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A Unique Defense Move for My Heroine

By Eliza Knight

In my newest Scottish historical romance release, The Highlander’s Reward, my heroine Arbella de Mowbray has a pretty unique defense move—which she’s not ashamed to use!

In most of my books, you’ll find that my heroines are feisty, that they can kick butt if necessary and still melt into the hero’s arms so he can save them every once in a while.

I decided that instead of being skilled with a weapon, I wanted Arbella to be able to knock out a massive, brawny Highlander with the touch of her hand. My idea at first was to use a pinch to the neck—you know the one’s you see on tv where the person kicking a** and taking names, pinches their opponent and the opponent passes out? This would be perfect! She could take him out with little to no effort! Totally fun, funny and making her powerful.

Except for one problem… When I spoke to a physician to find out the exact spot she would need to pinch and if he thought this was possible, Doc replied—no. She would need to hold that spot long enough for the hero to no longer be getting oxygen to the brain which would make him pass out. He bunked a Hollywood myth! Darn! My hero Laird Magnus Sutherland, would NOT just stand around and wait for himself to pass out while she pinched him.

What else could I use?

The Doc suggested the Karate Chop. Easy—she can use a bit of force in her swing, hit right along the carotid artery and nerves, causing him to pass out and wake a bit dizzy with a headache. Was it possible? Sure, ninjas have been doing it forever. But how exactly would my English born and bred heroine learn a Karate Chop? Not like medieval England was teaming with Senseis ready to teach her the move…

Aha! Her brother is a knight in the king’s service. While overseas in the Holy Lands, he learned the move, brought it home and taught her—Voila, a heroine who can Karate Chop! But I didn’t want to call it a Karate Chop—didn’t sound medieval enough. I looked it up and sure enough, there is another name for it—knifehand strike. Perfection.

Here’s an excerpt from the book where my heroine uses the knifehand strike:

“Stop!” she shouted, shaking her head. “Do not say anything more. ’Tis over.” She had to leave. Now. ’Twas dangerous to remain. She could feel herself falling all over again. Especially at his near declaration. But she couldn’t let that influence her. She had to forge ahead.

She made a move to walk around him, but he gently gripped her arm, his eyes pleading. He stroked up to her elbow and pulled her into his embrace. Why she let him, she had no clue.

“Don’t,” she whimpered, resting her head on his chest.

“Dinna leave me.”

She pulled back a little, her eyes locking on his. She wanted to say she would stay. Wanted to kiss him fiercely with all the passion she possessed.

Instead she raised her arm and brought the edge of her hand down hard on the right side of his neck, hitting the exact spot Samuel had taught her—the knifehand strike. He’d showed it to her after coming home from the Holy lands, the move taught to him by an ancient Japanese man who had come as a servant with one of the other knights.

Magnus stared at her for a blink of an eye and then dropped to his knees. She tucked her hands beneath his underarms, groaning at his heavy weight, and then slowly lowered him to the ground as best she could.

“You’ll wake soon, my laird. With a headache most likely and you’ll definitely be angry. I’m sorry. But ’twas the only way for me to escape you.” And your heated kisses. With those words uttered, Arbella stole into the corridor and headed down the stairs, hoping not to encounter anyone.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book One: The Stolen Bride Series

She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…

Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she’s more in danger of losing herself.

The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.

Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who’ve been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?

Available now in both print and ebook. Buy Links:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

Look for THE HIGHLANDER’S CONQUEST, book two, releasing on September 21^st!

And don’t forget to enter my Take Magnus With You Contest for a chance to win a beautiful sterling silver Celtic knot necklace!!! Check out my site for details!

Eliza Knight is an Amazon bestselling author of historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain ridge, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com Twitter: @ElizaKnight and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor