Cover Reveal - Norseman's Revenge

Well, here it is, the cover for Book 1 of The Norsemen Sagas, Norseman's Revenge! And guess what – I made it myself! Yep, with the help of some guidance by friends to PicMonkey and Canva, I was able to create my own cover. I have to admit, I'm feeling pretty accomplished! :D

Here's a more about Norseman's Revenge. There's also a little taste of the story after the blurb:

* Kidnapped by a Viking raider on her wedding night might turn out to be a blessing from the gods. *

Geira Sorensdotter awaits her new husband, but she's filled with doubts about the man and the marriage. Those doubts are forgotten when the village is attacked, her husband is struck down and she is tied up and carried off amidst the raid.

Kori Thorfinnson has waited years to take revenge against the man who murdered his wife. But he soon finds the innocent young woman he's taken as his personal slave is not his enemy, despite her marriage to his foe. Her courage in defying him, her caring heart, and the fiery passion she shares stirs feelings Kori hasn't known since his wife died. Afraid to lose Geira, he binds her to him in many ways – not only with rope, but with his body, his collar and his brand. 

Geira quickly learns just how despicable her husband was, and despite her difficult circumstances, grows to care deeply for Kori, her captor. Still, dreams of freedom linger. But once she finds herself with child, she must plan her escape, to save herself and her baby.

However, Kori has plans of his own.

Here's the promised sneak peek of Norseman's Revenge. This takes place shortly after Geira has been carried off – on her wedding night!

Geira watched the shore and the burning village grow smaller in the distance. Her new home, and possibly her family, was gone.

She glared at the giant sitting across from her. He still refused to tell her his name. She knew why, she was no fool. She would never call him master. When she was saved, she would be the one to slice through his black heart.

Still, recollection of his kiss hovered in her thoughts, clouding all else. The notion that this raider inspired the passion she'd wished for earlier seemed the cruelest taunt of all. Had she actually enjoyed it? His lips had sparked an instant fire, her sex tingling with an odd anticipation. Maybe because logically, she knew he would take her innocence. Likely before the sun rose. Then why hadn't Einnar's kisses stirred such intense feelings? Her kidnapper's harsh touch shouldn't cause her to react in such a way, yet despite her fear and fury, lust had made its presence known.

Her fingers twined together. She could do little else, bound as she was. The water was too deep and they were now too far from shore for her to attempt to jump overboard. Not unless she wished to drown. She met her captor's gaze once more.

He leaned back, arms folded. His cloak and tunic were worn, but he brandished a fine sword, so his family must have some wealth. Why had he taken her? Vengeance against Einnar, clearly, but for what? Instinct warned whatever her husband had done, the deed must have been something terrible.

"Will you tell me why?"

He said nothing, increasing her frustration. He simply kept his dark stare fixed on her. A shiver passed over her and it had nothing to do with the chill in the night air. Autumn had arrived and soon, winter would follow. If she didn't get free soon, she would be trapped with this giant for the long, cold season. Yet, the notion of sharing a bed with this man for the months ahead didn't inspire terror. Why not? The thought of Einnar claiming her body had terrified and repulsed her. Why didn't she fear this man in the same way?  Some madness had taken hold of her and surely only due to the grave situation she found herself in. But she knew her predicament was only half the cause of her scattered and inane thoughts.

He shifted, one hand coming down to rest upon his knee. She recalled the feel of those long fingers twisting in her hair. Even though the pain, his touch had electrified. Freyja's teeth, the goddess surely played a cruel trick.

Her gaze lifted, settling on his mouth before she looked away, staring out over the dark water, a strip of moonlight shining with unnatural brightness. Fingers on her chin turned her to face her captor.

"I am Kori."

She said nothing, too distracted by the feel of his calloused fingertips stroking along her jaw and neck. She fought to keep her breathing steady, but only half-succeeded. How could she want him to kiss her again? Had there been herbs in the mead that had caused this peculiar acceptance of what was happening?

"You are very pretty, Geira. I will be the envy of my clan with you for an ambátt."

The taunt dashed cold water on the heat his soft touch and intense stare stoked, bringing clarity with it. The bastard sought nothing but her humiliation. Anger pricked her, along with a hint of an unusual disappointment, but she forced the feelings back, needing to stay calm. Keep her wits sharp for a chance to break free. Exhausting herself would dull her senses as well. Still, she didn't have to accept his demands without some resistance.

"I am no slave."

"You are now. Einnar killed my wife, the mother of my child. You have been claimed in recompense."

"You lie!"

She shook her head. What he said wasn't possible! Even as she tried to deny it, she knew there could very well be truth in Kori's words. The knowledge seemed a cruel confirmation of her earlier fears.

Her reluctance to bring dishonor to her family had led to this. If she'd shared the depth of her misgivings with her father, would he have given in and broken the agreement? Likely not, no matter how powerful her worries.

Through the days leading up to the wedding and feast, Einnar had shown hints of kindness. Surely that indicated he had some honor. Didn't it? Geira gnawed on her lower lip, trying to make sense of the conflicting man she'd wed. As much as she hated acknowledging it, she'd witnessed more cruelty than those few traces of decency.

"You do believe it."

She met Kori's knowing stare. The words seemed a taunt, even though no malice laced his tone. Still, she'd not give him the satisfaction of admitting her own doubts. Again, she shook her head.

"No, I don't." Her family's honor rested on her shoulder now. To deny any of them, even Einnar, would give her captor more power over her.

"Now you lie." He arched an eyebrow, daring her to refute his words.

Norseman's Revenge will soon be available for pre-order on Amazon and the official release day is coming up fast.Stay tuned for more details, coming right up!