Welcome to the penultimate excerpt I’ll be sharing in the Medieval Monday First Encounters round.  I’m delighted to welcome Lane McFarland to the blog with an excerpt from To Support A King ~ The Turnberry Legacy Series ~ Book II

Plagued by atrocities he committed against innocent victims while pursuing his father’s killers, Laird Mangus MacAndrew pledged to defend and provide for his clan. But his leadership is tested when two of his ships are attacked and his crews massacred. Desperate to fulfill his obligation to protect the clan, Mangus agrees to help reinstate The Turnberry Bond. His mission—garner support for the Bruce and avenge the deaths of his men.

The MacAndrew clan provides Catriona Butler something her Irish home could not, a safe haven. But when she receives a missive her brother is imprisoned and will be executed unless acceptable éraic can be obtained, she must return to her homeland. Mangus agrees to take Catriona to Ireland and vows she will not become a distraction, but he longs to be near her. Catriona witnesses Mangus’s fierce anger and grows distrustful. After a life of suffering her father’s vicious temper, she is skeptical of anyone with a penchant for violence. She attempts to keep her distance, but her traitorous heart pulls her in Mangus’s direction.

With the fate of the kingdom on his shoulders, will Mangus reunite the men of The Turnberry Bond? Can he pursue vengeance against his enemies without taking more innocent lives? And can Catriona free her brother and grow to trust Mangus, staying true to her heart?  

He held her glower for a moment then continued uphill. As she followed him along the steep path, her thoughts returned to Kinnon. Where was he held? What happened to him? Had he taken part in the crimes Da committed? She shook her head. No, she refused to believe it of him. Kinnon would never do such a thing.

Would he?

Images of him injured and imprisoned in a frightful dungeon ran through her mind. She had to get to Ireland.

Buy Link: Amazon

Follow along next week on Lane’s blog at http://lanemcfarland.com/blog, and  leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook of To Support A King.

Remember to check Lane’s blog today for my excerpt from Beguiled by the Forbidden Knight and leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of A Runaway Bride for the Highlander.

To tie in with the Lochmore Legacy series, Harlequin asked me to write a short story to be shared exclusively on their blog.  The first chapter is available today. There are twenty   chapters altogether and the blog will be updated daily so keep checking back.

As the future Laird of Lochmore, Hamish Lochmore needs a wife. So he enters a competition to win the hand of a woman he doesn’t know, let alone love. Hamish is determined to win, especially if he can defeat his arch enemy, Malcolm McCrieff. Until he encounters Annis Gowen, on a mission of her own. Dressed as a boy, Annis hopes to wreak revenge on Malcolm for betraying her, and only Hamish can protect her from Malcolm’s rage. Soon Hamish is in love and marriage to a stranger is losing its appeal. Maybe, he can find a wife by other means…

Copyright © 2019 by Elisabeth Hobbes

Start reading here

To Win His Highland Wife

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You can preorder my book A Runaway Bride for the Highlander here getbook.at/ARunawayBride

Welcome to another Medieval Monday.  Today I’m excited to be sharing the first encounter from The Pirate’s Jewel by Ruth A. Casie

He had walked away from women before, but never with remorse, never with his heart broken.

Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.

Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.

When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

“My apologies.” She craned her head for a view of the gangplank. “You appeared to have the features…in the shadows…I thought you were Lady Maria’s fiancé.”

“Oh, you’re meeting her fiancé—”

“No, no, no,” she said growing more agitated by the minute. She snapped her head around as the sound of the horse’s hooves and the wagon on the cobblestones leaving the dock reached her ears. She gasped and shuffled back a step stumbling on the edge of the dock.

The excerpt continues! Next week : Bambi Lynn

You can catch last week’s excerpt here: Jenna Jaxon

Don’t forget, commenters each week will be entered into a drawing for a free digital copy of THE MAXWELL GHOST.

Remember to check out Ruth’s blog for my excerpt today.

Buy your copy of The Pirate’s Jewel here Amazon

Welcome back! Today I’m delighted to be sharing an excerpt from Sherry Ewing and her wonderful If My Heart Could See You.

