Thursday, July 31, 2014

Cover Reveal

**READERS** I'm proud to announce my New Adult Romance series releasing in April 2015! 
The first book, CATCHING CASSIDY, is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER HERE!


CATCHING CASSIDY  -  HARBORSIDE NIGHTS, Book One 
Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents.  Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to spread his parents’ ashes and to try to figure out his next step. 

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—even if her jealous boyfriend is giving her hell for it. But he doesn’t have anything to be jealous of…or does he? 

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.




Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of a number of International
bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Cafe. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child
Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest
.


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Some Books by Author Melissa Foster



Tuesday, July 29, 2014

CHARACTER BIOS

Robert Alain de Bellencombre 

Preferring the name Alain for use by close family and friends, he is a Norman knight in the service of William the Conqueror and a court favorite. Being the second son of Count Hugh FitzWalter and Countess Margaret has prevented Alain from inheriting his father’s title and lands, which caused his first fiancée to jilt him in favor of Alain’s older half brother Philippe. Alain is the older brother of Étienne de Bellencombre, and Alain’s failure to protect Étienne at the Battle of Hastings becomes a major source of grief that Alain must learn to vanquish. The device on Alain’s shield represents the Norman town Bellencombre, his birthplace: a white rose nestled in tangle of greenery, on saffron yellow.


Kendra Waldronsdotter 

Lady Kendra is the heiress to her father’s estate of Edgarburh, near London. King William the Bastard has decreed that she marry one of his knights...perhaps even the very man who had ambushed her brother and dealt him his mortal wound. Though Kendra cannot bear to imagine what the king will do to her father or her people if she disobeys this command, she vows that she will never marry a Norman unless it snows in July. The name Kendra is the female form of Kendrick, meaning “keen power,” and in fact the Lady Kendra is heiress, through her mother, to a powerful healing gift that she must learn how to wield in order to save those she loves.

Snow In July - Tour Banner


BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Snow in July

AUTHOR – Kim Iverson Headlee
GENRE – Young Adult Paranormal Historical Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – July 2014
LENTH (Pages/# Words) – 386 pages/94K words
PUBLISHER – Pendragon Cove Press
COVER DESIGNER – Natasha Brown


Snow in July - Book Cover


BOOK SYNOPSIS

Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre has been granted what every man wants: a rich English estate in exchange for his valiant service at the Battle of Hastings. To claim this reward, the Norman knight must wed the estate's Saxon heiress. Most men would leap at such an opportunity, but for Alain, who broke his vow to his dying mother by failing to protect his youngest brother in battle, it means facing more easily broken vows. But when rumors of rampant thievery, dangerous beasts, and sorcery plaguing a neighboring estate reach his ears, nothing will make him shirk duty to king and country when people's lives stand at risk. He assumes the guise of a squire to scout the land, its problems, and its lady.

Lady Kendra of Edgarburh has been granted what no woman wants: a forced marriage to an enemy who may be kith or kin to the man who murdered her beloved brother. Compounding her anguish is her failure to awaken the miraculous healing gift bequeathed by their late

mother in time to save his life. Although with his dying breath, he made her promise to seek happiness above all, Kendra vows that she shall find neither comfort nor love in the arms of a Norman…unless it snows in July.

Alain is smitten by Lady Kendra from the first moment of their meeting; Kendra feels the forbidden allure of the handsome and courtly Norman "squire." But a growing evil overshadows everyone, invoking dark forces and ensnaring Kendra in a plot to overthrow the king Alain is oath-bound to serve. Kendra and Alain face a battle unlike any other as their honor, their love, their lives, and even their very souls lie in the balance.


BUY & TBR LINKS



Snow In July - Full Sleeve


EXCERPT

FIFTEEN THOUSAND MEN and horses writhed across the valley below, appearing as toys in a children’s game.

Many might consider war a game, but Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre, knight of Normandy bound to the service of Duke William and commander of a unit in the cavalry reserves, did not number among their ranks.

Edward the Confessor, King of England via his Saxon father but Norman by his mother, was dead. This battle, raging near the coastal hamlet called Hastings, would decide the right of one man to wear the English crown: William the Norman, acknowledged by Pope Alexander to be Edward’s lawful successor; or Harold the Saxon, brother of Edward’s wife, the man alleged to be Edward’s deathbed choice.

Stroking his war horse’s glossy charcoal neck to calm her, Alain pondered Harold’s claim. It had to be true. This many men would not sacrifice their lives for a lie. Yet the vast majority of Harold’s supporters were Saxons harboring no wish to bear the Norman yoke. Perhaps such men might be desperate enough to fight for a lie that promised to restore Saxon rule.

