Rue Allyn's Blog

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Medieval image of Edward I

I recently had the interesting experience of responding to a FB request from a fellow author. She wanted help naming a character. I’ve had trouble with this from time to time, as I suspect most authors have. So I developed a few methods for selecting character and place names. Since I write fiction, I prefer not to use the names of real people and real places if I can avoid it. Occasionally that isn’t possible. For example, Edward I, aka Longshamks, appears briefly...

A Caber is a very long, tapered log . They “vary greatly in length, weight, taper, and balance, all of which affect the degree of difficulty in making a successful toss. Competitors are judged on how closely their throws approximate the ideal 12 o’clock toss on an imaginary clock.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_games.

[image error]Last weekend I attend my first ever Highland games. Oddly enough (or not) these games took place in Northeastern Florida. Nothing about Florida is ‘high’ in any way. Ho...

Subscribe to my very occasional newsletter and receive a free download of the story before the story of The French Duchess. Use this link only to receive your download. https://bookhip.com/CSJPGQ.[image error]

[image error]Knight Errant Last Excerpt: Whose blood? Juliana’s? If so, who attacked her? Basti!

It had to be. No one but that damned ship’s captain could know Juliana was here, and he had bargained with the priest’s minions. How long since she’d been taken, where exactly was she being held, and how to find answers to those questions? He’d start with the traitorous captain.

Robert raced from the inn. If the priest had her, then she was among the accused heretics he would try. If found guilty, she would bu...

[image error]Today a hero’s life is at stake.

Lindsey Excerpt 12: While supporting Logan’s head, Lindsey held a flask to his parched, cracked lips and dribbled the liquid into his mouth. He sputtered, gulping at the water.

“Easy,” she said, giving him sips while she studied his disfigured face. “I’m here to help ye.”

One eye was swollen shut, the other barely open. His brown hair hung in filthy strands across his forehead, and a red irritated gash crossed his grimy cheek. She sat on the nasty hard floor a...

[image error]Today Bambi Lynn saves her hero, Lucan, in the nick of time.

Lucan Excerpt 11:  Just when he thought the end had come, that he had lost the battle, the man’s head flew clean off his shoulders. Blood spurted red as dawn from the gaping hole, splattering him with its warmth. The metallic smell assaulted him as the headless body began to topple. Before it could fall on top of him, he shoved it aside and found Màili standing over him. Blood streaked her face, giving her the appearance of an ancie...

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Now we get to see what a medieval bully looks like.

The Highlander’s English Woman Excerpt 10:  Jamie didn’t care for bullies or being baited by them. He wouldn’t fight.

“Here, here Bryce. That’s enough.” Richard grabbed his neighbor’s arm but Bryce shook him off. Reeve pulled Richard back.

“Enjoy the spectacle. It’s time he learned his place,” Reeve said.

“Stay out of this,” Bryce screamed at Richard, then turned to Jamie. “Fight, or are you a puny coward, too?”

Jamie said nothing. He held...

[image error]Cathy MacRae show us that sometimes betrayal is closer than you think.

The Highlander’s French Bride Excerpt 9: She opened her eyes, settling her gaze on Melisende’s shocked face.

“Once Raul began annulment proceedings, their interest increased a hundredfold. I will have no lack of sponsors once I return.”

“That is a shameful way to live, and you know it, Lucienne.” Tears burned in Melisende’s eyes. “How can you do this to yourself?” She swept a hand toward the bed. “To her?”

Follow along for...

[image error]Angel’s Assassin Excerpt 8:

Roke’s gaze bore into him.  He shrugged.  “She upset many powerful men with her refusals.”  He ran a finger along one of the blades on the table.  “Still, I gave you ample time.  You had an entire week.  Why didn’t you finish her?”

Damien did not answer.  What answer could he give Roke?  That he had failed?  Never.  In keeping Aurora alive, he succeeded far beyond anything he could have imagined.  And he would see her safe, no matter the cost to himself.

Roke was s...