tagged A Handful of Hearts series, Heart of Desire, Jenna Jaxon, Thunderclap campaign | Leave a comment

Cover Spot: Heart of Desire by Jenna Jaxon

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

This week’s featured cover is from my soon to be released sweet Regency romance, Heart of Desire, Book 2 in the Handful of Hearts series.

Cover Quote from Jenna Jaxon~ “I love the girl on the cover. She is, more than most, the embodiment of the character in my book. The dress, while not exactly period, is such a vibrant color I knew instantly I had to use this as the cover for Heart of Desire.” Jenna Jaxon

BLURB:

Follow your heart to find your desire

Heart of Desire will be available on Amazon beginning August 23, 2016.

The prequel to the series, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe is available on Amazon for .99.

Join the Thunderclap campaign for Heart of Desire here!

Posted in A Handful of Hearts, Cover Spot, Heart of Desire, Historical Romance, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged A Handful of Hearts series, cover art, Heart of Desire, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Regency romance, sweet Regency romance | Leave a comment

English Country Dancing in Williamsburg

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Earlier this summer my daughter, who’s been working at Colonial Williamsburg, found out that each Tuesday night, CW sponsors a group of English Country Dancers at Newport House, a bed and breakfast, in Colonial Williamsburg. Anyone can attend for a nominal fee ($1.00 donation). It’s two hours each Tuesday, from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

So for the past few weeks we’ve been going. And I’ve been dancing!

This is fantastic for several reasons. First, it’s great exercise. Every night I go, I make my goal of daily steps. Next, I got to spend time with my daughter who will only be home for a few more days before leaving for college. And third, it is AWESOME for historical romance research purposes!

The dancers don’t wear period costumes, although I’ve been told they do hold a costume ball at least once a year here in Williamsburg. And last night three balls were announced in nearby and not-so-nearby locales. I’d love to go to one, but will need to get my Regency gown made first.

The dances, however, are almost all period dances from the colonial period, many of which were carried on into the regency. Last week I danced one called “Mad Robin,” the first week one called “Lord Fuddington.” Last night I videoed one of my favorites, although I didn’t get the name of it.

The first hour are rather simple dances, the second hour more difficult ones. Since I’m a rank novice, I only dance the during the first hour and that’s work-out enough. But I love it because it’s exercise where you have to be thinking all the time.

One of the most interesting things I discovered immediately was that the room where we dance is much smaller than I would have thought you needed for such dancing. These dances are done usually in longways sets, so a long, narrow room works well for even as many as 15 or 16 couples. And the variety of dance steps you can do in such a space is also surprising.

They’ve announced that starting in September, there will be lessons for beginners starting 1/2 an hour before the dancing begins. You can bet I’m going to be there!

Have any of you danced English Country Dances?

Posted in Colonial Williamsburg | Tagged Colonial Williamsburg, English Country Dancing, Regency research | 4 Comments

New Release Spotlight: The Hunt Ends by Lindsay Downs

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Blurb:

After three dangerous years chasing down traitors, and murderers there is only one nemesis remaining-Estelle. Attempts to bring her to justice finally succeeded when she tried to kidnap Lord and Lady Markson’s daughter.

With her turned over to the authorities Robert and Kristina now return to London. There they set the ton on its ear when Lord Robert is seen carrying his daughter about Hyde Park.

Tired of the gossips they return to the country but make visits to London on occasion.

Ten years later they are relaxing at the estate when Jolene’s godmother, Duchess of Clarion arrives with a young lady who wishes to meet the viscount and viscountess.

Introductions are made and immediately Kristina knows her daughter and the young lady, Princess Victoria, will be fast friends for life.

Excerpt:

“Halt. You are aware rushing about, except in an emergency, isn’t allowed. Now, explain yourself.” Robert demanded.

“M’ lord, so I am aware. However, wouldn’t Her Ladyship being in labor be considered a crisis.”

Robert’s jaw fell open on hearing this news. After a heartbeat of two he was able to collect himself and his thoughts.

“Yes, now go,” he blurted.

