Discord: The Judgment of Paris

HEA Hop Recipient

I'm happy to announce the winner of my Happily Ever After Blog Hop giveaway!

Congratulations to Ruth Hill!

Thank you to everyone for participating. Enjoy your new book, Ruth!

Happily Ever After

Thank you for stopping by to enter the giveaway!

The winner from this blog hop will receive a choice between an electronic copy of the newly released 

Whispered Music by Rachel Van Dyken

OR
an electronic copy of

The Whispered Kiss by Marcia Lynn McClure

Both are amazing, yet completely different, re-tellings of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast".

He wasn’t looking for a savior…

Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has wide reach into the world, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he dis-covers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball. And that one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.

But how could he possibly have known that other person— the other half of his whole—would not only need his help but threaten his very existence?

She didn’t know how hard it would be to love the broken.

Isabelle Hartwell’s mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He’s mean, tem-peramental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he’s willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it’s too late?

With the sea at its side, the beautiful township of Bostchelan was home to man—including the lovely Coquette de Bellamont, her three sisters, and her beloved father. In Bostchelan, Coquette knew happiness and as much contentment as a young woman whose heart had been broken years before could know. Thus, Coquette dwelt in gladness until the day her father returned from his travels with an astonishing tale to tell.

Antoine de Bellamont returned from his travels by way of Roanan bearing a tale of such great adventure to hardly be believed. Further, at the center of Antoine's story loomed a man—the dark Lord of Roanan.Known for his cruel nature, heartlessness, and tendency to violence, the Lord of Roanan had accused Antoine de Bellamont of wrongdoing and demanded recompense. Antoine had promised recompense would be paid—with the hand of his youngest daughter in marriage.

Thus, Coquette found herself lost, thrust onto a dark journey of her own. This journey would find her carried away to Roanan Manor—delivered into the hands of the dark and mysterious Lord of Roanan who dominated it.

What is your favorite "happily ever after" story of all time?

To qualify for the drawing in this giveaway, leave your comment with your name and email below.

Thanks again for stopping by!

New Release: Whispered Music by Rachel Van Dyken

Rachel Van Dyken's London Fairy Tales

Book Two

Whispered Music

FROM THE COVER:

He wasn’t looking for a savior…

Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has wide reach into the world, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he discovers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball. And that one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.

But how could he possibly have known that other person— the other half of his whole—would not only need his help but threaten his very existence?

She didn’t know how hard it would be to love the broken.

Isabelle Hartwell’s mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He’s mean, temperamental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he’s willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it’s too late?

Find out if love prevails in this regency retelling of how Beauty tamed the savage Beast…

Wanna find out more? Visit Rachel Van Dyken's website for Release Information and to enter her drawing for a Kindle Fire!

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT:

Amazon                    Barnes & Noble                   Astraea Press

Meet & Greet: Anastasia Trent

Anastasia Trent

the daughter of the Earl of Marks

Lady Anastasia was raised by her father from the age of seven, when her mother fell ill and died. The young girl was her father's pride and joy, the last remaining thing he had of her mother, and so he indulged her, gave her everything her heart desired that he could provide.

A great dreamer, the girl built an elaborate fantasy in her mind of the knight in shining armor, who would one day come to her aid and sweep her off her feet. And who is the hero of this fairy tale but Baldwyn Sinclair, the Duke of Paisley? Returned from Scotland to do just what she'd always dreamed.

Too bad he sees her only as the troublesome little girl in pigtails who flings mud at him in order to gain his attention.

But she is no longer that little girl, and she fully intends to use all the tools at her disposal to turn his head now. Even mud...if it suits her.

Favorite Recent Reads

Just a look at three of my favorite recent reads:


The first is The Redemption of Lord Rawlings by Rachel Van Dyken. The hero in this story was a villain in the first two in the series, and the way the author made him not only salvageable, but also a hero you could really admire and root for, is amazing. Not too many authors can pull that off.

