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Chantel Seabrook’s Release Day and $25 Give-Away!

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HEY!!! CHANTEL”S GOT A NEW RELEASE AND A $25 Giveaway! Click below for a chance to win!

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Kiera

Kiera is the daughter of the notorious Richard Boyd, the man responsible for the death of hundreds of shifters. She’s also the most recent victim of her father’s experiments. Once human, Kiera was genetically altered with metamorph DNA. She barely survived the transformation, and now must learn how to control the animal within.

Alpha werelion, Jacob Oliver has always prided himself on being reliable, loyal, and practical. He’s the youngest ever, Director of Therian Affairs. When the first survivor of spontaneous morphing ends up in his care, Jacob finds himself struggling to maintain his composure.

There’s always been something wild and untamed within Kiera, but if she’s ever going to be able to rejoin society, she’ll need someone to teach her how to control her new animal nature. Jacob Oliver is just the man for the job, or at least he thinks he is.

What happens when you add fire to ice? Steam! Will Jacob extinguish the flame within her, or will Kiera finally melt Jacob’s icy exterior?

Chantel Seabrook’s Taming Kiera is a paranormal romance full of sexual tension, action and excitement.

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Free Kindle Fire 7

Hi,

There’s still a chance to win a Kindle Fire 7!

or a $10 gift card

or a Signed/Magnet Card set

or a Signed Copy of ‘How To Train Your Knight’!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I just ordered new magnets and the CUTEST stationary from Vista Print and am DYING to give some away.

I also am in serious need of Amazon reviews for ‘How To Marry Your Wife.’

Now, I only believe in gettin’ honest review. Y’know? Because anything else just isn’t right. So. that bein’ said, let me know if you’d like to review ‘How to Marry Your Wife’ and if you like refrigerator magnets!

Just comment below, or email me at stellamariealden@gmail.com. If you can’t afford the book, I can gift you a copy!

Fondly,

Stella!

Win A Full Signed Card & Magnet sets

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Alden & Seabrook’s Shoutout team!

Be One of the first to Join Alden & Seabrook’s Shoutout team! 

This posting is exclusive for fans of Stella Marie Alden and/or Chantel Seabrook

Each shout out member will be a true fan, love our books, and leave reviews on Amazon. Pre-order it now!

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What will our Shout Out Group do?

Help us get 1000 pre-orders on Amazon!

Helps us get to #1 for our Amazon category in US !

You can choose one or many of the following places to shout out on Social Media :

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Get excitement on Goodreads

 

What does a shout out fan get from this?

You will be a member of elite Facebook group that will get:

to know of our upcoming promotions before anyone else, and have first dibs!

Invites to signing events

Swag and gifts

Special Raffles

Signed paperbacks from the author

The bragging rights to say, they helped a writer go to bestseller!

Special prizes for reaching our goals!

 

 

 

 

 

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Midwest Review gives ‘How to Marry Your Wife’ a rating of ‘exquisite’

How to Marry Your Wife #4c copy

 $3.99 or available on Kindle Unlimited.
Soul Mate Publishing
by Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Fans of Alden’s prior book How to Train Your Knight might remember the protagonist Thomas in her latest How to Marry Your Wife, who was featured under main character Marcus in the first book.  Set in England in 1276, Templar Knight Sir Thomas D’Agostine has found the ideal woman with whom he will handfast; only a love potion hastens matters and changes their lives – and this is only the beginning.

Anticipate the same solid attention to medieval history and detailed sexual scenes as in How to Train Your Knight; only from a different perspective as a minor character assumes major proportions in this novel. Time moves swiftly using two different, alternating timelines identified by chapter headings, so readers need to be on their toes to absorb a satisfyingly fast-paced story line that revolves around romance.

But the marriage (when it happens) is a farce and is completed only because Thomas won’t have Merry bedding another man nor raising his son, and so love seems to vanish as the consequences of sex and love potions evolve. It’s not often that a brand new bride hates her husband before the marriage takes place, but Merry has been branded a harlot because of Thomas, and her hatred of him is just as intense as her reluctantly ongoing attraction.

