Another #Excerpt from ELLA’S COUGAR & RAFFLECOPTER Reminder!

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Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win one of TWO great prizes! The Grand Prize is a Kindle Paperwhite! Don’t delay—enter today! :)

Here’s another excerpt from ELLA’S COUGAR—Available NOW!

His cousin’s mate had always been cheerful and friendly, but now that she and Ethan were mated, the woman bubbled, even when she wasn’t saying anything. Though he kept his distance most of the time—being around a newly mated couple depressed most unmated shifters—Max never failed to make him smile. Her energy and joy was contagious, and he adored her company. She was the perfect mate for Ethan.

This time though, her presence couldn’t push away whatever he was feeling. He felt as though his heart was breaking, but how could it? Why today? Over the years he’d learned to accept his status. He would forever be alone, never part of a mated pair.

Unlucky enough to meet his mate when he was twelve years old, he’d been dealing with his situation for almost fifteen years. An anomaly in the shifter world, he’d only survived by the sheer will to live and beat the odds. Work, his cousin and their family, and now their new friends, helped him fight the depression and loneliness that threatened nearly every day.

Though he and Ethan were raised in the same home, shared by both families, most shifters lived alone until they found their mates. Many times, if a mate wasn’t found, a shifter could sink deep into a black hole of depression and never emerge. It wasn’t unheard of for an unmated shifter to die of loneliness.

A mated shifter that didn’t claim their mate faced the same risks as an unmated one. His feelings had been easier to control because he met her when they were only children, but once found, both shifters and their mates experience extreme and often confusing desires toward each other.

He’d often wondered what it had been like for her, meeting him so young and watching him change from an animal to a boy and back.

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Let’s Do Another #Giveaway—CANDI’S BUCK!

CANDI’S BUCK is Book 4 in the Chestnut Rock Series!

Here’s the blurb for CANDI’S BUCK:

Candi Smith spends her days working her dream job as head chef in her brother’s new restaurant. The café’s early operating hours allow her a daily walk in the forest and time to visit her special place, the alcove. When a buck starts to visit the alcove as well, she learns there’s one thing better than being alone in the forest. Candi’s feelings for the buck are confusing but they become more unusual when she meets Aiden.

Aiden Montgomery is a zoology professor and a deer shifter. His job is rewarding, but a run through the forest in his buck form is the perfect way to end to his day. Forty is fast approaching and his age, combined with his scarred leg, are reminders he isn’t worthy of a mate. He keeps the loneliness at bay by drowning in projects for work, seemingly content with his life. When he sees Candi for the first time, and recognizes her as his mate, her youth and perfection persuade him he doesn’t deserve her.

Aiden is driven to spend small amounts of time with Candi, convinced his intense feelings will be easier to control if he gets her out of his system. The plan backfires and leaves the pair unhappy, despite the love they share. He knows they can’t be together, but Aiden feels he owes Candi the truth about their connection. Candi’s not as naïve as she seems and she has her own plans for her buck.

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I’ve got two CANDI’S BUCK swag packs to give away!!

To enter: Leave me a comment and tell me why Aiden doesn’t think he’s worthy of a mate! Don’t forget to leave your EMAIL, too!

I’ll pick the giveaway winners at 8PM, Eastern! Good Luck! :)

~Jane

99 cent Shape Shifter novella re-release - COYOTE GORGEOUS by Vijaya Schartz

COYOTE GORGEOUS has just been re-released (after the closing of Sapphire Blue Publishing). The author is now making it available for 99 cents everywhere eBooks are sold. Grab it along with her other 99 cents romantic suspense novella, A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS (doesn't have to be Christmas for a good story).

Check it out at: AMAZON KINDLE - B&N nook - ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS - SMASHWORDS and other distributors.

Arizona Game Ranger Madison Huntley, investigating a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, discovers disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not scary tales.

Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, forging haunting sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, with no recollection of what he did the night before, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?

Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe...

REVIEWS:
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"So many times my theory of who done it was thwarted and yet I was thrilled to stay on the edge of my seat until the very last word just to find out." Five stars - Book Junkie Reviews

"...excellent characters... well written. Fascinated about the subject matter and the legends..." Five hearts - Romance Book Scene

Check it out at: AMAZON KINDLE - B&N nook - ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS - SMASHWORDS and other distributors.

Vijaya Schartz

Blasters, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Excerpt 3 from Winter’s Requiem, Historical/fantasy, PG

Available in Print and Ebook

http://kelleyheckart.com/winters_requiem.html

Winter’s Requiem, Book 3, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy

Blurb:

Three different women, one ancient curse…

An ancient curse is revealed, leading Domelch, Brigit and Cailleach into certain danger amid a web of deceit. Can they break the curse and put the shattered pieces of their lives back together?

Excerpt:

“Ungild, I am retiring to my room for the night. I will not need your services.” Cailleach concentrated on concealing her thoughts, hoping the old woman would not detect her deceit. Wrapping herself in shadows, she pretended to walk toward the hall to the royal quarters, but instead slipped silently into the woods.

