by Joanne Wadsworth | May 23, 2014 | Author Blog, Highlander's Magic
HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC
Hey everyone, thanks so much for joining me today. I couldn’t be more excited to bring you both a cover reveal and a book release in one. I can’t believe HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC is now available. Highlander’s Captive and Highlander’s Castle have led the way in this series, and the next to release will be Highlander’s Charm later this year.
I also want to take a moment to thank all of you who’ve bought copies of the first two books in this series. Because of you, this Highlander Heat line is still rocking the bestsellers chart. I hope you enjoy this story just as much.
Here’s the swishy cover, complete with a sizzling hot Highlander.
HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC
Traveling through time…for a Highlander.
Wearing the four-hundred-year-old amulet she inherited, Marie MacLean enters a faerie circle near the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle. A veil rises. A warrior from the past makes a wish to win the war against the Chief of MacLean, and as the veil thins, she falls through into his time.
Highland warrior Archie MacDonald has been gifted a faerie who insists she’s from the future and the progeny of both his and his enemy’s clan. The last thing he expects is for her to stir him on a level he’s never experienced before. All he needs is her aid in the war, no matter where she believes she’s from.
Determined to keep history on course, Marie enters the crux of the battle. She must ensure the MacLean chief who has yet to father her paternal line isn’t killed, and all without perishing herself. Can Archie see past his need for revenge before he kills his enemy? If he wishes to save the woman who’s crossed centuries to be by his side, he must.
A Historical Highlander Romance
–ooO00–
Here’s a tantalizing excerpt.
EXCERPT –
“I see your imagination still runs rife.” The fae loved to play their games and this lass was no different. Tempting, enchanting, and his to care for. Archie had taken on quite the task, but thus far, enjoyable.
“Or it could be the truth if you would but see it.” Marie slowly circled him, running her finger along his skin at the waist of his trews. “Where I come from, man no longer travels by horse, but within large steel contraptions that roll on wheels. Although do you want to hear something truly wicked?”
“Nay.” His thoughts were bad enough.
“Boats are made of steel, and they don’t simply sail across the sea, but also cruise the depths below. They’re called submarines, and they’re fully enclosed.”
“Now I know you lie.” Although seductively. Such travel would allow one to sneak up on their enemy. He liked.
“And what if I’m telling the truth?” She sidled around until they stood face to face. “Ask me a question, anything you’d like.”
“How do these submarines rise from the depths? The concept is intriguing, albeit impossible.”
“They have tanks which draw water in to allow them to fall below the waterline, and once it’s time to go up, engines pump the water back out. Engines you won’t see for hundreds of years.” She trailed a finger down the center of his chest. “My thoughts are still wandering.”
“You play with fire, my faerie.” He captured her hands and draped them around his neck. “I like it too much.”
“And you’re a challenge, one which I like too much.”
“Do you wish to test the waters between us? Dare me and we shall.” Aye, he was up for a dare, and he hoped she was too.
–ooOoo–
~~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~~
Buy HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC (Highlander Heat #2) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE (Highlander Heat #1) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE (Highlander Heat #0.5) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
Buy ENCHANTER (Magio-Earth #3) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
Buy HUNTER (Magio-Earth #2.5) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
Take care this week. 
by Joanne Wadsworth | Mar 30, 2014 | Author Blog, Highlander's Castle
HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE
Highlander Heat, #1
I’m bringing you an exclusive excerpt today from Highlander’s Castle which released a month ago. I hope you enjoy.
Exclusive Excerpt:
Like an ethereal vision, Anne glided toward Alex. She reached him and he couldn’t help fingering her waist length locks. Even the sun’s rays feasted on her, setting her white-gold hair ablaze.
Damn. How would he keep his hands off her when she looked this edible? “You look…bonnie.”
“Thank you.” Her sapphire eyes burst with brightness. “You’ve washed up well yourself.”
Edible and delightful. He was in a world of trouble. He turned to his brother. “Do you have our plaid?”
