Wednesday, February 27, 2008

New Book Coming!


The Wild Rose Press has just contracted to publish my historical romance novel, The Commander's Desire. I'm very excited about this, because it is my first book to ever be published. Here's what the book is about:

King Thor was deadPrincess Elwytha’s favorite brother was stabbed in the back six awful months ago. The Commander of the enemy Prince executed this heinous deed. Now her new King has a plan for vengeance. Naturally, Elwytha wants justice served, but feels uneasy about Richard’s plan to achieve it. She's to offer herself in marriage to the Prince in exchange for peace…except it’s no peace at all. She’s to infiltrate the enemy castle and kill the Commander. The Prince agrees to peace, but she must marry the Commander. Horrified, Elwytha agrees only so she can accomplish Richard’s plan. At first, she thinks the Commander is a monstrous brute, but quickly learns otherwise. He’s a man of honor, and she’s falling in love with him. Did he kill Thor? Who is honorable, who trustworthy? Elwytha must decide well, for soon she must betray either the man she loves, or her own brother.

Read on for an excerpt...

“Give me your blades,” The Commander growled down at her.

Fear pounded in Elwytha's chest, and she licked her dry lips. “You found no blades when you pawed through my clothes. The maid found none on my person. Perhaps that is because I have none!”

“I don’t trust you.”

She smiled. As well you shouldn’t. However, she said, “How can we have a marriage with no trust?”

“Come with me.” He forced her toward the door. “You will not return to this room.”

“But my clothes!” she cried out.

“You will have new clothes. Clothes with no holes for pockets. Clothes that provide no access to the blade at your thigh!”

“Nonsense!” Unthinking, she struggled and then, to her consternation, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She cried out in fear and horrified humiliation. “Put me down!” She pounded on his broad back. “Put me down, you monstrous serf!”

He strode, silent, through the halls. She squeezed her eyes shut, unwilling to see the others witnessing her humiliation. “Put me down. Put me down at once!” she gasped. She bit her lip, trying to stop the weak tears of a woman, not a warrior. She sniffed and finally stopped struggling, and hung down his back. His belt about his jerkin was within reach. If only she could loose it, she could cinch it around his massive neck!

“Where are you taking me?” she demanded, voice muffled. Perhaps if she pretended submission he would return her to her feet. And if she found a dagger, she’d gladly plunge it through his heart!

“To my chambers.”

“Nay!” she gasped out, and struggled in earnest then. “I have decided you are unacceptable to me. You have none of the finer qualities I require in a husband!”



I hope the book sounds intriguing! I will post again when it becomes available at The Wild Rose Press.