EXCERPT ~ from Chapter One:
Spring, 1142 - Northern England
Sir
Edgar, the captain of Faucon's guard,
watched thin wisps of smoke from the
crackling campfire curl upward to
disappear into the darkness of the
night.
The
howl of a lone wolf, the soft snorts of
nervous horses and the familiar scrape
of sharpening stones plied against sword
edges interrupted the silence of the
surrounding forest.
Edgar and the other men circled around
the fire for safety, warmth and
companionship paid little heed to the
night's sounds. Their full attention
remained riveted to the raised voices
coming from their lord's hastily erected
tent.
While each of them had been scorched by
the heat of Faucon's tongue at one time
or another, they had never heard him
raise his voice to a female. Bets were
placed between the men. Would their lord
hold his temper on this occasion, or
would his uncooperative charge push him
too far?
Edgar's gold was on Faucon.
"My
God, save me!"
The
lady's repeated cry for help went
unanswered. While her shouts set their
hearts to racing, Edgar knew that none
of the men would assist the woman. Her
steadfast determination to do her own
will instead of King Stephen's landed
her in this current role of captive.
Had
she come peacefully as ordered, she'd
not find herself in such dire straits
now. Instead, she'd fought this journey
to her mother's family every step of the
way. For two solid days now she'd made
their lives miserable.
Edgar couldn't decide whether he admired
or pitied his lord's patience. If she
were his charge, she'd have felt the
back of his hand by now. None would
blame Faucon for doing just that.
"Unhand me!"
The
sharp crack of a resounding slap caused
more than one soldier to flinch as they
envisioned the smack on their own face.
Others peered intently into the bottom
of their ale mugs. Edgar wondered how
much of the brew would be required
before this night ended.
"You
filthy swine!"
"Enough of this madness." With a heavy
sigh, Edgar rose and headed toward his
master's tent.
Before he could cross the clearing, Lord
Gareth of Faucon backed hastily out of
the tent inspecting his arm in the light
emanating from the tent. "You
black-haired wench, never try something
like that again."
Edgar sucked in a breath at the menace
evident in Faucon's low, emotionless
tone. From the corner of his eye, he saw
the others freeze. All knew that deadly
tone meant Faucon had reached the limit
of his patience. Edgar feared for his
stash of gold, in his mind's eye he saw
it shrink considerably.
Gareth glanced at his stinging forearm
where she'd raked her nails in an
attempt to further prove her
displeasure. "By God, I am bleeding!"
Enraged, he swung away from the tent to
tend his arm and collided with his man,
nearly knocking the two of them to the
dirt.
"Milord." Edgar caught his footing first
and swiftly pulled Gareth upright.
"Perhaps it would be best to explain the
situation to her one more time?"
"One
more time?" Gareth looked down at his
man in surprise. "You think I have not
tried?" His amazement was obviously not
lost on his shamefaced captain.
"Repeated discussion has brought me only
an aching head, stinging cheek and
bleeding arm."
He
stomped toward the fire and accepted a
proffered wineskin. The overly fermented
grape coursed a bitter trail across his
tongue, then down his throat. He
swallowed hard, seeking to hold back his
grimace as he returned the container to
its owner.
Ack.
Sour wine and sour women had one thing
in common-they both sought to ruin his
good nature.
"Milord Faucon!"
Gareth inGareth instinctively turned toward the
man's shout, only to see his captive
rush around the side of his tent and
disappear into the blackness of the
forest.
REVIEWS:ong>
Falcon’s Honor by Denise Lynn is an example of historical romance at it’s very finest. Gareth and Rhian are both formidable characters whose strengths and passion is powerful. This profound couple captures a reader’s attention and holds them captive until the very end. Ms. Lynn’s vivid description and characterizations delve into a reader’s imagination, compassion and heart into this story. Rhian and Gareth are obvious the intricate pieces of this story, but the mystery about Rhian and the challenges they face make for fantastic reading. Falcon’s Honor receives the Road to Romance Reviewer’s Choice Award for it’s dabbling into mystery and supernatural elements, the excellent characters and vivid drama that unfold within the pages. Falcon’s Honor is a medieval romance that is most definitely recommended to readers. ~ Tracey West, The Road to Romance
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Nonstop action, a marvelous captive/captor plotline, a hint of fantasy and more than a touch of passion converge, making this book a memorable romance and a feast for fans of medieval romance. Rated: Sensual. FOUR STARS!!! ~ By Kathe Robin, Romantic Times
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Denise gives the characters the depth of emotion through their honor to the others they are bound to. Lady Rhian and Lord Gareth find that soul-deep love that doesn't come along every day. I really enjoyed their romance...Denise also gave the characters strength. It was shown by their determination to complete the duty and honor they were bound to fulfill. They are willing to sacrifice their love for the sake of honor. You rooted for them and wanted them to be together. The evolving romance between Lord Gareth and Lady Rhian was very well written and I enjoyed their banter as they moved from temporary guardian and charge to true love. ~ Trudy, Once Upon A Romance
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Numerous attacks, treachery by supposedly loyal servants and a warrior, passionate scenes between Gareth and Rhian, scenes where other men seek to control Rhian's resistant stance, and a mysterious, secretive and unexpected conclusion thread through this fast-paced, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable story! Anyone who loves historical fiction, hot romantic scenes and a heck of a good mysterious yarn will love this novel! ~ Viviane Crystal, Crystal Reviews
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(Falcon's Honor) certainly was an action packed medieval laden with a very passionate and seductive tone. Both lead characters were well matched and the secondary characters added a pleasant spice and wit to the dialogs...fluid prose that combined with her very clever and original plots will shoot her right up to the top of the heap in this medieval/paranormal genre. ~ Marilyn , Historical Romance Writers
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FALCON'S HONOR has all three ingredients -- a delish hero, a devilish heroine and just the right touch of humor. Amid non-stop action and intrigue, this pair's bickering and bantering thinly veils a strong sexual attraction. The love dance is in full swing in Falcon's Honor. And what a delicious dance it is... ~ Debbie Jett, Romance Reader
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I am always pleased when I discover another author I want to read again. FALCON'S HONOR is the first title I've read by Denise Lynn but it surely won't be the last. (Rhian) is a willful, impetuous woman, not afraid to take risks or back down from a confrontation. (Gareth) is definitely a "knight in shining armor," the type readers like to fantasize about. Along with alluring characters, FALCON'S HONOR is a success for the romance and lively story it delivers. The relationship between Gareth and Rhian is passionate and touching, and satisfied all my romantic inclinations. I certainly recommend it. ~ Sandra Brill, Romance Reviews Today
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... those of us who have waited for this next book of this promising historical writer gets a double treat....The characters are fun. Lynn writes with a growing strength in her voice, enabling her to paint her tale with clever characters, secondary as well as the hero and heroine, and give fresh touch to the typical medieval plot line, that shows her talent coming into it's own. I eagerly look forward to the third tale in this series. ~ DeborahAnne MacGillivray, Amazon.com
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