PAGAN QUEEN - 99cts for a few days

Don't miss this bargain. PAGAN QUEEN is 99cts in kindle for a few days.
http://amzn.com/B007Z8F7IA 

810 AD - Alba (Ancient Scotland) - Queen at last, Pressine brings victory to her beloved Elinas and prosperity to their growing kingdom. But she has to contend with the intrigues of Charlemagne's bishops, spurred by her Christian stepson. She also fears the curse that could bring her downfall. For the love of Elinas, she will tempt fate and become with child. But when her indomitable passion challenges the wrath of the Goddess Herself... can she win that battle?

Although this is a complete story in itself, it features the same hero and heroine as in Book One, PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE, and also takes place in ancient Scotland, only a few years later. So if you are like me and you prefer to read series in chronological order, you may want to read Princess of Bretagne before Pagan Queen. Happy reading! The books in this series so far are:

Book 1 - PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE
Book 2 - PAGAN QUEEN
Book 3 - SEDUCING SIGEFROI
Book 4 - LADY OF LUXEMBOURG
Book 5 - CHATELAINE OF FOREZ (coming in early 2014)

5-star review from Roberta at Manic Readers:
"Schartz is an accomplished writer, whose pacing, conflicts, and goals are always complex and whose good characters are always likeable, and whose villains are evil incarnate. You have to like her villains as much as the good guys! Mattacks is a magnificent example of this!" 

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Find more about my books at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

THE END! I finished Book 5 in the Curse of the Lost Isle series

Yep, I wrote THE END on the last page of the manuscript of CHATELAINE OF FOREZ, Book Five in the CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE series.

I'm going to polish it to a shine during the holidays, and send it to the publisher as soon as they reopen in January. Publication date will depend upon how long it takes the editors (some of them in England), and BWL's talented cover artists, to put it together. I predict it will probably be in late February or early March.

Anyhoo... I'm very excited and celebrating right now. Although this is my... let me count... Twenty-third title (I had to go to Amazon to check how many I had already published), the thrill of finishing a book never gets old.

CHATELAINE OF FOREZ follows Melusine (after Lady of Luxembourg) on a new adventure (still based upon the authentic legends, this time in the independent province of Forez (France), where I had a great time researching the local archives a few years ago.

Here is the short blurb:

Still afflicted by the ondine curse, Melusine seeks the reincarnated soul of her lost beloved in the young Artaud of Forez, who reigns over the verdant hills south of Burgundy, on the road of pilgrims, troubadours and merchants. But this dark and brooding Pagan lord is not at all what she hoped. He knows nothing of their past love, her Fae nature, or her secret curse. Must Melusine seduce and betroth this cold stranger to satisfy the Goddess and redeem her curse?

The gold in the rivers instills greed in the powerful, and many envy the rich Lord of Forez, including his most trusted vassals... even the Archbishop of Lyon. When a mythological creature is sighted in the swamps, initiating a holy hunt, will Melusine find redemption from the curse, or will she and Artaud burn at the stake?

Find the first four novels of the CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE in kindle on Amazon HERE
There is also a box set including the first three novels (best deal)

SEDUCING SIGEFROI - 99cts in kindle - by Vijaya Schartz

Discounted from November 29 to December 5 - in the US only - 99cts for a few days, then $1.99 until it gets back to its regular price on December 6.

SEDUCING SIGEFROI
Curse of the Lost Isle Book 3
by Vijaya Schartz
Medieval Fantasy Romance

Find it in kindle US HERE

Please read the books in the series in the right order. It really helps.

"As always, Schartz spins a great story. It’s a bit bloody and bloodthirsty in places... But that's part of the drama, and Schartz certainly knows drama." Manic Readers 4.5 stars

Luxembourg - 963 AD - To offset the curse that makes her a serpent from the waist down one day each month, Melusine, exiled Princess of Strathclyde, must seduce and wed a mortal knight, the shrewd and ambitious Sigefroi of Ardennes.

Sigefroi, son of the Duke of Lorraine, suspects Melusine is not what she appears, but her beauty, her rich dowry, and her sharp political skills serve his ambitions. He never expected her to soften his stone-cold warrior heart.

So close to the Imperial court, dangers and intrigue threaten Melusine. War looms on the horizon, a Mermaid was sighted around Luxembourg, and Sigefroi’s bishop brother questions her ancestry. If anyone ever suspects Melusine’s true nature, she will burn at the stake...

