Medieval Monday ~ Betrayal ~ “I Have Not the Same Regard”

 

Good Morning! Welcome to the Spring 2021 Medieval Monday blog hop! The hop is our usual format: I will post my excerpt this week on my blog, then beginning next Monday, I’ll post another Medieval Monday author’s excerpt and they will post mine, plus a link where you can find excerpts from all the authors via Medieval Romance Lovers.

Our theme for the Spring is First Kiss and I’ll be sharing an excerpt from my medieval romance Betrayal, book 2 of Time Enough to Love. In this book, Alyse, the heroine, has just received the news that her betrothed lord, Sir Geoffrey Longford, has married another. As Alyse and Geoffrey had already been intimate, she is in rather a predicament.

 

Available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Kobo.

BLURB:

The worst betrayals come from within.

After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.

A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth. Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?

EXCERPT FOR WEEK #1:

He let her have another moment then continued his explanation. “It has been my honor and privilege to attend and comfort you as friend and champion, for I swore my hand to your service and now I ask only for the right and privilege to comfort you as befits the duties of a husband.”

Alyse bowed her head, unable to meet his compassionate gaze. “But, Thomas, I do not…” She paused, unsure how to say what she must. She lifted her gaze and looked earnestly into his eyes. “I hold you in the highest esteem. Your care and concern have made me see your great worth as a gentleman and a true friend and in that respect, I find your company most desirable, yet,” her cheeks heated at the intimate nature of her confession, “my feelings for you do not…I have not the same regard…” She stopped, unable to continue.

Follow along next week on Anastasia Abboud’s blog: https://www.anastasiaabboud.com/grainsofsand

For more Medieval Monday snippets, click here. And be sure to return next week for the next installment of Betrayal or grab a copy on Amazon, Smashwords, or Barnes & Noble now!

Time Enough to Love Series