GHBT- Heart of War by C.L. Foster- Review, Excerpt/Spotlight & Giveaway

Heart of War

Lady & Knight Chronicles #1

By: C.L. Foster & E.R. Rada

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: June 6th, 2014

The Hundred Years War rages around Adalira Mortimer's life and country, but she is not what is expected of a Lady; instead of dresses and tea, she dreams about weapons and war.

Bastian Kyros is not typical royalty. Being a warrior is in his blood, not paperwork and peace-keeping.

Tradition drives their families. She is expected to don her manners and win a worthy husband, and he is expected to drop his sword and do what's right for the sake of his family's name, land, and future.

Their chance meeting at the party of the season may offer them both the chance to find what they desire. Brought together by their longing for battle, their greatest fight may be in winning over their families and conquering their own pride.

A lull in battle does not mean there is peace. The greatest of wars are fought in the heart.

    

Be warned of the .gif bombed review ahead... I had an attack of feels....

EXCERPT

"Dare I say you are enjoying yourself, your Grace?"

"I've only arrived a moment ago and am ready to leave already. Does this appear enjoyable to you?"

Bastian's droll stare made Iason chuckle. "You can pretend all you like, but I can see your amusement."

"I am amused at the lengths people will go to in order to snare themselves a worthy spouse." Bastian smiled and straightened his clothes. His new red tunic made his tanned skin look even richer. The silver trim accented in a way he didn't expect before. He was thoroughly impressed with the pieces when they were presented to him. When he saw them hanging in the woman's shop, he scoffed and commented on how they were too dainty and girly. She merely waved him off and told him to try them on. The moment the fine silk slid across his skin, he sighed. None of his battle clothes felt that way. The pants fit just right as well. He felt slightly out of place with such finery on, but he could admit that he wasn't hating the clothes.

"Yes, well, some people enjoy the finery more than others." His knowing smile made Bastian huff an annoyed breath.

"I couldn't very well come in here looking like I just slayed a dragon, now could I?"

"That doesn't work for most women, no," Iason agreed. He reached up and straightened Bastian's silver mask. "The red gems on this thing look terribly sparkly, your Grace. Are you sure you aren't feeling girly yet?"

Bastian swatted his hand away. "Unless you are making certain my face remains covered, step away. You're blocking my view."

"Your view of what?" Iason asked excitedly as he turned and took a step back so he was standing with Bastian.

"There," Bastian nodded his head to the right, "a group of matching clothing. Why do people dress to match as if they have no personality or thought process of their own? It seems silly to me."

"You mean the flock of green down there beside the dance floor? Yes, I agree. That does look a bit overly dramatic when they all do it, though I find it endearing when couples do it. Even when it's slight. Almost announcing that they planned to arrive together and are, in fact, together. It's beautiful."

Bastian rolled his eyes. "What a romantic you are. I'm sure your wife will one day enjoy that terribly."

"I don't plan to marry."

"No?" Bastian asked. He kept his question light and his attention on the people.

"I mean, I would love to have a family one day; some sons, a beautiful wife that I can worship properly, a place that is only mine, but I don’t think that life is meant for people like us."

"Like us?" Bastian kept his eyes wandering over the crowd. "You plan to worship your wife? That is something I could never do."

"You know, we are warriors. All of this," Iason waved his hand in a gesture to include everyone and everything in the room, "isn't us. I mean, it's you and your people, but I'm just a regular man." He chuckled then continued, "Worship is the right word. Have you seen the female form? It is certainly something to dedicate some time to, sir. You should try it sometime. You'd be a lot less stressed and stern all the time." He elbowed his friend playfully.

"It's not for me either. The only reason I would agree to marry is to protect my family name. I have no interest in all of that."

"I have lots of interest in it. It appeals to me on many levels, but I don’t know if my lifestyle and standing will allow for it. I hope it does, though." Iason looked around and then slapped Bastian's arm. "Look, there. The brunette with the purple gown. Tell me you wouldn't love to roll over and see her every morning."

