Celtic Romance Kindle Freebee

Looking for a gorgeous Celtic warrior? Look no farther than Passion’s Sacred Dance, which is a Kindle free download, September 24th – 28th. Go HERE to pick up your free copy, and happy reading!

~ S.G. Rogers

Blurb:

Battling mounting debt, Stacy Macken is determined not to lose her historic art gallery. When Aaron Fielding appears and offers to help, she fights to keep the attraction sizzling between them from clouding her judgment. He may be her savior in disguise–but can she trust him?

Aaron intrigues her with tales of the Tuatha dé Danann, sworn warriors who protect humanity from the monsters seeking their destruction. If Aaron can prove what he claims, she would give up anything to help–even the gallery he claims is sacred ground. But with her property set to stage the next epic battle, she needs answers. An old family diary will confirm the ancient legend is true, if only they can find it in time.

If the battle is lost, the enemy will take control of Earth for the next five hundred years. Stacy and Aaron’s budding love might only complicate things.

 

Saturday Snippet – Clash of Wills by S.G. Rogers

Excerpt from Clash of Wills:

Suddenly Samantha spotted a mud demon skating toward her through the bulrushes. Unlike her father, she usually reveled in magical creatures. Demons, however, were an entirely different matter. One tiny scratch from a mud demon would ruin her day, and a bite would send her into a bout of depression for weeks. She reached for the sling in her pocket, and loaded a handy acorn into the cradle. With an expert flick of her wrist, Samantha struck the mud demon with the impromptu missile. The creature went flying to the center of the creek, where the fast current carried it off. It shook its little brown fist at her, but it could do nothing except float downstream.

Samantha coiled the sling and returned it to her pocket. The sling had been a gift from her older brother, a long time ago. David had taught her how to use it. She’d always had such uncanny aim, she’d often wondered whether or not the sling was magical. If only Father hadn’t sent David away, how different things would be now, she mused. Perhaps Mother wouldn’t lapse into tears when she thought no one was around. Maybe Father’s hair wouldn’t have turned white so quickly. And she wouldn’t have to wonder why David had left that curious compass-like device under her pillow, with a cryptic message that read, “If you ever need to find me.”

Buy this magical novelette at: Amazon (Kindle format), BN.com (Nook Format), and The Wild Rose Press (all e-formats)

Can Princess Samantha battle desperate highwaymen, evil snow demons and a handsome wayward prince to bring her brother home?

Princess Samantha’s magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication–especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.

To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha’s scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance. Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust? And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?

The Road to The Heart Gem by Isabella Macotte

On the heels of her new release The Heart Gem, author Isabella Macotte stops by Child of Yden to let us in on her path to sucess.  Enjoy! ~ S.G. Rogers

After spending years enjoying wonderful books written by fabulous authors, I wanted in.

I figured writing a book should take just slightly longer than reading one. As a speedy reader able to wolf down a story in an evening or two, writing a manuscript should take a couple of weeks. Not one to place undue pressure on myself, I generously allowed a month. Tops.

GMC? What the heck is that? I never thought about a goal for my heroine besides living happily ever after. Motivation? Well, getting to live happily ever after with a hunky hero is pretty motivating, right? Conflict? Ha! I’ll give her a few impediments, I suppose, but who likes stress? Point of view?  Readers are smart. They’ll figure out the scene’s perspective.

So wrong and naïve.

What is it they say about best-laid plans? For me, as in most ventures, nothing ever comes easy. Drafting a manuscript entailed learning everything from the ground up. Thankfully I had a group of wonderful writers and readers who nudged, poked, pulled, kicked, and instructed me along the way.

Once my feet were planted on the right road, the process of putting together the manuscript for my newly published book, The Heart Gem, involved more time learning, reading, listening, and working than I could have ever imagined.

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Receiving an email from the editor at The Wild Rose Press offering a contract for my romance novel, The Heart Gem, was one of the most thrilling moments of my life.

~ Isabella Macotte

BLURB:

In 1885, a proper Victorian woman’s place was in the home. Convention never appealed to Hallie Pinefoy.

But plans for financial independence through a successful doll-making venture have one impediment. She’s inherited a curiosity shop and a handsome business partner who’s proving to be a delicious distraction.

