A Perfect Christmas Read - One Christmas Knight - Out Today - Details and Excerpt

ONE CHRISTMAS KNIGHT, an anthology of medieval novellas, is now out at Amazon. There are seven wonderful historical romances here, by various authors, all set around Yule and Christmas.

Here's a blurb for each of  the stories, plus the blurb and an excerpt from mine.

DEBORAH MACGILLIVRAY—THE SELKIE’S DAUGHTER

Sir Rhys de Valyer, on his way to Scotland to join his liege, Julian Challon, becomes lost in a blinding snowstorm. But this is only the start of his troubles. In a brutal ambush, he and his men are attacked and left for dead. Rhys only escapes the horrible fate due to his trusted steed, who manages to drag him away from the battle. Fearing death’s approach, he never expects a beautiful snow angel to come to his rescue.
After being cast out by her family for being the bastard child of a Selkie, Annys BrĂ igheach has made her life in the sanctuary of Rowenwood Forest, far away from the world. In spite of her acceptance of the solitary life, her heart still yearns for more. To her surprise, after making a Yuletide wish, she discovers a handsome knight, clinging desperately to his horse, half-frozen with two arrows piercing his body. Her healing skills may save him, but can she reach his heart?
Magic can happen at Yuletide if only you can believe….

KEENA KINCAID—AN UNEXPECTED GIFT

When Meryk the Outlaw finds a badly beaten woman beside the road, he almost rides on. With a price on his head and a winter storm raging, even a short delay could cost him everything. But when he discovers she’s ready to give birth, he takes the risk and vows to protect her.
Ada of Bew doesn’t want the outlaw’s help—much less his protection—but she has no choice. Unable to run any farther and ready to give birth, she must place her faith in this stranger…or die at the hands of the men who want to kill her unborn son.
In the struggle against the cold and would-be kings, Meryk and Ada discover love is the most unexpected gift of all, but will they survive long enough to claim it?

LIVIA J. WASHBURN--KEEPSAKE

Sir Hugh Tarrant returns home from war with a limp from an enemy's sword and a hole in his heart from the death of his beloved. Lady Margaret Dillon is filled with anger at the man she believes deserted her sister. On a stormy Christmas Eve night filled with danger, fate throws them together and makes unexpected allies of them. Will passion ignite as a result...or will they survive to find out?

ANGELA RAINES—LOST KNIGHT

Annalisa has lost everything to her uncle. Taking sanctuary in a convent for safety, she yearns to go back and reclaim her rightful place. When she discovers a seriously wounded man, she realizes that he might be the one who can help her.
Jack wakes up in a convent, wounded and fearing for his own sanity. The last thing he remembers is a firefight in the Middle East, and the pain of being shot. Waking up centuries in the past is not what he expects—but Jack has his own code of honor, and when Annalisa asks for his help, there’s no way he can turn her down.
With the help of Mother Albrade, a nun who has powerful visions and knowledge of the future, Jack and Annalisa begin a journey of discovery and bravery that just might change both their lives—or end them.

C. MARIE BOWEN—HAWTHORN AND MISTLETOE

Cursed by a bitter enchantress in ancient times to wander the earth as an immortal, Jurian Locke is bound by both love and magic to answer his beloved's need in times of danger.
Into each new life, his soulmate is born, unaware she is tied to him by magic, unknowing that a threat to her life will send forth a summons to a man she doesn't know.
Drawn together in dangerous times—his eternal love is her single chance at life. His curse, the only time he can be with the woman who possesses his heart.
Her call reaches him, this time, in 1328 at a Yuletide tournament for King Edward III.

TANYA HANSON—CANTICLE

To save her family’s fortunes, Lady Alisoun must wed an elderly earl the day after Christmas. But in the chapel on Christmas Eve, her heart collides with that of an elegant, mysterious stranger. Is he…one of King John’s spies?
Raised in a monastery, Lord Kitt has no experience with love, but finds his heart lost to a lovely lady. Yet he cannot succumb, for the day after Christmas, he must marry a woman he has never met.

