Hello everyone!

I wanted to stop by and update you all on the contest I’d begun with the release of Rhiannon’s Pride. I’d asked a question regarding Renaissance artists, and appreciate all the responses that were sent to me privately. I have contacted the winner and she was very excited but decided not to have her name announced. Out of respect for her privacy, I agreed.

But what I wanted to tell you about today, is that I’m going to be blogging once a month at the Cerriden Press blog, the url is: http://cerridwenpressauthors.blogspot.com/ beginning June 9th! I will be announcing a big contest on that day, right on that blog, and hope you all will visit, post a comment, and participate in the blog day. More information will be forthcoming, of course!

I fully intend to continue blogging right here, too, as well as on MySpace, so if you’re on MySpace, friend me and check out my blog there, too. I happen to really enjoy interacting with readers and friends there, so I hope you’ll join me. My MySpace url is: www.myspace.com/francesstockton.

Until next time,

Frances Stockton

Hello everyone! My awesome web guy is in the process of updating my website. You might notice some new banners at the bottom of the home page, and soon, there will be a buy link next to the cover of Rhiannon’s Pride. Since the book is now available, I wanted to privide a link right to the book, right here.  So here it is: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7223-rhiannons-pride.aspx

Very soon, you’ll see a link on the home page. But for now, here’s another glimpse into the story of Rhiannon and Dante Luciano!

“Rhiannon and I will return home when she is ready. Shall we go, cara?” Dante asked, turning to Rhiannon and escorting her out of his home, following the steps that led to the circular piazza.

Stopping at the last step, he looked at his mate. Ornamental lions graced the short twin walls on either side of the stairs.  Marveling at how right she looked as they stood very close to a statue of a large male lion, he stared like a youth.  She had a sprinkle of sugar on her lips, leftover from the sugary pancake she’d had a short time ago. 

Wanting a taste of her, Dante touched his hand to her chin. For the moment the piazza was empty. A few pigeons fluttered about the circle, one landing atop the lion nearest to them.

“Rhiannon, there’s something I must do before we can progress.”

He felt her tremble. Her smile promised she wasn’t going to turn away. “What, Dante?”

“Come closer,” he said, guiding her closer with his hand at her chin.

“Dante?” Rhiannon’s breath caught, her amber eyes widening as she drew in his scent. Her panthera leo senses were growing stronger, she was scenting him, determining if he meant danger or pleasure.

“You shall see, just come a little closer,” he urged.

“Is this proper?” she teased.

He dropped his hand to her waist and tucked her close, keeping her protected by his taller, broader body.

Refusing to rush, he brushed his lips back and forth across the petal softness of hers. The sugar felt rough, tasting sweet as he swept the tip of his tongue along the top swell of her lip. Intrigued with the flavor of sugar and cassia, he sought more, growling in triumph when Rhiannon hummed and touched her tongue to his.

The responsive innocence of her kiss rocked Dante back onto his heels. Never had he wanted something more than to devour a woman’s mouth and brand it as his own. Somehow he slowed, managing to follow the withdrawal of her tongue into the warm, wet silk of her mouth before the quiet footsteps of a woman and two children reached them.

 

 

Hello again everyone!

I wanted to let you all know that Rhiannon’s Pride is now available at Cerridwen Press, and also to share another excerpt from the book. Here’s a link for the book: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7223-rhiannons-pride.aspx, there’s a blurb, an excerpt, and ordering/download instructions to follow.

Now for a sneak peak into the book: This scene takes place after Rhiannon becomes ill and awakens in Dante’s home, in his bed…Enjoy!

“My word as a gentleman, I did not remove your clothing. Your companion insisted you’d be more comfortable without a gown. She borrowed that chemise from one of my maids while I’d dealt with the man who’d brought you to

Florence. I did not care for his intentions toward you and am glad he is gone.”

