Welcome to the Cover Reveal of
To Love a King, sponsored by
Bewitching Book Tours!!
About the Book
(Court of Annwyn, #3)
Shona Husk
Sourcebooks Casablanca
October 7, 2014
Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Book Synopsis: To keep the balance between good and evil at the court of Annwyn, Prince Felan ap Gwyn has two weeks to marry and take the crown. But he wants more than just power—he wants love; a love he once had but was too stubborn to hold on to.
It took years for Jacqueline Ara to put her life back together after Felan abandoned her. And she doesn't want fairies back in her life—even if her heart still burns for him. With war in Annwyn looming and death bleeding into the mortal world, Felan and Jacquie will need to heal old wounds for one last gamble. It's all or nothing to save both worlds.
Book Excerpt
“We could start over.” There was that smile, the one that
could derail all of her good intentions, the one that warmed her blood like she
was standing in the sun and basking in its heat.
She knew if she lingered too long she’d get burned. “To what
end? We both know it will end badly again.”
“It doesn’t have to.”
She pulled her hand back and crossed her arms. “If I do what
you want. If I go to Annwyn and give up everything I want. Is that about
right?”
He clenched his jaw and looked away. She doubted he was
watching the sunlight on the waves.
“You would be asking me to give up my whole life.” The very
thing she’d once thought he’d do for her. It seemed neither of them was able to
make a compromise. “You could have any woman you wanted. I’m sure many would
like to be Queen of Annwyn.”
He looked back at her. “But I don’t love them.”
Her heart did an erratic dance, and spun. Her lips curved
and the words to reply automatically formed on her tongue. When she met his
gaze, the words froze. In his pale green eyes, she saw so many shadows. Love
shouldn’t be followed by so much darkness. It should make you happy, not
afraid. When she’d been around him, she’d always felt safe and loved and happy.
Even now, she was tempted to give him another chance—right up until she
remembered he was fairy and wanted her to go to Annwyn. Even now, he wasn’t
telling her everything.
“I can’t trust you.”
“I won’t take you back to Annwyn without your permission. No
tricks or glamours. Can you at least think about giving us another try?”
“It’s not us that concerns me. It’s everything else.” She
couldn’t imagine being surrounded by fairies all the time. If being in Annwyn
didn’t make Felan happy, how was she supposed to like it? She was human, not
fairy. And compared to them she would be dull and boring. A waitress couldn’t
be Queen.
“I have twelve days, Jacqui. I’m running out of time.” For a
moment, he looked tired and worn out, as if his long life was catching up with
him.
“Why twelve days?”
“The magic is failing and damaging both worlds.”
“Right.” So he’d come to her to save the world—worlds. She could barely keep her life
together. How did he expect her save the world and rule Annwyn?
“Read the paper, watch the news. Tell me what you think.” He
stood. “I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“I’m not working tomorrow.” She glanced up at him. Should
she have told him that?
“Then I’ll come to your house. Seven okay? Maybe we could go
out somewhere.”
“Like a date?” He was asking her out on a date? When had
they agreed to that? She hadn’t even agreed to see him tomorrow, and yet she
didn’t want to say no. She wanted to see what he’d do, and she wanted to know
more about Annwyn and what was happening. Would he tell her about his life in
Annwyn, the parts he’d never shared?
“Only if you want it to be.” He walked around the table and
placed a kiss on her cheek.
She turned and her lips brushed his. He smelled the way he
always had, like summer and fresh grass, as if she could close her eyes and all
her troubles would vanish on a sultry breeze. His lips were warm and tasted
like coffee.
Half a second later, she realized what she’d done and pulled
back. He gazed down at her, and for a moment she thought he was going to lean
in and kiss her properly. She realized she wanted him to. The old lust
reawakened, filling her belly with heat, and she was so tempted to fall back
into his arms and pretend everything would work out fine.
He brushed a stray curl off her face, his fingers lingering
for a moment. “Enjoy the cake.”
About the Author
Three-time ARRA finalist Shona Husk lives in Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination, she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels, and hasn't looked back. With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she writes paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi romance.
Alas not a cover that appeals to me which is a shame as quite enjoyed the excerpt you shared and yet probably wouldn't have picked the book up because of the cover. Not something I'm proud of but I'm afraid certain designs automatically put me off and I'm afraid this is one of them.
ReplyDeleteHi, Tracy!
DeleteWell, I suppose the shirtless hunk thing has been overdone by now. They should really come up with something more original. On the other hand, I am always attracted to such covers! Lol. I don't feature them that much, because, as I said, they are very common in romance fiction. Every now and then, though, I do think a shirtless hunk is just the thing for my eyes! : )
I like the plot of this novel, as well. From this excerpt, it seems the romance will be full of sparks!
Obviously, not every cover will appeal to everyone. What I like about this one, besides the hunk, is the beautiful sword, plus the blue and aqua tones. The cover looks like one for a historical fiction novel, but yet, a fantasy one, as well.
In short, I definitely do want to read this one!
Thanks for your thoughts!! : )