Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Craving the Highlander’s Touch by Michelle Willingham
Historical romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Sep 11

As the Undone line has evolved, many authors have chosen to utilize the shorter format as a “teaser” for their full-length Harlequin Historical books.  Like all things concerning series books, it all boils down to how much series-itis creeps in, and whether or not as the reader I feel like I’m being manipulated.  Yes, I’m talking execution.  Michelle Willingham is one who loves to use the Undone line to flesh out secondary characters from her connected novels, and she’s also one that generally makes it work for me.  This short story tied to her MacKinloch Clan books is no exception.

Alys Fitzroy, Lady of Harkirk, has endured a marriage to a brutish English husband.  Besides terrorizing her, he’s made many enemies among the local Scots – who he has a habit of imprisoning and torturing.  Although English herself, this treatment of the locals sickens Alys, especially when it involves children.  So she does what she can, freeing as many of them as she can – helping them to run away.

Finian MacLachor is his clan’s chief, and his failed uprising against Alys’ dear husband has not gone well.  He’s a man who has lost everything – his wife, his daughter, and his very soul.  Beaten, bloody, and sitting in the dungeons waiting to be made an example of, he’s resigned himself to die, because he thinks he has no right to live.  Then Alys shows up with the keys.

Willingham tends to put a lot of story in her Undones, but this one might take first prize.  This really could have been a full-length novel.  Between the various character baggage, the battle scene, the love scenes, and the final chapter?  There’s a lot going on here.  While the author does have to take a few “happens off page” short cuts to keep things moving along, this is a story I could really sink my teeth into.  It is also especially lovely to read love scenes that are an intricate part of the romance and character development.  They aren’t here just for filler – they need to be in this story.

I do think reading the two full-length novels will allow readers to get a bit more out of this story.  However, that being said, I still have both novels languishing in my TBR and I rather liked this short tale.  If anything, it succeeded in me kicking my own behind for letting those novels sit unread for these last several months.  So in the end?  The author’s ploy worked.  Teasing me with the short makes me want to run out and read the full-length stories.  Which makes me part of the problem, but given how much I enjoyed this story?  I don’t rightly care.

Grade: B

Summary:

Scotland, 1306

For Alys Fitzroy, Lady of Harkirk, her brutish husband is more of an enemy than the wild Scots she is supposed to hate. Her heart longs to help her husband’s prisoners—especially Finian MacLachor, the intense Highland chief who bears the scars of his own failed uprising, both inside and out. With her help, he has a second chance to make things right for his clan—and and to show Alys the nights of unbelievable pleasure she’s been missing.…

No Excerpt Found.

Other books in this series:

Princess Berengaria’s lady-in-waiting Adriana takes her duty to the future Queen of England seriously – she will defend her to the death! When their sea voyage to the Holy Land ends up in shipwreck and capture, Adriana knows her only hope lies with the mysterious Irishman, Liam MacEgan.

Liam escapes to reach Richard the Lionheart and together they plan a rescue mission. Nothing will stop these warriors from succeeding – their future brides are captive on Cyprus and they’ll raise hell to claim them!

Off the coast of Cyprus
April 12, 1191

Liam MacEgan hated ships. Though he’d spent many years of his life exploring the waters of his native Éireann, being trapped aboard a wooden vessel for months was somewhere between purgatory and hellfire.

It was your idea to go on Crusade, he reminded himself. He’d believed he was embarking on an adventure, to see the Holy Land and fight to free Jerusalem. His family had been firmly opposed to it. His father, King Patrick of Laochre, had demanded that he face his responsibilities as a future provincial king.

But he’d needed an escape from his homeland. He’d grown up listening to the stories of distant lands, told to him by his uncle Trahern. He longed to see the glittering foreign cities and taste new foods. He needed this last chance to see the worlds that were forbidden to him . . . to feel the sting of desert sand against his face . . . to learn the secrets of exotic women.

And so, defying his family’s wishes, he’d slipped out one night and arranged passage to France, to join in the service of the King Richard, Coeur de Lion.
Liam stared out at the fierce blue of the Mediterranean, and a bittersweet tang of homesickness caught him. The sky was a dark gray, and clouds rolled in the distance. He was dimly aware of a woman moving along the side of the boat, just behind the oarsmen. Her long dark hair was covered by a veil, but the length of it stirred in the sea winds.

Adriana, daughter of the Vicomte de Manzano, was one of the Princess Berengaria’s ladies. She was a dark beauty, with olive skin and raven hair. Her hands curved over the wood of the ship, and she turned back to stare at the waves.

He wanted to go and talk to her, but he sensed it would be an intrusion of her time alone. Her eyes lifted to the darkening skies, as though she were afraid.
Instinct made him glance behind him, and he spied the Count of Berduria staring at the young woman. The unrestrained lust on his face made Liam cross over to Lady Adriana’s side. Though she shied away from him, he said in a low voice, “Don’t be afraid. I came to offer my protection, not to disturb you.”

When she sent him a confused look, he added, “The Count is watching.” At that, Lady Adriana settled her gaze back upon the sea. Liam wasn’t certain whether or not she wanted him to stay. “Would you rather I left you alone with him?”

“Stay,” she whispered. “Unless your intent is the same as his.” She shivered in the wind, rubbing her shoulders. Liam unfastened his cloak and settled it around her shoulders. It was meant to offer her warmth, but it also sent an unmistakable message to the Count.

She pulled the cloak around her. “You’re one of King Richard’s men, aren’t you?”

“I chose to fight at his side, aye. But I am not his vassal.” He refrained from mentioning anything further, not wanting to admit his own rank. During this journey, he’d told no one that he was an Irish prince, save King Richard. He wanted to experience life as a common man, as a soldier. It had meant giving up the luxuries he’d come to enjoy, but in return, he’d seen a side of life that his family had tried to protect him from.

“Has King Richard spoken of the princess?” Adriana asked. “My lady Berengaria worries that he seems so . . . distant, ever since the new betrothal.”

Liam shrugged. “His Majesty is preoccupied with the journey to the Holy Land. He’s eager to fight for Jerusalem.”

“What of the Princess Alys? He broke his betrothal to her only a few months ago. Does he desire to reconcile—”

“Given that his father took Alys as his mistress and she bore him a daughter, rest assured, King Richard had little desire to take her to wife.” Liam sent her a sidelong glance. “Berengaria didn’t tell you?”

Adriana shook her head. “She didn’t know. Queen Eleanor never spoke of why the betrothal was broken, but it was she who brought Berengaria to become the King’s bride.”

“And what of you?” Liam asked. “You intend to travel wherever the Princess wishes to go? Even to the Holy Land?”

She nodded. “She has no choice, any more than I do.” The young woman clasped her hands together.

“You could marry or return to your family,” he suggested. “Jerusalem is dangerous for a woman.”

“Not for me.”

He stared at her, and she sent him a confident smile. “I have four brothers. I know ways to protect myself.”

“How?” He moved closer, until his knee brushed the edge of her silk gown.

The tip of a knife touched the soft skin above his throat. “Like this.” Adriana’s dark brown eyes were dancing with amusement. “You wouldn’t be likely to harm me now, would you?” She removed the blade and offered it back to him.

Son of Belenus, it was his own blade. She’d somehow stolen it from his belt without him even sensing her.

“How did you do that?”

Her face transformed with a knowing smile. “You should know better than to underestimate a stranger. I am one of the princess’s guards, just as you protect His Majesty.”

