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A Code of Knights and Deception follows a disillusioned stay-at-home mother, who is unexpectedly thrust into a medieval world after a visit to Warwick Castle. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The seed for this story was planted over a decade ago when I was going through major life changes—navigating motherhood, grappling with identity shifts, and craving a sense of purpose beyond the everyday routines. One day, I found myself imagining a woman standing in a historic castle, feeling invisible and out of place in her own life, when suddenly everything changed. What if she wasn’t just visiting history, but living it?
I’ve always been fascinated by time travel stories like Outlander, but I wanted to explore something different. What would it be like for a modern woman with a scientific, logical mindset to be thrown into the raw, brutal reality of medieval England? Not a fantasy version, but a historically grounded one—with real stakes, real danger, and no magic to save her. I wanted her disorientation to feel authentic, her reactions believable. That meant no corset-loving romanticism, but real struggles: survival, powerlessness, the aching separation from her child, and the weight of being a woman in a society that barely saw her as a person.
Warwick Castle was the perfect setting. I spent time researching its layout, history, and the de Beauchamp family, who ruled it during the 1400s. I loved the idea of grounding her journey in an actual place with rich historical detail while weaving in the mystery of how—and why—she ended up there. What unfolds isn’t just a survival story, but a deep personal reckoning with identity, freedom, and desire.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I wanted the characters to feel emotionally raw and morally complex—especially Sophia and Henry. Sophia is thrust into a world where her values and modern sensibilities clash with the brutal, hierarchical system of medieval England. I didn’t want her to be overly idealistic or immediately capable; she reacts with fear, grief, rage, and resilience in believable ways. Her love for her son grounds her, even as her growing connection with Henry threatens to unravel everything she thought she knew about loyalty and love.
With Henry, I had to be especially careful. He’s not a modern man, and I didn’t want to sanitise or romanticise him. But I also didn’t want to make him irredeemable. His morality is shaped by a violent, patriarchal world, and yet he’s quietly resisting it in his own way. His protectiveness, secrets, and inner conflict make him both dangerous and compelling.
Even the secondary characters—like Lizzi or Charles—had to reflect the values of their time while still offering space for nuance. I avoided making anyone purely good or evil. Instead, I focused on motivation, trauma, and the grey areas where love, duty, and survival intersect.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The central theme is identity—what defines it, what threatens it, and what reshapes it. Sophia is a woman who has slowly lost herself to motherhood and societal expectations. Being thrown into the past strips her of all external identifiers—her phone, her career, even her name at times. She’s forced to ask: Who am I without everything I used to rely on?
Another key theme is freedom vs. confinement. From the very beginning, Sophia is caged—emotionally, domestically, and eventually literally. The castle becomes both a place of fascination and a prison. I wanted to show the subtle and overt ways women have been trapped across time—and how reclaiming power, even in small moments, can be a radical act.
Love and moral compromise are also central. Sophia’s growing feelings for Henry don’t erase the reality that she has a husband and son in the future. She constantly wrestles with guilt, desire, and the tension between emotional truth and moral obligation.
Finally, truth and reality play a big role, especially given the sci-fi twist of VR. If your body is in one place, but your heart belongs to another… what’s real? This will become even more important in the second book, where the boundary between memory, identity, and illusion begins to blur.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
Book two will conclude the series and picks up right where A Code of Knights and Deception leaves off—with Sophia facing the fallout of a devastating cliffhanger. Without giving too much away, she’ll be forced to make an impossible choice: stay in her world—or fight for a place in one that was never meant for her. Ethan’s secrets unravel, and Sophia must reckon with the real consequences of the technology that brought her there. Will she save the people who did her wrong?
The next book will delve deeper into the question: What is real? Memory, consciousness, emotion? If those things can be simulated, what does that mean for love—and for truth?
Expect more swordplay, political tension, emotional turmoil, and steamy scenes that test both characters’ limits.
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When Sophia wakes up in 15th-century England, she expects hardship—but nothing prepares her for this brutal, unforgiving world. Lost, alone, and desperate to return to her husband and son, she vows to find a way home. But as weeks pass, Sophia finds kinship and purpose in this strange land.
