Blog Tour: Once Upon a Hero by C.N. Bird, Samantha Holt, Lily Magee, Em Taylor

 

Once Upon a Hero
Author – C.N. Bird, Samantha Holt, Lily Magee, Em Taylor  
Genre – Historical Romance
Publication Date – 1st February 2014  Length (Pages/# Words) – 50,000 words
Publisher – Indie  
Cover Artist – Samantha Holt

 

     

Four tales of love throughout history.Pompeii by C.N. Bird 69 A.D. Following the loss of her father and her mother years later, Hadriana is saved from a life of prostitution by her closest friend Victus. Through rebuilding and many loves, one night finds them unable to resist their feelings for one another any longer. With their new found affection and moving forward in their lives, the city of Pompeii seemingly doesn’t have a happy ending in store.
Hunting His Highland Lass by Samantha Holt Scotland, 1292 Rory MacPherson has returned home to find his castle overrun by the English and his timid wife missing. So when he hears of her tales of bravery, he’s just a little surprised. But his main concern is whether she is still alive or has been captured. Upon discovering her intention to run to her father’s and to leave their affectionless marriage for good, Rory realises just how much sweet Isla means to him. Can the warrior get past his fears of being too rough for her?
Though fear of capture drove Isla out, it’s the fear of returning to her marriage that keeps her travelling across the unforgiving Highlands. Not that doesn’t care for her husband, but she can no longer bear desiring a man who clearly doesn’t want her. Believing that he must be sharing his bed with another lass, Isla plans to beg her father for refuge from the English…and her husband. But the journey is dangerous and Rory is a determined man. Will he even let her go?
A Love Remembered by Em Taylor England, 1811 When Lord Benedict Mallory is lost at sea while fighting in His Majesty's Navy, Lady Cassandra Strong knows her happy ever after with the handsome duke's son will never be. That is until she spots her friend's footman. He bears a striking resemblance to the Lord who was presumed drowned.
A chance encounter with the newly restored Earl leaves Cassy with no option but to marry Lord Benedict. Can they overcome his loss of memory and forge a marriage for themselves?
An Honourable Enemy by Lily Magee Russia, 1812 War has been kind to Capitaine Amaury de Poitiers. With every victory over the Russians, Napoleon’s Grande Army brings ever greater glory to France. Highly regarded by both his superiors and his men, his career looks set to soar.
When he is tasked with guarding a prisoner of war critical to the war effort, an archduchess no less, Amaury finds himself enchanted by her. The only surviving member of her family, the proud Katinka of Viasma is overwhelmed by grief and the desire for revenge upon the French for her family’s death. Despite her initial hostility, Amaury finds himself becoming ever more drawn to this feisty, angry yet fragile young woman and is overcome by the need to protect her. Katinka in turn finds herself confused by her increasing attraction to the witty, chivalrous capitaine who refuses to give up on her despite her temper.
Their longing for each other is undeniable but both of them know that the barriers between them are great. Amaury finds himself torn between his mission, his love and his honour. Katinka is a noblewoman and he is but a common soldier. To be together could cost Katinka everything.
Can Amaury and Katinka ever overcome the barriers of war and class that separate them?

Amazon Kindle Link

$10 Amazon GC 2 x ecopies of Saved by a Rake by Em Taylor 2 x ecopies of To Steal a Highlander’s Heart by Samantha Holt

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Tour Organized By:

Blog Tour: Not Another Soldier by Samantha Holt, spotlight, excerpt and giveaway

 

 

 

Title: Not Another Solider  

Author: Samantha Holt  

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense  

Release Date: 17th January 2014

 

 

I've just buried my husband. I was going to divorce him and now he’s dead.

After five years as a military wife, Sienna is moving on. She’s keen to leave behind the misery of her marriage to Rob but for some reason the past won’t let her go. It doesn't help that her closest friend, Nick, is also a soldier. Unfortunately Sienna is struggling to deny her attraction to the sexy marine, even knowing there can be no future in it. When the injured soldier admits he wants her just as badly, and has always wanted her, the fight to control her feelings becomes harder.

And now she’s learning things about her late husband that surprise even her. When the secrets of Rob’s life come to light, Sienna finds herself involved with some very nasty people and Nick is determined to protect her, no matter what.

