Featured Author Kelly Nyrae

Kelley Nyrae has loved writing for as long as she can remember. From the moment she won her first writing contest in the third grade she knew writing was her passion. Her plan had always been to write children’s books but for one reason or another it never worked out. In 2005 she became a stay at home mom for the first time. That’s when she picked up her first romance novel and fell in love. She knew that writing romance books is what she was meant to do and her life hasn’t been the same ever since.

Kelley has been blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband and two beautiful children who always bring a smile to her face. She resides in sunny Southern California.

A Pressing Engagement

A PRESSING ENGAGEMENT
BY
BARBARA BELL

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LTD.

ISBN 978-0-7090-8386-3





It is June 1790.

A young couple have just been married by a vicar, in the village of Bythorne. A marriage attended only by the vicar and his wife. The ring on the young girls finger is a Talisman ring, which has been in the young man’s family for generations. He promises her a gold ring soon but she smiles and tells him that this ring will be all she will ever want and together they set forth on their journey to a new life, unbeknown to either of their families. We hear no more of this young couple for many years.
March 1815.
Jared Talent was pushing his horses hard when suddenly the leader faltered pitching the curricle off balance, cursing beneath his breadth he managed to pull them to a standstill and jumping down examined the leader, who had thrown a shoe. He cursed again; he had only five miles to his destination but now must delay to have the horse shod. Jared knew that the Green Man was but a half-mile away, the ostler there would no doubt attend to the horse immediately for a reward from a member of the area’s most wealthy family. On arrival at the Inn it was proved to be so and Jared went into the inn to wait.
The Inn tap-room was very busy and the coffee room also was full, but spying a place at a table where a young, heavily veiled lady sat alone at her meal, he reluctantly began to move towards her table, then he saw small-unoccupied table and sat there instead. He glanced at the lady but she was so heavily veiled that is was difficult to estimate her age; he looked away as the waiter asked for his order. Jared decided on bread and cheese with a slice or two of beef and a glass of ale. While eating he thought about the message, which had brought him at such speed to be at his Grandfathers side. The old man had been well and healthy when he had left him but two weeks ago, how had a mere cold in the head apparently brought him to his deathbed?
Suddenly a man entered the room and sat down at the table with the young woman, he was a rough looking character but the young woman seemed to sway towards him intimately, which surprised Jared, then she giggled and he realised that she was slightly drunk. When the man pulled her to her feet and began to lead her from the room, Jared was disgusted by her state, especially when she fell against him as she was led from the room.
Once again back in his curricle and bowling along at a good pace he heard a sudden loud noise, he pulled up his horses he was sure that it was a gunshot he had heard. He jumped down from his curricle and saw a slight figure running towards him, there were it appeared, two larger figures in pursuit. Then he realised that it was the young woman from the Inn, seeing her face he was surprised that she was much younger than he had suspected back at the Inn. She was obviously very frightened and desperate, she stared at him and then collapsed at his feet. As he lifted her into the curricle she struggled and kept saying no, no, no. Jared had no option but to take her with him to his Grandfathers home, his opinion of her was pretty low, she was a tart he was sure but even so he could not leave her on the highway.
The next day the young lady, who is Diana st Aubin, awakes in a strange room she is suffering from a severe headache. She is summoned to attend a meeting with Jared Talent; she has very little memory of the previous night and is astounded at his attitude towards her. He is very rude to her and treats her as a low class female, even accusing her of stealing his purse at the Inn. Dianna is furious and demands that he lets her go as she is on the way to meet her young brother, having just arrived in England from France where she teaches in a young ladies seminary. He laughs at her but offers her a good reward and help to find her brother if she agrees to pretend to be betrothed to him for what he believes to be a very short time until his Grandfather dies. Will Dianna agree to this preposterous charade? Does she really have any choice? She has no money and no belongings and is entirely alone in England until she can find her brother.
What is the story behind Dianna’s plight? Is Jared correct in his assumption of her, or is he entirely wrong, where is the young brother? Watch this excellent story unfold, enjoy it’s twists and turns; it will hold your interest through to the very last page. I really enjoyed this regency romance and think it a must for lovers of this genre. I happily award this book 5 red rose. AS.

Interview With Rita Karnopp

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m married 34 years to a wonderful, supportive, sexy man. We live in beautiful Montana and take advantage of its beauty by camping, rafting, canoeing, hiking, gold panning, crystal digging, and fishing. Since both our kids are married, it’s just the two of us and our love bird, Ying.

What do you write?

I’m drawn to the history of the Native American and strive to bring alive the authenticity of a time past. When writing suspense or contemporary romance I enjoy bringing excitement and the enduring power of love to my stories. But even my contemporary books have a Native tone.


Why do you write?

I write because I can’t stop! I absolutely love creating a plot and creating characters that will bring it to life. I absolutely love to see my name on the cover of a book. It’s the ultimate natural high! I have more ideas for stories than I have time to write.


What are you writing now?

I’m getting RANSOME LOVE ready to send to my editor.

