Delicious Anticipation

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to S.G. Rogers.

Which is better…having your cake or eating it? Yes, of course that initial bite of delectable dessert is fabulous, but would it be as good without experiencing it with your other senses first? In tales of romance, it’s the conga line to the buffet that has us mesmerized. Like breadcrumbs strewn by Hansel and Gretel, we pour over the written words searching for clues. Does he have feelings for her? Will she admit her attraction to him? A look, a gesture, or an off-hand remark resounds in our minds until we finally reach the “aha” moment where we think we know what’s going on…and we root for the conclusion. That’s the golden moment the author is hoping for, when, as a reader, you become invested in the outcome of the story.

When Clash of Wills was in the planning stage, I had only one scene in my mind…the very first time Price Wills and Princess Samantha see each other. Both are playing games, of course. This initial deception sets the stage for the relationship to come, but it’s getting there that’s the fun part. Fortunately, Clash of Wills is a novelette. Gratification in one sitting never tasted so good.

~ S.G. Rogers

When an unconventional princess meets a footloose prince, a battle of wits begins…

Princess Samantha’s magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity.Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication—especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.

To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha’s scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance. Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust? And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?

Excerpt:

The spring squall became more intense, and the temperature on the mountain fell rapidly. Frequent thunderclaps frayed her nerves. She kept striking the flint, hoping a spark would catch hold, but gusts of wind foiled her efforts each time. “Burn!” she cried. “Just burn.”

At her command, the fire pit suddenly burst into robust flames, creating the heat that Wills so desperately needed. She dragged him closer to the warmth. Blessed relief flowed through her when he stopped shaking and his color began to improve. She brushed his hair back from his handsome face.

“You’re a good man, Prince Wills,” she murmured. “You’ll make a good king someday...if you survive this misadventure.”

While Wills slept, Samantha rebalanced their packs to more equally distribute the weight. Then she stood at the far end of the lookout to watch the storm. Icy rain blew into her face and soaked her tunic. She gritted her teeth against the cold.

“Are you insane?” Wills’s voice rose above the howling gale. When he felt Samantha’s fingers, he gasped. “You’re freezing!”

He draped her coat over her shoulders and all but yanked her toward the fire. “What did you think you were doing?” he scolded.

“You needed the coat more than I did.”

“That’s nonsense. You could die of exposure up here!”

Wills folded Samantha into the warmth of his arms. They clung together until the sensation returned to her fingertips. “Thank you, Wills,” she murmured, finally. “That feels much better.”

He brushed his lips against hers. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

She responded with a whisper of a kiss. “You’re welcome.”
 

CLASH OF WILLS coming February 29, 2012 (Leap Day!) from The Wild Rose Press.