Rebel Warrior by Regan Walker #Historical #Romance #Medieval #Scottish

Regan Walker will be awarding one new cashmere red tartan scarf made in Scotland (US ONLY. For a non-US winner, the prize will be a $10 Amazon GC) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

If your book were made into a movie, who would you want to play your main characters? For Catriona I would pick the Scottish actress Karen Gillan, a natural redhead. And for my English thegn’s son, Steinar of Talisand, I would pick Chris Hemsworth.

How do you come up with the titles of your books? Typically, they just come to me and speak to the story. When I had a publisher (my first six stories, all Regencies), they allowed me to keep my titles. I guess they liked them.

What does your writing space look like? Crowded by efficient. My dining room table has not served guests since I became a full time writer. It’s large and is now my office. On the table are my desktop Mac, my current research (stacks of books with yellow stickies), my 8x11 yellow tablets full of notes, my supplies, a 5x7 calendar in a frame, my favorite gum, a bottle of water, a high intensity lamp and my printer.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? I read both for pleasure and as a reviewer for Amazon, Goodreads and my own blog, Historical Romance Review. I was a reviewer before I became an author and have no trouble putting on my “reader hat”. I also like to watch period TV series like Outlander, TURN: Washington’s Spies, Marco Polo, Poldark, the Tudors, the Borgias, etc. I limit myself to 1 hour at night during dinner. Then I read till late. I can’t write at night but if I get good ideas, I write them down.

What is your favourite color? Crimson red.

What is your favourite pleasure food? Chocolate, the dark, gourmet kind.

What is your favourite season? Spring. It promises much and summer is not far behind. Of course, in San Diego where I live, any season is wonderful.

What is your favourite television show? Possibly BBC Masterpiece, but I watch series from Netflix or on DVD. I hate commercials.

What is your favourite movie? Ah, now that’s difficult. At one time it was Casablanca. Then it became Pride & Prejudice (the Matthew Macfayden version) and then my latest favorite is The Last of the Mohicans. Here’s a link to my favorite romance movies: http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/2014/02/regans-favorite-romance-movies.html

Who is your favourite actor? Also difficult. Perhaps Russell Crowe or Daniel Day Lewis or Gerard Butler, but there are so many I like.

What is your favourite song? In general it might be The Battle Hymn of the Republic (I am an American patriot) but for a love song, it might be Someone Like You by Van Morrison

What is your favourite comfort clothing attire? Leggings and a soft shirt of some kind.

What books might we find on your bedside table? At least 3 historical romances in the queue to read (I also read on Kindle) and my Bible. I read it every night, too.

Describe yourself in three words: Passionate, Courageous, Independent.

BLURB:

Scotland 1072

The Norman Conqueror robbed Steinar of Talisand of his noble father and his lands, forcing him to flee to Scotland while still recovering from a devastating wound. At the royal court, Steinar becomes scribe to the unlettered King of Scots while secretly regaining his skill with a sword.

The first time Steinar glimpses the flame-haired maiden, Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, he is drawn to her spirited beauty. She does not fit among the ladies who serve the devout queen. Not pious, not obedient and not given to stitchery, the firebrand flies a falcon! Though Catrìona captures Steinar’s attention, he is only a scribe and she is promised to another.

Catrìona has come to Malcolm’s court wounded in spirit from the vicious attack on her home by Northmen who slayed her parents and her people. But that is not all she will suffer. The man she thought to wed will soon betray her.

When all is lost, what hope is there for love? Can a broken heart be mended? Can a damaged soul be healed?

Excerpt

“Here,” he said reaching toward her, “take my hand and allow me to help you out.”

There was fire in her eyes but she took his hand while holding on to her shoes, soaked with water.

He pulled her from the stream, sodden and shivering. It was the first time they had touched and even dripping wet, the feel of her skin caused a surge of desire to course through him. The wet gown clung to her body, revealing her nipples hardened to small buds and her curves in vivid detail. Wet, she was even more alluring than before. He wanted to pull her close, to feel her softness, but instead, he merely steadied her with his hands. “Did you not see the moss that grows on the log? ’Tis quite apparent.”

Her brow furrowed. “You might have warned me.”

“You fell before I could.”

Wiping water from her face, she looked up at him. Her eyes were the green of the forest around them. Light filtering through the trees added a soft glow to her pale, damp skin. His gaze dropped to her lips, the color of wild roses. He ached to kiss them.

Bending his head, he moved his lips closer to hers.

Water suddenly dripped from her hair onto her nose, causing her to sniff and step back.

Still holding her shoes in one hand, she shivered. “I… I must look a mess.”