When Bremen Tyler inherits a shop in coastal England, he breaks from the mystical Ancestral clan to live a normal life. The only way to guarantee a permanent break is to marry his Heart Match, a perfect soul mate. Bremen recognizes the captivating Hallie as his true love, but she isn’t cooperating with his courtship.

If he can retrieve the stolen Heart Gem, an Artifact of Love, he can use it to prove their match. The surface of the Gem reflects the essence of a couple’s future life, but the risks are great. More importantly, will Hallie realize true love doesn’t need proof?

MODIFIED EXCERPT (PG VERSION) 

Hallie stepped over to the small desk. “Please wait. I’ll get the monies owed from the payment made at the Dockhouse.”

“No.” Bremen answered.

“No?”

“Partake of a glass of wine with me instead.”

Surprised, she looked to the man’s face and paused. Those dark eyes seemed almost hypnotic, and a sudden vision came to mind of looking into those eyes right before his lips moved in closer and closer, toward her mouth. She forced herself to look away.

He held out a hand. “Just a glass of wine? Perhaps we can pretend to have just been introduced under less dramatic circumstances?”

“I think not. However I’m grateful for your assistance.” She held out the coin.

“I never accept money from a lady.”

“Do you make a lady feel obligated then? That’s your preference?”

“I’d hope the lady would forgive me for my churlish behavior by allowing a contrite man to make amends.”

Was he mocking her?

“One glass of wine. Please.” He seemed to notice the hesitation. “On the Wrightsville Inn’s front porch in full view of all.” His face softened. “With a repentant gentleman.” He held out a hand. “I’m Bremen Tyler. The apologetic Bremen Tyler who wishes to make restitution to a lady offended with loutish behavior.”

“Again, I must decline the offer.”

He paused for a moment. “Are you afraid?”

“Afraid? Of you? I most certainly am not.”

“Sit with me then. You can berate me for my temper, comment on my lack of good manners, and insult me for my lack of wholesome attributes. I put myself in your hands for as long as you wish to partake of my poor company.”

Being the one in control was intriguing. After having spent the past hour feeling foolish and taking directions, she found these pleas for forgiveness and companionship quite appealing.

Buy links: Amazon (ebook) (paperback), The Wild Rose Press (ebook) (paperback), BN.com and wherever online books are sold.

Biography

Isabella Macotte grew up in Chicago and now lives in the Midwest. Ever since she can remember, she was reading. Not just fiction but everything she could get her hands on. Science, romance, history and paranormal. Especially paranormal…anything scary, creepy, or gory, she loves it. From light paranormal elements to terrifying monsters, she’ll make up a story to amaze or scare you.

Isabella Macotte writes the kind of romance she loves to read: a story with delicious dialogue, seductive encounters, a dash of the paranormal, and an irresistible hero you will never forget.

Passionate about books, Isabella keeps busy reading, writing and working in a library. But if a few moments remain at the end of the day, she spends them with a wonderful family and sweet bichon pup named Daisy.

Maeve Greyson asks Are We Really the Only One?

UPDATE:  AND THE WINNER OF AN ADVANCE REVIEW COPY OF ETERNITY’S MARK PLUS SOME OUTRAGEOUS SWAG IS…CATHIE DUNN!

I’m honored to have the lovely Maeve Greyson back to Child of Yden, talking about her upcoming release Eternity’s Mark!  Enjoy her guest post…and don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win an ARC of Eternity’s Mark plus some terrific swag.

~ S.G. Rogers

Are we really the only one?

Universe –that is. Are we really the only world, the only reality, the only “level” of existence? I’ve always been fascinated…or maybe the better word is “teased” by the idea that this isn’t the only plane of reality. Might there be other “worlds” on different planes? Worlds that we just can’t see? If pondered too long, Quantum physics, multi-verse or multi-world theories can throw you into a brain cramp. But it all boils down to a simple theory: why wouldn’t it be possible that there are perhaps infinite numbers of universes, and everything that could possibly have happened in our past, but didn’t happen to us, has occurred in the past of some other universe or world?

Hannah MacPherson, my heroine from Eternity’s Mark is either blessed or cursed—depending on how you look at it—with a destiny linking her to another world accessed by mystical portals.

The hero Taggart’s alternate universe mimics quite a few traits of our own but also holds a few surprises. The following blurb sums it up.

