WILD LAVENDER
The Aurelian Guard #1
Nicole Elizabeth Kelleher
Releasing March 8th, 2016
Diversion Books
This
gorgeous, sweeping historical romance will enchant the readers of Deanna
Raybourn, and introduces a wildly talented new voice.
Anna was born of Chevring, a
territory renowned for its valorous war horses, in the kingdom of Aurelia. But
peace reigns, and her family’s fortune has dwindled. Her father brokers an
alliance with the wealthy Lord Roger of Stolweg. The price: his eldest daughter
and the secrets to her family’s once great power. Soon after they are wed,
Roger proves himself cruel and calculating, a harsh lord who sows the seeds of
fear in his people.
He has an ambitious secret, and
nothing will stand in his way. Not his new bride, nor his older brother, heir
to all that he covets. But secrets have a way getting out, and the people of
Stolweg quietly bide their time, coming to love Anna for her noble bravery in
standing up to her scoundrel husband. She will prove the leader they need to
rise up and bring their underground resistance to flourish.
But it is Larkin, a guard of
Aurelia, whose presence brings Roger’s treachery to the forefront, igniting the
spark of war. Larkin comes to Stolweg to investigate Roger for treason against
the realm and ends up giving all of his attention to Anna. For she not only
captures his heart, she may be the only person who can stop the battle that
will tear the kingdom apart.
"Nicole Elizabeth Kelleher's
debut novel Wild Lavender is engrossing right from the prologue." —B.B.
Haywood, New York Times bestselling author
BUY NOW:
After he gave her some time to think on his
words, he approached her. “Have you forgotten the wager, m’lady? You have yet
to name your prize. Truth be told, I am dearly sorry to have lost this match
and the favor of your kiss.”
She had turned back to
face him, and he gave her what he hoped was a devastating smile. More than
ever, this woman intrigued him with her equal measures of strength and
vulnerability. The spark from years ago had never been extinguished; it had
only smoldered quietly. He’d been dreaming about her for years. Finally finding
her, she exceeded his fantasies in every way.
“I make no claim, Larkin.
I tricked you.” He started to protest, but she cut him off. “Under the
circumstances, I forfeit my reward.”
“Still, a rematch might be
in order,” he continued offhandedly. “I suppose that now only your husband will
receive your favors.”
Once he spoke the words,
he regretted them. His opinion of Lord Roger was that he was a cruel and
arrogant man. Remembering the sneering lips and cold eyes and imagining him
with Aubrianne was infuriating. She must have seen his ire, because she took a
step back.
“My husband’s lips have never
touched mine,” she averred. “Not even when we stood before God and were
married.”
If she’d surprised him by
winning the match, she stunned him with her words. Her disgust told him
everything he needed to know: hers was worse than a loveless marriage; it was
one filled with hatred.
And just like that, the
final piece fell into place, and his heart felt whole for the first time in his
life. He doubted not that eventually he and Lady Aubrianne—Anna, as he thought
of her—would come together. But first, he needed her to remember him. He could
deal with Roger
later; the man’s days were numbered anyway.
Enter to Win a Print Copy of
WILD LAVENDER
A graduate of the University of Michigan’s College of Literature,
Science and Arts, Nicole Elizabeth Kelleher studied French
Literature and Language, Spanish and Mandarin while concurrently attending
UofM’s Art School. She moved to France and attended the Université Catholique
de l’Œest before relocating to Belgium to complete an internship at a fine arts
and antiques auction house. During this time, she traveled throughout the
countryside of Europe, immersing herself in its history, architecture, and art.
Nicole lives in Northern Virginia with her two children, husband and Tully the
Dog.
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