A trumpet blared. He signaled his men forward, couched his lance, and spurred Chou to send her careening into the melee.

Harold’s shield wall, which had seemed impregnable, began to crumble under the onslaught of Alain’s unit, hastened by the desertion of men who no doubt decided they weren’t quite so willing to die. Their lord stood exposed just long enough for a Norman archer to sight his mark. Harold fell, screaming and clutching an arrow that protruded from one eye.

Harold’s supporters closed ranks around him, blocking Alain’s view and giving him more than enough to do as the Saxons redoubled their efforts to guard their lord’s body.

A familiar whirl of colors caught Alain’s attention. The saffron leopard prowling on a green field—Étienne! A Saxon knight, with a blue arm and fist blazing defiance across his gray shield, bore down upon Étienne with leveled lance. Étienne tumbled from his horse. He scrambled to his feet and retrieved his sword, putting it to good use on the Saxons surrounding him, although the knight who’d unhorsed him had already ridden in search of other targets.

Lance long since discarded and sword now rising and falling with fatal precision, Alain surged to reach his brother’s side. Protection of her youngest son had been their dying mother’s wish, and he had sworn on his own life to keep Étienne safe.

Before he could close the distance, another Saxon knight fought past Étienne’s guard to thrust a war-knife into his throat. Through the visor the knight’s eyes gleamed with startling, fathomless malice. Alain could only watch in stunned disbelief as he laid his hand upon Étienne’s chest for a few moments. Uttering a soul-freezing howl, the Saxon yanked out his seax and disappeared into the press with Étienne’s shield, denying Alain vengeance.

Shame and grief rent his heart asunder.

He had failed the two he loved most; failed them so utterly that he could never beg their forgiveness in this lifetime.

Pain slammed into his shoulder, toppling him from the saddle. Étienne’s body broke his fall. He tried to roll clear, but a spear through his chest pinned him to Étienne. His gut convulsed, and bile burned his throat. Blinding agony killed his struggle to free himself. Death’s stench invaded his nostrils.

He closed his eyes and waited for his final journey to begin.


Snow in July - Book Spine

AUTHOR BIO

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, and assorted wildlife. People & creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins -- the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-20th century -- seem to be sticking around for a while yet.

Kim is a Seattle native (when she used to live in the Metro DC area, she loved telling people she was from "the other Washington") and a direct descendent of 20th-century Russian nobility. Her grandmother was a childhood friend of the doomed Grand Duchess Anastasia, and the romantic yet tragic story of how Lydia escaped Communist Russia with the aid of her American husband will most certainly one day fuel one of Kim's novels. Another novel in the queue will involve her husband's ancestor, the 7th-century proto-Viking king of the Swedish colony in Russia.

For the time being, however, Kim has plenty of work to do in creating her projected 8-book Arthurian series, The Dragon's Dove Chronicles, and other novels under her new imprint, Pendragon Cove Press. She also writes romantic historical fiction under the pseudonym "Kimberly Iverson."


AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS


GIVEAWAY PRIZES

• Ebook copies of Snow in July

(MOBI/Kindle file-EPUB/B&N file-or sent as a gift via Amazon.com/BN.com)


GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

• 10 Autographed copies (US residents only) of the print edition

via Goodreads (scheduled to run July 1-31, 2014)



Tour Organized By
1-MINIBUTTON

Author Kim Iverson Headlee Books

Excerpt & Spotlight

**EXCERPT CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT - READER DISCRETION ADVISED**

Sexy Siesta - Tour Banner

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Book #1 – His By Sunrise

TITLE – Book #2 – Tequila Sunset
SERIES – Sexy Siesta
AUTHOR – Talina Perkins
GENRE – contemporary erotic romance, military
PUBLICATION DATE
His by Sunrise, April 2nd, 2014
Tequila Sunset, June 24th, 2014
LENGTH (Pages/# Words)
His By Sunrise – 15,000 word count
Tequila Sunset – 22,000 word count
PUBLISHER – Indie Published
COVER ARTIST – Bookin’ It Designs

His by Sunrise Tequila Sunset

BOOK BLURB / SYNOPSIS

His By Sunrise, Book #1:

Forbidden Love Has Never Been So Tempting. . .

Isabella Marie thinks putting Blake in her rearview mirror will save them both from certain heartache. But when the sudden death of Blake’s father brings the Marine home before she can make her escape, Isabella is forced to acknowledge leaving Blake isn’t something she’s ready to do.

