Faery

As release day approaches for the re-release of the first three books in the Realm of Honor series, I’m excited to bring you today’s teaser from the third book, A Knight to Remember. This book follows the romance between Queen Maeve and Henry, Maggie’s father.

Now through release day (July 25) you can get this book at half price ($2.99) at Smashwords. Use Coupon Code ZZ82B. Price will go back up to $4.99 after release day.

Pre-Order Buy Links:

iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Amazon | Smashwords

BLURB:

The Goddess of War is out for Queen Maeve’s blood to satisfy a thousand-year-old vendetta. And the only one that can save her is a human masquerading as a Fae knight.

Henry Chase is desperate to find his daughter lost in the Highlands. When he steps through a stone circle, he’s transported to the Otherworld. With his human form hidden by glamour, he masquerades as a Fae knight. He’s instantly besotted by Queen Maeve and determined to break down the walls she’s erected around her heart.

In the aftermath of war, Queen Maeve’s kingdom has been destroyed. She must close the portals to the human realm and restore her lost magic. But before she can set things straight, her archenemy, the Goddess of War, attacks, seeking revenge.

When the goddess captures the queen, Henry offers his life for Maeve’s in the hope his bravery will earn the queen’s love. Discovering Henry is human and knowing she must send him back to his world, Maeve tries to fight her feelings for him. Now she must choose—life at court or life with Henry—before she loses him forever.

EXCERPT:

Are you all right?” he asked.

“I’m…fine. How did you…know to do that?” she asked, her words breathy. As if she couldn’t believe he’d figured it out.

“It was a hunch. Glad it was right.”

“Me, too. Thank you.”

“Now aren’t you glad I came with you?”

She smiled. “Aye, I am. You saved my life.”

He took her hand and led her back into the garden among the roses.

“Now, where were we?”

He cupped her face in his hands again. Maeve’s eyes searched his, her blood-red lips parted as if to object but he didn’t allow her to speak. He took that as invitation and kissed her, their mouths fusing together. He heard her sharp intake of breath through her nose. Her body stiffened but still he didn’t stop.

She didn’t resist him. His lips molded to hers in a way they had never molded to another. His tongue dipped into the honey recesses of her mouth, tasting her. And she tasted oh so sweet. So delectable. So wonderful. The smell of roses rushed over them, enveloping them. A moment later, her body relaxed and she melted into him. Yet one hand pressed against his chest, as though she intended to push him away. She did not.

For the first time in a long while, Henry’s shaft hardened, straining against the soft curves of her body seeking her heat and dampness. Wanting her. His mouth devoured hers and now she returned the kiss, much to his delight. Her tongue was probing, needy. Her lips mashed against his, as if she’d allowed reckless abandon to overcome her.

But then, almost as suddenly as she relaxed, she shoved away and stumbled back a step. Her face was flushed, her lips damp and swollen. Her breathing was erratic, her breasts rising and falling.

He could see the crushed pink petals of a rose in one of her fists. She must have grasped the bud and ripped it from the stem. Her fingers opened, one by one, and the mashed petals cascaded to the ground.

“Thank you for protecting me, Sir Henry.” Her voice rasped the words, as though she had trouble keeping it under control.

Maybe she did. Maybe she enjoyed the heat of the kiss as much as he did. Now he had a problem—a large problem straining against his breeches—and nothing he could do about it. And he certainly couldn’t return to the party with a giant boner straining against the cloth. Oh hell no.

“I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

Why did he feel the sudden need to confess? He had nothing to be ashamed about. He was a grown man. Had they both been mortal, he would have guessed they were about the same age. And despite being in his late forties, he was still a strong, virile man.

Maeve gave him her best snooty look. “Why did you?”

His gaze flickered her to her lips and—damn it—she licked them. More taunting. More teasing. She knew what she was doing. He didn’t buy the ice queen act. Deep down, she was desperate for loving. He was going to give it to her.

“You allowed me.” You cannot deny you liked it. You experienced the heat as I did. Even though he wanted to say the words to her, he pushed them out of his mind and said, “I wanted to.”

“See that it doesn’t happen again.”

She whisked by him, leaving behind the scent of crushed roses. Henry watched Maeve walk away, the damaged rose petals on the ground at his feet. For whatever reason, he bent and picked up a few of them, rubbing the velvety softness between his thumb and forefinger. He placed the petals in his palm, examining them. Even smashed they were beautiful. He tucked them away in his pocket. He would cherish them simply because she had held them in her palm.