As the danger grows to both her heart and her life, Sienna needs to decide if it was the army that was the problem or her late husband. Is Nick worth the heartache of being a military spouse again? And will he be able to protect her from the ring of drug dealers slowly closing in?

 

 

 

AMAZON KINDLE | GOODREADS

 

Drawing in a breath, I open the door. Hopefully Nick’s all settled and I won’t even have to—He’s sitting on my bed.Damn the man. He studies me, slow and languorously, and I flex my fingers, longing to splay my hands across myself. My simple PJs now feel sexy and I’m definitely showing off too much skin.“Can I—” I cough. “Is everything okay?”Nick nods slowly, his eyes saying everything is more than okay. My skin heats and I hope he can’t see the redness that’s no doubt in my cheeks and on my chest.“Yeah,” he says finally, gaze lingering on my bare legs. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”“I’m fine.”Though I don’t sound fine. Having your heart going the same rate as a freight train or your blood boiling beneath your skin probably isn’t fine. But that wasn’t what he meant.He doesn’t look convinced.“It’s been a crazy day and I am a little shaken but I’m okay, I swear. I just need a little rest and I need to get this place back to normal and then I’ll be great.”Nick takes a moment to study me once more and stands. “All right. Just checkin’.”“Oh.” I go to my closet. “Here’s some blankets.” I draw out two old ones that I usually use if the temperature drops and pass them over.“Thanks.” He takes them from me.“Do you need something to sleep in?” I bend down and rummage through the bottom drawer. “I might have some old T-shirts.” I find one and come up to standing.His eyes are wary and he looks tense, slightly like he’s going to explode at any moment.Baffled, I thrust out the T-shirt. “It’s one of Rob’s. I don’t know why I still have them really. Or would it be weird wearing his stuff?” He doesn’t respond so I hesitate before turning around and chucking the T-shirt back in the drawer. That was a stupid idea. “Sorry, guess it would be.”With a wry laugh, he nods. “Yeah, I don’t want to be wearing his stuff, but I got to tell you, babe, I’m more worried about your night clothes.”“What?”“If you’re sleeping like that,” he motions with one hand down me, “then it’s going to make me sleeping there,” now he points to the couch, “a real trial. ‘Cause when you bend over in those shorts, all I want to do is take you to bed and peel them from you.”

 

What does Samantha Holt want us to know about her?

The rules are simple. There are 20 questions but you only have to answer 10-15:

As a writer, what drives you?

Firstly, and I know I shouldn’t admit to this, it’s money. I keep writing at the pace I do because I’m the main money earner LOL But mostly it’s wanting to explore something. Maybe a part of me, or a part of history. Writing lets me do that.

As a woman, what drives you?

Guilt. It’s terrible and I’m trying to succumb less to it but it’s such a female flaw. We feel guilty constantly. If I haven’t written a certain amount of words, or made sure the house is spotless or cooked a beautiful meal, I feel guilty. I hope and pray I don’t instil the same sense of guilt into my children but I fear it’s something society ingrains into women.

Can you tell us about Not Another Soldier?

It’s based loosely on my experiences as a military wife. I never buried a husband or got into trouble with drug dealers but I did suffer intense loneliness and also learned to cope with it and genuinely enjoy military life. Sienna’s journey—although a lot more fraught with angst and danger—mirrors my own.

Happy Ever After or Happy For Now? Why?

Oh HEA, every time. I’m not sure why. I guess I’m just an old-fashioned romantic.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in your books?

Normally, not much. There’s probably fragments of me in my heroines but not a lot. Sienna from Not Another Soldier, however, is definitely me in many ways. I didn’t realise it until reading back.

Describe yourself in five words…

Stressed, silly, fun, ambitious, controlling.

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

Nope. Wish I did. It sure would make my life a lot easier!

When were you first published? How were you discovered?

I went indie first. Just for fun really. I didn’t intend to be a writer as such and had never even held any ambitions in that direction. I wrote a story and thought it would be fun to share. When people actually started reading it, I realised I had a lot more stories in my. Three books later, I submitted to a publisher and was astonished when they said they wanted my books.

Overrated/underrated movie?

Not sure about underrated but overrated…I watched Top Gun for the first time in years and couldn’t quite figure out what we all saw in Tom Cruise. Also ‘Ice Man’ was not nearly as much as a jerk as I remembered and actually made a lot of sense LOL And the final battle…what was that about? Fighting for no reason with a nameless enemy. You know, I’m not sure moviegoers would accept such a storyline these days!