She closed her eyes, and he felt the heat of their body’s as he moved her closer ’til they were but a heartbeat away. “Carpe Diem,” she spoke tenderly, as if she were savoring this moment, however brief it may be. She opened her eyes, noticing his further bewilderment at her words. “’Tis Latin… it means to seize the day.”

“Aye, I know its meaning. I am just surprised you do, as well.”

“My lord?” she questioned breathlessly.

Dristan continued to view the beauty of the woman, who watched him just as intently, almost as if she knew him. He cleared his musings inside his head and smiled once more at the fair maiden afore him. “You dress with clan MacLaren’s colors and that of a peasant, yet your speech is of a lady,” he answered. The mystery intensified as he felt the slight calluses in the palm of her hand he yet held, giving evidence she was used to hard labor.

Be sure to leave a comment here to be in the running for Sherry’s giveaway – an eCopy of If My Heart Could See You. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Medieval Monday, May 6th.

Catch last week’s excerpt here: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com

Follow Sherry to next week’s blog (April 15th) here: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.org

Remember to check out Sherry’s blog  for my excerpt and remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Runaway Bride for the Highlander.

If My Heart Could See You 

When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?

For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.

Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knights in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.

Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1LV1qnk

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2pNkekK

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1D5NSBw

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1HQzhwH

I’m delighted to welcome Bambi Lynn back to the blog with an excerpt from The Vikings

He smirked at Wulf, a silent promise that he was now indebted to him. No doubt, Wulf did not need reminding. “Well, do not just stand there,” Bron said. He reached out and, taking her by the arm, pulled her across the threshold.

For more information on Bambi and her books, click here.

Five fierce invaders. Five innocent maids. One land to conquer.

THE VIKINGS OF NORMANDY

When the Viking leader, Rollo, sets his sights on conquering Paris, he sends a band of his fiercest warriors to capture a stronghold to shelter the invaders through the winter. Collect all five episodes in one volume.

GUNNAR

Gunnar Sigurdsen finds an unguarded stronghold at the mouth of the Seine River is the perfect target. Oliana du Fossé waits helplessly for her brute of a husband to claim her.

WULF

Wulf contemplates his share of the spoils after capturing a stronghold in Francia, fat with treasure and slaves. Farin longs to escape her fate as bed slave to the most savage barbarian of them all.

BRON

Brondulf Adilson has struck terror into his enemies for as long as he can remember, as well as the women who share his bed. Now he finds himself saddled with a beauty who may just steal his heart.

THORLEIF

Thorleif Rolvsson has been captured by the enemy. The Queen of the Franks has needs. Will a single night of passion change his fate? Or will he dine with his sons in Valhalla?

MAGNUS

Magnus hasn’t the time or motivation to take a wife. Especially not one who will most likely try to slit his throat while he sleeps.

BUY LINK: Amazon

Don’t forget to check in on Gui on Bambi’s blog today www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

Remember to leave a comment there for a change to win a copy of A Runaway Bride for the Highlander

Welcome back to another Medieval Monday. Today I’m hosting Rue Allyn and an excerpt from The Herald’s Heart.

Royal herald, Sir Talon Quereste could never love an overly adventurous, impulsive, argumentative woman of dubious background who threatens everything he values. Lady Larkin Roshan can only despise a man who would deny her identity and steal her heritage. So why has fate thrown them together to solve the mysteries of the heart?

The fog, so thick and impenetrable a moment ago, formed a gap in the wake of the noise. Talon looked in the direction of the sound and met the wide-eyed gaze of a disembodied head.

His breath froze, and he swayed, dizzy with surprise. She … it … possessed the most beautiful face he’d ever seen.
You can find The Herald’s Heart here.

To find out what Gui is up to head over to Rue’s blog and leave a comment there to be in with a chance of winning a copy of A Runaway Bride for the Highlander.

Welcome back! Today I’m delighted to welcome Jenna Jaxon to the blog.  Her excerpt is from Time Enough to Love.

Her numbed brain repeated the phrase, trying to comprehend that instead he would be her husband– Geoffrey Longford.

God have mercy on me, for by the look of him, this man will not.

Fearful, she cringed as her gaze climbed higher, over his chest, over his chin, finally resting on the dark blue eyes turned toward her.

