Release Day and SALE for The Earl's Treasure by Nancy Lee Badger

My new release, The Earl's Treasure, is the first book in my series Treasure Tales. Here is a short description of the Historical Romance set in the weeks before Christmas in 1816:

After Stone is wounded and thrust into an earldom, and Adele is widowed by an abusive husband, these star-crossed childhood friends meet at an English country ball, escape a kidnapper searching for a treasure, and depart for Scotland ahead of those intent on killing anyone in their way.

PG Excerpt from this Steamy Full-length Novel

   “Stone, ’tis not acceptable,” Adele said.

   “What are ye talking about?”

   She turned and stepped away. “Stone, ye forget yerself. Please do not trifle with me. Yer kisses be…nice. Lovely, even, but I am not looking for a lover.”

   “Why not me? Adele, my sweet, ye intrigue me one minute, exasperate me the next and then ye make me yearn to touch ye, smell ye, taste ye.”

   “Wouldn’t any woman suffice? I am sure there are more than a few willing servants about. I watched them glance yer way, our first night here.”

   “Truly?” He straightened his back, then strutted around the table like a peacock. “Nice to know I’m appreciated.”

   “Is that what ye want? To be appreciated? Why haven’t ye settled down with a countess and raised a pack of future earls and lords? What of love?”

   “Love? What does love have to do with anything?”

   Adele fisted her hands by her sides, and strode closer to the fire. When he didn’t follow her, she suffered a moment of wistful indecision, as if her body said yes, while her mind said no. Would finding pleasure in Stone’s bed be so wrong? Widowed and possibly barren, what would be the harm? Rupert only gave her pain and restlessness. With fists and belts his punishment of choice, he used them whenever he returned home from his little treasure hunts.

   “And now I be keeper of the treasure.” She fingered the velvet pouch between her breasts, confident the gem existed.

   “Yer wrong,” Stone whispered. His arm circled her waist and he pulled her into his side. “Yer the treasure. I promise to keep ye safe.”

REG. RETAIL $5.99 (US)

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for $2.99 (US)

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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Hallie Alexander

Hallie Alexander is an author with Soul Mate Publishing and her new book is in the genre I love ... Historical romance! Take it away, Hallie! 

Thank you, Nancy. I'm very excited to share my debut with you and your readers. A Widow's Guide to Scandal, released on July 22, is a steamy historical romance set at the beginning of the American Revolution in New York. Scandal is available through Soul Mate Publishing and Amazon. 

It is the first in the series, though I do have a prequel novella available for free to newsletter subscribers. Many years ago, I took a historical walking tour of my town—at the time I lived in Connecticut. One of the Revolutionary Era stories told that day became the inspiration for the battle scene in Scandal.

BLURB:

The first installment in debut author Hallie Alexander’s steamy Sons of Neptune series introduces readers to a band of heroic rebels at the brink of the American Revolution.

 

Henrietta Smith was fifteen when she stole a kiss from Marcus Hardwicke. Over a decade later, she’s still waiting to be kissed back…

 

Henrietta learned the hard way that when you get what you pay for you might end up with a British soldier quartering in your home threatening your friends, an enormous dog tracking mud through your house and stealing the chickens, and Marcus Hardwicke disrupting your uncomplicated life by trying to improve it. And to think she just wanted her roof fixed.

 

Marcus, wickedly handsome carpenter and rebel rogue, fell off Henrietta’s leaking roof. He can’t leave until his broken ankle heals, giving him plenty of time to consider his past mistakes, including Henrietta's indelible kiss from a lifetime ago. But Henrietta could lose more than her home if she doesn’t encrypt British secrets, and the latest puts Marcus in the crosshairs.

EXCERPT:

Henrietta flopped into the chair her uncle vacated. “I need to get married.” Marriage would solve her housing and financial problems and get her far away from Uncle Caldwell.

“Sorry, Hetty Betty. Can’t walk down the aisle right now.” Marcus winked.

The scents of pine and moss filled her nose as the memory of kissing him rushed back. He’d allegedly kissed many girls, his taste running from maids to their charges. He couldn’t possibly have had a reason to reject her. And yet he did. He was a year older than she, twenty-nine now, and never married. She doubted he intended to, not with his charm and chiseled jaw. Why would he want to?

“I didn’t mean you. Someone kind and undemanding. My husband is dead and his family is still controlling me.” Her mouth twitched. “Not that you’re not kind.”

Marcus stared at her like she’d grown another head. “Those are the worst reasons I’ve ever heard for getting married.”

