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 | Nov 12, 2013 | Author Blog, Highlander's Captive
FIRST FROST IS HERE — FREE AT AMAZON!
FIRST FROST has just released. This fantastic ebook is FREE, compliments of Lyrical Press’s authors. Please feel free to check out the excerpts below to see if this is something you might like. The nine novellas within this book cross a wide range of romance’s sub-genres, and the reads are listed from sweet to steamy. If you grab a copy of FIRST FROST, I truly hope you enjoy the read. I certainly had a ton of fun writing HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE specifically for this anthology. My novella is the second story in and forms part of my Highlander Heat series, so make sure you check it out. Here’s a look at First Frost.
FIRST FROST
A Lyrical Press anthology
Melt away the chill with a warm romance, or turn up the heat with a more steamy story, without raising your utility bill…compliments of Lyrical Press’s authors.
Pick up your FREE copy of FIRST FROST AT >>> AMAZON
A Keeper
Contemporary sweet romance by Charlotte McClain
Some things are worth keeping. Some guys are keepers.
Dina Paxson has a few days before going back to work on the cruise ship to straighten out a billing snafu at the storage facility. Paul Hanover is baby-sitting the facility for his mother when Dina comes in. She’s a little odd, but in a way that makes him want to know more about her. Too bad his need to know conflicts with her desire to be a little more anonymous.
Highlander’s Captive
Historical romance by Joanne Wadsworth
His mission is to capture. Hers is to turn the tide.
Julia MacLeod is held captive by a Highland warrior, a man whose deep-seated honor may just turn him into becoming the captured instead.
Ripe for Trouble
Contemporary romance by Autumn Piper
Are they ready for love this time around, or just ripe for trouble?
When Ivy Leeds takes a job in her hometown, few things have changed…but Ridley, the bad boy of her graduating class, has cleaned up his act. Or so everyone else thinks. After hearing him and his friend practicing pickup lines, she has her doubts. Ridley Tucker can hardly believe his eyes. Ivy, the president of the Brainiac Club, has returned to town. Some things never change—she’ll barely give him the time of day, and she still looks as fine as she did that night at Prom, when they almost… Well, when he blew their chances forever. Or…did he?
In His Embrace
Contemporary romance by Wendy Ely
When life’s glow threatens to die in a person, love’s light guides the way.
Tori expected Friday to be completely ordinary: a quick goodbye to her best friend who was going away on a business trip for the weekend, a routine checkup at her doctor’s office, and the rest of the day filled with work. But she was wrong. Ben’s hand rested on her hips a little longer than usual during their goodbye, igniting sparks she’d tried to ignore for years, and then her tests came back abnormal. Scared and alone, she wishes for one person’s hand to hold–Ben’s. He is trying to make it back before her next doctor visit, but can he?
Keep the Fire Burning
Fantasy romance by Daisy Banks
A flame of passion turns into an ever-burning fire of love.
Devastation unites a Prince and a village maiden and together they discover the sweet fire of the flame of love.
May I Have This Dance
Paranormal romance by Toni Kelly
The right partner makes all the difference…in love and dancing.
Tired of hiding who and what he is, half-demon Sebastian Reyes is determined to find happiness. Easier said than done, though—his true identity could drive away the only woman he loves.
Slip the Skin
Paranormal romance by Tera Shanley
His curse is her cure.
Just when Linden Ashby finally accepts her impending doom, a handsome stranger gives her another chance at life. But will it be at the expense of her soul?
Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires
GLBT erotic romance by Elle Parker
Mysterious neighbors, scheming wives and bar fights. This was not Dino’s idea of a relaxing vacation.
All Dino Martini wants is to enjoy his vacation with best friend turned boyfriend, Seth Donnelly. But when he stumbles across a mystery, it feels like business as usual. If Dino wants to spend his time focused on Seth instead of fighting in bars, he might have to get back to work.
Three-Way Tie, a Neighborly Affection short
BDSM erotic romance by MQ Barber
Strong knots hold love fast.
Henry gives his submissive lovers a day filled with the best kind of tension.
Pick up your FREE copy of FIRST FROST AT >>> AMAZON
Don’t forget if you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I love hearing from you guys.
And lastly, if you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
TAKE CARE.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Oct 20, 2013 | Author Blog, Highlander's Captive
This last week has been amazing. I’ve got so much to share with you all, I can barely contain my excitement.
First I’m going to bring you the fabulous cover for FIRST FROST, A Lyrical Press Anthology, coming November 11th, 2013. This anthology includes HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE, a novella in my Highlander Heat series.
Nine of Lyrical Press’s authors have come together to bring you a book filled with romance, including short stories ranging from sweet to steamy. So be prepared to melt away the winter chill if you pick up an ebook copy of FIRST FROST. I can’t wait for this anthology to release.
FIRST FROST is coming to readers compliments of those authors (yes, it’ll be free — exciting, right?), and I’ve listed below the talented writers I’ve joined with, and their individual titles. Here’s the fabulous cover by Renee Rocco. She’s done all my covers. I just love her work.
Melt away the winter chill with a little help from Lyrical’s authors.
A Lyrical Press anthology…compliments of Lyrical Press’s authors.
