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Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Highlanders. Shifters. Scorching Romance. Oath of a Scottish Warrior-The MacLomain Series: Later Years.



I hope everyone’s enjoying a fabulous 2016 so far! As usual, I’ve kept busy traveling through time to medieval Scotland and ninth-century Scandinavia. The MacLomain Series: Later Years has been coming right along. Lots of unexpected things happen as Rònan and Erin come together. I absolutely loved writing about this couple as they struggled with the reasons they shouldn’t be together while fighting a strong attraction. As I’m sure you might have guessed by the blurb, you can expect not only a dragon-shifting Scotsman but his Viking brethren. So I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Oath of a Scottish Warrior is now available! Be sure to join me on tour for a chance to win a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The schedule is listed at the end of this post.   

Blurb


Haunted by childhood memories and the fact she is likely going mute, Erin embraces a quiet life in Vermont. A life away from all the mistakes she has made and the people she’s hurt. A peaceful existence with her horses. A cynic by nature, she doesn’t buy into what she soon learns. Apparently she’s part of an unending connection between twenty-first century Broun women and medieval MacLomain men. When a Claddagh ring crosses her path, she’s compelled to steal it. A bad move because the ring is meant to find true love. Something Erin feels she stopped deserving a long time ago. 

Of dragon blood, Chieftain Rònan MacLeod is by birth, half MacLomain. While raised to protect the future King of Scotland, he lives life with an open mind. The idea of a ring binding him to one lass seems far-fetched. However, when a woman named Jackie calls to him from the dark edges of the Celtic Otherworld, he swears an oath to save her. That means traveling to the future to protect her before she’s taken by the enemy. The only problem? She is not where she should be. Instead, he finds a beautiful, defiant lass named Erin. Now he must make a choice. Continue seeking out Jackie or protect the one he’s with.

Thrust back in time to ninth-century Scandinavia, Rònan and Erin find sanctuary with his Viking ancestors. With help from not only King Naðr Véurr Sigdir but his offspring, they learn more than anticipated. Something that will either damn them or set them free. Drawn to one another, heat flares. A fire neither could have imagined. Scorching. Searing. Unavoidable. One they must fight if they want to save those they care for most.

Will they be able to protect wee Robert the Bruce from evil when they end up back in Scotland? Or will their repressed feelings be their ultimate doom? After all, it’s supposed to take the oath of a Scottish warrior to save a future king. Not the oath of a warrior who ended up forsaking all because he lost his heart along the way. 




Excerpt


Erin almost overfilled the mug as she watched him out of the corner of her eye. Damn, he was hot as hell. Heat flared between her thighs as she eyed his snug leather pants, and broad, muscled, tattooed chest and arms. She swallowed. Maybe leaving him outside would have been the smarter move.

Rònan inhaled sharply then released a long, slow breath as he closed his eyes, shook his head, and whispered, “Gods give me strength, you smell good.”

Doing her best to keep her eyes averted, she held out a mug. “Here, drink. It’ll help warm you.”

“Many thanks,” he murmured and took the mug. “Will you not look at me then? You did so outside and we managed through.”

“Likely because I had a blade to your neck,” she reminded.

“If I’ve the strength to look at you then you’ve the same strength, lass,” he said softly. “Please.”

“Not gonna lie. I’m too damned aroused.” She shook her head and turned away. “Drink your ale and warm yourself, Rònan.”

He growled in frustration. “We need to push past this if we’re to protect the Bruce as we should.”
“We don’t need to look at each other to protect Robert.”

“Aye, but we do.” He downed the ale in a few gulps. “Especially if we’re to battle alongside one another. Eye contact is important.”

She hated to admit it but he was right. “I’ll get there. Promise. It just doesn’t look like it’ll be happening right now.” Though it was about the last thing she wanted to say for more reasons than one, she said, “Why aren’t you still with the redhead? After you warm up, it might be best if you rejoin her.”

“Nay.” He refilled his mug and handed her one as well. “Whilst she was pleasant enough I couldnae seem to muster desire for her.”

Erin almost cursed when a rush of satisfaction blew through her. “You two seemed to be doing just fine dancing.”