After a violent attack, she takes fate into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to train under Henry, the castle’s enigmatic master-at-arms. As steel clashes and their connection deepens, forbidden desire ignites.
Yet Henry is not the knight he claims to be. His real name is Ethan, and this is the least of the lies he tells her. Falling for Sophia was never part of the plan—but the closer they become, the more he realises how wrong it is to keep her in the dark.
As danger closes in and the lines between reality and deception blur, Sophia must uncover the truth about Henry—and herself—before she runs out of time.
Outlander meets Black Mirror in this sizzling dark Historical Romantasy with time travel, forbidden love, found family, a morally grey knight, and a fierce heroine—both hiding secret identities, deceiving each other in a game of survival and passion.
*Warning: strong language, steamy scenes, and graphic violence inside. Mention/Description of, but not limited to, abduction, blood, death, amputation, childbirth, death, sexual assault, suicide, violence against children, rape, and torture.*
The book is the first in a duology and ends with a cliffhanger.
A Code of Knights and Deception
Eliza Hampstead’s A Code of Knights and Deception blends time-slip historical fiction with a tense psychological journey, following Sophia, a disillusioned stay-at-home mother, as she is unexpectedly thrust into a medieval world after a visit to Warwick Castle. What begins as a simple solo trip soon turns into a bizarre and haunting experience where reality blurs, complete with knights, castles, and a creeping sense that something is terribly off. Her struggle to reconcile what’s happening with her rational mind propels a tense narrative that shifts between mystery, survival, and self-discovery.
The writing really grabbed me. Hampstead has this uncanny knack for showing claustrophobia and vulnerability without overexplaining. Sophia’s internal monologue is raw, honest, often sarcastic, and sometimes heartbreaking. I felt her fear, her desperation. That choking scene in the peasant’s hut was absolutely harrowing. The author doesn’t pull punches when describing the violence or emotional exhaustion Sophia endures. At the same time, the prose can be beautiful, too. There are moments, especially in descriptions of the castle or Sophia’s fleeting hopes, that feel like small sighs in the middle of a storm. The whole book keeps you off-balance, and I couldn’t stop flipping pages, needing to know if she’d wake up from the nightmare, or if it was never a dream at all.
This book isn’t just a thriller dressed up in chainmail. It’s a sharp look at what it means to feel powerless in your own life. Sophia’s journey through the medieval setting reflects her internal crisis: a woman smothered by expectations, by an unhappy marriage, by invisibility. There’s a quiet rage beneath it all, and it builds beautifully. Her yearning for independence is so relatable, and that makes her trauma hit harder. The story also plays with genre expectations in clever ways. You’re never quite sure if this is a psychological break, time travel, or some elaborate trap. That ambiguity made it addictive and unsettling.
A Code of Knights and Deception left me breathless and unnerved but in the best way. I’d recommend this book to fans of Outlander who like their history with more grit and less romance, or anyone who appreciates a layered, emotional, psychological mystery with a medieval twist. If you’re looking for a story that makes you feel disoriented, a little scared, and totally invested, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 542 | ASIN : B0D6VGNQ41
The Triumph of Love
A Celtic Yuletide Carol follows an enigmatic priestess who is mute due to trauma and meets a man with a dark past and his own trauma, and together, they start to heal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A Celtic Yuletide Carol is the story of Cardin–the youngest of three De Landuc brothers who are Breton knights– first introduced in my paranormal fantasy trilogy, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. I wanted to show Cardin’s struggle with alcoholism and gambling after the tragic death of his wife. I felt that a Celtic priestess with Druidic healing powers who had suffered her own trauma would be the one who could heal him (and herself in the process).
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I used the tragedy in my own life as inspiration for the characters in A Celtic Yuletide Carol. I applied the suffering of my family to that felt by the protagonists in my novel.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of loss, suffering, redemption, family, loyalty, courage, music, healing, and the triumph of love overall within the context of a holiday setting–hence the title, A Celtic Yuletide Carol.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing Wolf of the Nordic Seas, book 2 of my Valiant Vikings series set in tenth-century Normandy. Book 1–Dragon of Denmark--was just published October 5th. I hope that Wolf of the Nordic Seas will be published in early 2025.
