I’m sooo excited to bring you an excerpt from Protector, my Young Adult, Fantasy-Paranormal Romance releasing 7th January 2013 with Lyrical Press. It’s now left my hands and is undergoing a final read through by a line editor. So many editing cycles–but, wow, I’ve loved them all. I’ll drop in the blurb first, but I hope the excerpt that follows leaves you eager for more.
PROTECTOR
To love and protect…across worlds.
Eighteen-year-old Faith Stryker is prepared to leap out into the unknown world beyond her home shores of New Zealand to experience life. Only she never expected to encounter Magio, a planet with two warring countries, where its people reach adulthood at eighteen by coming into their strength and prophetic abilities. Only after Faith discovers she’s a halfling–thanks to her warrior father she’s never met–does her own skill of forethought develop.
Peacio’s Prince Davio Loveria is sent to the young Faith Stryker by his grandfather, but not all goes as planned. Davio discovers Faith isn’t just a halfling, she’s also his soul-bound mate–an intense relationship he cannot, nor will not, give up.
With two wars now waging…one of land and the other of the heart…can the young lovers find their place in the world?
Okay, everyone, here’s the excerpt I’ve been eager to bring you–
Davio leaned over me, all six foot four of him, his warm honey-brown hair falling forward to curl snugly around his neck, and I longed for him, just as I had during my first sighting of him in the classroom.
“What’s happening is the bond, my mate. It will become difficult for me to keep my distance both physically and emotionally unless I leave and end this now.”
My heart hitched. “You want to leave?” I swayed closer on impulse. “Is that how this bond works? We find each other and then you leave?” God preserve his people if it did.
“No, it is not. Those mated are bonded for life if we allow the link to grow. Except that would be the most unwise choice for us to take. You are, quite clearly, neither from my country nor from my world, and as such will have no allegiance to me or my people. I have no wish to join with one who does not wish to join with me in all ways. With that being the case, I will find another when the time is right. As should you,” he added solemnly.
I frowned. Hold on–did he just say he would be joining with another woman?
I bit my tongue. That was good? I should leave it at that, right?
Jeez, what was wrong with me for questioning that choice?
“I’m sorry. We just met, and you’re right. Go find your, your–” Strangely, I struggled to get the words out and finally gave up. “Well, have yourself a nice long life, and all that.” I patted his chest roughly.
That was more like me.
The clock ticked and time slowed.
He didn’t move.
“Look at me.” He tipped up my chin, directly staring at me. “This would never work.”
“I understand. It’s been pretty awful meeting you too.” I leaned back, only to feel the pressure of his hand move around my waist to the small of my back, preventing me.
I moved to grip his arm. “Okay, you were going.”
*Nibbling my nails*. Oh boy, I hope you enjoyed that. If you did, Protector is now available to add to your read list on Goodreads, and I’ll drop the link in here for you–
www.goodreads.com/book/show/15827947-protector
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You wicked woman, leaving us hanging like that until January, lol. Guess I’ll just have to keep writing book two of my series.
Great hook,particularly in the blurb with your world building. I await January with eagerness
Chris K
Hi Chris, Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love your comment. Looooove it. 🙂
Love it!!! I do look forward to your weekly’s ; I actually save them and reread. Well January will get here soon, won’t it?
I love that you keep my weekly’s. That’s so cool. I’m honored.
that was awesome! I am ready for more!
Hi Prerna, you’ve got me smiling nice and wide. Thanks for your comment.
Hi once again Jo, Very interesting. Will certainly be following this to see where it goes, well done.
Gorgeous cover and I can’t wait to read more.
Did you really have to leave us hanging? That’s cruel!! Guess I’ll have to wait until it is released. Between you and me though he kissed her right? hehe 🙂 Looking forward to finding out!
Hi Tabitha. You made me laugh with your comment–cool, I’m so glad you liked the excerpt.
Jo I can’t believe how wonderful this book is going to be, and to keep us all hanging is really mean !!!! nooo just joking. Love ya girl always judi
Hi Judi, You’re a sweetie for leaving such a nice comment. Thank you.
Joanne, your book sounds wonderful. I will read it when it’s available and recommend it to my two oldest granddaughters ages 14 & 16. They’ll love it too. Great job!
I love that. Thank you. 🙂
I love the cover! Sounds like the book is a great read!
Thanks Sonya. I love that you left a comment, especially this one.