“Can’t be helped. I have no other options.” She picked up her forgotten sewing and worked the needle through the fabric. Both her parents were dead. Her one brother, Caleb, lived in Boston with a prolific wife who popped out a baby Smith annually. There were nine nieces and nephews by now. Nine too many for Henrietta to bear to be around.

“You could go live with one of your friends. Offer to care for their children or grandchildren.”

Henrietta pricked her finger. A bead of blood balled at the tip. She sucked it clean, soothing it. He wouldn’t understand if she told him. “I can’t.” Shame made her duck her head. This was why she needed to marry. She didn’t want to be around anyone well-intentioned, nor did she want to be around anyone cruel. Someone who didn’t invest would be lovely.

UNIVERSAL BUY LINKS

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More About the Author

Hallie’s 2020 debut, A Widow’s Guide to Scandal, published by Soul Mate Publishing, was a finalist in the 2019 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest. She writes steamy, feminist historical romances set in America. Her feisty heroines become the heroes of their own story as their swoon-worthy partners work to deserve their love. Expect lush history and swoony kisses. And, if there is an element of humor and hijinks, or a fraying in the fabric of the patriarchy? Even better.

 

When Hallie isn’t writing, she enjoys playing with her doodle dogs, cooking with her children, and taking long walks with her husband near their North Carolina home. Connect with her here:

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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Carolina Clemmons

I invited author Caroline Clemmons to my blog to share her latest book with all of my readers. How about a little bit of western romance? Take it away, Caroline!

Hello, Nancy. Thank you for inviting me to your lovely blog. I love to share my stories with readers. DEBORAH’S DILEMMA is book 3 in my Pearson Grove Series. This is a sweet western historical romance set in 1885 North Central Texas. The fictional site of Pearson’s Grove is not very far from where my father was born in Pilot Grove. His first name was Pearson, which explains how I came up with the town’s name. The series will have seven books, interspersed among multi-author projects.

Here’s a bit about the plot:

What can Deborah do to protect herself from the devil plaguing her hometown?

Can a young man who’s been away for six years fit into the community he left?

What madman is responsible for the murder and mayhem plaguing Pearson Grove?

Deborah Taber has been concerned by her inability to choose her life’s occupation. That worry was pushed aside when someone shot her brother and fire bombed her family’s newspaper, The Pearson Grove Gazette. She believes Trey Pearson is innocent of attacking her brother—isn’t he? She’s had a crush on Trey since second grade and desperately wants to trust him.

Wade Pearson III, called Trey, is happy to be home on Pearson Ranch after six years in New England. He trained to manage his family’s far-reaching investments. Nothing prepared him to be accused of murder or targeted by a killer. If not for quick action by the sheriff, Trey would have been lynched by vigilantes. He wants to help trap the real villain while protecting Deborah, her family, and his.

Can Deborah and Trey survive the threats against them? Will this clever murderer be caught before he delivers his terrible revenge against those he believes slighted him? 

Here’s the Universal Amazon

BUY LINK 

Here’s an excerpt from when Trey’s parents (Judith and Deuce) and grandparents (Marianne and Wade) stop by for a brief visit:

Deborah hurried to make tea and slice the lemon cake for the Pearsons. There were four slender slices left but only if she divided them carefully. She loaded everything on the tea trolley and went to the parlor. Her visitors smiled but she caught Deuce slapping his hat against his knee.

“I apologize for abandoning you. You were so kind to stop by.” As quickly as she could, she served her guests. Thank goodness the best napkins were clean, starched, and ironed.

Wade Pearson swallowed a bite of cake. “Say, this is delicious.”

“Thank you. I make it more often than I should because it’s my father’s favorite. We’re fortunate to have access to plenty of eggs from Mrs. Wallis’ hens.”

Marianne swirled her fork against the icing. “This is so interesting. I’ve never had a cake iced on the sides as well as the top. I admit I like the taste and contrast.”

“Six layers, my goodness. You must have spent hours making this.” Trey’s mother watched her. “Aren’t you having any?”

“I had a slice earlier.” She sipped her tea, hoping she looked as if she were telling the truth and tried to change the subject. “Isn’t it wonderful that Trey doesn’t have to remain at the jail?”

Deuce shook his head. “Not so wonderful when you consider that your shop being bombed is one of the reasons he’s released. Sure sorry to hear about that.”

His comment brought the terrible incident back into her mind. “We were horrified. No one was badly injured, but Papa and the men who helped him have burns here and there.” She explained why the men were with her father.

Wade set his plate aside. “That was good planning on your part. Neighbors like that are a godsend, and I mean that literally. Don’t believe he could have fought that fire successfully alone.”

Deborah hated the thought of him trying. “No, and he would have tried…. ” She paused in surprise when her mother came into the parlor.

