Today I’m delighted to be sharing a snippet from Charlene Newcomb’s newly released novel, Rogues & Kings, as part of a blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Blurb

Deadly secrets. Hidden identities. A true enemy.
Silence is the only shield.

The year is 1216 and civil war rages in England. King John ravages the countryside against rebellious barons and a French invasion. Unbeknownst to him, his newest squire, Richard, is in fact the son of a man the king would hang without a second thought. A man the common folk call Robin Hood.

For years, Robin has lived as a knight in exile. But when his son is ensnared in the treachery of the royal court, Robin is forced out of the shadows, aided by his outlaw friends in the Hood.

There is no question for Richard where his loyalties lie but it’s more than his own life at risk. He has the trust of a dangerous king. Can he serve the Hood better from within John’s inner circle, or will schemes against the crown unravel?

Rob from the rich, give to the poor takes on a whole new meaning.

Rogues & Kings is a sweeping tale of courage and betrayal in a kingdom on the edge of ruin, of a boy coming of age in the midst of war, and of legends being born.

Snippet

“Sir John told me you’d taken Eleanor in when the king confiscated her husband’s estate,” Henry said but wondered what King John would think of Nichola’s compassion.

Nichola sat straighter in her chair exuding confidence in her relationship with the king. “Eleanor will return from Lenton Priory day after next. I’d sent word to her of Marian’s arrival, and now another happy surprise to see you, yes?”

Henry smiled. “I haven’t seen her since she was a child.” He frowned to himself, and then shivered. Something about Eleanor’s presence here bothered him.

Sipping at her wine Nichola eyed Henry, his frown not escaping her notice. But she didn’t dwell on Eleanor. “My guards tell me you have brought a message from the king?” Henry started to explain the ruse, but she held out her palm and he placed the letter there.

She cracked the seal. “Of course it’s a forgery, perhaps to be burned?” She held the vellum near the flame of the candle beside her but whisked it back and unfolded it. Studying the words, she said, “It’s very good. Is it your friend Allan’s work? A shame he made an enemy of the king. You, Robin… The king could use soldiers like you.”

Henry tipped his head. “The king does not believe in forgiveness. And even if he did, would he ever trust any one of us?” He brought the cup of wine to his lips and took a drink.

“One of his few failings, I fear,” Nichola said.

Henry nearly spewed his drink. He could name dozens of the king’s failings. Nichola admonished him with a look that brooked no argument. Marian hid a smile behind her hand.

Looking pointedly at Henry, Nichola asked, “Does Allan have spies in my household?”

Rogues & Kings is available to read on Kindle Unlimited
and via this Universal Buy Link

Charlene Newcomb

Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, is a retired librarian, a U.S. Navy veteran, mom to 3 amazing humans, and grandma to 3. She writes historical fiction and science fiction.

Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal, and published the original novel Echoes of the Storm.

Char returned to medieval times with Rogue and her latest novel Rogues & Kings, both in her Tales of Robin Hood series.

For more information about Charlene and her books click on the links below
Website • Facebook • Substack • Instagram • Bluesky
Pinterest • BookBub Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

More information on the Coffee Pot Book Club and other works of quality historical fiction can be found on Twitter and Instagram

Book Title: Rogues & Kings
Series: Tales of Robin Hood
Author Name: Charlene Newcomb
Publication Date: 4 February 2026
Publisher: self-published
Pages: 394
Genre: Historical Fiction