As release day approaches for the re-release of the first three books in the Realm of Honor series, I’m excited to bring you today’s teaser from the third book, A Knight to Remember. This book follows the romance between Queen Maeve and Henry, Maggie’s father.

Now through release day (July 25) you can get this book at half price ($2.99) at Smashwords. Use Coupon Code ZZ82B. Price will go back up to $4.99 after release day.

Pre-Order Buy Links:

iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Amazon | Smashwords

BLURB:

The Goddess of War is out for Queen Maeve’s blood to satisfy a thousand-year-old vendetta. And the only one that can save her is a human masquerading as a Fae knight.

Henry Chase is desperate to find his daughter lost in the Highlands. When he steps through a stone circle, he’s transported to the Otherworld. With his human form hidden by glamour, he masquerades as a Fae knight. He’s instantly besotted by Queen Maeve and determined to break down the walls she’s erected around her heart.

In the aftermath of war, Queen Maeve’s kingdom has been destroyed. She must close the portals to the human realm and restore her lost magic. But before she can set things straight, her archenemy, the Goddess of War, attacks, seeking revenge.

When the goddess captures the queen, Henry offers his life for Maeve’s in the hope his bravery will earn the queen’s love. Discovering Henry is human and knowing she must send him back to his world, Maeve tries to fight her feelings for him. Now she must choose—life at court or life with Henry—before she loses him forever.

EXCERPT:

“Do me the honor of a dance?”

“I don’t think that’s—”

“I will.” Maeve cut Derron off as she rose.

Henry’s heart leapt as he watched her round the table. Her grace and poise was impeccable. She was every bit the dignified queen she appeared to be. She took his hand, his fingers closing around hers. Her warmth penetrated him to his soul. God, she feels good! His heart hammered a happy cadence as he led her to the dance floor. The tune had been lively, upbeat. Now it was something slower. Softer. He cheered at the thought of holding her close and feeling her body press against him.

As he took her in his arms, he realized he had no clue what the dances were of the time or the realm. How did the Fae dance here? He did a quick cursory glance around the room. The others had practically deserted the floor to give way for the queen. A few brave couples remained dancing side by side, their fingertips barely touching.

Henry would not do that. He wanted her in his arms, next to him. He wanted to smell her beautiful, heady scent. What was it? Jasmine? Whatever it was, it was exotic. And she was ethereal. He was acutely aware of the gawks and stares from those around the room.

Had it been a bold move to ask her to dance? Because he was a lowly Fae knight did that mean he was not allowed to speak with his queen? Knowing she really wasn’t his queen made it okay in his mind. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulled her close, while holding her other hand shoulder height.

“What are you doing?” She flinched and for a moment he thought she might pull away.

He tightened his grip, keeping her firmly in place. “Where I come from this is how we dance. I’ll show you. All you have to do is follow my lead.”

“Where exactly do you come from?” An eyebrow quirked in question.

Ah, yet another question he couldn’t answer. “Across the realm.” Did that sound plausible?

“Hm,” was her response.

He led her through the steps, keeping her as close to him as possible. Then turned with her still in his arms.

“You learned to dance like this there?” she asked.

“I did.”

Actually, he learned before his wedding. Maggie’s mother had made him take lessons so they could dance together and not look like fools. Her words, not his. He had reluctantly agreed. He wasn’t for the ballroom dancing but now he was glad he had learned. Now he was with this lovely woman whose curves seemed made for him.

“I have never seen such a dance,” she said.

“Mayhap, your majesty, you should relax and enjoy it instead of questioning it every few seconds.”

She blinked surprise. Had no one talked to her like that before?

“I would remove the head of most who spoke to me like that.”

“Like what?”

“In that insolent tone.”

“Apologies, your majesty. I hope I can keep my head. For my lips are attached and they’ve yet to have a taste of you.”

“You are bold, aren’t you?” She tilted her head back, gave him a look down her nose that he suspected she’d perfected eons ago.

“Too bold for her majesty?”

“That remains to be seen,” she said. And her mouth quirked into almost a grin.

Henry’s heart thumped and for the first time he could acknowledge the attraction he had for her. His nerve endings tingled and even his buddy in his pants was in agreement.