Once the butler started up the stairs Robert was about to follow when he felt a hand on his shoulder. William was behind him. “No, don’t go to her suite, unless she calls for you. I’m sure Cook is already there helping Sylvia.”

“So, what am I to do while I wait to see if Kristina wishes me at her side?” Robert asked.

“What any self-respecting member of the peerage, in your present situation, would do. Go to your office, pour two glasses of whiskey, one for you and one for me. After which start wearing a hole in the carpet while you pace about awaiting word. Trust me when I say the first was always the hardest for us. After that the other births will become routine and you won’t give the event a second thought,” William explained.

Marching into the office, Robert started for the sideboy then stopped. “William, how long can this take?”

“If you’re talking about waiting for the birth of your child, who knows.”

That was what Robert thought and decided remaining sober would be for the best. Pouring a drink for the duke he passed it over, looked at the unfinished report and suspected he’d not get any work done. Taking the second recommendation of William’s he started pacing the office.

Not having any idea how long he’d been walking in a circle, he finally glanced to the mantle clock and noted the time. Robert heard a rumble coming from his stomach. He was hungry.

“Shall we have trays brought up?” he asked.

“Yes and you might wish to consider having them delivered for dinner as well.”

Ringing for Sydney, Robert wondered how long it would take before the man made an appearance. Much to his surprise the butler, almost immediately, stepped in.

“Your Grace, m’ lord. I’m guessing you need trays brought up. I’m sure someone has already started putting them together as Cook is assisting Her Ladyship.”

“Is there any word as to when the baby will join us?” Robert said.

“I’m sorry, m’ lord, but I was shuffled out of the room shortly after bringing the sheets. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll collect the trays.”

With the meal finished Robert forced himself to work on the report he’d started earlier. William selected a book, relaxed on a divan and was reading when Jolene swept in.

“Now, isn’t this the perfect picture of tranquility. One lord working while the other reading,” she declared.

Looking up from the sheet of paper, Robert peered over to the duke who’s set the book aside.

“Jolene, as we’ve nothing to do until the baby arrives your husband and I needed to keep our minds busy,” Robert said.

Buy Links-

US- http://tinyurl.com/jmydnpc

UK- http://tinyurl.com/zu73gbu

About the Author:

I’ve been an avid reader 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 favourite was regency. As I poured through everyone I could get my hands on I knew this could be something I wanted to attempt.

Since 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 the Austin, TX 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, Guest Bloggers, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged Lindsay Downs, Markson Regency Mystery series, Regency romance, Regency series, sweet Regency romance, The Hunt Ends | 11 Comments

Medieval Monday: A Stormy Escape ~ Silverhawk by Barbara Bettis

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Celebration of Nature

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Barbara Bettis with her romance

Silverhawk

Excerpt:

(Lady Emelin has chosen a stormy night to launch an escape from her tempting kidnapper, Sir Giles)

She shivered against the increasing cold and hunched forward to search the path ahead. Why hadn’t she thought to bring one of the blankets? Clouds scudded across the sky. Still she urged the horse onward. She had come too far to turn back now.

Had Silverhawk regained consciousness? Discovered her absence? Imagine the surprise, when he awoke alone. She’d shown him she was not helpless. Satisfaction lightened the oppression she was feeling—from the approaching storm; that had to explain the growing dread.

Then, carried on bursts of wind, came voices. At last. She’d found them. She straightened, the discomfort of the cold and riding bareback forgotten as she urged the mare forward. Onward down the trail she rode. Once she called out, “Lord Osbert, Garley, I’m here.” No answer came.

In the distance, thunder rumbled, and white light knifed across the ominous sky. Please, not rain. Surely the good Lord wouldn’t be so cruel. Her throat constricted. She gulped. She would not panic.

Concentrate on deep breaths. If only her heart would stop clamoring to get out. A cold, fat drop struck, followed by two more, a dozen. Then the downpour hit.

A jagged streak snapped in front of her. A rolling crash shook the earth. The mare tossed its head, danced aside. Emelin murmured, petted the animal’s neck in an attempt to calm it. But at the next sharp crack, it reared, and shot down the path.

