No kilts? What?

A warrior’s wardrobe

By Juli D. Revezzo

If you’ve read romance and historical romance for any length of time you’ll undoubtedly run across a few clichés. Sometimes, they’re so expected you just know what you’re going to get. The happy ending, the vampire falling in love with the drip of a girl. There’s also the thing about Braveheart. Every other historical novel set anywhere in or near Scotland seems to have a guy in a kilt. So much so, fans of the genre have a joke about it (what does a Scot wear under his kilt?)

Well, I’m a stickler for accuracy, and so in researching my debut paranormal romance novel, PASSION’S SACRED DANCE, which features Irish Celts, I went looking for their mode of dress.  I found to my surprise that, according to the historical sources, the ancient Celts didn’t wear kilts. Traditionally the men wore tunics—called a leine—and thews, which are basically just trousers. Even the Scots didn’t adopt the Kilt until the 1590s according to one source I read and the Celts adopted it even later than that. Yep, sorry, ladies. Historically, the Kilt wasn’t part of a Celt’s wardrobe.

It seems to make sense. I mean, who wants to run around a battlefield in a skirt? Something that could easily get snagged in your chariot’s wheels?  

On the other hand, there was this separate group among the continental Celts (that is, those that stayed on the Continent of Europe) called the Gaesatae. These men had a distinct ritual dress for their war preparations. The Gaesatae would shed all their clothes and march into battle stark naked. Yep. Not. A. Stitch between them and the sky.

Can you imagine seeing your enemy walk out on the battlefield with a little more than just a flag flying? >;) Interesting image, huh? One must be quite bold to do that.

Unfortunately, the weather at the time PASSION’S SACRED DANCE takes place was a bit too cold for such attire. However, my heroine Stacy does get an eyeful of the hero Aaron from time to time. Would you like a peek?

Excerpt:

She drummed her fingers on her desk. On the other hand, could she afford not to see it? Sheer curiosity if nothing else would kill her. “Do you know why he brought the diary to your attention, and not to mine directly?”

Aaron shrugged. “I guess because I teach his son.”

He waved a hand. “Stick fighting, you know. Martial arts.”

Made sense. “Still…” she sat back in the chair and crossed her arms, “I don’t know.”

“As you wish.” He tapped the letter. “He can give it to the university. I’m sure they’ll be interested.”

She picked up the note and hugged the stationery protectively. “No, no. I’ll go.”

Her gaze went to his, and butterflies dashed around in her stomach. A vision flashed before her of how his eyes might look glazed over in passion. “Maybe we should go.” She cleared her throat, stood and moved to the filing cabinet, changed her mind and went to the

desk again.

The fabled diary! She was beside herself with excitement. She’d have the diary. What a month this was turning out to be. “When can we meet him?”

Aaron came forward and ran a finger over the calendar’s slots. “How about tomorrow morning?”

“Yes.” She nodded emphatically. “Perfect. Nineish?”

“Tomorrow it is.” He nodded and turned toward the door.

The thrill of this discovery overwhelmed her. An urge to kiss him in thanks struck her hard in the chest.

“Aaron?”

He met her gaze, waiting.

Her brain screamed, halt! She wanted to touch him at least. Her fingers twitched. She stepped back.

She just couldn’t. “I’ll see you at nine.”

He turned away with a knowing glint in his eyes.

She was such a fool.

****

Stacy Macken would be the death of him, Aaron thought, as he tugged off his boots and jeans. They’d parted a good hour ago, but he still couldn’t get rid of the sensation of having her close or the sheer need to kiss her.

Didn’t she realize how crazy she was driving him?

A cold shower was definitely in order.

Aaron closed the bathroom door behind him, twisted the white porcelain shower knob marked “C”.

As the water burst from the faucet, he heard it—the soft melody of his ringtone. Sighing, he turned the water off and sprinted into his bedroom, snatching his phone from the bedside table. The display shone bright with a name that darkened his mood. Laurco Çubiry.

Aaron frowned. What the blazes does he need?

What’s going on here and what does an Irishman wear under his kilt? I really can’t say. You’ll have to look into it yourself! I do know what some of them wear into battle though—and in the shower. ;)

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.

If you’d like to check Passion’s Sacred Dance out, it’s available at Amazon: http://amzn.to/18Tw0K6

About Juli D. Revezzo:

Juli D. Revezzo has long been in love with writing, a love built by devouring everything from the Arthurian legends, to the works of Michael Moorcock, and the classics and has a soft spot for classic the “Goths” of the 19th century. Her short fiction has been published in Dark Things II: Cat Crimes, The Scribing Ibis, Eternal Haunted Summer, Twisted Dreams Magazine and Luna Station Quarterly. She also has an article and book review or two out there. But her heart lies in the storytelling. She is a member of Independent Authors Network and Magic Appreciation Tour. Passion’s Sacred Dance is her first paranormal romance novel.