“I’m sorry you had to wait in here alone while Deborah took over my hostess duties. I’m so pleased you stopped by. Trey is sitting with Jeff so I can visit with you.”

Trey’s grandmother—Deborah thought her name was Marianne—set her cup on its saucer. “How is your son?”

“We believe he’s getting better. He’s delirious, but at least he’s speaking instead of just laying there. At times, I recognize words.”

Judith Pearson—Trey’s mother—smiled at Mama. “We’ve remembered your family in our prayers, Mrs. Taber. Our children are so precious to us.”

Mama returned the smile. “Please, call me Olive. I’m glad you each had some of the cake. Freddie Pate almost cleaned us out this morning.”

The Pearsons looked at Deborah. So much for her white lie.

Caroline's Muse Chloe 

More About the Author

Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their dog and three rescued indoor cats as well as providing nourishment outdoors for squirrels, birds, and other critters.

The books she creates in her pink cave have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances about the West, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. Her series include the Kincaids, McClintocks, Stone Mountain Texas, Bride Brigade, Texas Time Travel, Texas Caprock Tales, Loving A Rancher, and Pearson Grove as well as numerous single titles and contributions to multi-author sets. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading her friends’ books, lunching with friends, browsing antique malls, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap. 

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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Tracey L Dragon

Another Soul Mate Publishing author stopped by to share their latest book. Take it away, Tracey!

Cherished Wings-Book 1 of my Return to the Home Front Series published by Soul Mate Publishing is a dual-time romance where you have two stories—a contemporary and a historical intertwined in one novel. Cherished Wings was inspired by my own mother’s story. Although she never spoke of it, my sisters and I were aware of the pair of World War II Navy wings she kept hidden in her dresser drawer. The wings belonged to a beau who was killed on a mission during the war. After my mother’s death I cleaned out her dresser, and when asked by my father if I’d found anything else besides her clothes, I lied and said, “No.”  He then explained to me that my mother used to keep photos of an old boyfriend, and he seemed pleased that she’d gotten rid of them. I didn’t have the heart to tell him otherwise.  For although I did not find the wings, I did find the envelope containing his photos—one was cut to fit the size of her locket. She’d kept those photos for sixty years.  I also found the chunky, pyramid–shaped glass top of an old bottle of French perfume. The stopper had been broken off, and the bottle was nowhere to be found. I wondered why she kept it for so long. I could only assume it meant a great deal to her.  The mystery around these items sparked the idea for Cherished Wings, and Fran and Jack’s love story was created. This book is dedicated to my mother.  It was released July 11^th in E-book form and on September 21^st in paperback. It has been compared to the Notebook.

Book Blurb 

When Sara Kennedy returns to her small hometown in Western New York and visits her dying grandmother, she asks her about the pair of World War II Navy Wings she found in her grandmother’s dresser drawer. Her grandmother reluctantly shares with Sara the powerful love story she had not spoken of in over fifty years. As the tale unfolds, Sara finds herself caught up in a time where things were simpler, yet more complex—where love and war were not compatible. A story so poignant, it rocks Sara’s world and changes her life forever.

Excerpt from Cherished Wings

The knock on the door followed by a chorus of greetings stirred Fran to take one final glance in the mirror before heading downstairs. Amy and Red’s voices were distinctive, and she could clearly make out their boisterous teasing. It was the third voice that stopped her in her tracks—rich, deep, and smooth as fine whiskey. It sent shivers down her spine and struck a chord deep within her.

As she stepped onto the landing, Red turned in her direction and whistled.

“Ah, there’s my girl now.”

She parted her lips to refute his statement, but found the words stuck in her throat when the tall sailor in dress uniform standing beside Red turned to acknowledge her presence.

The stranger’s mesmerizing eyes locked with hers and for a moment it was as if time stood still.

Fran froze mid-step when a pair of startling blue eyes met hers. A sense of déjà vu overwhelmed her as though their souls had met before. Her hand locked on the stair rail to prevent the unchecked motion of her body as her stride faltered.
          “Are you all right?” The dark-haired man standing at the foot of the stairs stepped forward with an outstretched hand.
             Disconcerted by her visceral reaction to Red’s friend and feeling self-conscious and more than a little clumsy, she blurted the first thing that came to mind.
          “Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Now that my guy’s home.” She forced a smile. Ignoring Red’s grin and Amy’s choked expression.

Red shouldered aside his friend. “Now don’t you be trying to horn in on my gal.” He reached for her hand, tugged her forward, and slid his hands to her waist, lifting her up high.

