New Release! Eire's Devil King by Sandi Layne

 

PRESENTS. . .

RELEASE DAY BLAST

Éire's Devil King

Book 3 of Éire's Viking Trilogy

by Sandi Layne

Release Date: April 2 , 2015

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Genre: FICTION / Historical Fiction Time Periods/ Medieval / Viking
ISBN e-book: 978-1-61213-376-8

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

~~SUMMARY~~

A man of ability and ambition, Tuirgeis Erlingrson has nurtured the desire to carve a place of leadership for himself on the Green Island, Éire, that he has raided multiple times. After the death of his wife in Nordweg, he takes his surviving son to Éire. Having connections with his adopted brother, Cowan, and Agnarr, his former countryman, Tuirgeis feels he has the support he needs to make his claims strong.

Agnarr is torn. His promise to Aislinn to remain with her on Éire is still in force, and he resists Tuirgeis’s requests to join the conquering forces from Nordweg. He desires above all things to maintain a safe home for his wife and children in Dal Fíatach. Charis encourages Cowan to do the same, though this makes for tense moments between them.

After initial disastrous attempts to achieve his ambition, Tuirgeis comes to learn that there is more to claiming a kingship than merely overpowering the locals. Tuirgeis finds himself at odds with the very people he had hoped would reinforce him. In addition, he wants to establish his father-line. He has one son; he wants another to be born of Éire. Will the woman of his choice accept and support him?

At length, Agnarr and Aislinn—though she is heavy with child—sail with Cowan and Charis to join Tuirgeis as he battles over one final summer to attain the High Kingship of the island.

Tuirgeis knows he doesn’t have long to make his claims; the Danes are coming in greater numbers than before. As he wins men of Éire to his cause, he has to maintain the relationships he has already fostered with Agnarr and Cowan. Charis finds that her Otherworldly gifts are needed by a man she considers her enemy.

 

~~EXCERPT~~

It was dark in the langhús, save for the glowing of the coals banked in the fire ring. Agnarr enjoyed his wife’s responsiveness to him, and when they made love, he never forgot to thank his new God for letting her live through the births of the children their bodies made together. Before the sun crept under the door and through the shutters over the new windows, they were smiling and silent and relishing the moments—he knew there would only be moments—before the children stirred in the bench-bed they shared. Later, as their son and daughter began shifting restlessly prior to awakening, Agnarr sat up and blew out a breath. “Wife.” “Yes, husband?” She joined him, finding his hand with hers in the shadowy enclosure of their private area. “We need to be ready. You need to be ready. You and the children.” She sighed and shifted on the blankets so that she was looking directly at him. As was her habit, she continued to touch him with her fingers as she spoke. “I can fight. And you gave Dow a real knife at the Christ Mass.” Discomfort tightened his stomach as he shook his head. “You need to be able to escape, just in case.” He knew far too well what would happen if someone found his attractive wife. Someone whom he didn’t know. Someone who would find her dark hair appealing and the tatú on her cheek mysterious and alluring. Someone who would want to take her as their leman, as he had once taken Charis. Someone who might take his son as a slave. Jaw tightening in anger, he shook his head again. Hard. “You know what can happen to you.” Her eyes were on his face, and he met their steady gaze. “And the children. You need to be able to get away. We should find a way to make you safe.”

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

 

~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

Award winning author of short Celtic fiction, Sandi Layne is the creator of the Éire's Viking Trilogy, as well as works of contemporary Christian romance.

She began by self-publishing her novels in 2000, garnering a loyal group of readers whom she continues to appreciate to this day.

Married for more than twenty years to a fantastic man, she has two sons, no pets, and a plethora of imaginary friends. Her interests range from ancient civilizations to science fiction. With degrees in English and Ministry, she also claims Theology’s crimson Masters collar which she has been known to don on rare occasions.

If you drive by her window before dawn, it is likely she’ll have a light on for you. Or at the very least, she’ll be alert on twitter. She invites you to visit her online space at http://sandyquill.com.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website * Tumblr

~~PRAISE FOR EIRE'S DEVIL KING~~

"If you are looking for a read that makes history read real, this is the series for you." - Kathie on Goodreads

"This is how historical fiction should be done. ...  love was a deep and abiding theme, as was loyalty to family and leaders. Bonds will be tested and hearts will be broken." - Lissa Bryan

 

~~OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES AND SALE~~

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Sneak Peek Sunday: Eire's Devil King by Sandi Layne

Sandi Layne is quite excited to share from the conclusion of her Éire's Viking Trilogy.