Eternity’s Mark – March 27, 2012 from Kensington Brava

A sexy Scot. A mystical inheritance. What could go wrong?

Veterinarian Hannah MacPherson knows better than to believe in love at first—or any—sight.

True, being swept away by Taggart de Gaelson to the vast Scottish castle she’s mysteriously inherited is uber-romantic. The legacy is totally legitimate, and its messenger is big, broad-shouldered, and smokin’ in more ways than one…

Too bad Taggart forgot to mention that Hannah’s also a Guardian of magical dragons called the Draecna. And as Hannah’s sworn otherworldly protector, Taggart is honor-bound not to lay a hand on her, no matter how close he gets…

But turning duty into pleasure is just too tempting. And for Hannah, mastering her powers and saving two worlds from evil will be way easier than showing one hardheaded warrior that breaking all the rules means they are eternally made for each other…

What do YOU think? Are we really the only world? I don’t think we’re alone…

Now I’d like to take a moment to thank the awesome Suzanne Rogers for having me back at her wonderful blog. I’m honored to be the guest of such a talented author.

And since it’s “almost” release day –you guessed it! A giveaway is in order. One lucky commenter will be selected by Jasper to receive an ARC (advanced reading copy) of ETERNITY’S MARK.  I’ll also include some of the promo stuff I’m taking to RT in April. Neat stuff like a cover flat of ETERNITY’S MARK, a rack card with eye candy, ink pens…you know –the kinds of goodies that make reading romance just a little more fun. And if you also go to my website (www.maevegreyson.com) and sign up to receive my newsletter, your name will be entered in the drawing twice! (Don’t worry – I only send newsletters when I actually have NEWS – I promise I won’t over-stuff your inbox and I will NEVER share your email.)

Maeve’s other books:

Beyond A Highland Whisper – Out now from The Wild Rose Press

Can love prevail over the dark magic of a woman scorned?

The last time Latharn MacKay walked among his kinsman was in Scotland of 1410. Sensuous and charismatic, all the women wanted him, but none could capture his heart. Latharn’s charm became his curse when a dark sorceress didn’t take rejection well. She snared his soul into a crystal globe until the one woman destined to be his love whispered his release. Now all Latharn has to do is find her and guide her to him without speaking a word.

One of the youngest archeologists in St Louis of 2010, Nessa credits one thing for this achievement: the recurring dream of a heart-stopping Highlander since the summer she turned eighteen years old. Little does she know, he’s not some fantasy cooked up by her subconscious. He’s a trapped soul determined for Nessa to end his six centuries in hell.

The Highlander’s Fury – March 2, 2012 from The Wild Rose Press

An average day in the life of an immortal Fury?

Flex powers. Locate evil. Administer justice.

Until Ciara’s goddess mothers convince her to seduce a brooding mortal and bear the man a gifted child. All she has to do is swap places with his betrothed. A simple task−become the seductive wife, bear the man a child and train the young one in the Ways. Once the boy reaches seven years of age, they’ll swap her back with the wife Faolan thinks he selected and Ciara can resume her job of rousting wickedness from the world.

Faolan MacKay’s advisors plague him daily about his matrimonial duties as laird, dragging prospects from across the Highlands: plump dowries attached to each one.

Faolan’s lost everyone he’s ever loved. He’d rather go straight to the fiery pits of Hell than down the wedding aisle. Out of desperation, a plan takes seed. He’ll select a wife he can ignore. There’s just one problem with this foolproof theory. Nobody ignores Ciara.

Against his better judgment, he’s enthralled with the woman and to Ciara’s surprise, this strange thing called love burns hotter than her hunger for vengeance.

At the end of the seven years the ruse is up, all will return to as it was. Can the bond of love overcome the mandate of the ultimate powers?

Maeve’s Bio:

Maeve Greyson writes paranormal romances with a Celtic twist from her cozy little home not too far from Kentucky Lake.  Tucked away in the middle of nowhere, Maeve listens to the wind whispering through the trees and hears the voices of her characters.

Her debut novel, BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER is available now from The Wild Rose Press and other online retailers. March 2012 will see two new paranormal romances from Maeve. THE HIGHLANDER’S FURY releases from The Wild Rose Press on March 2^nd and ETERNITY’S MARK releases from Kensington’s Brava line on March 27^th. ETERNITY’S MARK was the winner of Kensington Brava and RT Book Reviews 2011 Writing with the Stars Contest.