COVER BLURB:

Phillip Crawford, the eighth Earl of Rawlings and notorious rake of the ton, has come to the end of his rope. Out of money, out of favor, and out of luck, he wanders the streets of London in the rain, hoping to be hit by inspiration...or a runaway carriage. Something has to give. It is his father's final cruel trick to hold his inheritance just out of reach, requiring him to marry by his next birthday in order to claim his full rights as earl. His step-mother refuses to offer him any more support. With no money, no prospects and no other place to turn, he has only two options:

Marriage or debtor's prison.

The better choice seems clear enough, but with his name and reputation being attacked daily in the society papers, there's not a proper lady in all of London desperate enough to accept him. It isn't going to be easy, even if the reports of his exploits and rakish lifestyle are greatly exaggerated.

On the other hand, debtor's prison does start to look much more appealing when the only friends he has left decide to help him in his search for the perfect bride. Matters become much more complicated when the only woman who shows an interest in him just happens to be the young sister-in-law of the Duke of Tempest; the same man who, just months ago, had been tempted to kill him.

One thing is for certain, as the Season draws to an end, Lord Rawlings will have to decide once and for all, if his wicked ways are enough to bring him contentment in life, or if a leopard really can change his spots. Or in Phillip's case—can a devil truly be redeemed?

BUY LINKS: Amazon       Barnes&Noble     Astraea Press

The Fairy Godmother Files: Cinderella Complex by Rebekah L. Purdy became an instant favorite. Incredible voice. Great dialogue. Fun characters. Can't wait for the next installment!

COVER BLURB:

Sixteen-year-old Maggie Winters can’t think of anything more exciting than junior year. There’s her first prom to look forward to, she can drive, and most important Connor Prince has finally noticed her. But unfortunately so has the school snob, Katrina Melville, who goes out of her way to make Maggie’s life a living hell. If that’s not enough, Maggie’s grandma has decided to retire, which doesn’t seem like such a big deal. That is until she finds out her grandma is a Fairy Godmother, and not just any Fairy Godmother. The Fairy Godmother, as in Cinderella, pumpkins, and mice. And she has informed Maggie that she’s next in line to become the new Fairy Godmother.

At first Maggie is excited, the whole getting wings, flying (or rather trying not to crash), and a wand that lets her grant wishes. It’s like being a superhero, without all the action, explosions, and spandex. Then she gets her first assignment, Katrina Melville, her nemesis. And if that doesn’t make her want to poof herself into oblivion, she finds out that part of Katrina’s happily-ever-after is Connor Prince. Life is so unfair. Even worse, she can’t tell her two best friends about any of it and they’re getting sick of her disappearing acts. Then there are the dangerous creatures, called Grimms who will stop at nothing to keep the happy endings from being fulfilled, even if it means destroying the Fairy Godmother responsible. With time running out, Maggie has to make this wish come true or it will ruin the fates of everyone involved, and open the world to darkness beyond imagination. Maggie will soon find out what it truly means to be a Fairy Godmother—and it isn’t all about princes, gowns, and wings, but something much more.

BUY LINKS:    Amazon     Barnes&Noble     Astraea Press

The third is Saphyre Snow by Marcia Lynn McClure. Love the way the friendships develop between Saphyre Snow and each of the men of the keep.

COVER BLURB:

Descended of a legendary line of strength and beauty, Saphyre Snow had once known happiness as princess of the Kingdom of Graces. Once a valiant king had ruled in wisdom--once a loving mother had spoken soft words of truth to her daughter. Yet, a strange madness had poisoned great minds--a strange fever inviting Lord Death to linger. Soon it was even Lord Death sought to claim Saphyre Snow for his own--and all Saphyre loved seemed lost.

Thus, Saphyre fled--forced to leave all familiars for necessity of preserving her life. Alone, and without provision, Saphyre knew Lord Death might yet claim her--for how could a princess hope to best the Reaper himself?

Still, fate often provides rescue by extraordinary venues, and Saphyre was not delivered into the hands of Death--but into the hands of those hiding dark secrets in the depths of bruised and bloodied souls. Saphyre knew a measure of hope and asylum in the company of these battered vagabonds. Even she knew love--a secreted love--a forbidden love. Yet it was love itself--even held secret--that would again summon Lord Death to hunt the princess, Saphyre Snow.

