I’m delighted that Lauren has agreed to share her research for A Knight for Kallen:

As a former history teacher, I love to do research for any storyline. For my medieval historical romance, A Knight for Kallen, I did two interesting pieces of research.

The first involved auras. I read a magazine article about a woman who claimed to see auras surrounding the head and body of every person she met. That thought intrigued me, so I decided to let my heroine Kallen possess this hidden talent.

I researched people who say they see auras—and especially what various colors meant—then I worked that information into my narrative. For example, a red aura can mean several things. A person with red around his head and body can be energetic, adventurous, quick-tempered, direct, and competitive. Every shade has different meanings, and I allowed Kallen to see colors so she could have insight into the personalities of the people she meets.

Another aspect I enjoyed researching involved all of the customs that surrounded All Hallow’s Eve during the medieval era. Kallen has led a sheltered life in an isolated convent, and the good sisters never celebrated this particular holiday. When her traveling party stops at a castle on the night of All Hallow’s Eve, I had her participate in various customs—peeling apples and popping nuts to learn her lover’s name—and attending the huge bonfire that everyone on the estate gathered around after the feast. Having a Halloween birthday myself, I had fun reading about these practices and slipping them into my romance!

About A Knight for Kallen

Kallen de Mangeron grew up in a convent, her noble family never knowing of her birth. When a new Mother Superior informs them of her existence, they send trusted knight Griffith Sommersby to escort her home.

Griffith’s heart broke when he lost his wife and infant son during childbirth, and he’s kept his feelings locked away from the world—until he meets Kallen. He soon learns her dark secret—that she sees auras around people—which allows her insight into their actions and personalities.

Now Quentin, bastard brother to the king, decides to harness Kallen’s gift in a plot to win the throne. Will Quentin successfully use a kidnapped Kallen as his political pawn, or will Griffith be able to stop him before Kallen changes the course of England’s history?

You can buy it here.

Excerpt

“My lord—” she began, but he cut off her words with a kiss as he backed her against the wall. His hands ran down her arms as he entwined his fingers with hers.

The kiss started slow and sweet as he ran his lips across hers, back and forth. He heard her sigh and became more daring, running his tongue along the edges of her mouth. Her lips parted in surprise, and he gently thrust his tongue inside, tasting the sweet nectar within.

She was heavenly. He raised her hands and brought them to his shoulders. She instinctively locked them around his neck. He wrapped his arms about her and drew her close. He wanted to feel her body next to his, feel her heart beating rapidly against his chest.

And he did. He deepened the kiss now, wanting more from her, giving of himself to her, his fingers running through her silken strands. Her body began to tremble, her own fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck, soft moans escaping from her.

He pressed one more fervent kiss upon her lips and then released her.

Kallen opened her eyes and stared up at him. In the dim light he could see her swollen lips. She leaned against the wall for support, her silvery blonde hair mussed and tangled.

Griffith bent and took possession of her mouth once again, his hunger for her surprising him. The surprise faded as her mouth became his world, all thoughts simply on Kallen and pleasing her.  

Slowly, he broke the kiss and looked down at her.

She smiled up at him. “’Tis much nicer than bobbing for apples.”

About Lauren Linwood

Lauren Linwood’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.

A native Texan, Lauren is an avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan who manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.

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