TWIN PASSIONS by Miriam Minger (Walker Publishing)

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A Double Deception Leads Unexpectedly to Twin Passions

Beautiful, feminine Anora finds her wedding plans suddenly shattered. She and her identical twin, tomboyish Gwendolyn, are kidnapped and taken aboard a Viking ship. While the handsome captain mistakes Gwendolyn for a boy and appoints her his servant, Anora captures his heart and he vows to have her. To preserve her sister’s virtue, Gwendolyn initiates a dangerous game. Will the twins be rescued before Gwendolyn surrenders to her own passion?

***Winner of a Best Medieval Historical Romance Award from Romantic Times***

Bio:

Miriam Minger's first novel Twin Passions was called "a fabulous debut" by Romantic Times. Since then, Miriam has swept readers into her unforgettable historical romances with her strong, forceful heroes and fiery heroines. She is the winner of several Reviewer's Choice Awards—including Best Medieval Historical Romance of the Year from Romantic Times for The Pagan’s Prize--and a two-time RITA Award finalist for A Hint of Rapture and Captive Rose.

"Miriam Minger is a master storyteller who illustrates the full gamut of emotions felt by her characters. Emotions so strong that you are pulled into the pages and into their lives."~Inside Romance

"With Miriam Minger, you're assured of a good read!"~Heartland Critiques

Interview with  Miriam Minger

What will readers like about your book?

TWIN PASSIONS is very special to me because it was my first historical romance…and a Viking story, too! Ever since I visited Norway with my Norwegian grandmother Bodvild when I was 17 years old, I had dreamed of writing a novel set in that amazingly beautiful country with its deep fjords, thundering waterfalls, and towering mountains. Along every fjord I envisioned dragon-prowed Viking ships and ruggedly handsome Vikings manning the oars, and I even fell in love with a Norwegian sailor. What more evocative setting could I find for my very first romance novel with not one love story but two love stories packed into its pages. I hope you enjoy TWIN PASSIONS as much as I loved writing it!

Excerpt of TWIN PASSIONS by Miriam Minger:

“What is your name, lad?” Hakon spoke first, catching Gwendolyn off guard.

“Uh…Ga-Garric, my lord,” she stammered. God’s blood, she winced, how could she be convincing as a boy if she did not even know her own name? Hoping Hakon had not seen her confusion in the gathering dusk, she ran her hand through her short curls and rushed on boldly. “It is good of you to return us to our homeland, my lord. Our father will reward you greatly.”

Hakon sighed. If he had hoped earlier he might win their trust, he knew now that in the next few minutes he would earn only their hatred. “We sail for Norge, lad. There will be no turning back.”

Stunned, Gwendolyn could not speak. No turning back. The finality of those words echoed in her mind, and she shook her head in disbelief. Anora had also heard them. Whirling around, she stood numbly beside Gwendolyn. “But you said earlier…you said when we reach shore—”

“Yea, that I did, lad. But I did not mean your homeland.”

Wrenching pain lit Anora’s eyes, causing Hakon to swear softly. You are growing soft, man, he chided himself. Hardening his heart, he continued. “I am not usually in the habit of making excuses for myself, but in this situation I feel I must. I had no hand in your capture. My ship needed repairs, and we took refuge along the river these past three days.”

Nodding toward Svein and Torvald lying on the deck, he added, “Those men acted against my orders, and for this they have been punished. But I cannot return you to your homeland. We have almost a full day of sailing behind us already, and we must make haste to Norge on a matter of grave importance to me.” Feeling he had offered enough explanation, Hakon heard his voice grow hard. “The gods have brought you to me and you must accept your fate. I offer you my protection, and when we reach Norge you will remain with me as slaves in my household.”

Gwendolyn’s head snapped back, hatred and defiance burning in her eyes. Any hopes she had of fair treatment by this man had been cruelly dashed. “I know naught of your gods,” she said disdainfully. “But if it is slaves we shall be, then know this, Viking. You are no different from the two you punished earlier. Aye, even worse, if you hold us against our will!”

“Think what you must, lad, it makes no difference. Slaves you will be—you have no choice.” Sighing wearily, Hakon turned from them. “I will bring you furs to sleep on tonight, and some food.” He walked away slowly, feeling their eyes upon him. Yea, life could be cruel, he thought, understanding their feelings. Yet he also understood his own.

Anora. Whispering her name, Hakon stood alone at the prow of the ship, gazing into the darkened sky. He was drawn to her as he had never felt drawn to any woman. It was as if her emerald eyes had cast a spell upon him, and he could do nothing to dispel his attraction for her. Yea, even if he had wanted to, he knew now he could not let her go.

Gwendolyn allowed herself only a moment of self-pity before she turned to Anora. Her sister’s face was deadly pale in the moonlight, her eyes fixed and devoid of emotion.

“Anora, listen to me,” she whispered, suddenly afraid. She had never seen her sister like this before and it frightened her. Shaking her roughly by the shoulders, Gwendolyn forced her to meet her eyes. “Anora, I vow we will return to our homeland, and you to Wulfgar. You must trust me in this. I will find a way for us to escape!”

A flicker of response lighted Anora’s eyes. “Promise me, Gwendolyn?” she murmured plaintively, clutching her sister’s hand.

“Aye, on my life…I promise.”

Electronic Version Copyright © 2011 by Miriam Minger