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz
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ASSASSIN'S HEART by Isabella Norse

Assassin's Heart
by Isabella Norse
http://amzn.com/B00GURJOTK
Length: 82,838 words 
$2.99 in kindle
Heat level: Slightly steamy (some sex, not erotica)
Lillie is an assassin. It’s not exactly the life she would have chosen, but she has made the best of it. Until now. Disguised as a servant at the palace, she waits for an opportunity to kill the heir to the throne. Her conscience tells her that killing an innocent man is wrong, but failure to do so will mean her death.
Nef, a handsome stable hand, is intrigued by the young red-haired maid that has charmed the animals in his care. He longs to know her better, but harbors secrets of his own - secrets that could rock the very foundations of the kingdom.
With their lives forfeit, Lillie and Nef must work together to find a way to save themselves, their love, and two thrones from destruction at the hands of an evil overlord.

Enjoy the read.

LADY OF LUXEMBOURG - 99cts in kindle - by Vijaya Schartz

Don't miss this special from BOOKS WE LOVE. 99cts then $1.99 before it returns to its regular price.

From Nov.21 to Nov.28 in the US HERE
From Nov.22 to Nov 29 in the UK HERE

LADY OF LUXEMBOURG
Curse of the Lost Isle Book 4
Medieval Fantasy Romance
by Vijaya Schartz

I strongly recommend to read the first three novels first, and in the right order. The best deal is the Box set Special edition Curse of the Lost Isle.

"Schartz is a gifted writer in many genres, and the research she does for every book is phenomenal. Every detail is woven into the story seamlessly, so you feel as if you are really there, watching the horses, the fighting, the clothing, the lovemaking. Looking forward to the next volume." Manic Readers 5 stars

978 AD Melusine the Fae, immortal and cursed Lady of Luxembourg, managed to hide her Pagan nature from mortals for many years. She fiercely protects her handsome Count, Sigefroi, but in their princely bliss, neither of them seems to age, and a few suspicious bishops take notice. Then an ondine wreaks havoc during a battle, luring enemy soldiers into the river.

Betrayed, Sigefroi reflects on his many sins from the depths of a rat infested dungeon. Under torture, will he reveal her deadly secret? And when her beloved turns into a devout Christian, can Melusine salvage her happiness? Can love truly redeem her curse, or will she burn at the stake?

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz

PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE - 99cts in kindle - Vijaya Schartz

Discounted from November 11 to November 17 in the US
HERE

From December 1 to December 7 in the UK HERE

PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE
Curse of the Lost Isle Book 1
by Vijaya Schartz
Medieval Fantasy Romance

"Schartz paints a realistic picture of life in a medieval castle, with all its smells, tastes, visuals, and feelings, and as always, all the primary, as well as the secondary characters are well-developed and interesting. I'm looking forward to the others in this series." - Manic Readers

"The exciting battles and period details also drew me in as did the intrigue surrounding Elinas' son trying to prevent him from marrying Pressine... I'm very much looking forward to finding out what's next for Elinas and Pressine when the series continues with the release of Pagan Queen." - The Hope Chest Review

THE CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE series:
From history shrouded in myths, emerges a family of immortal Celtic Ladies, who roam the medieval world in search of salvation from a curse... but if the Church ever suspects what they really are, they will be hunted, tortured, and burned at the stake.

PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE - Book 1:

806 AD - Alba (Ancient Scotland)
As the Vikings raid the coast of Alba, Pressine of Bretagne sets out to seduce King Elinas of Dumfries, chosen by the Goddess to unite the tribes against the foreign invader. Elinas, still mourning his departed queen, has no intention to remarry. Head strong and independent, Pressine does not expect to fall for the very attractive, wise and noble ruler... Furthermore, her Pagan nature clashes with the religious fanaticism of the king’s Christian heir, who suspects her unholy ancestry and will stop at nothing to get rid of her.

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz

Dance of Love by Anna Markland - Excerpt

Dance of Love
medieval romance

by Anna Markland
Amazon - Nook - Kobo - Sony - Smashwords
 

*Farah is about to dance an eastern dance for a group of Norman knights, among them the hero Isembart, nicknamed Izzy. He suffers from arthritis.*

Izzy inhaled sharply. The vision that swayed and dipped and moved sensuously before him rendered him boneless. Farah wore a red costume that revealed no more of her body than her usual garb, but its form and fit showed every curve and swell of her figure. His eyes raked over her full breasts, fertile hips, taut belly, and long arms.

A veil still hid her face, but her hair flowed freely, adorned with a bright red flower at her temple. He laced his fingers together in his lap, itching to weave them through the thick black glory that reached to Farahs waist. Was the hair at her mons the same texture and color?

The arch of her back as her arms swayed in undulating movements emphasized the swell of her breasts. He thirsted to lave his tongue over the nipples that strained at the fabric, and suckle.

It occurred to him the dance was designed for two. Farah danced with an invisible partner, whom only she saw. He had never danced in his life, but it was all Izzy could do to remain in his seat. He wanted to leap to his feet, mold his body to hers, chest to breast, hip to hip, thigh to thigh, to gaze into her eyes as they moved to the inexorable rhythm.

