Thursday, June 28, 2012

Meet Sir Sean Wilbrun from By Right of Blood!

I'm thrilled to have Lorrieann Russell at Tattered Pages today, who brings with her a peek inside her latest release "By Right of Blood"! Grab a cup of your favorite morning brew, settle in and meet Sir Sean Douglas Wilbrun. Take it away, Lorrieann!

My name is Lorrieann Russell and I am the author of my newly re-released novel, By Right of Blood.   William Fybrigge is the main character of the story but he does not occupy his world alone, of course. One of the many who populate the world of Drumoak Castle in my fictional rendering of Stonehaven, Scotland at the turn of the 17th century is William’s closest friend and confidante, Sean Douglas Wilbrun. Without further ado, I give you Sir Sean.
~ * ~
Looking back on that day, I have to laugh. Not that it was particularly funny, but because I was so young yet thought I was a man just because Lord Edward clapped my shoulder with the rusted blade of my second-hand sword.  Lord Edward had a way to make the humble feel noble; always a kind and encouraging word to all who served him.  But make no mistake, he was the Duke and my sovereign, and I was bound by an oath of fealty to serve him with my very life — though I was proud and honored to do it.

I was willing and ready to die in the service of my duke if called upon to do so, so the humor lies in the task I was given on that first day of my knighthood. I was not called upon to prove my manhood or my loyalty, but to play nurse to a child who was sent to the castle for fostering. I say child, for that is what I saw when I found him for the first time, cowering under the straw in the barn.  He had the look more of a fawn lost among wolves than the son of a nobleman — which is what he truly was.  This lad came from one of the richest earls of Lord Edward’s duchy and yet he cowered, clad in tattered filthy garments, all eyes and — I know it sounds harsh — but without the common sense God gave a rock.
The lad was terrified! Of what? Drumoak? Lord Edward? Aye! He was afeared of the very place that would prove to be his salvation in time.  And upon my first day as a guard to the duke, I was asked to look after him — to remain a child for just a little longer.
I was reluctant, but an order is an order.  I had no idea that day would be the beginning of a lifelong friendship and bond.  It did not take long for me to come to know the lad, and see there was far more behind those wide eyes than fear.  I learned more than I could ever dream just standing with him, watching him, guiding him (or was he guiding me all that time?).
I served the duke with my honor as I had vowed — but my loyalty would be to my friend from there forward.
~ * ~
Thank you, Sean.  I look forward to the rest of your story.  It can be read in By Right of Blood, available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers.
Good night,
Lorrieann
Blurb:
William Fylbrigge is ill prepared to claim what is his, by right of blood, and his place among the powerful clan he has been born into. His older brother Thomas doesn’t want to share what he thinks is rightfully his, secretly arranging to have the young lad killed in a convenient “accident.” William could lose everything, including his life. 

Sean Wilbrun, the son of a common groomsman, transcends the barriers of his class and station when he is elevated to the esteemed ranks of guard for Lord Edward, Duke of Stonehaven. His first assignment, however, is not to wield a sword to protect his duke, but instead to attend to the newly arrived foster son. 

William and Sean soon form an unlikely duo and a lasting bond as together they face Thomas’ accusations of murder and treason. 


Author Bio:

Lorrieann Russell has written three books (so far) chronicling the life and times of William Fylbrigge: By Right of Blood, My Brother’s Keeper, and In the Wake of Ashes.  She has also published several short stories, and has been a featured guest on Edin Road Radio.  She is an accomplished artist, illustrator, photographer and designer.  A native New Englander, she spends much of her time in the mountains of New Hampshire, hiking and taking pictures of the landscape.
Author Contact and Websites
Home page: http://lorrieannrussell.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorrieannRussell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LorrieannTweets
Email: lorrieann.russell@edinroad.com

Excerpt:

He leaned against the stall, scooping up a piece of hay to chew on, noticing a slight movement near the wall. He dropped down, sitting cross-legged with his back to the pile.

“Must have been some ride you had. I know the Causey Mounth road from Aberdoir can be quite a fright along the cliffs,” he said casually and paused to listen. The rustling stopped. “The ruts are so close to the edge, if the horse makes one bad step, och! ‘Tis fearsome. Is that what’s frightened you, lad? The road?” He risked a glance over his shoulder. “I wouldn’t blame you if it did. I surely don’t like riding Causey Mounth – especially after it’s rained like it has.”
Still no reply.