It was rare for a woman to surprise him, but he found himself fascinated by Adriana. Her full mouth drew his attention, and her scent reminded him of aromatic spices, like a heady mulled wine.

“Men are often distracted by a woman,” she said. “Just as you were.”

“You are a distraction,” he agreed. Her expression shifted, and he saw the wariness in her eyes. She wanted nothing from him; that much was evident.
Stepping back, he asked, “What if your enemy overpowered you? Your strength would be no match for an attacker’s.”

“I rely on myself. And I protect the princess when there is need of my blade.” She squared her shoulders and removed his cloak. “Take this back. You’ll be cold.”

“It’s far colder than this in my homeland. I’m accustomed to it.” He nodded toward the aft side of the ship. “Are you wanting me to escort you back to the princess?”

“Not yet.” Lady Adriana took a deep breath. “She gave me leave to do as I please for the next hour. I’ll go back soon enough.” She donned his cloak once more, and the wind buffeted the sails, the sky turning ominous. Within minutes, the rain began to fall. The change in the weather was enough to send the Count away from his pursuit. The Lady lifted her face to the droplets, smiling wryly. “Isn’t it my ill luck to have rain during the only moments of freedom I’ve had?”

Liam ignored the rain and studied the waves. The sea water reflected the gray skies, and as they continued eastward, the waves were rising. “You should go below, a chara. The storm is going to get worse.” Already the oarsmen were fighting the winds, their arms straining to keep control of the ship.

As if in response to his warning, the vessel lurched, and Adriana went flying. Liam caught her before her head could hit the deck, and he steadied her on her feet. “Are you all right?” She nodded, but he kept her hands at her waist for balance. “You need to go back to the princess. I wouldn’t want you to be swept overboard.”

Her face had gone pale, and she glanced out at the waves. “How far are we from land?”

“Don’t think about that now.” Aye, it was likely that if the ship capsized, they might drown. Liam was a fair enough swimmer, but it was spring and the water would be uncomfortably cold.

Adriana removed his cloak and handed it to him. “Take me back to the princess.” Liam donned the garment and walked behind her as she returned to the princess’s tiny chamber.

“Stay with Her Royal Highness,” Liam said. “And tell her not to be afraid.” Even as he spoke the words, he knew they were unconvincing. He was struggling to remain on his feet, and when the ship tossed again, Adriana struck the wall hard.

She rubbed her shoulders, wincing at the pain. “I’ll be all right,” she said, before he could ask. “But promise me something.”
Liam rested his hand against the wall for balance. Adriana stood only inches away, her dark hair resting over the shoulder of her crimson gown. He waited for her to speak, though his gaze was caught by her lips and soft skin.

“If the ship is going to sink, I want to know. We may lose the king’s treasure for the Crusade, but I don’t want him to lose his bride.” She knew, as he did, that this ship was one of two that held the king’s gold and treasure to fund the Crusade.

“If the storm seizes the ship, I’ll do what I can to help the sailors,” he said.

Adriana lowered her head in a silent nod. “What is your name?”

“Liam MacEgan.”

She studied him, and her expression held doubt. “You’re not like the other men I’ve seen aboard this ship.”

“Why?”

“You don’t behave as though you serve the king. You carry yourself like an equal.”

“Perhaps I am his equal,” he said in a low voice.

Though her gaze said she didn’t quite believe him, there was enough hesitancy in her face to suggest that she knew he was not as he seemed to be.
“I’ll come for you if the storm worsens,” he promised. Lifting her gloved hand, he pressed his mouth upon it. “Guard your princess. And I’ll guard you.”

But the worry didn’t dim in her eyes. If the storm worsened, as he suspected it would, there was a very real chance that all of them would die.

Lionheart’s Bride

Richard the Lionheart and Princess Berengaria

When I was asked to contribute a story based on a true-life wedding, my first instinct was to research Richard the Lionheart. This was partially because of my favorite Robin Hood legend, but when I started researching Richard’s wedding to Berengaria, I was shocked at what I read.  Truth was definitely stranger than fiction!

Not only had Richard called off his wedding to Princess Alys of France (because she’d born a bastard child to his father, King Henry II—a good reason!), but Richard’s new marriage to Berengaria was delayed because his bride was shipwrecked off the coast of Cyprus. Richard now had to overthrow the tyrant ruler and storm the island to rescue his bride.  It was drama, passion, and such fun.

But there was a shadow over the true relationship between Richard and Berengaria, given their separation and childlessness.  I decided to create a fictional romance to parallel reality and offer a true happy ending.  Since the story takes place in 1191, it was perfect for a second-generation story, featuring the son of one of my MacEgan Irish warriors.  Liam MacEgan is a prince in disguise . . . and he falls hard for the Spanish beauty, Adriana, lady-in-waiting to Princess Berengaria.  Lionheart’s Bride is a tale of chivalry, shipwreck, and romance that I hope you’ll enjoy!

The Royal Wedding is just weeks away! To celebrate, Harlequin is offering a digital Royal Weddings series to commemorate the event.

In April, Harlequin will release five royal wedding stories that feature British weddings throughout history. Some of the stories are about fictional characters involved in historic weddings and some are about real royal couples.

Take time to appreciate seven new exciting stories from Elizabeth Rolls, Ann Lethbridge, Terri Brisbin, Michelle Willingham, Bronwyn Scott, Lucy Ashford, and Mary Nichols.

Throughout the day we will have guest blogs from these Harlequin Historical authors telling you how they chose their heroes and heroines for this exciting new series, plus a excerpts from some of the books.

Have a royal day!

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Pleasured By The Viking by Michelle Willingham
Historical Romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Aug 10

Michelle Willingham’s medievals tend to really work for me.  The fact that this short story features a secondary character from last year’s Surrender to an Irish Warrior, a book that landed on my personal Best Of 2010 reading list?  Yeah, I was expecting good things.  Unfortunately, while competently written, there’s fall-out from the happy-ever-after that didn’t work for me at all.

Auder Ó Reilly has agreed to marry a Norman baron in the hopes of protecting her mother and securing peace for her struggling clan.  Besides it being no love match (she’s never met the man!) Auder is concerned she will displease her husband when it comes to martial relations.  She dispensed of her virginity ages ago, it naturally wasn’t very good, so she thinks she’s “bad” at s-e-x.  She confides this bit of news to Viking warrior and friend, Gunnar Dalrata.  Gunnar makes her various girly bits tingle, but he’s currently pitching woo with a widow.  Little does she know that Gunnar is finding himself increasingly distracted by her presence as well!

The basic idea behind this story worked pretty well for me, but it’s the inclusion of the widow that Gunnar is currently spending time with that throws a wrench in the entire romance for me.  Gunnar comes off as a guy juggling two women, which isn’t exactly an endearing quality in a “hero.” Then there is the fact that in order for our couple to be together, someone has to be thrown under the bus – and guess who that is?  Yeah, the widow.

For her part, the author doesn’t fall into the all-too-common (and annoying) trap of making the “other woman” eviiiiiil.  Also, there’s a wonderful sense of place and time period here.  The widow’s outcome feels authentic, and the author does spin it in a way to suggest that the widow isn’t really getting that screwed over…but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  It also leaves me not feeling very “happy” for our romantic couple.

