NEW RELEASE - The Marooner (Pirates of the Coast, #3) by Barbara Devlin

Today we celebrate the release of 

The Marooner (Pirates of the Coast, #3) 

by USA Today and Amazon All-Star best-selling author Barbara Devlin! 

Publication date: August 29^th 2017 

Genre: Historical Romance

Barbara Devlin offers history, romance, and mystery all wrapped up in an engrossing story that is filled with witty repartee and ribald scenes that border on debauchery. ~IndieReader

BLURB

A GENTLY BRED VIRGIN

Lady Sophia Grace Radcliff, the epitome of a genteel Englishwoman, has no idea what awaits her, when she is summoned to her father’s study to meet her prospective husband. Given the miserable state of the family finances, she understands she will be sold to the highest bidder, to save the earldom from a humiliating declaration of insolvency, and it is a sacrifice she is prepared to accept. But the impeccably tailored garb and clean-shaven face do nothing to conceal the menacing demeanor of her intended. How will she survive a match to a man she fears?

 

A COLD-HEARTED PIRATE

Leland Stryker, known throughout the pirate ranks as The Marooner, for his practice of abandoning his victims on deserted islands, is a ruthless buccaneer who reluctantly signs a pact with the English, in exchange for a full pardon for past crimes. But the Crown extends no protection to the fairer sex, and it is in the sensual realm that Leland feeds his basic instincts. After he successfully negotiates the purchase of a highborn bride, he proceeds to well and truly debauch her. But something happens on the journey to America, as his wife assumes her position without complaint, and soon Leland realizes he faces his most lethal opponent. Who will win the battle of the hearts?

Buy Here

   

Excerpt

When Leland looked back on his life as a ruthless buccaneer, he never imagined standing before a long mirror, in a palatial bedchamber, located in an elegant country mansion, belonging to an English marquess, preparing to wed a gently-bred society virgin. Dressed like one of those perfumed peacocks he once terrorized on the seas, he stared at his reflection and smiled. Sir Ross Logan may have taken Leland Stryker from a life of piracy, but Logan could never take the pirate out of Leland Stryker, a fact his high-born bride would learn, soon enough. How he looked forward to his wedding night. “Leland, are you ready?” In the doorway, Barrington loomed and checked his timepiece. “Are you sure you would not prefer to sneak out the back? I can have a horse saddled, and you can make a dash for the coast.” “Not without Lady Sophia. Of course, if I could have her without the formalities, I would take her however I could get her.” He adjusted the bloody cravat, which threatened to choke him. “Tell me something. Do you ever get used to the pointless pomp and pageantry of your world, which is no more honest or less callous than that of our former trade?” “It is funny, is it not?” Barrington folded his arms, leaned against the wall, and shook his head. “Until the murder that occurred in my London residence, when I fled to Jamaica, this pomp and pageantry, as you call it, was all I knew. I had no experience with anything else. But since my return, I find it all rather silly. The only thing that sustained me through everything I endured was Florence, and I hope Sophia anchors you, in much the same fashion, as you embark on the next chapter of your life.” “I have no need of such support.” That was a lie, but Leland was not about to admit it. Yet, as he teetered on the brink of some invisible escarpment, considering a future he thought he never wanted, myriad possibilities enticed him with dreams he once believed were nothing more than a child’s fantasies. “To me, she serves but a single delicious purpose, which I intend to exercise to the fullest extent that her young, supple body can withstand my baser appetites. In short, want her warming my bunk. That she is legally required to be there only sweetens the deal.” “There is a bit more to marriage and wives than that, my friend. And it will require a boatload of courage.” Barrington chuckled and studied the toe of his polished Hessian. “Yet, if you are willing to expend the effort, and take a leap of faith, I wager Lady Sophia will not disappoint you.”

Devlin's prose and descriptions enchant right from the opening scene. ~RT Book Reviews

This heart-fluttering, nerve-wracking, swoon-worthy romance is one for the ages! ~InD'tale Magazine

Buy Here

Enter to Win

To enter to win a signed paperback from Barbara Devlin, follow her on BookBub and then comment on this blog post to be entered to win!

Follow Barbara Devlin on BookBub:

Author Info

USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, DE that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite. Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero, before they find their happily ever after. Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, and she earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.

Author Links:

Website:  Facebook   Twitter    BookBub

Hosted by

Presented by

Virtual Tour w/REVIEW - The Highlander’s Temptation: The Prequel (Stolen Brides, #0.5) by Eliza Knight

Desire tempted them but desire conquered all . . .