Maeve can also be found procrastinating in these corners of cyberspace:

Website: http://www.maevegreyson.com/
Blog:  http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson  OR http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson#!/maeve.greyson.page
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/maevegreyson

Mad About Princes

What is it about a fairytale prince that captures the imagination?  A young, good-looking and masculine royal usually wins the day—and the hand of the beautiful maiden.  For me, however, the above-mentioned qualities form only the base of an engaging hero.  There must be something more that renders the man worthy of the heroine, be it in words, deeds…or simple kindnesses to strangers. Any prince can engage in feats of derring-do if he thinks the object of his affection will be impressed.  A true hero, on the other hand, renders kindnesses to others when he believes he’s unobserved…

Excerpt:

After she’d eased her hunger, Samantha’s temper began to improve. The room emptied out a bit and she had a direct view of Wills. He and Joe had struck up a conversation with several other travelers. The prince was laughing at a story Joe had just told. The innkeeper’s daughter hovered nearby. Staring openly in admiration, the awkward, homely girl took every opportunity to keep Wills’s tankard full. To his credit, the prince was kind. He thanked her profusely, and complimented the meal and accommodations. Samantha noticed him slip the girl a gold coin when no one was looking.

As she examined Wills’s profile in the lamplight, Samantha had to admit he was unusually handsome. The prince had an easy, open manner around people and was a natural leader. Her brother, David, would certainly have enjoyed his company. It was a shame her relationship with Wills had started so badly. Samantha felt an unfamiliar stab of regret. Under different circumstances, she might have liked to know the man better.

Wills glanced over and caught her staring at him. Samantha blushed and shifted her eyes to Nanny. The woman had a knowing smile on her face.

“What’s so amusing?” Samantha demanded.

“He’s a good-looking man, isn’t he?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied. “I wasn’t even looking at Wills.”

“If you weren’t looking at him, how’d you know who I was talking about?”

Samantha bit her lip. “That’s enough, Nanny.”

 

Up until now, Prince Wills and Princess Samantha have had a combative relationship.  Did one simple, unobserved moment begin to thaw Samantha’s heart? Hmm. Samantha doesn’t realize it yet, but she just telegraphed her interest in the hero.  What does our young hero do in response?  To answer that, you’ll have to read the rest of the story.  But I’ll say this much—I’m mad about Prince Wills.

~ S.G. Rogers

When an unconventional princess meets a footloose prince, a battle of wits begins… 
 

Princess Samantha’s magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication—especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.

To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha’s scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance.  Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust?  And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?

Clash of Wills is available at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, BN.com and wherever online books are sold.

 

Journey to the Uncharted Region

While writing my latest romantic fantasy, Clash of Wills, I traveled to the magical Uncharted Region to do research. After my eventful and sometimes harrowing journey, I managed to smuggle out a few photos.  I’m at One Writer’s Way, sharing my travelogue with author Beth Trissel.  Won’t you join us?

~ S.G. Rogers

 

Delicious Anticipation

Sarah Grimm has graciously allowed me on her blog today to write a guest post about the delicious anticipation of romance.  Is it better to have your cake or to eat it?  I explore that question as it relates to my upcoming romantic fantasy release Clash of Wills.  I invite you to stop in and tickle your tastebuds. ~ S.G. Rogers

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake: © Eugene Bochkarev | Dreamstime.com

 

 

Beyond A Highland Whisper

Author Maeve Greyson is visiting my blog today to talk about her upcoming release The Highlander’s Fury. I’m very excited! ~ S.G. Rogers

It’s almost time…

Release day –that is− for my latest paranormal romance, THE HIGHLANDER’S FURY.  I’ve come to the conclusion that waiting for release day is much like waiting for the birth of a child. Breathless excitement, stomach-gurgling anticipation and a healthy dose of lip-gnawing anxiety. Will my newest “baby” be welcomed by the world? Will it flourish and grow to be a healthy, well-loved “child”? I hope so. This latest return to the MacKay Clan from BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER is near and dear to my heart and I truly hope readers enjoy it too.