Grade: D

Summary:

Ireland, 1181

To secure peace for her clan and protection for her mother, chieftain’s daughter Auder Ó Reilly agrees to marry a powerful Norman baron. Though she desperately hopes the alliance will work, Auder worries she won’t be able to please her husband in the marriage bed—a fear she admits to her friend, handsome Viking Gunnar Dalrata. Auder has no difficulty imagining sensual delights with Gunnar, but she doesn’t believe he would ever think of her that way. Until the night of Bealtaine, when Gunnar whisks Auder away to introduce her to the true pleasure of making love….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Surrender to an Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham
Historical medieval romance released by Harlequin Historical 01 Sep 2010

I haven’t read Michelle Willingham’s entire backlist yet, but I’m at the point where I’m getting pretty darn close.  So I feel fairly confident when I say that her latest Harlequin Historical, and the last in her long-running MacEgan Brothers series, is possibly her best work to date.  That being said, it’s a book that isn’t going to appeal to every reader thanks to it’s very heavy subject matter and tone.

The back cover copy is, I suspect, purposely vague but rest assured my plot description pretty much adheres to the first chapter.  Trahern MacEgan makes his living as a bard/storyteller.  However when he learns that his betrothed is killed when Vikings raid her village, he swears vengeance.  He’s tracking the killers when a young girl, barely 13, stumbles into his camp.  She recognizes him, and begs him to help her sister, who she fears is dying in a nearby hunting shelter.

Morren O’Reilly lived in the same village as Trahern’s beloved.  She survived, but was the victim of a brutal gang rape.  She’s miscarrying the baby that was the result of the events of that terrible night, and her sister, not knowing of the pregnancy, runs for help and fetches Trahern.  What follows is Trahern’s promise to protect Morren and find the men responsible for the raid.  In turn, Trahern needs Morren’s help in identifying them.

The only way to describe this story is heavy.  It’s a heavy read featuring two deeply emotionally damaged people who have lived through unspeakable pain.  Even though the author does not write these events in graphic detail, the mere suggestion of what Morren endured is beyond horrifying and haunting.  From the time I started the first chapter, to the time I finished the last, I was stuck on an emotional roller coaster, feeling the pain that these two people felt, and marveled that they were still able to put one foot in front of the other.  Even the secondary character of Morren’s sister isn’t spared from this angst, having witnessed exactly what happened to her sister.

Besides the internal conflict, there’s the mystery of who was behind the raid.  This is largely what propels the plot forward, and is what literally sucks all the air out of the room when the Big Reveal happens.  When a story can floor me like that, and in a good way, I know I’m reading something special.  Ironically, this is actually when the story stumbles a bit for me.  As amazing as the resolution to the mystery was, I felt that the heroine started to behave a bit out of character.  Especially when compared to what had been motivating her throughout the entire story.

That said, this blip on the radar wasn’t enough to diminish how accomplished I thought this book was.  It’s certainly not going to be a book for everybody.  It’s dark, heavy, and emotionally-gutting.  Certainly those attributes can, and in this case do, make the happy ending all the more sweeter and rewarding, but it’s still a tough read.  I was exhausted after the first chapter, and that feeling stayed with me for a long time.  It’s a departure in tone from previous books I’ve read by this author, and it’s a risk that I largely think she pulls off.  Yes, I had quibbles, but not enough to overshadow all that is so good.

Grade: B+

Summary:

An Irish warrior with a thirst for revenge…

Trahern MacEgan—his body is honed for fighting, his soul is black and tortured. Women want to tame him, but he has loved once, and now is lost.

A woman who has suffered in silence…

Morren Ó Reilly—she has known pain and shame, but holds her head high, even though she shrinks from a man’s touch.

Their passionate redemption

Can Morren be the light to Trahern’s darkness, and can she be made whole again by her surrender?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s Duckies Do Series review of The Accidental Series by Michelle Willingham
Historical romances released by Harlequin Historical Feb – Mar 2010

I’ve spent all of 2010 being perpetually behind in my reading.  It’s gotten to the point where I literally have whole series waiting for me to read.  Depressing, to be sure, but the upshot is that I can do one of these cool Duckies Do Series posts!  I hope to do at least one more of these in the near future (When? Uh, go back to top and reread first sentence of this paragraph again), but for now let’s start with the series I’ve been neglecting the longest – Michelle Willingham’s first foray outside of the medieval time period.

The Accidental Countess
1 Feb 10

Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore, wakes up in his bed at his country estate to discover an angry knife wound on his chest, a mysterious tattoo on the back of his neck, and Miss Emily Barrow nursing him back to health.  They were childhood playmates, and sweethearts, until his father put a stop to it and her family fell into scandal.  Stephen remembers a great many things, just not the last several months of his life.  Which means he has no memory of who tried to kill him and no memory at all of marrying Emily.

What we have here is a pretty compelling mystery, and a deft handling of the popular amnesia trope.  What didn’t work quite as well for me was the romance.  Emily has a definite Cinderella quality to her, but after the umpteenth person treated her like crap, I wanted her to man-up and grow a pair already.  In turn, Stephen, in the name of protecting Emily from the bad guys, uses that as an excuse to treat her like crap, thereby giving the people snubbing her ammunition.  Why he thought that would protect her is beyond me.  What?  Bad guys don’t hear society gossip?  In the end it was the mystery of who was trying to kill Stephen, and why, that kept me flipping the pages.  Having read the prequel to this story months before, I had the concept of the the romance.  I just didn’t like it all that much in this full-length treatment.

Grade: C-

Summary:

When Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore, awakes to find a beautiful woman berating him, he knows he is in trouble! He cannot recall the past three months of his life, never mind having a wife! What’s more, someone is trying to silence him before his memory returns….

Emily Chesterfield is trapped in a marriage of convenience with a man who doesn’t remember her. Stephen clearly thinks she is the most unsuitable countess, but she is falling for her enigmatic husband…. Can they find trust and love before it is too late?

Read An Excerpt

The Accidental Princess
1 Mar 10

Lady Hannah Chesterfield’s entire life revolves around her landing a suitable husband, and Lieutenant Michael Thorpe is so far from suitable, he might as well be on another planet.  But they can’t seem to stay away from each other, and when scandal erupts, Hannah finds herself traveling with Michael on a grand adventure.  Could the man who was raised by a fishmonger, and who is a soldier in the British Army, really be a long-lost prince?

The author keeps up the fairytale theme of this series by putting the Cinderella glass slipper on the hero’s foot.  Michael sets out on the trip just wanting answers, but when his life is threatened, his drive for those answers takes on more urgency.  There’s also the small matter of Michael and Hannah being in love with each other – and either way the prince thing turns out, it doesn’t mean a match between them would be celebrated.  As a solider, Michael isn’t “good enough” for Hannah, and as a prince, Hannah isn’t “good enough” for him.  Also, there’s the small matter of Hannah being sick and tired of people controlling everything about her life – right down to what she eats and what she wears.

I liked that Hannah didn’t toss up her skirts the minute she got her head turned by Michael.  She might not want to be controlled by her mother or society (good girls don’t…), but she also doesn’t disregard them outright.  I liked that Michael was smart, brave, and honorable.  Towards the end of the story I did feel these two were basically talking circles around what was really bothering them, and that did get a little tiresome (just come out and tell him/her already!), but the author sews it all up nicely, right down to Lady Hannah finding a voice all her own.