Honor bound by a promise to keep his hands off his best friend’s sister, Captain Blake Mitchell can look but never touch the only woman that lights his world on fire. Blake’s desires burn hotter than ever, but will he be able to throw away his late best friend’s trust to capture Isabella’s heart? If this mission fails, he’ll be stripped of the only woman he can ever love.

Tequila Sunset, Book #2:

What happens in Cabos stays in Cabos…

Lieutenant Gabriel Daniels is through waiting. Celebrating the wedding of his best friend, he’s determined to win the heart of one stubborn sexy Latina. He’s ready to throw down until she sees things his way. But when danger arises and threatens to take her away from him, he’ll stop at nothing to secure her safety first. Even if it means going toe to toe with a Mexican drug lord to prove the power of his love.

No one understands heartache like Esmeralda Vega. Losing her father to war and her mother to alcoholism, Esmeralda doesn’t believe in opening her heart to love. Left alone to raise her sister and carry on the family business, Esmeralda is faced with losing everything if she doesn’t find an investor, and soon. When opportunity knocks, she answers, unwittingly opening negotiations with a wanted drug lord. A night of drinks and celebrating quickly turns deadly, forcing her to accept more than she bargained for.

Can Gabriel rescue Esmeralda from the clutches of evil and convince her a US Marine is just right for her in only one night?

SOUNDTRACKS

HIS BY SUNRISE:

>> Holding Onto Heaven (Nickelback)
>> Gotta Get Me Some (Nickelback)
>> Drunk On You (Luke Bryan)
>> Crash My Party (Luke Bryan)
>> Losing My Mind (Daughtry)
>> Lovin' You Is Fun (Easton Corbin)
>> Complicated (Avril Lavingne)
>>Wish You Were Here (Avril Lavingne)


Sexy Siesta - Teaser 3

TEQUILA SUNSET

>>Set It On Fire (My Darkest Days)
>>Move Your Body (My Darkest Days)
>>Moviendo Caderas ( Daddy Yankee)
>> El Amante- The Lover (Daddy Yankee ft. J Alvarez )
>>Talk Dirty (Jason Derulo)
>> Bailando-Dancing (Enrique Iglesias)

Sexy Siesta - Teaser 1

BUY & TBR LINKS

Links for His By Sunrise - Only $.99

Links for Tequila Sunset - Reduced Price of $1.99 for limited time

AMAZON KINDLE USAMAZON KINDLE UK – BARNES & NOBLES NOOK


EXCERPT

HIS BY SUNRISE EXCERPT FOR ADULTS:

Strong arms slowly embraced her from behind. She tried to pull away, but if she wanted to be honest with herself—it just felt right. This moment. This man. His light aftershave enveloped her like a balm to her wounds. She leaned back and let out a sigh. Just make the ache go away.

“Do you remember what I said to you the day we first met?” His words played in the hair against her neck while he settled his hand on her stomach. Chills tickled down the length of her spine in anticipation of the pleasure his tone promised.
She nodded. “That when you close your eyes at night all you’ll see are my emerald eyes looking at you.” Her voice cracked on the last note. He ran his fingers up and down her arms while the one on her stomach pulled her snug against him.
His touch was light, but the fire from the simple contact infused her skin and set her libido ablaze. Her heart softened a fraction more for the man and the power his touch held over her.
As she spoke, he gently turned her around to face him. “And I meant it, sweetheart. Doesn’t matter if you decide to walk out that door. I’ll never forget the way you look at me. The way you have touched my soul. We might come at this from different angles, but there’s no denying what we feel for each other. Not any longer.”
“Seems love should be easier than this, don’t you think?
“Nothing is ever easy, love. I let your brother down once. Before tonight, I saw the promise I made as my penance.” He pulled her closer. “All that changed today when I thought I’d lose you forever. This,” he squeezed her just a little harder, “is all about you and me now.”
She liked that.
She turned. A wicked grin tilted his lips. She loved to see him smile. Especially this night. It had been so long since even the faintest hint of a smile had lit his eyes as it did now. Which brought everything back to center stage. What now?
Her head screamed at her to step back across the threshold and run like hell. Her heart pushed her deeper into the warmth his words and arms offered.
“Bella, look at me.” The lazy heat in his voice called to her. She licked her parched lips that burned with questions, yet she was so desperate for his lips to caress hers instead.
Their gazes connected, and she had all the answers she needed. He lowered his head slowly, but she wanted more. Faster. Harder.
Isabella threw her arms around him and leaped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist in one smooth motion. His hands landed firmly on her ass, pulling her closer. In a single stride he pinned her flush against the wall. Pictures clattered to the floor with only a small rug to break the fall.
She broke their kiss and received a deep growl and a nip to her lip. She slid her tongue along the tender flesh and watched in awe as his gaze followed her every move. Like he couldn’t get enough of her. Her heart beat against her ribcage, threatening to burst with the love that filled her.
“Take me, Blake. Not for just a night, but for now, and as long as you’ll love me. I’ll take it.” She felt vulnerable, unsure what to do now that she’d set it all out there. So she let her body react for her.
“Baby, this isn’t a one night kinda thing.” His hands worked around her waist as he lowered her feet to the floor. “I am still waiting on an answer.”
Solid muscle slid between her legs, opening her up to his touch. Electricity shot through her on contact. Her clit responded first with a pulse of heat that stole her breath away then gave way to delicious shocks that rocked her from head to toe.
“Do you want to come for me, Isabella?”
Sexy Siesta - Teaser 4

