Welcome back to the Book Brew! I hope you’ve settled in on this December afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee and possibly something sweet. My favorite is a piece of dark chocolate to nibble on, accompanied by blueberry herbal tea.
I’d like to share another excerpt from A Knight for Kallen, my latest medieval historical romance. Kallen is convent-bred and on her first journey in the outside world. She is being escort to her family’s home by knight Griffith Sommersby, who has unexpectedly fallen for the charming, clever woman in his charge.
Blurb:
Kallen de Mangeron grew up in a convent, her noble family never knowing of her birth. When a new Mother Superior informs them of her existence, they send trusted knight Griffith Sommersby to escort her home.
Griffith’s heart broke when he lost his wife and infant son during childbirth, and he’s kept his feelings locked away from the world””until he meets Kallen. He soon learns her dark secret””that she sees auras around people””which allows her insight into their actions and personalities.
Now Quentin, bastard brother to the king, decides to harness Kallen’s gift in a plot to win the throne. Will Quentin successfully use a kidnapped Kallen as his political pawn, or will Griffith be able to stop him before Kallen changes the course of England’s history?
Excerpt:
Griffith held her close, his chin resting atop her head. He began to speak, but Kallen didn’t hear his words. The euphoria running through her made it impossible to concentrate. It was as if God had picked her up and gently tossed her amongst the clouds, allowing her to float weightlessly above the earth. Her pulse still raced; her body continued to tingle.
She never wanted these sensations to end.
“Kallen.”
Griffith’s calling to her brought her back down to earth.
“Hmm?”
“Kallen. Are you listening to me?”
She smiled lazily. “I am now.”
He brushed her hair back from her face. “You must return to your room.”
“No,” she said quietly. “I want to stay with you.”
‘Tis late. You must sleep. We will set out early tomorrow. We have lost time due to our stop at Percival’s. We must make that up. Your uncle is eager for your return.”
Kallen studied the aura that glowed about Griffith. The red wasn’t the deep red of anger but rather an orangish-red. She’d never been exposed to this color dominating anyone before, but she guessed it had to do with passion. She still felt the heat emanating from him, and her body responded. It spoke to her as a woman, not the girl who had ventured from the convent.
Kallen placed a hand upon Griffith’s muscled chest. His quick intake of breath let her know he was as affected by her as she was by him. He wrapped a hand about hers and held it there, even as his gaze held hers.
“I cannot explain to you why I kissed you, my lady. I apologize for”””
“No. Please. Do not ruin such a beautiful moment with apologies. I have been drawn toward you ever since you came to the convent. I knew not what it was at first, but now I do. I have feelings for you, Griffith Sommersby. I know not why nor where they will lead, but I enjoyed your kisses very, very much.”
Griffith touched a hand to her cheek, his thumb tracing her lips. Kallen’s heart began to race in anticipation.
“And I am drawn to you, Kallen de Mangeron.” He bent and kissed her forehead gently. “My duty is to return you safely to Mangeron. Let me fulfill my charge to my friend, your uncle. Once there, I shall ask his permission to court you. We shall see then what our future holds.”
She frowned. “So no more kisses until Uncle Crispin grants permission?”
He gazed at her sadly. “No, my sweet Kallen. I should return you to him as untouched as when I found you.”
Disappointment washed through her. She’d never been more alive than in these last few minutes. Mangeron seemed an eternity away.
“Would you . . . could you . . . give me one more kiss for good measure? Something to remember in the days to come?”
Griffith beamed at her. “My lady, your wish is my command.”
***
Buy link: http://amzn.com/B015JB79KI
*One reader who comments on either posted excerpt today will be randomly selected to win an ebook copy of A Knight for Kallen.
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