Grade = B

Summary:

Lieutenant Michael Thorpe is a forbidden temptation for Lady Hannah Chesterfield. Etiquette demands Hannah ignore the shivers of desire his wicked gaze provokes, but he’s the only man to recognize her restless spirit, and her unawakened body is clamoring for his touch….

Thrown together by scandal, a defiant Hannah joins Michael on an adventure to uncover the secret of his birth—is this common soldier really a prince? If so, will the ordinary man who has taught Hannah the meaning of pleasure now make her his royal bride?

Read An Excerpt

While I’ve enjoyed many of Willingham’s medieval historicals, and I’d hate to see her abandon that time period altogether, I did enjoy this side trip to the Victorian era.  Taking into account the B- I gave the Harlequin Historical Undone prequel I reviewed earlier this year?  That leaves us with….

Overall Grade: B-

Other titles in series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Innocent In the Harem by Michelle Willingham
Historical Romance short story ebook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 June 10

If you are a reader predisposed to disliking the captive trope, Michelle Willingham’s latest short story for the Harlequin Historical Undone line isn’t likely to change your mind. But for readers who can roll with the plot, given the right set of circumstances? The author avoids some of the more obvious pitfalls and delivers a quick, tasty read.

Prince Khadin has been summoned back to his father’s palace for what he fears will be bad news. Oh, namely his execution. He has troubles enough without getting wrapped up with some Bedouin princess turned slave girl, but that he does. After witnessing Laila’s failed escape attempt during a slave auction, he immediately purchases her, saving her from a far worse fate. Now all he has to do is convince her of that.

The obvious land mine to avoid with captive stories is “forced seduction,” which is (blessedly) not present here. Khadin gives Laila a choice. Admittedly, not much of one – but a choice nonetheless. I’ll admit that I like my characters to have free will, and it’s in pretty short supply here. That said, while Laila’s choices might not be all that grand, Khadin wants her willing, or not at all. And certainly while the power element to their relationship is a wee bit lop-sided, the author evens the playing field somewhat by having the hero fear for his own life. It’s not like everything is sunshine and roses for this guy either!

The author handles the setting well, using some real history as a nice backdrop, while tweaking things enough to deliver a highly readable short story. It’s sexy, quick and a snappy read – which is what I want out of the Undone line. Certainly the plot isn’t going to wind every reader’s watch, but for those hungry for harem stories, this one is worth a look.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Ottoman Empire, 1565

Prince Khadin knows his days are numbered. His death could come at any moment, but even he cannot help but be distracted by the Bedouin princess he sees making a daring bid for freedom from the slave market. Even in captivity, her courage and purity attract Khadin to her as much as her beauty. Unable to resist the temptation, he takes the maiden back to the palace harem—to be brought to him at night….

Read an excerpt.

So I get an e-mail from Sybil this morning with the loaded one line, “Can you do me a favor?” Oy!  Talk about a loaded question!  So I dipped my toe in the water (“Uh, suuuurrrreeeee….”) and found it was nothing more than posting a contest.  And frankly, who better to ask about posting this contest other than the resident Harlequin Historical Undone ho here at The Pond?

Up for grabs?  A coupon code to download a free copy of Michelle Willingham‘s latest short story, Innocent In The Harem, from Harlequin Historical Undone.  Here’s the blurb:

Ottoman Empire, 1565

Prince Khadin knows his days are numbered. His death could come at any moment, but even he cannot help but be distracted by the Bedouin princess he sees making a daring bid for freedom from the slave market. Even in captivity, her courage and purity attract Khadin to her as much as her beauty. Unable to resist the temptation, he takes the maiden back to the palace harem—to be brought to him at night….

Ooooh, the Ottoman Empire!  A Prince!  A Princess!  And looking at that description, there are sure to be oodles of sexy shenanigans.

We have to turn this contest around rather quickly, so for a chance to win the free download leave a comment on this blog post and tell me – what setting would you like to see more of in historical romances? A winner will be drawn on Friday, June 25.

See, I told you this would be a quickie….

ETA: This contest is now over, and the winner has been notified.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of An Accidental Seduction by Michelle Willingham
Historical romance short story ebook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Jan 2010

I’ve often said that the short story Harlequin Historical Undone line is like a gateway drug.  I read them because they’re quick, sexy reads, and often times I find myself getting sucked into a series or trying full-length novels by new-to-me authors.  This latest from Michelle Willingham is a prequel to her February Harlequin Historical release, An Accidental Countess, and introduces us to the romantic couple.

Emily Barrow is the daughter of a Baron, but thanks to family scandal her situation is rather dire.  Firmly on the shelf, she’s living a hand to mouth existence at the family country estate.  It’s so bad that she’s let all the servants go, and most of the furniture is gone, either having been sold off, or used as fire wood.  In fact, that’s what Emily is doing at the start of this story.  She’s out trying to split wood so she’ll have heat for the night.  That’s where childhood friend, and unrequited love, Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore finds her.

Emily tries to snow the man, but she doesn’t fool him.  Emily is too thin, wearing little more than rags, and while she maybe holding her head high, things have gotten very bad indeed.  Stephen is determined to protect her.

What follows is a story in the vein of Cinderella.  Nice, smart, resourceful girl, who has been cast aside by her useless relations gets rescued by handsome prince.  It’s straight-up rescue fantasy all the way.  Normally the sort of story that gets on my last good nerve, but Emily carries the day by not being one of those Victorian misses who meekly sits in the corner waiting for Prince Charming to arrive on the scene.  Of course she’s living hand to mouth, and things are anything but rosy, but bless her heart – she’s trying and doing the best she can.

Since this is a prequel, the author has to hold some of her cards back for the full-length novel that features the same romantic couple.  At that end, as a stand-alone story, this one isn’t perfect.  The happily-ever-after is extremely reserved, and one is left with the impression that Stephen and Emily are together, not so much because of true love, but because she needs a knight in shining armor, and he needs a wife who doesn’t annoy the crap out of him to get his matchmaking mama off his back.  But the story does end in a nice spot that sets the reader up with the hope that these two crazy kids are eventually going to realize how hopelessly in love with each other they are.  It’s not the best stand-alone tale, but as a prequel, it’s top-notch.  Now I’m really looking forward to reading An Accidental Countess.

Grade: B-

Summary:
Emily Barrow once dreamed that she could marry Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore, and be saved from her dreary life. Then Stephen’s father sent him away, leaving Emily broken-hearted…

Now Stephen has returned to find Emily destitute and alone. He has vowed to help her without compromising her honor…but Emily has other ideas. She doesn’t want his charity, but she does long to know what it would be like to take him as a lover, even if marriage is out of the question. Confined to close quarters with their passion burning as brightly as ever, will Stephen be able to resist the temptation and rescue her, or give in to his desire and completely ruin her?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Taming Her Irish Warrior (The MacEgan Brothers #5) by Michelle Willingham
Historical romance released by Harlequin Historical 01 Oct 2009

Michelle Willingham continues her Irish medieval series about the MacEgan brothers with this latest entry, featuring the youngest of the lot, Ewan.  I’ll admit I have a huge soft spot for younger brother romance heroes with a need to “prove themselves” to their older siblings (siblings that usually tend to cast long shadows).  Ewan fits that mold, and while I found him appealing at times, his stubborn nature, coupled with the equally stubborn heroine didn’t always make the romance sing for me.

