Saturday 16 August 2014

Book Spotlight: Wolf's Castle by Madelyn Hill



Wolf’s Castle by Madelyn Hill
Historical Romance
Date Published: June 14, 2014

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Can he forget the past and embrace the future?
He’s the beast of Lomarcan Castle. Tortured, angry, and bound and determined not to allow Vivian Stuart to invade his lair. Lord Galen Maclean refuses to be endeared to the lovely woman who has landed on his island looking to study alchemy. The island possesses secrets, secrets too horrid to share with the gentle woman. However, her beguiling nature brings light to the darkness of the castle and the few quirky inhabitants and edges into his heart.

Can she tame the beast within him to gain his love?
She was stranded on a remote island, her father dead and dishonored by her betrothed. Still, the lovely Vivian Stuart wears her heart on her sleeve and strives to redeem Lord Maclean. She knows his heart is good and the castle can be filled with love. Through science she learns more about the troubled lord and slowly but surely, the torture lord's icy heart begins to thaw as Vivian shares the magical healing power of love.



EXCERPT

            He scowled at her. “You want fresh air, here it is.” He seemed pleased with himself, as a ghost of a smile turned his lips upward. When the smile reached his startling blue eyes, then she’d believe him.

            “’Tis not fresh air alone, m’laird. I want to leave. I want to go home.” I want my father back and all the security that he could offer. She waved her hand toward the see. “The water is calm.”

            Ignoring the hitch in her voice, Vivian tried to maintain eye contact with her warden. The rigid line of his shoulders and the stiffness of his back gave little indication that he’d heard her or would relent.

            He gave a seemingly careless shrug of his shoulders. “You can’t leave.”

            Standing, she walked as close to him as she felt was safe. “And you’ll be giving me good reason?”

Raking a hand through his hair, he released his breath. A white plume billowed from his broad mouth. The set of his jaw read threatening, sinking her expectations as the soaring walls of the courtyard began to close in, making her want to run from the potentially serene haven.

He pointed toward the cliffs with a shaking finger, his voice a low rumble scratching over the distant thunder of the waves. “Have you not seen the current? A boat would be swallowed with a wee thrashing.” He reached for her and grasped her arms, holding them to her sides, his gaze probing hers. “You may not go near the water. Too many have died. I can’t allow you to be next.”




About the Author


I'm a mom, wife, and writer just living life to the fullest. A Michigan native, I've moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to marry the love of my life. Life is exciting, exhausting, chaotic and I wouldn't have it any other way. I currently work in education and love integrating technology into learning.  In my writing world, I enjoy researching, trying to find historical facts to weave into my writing. Historicals are my first love, but I have started writing Young Adult novels. Writers are often told write what you know and since I work in education and have three children, I have plenty of experiences to add to my writing.


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Tuesday 12 August 2014

Book Spotlight: Taking Vengeance by M.K. Theodoratus



Taking Vengeance by M.K. Theodoratus
Historical Fantasy Novelette

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Furious Half-Elven parents, Mariah and Ashton, seek vengeance for brutal attack on their daughter by vicious Sea Raiders.

In a tale older than time itself, Taking Vengeance tells a story about the strength and conviction of a mother's love against those who would harm her family. After witnessing centuries of fighting and chaos against her people and her own bickering with Linden, the ruler of the Far Isles Half-Elven, Mariah has withdrawn from politics to seek a peaceful life as a healer.

But Mariah's peace is short lived when Sea Raiders attack her daughter's family, leaving her at death's door. The act of bigoted cruelty plunges Mariah into despair. Her grief is sensed by Ashton, her partner who is far away spying on their southern enemies, and he uses his elven magic to rush to her side. The couple's rage boils over at the outrage. Ashton urges Mariah to belt on her sword and seek vengeance against their daughter's attackers.

Mariah discovers the Sea Raiders wield a strange new magic that threatens all they hold dear. But can she convince Linden that their country is in danger before it's too late?

Taking Vengeance is a tale set in the world of the Far Isles Half-Elven, who constantly fight among themselves even though they’re beset by enemies on all sides




EXCERPT
        
The Half-Elven patients and their families cowered against the walls, increasing Mariah's anger at the stupid clod who dared to growl at her. Their audience rolled their eyes like nervous horses, fearing what the combatants might do. They pulled what energy they could from the air to strengthen their protective shields. Mariah's skin itched from the static raised by their efforts. But she focused her attention on the ruler who had once been one of her closest friends.

In a voice a third as loud as Linden's, Mariah said, “Calm down, you fool. You're disturbing the patients.”

“Blast your patients. I'm warning you.” Linden’s face turned red. “Get your nose out of my business.”

“I was just consoling the girl.”
                                     
“My affairs don't concern you.”

“Elysianna deserves better than being dropped cold by a coward.”

