Hero: Lynx de Warenne

Heroine: Jane Leslie

Setting: Scotland

Summary

Book Description:

When Lynx de Warenne, Edward Plantagenet's most prized warrior, invaded Dumfries castle, he took possession of Jane Leslie's home - and soon wanted something more from the headstrong lass. Desperate for an heir, he proposed handfasting: a Scottish custom whereby a man can lawfully take a woman into his bed, then, after a year and a day, the couple can either wed or part. Any child of that union is deemed legitimate. Jane had no choice but to surrender to the invader's knowing touch......

Fearless on the battlefield, Lynx was afraid to love. But Jane slowly stole his heart. And as the firest of war raged around them, amid treacherous foes and brilliant intrigues, who would have thought that two unlikely partners would fall in love - or that their breathless passion for each other would out last... a year and a day.

This book is rich in history, and if readers do not like novels that are filled with historical facts, then they should stay away from reading A Year and a Day. However, Ms. Henley is still able to include steamy romance that even all the historic details cannot consume. Lynx and Jane seem like the last two people in Scotland to ever fall in love, but then the future is full of surprises. How the two of them end up together is worth to read. 

Excerpt from Ms. Henley's A Year and a Day

Jane entered the small chamber wearing only her brown woolen dress and sturdy leather shoes. She was flanked by the lord's squires, who would act as his witnesses. 

Lynx had one moment of misgiving. Thomas was right, she looked exactly like a peasant girl. He executed a formal bow to her. "You have not changed your mind?"

Her lashes flew to her cheeks, trying to mask the fear and outrage she felt. How could she change her mind when he had threatened her grandmother?  How could she refuse the handfasting with her father's stern eyes upon her? Being in a small room with five men who would hear her give her pledge was most intimidating. She shot de Warenne a look of pure hatred and shook her head.

Her father gave her the words. They were simple enough. Lynx de Warenne came to her side, took her hand in his, and waited for her pledge. 

"I, Jane Leslie, pledge thee my troth in handfast for a year and a day." Her words were clear, without hesitation, surprising even herself, but silently she added: And not one moment longer!

"I, Lynx de Warenne, pledge thee my troth in handfast for a year and a day." His deep solemn voice rolled over her, filled the room, dominating the air they breathed.

In fact, the verbal pledge was enough to make the agreement binding, but Lynx wanted everything to be legal for both their sakes. He was in a position of power, while Jane Leslie had no power at all. If she conceived and aught happened to him before they could wed, Lynx wanted his child to be his legal, ironclad heir, so was leaving nothing to chance.

When Lynx de Warenne handed her the quill, Jane was thankful she knew how to sign her name. When she was finished, he took the quill from her hand and signed "Lynx de Warenne" with a bold flourish. Though Jane could not read, she studied his signature intently, so that she would recognize it in the future. She had no idea how she had kept her hand from trembling. So, it is done! she thought wildly. The lynx owns me body and soul for the next year.

           Read A Year and a Day to find out what happens...(excerpt pg.121-2)

Quotes:

" 'You are so beautiful, you stop the breath in my throat.' he said reverently."

"Lynx looked at her in alarm. 'Don't you want the midwife or one of the other women? Tell me who you want.' 'I want only you, for now.' "