I LOVE military heroes–can’t wait to read this series!
Award-winning author Lizzy Ford gives us an emotional, sexy read with her first Sons of War novel, SEMPER MINE.
A Marine captain tortured by the death of his men in Iraq returns home and falls in love with the sister of one of the slain, who blames him for the massacre that killed her brother. SEMPER MINE is a standalone novel in the Sons of War contemporary military romance series.
About SEMPER MINE:
“A freak accident landed both of the Khavalov twins under my command, just before a routine mission turned into a nightmare. I brought home one twin in a coffin and the other in a coma missing his leg. I did everything right – and still people died. I can’t forget that night or how many lives it changed, including mine.
It’s natural for their sister, Katya, to blame me. I made one decision in the middle of a firefight, and it shattered her sheltered world. I’m the ice to her fire, and when we first meet, it’s not pretty. I don’t fear war or death, and I am definitely not going to let a beautiful woman with a quick temper and broken heart scare me off, either. I know she’s hurting, and I’m determined to make sure she’s okay. It’s the least I can do for the twins.
I may have failed them that night, but I won’t fail her. What I’m not counting on: the feelings she ignites within me.” – Captain Sawyer Mathis
Excerpt:
“Captain Mathis.” It’s the voice of Ms. Khavalov, the sister of the Khav brothers. There’s an edge to it, one I recognize too well from other funerals.
I’d rather deal with insurgents than grieving families. It’s a cold thought stemming from trying to keep myself numb this week. I’m here for the family members as well as my fallen men, but I never thought it’d be so hard.
I turn to face her.
The stinging slap she lands across one cheek is a definite first. It’s enough to jar me but not enough to knock me out of my stance at attention. I can take a blow pretty well after a lifetime filled with them.
“You were supposed to bring them both back alive!” she says in a choked voice.
“I am sorry for your loss, ma’am,” I say calmly.
She pushes up her veil, and I stare.
The twins look like their father, and I can only assume their sister resembles their mother. She’s stunning, from the light hazel eyes to her chiseled features and the delicate, quivering chin. In her twenties, she’s got the determined set of her jaw that I know from the twins and a gleam in her eyes that tells me she’s just as smart.
“That’s it?” she whispers. “You’re sorry?”
“He died bravely, ma’am,” I add.
Her eyes widen. “One of my brothers is gone and the other may never wake up!”
Trust me. I know. I don’t say anything. Part of the grieving process is anger, and I’ve been the target of it for a great many family members. If it helps them sleep at night, then I don’t mind. God knows I don’t sleep anymore. Someone should.
“Forgive Katya. She does not know what we do about war, Captain Mathis,” her father says, approaching. His Russian accent is heavy, his words slow. His bushy eyebrows twitch.
“It is not those who were lost but those who were saved that should be counted.”
“Don’t patronize me, baba!” Katya snaps. With a furious look at me, she marches away, breaking into a run after a few steps. I can hear her sobs.
I hate seeing women cry. It makes me edgy. Turning my attention to her father, I hold the flag out to him on both my palms.
His eyes mist over. “Thank you. You are a good man, Captain Mathis.” He takes it and kisses it. “Come.” Their father takes my elbow and guides me towards the gate she fled through.
“Tell me how he died defending his country and his men.” He gazes at me with sorrow and compassion mixed with hope.
“He did, sir,” I reply. “He saved many lives, including mine and Petr’s. We wouldn’t have made it out without his sacrifice.”
“I knew it.” His eyes sparkle with tears, but he’s proud. “A soldier wants a good death, eh?”
Also in the Sons of War series: SOLDIER MINE, coming fall 2014!
About Lizzy Ford:
Lizzy Ford is the author of over thirty books written for young adult and adult romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling Rhyn Trilogy, the Witchling Series and the War of Gods series. Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring. Lizzy’s books can be found on every major ereader library including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Sony, and Smashwords. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, three dogs, and a cat.
Want to get to know Lizzy better? Check out this exclusive interview!
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