"Aye, she's a fine lady, I'm sure," he nodded tightly. "but as you can see, she has two gentleman callers already and certainly wouldn't want to roll over and see my face every morning. That is where the problem lies."

REVIEW

Heart of War is the first book in what I hope and pray will be the longest series ever, The Lady & Knight Chronicles by C.L. Foster and E.R. Rada. The story is about Adalira Mortimer and Bastian Kyros, two young misfits who are simply too stubborn to obediently follow the rules. Both of them have monstrous responsibilities to attend to, but would much rather use their skills on the battlefield.

Now, I had the pleasure of beta-reading this puppy, AND THEN reading it once again in pretty-pretty paperback format, so I know this novel front-to-back at this point...and honestly there is no way you cannot LOVE this book. I don't care if you like historical romance or not, I don't care if you don't like book written in the third person, THIS is the novel of the year. The story is original and beautifully crafted and and and UGH. It's just so amazing!

There were moments where I just had no idea if I was going to SURVIVE this book. It was a full on attack of FEELS and I swear, more than one of those damn twists had me chucking things across the room. I went from--

--to--

--and then it got really interesting when I got to this point--

BUT IT WAS JUST SO GOOD AND IT ENDED SO NICE EVEN THOUGH I THREW MY iPOD ACROSS THE FLOOR SEVERAL TIMES AND THERE WERE TEARS AND THERE WAS SCREAMING BUT THE END WAS SOOOOOO CUTE AND IT LEFT ME HAPPY-SIGHING and and and...

*heavy breath* Okay, got the gif explosion out of me...

Needless to say this book was an insane roller coaster of emotions. It had me screaming, crying, laughing and happy-sighing almost every moment and I was NEVER bored. I already adored Foster and her ah-mazing work, but with this and Rada's work in The Best Thing I Never Had, I will officially be creepy-fangirl-stalking him, as well. These two work FABULOUSLY together and I am SO SO SOOO happy this is going to be a series!! I NEED an explanation for that one thing I can't mention here because it gave me whiplash and I would hate myself forever if I were the one to spoil that evil, horrible twist for you all...

Heart of War is THE best historical romance you could EVER find and I SWEAR to you, it will become your new favorite novel. It has the perfect amount of action, romance, suspense and tension that once you pick it up, you cannot simply put it down and walk away. The single best book I have read in YEARS.

So... Christy, Eric, THANK YOU for sharing this beautiful story with the world. This is for you ->


Now. *flails* PLEASE GOD WRITE THE NEXT BOOK. Before the gross sobbing begins again... *rocks back and forth in the corner waiting...mostly patient...*

My Rating:

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CL is eclectic, geeky, positive, nature-loving and completely non-"normal" (just the way she likes to be). She has been a fan of literature since she was a small child and finally decided to take her dreams (both waking and sleeping!) and do something positive with them.

CL has lived all over the world and has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in Psychology and Forensics. Which means you don't want to cross her because she knows how and where to hide a body so it's never found! She proudly admits to hearing voices in her head, but at times, her characters' impromptu visits can be rude and annoying. Thankfully, she has adequate patience for their shenanigans and can out ninja them any day of the week.

CL's voice is boisterous, sassy, and not finished yet! Stay tuned!

        

E.R. Rada is a NY native who's mind is in a constant battle with reality and fiction. He's been penning his tales while expressing his inner most demons and heartfelt wishes since he was able to rhyme.

Poetry and fantasy are his weapons of choice as his inner-most wish to be a dragon-riding, sword-wielding warrior has yet to come to fruition. E.R. knows there is no time limit on greatness, so he continues to float on his constant state of flux; learning, growing, and improving as time goes on.

E.R. is a battle worn soldier who will quickly compare apples and oranges, simply because he's told he can't. Never one to conform, he embraces his nerdy/geek tendencies and is well known for creating new and interesting ways to do things (see: stubborn/the hard way). In doing things his own way, he has earned his way through life with plenty of battle scars, knowledge, and memories.