Here’s a little more about it:

The Highlander’s Fury – March 2, 2012 from The Wild Rose Press

An average day in the life of an immortal Fury?

Flex powers. Locate evil. Administer justice.

Until Ciara’s goddess mothers convince her to seduce a brooding mortal and bear the man a gifted child. All she has to do is swap places with his betrothed. A simple task−become the seductive wife, bear the man a child and train the young one in the Ways. Once the boy reaches seven years of age, they’ll swap her back with the wife Faolan thinks he selected and Ciara can resume her job of rousting wickedness from the world.

Faolan MacKay’s advisors plague him daily about his matrimonial duties as laird, dragging prospects from across the Highlands: plump dowries attached to each one.

Faolan’s lost everyone he’s ever loved. He’d rather go straight to the fiery pits of Hell than down the wedding aisle. Out of desperation, a plan takes seed. He’ll select a wife he can ignore. There’s just one problem with this foolproof theory. Nobody ignores Ciara.

Against his better judgment, he’s enthralled with the woman and to Ciara’s surprise, this strange thing called love burns hotter than her hunger for vengeance.

At the end of the seven years the ruse is up, all will return to as it was. Can the bond of love overcome the mandate of the ultimate powers?

Since we’re coming down to the “release day wire”, a giveaway is definitely in order. One lucky commenter will be selected by Jasper to receive an electronic copy of The Highlander’s Fury. If you also go to my website (www.maevegreyson.com) and sign up to receive my newsletter, your name will be entered in the drawing twice! (Don’t worry – I only send newsletters when I have actual NEWS – I promise I won’t over-stuff your inbox and I will NEVER share your email.) So be sure and leave a comment. You could be one of the first to read The Highlander’s Fury.

Thanks so much for stopping by! And a hearty thank you to Suzanne for inviting me over for a visit to her lovely cyber home. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Take care, my friends! ~Maeve

Maeve’s other books:

Beyond A Highland Whisper – Out now from The Wild Rose Press

Can love prevail over the dark magic of a woman scorned?

The last time Latharn MacKay walked among his kinsman was in Scotland of 1410. Sensuous and charismatic, all the women wanted him, but none could capture his heart. Latharn’s charm became his curse when a dark sorceress didn’t take rejection well. She snared his soul into a crystal globe until the one woman destined to be his love whispered his release. Now all Latharn has to do is find her and guide her to him without speaking a word.

One of the youngest archeologists in St Louis of 2010, Nessa credits one thing for this achievement: the recurring dream of a heart-stopping Highlander since the summer she turned eighteen years old. Little does she know, he’s not some fantasy cooked up by her subconscious. He’s a trapped soul determined for Nessa to end his six centuries in hell.

Eternity’s Mark – March 27, 2012 from Kensington Brava

A sexy Scot. A mystical inheritance. What could go wrong?

Veterinarian Hannah MacPherson knows better than to believe in love at first—or any—sight.

True, being swept away by Taggart de Gaelson to the vast Scottish castle she’s mysteriously inherited is uber-romantic. The legacy is totally legitimate, and its messenger is big, broad-shouldered, and smokin’ in more ways than one…

Too bad Taggart forgot to mention that Hannah’s also a Guardian of magical dragons called the Draecna. And as Hannah’s sworn otherworldly protector, Taggart is honor-bound not to lay a hand on her, no matter how close he gets…

But turning duty into pleasure is just too tempting. And for Hannah, mastering her powers and saving two worlds from evil will be way easier than showing one hardheaded warrior that breaking all the rules means they are eternally made for each other…

Maeve’s Bio:

Maeve Greyson writes paranormal romances with a Celtic twist from her cozy little home not too far from Kentucky Lake.  Tucked away in the middle of nowhere, Maeve listens to the wind whispering through the trees and hears the voices of her characters.

Her debut novel, BEYOND A HIGHLAND WHISPER is available now from The Wild Rose Press and other online retailers. March 2012 will see two new paranormal romances from Maeve. THE HIGHLANDER’S FURY releases from The Wild Rose Press on March 2^nd and ETERNITY’S MARK releases from Kensington’s Brava line on March 27^th. ETERNITY’S MARK was the winner of Kensington Brava and RT Book Reviews 2011 Writing with the Stars Contest.

