EMPRESS WU ZETIAN AND GWENLLIAN FERCH GRUFFYDD

Empress Wu Zetian

The Legendary Women of World History Book 5

70 pages

The most hated woman in Chinese history! 

Travel back in time over one thousand years and meet the first and only
female emperor of China. Born Wu Zhao and given the reign title
"Zetian" just weeks before her death in 705 CE, Empress Wu
was the unwanted daughter of Chancellor Wu Shihuo -- too bright, too
educated, and too politically focused to make a good wife according
to contemporary interpretations of the Analects of Confucius. 

Married off at age 14 as a low-ranking concubine to Emperor Taizong, Wu’s
intelligence, beauty, and charm won her a place as his secretary and
protégé, political experience that would empower her to transform
the lives of countless billions. 

Explore the life of Empress Wu and discover why the world is a vastly
different place because she dared what no woman in China before or
since ever dreamed of.

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Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd:

The Warrior Princess of Deheubarth

The Legendary Women of World History Book 6

56 pages

Queen Elizabeth Tudor's Heroic Welsh Foremother!

Born in 1097 in Aberffraw Castle, Princess Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd ap
Cynan was always destined for great things. As daughter to one of
Gwynedd's greatest warriors she grew up strong and passionate -- more
than a match for her older brothers. 

At sixteen Gwenllian's life changed forever when she fell in love with
Prince Gruffydd ap Rhys, the beleaguered heir to Rhys ap Tewdur of
Deheubarth. Together husband and wife fought for and ruled southern
Wales, challenging the Norman Conquest of Wales and proving once and
for all the nobility and courage of the Welsh people, a courage that
endures across the centuries and lives in the heart of every Welsh
man, woman, and child.

Includes an extensive timeline covering over 400 years of 
Welsh and English medieval history.

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Born, raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska USA Laurel A. Rockefeller
is author of over twenty books published and self-published since
August, 2012 and in languages ranging from Welsh to Spanish to
Chinese and everything in between. A dedicated scholar and
biographical historian, Ms. Rockefeller is passionate about education
and improving history literacy worldwide. 

With her lyrical writing style, Laurel's books are as beautiful to read as
they are informative.

In her spare time, Laurel enjoys spending time with her cockatiels,
attending living history activities, travelling to historic places in
both the United States and United Kingdom, and watching classic
motion pictures and classic television series.

Website
* Facebook
* Twitter * Pinterest
* YouTube
* Amazon
* Goodreads

One winner each week
will receive a sapling tree from the Arbor Day Foundation – trees
will vary depending on the winner's region – US only. There will
also be two random winners for a special mystery prize- drawn at
surprise moments during the tour!

Follow the tour HERE
to discover the other amazing Legendary Women of World History books
and enter the weekly giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MARY QUEEN OF THE SCOTS AND QUEEN ELIZABETH TUDOR

Mary Queen of the Scots:

The Forgotten Reign

The Legendary Women of World History Book 3

80
pages

Queen Mary Stuart was one of the most beloved and controversial women in
Scottish history. The granddaughter of King James IV and his wife
Margaret Tudor, Queen Mary's status as heiress-apparent to Queen
Elizabeth's throne in England paired with the violence of the
Scottish Reformation set the stage for one of the most dramatic and
poorly understood lives of the 16th century.

Mary Queen of the Scots tells Mary's true story, focusing primarily on her
reign as queen of Scotland, celebrating her life more than her death
and showing us all why she was truly a woman ahead of her time.

Features a detailed timeline, a list of Latin prayers with their English
translations, and the lyrics to all four featured period songs
performed in the book.

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to Goodreads

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Queen Elizabeth Tudor:

Journey to Gloriana

The Legendary Women of World History Book 4

90
pages

“I am by your Council from you commanded to go to the Tower, a place
more wanted for a false traitor than a true subject, which though I
know I desire it not, yet in the face of all this realm it appears
proved,” wrote Princess Elizabeth Tudor in her eleventh-hour letter
to sister Queen Mary as guards waited to transport her to the prison
at the Tower of London.

Queen Elizabeth is perhaps the most legendary and celebrated ruler in
English history. Yet do you really know her as well as you think you do?

