Medieval Monday: First Encounter! ~ Nicole Locke’s Her Christmas Knight

 

First Meet!

 is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Join us, our heroes and heroines and as we see that crucial first encounter with a couple meant to be together.

This week’s excerpt is from

Nicole Locke’s

Her Christmas Knight

 

Excerpt:

She pushed away, but Hugh did not immediately release her. Instead he slowly lowered her to the ground. If possible, the chainmail was more abrasive and his body was harder than a stone wall. Her breasts tingled inside her chemise; swathed in her heavy skirts, her dangling legs entwined with his.

It was all too intimate, too heady. When her feet touched the ground it felt as if he’d dropped her from that imagined cliff.

Unsteady, she pressed her hand against his chest. Her body shook with the rise of his breath, the strong beat of his heart. Hugh’s hands returned to her sides, and they were all too familiar, too proprietorial. He didn’t have a right to such touch. He had refused her offer to have a right to such touch.

‘Release me,’ she said, not looking in his eyes.

Next Monday, I’m at Laurel O’Donnell’s blog. http://www.laurel-odonnell.com/blog.html

 

Blurb:

A knight to protect her—this Yuletide 

By order of the English king, Alice of Swaffham searches London nobility for the traitor dealing information to the Scots. Little does she know that the mysterious spy she seeks is the man she once loved and thought she’d lost forever… 

If Hugh of Shoebury felt unworthy of Alice before, as the Half-Thistle spy he can never claim her heart. Now he must fight to keep not only his dark secrets—and Alice—safe from a vengeful king…but also his burning longing for her at bay!

 

Buy Links:

Available at:

Amazon: myBook.to/Lovers-n-Legends6

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/24841_nicole-locke.html

 

And find my next installment of the first meet in Betrothal on Nicole’s blog today.

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Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/15/17 Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve~ Disappointment

I’m sharing from my brand new short story I’ve just finished writing for Halloween called Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve. It’s set in the world of my Handful of Hearts series and it will be FREE to those who sign up for my newsletter in October! Just click here. 🙂

The cover’s almost ready–release will be Monday or Tuesday, so please look for it!

Miss Cecilia Powell is attending her first masquerade on All Hallows’ Eve when she sees something just a little strange. A hooded figure in black begins to stalk toward her.

Relentlessly, he continued toward her, creating new flutterings within. Excitement rather than terror she was sure. Did she know the gentleman? His dress gave her no clues, of course. Perhaps his voice would give him away, as had the others, like Lady Haversham’s, when she’d heard her speak tonight.

His graceful, light carriage as he strode onward, sent more anticipation buzzing through her. Cecilia could not stop staring as he halted in front of her and made a deep bow.

“Goddess Astraea, I come to make obeisance to your loveliness. Fair one, I am rendered weak at the beauty and grace that stands before me,” he said, and the rich, deep baritone of his voice fell oh, so pleasurably on her ear.

Disappointment tugged at her, however, when his speech didn’t arouse any recognition.

BLURB for Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve:

When Miss Cecilia Powell attends her very first masquerade on All Hallows’ Eve, she’s thrilled when a mysterious  reveler pays court to her. As their encounter continues, Cecilia is charmed, then smitten with this masked stranger, even though she senses something odd about him. Is he truly the man of her dreams, or will Cecilia find her dream a true  nightmare?

Books in The Handful of Hearts series:

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

 

 

Upcoming New Release: Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve

My paranormal Halloween historical, Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve, should release next week! It’s a holiday short story with a paranormal twist that’s new for me. I certainly hope you like it!

Cover Coming Soon!

BLURB:

When Miss Cecilia Powell attends her very first masquerade on All Hallows’ Eve, she’s thrilled when a mysterious reveler pays court to her. As their encounter continues, Cecilia is charmed, then smitten with this masked stranger, even though she senses something odd about him. Is he truly the man of her dreams, or will Cecilia find her dream a true nightmare?

And you can get it for FREE if you sign up for my newsletter here! 

EXCERPT:

Gazing about the room, still hopeful she could catch someone’s eye, Cecilia glanced into one of the darker corners of the room. The black wall hangings stirred, as by a breeze, and a hooded figure emerged, as though a shadow had come to life.

A thrill of fear shot through her and she pressed her back against the unyielding marble, trying to melt into it. Goose flesh rose on her arms as the apparition continued forward. Toward her. Her breath stopped and she stood as if rooted to the floor, unable to move or speak.

The black form reached up to its head and suddenly gold glinted in the candlelight. A glittering half-mask of intricate design concealed the gentleman’s face, though it revealed black, curly hair and the strong chin and jaw of the wearer.

Cecilia gasped, unaware until then she’d been holding her breath, as realization struck that the man—for certainly it was a normal man who stood before her—wore a black domino as his costume. Most revelers had chosen more colorful clothing. This gentleman wore one of the simplest and most elegant of costumes, the classic hooded cape that enveloped him in black entirely, save for his glittery gold mask.

Relentlessly, he continued toward her creating new flutterings within. Excitement rather than terror she was sure. Did she know the gentleman? His dress gave her no clues, of course. Perhaps his voice would give him away, as had the others, like Lady Haversham’s, when she’d heard her speak tonight.