The process of turning hate into love and rekindling more than the physical fires of passion is the theme of a rollicking good medieval read that infuses its protagonists with the lingo, culture and social mores of its times, yet includes a healthy dose of sexual description for spicy reading.

Romance readers with an affinity for early history will relish its passionate, powerful protagonists and their diametrically opposing personalities, and will find this saga of scoundrels, secrets, idiots and wise men (and women) is filled with satisfying medieval atmosphere and twists and turns of plot.

Under Alden’s hand, the sexual encounters reinforce and flavor events and the juxtaposition of battle scenes, romance, and the era’s political overtones is exquisite. There’s no need for either a prior familiarity with How to Train Your Knight or with medieval history and culture. As events unfold, Thomas and Merry are continually challenged both in their stormy relationships and in their stubborn natures which will ultimate lead to not just survival, but real love.

Without revealing spoilers, suffice it to say that the conclusion of How to Marry Your Wife leaves the door wide open for more – and readers who relish historical romances will welcome this possibility!

 

 

 

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Changed by Italy

SorianoCouple

As I return from my third trip to Italy, and my fourth trip overseas, I am filled with wonder. How can this happened yet again? I look in the mirror and it seems incongruous that the same face stares back.

Like a balloon that has been filled with air and then deflated, I am stretched and changed. I’m filled with sights and sounds of another age. I walked along Medieval paths and touched the slits in the walls from which arrows flew.

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I stood in the square where traitors were burned at the stake. As I hiked up the narrow village paths, I ducked, hoping the over-ripe persimmons, known as cachi, would not fall upon my head.

cachi

I passed the old church wine cellar gate on the way to the castle where knights once held their ground.

winecellar

We lit an ancient fireplace and cooked fish over the embers of beechwood; the best, I am told, for cooking.

 

fireplace

I drank new wine from Uncle Tio, was fed by Luisa, and laughed with Fulvio, Stefano and the rest as we shared Christmas and the New Year. I stuffed myself on Panettone and drank cappucinno. I fell in love with my daughter Sarah’s extended family.

Truly, I am blessed beyond measure and I am not the same.

I have wonderful new ideas for my next set of Medieval Novels. Stop by occasionally and I will share!

For now, I hope you will enjoy a Romance in Medieval England. Choose one or both!

tower

US: http://ow.ly/WjTXG
CA: http://ow.ly/WjU15
UK: http://ow.ly/WjU58

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MY GOOD FRIEND CHANTEL SEABROOK!!!

Sale Blitz Blog Tour
Chasing Payne
By: Chantel Seabrook
#99Cents #Free with Kindle Unlimited 
 
Lion shapeshifter, Agent
Chase Payne, doesn’t have time for distractions — especially the kind that
involve his best friend’s younger sister. He has a job to do: leading his team
of Therian agents to fight against those who would expose their kind to the
world.
Lora Oliver wants to be a
Therian agent, but secrets from her past have damaged the bond between her
human and animal natures, and threaten to destroy everything she’s worked so
hard for, along with the people she loves.
Lora struggles to retain control and keep her secrets buried, while Chase
denies what he feels for Lora. And then, one kiss changes everything.
 
