Wednesday 28 May 2014

Seizing Heaven



Hi everyone,

Well, I have some fab news!

Seizing Heaven which is book 2 in the Foxwoods Annals (the first was Capturing Bliss) will be released this July!!! Yay!!!

The story takes place just over a hundred years after William and Blissot. It deals with the new Lord Reynard, Savaric.

He is intent on marrying the widow of Blackstone Manor, that is, until fate and the Reynard betrothal ring get in the way. On his way to meet the widow, Savaric is waylaid by Rosamund, an artist and a traveller. You can run from Fate, but somehow it always seems to catch you in the end. This is a lesson that Savaric should have taken to heart.

I’m excited to revisit Foxwoods Hall and the Reynard family... especially the Reynard men!

 I liked the thought of visiting a family through pinpoints in its history. To explore the traits, beliefs and traditions that can bind a family together and help it endure.

So, does the Reynard betrothal ring really have the power to choose the true bride? Or is it just a quaint family legend?



 
Here’s a snippet from Seizing Heaven
Looking back at Rosamund, Savaric gave her a brief nod. “You have my thanks, Lady. ‘Twas a good deed and one I will compensate you for.” The faster she was gone from under his roof the faster he would find peace.
The girl straightened and her eyes narrowed when she addressed him. “Sir, I do not want your coin.”
“Then what do you want? Come, you came to Foxwoods with a purpose.”
“I want nothing from you, Lord Reynard. I was honour bound to return the ring and I need no money for that.” Her voice was even but he saw a spark of indignation spark in her eyes.
“And what do you know of honour?” The words slipped out of Savaric’s mouth before he could stop them.



Here’s the blurb of Capturing Bliss

 


In 12th-century England, love isn't part of the marriage equation. But Lady Blissot de Woodville adores her younger sister too much to see her suffer such a fate. Instead, Bliss recklessly switches places with her sister—and marries a total stranger under false pretenses!
Fortunately, she soon discovers she shares a rare passion and genuine love with her new husband, the ardent Lord William Reynard. Yet the happier Bliss becomes, the more her secret weighs heavily on her heart...because the desperate lie could destroy everything she's come to cherish.
 
 
 
Thanks for stopping by.

Nicóle  xx

Sunday 25 May 2014

Spotlight - Samantha Holt


Hi everyone,
 Today I’m featuring my friend – Samantha Holt. Over the past couple of months Samantha has released some delicious medieval romances. So, I thought we should bring them all together and check out their lusciousness en masse.



To Dream of a Highlander


Scotland, 1230

Sent on a rescue mission, Finn mac Chaluim is prepared to do his duty, hand over the lass and return home.

But fate has other ideas.

In the midst of a Norse invasion, Catriona barely escapes with her life. Masquerading as her sister, she finds herself in the hands of Finn who intends to hand her over to her sister’s betrothed, Laird Gillean. In the interests of bringing peace to her home, Catriona is determined to continue the ruse—even if it means going along with the marriage and denying her growing attraction to a man who keeps his hurts hidden behind a quick grin.

If the green faery, Tèile, has anything to do with it, Catriona and Finn will come together—but only at the right time. Thanks to her last attempt at matchmaking, many paths were changed and now it’s up to her to put it right. Can she help Finn— who learned the hard way that sharing your life with someone only leads to heartache—get past his doubts? And will the battle-scarred Catriona even accept him into her heart? When Laird Gillean’s attentions toward Catriona become dangerous, both Finn and Tèile will find they have an uphill battle on their hands.
Excerpt:
He swung his gaze around, grateful the night had not yet swallowed them. A flash of green a few feet in front of him caught his eye. Hair swirling about her, gown waving like seaweed in the wash, she floated on the surface—knocked senseless.
“Damnation!”
With several strong strides, he caught up with her. The tide drew her away but it was not strong enough to defeat him. The sea now up to his hips, he dragged Katelyn into his arms. By God, her gown weighed her down. Even for a man of his strength, he felt as though he were carrying a heavy sack of grain rather than a sylph of a woman.
Wading to the boat, he hefted her out of the water and passed her to Logan. The man shook his head. “Sorry, Finn. We were concentrating on not getting tossed about in the wash. ‘Tisnae easy holding such a small vessel steady.”
“Aye, have no fear. ‘Twas my fault. The lass has clearly had a shock and I should have been watching her more closely.”
Logan laid her in the bow while Finn clambered in. He knelt by the lass and glanced up at Logan.
“She must have taken a hit to the head.”
“Aye, likely against the boat. Must have hit hard to render her senseless.”
Finn nodded. “Let us get on our way. We can do no good for her here.”
“Aye,” Logan agreed and backed away to help row the boat from the shoreline.
Leaning over her, Finn studied the gash on her forehead with a grimace. Poor lass. She’d have a mighty fine headache when she awoke. The steady rise and fall of her breasts against the soaked green wool assured him no permanent damage had been done.
“Ye’ll have to get her out of those wet garments,” Logan called out behind him.
Finn clenched his teeth. “Aye, thank ye, Logan. I’m aware o’ that.”
He ran his gaze over her. Damn his luck. He’d undressed many a fine woman but none had ever been out cold and an unwilling partner. No doubt the lady would be deeply ashamed he’d done as much. But he could hardly leave her to die from exposure. If anything, his sister would have his head.
Fingers tentatively prying at the front of her bodice, he forced his gaze onto the wood just behind her head. But the wet fabric proved too hard to tug apart so he pressed his hands to her back and lifted her lifeless form. Icy skin and sumptuous curves flattened briefly to his chest as he fumbled with the ties at the back of her gown. By God, when had he ever blundered like a whelp when undressing a woman? But he had to admit, though he’d had little time to admire her and the swelling on her face did not reveal her features properly, the flash of creamy skin was tempting enough. In other circumstances—and had she been anyone other than a lady in distress—he’d have enjoyed such a sight.
He had her face pressed into his neck as he pulled her gown from her. Soft skin under his fingertips forced his breath to stilt. Only the grunts of men rowing reminded him he was meant to be helping the lass and not enjoying the moment.
Katelyn’s chemise and gown came away in one go and he peered behind him, narrowing his eyes at the men. “Keep yer eyes away,” he warned, “or I’ll be having yer heads.”
Buy link:
 
