Sam is the most promising swordsman among this year’s crop of Paladin trainees...and knows it. Brash, cocky, and unbeatable with a sword (well, almost), Sam is the kingdom of Thule’s best hope against the violence wrought by demons. The only problem is that Sam is really Lady Samantha, daughter of the seventeenth Duke of Haywood, and if her father has his way, she’ll be marrying a Paladin, not becoming one. But Sam has never held much interest in playing damsel-in-distress, and so she rescues herself from a lifetime of boredom and matrimonial drudgery. Pity that Tristan Lyons, the Paladin assigned to train her, is none other than the hero of her childhood. He hasn’t recognized her as Lady Samantha--yet-- but if he does, he’ll take away her sword and send her packing. Sam is not the only trainee hiding secrets: Braeden is a half-demon with a dark past that might be unforgivable. Sam, Braeden and Tristan set out for the western coast, charged with rooting out an infestation of demons that has made the West unlivable. As they travel, they uncover a deep-seated corruption of power that threatens to derail everything they stand for. Rebellion stirs, led by a rival faction of warriors who tempt Sam to join them with an irresistible offer. A war between men is coming, and Sam must pick a side. Will saving the kingdom cost her life -- or just her heart? Reminiscent of Mulan, but with a medieval fantasy twist, Paladin is a tale of adventure, action, and romance.

(Sample): I opened my eyes, waiting for the transformation to happen. Less than three seconds later, the change occurred. The transformation never ceased to amaze me and as I watched it, I remembered the times when the water was salty instead of clean, house water. Oh yeah, you still don't know who I am. Well, I'll give you a little summary. My name is Aquarina, Aqua for short. I just moved to Dallas, Texas from a little town called Fort Myers in Florida. I will be a junior in high school this year. Oh and let's just say I'm not your average 17 year old girl. I mean I dress like a normal girl, minus the face cake of makeup and the heels.(Yeah, sorry. I don't do high heels. I only go for 1-inch heels if anything.) I listen to normal music and I talk like everyone else. Normal American accent. I also have a phone, computer, laptop, and all those other electronic necessities. I don't have any mental issues. I was born like any normal baby. Well, that's not entirely true. I am anything but normal or average. You see, my DNA is different. No, I'm not a werewolf. Or vampire, fairy, wizard, witch, or ghost. When my skin comes in contact with water, I change. My eyes and hair change. My eyes become a clear silver and my hair a solid blue, lighter than navy but darker than aqua, sorta like the Crayola color. I get a tail for feet and my scales are the color of my eyes. So now you think "Scales? Like a fish or something?" Actually that is half true. I'm half fish and half human. Yup, that's right. I'm a mermaid. That's not all of it. My family are as well. (End of Sample):