Jeanne Mackin on Tour: A Lady of Good Family

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http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/05/vbt-lady-of-good-family-by-jeanne-mackin.html

Jeanne will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

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A Lady of Good Family

by Jeanne Mackin

Blurb:

Raised among wealth and privilege during America’s fabled Gilded Age, a niece of famous novelist Edith Wharton and a friend to literary great Henry James, Beatrix Farrand is expected to marry, and to marry well. But as a young woman traveling through Europe, she already knows that gardens are her true passion. How she becomes a woman for whom work and love, the earthly and the mysterious, are held in delicate balance is the story of her unique determination to create beauty while remaining true to herself.

 

Excerpt:

“There is a man involved,” he deduced.

“Yes. An Italian. Beatrix has been walking with him. They visited the Colosseum in the evening.”

“And she was kissed?”

“She was.”

“She’ll have to marry the fellow.  Is he presentable?”

“Good looking, but poor as a church mouse, I suspect, and in the process of selling off the family heirlooms, or trying to.”

“Uh-oh,” said my husband. He grew thoughtful and looked out the window.

“Remember that evening?” he asked as the carriage bounced us down the Champs-Elysees.  There was romance in his eye. I knew the hotel suite would be filled with roses, and in our bedroom, on my pillow, there would be a little red jeweler’s box.  The size of the pearls would suggest how much he had lost.  And soon he would have to pawn that bracelet or collar to pay off a debt. I had tried to explain to him that he lost considerable sums on these transactions – the pawnshops never paid the full value – but he had lifted his well-bred chin and refused to discuss the matter with me.

“Do I remember the evening in the Colosseum?” I said. “Of course I remember.” He had arrived unexpectedly, he had thought, though I had planted several clues in his path, should he choose to follow.  Hansel and Gretel could not have asked for a better bread-crumb trail leading to the Colosseum, to me, walking in the moonlight with the beautiful Giovanelli.

 

AuthorPhoto_ALadyOfGoodFamilyAuthor Bio and Links:

Jeanne Mackin ‘s latest novel, A Lady of Good Family, explores the secret life of gilded age  Beatrix Jones Farrand, niece of Edith Wharton and the first woman professional landscape design in America. Her previous novel,  The Beautiful American, based on the life of model turned war correspondent and photographer, Lee Miller won the CNY 2015 prize for fiction. She has published in American Letters and Commentary and SNReview and other publications and is the author of the Cornell Book of Herbs and Edible Flowers.  She was the recipient of a creative writing fellowship from the American Antiquarian Society and her journalism has won awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.  She lives with her husband, Steve Poleskie,  in Ithaca.

A Lady of Good Family is available at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, and other bookstores.

www.jeannemackin.com

 

 

Links:

https://twitter.com/jeannemackin1

https://www.facebook.com/JeanneMackinAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/36613.Jeanne_MacKin

 

http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Good-Family-Novel-ebook/dp/B00OQRL57U

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lady-of-good-family-jeanne-mackin/1120624847

Continue reading Jeanne Mackin on Tour: A Lady of Good Family

Hawk MacKinney on Tour: Mocassin Trace

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http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-blastmoccasin-trace-by-hawk.html

Hawk will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

 

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Moccasin Trace

by Hawk MacKinney

 

Blurb:

… it was about the land…a tale of love and loss and hope…

“The most engaging and brilliantly crafted historical work since Margaret Mitchell’s great classic.”

Barbara Casey

Author, The Gospel According to Prissy

 

Hamilton Ingram looked out across the fertile Georgia bottomlands that were Moccasin Hollows, seeing holdings it had taken generations of Ingrams to build.  No drop of slave sweat ever shed in its creation.  It was about the land…his trust, his duty to preserve it for the generation of Ingrams to come…

It is July of 1859, a month of sweltering dog days and feverish emotional bombast.  Life is good for widower Rundell Ingram and his Hazel-eyed, roan-haired son, Hamilton.  Between the two of them, they take care of Moccasin Hollows, their rustic dogtrot ancestral home, a sprawling non-slave plantation in the rolling farming country outside Queensborough Towne in east Georgia.  Adjoining Ingram lands is Wisteria Bend, the vast slave-holding plantation of Andrew and Corinthia Greer, their daughter Sarah, and son Benjamin.

Both families share generations of long-accepted traditions, and childhood playmates are no longer children.  The rangy, even-tempered Norman-Scottish young Hamilton is smitten with Sarah, who has become an enticing capricious beauty—the young lovers more in love with each passing day, and only pleasant times ahead of them.

But a blood tide of war is sweeping across the South, a tide that might be impossible to stand before. 