“Aye, here.” James unraveled a strip of MacDonald tartan.
“Good.” This was it. The moment he’d not wished for, but now strangely did. He clasped his right hand with Anne’s right, and his left hand with her left then took a long, steadying breath. He looked into her eyes. She would be his wife, soon.
“It’ll be all right.” She squeezed his fingers. “This is meant to be. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
’Twas as if she spoke to his heart. “James will wrap the plaid around our hands and bind us together.” He nodded at his brother and James tightened the strap around their joined hands. The symbolic gesture had his pulse racing. Nay, this was simply a handfast, which was real enough, but that’s all. There would be no marriage in a year’s time.
–ooOoo–
~~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~~
HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE (Highlander Heat #1): Amazon Kindle
HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE (Highlander Heat #0.5): Amazon Kindle
WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1): Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
ENCHANTER (Magio-Earth #3): Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
HUNTER (Magio-Earth #2.5): Amazon Kindle
WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2): Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1): Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
by Joanne Wadsworth | Feb 17, 2014 | Author Blog, Highlander's Castle
Hey everyone, thanks so much for joining me today. I couldn’t be more excited to bring you both a cover reveal and a book release in one.
I can’t believe HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE is now available. This is book one in my Highlander Heat series. The novella in the line (Highlander’s Captive) which released six weeks ago, shot into the bestsellers charts on Amazon’s US and UK sites, and continues to remain there. I’m still a-buzzing over that. So, if you picked up a copy, then thank you, thank you, thank you. You helped make a dream of mine come true.
The next two books in this series, Highlander’s Magic and Highlander’s Charm, will release later this year, and I can’t wait to bring you those stories. In the meantime, check out the swishy cover. I hope you like it.
Highlander’s Castle
HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE
Traveling through time…for a Highlander.
Anne MacLeod’s identical ancestor has made a wish on the Fairy Flag at Dunvegan Castle, one which sees the two young women swapping places in time and leaving Anne set to handfast with the very man her ancestor wished to escape. Only Anne sees the possibilities, because now she could change the future and ensure her parents never perished in the inferno which took their lives.
Highland warrior Alex MacDonald has made an agreement to handfast with Anne in order to bring a halt to the feud raging between their clans. The last thing he expects though is a woman claiming to come from the future, a woman who stirs him on a physical and emotional level to protect, and to even believe.
When Anne finds herself in her MacLeod chief’s presence, she chooses to go with him in order to leave a message for her parents. In full pursuit, Alex wages a battle of the heart, and of the very essence of time. Can he defy the odds as Anne is taken from him…to work his own magic and get her back?
A Historical Highlander Romance
–ooO00–
Are you all ready for a tantalizing, toe-curling excerpt? I’ll try and melt away some of that winter chill. Here we are.
EXCERPT –
Anne rounded the corner of the stables with Mary. Before the waters of the glistening loch, a hundred shirtless warriors wielded claymores in a battle of strength against one another.
She searched through the half-naked men and found the very one she was after. Alex’s body was hard and packed with muscle, his shoulders and arms thick and strong. His chest held the finest smattering of hair, the same blond of his head. Below the plains of his glorious chest, his abs rippled, layer upon tight layer and all covered with a healthy sheen of sweat.
“He’s by far the tallest.” And Anne wanted every inch of that body back against hers.
“Aye, my son could never be missed in a battle.”
His powerful form was magnificent, and his command of the warriors he fought against a sight to behold.
Alex thrust his enormous sword against his opponent’s as if it were an extension of his arm and not a monstrous piece of steel. Now, this was exactly how he’d come about every one of those bulging muscles.
“I have to get closer.” She passed Mary her basket.
“I’ll hold Alan off.”
“Thank you. You make a wonderful friend.” Stepping forward, she focused on the man who’d made love to her so intensely throughout the night. He moved deftly, growing stronger with each strike of his claymore upon his opponent’s blade.
The two men circled each other, as if waiting to pounce for the next attack. Alex raised his weapon and—
“Lass, get back here now.” Alan tried to pass Mary who zigzagged in front of him.