Summary:

A man of ability and ambition, Tuirgeis Erlingrson has nurtured the desire to carve a place of leadership for himself on the Green Island, Éire, that he has raided multiple times. After the death of his wife in Nordweg, he takes his surviving son to Éire. Having connections with his adopted brother, Cowan, and Agnarr, his former countryman, Tuirgeis feels he has the support he needs to make his claims strong. Agnarr is torn. His promise to Aislinn to remain with her on Éire is still in force, and he resists Tuirgeis’s requests to join the conquering forces from Nordweg. He desires above all things to maintain a safe home for his wife and children in Dal Fíatach. Charis encourages Cowan to do the same, though this makes for tense moments between them. After initial disastrous attempts to achieve his ambition, Tuirgeis comes to learn that there is more to claiming a kingship than merely overpowering the locals. Tuirgeis finds himself at odds with the very people he had hoped would reinforce him. In addition, he wants to establish his father-line. He has one son; he wants another to be born of Éire. Will the woman of his choice accept and support him?
   At length, Agnarr and Aislinn—though she is heavy with child—sail with Cowan and Charis to join Tuirgeis as he battles over one final summer to attain the High Kingship of the island. Tuirgeis knows he doesn’t have long to make his claims; the Danes are coming in greater numbers than before. As he wins men of Éire to his cause, he has to maintain the relationships he has already fostered with Agnarr and Cowan. Charis finds that her Otherworldly gifts are needed by a man she considers her enemy.

Excerpt:

When the Éire-men began talking in low tones in their own language, Haukr leaned toward Tuirgeis and spoke. “Will we gain treasure here?” “No. But we need allies, and those we will find.” “Allies.” Haukr frowned and resumed his former posture. “I thought we were after riches.” “Patience.” Agnarr caught his eye, offered him an interesting smile that seemed one part confident and one part amused. Cowan and the king exchanged another glance, and the latter translated while the former spoke. “Did you think to settle all your men here?” “Not all of them want to stay,” Tuirgeis assured the ruler. “However, some may winter here.” At this, the king half-turned from the fire ring, beckoning to Cowan and Agnarr with a small, authoritative gesture. A quiet conversation followed, and Tuirgeis felt a small smile creep over his face. He let his gaze drift around the others in the round house. Charis’s pale skin seemed to almost shine in the gloom of the room as she stood back from the men around the fire. His smile fled as she studied him. He remembered her from their earliest acquaintance, on a longship where she clung to the bottom of the craft, her eyes vacant and staring over open water. Stubborn, she had been. Stubborn she had remained while yet a trell in Agnarr’s service. Stubborn she likely was, even now. Yet she had captured the heart of Geirmundr Kingson, and they had fled Nordweg together. Wordlessly, he beckoned her over. After a moment, she came. It was true—he had thought she looked unchanged when he caught a glimpse of her earlier, and she certainly seemed to be so. Touched by Freya, perhaps. “Lord Tuirgeis,” she said with a lifted brow. “And your son.” Haukr jerked his head in obvious surprise. “You speak Norse.” “Ja,” she said, her tone sarcastic even on the single syllable. “I had no choice but to learn. You are Haukr.” Astonishment froze Tuirgeis, but only for a moment. The woman’s sense of herself was even stronger than it had been in earlier years. She is a force to be reckoned with. “He is Haukr, my son. Haukr, this is . . . Charis, wife of my brother Cowan.” The two nodded politely at one another. “My brother treats you well, Charis?” “Cowan mac Branieucc is a fair man. A good husband and father,” she replied. “He is indeed. And how is your daughter?” It was mischief itself to ask, but he wanted the woman to exhibit some emotion. Her passivity was maddening. At his side, his son just stared at Charis, a look of confusion furrowing his unlined brow. “Aislinn is well. She has made me a grand-dam twice over.” Haukr leaned forward, mouth agape. “A grand-dam? Lady Charis, that isn’t possible. You cannot be much older than I.” “It is true, nevertheless.” Tuirgeis endeavored to keep his son from making a fool out of himself. He had a reputation to uphold. “You will find, Haukr, that Cowan’s wife is an unusual woman.”

