Five months or so ago, in the midst of the very stressful and time-consuming task of forcibly downsizing my parents’ living situation, a wonderful thing started to happen. An opportunity for a full-time job sort of evolved in an industry I left in 2003 and never thought I would re-enter. All I can say is this path felt more clear, sensible, and stimulating than the idea of continuing to write when I can’t seem to earn the support of more than a few people who buy books. So, I’m starting this week on a new/old professional journey.

Local readers often ask if I’m working on the next book. I have a few in my head, in both my existing series and one totally different story, but writing them is another thing. The inclination exists, the love for the written word and my characters is still there. I just can’t imagine I’ll have time. If I choose to continue, it will begin again as a hobby, which is how I started, after all.

Thank you for visiting my blog and website, and for being one of the fans who enjoys my writing. I’m sure I’ll be distracted by this new chapter for awhile. Hopefully, one day, some characters will become so loud in my head that I’ll start to let them out again. And when that happens, I’ll definitely be talking about it here!

In this scene, Gratia has been trying to avoid a woman claiming to be her husband’s mistress by hiding in the darkness of a garden overlooking the Danube River. Her husband, Leo, has been gone with the emperor for over six months—most of their new marriage—and she fears this temptress is part of the reason why. As she hides, she presses herself against the high stone wall, enjoying the warmth left from the day, when a man suddenly steps up behind her and traps her.

“You should not be out here alone,” he said in a harsh whisper. The man smelled like horse and sweat and the thick dust of hard travel.

“Move away,” she squeaked. She could not free her hands nor turn her head far enough to see her attacker.

“Are you waiting for someone?” he rasped as he dared move his body close to hers, close enough she felt a heavy belt buckle press at the small of her back. “Perhaps a lover will meet you here in the dark, far from the light of the torches outside the house?”

“Move away,” she repeated, glad her voice carried more authority this time, though not enough to make the cur step back. What should she do? With what could she threaten him? “My cousin, the Lord of Regensburg, will hear of this!”

“Are you under his protection, then?” The whisper sounded angry now. Good. He should know he assaulted a woman of means, not some unguarded peasant.

“I am a guest here,” she snipped. “I also have a husband and a father who will—”

“Ah, so you do remember you have a husband.”

A shiver coursed down her spine like cold, inky river water as the whisper resolved into a deep voice on the word “husband.”

Her breath caught. “Leo?”

I really love this couple. Each of them is hurt and unsure, and they struggle to find the way back to each other over one tempestuous night.

If anyone would like a free review copy, please email me or comment below.

Love Like A River is available on Amazon for only 99 cents!

BLURB:

What is new bride Gratia to think when her husband’s been gone for six months and a woman claiming to be his lover attends her sister’s house party? Unsuspecting Leo returns eagerly home to a wife who isn’t there. When he finally locates her in a moonlit garden by the Danube, the reunion of these newlyweds sizzles with anger, accusations, and denied passion as each tries to find a path to the marriage they both desire. Love Like A River is Book Six in the Evolution Series set in Charlemagne’s Empire and is a novella of 11,000 words.

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SETUP OF SCENE:  Kali Shaheen speaks to her new protector for the first time unchaperoned. 

EXCERPT

He motioned her to one of Mayuri’s prized Riesener chairs, covered in a puce, satin-band double damask so fine it showed almost no sign of being woven at all. He took a seat on the accompanying ottoman, sitting forward, elbows on his knees, far enough away she would not feel crowded. His face seemed perpetually curious, as though the world could never give him enough answers, even if he could find the right questions.

“You should understand you are not entirely unknown to me.”

Kali had not thought otherwise. Mayuri had told her Lord Fitzmarten had been inquiring after her well-being for months. Not her suitability for intimate congress, not the condition of her maidenhead, not her skill in music or dance—not her price—only her state of health and happiness. He had offered to meet her expenses, even her sister’s, if it would ease Kali’s way in the world, and he had never once asked to interact with her more closely. He had shown considerable displeasure, once with his fists, when other customers at the Masala Rajah had spoken of Kali in vulgar or lecherous terms.