You can find out more about her at her homepage: http://julidrevezzo.com/

Blog: http://julidrevezzo.com/blog

Like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JD-Revezzo/233193150037011

Follow her on Author’s Den http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?AuthorID=167318

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111476709039805267272/posts

On Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5782712.Juli_D_Revezzo

Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a1002694572/Juli-D-Revezzo/

On twitter: @julidrevezzo

*notes: The women wore dresses, and long tunics, as well as the unisex cloak.

Works cited: The Celts by Nora Chadwick

http://www.authenticireland.com/ireland-clothing/

http://housebarra.com/EP/ep04/15celtclothes.html

Celtic Dress of the 16th Century: http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~wew/celt-clothing/

Do you believe in magic?

Magical, Mystical Moon Gates

By Marilyn Baron

Maeve’s Web site theme is Magical Romance Sifting Through Time, so I thought her readers might enjoy reading about my new release, a romantic thriller/historical from The Wild Rose Press, Under the Moon Gate, because it traces two romances in contemporary and WW II Bermuda.

Have you ever seen a Moon Gate? If you’ve been to Bermuda, chances are you’ve come across one, or walked under one. When I visited Bermuda for the first time, I fell in love with moon gates, which is why a moon gate is featured on the cover of my new novel.  The words Moon Gate are also featured in the title of the book and moon gates are an integral theme throughout the story. A lot of action takes place in the shadow of the moon gate.

Moon Gates are a very special tradition in Bermuda. As a matter of fact, they are a national symbol.  Moon Gates are circular, ornamental arches, used as an entrance or gateway to a garden, built of Bermuda stone. Legend has it that people, especially young lovers and honeymooners, who step through a Moon Gate, are blessed with good luck.

According to the jeweler, Astwood Dickinson, where I bought my gold moon gate pendant, from their Bermuda collection, to celebrate the launch of my new book, it is said that when a newly married couple “steps through a moon gate,” arm in arm, they are completing the circle of life. This is supposed to bring lifelong prosperity and happiness.

According to Astwood Dickinson, the Moon Gate is considered mystical because it is believed that the design and the legend of the Moon Gate originally came to Bermuda from the Orient. The first plan for a Moon Gate in Bermuda was brought from a Chinese garden in 1860 by a local sea captain (and a sea captain is also featured in my book). The Bermuda Moon Gate is slightly different from the original Chinese design, as it is often left free-standing or attached to low wall. 

No one is exactly sure when or how, but the first Moon Gate in Bermuda is believed to have been built when the former gardener of the Duke of Westminster in the United Kingdom was employed to design the formal gardens for the British shipping organization Furness Withy.  That was in the 1920s and it was the first of the Bermuda Moon Gates in hotel properties. Today, the same design—with an enlarged keystone at the top—decorates the entrance to many Bermuda gardens, homes, patios and pool areas.

Some of Bermuda’s most famous moon gates go nowhere, but the legend of their magical powers remains. So if you should see a mystical, magical Moon Gate while you are in Bermuda –step through it and make a wish.  

I saw my first Moon Gate at the Marriott Castle Harbour Hotel (now closed) in Bermuda, one of the settings mentioned in Under the Moon Gate.

Excerpt from Under the Moon Gate:

Patience yanked open the thick Bermuda cedar door, ready to brush off the unwanted visitor. Instead, she experienced a shock of recognition when she stared at the man standing before her. Taking a step back, she examined him cautiously. With long black hair, pulled back by a stark white tie, stunning blue eyes, and a fabulous face that managed to look both sensitive and sensuous, he could easily pass for a dangerous pirate.

Perhaps she was daydreaming or hallucinating. She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night—or any night in the past month—and she had been reading a romance with a lusty pirate hero on the cover. Probably she still had pirates on the brain. Although the man at her door was in desperate need of a shave, he intrigued her. Her “pirate” was a

tall, imposing presence in tight-fitting but ragged khakis, with muscles bulging out of a snug, sweatstained white T-shirt.

Good Lord! was the first coherent thought that pierced her brain. She might have said it out loud had she been capable of speech. Her grandmother had said someone would come for her, but certainly she didn’t mean so soon and definitely not this brash pirate

person. And what was he doing at her door, unannounced and unwelcome, on a Sunday afternoon, disturbing her peace and leaving her speechless? One look at this man and she was about to toss all thoughts of proper behavior out the window.

If you would like to read Under the Moon Gate, (Kindle or print version) click this link

http://www.amazon.com/Under-Moon-Gate-Marilyn-Baron/dp/1612177875/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372147216&sr=8-1&keywords=under+the+moon+gate

The prequel to Under the Moon Gate, Destiny: A Bermuda Love Story is now out on Amazon (and is scheduled for wide release on Sept. 11) at http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Bermuda-Love-Story-ebook/dp/B00D0RABAY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369698181&sr=1-1&keywords=Destiny%3A+A+Bermuda+Love+Story

Both books are set in Bermuda. Both are historicals. Here are the blurbs:

UNDER THE MOON GATE

Dashing sea captain Nathaniel Morgan sails into the life of prim and proper Bermuda heiress Patience Whitestone and threatens to expose her family secrets at any cost. The two are immediately at odds when Nathaniel moors his vessel in front of her estate and refuses to leave until he finds the cache of Swiss gold he’s convinced was buried somewhere on the property during World War II. Can Patience save herself and her family’s reputation when she finds herself reluctantly drawn to this determined “pirate”? Or will someone from the past make good on his threat to destroy them both? Their fate is inextricably linked to Nazi plots and to the beautiful moon gates of Bermuda in this compelling tale of love and intrigue.