“Damn,” Alex swore, barely missing his challenger’s blow. His gaze speared toward her. “What are you doing out here?”
She stared at his wide chest. Even the veins on his arms stood rigid and firm. “Sorry, the view was rather distracting.”
“You could get hurt.” He marched toward her, caught her arm then led her to the rear of the stables where all was quiet. “Lass, you cannae look at me like that.”
“Like what?” She touched his chest with her finger then swirled down over his wicked abs.
“Like that.” He picked her up, kicked open the door of a side room, set her down and slammed the door shut. His eyes burned a molten hue even in the dark confines of the cramped room. “Up with your skirts.”
“What?”
“Up. With. Your.” His plaid rose at the front, and all of its own accord.
“Oh, like that?”
He backed her against the wall. “Aye, like that, my sweet.”
–ooOoo–
~~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~~
Buy HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE (Highlander Heat #1) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE (Highlander Heat #0.5) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
Buy ENCHANTER (Magio-Earth #3) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
Buy HUNTER (Magio-Earth #2.5) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / Kensington Publishing / iTunes / Kobo
I’m thinking of you all who are suffering from this terrible winter weather. Take care this week.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Jan 9, 2014 | Author Blog, Highlander's Captive
HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE
His mission is to capture. Hers is to turn the tide.
Twenty-two-year-old Julia MacLeod discovers a secret tunnel leading from Dunvegan Castle, the stronghold of her MacLeod clan. Her chief would never allow her to leave without a guard during this time of war, but up for an adventure, she scurries along the dank passageway and through a maze of twists and turns.
Highland warrior Ivor MacDonald is on a solitary mission to secure a bargaining chip against his chief’s rival clan. While scouting the cliffs near Dunvegan Castle for a way in, a lone woman topples from the cliffs and into the frigid waters of the ocean. Honor demands he rescue her, even though it might bring his mission into jeopardy. Then he discovers she’s the chief’s cousin, and his bargaining chip has just fallen right into his hands.
Ivor steals his captive away, and on a journey across the ocean, his mission soon takes a turn. Julia’s trust in him sees his honor battling to override his need for revenge. Has his captive now turned the tide, and became the captor instead?
CONTENT WARNING: Sexual Content
A Historical Highlander Romance
–ooO00–
HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE is a stand-alone novella within my HIGHLANDER HEAT series. These historical Highlander romances feature strong heroines whose paths collide with their delicious Highland heroes.
Highlander’s Castle and Highlander’s Magic, full-length novels, will release later this year. But in the meantime, come and get a taste of this series with this intriguing short story.
PS: Check out the inside-scoop about the cover at the end of this post.
EXCERPT –
Wind whipped through Ivor’s shoulder-length hair, drying it into a rakish look. As he held the ropes, his biceps bulged and his every muscle strained to control the wind power he’d harnessed in the skiff’s tight sail.
Oh, she should turn her gaze away. Only, so impressive. A warrior of great strength.
Mayhap she should enjoy this since she didn’t have a choice. She’d certainly never ridden in a boat moving at such speed that ’twas half out of the water. Awed by his ability, she peeked over his arm. The coastline was but a blur. Her heart near jumped out of her chest and she clutched him tighter. “How fast are we going?”
“Faster than usual, but the crosswinds will ease off soon.”
Plastered against the hard planes of his body, she almost hoped they didn’t. She smiled and lifted her face to the sky, allowing the moment to expand. This was life, and far more interesting than the confines of Dunvegan Castle, not that she’d ever tell Ivor that.
“You look happy.”
“I’ve never sailed like this before.”
“I should think not. Ah, look, the wind is easing. Keep holding on as the boat flattens out. Sometimes it can get a bit bumpy.”
Waves splashed over the bow as it settled down, but naught like the jolt that had first lifted it. Ivor held the ropes and her as he jumped from the edge and into the hull.
She scampered to the bench seat, patting her racing heart.
