Blurb: In war torn
England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn.
Rowena Godwinson,
the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against
the Normans that would trample them underfoot. Her nobility and grace, however, make her an ideal pawn in 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. Can
she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?
John of Normandy 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 by his sword
As their people
look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that
unites all of England?
Excerpt:
"As my wife,
Rowena..."
Her eyes narrowed
at use of the title.
"...you will
not allow men into your bedchamber. Other than me, that is."
A little shiver
passed through her at the idea of him coming to her in the middle of the night.
She could again feel his fingers caressing her. Perhaps he had indeed returned
to be her husband in truth. The possibility excited her.
Arthur had followed
her and even taken her in his arms to comfort her. In the past she had welcomed
the feel of his arms around her, seldom as that happened, but she was already
different. His arms no longer felt right around her. She had tried to tell him
he could not be in her chamber, it wasn't seemly. He had looked so hurt.
"Do you not
understand me, wife?" John said.
The title bristled
her. "Yes, husband, I understand you fine."
The use of titles
did not make it any more true. Men always thought it did. They were wrong.
Turning to him, she felt her cheeks grow hot as he caressed her ever so slowly
with his eyes, finally resting on her face before her spoke again.
"Husband I
will be soon enough."
His answer told her
he didn't miss her meaning. He stood suddenly, and the fire silhouetting his
large frame caused her breath to catch at his imposing size. From his powerful
legs, slightly parted and ready for attack, to his solid torso, ready to
receive the assault, to his burly arms more than willing to instigate the
encounter. This was certainly no complacent lord of the manor; this was a
well-honed fighting machine. Rowena was confused when she realized her own
longing to touch him. His brown hair looked soft and the shadow of a beard
around his chin caused her hand to itch for the touch of both.
"Know this,
Rowena...:
Her breath
quickened when he stepped toward her, his eyes piercing her own.
"...there will
be no one but me."
He stopped just
short of touching her but that now familiar heat reached out to her.
"You are mine
and only mine."
About the Author: Always
an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life
through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels
full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles.
Her latest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in The Norman Conquest series.
When she is not
writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with
visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern
New England with her husband and 3 very spoiled animals.
Anita www.anitaphilmar.com
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