Ewan is the youngest of five brothers, and while the oldest one is a King, Ewan’s prospects are pretty slim.  It’s imperative that he weds a lady of means, preferably one with some land to her name.  He sets his sights on Lady Katherine of Ardennes.  Unfortunately for him, Katherine has the kind of beauty (and dowry) that inspires a number of suitors.  As a lowly younger son, one with few prospects, he’s got his work cut out for him.

Katherine’s older sister, Honora St. Leger has already survived one disastrous marriage.  After her husband dies, she finds herself thwarting the unwanted advances of her odious son-in-law.  So she returns home to her father and sister to regroup.  For years Honora has secretly honed her fighting skills among her father’s warriors.  In fact, it was Ewan who helped to train her.  She wants to rid the poor peasants of her vile son-in-law, but to do so she needs to raise an army.  There’s also the small matter that the villain terrifies her.  On top of that, her father is pressuring her to remarry, which Honora would rather be skinned alive than do.  That is until Ewan shows up.  He’s there hoping to win the hand of her properly feminine sister, and Honora knows she lacks everything he needs in a proper wife.  So how come these two cannot stay away from each other?  And what will they do with the villain comes calling?

There are a lot of potential pitfalls in the story that will likely turn off some readers.  For one, we have the heroine who likes to disguise herself as a man and play warrior woman.  Then we have a hero who is wooing one sister while lusting after the other.  It all sounds a bit….distasteful.  For the most part Willingham does a good job working the angles.  Chicks in pants playing with swords can annoy, but it fits Honora’s personality well.  Once determined to prove herself to a father who had little use for her, she now welcomes her skills as a means to protect herself – which come in especially handy during the course of her marriage.  Where this story stumbles a bit is with the conflict revolving around Ewan’s wooing of Katherine.

It’s very apparent early on that Ewan is smitten with Honora.  She infuriates him, puzzles him, vexes him, and she drives him totally mad with lust.  As the reader, this is very easy to see and understand.  Unfortunately it takes Ewan a while to realize it.  From a historical standpoint, I get it – making a good marriage match was everything, especially if you were a younger brother with little to no prospects.  He needs an heiress for a wife.  He needs the land, the dowry, the whole deal if he wants any sort of semi-comfortable life for himself and his future children.  So it’s easy to understand why he doesn’t throw Katherine over within the first 50 pages, but it does drag on for the bulk of the novel.  And then there’s the small matter of Honora pushing him away because she’s not what he needs, never mind she’s exactly what he wants.  It was kind of sick actually.  “Darling, I know you lust after me, but go!  Go marry my sister!”

Ultimately something happens that forces their hand, Ewan has to finally make his choice, and the villain must be dealt with.  Still, the couple keeps tap-dancing around their feelings for each other, and the belief that neither is what the other one needs continues to linger.  By this point I found myself getting a bit exasperated with them both.

Willingham continues to write interesting medievals, and it’s to her credit that she delivers a readable story featuring plot devices that generally are harder sells for me.  If you’re a reader who is a sucker for a chick in pants or heroes who start out the story wooing another woman?  This one will surely deliver what you crave.

Grade: C+

Summary:

When did Ewan MacEgan grow to be so overwhelmingly strong and disarmingly sexy? He intends to wed Honora St. Leger’s demure sister—but why should that matter to her? Honora would rather wield a sword than a mending needle and, as a widow, she knows there is little pleasure in the marriage bed….

Ewan MacEgan has set his sights on a wealthy bride but, tantalizingly, he finds himself drawn to the forbidden Honora! One touch and he is longing to awaken her sensuality, for he suspects she will be as passionate in bed as she is on the battlefield!

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Warrior’s Forbidden Virgin by Michelle Willingham
Historical romance short story ebook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Sept 2009

Michelle Willingham is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for the Harlequin Historical line, and with her second Undone short story, she’s one step closer to landing on my auto-buy list.  Alright, I’ll admit – it doesn’t exactly hurt her cause any that she has written one of my very favorite types of heroes in this story

Sir Ademar of Dolwyth is a very handsome and skilled knight.  Unfortunately he’s not terribly outgoing with the ladies, and has trouble formulating this thoughts into speech.  Part of the reason is that he’s painfully shy, the other part being that his father branded him a dimwit from a very young age.  He’s madly in love with Lady Katherine or Ardennes, and has traveled a long way to throw his hat in the ring of potential suitors.  Too bad she’s in love with someone else.

Katherine fancies herself in love with Ewan MacEgan.  However, he’s in love with her older sister Honora.  Katherine feels betrayed, to say the least.  She’s bitter, angry, but clearly sees the truth written all over Ewan’s face.  He loves her sister, not her.  In her despair she’s wandering around the battlements in the rain when Ademar happens upon her.  He wants to comfort her, but the words won’t come.  Instead of sending him away, she asks him to stay.

What follows is Katherine realizing that her “love” for Ewan was nothing more than a crush, and her seeing Ademar for who he truly is.  A good, brave man, who would lay down his own life to protect and love her.  I’m a complete and total sucker for a shy romance hero who is unsure of his worthiness for the heroine, and on that score I fell hook, line and sinker for Ademar.  I was ready to run away with him myself before I was even past the first few pages.  Katherine took some time to grow on me, mostly because she was pining for another man, and there were moments where I felt like she was using Ademar – but ultimately she comes around and realizes what a wonderful guy he is.

This story actually runs parallel to Willingham’s upcoming full-length Harlequin Historical, Taming Her Irish Warrior, which tells the story of Ewan’s and Honora’s romance.  While I have yet to read it, this short story reads like it literally could have been dropped in the middle of that book if the author didn’t have to adhere to a word count for the HH line.  As it is, this story stands alone very well, and gives the reader a taste of what the full-length novel will be like, which will surely entice a fair number of readers.

Grade: B

Summary:

Sir Ademar of Dolwyth does not think beautiful Lady Katherine of Ardennes would ever consider him for her husbandespecially since she is in love with someone else! But when Katherine’s heart is broken, Ademar is there to offer her comfort…and passion. For though the Norman knight cannot tell Katherine how he feels, he can show her without using any words at all….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Viking’s Forbidden Love Slave by Michelle Willingham
Historical romance eBook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 1 Nov 08

Every now and then I run across a discussion online about the sad state of the Alpha hero. Where have all those heroes from the bygone era of the 1980s gone? You know, the guys that were barely housebroken? Well, I’m happy to report that Michelle Willingham’s short story of the Harlequin Historical Undone line should make Alpha-hero-loving readers’ hearts flutter. Heck, even I was swooning by the end of it, and that’s out of character.

After a long, hard winter with people starving to death, Aisling O’Brannon, a chieftain’s daughter, finds herself taken captive by a Norse warrior. This brute has spirited her away to his home and has plans to hand her over to his vile king. While escaping his clutches will be a daunting task, Aisling is not about to go gently into that good night.

Tharand Hardrata is a feared warrior, even among his own people. His younger sister is currently residing in the king’s castle, and wanting to rescue her, he figures he can trade her for the beautiful Irish captive. Unfortunately, he finds himself drawn to Aisling’s spirit and beauty. He desires her, but figures she despises him. So imagine his surprise when she responds to his touch. Too bad it changes nothing. He must rescue his sister.

The spirited female captive succumbing to her captor’s charms is about as politically incorrect as it gets. This is normally not the type of story that works for me, but after I locked my inner feminist in a closet, I found myself really enjoying this story. It also helped tremendously that Willingham avoids the pitfall of “forced seduction,” and Aisling willingly responds to Tharand’s ministrations. Scorching chemistry doesn’t hurt matters either.