She slapped Red’s shoulder. “Put me down you big oaf. You’re embarrassing me in front of your friend.”
          Red swung her down but held her with her feet just above the floor. “How about a kiss from my favorite girl?”

“In your dreams, sailor, I’m sure you’ve used that line in every port.”

Red set her down and dramatically crossed his right arm over his heart. “Oh, how you wound me.”

She rolled her eyes at him and laughed. “I see you can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy. I would have thought you’d have gained some polish while stationed in the city.”

“Ouch. Cut to the bone. You’ve sure gotten sassy while I’ve been away.”

“Just you remember that buster.” 

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More About the Author     

Tracey L. Dragon is a relocated New Yorker, former Navy wife, and retired educator who lives in Florida with her husband, Bill. After seven military moves, raising two Navy brats, and twenty years teaching troubled youth, she is now able to put her full attention to publishing the children’s stories and romance novels she’s written over the years. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and Florida Writers Association. Connect with her here: WEBSITE     FACEBOOK      

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Michelle Jean Marie

Author Michelle Jean Marie stopped by to share with us her new book. She is also published with Soul Mate Publishing. Take it away!

TEMPTING PASSION is an historical romance set in 1856 England. It is the sequel to TEMPTING FATE, my first published novel.  So if you’ve read the first book, you’ll recognize some of the characters in this one. Plus be introduced to some fun new ones! TEMPTING PASSIONS is available for pre-order now, with a release date of September 19^th. 

BLURB:

A Man Shattered

Marcus Clayton, Earl of Norbourne, has it all – power, wealth, respect, the freedom of bachelorhood, a woman’s companionship. Then in the space of seconds, his world is shattered and a life is lost. Blaming himself for the tragedy, Marcus Aurelius Clayton adopts the Stoic credo as his new way of life and vows to never again allow a woman to rule his passions.

A Woman Shamed

Miss Christel Fitzwilliam lives life with passion despite her simple life. Her father dotes on her, and her mother despises her because of it. After Christel’s father dies, a scandal is revealed, shaming the family. Christel’s mother blames her for the disgrace, and over the years, the scathing words wear down her resolve, until she too, questions her convictions.

A Goal Shared

When Christel learns of her mother’s plan to trap Marcus into an unwanted marriage with her younger sister, Christel vows to save the earl from a fate he doesn’t deserve. Marcus appreciates her concern, but having renounced all passion, is confident he can defeat the plan on his own. A determined and passionate Christel convinces him otherwise, and sets out to help him.

But in trying to save the earl, will her passion be her undoing?

EXCERPT

From Chapter One:

Removing her high-crowned hat, Miss Fitzwilliam tossed her gloves inside, wound the veil about the brim, and placed the bundle on his desk.

Her hair was the color of roasted chestnuts, Marcus noted. Pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck, it matched her full brows. The front of her coiffure draped loosely over her ears, and he discerned a shimmer of cinnamon within its waves. ‘Like Twilight’s, too, her dusky hair.’ 

He forced the image from his mind. He couldn’t risk entanglement. Not after his last fateful experience. The resulting pain had been unbearable. He hoped to never again experience such loss. And he wouldn’t if he kept his distance. If he kept his heart closed. “Pardon me if I’m not quite understanding you, but could we start at the beginning?”

“Certainly.” Miss Fitzwilliam plopped into his revolving chair, eyes widening in surprise when it swung sideways beneath her. She gripped the arms of the chair and planted her feet into the plush green rug. Wonder slowly dissolved into mischief as a hoydenish gleam danced in her eyes. Giving a tentative push with her right toe, she swung the chair back in the opposite direction.

Marcus caught the shimmer in her eyes as she pushed the chair back around again. He grinned. “It is an American contraption. I discovered it at the Exhibition back in ‘51.”

Her mouth quirked in amusement. “It is quite delightful. Papa would have loved one.” She gave the chair another push before turning to finally meet his gaze with shining eyes.

He inhaled sharply. It was a moment before he could breathe again. Speak again. “I believe you still owe me an explanation.”

“That I do.” She swung the chair back and forth in tiny arcs as she talked. “My mother is under the impression, erroneous or otherwise, that the reason you are hosting this house party is because you want a wife.”

He grimaced. “I wouldn’t say that, exactly.”

Miss Fitzwilliam brought the chair to a standstill. “You don’t want a wife, then?”

Marcus crossed an ankle over the opposite one, propping his front foot on the toe of his riding boot. A wife?

