August is Blog Hop month here at Chateau Alexis. I’m sharing excerpts, posts and answering questions as well as hosting a giveaway. Drop by and enter to win a copy of Touch of Salar and a gift certificate to Loose Id!
Today I’m at Gabrielle Evans blog. I love her tag line- “Be good, or be good at it”.
Welcome to another weekend of wild, wondrous words and worlds. I’m feeling alliterate today, apparently. Also tired, in a good way. Attended Faerie Worlds this weekend, which is way more fun than we serious adult types usually get to have. If you’re ever in Oregon in July, check it out.
Okay, back to the snippet and more fae-like shenanigans. Constable Axel Blackwood is intent on catching his stalker, sure that someone at the court in Lacknor revealed the secret that Axel and Drummond are carrying a valuable gem to the lord of Thorburn.
To Catch a Threeve
They didn’t bother with a fire. The fall air was crisp but bearable. They had bread and cheese to eat and wine to drink, so no call to announce their presence with a fire. Drummond grumbled about the loose mindedness of lords and ladies and the soreness of his backside from all the galloping, unnecessary in his opinion. Axel kept mostly quiet, arranging his trap while Drummond provided the perfect distraction.
The large man trampled the grass to be rid of snakes and anyone else who might be inclined to approach on their belly, threw brittle twigs around to act as a warning, and generally kicked up a ruckus while Axel unobtrusively cast warning lines into the trees and placed a ring of flash pebbles along the creek. He was sure the sneak was watching them and so he made sure that all his motions looked natural, as if he were merely scouting the perimeter and helping Drummond place his standard traveler’s tricks.
He drew water from the creek into his skein and scanned the dense wall of trees. Only one sneak- he must be truly desperate to risk robbing a constable.
***
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or copy & paste this address: http://www.wewriwa.com
***
Unofficial Blurb for To Catch a Threeve
To Catch a Threeve is an m/m erotic fantasy that takes place in the medieval land of Lacknor. Constable Axel Blackwood catches a thief and is astounded to see that he closely resembles the love he lost seven years ago in an attack by the evil woodland folk known as threeves. He quickly realizes he’s fallen prey to dark magic, but can’t help becoming infatuated with his prisoner and is overwhelmed with the hope that he can at last bring his lost lover home. Bryn Darrow, the half-threeve, half human orphan sent to trick Axel and rob him of much more than a simple gem finds himself equally as fascinated with his handsome human captor and the lure of some place to call home, but believes that the constable is in love with a dangerous illusion.
Seductive Studs and Sirens Blog Hop #3 
Welcome to another Steamy Saturday Snippet. I’m continuing with an excerpt from my new release, Touch of Salar. M’lan, the monk with healing powers, is beginning to work on the mysterious major for the first time. Don’t forget, more delectable steaminess awaits you over at the Seductive Studs and Sirens Blog Hop.
Touch of Salar
As he sometimes did when the distraction of base physicality disturbed his calm, M’lan imagined the body as a sculpture, a fine piece of art. This one certainly was. He called up the anatomical charts in his mind’s eye and allowed his fingers to travel up the spine, searching for the damaged nerves and knotted muscles that blocked healing. The skin had a soothing smell, like a sweetly remembered lover, and the body—he instantly connected with this body. His hands seemed to know where to go. But of course that was impossible. He’d never forget having worked on this man.
The major’s muscles were like coiled iron, and M’lan knew he had a rigorous workout in front of him. But for now his motions were gentle as he explored the body with his hands and waited for the healing energy to begin its journey through him to his client.
Official Blurb:
In a world ruled by tyrannical kings and fickle gods, the young monk M’lan finds himself at the center of royal intrigue as his healing powers attract the attention of his superiors. When he learns the handsome warrior whose body he’s tending to is not only a noble, but a king’s assassin, any attachment to him might prove fatal. Despite the danger, he can’t stop himself from falling in love. Can he risk the abandon of passion when a slip of the tongue might force his lover to execute him?
Major Jamil Jarka comes to the temple with one intention—heal his wounds so he can return to the fight against the rebellion. When the monk assigned to him turns out to be stunningly attractive, he sees this as a pleasant distraction, no more. But soon he finds himself becoming obsessed with M’lan and is torn between the fear of betrayal and the lure of love.
Sinister forces strive to turn the monk and the warrior against each other—a conflict neither will survive if they cannot trust their lives to love and the healing power of Salar.
Welcome to the Weekend Writing Warriors Blog Hop!
We’re doing the happy dance at Chateau Alexis today. Signed, sealed and delivered- the contract for To Catch a Threeve arrived this week so now I can share the news! No release date yet but don’t worry, I’ll let you know (repeatedly).
I’ll continue with Threeve for a while, especially now that I’m basking in the rosy glow of acceptance. I’ve assembled the snippets up to this point on the Threeve page, if you’d care to catch up. Basically, Constable Axel Blackwood and his deputy, Drummond Alloway, are on a secret mission through the dark and scary woods. Axel has discovered they’re being followed.
To Catch A Threeve
Drummond grunted and drew up alongside. From any other man, a slight against his mount would lead to blows, if not swordplay, but Axel and Drummond had learned to fight, fence and uphold the law together. As constable to Drummond’s deputy, Axel was his boss as well as his friend.
“Time to find a flat stretch of ground to rest our weary bones?” Drummond asked.
