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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Friday, April 8, 2016

staying together means starting a war - Under the Trees by Ashley Maker

Desperate to prevent an abusive arranged marriage, Princess Araya flees to a neighboring kingdom, only to land at the mercy of the impulsive Crown Prince Thoredmund, who provides refuge in a secluded forest and teaches her survival skills. 


Description:

Published: March 20th, 2016

Desperate to prevent an abusive arranged marriage, Princess Araya flees to a neighboring kingdom, only to land at the mercy of the impulsive Crown Prince Thoredmund, who provides refuge in a secluded forest and teaches her survival skills. Her surprise at the unexpected hold the prince has on her heart mirrors his shock at falling for the one girl he can’t have.

As the young couple’s feelings for each other grow, the fragile alliance between the two kingdoms threatens to break apart. With a vengeful duke and an enraged king fast on their trail, Thor and Araya must decide how much they’re willing to risk for love.

Even if staying together means starting a war. 

EXCERPT

The dark horse tore through the underbrush, bringing her close enough I could make out a pale face and a tangle of long hair. A black cloak billowed behind her. Men on horseback gave chase, darting through the trees, clearly in pursuit. All those men after one girl? Who could she be? My instincts screamed against them catching her. She could be a decoy, and they could all be spies—but what if she was in real danger?

It wouldn’t be so difficult to apprehend her, only one rider, later …

“Let her pass,” I ordered, staring my men down until they stepped aside.

The girl raced past, glancing over her shoulder for a brief moment—her eyes flashing emerald in the light of the fire—before looking ahead and leaning low on her horse’s neck.

My men gaped at me, gripping weapons with white-knuckled hands. With a jerk of my head in the direction of the riders almost upon us, I raised the bow and nocked an arrow.

“Hold the line,” I commanded. “These men stop here.”
--Prince Thoredmund from UNDER THE TREES

About the author:
Under the Trees is Ashley Maker’s debut novel. When she’s not working on her next book, Ashley spends much of her time procrastinating on social media, relaxing with her husband and two daughters, and writing companion songs on her acoustic guitar. She has a bachelor’s degree in English, worked a short stint as a book editor, and lives in a small town in Oklahoma.

"Sway" --the first companion song to UNDER THE TREES--is available to listen to and download for free at: ashleymaker.com

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Definitely on my to-read list! :)

Jolanda said...

Thank you for the chance!

Ashley Maker said...

Thank you so much for taking part in the Book Blitz for Under the Trees! It's so cool to see my book included on your blog. :-)

Unknown said...

Love this cover! Really enchanting. :)

Stephanie LaPlante said...

Sounds like a sweet one. The cover looks magical.