“I had not pushed for an introduction before such time as you were prepared to take on a protector—you were so very young when you arrived in London—but Mayuri has been aware of my interest for some time. I have always found you exquisite, so terribly graceful, and hope very much you might accept my offer of carte-blanche.”

Acceptance was assured once she had given Mayuri control of the negotiations.

“However, it is rather abrupt to arrange contracts without ever once meeting. I do not wish you to believe I see you as merely a commodity.”

Kali spoke more freely than she had ever been taught. “Is that not what I am, my lord?”

Once the words left her mouth, she placed the back of her glove across her lips, as though she could push the thought back in. Her eyes widened when he grinned. His smile really was devastating.

“I do not want a mistress who sees herself as interchangeable with any other, or less than human. I would like to be able to talk to you, not merely take you to bed. Is that something you desire as well, or do you expect to hold yourself apart from me?”

She retreated to the comfort of her training, hands folded in a dainty twist atop her lap. “I can speak on many subjects, my lord. I am well educated, and will, of course, offer my intellect for your delectation, should you choose. It will be my fondest desire to please you in all things.”

He stood and ran his hand through his thick hair, mussing it, then paced to the fireplace and stared right through the Persian vases on the mantelpiece.

“I’m sorry. This will not work. I apologize for wasting your time.”

Kali sucked in a breath and fell back, stunned. When Mayuri had made it known she was entertaining offers for Kali’s virginity, he had offered any amount to be her protector. The contract terms were the most generous of any girl Mayuri had ever placed. Kali was not sure what had made him lose interest so quickly. She had only repeated, word for word, what she had been taught to say as far back as she could remember.

“My lord, I am confused. How have I displeased you?”

He sighed, his hand stopping halfway through his hair. He dropped it to his side before he turned back.

“I am not displeased—as such. Only this is why I have never employed a tawaif for more… formal… personal services before now. If I am to spend a great deal of time with a woman, I would have her engage with me, not tell me what she imagines I want to hear. I will not pursue an intimate relationship based on habitual phrases that leave me no room to understand who you are. The thought leaves me cold.”

“But—” She sat up straight again, as she had been taught. “I do not understand. A gentleman chooses a tawaif for his pleasure, for enjoyment, not… not for… companionship. Not for love. I exist to serve your needs, not force my own upon you.”

As she spoke, she remembered the pain that had consumed her mother every day she had lived without Birchbright. Of all possible futures, that was one Kali would never want. Living without love was her station in life, and this man had no right to try to persuade her otherwise.

She rose to leave the room, trying to leave ice trailing in her wake. “I believe you are right, my lord. I do not think we will suit at all.”

TO BUY THIS ENTICING BOOK AND FIND OUT HOW THESE TWO GET TOGETHER

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Everybody’s heard of Charlemagne but many of us have no idea why his name has endured through history. Today is Charlemagne’s birthday, so here are some talking points to grow your brain and impress your friends.

1. Charlemagne was born on April 2, 742 or 747 or 748. (Historians can’t agree on which year, and really, does it matter?)

2. He is known as the “Father of Europe” because he united western Europe, essentially conquering what we know as France, Germany, and Italy.

3. His empire is known as the Carolingian Empire, though it only existed from the year 800 to 888.

4. Through his adult life he had four wives and five concubines. Not surprisingly, he had boatloads of children.

5. He was tall, estimated to be six-foot three-inches in a time period when the average man would be in the mid five-foot range. This probably helped him become such an effective leader.

I had a hard time choosing which of my Evolution Series couples to pick for the hook this week, but decided on Theo and Lily from Vain, who visit us again in the novella, Little Witch. The woman Nox is trying not to fall in love with has disappeared and he has come to his employer for advice.

EXCERPT

“Is Salena here?” Nox asked, addressing Lady Lily.

She shook her head while Theophilus demanded, “Who the hell is Salena?”

“I told you about her, darling,” Lady Lily said, recovering her voice. She tilted sideways to look past Nox. “Hello, Grant.”

