Tuesday, April 26, 2022

DAUGHTER OF LORE by Author Eileen Dreyer


Today we welcome one of my favorite authors, Eileen Dreyer, to Notes From a Romantic’s Heart. We’re featuring her book, Daughter of Lore, Book 1 of the Daughters of Myth series. You can find all the stops on Eileen’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Also, don’t forget to enter the giveaway. The entry form is at the end of this post.

GENRE: Paranormal Romance
He doesn’t believe...

Zeke Kendall doesn’t believe in fairies. He’s a scientist; an anthropologist who has spent the last ten years digging in the harsh deserts of the American Southwest. But things look a lot different in the soft green shadows of Ireland. There it is easier to believe that magic exists, especially when Zeke tumbles off a fairy mound and ends up in the arms of the beautiful Nuala, who seems to know everything about him. When she tells him she is a fairy, he actually wants to believe it, even as he knows better.

She can’t believe...

Nuala is daughter of Mab, Queen of Fairies. She has grown up in the twilightland of the fae, fiercely loyal and loving to her people. But she has also been in love with Zeke Kendall ever since she first saw him in her scrying water as a child. To now have him so close is both joy and torture.

For she is the heir to the great crown of the Tuatha de Danann fairy clan. She has no place in Zeke’s world. And he, a man drawn in the sharp edges of his deserts, has no place in hers. Even as passion rises and the love she’d only dreamed of blossoms into reality, Nuala knows that a future for them is impossible. And yet, she can’t find a way to send him back to his own world.

Note: This title was previously published as Dark Seduction

Available on Amazon

It was an impulse he couldn’t seem to control. It wasn’t a mountain. Not a bell tower from whose ramparts entire vistas could be viewed. Hell, it wasn’t even a good steep climb. It was just a big pile of loose rocks allegedly collected by the fairies. Even so, Zeke seemed to be suddenly afflicted by the age-old impulse to be King of the Hill. He wanted to stand on top.

There was mist against his face. Salt in the air that crept in from the ocean. Zeke climbed carefully, knowing that although the whole structure was solid, each rock was loose and an invitation to fall butt-first back to the ground.

He was holding his breath. How odd. It was as if, even with the sounds and smells and tastes around him, the world was holding absolutely still. Had stopped spinning on its daily axis just to watch Zeke Kendall climb a fairy hill.

He reached the top just after the sun set. The western sky was a gaudy red that faded to the purple of fuchsia closer to the sea.

Suddenly he caught sight of her. A flash of color, a waterfall of laughter, a scent of cloves and gorse. Not even thinking where he was, only that he had to catch her this time, Zeke spun on his heel. He saw her skip into the deep shadow. He yelled out to her.

He thought she called back. “No!” was what he thought he heard. But that couldn’t be right. So he called to her again.

He didn’t realize that from below him, his cries sounded like those of a man falling. His attention caught by a flash of peacock green in the shadows, Zeke lost his balance and went off the side of the cairn headfirst. He bounced forty feet straight down.

For a moment there was the startled cry of disturbed birds, the crash and rumble of a body falling. The sudden, stricken silence that inevitably followed.

But Zeke didn’t know. He didn’t know, because he was looking up into the most beautiful green eyes he’d ever seen.

He couldn’t take his gaze away from those grass-sweet eyes. “Don’t I know you?”

“You must get up, Zeke,” she said, leaning over him, her eyes anxious and her hands silken-soft as she patted at his cheek. “You have to get away before the queen sees you. It’s your only chance.”

“The queen?” he asked, smiling. Not feeling anything at all but the brush of her satiny fingers against his face.

She reached under his shoulders, trying to push him up. “The queen of fairies.”

“Sounds fun.”

Odd, how she shifted, her colors darkening, her eyes growing almost wild. “No!” she begged, pushing him, harrying him. “You don’t know what you ask. She’ll destroy you.”

But Zeke couldn’t move. “I’d rather sleep, I think. And oh, I should probably tell you...” Already his eyes were closing against the gentle pressure of those wonderful fingers. “I don’t believe in fairies.”

Her voice was so soft it was like a thought in his head. A thought so suddenly dark, he shivered, even lying in her silken arms. “It doesn’t matter,” came her voice, sounding suddenly sad. “They believe in you.”


New York Times bestselling author and RWA Hall of Fame member Eileen Dreyer and her evil twin Kathleen Korbel have published over forty novels and novellas, and ten short stories in genres ranging from medical suspense to paranormal to romance. She is thrilled to have joined Oliver Heber Books to continue her Drake’s Rakes series about Regency aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe, of which Ill Met by Moonlight is a near relative.