In this beautiful narrative biography you explore Elizabeth’s path
from “Lady Elizabeth” to “Gloriana” through the lens of her
relationship with Robert Dudley, a relationship far more contentious
than most people believe. Politics and religion collide, provoking
Elizabeth to console herself with her music, and a hard decision lays
before her as plots against her life threatens her throne.

Take the journey to Gloriana and discover a side to Elizabeth
you never knew existed.

Features six medieval and Elizabethan songs, a detailed timeline, and an
extensive suggested reading list. Continues "Mary Queen of the Scots."

Add
to Goodreads

Amazon
* Apple
* B&N
* Kobo
* Smashwords

Born, raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska USA Laurel A. Rockefeller
is author of over twenty books published and self-published since
August, 2012 and in languages ranging from Welsh to Spanish to
Chinese and everything in between. A dedicated scholar and
biographical historian, Ms. Rockefeller is passionate about education
and improving history literacy worldwide. 

With her lyrical writing style, Laurel's books are as beautiful to read as
they are informative.

In her spare time, Laurel enjoys spending time with her cockatiels,
attending living history activities, travelling to historic places in
both the United States and United Kingdom, and watching classic
motion pictures and classic television series.

Website
* Facebook
* Twitter * Pinterest
* YouTube
* Amazon
* Goodreads

One winner each week
will receive a sapling tree from the Arbor Day Foundation – trees
will vary depending on the winner's region – US only. There will
also be two random winners for a special mystery prize- drawn at
surprise moments during the tour!

Follow the tour HERE
to discover the other amazing Legendary Women of World History books
and enter the weekly giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A PIRATE AT PEMBROKE

A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne

A Jane Austen-inspired Pirate Romance

Sophie Crestwood is never going to catch a husband, and she isn’t even sure she wants one. Her father is a gossip, her mother always has her nose in a book, and little Jack has shamefully been dismissed from boarding school. Worst of all, a pirate moves next door into Pembroke Hall!

When Sophie’s sent to a matchmaking party at a neighboring estate, the pirate from Pembroke arrives and distracts everyone from the summer festivities. Unguarded, her feelings about the mysterious Captain Murdock bloom into a trusted friendship that Sophie fears may come to mean much more than anyone would ever suspect. Keeping company with a reputed pirate is one thing but falling in love with him could ruin the eccentric Crestwood family for good.

Danielle Thorne's book A PIRATE AT PEMBROKE is up for nomination in the Kindle Scout Contest.

Please vote for her book!

If Kindle Scout selects A PIRATE AT PEMBROKE for publication you'll get a copy of the book for free!



A PIRATE AT PEMBROKE Excerpt:

The sad sonata continued its siren's call. It echoed a passionate and haunting melody, just like the dark halls of Pembroke with its soiled paintings of aristocrats from long ago. Sophie examined the chamber doors through the gloom and decided the door to the second room on the left was slightly ajar with a dim light shimmering around it. She moved in silence to the small gap and caught her breath.

Captain Murdock stood in front of a languid fire burning beneath a marble mantel. One bare foot was balanced on a low, milking stool nestled up against a heavy, velvet-covered chair. The other kept time on the floor. With his cane leaning against the fireplace, Murdock stood balanced on his own. In his hands, a violin tucked underneath his chin swayed. It moved in time with his body as he performed a strange dance to the music. His profile in the firelight was sharp and clear. He stood slender and tall. In these private bedchambers, half-dressed in loose buckskin breeches and an untucked shirt open at the neck, he did not seem as rigid and menacing as before. From his dreamy stare, his thoughts were somewhere inside the flickering blue and orange flames. The reflection of the firelight made his pale eyes glow.

Sophie noticed his hair was undone. It hung far past his neck, with slight waves resting on his broad upper back on either side of his shoulders. She put a hand to her mouth realizing it had fallen open, and at the same time, that it was scandalous to spy on her host. She swallowed and stepped away. The music stopped in mid-cry. Her heart jumped in her chest, and for a brief pause, the only sound to be heard was her own loud breathing. She stepped back and pivoted on her heel.

Horrified he might have felt her examination, she strode down the rug-lined hallway as quietly as she could, but each footfall sounded like muffled thunder as she hurried back to the stairs. She reached the banister and slipped down the first step, but her shift snagged on something, and she spun about to free it.