Grant mumbled a greeting, keeping a wary eye on the lord who studied him and Nox keenly, a white scar standing out on his clenched cheek.

Nox made a quick introduction and explained what little he knew of the situation.

The Lord of Ribeauville listened intently, then stopped Grant when he began to offer details. He forced them to pause while Lady Lily gave Grant dry clothing and the housekeeper brought warmed wine and food. He saw them settled into chairs by his desk before he would hear another word.

Lady Lily glided in to stand behind him. Her presence, her hand lighting on his shoulder, sharpened him. The Lady of Ribeauville was concerned. They now had the full weight of her husband’s attention.

END OF EXCERPT

BLURB:

A vicious neighbor uses a series of coincidences to label Salena as the local moon-charmer and outcast in rural Francia. When Salena encounters her brother’s childhood friend, Nox, out on business for the Lord of Ribeauville, she worries he will accept the locals’ tales about her, especially since they relate to the death of his family a decade before. He is, instead, as charmed by her as she is by him.

As I mentioned above, the excerpt and blurb are from Little Witch: A Historical Romance Novella, but the featured couple’s story is told in Vain, which is Book 3 in the Evolution Series.

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SET UP OF THE SCENE

Magnus is a second generation Norman, a descendant of the first Vikings to settle in the Seine valley. Recently widowed, he is obliged to leave his grieving daughters to fight against Flemish incursions into Norman lands. In hotly disputed territory he comes across a wedding ceremony taking place outside a church. The bride, sister of the Flemish leader, swoons upon catching sight of the enemy troops. He jumps from his horse to save her from the mud.

EXCERPT

Magnus leapt from his horse and strode to the door of the abbey where an older woman—a servant he’d guess—struggled valiantly to keep her mistress from falling into the muck. He scooped up the mud-splattered maiden who’d swooned on first catching sight of them. His thoughts went back to the last time he’d held a woman in his arms, but he shook away the bitter memory. This one was still very much alive, as evidenced by the rapid rise and fall of her breasts.

The appealing mounds of female flesh were big enough to fill his hand. A tingling tugged at the base of his spine, but then shame swamped him. He’d only recently buried his wife.

Judging by the presence of the priest and a young man in black who’d fled at their arrival, he’d wager the wedding had been underway. But where were the well-wishers?

He stared at the woman in his arms. Despite her disheveled appearance and pallor, heightened by the bright red of her nose, she was stunningly beautiful. Her tangled hair was the color of chestnuts. He willed her eyes to open, but she remained oblivious. A peculiar hope rose in his heart that he’d arrived in time to interrupt the wedding, but he quickly dismissed it. What did he care if Arnulf’s sister had wed a coward who’d run rather than defend his bride?

The priest scowled, though his anger seemed to be directed more at the woman in Magnus’s arms than at him. Something strange was going on.

“I am Magnus Kriger of Montdebryk,” he said to the cleric. “I am a Christian. You and your fellow priests have nothing to fear. We are Normans, part of an army sent to recapture Montreuil.”

The priest eyed him with scorn. “You claim to be Christian, yet you wear a pagan symbol around your neck.”

Magnus didn’t look down, but surmised his Thor’s hammer must have worked its way free from under his gambeson. He decided to ignore the priest’s comment.

The cleric shrugged. “What do you intend with the woman?”

He looked down at Arnulf’s sister. She felt right cradled against his chest, though she’d moaned softly a few times. He feared when she awoke and espied his father’s Viking helmet she’d think him a barbarian. Why it mattered he wasn’t sure.

“Take her for a moment,” he said, intending to remove his headgear, but the priest backed away, his palms held out as if warding off evil spirits. What ailed the man?

“I’ll take her,” his cousin, Bendik offered, coming to his side.

An surge of jealousy addled Magnus’s wits and he clutched the stricken woman more tightly.

Bendik chuckled. “I won’t harm her,” he said.

Magnus laughed at his foolishness and handed her over. He removed his helmet, thrust it into the priest’s hands, then retrieved his prize. It was lunacy and Bendik’s frown indicated he agreed. The town and abbey had to be secured, but the only thought on his mind was the desire to comfort a beautiful woman.