This title due out April 2, 2015

from

The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

Award winning author of short Celtic fiction, Sandi Layne is the creator of the Éire's Viking Trilogy, as well as works of contemporary Christian romance.

She began by self-publishing her novels in 2000, garnering a loyal group of readers whom she continues to appreciate to this day.

Married for more than twenty years to a fantastic man, she has two sons, no pets, and a plethora of imaginary friends. Her interests range from ancient civilizations to science fiction. With degrees in English and Ministry, she also claims Theology’s crimson Masters collar which she has been known to don on rare occasions.

If you drive by her window before dawn, it is likely she’ll have a light on for you. Or at the very least, she’ll be alert on twitter. She invites you to visit her online space at http://sandyquill.com.

~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website * Tumblr

~~OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES~~

TWCS PAPERBACK

AMAZON PAPERBACK AMAZON KINDLE KOBO BARNES AND NOBLE iTunes

TWCS PAPERBACK

AMAZON PAPERBACK

BARNES AND NOBLE

AMAZON KINDLE

BARNES AND NOBLE

Kobo

 

Cover Reveal: Eire's Devil King by Sandi Layne

 

PRESENTS. . .

A Cover Reveal for

Éire's Devil King

Book 3 of Éire's Viking Trilogy

by Sandi Layne

Release Date: April 2 , 2015

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

~~SUMMARY~~

A man of ability and ambition, Tuirgeis Erlingrson has nurtured the desire to carve a place of leadership for himself on the Green Island, Éire, that he has raided multiple times. After the death of his wife in Nordweg, he takes his surviving son to Éire. Having connections with his adopted brother, Cowan, and Agnarr, his former countryman, Tuirgeis feels he has the support he needs to make his claims strong.

Agnarr is torn. His promise to Aislinn to remain with her on Éire is still in force, and he resists Tuirgeis’s requests to join the conquering forces from Nordweg. He desires above all things to maintain a safe home for his wife and children in Dal Fíatach. Charis encourages Cowan to do the same, though this makes for tense moments between them.

After initial disastrous attempts to achieve his ambition, Tuirgeis comes to learn that there is more to claiming a kingship than merely overpowering the locals. Tuirgeis finds himself at odds with the very people he had hoped would reinforce him. In addition, he wants to establish his father-line. He has one son; he wants another to be born of Éire. Will the woman of his choice accept and support him?

At length, Agnarr and Aislinn—though she is heavy with child—sail with Cowan and Charis to join Tuirgeis as he battles over one final summer to attain the High Kingship of the island.

Tuirgeis knows he doesn’t have long to make his claims; the Danes are coming in greater numbers than before. As he wins men of Éire to his cause, he has to maintain the relationships he has already fostered with Agnarr and Cowan. Charis finds that her Otherworldly gifts are needed by a man she considers her enemy.

 

~~EXCERPT~~

It was dark in the langhús, save for the glowing of the coals banked in the fire ring. Agnarr enjoyed his wife’s responsiveness to him, and when they made love, he never forgot to thank his new God for letting her live through the births of the children their bodies made together. Before the sun crept under the door and through the shutters over the new windows, they were smiling and silent and relishing the moments—he knew there would only be moments—before the children stirred in the bench-bed they shared. Later, as their son and daughter began shifting restlessly prior to awakening, Agnarr sat up and blew out a breath. “Wife.”

 “Yes, husband?” She joined him, finding his hand with hers in the shadowy enclosure of their private area.

“We need to be ready. You need to be ready. You and the children.”

She sighed and shifted on the blankets so that she was looking directly at him. As was her habit, she continued to touch him with her fingers as she spoke. “I can fight. And you gave Dow a real knife at the Christ Mass.”

Discomfort tightened his stomach as he shook his head. “You need to be able to escape, just in case.”

He knew far too well what would happen if someone found his attractive wife. Someone whom he didn’t know. Someone who would find her dark hair appealing and the tatú on her cheek mysterious and alluring. Someone who would want to take her as their leman, as he had once taken Charis. Someone who might take his son as a slave.