“Gone?” she echoed. “You don’t mean—”

“Si, I mean precisely what I said.” Dante crossed his arms over his chest, accentuating the broadness of his shoulders and leanness of his hips. Curiously, her heart fluttered behind her breast, her nipples tingling in response to the fine man beside her. “I paid him for safely escorting you and Mary here and he left

Florence.”

Glad her pain was nearly gone, Rhiannon shot upward, facing Dante. “You cannot sweep into my life and send those you dislike away. Mary and I were hired to accompany him to

Florence as his maids. Without him, I’ve no idea how we’ll return to

England.”

Dante sighed, shoving a long-fingered hand through his dark sable and reddish brown hair. “I did not mean to upset you, cara. Mary told me that you’d been injured as a child and have suffered from illness and pain for a very long time. Forgive me, per favore. I did what I thought best for your well being.”

Lost when he offered a charming grin, her stomach flipped in excitement. “Dante, I need to go home.”

“You just said my name, how can I let you go now?” he asked. Lifting a hand to her chin, he tilted her head back, her pale blonde hair spilling to the bed. “Your home is with me now, Rhiannon.”

Confused, she turned her head away. “My home is in

England. There are things I must do once I’m there.”

“You want to find your family.” Concern in his tone brought her back to face him. His golden eyes made her tremble. “I know you have little knowledge of your past and owe you an apology for failing to understand why you didn’t respond when I first claimed you. That doesn’t change who you are, an Abcynian female with panthera leo blood. You acknowledged hearing me speak in your mind, thus allowing me to claim you according to Abcynian law. You are mine, Rhiannon.” She started to interrupt, but he shook his head to silence her. “You must remain here where I can keep you safe and teach you what you need to know of our kind. When you’re ready, the two of us will marry and complete the mating ritual. Then we can travel to

England to find your family, together.”

 

 

 

 

Hi everyone! I’m so excited that tomorrow, May 21, 2009, Rhiannon’s Pride becomes available from Cerridwen Press. To find out more, here’s a link that will take you right to the book, including ordering information. Be aware that this is in ebook format first. When it’s available in print, I will let you all know!   http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-7223-47-rhiannons-pride.aspx

Now, about that subject heading. Yes, I’m hosting a contest, featuring a free download of Rhiannon’s Pride, in the format of the winner’s choice. Here’s the contest, that was also announced today at Cerridwenchat. Considering that Rhiannon’s Pride is set in 1555 Florence during the Late-Renaissance, I wanted to dedicate this contest to Dante Luciano, a master artist himself.  Take a few moments and think of two famous Renaissance era artists and the work or works they are most noted for, and either email me the answers at romance@francesstockton.com or post a response right here on this blog! Either one will have your name placed into a drawing for to win a download of Rhiannon’s Pride.

This contest will remain open until Monday May 25, 2009, so you have a few days to respond, and I sure hope to hear responses. Be sure to include a contact email address so that I can let you know if you’ve won and to thank you for participating.

Don’t forget, tomorrow is release day! http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-7223-47-rhiannons-pride.aspx

Frances Stockton

Hello everyone. I hope this message finds you all well and enjoying spring!  As promised in my previous post, I wanted to share an excerpt from my upcoming Cerridwen Press release, Rhiannon’s Pride. The book will be available on Thursday May 21, 2009. I’m also hosting a casual chat day at cerridwenchat, featuring excerpts, blurbs, a few contests, and authors from Cerridwen Press. It’s laid back, featuring posts in a ‘forum’ or email like setting and will start 10am on Wednesday May 20, 2009. Here are links to follow for the chat and more information on Rhiannon’s Pride: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cerridwenchat/ this is the link that will take you to the cerridwenchat yahoo group, where authors, readers and fans of CP mainstream books discuss everything from upcoming releases to contests and questions about different genres. If you’d like to send a message or email, you may at cerridwenchat@yahoogroups.com, however, to interact with all in the yahoo group, you’d need to join. Lastly, here’s a link for Rhiannon’s Pride: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-7223-47-rhiannons-pride.aspx.