 
Chase paced the room for several moments before sitting on
the edge of the desk with his arms crossed over his powerful chest.
“You’re ready to risk your life?”
He wasn’t trying to hide his disapproval, and Lora felt her
own irritation mounting. “I don’t have a death wish if that’s what you’re
asking.”
His gaze locked on her, watching her with a silent intensity
that was more than unnerving. It was downright intimidating.
“I’ll be honest—I don’t like this.” He uncrossed
his arms and gripped the edge of the desk, his knuckles whitening. “There
are other jobs within the agency that don’t pose any risk.”
Was he freaking serious? So it was all right for him to risk
his life, but not her? Bullshit! She wouldn’t let Chase Payne bully her into
leaving. She’d worked too hard over the past year to get where she was.
“If you don’t want to be my supervisor, I can ask Jacob
to reassign me.”
“No.” A snarl resonated from his chest. A dominant
sound, meant to intimidate.
Damn him. The man reeked of scare tactics. He wouldn’t win.
She wouldn’t let him. Did he really think she would back down that easily?
She’d grown up in a houseful of alpha males, all fighting for control.
“I graduated top in my class. I’m more than qualified
to—” 
He moved so quickly that she barely had time to react.
Placing his hands on the arms of her chair, he leaned over her, blue eyes
blazing, his face inches from her own. “To what?”
She swallowed hard and bit her lip. His hot breath tickled
her cheek, and his male scent surrounded her like a musky cocoon, turning her
insides to mush.
To her horror, a small whimper escaped her lips.
A hard smile played across his mouth, his gaze cool and
calculating. “Tell me, Lora, what are you qualified to do?”
Arrogance.
Power.
Pure male confidence.
His eyes remained locked on hers, daring her to challenge
him. Her animal stalked, paced, rumbling to get out, clouding her mind with
dark, dangerous desire. He was so close, his mouth tempting her, drawing her—
Without thinking, she grabbed his collar, yanked him down to
her level and drew his mouth towards her own. Her lips brushed against his, and
he went still.
Oh god, what was she doing? She knew she should stop, but
something primal pushed her forward. She dragged her tongue across his lips and
felt the tiniest shudder rip through his body.
His tongue swept against hers and for a mouth-watering
moment, he returned her kiss, setting fire to her senses. Years of dreaming
about Chase Payne hadn’t prepared her for the electrifying sensation that
coursed through her body.
A groan reverberated in his throat, low and deep, a sexual
sound that left her panting for more. Lust rippled through her body, invading
her senses. He tasted sweet, with a mix of tanginess and just a hint of spice.
She couldn’t stop even if she wanted to. Her animal growled, wanting more,
needing more.
He broke the connection with a sudden jerk backwards. His
eyes wide, dark with desire and something akin to fear. “What the
hell?”


A hint of satisfaction rolled through her. For the first
time in her life, she felt like she had the upper hand. She looked up at him
and smirked. “I’m qualified in more areas than you know.” 
 
FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED/99 CENTS LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Chantel Seabrook currently resides in London, Ontario, with
her husband and two daughters. She is passionate about writing and enjoys
reading fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fi_ction. Chantel has a
four-year Anthropology degree from Western 
University
 
$25 Amazon Gift Card!!!
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Thursday Threads Presents Cathy MacRae

thehighlandersreluctantbride

The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride

Author: Cathy MacRae

Genre: Scottish Medieval Romance

Heat level: Sensual

 

Determined to keep the Macrory clan’s holdings out of the clutches of marauding pirates, King Robert II sends his man, Lord Ranald Scott, to hold Scaurness Castle. There, Laird Macrory lays dying, awaiting word from his son who is missing on the battlefields of France. If the son is not found before the old laird dies, Ranald will take over as laird—and marry Laird Macrory’s headstrong daughter.

Lady Caitriona sees no reason she cannot rule the clan in her brother’s stead, and is bitterly disappointed with the king’s decision to send a man to oversee the castle and people. Not only is Ranald Scott only distantly related to the Macrory clan, but he was her childhood nemesis. She has little trust or like for him.

Her disappointment turns to panic when the king’s plan is completely revealed and she realizes she must wed Ranald. Pirates, treachery, and a four-year-old girl stand between her and Ranald’s chance at happiness. What will it take for them to learn to trust each other and find the love they both deserve?

 

Excerpt:

Absently Riona brushed a wayward strand of dark auburn hair from her face as she took two quick paces to catch up with him. The movement reminded Ranald of her as a child.