She’d been careful not to use magic around the mortals, but tonight she had no choice if she was to test Aethelfrith’s heart. Concealing herself among thick bushes, she stepped out of her clothes. Her naked skin prickled in the cold autumn night, but the feeling of being naked filled her with a sense of freedom—freedom from the binding fabric, freedom from the laws of mortals.

Calling on her powers, she used all of her concentration and strength, aware of her weakness in this foreign land. Her body tingled with the transformation, her flesh twisted and shifted, sprouting black feathers.

The raven let out a harsh cry, ruffling her feathers and taking flight. Happiness filled her at the freedom this shape gave her to slip undetected through the night, soaring on wings across the treetops. The cold air bounced off her insulated body, her wings slicing with ease through a night illuminated by a full moon. The sounds of pounding hooves and jangling bridles reached her ears and she changed course, flying toward the river. Below outstretched branches, she spotted Aethelfrith and his band of warriors. They emerged from the woodlands into a clearing in pursuit of a stag.

Cailleach flapped her wings faster to increase her speed so she could keep up with the swift hunters. She recalled the thrill of hunting, her heart fluttering with excitement. The riders spread out around the fleeing stag in a skillful formation, cutting off its escape. The majestic beast fell under the might of the roaring spears.

Alighting on a nearby branch, Cailleach waited for the warriors to gather their prize stag, knowing they would probably stop to rest now.

A small fire sparked below. The warriors gathered around for warmth. Drinking horns gleamed in the moonlight, laughter carried up into the night.

It was time. Cailleach shrugged off the nervous jitters surging through her body, uncertain of what she wanted to happen. Spreading her wings, she landed on the ground, calling on more magic. Her body shifted, her flesh pulling and shaping into the sagging flesh of an old, ugly woman. In this tormented body, she did not have the same joyful feelings as she embraced in the raven’s body. The gnarled, painful joints twisted in a hideous angle, the naked flesh wrinkled and sagging. A sudden terrifying thought filled her that her senses about Aethelfrith were wrong. If he failed her test, she might not have the strength to change her shape back and she would be stuck in the hideous body.

It has to be this way. It has always been this way.

Naked and limping through the trees, she emerged before the warriors who sat in a circle around the fire. All heads turned toward her.

“Who here will give warmth to a lost, cold old woman?” Her voice sounded like a raven’s harsh croak. She parted her lips in a smile, revealing blackened and chipped teeth.

Theodbald looked at her with disgust. “Old woman, you will find no warmth here. Be off with you,” he barked, waving her away.

“Wait.” Aethelfrith stood, peering at her. “Take this to cover yourself.” He took off his cloak and approached her, draping it across her naked shoulders.

She looked at him, hoping he would see through the guise. Her chest tightened in apprehension. “Would you warm an old woman’s frozen lips?”

He gazed at her as if looking right through her. Cailleach’s heart quickened. He pressed a kiss to her lips, awakening the magic.

Her body changed, the bent, swollen joints straightening, the sagging skin tightening into the shape of a young, beautiful woman.

“What is this?” He stared wide-eyed at her.

“King of the land of Bernicia, I am Sovereignty and your seed shall be sown over every kin,” she said, hardly able to keep from revealing herself to him.

He peered at her, recognition glimmering in his eyes. “Frige?”

She gave him an enigmatic smile and called on the magic to change her shape into a raven. The cloak landed in a heap on the ground at Aethelfrith’s feet. Her transformation used the last of her powers until she could rest and gain more strength. The raven stared up at him and let out a parting croak. Flapping wings carried Cailleach away into the moonlit night, her thoughts troubled. She should be happy that he had the heart of a king, but something didn’t feel right.

A blanket of mist sparkled and shimmered beneath the ghostly splash of moonlight over the river dividing Bernicia from Gododdin. The fog emitted an unearthly radiance, parting as if opening a doorway. She tried to turn to avoid entering the strange mist, realizing it was a trap, but the fog surrounded her. In her weakened state, Cailleach’s magic was nothing more than a harmless ember that faded into a cold ash. She experienced a sense of confusion, the cold, wet mist capturing her.

Cailleach struggled to escape the trap. She sensed that Badb had tricked her, luring her here with magic. Badb knew Cailleach was unable to resist the temptation to test the prince for kingship and would be too weak after working such strong magic to be able to escape the trap. The fog encircled Cailleach with a memory, one she wanted to close her mind against. She tried to fight the powerful, magical pull.

I cannot escape from my past.

****

'Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants them with her words.'

Karen McGill, Coffee Time Romance

 

Kelley Heckart

'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/ Check out my long hair hotties!