Jaw tightening in anger, he shook his head again. Hard. “You know what can happen to you.”

Her eyes were on his face, and he met their steady gaze. “And the children. You need to be able to get away. We should find a way to make you safe.”

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

 

~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

Award winning author of short Celtic fiction, Sandi Layne is the creator of the Éire's Viking Trilogy, as well as works of contemporary Christian romance.

She began by self-publishing her novels in 2000, garnering a loyal group of readers whom she continues to appreciate to this day.

Married for more than twenty years to a fantastic man, she has two sons, no pets, and a plethora of imaginary friends. Her interests range from ancient civilizations to science fiction. With degrees in English and Ministry, she also claims Theology’s crimson Masters collar which she has been known to don on rare occasions.

If you drive by her window before dawn, it is likely she’ll have a light on for you. Or at the very least, she’ll be alert on twitter. She invites you to visit her online space at http://sandyquill.com.

 

~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website * Tumblr

 

~~OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES~~

 

TWCS PAPERBACK

AMAZON PAPERBACK AMAZON KINDLE KOBO BARNES AND NOBLE iTunes    

 

TWCS PAPERBACK

AMAZON PAPERBACK

BARNES AND NOBLE

AMAZON KINDLE

BARNES AND NOBLE

Kobo

   

Sneak Peek Sunday: Eire's Devil King by Sandi Layne

The final book of Sandi Layne's Éire's Viking Trilogy will be out in the spring!

Éire's Devil King

Summary: An ambitious man, Tuirgeis Erlingrson has nurtured the desire to carve a place of leadership on Éire. Having connections with his adopted brother, Cowan, and Agnarr, his former countryman, Tuirgeis feels he has the support he needs to make his claims strong. Agnarr and Aislinn—though she is heavy with child—sail with Cowan and Charis to join Tuirgeis as he battles one final summer to seek the High Kingship. Charis finds that her Otherworldly gifts are needed by a man she considers her enemy. In addition, Tuirgeis wants to establish his father-line. He has one son; he wants another to be born of Éire. Will the woman he desires accept him? Tuirgeis knows his time is limited; the Danes are coming in greater numbers than before. If he wants to be the High King, he’s going to have to prove that he is more than a Viking. Excerpt: Though still leery of bodies of water, Charis never forgot that they bore life and that was precious to her. The water crept gently up the slope with careful fingers, as if knowing she was hesitant to approach such a large amount of it. When there was a stiff wind the waves furled whitely, rows upon rows of them; just then, however, there was peace and calm. She stared out over the lough, about to bend down to dig the roots from the rushes there, when a stirring within her kept her upright. There, to the northwest, something moved above the water. A small flock of grebes were nearby, their stuttering caws high pitched and active before they splashed out of the water. Scowling at them, she focused again on the distant object and, with a sudden start, she realized she knew exactly what it was. “Cowan . . .” Her whisper traveled no farther than her own ear. They shouldn’t be coming this way. The Northmen came by sea, not through a lake. Of course, there would be tributaries, but surely . . . “Ide? We have to go. Right now. Back to the rath.” The younger woman ran to her, her feet slipping on the muddy grass near the water. “What is it, Charis?” Pointing, Charis didn’t have to say a word. Ide knew. “Northmen. From the Danes? King, King Horik?” The names were familiar now, after seasons of stories and preparations. All color drained from her face, leaving freckles to stand in sharp relief. “I don’t know,” Charis said, backing away while keeping an eye on the longship that was growing closer every few moments. “But the men must ready themselves. As I must.” She wondered, as they hurried back to the safety of the village, if the one safety tunnel was yet deep enough to hide all the children of Tuaim Rithe.

Praise for the Éire's Viking Trilogy:

Compelling, three-dimensional characters who are interesting, imperfect, and very intriguing make the story pop and grab the reader’s interest as they each journey through their own adversities towards their ultimate destinies. – Great Historicals

…a wonderfully written story of war, love, loss and dealing with emotions and learning forgiveness. – Fire & Ice

Prepare for the invasion and read the rest of the trilogy:

Find Éire's Captive Moon at any of the links from Sandi's website here. Find Éire's Viking here and read the first chapter of this romance on her site here.