Linden's face grew redder. “By the Fates, I wish Ashton was still here to put a leash around your neck.”

“Well, he isn't here.” Mariah controlled her sigh, hiding her sorrow at her ring-mate's absence. “You sent him spying on our southern enemies.”

Mariah took a deep breath, ready to yell back at Linden's next comment.

The hall's head healer appeared in the doorway that lead to the consulting rooms, her hands folded in front of her. A scowl darkened her face. “Quiet, the two of you. Take your disagreement elsewhere.”

Thick silence spread over the room.

“She rules here. Go drill your troops or something.” Mariah whispered. “I came here to help not cause the patients discomfort.”

The force of Mariah's glare pushed Linden towards the door. He stomped away, looking as mulish as he had when his father forced him to clean the byre as a boy. Mariah shooed him on his way as if her hands were a broom.

Her face calm in spite of her thumping heart, Mariah turned. “Who's next?”

No one moved until a small boy touched her hand. He looked up at her sideways, ready to run. “My granny's tooths hurt.”

With a closed-lipped smile hiding her pointed front teeth, Mariah clasped his hand. “Shall we stop them from hurting?”

“That'd be nice, Lady. Then she can chew ham again. She does enjoy a nice slice of ham.”




About the Author


Comics first hooked M. K. Theodoratus on fantasy. When she discovered L. Frank Baum's first Oz books, the strong female characters drew her into the possibilities of alternate worlds. Then, she stared writing in grade school when a teacher assigned a short story lesson. The assignment was incomplete at 25 pages, but she finished the book by the next summer. The Children’s Librarian, the only other person who’s read it, thought it well-done.

Theodoratus has enjoyed at least four writing careers, including non-fiction. Now she writes fantasy ... mostly because it amuses her. Theodoratus writes in the world of her grumpy Far Isles Half-Elven, often featuring Mariah del Oesti or Renna of Ren Creek. She also explores other magical worlds of ghosts, gargoyles, and Fae. Most of her newer stories are set in Andor where demons prey on humans. You can read more about her fantasy at http://www.mktheodoratus.com

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Wednesday 6 August 2014

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The Brethren Series by Sara Reinke





Dark Vengeance Part 1
The Brethren Series 
Book 6
Sara Reinke
Genre: paranormal/vampire
Publisher: Bloodhorse Press
Date of Publication: 11/2011
Number of pages: 155
Word Count: 62,640

Book Description: 

Brandon Noble thinks the worst is behind him and is ready to begin a new life with the woman he loves. Lina Jones is more reluctant to let bygones be bygones, but agrees to try for Brandon's sake. But just as they look forward to a promising future together, new danger arises -- and Brandon's very nature could threaten to tear them ruthlessly apart.

Smashwords | Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback | BN

***

Excerpt  Dark Vengeance Part 1: 

Lina had never seen Brandon so fully enthralled by the bloodlust before—not without him feeding from her or finding sexual release. It had left him exhausted, flustered and—she realized suddenly—frightened.

Because he’s never seen himself like this, either.

“Brandon,” she whispered, reaching up to press her palm to his cheek. God, he was burning up, his skin hot like the side of a glassworks furnace. “Feed from me.”

Don’t ask me that, he gasped, shaking his head. God, Lina, please. I can’t!

“Yes, you can,” she pleaded. “You have to try. This isn’t working.”

It has to! he cried. Shaking his head his head to dislodge her hand from his face, he then seized hold of her, locking his fingers through hers, pinning her hands down against the bed. You don’t understand, he seethed, his brows furrowed. He leaned down enough for her to see herself—her sudden, visible alarm—reflected in the obsidian pools of his eyes. This has to work—it has to. If I bite you now, I won’t be able to stop. Do you get it? Do you hear me? I won’t be able to stop myself!

***

Dark Vengeance Part 2
Sara Reinke
Paranormal/vampire
Bloodhorse Press
Number of pages: 212
Word Count: 130,860

Book Description: 

From the beginning, it's been the two of them: Brandon Noble and Lina Jones, against the world...against all odds. But in the end, Brandon couldn't resist his true vampire nature, and the relentless pull of the blood lust drove them apart. Now he's disappeared without a trace and his life may very well be in danger. Can Lina put aside her broken heart to help find the man she loves? Or does Brandon's salvation lie in the hands of the most unlikely hero of all?

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/3KIlWNhpZmk

Smashwords 


Excerpt Dark Vengeance Part 2

Brandon lay spooned against Lina, his chest facing her back, the curves of her body resting in perfect complement with his own. Her hair, a tousled mess of dark, springy curls, tickled the underside of his nose. He had his hand draped lightly over the slim indention of her waist, his fingers loosely twined through hers.