DESTINY: A BERMUDA LOVE STORY

Prequel to UNDER THE MOON GATE

The relationship of star-crossed lovers Elizabeth Sutton and Edward Morgan founders off the coast of Bermuda with the shipwreck of the Sea Venture in the seventeenth century. Edward is seduced by the captain’s daughter and trapped into an unhappy marriage, but he and his new wife continue the voyage to Virginia to rescue the starving Jamestown Colony. Elizabeth, still in England and pregnant with Edward’s child, receives Edward’s letters telling of the shipwreck but knows nothing of his marriage. When her child is old enough, Elizabeth follows Edward as far as Bermuda. Will he return and will the lovers be reunited, or will their eternally entwined souls search forever to fulfill their destiny?

You can read more about Marilyn’s books and stories at www.marilynbaron.com.

Psst! It's FREE & there's another deal for you too!

A Highlander in Her Past is FREE for a limited time!!

Yep. You heard right. Click on the link below the cover to head on over to Amazon and download your free copy today!

Amazon Download Link

Sometimes even soul mates need a push in the right direction, especially when that direction crosses centuries.

How bad could one little spell be?

Trish Sullivan, archeologist and favorite aunt to the MacKay children never thought she'd regret those words until Ramsay, eldest MacKay lad hurls them back to the 1400's with a botched transportation spell. Now she and Ramsay must find a way back before accidently altering the past and unknowingly changing the future. That is, if Trish can survive the first trip across time without losing her life...or her heart.

What harm could come from a little soul-binding?

Proving his Highland honor alive and well, Maxwell Sullivan agrees to bind his soul to Trish's in order to save her life. But Highland honor isn't much help when Maxwell loses his heart to the sassy woman headed back to the future.

And that's not the only deal I've got for you!

The Highlander's Fury is ON SALE FOR .99 CENTS (Regular Price is $4.99)! Find it at these retailers:

Amazon Link

Barnes & Noble Link

ARe Link

Bookstrand Link

The Highlander's Fury from The Wild Rose Press - A satisfying blend of saucy sensuality and heartrending sincerity. RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

As the immortal Fury of Vengeance, Ciara thinks herself immune to that strange human weakness known as love.

Chieftain Faolan MacKay thinks life will finally be bearable once he’s banned the practicing of magic from his clan, selected a wife to ignore, and finally silenced his advisors.

Turns out they’re both wrong. The ultimate powers have other plans for this stubborn pair.

Hurry and take advantage of this sale while it lasts and don't forget to share this opportunity with anyone who might enjoy these reads!!

Has Marilyn Baron crossed over to the DARK side?

Halloween is creeping up on us. So beware. The Halloween holiday is a perfect time to celebrate my latest release, “Dead Mix.” My writing does not usually trend toward the dark side. In fact, I’ve had three short stories about angels (A Choir of Angels, Follow an Angel and The Stand-in Bridegroom) published by TWB Press http://www.twbpress.com/achoirofangels.html and my publisher calls me the Angel Whisperer. He even created a special Angel Whisperer video for me, which you can view on his site. So what’s happened? Am I disillusioned? Depressed? Focused on death? Not really. A little devilishness has surfaced from my subconscious. And I kind of like it. Spooky…

In my new e-short story, Dead Mix, http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mix-ebook/dp/B008P4LFI4, the devil goes down to Georgia. Roswell, Georgia, and more specifically, The Lion’s Den music store. Enter at your own risk. The proprietor there, Devlin Burns, specializes in mixing music to die for...on CDs that are guaranteed to knock you dead by the final note. As the citizens of Roswell go missing, one man, Daniel Craig, ventures into town on the hunt for lost souls, a search that will change his life, forever.

In romance, a HEA ending is required and Dead Mix is no exception. The hero and heroine do get their happy ending. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But the road to (well you know) is not paved with good intentions and the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know. By that I mean you don’t really know who you’re dealing with in Dead Mix, a higher power or a bottom feeder. But don’t worry. Dead Mix has my trademark humor, surprise ending, and yes, a happy ending, after all.  I hope you’ll give Dead Mix a spin.

On a recent trip to Colorado, I was definitely in devil-mode, staying up all night, dreaming up my next short story, “The Files That Death Forgot,” which has not yet been published. I already have an angel trilogy—and bad things come in threes—so I feel sure I will complete my Angels & Demons cycle with a third dark short story.

In “Under the Moon Gate,” my latest novel, a romantic thriller set in modern day and WW II Bermuda, which will be released from The Wild Rose Press in spring of 2013, one of my central characters wrestles with his very dark side and has to decide if he’ll give up his mission for love.

