Spotlight: A Code of Knights and Deception by Eliza Hampstead
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Genre: Dark Time Travel Historical Romantasy
Outlander meets Black Mirror in this sizzling dark time travel romance!
Sophia
I thought I was trapped in history. Turns out, it’s far worse than I imagined.
I woke up in 15th-century England, a brutal world where women are silenced, superstition rules, and survival depends on obedience. Trapped far from my husband and son, nothing makes sense. I’m a scientist, not a damsel in distress, so I did what I had to—I disguised myself as a man and trained with Henry, the castle’s master-at-arms, learning to wield a sword to defend myself.
But as I carve my place in this world, my forbidden love for Henry shakes everything I believed in. Do I fight to return home—or surrender to a future I never imagined?
Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that Henry is hiding something—something that could shatter everything I’ve fought for.
Ethan
What if the woman you’re supposed to observe becomes the one you can’t live without?
I never meant to fall for her. She’s fearless, brilliant, captivating. Every lesson, every stolen moment deepens the lie—and my guilt. I’m not the man she thinks I am. That my name is Ethan, not Henry, is the least of the lies I tell her.
If she learns the truth, I’ll lose her forever.
And time is running out.
*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.
Excerpt
A Moment of Vulnerability with Henry
My heart soared at his confession, hope blooming within me like the flowers that surrounded us. Perhaps there was still a chance for us, a possibility that he might feel the same way I did. I pressed on, desperate to know the truth.
"I have recently come to a revelation." I hoped my statement would pique his interest.
"Truly?" His curiosity flickered to life. "And what is it you’ve discovered?"
Taking a steadying breath, I replied, "That life is more than duty or obligation," I began, glancing at him sideways. "At times, we must heed the call of our hearts and seek that which brings true joy. We must embrace risks rather than the safety of caution and cast aside fear."
"A wise sentiment," he said, though his voice held a note of caution.
A cool breeze tugged at my hair as I turned towards Henry, my heart pounding in my chest. The shadows played tricks on my eyes, the moon casting an eerie glow over the castle gardens. I felt so vulnerable, exposed by the intensity of my emotions.
"Henry, your betrothed," I began hesitantly, my voice laying bare my feelings for him to see, "is she... is she truly the one you desire, the one you love?"
His azure-blue eyes locked onto mine, a storm of emotion swirling within their depths. I was an open book, as he could easily read the hope, hurt, and insecurity reflected on my face. For a moment, he hesitated, as though searching for the right words.
He stepped closer and reached for my hands, "I swear upon the stars, Sophia, there is none for me but you."
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About the Author
Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she's not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of medieval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she’s always planning her next adventure.
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