A former trauma nurse, Eileen lives in St. Louis with her husband, children and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. A seasoned conference speaker, Dreyer travels to research, and uses research as an excuse to travel. Oh, who's she kidding? She doesn't need an excuse. She has the Irish wanderlust and satisfies it as often as she can to the point that she has sung traditional Irish music on four continents. She also had the incredible chance to research Drake’s Rakes by attending the 200th anniversary of not only the Battle of Waterloo, but the Duchess of Richmond ball (in period attire). She has animals, but refuses to subject them to the limelight.


Eileen Dreyer will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.



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Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again soon.

Nancy

Monday, April 25, 2022

EVERYTHING'S COMING UP DAISY by Author Nancy Fraser **Book Birthday** **Last Chance Beach Romance**


Yes, it's me again! I'm celebrating a brand new Book Birthday on my actual birthday! What could be more fun than having a two reasons to celebrate! Everything's Coming Up Daisy is the latest Last Chance Beach Romance book, and my third trip to the magical island where love finds you when you least expect it!

Kristen Matthews is a single mother of a very precocious five-year old named, Daisy. When Kristen and Daisy relocate to Last Chance Beach to live with Kristen’s eccentric aunt, Kristen has her reservations. The move brings them in close proximity to her ex-boyfriend’s rich family. Given Daisy’s father never wanted a permanent arrangement, neither he nor Kristen ever told his family about Daisy’s birth.

Ellis Tait has taken over the management of all of Tait Holding’s businesses since his father’s passing. His step-mother prefers her Summerville mansion. His playboy brother hasn’t been seen or heard from in nearly five years, preferring to travel around Europe squandering his inheritance. After a number of intense business negotiations, Ellis travels to the family’s vacation home on Last Chance Beach for a few weeks of relaxation—not that he ever truly relaxes.

When Kristen and Ellis meet for the first time, Kristen’s determined to keep the secret of Daisy’s heritage to herself. However, the more she gets to know Ellis, the more she realizes he’s nothing at all like his younger brother.

A modern twist on the classic Sabrina. Can this single-mom avoid her ex’s family and hide the fact that her daughter is heiress to the family fortune? Or, will the island magic of Last Chance Beach unite an overworked mom and curmudgeon of a family patriarch in time for a happily-ever-after?

Everything's Coming Up Daisy is available at Your Favorite Retailer
Also available in Print from Amazon

© Nancy Fraser, 2022

Crosswinds Bridge, Point of Entry for Last Chance Beach
Present Day


This was a mistake. A huge mistake.

Kristen Matthews pulled into line behind the cars waiting for access to the bridge leading to the island. She spared a quick glance in her rear view mirror and assured herself that her daughter was securely buckled, and her booster seat was in the upright position.

To Daisy, this was a big adventure, a chance to live in a place filled with sunlight, ocean breezes, and fun! To Kristen, it was a recipe for disaster.

“Are we almost there, mommy?” Daisy asked.

“Yes, Doodlebug. We’re about to get on the bridge. Then, once we drive across the water, we’ll be on the island.”

“I wanted to take the ferry, like we did last summer when we came to visit Auntie El.”

“We couldn’t this time because we’re pulling a trailer full of our things. There’s no room on the ferry for trailers, just cars.”

“Are we going to live in one of Auntie El’s cottages, or in the big house?”

“We’ll live in the big house with Aunt Eloise. From what she told me in her last email, she got rid of the cabins last fall.”

“She gave them away?”

“No, dear. She had them torn down and the land cleared. I’m pretty sure she also had the main house painted as well.”

A soft whimper sounded from the back seat. “But I liked the polka dots. I hope she kept them.”

“This is Aunt Eloise. Even if the dots are gone, I’m pretty sure there will be something just as fancy in their place.”

“Maybe it’ll be unicorns,” Daisy reasoned. “I love unicorns.”

“Yes, I know,” Kristen agreed, a chuckle smothered rather quickly behind a yawn. It had been a long day, with no measurable end in sight.

“I can’t wait to see Jerry, and Elvira, and Petunia, and even Juniper. Maybe this time, she won’t think my finger is a carrot stick.”

“In Juniper’s defense, you have to remember she is blind in one eye. You have to be careful when you offer her food and make sure you approach from her good side.”

“I wonder if Auntie El has adopted any more guinea pigs?”