Sneak Peek Sunday: Read An Excerpt from Sandi Layne's Work In Progress

Coming in 2015

The final novel of Sandi Layne's Éire's Viking Trilogy: Éire's Devil King

Currently a work in progress, this final book completes the telling of one way that the Northmen—the vikingr—came to settle in Éire and how one of their number, Tuirgeis, claimed the title of High King of that island. Based in history, Tuirgeis's story will complete the story Sandi Layne began to tell when Tuirgeis captured Cowan and Agnarr captured Charis the healer in Éire's Captive Moon.

Blurb Idea:

A man of ability and ambition, Tuirgeis has nurtured the desire to carve a place of leadership for himself on the Green Island, Éire, that he has raided multiple times. After the death of his wife, he takes his surviving son to Éire and comes to learn that there is more to claiming a kingship than merely overpowering the locals.

While he is attracted to an Éire-woman for his new wife, Tuirgeis seeks to find ways to not only settle in this new land but also to learn to live with the people there, not just overthrow them.

Having connections with his adopted brother, Cowan, and Agnarr, his former countryman, Tuirgeis feels he has the support he needs to make his claims strong.

Bloodthirsty tyrant? Overly ambitious leader? Prideful warrior? The histories tell one tale of Tuirgeis, acknowledged usurper and High King of Ireland; I am telling another.

 

---

Sneak Peek of the Work in Progress:

Ide spoke. “The Ostmen will be gone in the morning.” “Well, perhaps,” Charis murmured as the sweet scents of mead and ale wafted through the evening air ahead of Cowan and Tuirgeis. She did not care for ale, but did find mead to be a pleasant beverage. It never interfered with her senses as it did with others, but she liked the mellow flavor. “They might be leaving closer to midday if their heads are as heavy as the smell of their drinks.” The women chuckled softly just as Cowan called, “What is it, wife?” “We came to spend time with Aislinn and the baby,” Charis replied, moving toward Cowan until she could look him squarely in the eye. “Why are you away from the fire?” she asked in Gaeilge. Cowan translated. Tuirgeis shook his head and rolled his shoulders as if he felt stiff from inaction. “I have spent enough time with men,” he stated through Cowan. “I wished for other, softer company.” A challenge was in his gaze as it clashed with Charis’s and she felt as if her spine was iron. Cowan drew her to him and she allowed herself to sidle away from the Northman. After dropping a kiss to the top of her head, her husband blew out a breath. “Softer company, Tuirgeis? Well, you remember my daughter Aislinn, of course.” Against her will, Charis took it upon herself to translate the tongue for Ide and Aislinn. If there was any luck in her world, she would not have to spend another evening doing so. Tuirgeis snorted to hear her, a smile in his eyes before they moved to Aislinn. “Ja. Aislinn. How many children do you have?” Aislinn understood him to an extent. “Two.” “And this is Ide. She used to live on the west coast, a bit north of where Muiredach recommended you go,” Cowan said, nodding to the red-haired woman. Tuirgeis’s smile widened. “I remember you,” he said while Charis moved to stand next to Ide. Cowan translated; Charis refused to do so for the moment. “I saw you when Agnarr wed.” He indicated Ide’s rich curls with a quick gesture of his hand. “Your hair. I like red hair.”

---

About the Author:

Award winning author of short Celtic fiction, Sandi Layne is the creator of the Éire's Viking Trilogy, as well as works of contemporary Christian romance.

She began by self-publishing her novels in 2000, garnering a loyal group of readers whom she continues to appreciate to this day.

Married for more than twenty years to a very tolerant (and brilliant!) man, she has two sons, no pets, and a plethora of imaginary friends. Her interests range from ancient civilizations to science fiction for both reading and research. With degrees in English and Ministry, she also claims Theology’s crimson Masters collar which she has been known to don on rare occasions.

If you drive by her window before dawn, it is likely she’ll have a light on for you. Or at the very least, she’ll be alert on twitter.

Find her on her website, Goodreads, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pinterest.

---

The first two books in the trilogy are already available. Click on the book covers here to be taken to Sandi's website where you can link up to purchase Éire's Captive Moon and Éire's Viking in paperback or e-book editions.

