Laureen Linwood.
She offers us a few details about her novel:
A Bit Of Heaven On Earth
When Gavin of Ashgrove and his closest
friend are captured in a fierce battle during the Hundred Years’ War, their
captors demand a hefty ransom from their fathers for their return. Robert is
quickly set free, but Gavin’s father refuses to pay for his son’s release,
leaving him to rot in a squalid French prison. Aided by a sympathetic priest,
he escapes and returns home to England, only to find he has been proclaimed a
bastard and disinherited.
With nowhere to turn Gavin journeys to
Kentwood, where he fostered as a boy, hoping Lord Aldred will take him on as a
knight in his guard. The old warrior is close to death, but he soon realizes
Gavin is his son. Aldred plots to have Gavin inherit Kentwood and marry his
much younger wife, Elizabeth, a famed and opinionated beauty who remains a
virgin after a decade of marriage.
Will the king recognize Lord Aldred’s first
request of a marriage between Elizabeth and Robert, uniting Robert’s estate
with Kentwood—or will the temperamental Edward reward Aldred’s years of service
and honor a dying man’s final request?
Excerpt:
Fear
struck Elizabeth as Gavin’s lips met hers. A
kiss! What was he thinking? She could not kiss him. She didn’t kiss anyone.
Aldred’s feeble attempts over the years flittered into her mind. She stiffened
in his arms.
Her
hesitation did not stop him. His lips slowly brushed against hers. The
sensation was most pleasant. A ripple of heat ran through her. His hand stroked
her hair. Her scalp tingled. Her body relaxed.
Panic
set in suddenly. She tensed again. She didn’t know what to do, how to respond.
Yet respond she did, as if her body were no longer her own. Her knees grew
watery. She gripped Gavin’s shoulders for support. He pulled her closer still.
His arms wrapped firmly around her, drawing her into a muscled chest.
And
still his lips worked their magic, now nipping her lower one, teasing her. He
licked the corner of her mouth and trailed kisses along her jaw. Her head fell
back. A shudder rushed up her spine.
This is heaven.
His
kisses continued along her exposed throat. She began to throb everywhere. Her
fingers kneaded his shoulder. She heard a noise that sounded like a satisfied
growl come from him.
Then
his lips were gone. A shiver passed through her as the gentle breeze blew. She
opened her eyes, only to meet his gazing down at her. He brushed a kiss against
her temple, another one on her cheek. The slow play of his mouth began again as
he caressed her. The throbbing built within her, starting an ache that clamored
for a satisfaction she didn’t know how to satisfy.
Elizabeth
opened her mouth to speak, to ask what was happening. Gavin’s hand, tangled in
her curls, caught them and pulled slightly, forcing her head back. His eyes
glowed, a heat in them that frightened and excited her at the same time.
Then
his mouth was upon hers, gentle no longer. She clung to him. His tongue
demanded to mate with hers, taking, taking. Again and again he took from her,
even her very breath, till she no longer knew where she ended and he began. His
arms pinned her against him. Her breasts ached. Her bones melted. A dizziness
swept across her. She wanted this to go on. Forever.
A
rooster crowed in the distance. It brought her to her senses. She broke their
embrace.
Buy link: http://amzn.com/B00QHMH0IU
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This is truly a lovely cover. Look at that velvet on the dress, the rich brocade, and the moon splashing its light through the window. The story sounds great too. Another historical from Medieval Monday for my TBR!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Flossie, for leaving a comment!
DeleteI agree with you. A great cover. In my opinion it's the best cover of this tour( I hope the other authors won't get upset. Not even my cover looks so great)
And I'm sure the story behind the cover is as great.
Thanks for hosting me today, Carmen. Isn't this fun getting to visit each other on tour? I do love my cover! It really captures the spirit of Elizabeth & Gavin.
DeleteThanks for complimenting my cover, Flossie. This is my 5th historical romance, and Covers by Ramona has done each cover. When I got this one, I squealed with joy. It's definitely my favorite so far!
DeleteYou are welcome Laureen! It's a great thing getting to know other authors and exchange opinions and books.
DeleteGreat cover, but also a terrific blurb and excerpt. I'm really looking forward to reading this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Yes, I do too!
DeleteThanks so much, Barbara. This was a fun one to write!
DeleteBeautifully written excerpt. Her innocence really comes through. Good luck with your release, Lauren!
ReplyDeleteYou are right. I am sure all the story benefited from the same beautiful writing style. Thanks for visiting, Mae!
Delete