“Tell me how you came to be on those cliffs?” Ivor tied the ropes off to hold the sail in place then dropped in beside her. With the rudder in hand, he turned it a fraction.
“My father’s in Edinburgh and I didn’t wish to travel so far this close to winter. Margaret, my cousin, asked me to stay.”
“You’re traveling now.”
“A most unexpected trip, wouldn’t you say?”
“Most.” He winked. “But exceptionally glad for the company, I am.”
“So I see.” Along this expanse of rugged coastline, the village lay nestled beyond the forest. At high tide or on the rising and setting of the sun, half a dozen boats would be out, fishermen casting their nets. ’Twas unlucky all was quiet with no opportunity to raise the alarm. Although ’twas by far lucky Ivor had been at those cliffs. She lived now because he’d rescued her. Aye, she owed him for that. If only he’d turn this vessel around and take her home.
Hmm, mayhap she needed to work some magic to make that happen.
–ooOoo–
I hope you all enjoyed that.
And that cover? Here’s the inside-scoop. I’m not a cover artist by any means, or at least I wasn’t until this week. It’s certainly amazing just how many things an author has to learn. Fingers into everything. So, yep, this cover is my first ever design, and I actually had a ton of fun putting it together. What do all you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Thank you. Thank you. 🙂
Just a wee note: Highlander’s Captive was a part of First Frost, an anthology published during November and December of 2013, although it’s now no longer available. If you didn’t get a chance to read Highlander’s Captive then, well now you can. I certainly didn’t want anyone to miss this story.
–ooOoo–
~~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~~
Buy HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE (Highlander Heat Novella) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy HUNTER (Magio-Earth Novella) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1) at: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / B&N Nook & Paperback / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
TAKE CARE.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Dec 30, 2013 | Author Blog, Hunter
HUNTER
To love and protect…across worlds.
Nineteen-year-old Lieska Alura, a Dralion warrior from the planet Magio, calls an Australian Outback station her home away from home. Hounded by her skilled hunter senses, she is on a mission to track down one man, her soul-bound mate.
Peacian protector and hunter, Cole Cyrano, is driven by his soul’s demand to find his mated one, a woman he knows is his enemy. Dralion and Peacio are at war, and he ignores his soul’s call. Except Lieska shows up during a fierce training session inside his protectors’ arena, and his soul demands he protect her.
Completely, yet impossibly matched, they decide to renounce their bond, only not all goes as planned when Lieska receives word bushfires rage across her Outback station. She leaves, and now nothing can keep Cole from the hunt. He joins Lieska in driving the station’s cattle toward the mighty river, and the chase is on…against both nature and each other. Can the mated pair find their place together in a world at war?
A Young Adult, New Adult Fantasy Romance
REVIEWERS: “Another great read from Joanne. I can’t wait for the next FULL instalment in this series ‘ENCHANTER.'” -Nicola Horner ~ Endless Reading
“I loved the humorous and sweet relationship between Cole and Lieska. This series has quickly become a favorite.” – Holly Underhill ~ YA/NA Reviewer
“Hunter is exciting, unforgettable and charming. Hunter is a must read for those who love this series as much as I do.” – Angela McPherson ~ Nocturne Romance Reviewer
–ooO00–
HUNTER has just released, a story which will take you deep into the Australian Outback and across those great plains. This is a stand-alone novella within my fast-paced YA/NA fantasy romance line, where across worlds, soul-bound mates battle against both love and land.
Before I bring you an excerpt, I just want to take a moment to thank all those fans who’ve embraced this series. Thank you so much for taking this journey with me, to where imagination and magic soar. It means the world to me.
And if you haven’t tried any of the books in this series, then don’t miss this one. HUNTER is the perfect short story to get you started, and likely hooked. PROTECTOR and WARRIOR (the first two books) have released, and ENCHANTER (book three,) is coming summer 2014. I simply adore reading books within a series, and in this line, each book is stand-alone, featuring a separate heroine and hero, so start anywhere you like.