What about you? Does your dark side come out when you write?  Or only when the moon is full?

Georgia Author Marilyn Baron, a public relations consultant in Atlanta, writes humorous women’s fiction, humorous paranormal short stories and romantic suspense. Marilyn’s short stories “A Choir of Angels,” “Follow an Angel,” “The Stand-in Bridegroom,” and “Dead Mix,” can be found at TWB Press at http://www.twbpress.com/deadmix.html.

Her women’s fiction, The Edger, coauthored with her sister, Sharon Goldman, is available at http://www.amazon.com/The-Edger-ebook/dp/B006Y3P12Y. Barnes & Noble and Smashwords links at http://www.petitfoursandhottamales.com/marilyn-baron/. RT Book Reviews gave The Edger a 4/12-star rating in their September 2012 issue.  The Edger also received first place in the Suspense Romance category of the 2010 Ignite the Flame Contest, sponsored by the Central Ohio Fiction Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America. Her next book, “Under the Moon Gate,” a romantic thriller set in contemporary and WW II Bermuda, will be released from The Wild Rose Press in spring 2013.

Find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marilyn-Baron/286807714666748 and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MarilynBaron.

She blogs at Petit Fours and Hot Tamales at www.petitfoursandhottamales.com.

Her novel Sixth Sense finaled in the Georgia Romance Writers 2012 Unpublished Maggie Award for Excellence in the Paranormal/Fantasy Romance category. Marilyn is a member of Georgia Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and Marketing For Romance Writers.

Marriage of convenience or recipe for love?

I’m so pleased to host the very talented Sandra Dailey at my cyber home today. And guess what? Sandra’s giving away a pdf copy of her new release, The Chief’s Proposal. So, don’t forget to leave a comment after you enjoy her post. I’ve decided Sandra is also a bit of a tease. She’s piqued my interest with a personal story that we’re going to have to wrangle out of her at some point in the future! Join me in welcoming Sandra and you’ll see what I mean. Welcome Sandra!

Thanks for hosting me on your blog today, Maeve. I can’t wait to meet your friends.

I’ll start by telling you all a little about myself.

I live in North Florida with my husband of thirty plus years. I’ve included a picture of a place just north of us called the Okeefenokee Swamp. It would be south of the area where The Chief’s Proposal takes place.

I’ve had a list of careers in the past, but none have been as much fun as writing. Unlike most of my peers, I wasn’t born with the burning desire to write. What I was born with was a huge imagination.

One day a few years ago, I was confined to my house after surgery. I had just moved and my supply of unpacked books was thin. I finally found one I hadn’t read. I opened that book and it inspired me. Yes, it was the worst book I’d ever tried to read. I thought to myself that I could do better. I opened my computer and went to work. That first manuscript is still sitting in a box. Since then, I’ve taken a few writing classes and here I am.

My new release, The Chief’s Proposal, is dear to my heart. Not only is it my debut, it’s also a marriage of convenience story. My own marriage began as ‘an agreement’. That’s a longer story then I have time to tell today. However, as I said above, we’ve now been married for over thirty years. I can’t imagine living with anyone else. I think my hero and heroine in The Chief’s Proposal feel the same now, but in the beginning they had a pretty rocky start.

Here’s an excerpt of my hero and heroines first morning after meeting:

Just as Ginny began to drift off, a loud clatter came from down the hall. It was followed by a stream of cusswords. Someone was breaking into the house. Could this night get any worse?

Ginny threw on the light robe she’d left on the end of the bed. She groped around in the dark for a weapon. She grabbed something solid from the dresser and slowly sneaked down the hall. The light was on in the kitchen. She flattened herself against the wall and peeked around the doorframe.

“You a coffee drinker?” Brett stood by the stove looking as gorgeous, and as formidable, as he had the night before.

“All the noise woke me up.”

Brett raised a brow. “Yeah, well, your hair dryer was a nice surprise at three o’clock this morning too.

Here’s another rule. No loud noises while I’m sleeping.”

“Sorry.”

“So, what’s with the duck?” he asked, nodding at her hand.

Ginny looked down to find she was holding a wooden decoy duck by the neck. So much for showing confidence and class.

The Chief’s Proposal has a few laughs and a little suspense and a lot of sexual tension.

You can find my book at:

The Wild Rose Press http://bit.ly/PSiSNR

Amazon for Kindle http://amzn.to/MCNbDU

Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/RTDJ01

You can find me at:

www.sandradailey.com

www.sandradailey.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/sandradailey.author 

Exciting new read alert!!!

Yep. You heard me right. EXCITING NEW READ ALERT! Allow me to introduce Linda Trout, a fresh new voice of Romantic Suspense with The Wild Rose Press.

I’m so glad you came to visit my little cyber home as one of the stops on your blog tour, Linda! By the way dear Readers, be sure and check out the other stops on Linda’s tour at her website:  http://www.lindatrout.com/  Leave a comment  at one or more of her blog stops because at the end of her tour, Linda’s giving away a digital copy of her new release GRAVE SECRETS!