“I don’t suppose ye were too anxious to come here,” she said.

He formed a rueful expression. “Nae. ‘Twas no’ my first choice.”

“I know ye dinnae like it here. Ye always seemed relieved to depart.”

Ranald laughed. “‘Twas ye I dinnae like.”

Rather than take offence, Riona nodded again. “Nor I ye.”

“Ye were a difficult lass.”

She drew up short, staring at him. “Me? Difficult? All I ever wanted was to be included. Ye were forever running off, trying to leave me behind.”

Ranald did not check his pace. “Ach, we did let ye play sometimes.”

With a huff, Riona scrambled to his side. “Oh, aye. Ye let me play ‘princess.’ The princess ye kidnapped and held for ransom by tying me to a tree all afternoon.” She grabbed at her skirt again as she stumbled and caught herself.

Ranald paused and his horse tossed his head at his master’s sudden halt, but Riona didn’t slow her stride. With one long pace he was even with her again.

“And what about the time ye let me go fishing?” she tossed at him. “Except I had to sit in the bottom of the boat and use my skirt to hold yer catch. I smelled of fish for a week.”

Ranald chuckled and shook his head. “That wasnae me, lass.”

She bit her lip, and Ranald wondered why her straight, white teeth fascinated him so. He stared at the reddened mark her bite left behind.

“True,” she allowed. “Ye dinnae like the water, do ye?”

Ranald swallowed back his wayward thoughts. This was Riona, his childhood nemesis, not the sweet widow he’d left behind at Scott Castle.

He caught her sideways glance at him and realized he’d not answered her. “Nae. ‘Tis all that up and down and sideways motion. Makes my stomach churn.”

“How do ye intend to be laird of a people who live by the sea?”

“I cannae say if I’ll ever be much of a sailor, but I will be laird.”

 

BUY LINK: http://www.amzn.com/B00J1PNPPC/

Author’s links:

Website: www.cathymacrae.com

Twitter: @CMacRaeAuthor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cathy.macrae.58

Cathy MacRae

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An Interview with Ann and Marcus

I go back in time, to the year 1276 to have a short speak with Ann and Marcus. They insist we chat while soaking in their ancient Roman bathhouse and I have to agree, it’s heavenly.
bathhouse

It’s odd to get naked with my characters, but I am sitting so that I am mostly concealed under the water. I wish Marcus would do so as well, but every so often he pushes up with hands to the edge, and gracefully exits. I can’t help but stare at his magnificent warrior’s physique.

When he eases back in with the grace of a cat, I start my questions with Ann. “I hear you are with child?”

She beams and rubs her swollen belly. “Indeed I am. Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?”

I do, but won’t spoil the surprise. “No, no. We will find out together in book two.”

“Book two? You mean for us to have another adventure? I believe I would rather not” Her mouth purses and turns down into a pout.

Marcus glares at me. “I thought we were safe in happily-ever-after.”

I swallow hard. “Well, yes and no. That’s why I’m here. Sir Thomas is going to need your help, Marcus. Ann, I’m afraid you will be stuck minding hearth and home.”

Her eyes dart to Marcus, no doubt waiting for him to agree but he seems mollified for a moment. “That hardly seems just.”

I clear my throat. “I know, but you’ll be pregnant with your third child… and it doesn’t seem right to have you off on an adventure to Scotland. Besides, who’ll mind your villagers?”

She settles back into the water with a happy face and reaches for a clay pot. “Three children? Very well. As long as you agree that my husband will not meet with ill fortune.”

I nod and turn such that I face the tub wall, not wanting to show my body to my characters. After all, I am author-god. I should look a hell of a lot more… god-like. “There will be some perilous moments but not so much for him as for Thomas.”

Grabbing soap salts, she begins to scrub my back with a linen cloth. “Sir Thomas? I thought you sent him to parts unknown. To trade for the king.”

The lavender scent is heavenly. “I did, but I had to bring him home. You know the lovely maid he’s been eyeing all summer? I’m afraid she is with child.”