The click of the castanets drew his eyes to her elegant fingers as they turned and twisted gracefully. Her long nails were painted the same red as her costume. It was an abrupt reminder of his own ugliness, the gnarled and twisted stumps at the end of his arms. Farah would be repulsed if he put his hands on her flesh.

He averted his eyes, bitterness welling up in his throat. He had difficulty breathing. He pressed a palm to his knee to stop the insistent twitching. Again he had allowed this woman to bewitch him.

Gritting his teeth, he glanced at the other members of his family. Dorianne leaned against Robert, her chin perched atop her folded hands, smiling. Elenor de Giroux looked like she might swoon. Denis, Baudoin, Caedmon and even Izzys elderly father were openly appreciative of the performance they watched. Antoine's sons, Adam and Mathieu, and his own brother, Melton, gaped. Izzy was the only one sweating. Every part of his body ached and throbbed, his hands, his head, his groin, and his heart.

When the dance ended, silence filled the room. Berthold finally led the applause. Izzys hands refused to work. Robert would expect him to thank their guest. He was about to come to his feet, deafened by the loud beating of his heart, when he became aware that it was a drumbeat he heard. Farah ran to the screen and emerged holding a curved scabbard.

Everyone sucked in a breath.

Holding the hilt in one hand and the end of the sheath in the other, she raised the weapon above her head, her feet moving to the slow beat of the drum. Lowering her arms she held the sword in front, then to the side, then back to the front, then to the other side. The tempo increased gradually. Farahs feet kept pace.

Suddenly she raised the weapon over her head and drew the sword from its scabbard like a bolt of lightning. A collective gasp rose from the
audience.

Izzy had never seen such a blade before, but Farah twirled it so quickly around her head, and at her sides, leaping over it again and again, that it became a whirling blur of steel. Fear and fascination choked him.

Suddenly she dropped to her knees, breasts heaving, the sword held high. Slowly she lowered it and balanced it on her head like a deadly halo. She reached into a hidden fold of her costume. Light reflected on the metallic objects she extracted and attached to her fingers. She clicked them together, like miniature cymbals.

The drumming had stopped. Now it was his own heartbeat Izzy heard. The shawm player took up the slow refrain. By the time Farah had risen, walked around the hall with her arms outstretched, and resumed her kneeling position, all to the hypnotic rhythm of the music and with the sword perfectly balanced atop her head, cymbals clicking, Izzy was exhausted.

The music ceased. Silence reigned. Suddenly, Farah leapt to her feet with a bloodcurdling yell, a warrior gleam in her eyes. She started to spin, holding the weapon at arms length. The blur of red, black and silver and the tinkling of ankle bells made Izzy light-headed. He felt feverish and sick to his stomach. He feared he would be obliged to make his excuses.

Farah fell to her knees, threw back her head, and pointed the blade to her throat. Dorianne squealed. Izzy squeezed his eyes shut.

Dance of Love

Amazon - Nook - Kobo - Sony - Smashwords

Anna Markland
Passionate About Medieval Romance

http://annamarkland.com/

Medieval Heroines can kick butt, too - by Vijaya Schartz

INTERVIEW WITH MELUSINE THE FAE


Find the books in kindle HERE.

My name is Melusine the Fae. Aye, like in immortal beings descended from ancient angels, way before the establishment of Judeo-Christian religions. Part human, part celestial angels, we Fae have a bad reputation on this planet. Especially since Charlemagne decided to impose Christianity in Europe by chopping the heads of all Pagans. But for us Fae, or sorceresses, or demons, or witches, the bishops reserve the pleasure of burning at the stake. That would definitely kill even an immortal like me. So would any violent kind of death.

I hate fire. I am a water creature. In fact, since my mother cursed me, so long ago in Scotland, I transform into an ondine every first Wednesday of the month. Those who call me a mermaid are gravely mistaken. Mermaids keep their fish tail permanenty. Ondines, like me, only transform into water creatures with a serpent tail on certain days. The rest of the time we look, feel, and act like women... but we have many supernatural gifts.

My problem is that ondine curse. I have to concede I deserved it. I was barely out of childhood when I abused my supernatural powers to take revenge upon a human king... my father. At the time I blamed him for all the misery my mother suffered after their separation. My mother was Fae, and also burdened by a curse, and he triggered that curse. I did not understand at the time that humans were weak by nature... well, most humans anyway.

My only hope of redemption from my curse resides with Sigefroi, the shrewd knight of Luxembourg. To serve the Goddess I worship (one of the original angels) I seduced him, married him, and became the first Lady of Luxembourg. I'm good at designing fortresses. I also gave Sigefroi a sword of power that makes his arm invincible in battle. But if he ever divulges my secret, I will be doomed.

