Excerpt from Warrior’s Moon
Prologue
Isabella Kincraig knelt before a patch of mushrooms, reached to gather them and then was still. The forest had suddenly become silent around her and the total absence of sound was a warning in itself. Anxiousness held her as motionless as the deer she sometimes came upon as she gathered her herbs here in this wildest tangle of trees. Completely still, she listened while she tried to sense what was wrong.
Something was in the woods with her. The prickle on the back of her neck made her look around anxiously, but she saw nothing among the thickness of the understory. Worried, she turned to wake her small daughter, Chantaya, who slept on a blanket on the moss while Isabella gathered her herbs, but Isabella was caught roughly from behind before she could reach her.
Knowing instantly who it was, she stilled, worried she’d harm her unborn child if she fought him. When he finally moved his hand from her mouth and turned her toward him, she wanted to slap his smiling face as she hissed quietly, “Let me go! My husband will be furious!”
Young Lord Rosskeene simply smiled unconcernedly again. “He wouldn’t dare try to challenge me and it’s well you know it. I would see him hang. Then you would be only more available to the admiration of a benevolent landlord like myself.” His voice changed to an almost amiable cajoling sound. “If you would only agree to be with me, Isabella, you’d find that I can be quite pleasant. Even your husband would appreciate my generosity. If you’d come work right in the manor house, I’d see to it that you made a much greater wage.”
He went to caress her cheek but she turned aside and ground out, “Your father would be ashamed if he knew of your behavior!”
At that, the spoiled young lord’s smile froze for an instant, then he reached again to touch her face. He moved his hand down to gently encircle her neck as he threatened silkily, “If my father hears from you, I will kill your husband myself and take pleasure in doing it.” He gripped her throat for the merest second and then went on less gently, “Don’t try to fight me, Isabella. You know I get what I want. Always.”
He leaned to kiss her and she jerked her face sharply away. He only chuckled and put a hand to her burgeoning belly and whispered huskily, “Is this child mine, Bella?”
She couldn’t help the trembling that overcame her and she began to pray silently but desperately as she said vehemently, “No!” She jerked his hand away and pushed him. “Leave me alone! I must go! Your cook will be awaiting my herbs.”
Without letting go of her, he leaned and placed a kiss on her neck where he’d been toying with it. “Ah, food. Another of life’s pleasures, but not nearly so satisfying. You know I’d forego nourishment completely to have you, Bella.” He kissed her again. “But, alas, Cook truly will be wondering where you are.” He rubbed the back of his hand over the spot he’d just kissed and she couldn’t suppress a shudder.
Pushing her roughly away, he said, “Go, Isabella. Deliver your herbs. I’ll take my pleasure with you another day.”
About the book
Medieval Historical Romance by Jaclyn M. Hawkes
Never in all the kingdom has there been a more brave and protective champion. Nor such a loyal and capable maiden. And they loved each other desperately.
But is their love strong enough to withstand all their dark age holds—danger, feudalism, disease, and unfair oppression?
Yes, they truly loved each other desperately.
They loved their kingdom more.
Praise for Warrior’s Moon
“This book has adventure, memorable characters, and tons of action. There is even romance! I absolutely loved it!!!” ~Laura (Goodreads)
“I loved this book! Great characters, I love a strong female lead. I really enjoy all of Jaclyn Hawkes books, but I must say this in one of my favorites!” ~ KMon (Amazon)
Author Jaclyn M. Hawkes
Jaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and any number of pets. (It was never boring!) She got a bachelor’s degree, had a career and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth and hearing her children laugh. She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 2/23/14
Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author.
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