Sunday, September 1, 2013

Barbara Bettis's SILVERHAWK @BarbaraBettis




Blurb:
He’s everything a proper lady should never want; she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

Sir Giles has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.

Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution: escape.

Rescuing the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate.  But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

Excerpt:
Lady Emelin tucked her heavy brown wimple beneath her chin and watched the wounded knight.
Swollen eyelids, a puffy cheek, and bloody scrapes couldn't hide his handsome features. Waves of midnight hair fell across his wide forehead to brush one side of his square, stubble-darkened jaw. Grit clustered on the high bridge of his nose. What shame such a strong, rugged man should be cut down. Her pulse fluttered, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Ashamed of such reaction, she squeezed shut her eyes.
Would Stephen have been so handsome, had he lived? She hardly recalled what her youthful first betrothed looked like when he joined his foster father on King Richard's crusade. If only he'd returned, she'd be wed now, with the family she craved.
She sighed, reached for a leaf on her patient's cheek—and found herself staring into the palest gray eyes she'd ever seen. His mouth moved; she leaned forward.
“What is it?” she murmured.
“Before...I...die,” came the hoarse whisper.
“Yes? What would you like before you die?” If it were in her power, she would provide the poor man with his wish. Drink? Food?
A strong hand gripped the back of her head, pulled her forward. That close, she saw his eyes weren't gray, but layered like a winter pond winking with ice. They were silver.
“To...kiss...a nun,” came the outrageous reply before his lips met hers.
His warm mouth robbed her of breath for an instant. Then she snapped back with a gasp. And, with inborn reflex, slapped him. His head jerked, his eyes closed, and he lay motionless.
“Oh, Sweet Mary,” Emelin whispered, “I've killed him.” Leaning close, she saw his narrow, beautifully molded lips relax. His mouth curved at the corner.
At least he died with a smile on his face.
Silverhawk is available for purchase on Amazon. The book will be in wide release in November.

Author Bio:
Award winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved history and English. As a college freshman, she briefly considered becoming an archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved. And math.

She now lives in Missouri, where by day she’s a mild-mannered English teacher, and by night she’s an intrepid plotter of tales featuring heroines to die for—and heroes to live for.

Where to find Barbara Bettis on the Internet:

16 comments:

  1. Hi Melissa,

    Thanks for having me here today. I awoke to rain in my part of the country and I could have sworn the weather last night was for hot and dry for the next week. Ah, me. But the sun is always shining on your blog.

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    1. Barbara,

      Welcome to the Snarkology. Your excerpt cracked me up. *G*

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  2. Loved this book! It's great to see it featured on your blog.

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  3. Sharon, I so appreciate your support. I can't wait to return the favor when your fantastic YA comes out. Hugs.

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  4. Wonderful excerpt...sounds like a great read :-)

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  5. Loved the blurb for his book, so I added it to my TBR list. After reading the first chapter, it moved to the top of the list. Fantastic opening!

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    1. Renee, you don't know how that makes me feel. I hope you like the rest just as much as I loved writing it.
      Thanks!!!

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  6. Nice work, Barb. Also Hi from one former English teacher to the other. Ah, the joy of finally spending time with my own words (instead of coaching words out of students)! Happy sales to you! Rolynn

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    1. Hi Rolynn. I'm looking forward to the time I can do the same with my own words. Thanks for the good wishes.

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  7. Great excerpt, Barb. I love this guy right off. Averil

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  8. I can't wait to start reading this! Love the excerpt!!

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