Maeve, Thank you so much for having me! I love your website and the man candy, there’s nothing like a good looking man in a kilt. I write romantic suspense, but I’m not an RS snob. I love reading a lot of different genres and Scottish books are right up there.

The pictures of your Mystical Seven inspired me. I don’t have any dragons, but I do have a Gargoyle. Does that count? 

Let me tell you a bit about myself. I grew up on a farm in northeastern Oklahoma. I’m a degreed accountant and wound up in the oil & gas industry. My husband is a retired Marine and has also retired from his civilian job. Thank goodness he supports me in my writing. We have 2 black Labrador Retrievers and 4 cats, who all think they have to help me write.

I’m a motorcycle mama. Yep, I love riding my own bike. I used to ride behind my hubby, but got tired of him asking me if I was done squirming yet. Uh, no. My butt hurt so I most decidedly was NOT done squirming! But it was incentive to learn how to ride my own. That and the first time we went to a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, SD, he kept staring at the women bikers…said he found them sexy. Well, all rightly, then. Here I am posing with my Duece, and yes, that’s a Harley.  However, when I’m riding I don’t look much like this, not with the leathers and horrible helmet hair. LOL

I’d thought of having my heroine in GRAVE SECRETS riding a bike, but it wasn’t happening. She’s a businessman’s widow who lives in the better part of town. Only she’d give it all up to have her husband and baby back. Her child disappeared the day of her husband’s funeral and she’s been searching for her daughter ever since. Here’s a blurb:

When Sara Adams' infant daughter is abducted, she moves heaven and earth to find her. But six months later, time is running out and Sara turns to the one man she shouldn't—insurance investigator Morgan Daniels. Dangerously attractive, he's a threat to more than just her heart, and if she isn't careful, he'll unearth secrets better left buried.

Proving Sara murdered her husband is Morgan's top priority. Helping her find her child is the perfect opportunity to get the proof he needs. But when he starts to think of her as a woman rather than a suspect, she slips under his armor. He can't trust her. Worse, he can't trust himself around her.

All evidence points to Sara as a murderer, but Morgan's gut tells him the evidence is wrong. Is his obsession with her blinding him to the facts? Or is the real murderer still out there…stalking Sara?

Maeve, thank you again for having me on your blog. Here are buy links to GRAVE SECRETS:

The Wild Rose Press: http://tinyurl.com/d4cxc7h

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Grave-Secrets-Linda-Trout/dp/1612173071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342970187&sr=8-1&keywords=grave+secrets+by+linda+trout

Sunday Sneak Peek

I've decided to start something new here at my little cyber visiting post. I've dubbed it, "Sunday Sneak Peek" because I'm entirely too wordy for "Six Sentence Sunday". This week's sneak peek is from The Highlander's Fury. I hope you enjoy it!

As he turned the page of his book, the priest squinted at the pages and ran his trembling finger along the words.  “Then let the betrothal be recorded.  The wedding shall be held a year and a day from today, unless…” He cleared his throat and glanced about the room. “Unless an…uh…ev-event oc-occurs that brings about the marriage sooner.”

“If he’s anything at all like his brothers, she’ll be his wife before tomorrow’s dawn!”  A rumbling voice echoed across the hall, as Angus MacKay shouted from the back of the room.

The crowd cheered at this announcement.  They clapped their hands and stomped their feet upon the wooden benches.  “Aye, Faolan!  Consummate your vows this eve!  Dinna wait for the wedding feast!”

With a groan, Faolan ignored the rowdy crowd and bent to brush his lips across Ciara’s in the required sealing kiss.  With a start, he stiffened when she slid her soft hand up the back of his neck.  He shuddered as she laced her fingers through his hair and pulled his head down to hers.  His wind fled his lungs as she opened her mouth beneath his.  She sent him the most intimate of messages with her warm, moist tongue.  Her other hand rested on his chest as she slid her body closer.  

Instinct over-rode his stubborn mind and Faolan deepened the kiss.  He pulled her close; hardened into her curves as she pressed in subtle invitation against him.  Her delicious scent, a warm mixture of ginger and vanilla intoxicated his senses.  His mind filled with visions of what she’d look like sprawled against the pillows of his bed.  He reeled with the taste of her, lost himself in her arms; he almost forgot he stood before his clan.

“Oh Aye!  There’ll be no Wedding Feast in a year and a day for this union.  We’ll more than likely be a celebrating the christening of a bairn!  Here’s to the birth of the first of many sons!” 

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Maeve-Greyson/e/B004PE9T9U/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1337519859&sr=8-1

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=The+Highlander%27s+Fury&x=0&y=0 

Cowboys anyone?

I have a confession today --not a bad confession, but a confession none-the-less. C'mere and listen close.

I think COWBOYS can be just as sexy as Highlanders. As I told my very special guest today, I was lucky enough to spend three years in San Angelo, Texas. So while a man in a kilt is my first love, I also appreciate a fine lookin' man in a snug pair of jeans with a Stetson pulled low over his eyes.

