Wishing you all a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!
Nicóle xx
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Bewitching Blurbs
Hi everyone.
Well, it’s Christmas Eve and even though Bewitching
Blurbs usually looks at newly released titles I thought I would go retro.
Last week a ‘name your favourite books’ thing
circulated around Facebook. It got me thinking about the books which have had
an effect on me. So this week,
Bewitching Blurbs has become self indulgent and I’m evoking the whole ‘goddess
of my own blog’ thingy.
Here are some of my favourite titles in no
particular order.
Pride
& Prejudice by Jane Austen – Well really, that
goes without saying.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
The
Illiad by Homer–
but it makes me cry.
One of the foremost achievements in Western
literature, Homer's Iliad tells the story of the darkest episode in the Trojan
War. At its centre is Achilles, the greatest warrior-champion of the Greeks,
and his refusal to fight after being humiliated by his leader Agamemnon. But
when the Trojan Hector kills Achilles' close friend Patroclus, he storms back
into battle to take revenge – although knowing this will ensure his own early
death. Interwoven with this tragic sequence of events are powerfully moving
descriptions of the ebb and flow of battle, of the domestic world inside Troy's
besieged city of Ilium, and of the conflicts between the Gods on Olympus as
they argue over the fate of mortals.
The
Odyssey by Homer – I love it although I still find it
hard to forgive Odysseus after what he did at Troy.
Homer's epic chronicle of the Greek hero
Odysseus' journey home from the Trojan War has inspired writers from
Virgil to James Joyce. Odysseus survives storm and shipwreck, the cave of
the Cyclops and the isle of Circe, the lure of the Sirens' song and a
trip to the Underworld, only to find his most difficult challenge at home,
where treacherous suitors seek to steal his kingdom and his loyal wife,
Penelope. Favorite of the gods, Odysseus embodies the energy, intellect,
and resourcefulness that were of highest value to the ancients and that remain
ideals in our time.
The
Owl Service – A Young Adult Book which reinterprets the
ancient tale of Blodeuwedd from the Mabinogian.
Winner of both the Guardian Award and
the Carnegie Medal, this is an all-time classic, combining mystery, adventure,
history and a complex set of human relationships.
It all begins with the scratching in
the ceiling. From the moment Alison discovers the dinner service in the attic,
with its curious pattern of floral owls, a chain of events is set in progress
that is to effect everybody’s lives.
Relentlessly, Alison, her step-brother
Roger and Welsh boy Gwyn are drawn into the replay of a tragic Welsh legend – a
modern drama played out against a background of ancient jealousies. As the
tension mounts, it becomes apparent that only by accepting and facing the
situation can it be resolved.
And while we’re on the subject –
The
Mabinogian
Celtic mythology, Arthurian romance, and an
intriguing interpretation of British history - these are just some of the
themes embraced by the anonymous authors of the eleven tales that make up the
Welsh medieval masterpiece known as the Mabinogion. They tell of Gwydion the
shape-shifter, who can create a woman out of flowers; of Math the magician
whose feet must lie in the lap of a virgin; of hanging a pregnant mouse and
hunting a magical boar. Dragons, witches, and giants live alongside kings and heroes,
and quests of honour, revenge, and love are set against the backdrop of a
country struggling to retain its independence.
The
Scarlet Pimpernel – Sink me, I love that ‘demmned’
elusive Pimpernel.
In this historical adventure set during
the French Revolution, the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel sets out to rescue men,
women and children facing the horrors of the guillotine, while evading the
relentless pursuit of his arch enemy, Chauvelin.
Katherine
– Anya
Seaton is to blame for my deep and abiding crush on John of Gaunt.
Katherine comes to the court of Edward III
at the age of fifteen. The naïve convent-educated orphan of a penniless knight
is dazzled by the jousts and the entertainments of court.
Nevertheless Katherine is beautiful and she turns the head of the King's favourite son John of Gaunt. But he is married and she is soon to be betrothed.
A few years later their paths cross again and this time their passion for each other cannot be denied or suppressed. Katherine becomes the prince's mistress and discovers an extraordinary world of power pleasure and passion.
Nevertheless Katherine is beautiful and she turns the head of the King's favourite son John of Gaunt. But he is married and she is soon to be betrothed.