I don’t understand this—any of it, Brandon thought. But he found he no longer had the heart to question it. Because this is what I want—you’re what I want, Lina, he thought, breathing in the scent of her perfume, and kissing her lightly through her hair. You’re what I need.

Although he was loath to leave her, he slowly drew free from their embrace and slipped out of bed. Leaving her curled on her side, her body draped in blankets, he pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Grabbing his cell phone, Brandon padded softly toward the bedroom doorway. Here, he paused, glancing over his shoulder, watching as she dozed, cat-like and comfortable, in a sunbeam.

God, you’re beautiful, he thought, the corners of his mouth lifting in a soft smile. I want this every day, for the rest of my life. I want you.

He wandered through the chateau, and everything was just as he remembered. It had come pre-furnished, courtesy of the Morins, but Lina had added her own touches here and there to the décor: a tabletop sculpture of a moose made from old paint cans, springs and cogs in the living room bought during an outing to an art gallery with Tessa; a framed photograph of her and Brandon taken outside one of the gaudy casino exteriors on the Nevada side of the lake; a bowl of giant pinecones—each bigger than a softball—she’d collected from the yard outside. He gazed out the bay windows in the living room and found everything outside just as he’d known it, too—flawless azure sky, clustered stands of towering evergreen trees, the distant but distinct cerulean plane of Emerald Bay below.

It was a beautiful place, a peaceful place, and as it always did, it made Brandon feel at ease simply to be there, bearing mute witness to its splendor.

He sat down on the couch and looked down at the cell phone in his hand. Again, it occurred to him—floating to mind, as if something rancid bobbing briefly to the surface in a murky pond—that the phone was supposed to be lost.

When Jackson moved out of his mother’s house in Florida, he thought. His head hurt, a sudden burst, a throbbing ache just behind his eyes, and with a frown, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Only I didn’t go to Florida. So I couldn’t have lost my phone there. Besides… He opened his eyes, blinking down at the iPhone in his hand. …I have it right here. That’s proof I didn’t lose it.

He opened his messages as Lina had done, and felt his heart quicken with excitement as he saw Sebastian’s name and number pop up. If losing his phone had been just a dream, then…

hen losing my dad must’ve been one, too, he thought, tapping on the touchscreen keypad, and typing a message: Hey, Dad—are you busy?

For a long moment, he couldn’t send the message, even though he knew it was ridiculous to hesitate. The idea that Sebastian was gone had been so powerful and poignant within him; to realize now that he wasn’t, that Brandon could have another chance—countless chances—to talk to him, text him, interact with him was damn near overwhelming.

But almost as soon as he pressed send, the phone vibrated in his hand, not because Sebastian’s response had been so quickly forthcoming, but because a dialogue box had appeared onscreen: Signal lost. Message not sent. Please try again.

What? With a frown, Brandon held up the phone: no bars, no signal, no reception. He rose to his feet and walked closer to the windows, but still had no luck. He moved around the house, going from room to room; he turned the phone off and on again, but no matter what he tried, he couldn’t get a transmission signal. Shrugging on a lightweight jacket, he stepped out onto the deck to see if the reception was any better. But it wasn’t.

Damn it, Brandon thought with a deepening frown, as he glared, frustrated, at the impotent phone in his hand. It had apparently worked last night—there was the conversation he’d had with his father right there on the screen to prove it. But still, Brandon had no memory of that conversation, not even the distant, dream-like sort in which Sebastian had died, or that he had lost his cell phone. That utter lack of memory did more than trouble Brandon. It pained him.

Because I feel cheated somehow, he thought, as ridiculous as it sounded. He felt desperate now to get in touch with Sebastian, to prove to himself that this was reality, and everything else—all of the half-memories bobbing and percolating in the back of his mind—were dreams. I want to talk to my dad. Even if it’s only through a stupid goddamn text, I want to talk to…

All at once, Brandon’s attention snapped from the phone in his hand to the woods, his brows narrowing, his entire body growing instantly tense. He could sense another Brethren, that distinctive, tingling sensation that meant another like him was nearby. Normally at the Morin compound, this wouldn’t have alarmed him because the only ones there were Brethren. But in that moment, as he felt that unmistakable awareness of other Brethren within his proximity, he realized he hadn’t been feeling it all along as he’d grown accustomed. It was like the entire area was completely empty, at least of other vampires—until now.

Below him, through the tangle of trees, Brandon saw him, a Brethren man looking up at the bungalow—most specifically, at Brandon. His eyes were a clear, nearly lucent shade of blue, like the waters of Lake Tahoe. He reached for Brandon as if desperately imploring, his fingers splayed wide, and his arm had been stripped of any visible flesh, flayed so that the bright red meat of his muscles lay gruesomely exposed. Blood spattered in fat droplets onto the floor and the stark white sheets beneath him were stained scarlet.