Fisting the reins, she clung to its mane as the mount veered through the underbrush, away from the sharp zigzags of light. Branches struck her face, snatched at her skirts, nearly dragged her off. How she managed to keep her seat, she didn’t know. All she could think was, Don’t fall. Don’t fall. Don’t fall.

At last the mare slowed. Emelin squinted through wet eyes, reached out to knock aside a soggy branch, dripping leaves. Finally, the animal stopped, blowing hard, trembling. Emelin shook.

Breath came in gasps. Her mind could not form a coherent thought as cold wetness dripped from her hair to ooze down her back. The frightened flight of the horse had carried her far from the path. She was hopelessly lost.

All around, wind-whipped shadows dipped, lunged forward, then back. Another spear of lightning wrenched into a nearby tree. Her shout of surprise was swallowed in the earth-shaking roar that followed. The winded mare only shook harder.

Could they survive this nightmare?

Then through the rain-drenched night a huge black object hurtled up, rearing as it just missed her. Emelin screamed.

The monster swung around. Wet black tentacles wrapped around her, dragged her off the exhausted mare. She tried to struggle, but the iron hold wouldn’t allow it.

At last her feet touched ground, and the tentacles embraced her until she couldn’t breathe. It took a moment for the roar to dissolve into understandable words. “Are you hurt? Are you hurt? Tell me if you’re hurt.”

Silverhawk.

Her arms flew around his waist and she nodded against his soaked tunic. Thank God, thank God. She was safe.

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

Buy Links:

Amazon

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Barbara Bettis, Celebration of Nature, Medieval Monday, Silverhawk | 2 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 8/07/16 Heart of Desire: A Startling Proposition

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m back from my yearly trek to my friend’s cabin in the woods of New York State. Extremely productive trip: I completed first round edits for Only A Mistress Will Do, wrote an outline for the second Widow book, To Take a Widow to Wife, and wrote three chapters of it. Plus lots of conversation, great food, and outdoor living. I really did not want to come home!

This is the final post from Heart of Desire. Next week I’ll go on to August’s “Book of the Month,” Heart of Delight. It’s Book 3 in my Regency series Handful of Hearts, and another sweet Regency.

The time is the beginning of the Season in London, May 5, 1820. Miss Katherine Locke is waltzing with Lord Haversham at Lady Hamilton’s ball. Lord Haversham has demonstrated the scandalous nature of the waltz and is now escorting her off the ballroom floor. Lord Haversham escorted her to her brother, Lord Ainsley and Kate and Haversham have continued to trade barbs.

This week I’m continuing to the end of the card game between friends Lord Haversham and Lord Ainsley, Kate’s brother. Ainsley has just informed Marcus that he owes him three thousand pounds from tonight’s game and others earlier in the week. Hope you enjoy!

If he didn’t pay Ainsley, the ton would be on him like wolves on a suckling lamb. Miss Locke would likely lead the pack with a well-placed cut direct.

“I beg your pardon, Ainsley. I meant to get the money from Uncle Parminter, but I couldn’t run him to ground. I’ll bring it around directly tomorrow morning.” God help him if his uncle refused.

“There is a way you can take care of this matter with your uncle none the wiser.” Ainsley picked up the leather pouch and dropped it on top of the last trick Marcus had taken. “Marry my sister, and the debt is paid in full.”

Blurb:

Follow your heart to find your desire

Miss Katherine Locke is irked to start her 3^rd season dancing with the disagreeable Lord Haversham, her brother’s friend and her own arch enemy. After three years out, however, she’s finally interested in the dashing Lord Finley—only to find out her cousin has set her cap for him too. To make the man jealous, Kate feigns interest in Lord Haversham, only to be shocked to find herself falling for the handsome lord against her will.

Marcus, Lord Haversham, is in a tight pinch. His estates are failing and worse, he’s just lost 3,000 pounds to his best friend, Lord Ainsley. Ainsley’s solution: have Marcus marry his shrewish sister and he’ll cancel his gambling debt plus give him 10, 000 more for her dowry. With nowhere to turn, Marcus agrees, praying he can keep word of the wager from Kate until he can woo her and charm her into marrying him.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Heart of Desire should release in late August! (I promise!)