Sneak Peek Sunday - 5 Valentine's Day Short Stories

Just in time for Valentine's Day - a sneak peek at FIVE short stories to be released on February 14th!

Previously published in the Romantic Interludes anthology, these love stories will be available for the first time as stand-alone shorts - for just $.99 on Amazon!

The Golden Arrow and the Butterfly by Lissa Bryan


SUMMARY:

Eros is the god of love, but he has never experienced the emotion himself—despite his inexplicable fascination with a beautiful young mortal woman, Psyche. When one of his golden arrows strikes Psyche instead of its intended target, he whisks her away to Olympus, to save her from the fate of falling in love with the next man she sees. Psyche is terrified when she wakes blindfolded, in a strange realm, in the company of an oddly compelling man who claims to be a Greek god. What happens when the blindfold finally comes off?

(¯`•♥•´¯)

Excerpt:

“What I have told you is the truth,” he said finally. “I am Eros, and you are on Mount Olympus.”

“But that’s only a myth!” Psyche protested.

“Apparently not.” Eros sounded amused.

“Go on. Tell me the rest of it, why I’m here.”

“Your friend was fated to fall in love with a man she met at the mall. But I missed when I fired my arrow at her and it hit you instead.”

Psyche blinked. “Does that … um … happen often?”

“No. It’s the first time I’ve ever missed.” She heard frustration sharpen the puzzled note in his voice.

“What does that have to do with why I’m here?”

“Because you were hit by the arrow, you would fall in love with the next man you saw, no matter who he was.”

So, that explains the blindfold, she thought.

“I couldn’t let that happen to you. I’m trying to find a way to undo the enchantment.”

“Have you found anything?”

“Not yet. I’ve sent a message to my mother. If anyone will know, she will.”

Psyche tried to remember. “Who is your mother?”

“Aphrodite. My father is Ares.”

It was Psyche’s turn to be amused. “Love and War?”

“On occasion, they can be somewhat similar,” Eros said and Psyche laughed softly. It startled her because it was the first time she’d laughed since she was kidnapped.

(¯`•♥•´¯)

Add it to your Goodreads shelf here:

Buy directly from the publisher, or from Amazon on the 14th.

(¯`•♥•´¯)

Justin's Second Chance by Sandi Layne

SUMMARY:

Ten years ago, April Peterson asked her long-time crush and pen pal Lance Corporal Justin Clark for a date. Just a day spent alone together. Though he cared for her more than he had ever let on, he was still in shock after his first military deployment to Afghanistan, and responded in perhaps the worst possible way: He ignored her.

When they meet again, April Peterson Sinclair is a widow with a young daughter. Gunnery Sergeant Justin Clark is hoping to win April's heart and asks for a second chance.

(¯`•♥•´¯)

Excerpt:

He didn’t know what it was, but something inside him threw caution to the winds. A coward dies a thousand deaths; a brave man dies but one. Was that how that quote went? She’d probably know, but he wasn’t going to ask her. “What I’d really like,” he began slowly, kneeling so that they were knee to knee and he could smell the slightly spicy scent of whatever it was she was wearing for perfume, “is something you asked of me once.”
He saw her jaw tighten, saw the muscles in her throat move as she swallowed. “What?”
“I’d like a day to spend with you. Just the two of us. We could share the long versions of our stories, maybe. I could give you a tour of D.C. Just one day.”
“Justin...” Her lips parted, her breath caught, and she studied his face. He grew nervous, wondering what she was seeing. He felt all kinds of vulnerable, more than he felt when he’d been deployed in places far away and quite dangerous. “I’m not ready.”
“Ready?”
“My husband died a year and a half ago, you know? And I, we moved out here for a fresh start. To get, to get away from...some things.” She slid his present to her back under the tree to rejoin the other gifts that waited patiently for tomorrow morning and the eager eyes of a little, red-haired girl. “I’m not ready to date yet, Justin, is what I’m trying to say.”
“All right. How about being ready for a friend?” He offered her his hand.
Slowly, she took it and he rose to his feet, pulling her up with him. “I could use a friend.”
“You have one.”

You can add this title to your Goodreads shelf today!