Maeve can also be found procrastinating in these corners of cyberspace:

Website: http://www.maevegreyson.com/
Blog:  http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson  OR http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson#!/maeve.greyson.page
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/maevegreyson

Clash of Wills Excerpt

If it’s Saturday, it must be SWEET SATURDAY SAMPLE time.  Today I have an excerpt from my upcoming romantic fantasy novella, Clash of Wills.

When an unconventional princess meets a footloose prince, a battle of wits begins…

Princess Samantha’s magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication—especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.

To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha’s scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance.  Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust?  And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?

Princess Samantha sprawled on her stomach as she studied the dog-eared pages of an atlas with such concentration one might think she intended to absorb them. Her fingertip traced a path on the map from her current location in the Kingdom of Paloran to the Uncharted Region where wizards were said to roam. A round silver instrument rested on the rug next to the worn atlas. Set in a clam-shaped metallic shell, it resembled a pocket watch. Although it had a needle similar to that on a compass, there were no directional markings. Samantha blew on the needle; it danced in a circle and stopped in the same spot as before.
When Nanny entered the bedchamber, Samantha quickly snapped the device closed and
covered it with the atlas. A look of sympathy crossed Nanny’s plump, youthful face, but she pretended as if she hadn’t seen anything. “Your Highness, isn’t the crown prince of Insolitia calling on you shortly?”

“Another royal boor to look me over? I cannot wait.”

“We’d best be getting you ready.”

“Father will not return until tomorrow, and Mother has gone to town today, so—”

“No, Your Highness.”

“Come now, Nanny. It will be amusing.”

“Absolutely not.”

****

The seams of Nanny’s elaborate, borrowed gown fought to contain her ample flesh. “I can’t breathe,” she groaned. “How do you stand it?”

“Take shallow breaths,” advised Samantha.

CLASH OF WILLS coming February 29, 2012 (Leap Day!) from The Wild Rose Press

Add it now to your Goodreads to-read list by going here—>

Thanks for stopping by!  Return to the Sweet Saturday Samples list by going HERE

Candy Shop: © Agno_agnus | Dreamstime.com

Cover art for Clash of Wills by Tamra Westbury

Magic book: © Sergeytoronto | Dreamstime.com

Clash of Wills Coming Soon

When I saw my title Clash of Wills on the COMING SOON listings at The Wild Rose Press, I gave a little wiggle.  This fantasy romance novelette will be released in exactly one month and I’m breathless with anticipation. I feel as if I’m waiting for my cue off stage.  Hopefully, I’ll be playing to a full house. ~ S.G. Rogers

When an unconventional princess meets a footloose prince, a battle of wits begins…

Princess Samantha’s magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication—especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.

To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha’s scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance.  Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust?  And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?

Excerpt:

The spring squall became more intense, and the temperature on the mountain fell rapidly. Frequent thunderclaps frayed her nerves. She kept striking the flint, hoping a spark would catch hold, but gusts of wind foiled her efforts each time. “Burn!” she cried. “Just burn.”

At her command, the fire pit suddenly burst into robust flames, creating the heat that Wills so desperately needed. She dragged him closer to the warmth. Blessed relief flowed through her when he stopped shaking and his color began to improve. She brushed his hair back from his handsome face.

“You’re a good man, Prince Wills,” she murmured. “You’ll make a good king someday…if you survive this misadventure.”

While Wills slept, Samantha rebalanced their packs to more equally distribute the weight. Then she stood at the far end of the lookout to watch the storm. Icy rain blew into her face and soaked her tunic. She gritted her teeth against the cold.

“Are you insane?” Wills’s voice rose above the howling gale. When he felt Samantha’s fingers, he gasped. “You’re freezing!”

He draped her coat over her shoulders and all but yanked her toward the fire. “What did you think you were doing?” he scolded.

“You needed the coat more than I did.”

“That’s nonsense. You could die of exposure up here!”

Wills folded Samantha into the warmth of his arms. They clung together until the sensation returned to her fingertips. “Thank you, Wills,” she murmured, finally. “That feels much better.”

He brushed his lips against hers. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

She responded with a whisper of a kiss. “You’re welcome.”

CLASH OF WILLS coming February 29, 2012 (Leap Day!) from The Wild Rose Press