A few years later their paths cross again and this time their passion for each other cannot be denied or suppressed. Katherine becomes the prince's mistress and discovers an extraordinary world of power pleasure and passion.
A
Gentle Feuding by Johanna Lindsey – First historical
romance I ever read. From that moment I knew I was a hopeless romantic.
Duty demands that Sheena, the beautiful
jewel of the Fergusson clan, wed to end the violent feud that has devastated
her family. But never could she give herself completely to the handsome and
dangerous laird Jamie MacKinnion - the most feared man in the Scottish
highlands.
The
Secret by Julie
Garwood– Love it! Need to buy another copy as I've read this one to death.
Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was
proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give
birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another,
private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to
meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her,
however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his
land...Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than
any she had ever encountered.
The
Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer – Bringing out the
medieval in me J
At the Tabard Inn in Southwark, a jovial
group of pilgrims assembles, including an unscrupulous Pardoner, a noble-minded
Knight, a ribald Miller, the lusty Wife of Bath, and Chaucer himself. As they set
out on their journey towards the shrine of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury, each
character agrees to tell a tale. The twenty-four tales that follow are by turns
learned, fantastic, pious, melancholy and lewd, and together offer an
unrivalled glimpse into the mind and spirit of medieval England
Over 200 stories, including Cinderella,
Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and Rapunzel.
And finally, nearly anything by the fabulous Nora Roberts
Wishing
you all, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and the very best for the
coming year.
Thanks for stopping by & see
you next year.
Nicóle xx
Images from
Foltolia
Amazon Kindle
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Rain - Blog Tour
Hi
everyone,
Rain
is going on tour in January and I hope you will join me!
I’ll
list the blog tour stops when we get closer to the dates.
Also
there’s a Facebook event happening. Here’s the link if you want to join the
fun. J
On
Christmas Day I’ll be over at Romancing the Book. Their holiday event ‘It’s
Snowing Men’ has been running right through December. There are lots of great
authors, books and giveaways.
Misrule’s
Mistress, my medieval Christmas novella is only 99 cents on Amazon (depending
which Amazon you buy it from). It’s only for a limited time – so grab a little
medieval Yuletide cheer while you can!
With a
golden ring and a little cunning Lord Barric Cranley plans to catch his bride.
She’s refused him once, but Barric wants Lady Ellette for his wife. He plans to
show her just how suited they are. With luck and the Feast of Misrule on his
side, he proceeds to awaken Ellette’s passion with his kisses and stoke her
jealousy until she realizes just how much she loves him. He’s vowed that by the
end of the Christmas festivities he shall have a bride by his side... hopefully
it will be Ellette.
Wishing
you all the very best for the Holidays and the coming year.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Bewitching Blurbs
Bewitching
Blurbs
Hi
everyone,
So
this week I thought Bewitching Blurbs should reflect the holiday theme. I have loved
Christmas themed books ever since I can remember. I don’t know what it is but I
can’t help reading about romance, snow and Yule logs while sweltering in
an Australian summer.
Some of the titles this week are really Christmassy,
whilst others only touch on it. As always we have a smattering of different
romance genres and heat levels.
Nicóle xx
So
let’s begin with a little gratuitous promotion on my part - my medieval
Yuletide novella is on sale just for Christmas. It’s only 99 cents on Amazon...
Go on you little minx... you know you want to... J
Misrule’s Mistress
By Nicole Hurley-Moore
Lord
Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused
once. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to
capture his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.
Christmas Eve at Etford Park
By Erin Grace
1849,
England: Nearly a year since her father died during the London Cholera
epidemic, Lily Bowden finds herself in a tiny village in Kent, trapped in a
life of unpaid servitude. Along with her mother and younger sister, she relies
upon the fragile goodwill of her minister uncle and his overbearing wife. After
suffering injuries during a battle in India, Gabriel Holsworthy returns to
England, only to find himself languishing in a military hospital in Chelsea. As
a second son, he'd gained little favour with a demanding father and is
reluctant to go when he is summoned home to Etford Park. Gabriel must accept
his brother's tragic death... but it's the ghosts of his own past that haunt
him. With Christmas approaching, Lily finds it impossible to be joyful, especially
as her poor sister slips into a deep melancholy over their late father. Lily no
longer believes in the goodness of others, the Christmas Spirit... or the
chance of finding love. For Gabriel, he is adamant never to risk his heart
again. When he meets Lily, he is stunned by the spark of passion ignited
within, but determined to extinguish it before it grows. No unruly slip of a
girl will turn his head... or touch his soul. He will be as bitter as his
father... as cold as the first Christmas snow. In the season of healing and
forgiveness, will Christmas bring sorrow for Lily and Gabriel, or will
Christmas bring them love, the greatest gift of all?