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

My book page at Mundania Press: http://www.mundania.com/author.php?author=Kelley+Heckart

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Excerpt 2 from Winter’s Requiem, Historical/fantasy, PG

Available in Print and Ebook

http://kelleyheckart.com/winters_requiem.html

Winter’s Requiem, Book 3, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy

Blurb:

Three different women, one ancient curse…

An ancient curse is revealed, leading Domelch, Brigit and Cailleach into certain danger amid a web of deceit. Can they break the curse and put the shattered pieces of their lives back together?

Excerpt:

Night and day melted into one. The weakening sun stirred her heart, its rays reaching lower in the sky, cleaving deep, twilight shadows. A mighty river cut a wide swath through a land of rolling hills, the heather bloom turned tender colors by autumn’s kiss, ringed by furrowed alder and pale birch. Cailleach pressed her cheek against the smooth bark of a birch, sensing the power stored within the ancient tree. The sounds of people chattering faded away, leaving her with a calming feeling.

“Do not wander too far off, my love. Enemy lands lie just across the river. It would fill me with dread if you were to be taken captive.” Aethelfrith’s strong arms enfolded her.

She rested her head against his shoulder. “I needed to be alone, away from all the constant chatter that muddles my thoughts.”

“I understand, but this gathering is very important to me,” he said, “and I am honored to have you at my side.” He pressed his cheek against her head.

“It is important to me as well.” He would be tested tomorrow night. Will I be tested as well? The warmth of his body caressed her, and the wonder of the grove awakened her senses. “This is a beautiful place. I understand why your priests chose it.” The river sparkled in the faint sunlight, capturing the beauty of the hills and woodlands reflected on its surface.

“Then come with me,” he said, gazing down at her. “The ritual will begin soon after sunset.”

“Already I smell the blood of the slaughtered beasts.” Her heart leaped in a hurried beat, excitement growing at the significance of the sacrifices—the power of the night of thinning barriers. But being in Brigit’s strange body and having her lost memories back left Cailleach with an odd feeling of reluctance.

He stepped away from her, holding out his hand. The prince had a captivating effect on her, his tender smile drawing her in. She accepted his hand and they walked together toward the grove.

The grove of oak, alder and birch shuddered with the force of hundreds of people, wrapped tight in cloaks, gathered outside the fenced off sacred area. A hush fell over the crowd as handfuls of oxen were brought forth amid a twinkling pathway of flaming torches. Without sufficient fodder to keep the beasts alive through winter, their great sacrifice would ensure the survival of the people over the harsh winter.

Cailleach had witnessed many such sacrifices. She shuddered, glancing up at Aethelfrith’s face. His gaze rested on the priests. He watched with interest as the long knives arced downward, spraying the beasts’ blood. She tried not to think of the one sacrifice she performed that ended in tragedy, wishing she could forget that horrible memory.

The priest’s voice echoed, dedicating the sacrifices to the fertility goddess, Frige. A chill touched her at the mention of the goddess. Aethelfrith gazed down at her. He squeezed her hand, a knowing smile on his lips. The strong touch of his warm male hand reassured her.

With whetted blades, the heads, being the anima of the beast, were removed from the carcasses and strung up in trees to appease the goddess. The ghastly ornaments bobbed from half-bare branches, illuminated by the rising moon. Slaves carted off the bodies to be prepared in the kitchens for a feast, the leftovers to be salted and eaten throughout the winter.

“There is one more rite to be witnessed.” Aethelfrith held her hand in a tight grip, his strong, bare jaw clenched.

Gleaming with the translucence of a moonbeam, a milk white horse pulling a chariot entered the grove. Silence fell like a veil over those gathered. Cailleach’s eyes widened with awe at the sight of such a splendid beast that she barely noticed the two occupants riding in the chariot. Both men wore flowing white robes embroidered in golden spirals, but one of them also wore a golden crown, identifying him as King Hussa.

The priest and the king observed each neigh and action of the horse before the expectant crowd. Cailleach knew this to be a divine beast, nourished in a sacred wood and employed in no earthly labor.

Ungild stepped from the shadows, her eyes brightening with surprise and approval. Cailleach sensed the presages divined from the horse’s actions had something to do with Aethelfrith.

The king addressed the gathering. His great stature and flowing blond locks gave him godlike qualities, the golden crown sparkling with an unearthly radiance on his brow. “The gods have spoken. The enemy will be routed under the force of our mighty armies. We have much to celebrate tonight.” His gaze rested in the direction where Aethelfrith stood.

Theodbald stood close to Aethelfrith, arms crossed and bearded jaw set in a grim line of intimidation, his stare aimed at King Hussa’s warriors. A handful of young, smooth-jawed warriors, mixed in with handfuls of seasoned warriors, flanked Aethelfrith in a protective arc behind their lord.

“Do you think King Hussa will allow us into his hall tonight?” Theodbald spoke low to his brother.

Cailleach sensed a change in the king, his stare warm and inviting instead of filled with malice. The white horse had divined in Aethefrith’s favor.

“I think he will do more than that, brother,” Aethelfrith grinned, squeezing Cailleach’s hand.