The ending is a bit abrupt. The romance is tied together, readers get a happy ending, and the conflict is resolved. However, if readers wish to know what happens to Aisling’s brothers, they will need to read her November Harlequin Historical release, Her Warrior Slave.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Aisling Ó Brannon should hate the Vikings who raided her village…especially after she’s captured as a gift for King Magnus by warrior Tharand Hardrata. But while her head says one thing, her body says quite another. Her attraction to the fierce and forbidding warrior cannot be ignored…even though she’s intended for another man’s bed.

Tharand has vowed not to conquer Aisling, saving her for the king instead. But the beautiful Irish noblewoman awakes a powerful desire in him. He can’t stop himself from arousing her, bringing her to the peak of pleasure while trying to honor his promise. As they near Magnus’s domain, Tharand’s restraint is tested beyond endurance. Soon he must choose: please his king…or keep his captive love-slave for himself.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Readers, ever lament that they don’t publish medieval romances like they used to?  Are you like me and ever wondered why Ireland isn’t used as a setting for historical romances more?  Well have no fear, because Michelle Willingham is busy killing two birds with one stone!  And with her latest novella for the Harlequin Historical Undone line, she’s hit the jackpot with a title that would make any Harlequin Presents author weep with jealousy.  In honor of it’s release, Michelle stopped by the pond to give us the scoop behind her story’s inspiration.

Upon a trip to Dublin two years ago, I had visited the archaeological museum in order to research medieval artifacts. But while inside, I found an amazing display of Viking lore. With further reading, I learned that a Norse King, Magnus the Barefoot, attempted to take over Dublin in 1101. Such a daring move made him a fascinating historical figure, and as I plotted my Viking story, I imagined that such a king might indeed be a ruthless and an interesting foe for a Viking warrior.

One of the more tragic stories that I learned about was the massacre at Dunmore Cave, in Kilkenny. During a Viking raid, over 1000 of the Irish were killed, including women and children. The tribesmen and women fled to the cave, where they were caught and killed. It led me to understand the fear that the Irish held for these raids, and how a young woman might feel if a Viking warrior took her.

The Viking’s Forbidden Love-Slave tells the story of Tharand Hardrata, a member of the Norse warrior class who steals an Irish noblewoman from her clan. He intends to trade Aisling Ó Brannon for his sister’s life, after she was taken by King Magnus. If Aisling succeeds in pleasing the king with her body, Tharand believes Magnus will let his sister go. But the Irish captive enslaves him with a pleasure he’d never before known.

Fortunately for my heroine Aisling, Tharand is a man of honor, and with each forbidden moment they share, she learns how very different he is from the stories she heard of Viking warriors, long ago. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be carried off by an amazingly hot Viking, then I hope you’ll enjoy this fantasy story!

At the end, Aisling asks Tharand to help her discover what happened to her brothers during the Norse raid. Readers can learn about both brothers in Her Warrior Slave, the story of Kieran Ó Brannon, which is on sale now from Harlequin Historicals.

Readers, for more behind-the-scenes details, be sure to visit Michelle’s fabulous website.

by Michelle Styles
The end of September and beginning of October has been taken up with doing workshops for the National Year of Reading, writing and helping my eldest navigate the shoals of applying to universities. Why oh why was it so much easier when I was a student? And why did I think going on holiday at this time of year was a good one — Sorrento, Italy in case anyone is interested.

The BIG news is that November sees that launch of Harlequin Historical Undone. This is a short ebook line and is HH’s most sensual series yet. I was able to catch up with the four launch authors and find out more. Libertine Lord, Pickpocket Miss author Bronwyn Scott said:

The Undone e-book series is a great opportunity to take Harlequin Historical into the electronic age and reach a new population of reader. It’s also a great chance to show readers how much historical romance has changed over the past two decades.

Nicola Cornick added:

I’m very excited about the whole concept of the Harlequin Historical Undone e-books because I love reading and writing hot historical short stories! My launch title, The Unmasking of Lady Loveless, is a humorous and very sexy Regency tale and I’m really looking forward to reading the other launch stories too–they sound fabulous!

Michelle Willingham (whose entry, The Viking’s Forbidden Love-Slave, is connected to her full length novel Her Warrior Slave) explained:

I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Harlequin Historical Undone launch. The new line is meant to be short, very sexy historical stories that sweep you away, and when I wrote my story, I intended it to be pure fantasy. I have three children, all under the age of seven, and there are times in my life, when I desperately need an escape!

And finally, Amanda McCabe said:

I’m so excited to be part of the launch of the Undone line of ebooks for Harlequin! There are always stories I have a hard time letting go of when I reach “The End,” and my full length Harlequin Historical January 09 book High Seas Stowaway was one. I loved the setting (the Caribbean in the 1530s) and the characters–and I wondered what Carlos de Alameda’s story was. He seemed so mysterious and dangerous! In my Undone Shipwrecked and Seduced, I got to find out what that story was, and revisit Santo Domingo with the heroine Maria (a maidservant masquerading as a contessa). It was great fun to create a fantasy for her–and myself. I hope to get to do more of these stories in the future, and that readers enjoy them, too!

Across the pond, Mills & Boon is now releasing all of its front list as ebooks. You may purchase them through the Mills & Boon website.

Entering Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction writing contest proved a winner for Lynn Raye Harris. After being awarded an editor for a year, working hard on revisions, she received the Call in October. Her book, Spanish Magnate, Red Hot Revenge, will be released in North America next summer.

The winner of the Feel the Heat competition was Lucy Roberts and she will now work with an editor. Fingers crossed that she is able to emulate Lynn.

November also sees the re-release of Ida Cook’s (aka Mary Burchill) autobiography Safe Passages (previously published as We Followed Our Stars). For those who are not familiar with her life story. Ida Cook and her sister used the proceeds from Ida’s romance writing to help rescue Jewish people from Nazi Germany. There is a new foreword as well as some previously unpublished photographs. Besides writing well beloved romances for Mills and Boon, Ida Cook was a true heroine in her own right.

The Christmas season at Harlequin/Silhouette always starts in October/November. I love Christmas themed books. Harlequin Historical has two anthologies out this season: The Magic of Christmas by Carolyn Davidson, Victoria Bylin and Cheryl St John and One Candlelit Christmas with stories by Julia Justiss, Annie Burrows and Terri Brisbin.

Until next month, when hopefully there will be news about Harlequin’s upcoming 60^th anniversary celebration as well as more on the holiday season, Happy Reading!

by Michelle Willingham

I’ve always loved medieval settings, particularly anything Celtic. When “Braveheart” hit the theaters, I was mesmerized by Mel Gibson in a kilt (What’s not to like?). I was also traumatized when the heroine of the movie died within the first hour. Although it became the driving motivation for the character of William Wallace, my writer’s brain kept wondering, “What if Murrin had lived?”

It would have been a historical romance, that’s what. And like any lover of historicals, I grew up on Scottish medievals. Whether reading a time travel by Karen Marie Moning or a Jude Deveraux medieval, I scarfed them up like chocolate. When I had the chance to visit Ireland for the first time, I fell hopelessly in love with the country. I stood atop the ruins of a medieval abbey and pictured an Irish warrior rescuing his own maiden from the marauding Normans.