The prequel, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, is available at Amazon currently on sale for $.99.

Posted in A Handful of Hearts, Heart of Desire, Historical Romance, On Regency Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged A Handful of Hearts series, Heart of Desire, Jenna Jaxon, sweet Regency romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | 21 Comments

Polish Up Your Manuscript! ~ “The Rudy” Contest is Open For 2016!

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

August 1 marked the opening, again this year, of my local RWA chapter’s annual writing contest. “The Rudy” so named in honor of Judi McCoy, a best-selling romance author and one of our chapter’s founding members, and of Judi’s beloved bichon frise, named Rudy .

Still in the spirit of our original title, “Finish the Damn Book,” authors are required to submit a first and last chapter of their work, plus a synopsis (that will not be judged). This

Rudy Award

way the contest will be an added incentive for you to finish that manuscript that’s been sitting around for a while waiting for that push to complete it.

Let us be that push you need.

Details for the contest can be found on the Chesapeake Romance Writers website here.

We have seven categories this year: Contemporary, YA/NA, Historical, Paranormal, Mainstream with Romantic Elements, Erotic and announcing the new category of Novella.

Each entry will have two judges for the preliminary round and scoresheets will be returned after the contest closes in order for authors to get as much feedback as possible.

A new requirement this year is that entrants will be required to judge one work in a category other than the one they have entered.

There will be three Finalists for each category whose work will be forwarded to the Finals judges. All Finals judges are either agents or acquiring editors. Final judges are still being confirmed and will be disclosed in the next week or so.

Prizes for The Rudy are medallions: gold, silver, and bronze medals with “Rudy” embossed on them along with a certificate.

Entry fee is $15.00 for RWA members and $20.00 for non-RWA members.

Deadline for the contest is midnight, September 30, 2016. All entries must be submitted electronically in Rich Text Format, the total amount of pages not to exceed 40 pages, including a two page synopsis. In your email please designate the category in which you are entering your manuscript.

We are looking forward once more to seeing your book in the contest this year!

Judi McCoy

Posted in Chesapeake Romance Writers, Contests, The Rudy | Tagged Chesapeake Romance Writers, Judi McCoy, The Rudy Writing Contest, writing contests | 6 Comments

A Cabin in the Woods

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

My guest cabin

I’ve been MIA for the past week other than my Medieval Monday posts because I was on my yearly pilgrimage to my friends’ cabin in the Adirondacks. Completely off grid–no running water, no electricity–absolutely peaceful. A writer’s paradise.

I’ve been going to this paradise for almost 20 years (neither me nor my friends realized it had been that long) and since I’ve been writing, it has been one of the best places to get work done. Last year I worked on my Regency novel To Woo A Wicked Widow, that got me my agent and a 3 book print contract with Kensington.

This year I completed edits on my Georgian novel, Only A Mistress Will Do, which is slated to release in April 2017 and finished the 12 page outline for the second book of The Widow’s Club series, tentatively titled To Take A Widow to Wife, and completed three chapters of its first draft. All in less than 10 days. If only I could stretch it to two weeks. 🙂

And I did more than simply sit and write.

Beginning of one of the walks we took

Days started out with walking the dog for about a 1/2 mile. Then breakfast and a leisurely 3 cups of coffee. Then we’d sit and talk, go out to the huge garden and pick vegetables

Part of the garden

for lunch and dinner, trips into town (about an hour away) for groceries, an excursion to the Old Forge Hardware store, and berry picking around the pond.

After lunch I’m shooed off to my guest cabin (this year with the addition of a screened porch!) to work until either I go on the afternoon walk of the dog, or I’m called for wine sipped leisurely while dinner is prepared .My friends are vegetarian, but they have

Red raspberries I helped pick

so many great recipes I don’t miss meat at all. In fact, I always bring new recipes home with me. After dinner we play a game of Bananagrams, then off to bed. I usually work for another couple of hours and read via electric lantern for a couple of hours.