BUY LINKS:        Amazon      Distractions Ink     Barnes&Noble

New Releases This Week

On Tuesday Upon a Midnight Dream by Rachel Van Dyken will release. On Thursday All We See or Seem by Leah Sanders will release. Both will be available for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as on Astraea Press's site.

In honor of these occasions, Rachel Van Dyken is hosting a giveaway on her site which has multiple prizes to be awarded. Please check it out!

For my part, I'll be giving away three copies of Rachel's Upon a Midnight Dream, and two $15 Amazon or Barnes&Noble gift cards.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also Enter Rachel's Giveaway for other awesome prizes,
including a copy of All We See or Seem!

COVER BLURB:

Gryff’s orders lay unopened on the table.

The silent tension caused Gem to bite her lip. She tucked a loose strand of auburn hair behind her ear and shifted uneasily in the chair. Wide-eyed, Gryff sat stiffly beside her, regarding the envelope. He was like a statue—hands on his knees—staring interminably at the table.

Finally, Gem cleared her throat. Gryff jolted as if in a daze and turned to look at her. A look of uncertainty hung in his eyes. She swallowed the dry, sticky taste in her mouth and reached for his hand. It felt cold…clammy. Gem could feel the faint tremor of his fear radiating through his fingers. She took Gryff's hand between her own and squeezed, trying to infuse heat and reassurance at the same time.

"Sometimes they come back," Gem's voice was barely a whisper. It was a feeble attempt, but she was grasping at straws here.

Everyone knows.

They don't come back. Never whole, anyway.

COVER BLURB:

"I release you..." were the last words Rosalind remembered before her world went black.   Stefan, the future duke of Montmouth, no doubt thought his words were welcomed, but he couldn't have been more wrong.  Oh, he was handsome as a pagan Norse god, but that was unimportant when her life as well as those of her family hung in the balance.

With less than six weeks left, Rosalind has stopped believing in the fairy tale, the prince on the white horse, and the stolen kiss that would awaken her from her worst nightmares. Resigned to her fate, she waits for the inevitable curse to run its course.

"We must marry at once!" Stefan declared, fully expecting Rosalind to be delighted that he had come to save her, but he was sorely mistaken.  Rosalind was no simpering docile female; she was a fiery temptress with a stubborn streak matched only by his horse, Samson. Insulting, infuriating, intoxicating and alluring enough to drive a man mad.  Stefan found himself thankful for the curse that required him marry her, thankful for the betrothal contract he had so recently tried to release her from...With the fortitude of a sailor shipwrecked, abandoned, and a solider warring for his life, Stefan  decides to lay siege to the greatest prize,  Rosalind's heart.

Announcing the London Fairy Tales Series by Rachel Van Dyken

Rachel Van Dyken's first installment of the London Fairy Tale Series is due out on May 31st! This first book in the series Upon a Midnight Dream features a re-telling of the story of Sleeping Beauty. Two characters introduced in The Redemption of Lord Rawlings continue their love story in Rachel Van Dyken's latest endeavor.

An old family curse requires Rosalind Hartwell and Stefan Hudson, the Duke of Montmouth, marry before the year is out. When they decide to call off their betrothal, members of both of their families begin to drop like flies.

At his mother's behest, Stefan seeks out Rosalind to set things right again. But that is easier said than done. For after years of being shipwrecked on an island far removed from polite society, Stefan's manners are a bit rusty, and Rosalind has no intention of making it easy on the man who broke their engagement so abruptly.

Check out Rachel's blog for more excerpts and release information.

Fairy Tale Hop

Who doesn't get a little thrill when they hear the words "Once upon a time..." The four little words that set the stage for the "Happily Ever After" we all know is coming. And that's really the whole reason you start reading a book. Especially a book about a fairy tale. We look forward to that ending that makes everything better. The ending that sees the evil stepmother, the big bad wolf and the wicked witch get what they deserve. The ending that sees the hero ride in on his white horse just in time to save the damsel in distress. We want good to triumph, and we just can't get enough of it!

But what would the fairy tale be if not for the villain? After all, it is the trials of life that make the princess into the sweet, prudent, deserving person she is. If she never experienced any hardship, but was given all the privileges of royalty, she would become a spoiled prima donna and no one would like her.

So my top three most evil fairy tale villains?