The crowd of warriors, craftsmen and farmers dissipated, drawn to the raging bonfire rising in the center of the clearing. Towering flames consumed the stack of wood, writhing and crackling with intensity. Servants brought forth flagons of mead and ale to the eager crowd and drinking horns glittered in the darkness. Music rang through the night on resonating strings entangled with sharp, airy flutes and chased by galloping drums, entertaining the crowd as they awaited the opening of the mead hall doors.

Aethelfrith pulled Cailleach into his arms, keeping to the shadows. “You have brought me good fortune.” He pressed a quick, tender kiss to her lips.

His kiss filled her with warmth. “I hope it is good fortune I have brought you,” she said, her thoughts mixed. The flames of the bonfire flicked out and stretched across the darkness, reminding her of ill-tempered spirits searching out the innocent to torment.

The mead hall doors swung open. Light and warmth spilled into the frigid night. A herald stepped out, pressing a horn to his lips. The harsh sound carried across the clearing, a welcome sound to the hungry guests.

Aethelfrith straightened his shoulders, his bearing one of confidence. He looked down at her, expressing regret. “I wish to have you at my side, but...”

The customs of these people irritated her. Even in Aethelfrith’s own hall, she could not sit at his side. “I understand. We will meet later.”

She fell back into the shadows, watching her golden prince with his band of warriors stop at the open doors. Two large door wardens looked them over, one of them grunting out a request. “King Hussa requests that you sit at an honored place at the table.”

“He does?” Aethelfrith flashed the door warden a smug grin. “Why, Hunwald, you seem almost disappointed that you cannot throw me out.”

Hunwald grunted and moved aside to allow Aethelfrith and his men entry into the hall. The dim, smoky hall swallowed her prince. Sighing, she debated whether to enter with the women. The thought of enduring an entire night in a packed hall with awful smells and endless noise turned her stomach.

“So, it displeases you how women are treated among the sons of Woden.”

Ungild’s voice was a welcome intrusion to her tonight. “It is not the way of my people,” Cailleach said. The words sent a prickle across the back of her neck, reminding her she did not belong here.

“To an outsider it may seem that women are mistreated. They are kept in the shadows, but the men welcome their council. Women are honored. Our way is just different,” Ungild said, glancing at the hall doors. “Sadly, I do not have the honors here that I enjoy in Aethelfrith’s hall. We can sit with the women or we can stay out in the night.”

“Staying out in the night is the more welcome choice, but I feel I must be inside.”

“Near Aethelfrith.” Ungild’s expression remained impassive, but her voice sounded discontented.

“That still displeases you.”

“I think you know you do not belong here.” Ungild proceeded into the hall.

A chill wind bit at her face and penetrated her wool tunic dress. Cailleach pulled her cloak tight and followed Ungild into the warm hall.

****

'Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants them with her words.'

Karen McGill, Coffee Time Romance

 

Kelley Heckart

'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/ Check out my long hair hotties!

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

My book page at Mundania Press: http://www.mundania.com/author.php?author=Kelley+Heckart

My author page on amazon.com:

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Excerpt 1 from Winter’s Requiem, Historical/fantasy Rated R

Available in Print and Ebook

http://kelleyheckart.com/winters_requiem.html

Winter’s Requiem, Book 3, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy

Blurb:

Three different women, one ancient curse…

An ancient curse is revealed, leading Domelch, Brigit and Cailleach into certain danger amid a web of deceit. Can they break the curse and put the shattered pieces of their lives back together?

Excerpt:

The darkness and fear of this night grew powerful wings on the back of a sudden thunderstorm. Thunder rumbled, riding the sky on the pounding hooves of a ferocious warhorse. Flashes of lightning cleaved the darkened sky above Dunadd, revealing the glint of a sky warrior’s mighty sword.

Within the surly clouds, Domelch imagined she saw Cailleach’s amber eyes flickering with danger, taunting her. For what I came for, you are not ready yet. From out of the past, Cailleach’s veiled words still haunted her.

Domelch stood outside the dun as wind, rain and lightning lashed out at the towering fortress. Cold rain erupted from the black-bellied clouds, soaking her hair, skin and clothes. The sodden tunic dress clung to her body, weighing her down against the vicious wind. Her skin numbed to the frozen rain. “Leave us be!” she shouted, boldly standing up to the wrathful storm, challenging the forces of nature, and Cailleach.

“Domelch, are ye mad?” Aedan pulled her inside.

Shivering, she clung to Aedan’s warm, dry body. Water dripped from her onto the rushes.

“Ye will catch an ague,” he said, looking down at her with concern. “What were ye thinking, lass?”

“I know Cailleach is out there. The storm has her deathly cold touch.” Her teeth chattered uncontrollably.

“Come, we must get ye warm.” Aedan pulled her up the steps to their bedchamber.

A blazing fire greeted her, the flames reaching out to dry her wet clothes and skin with welcome, fiery arms.