Captain Murdock stood behind her, silent. He held a handful of her shift in his fist. She had not snagged it after all. Rather, he had snagged her. She jerked in surprise, but his hold kept her from falling backward and tumbling down the stairs. His other hand trembled as it balanced precariously on a carved dragon head at the top of his cane.

"What do you think you are doing?"

"I… I heard music and followed it."

His eyes blazed with accusation, and it unnerved her.

"I'm so sorry," she said in a choking voice. Her nose tingled again. She touched it with her fingers to make it stop.

"It's not possible you heard music from all the way down in your room."

Sophie took a nervous breath. He stood there, one step above her like a giant, her bedclothes gripped in his hand so tight it shook. She hadn't heard him shuffle down the hall after her. He moved as silent as a ghost when he wanted -- even with a cane. She found the courage to meet his penetrating gaze. "I did hear something from my room. Then I was in the hall."

Captain Murdock waited for a long pause, while the dust they had stirred up in the rugs pirouetted in the air and into Sophie's eyes and nose. "You should not be out of bed," he said.

Sophie swallowed down her frightened apprehension. She tried to beg his pardon, but her lungs failed her, and she coughed in reflex. She covered her mouth with her fingers. "I'm so sorry," she repeated between them, her cheeks hot with humiliation. She stared at the fistful of her garments he'd snatched, aware his eyes examined her from her straight, waist-length hair down to her naked ankles. With a jerk, he dropped her shift like it burned his hand.

"Go to bed," he said in a quiet voice.

Sophie's nose had not quit tingling and itching. "Yes, sir," she said at once, but not soon enough to keep a sneeze from erupting. It came so fast and without warning, she had no chance to catch it before it doused him with all her rejection.

Horrified, she stumbled down the next step, thankful the old handrail held fast. When she glanced back, he was wiping off his shirt with a look of disgust.

Author Danielle Thorne

Danielle Thorne is the author of classic romance and adventure in several genres. She loves Jane Austen, pirates, beaches, cookies, antiques, cats, dogs, and long naps. She does not like phone calls or sushi. A graduate of Ricks College and BYU-Idaho, Danielle saw early work published by Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review, StorySouth, and… you get the idea. Besides writing, she’s edited for both Solstice and Desert Breeze Publishing. Her growing blog, The Balanced Writer, focuses on writing, life, and the pursuit of peace and happiness. Currently, Danielle freelances as a non-fiction author while waiting to hear from readers like you through her website. During free time, which means when Netflix is down, she combs through feedback and offers virtual hugs for reviews. A Pirate at Pembroke is her newest release. Her non-fiction book, The Story of Queen Victoria 200 Years After Her Birth, is coming fall 2018.

Website * Blog * Twitter * Instagram

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 PayPal Cash

Ends 3/15/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

RELEASE DAY! CONTEST ENDS SOON!

Happy ♥ Valentines ♥ Day! 

I am especially excited because today is the release of DANIEL McCLINTOCK, book four of the McClintock series! Writing this series has been difficult but fun. Tons of research went into the series even though readers see only a fraction of the foundation built by the investigations. 

If you haven't yet commented to be entered into the contest for a bag of swag, print books, and a box of chocolates, don't fret. You have until midnight on Thursday, February 15, to enter. I’ll announce the winner of the ♥ Valentine’s ♥ Day Contest on February 16.

For those who haven’t read the series, in McCLINTOCK’S RELUCTANT BRIDE, book 3, Daniel McClintock was left paralyzed from the waist down when a villain shot his horse, the horse pinned Daniel’s legs, and Daniel’s back was broken when he landed on a rock. In the area of Texas near Bandera and Medina, there are limestone outcroppings and the rocks can sometimes have sharp edges.

Needless to say, I could not sentence this nice young man to a lifetime of being an invalid. But, what kind of physical therapy was around in 1888? Well, almost none, at least not in the United States. In Amsterdam and nearby, a new type of treatment for paralytics had been developed called mechanotherapy. The practitioner of this was called a heilgymnast.

Fortunately for Daniel, Clara Van Hoosan is an expert at mechanotherapy. When the McClintock family’s family doctor writes for help for Daniel, he is told the hospital clinic is sending their best student, C. R. Van Hoosan. Everyone expects a man.