Please… the man gasped, and Brandon knew his face, his eyes—his name.

Aaron.

Please… Aaron begged, his eyes glassy with pain, wide with alarm. Don’t…!

***

About the Author:

“Definitely an author to watch.” That’s how Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine describes Sara Reinke.

New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards calls Reinke “a new paranormal star” and Love Romances and More hails her as “a fresh new voice to a genre that has grown stale.”

Dark Thirst and Dark Hunger, the first two books in The Brethren Series of vampire romance are available from Kensington/Zebra Books, while the third installment, Dark Passion, is available from Double Dragon Publishing.

The series continued with Dark Passages: Tristan & Karen, Dark Passages 2: Pilar & Elías and Dark Vengeance Parts 1 and 2, from Bloodhorse Press.

Learn more about Sara and her available titles at www.sarareinke.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Reinke/101431290002605

https://twitter.com/@SaraReinke

www.goodreads.com/author/show/491442.Sara_Reinke

***

Tour Giveaway

5 ecopies Dark Vengeance, Part 1

2 ebook sets of the entire The Brethren Series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Book Spotlight & Giveaway The Roman Mongrel by Mary Bernsen



The Roman Mongrel – Mary Bernsen
Historical Fiction
Date Published: July 1, 2014

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For Princess Chiomara, freedom from the Romans isn't good enough. She will have her captor's head.

Loosely based on the true story of the war between Rome and Galatia, The Roman Mongrel is focused on the wife of a Galatian chieftain. Princess Chiomara is a feisty noblewoman who carries herself with incredible passion and bravery - even after she is captured by the Roman army.

Captivated by her beauty and unique spirit, the centurion that oversees her care is unable to resist his lust for her. After an opportunity for freedom presents itself, Chiomara faces two options: to flee, or to seek revenge.

The Roman Mongrel is a new adult historical fiction with a rich mix of war and female empowerment, sprinkled with a touch of romance.




About the Author


Mary Bernsen is a southwest Florida native currently living in Punta Gorda with her two beautiful children and a third, much larger child that she affectionately calls husband. She  spends her days creating characters on the good side of twenty-five because she is in serious denial about the fact that she is now on the bad side of it. She has a passion for fantasy of any kind along with historical fiction. If she isn't having conversations with her made-up friends, you can usually find her clipping coupons or out on the boat enjoying the muddy waters of Peace River (as long as it isn't below 80 degrees).



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$10 Amazon Gift Card



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Monday 4 August 2014

Book Spotlight Madame Lilly, Soulless by Dormane G


Book Synopsis

The time is 1890, the place, New Orleans, and Odara is lost to Madame Lilly, her soulless side—and she has not finished what she started. Unleashing two great forces, Theolus and Hearon, with ferocious appetites against her common-law husband, Henry Nicholas, is just the beginning of the end for Lilly—only she doesn’t know it yet.

For the spirits she raised took what was left of her humanity and left a piece of themselves within her; a piece that craves chaos. Needing to maintain control over them to do her bidding, Lilly must do what is required even if it means becoming more like them.

Tortured, scorned and damned, Lilly has one mission in life: Retribution. 


Book Excerpt


“Henry tasted salty sweet as sweat dripped down his body from the muggy hot weather Louisiana offered deep in the swamps, especially fierce under the brutal sun.
Back here no one cared about a man’s cries. Creatures here only cared about one thing: Survival. There was no one around other than the mosquitoes competing with Hearon, both desiring the splendor of his blood. The bush crickets were too busy singing to their mates to hear Henry’s cries, and the gators were lying in wait to feed on the bodies tossed their way after going missing in the bayou, the reptiles becoming accessories to vicious human crimes. No, there was no mercy back here in the swamps.
She did not pull too much skin at once, only enough for it to cause incredible pain. The wounds needed to heal so she could do it again, until they grew tired of him or Madame said it was time to end his existence. It didn’t matter where the flesh came from but she noticed the legs and back seemed to hurt the worst, so that was where she lingered while dancing around him and watching his body tremble in fear every time she laid a finger on him”




About The Author:
I may be a nurse by profession but I'm an author by heart. I have been writing stories for many years, both in my head and on paper because I’ve always had a love for books ever since spending Saturdays at the library as a young child. Within a book, the mind can travel to worlds of the imagination and the beyond. I finally took the plunge and published my first novel last year, a young adult urban fantasy titled “Connor” and, this year, two adult horror short stories titled “Madame Lilly, Voodoo Priestess” and “Madame Lilly, Voodoo Priestess: Soulless.”  Each are the just the beginning of many to come as I stay locked up in my office in Colorado spinning more tales.

Get In Touch

Website:  DormaineG.com
Twitter:     DormaineGtwitter.com @dormaineg

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 Amazon | Good Reads


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