The first paragraph of the synopsis is perfect. Plus, he sounds like a bit of an ass, so I’ll like to see how he does by the end of the story.

For This Knight Only by Barbara Bettis released in March in the Historical Romance genre.

He’ll do anything for land, even marry her; she’ll do anything for her people, except marry him.  If only either had a choice.  It’s a marriage only love can save.

Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that, although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin. 

Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises for her new all-too-tempting lord.

But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation. Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.

Only 99 Cents

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“Pardon?” Alyss’s voice came in a whisper, but he seemed to hear well enough.

“I said your brother wished us to wed.”

The sound of a million crickets chirruped in her ears. His lips continued to move, but she heard nothing. Of a sudden, her bottom hit stone as she collapsed onto a step, but her eyes saw only him. 

He loomed over her, hands propped on hips, dark hair brushing those broad shoulders. She raised her brows in a level gaze—and inhaled sharply. Hazel eyes, sprinkled with green and gold

chips, gleamed back. With effort, she recalled his recent words and her thoughts focused.

She shot to her feet. “You must be mad. I have no intention of wedding a stranger who appears at my gate with some imaginary story of my brother’s last commands. I remind you, sir, you are a guest. In fact, I must ask you to leave. Your behavior is intolerable.”

His big hands closed around her shoulders. They were warm. Firm but gentle. She shook them off. He leaned in.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, my lady,” he murmured.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Award-winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved history and English. As a college freshman, she considered becoming an archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved. And math. Through careers as a newspaper reporter and editor, then a college journalism and English professor, she’s retained her fascination with history. Give her a research book and a pot of tea, and she’s happy for hours. But what really makes her smile is working on a new story. Now retired, she lives in Missouri where she edits for others and spins her own tales of heroines to die for—and heroes to live for.

Hi Barbara, and thank you for beig here.

Can you set the story for us?

Thanks so much for having me here today with For This Knight Only. The story is set in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1194, just days (weeks) after King Richard I (aka The Lionheart) was released from captivity by the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry IV. Richard was captured by Leopold of Austria in 1192 after Richard was shipwrecked on his return from the crusade he led. (The Third Crusade). Leopold later turned him over to Henry IV. The two rulers demanded an eventual total of 150,000 marks (equivalent to about 100,000 pounds silver). Once the ransom was raised in England and delivered to Henry IV, Richard was released and made his way back to England.

While Richard was a prisoner, his brother, John, (later King John of Magna Carta fame), did all he could to consolidate power in England. Once word reached John that Richard was free (to make a long, political story short), John fled England. History has it that King Philip of France sent John this note upon Richard’s release: “Look to yourself; the devil is loose.”

The castles under John’s purloined jurisdiction were ordered to surrender to the king’s forces. One of the last two to hold out in support of John was Nottingham Castle. The king’s supporters laid siege to it and were attempting to force its commander to surrender when Richard finally arrived and brought the resistance to an end.

While in Nottingham after the castle’s surrender, the king called a meeting of the Great Council. It’s against this backdrop that Roark is eventually brought before Richard.

This period of England’s history has always held great fascination for me, and the story of an English knight seeking to gain his own land by trying to coerce a lady to wed him seemed to fit perfectly within this political turmoil. The opposing forces of John’s and Richard’s interests could only intensify the troubles for both the hero, Roark, and the heroine, Alyss. The fact that Roark was present at an attack against Richard right after his release seemed to seal Roark’s fate.

But the sacrifices of love trump even a ruler’s edict.

(Note: This particular attack against Richard I is my own creation.)

Find Barbara Here:

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-bettis

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/barbarabettis                                                                                

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BarbaraBettisAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BarbaraBettisAuthor

Website / Blog / Newletter: http://barbarabettis.com

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