Keep the Fire Burning by Daisy Banks (Fantasy Romance)
Three-Way Tie by M.Q. Barber (BDSM Erotic Romance)
In His Embrace by Wendy Ely (Contemporary Romance)
May I Have This Dance by Toni Kelly (Paranormal Romance)
A Keeper by Charlotte McClain (Contemporary Sweet Romance)
Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires by Elle Parker (GLBT Erotic Romance)
Ripe for Trouble by Autumn Piper (Contemporary Romance)
Slip the Skin by Tera Shanley (Paranormal Romance)
Highlander’s Captive by Joanne Wadsworth (Historical Highlander Romance)
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If you’d like to add this FIRST FROST anthology to your Goodreads TBR list, each author will likely list their own novella individually. Here is the GRs link for HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE.
-ooOoo–
I’m also thrilled to be able to share the news that my seventh book has just gone under contract. HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC, book two in my Highlander Heat line, will release with my publisher. It’s all go. Let me drop in a picture of a hunky Highlander to celebrate.
–ooOoo–
My next piece of exciting news is I’ve teamed up with a number of my Lyrical Press sisters as hostesses of a fun Facebook page called Sizzle and Sass. We’ll be interacting with readers and other authors, and yes, expect a ton of sizzle and sass. We are romance authors after all.
They’ll also be snippets of our works, games, giveaways, and so much more. This will be a fun, fun page. Our first giveaway is a-maz-ing! Even I can’t believe how amazing it is. All you have to do to enter is click on the link below and “like” our page. The winner will be drawn at the close of the giveaway on October 26th. The winner will receive:
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The Kindle Paperwhite.
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And A free eBook from all the Sizzle and Sass authors: Gemma Brocato, Eden Ashe, Amy Burgess, Mae Clair, M.Q. Barber, Stacy McKitrick, Rie Warren, Julia Tagan, Lynn Cahoon, Joanne Wadsworth, Calisa Rhose, Autumn Piper, Cd Brennan
Here’s the link for Sizzle and Sass’s giveaway.
–ooOoo–
And to top off my wonderful week, I have to tell you about the rogue hen I uncovered in my garden. Hours after I found her, I discovered she was sitting on seventeen eggs. Seventeen eggs! Over the next two or three hours all those eggs hatched, and my kiddies had a blast playing with the chicks. Did I mention there were seventeen chicks? I’ve since discovered the previous owner of the hen moved away, so I’ve adopted this hen and her family. Luckily we have a couple of acres for them to roam around in. Here’s a couple of cool pics I took of my kiddies and me on the front lawn with our swarm of adorable ones.
Don’t forget to drop me a comment if you’d like to. I love hearing from you guys.
Also, if you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
by Joanne Wadsworth | Sep 19, 2013 | Author Blog, Highlander's Captive, Highlander's Castle
The Scottish Highlands and their beautiful old castles.
Traveling through time…for a Highlander.
There’s something so inspiring about these stunning castles and the history contained within their walls, and whether in ruins or not, my imagination runs rife. There are a ton of stories vying for attention in my head, and since I love the fantasy genre as well, I simply had to write a series where I get to send a twenty-first century heroine back to the past. In my HIGHLANDER HEAT line, expect tension, intrigue, and the sensational backdrop of the Highlands where it’s all set. This is historical romance where Highlanders have never battled so hard to defy the odds…and neither have their modern day heroines as they strive to find their own magic and beat the very essence of time.
I’m so thrilled to announce that the first glimpse into my Highlander Heat series kicks off with a novella that will be included in an anthology with some other awesome authors. HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE is the story of a young woman held captive by a Highland warrior, a man whose deep-seated honor may just turn him into becoming the captured instead.
This anthology will be FREE, and is compliments of those authors and the publishing house. I’ll keep you posted on the release date for this FREE book, but it will be sometime in early November, just a few more weeks away. Next year, book one in my series, HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE, releases, and just this week I’ve submitted the second book, HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC, for consideration. Of course next, I’m going to go straight into writing the third book, and I can’t wait to delve into this one.
Here’s a “sneak peek excerpt,” from book one, HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE (unedited).
To set the scene my modern day heroine, Anne MacLeod, has handfasted with Alex, her Highland warrior. Anne is just about to see exactly how Highlander men fight, and she’s accompanied by one of the woman from the clan as she goes in search of her new handfast husband.
–ooOoo-
They rounded the corner of the stables and there, before the waters of the glistening loch, a good hundred shirtless warriors wielded claymores in a battle of strength against one another.
Anne 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 color as the blond of his head. Oh, and 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, Alex 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 off Archie.”
She laughed. “Thank you. You make a wonderful friend.” Stepping forward, she focused her gaze on the one 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–
“Anne. Get back here now.” Archie 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 licked her lips as she stared at his wide chest. Even the veins on his arms stood rigid and firm. “Sorry, the view was rather distracting.”
–ooOoo–
I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek from HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE, tentatively set for release September 2nd, 2014.
If you don’t want to wait nearly that long, and you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Here’s what one reviewer has just said about my latest release:
“Warrior held my attention from start to finish. Each obstacle Hope and Silas encountered had me jumping with joy, but often screaming in frustration. What made me fall in love with Warrior, is the heart thudding romance between the two main characters. It isn’t just a love story, it’s so much more. 5 Stars.” – Nocturne Romance Reads
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
Thanks for joining me, and don’t forget, if you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I love hearing from you guys. 🙂
