Bits 'n Bobs Author Blog
“It all started with a favor…” When private investigator Jordan James agreed to search for the missing son of a U.S. Ambassador, she didn’t realize she was walking into a case one hundred years in the making. The deeper she delves into this unusual assignment, the more shocking, and the more dangerous, it becomes. With time running out and lives at stake, Jordan must race to identify the culprit of an elaborate plot while also uncovering a far more personal truth too intimate to ignore... "LOST DISTINCTION" Available Now on Amazon! http://www.amzn.com/B00Q5OGCS4 * * * LOST DISTINCTION EXCERPT “So, when was the last time you saw Arthur?” I asked as the guys cheered when one of Stuart’s sons scored a touchdown with George’s help. Michelle stared past the men. “I guess the last time I saw him was at Easter. Since Mr. and Mrs. Cross couldn’t make it back from London in time, we went over to Stuart’s house in Falmouth. I was surprised to see him there.” “Why? Does he usually avoid family holidays?” She clapped when Rick carried one of the twins over the “goal line” for a touchdown. She looked back at me and shrugged. “To be honest, I haven’t seen Arthur many times in all the years I’ve been married to Eddie. He lives and works in Middletown but just always seems too busy to come around. Eddie never gave me specifics, but I think Arthur tries to stay away from his family for some reason.” “He didn’t say why?” “No,” she shook her head. “Can’t say I blame him…” I found myself more confused every time I learned more about this situation. As I sat there, I considered all the things I knew as fact. First, Arthur Cross was missing and had been missing for several days. Second, his family was concerned enough about his disappearance that they felt it necessary for his parents to fly in from London, but they did not want to involve the police as it might generate unwanted publicity. Third, they were going to a lot of trouble pretending like nothing was wrong. I looked across the yard and saw the Crosses watching their children and grandchildren with absolute enjoyment. The last thing I knew was by far the most troubling fact of all. As I sat there, it became crystal clear that this family was hiding a secret. What I didn’t know at the time was how great the secret was and how many lives its revelation would affect, including my own. LINKS "COLD AMBITION" Available Now on Amazon! www.amzn.com/B00L2OLQPG "LOST DISTINCTION" Available Now on Amazon! www.amzn.com/B00Q5OGCS4 "RETRIBUTION" Coming this Fall from Soul Mate Publishing! Website: www.rachelsharpe.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorrachelsharpe Twitter: www.twitter.com/RachelCSharpe
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A feisty widow and a Templar knight? What could possibly go wrong? How to Train Your Knight promises to be a fun Medieval romp! Check out the excerpt and blurb on this week's Thursday Threads. Title: How to Train Your Knight Author: Stella Marie Alden Genre: Medieval Romance Heat: Sensual Blurb: Year of our Lord, 1276. In the hours just before dawn, blasphemous curses echo throughout the stone manor. A knife clatters to the floor and a feisty young widow is bound, blindfolded, and led to the marriage alter. The king couldn’t possibly have sanctioned this farce of a marriage, could he? After all, she alone transformed a few mud huts and starving serfs into a flourishing town, never once hesitating to pay generous taxes to his royal kingdom. Abandon her beloved people to be ruled by her new husband, an ignorant Templar knight? Never! A murderous witch for a wife? The Beast of Thornhill finds himself in the middle of either a cruel jest or an evil conspiracy. After returning from the Holy wars, he accepts endowment of a small parcel of land in return for saving King Edward’s life. But the reward comes with a warning regarding the estate’s mistress. Despite his insatiable attraction to the black-haired beauty, he allows her time to warm to him while observing her strange, forward-thinking ways. But when all is on the line, will he stand by her through the inquisition or will they both hang for her secrets? Book excerpt: Year of our Lord 1276 “By God, drag her down here! Naked if you must! Bread and water from now to eternity if you can’t!” Sir Marcus Blackwell slammed his fist on the well-worn table and the sound echoed back from every direction. Of all the bad luck. Forced into marriage with a foul-mouthed, murderous widow. He clenched his teeth when the next bout of high-pitched screams and curses exploded from the floor above. Crashes, clanging, and banging followed. He cringed as the Lady Ann’s strident screaming rang throughout the stone manor and probably into the courtyard. “He can’t steal my lands this easily. He’ll