Monday, February 8, 2016

Medieval Monday with Barbara Bettis

The start of another week and what better way to begin than with Medieval Monday and enjoy snippets of great romances. Each week a different author will be featured with a “themed excerpt.” This month, all the excerpts will be about the hero and heroine's first kiss. Today’s guest is Barbara Bettis. You’re going to love this excerpt. Enjoy!
Excerpt from SILVERHAWK:
Lady Emelin tucked her heavy brown wimple beneath her chin and watched the wounded knight.
Swollen eyelids, a puffy cheek, and bloody scrapes couldn't hide his handsome features. Waves of midnight hair fell across his wide forehead to brush one side of his square, stubble-darkened jaw. Grit clustered on the high bridge of his nose. What shame such a strong, rugged man should be cut down. Her pulse fluttered, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Ashamed of such reaction, she squeezed shut her eyes.
Would Stephen have been so handsome, had he lived? She hardly recalled what her youthful first betrothed looked like when he joined his foster father on King Richard's crusade. If only he'd returned, she'd be wed now, with the family she craved.
She sighed, reached for a leaf on her patient's cheek—and found herself staring into the palest gray eyes she'd ever seen. His mouth moved; she leaned forward.
“What is it?” she murmured.
“Before...I...die,” came the hoarse whisper.
“Yes? What would you like before you die?” If it were in her power, she would provide the poor man with his wish. Drink? Food?
A strong hand gripped the back of her head, pulled her forward. That close, she saw his eyes weren't gray, but layered like a winter pond winking with ice. They were silver.
“To...kiss...a nun,” came the outrageous reply before his lips met hers.
His warm mouth robbed her of breath for an instant. Then she snapped back with a gasp. And, with inborn reflex, slapped him. His head jerked, his eyes closed, and he lay motionless.
“Oh, Sweet Mary,” Emelin whispered, “I've killed him.” Leaning close, she saw his narrow, beautifully molded lips relax. His mouth curved at the corner.
At least he died with a smile on his face.

Back  Cover Copy of SILVERHAWK:
Sir Giles has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.
Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution: escape
Rescuing the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate.  But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

Buy Links for SILVERHAWK:
Barbara Bettis:

8 comments:

  1. What a wonderful excerpt. I loved Sir Giles and Lady Emelin in SILVERHAWK! Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Thanks so much Lane! I miss writing about the two :)

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  3. Ruth, I love visiting your blog. You come up with such creative memes for us all! Thank you.

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  4. I'm in love with that excerpt!!! I love that naughty knight!

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  5. Love the excerpt! I agree with Red, he is a naughty knight ;-)

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  6. This is such a clever excerpt. I love her reaction to his passing out. "At least he die with a smile on his face."

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  7. That is one BRILLIANT twist. Hehe. Loved it. ;)

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