What are you working on right now?

I’m finishing off my next Highland book and I’ve made inroads into my next contemporary story. I like to multi-task as it keeps me interested in what I’m doing. My brain is kind of flighty sometimes and wants to do tons of things at once!

 

 

Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier (Yes, seriously!). She traditionally writes historical romances involving chivalrous knights and hot highlanders, but occasionally dabbles in contemporary romance. When she reluctantly leaves her computer, she enjoys exploring old ruins and indulging an early midlife crisis. Adrenaline filled suggestions for the bucket list are always welcome!

 

Find Samantha on Facebook

 

Prizes 

1 Paperback copy of Not Another Soldier 

3 x $2.99 ebook of readers choice

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

 

 

Tour Hosted By:

Blog Tour: The Borderland Legacy by Samantha Holt, spotlight, reviews and giveaway

Borderland Bride & Borderland Beauty

Series – The Borderland Legacy

Author – Samantha Holt

Genre – Historical Romance

Length (Pages/# Words) – 150 pages

Publisher – Jupiter Gardens Press

Covers Artist – Valerie Tibbs

Borderland Bride

In the wilderness of 14th century Northumbria, Lady Isabel discovers just how dangerous the Borderlands can be. With the loss of her voice and her hearing, there is little hope left for her. But when a brooding knight rescues her, she vows never to become a victim again and buries the secrets of her past in the hope that those hunting her will never find her in the Borderlands.

Jake is astonished to come across the beautiful Isabel, near to death, on his brother’s lands. Bringing her back to his brother’s home, he finds himself longing for something more from the courageous woman, something that he thought he would never want again. Isabel works her way into his scarred heart and opens Jake up to loving once more. But will Isabel’s secrets destroy their bond? And with his charismatic brother, Dominic, charming her, does he even stand a chance?

MY REVIEW

Jake and The Borderland Bride

5 stars!

Hotness factor: filled with steamy passion!

I RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW

Okay, mea culpa… I’ve planned this. I read the Samantha Holt’s novel To Steal a Highlander's Heart  back in September and I promised to myself that I would read The Borderland Legacy. Once again, I was instantly hooked!

Jake and Izzy… Jake is this big beautiful lad with a heart as big as his muscles. Isabel, Izzy, is the lucky lass he saved from a certain death. A love match made in Scottish heaven! If only her father didn’t have other plans for her. ‘The course of true love never did run smooth' - W. Shakespeare. I believed I used this before J

I simply love this book! The characters are funny and passionate. The story is a tale as old as time (wink). The length of the book is perfect for an nice afternoon read, with crumpets and tea (I miss England). I recommend and pimp this book. Samantha Holt, I am one of your cheerleaders!

Borderland Beauty

Lord Dominic is in need of a wife. With the reivers, the wild and dangerous criminals that haunt the borderlands, breathing down his neck and his brother now married, he needs a strong woman by his side. So when he finds out about an old marriage contract between him and his neighbour’s daughter, he vows to give the mysterious woman a chance. Upon meeting the beautiful, feisty maiden, he vows to make her his wife.

Lucy Montgomery wants nothing to do with the arrogant lord. She doesn’t understand his interest in her. Surely a man like Dominic could never fall for a woman like her? Hurt by the past, she refuses to believe that she is anything more than a game to him. If only she didn’t find him quite so charming.

Can Dominic persuade Lucy that she is more than just another woman to him? And with the reivers growing bolder, are there worse dangers than Lucy saying ‘Nay’?

MY REVIEW

Dominic and The Borderland Beauty

4.5 stars

Hotness factor: Instant chemistry…

I RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW

Hear hear! Dominic, the dashing charming lord of Thornewall, is in desperate need of a wife and apparently, he had already been contracted to marry one (is that how you say this?). Lucy Montgomery aka Dominic’s betrothed might be the one woman who seems to be immune to his charms. Or is she?