Oh please, no. Kristen pulled in a breath and prayed there wouldn’t be more rescued animals added to the menagerie who lived in her aunt’s home. Between the four guinea pigs, the two cats, Ozzy and Emmy, and a H
usky named Storm, you couldn’t go ten feet without tripping over a water bowl or stray toy.

They reached the island less than twenty minutes later, and Kristen merged into traffic along Ocean Drive. Eloise’s home was on Windsurfer Drive, with a beautiful ocean view and within walking distance to one of the nicest public beaches on the island.

“Look, mama,” Daisy said suddenly. “You can see someone flying up in the sky.”

Kristen chuckled. “I’d better not take my eyes off the road. No doubt it’s a tourist taking advantage of Land or Leap’s parasailing adventures.”

“I think it’s a superhero flying around protecting people.”

She spared a quick thought for her good friends Chase and Jared, owners of Land or Leap. Both were certainly hunky enough to be considered superheroes. “Maybe,” she conceded. “Or, maybe, it’s a flying guinea pig.”

Daisy’s exaggerated sigh echoed through the car. “Don’t be silly, mommy. Piggies don’t fly. According to Auntie El, all they do is eat and poop.”

“Well you know what your grandpa always says. ‘If you’re going to do something, do it really well.’ I’d say the piggies have mastered both.”

They passed Barnacle Bill’s mini golf, the pier leading out to Rod’s bar, the parking lot at Cliff House, finally turning onto the side road leading to house. Pulling into her aunt’s long driveway, she drew to halt, raised her gaze, and let the latest changes to the century old home sink in.

For frick sakes! Like Daisy, Kristen found herself wishing for the return of the polka dots. “What do you think, Doodlebug? Has Auntie El outdone herself with the renovations?”

“Wowzers,” Daisy said, giggling. “One, two, three, four... um... five different colors. It looks like a box of crayons exploded all over the front of auntie’s house.”

“One thing’s for sure. We’ll never get lost. I’m pretty sure this place glows in the dark.”



NANCY FRASER is a best selling and award-winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

Her spicy romances have won top awards year after year and received cover quotes from some of the most recognized names in the romance industry. Her sweet romances have gained the attention of a number independent reviewers and she was named a “bright new voice in sweet/inspirational romance.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.


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You can find all the Last Chance Beach Romance Books on

Thank you for stopping by. Please come back soon!

Nancy

Thursday, April 21, 2022

LOVE WINS by Various Authors **BOOK BIRTHDAY** **CHARITY IN SUPPORT OF THE UKRAINE**

 

It is my great pleasure to welcome a wonderful group of authors to the blog today to celebrate the Book Birthday of LOVE WINS, a charity anthology to aid the people of the Ukraine. We’ll begin today’s post with a note from one of the anthology’s authors...

I’m so thrilled to be a guest on this blog. Thank you so much for hosting me. My name is N. N. Light, otherwise known as Mrs. N. I write uplifting stories with my husband and better half, Mr. N.

In late February of this year, Russia invaded Ukraine. My heart plummeted as I saw the brute force of Russia’s army attach a sovereign nation. Can this really be happening? After all we have been through as a people, can we just sit by and watch the elimination of a race of people? I knew I needed to find some way to help. I certainly didn’t have the resources to fly over there but what could I do?

The answer came in an Instagram post about two weeks ago. My fellow author, Dania Voss, put out a message on Instagram asking for more romance stories for a charity anthology. I signed up right away and I’m so honored to be a part of the Love Wins anthology. 100% of the proceeds go to a charity with boots on the ground helping Ukrainians in need.

We can’t stop the bombs from falling but we can do our part from this corner of our world. Please consider purchasing the anthology for $1.99. Not only will you be helping innocent people struggling to stay alive, but you’ll get fifteen romance novellas/short stories. These stories vary between sweet and contemporary.

The other authors joining N.N. Light in this endeavor include: Dania Voss, Maribelle McCrea, Marlene Cheng, K.M. Jenkins, Deborah King, Annie McEwen, Pamela Clayfield, Tiffany Carby, Aimee O’Brian, R.A. Clarke, Judy Fisher, Robert Beech, E.J. Powell, Alex Grehy, and Maris Parker.

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Charity Anthology, Romance Short Stories


LOVE WINS—a Charity Anthology to support Ukrainian refugees

More than 15 contemporary romance authors have joined forces to create this unique collection of stories, covering an assortment of different sub-genres and tropes.