LINDSAY TOWNSEND—SIR BALDWIN AND THE CHRISTMAS GHOSTS

Ambitious and arrogant, the young knight Sir Baldwin returns to his family’s lands and estate at Brigthorpe to face disaster. The pestilence has struck, destroying his parents and all his family save for a young half-brother, Martin, whom Baldwin does not wish to acknowledge because Martin is the bastard child of a serf. Baldwin needs to learn kindness and how to be a lord–and quickly.
Into this hopeless situation comes Sofia, a young woman who can see glimpses of spirits, of the restless dead. These revenants are very restless around Sir Baldwin.
Somehow, Baldwin and Sofia must work together, to make a true Christmas for the survivors of Brigthorpe and the Christmas ghosts. Can they do so in time—or will the gulf of class and custom make any love between them impossible?


For sale here at Amazon here 

And at my author Amazon page here

For sale at Amazon UK here


Excerpt from Sir Baldwin and the Christmas Ghosts.


One Christmas Knight


Sir Baldwin and the Christmas Ghosts

Lindsay Townsend



December, North of England, 1369
                                                                                                                    

“I can help you with your ghosts, sir.”
For an instant, no longer than a single beat of his heart, Sir Baldwin of Brigthorpe was too startled to answer. That a stranger had entered the manor and he had not heard any approach was disconcerting, that the said stranger could sense the spirits that accosted him every night was disturbing. Not that he let such unworthy, serf-like feelings show on his face. He was a knight—courage and power were his.
“Sir? Do you wish for my help?”
He would have ignored his own peasants if any had dared to keep questioning him, especially one certain grizzling boy, but courtesy to strangers had been ground into him. Reluctantly, he fashioned some reply. “I do not think anyone can aid me. There are too many ghosts.”
I should not have admitted that. Mother of Almighty God, I must be wearier than I thought.
Scowling, Sir Baldwin swept the last of the rotted floor strewing into the fire-pit in the great hall and watched the stinking mess smoke and slowly burn. His back and shoulders ached worse than after a sword practise but he forced himself to straighten and relax. He had not been physically attacked yet and doubted he would be. There are few left alive to try. The ghosts were another matter. There are so many...

Reminded of his losses afresh, the grief sharp as broken glass within him, Baldwin looked at the dais. A swift glance reassured him that the brat was still asleep on the platform, snuggled down in his own long winter cloak. Last year I would never have given a cotter bastard any of my clothes, even though we are akin. Frowning anew, he flicked the broom from hand to hand and raised his head. “How did you come here?”


Lindsay Townsend

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STILL MISSING - new release - m/m contemporary


 
 
STILL MISSING
By Christiane France

This is the sequel to Missing, But Not Dead, and there’s a third book in the works. 

Blurb: 

Ever since Greg Stewartson, ex-cop, private investigator, and half-owner of Amethyst Cove Security & Investigations, first met Ash Tyler, a handsome and very sexy nurse, he’s been trying to find Ash’s biological family—the one Ash says he had before he was taken into care and adopted by the Tylers more than twenty years ago. Greg and Ash are now a couple, but Greg’s leads have all turned into dead ends, so Ash told him to let it go.

Then one night a half-drowned man is brought into the urgent care clinic where Ash works. He says he’s looking for Jack Smith, the man Ash knew as grandpa. Suddenly Greg is up to his ears in new information and new leads. Will he finally get Ash the answers he so desperately wants or is he being conned by a pair of clever hustlers determined to conceal the truth? 

Excerpt:

“Did you get a chance to follow up on that guy who was brought into the clinic last night? The one who said he had to find Jack?”
            “I made a few inquiries. That waiter you said brought him into the clinic didn’t know anything about him, but he said his friend might. Today was the friend’s day off, but I’ll try to stop by the surf shop again tomorrow.”