The Highlander’s Temptation: The Prequel

Stolen Brides, #0.5

by Eliza Knight

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . The Highlander’s Temptation (Stolen Bride, #.5) . . . Predictable action, adventure, and romance.  I should have started with this read but it ended up being the last read of the series for me. It would have given me more work with if I would have read this one first. But would it have changed the way that I looked at the series.  I love romance with highlanders. I love historical romances with highlanders. The medieval romance has a different kind of quality that can draw you in or push you away from the genre. I have been intrigued by Eliza Knights brand of medieval romance for a while. She has a way of telling the story that get you in. Even with it predictable nature.  This series gives a history lesson and a romance during one of Scotland more trying times. We see how love and romance could have been during that time and we most certainly see the struggles of a family trying to keep it all together during a time that the land they love was being torn apart by greed, power, and selfishness.

Stolen Brides series:

The Highlander's Temptation – The Stolen Bride, #.5

The Highlander's Reward – The Stolen Bride, #1

The Highlander's Conquest – The Stolen Bride, #2

The Highlander's Lady – The Stolen Bride, #3

The Highlander's Warrior Bride – The Stolen Bride, #4

The Highlander's Triumph – The Stolen Bride, #5

The Highlander's Sin – The Stolen Bride, #6

Wild Highland Mistletoe  – The Stolen Bride, #6.5

BLURB

Prequel to the Stolen Bride Series...

Desire tempted them, but love conquered all…

Laird Jamie Montgomery is a warrior with a mission. When he travels to the northern Highlands on the orders of William Wallace, temptation in the form of an alluring lass, could be his undoing.

Lady Lorna Sutherland can’t resist the charms of one irresistible Highlander. Though she’s been forbidden, she breaks every rule for the pleasure of his intoxicating embrace.

When their love is discovered, Jamie is tossed from Sutherland lands under threat of death. But danger can’t keep the two of them apart. No matter what perils may try to separate them—Lorna and Jamie swear they’ll find a way to be together.

Spring, 1282

Highlands, Scotland

THEY galloped through the eerie moonlit night. Warriors cloaked by darkness. Blending in with the forest, only the occasional glint of the moon off their weapons made their presence seem out of place.

’Twas chilly for spring, and yet, they rode hard enough the horses were lathered with sweat and foaming at the mouth. But the Montgomery clan wasn’t going to be pushed out of yet another meeting of the clans, not when their future depended on it. This meeting would put their clan on the map, make them an asset to their king and country. As it was, years before King Alexander III had lost one son and his wife. He’d not remarried and the fate of the country now relied on one son who didn’t feel the need to marry. The prince toyed with his life as though he had a death wish, fighting, drinking, and carrying on without a care in the world. The king’s only other chance at a succession was his daughter who’d married but had not yet shown any signs of a bairn filling her womb. If something were to happen to the king, the country would erupt into chaos. Every precaution needed to be taken.

Young Jamie sat tall and proud upon his horse. Even prouder was he, that his da, the fearsome Montgomery laird, had allowed him to accompany the group of a half dozen seasoned warriors—the men who sat on his own clan council—to the meeting. The fact that his father had involved him in matters of state truly made his chest puff five times its size.

After being fostered out the last seven years, Jamie had just returned to his father’s home. At age fourteen, he was ready to take on the duties of eldest son, for one day he would be laird. This was the perfect opportunity to show his da all he’d learned. To prove he was worthy.

Laird Montgomery held up his hand and all the riders stopped short. Puffs of steam blew out in miniature clouds from the horses’ noses. Jamie’s heart slammed against his chest and he looked from side to side to make sure no one could hear it. He was a man after all, and men shouldn’t be scared of the dark. No matter how frightening the sounds were.

Carried on the wind were the deep tones of men shouting and the shrill of a woman’s screams. Prickles rose on Jamie’s arms and legs. They must have happened upon a robbery or an ambush. When he’d set out to attend his father, he’d not counted on a fight. Nay, Jamie merely thought to stand beside his father and demand a place within the Bruce’s High Council.

Swallowing hard, he glanced at his father, trying to assess his thoughts, but as usual, the man sat stoic, not a hint of emotion on his face.

The laird glanced at his second in command and jutted his chin in silent communication. The second returned the nod. Jamie’s father made a circling motion with his fingers, and several of the men fanned out.

Jamie observed the exchange, his throat near to bursting with questions. What was happening?