That was the beginning of my Irish medieval mini-series, the MacEgan Brothers. At first, many publishers didn’t want to take a chance on medieval Ireland. Medieval Scotland, yes. But Ireland? Thankfully the editors at Harlequin Mills and Boon were more than willing to take a look. And though my sexy warriors wear trews (leggings) instead of kilts, they still wield swords and fight for their women.

There were some differences between Ireland and other medieval settings. For one, castles weren’t part of the landscape until the 12th century. Fortresses were called ringforts and the Norman invaders built ringwork structures. Usually these were based atop a hillside with a ditch or fosse, and a wooden palisade wall kept out wild animals or invaders. Eventually, as the Norman influence spread, some of the nobility began constructing wooden and then stone castles. Ironically, one of the Irish castles I visited for my research, Trim Castle, was where several “Braveheart” scenes were filmed.

There were also artificial islands called crannogs. I visited a re-enactment village at Craggaunowen, near Shannon, Ireland, that boasted its own crannog. The structure had a long bridge leading to a ringfort surrounded by water. Inside were thatched stone huts, and the interior was much more primitive than I’d ever imagined. Even so, the wild intensity of these locations inspired a multitude of stories.

Last, one interesting bit of research led me to information on fostering. Irish parents would typically send their children to a close relative after they were weaned. The children would be raised by their uncle, cousin, or a family friend. Girls were fostered until the age of thirteen and boys were fostered until seventeen. This gave girls the opportunity to meet future husbands at a different tribe or clan, while boys could make alliances with other branches of their family. And while I’ve often dreamed of shipping my children off to a distant relative for a few years, I can’t imagine living without them for that length of time. It was a medieval custom, however, and one that provided a way for me to write an unusual secret baby plot, in The Warrior’s Touch.

Today’s guest is Michelle Willingham. She has published 3 books in her medieval MacEgan family series (Her Irish Warrior, The Warrior’s Touch, Her Warrior King) and will have one that tells the tale of where it all begin in November 2008.

It is titled Her Warrior Slave, and is the story of a MacEgan ancestor, Kieran. Michelle will go into the origins of the MacEgan clan and she thinks you might be surprised how they began.

I haven’t had the chance to get more info yet but hopefully she will be by sometime (hey she has the whole month or really whenever) to give us more details! Until then here is the summary and excerpt to her January Harlequin Historical and do check out the info after the excerpt on what she will be working on next.

Her Warrior King by Michelle Willingham

Blackmail forced Patrick MacEgan into marriage—although he could not be forced to bed his Norman bride. But Isabel de Godred was as fair as she was determined to be a proper wife….

She wished to help her proud warrior king with the burden of his responsibilities. As queen, she could aid an alliance between their people. As wife, she longed to comfort him, for when alone, they could put aside war and be but man and woman….

E-X-C-E-R-P-T

Chapter One

England, 1170

Every woman considered stealing a horse and running away on her wedding day, didn’t she?

Isabel de Godred fought the restlessness building within her. It was her duty to obey her father. She understood it, even as she clenched the crimson silk of her kirtle and eyed the stables.

In her heart, she knew an escape was futile. Even if she did manage to leave the grounds, her father would send an army after her. Edwin de Godred was not known for his tolerance. Everything was done according to his orders, and woe to anyone who disobeyed.

The marriage might not be so bad, part of her reasoned. Her betrothed could be an amiable, attractive man who would allow her the freedom to run his estates.

She closed her eyes. No, highly unlikely. Otherwise Edwin de Godred would have paraded the suitor before her, boasting about the match. She knew little about him, save his Irish heritage and rank.

“Are you ready, my lady?” her maidservant Clair asked. With a conspiratorial smile, she added, “Do you suppose he’s handsome?”

“No. He won’t be.” Toothless and aging. That’s how the man would look. Panic boiled inside her stomach, and Isabel’s steps felt leaden. Her rash escape plan was looking more and more promising.

“But surely—”

Isabel shook her head. “Clair, Father wouldn’t even let me meet the man at our betrothal. He’s probably half-demon.”

Her maid crossed herself and frowned. “I heard he’s one of the Irish kings. He must be wealthy beyond our imaginings.”

“He isn’t the High King.” And thank the saints for that. Though she might rule over the tribe, at least she did not have the burden of ruling a country. As they walked down the wooden staircase outside the castle donjon, she wondered how Edwin had arranged a betrothal in such a short time. He’d gone to aid the Earl of Pembroke’s campaign only last summer.

“If I could, I’d take your place,” Clair mused with a dreamy smile.

“And if I could, I’d give him to you.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.

Isabel’s imagination conjured up a monster. The man must be unbearable to require such secrecy. Though she knew it was unfair to pass a judgment before she’d met her intended, she couldn’t help but imagine the worst.

“You’ll be mistress of your own kingdom,” Clair sighed. “Imagine it. You’re to become a queen.”

“I suppose.” And that added even more fear to the forthcoming marriage. What did she know about being a queen? She knew how to run an estate and make it profitable, but that was all.

Her father Edwin de Godred, Baron of Thornwyck, awaited her outside the chapel among a small crowd of guests and servants. Tall and thin, his graying beard and mustache were neatly groomed. He inspected her with a glance, and Isabel felt like a mare about to be traded. She resisted the urge to show her teeth for inspection.

No, it did not bother her to leave this place. But what should she expect from the Irish king? Was he kind? Cruel? Her nerves wound tighter.
“Is he here?” she asked her father, staring at the men waiting near the church.

Edwin gripped her cold fingers, keeping them in a tight grasp as he escorted her to the church. “You will meet him soon enough,” he said. “My men sighted his traveling party a few hours ago.”

“I would rather have met him at our betrothal,” she muttered. Her father only grunted a response.

Isabel shivered. Until she saw this man with her own eyes, she’d not surrender her escape plans. With each step, she felt more alone. Her sisters were not here to lend their support. Edwin had not permitted it, and it had hurt more than she’d thought it would.

When they arrived in the courtyard, a well-dressed man was speaking to the priest. He had little hair, save a snowy fringe around his pate.
“Is that him?” she asked. Her father didn’t answer. He seemed preoccupied, his gaze focused into the distance.

The older man swallowed hard and wiped his palms upon the hem of his tunic. He glanced around as if searching for someone.
Isabel sent up a silent prayer, her cheeks flaming. God, please save me from this marriage, she thought, even as her father’s hand closed over her wrist.

A moment later, she heard the sound of a horse approaching. Startled, she glanced up at the heavens. “That was quick.”

“What is it?” Edwin demanded.

“Nothing.” Isabel forced a neutral expression onto her face, but the rumbling sound intensified. Her father offered a strange smile, and he motioned for the priest to wait. Moments later, the elderly man stepped among the other guests. So he was not her bridegroom.

The noise grew louder, and her father’s hand moved to his sword hilt. A few guests looked to Edwin, the women glancing around with uncertainty. The priest turned to Isabel, a questioning look on his face.

Isabel froze. There, riding toward the guests, a man emerged. His clothes were little better than rags, dried mud coating the hem of his cloak. And yet he rode a sleek black horse, a stallion worthy of a knight.

His sword was drawn, as if to cut down any man who dared oppose him. Guests scrambled to get away from the horse, several women shrieking.
Isabel’s heart leaped into her throat, but she held herself straight, refusing to scream. Instead she darted behind one of her father’s men, a soldier armed with a bow and arrows.

What was wrong with them? The men hadn’t moved, nor released a single arrow. As a single rider, the intruder was an easy target. Would no one stop him?