He thought of Katarina. “You and I would willingly kill anyone who might treat our sisters in such an abominable way,” he said to Bendik. “Does the Comte of Flandres care nothing for his sibling?”

***

Judith was warm for the first time in days. A man with a deep, soothing voice was carrying her. It rumbled from his chest—a solid chest, though it felt good to rest her weary head against it. She wanted to murmur her gratitude to the brave hero who had rescued her from a fate worse than death, but her throat was too dry. He must be one of Arnulf’s men.

She slowly opened one eye and looked up. She was in the arms of a fair-haired giant whose broad shoulders blotted out everything else around her. He was still speaking, but her head was stuffed with the wool of a newly shorn sheep and a drum pounded in her ears. She cleared her throat, but swallowing was difficult.

“Don’t be afraid,” Beatris said.

Judith opened the other eye and strained to see her maid. Where was the confounded woman? If there was no need for fear, that must mean—

Wait.

It wasn’t Theodoric carrying her. How unseemly to be in the arms of another man. The memory crashed in. Surely Arnulf hadn’t wed her to a freak of nature. “Husband,” she shrieked.

“He has fled,” the deep voice said with a strange accent. He must be a foreigner.

Foreigner? The only foreigners she’d seen recently—

Riders led by a massive barbarian.

Her heart raced. She looked up again at the stubbled chin of her hero. Her eyes fell on a silver pendant nestled in the folds of his gambeson. Dread seized her. It was a pagan symbol; the hammer of one of the Norse gods. Her savior was a Viking.

It didn’t make sense. Vikings didn’t save women. They carried them off, raped then slaughtered them. She flailed her arms and legs, desperate to escape. She had to warn Beatris. “Vikings!” she screamed.

END OF EXCERPT

You can find The Rover Betrayed at the following sites.

You can find out more about Anna Markland at

Thanks, Anna, for visiting with me today!

EXCERPT

Doeg’s requirements in a prospective wife seemed simple enough when he started the search. He had learned in the last three years to examine his goals and break them into finite steps of surmountable size. He’d done just that, determining his essential needs in a spouse and discarding all other considerations. For example, he would not demand wealth, having turned over a new leaf to be an independent man. Intelligence was not needed and in fact, could be much over-rated where a woman was concerned. He also did not care if she was graceful, well spoken, or religious. And physical attractiveness had no bearing on it whatsoever. She could be tall, gaunt, and toothless since he had no intention of looking at her very often. He would not insist on a particular age as long as she would outlive him because he could not imagine ever going through this again.

No, he never wanted to waste another ten months of his life in the apparently futile search for the one woman in Bavaria who could meet his two requirements, which at the beginning of the hunt last March had seemed so elementary he had expected to be married by April.

END OF EXCERPT

Can a quiet widow help a damaged, secretive man find redemption?

Doeg has only two requirements in a wife and upon meeting Philantha he knows she is the one who will fulfill them. However, she has a requirement of her own that tests and eventually breaks the barriers Doeg has maintained around himself for decades. They struggle during the day to revitalize his estate while the night-time awakening of their passion leads to binding love and redemption beyond their wildest imaginings. When an unexpected threat to Philantha emerges, Doeg rises to the challenge, throwing off the shackles of his past once and for all.

Travel to Bavaria in 834 where Redeemed combines the best elements of historical romance with an exciting new setting. Book Two in the Evolution Series. You can learn more about this series and me here. All the stories stand on their own, so if Redeemed has intrigued you, grab a copy!

REDEEMED – AVAILABLE AT THESE ONLINE STORES

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EXCERPT

David listened carefully, not certain she realized tears were trickling down her face. She spoke methodically between gasping inhalations. She’d obviously put a great deal of careful thought into what she said and now concentrated mightily on getting all the words out in the right order.

Rochelle grabbed his hand, kissed the back of it then gripped it tightly between both her own hands. “I want to say that I am sorry for all of that. It is an immense number and magnitude of things to be sorry about, but I am. And the most important thing I want you to know is that I love you. I realized it too late, but I do. I love you and I want to be with you, no matter what happens.”