Frustrated, Sean idly scanned the barn until he spied a basket of early apples not far from where he was sitting. “You don’t mind if I do m’ chores? I need t’ feed the horses, you see.” He stood and scooped up a couple of apples and headed to the first stall occupied by an animal. “This is Hawk. He’s a yearling. Not quite broken yet but he’ll be a fine mount one day.” He pulled a sharp dirk from his belt and sliced one apple in half, holding one half flat-palmed for the horse. “I’m hoping he’ll be mine. He suits me.” Another glance over his shoulder and he caught sight of a pair of wide green eyes peeking through the straw. There you are. Papa’s right, you do have big eyes. He moved to the next stall.

“This one is Ceres. No one has ridden him yet. He’s full of fire, this one.” He stroked the horse’s nose, then offered the other half of the apple. “Do you like horses?”

The straw moved slightly and Sean could see an entire face now. Small and staring, the boy looked no more than eight years old. I thought Edward said he was twelve?

Sean gave him a smile in greeting, then turned his attention back to the horse. “There’re more to feed; would you like to help?”

The boy did not answer but Sean saw him peek out a little more, looking toward the other stalls. He sliced another apple and moved down. “Hello, Gallant, are you hungry? Aye, I see you are. There’s plenty … there you are.”

A moment later, Sean felt someone standing close behind him. He did not turn but kept to his task of feeding the horses. When he’d run out of apples with two horses left to feed, he turned to reach into the basket for more. Instead, he found the lad holding out an apple with one hand. Sean smiled and took it from him, slicing it in half. “Thank you.”
The boy nodded, then stood back, half concealing himself behind a post. Sean fed one half of the apple to the horse in the stall, then held out the other half toward William. “Star may like this one.”
William stared at the apple, then up to Sean, then back to the apple.

“Go on, she won’t hurt you. Just hold it like this, with your palm flat.”

William took it and held it to the filly in the stall he stood next to. She nickered and chomped it down, shaking her mane in gratitude. Sean saw William’s eyes widen and the trace of a smile cross his face. He also noticed something else – ghastly purple marks encircling his fragile looking wrists. He quickly averted his sight, so as not to startle the lad. He’s been bound! Good God. What am I dealing with here?
“She likes it,” William whispered.

Sean forced a smile, somewhat shaken by the dark hollows under William’s eyes when the lad turned to look at him. “Would you like to give her another one?” he asked, making an effort to keep his tone as gentle as possible.

Just as William was about to answer, there came voices from outside. It was Laurel speaking to Arthur. William spun on his heel and, without warning, dove back into the hay.

“Lad … wait, there’s nothing to …” Sean stopped and gasped at the sight before him. He hadn’t seen the boy’s back before now and he stopped, astonished. The shirt was flayed open in crimson-stained shreds, the flesh beneath caked in dried blood. He stood for a moment, not finding anything to say to the boy but knowing something needed to be done. Sean turned and headed toward the door. He’d have to let Edward know what he’d seen, and to let him know that he’d have to wait a while longer to meet his new foster son.          

Reviews

Author Lorrieann Russell has used great imagination and artistic creativity in By Right of Blood. Her talent shines through the characters she has so lovingly created and this talent spills over into the world of the reader, allowing them to walk with the characters through the streets of the market, to the cliffs above the ocean. Feel their fear as they run through the woods, and into the meadows escaping hunters and those that would do them harm, only to prevail in the end. Experience their happiness and their sorrows, as they fight to make their mark in the world surrounding them.
I give By Right of Blood five stars *****
Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
* * *

A real page turner, this novel captures you from beginning to end. You seem to become part of the adventure as you join the characters on their journey. Russell's descriptions of places and characters make it easy to picture these things as you read. I absolutely loved this novel and look forward to anymore work by this wonderful and talented author. If you have not read By Right of Blood by Lorrieann Russell, I strongly suggest you pick up a copy. This book is full of drama, action, romance. All the things that are needed to make a wonderful work of Fiction for readers to enjoy. An excellent novel. I won't hesitate to read anything with Lorrieann Russell on the cover.


J. M. Barfield

Reader review
* * *
There is one essential element that stories must have in order for me to be fascinated. They must have a conflict. I can honestly say that Lorrieann has succeeded here.  The conflict was immediate. Right from the beginning in the first two pages I knew I was going to read all the way to the end. By the time 10 pages had passed, I was emotionally bonded to the characters. When you can step into a story and consider someone your brother or sister, the author has done their job. I would recommend this book to anyone high school and above.

Linda Horne
www.ebookitreviews.com

Friday, June 1, 2012

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR THAT DATING THING!!