Finally, his father motioned Jamie forward. Keeping his emotions at bay, Jamie urged his mount closer. His father bent toward him, indicating for Jamie to do the same, then spoke in a hushed tone.

“We’re nearly to Sutherland lands. Just on the outskirts, son. ’Tis an attack, I’m certain. We mean to help.”

Jamie swallowed past the lump in his throat and nodded. The meeting was to take place at Dunrobin Castle. Why that particular castle was chosen, Jamie had not been privy to. Though he speculated ’twas because of how far north it was. Well away from Stirling where the king resided.

“Are ye up to it?” his father asked.

Tightening his grip on the reins, Jamie nodded. Fear cascaded along his spine, but he’d never show any weakness in front of his father, especially now that he’d been invited on this very important journey.

“Good. ’Twill give ye a chance to show me what ye’ve learned.”

Again, Jamie nodded, though he disagreed. Saving people wasn’t a chance to show off what he’d learned. He could never look at protecting another as an opportunity to prove his skill, only as a chance to make a difference. But he kept that to himself. His da would never understand. If making a difference proved something to his father, then so be it.

An owl screeched from somewhere in the distance as it caught onto its prey, almost in unison with the blood curdling scream of a woman.

His father made a few more hand motions and the rest of their party followed him as they crept forward at a quickened pace on their mounts, avoiding making any noise.

The road ended on a clearing, and some thirty horse-lengths away a band of outlaws circled a trio—a lady, one warrior, and a lad close to his own age.

The outlaws caught sight of their approach, shouting and pointing. His father’s men couldn’t seem to move quickly enough and Jamie watched in horror as the man, woman and child were hacked down. All three of them on the ground, the outlaws turned on the Montgomery warriors and rushed forward as though they’d not a care in the world.

Jamie shook. He’d never been so scared in his life. His throat had long since closed up and yet his stomach was threatening to purge everything he’d consumed that day. Even though he felt like vomiting, a sense of urgency, and power flooded his veins. Battle-rush, he’d heard it called by the seasoned warriors. And it was surging through his body, making him tingle all over.

The laird and his men raised their swords in the air, roaring out their battle cries. Jamie raised his sword to do the same, but a flash of gold behind a large lichen-covered boulder caught his attention. He eased his knees on his mount’s middle.

What was that?

Another flash of gold — was that blonde hair? He’d never seen hair like that before.

Jamie turned to his father, intent to point it out, but his sire was several horse-lengths ahead and ready to engage the outlaws, leaving it up to Jamie to investigate.

After all, if there was another threat lying in wait, was it not up to someone in the group to seek them out? The rest of the warriors were intent on the outlaws which left Jamie to discover the identity of the thief.

He veered his horse to the right, galloping toward the boulder. A wee lass darted out, lifting her skirts and running full force in the opposite direction. Jamie loosened his knees on his horse and slowed. That was not what he’d expected. At all. Jamie anticipated a warrior, not a tiny little girl whose legs were no match for his mount. As he neared, despite his slowed pace, he feared he’d trample the little imp.

He leapt from his horse and chased after her on foot. The lass kept turning around, seeing him chasing her. The look of horror on her face nearly broke his heart. Och, he was no one to fear. But how would she know that? She probably thought he was after her like the outlaws had been after the man, woman and lad.

“’Tis all right!” he called. “I will nay harm ye!”

But she kept on running, and then was suddenly flying through the air, landing flat on her face.

Jamie ran toward her, dropping to his knees as he reached her side and she pushed herself up.

Her back shook with cries he was sure she tried hard to keep silent. He gathered her up onto his knees and she pressed her face to his leine shirt, wiping away tears, dirt and snot as she sobbed.

“Momma,” she said. “Da!”

“Hush, now,” Jamie crooned, unsure of what else he could say. She must have just watched her parents and brother get cut to the ground. Och, what an awful sight for any child to witness. Jamie shivered, at a loss for words.

“Blaney!” she wailed, gripping onto his shirt and yanking. “They hurt!”

Jamie dried her tears with the cuff of his sleeve. “Your family?” he asked.

She nodded, her lower lip trembling, green-blue eyes wide with fear and glistening with tears. His chest swelled with emotion for the little imp and he gripped her tighter.

“Do ye know who the men were?”

“Bad people,” she mumbled.

Author Info

Eliza Knight is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of sizzling historical romance and time-travel erotic romance. Under the name E. Knight, she pens riveting historical fiction. She runs the award-winning blog, History Undressed. When not reading, writing and researching, she likes to cuddle up in front of a warm fire with her own knight in shining armor. 