TEQUILA SUNSET EXCERPT FOR ADULTS:

Ema eased out of Gabriel’s arms to face him. That same seductive tone she was powerless to resist washed over her like rich, dark chocolate, leaving her heart thundering. Hot liquid pooled in the crotch of her panties. “Like this?” She slid the buttons of her top out of their hold again and slipped the material first off one shoulder then the next before losing the material altogether.

She cupped her breasts, letting her nipples slip between her fingers. A groan rattled deep within Gabe’s throat, giving her the courage to continue.
“Let me see them.” He moved into her space to peel her hands away. If he kept looking at her with such fervor, she’d be lost.
“God, I’ve missed you. I’ve dreamed about having you again. Just like this.”
“You’ve dreamed of me, Gabriel?” His gaze simmered with a deeper passion than she’d seen before. From his kneeling position looking up at her, Ema saw the full force of the fire set deep in his eyes. The blaze burned hotter with each encounter, pulling her closer to the warmth he offered.
“You know I have, precious. The proof is right here.” He guided her hand to stroke the ridge of his cock through his pants. Impressive in every way.
With his forefingers and thumb, Gabe pinched both her nipples, forcing a moan from her. “I’m going to suck those delicate berries into my mouth and make you come for me. First, I want to see the rest of you.”
He skimmed his fingers along her sensitive sides then worked his way toward the front clasp of her skirt. Shudders of anticipation raked through her. With the slightest touch, he had her wanting more than she could ever have. A family. A man to love her body and soul. She had to stop, pull back on her runaway emotions constantly edging her closer to him.
In a flick, he released the final barrier. “Baby, I need you. We’re both in danger of me combusting right now if I don’t get you wrapped around my length soon.”
Dios, he was going to be the death of her. She shouldn’t be here, but he looked at her with such intensity, as if she was his soul reason for breathing, and there was no way she could resist his allure much longer.
What they had went much deeper than just lust and want. For both of them. And it scared her to the core.



Sexy Siesta - Teaser 2




AUTHOR BIO

Talina writes across multiple genres that include erotic romance, spicy military romance, and paranormal romance. Within her worlds you'll find steamy fast paced plots with unique characters filled with passion and grit. From sheriffs to military men to shape shifters and vampires, there is no hot blooded hero she doesn't love to write-and read-about.

Stay connected with Talina on any or all her social sites. She loves to chat with readers so don’t be shy! You can also find her on Bookin' It Reviews or visit her website where you'll find free book themed wallpapers, character info, excerpts and more!

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS


GIVEAWAY PRIZES

1st Giveaway: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Giveaway: 2 Kindle Copies of His BY Sunrise
3rd Giveaway: 2 Kindle Copies of Tequila Sunset

Tour Organized By

myfamilyheartbutton

Sexy Siesta Series by Talina Perkins

Monday, July 28, 2014

Spotlight & Excerpt

Touched Sandman - Tour Banner


BOOK INFORMATION

Title – Touched by the Sandman

Author – Beverly Ovalle
Genre – Erotic Paranormal
Publication Date – March 20, 2014
Length (Pages/# Words) – 34
Publisher – Boroughs Publishing Group
Cover Artist – Boroughs Publishing Group


Touched Sandman - Book Cover


BOOK SYNOPOSIS

~A lonely woman's torrid sexual dreams and fantasy partner await her as a dominant reality in another dimension~

The sandman visits those that need him, assisting them to sleep. Until one night he meets a woman that he cannot help but return to time after time.