When Daniel meets Clara, tempers flare. Eventually, a new kind of sparks fly. Can Clara help Daniel regain use of his legs? Then what? Will she have to move on to another place?

My friend, Skhye Moncrief, created the cover. Don't you love the result?

I hope you will read DANIEL McCLINTOCK. The buy link is http://a.co/37QmqYD Remember, the first of this series, THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE, is free. 

In the meantime, have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Thanks to each of you who has bought my books. I couldn’t continue without you!

CHEER AND HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS

Please welcome Reina Torres, who is lucky enough to life in Hawaii. Remember to comment to be eligible for Reina’s giveaway and mine. Reina’s giveaway is an e-book of HOME TO ROOST, part of the Bower, CO Series.  I will give away a Kindle Fire 7 on December 24 and an e-book on my day to post.

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

Putting up the Christmas Tree – any year… every year… I was and likely will always be addicted to that smell and every time, the first night that it was up, I’d fall asleep under the tree, looking up at the twinkling lights. Doesn’t get any better than that.

What is your favorite adult Christmas memory?

It will always be my son’s first Christmas. Sitting in a chair beside the Christmas Tree, holding my son with his head on my shoulder, feeling his breath on my neck as I watched the lights…

Is there a Christmas song that’s your favorite?

A.   Secular – (modern) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - sweet

(vintage) Wassail, Wassail – a fun round we sang in college that I still sing just for fun :D

B.   Religious – O Holy Night – Just something about melody and the message… I used to work in a building built in the late 1870s and the rotunda had the most amazing acoustics, if you stand about ten steps up either curving staircase you can make a soft note sound like a symphony. Put my minor in voice performance to good use and warmed the heart.

Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions.

We actually don’t have many… or rather any. I was born to a family of Post Office employees, maybe why I really like the Pony Express :D  The Holidays was a time of long hours and grumpy parents who spent most of their energy trying to deal with customers and co-workers. Happiness was a quiet dinner table and watching movies on TV. And yes, I’m a sucker for Miracle on 34^th Street… because the Post Office saves Santa.

What about Christmas do you most enjoy?

Cheer and Hope. It may sound so simple, but I do enjoy it. An extra smile. A hopeful thought. An extra hug here and there. The joy of making other people happy, not just with gifts but time and care.

Is there something about this holiday that drives you crazy?

The HUGE importance of Santa as a Marketing cash cow… When my son was in Elementary School, he was bullied by a number of children because he had ADHD, and after they went back to school after the New Years my son came home in thoughtful silence (which was so unusual for him) thoughtful? Sure… Silent… no. When I asked him what he was thinking about… he told me about the children who were mean to him and all the amazing presents that they got from Santa. Weren’t the ‘bad’ kids not supposed to be rewarded?

How do you explain to him that even though he was a kind and loving child that his Santa’s elves didn’t have the money to give him gifts that were just as impressive as his heart? I wish parents would give the big stuff from them and bring Santa back to who he was when I was a child. They guy that stuffed my stocking with packs of cards and little puzzles, maybe some crayons if I was really good.  And then I think of all the children even less fortunate than our family… how do they feel when Christmas Morning comes and there’s not a single thing from Santa?

What do you hope for this Christmas?

Getting some time to spend with my son when neither of us are on electronic devices. Some time to ‘hang out’ with my favorite guy.

Do you have a treasured Christmas food? Would you share the recipe?

I don’t have the recipe, I wish I did, but my most treasured Christmas food memory was my father’s sister making Gingerbread cookies. We were visiting California from Hawaii and she made actual gingerbread men for the tree!! We were each to have two and I nibbled on my two for as long as I could. When it was gone it was soooo tempting to look at the others still hanging from the tree.

Do you have a book you’d like to share?

I’m currently writing the book coming out in April of 2018 – ALWAYS, ELLIS (Book 5 of 6 in the Three Rivers Express Series)

And we get to spend some quality time with the hero and heroine from ALWAYS, RANSOM – I really did miss visiting with Ransom and Delia

ALWAYS, RANSOM Summary:

The Express took men and rode them hard across the West. That adventuring spirit belonged to men full of life, ready for whatever met them on the trail, everything, except love.

Ransom McCain was the last man hired to ride for the Three Rivers station, but he was chosen to take the first ride west because he could think on his feet. Tensions are high because there are people determined to make the express fail, and little does Ransom know that he would fall for a woman caught in the crossfire.

