It's a bit nippy in New England today, but I know just how to warm it up - Medieval Monday! The medieval period is a loooong time and we've had authors spanning all one thousand years on the Medieval Romance Lovers page and some are taking part in this hop. Check them out. And since you're here, check mine out ;)
I've been sharing an excerpt from an earlier book, The Gentle Knight, which is part of the Norman Conquest series because that's where we first meet Lachlann. It's the first place we meet all three of the Highlanders who start off The Order of the Scottish Thistle series. Lachlann's Legacy released on November 15th, so read on for a peek at a much younger Lachlann. Enjoy!
A horse came up behind him but Peter ignored Lachlann, his eyes intent on Brighit.
“Yes. My new life.” She looked down, avoiding his gaze.
“A new adventure?”
She faced him. “Do you think?”
Peter exhaled slowly and allowed himself to trace the side of her face with his fingertips. So soft. So lovely. Such a waste to be locked up in a convent with no hope for a future or a family. “Will all be well with you, sweet Brighit?”
“I pray it will be.” Her voice was quiet. “Will you pray for me as well?”
Brighit MacNaughton is an obedient daughter following her father's death bed decree that she take her vows and become the virginal bride of Christ. The hired men seeing her to the Priory at Tanshelf are more interested in the building resentment against the English king than her safety. But when the handsome Norman knight offers his protection against the lecherous mercenaries, he sparks her passion with his gentle touch and smoldering looks of desire, reminding her of dreams best forgotten. Can one night with him quench the intense need in her or will it cause the fire to burn out of control?
Peter of Normandy is a trusted knight of King William, sent north to subdue the unrest and rumblings of revolt at York. Giving aid to an Irish princess more noble than many knights, he is quickly overcome with the need to possess her. With a body meant for a man's pleasure and an unrelenting stubbornness to follow her father's wishes, he struggles against giving her what she wants if it can only be for one night. Will one night of passion prove to be enough or will it unleash an insatiable need that makes him never want to let her go?
Available here