Here’s an excerpt to tempt you:
Chains cranked, and the solid paneled iron gates at the entrance rolled open. This was what I’d been waiting for. Finally I’d be able to see inside the three-story high open-aired arena. It was a beauty with its ancient circular architecture.
“Wow. Do you see that?” Hope whispered to me from where we hid in a bush.
I shoved the brush farther aside, and we both poked our noses in. The protectors’ arena was close in size to our fighting force’s in Dralion. Their blocked seats were layered back and up and able to hold thousands of spectators. Groups of protectors trained on the central sandy floor with swords and spears and axes, with likely more beyond. Some of the men wore red tunics with leather-flapped skirts, and they lunged and parried, as accurate with their brutally sharp weapons as any warrior would be. The women trained in their battle leathers. So close. This was the chance I’d been waiting for. It had definitely been right to bring Hope. Hopefully she’d be able to help me keep a level head.
“Let’s go.” I gripped Hope’s hand and ’ported us. Everything darkened as I made the short jump through space.
Hope wobbled as we arrived near the wall. “Lieska, what the heck are you doing?”
“You saw the gate open. It’s an invitation I can’t turn down.” I plucked the sides of my hip-hugging black leather pants. “Look at us. I’m dressed no differently to any of the protector women, and you’re completely unassuming in jeans and a t-shirt. Except for this. The Stetson has to go. It screams Earth.” I nabbed it and tossed it behind a flax bush growing beside the wall. “Now no one’s going to suspect we’re from Dralion unless we announce it. We’ll be normal people, not catching a second glance.”
“Geez, I hate how my own words come back to bite me.” She shook her head. “Just make sure you don’t announce our arrival your way. No throwing any daggers at the protectors, because that would be announcing it, in case you weren’t aware.”
“I’m aware, and I’ll try and keep them sheathed, maybe.” I couldn’t stop from rubbing my hands together. Finally I’d have a chance to sort this problem. The hunt was on. I strode in and the breeze lifted my long brown locks and swept strands across my face. Two men battled close by and one of the men’s blade’s struck flesh and bone. Blood spurted in a wide arc. My blood thrummed to join the fight. Oh yeah. I wish I’d been the one to inflict that wound. The injured man grasped his arm, holding the edges closed. His blood ceased running and his skin began to knit together. A fast-healer. Damn. What a shame.
“Ew.” Hope puffed as she caught up. “Are your senses still on fire?”
“Burning bright. So stay close in case I need to ’port us out of here quick.” I followed the safety rail around the perimeter. My senses flared. There. A man in black jeans stretched as if readying himself for training. The denim molded his butt. Mm-mmm.
He selected a two-handed sword from the rack and twirled it in a precise figure eight. Slowly he built up speed, and moved through a series of fluid training moves. He held the battle skills, and only those who had such an affinity for their weapon did.
“Is that him? The one you’re after?” Hope hauled me to a stop.
“Yes, and it appears he needs a battling partner. Wait here.”
“I’ll wait provided you agree not to kill anyone.”
“We’ll see, just don’t draw any attention to yourself.”
“Huh, I can’t believe you’re telling me not to draw attention to myself. Hello. Give yourself your own pep talk.” With a harrumph, she snuck under the railing. She plopped onto the wooden bench and grasped the edge under her knees, squishing her knuckles.
“I would take my own advice, except I don’t think I’m up for listening. That’s why I have you.” She was one of my best friends, even though she’d accepted a protector as her mate. I could deal.
Stroking the hilt of my ever-present side sword, I walked toward the one my senses had flared on.
–ooOoo–
I hope you all enjoyed that.
Thank you all for helping me celebrate the release of HUNTER by joining me today. Thank you. Thank you. 🙂
~~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~~
Buy HUNTER (Magio-Earth Novella) at: Amazon Kindle
Buy WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1) at: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / B&N Nook & Paperback / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy FIRST FROST, A Lyrical Press Anthology (including Highlander’s Captive by Joanne Wadsworth): Amazon Kindle / All Romance Ebooks
TAKE CARE.