And now, I’d like to invite you to enjoy an excerpt from Rhiannon’s Pride, showcasing Dante Luciano’s point of view!

An Excerpt From: RHIANNON’S PRIDE Copyright © FRANCES STOCKTON, 2009 All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc. As Dante progressed toward the Palazzo Vecchio, his keen eyes raked the crowd, alighting upon the back of an Englishwoman. Her scent became stronger, drawing him to a sudden halt. Si, she was the one he’d been looking for. Unlike Florentine women and servants who wore fabrics that conveyed their household’s status and wealth, this woman wore a faded brown dress with a linen apron. Her pale blonde hair was confined in a severe knot at the nape. She was at least a head and shoulders taller than most women in the piazza, including the older maid hovering nearby. The woman’s thinness bothered him, as it hinted she may have recovered from a recent illness or gone hungry too long. Frowning, Dante moved close enough to pounce should she attempt to run and far enough away to observe her without detection. Her cassia scent tugged at his conscience, warning there was something about her he might miss if he did not take the time to study her. As he watched he realized why her scent reached him over and above the other women. Cassia shared origins with cinnamon, two spices often used in Abcynian sustenance for flavor. The Englishwoman’s fragrance was inherent, not the result of perfume. She moved slowly, with both grace and purpose. He guessed she would be strong, that her movements were made to avoid hurting herself or someone else. Instinct told him she was only part panthera Abcynian. Had she been fully his kind, he’d have sensed her the moment she stepped into the piazza. He assumed that she had either been converted or she was the child of a converted pair. Drawing in her spicy fragrance, Dante found himself hesitating. This Englishwoman could well be his mate. If he spoke to her and she acknowledged him, he would claim her as his mate by right of Abcynian law. He didn’t know if he was ready to be mated, regardless of being an Elder. Being mated meant sacrifice. Mated meant he could no longer take another lover. Dio knew he loved women, too many to count if he were honest. Whether they were young or older, heavy or slight, tall or short, their uniqueness touched his soul and made him long to become as masterful in bed as he was with a paintbrush and chisel. He’d lived two hundred and forty-two years, forty-two of them as an Elder. Was it right to claim one woman and ignore the rest? With a start, his concerns became inconsequential when she turned. Lifting her chin, she revealed her face, reminding Dante of the first time he’d seen a naked woman. He’d been unable to move then, unable to find his voice or do anything other than stare. This woman was neither naked nor pleasantly attired. But she was beautiful with her honey colored skin and pale blonde hair. Her face was blessed with the high cheekbones and elegant, straight nose of a female panthera leo, a firm though feminine chin and a lush mouth that made him groan. Her lips were as ripe and plump as berries, begging for a man’s kiss. Yet it was her eyes that caught his heart. They were pure, haunting amber, hinting of a woman’s vulnerability and a lioness’ curiosity. Unwilling to delay further, Dante spoke to her with his mind. Bella, per favore viene. Waiting in silence, he watched her look over at the older servant. “Mary, I think someone spoke to me,” she said. Her voice was huskier than he’d imagined in a woman so beautiful. In an instant he was intrigued and aroused by it. Smiling when she’d acknowledged hearing his voice within her mind, Dante stalked toward her. Testing her, he continued to speak in the way of Abcynian mates. Come si chiama, bella? Her pretty scowl sent need pooling low and deep in his groin. Already, he wanted to take her home and consummate their pairing. Surprised at how quickly he responded to her, he recalled Lucien Hunter’s advice before he’d come to Florence. “Always remember, my son, it will take a moment for your panthera half to recognize your mate. But it will take a lifetime to love her as she deserves.” With his guardian’s words echoing in his mind, Dante ignored his aching groin. Again his mate spoke to the older woman at her side. “Mary, I’m worried. Do you see anyone looking at me?” Dio! Dante grimaced, looking about. His mate possessed the inherent grace of all Abcynian women, drawing favor from the men and envious glares from the wealthiest women. She seemed not to notice the curious stares. Dante’s instinct to claim her warred with his humanity for dominance, forcing him to swallow hard to keep from roaring. It would not do for him to challenge every man that dared to look upon his mate. I see I shall have to speak English to gain your attention, cara. In the way of our kind, tell me your name and I shall tell you mine. “Rhiannon, are you feeling well?” The older maid revealed his mate’s name before Rhiannon could answer. “I’m fine, Mary. I thought I heard a man whisper to me.” Do not ignore me, Rhiannon. This is not a whisper. Your maid should not have been the one to answer your mate. “Your mate!”