“Only because I meant to make you jealous,” he whispered. “Because I felt the same when I saw you with Darach and the Vikings.”

Though she should have been surprised by his bluntness, she wasn’t. Like her, he accepted what simmered between them for what it was. Simple lust based on dragon blood.

“Well, you’ve got nothing to be jealous of because Darach and I are just friends and me and my Viking posse have an understanding.” She took several sips as she navigated around him to the fire without meeting his eyes. “All that aside, we both need to remember that not only is what we’re feeling nothing more than a dragon thing but that Jackie’s out there somewhere waiting for you.”

“Viking posse?” he said. “Is that what you’re calling Tait and Bjorn?”

“Yup.”

“Why did you not take Tait tonight?” Rònan’s question was a deep rumble close to her ear as he moved behind her. “I know he offered and I know you were tempted to accept.”

Right. Because their thoughts mingled.

“You know the answer to that,” she said softly because she didn’t trust her vocal chords.

“Aye,” he said. “You think it would have complicated things had you taken Tait to your bed but I dinnae ken that. Perhaps it would have eased the ache you suffer now? Would easing that ache not make it easier to focus on what lies ahead?”

She was tempted to turn and confront him but stayed put. “Not if I ended up having stronger feelings for him because of it. Who knows, there’s a good chance I wouldn’t want to leave here if I did.”

“I saw how you were with the wee Bruce earlier,” he said. “So I dinnae doubt you would do whatever was needed to protect him.”

“How did you see?” she started then shook her head. “You never really left with the redhead did you?”

“I dinnae want the redhead,” he murmured, words still close to her ear, his body a warm wall at her back. “I want you, lass.”

Erin closed her eyes and focused on breathing evenly. “No, you want Jackie.”

“Aye, part of me,” he admitted. “But it feels more like desiring a figment of my imagination. ‘Tis nothing like what I feel now. Here.” His hand fell on her shoulder. “With you.”

Hell, this was pure torture.

Blood rushed through her veins so rapidly she grew lightheaded.

“I can’t.” She shook her head but couldn’t manage to step away, could not get her feet to work. “What if you and Jackie are meant for one another? I love that woman to death and would hate myself if…”

Save for the crackling fire and howling wind, the room grew quiet as her unsaid words hung in the air. As if his feet were as glued to the floor as hers, Rònan didn’t move for several long moments. Yet he eventually stepped away, his voice soft. “You’re right, lass. ‘Twould not be right.”


Passion of a Scottish Warrior (Book Four)
Coming May 16, 2016.
Available now for pre-order.


Determined to protect Jackie from evil, Darach Hamilton flees MacLomain Castle without telling anyone his destination. As foretold by Celtic Goddess Brigit, that should have made the enemy pursue him. But nothing is as it seems. When he learns the dark demi-god went after Jackie instead, he races to her side only to discover something unexpected. Things have changed. There might be hope for them. Maybe he can finally be with her. After all, he’s been dreaming about her for years. The only problem? He already pushed her into another man’s arms.

Over a month has passed since Jackie traveled back in time from modern day New Hampshire to medieval Scotland. Since then, it’s been a non-stop adventure. Now she’s in ninth-century Scandinavia with Heidrek, a Viking set to inherit the throne. A man that Darach wants her to be with despite the unforgettable kiss they shared. Then there’s the newfound Claddagh ring on her finger. Its stone can only be ignited by the love of a MacLomain. And Darach is by birth, the only remaining MacLomain not taken. Yet despite the power the ring’s glow could harness, she wants nothing to do with it. Not in light of her terrible secret. One she prays will keep any man from loving her because it will mean their ruin.

Many revelations come to light when Jackie, Darach, and Heidrek travel through time to keep the future King, wee Robert the Bruce safe. Determined to spare them heartbreak, Jackie refuses both men. Still, one of them ends up invoking unavoidable passion. A timeless draw. One she tries to fight. But some things are meant to be and Fate has a plan for them all. Epic love. Ultimate war. Inescapable death. Twists nobody saw coming. An ending that will either see Scotland through to what it is today or rewrite history altogether.