She is lonely. He comes to her as she drifts off to sleep, the man of her dreams. Awake or asleep, which is her reality?

He knows she is the one meant for him. He will find a way to make both of their dreams come true.

BUY & TBR LINKS


EXCERPT

The darkness blurred and shimmered, bringing to life a man of moonlight and darkness: Aryne.

Before him Aryne could see her, lying in bed, tears of loneliness staining her pillow. She made his heart ache. He softly stepped to her side. His hand touched her face and gently pushed back her hair. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, turning her dreams from sadness to joy. Her body arched toward his touch as the skim of his hand, the heat of his skin traced the edges of her curves. He stepped back…and then within the shimmer of dreams disappeared.

Night after night her loneliness cried to him. Unable to resist, he came to her. Subtly he inserted himself into her dreams, into her arms. Aryne knew it was wrong. As a guide, his job was to bring sweet, peaceful dreams. But no one affected him like she had. He was unable to resist comforting her, drawing her into his arms, covering her body with his…but only in her dreams. There Aryne stole the passion from her lips, igniting an ache in his body that would not go away.

Touching her shattered him. He knew instinctively that her touch would be his downfall. Her touch could keep him here in this splinter of his world, isolated as all of the Outcasts were. Generations had gone by; those exiled had died long ago, their children mixing amongst the races of the universe.

He had tried to stay away, fearing this. He was adrift, swept away, drowning in her passion, breaths away from losing himself. Giving in, acknowledging the power she unknowingly had over him would condemn him, keep him here if she was unable to travel to his world. Very few could navigate between worlds. And this world would drain his power rather than enhance it. Even the short time he spent there took its toll on him, the drain only in abeyance when he was in her arms. Try as he might, he could not resist her siren call. Only by controlling her and the passion between them could he make sure that he would not become lost. Lost in her. Trapped forever in her world.

He had done his best, gentling her to his hand, to his control. She knew the unspoken rules, knew the consequences. He played them out in her dreams, a dark symphony of passion and restraint. Perhaps unforgivable for a guide, but he could not resist. And just her body was no longer enough. Eventually he would capture her heart and soul.

A man of shadows, it would be during the midnight hours of her slumber.



Touched Sandman - Author Photo

AUTHOR BIO


Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 24 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas visits when he is on leave from the Marines. Her daughter Susannah visits from time to time to make sure us ‘old’ folks are alive and kicking.

Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell. Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.

Beverly has been reading romances since her Aunt introduced her to the gothic romance in the fourth grade and is still reading every chance she gets.


FOLLOW LINKS


GIVEAWAY

5 book Lunchbox Romance subscription from Boroughs Publishing Group



TOUR ORGANIZED BY:

1-MINIBUTTON

Books by Beverly Ovalle

Excerpt & Spotlight

Snow In July - Tour Banner


BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Snow in July

AUTHOR – Kim Iverson Headlee
GENRE – Young Adult Paranormal Historical Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – July 2014
LENTH (Pages/# Words) – 386 pages/94K words
PUBLISHER – Pendragon Cove Press
COVER DESIGNER – Natasha Brown


Snow in July - Book Cover


BOOK SYNOPSIS

Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre has been granted what every man wants: a rich English estate in exchange for his valiant service at the Battle of Hastings. To claim this reward, the Norman knight must wed the estate's Saxon heiress. Most men would leap at such an opportunity, but for Alain, who broke his vow to his dying mother by failing to protect his youngest brother in battle, it means facing more easily broken vows. But when rumors of rampant thievery, dangerous beasts, and sorcery plaguing a neighboring estate reach his ears, nothing will make him shirk duty to king and country when people's lives stand at risk. He assumes the guise of a squire to scout the land, its problems, and its lady.

Lady Kendra of Edgarburh has been granted what no woman wants: a forced marriage to an enemy who may be kith or kin to the man who murdered her beloved brother. Compounding her anguish is her failure to awaken the miraculous healing gift bequeathed by their late

mother in time to save his life. Although with his dying breath, he made her promise to seek happiness above all, Kendra vows that she shall find neither comfort nor love in the arms of a Norman…unless it snows in July.

Alain is smitten by Lady Kendra from the first moment of their meeting; Kendra feels the forbidden allure of the handsome and courtly Norman "squire." But a growing evil overshadows everyone, invoking dark forces and ensnaring Kendra in a plot to overthrow the king Alain is oath-bound to serve. Kendra and Alain face a battle unlike any other as their honor, their love, their lives, and even their very souls lie in the balance.