 

Excerpt:

He took special care to have quiet times for Sarah, ‘specially since night before last. He got real excited when she told him she might be with child again.  She hadn’t been sleeping well, often wanted him to rub her aching back.  Now he knew why.

Threadbare clothes and unshorn hair gave Hamilton Bothington Graeme Ingram the look of a run-down, unkempt derelict instead of heir to one of the largest non-slave plantations in Saint George Parish.  He ducked under what was left of the split-rail fence with its crooked corner post.  Rails and most posts had long gone up in the smoke of hoards of campfires.

“Step wide.”  He reached back to help her through.  “I don’t want the mother of our children to step on a canebrake rattler catchin’ sun on this fine day.”

“Lord have mercy.”  Sarah clutched her bonnet in her hand so as not to get it snagged in the coiled tangle of wire.  “I suppose it’s up to me to get used to your hoverin’ over me again.”

“Yep,” he grinned.  “Reckon my favorite sweetheart will have to do just that.”

“Your favorite sweetheart?”  She giggled, wrinkled her nose at him.  “Just listen to you and your Ingram fiddle-faddled talk.”

He grinned as she brushed back strands of the golden hair Hamilton loved to run his fingers through.  She gathered her mended skirt, slipped her hand into his, and quickly stepped wide over the fallen post.

“C’mon…”  Her voice lilted soft, and she squeezed her grip on his hand.  “Let’s hurry.”

Her singular tenderness refused to let the devastation around them blight their few alone-times.  In the spoliation around them, such times when they managed to make it just the two of them held a more-than-special meaning.

 

MediaKit_AuthorPhoto_MocassinTraceAuthor Bio and Links:

With postgraduate degrees and faculty appointments in several medical universities, Hawk MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem. In addition to professional articles and texts on chordate neuroembryology, Hawk has authored several works of fiction.

Hawk began writing mysteries for his school newspaper. His works of fiction, historical love stories, science fiction and mystery-thrillers are not genre-centered, but plot-character driven, and reflect his southwest upbringing in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award, details the family bloodlines of his serial protagonist in the Craige Ingram Mystery Series… murder and mayhem with a touch of romance. Vault of Secrets, the first book in the Ingram series, was followed by Nymrod Resurrection, Blood and Gold, and The Lady of Corpsewood Manor. All have received national attention.  Hawk’s latest release in the Ingram series is due out this fall with another mystery-thriller work out in 2014. The Bleikovat Event, the first volume in The Cairns of Sainctuarie science fiction series, was released in 2012.

“Without question, Hawk is one of the most gifted and imaginative writers I have had the pleasure to represent. His reading fans have something special to look forward to in the Craige Ingram Mystery Series. Intrigue, murder, deception and conspiracy–these are the things that take Hawk’s main character, Navy ex-SEAL/part-time private investigator Craige Ingram, from his South Carolina ancestral home of Moccasin Hollow to the dirty backrooms of the nation’s capital and across Europe and the Middle East.”

Barbara Casey, President

Barbara Casey Literary Agency

 

www.hawkmackinney.net

http://www.amazon.com/Moccasin-Trace-Hawk-MacKinney/dp/1595072608/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400172529&sr=8-1&keywords=moccasin+trace

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moccasin-trace-hawk-mackinney/1008084042?ean=9781595072603

Continue reading Hawk MacKinney on Tour: Mocassin Trace

Gina Danna: Great and Unfortunate Desires

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http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/12/blurb-blitz-great-unfortunate-desires.html

Gina will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Great & Unfortunate Desires

by Gina Danna

 

Blurb:

Great & Unfortunate Desires

Victorian England c. 1870

Operating as a British spy, Tristan St.James, the new Marquis of Wrenworth, barely escapes Afghanistan with his life in the spring of 1869. He plans to seek vengeance against the traitor who exposed him and for the agent he’s forced to kill. Returning to England, as a lord, he must marry. Haunted by guilt from the horrors of war, he avoids love at all costs, but finds himself drawn to the only woman who is disinterested in him.

Lady Evelyn Hurstine has waited over two years for the return of her love, a man who left for war in the East. But during that time, she suffered a brutal assault, resulting in a child and fear of any man touching her except for the man she once knew. The pursuit by the marquis scares her but her excuses against his proposal dwindle.

Their marriage strengthens into love until she discovers her husband isn’t the safety she believed but the one who killed the man she once loved. Caught in a world of intrigue and mayhem, Tristan must prove his love to her before the traitor destroys them both.

 

BBT_TourBookCoverBanner_GreatAndUnfortunateDesiresExcerpt:

“I shall talk to him shortly.”

Evelyn raised her brows, eyeing over his shoulder. “Shortly may be now, my lord.”