“Up ahead there’s a meadow where the stream crosses the road again. We’ll set up and take advantage of grass for the horses and a clear view of any coming or going on the road.”
Drummond snorted, “As if any man would be travelling this godforsaken patch of forest.”
“Not many with honorable intentions, anyway,” Axel said, and nudged his horse into a gentle trot.
***
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or copy & paste this address: http://www.wewriwa.com
***
Unofficial Blurb for To Catch a Threeve
To Catch a Threeve is an m/m erotic fantasy that takes place in the medieval land of Lacknor. Constable Axel Blackwood catches a thief and is astounded to see that he closely resembles the love he lost seven years ago in an attack by the evil woodland folk known as threeves. He quickly realizes he’s fallen prey to dark magic, but can’t help becoming infatuated with his prisoner and is overwhelmed with the hope that he can at last bring his lost lover home. Bryn Darrow, the half-threeve, half human orphan sent to trick Axel and rob him of much more than a simple gem finds himself equally as fascinated with his handsome human captor and the lure of some place to call home, but believes that the constable is in love with a dangerous illusion.
Seductive Studs and Sirens Blog Hop #2
Hi! Thanks for stopping by. Don’t forget to click the link to continue the hop and discover some steamy snippets along the way.
I’m continuing with another expert from my new novel, Touch of Salar. Things are heating up as M’lan, a healer, prepares to work on the injured warrior he knows only as the major for the first time.
Touch of Salar
The major’s arms and legs were lean yet muscular, and the buttocks tight and hard. He had glossy black hair that flashed red in the sunlight. M’lan glimpsed a fine high cheekbone, sculpted jawline, and aquiline nose. A true son of Rakkan.
The man lay down on his stomach without a word, crossed his arms above his head, and rested his face on the open frame at the top. He was tall, and he reached from one end of the table to the other. M’lan moved closer, rubbing warmed zinn bark oil onto his hands.
“With your permission,” he said as was required. All he got in return was a grunt.
He placed his palms flat on the small of the man’s back. Though heavily scarred in places, the skin was smooth and hot from the sulfur bath. Electric sparks trickled up M’lan’s hands, and he nearly jumped back. He closed his eyes and let out a calming breath, feeling the rhythm of the man’s pulse beneath his palms.
***
Here’s the photo that originally inspired Jamil’s tattoo. Your welcome.
Official Blurb:
In a world ruled by tyrannical kings and fickle gods, the young monk M’lan finds himself at the center of royal intrigue as his healing powers attract the attention of his superiors. When he learns the handsome warrior whose body he’s tending to is not only a noble, but a king’s assassin, any attachment to him might prove fatal. Despite the danger, he can’t stop himself from falling in love. Can he risk the abandon of passion when a slip of the tongue might force his lover to execute him?
Major Jamil Jarka comes to the temple with one intention—heal his wounds so he can return to the fight against the rebellion. When the monk assigned to him turns out to be stunningly attractive, he sees this as a pleasant distraction, no more. But soon he finds himself becoming obsessed with M’lan and is torn between the fear of betrayal and the lure of love.
Sinister forces strive to turn the monk and the warrior against each other—a conflict neither will survive if they cannot trust their lives to love and the healing power of Salar.
Greetings fellow warriors, writers and readers. I’m especially appreciative of this group and groups like it this week. I’ve started a new job that’s totally upended my writing schedule and my production level has dropped off alarmingly. However, knowing that I’m participating in this blog brings me back to the manuscript, the work and the stories in a way that I wouldn’t manage if left on my own. I’d much rather veg on the couch these days and feel sorry for myself. So thanks for all the great support!
This week I’m continuing with my m/m erotic high fantasy. The blurb is at the bottom of this post.
To Catch a Threeve (Constable Axel Blackwood and his Deputy, Drummond Alloway, are riding through the wild woods between the lands of Lacknor and Thorburn, on a secret mission for Lady Lacknor)
Drummond rounded the bend, legs slapping his horse’s side. Even in the faint starlight, Axel could tell his deputy’s cheeks flamed with exertion. The man was shaped like a standing stone and sported a thick blond beard – the physical opposite of Axel. Though wide-shouldered, Axel was slim and tall rather than blunt and wide, and dark-complexioned whereas Drummond was fair. A fine pair they made and were recognized the land over as king’s men, not to be fooled with.
“Dammit, Blackwood, how do you expect me to guard your back when you take off at a dead gallop without warning?”
“Wasn’t me, it was Sapphire. He’s had about all he can take lollygagging along at your mare’s pace.”
***
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or copy & paste this address: http://www.wewriwa.com
***
Unofficial Blurb for To Catch a Threeve
To Catch a Threeve is an m/m erotic fantasy that takes place in the medieval land of Lacknor. Constable Axel Blackwood catches a thief and is astounded to see that he closely resembles the love he lost seven years ago in an attack by the evil woodland folk known as threeves. He quickly realizes he’s fallen prey to dark magic, but can’t help becoming infatuated with his prisoner and is overwhelmed with the hope that he can at last bring his lost lover home. Bryn Darrow, the half-threeve, half human orphan sent to trick Axel and rob him of much more than a simple gem finds himself equally as fascinated with his handsome human captor and the lure of some place to call home, but believes that the constable is in love with a dangerous illusion.
Alexis Duran 