Find out how everything unfolds in Passion of a Scottish Warrior, the final installment in the MacLomain Series: Later Years. 



Join Oath of a Scottish Warrior on Tour.


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Friday, February 19, 2016

Time Travel Romance. Her Trusted Highlander (The Mackalls of Dunnet Head) by Jennae Vale.



Today I’m super excited to feature newly released, Her Trusted Highlander-The Mackalls of Dunnet Head by Jennae Vale. An awesome book by a fantastic author! 


Blurb


Katriona Hughes has no idea how she’s managed to find herself in 16th century Scotland, but she’s beginning to think the emerald gem she picked up on an archeological site may have had something to do with it. Wanting nothing more than to return to her own time, Kat is betrayed by the first person she meets and forced into a marriage with a loathsome stranger. Now running for her life, Kat meets the one man who deserves her trust, but can she give it to him.

Nick Mackall is happy to finally be back in his beloved Scotland after accidentally being transported to twenty first century San Francisco and spending the last two years of his life there. His home and family are calling to him, but things are not about to go smoothly for the handsome highlander as he meets a young woman fleeing her husband and an old foe returns from the dead. Two things are certain - he must gain the woman’s trust in order to save her and he must stop his foe from unleashing the power of an imprisoned sorcerer. 

Purchase at Amazon 


Excerpt


The dappled light shining through the trees was angled such that he knew it would soon disappear and he’d be forced to spend yet another night camping here in these woods.  The days were shorter at this time of year and the sun set earlier and earlier every day.  Sizing up the situation, Nick decided he’d ride a bit further before finding a spot to set up camp.  He had enough food to last him until he reached home, and the thought of all the work involved in creating a shelter and a fire to keep warm, had him rethinking his decision to ride on.  If he stopped now, he’d still reach home by nightfall tomorrow.  He drew his horse to a stop and surveyed his surroundings.  Noting some fallen tree branches he could use to create a shelter on a relatively dry patch of ground convinced Nick this would be a good place to spend the night.

As he prepared to dismount, Laoch spooked, jumping and planting all four hooves firmly on the ground, ready to run.  Nick whispered soft, calming words and stroked his steed’s tense neck.  Pricked straight forward, his horse’s ears were an indicator of the direction the perceived threat was coming from.  Sitting as quietly as possible, Nick searched for the source of his horse’s anxiety, his eyes taking in every inch of the wooded area around him.  He listened closely for anything out of the ordinary and then he heard it, the sounds of a horse galloping his way and shortly he saw both horse and rider barreling in his direction.  The rider continuously looked behind as if being chased.  Nick was prepared to take action should he need to, but patience was best in these situations.  Why react before he knew exactly what he was reacting to.  As the rider approached, Nick realized it was a woman.  She had a determined expression on her face as she crouched low over her horse’s neck, charging directly at him.  Nick placed his horse squarely in her way in an effort to stop her.  If she needed help, he was sure he could assist her, no matter what she was fleeing from.  Her golden hair caught the last glimmers of light as they filtered through the trees and he saw that she wore no cloak for warmth.  She would freeze to death when she stopped to rest.  There were no villages or crofts anywhere in this area where she could seek refuge.  He knew because he had just ridden an entire day without seeing another soul.

As the woman galloped closer, Nick waved his arms in the air to catch her attention.  She didn’t notice as she was focused on whoever was chasing her.  Her horse, however, came to a screeching halt, tossing his head in the air and then rearing.  The rider, unprepared, tumbled to the ground cursing much like the women Nick had known in San Francisco. 

Purchase at Amazon 


Monday, February 15, 2016

Modern-Day Women. Fierce Viking Warriors. Time Travel Romance. #boxedset #coverreveal



Sharing the latest! Not only are the novels in The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors now available in a boxed set but I’ve got awesome news. Look for The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors’ Kin coming summer of 2016. Check out their brand new covers! More coming soon.

Let’s start with the boxed set…


Modern-day women. Fierce Viking warriors. Unimaginable connections through time. Sail the high seas and weather ninth-century Scandinavia in a best-selling romance series unlike any other. Endless adventures. Unexpected twists. Mind-blowing passion. Find it all in The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors.