“Indeed not, but you are pale.” Recognizing her predicament, he said, “I wear no cloak to offer you, but I can give you the heat of my body.” Taking the shoes she carried and dropping them to the ground, he pulled her into his arms and held her against his chest, ignoring the water soaking into his tunic. Her breasts pressed into his chest, warming him as his body responded to the nearness of the woman he could not dismiss from his thoughts.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Regan Walker is an award-winning, bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. She has five times been featured in USA TODAY's HEA column and four times nominated for the prestigious RONE award (her novel, The Red Wolf's Prize won Best Historical Novel for 2015 in the medieval category).

Regan writes historically authentic novels with real history and real historic figures where her readers can experience history, adventure and love. She lives in San Diego with her Golden Retriever who she says helps her to smell the roses every day.

Links:

Rebel Warrior on Amazon:

US: http://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Warrior-Medieval-Warriors-Book-ebook/dp/B01DUWOHHQ

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Warrior-Medieval-Warriors-Book-ebook/dp/B01DUWOHHQ

Pinterest storyboard for Rebel Warrior: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/rebel-warrior-by-regan-walker/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6450403.Regan_Walker

Author website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RegansReview

 

REVIEW QUOTES:

The cover quote:

“Master storytelling transports you to medieval Scotland!” – Paula Quinn, NY Times Bestselling Author

And the others:

“Rebel Warrior is beautifully layered with true historic figures, facts and authentic history of Scotland woven into a creative and intriguing fictional story. A spectacular, riveting adventure … 5 Stars!”  –Tartan Book Reviews

“Touching and well written and my favorite by any author. The storytelling and world building are phenomenal and the romance between Steinar and Catrìona will have you cheering as well as shedding a few tears. Very well done!”     – The Reading Cafe

“Ms. Walker has written another WOW, Medieval Romance. Fast paced, action packed story of betrayal, passion, destiny, fate, healing, romance and finding peace and a HEA. Walker is a talented storyteller, who pulls readers into the story and holds them transfixed. A page turning Medieval Romance!”    – My Book Addiction

“Spellbinding and Expertly Crafted"… “The path to true love is never easy, yet Regan Walker leads the reader to an entertaining, realistic and worthy HEA. Walker’s characters are complex and well-rounded and in her hands real historical figures merge seamlessly with those from her imagination.”    – A Reader’s Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Of Love & Betrayal

Aveline de Bondeville is on the run. Determined to keep out of the hands of the cruel Raimbaut de Blois she will do whatever it takes to stay alive. And so when she finds herself in the company of Troy de Gysborne she must quickly decide if she can trust him. But can she confess to murder knowing it would mean her certain death?
 
Troy de Gysborne did the unthinkable; he tore the bonds of brotherhood and left a path of destruction in his wake. And now Troy must face those he betrayed, including the father who long ago renounced him. But to confess to the crime he committed will cost him everything. Including Aveline. But can he remain silent if it means losing the woman he loves?

 

BUY LINKS: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon AU, The Wild Rose Press, Kobo, Nook

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT - Part 1 - Of Love and Betrayal

“You cannot escape me, you murderous whore!”

Aveline remained pressed against the tree, desperate to be at one with it. Her heart rammed against her ribs, and she did not dare move, nor did she dare breath, afraid he’d be able to hear her. She glanced at the sky and caught glimpses of the moon through the lattice of leaves and branches. The shadows around her thrashed and snapped as the wind tore through the forest. She rubbed her wrists, bruised and swollen from having been tied. Her lips throbbed, and when she licked them, she tasted the saltiness of blood. Her back, still raw from the flogging, stung as sweat snaked down her spine.

 

“You are a fool if you think you can escape me!”

The fine hairs on her arms stood on end. Her knees shook. Her belly tightened. And when a twig snapped from somewhere behind, she shoved a fist into her mouth to keep from crying out. She risked a glance over her shoulder. She was greeted with only the blackness of the forest.

She felt safe pressed against the tree but knew she wasn’t. It would only be a matter of time before Raimbaut found her. She inhaled deeply. The scent of rotting leaves filled her nose. Another twig snapped and she pushed herself away from the tree, and with her arms held out in front of her, she sprinted deeper into the woods. Her booted feet skidded on moss-covered rocks, and her bare hands pushed through low-lying tree branches. She stumbled over bumpy roots and shivered as wet leaves brushed against her cheeks.

“You will hang for what you have done!”

His cruel, hellish, voice sounded near. Her heart pounded. Sweat broke over her brow, and she fought to get air into her lungs. He was right. She could keep running, but she would never escape him.

Footsteps sounded behind her. She leapt into the thick scrub and bit back a cry as a sharp twig tore at the flesh on her arm. But the pain was nothing in comparison to what she had already suffered. And would suffer if she allowed Raimbaut to recapture her.

Her hunter stopped in front of her. She could smell his pungent scent on the wind. She could see his yellowed teeth in the dull moonlight. She carefully felt around her, and when her hand landed on the solidness of a fallen tree branch, she wrapped her fingers around it.