(¯`•♥•´¯)

A Piece of Cake by T.M. Franklin

SUMMARY:

Emily Valentine is a matchmaker who doesn’t believe in love. Well, at least not the hearts and flowers, see-your-soulmate-across-a-crowded-room-and-the-world-stands-still kind of love. No, Emily is a pragmatist – a scientist – and she’s abandoned her family’s tradition of matchmaking based on instinct and uncanny intuition for a more scientific approach to pairing people up. Emily believes love is more about compatibility and common interests than anything mystical.
But a run-of-the-mill job turns her world on end when swoony cake designer Sam Cavanaugh pops up as a potential match for her newest client. The attraction she feels for him throws a wrench in her plans, but she’s not going to succumb without a fight.
Emily is nothing if not practical. And reasonable. But she’s about to learn that sometimes the best things in life…are neither.

(¯`•♥•´¯)

Excerpt:

“Want a bite?”
Emily jumped at the sound of Sam’s voice, relaxing a bit when she saw him holding out a cupcake in the palm of his hand. He rolled his eyes at her suspicious look.
“It’s just a cupcake,” he said, lifting it slightly to emphasize his words. “Well, I shouldn’t say just. It’s double-chocolate with salted caramel frosting, and it’s incredible, if I do say so myself.”
Emily smirked. “Mighty sure of yourself.”
“Definitely. At least when it comes to salted caramel frosting.” He grinned at her. “Go on, take it. I’m relatively certain one cupcake isn’t going to jeopardize your professional objectivity.”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to be impartial about chocolate.” Was she flirting?
“Double chocolate.” Was he?
“Even more so.” She looked away from his crinkling eyes, and stepped back to put some distance between them. He set the cupcake on top of the case, his smile fallen slightly. With a mental eye roll, she reached for the cupcake, feeling more than a little ridiculous about making such a big deal over an innocent conversation.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, peeling back the paper. He watched her carefully as she took a small bite and licked a dab of frosting off her lips. She froze.
“Holy crap,” she mumbled through the cupcake. Sam’s face broke into a smile.
“Good?”
Instead of answering, she took a bigger bite. The cake itself was dark and rich, moist and not too sweet, a perfect counterpoint to the sinfully rich ganache filling and the smooth, velvety frosting. A drizzle of caramel boosted the flavor to eleven on a one-to-ten scale, and Emily closed her eyes as she swallowed, barely stifling a moan of appreciation.
She opened her eyes to find him watching her intently, his eyes focused on her lips.
“This is incredible,” she said, a little breathless.
His gaze snapped up to meet hers. “Thank you,” he rasped, the sound stirring something trembly within her.

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Add A Piece of Cake to your Goodreads Shelf here:

Purchase it directly from TWCS Publishing House - or from Amazon on February 14th.

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Stupid Cupid by Sydney Logan

SUMMARY:

Jada Morgan hates Valentine’s Day, which is ironic, considering she's a writer for a greeting card company. She meets Nathan Reynolds, one of the company’s new graphic artists, and they bond over their mutual hatred for all things Cupid while working on designs for this year’s marketing campaign. As they grow closer, Jada learns Nathan is a single father, and she quickly becomes attached to him and his little girl. When it’s time for the company’s holiday party, Jada assumes she and Nathan will attend together, not realizing he already has a date for the event. Has Stupid Cupid broken her heart once again? A heartfelt story about love, family, and second chances.

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Giveaway:

Enter for your chance to win a "Love to Read" T-shirt, Hershey's Flavored Lip Balm, and signed bookmarks from Sydney Logan!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Amazon

TWCS Publishing House

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Hershey's, or Blogger. We hereby release all names listed of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Let me know if you have any questions or issues by contacting me: @SydneyALogan. - Good Luck!

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Dissecting Lies and Intentions by Allie Jean

SUMMARY:

After a less than stellar ending to her seemingly perfect relationship, Christine decided to spend Valentine’s Day at the one place where her mind would stay good and occupied. The Emergency Room had a way making the day pass by quickly, yet when her former fling elects to change his schedule with another nurse, Christine finds herself in a situation she can’t avoid. Can she finally set aside her fears and take a leap of faith? Or will her assumptions about Mitch prove her to be unlucky in love?

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Add it to your Goodreads Shelf HERE

Available February 14th on Amazon and TWCS Publishing House.