VIKING KING- Determined to take a break from her past, Megan cozies down in her million dollar Winter Harbor Maine home and focuses less on money and more on dreams. With a love for Viking shipwright skills, she constructs a small scale longship. What she doesn't anticipate is an unexpected call from the past. Of dragon blood, Viking King, Naðr Véurr Sigdir 'the bold' knew that the bargain he struck with the seers would likely lead to an unpredictable outcome. What he didn't foresee is a headstrong woman from the future washing up on his shores.

VIKING CLAIM- Veronica tries to cope with losing her sister but is drawn to
everything that seemingly took Megan away. A magical stone. Rune staves. A Viking king. The far distant past. It all seems too impossible to believe. Until she slides down a snow swept hill near Maine's, Raven's Nest cliffs straight into a reality she never could have imagined. Of dragon blood and brother to the king, Raknar Sigdir 'the hunter' is determined to welcome any woman from the future if it means he can conquer anew for his people. However, Veronica, the irresistible woman thrust back in time, soon has his mind less on loot and more on all the things he forgot about himself. A pact with the seers hangs in the balance when a ninth century Viking gives in to his heart to protect a modern day woman from a sworn, powerful enemy...his former wife.

VIKING HEART- Amber is heartbroken. Supposedly because of a pact made between three ninth century Viking brothers and Mt. Galdhøpiggen's seers, her sisters have vanished into the distant past. Struggling with grief, she leans on her part-time fling Sean until even he is torn away. Or so it seems. Of dragon blood and brother to the King, Kol Sigdir 'the lucky' has been determined to avoid his fate since the moment he promised himself, sight unseen, to a woman from the future. He adores all women and it's no easy thing knowing he has to eventually pledge his heart to just one...until he meets Amber. As they grow closer, they face multiple threats. King Alrek declares war and he has an ally nobody could have anticipated. Hearts struggle, rip apart and then are rebuilt when the laws of time are tossed aside. 

Boxed Set Available at Amazon.
Coming to Barnes & Noble, iTunes and Kobo in April.

Ready to check out some awesome new covers?

Heidrek’s Story
Rise of a Viking
Raknar’s first born son and heir to the Viking throne.


  Bjorn’s Story
Vengeance of a Viking
Set to right a wrong. Loyal to the bone. 
Viking King, Naðr Véurr and Megan’s first born son.


 Tait’s Story
Soul of a Viking
Cut-throat warrior. Easy going nature. Known for being unpredictable.
Kol and Amber’s Firstborn Son


 Matthew’s Story
Fury of a Viking
Fierce. Unbending. Intelligent. 
Raknar and Veronica’s Firstborn Son




Saturday, February 13, 2016

Historical Erotica. Immoral Virtue Trilogy by Arla Dahl.






“The Watchman (Immoral Virtue Book 3)”
by Arla Dahl
Published: November 20, 2015
Genre: Historical Erotica


Blurb

Evil is found when evil is sought.

“For when those in authority neglect to reprove sin, then very often the good are punished with the wicked.” – Heinrick Kramer, 1486, The Malleus Maleficarum  

For yielding to the proud tears of an accused witch, The Watchman’s soul may have been blackened by evil. To prove himself unmarked, his body free of the witch’s branding, he must stand naked before all and submit to the governor’s thorough and shameful examination.

Though Giles Scott would resist the governor’s practiced and patient touch, only complete abandon might prove his innocence. And since the witch cannot feel, only Giles’ arousal can spare his neck from the noose. And so, he surrenders.

Yet screams from another chamber – perhaps pained, perhaps pleasured – awaken memories from Giles’ dark, torturous past, and the governor’s touch no longer teases but stings…much like the punishing bite of a whip against the flesh of THE WATCHMAN.

From the Author:
THE WATCHMAN, Book 3 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy is a dark erotic twist of an already twisted period in American History, the Salem witch trials. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with forced consent, M/m, M/f/f and other BDSM concepts, THE WATCHMAN is intended for audiences 18 and over.



