Historical Romance writer Ashley York loves history and intrigue. Her
latest book, The Saxon Bride, is the first in her Norman Conquest
Series. Here is a little about the book:
In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are
clearly drawn. The Saxons must fight for everything they have in the
hopes of winning their country back from the Normans who are determined
to break their resistance.
Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal
family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them
underfoot but her nobility and grace make her an ideal pawn in the
Norman King William’s play for power with the Saxon people. When he
decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to
be complete. The handsome soldier with the kind brown eyes and gentle
touch is a threat to her determination to defy the interlopers. Can she
hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?
John of Normandy wants only to prove himself worthy of the king’s
trust. He is rewarded for his service and loyalty with land, titles and a
Saxon beauty for a bride. John balks at the marriage, driven by the
secret guilt of knowing Rowena’s father died at his sword. However,
John’s reluctance is soon replaced by a burning desire to please this
woman and win her over as well as her people.
As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?
Excerpt from The Saxon Bride:
Pacing the small area like a confined animal, she finally paused to
look out the window. The dreary day reflected her feelings, rain
threatening at any moment. “Do you know when my husband will be
returning?”
“I am back now.”
John stood in the doorway handsomely dressed as befit the new Lord of
Essex. Rowena’s breath caught in her throat. She looked away before the
immense pleasure she felt at his return showed on her face.
Joan quickly gathered her sewing and removed herself from the room, closing the door behind her.
“Will you attend me, my lady?”
Rowena went to him and helped him remove his surcoat before seeing to
the heavier chainmail. He smelled of horses and leather. Manly. Rowena
tried not to close her eyes as she drank in the intoxicating smell of
him. Why would a dirty, sweaty man make her feel so light headed? She
stepped away when she realized why, the chainmail slipping forward off
his arms. His hooded eyes told her that he knew what she was feeling.
“Is there a problem?” His deep voice seemed to reverberate through her body.
Quickly putting the heavy material down, she headed to the door. “I will order a bath for you.”
“Wait.”
Rowena froze with her hand on the latch and heard him coming toward
her. He stood close behind, his breath soft against her cheek.
“Yes?” Be done with this. Her body yearned for his arms to pull her against him, to feel his kiss again. She licked her lips.
“Why are you leaving in such a hurry?” His hand lightly touched the
side of her head as he spoke, pushing her hair away from her face. He
leaned in closer to her exposed ear. A responding shiver ran down her
body. “Are you afraid of me?”
She backed up to the door with a thud and faced him. Her pulse was
racing as she lied. “No, my lord. Methinks you have a rather strong odor
about you and I would have you take a bath before the evening meal.”
John backed away quickly, his eyes flying open. “I am sorry if I offend you. Please see to the bath.”
Rowena felt only slightly guilty when he turned away from her, standing like a lost little boy in the middle of the room.
Buy link: The Saxon Bride available now.
Ashley York loves to hear from her fans. Visit her at ashleyyorkauthor@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter, and her website www.ashleyyorkauthor.com
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every Monday for a new medieval author on this blog exchange and check
this and their blogs weekly for more wonderful medieval novels:
Ashley York - Jenna Jaxon - Laura Strickland - Cathy McRae - Mary Morgan - Andrea Cooper - Jill Hughey - Sarah Woodbury - Laurel O'Donnell - Vijaya Schartz - Mageela Troche
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