The pond where I picked blueberries

The only drawback to no electricity is powering my phone, computer, and CPAP machine. I bought a power station that I recharged for 6-8 hours off my car battery each day, and charged the phone and computer inside the car afterwards. A bit of a bother, but a small price to pay.

Lovely Reading Spot

I sit here with lights on, television going, an iced drink on my

New Screen Porch

computer-table, in air-conditioned splendor, and sigh for my cabin in the woods.

Can’t wait for Summer 2017!

Posted in On Writing, Writer's Life | Tagged Cabin in the Woods, Writer's Life, writing retreat | 3 Comments

Medieval Monday: A Dance to Remember ~ Dragon Knight’s Medallion by Mary Morgan

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Celebration of Nature

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Mary Morgan with her romance

Dragon Knight’s Medallion

Excerpt:

Some of the men and women were already dancing around the fire. She laughed when she spied Betsy twirling around.

Betsy waved her over. “Come dance with us.”

Aileen held up her hand in protest. “Oh, no…I’m fine just watching.” Turning blindly, she stumbled into Brian.

“May I have this dance, Lady Aileen?” he asked.

“I really shouldn’t, Brian.” He looked so dejected she decided to throw caution to the wind. “You know what? I haven’t danced in ages. I think I will take that dance.”

“I would be honored,” he said proudly, holding out his hand.

Aileen swallowed the last of her wine, before putting the cup on a log. Taking his hand, she gathered her dress and joined the others.

In no time at all, she found herself being swept away with the contagious merriment. Letting her shields slip just a bit, she relished the gaiety—twirling and singing. When Brian would gather her close, she would move away, spinning in a circle. On and on, around the inferno, laughter peeling out.

She felt young and carefree.

***

Stephen had gathered some food from Betha as he intended to be away all night. She and Donal had pleaded with him to join in the feasting, but he waved them off rather rudely. He wanted no part of the festivities.

Almost colliding with a couple, he swore softly. Placing the food across Grian, he shifted hesitantly. It was then he spotted…her.

His hand froze on the leather sack. Sweet Mother! What was she doing? And dressed like that? She was a Goddess of the flame. He watched as she was swung up into the air by none other than Brian. Then the man dared to slide her down against him.

Dark fury burst somewhere deep inside Stephen. “I’m going to kill him,” he rasped out.

The blood roared in his head, as he stormed across the open field, never hearing those who greeted him in passing—one hand held firm against his sword. He slowed his pace and Stephen waited as any warrior would. Let the enemy show himself, he thought.

When their dancing brought them nearer to him, he darted in front blocking their path.

They never saw him coming.

Aileen’s back slammed into his chest, and his arms grasped her instantly in a firm grip. “Hey, ouch!” She tried to move, but he held her solid against his body.

Brian skidded to a halt. “Greetings, Sir Stephen.” He went to grab for Aileen’s hand, when Stephen let out a growl of warning.

“What is your problem? Did you just growl?” demanded Aileen. She tried to pry herself loose, but he continued to hold her firm.

“Mine,” he snarled.

Instantly, Brian’s face went white. “Thank ye for the dance, Lady Aileen,” Brian clipped out. Giving Stephen a curt nod, he stomped away.

“Bloody. God. Damn. Hell,” Aileen snapped.

Stephen released her, only spinning her around to face him. Something primal within him tore loose. He tried to reason with himself that this was insanity, though his mind and body wouldn’t yield. His gaze dropped to those lips—lips he had fantasized about for weeks.

“Aileen,” he choked out before his mouth took hers in a plundering kiss. His lips moved over hers devouring their softness. The kiss became urgent, pleading in its need. His tongue sought hers, and the dance of desire seared their bodies. Raw passion took over his anger, and she opened fully, drawing him against her body. She took her hands and wrapped them around his head, threading her fingers in his locks and pulling him in deeper. Never in all of his life had he felt so right in someone’s arms.

When he broke from the kiss, his breathing was labored. Her eyes were dark with desire for him, and he shook with such need, it frightened him.

“By the hounds,” he uttered hoarsely. In one swift move, he picked her up. Carrying her to his horse, he ignored the hoots and remarks coming from the crowd. Placing her on Grian, he swung around in back, taking off through a large group of oak trees with only one clear thought in mind.

