Welcome to Feature Friday with Elsie Cyr and her new release Siege of the Heart from Kensington.
BLURB:
He fought for king and country, but that battle is nothing compared to the one he’ll wage for a woman’s heart.
Still reeling from the news of her father’s death during the Norman Conquest, Isabel Dumont is unprepared when trouble arrives at the castle gates. Alexandre d’Èvreux, a Norman knight with close ties to England’s new king, has arrived to secure the land and the loyalties of the Dumont family. Desperate to protect her people, Isabel strives to keep the confounding knight at arm’s length and hide the truth about her father’s death.
For Alexandre, the spoils of war come with more than just a generous gift of land. They come with Isabel Dumont. Vowing to marry only for love, Alexandre finds himself in a difficult situation as a conqueror granted dominion over the land and its people. Isabel is the one person capable of helping him win the regard of those living in the war-torn country…if he chooses to accept her.
Just when Alexandre finds a spark of hope that he and Isabel have a chance at love, she vanishes. His quest to find her plunges him deeper into the conquest’s fallout. Was she taken? Or did she leave?
CONTENT WARNING: Entering into this novel may cause extreme affection toward knights of old, admiration for strong-willed women, and the overwhelming belief that love really can conquer all.
Excerpt from Siege of the Heart
December 1066 Northern Gloucestershire, England
At least she now knew the truth.
It was little comfort though, as Isabel Dumont watched the messenger ride out of the bailey. She let out a breath, a feathery cloud on the cold air. The messenger had declined her offer of hospitality, and she did not ask him to reconsider. Instead, she had seen to it his horse was watered and had pressed a gold piece into his palm to ensure his silence.
Snow had threatened all morning. Now it fell around her in fat flakes, but she did not move. She did not think she could. Her limbs felt heavy, almost waterlogged. Like the time Julien had knocked her headfirst into the river in a moment’s foolishness. And then pulled her back to shore.
That had been ages ago. Her brother’s message now had the same effect, leaving her winded and frozen in place.
Captain Thomas, who handled the training of Father’s men-at-arms, stamped his feet beside her. “My lady, if you wish it, I will make the announcement—”
“No!” The word ripped through her chest and rang in her ears. “No. You will say nothing. To anyone.”
His eyes widened. “But this cannot be kept secret.”
His disapproving tone cut through the numbness that suddenly filled her. She twisted away from him and looked out past the gates. The graying countryside swallowed all sign of the messenger. If only his words were as easy to erase.
“Your father—” Captain Thomas began.
She balled her hands into fists. “Do not say it,” she whispered.
Captain Thomas shook his head. “I must. Your father is not coming home. I know it was not the news you hoped for, but Julien’s message…”
He lifted a hand toward her shoulder, and she gave him a sharp look. He stopped mid-motion, his fingers dangling awkwardly, before resting his hand on his belt. She turned on her heel.
Captain Thomas hastened after her. “Wait!”
She wrapped her woolen mantle more securely around herself. She would not discuss it further. She could not. Not when she could scarcely think.
“My lady, please—”
She slipped her hand to the hilt of her sword—one of her father’s cast-offs—and the brush of the leather-wrapped handle against her palm made it easier to rein in her breathing. “You said there were reports of the Welsh attacking tenant farms to the west?”
“Yes. I was going to have Kendrick and some of the other men scout the area, but—”
“Good. I will join them. Tell the men to make ready.”
Captain Thomas’s mouth tightened. For a moment she thought he would disobey her, but he slowly turned toward the castle to do as she bade. Lord Bernard Dumont, thane to the king, had fallen. Now it fell to her to ensure the safety of the Dumont lands. Captain Thomas, of all people, should know what that meant.
Isabel thrust a bow and quiver of arrows from the armory over her shoulder and ducked into the stables, waving off the groom before he assisted her. She led her mount outside and fastened the leather saddle straps. Hardwin flinched when she drew them too tight and kicked his hind leg out in protest.
“Shh. I am sorry, boy.” She ran her hands over his sleek flanks. “I was careless.”
Kendrick and four more trusted men-at-arms filed out of the stables. Strong, steadfast men who should have been fighting by her father’s side in York. Not ordered behind to protect her.
Her father…
Isabel took a deep breath and pulled herself into the saddle. Captain Thomas’s gray head appeared next to Hardwin.
He tugged on her stirrup. “My lady, I must protest.” He threw a glance at the other men and kept his voice low, his lips barely moving as he glared up at her. “I am responsible for your welfare.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. Her welfare was the least of her concerns. She turned to the fair-haired Kendrick. “Ready?”
He nodded. If he observed her exchange with Captain Thomas, he gave no sign of it as he ordered the other riders ahead.
She pressed her heels into Hardwin’s sides. Captain Thomas trotted along with them, the stubborn man still clinging to the leather stirrup. She grimaced but kept her horse’s speed in check.
“Isabel…”
Before Captain Thomas had the chance to chastise her again, she leaned down as far as she could without losing her seat. “I need this,” she said through her teeth. “Can you not understand?”
His hand dropped away. She spurred her horse and did not look back.
About Elise Cyr
What is your Latest Obsession? I’m chomping at the bit for the third season of Elementary to start. Lucy Liu’s feminist take on Dr. Watson is fantastic, and I have always loved Johnny Lee Miller, whether he was playing Sickboy in Trainspotting or the hero in Jane Austen adaptations.
Who is your Secret Crush? Well, this might not be a complete secret, but I love Jason Statham. Something about his chiseled face, warm eyes, and that accent! I’ll watch any movie he’s in, even if his latest action movies are getting a bit repetitive at this point.
Shoes? Purses? or Jewelry? Shoes. Whether it’s cute sandals that show off my pedicure or boots that look great any season, I love footwear. My closet is full of shoes, much to the annoyance of my husband.
Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Or something else? I usually need something caffeinated to start the day. Coffee works the best, but I love exploring all the different flavors tea comes in. Plus on cold days, nothing warms me better than a mug of tea.
What was your Best Vacation Ever? This past summer, my husband and I went to Ibiza, Spain. It’s this island in the Mediterranean, with beautiful beaches, all the tapas and cava you can ask for, and an ancient walled city that overlooks the sea. We had a fantastic time.
Favorite Music to Write to? I often find song lyrics distracting, so I rely on classical music and movie soundtracks. They’re great for really sweeping me up into whatever story I’m writing.
One food item grosses you out to eat? Bananas. My mom didn’t like them either, so they were never around growing up. Unfortunately, my husband loves them. I’ve gotten to the point where I can buy them at the grocery store, but I have to leave the room when he eats them—the smell makes me instantly nauseous.
BIO
Elise Cyr has always loved adventure, romance, and happy endings. She writes primarily in the medieval period. Because there’s still so much we don’t know about that time in history, the writer’s imagination is essential for fleshing out the research and making it come to life on the page. Plus swords and castles are just plain fun. She lives in New Mexico with her husband and the sweetest dog ever. When she’s not writing, she hikes, bikes, cooks, and (of course) reads. Siege of the Heart is her debut medieval romance. You can follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, or check out her blog.
Links
Website: http://elisecyr.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/EliseCyr
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/elisecyr1/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/EliseCyr
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Siege-Of-Heart-Elise-Cyr-ebook/dp/B00J0FILLQ/
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/siege-of-the-heart-elise-cyr/1118940307
Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/30198