RANSOM LOVE: Montana Territory-Fall of 1868. For four years Jennie Proctor has lived with Indians. Now she must decide whether to trust the handsome white man who has come to rescue her, or spend the rest of her life a Blackfeet. Cody Larimer has one goal in life, to rescue captive women from Indians. Together they struggle to survive and form a mutual respect that soon turns into love, something neither believed possible.


What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

I’m terrible, I hate anything tight and confining…so the minute I get home from work I’m in lounging pants/tops and slippers. I hate shoes so I go through slippers like you wouldn’t believe!




Are you in love? Have you ever been?

34 years and counting… more in love now than ever! I got so lucky with husbands. He’s funny, teasing, and just one nice guy!


Do you have a dream lover – and what does he look like?

All you have to do is read my books to know that … tall, tan, sleek long hair that is tied back with feathers, breach clout and moccasins is my total dream turn-on!!


What kind of comfort food do you like best?

Like any woman… depends on my mood. Pissed… I want wine and chocolate covered cherries. Quiet and needed comfort…chips & a Pepsie… stressed I want a gin gimlet and macadamian nuts!


What makes you laugh? Cry?

I’m a slobbering idiot…. I cry over sad advertisements, sediments, any love story, and any heart-breaking situation. I laugh all day long…I love laughter and make every attempt to put laughter in my voice. I find most everything funny…. I’m Polish… but then again…that might be laughing at me…hopefully with me!


What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?

I love reading, of course. I also make dream catchers We crystal dig and I often put them in my dream catchers. I also love making necklaces! I love beads..beads and more beads!


What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!

The ultimate turn-on to me is soft music, wine, candle light, blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace with my best friend and husband (they are one-in-the same… just so you aren’t confused!).






What do you hate about life?

I absolutely hate prejudices. The color of ones skin does not make the woman or man. A religion does not make one good or bad. I’ve met people who I originally thought I wasn’t going to like…and once I gave them a chance…they became some of my best friends.

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?

There are so many things, but one would be to purchase a house first for my husband and me, who lost everything and had to start all over due to my five surgeries. Then, upon being successful, I’d purchase a home for both my kids, so both my daughter and daughter-in-law could stay home with their children, without the stress of making house payments.


What are you going to write next?

Well, in May 2008 Uncial Press is releasing WHISPERING SUN, an Indian Historical that takes place in the new Territory of Montana 1864. Then in August 2008 Indian Historical RANSOM LOVE, Montana Territory 1868, is released by Eternal Press. And to close out the year, BETRAYAL, a murder mystery, will be released in November 2008 by Eternal Press. I’ll start the new year (2009) with Eternal Press releasing KIDNAPPED, a romantic suspense! So…I’m going to be a busy girl for a long time to come!

Featured Author/Rita Karnopp

Fear and loneliness control Blackfeet historian, I-nis’-kim’s life. Each lecture produces another death, for which he isn’t guilty, and is only steps ahead of the police. He isolates himself … until he meets the beautiful, intriguing Skyler Grinnell.

Skyler’s quiet and lonely world is turned upside down by the handsome and mysterious I-nis’-kim. But is this man what he says or is he a clever killer? Could she not only be in danger of losing her heart but her life as well?

The killer is quick, relentless, and frighteningly efficient. In spite of the suspicions and danger, I-nis’-kim and Skyler are drawn together with a force that ignites their passion. Yet, that promise of love is threatened by deadly secrets and a killer who wants them both dead.


- - - - - -
Dark Spirit by Rita Karnopp www.eternalpress.com.au

Excerpt #1



A backpack-laden Skyler stood before him. “What the blazes are you doing?”

“Getting ready to fix my wound.” He held his knife over the flames.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to…God, I can’t even say it.”

“Cauterize? No choice.”

“That’ll hurt like hell. You can’t possibly think you’re going to do that to yourself, do you?” She dropped to the ground and slid out from beneath his heavy pack.

“Dang, you carried that here? I’m impressed.”

“Didn’t do it to impress you. Just thought we’d need the contents to survive.”

He couldn’t help admiring her. “Why don’t you turn your back and I’ll get this over with.”

“Not likely. Can’t say I have the stomach for it, but you’d better let me do it.”

In’is’kim stared at her. Could she be serious? “You don’t have to. I can―”

“What? Can’t accept my help? We’d better get it done with and get this fire out before our shadow notices.”

He knew she was right. Once the pain gripped him, he might not even stay conscious, then what would happen with the hot knife. “Here,” he said, clenching his teeth. “I’ll press the skin together. You place the hot knife right across it. Do it quickly—now!”

Hellfire tore into his thigh. Burning flesh and hair, his flesh and hair filled the air. Bile rose in his throat. He fought it down. He fought the dark wave that assaulted his awareness. He blinked hard, again and again. He shook his head and Skyler’s shadow came into view.

“You okay?”

Her words seemed far away. He wanted to answer but his mouth didn’t seem capable of working. Heaviness weighed him down, and he couldn’t fight it.

- - - -

Coming in May 2008



WHISPERING SUN

Spring 2008 e-Book

“'Romancing the West."