 
 

Hunting His Highland Lass

Scotland, 1292

Rory MacPherson has returned home to find his castle overrun by the English and his timid wife missing. So when he hears of her tales of bravery, he's just a little surprised. But his main concern is whether she is still alive or has been captured. Upon discovering her intention to run to her father's and to leave their affectionless marriage for good, Rory realises just how much sweet Isla means to him. Can the warrior get past his fears of being too rough for her?

Though fear of capture drove Isla out, it's the fear of returning to her marriage that keeps her travelling across the unforgiving Highlands. Not that she doesn't care for her husband, but she can no longer bear desiring a man who clearly doesn't want her. Believing that he must be sharing his bed with another lass, Isla plans to beg her father for refuge from the English...and her husband. But the journey is dangerous and Rory is a determined man. Will he even let her go?
 
Excerpt:
Inverness, 1297
Rory MacPherson grimaced as he eyed his dilapidated keep. The outer wall had taken a serious battering and the portcullis had been knocked in so that it hung at an odd angle. Of course, half of the destruction had been caused by his own men as they attempted to claim back the castle from the English. Thankfully the siege hadn’t lasted long but who knew what damage they had done? Not to mention his household was scattered to the winds.
His gut twisted. Isla’s brown eyes flitted through his mind, warmed by the fireplace as she sat in her usual chair. Had she got away in time? Or had she still been in there, defending his castle when the English broke through? He gripped his sword and swiped the sweat from his brow as he pushed past the twisted gate and raised his head to view the castle. The shutters were torn from their hinges, chunks of stone were missing from the walls. Blood soiled the bailey.
With a shake of his head, he hurried up the outer steps and into the Great Hall. He should never have left her to deal with this. A lass had no place fighting men’s wars. And seeing such bloodshed. Especially a lass like Isla. His wife was delicate, sweet. Not made for battle.
But still, they had kept the English at bay for several sennights. His men must have fought hard for fear of what the English might do to them and their lady. Rory swallowed the knot in his throat as he studied the hall with its upturned tables and the smell of death lingering in the air.
Ach, he should never have left Dunmuir. Should never have left Isla. He clenched his fist and considered what might have happened to her. His heart flipped as he realised he’d have to scour the keep for her. When they’d forced the English out, there had been no sign of his wife. He prayed she had fled. She was a beautiful woman—a tempting prize for any man.
He kicked aside a chair and began his hunt of the lower floor. Men entered the hall behind him and did the same, scouring the place for the enemy or any of their kin left standing. Who could have predicted the English would come up the coast? While he had joined the Scots on the border, the English snuck around them and took several castles, including his own. By the time he got word of the attack, it was too late. Only days before he arrived, the English succeeded in breaking through their defences and taking his home.
And mayhap his wife…
Buy links:
 
 
 

Borderland Betrayal

 
To Captain James, duty means everything. He’s worked hard to ensure the safety of the people of Thornewall and now the border reiver threat is gone and the recovery from the plague is well underway, he finds himself questioning his life.

The arrival of the vibrant Ellise only confuses him further. When he catches Ellise thieving, instead of wanting to let the law deal with her, he finds he longs to take a more personal approach… a much more personal approach.

Having lived on the edge of society for many years, Ellise is used to scraping for a living and she knows moments of happiness are few and far between. So she leaps at the chance to spend one sensual night with the handsome captain. Just one night and then she’ll be gone.

To her astonishment, fate throws her back into James’ sights when she accepts a job at Thornewall to look after the pregnant lady. Although the attraction still burns between them, she cannot give into it. One night has to be enough as she has far too many secrets. Should the honourable captain ever discover them, it would be more than her heart that would be at risk. Her life could well be at stake too…
Buy links:
 
 
Here’s Samantha’s Blog
 
And you can find all of Samantha’s wonderful books on Amazon –
 
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Nicóle  xx



Tuesday 6 May 2014

Bewitching Blurbs



Hi everyone,

Sorry I’ve been a bit slack when it comes to the blogging. I was lost in revisions and then got carried away with a new story.