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El éxodo de los cátaros
El éxodo de los cátaros is a riveting historical fiction novel set in the early 13th century during the Albigensian Crusade. The story follows Ermessenda de Castellbó, a noblewoman with ties to the Cathar community, as she navigates the tumultuous political and religious landscape of medieval Languedoc. Her journey is fraught with danger, alliances, and the quest for survival amid the crusade’s brutality. The narrative seamlessly blends historical facts with creative liberties to fill in the gaps, offering a vivid portrayal of a time marked by conflict and faith.
One of the best things about this book is its exploration of the characters’ inner lives and motivations. Ermessenda is portrayed as a strong and compassionate woman, deeply committed to her people and faith. Her relationship with Robi is tenderly depicted, providing emotional depth to the narrative. The author skillfully illustrates the conflicts between personal loyalties and the harsh realities of war. For instance, Robi’s torment over the fate of Carcassonne and his desperate attempts to protect his loved ones highlight the human cost of the crusade.
Mariana Vernieri’s writing is both engaging and evocative, bringing the medieval setting to life with rich descriptions and intricate details. The opening scene in the camp of Toulouse, where soldiers rest uneasy with the threat of the Crusaders looming, sets a compelling tone. Vernieri captures the atmosphere perfectly, from the camaraderie among the soldiers to the palpable tension and the personal struggles of characters like Robi, Ermessenda’s beloved. The dialogue is natural and period-appropriate, which enhances the immersion into this historical era.
El éxodo de los cátaros is a compelling read that offers a nuanced view of a complex historical period. Mariana Vernieri’s meticulous research and vivid imagination bring the past to life, making it an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction. This book is particularly suited for readers interested in medieval history, religious conflicts, and strong, character-driven narratives.
Pages: 798 | ASIN : B0D8H92D8L
Twists and Surprises
Tempting the Sheriff follows a shapeshifting outlaw whose brother’s antics bring her face to face with the sheriff, the man who remains her enemy but is also her lover. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Funny you should ask! I actually write a “making of” post about each of my books on my website. You can find them all here: Anna Lowe Books.
In brief, I loved the legend of Robin Hood and the daring outlaws of Sherwood Forest as a kid. In fact, Errol Flynn was my first crush, way back when. I also loved the Disney cartoon version in which all the characters are animals, and of course the 1991 movie version with Kevin Costner and a somewhat more capable Maid Marian. As with all my favorite books and movies, I “rewrote” those versions in my mind to insert a super-amazing heroine into the action.
Combine that with my love of paranormal romance, and it was natural that my mind drifted in the direction of a shapeshifter version. Being a big fan of Robin Hood doesn’t make me a fan of re-tellings of familiar stories, but I do love reading/watching movies that use familiar elements to set up and then flip expectations. So, that was one of my goals in writing this series: to remind readers of everything they love in Robin Hood and keep you guessing with twists and surprises that take the story in a whole new direction. I hope I succeeded!
Do you have a favorite among your diverse cast of characters?
Well, Robynne, the crafty female archer and fox shifter, is definitely my favorite, and I swoon over Daniel, the dragon/acting sheriff of Nottingham. I also really enjoy the cast of characters as a group, especially in the way the different shifter types play off each other.
In this book, you blend the paranormal romance with historical elements. Was that a challenge?
The main challenge was to weed out terms or language that wouldn’t have been used in the Middle Ages (phrases like “His eyes telegraphed danger”) while keeping the text easy on modern eyes and ears. I did purposely play with some aspects, such as “the modern convenience” of running water available to Nottingham’s townspeople in fountains “just” a few steps away from their homes!
Can you give fans a peek inside Book 2 of the series?
Yes! Like Book 1, Book 2 (Tempting the Outlaw), is a steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance series that combines the humor of The Princess Bride and the action-packed romance of Outlander, offering a fresh new twist on a classic.
Book 2 focuses on Willa Scarlet, whose secret mission takes her to Sherwood Forest where she meets bear shifter John Little. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story, in which all Willa and John have in common are sizzling chemistry, ruthless enemies, and responsibility for a treasure more valuable than either of them suspected. Before they know it, they’re on the run, deep in trouble and in love, even if neither of them is ready to admit it.