WHISPERING SUN: New Territory of Montana 1863. Sarah Bryson's silent world takes a jolting change when she is kidnapped from Fort Bryson by a French trader, only to find herself rescued by Blackfeet warrior, Two Shadows. Together they face ruthless mountain men, treacherous storms and Crow Indians.



Bringing the strange-sounding woman, with sun-shimmering hair, back to his village, Two Shadows struggles. His loyalties become divided between the love for a white woman and his love and devotion to his Indian people.



WHISPERING SUN captures a time when the Blackfeet are forced to see their way of life disappear. It’s a story where it’s possible for a white woman to decide she belongs with a loving people and a Blackfeet warrior. It’s a story that shows how a half-breed can choose an alliance and find his place in a colliding world.



- - - - -

Rita Karnopp



Edgy suspense you can’t put down.

REVENGE Eternal Press

Murder/Suspense Nov ‘08

KIDNAPPED Eternal Press

Suspense 2009

'Romancing the West."

SACRED GROUND Eternal Press

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The Price of A Sword

The Price of a Sword by Ellie Tremayne/ebook
Total ebound







North Cornwall, 1156





Rosawyn has been kidnapped by her brother-in-law, Sir Hugh de Noirville. It is a time of political upheaval and she is just the latest victim. She knows that if she can just hold out her father, the Earl of Liskard, will find her and rescue her. Unfortunately the earl is very sick and turns to the king for help in finding and rescuing his daughter.



Sir Philip d’Apremont has a reputation as being a very hard and dangerous man. In polite society he is know to be an illegitimate son of a nobleman. He is also a close friend and political ally of the king’s. Philip knows that if he is going to get anything in this world he is going to have work hard to earn it. He now has a chance to become an Earl. But to do this he is going to have to pay a price. Will the price be two high to pay?



Rosawyn knows her brother-in-law, Hugh, cannot afford to harm her since if her sister dies in childbirth she will be the only way he can claim her father’s land. Rosawyn knows that as long as her sister is pregnant she is safe. Hugh tries to hide Rosawyn from everyone by putting her in the convent where his sister is Mother Superior. This way he has control of Rosawyn and she can not be easily found.



Rosawyn is running out of time. Will she be rescued?



Philip finds Rosawyn and is able to rescue her. He marries her on the spot to keep her safe. Now the real battle will begin. Philip is going to have to find Hugh and crush his treasonous rebellion against the king. To get the lands Philip wants he will have to secure them and thereby bringing the area into the kingdom and protecting them for his friend the king.



Philip and Rosawyn are both stubborn and feel they are right. Learning to listen to each other so that they can bring the people of the land together is not going to be easy. They also need to come to a truce between themselves so they can fight against Hugh. Rosawyn knows the people and has their loyalty. Philip has the ability and knowledge to fight. They bring their abilities together so that they can overcome the common enemy.



Neither expected to fall in love with each other. Now as the battle rages they fear for each other. They are hoping for peace so that they have a chance at happiness.





This book brings the time period vividly to life and draws you back in time. Rosawyn is courageous and a great character. Philip has overcome his past. Together they make for a wonderful story.





I give this one 4-1/2 red roses.

The Penny Bangle

MARGARET JAMES
THE PENNY BANGLE
ROBERT HALE LTD
ISBN 978-07090-8388-7
£18.99
224 pages


Cassie Taylor leaves a munitions factory in Brimingham to become a Land Army girl. At first she finds the work intolerably hard and is not sure she made the right decision or that she likes Dorset. Although her employer's sons, home from the war, are friendly the other Land Army girl is not. Cassie discovers that Frances is jealous because she cares for Stephen, but Cassie is drawn to his brother Robert, who has not been as friendly as Stephen.

Later, both Frances and Cassie join the ATS. Robert asks Cassie to marry him and she accepts but in wartime love can never be easy. Robert is reported missing and Cassie is tempted by another relationship. Can she resist and will Robert return?

This is a warm, very enjoyable story about the trials and tribulations of lovers caught up in a terrible war. If you like stories about families and war you will love this one. MB 4.5 red roses.

Sun Of silver Moon Of Gold

Maureen Peters/Sun of Silver Moon of Gold/Robert Hale ltd. ISBN 978-0-7090-8444-0 £18.99 / 332 pages

Miss Flora Scott is invited to join her uncle in America. Her family have despaired of finding her a husband and push her into making the decision. When Flora arrives she is welcomed by her uncle, but her sympathies are soon with the Indian population. They are a settled and peaceable people but are being forced to leave their homes for a reservation.

Flora makes a friend of Tessa Fontaine, a young woman who was stolen by Indians as a young girl and then married one of her own choosing. This friendship is frowned upon by the other ladies because Tessa us shunned, but Flora is determined to help Tessa become reunited with her husband if she can.

Will her growing friendship with Brent, her uncle's overseer lead to happiness or more disgrace?

This is an unusual book but the story is interesting and holds the reader. I found it enjoyable. 4.5 red roses Morna.