Book Tour for Blind Allegiance by Violetta Rand (GIVEAWAY)

Today I'm bringing you an intense historical read, Blind Allegiance by Violetta Rand.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this book and find out why readers are drawn to historical reads.  Also make sure to leave a comment for your chance to win an Amazon GC!

Many reasons exist for why readers are hopelessly attracted to historical fiction. Getting back to the basics—our roots—seems to be the most common. What inspired our ancestors to emigrate or how did family traditions begin? Where did I get brown eyes and curly hair? Why did my great grandmother celebrate Celtic holidays or speak French fluently? These are questions my friends have asked. With a little research, they found answers. But who wants the journey to end there? Hundreds of history booksexist. Wonderful resources we can use to piece together the places and people we’re intimately connected to.

As a person with a restless mind, I always craved more than straight facts. I wanted to see the events through the lens of the people who experienced history first-hand. Historical fiction provides endless opportunities for readers to live in those fantastical moments. Is there anything more exciting? Pick a century or culture. Follow the events of a birth of a nation or religion. Taste the foods and wear the costumes. Fight the wars or dream their dreams. I ‘m never satisfied with a linear link. The possibilities in historical works are endless. After all, is historical fiction really that far from the truth?

I think technology and modern thinking has stripped us of some of the values we miss most. In historicals, we’re able to catch glimpses. I’ll give an example … the warrior spirit. I’m not saying modern-day heroes don’t exist. But there’s something extraordinary about an 11th century Viking avenging the death of his kinsman or presiding over criminal/civil cases in his court. It’s a mixed up world out there. I prefer the clarity of the past. Call me a dreamer, but I know I’m not alone. That’s what inspired me to read and now write historical fiction. There’s magic on those pages, and valuable lessons to be learned.......

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it… George Santayana.

It’s a risk of a lifetime loving a man you’re supposed to hate…

Betrayed by a brother she hardly trusted before the bloodthirsty Viking, Jarl Randvior Sigurdsson, attacks her home, Noelle Sinclair is conveniently bartered as a means to save her cowardly sibling’s skin. Forced to leave her homeland and accompany the petulant Viking to the untamed wilderness of central Norway, Noelle is ever-aware of the burgeoning dangers around her—including her weakening resolve to resist Randvior.

Should Noelle surrender to his resplendent charms and seduction, or fight with every ounce of strength she possesses to get home?

EXCERPT:

Cringing from his brutal words, Noelle finally burst. Through the blur of tears, she saw a warrior of tremendous proportion storm across the hall. He seized Brian’s arm and pried his fingers loose from her hair. She heard a loud snap as he curled Brian’s arm behind his back. Her brother stumbled and hollered, then dropped to his knees.
“Say it,” the colossal warrior demanded, visibly applying more pressure to his hand.
Brain tried to wrestle him down, but the stranger was larger and stronger—controlled him with little effort.
Although she detested her brother, her first instinct was to protect her own flesh and blood. Yet, it seemed a fitting punishment. Let Brian suffer the same mortification she felt whenever he embarrassed her, which happened too often.
Brain quit struggling. “Mercy,” he begged.
The Viking released him, and Brian staggered to his feet as gracelessly as a drunk.
“Is this how you treat your own kinswoman?” her rescuer asked.
“She’s faithless—no blood of mine. We’ve made our bargain Norseman, take her.”

AUTHOR INFO:

Violetta Rand holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and a master's degree in Environmental Management. Serving as an environmental scientist in the state of Alaska for over seven years, she enjoys the privilege of traveling to remote places few people have the opportunity to see.
Violetta has been "in love" with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, at five, she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband, Jeff. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading whatever she can get her hands on, music, and losing herself in the ancient worlds she enjoys bringing to life in the pages of her stories.

http://www.violettarand.com/

**********GIVEAWAY**********

Violetta will award a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter.

-To be entered, leave a comment, along with your email addy.

-Winners will be chosen randomly from all comments made throughout the tour, so the more you comment the greater your chances of winning.  A list of all participating blogs can be found here.

-Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST on 8/2.