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Don’t believe what they tell you about Robin Hood, outlaw of Sherwood Forest. There never was such a man. But there is a woman…
That’s me, Robynne: fox shifter, master archer, and jaded outlaw with a fierce desire to avoid trouble. But when my impulsive brother and his merry band of misfits rob a passing carriage, they set off a chain of events that changes my destiny forever. Too late to stop them, I settle for the next best thing: taking from the rich and giving to the poor.
All well and good, except that puts the new sheriff of Nottingham hot on my trail. Operative word: hot, because unlike his predecessor, Daniel is a muscle- and duty-bound knight/dragon shifter freshly back from the Crusades. One who inspires all kinds of new desires…
As outlaw and sheriff, we’re sworn enemies, though we want the same things: justice for the downtrodden, the return of our rightful king, Richard…and a chance to indulge our wildest, most sizzling fantasies.
But that’s not so simple for us star-crossed lovers. The year is 1193 — an era of scheming princes, greedy warlords, and ruthless shifters. To earn our happily-ever-after, Daniel and I must rely on cunning, fierce fighting, and love that burns hotter than dragon fire.
I’ve never let rules, expectations, or impossible odds stop me…but I have to admit, this will be one hell of a challenge.
(And if you hear a canine growling, that’s my fox side. Challenge accepted.)
SHERWOOD FOREST SHIFTERS
Steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance!
WINNER PNR GUILD AWARD – BEST VAMPIRES & SHIFTERS SERIES!
Book 1: Tempting the Sheriff
Book 2: Tempting the Outlaw
Book 3: Tempting the Maiden
Can Robynne and the sheriff outwit adversaries, uphold justice, and find their happily-ever-after? Find out in this steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance that corrects all theerrors of the Robin Hood legends. If you enjoyed the humor of The Princess Bride and the action-packed romance of Outlander, you’ll love this fresh new twist on a classic, complete with brave knights, cunning bandits, fire-breathing dragons, and forbidden lovers. Get your copy of Tempting the Sheriff today!
Fair warning: No cliffhangers, but this story concludes with a happy-for-now ending, only because the situation in Nottingham doesn’t yet allow more. Robynne and Daniel will get their HEA by the end of the trilogy, once the events of Books 2 and 3 play out. I swear, it will be worth it!
Tempting the Sheriff
Tempting the Sheriff is a dynamic and captivating novel by Anna Lowe. Robynne, a strong-willed and resilient protagonist, is on a mission to keep her brother out of trouble. Despite his charming and attractive personality, he tends to attract chaos, often dragging Robynne along with him. As events unfold, they find themselves in a precarious situation, potentially facing dire consequences. This tension is amplified by Robynne’s growing feelings for the town’s new acting sheriff, Daniel, leaving readers wondering whether their relationship will flourish amidst the turmoil. Daniel, tasked with upholding law and order, faces his own challenges. He steps into the role previously held by a controversial figure, making him an object of fear and suspicion among the townspeople. His encounter with Robynne, who he discovers is his mate, adds a complex and intriguing layer to his storyline.
Anna Lowe has crafted Robynne as a particularly engaging character. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a compelling lead. Daniel’s narrative arc is equally absorbing, with his struggles in gaining the townspeople’s trust adding depth to his character. The narrative strikes a balance between sweetness and sensuality, enhanced by an engaging fantasy element that elevates the story. The setting is meticulously detailed, immersing readers in a world that feels both authentic and fantastical. Action sequences are well-executed, providing excitement without overshadowing the plot’s emotional core. The romantic scenes are tastefully integrated, complementing the story’s overall tone. Among the standout moments are the opening scene, which humorously depicts Robynne’s brother in a mischievous act, and the suspenseful climax near the audiobook’s end. The narrators, Osborne and Merlin, deserve special mention for their exceptional delivery. Osborne’s sassy portrayal of Robynne and Merlin’s gruff interpretation of Daniel add a vivid dimension to the listening experience.
Tempting the Sheriff is fun, sensual, and has an engaging plot. This audiobook is not just entertaining; it is a well-crafted piece of storytelling. Looking ahead, there is much anticipation for future works from both the author and the narrators. Their collaboration on this project has resulted in a remarkable audiobook that is both compelling and thoroughly enjoyable.