Dominic and Lucy are simply adorable. Fated to be together, he’s charming but cocky, she’s stubborn and pride, Jane Austen would have been proud. Jake and Izzy are still my favourite couple of the series but Dominic and Luce are really giving them a run for their money. If you read the first book you just have to know how the story unfolds for poor handsome Dominic. My pom-poms are high in the air, like I just don’t care, cheering for this sublime series! PS: is it just me or shouldn't we swap the titles? LOL 

Amazon Kindle Link

Borderland Bride

Borderland Beauty

Barnes & Nobles Nook Link

Borderland Bride

 Borderland Beauty

Goodreads Link

Borderland Bride

Borderland Beauty

AUTHOR BIO

Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier (Yes, seriously!). She traditionally writes historical romances involving chivalrous knights and hot highlanders, but occasionally dabbles in contemporary romance. When she reluctantly leaves her computer, she enjoys exploring old ruins and indulging an early midlife crisis. Adrenaline filled suggestions for the bucket list are always welcome!

STALKER LINKS:

Blog: http://www.samanthholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/SamanthaHAuthor

GIVEAWAY

Please list the Prize or Prizes for the giveaway.

1 x $10 Amazon GC

2 x $5 Amazon GC

2 x ecopy To Steal a Highlander’s Heart

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To Steal a Highlander's Heart by Samantha Holt Blog Tour

Title – To Steal a Highlander’s Heart

Author – Samantha Holt
Genre – Medieval Romance
Publication Date – 30th September 2013
Publisher – Indie
Cover Artist –  Kim Killion

Book Blurb/Synopsis 

Alana sets eyes on Morgann for the first time in several years and what does he do? He captures her! But Alana refuses to go meekly with the sexy Highland warrior. Her kidnapping will reignite the rift that’s existed between the two clans since her father accused Morgann of theft and she doesn't want to see her father harmed in the inevitable war that will ensue.

Unfortunately for Alana, the faeries seek to interfere with her plans to escape. The sidhe have a debt to repay and Tèile, the green faery, is determined to mend the rift between the clans for good. And that means ensuring Alana and Morgann marry. Morgann has his own reasons for taking Alana and they are nothing to do with marriage or war. He wants to use her to reveal a secret from the past, the one that had him accused of theft. If only he didn’t find his childhood friend so attractive. When circumstances force them together, Alana’s life is threatened and war is imminent. Can Morgann reveal the truth without losing Alana? And will the faeries meddling help or hinder his cause?

Amazon Kindle Link 

Goodreads Link 

The excerpt (R rated)

And then that hand was upon one of her breasts, comforting and teasing at the same time. He cupped her through the linen, rolled her nipple tight. He groaned against the crook of her shoulder and teeth nipped lightly at her skin.

"Ye taste so good," he murmured. "So good."

Alana arched to his touch and angled her hips into him. Hardness greeted her, his plaid gone, as an ache took hold, one that could only be ended by Morgann. The scent of damp skin teased as his wet hair brushed her cheek. He pulled away suddenly, hand still clasped over her breast, fingers remaining under her hair.

"I cannae do it." His eyes were hooded, dark with lust, voice thick and emotion filled.

Alana's heart dropped. She leaned her head back, let the air release from her chest and dropped her hands to her side.

"I cannae do it, Alana. I cannae stay away from ye. I wanted to protect ye, to be strong for ye... I dinnae think I can be strong anymore."

Relief streamed through her. He wasn't turning her down. She placed her palm over his heart, the thud strong, reassuring. "Dinnae be strong, Morgann. Just be ye. And kiss me."

He gave a groan of resignation and the hand on her breast advanced around behind her, bundled her against him. Lips moved roughly over hers, claiming, seeking. He coaxed her mouth apart and the damp heat of his tongue shocked her, forced her to grip his arms tightly. Sinuously twining with her tongue, he explored every recess of her mouth as fire built between them. The throb between her thighs became more acute, almost painful. She rocked her hips into him to get some kind of relief.

Morgann pulled her away from the wall and his hands roamed her body. The linen chemise offered little protection against his probing hands as he grasped her bottom, fingers trailing briefly between her thighs and back up. Alana kept her eyes closed as he manoeuvred her around the room, mouth firmly upon hers, until finally the edge of the table bit into the back of her thighs.

Hands gliding over the planes of his chest, she opened her eyes and reclined. She'd intended to study him, to relish the sight of firm muscles and crisp hair but to see him, so gut-wrenchingly beautiful, a vulnerable glint in his eyes, forced a surge of impatient need through her.

"Kiss me again," she begged, hooking a hand around his neck and tugging him down.