Delia Burroughs is a young woman with plenty of heart and the strength of spirit to help her family survive in the West. But one by one they've left until it's just Delia and her father. His grief and struggles may make it impossible for her to leave and make a family of her own. When she met Ransom, she knew she'd found a man she could love, but forces are determined to take her new home from her and perhaps her chance at real love.

Ransom and Delia will have to decide if what's happening between them is something they want to fight for, or will they let themselves be pulled apart by the danger they're both facing.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Ransom-Three-Rivers-Express-ebook/dp/B0ZZJYRTY/ref=sr_1_8?ie+UTF8&qid=1512916231&sr=8-8&keywords=Reina+Torres

QUESTION

I love the idea of a small town Old West Christmas - Small towns in general :D
What would you do if you were celebrating the season in a small town in the Old West?

GIVEAWAY

I’m giving away an e-book of HOME TO ROOST, part of the Bower, CO Series. 

 

Reina Torres, Author

Love - Romance - Books
Aren't they all the same thing?
Oh, I sure hope so! 

I've been reading romance books for what seems like forever. When I was a teen, the days that I wasn't in dance class after school I'd go to the mall to wait for my mom to finish work for the day and my haunt of choice... Waldenbooks. (I think I just showed my age there.)

Whether it was Scottish Lairds, Medieval Knights, Regency Gents, Rough and Tumble Cowboys, or handsome modern Heroes, I loved them all! There was always another hero and heroine to follow through page after page of breathless love!

I really hope that my readers will enjoy some of the same thrills as they discover characters to love between the pages of my books.

FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES AND A CAKE RECIPE

Please welcome Josie Riviera, a  USA Today bestselling author. Remember to comment to be entered in the Kindle Fire 7 giveaway on Christmas Eve. Also, Josie has an additional giveaway.

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

I loved baking Christmas cookies and drinking hot chocolate. (still do!)

What is your favorite adult Christmas memory?

 (see above) J

Is there a Christmas song that’s your favorite?

I’m a professional musician, a pianist, so it’s hard to choose.

A.   Secular: "Baby It’s Cold Outside"

B.   Religious: Handel’s "Messiah"

Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions.

My family is 100% Italian, which means the feast of the 7 fishes is a must on Christmas Eve.

Example of Feast of the Seven Fishes

What about Christmas do you most enjoy?

Spending time with family and good friends.

Is there something about this holiday that drives you crazy?

The commercialism.

What do you hope for this Christmas?

I hope my Christmas will bubble over with laughter and that our holiday traditions will remain, and we will all experience joy in the moment, not looking back to yesterday or ahead to tomorrow.

Do you have a treasured Christmas food? If so, would you care to share the recipe?

Because there are so many cookie recipes available, I’ll share one of our favorite holiday cakes. The pistachio cake is easy to bake, and the red and green is festive and fun.

Pistachio Pudding Cake

Pistachio Cake Recipe

Easy, fast, and festive, this recipe is always a treat! You will need:

One package of white cake mix- any brand

1 package of Pistachio instant pudding- sugar free may be used instead of regular

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup water

½ cup milk

5 eggs

Blend cake mix with 1 package of pudding. Add oil, milk, and water.  Add eggs- 1 at a time, beating well with electric mixer after each addition.

Pour into a greased (or spray with cooking spray) tube or bundt pan.

Bake 1 hour-at 350 degrees.  May be done beforehand- as ovens vary.

Cool for 30 minutes, and invert onto favorite cake platter.

For a lighter and festive topping, sprinkle with sifted confectioners sugar and sliced maraschino cherries.

Optional frosting recipe:  (Spread on cooled cake)

½ pint heavy cream

1 package instant pistachio pudding (sugar free may be used)

1 container thawed Cool Whip (fat-free may be used)

Beat heavy cream until thick. Blend in rest of ingredients. Frost as desired.

Enjoy!

Do you have a Christmas book you’d like to share?

Title: HOLIDAY HEARTS: A Sweet and Wholesome Romance Bundle

Author: Josie Riviera

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Holiday Romance

Publisher: Macmillan

HOLIDAY HEARTS Blurb: 

Savor the magic of Josie Riviera's holiday romances--exclusively in one boxed set!