His graceful, light carriage as he strode onward, sent more anticipation buzzing through her. Cecilia could not stop staring as he halted in front of her and made a deep bow.

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, Passion is Timeless, to get this holiday short story for FREE!

Look for the release early next week!

Medieval Monday: First Encounter! ~ Lane McFarland’s Elsbeth

 

First Meet!

 is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Join us, our heroes and heroines and as we see that crucial first encounter with a couple meant to be together.

This week’s excerpt is from

Lane McFarland’s

Elsbeth

Excerpt:

Brandon nodded at his men, and they fell in line behind him. Grit crunched beneath their boots as they marched down the musty corridor, the sound echoing in the dark, quiet abbey. As he expected, the sisters had retired for the night. It was fortunate this one heard his knock.

She led them into the front solar and stood to the side as they filed into the room. His travel-weary men crowded the small chamber. Brandon’s feet had grown numb hours ago, and his face burned from the ferocious wind; however, the hearth’s welcoming glow bathed him in warmth.

 

Blurb:

 

Elsbeth MacDougall recoils at the violent Scottish rebellion and the bleak plight of orphans. Vowing to protect the homeless, she embarks on a journey to Scone and sets her course to become a nun, sheltering children from the cruelties of war. But when Brandon McLeod arrives at the Abby, he shakes her convictions and stirs provoking emotions she buried long ago.

After English soldiers murder his family, Brandon McLeod determines a course of revenge and leads numerous clans in Scotland’s fight for freedom. Bent on the annihilation of English oppression, he is resolved to a life of solitude, vowing never to marry and chance the pain of losing loved ones again. However, that was before he met the enchanting Elsbeth.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Join me next week to find out what happens at Ashley York’s blog!

And find my next installment of the first meet in Betrothal on Lane’s blog today.

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 10/08/17 Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve~ The Hooded Figure

As promised, I’m switching to a brand new short story I’ve just finished writing for Halloween called Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve. It’s set in the world of my Handful of Hearts series and it will be FREE to those who sign up for my newsletter in October! Just click here. 🙂

No cover yet, but this picture will give you an idea of what it will be like. The story should release before October 15.

Miss Cecilia Powell is attending her first masquerade on All Hallows’ Eve when she sees something just a little strange.

Gazing about the room, still hopeful she could catch someone’s eye, Cecilia glanced into one of the darker corners of the room. The black wall hangings stirred, as by a breeze, and a hooded figure emerged, as though a shadow had come to life.

A thrill of fear shot through her and she pressed her back against the unyielding marble, trying to melt into it. Goose flesh rose on her arms as the apparition continued forward. Toward her. Her breath stopped and she stood as if rooted to the floor, unable to move or speak.

The black form reached up to its head and suddenly gold glinted in the candlelight. A glittering half-mask of intricate design concealed the gentleman’s face, though it revealed black, curly hair and the strong chin and jaw of the wearer.

Cecilia gasped, unaware until then she’d been holding her breath, as realization struck that the man—for certainly it was a normal man who stood before her—wore a black domino as his costume. 

BLURB for Hearts at All Hallows’ Eve:

When Miss Cecilia Powell attends her very first masquerade on All Hallows’ Eve, she’s thrilled when a mysterious  reveler pays court to her. As their encounter continues, Cecilia is charmed, then smitten with this masked stranger, even though she senses something odd about him. Is he truly the man of her dreams, or will Cecilia find her dream a true  nightmare?

Books in The Handful of Hearts series:

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

 

 

Fall Special: Not Without Risk by Jennifer Lowrey

Hello fans and readers! How is everyone today? I’m great. Fall is my favorite season and in honor of that I am offering the second book in my Wolff Securities Series, Not Without Risk, for .99 cents on Amazon, September 30-October 4! Yay! Of course, Kindle Unlimited subscribers always read for free. Keep reading for buy links!

If you haven’t read the first book, Maximum Risk, no worries. These are standalone books as well as part of a series. You don’t have to read them in order, but I recommend it. Simply because you will get a fuller character experience by reading them in order.

As a bonus for your continued support and generosity I have including one of my favorite fall recipes. I make these muffins every year and they never last long, lol. Please enjoy the recipe and the .99 cent book!

Not Without Risk Blurb:

He always keeps his promises…

Private security specialist, Nate Wolff promised to rescue humanitarian aid worker, Macy Gibbs, not harbor a fugitive. Determined to keep his promise and not make the same mistakes his brother made, he risks his life to protect her from the terrorist group hunting her.

Keeping this one will be the hardest thing he’s ever had to do…

With a bounty on her head for the murder of a man who bought her in an illegal human trafficking ring, Macy Gibbs puts both her life, and the life of the tall, handsome stranger who’s vowed to rescue her, in danger. Emotionally scarred from her ordeal, she trusts no one. But, can the biggest danger she’s about to face be the impact this former SEAL has on her heart?

