Rebel Warrior
by Regan Walker
GENRE: Historical Romance - Medieval, Scottish
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Regan Walker will be awarding one new cashmere red tartan scarf made in Scotland and an autographed print copy of REBEL WARRIOR (US ONLY. For a non-US winner, the prize will be an eBook copy of REBEL WARRIOR) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please visit GoddessFish.com to follow the tour, remember the more you comment better your chances on winning.
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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?
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Excerpt:
As they approached the last ridge where they would begin their descent to the River Clyde, instead of the quiet she expected, men’s shouts, cries of terror and women’s screams rent the air.
Urging her pony forward, she reached the crest and slid her feet to the ground. Wide-eyed, she stared into chaos fifty feet below where two longships with dragonheads carved into their stems were belching forth silver-helmed warriors wielding axes, swords and spears.
Northmen.
The longhaired raiders shouted what sounded like battle cries as they ran across the sand toward her father’s hillfort, ruthlessly cutting down her father’s men as if butchering cattle.
Men moaned as they fell, pierced through with spears and swords, grunting their last as blood spurted from their bellies.
Unarmed servants shrieked as axes sank into their backs.
Panicked women ran in all directions, shouting for their children.
Catrìona’s heart raced and her mouth gaped as she watched the unfolding terror. She gripped the seax at her waist. “A Dhia m'anam!” God preserve us! “I must go to them!”
Angus pulled her back from the crest. “Keep away from the edge lest they see ye. The bushes provide scant cover.” Grabbing up the reins of the horses, he led them away from the ridge.
“But—” She looked toward the crest, unable to see but desperate to know if her father’s men prevailed. “I want to help…”
“Ye can do nothing fer them, milady,” Angus said in a low voice as he returned to her. “Stay down. We can only await the end of it.”
Fear of the brutal Northmen warred with the desire to help those she loved. Rising panic nearly overtook her as she remembered what she had heard of Norse raids. But what help could she offer? In the face of so many bloodthirsty warriors, she would only become another victim. Angus, sworn to protect her, might die trying to prevent her death.
With the sounds of the mayhem ringing loud in her ears, Catrìona dropped to the ground and crawled on her belly to the edge of the rise, pulling her hood over her flame-colored hair to blend with the shrubs.
Angus came to join her, lying on his stomach in the grass. “Are ye certain ye want to see this?”
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Q & A with Regan Walker
What books/authors have influenced your writing?
There have been many. I love the classic historical romance authors. Kathleen Woodiwiss, Virginia Henley, Jan Cox Speas, Kathleen Givens, Heather Graham (writing many as Shannon Drake) and Penelope Williamson are among the ones I have on the shelves of my Keeper bookcase.
Tell us something you hate doing. Why?
On the list would be sitting around a crowded airport. waiting for a plane, driving in stop and go traffic and listening to a long, dull lecture. I don’t like being bored or wasting time. Generally, I’m eager to be doing something I’m passionate about.
What's your pet peeve?
In the romance area, as a reader, I have many. I even have a list: http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-readers-pet-peeves-10-that-set-me-on.html
When you are in writer mode, music or no music? If music, do you have a playlist?
Definitely music. Again, I have a list of the songs and artists on my playlist: http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/2016/06/do-you-read-or-write-to-music-by-regan.html, but I also select specific music for each book I write. For Rebel Warrior it was the soundtrack for BBC’s A History of Scotland. When I hear that music, I am now transported back to 11th century Scotland.
Have you ever had one character you wanted to go one way with but after the book was done the character was totally different?
Never. I know my characters. The scenes might be a surprise, even the ending, but my characters do no turn out differently that I imagine them.
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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
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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.
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Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the excerpt and giveaway
ReplyDeleteDarn those Normans.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
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