LOVE WINS is set to publish on April 21, 2022, with 100% of the proceeds going to World Vision’s Ukrainian Refugee Fund. This organization has people on the ground in the Ukraine and Romania, providing food, shelter, medical aid, and all necessary assistance for the needy, with the focus of making sure children are safe and provided for.

LOVE WINS is available for a limited time only. Make a difference for the people of Ukraine—buy your copy today!

The anthology stories include:

ALL ROADS LEAD TO SHEPHERD GROVE--DANIA VOSS
PAST, PERFECT, POLO--MARIBELLE MCCREA
THE MADAM’S FRIEND--MARLENE F CHENG
THE SUNFLOWER MEADOW--K.M. JENKINS
DESTINED DREAMER--DEBORAH KING
THE SLEEPLESS CAFÉ--ANNIE MCEWEN
HAVEN OF SECRETS--PAMELA CLAYFIELD
GOLD MINE--TIFFANY CARBY
MISROUTED BY LOVE ~ A TALE OF MAYBE--AIMEE O’BRIAN
CLICKING--R.A. CLARKE
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF LOVE--N. N. LIGHT
THE POWER OF LOVE--JUDY FISHER
LOVE, ETERNAL--ROBERT BEECH
SHIFTER: A WERE-CAT’S TALE--E.J. POWELL
ON THE WINGS OF KITES--ALEX GREHY
MOANA ACCOUNTANT--KERRY CARLISLE
TWO WEEKS IN THE TETONS--MARIS PARKER
 
You can find Love Wins on Amazon US, UK, CA

Pre-order your e-copy for only $1.99. The price goes up to $4.99 after release week!
100% of the proceeds going to World Vision’s Ukrainian Refugee Fund.

Read the reviews and add to your bookshelf on: Goodreads and BookBub.


Excerpt from Planting the Seeds of Love by N.N. Light

Jack took a step back letting go of her pinky. He crossed his arms; his eyes glittered angrily.

"You love me?" He snorted. "You don't even know I exist."

Sally's nostrils flared. Taking a step back, she crossed her arms.

"That's a fine thing to say to me after all we've been through." She turned to leave. "Maybe Trevor's right..."

"What?" Jack sat down on the cot, not looking at her. "What did Trevor tell you?"

"Trevor has a buyer for the farm. It's a friend of his father's and he loves the idea of a brewery out here in the country. He wants to add a restaurant and make it some sort of oasis for city folk." She ran her fingers through her blonde hair.

"A buyer?" He put his head in his hands and sighed. "It's too fast."

"What are you talking about?" She looked down at her watch, wishing she hadn't come. Her sister was right; men were nothing but trouble.

"Look, I know I've messed things up." He stood and walked towards her. "But you've got to give the farm and me a second chance." He extended his hand through the bars.

Sally's emotions shook her body. Guilt, love, pain, regret, anger and hope battled for supremacy in her heart. She eyed his outstretched hand warily. Could she trust him? Could he be depended upon?

"Why should I give you another chance, Jack?" She let her arms fall to her sides. A force not her own pulled her body closer to his. She whispered, "You hurt me." Tears welled up but she didn't care.

He reached up and wiped her tears away.

"Oh Sally," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

Her lower lip quivered.

"I'm so sorry. I'm a first-class jerk." He cupped her face with his hands. "Please don't cry."

Sally closed her eyes. She felt like a tiny dingy in the middle of the ocean, battered and torn in pieces. She leaned her head against the bars.

"Your opinion matters most, it always has. When you say things like you just did, it tears me apart." She lifted her head. "I need you, Jack. I can't do this without you."

Jack exhaled slowly.

"That wasn't me; it was my jealousy rearing its ugly head."

"What do you mean? What do you have to be jealous of?" Her brows furrowed, she thought hard.

“I’m jealous of how happy you seem to be with Trevor,” he replied.

N. N. Light is the award-winning husband-wife writing team, commonly known as Mr. N and Mrs. N. Books are their addiction and lifeblood.

Life is meant to be lived; cherish the exciting moments, and relish in those all too brief moments of relaxation. They are here to live their own lives, read as many books as humanly possible and live it passionately. N. N. Light's Book Heaven serves as a vessel to project their passions, and clue in their loyal readers as to what inspires them in this crazy world. So, sit back, relax, and read on.


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Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope that you’ll take the time to purchase this wonderful anthology and support this worthwhile cause. I got my copy... you should too.

Blessings for peace.

Nancy