 

Not Without Risk Excerpt:

Nate put a hand on Macy’s shoulder. She didn’t stir. Unable to resist, he caressed her cheek. Warm. Not as hot. A good sign. Beneath his hand her skin felt soft as silk. He gently ran his thumb across the fading bruise on her jawline. Anger and the urge to protect and defend surged through him. Except, it felt more personal. Not just a bodyguard protecting his charge. More…

Nope. Not going there. The reasons stuck like a knife in his heart.

He dropped his hand to his side, sobered, and put his thoughts in proper order. First things first. Get Macy dressed, then grab her and go. They may not have confiscated his weapons, but that could be a ruse to keep him off guard.

His supply of clothing for Macy was running low. Only two shirts and one pair of pants left. Foregoing the undergarments, he grasped the edge of the blanket, prepared to dress her and make a run for it.

“Nate?”

The murmured question came from Macy. He froze, his gaze flying to her face to find her eyes open. Glazed, confused.

Letting go of the blanket, he leaned over her. “Hey. I’m here.”

Her beautiful blue eyes that reminded him so much of Bleu Lake back home, met his, radiating with pain. “Don’t leave me. Please.”

The impact of those words went straight through his chest. At that moment, he knew they couldn’t go. Not until she was healthy enough to go. They’d pushed hard already and look where it got them.

Bending, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. Go back to sleep. You’re safe.”

That seemed to work because the tension went out of her muscles and her eyes drifted closed. Seconds later her breathing evened out, indicating she slept peacefully.

Nate straightened and scrubbed a hand down his face. He returned the clothes to his pack, dragged the crude chair in front of the bed and dropped down on it. His Glock now rested across his thigh, finger near the trigger as he settled in.

Whomever, or whatever, came through that door they would have to go through him first in order to get to Macy. And he’d die before he let another person hurt her.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

And now for the recipe!! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

 

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

15 ounce can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Filling:

8 ounce cream cheese, softened

1 egg yolk

5 tablespoons sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix pumpkin, vegetable oil and sugar on low speed with electric mixer (I use my Kitchen Aid stand mixer).
3. Add in eggs, one at a time, combining thoroughly after each addition.
4. Add vanilla
5. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices. Slowly add to liquids, scraping sides of bowl to combine.
6. Make Filling: Mix filling ingredients until combined.
7. Fill 12 muffin cups with cupcake liners.
8. Fill each with pumpkin mixture.
9. Spoon cream cheese mixture on top and swirl with a skewer or toothpick.
10. Bake until done.

 

Meet Jennifer:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Lowery grew up reading romance novels in the back of her math book and on the bus to school, and never wanted to be anything but a writer.  Her summers were spent sitting at the kitchen table with her sisters spinning tales of romance and intrigue and always with a tall glass of ice tea at their side.

Today, Jennifer is living that dream and she couldn’t be happier to share her passion with her readers.  She loves everything there is about romance.  Her stories feature alpha heroes who meet their match with strong, independent heroines.  She believes that happily ever after is only the beginning of her stories. And the road to that happy ending is paved with action, adventure, and romance. As her characters find out when they face danger, overcome fears, and are forced to look deep within themselves to discover love.

Jennifer lives in Michigan with her husband and charming rescued tomcat named Shamrock. Their son lives near them and is in the Army National Guard as well as a student at a local university. Their daughter is married and lives with her amazing husband who is stationed at Fort Bragg.

When she isn’t writing she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

 

Connect with Jennifer:

Read more about her books on her website: https://jenniferloweryauthor.com/

Join her on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferlowery/

And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLoweryauthor

Please “like” her Facebook author page! https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferLowery/

Sign up on her website with your email and never miss another update from Jennifer: https://jenniferloweryauthor.com/

Join Jennifer’s Street Team: https://jenniferloweryauthor.com/

Join her on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+JenniferLoweryauthor

And Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferloweryauthor/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferloweryauthor/

Thank you so much for spending a few minutes with me today! I appreciate it more than you can know!

Happy Fall,

Jennifer

Medieval Monday: First Encounter! ~ Bambi Lynn’s Bron

 

First Meet!

 is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Join us, our heroes and heroines and as we see that crucial first encounter with a couple meant to be together.

This week’s excerpt is from

Bambi Lynn’s

Bron

Excerpt:

“Do not be afraid, girl. I will not hurt you. As long as you do what you are told, everything will be fine.”

“And if I do not?”

Blurb:

After escaping the brutal tyrant who holds her under his boot, Leda’s newfound hope is shattered to discover her safe-haven to be nothing more than a den of brutal Norsemen, intent on conquering all of Francia and claiming its riches for their own. When she is offered as a bed slave to the fiercest Viking of them all, she despairs to realize freedom comes at a price.

Brondulf Adilson has struck terror into his enemies for as long as he can remember, to include the women who share his bed. Shunned for his frightful appearance, he doesn’t expect compliance from his new thrall and is resigned to forcing her to his will.

But the beauty he finds himself saddle with turns out to be anything but meek and compliant.

 

Buy Links:

Amazon  

Follow along next week at Ashley York’s blog. Be sure to comment for a chance to win an e-copy of Bron.

And find my next installment of the first meet in Betrothal on Bambi’s blog today.