Tristan turned. Barreling down the lawn, creating a wake in in his path, Evelyn’s father stormed toward them. Not far behind him was Huntington and his son. Tristan gauged their pace and the distance. He had a few seconds and could hear Evelyn’s foot tapping against the grass. Frankly, he was surprised she hadn’t crossed her arms in anger or left him. With every second, her behavior and decision to stay put only made him more interested in her. Damn! Her dowry and position made her exactly what he needed his English bride to be like, with a ramrod backbone and a defiance of societal rules. As Evelyn’s father got closer, there was only one thing Tristan could think of to ensure she become his. In one swift move, he turned, pulled her close, bent her backward, and pressed his cheek to hers. She gasped.

“Considering the situation, you need me as much as I need you. We are the perfect match,” he whispered, smiling and gesturing as if to kiss her.

They both knew in that moment she became his forever. The compromising position between two single people in a public setting was shocking to the ton.

Tristan heard the grass crunching under the footsteps of the Baron and his party. He didn’t look in their direction but eased back from Evelyn, watching her reaction. Suppressed  fury blazed in her eyes, and her body was rigid.

“Naught, naught, naught,” he murmured. “To slap me would be appropriate but would serve you no purpose.”

Despite the fire in her gaze, she relaxed a little within his arms. “But it would give me satisfaction nevertheless,” she whispered defiantly, although she didn’t move.

 

AuthorPic_Great and Unfortunate DesiresAuthor Bio and Links:

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Gina Danna has spent the better part of her life reading. History has been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, dreaming of writing one of her own. Years later, after receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, writing academic research papers and writing for museum programs and events, she finally found the time to write her own stories of historical romantic fiction.

Now, under the supervision of her three dogs and three cats, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break away is to spend time with her other life long dream – her Arabian horse – with him, her muse can play.

 

www.ginadanna.com

FB:  www.facebook.com/GinaDannaAuthor

Tweet:  @GinaDanna1

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Unfortunate-Desires-Gina-Danna/dp/0989664457

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/great-and-unfortunate-desires-gina-danna/1120725617?ean=9780989664455

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Samantha Holt’s Top Ten: Dreaming of a Highlander

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Two damaged souls. A fate changed. One determined faery.
 

 

Welcome Samantha Holt to the blog. Before we take a look at her latest release, let’s get into Samantha’s head. Samantha, give us 10 of your favorite…fill in the blank!

 Samantha Holt

My top 10 places to read

  1. On a beach in Spain—with a hunky waiter at my side preferably.
  2. In bed. Hunky man optional.
  3. In a beautiful English country garden.
  4. In a deep bubbly bath.
  5. In the car, waiting for the kids.
  6. Coffee shop with a double mocha latte.
  7. On a hammock on a desert island.
  8. On my favourite chair.
  9. On a balcony in a luxurious hotel.
  10. Amongst the heather in the Highlands.

 

To Dream of a Highlander

By

Samantha Holt

Blurb:

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.

Buy link: http://amzn.com/B00JK4KJ12

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/269576469878786

 

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.”

Adrienne deWolfe on Tour: His Wicked Dream

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His Wicked Dream by Adrienne deWolfe

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/12/virtual-excerpt-tour-his-wicked-dream.html

Adrienne will be awarding a $20 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, a $15 Amazon Gift Card to another randomly drawn commenter during the tour, a TIN-STARS AND TROUBLEMAKERS (4 full-length ebooks in a box set by best-selling Western Historical Romance authors Adrienne deWolfe, Patricia Rice, Sharon Ihle, and Patricia Hagan) will be awarded to one randomly commenter during the tour, another randomly drawn commenter will win the best-selling WILD TEXAS NIGHTS series by Adrienne deWolfe (3 books, total) during the tour, and last but not least, the award-winning VELVET LIES series by Adrienne deWolfe (ebooks 1-3) will be awarded to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. A $25 Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to one randomly drawn host.

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Blurb:

Haunted by scandal, Eden Mallory is determined to start over in a small Kentucky town.  But she won’t soon forget the sexy, rugged doctor who rescued her from an outlaw, then rode off into the storm.

After losing his kid-brother to consumption, Dr. Michael Jones is obsessed with saving lives. He has no room for love or a wife. But the nights are lonely, and Eden haunts his dreams.

When Eden becomes his backdoor neighbor, she turns his world upside-down with her unconventional healing skills and sweet temptations.  Then outlaws return, forcing Michael to confront his past if he is to save the most precious life of all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Excerpt:

Animal Orphanage

After they’d finished examining the orphaned animal babies, there was nothing left for Eden and Michael to do but pack their medical bags. Eden watched the antics of Vandy, her favorite raccoon.  With a territorial bellow—which sounded more like a squeak—the baby swatted at his reflection in the rain pail, spraying water all over Michael and Eden.