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Sneak Peek Sunday - Eire's Viking by Sandi Layne

The year is AD 834. The place is Wexford, Ireland – once known as Éire. The Green Island. The man is Agnarr Halvardson from the village of Balestrand in Nordweg. Years ago, as a younger man, he raided Éire and found himself drawn to the island and her people. Now, he's returned. He is

Éire's Viking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ri8KvgQ278

Sneak Peek:

She was just about to open her mouth to tell him she didn’t want any tea but wanted to hurry home, when the air seemed to get heavy around them and lightning cracked in the thickening clouds overhead. “Thor!” The Northman’s face filled with awe and dignity. He gripped the talisman he wore around his neck and said something she couldn’t comprehend. Thunder followed and then another three strikes of lightning in quick succession. “God in Heaven, have mercy on us,” Aislinn whispered, poised for flight. Her heart pounded and her breath came in shallow gasps as she tried to think whether it would be best to hide in the trees or just try to run ahead of the storm. Or perhaps they should just keep walking? Crack! Sssnap! A strange, violent sound preceded the top of a tree catching on fire. “Fire!” she shouted, wondering what the Northman was thinking, standing still in a storm like this. He laughed, casting his arms out from his sides and smiling up at the flashing skies. “Fire!” He had remembered the proper word for it, which briefly distracted Aislinn, but she moved quickly to his side, pushing her pleasure in his understanding of some words aside. “Come! We have to get away from the fire.” She tugged on his rain-wet arm. “Come!” “Né, né. Fire. Bra. Ja.” With a nod, he covered her hand where it was still on his forearm. “Come,” he said, glancing down at her. That he had used her own word again made her smile and his own definitive, pleased expression slid away to something with a greater intensity. “Aislinn . . ."

Éire's Viking is to be released on January 23, 2014 by The Writer's Coffee Shop.

Author Bio:

There are many profiles that detail the author’s lifelong dream of authorship being realized with the publication of their first novel or short story. This is not one of those profiles. To make an exceedingly odd story moreso, Sandi Layne had no wish to be a writer, but went through a storyline bootcamp in the form of strange dreams for a month and took careful notes. Fifteen years later, she’s still writing stories that veer slightly off the beaten path, both in Christian and historical fiction. Married for more than twenty years to a very tolerant (and brilliant!) man, she has two sons, no pets, and a plethora of imaginary friends. Her interests range from ancient civilizations to science fiction for both reading and research. With degrees in English and Ministry, she also claims Theology’s crimson Masters collar which she has been known to don on rare occasions. If you drive by her window before dawn, it is likely she’ll have a light on for you. Or at the very least, she’ll be alert on twitter. She invites you to visit her online space at http://sandyquill.com

Cover Reveal - Eire's Viking by Sandi Layne

At the end of Éire's Captive Moon, many of my readers were still on

Well, in the second book in the Éire's Viking trilogy, Agnarr is the hero.

Cover art by Megan Dooley, to be published by The Writer's Coffee Shop

Summary:

It’s been years since Agnarr met his wyrd on the Green Island. Years since he left Charis, his former trell and medicine woman, with her new husband in her new village. Even though he lost her, he cannot help but feel his destiny lies with her people of Éire, so he returns with his final raiding party. Once there, a chance encounter strikes him speechless and without his memory, alone in a foreign land. He is taken to Aislinn, a physician who is serving in Bangor Monastery. Born in Ragor, the village Agnarr destroyed when she was a child, she is now the adopted daughter of Charis and Cowan, and has herself trained in healing. Drawn to her tall, blond patient in a way that she never has been to a man before, she is horrified and angry to find that he is the one responsible for the loss of her home. These are turbulent times in Éire, and there are volatile tempers all around. Still, Agnarr Halvardson would stay on the island, wed, and sire sons to live in strength and plenty in his adopted home. He wants Aislinn to be his wife and the mother of his children, but she won’t marry without love. He worships Thor and Odin; she worships Jesu the Christ. Can two from such opposing backgrounds find happiness with one another? Might they even find a love that will change both their worlds?

This title will be available via NetGalley in October for reviewers, with a January, 2014 book release.

The first book of this trilogy, Éire's Captive Moon, is available here:

Amazon Kindle, Paperback

Kobo

Barnes and Noble

iTunes

The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House