It’s time for the MFRW Book Hooks Blog Hop!
I’m continuing with last week’s scene from my science fiction romance Warrior Priest. Jade and Selena are stranded in a rural village on an underdeveloped planet. They’re on their way to a bonfire to enjoy free time with the villagers who have taken them in until help arrives.
Don’t forget to check out more excerpts from authors in the MFRW Book Hooks Blog Hop.
Thank you!
Kate
Selena was excited about the bonfire. Back home at the commune, they often had similar gatherings, and she loved them. She was glad that Jade had agreed to join her. She hadn’t been certain he’d want to go.
It was dark when they walked with Genna to the outskirts of the village where the bonfire already blazed and people gathered. Some sat on blankets on the ground while others mingled around a table spread with punch and snacks. A man and a woman played their guitars while another man sang.
“This reminds me of home,” Selena said, taking Jade’s hand.
He smiled slightly, his gaze meeting hers before he looked around. Soon they were mixing with the others—or rather Selena was. Jade remained close to her the entire time. Though he answered questions directed at him, he was mostly quiet, except for inquiries about the other priests who had been to the village. Selena guessed he was searching for information about why no priests were stationed there now, and if they had mentioned the significance of the metal supply in Blue Fish Bay.
After about an hour, everyone gathered around the fire and took turns singing. Sometimes the guitarists accompanied them. Other times they loaned their instruments to villagers who also played. Selena happily took a turn singing while playing. When she finished, she returned the guitar to the woman who had loaned it to her, but instead of keeping it, the woman offered it to Jade.
“No. Thank you,” Jade said.
“I know you can sing, Jade,” Selena said.
“I chant. There’s a difference.”
“Then do that,” Garth said. “We could use some actual culture around here.”
Several people chuckled while others grumbled at those words.
“There’s a song I know that’s not a chant.” Jade reached for the guitar.
This genuinely surprised Selena. “You play?”
“A little. Shayne taught me.”
Selena smiled. “I’m looking forward to this.”
“Don’t look so happy. Once I start, you’ll probably regret it.”
Blurb:
What happens when a warrior priest from a strict religion meets a free-spirited priestess from a new age commune?
Jade and Selena are as different as two people can be, but to facilitate an alliance between their worlds, they engage in a cultural exchange. With their galaxy in danger from a planet that wants to conquer or destroy all others, they realize the importance of their assignment, but it is difficult for a warrior priest and a nonviolent priestess to understand each other.
Selena is both attracted and appalled by his old school masculinity, and Jade is tempted to break his vow of celibacy until marriage due to his powerful desire for her. Will this unlikely pair not only find common ground, but unconditional love?
Warrior Priest is on sale for $0.99 until June 30th at Amazon / Smashwords.
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I still haven’t had time to get to this, but it’s on my TBR list, Kate!
This is moving to the top of my TBR list
I’m reading along enjoying the excerpt and all it’s rich description and wham “Don’t look so happy. Once I start, you’ll probably regret it.”
Wow, makes me wonder why? Great hook. Loved the writing. Thanks for sharing!
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