He placed his hands on his hips as he peered at the thick scrub that was her shelter. Could he see it move as her entire body shook? Could he see the whites of her eyes? Smell her fear? He took a step toward her, and her teeth sank into her lower lip. Then he turned on his heel and headed further into the woods.

Aveline sat back on her heels as the sound of her heartbeat thrashed in her ears. Her hand shook as she wiped cold sweat from her upper lip, black spots appeared in her vision. Her nostrils flared as she bit down a primal scream. She needed to keep fleeing.

She sensed him behind her seconds before his heavy hand landed on her shoulder.

“I told you I would find you, you whore!”

Her scream was wild. In one fluid movement, she stood and swung the branch and whacked him on the side of his skull. His eyes widened, and he dropped his torch. The flame hissed and sizzled, but did not extinguish itself, as it hit the damp ground. Then he fell to the ground with a loud thump. Aveline dropped her weapon. And when he groaned, she picked up her skirts and raced into the darkness.

She did not dare look behind her. She did not dare cry out as she slipped and fell on the wet, rotting forest floor. Her chest burned, her lungs gasped for air as she fought her way through the thick undergrowth. If the devil took a human form, then it was of the man who pursued her with single-minded determination.

She raced across a clearing and came to a skidding halt as she teetered on the edge of a rocky overhang. The moonlight was not bright enough to see the ravine below. She backed away from the crumbling edge and looked wildly around. A gust of wind whipped her hair into her eyes, but she did not need to see to know he’d found her. He sounded like a bear as he charged through the scrub. Above the howl of the wind, his roar echoed through her ears.

He took slow, purposeful steps toward her. His torch glared in her eyes, and that’s when she saw the blood. On her hands. On her dress. None of it belonged to her.

“You murdered my father.”

 OF LOVE AND VENGEANCE - AVAILABLE HERE

OF LOVE AND BETRAYAL - AVAILABLE HERE

Murderess? Or just a woman trying to survive?

Aveline de Bondeville - murderess or just a woman trying to survive in the violent times that is the medieval period? That is the question.

But, before we go anywhere that particular elephant in the room, let's find out a little more about Aveline - the heroine of, Of Love and Betrayal. 

Unlike our hero, Troy, who we met HERE, Aveline doesn't come from a cast of thousands, otherwise known as family. She's an only child and her mother died when she was only eight. She lived with her step-father and to say things were hellish for her would be a slight understatement. Well, slight IS an understatement. Her step-father is not a cool dude, he's not a good guy.

In fact, it was because of her stepfather that Aveline ended up with the de Blois. Who are they? Well, they're a father and son duo you really do not want to meet in a dark alley.

But,  I digress.

Just like Troy de Gysborne, Aveline was born on 21 September 1105. I know right? They share the same birthday. Not as uncommon as you may think. I share a birthday with my sister - we're both born on 19 April, three years apart!

She has a most desirable quality to be able to forgive. Eventually. She doesn't hold grudges. She's a tough cookie. She can admit when she'd wrong. Eventually. And she can look after herself. Although, sometimes she can be a bit pigheaded about this. Others can help her - if only she was willing to accept their help.

A birthday isn't the only thing Troy and Aveline share. Like Troy, Aveline likes solitude, or at least this is what she wants people to think. Deep down, she yearns for what Troy has. A family. She wants to be someone's daughter. Someone's sister. Someone's aunt. Someone's mother. And she can have all this.

BUT...

Well, there is the slight fact she is wanted for murder. Remember the de Blois father and son duo I mentioned above? Aveline kind of killed the father, Bertram de Blois. And his son, Raimbaut wants revenge. And this dude is one of these dudes who will not stop until he get's that revenge.

Now, I feel obligated to mention here that Aveline didn't just decide to wake up one day and kill Bertram. I want to be able to tell you what happened, but, this is Aveline's story to tell. So, I'm going to leave it up to her.

So, while on the run from this angry looking dude:

Aveline finds herself in the company of Troy de Gysborne.

And they lived happily ever after!

Yeah, right.

Troy, being the guy he is, wants to do everything to protect Aveline. So he takes her back to Gysborne Castle.

Troy will do whatever it takes to protect Aveline.

And then Eudes shows up.

Who the heck is Eudes? Oh, did I not mention Aveline is married? Yeah, slight over looking of facts there.

Eudes wants her back.
Troy doesn't want to let her go.
Raimbaut is still after her blood.

And what does Aveline want? 

I'm going to let her tell you herself. But, I can reveal this little bit of information about how both she and Troy are starting to feel about each other.

But Eudes is determined to get Aveline back. 

As determined as Raimbaut is to kill Aveline?

Rock. Hard place. Oh. Em. Gee.

So, if you want to find out how all this plays out be sure to pick up your copy of, Of Love and Betrayal. COMING SOON!

In the meantime, why not read the story that started it all - Of Love and Vengeance. OUT NOW!