Here is the scene of our first official encounter. On that particular day, I was wielding the magic sword, and barred his way in knight's armor, in the middle of the road. The full helmet hiding my face, I lowered my voice to pass as a young man and challenged him to a fight...

EXCERPT:

Sigefroi's murderous glare drilled into her through the helmet slits. Would he recognize her? Nay. Melusine realized he didn't see her as a person anymore, but as an enemy, a vile thing to crush like a viper on the road. Such barbarism burned in his amber gaze, such determination.

The close proximity of this ferocious man frightened and thrilled her at the same time. Parrying high, Melusine caught a glance of the squire who held the horses at a safe distance. The lad watched with open curiosity, obviously enjoying his master's skillful demonstration. But Sigefroi's well-honed skills wouldn't bring him victory this day. To keep a semblance of fairness, Melusine kept fighting, making the combat look evenly matched.

When Sigefroi dealt a particularly fierce blow, Melusine sent through her parrying arm a wave of energy like a lightning bolt. Sigefroi was thrown back, flying through the air. His sword and shield clattered on the dusty stone of the road. His helmet flew off. He hit the ground in a pounding of metal. Flat on his back, the knight didn't move.

In two steps, Melusine had Caliburn's point at his throat. "Do you yield?"
 
Sigefroi blinked, and the slow realization of his desperate situation showed in the widening of his eyes, along with a spark of rage, and something else... Surprise!

When he did not respond, Melusine repeated louder, "Do you yield?"

His words came with difficulty. Sigefroi, no doubt, had to swallow a great deal of pride. "I... do... yield," he croaked.

"In exchange for your life, I shall exact an oath." Melusine made her voice carry so that the young squire could also hear and understand. "Within a week, a royal princess by the name
of Melusine will ask for your hospitality. Not only will you treat her according to her noble rank, you will betroth her and take her for wife."

"What?" Sigefroi, in his surprise, had started to rise, but Melusine pressed Caliburn's point harder against the mail at his throat, forcing him to lie still.

"Swear on your knight's honor, or I kill you right now!"

In no position to bargain, Sigefroi finally said in a strangled voice, "I swear it."

"Louder!" Melusine insisted, applying more pressure.
 
The mail shifted as Sigefroi swallowed, and blood trickled at his throat under the sword's sharp tip. "I swear it on my knight's honor!"

Drawing back the weapon, Melusine returned the great sword to the scabbard. Sigefroi sat up slowly, coughing, shaking his red mane, and rubbing a grazed throat. Melusine didn't wait for him to get up or retrieve his broadsword.

When she whistled, the white mare came at a trot. She mounted swiftly and turned the horse around.

"Wait!" Sigefroi shouted in a broken voice.

Melusine halted the mare and turned in the saddle, a wide grin on her face. She'd been waiting for this moment to deliver the coup de grâce.

The knight rose on unsteady feet. "If you won't give me your name, at least let me behold the face of my victor!"

The humiliation in Sigefroi's eyes and voice delighted Melusine. Slowly, she lifted her silver helmet and pushed back the head mail, letting her long hair cascade over slender shoulders. Staring at him with glee, she however measured her deliberate reply. "You were bested by a maiden, my lord."

Sigefroi's thunderstruck expression made her laugh. "But have no fear, your honor is safe with me. I shall keep your defeat a secret." After a mock bow to Sigefroi and his dumfounded squire, she spurred the mare away and didn't look back.

Vijaya Schartz

Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz 

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LADY OF LUXEMBOURG is free for a few days - by Vijaya Schartz

Free in kindle, Oct.17 to Oct 21, 2013
LADY OF LUXEMBOURG
Curse of the Lost Isle Book 5
Medieval Fantasy Romance
by Vijaya Schartz
http://amzn.com/B00BO0MYX6

978 AD - Melusine the Fae, immortal and cursed Lady of Luxembourg, managed to hide her Pagan nature from mortals for many years. She fiercely protects her handsome Count, Sigefroi, but in their princely bliss, neither of them seems to age, and a few suspicious bishops take notice. Then an ondine wreaks havoc during a battle, luring enemy soldiers into the river.

Betrayed, Sigefroi reflects on his many sins from the depths of a rat infested dungeon. Under torture, will he reveal her deadly secret? And when her beloved turns into a devout Christian, can Melusine salvage her happiness? Can love truly redeem her curse, or will she burn at the stake?

FIRST THREE NOVELS in the series DISCOUNTED:

Box set: CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE - Special Edition includes:

Princess of Bretagne, Book 1

Pagan Queen, Book 2

Seducing Sigefroi, Book 3

http://amzn.com/B0091HX7EE

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz

Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
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