BUY & TBR LINKS



Snow In July - Full Sleeve


EXCERPT

FIFTEEN THOUSAND MEN and horses writhed across the valley below, appearing as toys in a children’s game.

Many might consider war a game, but Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre, knight of Normandy bound to the service of Duke William and commander of a unit in the cavalry reserves, did not number among their ranks.

Edward the Confessor, King of England via his Saxon father but Norman by his mother, was dead. This battle, raging near the coastal hamlet called Hastings, would decide the right of one man to wear the English crown: William the Norman, acknowledged by Pope Alexander to be Edward’s lawful successor; or Harold the Saxon, brother of Edward’s wife, the man alleged to be Edward’s deathbed choice.

Stroking his war horse’s glossy charcoal neck to calm her, Alain pondered Harold’s claim. It had to be true. This many men would not sacrifice their lives for a lie. Yet the vast majority of Harold’s supporters were Saxons harboring no wish to bear the Norman yoke. Perhaps such men might be desperate enough to fight for a lie that promised to restore Saxon rule.

A trumpet blared. He signaled his men forward, couched his lance, and spurred Chou to send her careening into the melee.

Harold’s shield wall, which had seemed impregnable, began to crumble under the onslaught of Alain’s unit, hastened by the desertion of men who no doubt decided they weren’t quite so willing to die. Their lord stood exposed just long enough for a Norman archer to sight his mark. Harold fell, screaming and clutching an arrow that protruded from one eye.

Harold’s supporters closed ranks around him, blocking Alain’s view and giving him more than enough to do as the Saxons redoubled their efforts to guard their lord’s body.

A familiar whirl of colors caught Alain’s attention. The saffron leopard prowling on a green field—Étienne! A Saxon knight, with a blue arm and fist blazing defiance across his gray shield, bore down upon Étienne with leveled lance. Étienne tumbled from his horse. He scrambled to his feet and retrieved his sword, putting it to good use on the Saxons surrounding him, although the knight who’d unhorsed him had already ridden in search of other targets.

Lance long since discarded and sword now rising and falling with fatal precision, Alain surged to reach his brother’s side. Protection of her youngest son had been their dying mother’s wish, and he had sworn on his own life to keep Étienne safe.

Before he could close the distance, another Saxon knight fought past Étienne’s guard to thrust a war-knife into his throat. Through the visor the knight’s eyes gleamed with startling, fathomless malice. Alain could only watch in stunned disbelief as he laid his hand upon Étienne’s chest for a few moments. Uttering a soul-freezing howl, the Saxon yanked out his seax and disappeared into the press with Étienne’s shield, denying Alain vengeance.

Shame and grief rent his heart asunder.

He had failed the two he loved most; failed them so utterly that he could never beg their forgiveness in this lifetime.

Pain slammed into his shoulder, toppling him from the saddle. Étienne’s body broke his fall. He tried to roll clear, but a spear through his chest pinned him to Étienne. His gut convulsed, and bile burned his throat. Blinding agony killed his struggle to free himself. Death’s stench invaded his nostrils.

He closed his eyes and waited for his final journey to begin.


Snow in July - Book Spine

AUTHOR BIO

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, and assorted wildlife. People & creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins -- the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-20th century -- seem to be sticking around for a while yet.

Kim is a Seattle native (when she used to live in the Metro DC area, she loved telling people she was from "the other Washington") and a direct descendent of 20th-century Russian nobility. Her grandmother was a childhood friend of the doomed Grand Duchess Anastasia, and the romantic yet tragic story of how Lydia escaped Communist Russia with the aid of her American husband will most certainly one day fuel one of Kim's novels. Another novel in the queue will involve her husband's ancestor, the 7th-century proto-Viking king of the Swedish colony in Russia.

For the time being, however, Kim has plenty of work to do in creating her projected 8-book Arthurian series, The Dragon's Dove Chronicles, and other novels under her new imprint, Pendragon Cove Press. She also writes romantic historical fiction under the pseudonym "Kimberly Iverson."


AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS


GIVEAWAY PRIZES

• Ebook copies of Snow in July

(MOBI/Kindle file-EPUB/B&N file-or sent as a gift via Amazon.com/BN.com)


GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

• 10 Autographed copies (US residents only) of the print edition

via Goodreads (scheduled to run July 1-31, 2014)



Tour Organized By
1-MINIBUTTON

Books by Author Kim Iverson Headlee