HOLIDAY HEARTS Excerpt:

A sweet heartwarming story is the hallmark of a romantic holiday season. With this exciting offer exclusively from USA Today Bestselling author, Josie Riviera, you enjoy three emotionally satisfying sweet holiday romances, a trio all wrapped up and delivered directly to your inbox--just in time for Christmas! Bundle up and save!

A SNOWY WHITE CHRISTMAS

Margaret Snow no longer believes in fairy tales, but she's determined her young daughter will experience a real, upstate New York Christmas, not LA's face...everything. Giving up glitz and glamour to return to the trailer park is easy, but facing her high school sweetheart, Fernando Brandt, is another story. Especially when the sparks flying between them illuminate the insecurities that could prevent her from accepting the true gift of Christmas--unconditional love.

CANDLEGLOW AND MISTLETOE

When Noelle Wentworth's bus crashes, one deep, rumbling voice calms her racing heart--then a handsome face kicks it back into allegro. But love is a concerto she never learned to play. Noelle once saved Gabriel Waters from a high school bully. There's no recognition in her eyes, but there's something else that tugs at his heart--pain and distrust. Unexpected attraction burns warm and sweet, but their pasts could turn the promise of love to ashes.

A PORTUGUESE CHRISTMAS

Injured during a Portuguese surfing competition, Krystal is determined to defy doctor's orders to make it home to Rhode Island by Christmas. First, though, she has to get past handsome, arrogant Adolfo Silva.

Keeping Krystal safe is Adolfo's first priority, but this bold, courageous woman's wings won't be clipped. Somehow, he must convince her that spending Christmas with him isn't the end of her world. Because she's become the center of his.

If you love to binge-watch a certain wholesome holiday movie channel, Josie Riviera's holiday romance bundle is the perfect gift to yourself. Cozy up under a quilt with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy!

Buy Links:

Amazon http://a.co/eTK7PiA

Paperback: 

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Hearts-Wholesome-Romance-Bundle/dp/0999135635/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF7qid=1512174000&sr=8-1

GIVEAWAY

As a thank you from me to you for commenting today, I'm offering a free digital download of SEEKING CATHERINE, a sweet/spicy historical romance novella, when you subscribe to my newsletter. By subscribing, you'll receive sneak peeks, exclusive giveaways and stay updated on my new releases.

Here's the blurb: Bargained away to a brothel, she is beyond hope, beyond rescue...but not beyond the reach of the one man who can save her.

Here's the link:

http://www.josieriviera.wordpress.com

VANESSA KELLY'S IMPROPER PRINCESSES SERIES!

The Highlander's Princess Bride

Improper Princesses Book 3

by
Vanessa Kelly

Genre:
Historical Romance

In
Vanessa Kelly’s enchanting series, three young women descended from
royalty overcome their scandalous beginnings to win the hearts of
the ton’s
most eligible men . . .

The illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent might be expected to
pursue various dubious professions. Actress, perhaps, or artist’s
model. Even courtesan. Victoria Knight, however, has become a
governess—a respectable choice, until she travels to Scotland to
meet her new charges. The younger brothers of Nicholas Kendrick, Earl
of Arnprior, aren’t children at all. They’re brawny, wild
Highland men. As for the Earl, he’s handsome, guarded, and far too
compelling . . . especially for a woman hiding a dark secret.

Nick needs a proper teacher to transform his unmarriageable brothers—and
a sensible, 

straight-laced
wife for himself. Miss Knight seems to fit the bill on both counts.
But he soon discovers there is more to Victoria than he thought. It’s
not just her notorious origins, or the danger that’s followed her
all the way to Scotland. It’s the fiery loyalty beneath that sedate
façade. This, the real Victoria, is the woman Nick is starting to
desire so desperately. And what an earl wants, he’ll use every
seductive means to get . . .

