Title: The Heart of the Phoenix
Author: Barbara Bettis
Genre: Medieval Romance
Book Blurb:
Some call him a ruthless mercenary; she calls him the knight of her heart.
Memories
Lady Evelynn’s childhood hero is home—bitter, hard, tempting as sin. And haunted by secrets. A now-grown Evie offers friendship, but Sir Stephen's cruel rejection crushes her, and she resolves to forget him. Yet when an unexpected war throws them together, she finds love isn’t so easy to dismiss. If only the king hadn’t betrothed her to another.
Can be cruel
Sir Stephen lives a double life while he seeks the treacherous outlaws who murdered his friends. Driven by revenge, he thinks his heart is closed to love. His childhood shadow, Lady Evie, unexpectedly challenges that belief. He rebuffs her, but he can’t forget her, although he knows she’s to wed the king’s favorite.
And deadly
When his drive for vengeance leads to Evie’s kidnapping, Stephen must choose between retribution and the love he’s denied too long. Surely King John will see reason. Convict the murderers; convince the king. Simple. Until a startling revelation threatens everything.
Excerpt
“I don’t believe you heard me, Sir Stephen.” Evie’s words dripped honey. “I’m going home on orders of my brother. If the travelers Davy was to join haven’t appeared, then he can accompany me.” She shot a glance toward the youth, deep in conversation with the maid.
The back of Stephen’s neck tingled, and he clenched his hands. God’s blood, she made him so angry he longed to grab those soft arms and shake some sense into her.
“You are not remaining at the monastery, and you are not traveling to England.” His words came out in a growl. He stepped forward, and she tilted back her head to meet him eye to eye. “Must I tie you to that horse?”
She leaned in. “Just you try, Sir Stephen-the-Bully.”
He glared and crossed his arms against his chest, daring her to continue.
“Do as you think you must.” She echoed his stance, her crossed arms pushing her plump breasts higher.
Not that he noticed, blast her.
“I vow I will return the moment I’m free,” she added. “You have no authority over my movements, for you are no relative of mine.”
“And I thank God for it. How Henry has put up with you all these years I do not know. A more troublesome, contentious wi...woman I’ve never seen.”
“Did you call me a witch?”
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What’s your favorite part about being a romance author?
I love creating strong, appealing heroines and fierce, handsome heroes in exciting stories that will bring them together—at last. I’m a pushover over for a Happily Ever After.
Here’s my tip to add romance to your love life:
Although there are many delicious, delectable techniques to enliven your love life, I’ll offer practical advice. Listen to your partner. Truly listen to what he/she has to say (or doesn’t say) and respond. Just think—when someone give you his undivided attention, isn’t that sexy?
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Open internationally
Runs February 1 – 28
Drawing will be held on March 1.
Author Biography:
A former health insurance claims adjuster, a former journalist, a former English and journalism professor, Barbara Bettis plans never to be a “former” author. Now retired from teaching, she lives in Southwest Missouri where she writes, edits freelance, and spends time with her family and friends.
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