Buy Links:  Amazon 

More About the Author

After years of working in the Health Information Management field, Michelle became a stay-at-home mom to raise two adorable daughters and took advantage of her time at home to pursue a life-long passion--writing. While attending a romance writing workshop at a local library, Michelle was hooked. She cracked open the research books, turned on the computer, and started cranking out historical romances. In her early efforts, she was an RWA Golden Heart finalist and winner/finalist in many RWA sponsored contests.

 
After ending one marriage, seeing her daughters through college, opening her own business, and finally happily marrying her soul mate, she opened those old computer files and did some serious editing. She signed her first publishing contract with Soul Mate Publishing more than twenty years after writing it. Perseverance does pay off! Michelle lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and their three insane pups. Their two-legged children have all moved on to their own homes and careers. By day, she runs a professional organizing business, a virtual assistant business, and a research web site. Her favorite clients are authors! 

By night, she writes. She self-published "Researching the British Historical: The Victorian Era," "101 Organizing Tips for Writers," "I'm Moving!! Now What?" and co-authored "Nine Journeys: Stories of Women Who Found Their Own Paths to Success." 

In her spare time, she loves to read, take walks, and keep her mind sharp with Sudoku puzzles. She also does volunteer work for the Midwest Akita Rescue Society.
For more information about Michelle and her endeavors, connect with her here"

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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Sofie Darling

Sofie darling, a fellow author with Soul Mate Publishing, stopped by to share some intimate details about her life as well as to invite you inside her new book. Take it away, Sofie!

TEMPTED BY THE VISCOUNT is an historical romance and the second book of my Shadows and Silk series. When Jake’s past in the Far East comes charging into London, he knows he must act fast to protect his daughter’s future. 

Scandalous divorcee Lady Olivia Montfort is his only hope. She agrees on one condition: the use of his name to buy a Mayfair townhouse and secure her independence from men. A bargain is struck. What Jake and Olivia don’t anticipate is the temptation of each other.

Book Blurb

London, April 1825

Lord Jakob Radclyffe left his past behind in the Far East. Or so he thinks until a ruthless thief surfaces in London, threatening to ruin his daughter’s reputation. With the clock ticking, Jake needs the scandalous Lady Olivia Montfort’s connections in the art world to protect his daughter’s future.

Olivia, too, has a past she’d like to escape. By purchasing her very own Mayfair townhouse, she’ll be able to start a new life independent from all men. There’s one problem: she needs a powerful man’s name to do so. The Viscount St. Alban is the perfect name.

A bargain is struck.

What Olivia doesn’t anticipate is the temptation of the viscount. The undeniable spark of awareness that races between them undermines her vow to leave love behind. Soon, she has no choice but to rid her system of Jake by surrendering to her craving for a single scorching encounter.

But is once enough? Sometimes once only stokes the flame of desire higher and hotter. And sometimes once is all the heart needs to risk all and follow a mad passion wherever it may lead.

Excerpt from Tempted by the Viscount

“Am I late?” he asked in a tone that didn’t sound as concerned as his words might have suggested.

“Yes,” she replied, sounding distressingly like Lucy on a petulant day.

“My apologies,” he said on a shallow bow, even as his mouth, that talented, efficient mouth of his, maintained its familiar firm line.

“No need for apologies, my lord. In fact, your tardiness is promising evidence that you are settling into the viscountcy quite well.” She liked the way his eyes narrowed at her stern tone, a tone she couldn’t help borrowing from Mrs. Bloomquist. “It is the first rule of the nobility. Everyone can wait.”

“Then my apologies for not having made you wait longer.”

A begrudging smile found its way to her lips. “Now for the second rule of the nobility.” She allowed a beat to pass. A flash of pleasure coursed through her at the very idea that she could hold this glorious man in suspense. It wasn’t every woman who could boast that particular thrill. “Never apologize.”

He stepped forward, halving the distance between them, and took another bow. “Again, my apologies.”

His gaze pinned her in place, and, like that, the power of the moment shifted to him. Oh, how an unmanageable part of her wanted him to use it. This felt dangerously like flirting. Was she flirting?

She was. In the presence of the tease playing about his eyes and mouth, she couldn’t seem to help herself. She tried clearing her throat, hoping to clear her head in the process.

He should be more careful with that smile. It could give a woman ideas.

BUY LINK     AMAZON

More About the Author

Sofie Darling is an award-winning author of historical romance. Her debut novel, THREE LESSONS IN SEDUCTION, won the Writers’ League of Texas’ Manuscript Contest in the Romance Category in 2016.

She spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every book she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply had to write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and embarked on her writing career. Mr. Darling and the boys gave her their wholehearted blessing.

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, she runs a marathon in a different state every year, visits crumbling medieval castles whenever she gets a chance, and enjoys a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco. Connect with her here:

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