 

Hello everyone! First let me say, Happy Friday! It’s an awesome, sunny day here in New England and to celebrate I thought I’d introduce you to Rhiannon and Dante, from Rhiannon’s Pride, my upcoming May 21, 2009 release from Cerrdiwen Press.

Rhiannon has been battling a terrible illness for many years, and because of it, she’s been unknowingly kept a prisoner of a cruel baron and an earl. Confused and believing she belongs elsewhere, she begins to have nightmares of creatures that transform into lions and leopards. Wanting answers, she goes in search of herself, for along with the illness comes memory lost and all she really knows about herself is her name.

Dante Luciano is a master artist in Florence, a man as talented in a bedroom as he is with a paintbrush. Though he is considered an Elder of his race, he considers himself young and is not expecting to discover his true mate disguised as a meager English servant. It’ll take all of his patience to assure her that she can overcome a forgotten past and look toward their future.

Now that you’ve met them, take a few minutes to enjoy reading a short book blurb:

Book 2 in the Panthera series. 

Plagued by headaches and memory loss, Rhiannon has spent years being unknowingly prepared to become the wife of an earl. When the man displays a mysterious painting, she is inexplicably drawn to its depiction of a mythical race. Believing she may be related to them, she and her lady’s maid flee to

Florence in the hopes of finding the artist. While visiting the Piazza della Signoria two months later, she is unaware that the very man she needs to find has been watching her. 

Artist Dante is an Abcynian Elder, capable of changing into a lion. The moment he recognizes Rhiannon’s panthera leo heritage he rushes to claim her. He discovers her illness and takes her home. As she heals, they fall in love and Dante helps her reclaim her memory. But their future happiness will be threatened by her fears of the past and a vicious man’s plans for Rhiannon.

Now that you’ve read the blurb, I hope you’ll return Monday to read an excerpt of the book, in anticipation of the cerridwenchat discussion to take place on Wednesday May 20, 2009. In a previous post, there’s a url that will take you right to cerridwenchat, a yahoo group where the posts work much like a forum, and allow for casual fun. Just in case, here’s the cerridwenchat url:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cerridwenchat/ 

Until next time, have a great weekend and enjoy the spring weather,

Frances Stockton

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Hello everyone! I am so glad to let you all know that my second Cerridwen Press release, Rhiannon’s Pride will be released…next week! It is right around the corner, and I can’t wait. In honor of the book’s release, I’m hosting a casual yahoo group chat at cerridwenchat next Wednesday May 20, 2009. Here’s a link that can take you there: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cerridwenchat/ and I sure hope you’ll check it out. I’ll be posting excerpts from the book, as well as my first release, Seductive Persuasion, which is now available in ebook and print! And, of course, hosting a contest or two! Come and post a comment on Wednesday May 20th and your name will be placed in a basket and you could possibly win a Barnes and Noble gift card and either an Ellora’s Cave tee-shirt or a deck of EC playing cards, winner’s choice.  Stay and participate in the casual chat, enjoy some coffee, conversation, excerpts, as well as those posted by other Cerridwen Press authors that will be stopping by, and answer a question I post toward the end via the email, and you may win a free download of Rhiannon’s Pride.

In the days preceeding, the book’s release and the chat, be on the lookout for an excerpt posted here on my blog and some background details on Rhiannon and Dante Luciano’s world during the Late-Renaissance in Florence. 

Until next time,

Frances Stockton