The baby whickered sheepishly at the wet male human looming over him.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Michael growled as Vandy bolted for the nearest tree. Michael swooped, thrusting the coon into a cage. Vandy’s little black eyes blazed with indignation as he wrapped his forepaws around the bars. He looked every inch like an outlaw in a cell.

Eden grinned as Michael squatted, offering her his handkerchief to wipe her face. “It’s going to be curtains for you, Doc,” she quipped, “the next time Vandy the Varmint busts out of jail.”

“Much obliged for the warning.” The dazzle of perfect teeth and masculine dimples made Eden’s heart take a giddy skip. “But that rascal won’t be seeing daylight for… at least a coon’s age.”

She was captivated by his humor. The dark, brooding facade he favored had magically melted, and she knelt beside a charming, urbane man. A man who, less than twelve hours ago, had kissed her until her head had spun and sparks had showered her nerves like shooting stars. Oh Michael, she pleaded, please don’t retreat inside your armor again.

She wondered if he’d heard her thought. As they laughed together, he rocked forward, his head nearly touching hers. He stilled. Her heart tripped. A breathless moment lay suspended between them. She watched his eyes, indigo now with a touch of silver, as they traveled over her hair, which was damp and no doubt wind-tossed; her nose, which was probably freckling in the sun, and her cheeks, which were growing warmer by the second. His expression softened, growing so tender, that when he raised his hand, she hardly dared to breathe.

“A souvenir from Vandy, I suspect,” he murmured, his thumb brushing a dab of mud off her chin.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

His inky fringe of lashes lowered. Her pulse skyrocketed. It pounded so hard, she could hear nothing of the birds, the wind, the boys. There was only Michael and the singing in her blood as his head moved closer and his breath grazed her lips.

“Eden.” His voice throbbed around her, as deep and rich as the fertile earth. “I—”

A bucket clanged behind them.

“Are you two gonna start smacking lips again?” Jamie demanded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Adrienne deWolfe_Author

Author Bio and Links:

Adrienne deWolfe is a #1 best-selling author and the recipient of 48 writing awards, including the Best Historical Romance of the Year for Texas Wildcat (Book 3, Wild Texas Nights) and Doubleday’s Book of the Month Selection for His Wicked Dream (Book 2, Velvet Lies.)  Adrienne is excited to announce that she will be donating a portion of her royalties from the Velvet Lies Series to urban reforestation efforts.

Fascinated by all things mystical, Adrienne writes a weekly blog about dragons, magic, and the paranormal at http://MagicMayhemBlog.com to help her research her upcoming paranormal romance series. She also writes a weekly blog featuring tips about the business of writing at http://WritingNovelsThatSell.com. She enjoys mentoring aspiring authors and offers professional story critiques with her book coaching services.

 

Follow Adrienne deWolfe

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Writing.Novels

Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/Adrienne_deWolfe

Pinterest: pinterest.com/AdriennedeWolfe/boards/

Twitter (Fantasy Fiction): http://Twitter.com/SolMage

Twitter (Writing News): http://twitter.com/AdriennedeWolfe

 

Purchase Adrienne deWolfe’s Books:

VELVET LIES_Trio_Adrienne deWolfe

Velvet Lies Series: http://ebookdiscovery.com.p8.hostingprod.com/AdrienneDeWolfe.html

Wild Texas Nights Series: http://ebookdiscovery.com.p8.hostingprod.com/AdrienneDeWolfe.html

 

The Secrets to Getting Your Romance Novel Published (Series)

http://writingnovelsthatsell.com/the-secrets-to-getting-your-romance-published/

 

Tin-Stars and Troublemakers

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CBMZT10/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CBMZT10&linkCode=as2&tag=writincom01-20

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Samantha Holt on Tour: Borderland Legacy

Borderland Legacy - Tour Banner

Title – Borderland Bride & Borderland Beauty
Series – The Borderland Legacy
Author – Samantha Holt
Genre – Historical Romance
Length (Pages/# Words) – Approximately 150 pages
Publisher – Jupiter Gardens Press
Cover Artist – Valerie Tibbs

 

Borderland Bride CoverBorderland Beauty Cover

BOOK SYNOPSIS –
Borderland Bride
In the wilderness of 14th century Northumbria, Lady Isabel discovers just how dangerous the Borderlands can be. With the loss of her voice and her hearing, there is little hope left for her. But when a brooding knight rescues her, she vows never to become a victim again and buries the secrets of her past in the hope that those hunting her will never find her in the Borderlands.

Jake is astonished to come across the beautiful Isabel, near to death, on his brother’s lands. Bringing her back to his brother’s home, he finds himself longing for something more from the courageous woman, something that he thought he would never want again. Isabel works her way into his scarred heart and opens Jake up to loving once more. But will Isabel’s secrets destroy their bond? And with his charismatic brother, Dominic, charming her, does he even stand a chance?