“Too bold to kiss you here?” He knew he pushed it but he didn’t care. He wanted to see what she’d say.

Her face hardened. “Definitely too bold.”

He slanted his head, as though ready to kiss her. She licked her lips, as though ready to let him. His mouth was close to hers. Oh, so close. He could feel her warm breath tickling his face.

“Tempting me, your majesty?”

“Telling you not to kiss me here in front of my court is tempting you?”

“It is. Because you are a beautiful woman and I find I cannot resist your charms.”

“Ha. Do you tell me this so you can have your way with me?” she asked.

He grinned and pulled her closer. He delighted in the way she molded to him in his arms. “Would you allow me to have my way with you?”

Her response was stony silence. Her face turned impassive as though she suppressed her emotional response. But Henry could see the jump of her pulse in her long, slender throat. He could also feel her heart beat quicker as she pressed against him.

“Would you like me to tell you what I’d do should I have my way with you?” He dropped his voice to a near whisper.

“You wouldn’t dare.” Her attempt to sound offended fell far from the mark. He could see the pale flush creeping along her milky-white skin. He also heard the imperceptible hitch of breath in her throat.

“Wouldn’t I?”

“I should have you drawn and quartered.”

“I should have your lips upon mine while I thoroughly kiss you.” Henry was not to be dissuaded.

“I should have you tied up and roasted alive.” Her eyes narrowed.

“I should have your soft curves under me in my bed.”

His last statement shocked her to silence. She merely gaped at him, her blue eyes wide. When she didn’t reply, he decided to push it further.

“I should like to have you cradled against me while I whisper love words in your ear where only the stars witness—”

“Insolent man!” Despite her outburst, she didn’t try to pull free. If Henry wasn’t mistaken, she wiggled closer.

“Tell me, your majesty, do you not enjoy my advances? If you tell me no, I won’t believe you. Your emotional reaction to me is all the evidence I need.”

“And what emotional reaction, pray tell, is that?”

“The flutter of your pulse in that gorgeous throat of yours for starters. The widening of your beautiful, perfect eyes in a shade of blue that rivals that of the ocean. The coloring of your high cheekbones in the softest shade of pink I’ve ever seen. Shall I continue?”

“No, Sir Henry, you—”

“It was worth a shot.” He winked. “You can’t blame me for trying.”

As release day approaches for the re-release of the first three books in the Realm of Honor series, I’m excited to bring you today’s teaser from the third book, A Knight to Remember. This book follows the romance between Queen Maeve and Henry, Maggie’s father.

Now through release day (July 25) you can get this book at half price ($2.99) at Smashwords. Use Coupon Code ZZ82B. Price will go back up to $4.99 after release day.

Pre-Order Buy Links:

iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Amazon | Smashwords

BLURB:

The Goddess of War is out for Queen Maeve’s blood to satisfy a thousand-year-old vendetta. And the only one that can save her is a human masquerading as a Fae knight.

Henry Chase is desperate to find his daughter lost in the Highlands. When he steps through a stone circle, he’s transported to the Otherworld. With his human form hidden by glamour, he masquerades as a Fae knight. He’s instantly besotted by Queen Maeve and determined to break down the walls she’s erected around her heart.

In the aftermath of war, Queen Maeve’s kingdom has been destroyed. She must close the portals to the human realm and restore her lost magic. But before she can set things straight, her archenemy, the Goddess of War, attacks, seeking revenge.

When the goddess captures the queen, Henry offers his life for Maeve’s in the hope his bravery will earn the queen’s love. Discovering Henry is human and knowing she must send him back to his world, Maeve tries to fight her feelings for him. Now she must choose—life at court or life with Henry—before she loses him forever.

EXCERPT:

Henry Chase knew someone kept a watchful gaze on him even while he feigned sleep. A chill ran through him, making all the hairs on the back of his neck stand at attention and his scalp tingle. He scented the soft aroma of something decidedly feminine in the stale air of the hotel room. He heard the faint rustle of clothing. He shifted on the lumpy mattress and cracked open one eye to peer through the shadows at the tall, lithe, curvy body standing rigid on the other side of the room.

If he’d been in his own bed he would have reached for his baseball bat. One could never be too careful. Since he was in Dumfries, Scotland, he had no weapon. No way to defend himself from the intruder.