            “You didn’t go down to the rocks?” Ash seemed a tad surprised.
            “Not yet. I figure I should wait and hear what the other guy has to say about him first.”
            He reached up and patted my cheek. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to push. I guess that’s how you PI’s have to do it, huh? One careful step at a time?”
            “It’s all I can do when I have nothing solid to go on.”
            Ash nodded. “Probably the best approach with this guy. He was pretty jumpy last night. I wouldn’t want him to take off before we know what he’s all about.”
            This was exactly why I’d decided not to say anything about my chat with Mary or the kid who’d shown up in The Riptide, at least for now. No point in raising Ash’s hopes for what could be yet another disappointment.
“We still going to Le Pastis for dinner?”
“That’s the plan. I just need a few minutes to change.”
            I chuckled at the way he managed to slide his body off the lounger without disturbing the cats more than absolutely necessary.
            “I see the boys already have you well trained.”
            “Trained? Me?” He shook his head. “No way. I was just trying to be considerate and not spoil their sleep.”
            “Right.” I wrapped my arms around Ash and gave him a hug. “They’re so good at what they do, you don’t even know they’ve done it. Now, scoot. I’m starving.” With that, I turned him toward the house and gave him a smack on the butt as incentive.
            He took a couple of steps, wiggled his ass and shot me a provocative look over his shoulder. “Before I change I need to wash off the sunblock. Sure you wouldn’t like to join me in the shower? Maybe wash my back, massage my shoulders a little…hmm? What do you say?”
            “No. Now, go.”
            “No?” 

Cool mysteries and hot romance - http://www.chrisgrover.ca
Latest Release: No One’s Perfect –
http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2230-No-One-s-Perfect.aspx
http://twitter.com/chrisgrover2
http://christianefrance.blogspot.ca/ 

 

 

 

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AN ALIEN PARADISE--Science Fiction Romance

AN ALIEN PARADISE
Author: Susanne Marie Knight
Genre: Science Fiction Romance 
Available electronically at Amazon.com

BLURB: 

PARADISE LOST--Teacher Petra Richardson receives a mysterious summer job offer. If she tutors a young boy, Traynor, all her expenses will be paid during her stay in the Galápagos Islands. Although she has misgivings, she agrees. Her new employer is the Taurus City Travel Agency, run by Traynor's hunky Uncle Kelvin, whom she'd met and fantasized about when she was a teen. While romance simmers between Petra and Kelvin, there's also danger. Who sabotaged their kayak? What happened to Traynor's poomba? Why do some travel clients seem to flicker? 

Just what is going on at this sleepy outpost in the South Pacific? 

PARADISE FOUND--Kelvin Lacertus has a full plate. CEO of the Taurus City Travel Agency, he oversees alien and extraterrestrial Human tourists to Planet Terra. He's handling the most important diplomatic conference in the galaxy. And he's babysitting his nephew, Traynor. Kelvin arranges for a tutor, little Petra, whom he remembers from his Grand Tour of Terra years ago. She'd impressed him then. The grown-up version is even more irresistible. How can he protect his Petra when a terrorist group targets all Lacertus family members including his would-be bride?

EXCERPT:

Kelvin Lacertus sunk his chin in his hand. Here was a devil of a situation. He was responsible for the whole of the Tau Ceti or rather Taurus City enterprise here on Terra, yet he held no sway whatever over a five-year-old boy.

Sobering.

The doorbell ran throughout the house. No time to wallow in inappropriate thoughts.

He corralled his nephew with a few well-chosen words, and then they both walked through the sliding glass doors into the living room to await Petra Richardson. As soon as sounds were heard at the living room door, however, Tray darted back outside. 

That boy is in serious need of discipline.