Here’s a hot little Sci-fi from Ros Baxter which is free on Amazon at the
moment.
White Christmas
By Ros Baxter
What if your only chance at survival was
to seduce the man who broke your heart?
Seventeen years after the Apocalypse, Admiral-class Explorer Tabysha is caught up in a firefight and shot down over Tyver, where ice vampires hunt human warmth. Seeking shelter in an ice cave, she is instructed to stay put and await rescue. But after another ship crash-lands, and the Hunter Gatherers stalk its wounded pilot, Tabi breaks protocol.
When it turns out the survivor is the man who stole her heart then skipped out on her ten years before, it seems to Tabi that no good deed goes unpunished, and things can’t get any worse. But she’s so wrong.
As the Hunters pick up the escalating heat signature of the former lovers, Tabi has to tell Asha that there is only one way to repel the creatures stalking them.
And it involves picking up where they left off ten years before.
Seventeen years after the Apocalypse, Admiral-class Explorer Tabysha is caught up in a firefight and shot down over Tyver, where ice vampires hunt human warmth. Seeking shelter in an ice cave, she is instructed to stay put and await rescue. But after another ship crash-lands, and the Hunter Gatherers stalk its wounded pilot, Tabi breaks protocol.
When it turns out the survivor is the man who stole her heart then skipped out on her ten years before, it seems to Tabi that no good deed goes unpunished, and things can’t get any worse. But she’s so wrong.
As the Hunters pick up the escalating heat signature of the former lovers, Tabi has to tell Asha that there is only one way to repel the creatures stalking them.
And it involves picking up where they left off ten years before.
Borderland Beauty
By Samantha Holt
Lord Dominic is
in need of a wife. With the reivers, the wild and dangerous criminals that
haunt the borderlands, breathing down his neck and his brother now married, he
needs a strong woman by his side. So when he finds out about an old marriage
contract between him and his neighbour’s daughter, he vows to give the
mysterious woman a chance. Upon meeting the beautiful, feisty maiden, he vows
to make her his wife.
Lucy Montgomery
wants nothing to do with the arrogant lord. She doesn’t understand his interest
in her. Surely a man like Dominic could never fall for a woman like her? Hurt
by the past, she refuses to believe that she is anything more than a game to
him. If only she didn’t find him quite so charming.
Can Dominic persuade
Lucy that she is more than just another woman to him? And with the reivers
growing bolder, are there worse dangers than Lucy saying ‘Nay’?
The
Christmas Cuckoo
By
Mary Jo Putney
Wars, has just returned to England and
intends to travel to an unwelcoming family home for Christmas. But when a
pompous secretary gives him too many orders, Jack hops on the next stagecoach
leaving the London inn, not caring where it’s going. Too much whisky to stave
off freezing leaves him sleeping it off in a different inn, and when an
attractive young woman asks if he’s Jack Howard, he happily goes home with her.
Despite vile weather, Meg Lambert drives to the local inn to collect her brother’s friend Jack Howard, but since she’s never met the man, she doesn’t realize that she’s brought home the wrong Jack Howard. Jack realizes her mistake when he awakes the next morning with an aching head—but he finds a warmth and welcome with Meg and her family that he’s yearned for all his life. He can’t bring himself to admit that he’s a cuckoo in her nest—but what will happen when Meg’s brother and the right Jack Howard turn up for Christmas???
Despite vile weather, Meg Lambert drives to the local inn to collect her brother’s friend Jack Howard, but since she’s never met the man, she doesn’t realize that she’s brought home the wrong Jack Howard. Jack realizes her mistake when he awakes the next morning with an aching head—but he finds a warmth and welcome with Meg and her family that he’s yearned for all his life. He can’t bring himself to admit that he’s a cuckoo in her nest—but what will happen when Meg’s brother and the right Jack Howard turn up for Christmas???
A lovely collection of stories and free on Amazon.
A Grosvenor Square Christmas
By Anna Campbell, Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly & Kate Noble
Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four
bestselling romance authors.
Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?
1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen
Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?
1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly
Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.
1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell
At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.
1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble
Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...
You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?
Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?
1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen
Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?
1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly
Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.
1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell
At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.
1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble
Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...
You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?
Well really... who doesn’t? J
All I Want for Christmas Is a Cowboy
By Jennifer Ryan, Katie Lane & Emma Cane
From Emma Cane, Jennifer Ryan, and Katie Lane come three wildly romantic
holiday stories featuring snowstorms, proposals, a sleigh ride … and, yes,
cowboys.
The Christmas Cabin by Emma Cane
Sandy and her young son, Nate, are Christmas tree–hunting when a
snowstorm strikes and an old ranch hand points them to an abandoned cabin.
Little does Sandy know he sent cowboy Doug Thalberg to the same place. It's a
Christmas all of Valentine Valley will remember.
Can't Wait by Jennifer Ryan
Before The Hunted Series began …
Though she is the woman of his dreams, Caleb Bowden knows his best
friend's sister, Summer Turner, is off limits. He won't cross that line, which
means Summer will just have to take the reins if she wants her cowboy for Christmas.
Baby It's Cold Outside by Katie Lane
Alana Hale hits the internet dating jackpot when she finds Clint
McCormick. He's sensitive and responsible—not to mention wealthy. When he
invites her to spend the holidays on his family's ranch, she readily accepts.
But on the way there, a blizzard strands her with a womanizing rodeo cowboy who
could change everything …
Secret Santa (novella)
By Rhian Cahill
The last thing Jenn wants this Christmas to be is merry. Hibernating in her apartment is the perfect plan for someone who has lost way more than just her Christmas cheer. She’ll re-emerge on December 26th and move on with her life.
Morgan has had just about enough of dancing around the sexual chemistry between himself and his manager, Jenn. If he has his way, she won’t spend this Christmas — or any other — alone. With the help of a bogus set of secret Santa envelopes, he’s going to deliver a Christmas present to the woman he loves, one she’ll never forget!
One Sweet Christmas (novella)
By Darlene Fredette
It’s going to take more than
a few pieces of chocolate to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer.
Luckily Candice Cane has a whole shop full...
Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but it’s left Jackson standing, angry and looking for answers, on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.
Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only...so he’s not sure how he’s ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.
Jackson wants nothing to do with his small town past, but Candice shows him what he didn’t even know he’d been missing. Can a bit of Christmas magic heal old wounds and offer up a future neither saw coming?
Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but it’s left Jackson standing, angry and looking for answers, on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.
Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only...so he’s not sure how he’s ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.
Jackson wants nothing to do with his small town past, but Candice shows him what he didn’t even know he’d been missing. Can a bit of Christmas magic heal old wounds and offer up a future neither saw coming?
Now for a little non-fiction...
The
History of Christmases Past
By Suzi Love.
A collection of historical information about the traditions of Christmas
through the centuries, including the religious aspects, decorations, games,
food and plays.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Misrule's Mistress
Hi everyone,
I have some exciting news. If
you buy a copy of Rain from Jupiter Garden Press you will receive my medieval
Christmas tale, Misrule’s Mistress for free.
Holiday Cheer!
Use coupon code "holidaycheer" to get Nicole Hurley-Moore's
book, Misrule's Mistress, for FREE when you purchase her recent release,
Rain.
*Must add both books to your cart and use the coupon code*
Coupon good through the end of December!
*Must add both books to your cart and use the coupon code*
Coupon good through the end of December!
Or you can snap up a bargain
and grab a copy of Misrule’s Mistress from Amazon for just 99cents!
It’s on sale for a limited
time –
Lord
Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused
once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet.
With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture
his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.
History
Misrule’s
Mistress is my Christmas themed novella. It’s a medieval tale which is set
during the twelve days of Christmas. The feast of Misrule occurs on the last
evening (eve of Epiphany) of the Christmas festivities. Misrule symbolizes a
world turning upside down. On this day the King and all those who were high
would become the peasants and vice versa. At the beginning of the Twelfth Night
festival, a cake that contained a bean was eaten. The person who found the bean
would rule the feast. Midnight signaled the end of his rule and the world would
return to normal. The tradition dates back to pre-Christian European festivals
however it was incorporated into the Christmas celebrations.
Nicóle xx
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