He did as she bid. His mouth moved sensuously over hers yet there was an aggression behind the kiss. A sense of him taking everything from her. But he gave back so much. His fingers pressed into her hip, massaging her flesh. She fidgeted, longing for those fingers to put an end to her agony.

My Review

Aye...I loved, I did...

5 tartan dressed stars!

Hotness Factor: I blushed, I blushed then blushed some more!

So blurb shlurb as usual I didn't read it. I wanted to read a historical romance like I used to when I was a teenager. When the faerie showed up on the page I was a bit taken surprise (she's mentioned on the blurb) and the rest was just as delightful. Alana, stubborn Scottish lass (are they any other types?) and Morgann, handsome brave highlander warrior (again, are they any other types?) were meant to be together. And of if you are being stalked by a magical being trying very hard to get you, I'm going to say do it... Hell fire, it's going to happen!
This book brought me back to a time when I was reading those historic novels a couple of times a week instead of doing my homework. It was funny and well written. I particularly enjoyed the length of this novel. Long enough to see the entire story enfolding and short enough for you to read in a short few days or an afternoon. You know I've got to talk about the loves scenes... neah you read them then will talk about them. I don't want to blush again!

Samantha Holt, you gave me the historical romance fever again and as the good nosy woman than I am, I already checked out your other novels and will get myself acquainted ...

The Book Soundtrack

Prologue

Thief of my Heart – Sinead O’Connor

Chapter One

Capercallie –Crime of Passion

Chapter Two

Runaway- The Corrs

Chapter Three

Two Steps From Hell – Heart of Courage

Chapter Four

For the Love of a Princess – James Horner

Chapter Five

I Will Wait – Mumford and Sons

Chapter Six

Better Days – The Goo Goo Dolls

Chapter Seven

Call Me – Shinedown

Chapter Eight

Christain Perri – A Thousand Years

Chapter Nine

Need you Now – Lady Antebellum

Chapter 10

Adele – Set Fire to the Rain

Epilogue

Steal Your Heart - Augustana

AUTHOR BIO: 

Samantha resides in Warwickshire, England with her twin girls and husband. She's a romance addict and has been devouring all kinds of romance for as long as she can remember.

Having studied archaeology, Samantha likes to blend her love of the past with her passion for romance to create thrilling and passionate tales set to medieval backdrops. She thinks there's nothing sexier than a rugged warrior and a feisty maiden falling head over heels for each other.

STALKER LINKS: 

Amazon Author Page 

Website/Blog  

Blog

Facebook 

Twitter 

Cover Reveal: To Steal a Highlander’s Heart by Samantha Holt

 Title – To Steal a Highlander’s Heart
Author – Samantha Holt
Genre – Medieval Romance
Publication Date – 30th September 2013
Publisher – Indie
Cover Artist –  Kim Killion


























Book Blurb/Synopsis 

Alana sets eyes on Morgann for the first time in several years and what does he do? He captures her! But Alana refuses to go meekly with the sexy Highland warrior. Her kidnapping will reignite the rift that’s existed between the two clans since her father accused Morgann of theft and she doesn't want to see her father harmed in the inevitable war that will ensue.

Unfortunately for Alana, the faeries seek to interfere with her plans to escape. The sidhe have a debt to repay and Tèile, the green faery, is determined to mend the rift between the clans for good. And that means ensuring Alana and Morgann marry.

Morgann has his own reasons for taking Alana and they are nothing to do with marriage or war. He wants to use her to reveal a secret from the past, the one that had him accused of theft. If only he didn’t find his childhood friend so attractive. When circumstances force them together, Alana’s life is threatened and war is imminent. Can Morgann reveal the truth without losing Alana? And will the faeries meddling help or hinder his cause?

Amazon Kindle Link 

Goodreads Link 

AUTHOR BIO: 

Samantha resides in Warwickshire, England with her twin girls and husband. She's a romance addict and has been devouring all kinds of romance for as long as she can remember.

Having studied archaeology, Samantha likes to blend her love of the past with her passion for romance to create thrilling and passionate tales set to medieval backdrops. She thinks there's nothing sexier than a rugged warrior and a feisty maiden falling head over heels for each other.

STALKER LINKS: 

Amazon Author Page 

Website/Blog  

Blog

Facebook 

Twitter 

a Rafflecopter giveaway