Imagine my pleasure when the Yellow Rose Line of The Wild Rose Press sent out a call for their Honky Tonk Hearts series? Whoo Hoo! As Yellow Rose's motto says, "Got your heart set on a cowboy?"

Without further ado, allow me to introduce the Senior Editor of the Yellow Rose Line, Stacy Holmes. Not only is Stacy going to give us the scoop on what editors look for, but she's also going to treat us with a peek at two of the gorgeous covers for two of the books in the Honky Tonk Series and a chance to win some goodies!

Welcome to my little corner of cyberspace, Stacy!

Stacy:  Thank you so much, Maeve for having me today.  And to thank you and your readers, I will be randomly drawing a name from all the commenters today to win a special Honky Tonk Hearts envelope filled with a special coupon, bookmarks, magnets and other fun stuff from the authors of the series.

Maeve:  That's awesome, Stacy and thanks so much for taking the time to share your "side" of the publishing game. Why don't we start by sharing what led you to become an editor for The Wild Rose Press?


Stacy:  I admit, it was one of those moments that change the direction of your life/career because it was something I never thought about doing until the opportunity arose. 


I started almost from day one as an author with The Wild Rose Press.  Before their first year was through, the garden had grown so much that Rhonda Penders contacted me with respect to an editing position for the Yellow Rose line.  I was honored at the respect she gave my work and soon found that editing came very natural to me.  Whether helping a newer author learn more about her story and herself, or working together with an established author on a great story, it is truly amazing being a small part of helping someone else attain their dreams, all the while doing something I love to do.


Maeve:  Sounds like it was "meant to be" to me! As an editor, what is most likely to catch your eye first in a “promising” submission? Opening hook? Plot? Character’s personalities? Or all of the above?


Stacy:  Yes, that opening paragraph can say…or not say…a lot.  It really is true about first impressions so you want a story to grab you right in.  After that, for me, it is the characters.  Are they believable, natural, relatable?  I find many newer writers often focus too much on what should happen (to move the plot in the way they want) rather than what would happen (as in a natural flow of events, one to the next).  This usually leads to details not matching up or characters losing their characterization so to speak, and a quick way to pull me out of a story.  At the same time, when all there, and I am three or four pages in without even realizing it, that tells me I’m reading a promising submission.


Maeve: *happy sigh* Ah yes...the joy of losing yourself in a story. The Yellow Rose Line specializes in giving us heart-stealing cowboys. Do you enjoy any other genres or are you strictly a Stetson gal?


Stacy:  I admit, I’ve always been drawn to the Stetson, a cowboy’s strength in physical appearance as well as their strength in protecting the land and the ones they love.  But I enjoy reading all genres from paranormal to historical, suspense to romantic comedy.  Actually, the more I laugh with a story, the more I enjoy it no matter what the genre.


Maeve: I agree. A story that makes you laugh is often good for anything that ails you. And now for our last question:  what is the best piece of advice you have for authors seeking publication?


Stacy:  Keep at it.  Keep learning.  Every critique gives you something to work on, and every rejection teaches you something.  Use that for your next project and the next.  Yes, there are some people who can write a story and sell it quick—but to be honest, they are the exception, not the rule.  But every story you write, everything you learn along the way makes the next one better.   One thing we try not to do at The Wild Rose Press is send out quicky form rejections.  Though I don’t like sending any rejection, I do like the fact that even when we need to reject a manuscript, we are helping that author learn more about the craft whether by giving examples of areas needing to be worked on or direction for resources so they can study up.  Keep at it.  Keep learning.


Right now we have a brand new series debuting in the Yellow Rose line:


Honky Tonk Hearts


Lonely hearts seem to gravitate to the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk. A few miles outside Amarillo off historical Route 66, the large wood-paneled structure boast a large neon star with a single flashing steer riding away from it.  Owner and bartender, Gus Rankin, has seen his share of the wandering souls cross his bar and dance floor over the years—he’d even like to think he helped a few find true love along the way.


These stories all have at least one main scene at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk, but then range out from close by to all over the country…and all have amazing cowboy heroes.


The first two stories, Honky Tonk Man and Nothing But Trouble debuted last month and we have an official launch party for the series coming up on May 9th on the main Wild Rose Press loop.  I am so excited because over the course of the night all the authors will be there, we have a great Honky Tonk Hearts prize package to give away and other random draws throughout the night.  Should be lots of fun!  You can find all the details here: 

http://thewildrosepress.blogspot.ca/2012/04/launch-party.html  

We would love for you all to join us!

Honky Tonk Man        Nothing But Trouble

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win the goodies Stacy mentioned. What do you think? Could a cowboy steal your heart? ;-)

I confess...

