book one of The ABCs of S-E-X: Love by the Letter series
Scarlett Valentine
October 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4659-8612-2
ASIN: B005TYXJ6E
Buy -- Kindle / Smashwords / Nook / iTunes
Ysbail of Ellesmere is a pawn in her guardian's war. For decades there has been unrest between the marcher lords and Owain Gwynedd ap Gruffydd, King of Gwynedd. The most recent war had been the bloodiest she could remember in her eighteen years. Madog ap Maredudd, Prince of Powys, and his allies lost untold numbers of men at the hands of Owain's soldiers. When a settlement of truce is presented to Madog, it's at Ysbail's expense. She is to marry Bedwyr ap Owain, one of King Owain’s bastard sons, and his most notorious henchman. If all the rumors and stories she's heard are true, she knows her marriage will be rife with horror and fear.
Since proving himself worthy with his sword, Bedwyr fights at his king's side. He's shed oceans of blood and sent untold numbers of men to their graves. He's become what his name foretold—the grave-knower. He's afraid of nothing, least of all death. All men fear him, including those who fight at his side, and sometimes even his own king. Terror of him lives within women's hearts; only the bravest of whores accept him into their beds. And children weave their own tales of the monster they hear him to be, embellishing the details to their own gruesome degrees.
When King Owain informs Bedwyr that he's to marry Ysbail of Ellesmere as part of a peace settlement with Madog, Bedwyr is furious. A man such as Bedwyr can only survive on the battlefield. For without love, hatred will send a man like him to the edge of insanity. Then push him over. But when Bedwyr sees Ysbail for the first time, blood-thirst turns to blood-lust, and he vows to show her that she should have no fear of him.
"Valentine has a big win for me here. The book is quick, fun, and hot. 5 slices!"
~ Seducedbybooks
"Erotic and sensual, this is a touching and well done historical . . . stirring romance and sensual delight. If [you] love those sexy knights, this tale is sure to please. I can't wait for the next one. 4.5 stars and Night Owl Top Pick Award!"
~ Night Owl Reviews
"This novella is packed with plenty of steamy love scenes to get the reader hot and bothered. Awakening is also filled with rich historical details woven into an exquisite love story . . . I am looking forward to the next 25 books in the series. I am giving this wonderful novella 4 Dragons!"
~ AsianCocao's Secret Garden
--->> Keep an eye open for book two, Beguiler, in Spring 2012