What readers are saying…

“Fifty Shades-meets-Shakespeare in this eloquent, erotic tale.” – Debra Druzy, Contemporary Romance Author

“A well-crafted, wickedly erotic romp through witch trial hysteria. Arla Dahl will whet your appetite for more.”  –- Candy Caine, author of contemporary interracial erotica

“The Watchman was so hot and satisfying, the perfect conclusion to this trilogy.”  – Chloe and Sabine’s Smart Mouth Smut

“Erotic and immensely satisfying.” — D.B.Shuster, author of the Neurotica Series

Come help celebrate multi-published, bestselling author Arla Dahl’s latest addition to her “Immoral Virtue” series, “Watchman”  Thursday, February 4th, 7-9 PM EST. Prizes, games, chats, the unveiling of secrets, and various and sundry shenanigans await!!



Don’t miss out on books 1 and 2 of this sizzling series!



“The Mark (Immoral Virtue)”

Blurb

Be this a witch?

In 1600’s New England, it was decreed thus:

“Whoever lies with the beast will bear a mark that is insensible and in their most secret parts, and may be located only through diligent and careful search.”

Accused of witchcraft, Abigail Prescott must strip for the masses and submit to the Governor’s inspection. She is ill-prepared for this shameful, grueling probe as it permits him to see and test her every inch and every hollow.

Governor Jameson Foster has examined many before, but Abigail enchants him like no other. Before he succumbs to her sweet charms, he must uncover the dark truth of this bewitching.

Should she feel his prodding and respond to his touch, her innocence will be proven. And this night he will claim her. Should she resist, fail to cry out in pain or in pleasure, then all will know she is a witch who bears The Mark.

“I defy you not to squirm and moan right along with Abigail as you read The Mark. Rejoice, erotic-fiction fans. Arla Dahl has arrived!” –best-selling author, Pam McKenna

From the Author:

THE MARK, Book 1 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy is a highly erotic, non-romantic tale of sexual awakening and abandon, of the duty to submit vs. the desire to resist. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with elements of BDSM and dubious consent, THE MARK is intended for audiences 18 and over.

Goodreads          Amazon




“The Accused (Immoral Virtue Book 2)”

Blurb

There is no shame in pleasure.

“Wherefore for the sake of fulfilling their lusts (women) consort even with devils.” -Heinrich Kramer, 1486 “Malleus Maleficarum” (The Hammer of Witches)

To clear their names and save their souls the accused are stripped and bound before all as they await their governor’s examination.

At the governor’s direction, Abigail Prescott, herself accused as a witch a mere hour past, will help test the women’s responses, for a witch marked by the devil cannot feel, no matter how gently caressed, no matter how deeply probed. Under the governor’s scrutiny Abigail is to thoroughly examine their naked flesh for the black mark of the beast.

But the prideful Elizabeth Hobbs withdraws consent. And her fate is sealed. Taken deep into the forest by the watchman, she will remain naked and open to the elements to await her punishment.

Stirred by her proud tears, the watchman touches her. Soothes her. But when a man succumbs to a witch’s charms, he too stands among THE ACCUSED.

“Explosively erotic with unexpected twists and surprises that keep the pages turning.” – 2013 RITA Finalist, Pamela Hearon

From the Author:
THE ACCUSED, Book 2 in the Immoral Virtue Trilogy continues the highly erotic, non-romantic, tale of resistance and of submission. Due to its explicit sexual nature, with elements of BDSM and dubious consent, THE ACCUSED is intended for audiences 18 and over.

Goodreads          Amazon



About the Author

Arla Dahl is a lover and avid reader of all things sexy and suspenseful. She gets her inspiration from daily headlines, and is often surprised by how today’s issues mirror those from the distant past. 

When Arla’s muse goes stealth, she spends her time trying recipes from exotic locales, with rich flavors and provocative scents that tempt and tease and satisfy.

A New Yorker, born and bred, Arla is forever fascinated by the varied cultures of her city. Beyond the rich diversity, the close and heady feel of a moody late night jazz club is her favorite part of living in the Big Apple.

In her current work, the Immoral Virtue trilogy, which is set during the witch hysteria of the 17th Century, Arla twists an already twisted history into a daring erotic work of passion and pleasure.

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