“Off with yer clothes,” he said, standing her near the warming fire.

He helped her undress, pulling a blanket around her nakedness. The warmth and softness of the wool caressed her cold, shivering skin.

“Ye feel colder than a frozen blade.”

The warmth from the fire calmed Domelch’s trembling limbs. She leaned into Aedan, seeking the heat from his body, laying her head against his wide chest. His arms tightened around her in a tender embrace.

Thunder faded away across the hills to a low rumble, the storm gone as fast as it had arrived. It would be just like Cailleach to announce her awakening like that, she thought, snuggling closer to Aedan, nestling her hips against his bulging manhood. With only a blanket covering her naked body and a warm fire to make her body flush, she tingled with amorous delight.

He moved her damp hair away from her neck and kissed her, his warm lips heating her blood with desire. “Are ye feeling playful, my she-cat?” He licked her ear lobe, making her squirm against him. “We have some time before the evening meal.”

“Very much so,” she panted, the heat of her body growing. Something about the storm, the rain and the fire awakened her passion and left her quivering with arousal. Magic stirred the air on this Samhain Eve and filled her with pent up urges. The blanket dropped to the floor in a heap. She turned around to face him.

“This is a welcome surprise,” he whispered in a husky, craving voice.” Desire flickered in his eyes. Aedan’s hands searched out her breasts, lightly pinching her nipples to taut peaks. “Ye are still the most beautiful lass,” he whispered, his voice rough with longing. He picked her up in his strong arms and carried her over to the bed. Her pulse raced in anticipation, thrilled to have the love of such a vigorous male.

****

'Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants them with her words.'

Karen McGill, Coffee Time Romance

 

Kelley Heckart

'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

My book page at Mundania Press: http://www.mundania.com/author.php?author=Kelley+Heckart

My author page on amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

The Morrigan

Most people don’t think of faeries as frightening beings like vampires or werewolves, but there are many different types of faeries, some good and some evil. One of these more frightening faeries is the Irish faerie The Morrigan, also called Morrigu. Her name means Phantom Queen and she isn’t the typical faerie like the better-known Tinkerbell, gossamer-winged, tiny, benevolent faeries that most people know.

 

The Morrigan is a battle goddess associated with the Irish Tuatha de Danaan, one of the mythical races of ancient Ireland. These are the faeries that J.R.R. Tolkien based his elves on, and they are human size fae. W.B. Yeats writes about them in Celtic Twilight, ‘Tribes of the goddess Danu are indeed tall and noble, and they can take shapes and sizes that are not their true shapes and sizes.’

As a battle goddess, the Morrigan holds the fate of warriors and is sometimes seen as the washerwoman at the ford, a gruesome hag washing the bloody clothes of a warrior about to die in battle. She is also a fertility goddess—a goddess of death as well as renewal. She is often viewed as the destructive aspect of the Triple Goddess, her other forms are Badb and Nemhain. The Morrigan may have been part of a megalithic triad—three goddesses called The Mothers that were similar to the Greek Fates. She is neither good nor evil, but an unpredictable force that is best approached with caution. The Morrigan is associated with the crow and raven, and often appears in those shapes.

In my stories, she is Morrigan, a capricious, shape-shifting deity comparable in temperament to the Norse god Loki. She appears in the aspect of Badb in Winter’s Requiem, the third book in my Dark Goddess trilogy. The Morrigan is my favorite Irish faerie and appears in various forms in four of my books. I think what I like best about her is her unpredictability and how she straddles the line between good and evil.

The Morrigan is a fae/goddess to be wary of, especially since her appearance could foreshadow death.

Three different women, one ancient curse…

http://kelleyheckart.com/winters_requiem.html

 

Kelley Heckart

'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/ Check out my long hair hotties!

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Excerpt 1 from Beltaine’s Song, Historical/fantasy, PG

Samhain is a somber night for the main characters in the second book of my Dark Goddess trilogy because they are haunted by the vengeful goddess called Cailleach who wants to destroy them. My story is set in a time when Christianity began taking hold in parts of Scotland, but the pagan ways were till very much alive, especially among the farmers. In this Dark Age time period kings were likely to be Christian, but most were Christian in name only.

Available in Print and Ebook

http://kelleyheckart.com/BeltainesSong.html

Beltaine’s Song, Book 2, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy

Blurb: For each of them, spring's song has a different meaning.

Aedan and Domelch must battle earthly foes—enemy kings and traitorous allies. For the first time, the arrival of spring heralds the sound of a harsh battle horn as their foes close in. Through all this turmoil, can their love survive?

For their son, Gartnait, spring brings with it the promise of new love and the thrilling sound of the battle horn, putting those he cares about in danger.

Excerpt:

Wood smoke scented the air. Through the wide branched oak trees, nearly bare of leaves, the valley below glowed with bonfires, which would be snuffed out to symbolize the dying of the sun and relit in the spring when the sun was reborn. To some, this still symbolized the death and rebirth of the sun god. A blood red moon gazed down on the somber scene and a sense of relief washed through her. Cailleach's power lay in the waning moon and the full moon gave Domelch comfort.