THE HIGHLANDER'S PRINCESS BRIDE Excerpt: New Year’s Eve in Scotland:

“Bloody hell, you two,” Royal said. “It’s almost time. Best get a move on or we’ll miss it.”
“Miss what?” Victoria asked.
Nick pulled out his pocket watch. Only a minute or so until midnight.
“First Foot,” he said, escorting her up the wide stone steps to the front door.
“I’ve heard of it,” she said. “It’s an old Scottish tradition.”
“The first person to enter the home traditionally brings good luck for the rest of the year—if the appropriate conditions are met.”
“Appropriate conditions?” she asked.
“That it be a dark-haired male,” Royal said. “Nick usually does it, when he’s home.”
“And I’ll be doing it from now on,” Nick said. “You have the coal?”
Royal held up a small lump.
“Good heavens,” Victoria said with a laugh.
“Another tradition,” Royal said. “Angus would kill us if we didn’t carry in a piece of coal.”

When the bells of midnight began to chime all over the city, Nick pulled out the small purse of gold sovereigns he’d stowed in his greatcoat pocket before leaving the house. Then he rapped on the door. It swung open, revealing his family and most of the servants, lined up awaiting their arrival.
He stepped over the threshold. “A Happy New Year and Good Tidings to you and yours.”
Representing the household, Angus bustled forward. “Happy New Year, lad,” he said gruffly, giving him a quick hug.
“Happy New Year, Grandda.” Nick handed over the purse. “Make sure all the servants get one.”
Angus nodded. “And Good New Year to ye both,” he said to Victoria and Royal. He took a glass of whisky from one of the footmen and handed it to Nick. Another footman distributed small glasses to everyone else crowded in the hall.
Nick held up his glass. “Slainte, and Happy New Year.”
They cheered and toasted him back.
After the glasses were drained, they all began hugging and slapping one another on the back. When Kade tried to sneak an extra dram from the footman, Nick plucked the glass from his hand.
“That’s enough for you, laddie boy,” he said with mock severity.
“Spoilsport,” Kade said, then he threw his arms around Nick’s waist and gave him a fierce hug. “Happy New Year, Nick. I’m so glad we’re all here together.”
“Except for the twins,” said Braden, also coming up to give Nick a hug. “I suppose they had better things to do.”
“Such as flirt with pretty girls and enjoy themselves?” Victoria replied with a smile. “What shocking activities for young men.”
Braden rolled his eyes. “I know you think I’m an old stick-in-the mud, but I truly would rather be with my family.”
“I think you’re splendid,” Victoria said, giving him a hug. “But I also think you work too hard.”
Since coming to Glasgow, she’d been on a campaign to get the lad to ease up on his studies. But Braden was determined to gain admittance to medical school as soon as possible. He was the most disciplined, serious person Nick had ever known.
“Someone in this household has to earn his keep,” Royal said. “God knows the rest of us spend our days lazing about.”
“Speak for yourself,” Kade said, poking him in the arm. “I work very hard, as does Miss Knight.”
“True,” Royal said, ruffling his little brother’s hair.
Nick didn’t miss the bitter twist to his brother’s smile. Royal still hadn’t a clue what to do with his life.
“How about another wee dram in the drawing room?” Angus said.
“Yes, please,” said Kade. “I want to hear all about the party.”
Nick frowned. “It’s getting late, and you must be tired.”
When Kade started to protest, Victoria smoothly intervened. “I think we can make an exception. After all, it’s New Year’s.”
“So there.” Kade stuck his tongue out at Nick.
They all laughed and the family followed Angus into the drawing room. Nick held Victoria back. “Are you sure the boy’s not wearing himself out? He’s looking a little peaked to me.”
“He’s looking no such thing,” she said firmly. “The doctor said just yesterday how pleased he is with Kade’s progress. Stop worrying so much. I’m sure it’s not good for you.”
“Do you fear for my health, Madam Governess? If I fall ill and take to my bed, you’ll have to join me there. To personally attend to all my needs, of course.”
“Sir, I cannot imagine what you’re talking about.”
“Lass, you know exactly what I’m talking about,” he murmured, leaning in close. She smelled delicious, like peppermints and sweet tea.
Her lips twitched. “You are incorrigible,” she said before marching past him.

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ALSO IN THE IMPROPER PRINCESSES SERIES!

 

                             THREE WEEKS WITH A PRINCESS                    MY FAIR PRINCESS

Named
by Booklist as one of the “New Stars of Historical
Romance,” USA Today bestselling author

Vanessa Kelly’s
books have been nominated for awards in a number of contests. She is
also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Medallion for historical
romance. With a Master’s Degree in English Literature, Vanessa is
known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters,
and witty storylines that captivate readers. You can visit her on the
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