live just long enough to rue this day. I shall never, ever, turn my people over to a blood-thirsty, gold-grabbing beast. I’d rather be cursed to hell. Nay, verily, I’d rather marry the devil himself than see myself married to him.” Beast? He’d strangle the minstrel who’d taken his sword’s moniker and baptized him with it instead. He was a holy crusader, deserving of respect, not an animal. Crossing himself while counting to ten, he paced the dark hall lit by a single weak torch. Shadows danced across dark tapestries, beyond a hearth the size of two horses, and over enough tables to feed a small army. Thatch crunched under his boots, releasing a perfume of lavender and grasses. He stopped for a respite of blessed silence. What in God’s creation have I stepped into? When the mayhem started up again, it was from his first-in-command, Thomas D’Agostine. “The devil take it, watch out. A knife!” A dagger fell upon stone with a metallic clatter. “Damnation. The bitch nicked me.” The smack of a hand against skin, a female yelp of pain, then the battle paused momentarily. “Enough!” The king’s command would be obeyed. Certainly, she’d have to understand that. He stood at the foot of the massive stone staircase and waited for the thundering echoes to cease before continuing at a lesser volume. Envisioning the vile creature, he shuddered. It was far too late to retreat now. He’d wanted the land and bedding the ancient hag was part of the bargain. “I said, do her no harm. Gag, bind, and blindfold the wench if you must. For the love of God, she’s but one woman.” * * * Buy links and social network links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRNKOO Website: WWW.stellamariealden.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellaMarieAlden Twitter: @stellamariealde Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25366748-how-to-train-your-knight stellamariealden@gmail.com www.stellamariealden.com 7/15/2015 0 Comments Thursday Threads with SC MitchellToday I have the talented SC Mitchell on Thursday Threads with his sizzling SciFi Romance, Pirates of the Dark Nebula. Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Pirates-Dark-Nebula-Hearts-Orbit-ebook/dp/B0109O7VMQ/ Blurb: It can’t fall into the wrong hands. Luna Callista holds the key to a galaxy-changing new technology. Captured by a ruthless band of deep-space pirates, she’s rescued by a man filled with dark secrets of his own. Who is Rik Mazar? Galactic protector or rogue pirate? After three years undercover among the Brotherhood of the Dark Nebula, Rik Mazar isn’t sure what side of the law he’s walking. In a world of murder and betrayal, his life goes on the line every day. But, protecting Luna Callista means putting his heart in as much danger as his hide. A rusting service droid, a Ferang fortuneteller, and a ship full of back-water refugees are their only allies, as two hearts go into orbit to save a galaxy in peril. HEARTS IN ORBIT: VOLUME 2 – PIRATES OF THE DARK NEBULA is a science fiction romance set in the far-flung space-traveling future, continuing the series’ course across a galaxy filled with love and adventure. Available now at: http://www.amazon.com/Blarmling-Dilemma-Hearts-Orbit-Book-ebook/dp/B00QHND71S/ Excerpt: He took a step closer and tucked his fist under her chin, raising her lips to meet his. Warm, firm, and enticing. The thrill shot through her core once again as his mouth took her to another place, another world. Time stopped. Her whole focus was him. Only him. His lips on hers. His hard body pressed against her. His arms wrapped around her, a comforting cocoon—protection from the cold, dark galactic sector about them. It would be so easy to say it was just comfort and protection she was seeking in this man, but there was so much more to it than that. So much more to him. His eyes promised safety—his lips heaven. Still, she barely knew him. Who was he? What was he? An actor and a con man, to be sure. So, was this all an act too? His tongue tangled with hers, plundering ever so sweetly. Damp heat built in her core. The bold press of his erection against her stomach betrayed his arousal. This was no act. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. Did there need to be anything more to it? “I am tracking an ion storm entering the quadrant, Captain.” Harvey’s monotone intruded into the passion of the moment. She’d all but forgotten the droid was standing behind her. Rik broke off the kiss. Reluctance colored his gaze. “Thank you, Harvey. Continue tracking. Let me know if it gets near enough to bring us under its influence.” He shook his head. Lowered his voice. “That was probably a huge mistake.” He sighed, looking deeply into her eyes. “Oh, I don’t think so, sir.” Harvey’s retort took Luna by surprise once again. “Those storms can get quite intense.” Rik chuckled, his heated stare still locked onto her. “Yes, quite intense.” *** Bio: Hidden strengths, adventurous hearts. S.C.Mitchell grew up an avid reader of comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature. He’s been writing stories for over thirty years. In 2010 he left his job as a computer desktop support specialist to pursue his passion for writing full time. He is a member of the Romance Writers of America as well as the Wisconsin chapter. As a writer of paranormal and sci-fi romance, fantasy, and science fiction, Steve crafts unique and wondrous worlds where his characters explore, romp, and fall in love. Whether traveling through dark, demon filled dimensions, the edge of wild space, or ancient mythological heavens, his heroes and heroines, guided by their adventurous hearts, discover hidden strengths on their pathway to enduring love. Links: Web Site: http://scmitchellauthor.com/ Blog: http://scmitchell.wordpress.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSCMitchell Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSMitchell Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007D0Z1MW 6/3/2015 0 Comments Thursday ThreadsThis week's Thursday Threads features The Highlander's Accidental Bride by - me! This also qualifies as a throwback Thursday as it was my first book published by Soul Mate Publishing. And to make things even better, it is on sale through June 7 on Amazon for only 99 cents! "Shocked to find herself married to the laird, Mary sees little to recommend her new life as Lady Scott. Until Laird Scott sets out to prove their accidental marriage was no mistake." Genre: Scottish Historical Romance Heat level: sensual Blurb: Chaos reigns between the Scott and Barde clans in 14th century Scotland. To end the generation’s long feud, King Robert II of Scotland decrees Eaden, Laird Scott, and Lady Miriam Barde wed with all haste. When marriage negotiations break down, King Robert threatens Eaden with the loss of his lands and title. Forced to take matters into his own hands, the laird kidnaps his bride, only to find the young woman he mistakenly drags to his marriage bed is not Laird Barde’s daughter, but her lady companion. Mary Marsh fights for her freedom from the laird and the unwanted marriage, refusing to accept her new life as Lady Scott. Realizing his error, Laird Scott develops an attachment to the feisty young woman he has accidentally married. Can he win her heart and convince her she is more than just a ‘duty’ to him? Or will the bond forged between the lady’s companion and the laird be destroyed by secrets and a feud that will not be laid to rest? Excerpt: King Robert frowned fiercely. “What have ye done?” he asked, his voice hard. “I’d tried speaking to Barde and doing things the traditional way. He was less than enthusiastic and mentioned hell freezing over as the only possible wedding date. His daughter was equally certain she’d no’ marry into the Scott clan.” Eaden shrugged. The feud between their families was generations old. He hadn’t wanted a Barde bride, either. “So I kidnapped her, carried her back to Scott Castle, and we married the same day.” King Robert sat bolt upright in his chair, shocked surprise clear on his slack-jawed face. “Ye kidnapped her?” He wheezed, unable to inhale a proper breath, and pointed an accusatory finger at Eaden. “Ye actually forced her to marry ye?” “Nay, Sire. I simply saw ‘twas done in a timely manner and without bloodshed.” “How certain are ye her father is not, this instant, standing before the walls of Scott Castle, demanding his daughter be returned to him? Are ye trying to promote peace or war?” Eaden gave an exasperated snort. “He cannae cry foul. I have the papers ye signed. And I have men keeping an eye on Barde.” He shifted in his chair uncomfortably. “The marriage is irrevocable. She is now well and truly my wife.” King Robert collapsed back into his chair. “Do ye no’ ken the ruinous upheaval yer actions could provoke? ‘Tis true I commanded the marriage. I know how ye dinnae favor the alliance. But kidnapping the lass is a far cry from having the marriage properly planned and executed!” The king stewed for a moment, as if consumed in vigorous contemplation. At last he shrugged. “Scott.” His voice invoked not Eaden’s friend, but Robert II, King of Scotland. “Inasmuch as ye have followed my orders to the letter, if not their actual intent, I hereby commit yer title and land to ye and to yer descendants.” He leaned forward and clasped Eaden’s shoulder. “I hope ye dinnae have cause to regret yer hastiness.” Eaden winced. He already did. * * * Buy link: http://www.amzn.com/B00BMFPT12 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cathy.macrae.58 Twitter: @CMacRaeAuthor |
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