Her golden hair shimmered in the half light of the room and cascaded over her shoulders in silky waves. Who she was, he didn’t know. How did she get into his room? He’d locked the door. She couldn’t have climbed through the window because it didn’t open. A flicker of warning went through him.

“Who are you?” He sat up as he spoke, staring at the woman concealed by shadow.

She flinched, surprised by his sudden movement and outburst. She stepped into the faint moonlight slanting through the panes of glass. Her pale cheeks were flushed pink as she pressed a hand against her chest. Her features were as soft as her curves. She had a porcelain face with beautiful blue eyes and smooth-as-silk hair.

“You scared me half to death. Welcome to Scotland, by the way,” she said, her voice a symphony to his ears. She smiled with rose-red lips as she approached. “Took you long enough.”

“Who are you? How did you get in here?”

“I’m not sure that’s relevant.” She glanced around the room before her gaze landed back on him. “I know who you are. I know why you’re here.”

Henry didn’t like her cryptic nature. He didn’t like being spied on either. “How do you know me?”

“I know you’re searching for your daughter, Maggie.”

“What do you know about my daughter?” Fear trickled through him as he stared at the woman standing across the room. “Are you responsible for her disappearance?”

“Gods, no! Well, not really,” she added as an afterthought.

“Where is she? Do you know where she is? Is she hurt? Where can I find her?” The questions poured out of him. Questions he had needed answers to for days. “If you harmed her—”

“Calm down, Henry. I’ve come with a letter.” She took another step toward him as she reached into the pocket of her gown. Parchment rustled against the cloth as she pulled it out. “This should explain everything to you.”

He hesitated, staring at her.

The woman waved the parchment at him. “Go on. Take it. I promise it will hold the answers you seek.”

He slipped it from her fingers, turning it over in his hands. It looked old. It smelled old. It had been folded neatly and sealed with red wax. He didn’t recognize the seal.

“What is this? A ransom note? Are you going to ask for thousands of dollars?”

She sighed, irritated. “No. I told you it’s a letter from Maggie.”

“From Maggie?”

“Aye. Read it. And then I’ll be on my way, my promise fulfilled.”

Henry tore past the seal and unfolded the paper. He was stunned to see Maggie’s perfect handwriting flowing down the page.

Dear Dad,

I know you must be worried sick about me by now, not having heard from me for days. I can’t exactly explain where I am. It’s more of a when I am.

Remember when I was a little girl and I used tell you how awesome it would be if we could go back in time? And then when I got older I used to tell you if I could go anywhere in history, it would be to the Middle Ages? That I’d always wanted to see a live jousting tournament? Well, here I am. You probably don’t believe that. You probably also wouldn’t believe me if I told you Faeries really do exist. I had a hard time believing it myself at first. But it’s all true. I’m living in the Middle Ages as Lady Margaret. I’m in love with a Scottish knight. And whenever I am, I’m safe and sound.

I’ve entrusted Princess Elyne with the delivery of this letter. She’s a Fae. Be nice to her, all right? She’s been kind to me. I would have never met Finn if it hadn’t been for her. I love you and miss you, Dad.

Love, Mags

He glanced back at the woman standing in front of him. She casually looked over her cuticles as if she had all the time in the world.

“What is this? A joke?”

“No joke, Henry, I assure you.”

His eyes narrowed. “Are you the princess?”

“The one and only.” She dipped a curtsy with a flourish. “I told you the letter would explain. Sorry it’s a little crumpled. I’ve been a bit preoccupied.”

“This can’t be true.” He fisted the paper and shook it at her. “You expect me to believe this? It has to be a hoax. Where is she?”

She shrugged one thin shoulder. “Believe what you will, Henry. But I saw Maggie write the letter. I promised her I’d deliver it to you. And deliver it I have. Now if you’ll excuse me—”

Henry shot to his feet. “Wait, please.” He couldn’t allow his one link to Maggie to escape. If the letter was real then this woman was his one connection to her.

She paused, giving him a curious glance.

He had grown up with tales of the fair folk. He’d heard the stories of the Otherworld from his Irish grandmother, knew they were a bit mischievous and caused problems. But they didn’t exist. Did they? And would one go to so much trouble as to write a letter faking Maggie’s handwriting and deliver it to him in Dumfries? He didn’t think so. Still, he had questions. Questions he wanted answered.

“Who is Finn? What have you done with Maggie?”