“Do something!” she shouted, but the soldiers ignored her.

The man drew his horse to a halt and dismounted, sheathing his sword. Isabel’s breath caught in her lungs, a strange sense of foreboding sliding over her. No. This could not be him.

Black hair flowed down his shoulders, his granite eyes burning into hers. He reminded her of a savage barbarian, bold and fearless. He wore a strange garment, a long tunic of blue that draped to his knees, and dun-colored leggings. A crimson ragged cloak hung across his shoulders, pinned with a narrow iron brooch the length of her forearm. Gold bands encircled his upper arms, denoting a noble rank.

Her father’s calm acceptance of the interruption could mean only one thing. The barbarian was her betrothed husband. Isabel bit her lip, fighting back the fear and the desire to flee.

Edwin confirmed it with his words. “Isabel, this is Patrick MacEgan, King of Laochre.”

She didn’t want to believe him. While the barbarian’s horse and sword suggested a high rank, the man looked as though he’d come from a battlefield rather than a throne. And where were his escorts, his servants? Kings did not travel alone. Her suspicions darkened.

The king dismounted, and Isabel kept a clear eye on his horse. Now, more than ever, she longed to escape. Perhaps she could seek sanctuary in the abbey. There was a slim chance she might make it.

“You are Lady Isabel de Godred?” he asked. The lilting accent in his voice sounded foreign in the Norman tongue.

“I am.” She stared at the man. “Is this the way you usually arrive at a wedding? By trying to kill the guests?”

“Isabel,” her father warned. She stilled her voice, fighting back the fear that pounded inside her. His steel eyes studied her dispassionately, and her gaze shifted to his hands. He could tear her apart with them, no doubt.

The barbarian king blinked a second. The fierce expression returned to his face. “Let us get the deed done.”

Not if she could help it. He wasn’t at all half-demon. Full-blooded demon, more like. If she ever intended to make an escape, now was her only opportunity.

Isabel dashed toward MacEgan’s horse. She gripped the saddle, trying to haul herself atop the creature before strong arms surrounded her like a shield. Sinewy muscles possessed her in a prison of strength.

Though she fought him, the king lifted her down as though she weighed no more than a fly. He kept her pinioned against his chest. His body heat warmed her cool skin, and the top of her head reached just below his shoulders. In his stance, she could feel the caged fury.

“I cannot wed you,” she insisted. This was not the sort of amiable husband who would sit upon a throne and let her handle the household. He was the sort of man who would lock her in chains and feed her body to the crows.

No one listened to her protests. Father Thomas began murmuring the words to the marriage rite. The king took her hand in his, and blood roared in Isabel’s ears.

This could not be happening. This man would steal her away from her homeland, to the island of Erin where she had no family. She’d never see her sisters again. Pain twisted within her skin, and she held back tears.

His hand squeezed hers tighter, and she caught the warning look. Anger rose up within her, permeating and harsh. What had she done to be punished with a husband such as this?

The priest was waiting for her vow. Isabel shook her head and her throat closed up. “I will not wed you.”

“You’ve no more choice than I, a chara.”

Isabel tried to break free of him, but Patrick overpowered her. “You wish to have your freedom, do you not?”

She made no reply. What did he mean?

“Agree to this marriage, and it shall be yours.”

She did not believe him. Every inch of this man was uncivilized. Her father sent her an icy glare. “Look around you, Isabel. If you do not wed the King of Laochre, there is none other who will have you. What man desires a disobedient wife? You bring shame upon yourself.”

Hot tears gathered in her eyes but Isabel held her ground. The wedding guests appeared uncomfortable.

Patrick softened his grip upon her wrist. Lowering his voice, he brought his mouth to her ear. His breath made her shiver.
“Your father holds the lives of my people under his control: men, women, and children. The only way to save them is if I wed you. And wed you I shall, a chara, be assured of it.”

A single tear slid free, staining her cheek. The truth broke through, unwanted. Her father’s conquest in Erin had made her into a bargaining pawn, her own wishes meaningless. This was a political alliance, and the king’s rigid expression made it clear he would not accept a refusal.

Was he telling the truth? Would children and women die if she refused? She turned and studied her father. In his eyes she saw no mercy.
She looked closer at Patrick MacEgan. Past the anger she saw exhaustion. And a hint of sadness. If he was right, if innocents would die without her acceptance . . . She closed her eyes, knowing she could not escape her fate. In that moment the chains of obligation tightened around her.

When the priest asked for her vow again, she forced herself to nod aye. Within moments, the rite had ended. Her husband brushed a kiss of peace upon her cheek, and Isabel clenched her teeth to keep from screaming.

All throughout the Mass, Patrick kept her hand imprisoned in his. She barely heard the priest’s words, her head spinning with disbelief. So fast. Wedded to a man she didn’t know, a king who lived a world apart from her homeland.

Afterwards, they walked into the inner bailey. Isabel’s stomach roiled at the scent of the wedding feast prepared. Peacocks, a roasted pig, and all manner of exotic fare awaited them. She couldn’t imagine touching a bite of it. Celebrating was the furthest thing from her mind.

Patrick stopped in front of his horse. “We leave now. Say farewell to your father for you will not see him for a long time.”

His command caught her unawares. “But my belongings and dowry,” she protested. “The wagons—”

“We’ll send for them later.”

Isabel cast a glance toward Edwin de Godred. No longer did she see the face of her father, a man she had tried desperately to please. Now she saw a man willing to sell her into marriage with the Devil, should it further his own ambitions.

Her father moved forward. “You cannot depart until the marriage is consummated.”

“I have met our agreement.” Patrick’s expression hardened, and his palm moved down to the hollow of her spine. Isabel stiffened at the mark of possession. “You need not doubt the rest. But it will be on my terms, not yours.”

Lord Thornwyck deliberated before at last handing over a scroll of sealed parchment. “If she is not carrying an heir by the time I return to Laochre, I will require evidence that she is no longer a virgin.”

Isabel’s face burned with mortification. Now it seemed they viewed her as a brood mare. Terror lanced her at the idea of submitting to the Irish king. Though he’d granted her a reprieve from the ceremonial bedding, she had no doubt he would want to share her bed later this night. Her skin prickled beneath the touch of his hand upon her body. The awareness of him only heightened her fears.

“At Lughnasa, we’ll expect you,” Patrick replied. He did not await a response, but lifted her atop his horse. He swung up behind her, spurring the stallion into a gallop.

The horse raced onward while strong arms confined her in an iron grip. Neither her father, nor his men, made any move to stop him. Isabel’s last thought was, God, this was not what I meant when I begged you to save me from this marriage.

From the book Her Warrior King
Copyright © 2007 by Michelle Willingham
® and ™ are trademarks of the publisher.

In other non-medieval news Michelle will be publishing a Victorian in 2009.

Wedded to the Enemy

Stephen Carrington, the earl of Whitmore, has no memory of the past three weeks of his life. When he awakens at his country home, he discovers he has a wife and two children. Or does he?

Emily Carrington would rather be dead than married to Lord Whitmore. But she has two children to support and a secret scandal she longs to forget. One matter is quite clear–she’ll never be a true wife to him, no matter how Stephen fights to win her heart.

You can check out an excerpt here. I would not be shocked if it didn’t change some because I don’t think the copy edits have been done but this is on her site. In fact you should go play around on her site… lots of great details on her books and some fun facts – she even has a blog.