Borderland Beauty
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’?

BUY & TBR LINKS

Amazon Kindle Links –
Borderland Bride
Borderland Beauty
Barnes & Nobles Nook Links –
Borderland Bride
Borderland Beauty
Goodreads TBR Links –
Borderland Bride
Borderland Beauty

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BORDERLAND BRIDE EXCERPT

“Isabel, what in God’s name are you doing?”
“I am returning to my father,” she told him breathlessly.
“You would see yourself in that monster’s hands? Why?”
“I cannot see Thornewall suffer for my sakes. And I cannot see you or Dominic harmed. Not for me.”
“We are grown men; will you not let us make these decisions ourselves? Thornewall is strong, we have endured worse.”
Isabel shook her head. “Nay, I will not see war brought to your door. If my father fails here, then he will turn his attention to your lands. They have not the strength of Thornewall, you have said as much yourself.”
Jake squeezed her arm until he saw her wince. Damn his brutish manners. He could not let her throw herself into the arms of a murderer for their sakes. “I can defend my lands, lass. I’ve done it before and I’ll gladly do it again.”
But she was right, Greycroft was ill prepared for a full-scale war and his own castle would not hold out long against a siege. It was likely he would die defending it.
“That is what I fear,” she said softly and Jake wondered if he had spoken aloud.
Her voice took on a desperate quality and she pulled against his grip. “Let me go, Jake, for I cannot allow you to place yourself in danger for me. Not for a woman that hurt you so.”
He considered her and saw the fear in her eyes – a fear that was not for herself, but for him, his brother, and all their people. How he could ever have thought her as wicked as his wife, he knew not. There was nothing in this lass but kindness. He gulped, fighting the words he would have to say. There was no other way.
“Isabel, you do not have to return.”
“I do, Jake!” She struggled again.
“Listen…” He grabbed at her other arm and pinned her still. “Listen, there is another way. Marry…”
She ceased her struggles and stared at him.
“Marry Dominic.”
Isabel blinked at him. “What?” she whispered.
“Marry Dominic. Your father would be a fool to say nay to such an allegiance. He is one of the richest men in England. There will be no war and you will be safe.”
Safe. He clung to the word, trying to ignore the ache in his heart. It didn’t matter, as long as she was safe. In spite of himself, he urged her to say nay, to confess her love for him, but he knew it could come to nothing. He had nothing to offer Lord Henry in return for her hand.
Isabel gaped at him. “Marry Dominic? But…did he decide this?”
“Nay.” He sighed. “‘Twas my idea.”
She gulped and her eyes misted with tears as she took a deep breath. Her composure regained, she shook her head in disbelief. “Why would you suggest such an idea?”

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BORDERLAND BEAUTY EXCERPT

Holding out his hand, his dipped his head and eyed her from under his brow. “Will you dance with me, Lucy?”
She hesitated, glancing around as the couples took their positions. “I know not this dance.” In truth, she knew few dances, having avoided them for most of her life.
“I will teach you.”
Dominic snatched her hand and led her to the centre of the floor. Her heart slammed into her chest at the touch of his fingers. Why did his touch always incite such a reaction? Glancing around, she realised she could hardly tear herself away from him. Many were watching them. Especially the women.
“Stand there,” he ordered as he stepped back.
Her eyes darted from Dominic to the other dancers who moved confidently around them. He motioned for her to step forward and she did so, bringing herself closer to him. The dancers circled one another and Lucy mimicked them. His sapphire eyes remained on her, bright and alert and her skin tingled under his scrutiny. Why watch her so closely?
“Now step back,” he murmured.
She did as he bid, stepping back a little later than the other dancers. Her cheeks filled with heat but she could not tell it if was because of his examination of her or her lack of dancing ability. His eyes continued to follow her avidly and she dropped her gaze. Nay, it was Dominic who was the cause of her blush.
The dancers lined up and Lucy stumbled back, her eyes narrowing as Dominic’s crinkled in amusement. A lord and lady wove between them, working their way up the line. The lady’s hand brushed across Dominic’s chest as she passed, a flirtatious smile on her lips, and Lucy clenched her teeth together. He flicked a disinterested look at the woman before securing his gaze back onto hers.
Lucy and Dominic did the same, weaving through the other dancers until they reached the end of the line. Keeping her spine stiff, she resisted the urge to peek at him as she did so, but as they faced each other one more, his blue eyes caught hers and she could do little else but stare back.
Lord, she was getting lost in those penetrating eyes.
Stepping forward hastily, her eyes widened as his hands came about her waist. He lifted her easily and her heart came into her throat. The ladies around her squealed in delight as they too were lifted and then placed down, but surprise had struck her dumb.
“Move back,” he commanded quietly, his eyes darkening.
She faltered as she retreated, her pulse beating erratically. His look of desire confused her and she pulled her chin up. She would not be toyed with like this. It was time to wrest back some control.
They repeated the first movements and Lucy stepped confidently now. “I hear tell that you are searching for a wife,” she stated archly.
Dominic barely blinked. “Aye, ‘tis true. Why? Are you interested?”
“Hardly.” She released an unsteady laugh. “I thought you were to be married to Lady Isabel of…of Greycroft.”
“I was.” He circled her, appraising her openly as he did so.
She followed him with her gaze, hoping he could not see through her bold look. “But it seems she married your brother.”
“That she did.”
“Are you not angry? Did she not wound your ego?”
He shook his head with a shrug. “Nay. Jake loves his wife very much, why would I begrudge him that?”
“You did not love her?”
“I love Isabel as a sister. She is a fine woman but she is better suited to my brother. I do not regret that she is not my wife.”
“She probably does not regret it either,” she said with the raise of an eyebrow.
They wove their way in and out of the line and they waited as the other dancers took their place.
“Isabel did not suit me, but a woman like you…you would suit me very much.”
“Ha, you think me foolish enough to fall for such talk? I have heard much of your reputation, Dominic of Thornewall. You would promise marriage just for the chance of a tumble. I would not give up my virtue to such a man.”
His hands came upon her waist. “That sounds like a challenge,” he said before lifting her effortlessly.
He placed her down and Lucy gaped at him, speechless. The people around them clapped as the music ceased but Lucy paid little attention. Raw desire glinted in his expression and her stomach twisted. Surely that look was not for her? He was teasing her, playing with her, luring her in so he could strike her down.
She curled her fists and clamped her mouth shut as she swivelled on her heel. She would not let him make a fool of her again.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