A few brave souls gathered near the bonfires. The sorrowful notes of a flute stirred Domelch's heart. The somber notes echoed within the mist that crept from the darkest corners. Voices joined the flute, chanting in mournful tones, the words lost in the night. Mist swirled around the valley, hovering above the reaped fields and rising toward the pointed thatched roofs of the village homes. Next to the homes, the new Christian church, built outside the fortress to accommodate the growing village, lay in darkness. She imagined the monk, huddled in the back of the church where he lived, trembling beneath his blanket on this night when the veil grew thinnest between the earthly realm and the land of the dead. Sensing the sorrow of the night, she knew candles burned in each house to honor those family members who had died.

She tried to see Aedan's face in the moonlit night to judge his reaction to the scene below. “Does it bother you that they still celebrate pagan holidays?”

“Nae. As much as I want to believe the Christian doctrines, a part of me understands how important it is to honor the spirits of the land, of nature.” He pulled her closer to him.

A warm feeling washed over her. She knew he would never admit that to anyone else except her. The villagers continued chanting, snatches of their words floated up to them. Gone were the long ago large gatherings and rituals to honor this dark time of the year, marking the beginning of the new year, but parts of the rituals were kept alive by the few who still believed.

“I hope they do not draw her attention.” Domelch shivered despite the warmth of her cloak and Aedan's arms. She thought the back of her neck tingled where the cat's claw brand had once bound her as Cailleach's servant. Somewhere off in the shelter of trees away from prying eyes, people still gathered to honor the goddess of the land in her aspect of Destroyer, possibly offering human sacrifices to her to ensure that the cycles would continue unbroken.

“She will not come.”

“How do you know that?” The confidence in his voice surprised her.

“I cannot explain it. 'Tis a feeling I have.”

She remembered the secret she kept from Aedan, the one she promised Columcille she would never tell him—that he had fae blood, even worse, it was Cailleach's blood. What it meant, she had no idea, but he probably had some kind of connection to her through his blood.

The chanting chilled her heart, the sense of spirits running free hidden in the mists, nagged at her. Even if Cailleach's shadow did not hang over them every year at this time, this night still gave her a sense of fear. A large talon seemed to reach out of the darkest part of the earth and snatch the sun away, blighting the land with snow and death.

****

Kimberly
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

‘This story is a remarkable one on so many levels. The theme spoke to my soul and touched my heart. The warrior women made this story sing for me…I adored the way Ms. Heckart tangled religion and politics into a tale that held my interest to the very end.’

Kelley Heckart

'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

http://www.goodreads.com/kheckart

My book page at Mundania Press

http://www.mundania.com/author.php?author=Kelley+Heckart

My author page on amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

 

A Greek vampire, Celtic kings, vengeful goddesses, an ancient faery curse…

Thanks for inviting me to the Goddess Fish Party blog to promote my new Print release. I am excited that my Dark Goddess trilogy is now complete and all three books are available in Print and Ebook.

Set in Dark Age Scotland, I mixed history with a Samhain/Beltaine myth that revolves around an Irish clan and the goddesses Brigit and Cailleach.

http://kelleyheckart.com/cats_curse.html

Cat's Curse, Book 1: Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical romance/fantasy

Enter Dark Age Scotland—a mysterious, dangerous & exciting place…

Blurb: Cardea is cursed to live an eternity as a blood drinker. Aedan mac Gabrain, prince of Dal Riata, trusts no one after suffering a curse that keeps him from touching any females. Can two tortured souls find love while battling a dark goddess determined to destroy them?

Reviewer Top Pick! This amazing story is very refreshing in the current romance genre. The storyline had a bunch of twists and turns that kept my attention and intrigued me with anticipation. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book (Beltaine's Song), Book Two in the Dark Goddess Trilogy, as I have become addicted to the strength, courage and real human facets of the characters in this saga.
Reviewed by: Lydia Ferrari at Night Owl Romance Reviews

****

http://kelleyheckart.com/winters_requiem.html

Winter’s Requiem, Book 3, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy

Blurb:

Three different women, one ancient curse…

An ancient curse is revealed, leading Domelch, Brigit and Cailleach into certain danger amid a web of deceit.

Can they break the curse and put the shattered pieces of their lives back together?

‘4 Cups! This story is a remarkable one on so many levels. The theme spoke to my soul and touched my heart. The warrior women made this story sing for me…I adored the way Ms. Heckart tangled religion and politics into a

tale that held my interest to the very end.’ 

Kimberly
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

****

http://kelleyheckart.com/BeltainesSong.html

Beltaine’s Song, Book 2, Dark Goddess Trilogy, Celtic historical/fantasy

Blurb: For each of them, spring's song has a different meaning.