Anyway, here’s another Bewitching Blurbs. As always it includes a selection from all romance sub genres and heat levels.



 
Outback Blaze
By Rachael Johns
 
Ruby wasn't looking for love, Drew wasn't looking to stay...until they found each other. Can their fling survive the darkness of Ruby's past and Drew's desire to move on?

Ruby Jones was always an optimist, but the trauma of her past had made her wary. So when she flees to the small rural community of Bunyip Bay to start afresh, she has her sights firmly set on establishing her horse-riding business and rebuilding her life. The last thing Ruby wants is a romance. In fact, after all she has been through, she can't imagine she will ever believe in love again.

Police officer Drew Noble has no intention of staying in Bunyip Bay — he is just an outsider seeking temporary refuge. But as the charm of the town sways him, Drew finds himself increasingly drawn to the community and its inhabitants, as well as another newcomer, the lovely Ruby Jones.

When Drew investigates a suspicious fire at Ruby's parents' business, he finds himself feeling strangely protective of the girl with the flowers in her hair. As the details of Ruby's past emerge and she comes once more under threat, Drew realises he will do all in his power to save her.

Soon these outsiders discover they have both lost their hearts — not only to the town but to each other.


 
Simmering Season
By Jenn J. McLeod
When a school reunion brings home more than just memories…

Back in Calingarry Crossing to sell the family pub, Maggie Lindeman has no idea a perfect storm is heading her way until her past and present collide with the unexpected.

Maggie once had a crush on Dan Ireland, now a work-weary police crash investigator, still hell-bent on punishing himself for his misspent youth. Dan has ample reason for not going home to Calingarry Crossing for the school reunion, but one very good reason why he should.

Maggie is dealing with a restless seventeen-year-old son, a father with dementia, a fame-obsessed musician husband, a dwindling bank account and a country pub that just won't sell.

The last thing she needs is a surprise houseguest for the summer. Fiona Bailey-Blair, daughter of an old friend and spoilt with everything but the truth, whips up a maelstrom of gossip when she blows into town.

This storm season, when a school reunion brings home more than memories, Maggie Lindeman will discover … there's no keeping a lid on some secrets.
 
 
And here are a few of the lovely titles from my fellow Escapees –
 
 
 
Lord Somerton’s Heir
By Alison Stuart
From the battlefield of Waterloo to the drawing rooms of Brantstone Hall, Sebastian Alder’s elevation from penniless army captain to Viscount Somerton is the stuff of dreams. But the cold reality of an inherited estate in wretched condition, and the suspicious circumstances surrounding his cousin’s death, provide Sebastian with no time for dreams — only a mystery to solve and a murderer to bring to justice.

Isabel, widow of the late Lord Somerton, is desperate to bury the memory of her unhappy marriage by founding the charity school she has always dreamed of. Except, her dreams are soon shattered from beyond the grave when she is not only left penniless, but once more bound to the whims of a Somerton.

But this Somerton is unlike any man she has met. Can the love of an honourable man heal her broken heart or will suspicion tear them apart?
 
 
 
 
 
Four-Leaf Clover
By Charmaine Ross
A sexy, sugar-laden David vs Goliath story about a local bakery, a national chain, and what really matters.

Clover Loveday has worked hard to get her café Four-Leaf Clover up and running — her ticket out of an increasingly alarming financial situation and her dream come true. When she literally falls off her ladder into the arms of sexy-as-sin Liam Sinclair. The same Liam Sinclair who owns the new bakery being built just across the road...the new store by bakery chain Upper Crust owner! Clover decides then that no matter how nauseated she is about the idea, it is best keep your enemies close, rather than leave things to fate.

Liam has never put too much thought into the competition when he opens a new outlet, other than taking their customers and strengthening the Upper Crust brand. But here in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Clover Loveday’s cafe is a little too close for comfort, and Clover herself a little too good-looking. So Liam asks his PA to put together a ’fact sheet’ about his new competition. He has a business to run, a father to please, and hundreds of people to keep in jobs. Surely information can keep an unwanted strong sexual pull at bay...

A sweet, caffeinated, satisfying story about unexpected temptations, forgiveness, and putting love before money.
 


 
Beckoning Blood
By Daniel de Lorne
A gripping, blooddrenched saga about twin brothers, the men they love, and the enduring truth that true love never dies — no matter how many times you kill it.

Thierry d’Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir — Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness...his twin brother.

Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d’Arjou cares for only two things: his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his – Thierry, made immortal just for him.


 
In other news, the Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research is live. Many authors donate to this wonderful charity and this year is no exception.


Here’s a link to the official site and listings –
 
Some of us from Historical Hearts have banded together and put together a virtual basket –
 
 
Along with several of the Hot Down Under authors –


 Here's the link to bid on the book bundle -
It’s all for a good cause, so I hope you’ll check it out. J
 
 


 

As always thanks for stopping by!
Nicóle  xx