David stared at his hand held in a deathgrip. He cleared his throat. “I must confess, the combination of hearing your words and seeing you weep leaves me speechless.”

She released him, her hands wiping at her cheeks in distress. “ Oh, I did not want to cry! You will think it is some female trick!” She began to sob in earnest, dropping her head to her knees.

“Rochelle,” he murmured, putting an arm around her waist to straighten her. She curled toward him so easily, so naturally, to press her wet face to his neck, spasms of remorse wracking her frame. “Go easy now. Calm yourself.” He rubbed her back and spoke soft nonsense until she was able to recover.

She held on around his waist, drinking in his warmth and solidity and familiar scent, in full knowledge that this could be the last time she was this close to him.

“By this time tomorrow, all will be decided,” he said firmly.

She nodded, afraid to ask exactly what his decision would be.

“We will talk again, after the tournament.”

“Oh, David, please,” she cried, “please do not ask me to wait another day!”

“After the tournament,” he said firmly.

“You do mean tomorrow after the tournament, not five days after it?” she asked with a sniffle.

He chuckled. “Yes, tomorrow, as soon as I am able.”

END OF EXCERPT

Unbidden is book one in the Evolution Series and is free on most vendors. Learn more about Unbidden here, and leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win a print copy of my Evolution Series novella, Little Witch. Please have a mailing address in the continental US, and make sure you leave your email address so I can contact you. But don’t stop here, there’s more blogs to visit and a Rafflecopter to enter!

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EXCERPT

She met the stone wall, felt the radiant heat of what had been an unseasonably warm October afternoon. She pressed against that warmth, sighed, let her eyes flutter closed as her fingers curled over the chalky surface near her head. To be full body against such warmth….

A brush of sound was the only warning before calloused hands settled on top of hers. Her eyes flew open as the contact and a harsh whisper braced her in place.

“You should not be out here alone.” The man smelled like horse and sweat and the thick dust of hard travel.

END OF EXCERPT

Who might he be? And what do you think of that cover? I know he’s kind of hairy, but Leo (the hero) has a hairy chest, and also those big square hands were perfect. Me like.

Learn more about Love Like A River and the Love Historicals collection of novellas here.

The entire set of eight stories is only 99 cents!

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Here’s more from Alicia about the origins of the series. Ruined is part of a fun series I did in conjunction with three of my writer friends. We have been meeting for martinis at the Martini Lounge in Edmond, Oklahoma nearly every Friday for the past four years. From those get-togethers, we developed the idea to write a series centered around a Martini Club. Those stories are finally completed, and we’re pleased to present the Martini Club 4 series…

Fun fact about Alicia: Even though I am not from there, nor have I ever lived in Cincinnati, or Ohio for that matter, I am a huge Cincinnati Reds fan. I’ve taken my son, who is 22 now, on the 850 mile road trip to Cinci twice, just to watch the Reds, and I hope to go again before long. I’ve also watched them play in other cities; Kansas City, Houston, Atlanta, and St. Louis.  I usually try to slip in a mention of the Reds in most of my stories, but in this one, I had to settle for the dreaded New York Yankees due to the setting.

Setup of the scene – My hero has traveled from Philadelphia to New York City in search of his childhood friend and former fiancée. He’s in a speakeasy questioning one of the locals and searching for clues.

Excerpt

The bartender slid the hooch in front of them. Vince took a sip, surprised to find the whiskey smooth and full-bodied, not like the coffin varnish normally served in juice joints. He turned to his new friend. “You know a girl named Cynthia who hangs out here?” He withdrew his wallet and pulled out the small photo of Cynthia—hands on hips, making a kissy face at the camera–taken last year at the neighborhood barbecue.

Tim swigged the whisky and squinted at the photo. “Huh, Cynthia… Can’t really place her…wait. I think she’s one of Oscar’s girls.”