 

Borderland Legacy - Author PhotoAUTHOR BIO
Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier (Yes, seriously!). She traditionally writes historical romances involving chivalrous knights and hot highlanders, but occasionally dabbles in contemporary romance. When she reluctantly leaves her computer, she enjoys exploring old ruins and indulging an early midlife crisis. Adrenaline filled suggestions for the bucket list are always welcome!

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GIVEAWAY
1 x $10 Amazon GC
2 x $5 Amazon GC
2 x ecopy To Steal a Highlander’s Heart

CLICK HERE TO ENTER SAMANTHA’S AMAZING GIVEAWAY

Christina Cole: Summertime tour-wide giveaway!

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Author Name:  Christina Cole

Title:  Summertime

Genre:  Historical romance
Release Date:  August 15, 2013
Publisher:  Secret Cravings Publishing

Content Rating:  Heat level:   Sweet – “One flame” ~ Question:  What would it be according to the scale below.  4 Not PG-13 – Sexual situations with only some details left to the imagination – F/M

Word and Page Counts:  284 pages, approximately 93,000 words

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Welcome Christina Cole. This is a tour-wide rafflecopter giveaway. Remember to follow the tour, comment and leave your email address at each stop on the tour. Remember, the more you comment the more chances you have to win the prize. Enjoy!

Blurb

Linn Sparks wanted all life had to offer –fame, fortune, glamour and excitement. She found it as a star of the stage at the Crown Theater in San Francisco.

For Ed Ferguson, life was far less complicated. All he wanted was Linnie Mae, but she’d left him standing alone at the altar seven years before when she’d run off to pursue her dreams.

Beautiful sunset over a field with podsolnuzami

Excerpt

His steady gaze unnerved her. Once, she believed she could practically read Ed’s mind. His thoughts were simple, predictable. Yet in the last few days, she’d learned that she didn’t really know the man at all. As she studied his face, she couldn’t be sure what he was thinking.

His gray eyes held desire…or was it merely mischief she saw in those stormy depths? His smile held promise…or was it only amusement?

Bewildered by the complexities, Linn could be sure of only one thing. She wanted this man who stood before her, wanted him even more now than she had in the past. They’d been foolish, fumbling kids back then, knowing little about love and even less about lovemaking. She’d never been with another man, and she craved his touch in ways that, even now, she could barely understand.

Holding her breath, she took a step toward Ed. He would kiss her, wouldn’t he? He would take her into his arms like he’d done so many times, and—

A gentle brush of his lips against hers sent all thoughts flying from her head. She felt giddy, she felt lost, she felt weak. A sigh slipped from her lips as she opened her mouth to his tongue. She pressed herself against him, loving the hardness of his chest, the muscular thickness of his powerful thighs, and the undeniable evidence of his excitement.

“Let me love you,” he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. “Give yourself to me once more…before you go away again.”