But that thought completely vanished as Kelvin watched the willowy woman enter the room. He sharply inhaled. The enchanting fifteen-year-old waif he remembered had grown into a beauty that took his breath away. Her dark hair, parted in the middle, hung down in cascading waves just past her shoulders. Still slender, still petite, she wore a camisole top and matching covering tied at her narrow waist, along with a long gauzy skirt. Her sandaled toes peeped out from under the hem.

She walked in as a goddess might, strong and confident in her appearance. As well she should. She was like the Greek goddess Artemis--wild, determined, and pure. 

He raked her with his gaze, inhaling her flowery fragrance. There was something special about Terran women. He'd always believed that. But more so with this Terran woman. Something elemental, something primordial. Something that appealed to every sense that a man possessed.

Her eyes, a mixture of butterscotch and honey, widened at seeing him. 

She remembered him. Good. 

Kelvin stepped forward and extended his hand. "I am charmed to see you, Ms. Richardson. Although we have met before, yes?"

The slightest blush colored her high cheeks. She shook his hand. "Yes, a very long time ago. I'm flattered that you remember me, sir."

Her shake was firm, her skin warm. Her touch engendered a tickling sensation--one that penetrated down to his innermost regions. He held her gaze. "But of course I do. You were a most engaging child."

He then turned toward the windows and watched his nephew scurry down the deck making guttural bird cries. This time Tray had found two branches that had fallen off a palm tree. One in each hand, he flapped them, making a jump every so often as if to take off to the skies. 

"There is your new charge, Ms. Richardson. As you can see, my nephew is a lively child with a vivid imagination. Unfortunately, he just had a run in with a pair of scissors. His hair lost the battle." 

She walked over to the sliding glass door and looked out, obviously watching for the boy's next turn around the deck. When Tray came back around, he waved a palm branch at her.

"He's darling! A typical boy," she exclaimed.

Kelvin withheld his comment. Tray wasn't exactly typical.

Tapping her finger against her chin, she tilted her head. "Tell you what. Another pair of scissors can fix the damage. Do you have clippers? Hair-cutting gear? I'd be happy to give Traynor a trim. I often cut my father's hair."

"I'll have the equipment brought in. I admit to being curious as to how you will persuade an active child to sit still for a haircut." Kelvin gestured toward the white contemporary couch. "Come, let's sit. I'm being an inattentive host. Would you care for some refreshments? Coffee? Iced tea? Something stronger?"

Petra glided over, sat on the cushions, and then placed her handbag next to her. She smoothed her skirt's material down at her knees. "Thank you, no. I'm fine."

He mixed himself a vodka tonic, splashed in a lime slice, and then sat adjacent to her in one of the white contour chairs. Leaning back, he studied her.

She glanced around the large room.  "Mr. Lacertus, I can't, for the life of me, figure this out. Why did you choose me to tutor your nephew?"

He started to speak, but she held up her slim hand. "I need to know the real reason, if you don't mind."

"The real reason," he repeated. Stalling for time, he took a refreshing sip of his drink. "Well, first, please call me Kelvin."

Her eyes crinkled up and her shoulders hunched forward, ever so slightly. Why was that? 

"My name amuses you?"

She flushed. "You do know your name is a measurement of absolute thermodynamic temperature?"

Petra Richardson was of a literal mind; he explicitly remembered that about her. She was also a science teacher, through and through. 

"Indeed it is, Petra, if I may. And if I gage the temperature in this room correctly, it is not only sixty eight degrees Fahrenheit, but also can be stated as two hundred and ninety four Kelvin."

She tapped her sandaled foot on the plush, cream-colored carpet. "I'll take your word for it. You very neatly avoided my question."

"So I did. Astute of you to notice." He took another cool sip, and then set his glass down on a side table. "If you truly want to know--"

"I do."

He couldn't tell her the real reason. What the devil could he say?

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

Hope you enjoy!

Susanne Marie Knight
http://www.susanneknight.com
http://RomanceWritingWithATwist.blogspot.com
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now Available: AN ALIEN PARADISE, science fiction romance
Planet Earth is a jewel that must be shared!


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