Aedan and Domelch must battle earthly foes—enemy kings and traitorous allies. For the first time, the arrival of spring heralds the sound of a harsh battle horn as their foes close in. Through all this turmoil, can their love survive?

For their son, Gartnait, spring brings with it the promise of new love and the thrilling sound of the battle horn, putting those he cares about in danger.

'Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants them with her words.'

Karen McGill, Coffee Time Romance

****

 

Kelley Heckart

'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

My book page at Mundania Press: http://www.mundania.com/author.php?author=Kelley+Heckart

My author page on amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Concentric Circles, Aithne Jarretta, Paranormal Romance Author

Author Aithne Jarretta, Paranormal Romance Author. Hope you're having a magical day! First let me say thank you, Goddess Fish for opening your pages for all the wonderful authors visiting today.
Paranormal is fun and I hope Readers will take advantage of the opportunity to win a $10 gift card by posting lots of comments.

What do I hope to hear from readers? Well, I'm hoping you'll share YOUR paranormal perspectives. What paranormal elements do you like in the romance novels you read? Is it time travel? How about ghosts? Are you glued to pages where vampires jump out and get you or werewolves howl for your love?

This is time for my confession. I've written about each of these in some form or another. Wouldn't consider myself a Paranormal Romance Author if I didn't.

One thing I would like to share with you is that frequently some of my favorite inspirations don't come from the usual places... Sure, ghosties and shapeshifters are fun. ;-) But truthfully sometimes earthly elements we encounter each day can be woven into magical worlds.

Here's a never before posted excerpt from CONCENTRIC CIRCLES in which Shayla explains seeing Meekal's magic.

“During your fight with Zubird, I saw your magic.” Shayla faced him and moved closer. Hands moving in the air around him, she motioned with flexing fingers. “It’s purple—so beautiful. Like little stars on fire in purple flames. I saw it consume Zubird’s black magic. What was that? I mean—I saw Seamus’ aura of fear when I went to Syther’s lair, but this was different. It’s like everything suddenly became clear to me about us, but even that opens more questions.”
“There is a legend,” Meekal said huskily. “When God created souls, each came from a single sphere of fire. I’m amazed and awed that you saw it in action.”
“I’ve never heard that legend. Even with all my reading.”
“Aye, well it’s because you’ve been sheltered from magic. That isn’t the main point.”
Shayla tickled his pulse point with moist lips. “Humm.”
He swallowed and leaned away. “Within each sphere of fire resided two souls in polarity—male and female. They are unique in divine design. No one else matches them.” He hesitated, allowing her loving gaze to study him. “Some stories refer to such souls as twin flames. Unlike soul mates, they truly have a single origin.”
“Twin flames?”
“Aye. To see my purple flames—well,” he said, looking at her with an expression of tenderness.
“It confirms what you said..." Shayla whispered softly.


CONCENTRIC CIRCLES:  $0.99  http://amzn.to/cc-99cent
Follow @AithneJarretta on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AithneJarretta If you're a new follower, post on my page that you found me through Goddess Fish Promotions and I'll put your name into a magic box for a drawing to win FREE copy of WYNDY: IN A HEARTBEAT  http://amzn.to/wyndy-99cents. (in case you want to peek)

Don't forget to comment here so that you'll have a chance for the $10 GC from Goddess Fish Promotions. ;D I'd really like to hear your favorite perspective on paranormal. (since it's so late,I'll comment back tomorrow) Have an awesome night and bless you.


Updated: October 3, 2011

Yes, I came back. ;D  I just wanted to give a broad spectrum Thank You to Goddess Fish for hosting me this past weekend. They had a wonderful turnout. I was hoping one of my commenters won the GC. vbg

Anyway... the comments were excellent (I applaude you) so I answered each one individually as though in an interview. Aithne Jarretta reveals some secret nuggets below.


Have a beautiful week. Happy reading!

~ Aithne
Indulge in the Magic ~ Feed Your Romantic Spirit
http://twitter.com/#!/AithneJarretta

Lust Undone-Night Seekers: Book Three

Available June 15 from Ellora's Cave
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9352-lust-undone.aspx
Blurb

Returning to her home state of Maine to investigate a possible Chupacabra killing, Sophia Black meets Clint Beltaire, lean, dark and sexy. From the moment she meets him the heat between them is incendiary, the sex erotic and the pleasure beyond her imagination. Clint takes her in ways that fulfill all of her fantasies and teaches her ways to please him. The Maine air might be cold but in Sophia’s motel room it’s beyond boiling. Clint works to help her with her case, using his knowledge of the area in which he grew up. And as they learn each others secrets it’s obvious to both of them that they are meant to be together. Mated.