Her silence gave assent.

Without further ado, Ed swept her up in his strong arms. Linn again felt helpless, but this time, in a most delicious, delightful way. Perfectly content, she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

The screen door creaked, then slammed shut. Linn’s eyes shot open. At the sight of Polly standing, mouth agape, at the entrance to the parlor, she pushed herself at Ed’s chest. Ed released her, allowing her to slide from his arms.

“Polly, it’s—it’s not—not what you think.” She stumbled over the blatant lie. It was exactly what the woman thought. Even if Polly believed her words, Linn’s flaming cheeks gave the truth away.

 

Works In Progress

Coming in October from Sweet Cravings: The Wrong Woman. Coming in January from Secret Cravings, Not the Marrying King. Now working on another historical romance.

Summertime:  Paperback edition will be released in December

 

About the Author

Christina Cole fell in love with words at a very young age. She’ll always be grateful to her grandfather and his patience as he taught her the joys of reading. Throughout her childhood she loved telling tales. She begged and pleaded for her mother to type them, but soon — with her grandfather’s guidance — learned to type for herself on his old Underwood.

Things have changed now. Her grandfather is gone, and so is the old typewriter, but Christina’s love for story-telling has remained strong. She now does her typing on a computer in a cozy little writing room filled with books, treasures, and a much-cherished photograph of her grandfather.

She is married, lives in the midwest, loves history, hates winter, and is happily at work on her next historical romance.

Connect with Christina Cole

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kcchristinacole

Facebook: Christina Cole’s Love Notes:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Coles-Love-Notes/383267481745840

Blog: SeasonsofLove: http://kcchristinacole.wordpress.com/

Email: KCChristinaCole@yahoo.com

Secret Cravings Publishing:  http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=10&products_id=683

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Summertime-ebook/dp/B00ENOVU0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377090175&sr=8-1&keywords=summertime+by+christina+cole

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summertime-christina-cole/1116540320?ean=2940045233033

Bookstrand:  http://www.bookstrand.com/summertime

All Romance Ebooks:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-summertime-1269562-158.html

Note: Paperback edition will be released in December

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grace Elliot on Tour: Verity’s Lie

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Verity’s Lie (The Huntley Trilogy #3) by Grace Elliot

Historical (Regency) Romance

Publisher: Self/Indie

Release Date: July 14, 2013

Heat Level: Steamy

Length: 300 pages

Link to Schedule: http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/08/booktour-veritys-lie-huntley-trilogy-3.html

Giveaway Info:

Prize is 3 eBook copies (1 each to 3 winners) of “Verity’s Lie (The Huntley Trilogy #3)” from Grace Elliot. Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends August 27. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

 

Description:

Charles Huntley, Lord Ryevale, infamous rogue…and government agent.

In unsettled times, with England at war with France, Ryevale is assigned to covertly protect a politician’s daughter, Miss Verity Verrinder. To keep Verity under his watchful eye, Ryevale plots a campaign of seduction that no woman can resist– except it seems, Miss Verrinder. In order to gain her trust Ryevale enters Verity’s world of charity meetings and bookshops…where the unexpected happens and he falls in love with his charge.

When Lord Ryevale turns his bone-melting charms on her, Verity questions his lordship’s motivation. But with her controlling father abroad, Verity wishes to explore London and reluctantly accepts Ryevale’s companionship. As the compelling attraction between them strengthens, Verity is shattered to learn her instincts are correct after all – and Ryevale is not what he seems. If Lord Ryevale can lie, then so can she…but with disastrous consequences.

 

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joyce Proell: A Deadly Truth

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Joyce will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

 http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/blurb-blitz-tour-deadly-truth-by-joyce.html

A DEADLY TRUTH By Joyce Proell

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Blurb:  

Tainted in the eyes of Victorian society by his wife’s suicide, Doyle Flanagan turns a deaf ear to the baseless gossip and harsh rebukes. Ignoring his shattered reputation, he goes about his business, making money and enemies, and doing good works whenever his conscience gets the best of him. Arrested for murder, he is forced to rely on a feisty school administrator to solve the puzzle. As he struggles to prove his innocence, he realizes gaining the trust and loyalty of Cady Delafield may be more important than his freedom.

On a quest to locate a missing student, school matron Cady Delafield enters a stranger’s house and discovers the woman murdered. Driven to see the murderer brought to justice, she is determined to prevent any further tragedy even if it means joining forces with the very man accused of the atrocity. Against the wishes of her powerful family, she risks her job and reputation to learn the truth. But will the truth, once revealed, drive her away from the man she has come to love?

Passion and murder collide in 1880’s Chicago as they race to keep one step ahead of the police who want Doyle to pay for his crime. As the attraction between Cady and Doyle sizzles, they battle suspicions, lies and lethal actions to uncover the murderer before he destroys them both.