3) Maleficent of "Sleeping Beauty". Her reasons for mistreating Princess Aurora have nothing to do with the princess herself. In fact, she is just feeling left out (can you say P.M.S.?), so she puts a curse on a newborn infant. I mean, WHO DOES THAT!? And talk about carrying a grudge...SIXTEEN years? Chick has issues.

2) Cinderella's Evil Stepmother. This woman probably does the most psychological damage, since she inflicts a whole childhood of verbal and emotional abuse on the poor orphaned Cinderella. And when it appears that Cinderella may be able to escape her life of servitude and find some joy in her adult life (forget the fact that she's going to be in therapy for years to come), the bitter old woman has to strip her of that too by locking her in her room. I realize a lot of parents fantasize about locking their teenage daughters in their rooms, but somehow I don't think the woman was just trying to protect her virtue.

1) The Evil Queen/Witch in Snow White. Motivated by envy alone, her plan is to murder an innocent girl simply because an enchanted mirror (hear voices much?) told her the girl might end up being prettier than her. And she doesn't stop with the first attempt. Nope. And with each consecutive try, she gets more and more creative. Someone should tell this lady that outer beauty fades with age, but that attitude is a perpetual turn-off. It happens. Accept it. Certainly ain't worth killing someone over. Well, at least she left a little loophole to offer a sporting chance. That true love's kiss sure is a life saver!

For the giveaway on this portion of the hop, I have a book with a new twist on the traditional fairy tale. The Fairy Godmother has to create a happily ever after for the villain. Check out the back cover blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Maggie Winters can’t think of anything more exciting than junior year. There’s her first prom to look forward to, she can drive, and most important—Connor Prince has finally noticed her. But unfortunately so has the school snob, Katrina Melville, who goes out of her way to make Maggie’s life a living hell. If that’s not enough, Maggie’s grandma has decided to retire, which doesn’t seem like such a big deal. That is until she finds out her grandma is a Fairy Godmother, and not just any Fairy Godmother. The Fairy Godmother—as in Cinderella, pumpkins, and mice. And she has informed Maggie that she’s next in line to become the new Fairy Godmother.

At first Maggie is excited, the whole getting wings, flying (or rather trying not to crash), and a wand that lets her grant wishes. It’s like being a superhero, without all the action, explosions, and spandex. Then she gets her first assignment, Katrina Melville, her nemesis. And if that doesn’t make her want to poof herself into oblivion, she finds out that part of Katrina’s happily-ever-after is Connor Prince. Life is so unfair. Even worse, she can’t tell her two best friends about any of it and they’re getting sick of her disappearing acts. Then there are the dangerous creatures, called Grimms who will stop at nothing to keep the happy endings from being fulfilled, even if it means destroying the Fairy Godmother responsible. With time running out, Maggie has to make this wish come true or it will ruin the fates of everyone involved, and open the world to darkness beyond imagination. Maggie will soon find out what it truly means to be a Fairy Godmother—and it isn’t all about princes, gowns, and wings, but something much more.

To qualify for the random drawing, leave a comment below and let me know which fairy tale villain you think is the worst. I'll notify the winner on May 2nd.

As long as we're on the topic of fairy tales...I'm looking forward to the release of Rachel Van Dyken's London Fairy Tale Series, kicking off with a re-telling of Sleeping Beauty called Upon a Midnight Dream. Release date coming sometime in May. Check out Rachel's blog for excerpts and updates!

Back Cover Blurb:

Rosalind Hartwell is dying, plagued by a sleeping sickness which could strike her at any moment. Even in the middle of a ball as she meets her betrothed for the first time. But it isn't any wonder. Her family has fallen under a curse, and until she marries the barbaric duke, her family will have to pay the fatal consequences.

But Stefan Hudson, the Marquess of Whitmore and future Duke of Montmouth, has spent far too much time on a deserted island and has forgotten the proper way to woo a woman. Between his wicked good looks and his sinful manners, Rosalind doesn't know if marrying him would be any better than living a life under the terrible curse.

The threat of impending death has a way of making one see things in another light, however. So the real question is will Stefan and Rosalind come to an understanding in time to save her and her family from a dreadful fate?