Yes. I confess. I want to be Ciara. Who? My heroine of The Highlander’s Fury. Angela Blount of RT Book Reviews described her as a kick-butt, time-traversing, mind-reading embodiment of righteous indignation. Yep. That sums Ciara up perfectly. She’s the immortal daughter of Cerridwen and Brid, gathered from the mists of creation when the two goddesses not only longed for a child of their own but also needed an unstoppable weapon to purge evil from the worlds.

Wouldn’t it be great to heap some eye-for-an-eye justice on the bad guys? And Ciara metes out punishment in a way that’s near and dear to my heart. She searches the villains’ minds and locates their deepest, darkest fears –and then serves it up to them on a silver platter. I must say that visiting with my friend Ciara was quite liberating…even if it did leave me a bit envious of her powers.  ;-)

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?

Excerpt:

Ciara recoiled from the CEO’s mind as though she’d just touched a piece of rotted flesh. This mortal sickened her. He was just as evil as a serial killer. He’d made his execution even easier. It was time she made her presence known.

She materialized in the doorway, still leaning against the frame, drumming her fingertips atop her folded arms. “The levels of greed to which you humans rise never cease to amaze me.”

Startled, the man jerked, his eyes squeezing closed as though she’d struck him. Choking on the mouthful of coffee he’d just gulped, he spewed a shower of the amber liquid as he threw the cup across the room. “Who the hell are you?” he sputtered and coughed. “How did you get in here?”

Ciara slipped out of the doorway and sauntered into the room. She adored the sound of fear in her victim’s voice. It played sweeter than the softest aria to her ears. Shrugging her long braid over one shoulder, she smoothed a hand down her hip as she purred, “I am known by many names. But for the purpose of our little meeting, why don’t you just call me ‘Vengeance’?”

With a shaking hand, he fumbled at the receiver of the phone. The man’s face whitened when he held it to his ear.

“What’s wrong, baby? No dial tone?” Ciara stretched across the desk, plucked the receiver out of his hand, and swung it like a pendulum in front of his face. Oh, she loved it when their eyes rolled back in their heads and their faces paled to that lovely shade of pasty gray.

He ripped his cell phone out of his pocket; his eyes widened as the words No Service lit up across the readout on the cover.

Yanking open the side drawer on his desk, he glanced first at Ciara then looked down. He withdrew a pistol with a shaking hand and pointed it at Ciara’s chest. “You take one more step and they’ll write any name you want on a toe tag for the morgue.”

Oh, this one played the cat-and-mouse game better than the time she tortured the serial rapist. Ciara smiled her most wicked smile. She loved it when they got cocky! Tossing her head back, she spread her arms wide. She released her best chilling laughter to echo off the wall to wall windows as she gave a teasing wiggle of her hips. “Take your best shot, baby. Do you think you can hit me from here or do you need me to take a few steps closer?”

Beads of sweat popped across the man’s face then rolled down his heavy jowls as he shook the muzzle of the gun in her face. “Don’t think I won’t kill you. I own the mayor of this city and every cop in the surrounding precincts. With my money, I don’t have to worry about prison. I can do anything I want.”

With a bored roll of her eyes, Ciara leaned forward, resting her hands on his desk. Wriggling her nose, she brought her face so close she almost touched the tip of her nose to his and crooned, “Go ahead, sweetheart. Do whatever you like. After all, you should get the most out of your last few moments on earth. Consider it your last wish before your execution. Kind of like having your last meal before you fry.”

The man jerked as though trapped in an uncontrollable seizure. He emptied the chamber of the gun. As he fired the last round, his jaw fell to his chest and he let the pistol crash to the floor.

Ciara waited, tapping her red, manicured nails atop the computer monitor. With a bored yawn, she stretched and smoothed the dents from the bullets out of her shirt then bestowed a wicked smile upon him. “Okay. My turn! Now let’s figure out the best way to punish you for all your naughty little deeds. Where shall we start this evening? There’s so many fun things to choose from.”

Wouldn’t it be great to be Ciara? What super power do you think YOU’D like best?

Calisa Rhose's HOME Countdown - DAY 2!!!

I'm so pleased to welcome the very talented Calisa Rhose to my blog today. We're celebrating the release of HOME. I know readers are just going to love it. Welcome, Calisa!

Hi Maeve! It’s great to finally be here with you. I’ve so looked forward to sharing HOME with the world for so long that it seems like a dream now that the time has actually arrived!

Don’t forget to leave your EMAIL ADDRESS in your comment this week! Be sure to come to my BIG SALE PARTY on my blog on January 1, 2012!

Whistle! Confetti! Streamers!

So let’s get on with this countdown!!!!

DAY 2!!!

For your readers I brought a new excerpt from HOME to share! This from a scene where Sam is having a difficult conversation with his mother when Poppy shows up unexpectedly. I hope you enjoy this special peek!

TAG- What could a gypsy and a Vietnam veteran have in common?

BLURB- Silvertown’s outcast, Poppy Tippen, has loved football hero Sam “The Force” Callahan forever. But he never seemed to know she was alive. Now he’s home from the war and she suddenly finds herself comforting him from the demons of “that damn war.” Is his attention merely an escape from the haunting nightmares? Or does she hold the interest of the only man she’s ever truly loved?