MEDIA KIT Author Photo (3)

Author Information:

Joyce Proell grew up in Minnesota and attended college and grad school in Chicago. After working in mental health, she retired at a young age to write full-time. Her first book, Eliza, was published in 2012.  When she isn’t writing mysteries or historical romances, she loves to travel, walk, read, and do crossword puzzles. She and her husband make their home in rural Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie.

 

Visit her website: www.joyceproell.com

www.facebook.com/JoyceProellauthor

Buy links:

www.champagnebooks.com

www.amazon.com

www.kobobooks.com

www.barnes&noble.com

Layna Pimentel: Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies #1)

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http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/07/blogbarrage-scandal-at-vauxhal-pleasure.html

Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies #1)
by Layna Pimentel
Erotic Historical Romance
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Release Date: June 28, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 29,852

Available at:
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Scandal-Vauxhall-Pleasure-Follies-ebook/dp/B00DQBEM9K/
ARe – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-scandalatvauxhall-1225891-340.html
B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scandal-at-vauxhall-layna-pimentel/1115888553
BookStrand – http://www.bookstrand.com/scandal-at-vauxhall
Secret Cravings Publishing – http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&products_id=641
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333461

 

Description
The love and happiness Isabel Salisbury expected in life when she accepted the proposal of the Marquess of Stoughton takes an unexpected turn when he leaves on a mission for the war office and her parents marry her off to the Duke of Brimley.

Nathaniel Thompson, the Marquess of Stoughton, is devastated to learn upon his return that Isabel has married the duke. When news of her husband’s death surfaces, Nathaniel sets out to make amends and will stop at nothing until she’s his marchioness.

But when London learns of a promiscuous tryst between them in the Daily, their credibility is at stake. They soon discover that nothing in life is simple, nor private, and all is fair in love and war.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

 

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Excerpt
“What haven’t I heard?” she asked. Her breath hitched and her pulse raced. What could I have missed?

“Come away with me to the terrace. I wish to speak to you in private. We can’t have half of London listening in.”

She followed Lady Coxley outdoors, leaving behind the sounds of merriment to be embraced by the shrouded darkness of night and silence.

“They say the marquess will not marry until he’s found her.”

“Until he’s found who?”

“The one who broke his heart. But in all honesty, everyone knows it’s you. With any luck, perchance some horrible fate will happen upon Henry.”

If I were only so lucky. “You shouldn’t talk like that! And for the record, the marquess and I were done long ago. Remember, he’s the one who left me.”

“Isabel, you cannot expect me to believe that you haven’t thought about that man—at least once or ever—during the course of this sham of a marriage of yours. The haute ton in its entirety knows where he is right now. And you’d be a fool to think Henry gives two ninnies about your welfare.”

The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted them.

“Excuse me, ladies, but I was wondering if perchance I could steal Her Grace for a dance.”

Good grief. Did he hear any of our discussion? I cannot believe he’s actually here. Heat coursed through Isabel at the thought of holding him once again. She nodded and held out her gloved palm for him to take. “I’d be honored, My Lord.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace.”

Leaving behind Lady Coxley, she followed his lead inside for a waltz.

“It’s been too long, Isabel. I’ve missed you terribly,” he whispered as they took a turn about the dance floor. Nathaniel bowed and took her hand. His touch warmed her, and the gentle squeeze that followed reassured her that the flame they once had was still there.

She and Henry hadn’t danced since their wedding and even then, he quickly discarded her to dance with the Duchess of Downsbury. If she’d only known her dismissal that evening would be the first of many others. For the most part, her husband had two left feet, but Nathaniel whisked her away gracefully to the tune. She wished to kiss him again and remind herself of their time together. Good heavens, Isabel. You’re married. Enough of this foolishness!

Isabel felt him pulling her closer as his arm at the small of her back pushed her in. His head dipped down, and, naturally, she looked up at him, ignoring every stare and whisper as they moved together. She finally cringed and mustered the courage to ask him the one thing weighing heavily on her mind. “Why did you take so long? Why didn’t you come sooner? Nathaniel, there hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought of you.”

As the music wound down and the dancers departed, Isabel locked her eyes on his and felt a tear escape. “You’ve been missed greatly, My Lord.”

His thumb swiped away the drop. “My dear, there hasn’t been a day, hour, or dream you haven’t occupied.”

Her chest tightened with his admission. Could he have really wanted me all this time?

“Nathan—”

 

About the Author
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters. Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut.

 

Connect with Layna Pimentel
Website – http://www.laynapimentel.com/
Blog – http://laynap.wordpress.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaynaPimentel
Twitter – https://twitter.com/LaynaPimentel