My romcom / fantasy romance novel, Her Knight at the Museum, is now out in the world…

But if you get my newsletter or follow me on social media, you already knew that! I’ll share one of my favorite moments from the book below, and then I’ll talk about the release week! 

The following excerpt begins in the photography room of the conservator lab at the museum, when Griffin is still a stone statue, as he has been for many centuries.

***

“I know this is very Frog Prince,” Emily murmured. “But I’m going to give it a go.”

With an air of determination that charmed him to the core, she grabbed the stool, plunked it down in front of him, and stepped up on it.

She cupped his cheek with her hand and pressed her lips against his. The sensation was pure bliss, and it was agony to not be able to return it. Then she pulled back, stepped off the stool, and regarded him closely.

She gave a wry smile. “Okay, nothing’s happening.”

But something was happening. 

Griffin was crumbling from the inside. In mute horror, he felt himself not coming alive but coming apart.

No, this was for the best. How many times had he wished and prayed for death to release him? He knew not what awaited him on that far shore. Sweet oblivion? Heaven, whatever that might be? Not damnation, he was sure. He’d suffered enough. 

Why, then, should he not embrace this end? Only because of the lady who stood before him, who had brought new light and hope into his grotesque existence.

She turned and walked away. Regret and longing pierced him as the stone of his body disintegrated. But if she were nothing more than a lovely angel of death, still he should give thanks.

“Gramercy, sweet Emily.”

She startled. With a loud gasp, she whipped back around to stare at him, her eyes huge and mouth wide open. Could she see that he was dying?

“You…” She trembled, her face white. “You talked! You…”

It took Griffin a moment to understand. He had spoken aloud. She’d heard him, not in her mind, but as any living person might. 

Shock went through him like a lance, knocking him to his knees. The steel greaves of his armor crashed against the hard floor. His helm, which he had carried for so many centuries, fell out of his hand and rolled aside.

I can move!

Emily approached him, saying in a soft high voice, “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God.”

Am I dreaming?

He leaned back, balling his hands into fists at his sides, and roared at the top of his lungs.

His voice. Reverberating off the walls!

A man’s voice from the next room demanded, “What the hell was that?”

Griffin shouted, “This is no dream!”

“Nooo, quiet,” Emily pleaded, kneeling to face him.

Griffin’s heart filled to overflowing. He gripped her hands and bent his head to kiss one and then the other. They were small in his, shaking and cold. But his own hands were warm. Warm!

“My dearest lady. My sweet angel of deliverance.” His throat tightened as tears came, unbidden but not unexpected, and he welcomed them. “My Emily.” His voice broke on her blessed name.

“How is this happening?” she asked, her voice balanced between joy and terror. 

He took her face in his hands and kissed her. As wondrous as their kisses had been in dreams, they couldn’t compare to this one in waking life. The taste of her overwhelmed him. Bliss coursed through him, a liquor more fiery than any ever brewed. It gave him strength along with joy.

“‘Tis all your doing.” He gazed into her eyes. “You are the queen of my heart, and all the days of my life I will do you service where you will command me.” He bent and pressed his forehead against her hands clasped in his, feeling the vow bind his soul and rejoicing in the rightness of it.

“Griffin, you can’t…” She trailed off as he raised his head. Tears gathered in her eyes.

“My lady, I can do whatever I wish,” he said gently, smiling. She shouldn’t be kneeling on the hard floor. He stood, helping her to her feet along with him. She frowned and picked up the helm. 

“I can kneel if I will, or stand if I will,” he marveled. He was not a piece of furniture, bound to remain where he was placed. “I am a man!” He ended on a shout, stretching his arms wide. His lungs rejoiced to take in air. Every muscle of his body itched to be in motion.

“Shh, I don’t want anyone—”

“I’m alive!” Wild joy rose in him. He could see the world again!

“Wait!” Emily squeaked as he ran for the door.

***

If you like funny but swoony romance, I hope you’ll get the book, if you haven’t already! If you already have, and you enjoyed it, please leave reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and the Barnes and Noble website. Even a couple of lines is fine. I appreciate reviews so much, and they make a real difference! 

 

Now, let’s talk about the release week!