Author Links:

Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com. You can sign up for her newsletter at  http://eepurl.com/CSFFD. Follow her on social media at:

Hosted by

Presented by

Monday, June 26

Book featured at Books, Dreams, Life

Book featured at The Literary Nook

Tuesday, June 27

Book featured at The Dark Phantom

Book featured at A Book Lover

Wednesday, June 28

Book reviewed at The Book Junkie Reads

Book featured at Write and Take Flight

Thursday, June 29

Book featured at Warrior Woman Winmill

Book reviewed at My Book Addiction and More

Book featured at Nicole's Book Musings

Friday, June 30

Book featured at Mello and June

Book reviewed at Celtic Dragon Book Reviews

Book featured at EskieMama Reads and Dragon Lady Reads

Virtual Tour - The Highlander’s Sin (The Stolen Bride, #6) by Eliza Knight

He stole her away... But she set him free...

The Highlander’s Sin

Stolen Bride, #6

by Eliza Knight

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . The Highlander’s Sin (Stolen Bride, #6) . . . I found this read to be pretty fun with the interaction between soon-to-be priest and lady. The action, adventure, medieval romance shows a different heroine with backbone, strength, courage, even in the face of an enemy that wants to harm her. The thing that took me for the biggest ride was the warrior for hire that was also a priest in waiting. He found that passion that burned in his soul and it was not the vengeance he thought he needed.  Aye and the history factor with William Wallace making an appearance.

For those that love historical romance, in particular medieval romance this would be a read that will interest you. There are touches of history, annoying and feisty heroine, and vengeful and determined mercenary priest. Ayes and a lot of predictability. It’s the way that Eliza Knight brings it all together that makes the read enjoyable and reminiscent at the same time.

Stolen Brides series:

The Highlander's Temptation – The Stolen Bride, #.5

The Highlander's Reward – The Stolen Bride, #1

The Highlander's Conquest – The Stolen Bride, #2

The Highlander's Lady – The Stolen Bride, #3

The Highlander's Warrior Bride – The Stolen Bride, #4

The Highlander's Triumph – The Stolen Bride, #5

The Highlander's Sin – The Stolen Bride, #6

Wild Highland Mistletoe  – The Stolen Bride, #6.5

BLURB

He stole her away… But she set him free…

They called him The Priest. Maybe because of his billowing black robes and the steel crucifix that hung around his neck. Or perhaps it was because those who met him were compelled to pray. But Duncan Mackay was anything but a saint. He was a sinner—a paid mercenary. Until he met her, and she made him want to change his ways.

Lady Heather Sutherland, has never been compelled to follow rules. And this time, she’s gone too far. Following in the footsteps of her brothers and cousins, she chooses to join the fight for Scottish freedom—and gets herself abducted by a handsome, rogue warrior, whose touch is sweet sin.

Duncan’s duty was clear—steal Heather away from Dunrobin Castle. What he didn’t expect, was to be charmed by her spirit and rocked by her fiery kiss. Now, he doesn’t want deliver her to those who hired him, instead he wants to keep her all to himself.

Dunrobin Castle, Scottish Highlands

Summer, 1300

STONE cobbles were certainly the most uncomfortable place for knees to rest. Lady Heather, youngest sister to the powerful Earl of Sutherland, knelt before the altar in the family’s chapel. Even with the protection of layers of fabric between her bones and the flooring, she could feel bruises forming beneath the calluses on her knees.

The castle’s drafts had yet to reach this corner of space within the towers, and as a result, sweat dripped in unladylike fashion down her temples and spine. What she wouldn’t give to at least be able to fan herself, but she dared not move her hands from their place firmly pressed together in prayer.

Today would prove to be sweltering if the heat before dawn was any indication. And since Heather had an aversion to heat, she was more than likely going to be in a sour mood. The heaviness of the many layers she wore didn’t help the situation. Nor what she was about to do.

The chapel was dark, save the four candles she’d lit. The sun had yet to rise, and the three narrow windows, newly fixed with stained glass, let in none of the moon’s silver light.

Heather came to pray each morning, every morning, before the family rose. Typically because she had a lot more to confess than most. She was the first to admit she was not easy on her older brother, Magnus. Nor her aunts, any of her siblings, cousins and the staff in general. She might even be willing to admit that she single-handedly provided for their chaplain’s wealth, given that she was constantly slipping coins into his purse as penance or to buy an extra blessing.

But today was different.

On this day, she was going to change her future, forever.