Something unpleasant shifted in Vince’s chest. “Oscar’s girls? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“A short skirt.” The guy shrugged. “Oscar is…you might say…a…professional party host. He throws these bashes at his place and lines up gorgeous dolls to, you know, entertain the clientele. I never been to one myself, too rich for my blood. But word gets around, ya know?”

Fury pumped through Vince’s veins. His fingers tightened around the photo. Not my Cynthia… “You must have her mixed up with someone else.”

“Don’t think so.” He pointed at the beauty Vince had been eyeballing earlier. “Ask Eliza. She works for Oscar too.”

An illogical wave of disappointment washed over him. He didn’t even know the dame, why would he care if she was a party girl?

He stood and threw a few bills on the bar. “See you around, pal. A little tip, though.” He slapped Tim on the back hard enough that he coughed and nearly spit out his drink. “You might not want to razz any other former prizefighters you happen to meet.” He winked. “Not all of them are as much of a pussycat as I am.”

Tim gave a jerky nod. “Sure yeah, thanks for the drink. Take it easy.”

Vince wound through the crowd until he reached the stool where the broad was sitting. She looked up at him, golden eyes rimmed by black make up, pouty pink lips made for kissing.

But then, that’s what those lips got paid for—kissing and a whole lot more.

“Can I help you?” Her voice was just as he imagined, sweet with an underlying husky tone, but he hadn’t predicted the English accent.

“Mind if I have a seat.”

She inclined her head. “Free country.”

“Yeah, but not everything is free, am I right?” He slid onto a barstool next to hers.

She raised a brow, a faint hint of amusement hovering on her lovely mouth. “You’re quite astute, Mr….?”

“Taggart, Vince Taggart. And you are?”

“Eliza Gilbert. Is there something I can do for you?”

Instinct told him coming on too strong with the interrogation would make her clam up. Something about her made him think she would scare easily. She had a wary look, but at the same time there was something defensive and tough behind the pretty façade. As if she was waiting for, expecting, an attack and when it came, she’d strike back like a wounded tigress.

“I just saw you sitting here all alone, thought I’d stop by and say hi.”

She nodded. “My friend, Meggie…Lady Margaret…is the singer. I came to watch her show.”

“She’s very good.” He glanced around nonchalantly. “Draws quite a crowd. Of course, the booze doesn’t hurt anything. It’s good to find a nice place to knock a few back.”

“You’re not from here, are you?”

He grinned. “No, what was it, the accent?”

“Precisely.”

“Of course, with your accent, you’re definitely a local.”

She laughed, an unexpected and delightful sound that he felt clear in his chest. “Right, a Yank through and through.” Her eyes twinkled. “Where are you from?”

“Philly, Philadelphia. I’m in town looking for someone. A girl. Her name’s Cynthia Yost.” He showed her the photo. “Do you know her?”

Her brows drew together, and she shook her head. “She doesn’t look familiar. She isn’t in trouble, is she?”

“I’m afraid she might be. I haven’t heard from her in days, and she was supposed to come home a week ago.”

“I’m sorry. I hope she’s okay, but no, I don’t know her.”

He didn’t detect dishonesty in her response, but then, she was a pro. Maybe she was good at lying. He wouldn’t push her tonight, but he’d be back and push a little harder next time. For now, he might as well play nice. “Can I buy you a drink?”

She favored him with another of those head spinning smiles. “That would be marvelous, thank you.”

End of Excerpt

Ruined is available for pre-order on Amazon for $0.99 until February 26. Its regular price will be $2.99. And don’t forget all the other stories in the vintage romance Martini Club 4 series, listed below. You can find them all at this Amazon link.

• Rebellious by Amanda McCabe – Can an aristocratic lady melt the cold heart of a Russian gangster?
• Ruined by Alicia Dean – She vowed she’d be no man’s doxy, but fate had other plans.
• Reckless by Kathy L Wheeler – Lady Margaret turned Lady Bootlegger.
• Runaway by Krysta Scott – Can she prove her innocence before more than her dreams are destroyed?

Thanks so much for visiting me today, Alicia, to share your story from an up-and-coming time period for historical romance!