Blurb:

To right a wrong, two souls are brought together only to shatter when they are torn apart by the deeds of an evil druid.

Dragon Knight, Stephen MacKay’s powers are altered after the death of his sister. Now he is plagued with visions that threaten to destroy his soul. When Aileen Kerrigan falls through a time tunnel, he vows to keep her safe, despite the fact the beautiful but head-strong half-blooded fae could be the death of him.

When Aileen finds out her dad is a Fenian Warrior, she flees to a nearby ruin. Armed with the medallion her mother gave her, and a matching one belonging to a long dead knight, she is flung into the past and finds a handsome but surly warrior who is on a quest. Now it seems her future could be entwined with his, if she doesn’t kill him first.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Knights-Medallion-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B00P81C0EA/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-knights-medallion-mary-morgan/1120854028/

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-knights-medallion/id946798386/

The Wild Rose Press: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/1120_mary-morgan

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dragon-knight-s-medallion

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Celebration of Nature, Dragon Knight's Medallion, Mary Morgan, Medieval Monday | 3 Comments

Medieval Monday: The Seventh Son by Ashley York

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Celebration of Nature

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Ashley York with her romance

The Seventh Son

Excerpt:

The day Tisa arrived at her new home it was dark and stormy. They’d been keeping ahead of the impending rain the whole day. From the rise overlooking the sea, dark, angry clouds hugged the coastline, making it impossible to see the ocean. The sound of crashing waves pounding along the rocky shore made her stop. Her mount shifted beneath her as if wary as well. Darragh come up alongside and pointed out the little cluster of roundhouses nestled into the valley below.

“That is yer new home,” he said.

Several small buildings surrounded a larger longhouse in the center. It appeared quite peaceful despite the many barren trees no longer protecting it from the sea breezes.

“It looks peaceful.”

He snorted beside her. “Dunna be fooled. There is nothing about my father, including his clan, that is peaceful but ye’ve witnessed that yerself.”

His father had been relentless in keeping track of their whereabouts. He’d continued to impose on them, making lewd suggestions when they separated from the group at night. Tisa would almost believe she had become dulled by his comments. Almost.

“Darragh!” Aodh barked at his son. “See to the ships.”

Her husband sighed. “Father, I will see my bride settled before leaving her alone.”

Aodh laughed. A cruel laugh. The belittling laugh he often used with his son. “Afraid to leave her unprotected?”

Darragh turned to face the man that had come up behind him. “Aye, I will have her well protected before I venture off to see to yer ships.”

Aodh smiled at her. “But I’ve been so patient.”

“Then be patient about yer ships!”

Darragh took the reins of Tisa’s horse and led them both down the graceful hillside ahead of the others.

Tisa dared not breathe at this blatant show of disobedience. Once out of earshot, she whispered to her husband.

“Darragh, he is still not following.”

“I’ve shocked him into immobility.”

Blurb:

Drogheda, Ireland 1075

The sixth son bears a curse as certain as the seventh son bears a blessing. When Tadhg MacNaughton’s betrothed is ripped from his arms and married to another, he believes the legend is true.

Tisa O’Brien’s life slams into a downward spiral at the news she is no longer betrothed to the love of her life but to the tanist of a warring, prideful clan with dangerous political aspirations, the Meic Lochlainn. She faces her destiny with all the strength and dignity of her Irish heritage despite dealing with a husband who resents her and meets his needs in the arms of others, fighting off the lustful advances of her father-in-law, Aodh, and longing for the husband of her heart.

Tadhg MacNaughton makes a deal with the devil to ensure the survival of his clan as he is commanded to fight for Aodh who envisions himself the new High King of Eire. Up close and personal, Tadhg must witness his true love’s marriage and remain silent even as it rips him apart. When a sinister plot to overthrow King William of England led by the exiled Leofrid Godwin and Clan Meic Lochlainn comes to light, Tadhg is faced with saving his clan or endangering his sister and her Norman husband.

An Irish beauty and a warrior betrayed, doomed in love from the start or does fate have something else in store for them?

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