Sam Callahan’s only solace from the war nightmares wrecking his life comes in the unlikely form of a gypsy girl with stigmas of her own. He’s known Poppy his entire life, but there’s something different about her now. Something special he desperately wants to hold on to. Can he convince her she’s the only thing he needs to put the past behind him?

EXCERPT-

Over the next week he actively avoided his mother as he raked and watered the lawn. He’d found out the gardener had left when his mother stopped paying him, not that Sam blamed the guy. So, he would try to do what he could to fix the old place up again. Somehow, like himself, he doubted the place he’d called home would ever fully recover the ravages of wartime. It gave him something useful to get through the days before he creeped out at night.

“Sammie, we need to talk.”

He dropped his head and counted briefly before facing his mother. “Good morning, Ma.”

“Have you talked to that woman?”

No nonsense, that was Ma. He dragged in a heavy breath to stifle a groan. “What woman would that be?”

“Don’t play games with me, Sam. You know full well I’m talking about that gypsy woman who owns the doll store. Did you tell her you want the doll back?” His mother threw hands to hips. He waited five ticks. Yep, there it was. Her left foot began flapping like a fish out of water to make known her full ire at him. He almost grinned.

As he stared at her tapping foot, Sam realized he’d actually missed that trait in his mother while he’d been gone. But she wasn’t interested in reflections of days past. “No. I’m not going to get the doll. It’s better off gone if it causes you so much distress. Just forget it and let it be, Ma.”

“Forget it? Haven’t you heard what I’ve been telling you? It will only cause more problems the longer that woman has it!” She was almost yelling and Sam cringed inwardly with a glance around. She ought to keep her voice down or—

Or, what? Did he expect the VC to pop out of the surrounding sticks that had once been shrubbery admired by the whole town? Yes. He did. Damn it all. Why was it so hard for him to let go of the war he was no longer a part of? He shuffled his loafer-clad feet and sighed heavily. “What’s so special about that doll that you won’t let it go?”

His mother looked away from him as though she had a secret and twisted her hands around her ever-present hankie. “It’s bad, evil.”

“Then, why on earth would you want it back? Good riddance, I’d say.”

“No!” She backed up a step and looked up at him, lips painted the same bright red, and he vaguely wondered if she’d worn it so long it had become permanent, a tattoo. A bright red tattoo. Blood red… “It was a gift from my cousin, Helen, when I visited her in California, before she died. I already told you that. But, it’s cursed! I can’t risk anyone else suffering because of that—that thing!”

Blood red… Sam shook the image off and looked over his mother’s head toward the street.

Of all the times to wander in, he didn’t need Poppy showing up right then, while his mother was on her insane rampage about a doll.

A doll that Poppy’s mother had bought fair and square, according to Ma. Now it was a cursed doll? She’d said something about that last time she mentioned the damn thing. He was suddenly afraid his mother was losing her mind. “Son of a bitch.”

“Watch your mouth, young man. I won’t have that kind of language used in this house. Your father—God rest his soul—didn’t use that filth, and I won’t have my only son speak it.” She sounded so normal, suddenly.

“Sorry, Ma. I need to go…somewhere, for a while.”

“Get the doll.” Her voice poured from that red mouth like a warning.

He leaned the rake he’d been using before the interruption against the wood shed and tossed a wave over his head to his mother as he strode for the driveway, and Poppy. Suddenly, it took all his will not to break out in a run and just keep going. Never to stop until he was far, far away from this new nightmare his mother had introduced to him. Blood red, blood. Red, blood, red, blood, red blood.

Sam didn’t stop when he reached Poppy, but grabbed her hand and swung her around with him—took her away before his mother realized who she was. He especially didn’t need her to see the doll shop owner’s daughter.

He picked up his already fast pace until he felt a jerk against his hand and slowed down.  He didn’t want to talk. Not yet. Walk. Keep walking…fast.

“Whoa, soldier boy!” She yanked him to a stop. For a little thing, she was stronger than he’d have thought. “What’s with you? If I wanted to race I’d be a horse.”

Blood red. No talking. Walk. Her hand still in his, he gave a rough tug.

******************************** 

Get your copy of HOME at The Wild Rose Press and on Amazon.

Small-town country girl Calisa Rhose lives in a semi-remote area of Oklahoma with her husband, five dogs and one horse and a cat. All of her three daughters and their families live within throwing distance. She’s a member of RWA and the local chapter OKRWA. She intends to nurture and continue to grow as an author with the help of her family and supporters.

Find Calisa at her website/blog http://calisarhose.wordpress.com

On twitter @Calisa_Rhose and Facebook @Calisa Rhose

She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at calisa.rhose@gmail.com

The day following the New Years Day party, on my blog, I will be giving away the first copy of HOME to one lucky commenter! The more you comment this week, it’s time to back track and make sure you got your name in as many times as you can, the greater your chance to win! You can find the full tour schedule on my website at the link above on my blog (chit-chat).

This has been great, Maeve!