Please Welcome My Guest

Please welcome my guest, award winning historical romance author Barbara Bettis.

Once in a while the kernel of a story slips into our minds and stays there. We might push it to the corner while we work on something else, but that idea persists. Although we try to ignore it, it rubs occasionally, reminding us it’s there.

That’s what happened with Giles and Emelin’s tale. It came while I was working on something else that I had to finish, so I tucked it away for later. But at the strangest moments, it pushed into my consciousness—the image of a knight astride a black horse, standing in the center of a village green, avoided by everyone. The people whispered and pointed and went out of their way to keep from passing too closely. He really captured my imagination.

The idea of a famous mercenary who was alone and lonely. He was searching for something. He needed someone—a heroine—who could accept him for what he was and care enough to give up what she thought was the most important thing in her life.

I don’t even recall planning a ‘heroine’, either. Emelin was just there, as if she knew she was the one Giles needed. All I had to do was get them together. Through other stories that I love, other heroes I adore, this one has been so special. I feel as if I know these people as well as I know some of my best friends. And when the story ended, I missed them! I wanted to go visit them.

I’m really touched when readers say they think about them for days after finishing the book. And they ask about the other characters—when are their stories coming?  Soon, I hope :)

Do you feel the same about books you’ve read? What characters remain in your mind after a book is put away? How do your stories come to you? 

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:
His gaze sought his little warrior-nun. Her wide eyes focused on him,

and again the invisible connection thrummed. The space between them seemed to compress along their odd connection. Was it possible she experienced it, as well? Then she shook her head.

Yes, he must be a grim sight. His gaze lingered. He fought an urge to feel her lips again. He recalled that kiss, and his left hand brushed the cheek where her slap had landed. He winced. Damn, it hurt to smile.

A shame about her. She was too good for Langley. At least the marriage wouldn’t last long, just until he delivered the blasted missive. Then that wrinkle of uncertainty would ease from her smooth brow. She would be free to tilt her chin and defy whomever she chose.

But it wouldn’t be Sir Giles of Cambrai. He was a mercenary, a soldier for hire. Ladies were not his responsibility.

Not even maidens with eyes as bright as spring and lips as sweet as rose honey.

The buy link for Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1bQX3td

You can contact Barbara at any of these links:

www.barbarabettis.com

www.barbarbettis.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraBettisAuthor

www.twitter.com/BarbaraBettis