Pages: 193 | ASIN: B0CHSLF934
la loi salique
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle follows a French princess who wishes to become Valkyrie warrior queen but instead is being forced home to marry a man she does not love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am a former high school teacher and college professor of French with a passion for medieval French history. I love the region of Bretagne (Brittany in English) and especially the legends and myths from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, birthplace of Merlin, the Lady of the Lake Viviane and Lancelot, King Arthur’s First Knight of Camelot.
When I was an undergraduate student, I spent a summer studying abroad in Normandy and was fascinated by the Viking influences and heritage in that region. So, I decided to create a story of a fiery French princess of Finistère in Bretagne whose ancestors were Viking Valkyrie.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
In the Middle Ages, knights were sworn to the moral principles of chivalry, such as fierce loyalty to God, their king, and their country. They also swore to protect and defend women, children, the weak and the sick.
These moral principles created the inner conflict of my hero, Sir Bastien de Landuc, the royal guard appointed to defend Princess Gabrielle who has suffered an impossible love for her since adolescence.
Historical fiction takes a lot of research to get the right feel even if the storyline is not real.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
No, but I wanted to bring in something I had learned in my studies of French history that I felt was horribly unfair to women. There is an archaic law–la loi salique-– which dates back to the 5th century and the Frankish king Clovis. According to this law, women could not inherit a kingdom nor rule in their own right. Their titles and property became the possession of their husbands. I wanted to show how unfair this law was to Princess Gabrielle, who was facing a forced marriage for this reason.
Will there be a follow up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I have signed a publishing contract for A Celtic Yuletide Carol, the story of Sir Cardin de Landuc–Bastien’s brother– and his struggle with grief and guilt when his young wife dies in childbirth and he forsakes his newborn son. I am also writing another follow-up, the story of Sir Gaultier, Bastien and Cardin’s oldest brother, who defends King Philippe of France’s claim to the distant land of Aquitaine on the Spanish border in southwestern France.
My current work in progress is A Nordic Yuletide Wish, the story of Princess Gabrielle’s ancestor Ylva, the descendant of Rollo, first Viking chieftain of Normandy. It is both a follow up to Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle and a gateway to a planned Viking trilogy that I will write in the near future.
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Chivalrous, solitary knight Sir Bastien de Landuc suffers an impossible love for Gabrielle, the unattainable princess he can never have. Without a title of nobility, he is ineligible to compete in the tournament for her hand in marriage, despite his unparalleled equestrian skills and inimitable swordsmanship.
Yet, Yuletide wishes for a wondrous winter solstice in the glorious Crystal Castle might make impossible dreams come true.
Can the valiant knight win the coveted hand of his Viking Valkyrie?
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle
In Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle, Jennifer Ivy Walker transports readers to the heart of the French Medieval era, painting vivid scenes of frost-covered castles and lavish banquets. This historical fiction novel centers on Gabrielle, a princess who defies medieval norms with her aspirations to be a Viking warrior queen. An adept horse rider, archer, and swordfighter, Gabrielle faces the constraints of royal traditions when her father’s illness prompts a Yuletide Joust to determine her marriage fate.
Gabrielle’s romance with Sir Bastien de Landuc, her former mentor and royal guard, is a focal point of this riveting narrative. Despite their deep love, Bastien’s inability to compete in the joust and the menacing presence of Ugolin Cauchon, a villain determined to claim both Gabrielle and her kingdom, weave a complex web of challenges.
Walker’s storytelling is remarkable for its detailed depiction of the medieval period, blending the harsh realities of the era with the warmth of festive traditions. The romance between Gabrielle and Bastien unfolds with a blend of gentleness and intensity, characterized by moments both tender and passionate. Gabrielle, with her fiery spirit and resistance to traditional gender roles, is a particularly compelling character, and her dynamic with Bastien adds depth to the narrative. The novel’s main characters are richly developed, and while the extensive cast of secondary characters and the use of French terminology adds to the depth and authenticity of the setting, they also enhance the reader’s immersion in the medieval world, complementing the novel’s engaging plot and vivid historical backdrop.
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle is a compelling blend of historical fiction, action, and romance, offering a vivid journey into a meticulously crafted medieval world. Walker’s skillful writing ensures a captivating read throughout.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CHG3ZQ8J
LITERARY TITAN 