Marcus growls and glances at his sword lying beside the pool. “I shall gut him from chin to-. Bring him back this instant. First there must be a wedding.”

I turn, put my palms up in the air in supplication, then quickly duck back down. “Well that’s just the point of the story. It’s going to be five years before I can get him back.”
“Absolutely unacceptable. By God, I won’t have any knight of mine making a chit pregnant.”

“Be reasonable. I cannot. He’s south of Rome by now, and makes his way to the east where neither pigeon, nor messenger can catch him.”

“Oh my. Well, we’ll just have to make the best of it.” Ann hops out of the water, dons her tunic, and rushes out the door in bare feet.

Marcus follows at a slower pace, sparing one glance back at me. “There better be another happily-ever-after, or heads will roll”
I lean back into the heated baths and sigh. That went quite well.

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Midwest Book Review

How To Train Your Knight- credit to D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

MidwestBookReview

  • Stella Marie Alden
  • Soul Mate Publishing, Macedon, NY 14502
  • ASIN: B00WRNKOOU     $2.99  Free with Kindle Unlimited

Most medieval novels don’t offer up a steamy romance theme; but then, How To Train Your Knight isn’t your usual historical novel, but offers a gripping love story set in 1276 that opens with the bang of a screaming woman accosting Sir Marcus Blackwell, a holy crusader forced into a marriage with a foul-tempered widow.

Lies, ladies, she-witches, murder and love are vividly portrayed as characters are well-developed and dialogue and description nicely done to capture the sounds, scents, feel and lingo of Medieval times (without resorting to confusing vernacular, which makes for an exceptionally smooth read).

Where other romances would fall into modern description, How To Train Your Knight stays true to its times, tailoring its graphic sexual encounters with a sense of the decorum and trappings of Medieval times. From the period clothing of the era which is removed with a different touch (“…finally he undid the leather ties holding the three sheaves, and her knives clunked to the floor.“) to a woman’s acceptance of the pleasure involved in making babies (which doesn’t translate to the usual confession to a priest if a husband is involved), Stella Marie Alden excels at presenting powerful protagonists who both express their sexuality and discover riches of the heart in the process.

Because romance is the key, binding factor in How To Train Your Knight, audiences should be genre readers looking for a healthy dose of history to spice the steamy interludes. These factors contribute to a powerful story line that is as much about sexual awakening and love as it is about the process of becoming a powerful partner and surviving the medieval world.

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Writing and Yoga

Yoga becomes art.

 

My good friend, Jennifer, is a yoga instructor, we’re both about the same age, and have a lot in common. She stopped me as I walked by her cube, and said, “I was just talking about you.”

“Oh yea?” I raised my eyebrows and smiled. “All good I hope.”

“I was remarking with Jean how much we admire you.” Her eyes were direct as always, unashamed to be sincere.

I tried to be the same, but blushed. “Thank you. Truly? But why?”

“We were talking how dedicated you are…getting up every day at five thirty to write, entering contests, and finally getting published.” She knows of my yoga journey. How when I started, my toes were so far away, I thought them another universe. Now I can put my hands flat to the floor, even after recovering from a herniated disc.

“What is harder, to do your first backbend in your forties or write a book?”

“Some would argue the latter.” She swiveled in her chair so as to turn and face me more.

“But it is the mindset. The idea of change, of growth that yoga brings that is so important. Yoga has taught me that all things are possible with practice, and belief, and incremental change; to try new things, whether watercolor painting, or replacing windows in my house, or writing. Our possibilities are unbounded. How can you know what you might be good at if you never attempt new things?”

She laughed. “So many people practice yoga for the exercise, or to relax, or for a myriad of other reasons. But you know? It doesn’t matter. Because eventually, if they stick with it, they will reap that benefit, whether they intend to or not.”

“So true.” I walked back to my cube, my day job, and dreamed of more possibilities.”

 

yoga

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