This
is the same Medieval Monday that features some of the best romance out there
but now it’s with a twist. Each week a different author will be featured here
with a “themed excerpt.” This month, all the excerpts will be about the hero
and heroine’s first encounter. Today’s excerpt is by Kim Inverson Headlee. You’re going to love it. Enjoy!
is the same Medieval Monday that features some of the best romance out there
but now it’s with a twist. Each week a different author will be featured here
with a “themed excerpt.” This month, all the excerpts will be about the hero
and heroine’s first encounter. Today’s excerpt is by Kim Inverson Headlee. You’re going to love it. Enjoy!
Excerpt
As Sir
Ruaud babbled in his semicoherent English about Sir Robert, Kendra fought a
jumble of emotions regarding Ruaud’s squire. Not only was his station beneath
her rank, his being Norman placed him beneath her contempt. And yet she
couldn’t tear her gaze from him.
Ruaud babbled in his semicoherent English about Sir Robert, Kendra fought a
jumble of emotions regarding Ruaud’s squire. Not only was his station beneath
her rank, his being Norman placed him beneath her contempt. And yet she
couldn’t tear her gaze from him.
Several
inches taller than Sir Ruaud, the squire was trim where Ruaud sported a paunch,
and he radiated quiet dignity to counter Ruaud’s comic disposition. Both men
wore their blond hair cropped close, but Ruaud’s darker locks didn’t curl about
his ears and forehead in whimsical wisps begging to be touched. Ruaud’s nose
bore the lumpish evidence of having been broken at least once, but no scars
marred the squire’s face. And those eyes—merciful heaven, if the squire
regarded her once more with those probing, sea-green eyes, she would faint from
the delectable agony.
inches taller than Sir Ruaud, the squire was trim where Ruaud sported a paunch,
and he radiated quiet dignity to counter Ruaud’s comic disposition. Both men
wore their blond hair cropped close, but Ruaud’s darker locks didn’t curl about
his ears and forehead in whimsical wisps begging to be touched. Ruaud’s nose
bore the lumpish evidence of having been broken at least once, but no scars
marred the squire’s face. And those eyes—merciful heaven, if the squire
regarded her once more with those probing, sea-green eyes, she would faint from
the delectable agony.
Relief
washed over her when he broke eye contact and strode to the packhorse. Broad
shoulders and sinewy arms rippled as he wrestled something from a saddle pack.
For one wanton moment, she imagined being encircled by those arms, protected,
cherished. Loved… happy…
washed over her when he broke eye contact and strode to the packhorse. Broad
shoulders and sinewy arms rippled as he wrestled something from a saddle pack.
For one wanton moment, she imagined being encircled by those arms, protected,
cherished. Loved… happy…
She
shook her head. One of his countrymen had murdered her brother. She must
despise this man.
shook her head. One of his countrymen had murdered her brother. She must
despise this man.
And
yet that task was proving to be a major chore.
yet that task was proving to be a major chore.
Blurb
Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre has been granted what every man wants: a rich English estate in exchange for his valiant service at the Battle of Hastings. To claim this reward, the Norman knight must wed the estate’s Saxon heiress. Most men would leap at such an opportunity, but for Alain, who broke his vow to his dying mother by failing to protect his youngest brother in battle, it means facing more easily broken vows. But when rumors of rampant thievery, dangerous beasts, and sorcery plaguing a neighboring estate reach his ears, nothing will make him shirk duty to king and country when people’s lives stand at risk. He assumes the guise of a squire to scout the land, its problems, and its lady.
Lady Kendra of Edgarburh has been granted what no woman wants: a forced marriage to an enemy who may be kith or kin to the man who murdered her beloved brother. Compounding her anguish is her failure to awaken the miraculous healing gift bequeathed by their late mother in time to save his life. Although with his dying breath, he made her promise to seek happiness above all, Kendra vows that she shall find neither comfort nor love in the arms of a Norman…unless it snows in July.
Alain is smitten by Lady Kendra from the first moment of their meeting; Kendra feels the forbidden allure of the handsome and courtly Norman “squire.” But a growing evil overshadows everyone, invoking dark forces and ensnaring Kendra in a plot to overthrow the king Alain is oath-bound to serve. Kendra and Alain face a battle unlike any other as their honor, their love, their lives, and even their very souls lie in the balance.
Buy Links
Amazon Kindle – http://getBook.at/Snow_in_July_by_KIH_Kindle
Amazon Paperback –http://myBook.to/Snow_in_July_by_KIH_paperback
Barned & Noble Nook – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snow-in-july-kim-headlee/1119853202?ean=2940149693818&itm=1&usri=2940149693818
Barnes & Nobel Paperback – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snow-in-july-kim-headlee/1119853202?ean=9780990505501
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/450831
Ruth, I'm sorry for the late check-in — I was on the road most of the day Monday and have been playing catch-up ever since! Thank you for hosting Snow in July on your blog, and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday. 🙂
Kim Headlee
Stories make us greater.
It's never too late, Kim. Hope your trip was successful!