Butterfly Swords

Butterfly Swords
Jeannie Lin

JOURNEY TO THE VERY EDGE OF HONOUR, LOYALTY…AND LOVEDuring China’s infamous Tang Dynasty – a time awash with luxury, yet littered with deadly intrigues and fallen royalty – betrayed Princess Ai Li flees before her wedding. Miles from home, with only her delicate butterfly swords for a defence, she enlists the reluctant protection of a blue-eyed warrior…Embittered barbarian Ryam has always held his own life at cheap value. Ai Li’s innocent trust in him and honourable, stubborn nature make him desperate to protect her – which means not seducing the first woman he has ever truly wanted…‘If Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon merged with A Knight’s Tale, you’d have the power and romance of Lin’s dynamic debut.’ – RT BOOK Reviews

This is Jeannie Lin’s debut novel, but look for

THE TAMING OF MEI LIN

an eBook which links into BUTTERFLY SWORDS and is available now

Also look for

THE DRAGON AND THE PEARL

Coming soon

Praise for new author Jeannie Lin’s first Mills & Boon

Historical:

‘Exciting debut … especially vibrant writing …’

—Publishers Weekly starred review

‘If Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon merged with

A Knight’s Tale, you’d have the power and romance

of Lin’s dynamic debut. The action never stops, the

love story is strong, and the historical backdrop is

fascinating. For the adventurous reader seeking new

places to “visit”, this is a treasure.’

—RT Book Reviews

‘In BUTTERFLY SWORDS, Jeannie Lin

tells a classic tale of courage, adventure, and

impossible love—and she sets it in a fascinating new

world: Tang China, where a warrior princess must fight

for her family and her country with only a barbarian

swordsman to help her. Jeannie Lin

is a fresh new voice in historical romance,

and BUTTERFLY SWORDS rocks!’

—Mary Jo Putney,

New York Times bestselling author

‘Swords, warrior princesses, and a barbarian to love!

BUTTERFLY SWORDS was a delight!’

—Jade Lee, USA TODAY bestselling author

‘Well,’ he breathed. ‘You do honour your bets.’

Though he no longer touched her, it was as if the kiss hadn’t ended. He was still so close. Ai Li stumbled as she tried to step away and he caught her, a knowing smile playing over his mouth. Her balance was impeccable. She never lost her footing like that. His grip tightened briefly before he let her go. Even that tiny, innocent touch filled her with renewed longing.

In a daze, she bent to pick up her fallen swords.

‘Now that our bargain is settled,’ she began hoarsely, ‘we should be going. You said the next town was hours from here?’

He collected his sword while a slow grin spread over his face, and her cheeks burned hot as she forced her gaze on the road ahead.

She had to get home and warn her father. Ai Li had thought of nothing else since her escape—until this blue-eyed barbarian had appeared. It was fortunate they were parting when they reached town.

When he wasn’t looking she pressed her fingers over her lips, which were still swollen from that first kiss. She was outmatched. Much more outmatched than when they had crossed swords.

About The Author

Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. After four years of trying to break into publishing with an Asian-set historical, her 2009 Golden Heart

–winning manuscript, BUTTERFLY SWORDS, was sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon.

As a technical consultant, backpacker, and vacation junkie, she’s travelled all over the United States as well as Europe, South Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam. She’s now happily settled in St Louis, with her wonderfully supportive husband, and continues to journey to exotic locations in her stories.

You can visit Jeannie Lin online at: www.jeannielin.com

Butterfly

Swords

Jeannie Lin

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

AUTHOR NOTE

The Tang Dynasty has always held a special lure for me. This was a time when women rose to the highest ranks as warriors, courtesans, and scholars. Anyone with the will and the perseverance to excel could make it. The imperial capital of Changan emerged as a cosmopolitan centre of trade and culture. The most famous love stories, the most beautiful poetry, and the most elegant fashions came from this era.