The Scottish rebellion still raged on, despite the horrendous loss at the Battle of Falkirk. Heather wanted to be a part of it. Why should her brothers and cousins have all the fun? Before the rest of the household woke to say prayers, Heather planned to be well on her way to finding William Wallace. The man had taken a step back in the war for freedom. After their great loss, the warrior must have felt downtrodden, for he simply handed the reins of battle over to another. She was going to persuade him to rise up once more, to fight for what he thought was right, what she knew was right. 

Robert the Bruce was not yet king—and though he was rumored to have sided with the English, Heather just couldn’t believe it. After all, Bruce and Red Comyn were now overseeing the resistance, but they lacked the heart of Wallace. The way Heather saw it, Wallace could turn a sheepherder into a seasoned warrior, and might even have the power to turn Englishmen into Scots—the latter was a bit of a reach, but just went to prove how much she believed in him.

A scraping to her left jolted Heather from her prayer. She sat back on her heels, hand falling to her hip where a twelve-inch dagger was slipped into its sheath.

“Who’s there?” Her voice echoed through the chapel.

A shadowy figure lurked just beyond the benches in the corner where their chaplain’s chamber was. Looked like a hulk of black. If she’d been more superstitious, she might have thought the devil was coming to pay her a visit like Aunt Fiona always threatened.

“Father Hurley?” She swiped a drip of sweat from her eyes. “Is that ye? Come away from the shadows.”

A shiver of fear skittered over her spine, settling like a solid stone in her belly.

The figure didn’t move.

Heather swallowed her fear and stood up, straightening her shoulders as much as she could, squaring her jaw. “Come into the light at once,” she ordered.

The shadow moved along the wall toward the front of the chapel. Heather followed him with her eyes. ’Twas not the devil but a man. Most definitely not Father Hurley. He was taller by at least a foot—and wide by about the same. His black robes billowed around his form, swishing around his ankles with each step, and sending whispers of fear with every move. The silver chain around his neck swung the large crucifix it held like a pendulum. Back and forth.

A man of the cloth? Her hair prickled. He looked like death come to take her.

Heather stared at the cross, at the man in robes, hypnotized by his stealthy, calculated movements, her eyes wide and immobilized. She finally blinked when they stung with dryness.

“Are ye new to Dunrobin?” she asked, refusing to believe he might be the reaper and wondering why no one had told her there was a new priest.

He stopped a few feet away, just outside the line of light from the candles.

“Nay.” His voice was deep, dark, and slid over her body shamefully, in a way that made her want to hear him speak again.

Lord, help her impetuous nature.

Heather made a sign of the cross. “I’ve not seen ye before now.” The slight quiver in her tone made her angry.

He didn’t answer. A long pause of silence ensued, making her uncomfortable. Her skin prickled.

“Where is Father Hurley? What are ye doing in here?” The questions tumbled from her tongue.

The man pointed toward the chaplain’s chamber. “He is there. Sleeping.”

Again that voice. Why did she like it so much? “And ye? What are ye doing out here? I’m…I’m praying. I want privacy.” She lifted her chin another notch, hoping the odd priest would leave her be, that he hadn’t noticed the slight stutter of her words. When she saw her brother Magnus, she was going to tell him about this odd priest and how uncomfortable he made her. Zounds! She wouldn’t get the chance before she left… The dawn of her new life would begin today. A note then. She would tell Magnus in a note.

“I’m afraid ye won’t be getting any privacy, my lady.” Confidence dripped from his words and slid over her skin in a way that felt wicked.

“Ye are not to talk to me in such a manner.” No matter how hard she tried, she sounded petulant rather than in control.

“And ye need to hold your tongue, ye saucy wench.”

Heather gasped, blanched. Pressed a hand to her chest and took a step back in shock. “What?”

“Ye heard me.” An underlying tone of amusement captured his voice.

Indeed she had, but no one had ever, ever, talked to her like that before.

“How dare ye?” She seethed, gripped her fingers around her dagger, though what she’d do with it, she had no clue. Killing a man of the cloth was a sin she’d never be able to pay her way out of.

“Enough bluster, my lady. I need ye to come with me.”

Author Info

Eliza Knight is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of sizzling historical romance and time-travel erotic romance. Under the name E. Knight, she pens riveting historical fiction. She runs the award-winning blog, History Undressed. When not reading, writing and researching, she likes to cuddle up in front of a warm fire with her own knight in shining armor. 

Author Links:

Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com. You can sign up for her newsletter at  http://eepurl.com/CSFFD. Follow her on social media at:

Hosted by

Presented by