I cannot even tell you what a thrill it is for me to have Mackenzie Crowne at Tattered Pages today, with her latest up-and-coming release THAT DATING THING! I was given the ultimate pleasure of working with Mac on this story, and honestly I can't wait until she blesses me with another manuscript. Hurry up, Mac!!! I need MORE!!! THAT DATING THING releases this month from Still Moments Publishing, but if you leave her a comment, your name will be entered into the drawing for your very own FREE copy. Don't miss out! This story is laugh out loud hilarious. But enough of my gabbing... Please join me in welcoming one of the most talented authors I know!!! Yay! Take it away, Mac!

Whoot! Bells and whistles, and some happy dancing, too. My contemporary romance, THAT DATING THING, is about to hit the virtual shelves!
Can you tell I’m excited? I can’t help myself. As a storyteller, I can honestly say, I’ve never enjoyed the writing process so much. Shhh. Don’t tell the characters from my other stories because I wouldn’t want their feelings hurt, but these characters took me along on a fun-filled ride I didn’t want to see end. Rylee is a woman with whom I can see myself swilling martinis.

*AJ says, me too! Oh! Can I come? Can I? Can I?*

Coop simply makes my heart sigh, and as for Pippin? Oh yeah. I definitely see a Great Dane in my future. The thought of one jammed into my Jeep wrangler, tongue hanging out as we explore the backroads of the southwest, brings a wide smile to my face.

Yeah, I’m a goof, but I’m a goof on cloud 9! And I’m thrilled to be visiting with AJ today. She’s earned my undying appreciation, you see. *winks at AJ, the best damn editor ever* She saw something in THAT DATING THING and put her nose to the grindstone to help polish and prepare my lighthearted, romantic romp in the midst of Wall Street greed for publication. Working with AJ was not only educational, but a frigging blast as well. I can’t thank her enough for sharing her incredible editorial prowess with a relative newbie. But enough about my literary crush…

*AJ blushes. Do you now see why I love this woman? Geesh! And what Mac isn't telling you is that honestly, the pleasure was all mine. *
Who the heck would think to combine Wall Street greed and lighthearted romance, you ask? A news junkie who loves a fun contemporary romance. That’s who. The Bernie Madoff scandal fascinated me from day one. I mean, who the hell did this guy think he was? Like dictators around the world, who narcissistically believe they have the right to run the lives of others, and think nothing of using brutality to convince non-believers to go along with their delusions of grandeur, the Wall Street financier brutalized his investor’s hard won portfolios, treating them like his own personal piggy bank. Okay, so my comparison is a bit of a stretch. Unlike a dictator’s victims, Bernie’s investors were somewhat complicit in their brutalization. Apparently they chose to ignore the old saying: If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. Still, families were destroyed by Bernie’s crimes, including his own, and they were the inspiration for THAT DATING THING.

I personally have no experience with criminal tendencies in my own family. My dad was the most ethical man I’ve ever met. Let’s face it, a man who marches his four year old back to the corner store to return a pilfered piece of bubble gum (No, it wasn’t me. I’ve always been too much of a weenie to steal anything.) would never even consider lining his pockets through a ponzi scheme. But for the innocent children of those who would, what must life be like? Rylee Pierce, the heroine of THAT DATING THING, is one of those innocents.

Continuously painted with a guilty brush, thanks to her father’s notoriety, Rylee does what any rational woman would do. She changes her identity, starts up a dog training business, and learns to fly beneath society’s radar. Boring! Well crap. We can’t have that! Dictators and ponzi schemers aren’t the only ones who believe they have the right to control the lives of others. Authors do it all the time through their writings. I’m no different, and I love nothing better than shaking up my character’s lives through laughter.
Enter one long legged, exuberant Great Dane, an inheritance sure to piss off Rylee’s father’s victims, and a sexy, assistant district attorney with political ambitions, and what have you got? Love, laughter, and romance. Three of my most favorite things. Here is an excerpt:

 Rylee reacted to Coop’s suggestive comment exactly as he expected. She blinked and a tiny frown creased her brow. Whenever the conversation veered toward anything even remotely personal, she either fell back on that sarcastic wit she’d perfected or she retreated into silence. Like now.
Curious contradictions lurked beneath the carefree, lighthearted image she projected. She’d dismissed his show of interest, along with his invitation to meet his friends, and yet he caught her watching him several times during dinner, her eyes full of feminine awareness. Her aunt’s matchmaking annoyed her, but she smiled and teased him, including him in the family camaraderie around the table.
Confusion trumped wariness in her eyes now. He’d thrown her off-balance. Good. Since meeting her the other day, she’d been popping into his head with annoying regularity. Why should he be alone in his madness?
He’d been anxious to see her again, telling himself he’d imagined the unprecedented sexual pull he’d experienced for Elliott’s step-daughter, step-cousin—step-whatever. His imagination was in play, all right. From the moment he’d seen her again, he’d envisioned her in a number of different situations. She’d been naked in all of them.
And he wasn’t the only one experiencing the pull. Those flashes of feminine awareness in her dark-chocolate eyes broadcast her attraction to him, an attraction she evidently planned to ignore. He’d see about that. He hadn’t earned his reputation as a successful prosecutor by backing away from a difficult case, and the beautiful dog trainer was a case he meant to crack.
He turned away and wandered further into the room. Pippin trotted at his side.
“So, this is The Canine Academy?” He eyed the cages. “Where are your other students?”
A soft release of pent up breath reached his ears and he smiled. Yes, off balance was just how he wanted her.
“Gone for the day.”
“Why is Pippin still here?”
“Pippin required a more intense program. He’s our only boarder at the moment.”
“Have dinner with me,” he said, without turning around. She didn’t answer and he waited several beats before glancing over his shoulder. Her eyes shuttered, she fell back on sarcasm.
“We just finished dinner. What do you have, a tapeworm?”
He faced her. “I’d like to take you to dinner, Rylee.”
Her hand went to Belle’s head beside her and she jutted her chin up a notch. “That wouldn’t be a good idea, Coop.”
“Why? I’m attracted to you, and a man can tell when the attraction is mutual.”
She said nothing, returning his gaze while she scratched the fur between Belle’s ears.
“It’s just a meal.” He crossed his arms. “I’m not suggesting we jet off to Vegas.”
She snorted softly. “That’s a relief. Casinos give me a headache.”
The dry sarcasm made him smile. She hadn’t said no.
“Look, you’re a great-looking guy.”
He flashed a grin, pleased when her lips twitched in response.
“And I admit you have a certain amount of charm.”
“But?”
“But, your father is married to my aunt.”
“Your mother’s cousin,” he corrected. He dropped his arms to his sides and stepped toward her. “And Dad and Silvia can get their own dinner.”
Her lips formed a genuine smile, but she shook her head. “People rarely come out of this kind of thing on friendly terms.”
“This kind of thing?” He continued to advance.
“We’re connected through Sil and Elliott. I don’t want to see them caught in the middle when this…dating thing, or whatever it is you’re after, ends.”
“This dating thing?”
“Or whatever it is you’re after,” she repeated. As he closed the distance, she stepped back and bumped up against the shark cage. She slapped her spread fingers against his chest to prevent him from coming any closer. “I’m not in the market for a relationship right now.”
“Then we don’t have a problem, because neither am I.” He brushed a fingertip over the perfect skin of her cheekbone. “So, here’s what I suggest.”
Her eyelids fluttered, pupils dilating, and reluctant temptation replaced the wariness in her dark orbs. Still, she kept a defensive hand on his chest.
“If you insist on negotiating when I’ve already explained my concerns,” she said, holding his gaze, “I’d rather you didn’t touch me.”
He checked the urge to kiss her at the artless admission of finding his touch disturbing. Instead, he moved his hand to the cage beside her head. He wrapped his fingers around the metal bar and dipped his head, bringing his face closer to hers. She blinked but held her ground, boldly meeting his gaze.
“I propose we get to know one another,” he pressed. “A few dinners. Maybe a show, or a ball game or two if you like. We find out what makes each other tick.”
“Hmmm.” Her mouth moved into a smirk. “Five seconds ago you were talking a meal. Now it’s a few dinners and a ball game or two. At this rate we’ll be jetting off to Vegas by the end of the week.”
She didn’t try to stop him when he took the final step that brought their bodies within inches of each other. “Has anyone ever accused you of being a wiseass?”
Head cocked as though considering the question, her mouth quivered on a smile. “Nope.”
“How about a liar?”
She lost the battle with the smile and her low laugh sent a lash of desire whipping across his midsection. He did what he’d wanted to do since arriving at his father’s condo days ago. Leaning in, he took...
I’ll be giving away a free e-copy of THAT DATING THING to one lucky commenter. As for the rest of you, I hope you’ll pick up a copy, and that you’ll enjoy reading Rylee’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Thanks so much for visiting with me today. I love meeting new friends. You can find me at my web home MackenzieCrowne.com Twitter and Facebook

Mac

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE TODAY, MAC! I LOVES YA', BABE! And for our visitors, don't forget to leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of THAT DATING THING! WHOOT!

XO AJ XO