Exccerpt:
Sophia watched her, eyes tracking to the man behind the bar. And unexpectedly her pulse kicked over and heat flashed through her.
What the hell is this?
But the man seemed to carry an electric charge around him. He wasn’t that tall, not even six feet, she guessed. But inside the plaid shirt with the rolled up sleeves she could see the outline of a compact muscular body. Thick dark hair touched the collar of the shirt and she could see it sprinkled on his arms where they were visible. His face was rugged rather than handsome, at least as much as she could tell from that distance. A good case of five o’clock shadow gave him an intriguingly dangerous look. Then he raised his eyes to scan the booth and she felt their impact clear to her toes.
Sophia wriggled in her seat, trying to still the sudden ramped up beat of her pulse in her cunt. Why on earth in the midst of this crisis did her hormones suddenly decide to take a walk on the wild side?
“He and Frenchy sure don’t look anything alike,” she told her sister.
“I know. Hot, isn’t he? Every woman in the county’s been trying to get his attention.” Bec looked up from studying the menus. “And this seems to work out for both of them.” She gave her sister a knowing look and her mouth curved in a tiny smile. “Go on and introduce yourself to him, Soph. You know Frenchy always had a soft spot for you. You can ask him to pass along your greetings.”
“No.” Sophia shook her head. “No need to.”
“Chicken. Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a good looking man.”
“Of course not.” She buried herself in the menu.
“Come on.” Rebecca set her menu down and pushed against Logan to slide out of the booth. “Let’s go say hello. It will take your mind off the meeting we just had.” She made a face. “And the one tomorrow morning. Besides, I want to ask about his almost-uncle.”
“I don’t think—”
“Right. Don’t think.” She grabbed her sister’s hand and practically dragged her out of the booth. “He doesn’t bite. I promise.”
Sophia reluctantly let herself be towed across the room by her sister. Her instincts were telling her she was stepping into a danger zone.
Get it together, Black. He’s just some bartender in a town you’ll never be in again after this gig.
The man was polishing a small area of the bar with a cloth when Rebecca rapped on the heavy wood to get his attention.
“Saw you come in, Bec.” His voice had a low, smoky sound to it. “You surely do bring this place some class.”
Rebecca laughed. “Well, now you can double it. This is my sister. Sophia Black, meet Clint Beaudine.”
He dropped the rag, swiped his hand on the leg of his jeans and held it across the bar. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Sophia put her small hand in his large one and nearly jumped at the electric shock that ran through her arm and into her body. She looked at Clint and saw the same reaction reflected in his eyes, an amber-flecked hazel. He squeezed her hand lightly before releasing it.
“A real pleasure.” His words were like a caress skating over her skin.
Sophia couldn’t take her eyes from him. She couldn’t remember a time, ever, that a man had affected her this way.

Who rules the Night? Night Seekers

The Chupacabra has been a legend for decades, stretching from South America to North America, sighted in many place. Ranchers swore they’d killed it only to have it turn out to be a mutated goat or coyote. And the killing spree continued—animals and humans alike. Was it a wolf because of the way the bodies were mutilated? Or a vampire, because each body and three puncture wounds at the neck and was drained of blood? Each time someone was sure he had killed the beast it turned out to be a false alarm, because the killings continued. And the legend continued to grow.

When billionaire Jason Stafford’s wife and daughter were killed by the legendary bloodthirsty Chupacabra and none of the state or federal agencies could trace the half man/half animal, he funded his own team. He chose carefully from the best law enforcement agencies as well as the private sector across the country. Six of the eight selected are shifters themselves, each representing a wolf pack whose members had fallen prey to killers. Each one of them had also been affected by the beast and so had personal reasons to find and kill it. Known simply as The Night Seekers (because they hunt most effectively at night), they work from an isolated ranch property in Texas, with all the latest high tech equipment and any other resources they might need. Their only mission: find and stop the Chupacabra, the bloodthirsty animal who not only kills but literally destroys his victims with his teeth and nails, and has given rise to so many legends. But first they have to discover how their target moves so easily around the entire country, and sift through the hundreds of files compiled on the many cases and sightings.  

Driven by the thirst for revenge and the need to satisfy their lust, each member of the team will have his or her own story, one liberally packed with erotic sex, and in the course of the mission will find a relationship that brings stability to their lives. And with each relationship, the team continues to grow.

Team Members

Jonah Grey: former FBI, a loner and a shifter. The Chupacabra killed the human he was about to mate with

Mark Stafford: former sheriff’s deputy from a Texas border county and also a shifter. The Chupacabra killed his closest friend

Sophia Black: former detective with the State of Maine Highway Patrol. The Chupacabra killed her twin nephews.

Chelsea Roland: private investigator and a shifter. The Chupacabra killed her sister. In the course of her investigation she meets another shifter adrift from his pack, a hunter who frightens her at first.

Dante Martello: former Chicago homicide detective. The Chupacabra killed his wife.

Ricardo “Ric” Garza: former Texas Ranger and a shifter. The Chupacabra killed his mother.

Sam Brody: former Georgia Bureau of Investigation and a shifter. The Chupacabra killed his father.

Logan Tanner: former Montana sheriff and a shifter The Chupacabra killed his brother and sister-in-law.