Geoffrey returned her appraisal, his gaze sweeping her figure as a smile crept over his face. “Your Majesty.” He spoke to the king but his attention remained fixed on Alyse. “When my father told me of the betrothal contract before I left his home, I resolved to play the dutiful son. Now, however, I find I do not wish to act that role after all.”

What can he mean? Find out at Bambi Lynn’s blog next Monday.

Remember to check in on Jenna’s blog to find out how Gui is faring.  www.jennajaxon.wordpress.com

Blurb

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend. 

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

Buy Time Enough to Love here

Welcome back to the blog.  This week I have the pleasure of introducing Mary Morgan with an excerpt from A Highland Moon Enchantment.

Desmond stared wordlessly at the beauty before him. Eyes that mirrored the sea on a summer day gazed back at him in fury. Her hair reminded him of the wheat fields at harvest in his village of Navan, and his fingers itched to undo the mass braided around her head. Her lips thinned in disapproval, but he found himself drawn to them. As he took in her appearance, he noted the blood on her gown, and he immediately slammed the door on his lust.

Seeing his distraction, she moved her hand slowly back around the dirk.

“Nae,” he uttered in a hoarse voice. “Again, leave the weapon on the ground and stand.”

Follow along next week on Bambi’s blog https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com/  and leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of A Highland Moon Enchantment.

Visit Mary’s blog today to find my next excerpt.  Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Runaway Bride for the Highlander

You first met this warrior in Dragon Knight’s Axe, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 3

Irish warrior, Desmond O’Quinlan has never surrendered his heart to any woman. He has no wish to have his soul tortured by love. Yet, the moment he locks gazes with Ailsa, his fate is destined for an adventure he never fathomed. He may have battled alongside a Dragon Knight, but his greatest challenge will come from within his own heart.

Ailsa MacDuff, a warrior among her clan, has no desire to have a man chain her to a life of obedience. However, that is before she meets Desmond. The temptation to allow this warrior inside her heart is a risk she dares to take, but one that could lead to a future of emptiness and sorrow. 

When betrayal looms from within, the battleground of love is no match for these two warriors. Can the power of a Highland full moon be strong enough to unite or destroy them?

Buy Links:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0767QVJBX/

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-highland-moon-enchantment-mary-morgan/1127176325

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-highland-moon-enchantment/id1294140045?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-highland-moon-enchantment

Welcome back.  This week I’m delighted to welcome Ashley York to the blog.  Her excerpt is from Curse of the Healer.

She closed her eyes, still struggling to string her thoughts into some kind of coherence, but his scent drifted to her. Surrounded her. So manly. And he was even more exciting to look upon, with those broad shoulders that begged for her touch. She was not unfamiliar with the feel of a man’s body beneath her fingers, but it had never before been for the sheer pleasure of it. She wanted that pleasure now. Desperately.

His gaze was powerful. “Have ye been collecting mushrooms, Aednat?”

She liked the way he said her name. “I have. Are ye familiar with them?”

“A bit.” He handed her his water skin. “To quench yer thirst.”

“Oh!” Exactly what she needed! Appreciation welled inside her. Unchecked, she gushed. “Thank ye.”

Ashley will see you next week over at Bambi Lynn’s blog with her next snippet.

Visit Ashley’s blog to catch up with Gui and Aelfhild today.

Curse of the Healer

After the death of Brian Boru in 1014, a legend arose of a healer so great she could raise a man from the dead, with a power so strong it could make any warrior the next high king of Éire…and to steal it away from her, he need only possess her. 

Fated to be a healer…

Aednat has spent her entire life training to be the great healer, knowing she must remain alone. When she meets Diarmuid, the intense attraction she feels toward him shakes her resolve to believe in such a legend. If she gives in to the passion he ignites in her, can she settle for being less?

Destined to be his… 

Diarmuid of Clonascra is renowned for his bravery in battle. Only one thing daunts him: the prospect of taking a wife. The safest course would be to keep his distance from Aednat, the bold, headstrong healer who’s far too tempting for his peace of mind. But his overking orders him to protect her from a group of craven warriors intent on kidnapping her to steal her power.

What starts as duty for Diarmuid quickly transforms into something more. Aednat’s power might be at risk, but so is his closed-off heart.

BUY LINK: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/curse-of-the-healer