Released on 1st March 2015 by Tim O’Rourke, #1 bestselling author of ‘The Kiera Hudson Series’, came ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Part Three), a werewolf romance with a twist.
When the entire population of Shade go missing, investigative reporter Mila Watson knows this could be the big break she has been waiting for. Setting off into the mountains to the village of Shade, Mila soon learns that the village isn’t as deserted as she first believed it to be and that creatures lurk in the shades…
For readers 16+
REVIEW
This short story series is getting darker! Despite there being so much adventure, there is always a great deal of mystery in Tim’s books, and part 3 of Werewolves of Shade is no exception! Thus far, Mila has left her uncle and best friend/boyfriend in the village of Maze, seeking her parents or what has become of them in the village of Shade. After hearing stories of the beautiful immortals, finding out about the war between the vamps and the wolves, and then hearing a possible myth that a witch ended it all, Mila has come to seek the truth. Believing Shade to be deserted she soon finds out otherwise and meets with Calix, Rea and Rush. This is a MUST-READ series for fans of paranormal, mystery, romance and even horror!
Assigned to replace the former village teacher, Mila has to meet the village children at the school. But she first needs to tackle the dark, mysterious alley where we left her at the end of Werewolves of Shade (Part 2). Not only does it feel claustrophobic and menacing, it seems to almost move and reach out to her – it actually put me in the mind-set of the never-ending alleyway in the film, The Labyrinth, albeit more menacing and terrifying! And just who is it who keeps calling her name? Surely it can’t be all in her head?!
Before she realises it, and not being able to explain how, she ends up on the other side where she meets with a most mysterious man in Augustus Morten. Although appearing to be friendly and kind towards Mila, the reader can’t help but be suspicious of him. As he walks Mila to the school it becomes apparent that he has spoken with Rea and knows a little about Mila. Is he talking to Mila to discover any holes in her story, or is he merely trying to be a friend? Finding out Augustus had been assigned as the village gravedigger made his character to be even more eerie.
The children of Shade seem fairly quiet as Mila begins to learn their names. Although speaking English she is surprised to realise their exercise books are all written in another language she has never seen before. And after, asking some questions, she realises that the children are not as open as she hoped. The story takes a turn when one child tries to answer Mila and is quietened by another. This begins to raise even more suspicion of the people of Shade with both Mila and the reader.
There is certainly more horror and gore in this instalment, following an unfortunate twist of events. But what will Mila make of it all? Is she partly to blame, and even if not, being the new stranger to the village raises suspicion and doubt of her. She is certainly going to have to gain the trust of people there.
Whilst Calix is still quite mean and sharp towards Mila, she can stand up to him. He gets under her skin and irritates her so much. Not forgetting the times when he seems a little full on and gets carried away with Mila, making for some very creepy and cringe-worthy moments! However, I can’t say that I completely dislike him, although a part of me tells me I should. There are times when I feel that his character may open up more and you could change your mind about him.
The one comfort in Shade that Mila has is Rush. He manages to subdue Calix a little and calm the situation, and make sure Mila is alright. They become increasingly close and open up to each other more. There are clearly feelings towards each other, but what of Flint, Mila’s boyfriend and best friend in Maze? Does she really love Flint or are they just friends? Is there really anything happening between Mila and Rush?
Part 3 is another fast-paced adventure with Mila getting deeper and deeper into her life in Shade. With a house, a job and a closeness to Rush, I do ask myself ‘will she ever be able to leave’? If so, how? And what will be her reason for leaving? But before we reach these answers, the biggest questions of all is ‘will she seek what she came to find?’ and ‘will she survive?’
The final twist and cliff hanger in this third instalment of Werewolves of Shade will leave you needing a change of underwear! It is petrifyingly brilliant, psychologically disturbing, just sheer horror that will leave you chilled to the bone!! And to extend the torture, we’ll have to wait until April 4th, 2015 for the next instalment!!!
A copy of Werewolves of Shade #3 was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #3) by Tim O’Rourke is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
If you love dark erotic romances and for some reason this super read has slipped you by then here is your chance to purchase it for 99c! Tina 🙂
Irrevocable (#1)
99 cents for a limited time!
Sometimes when you can’t go back, the only way out is to descend into the darkness. my Captor When I woke in that place, I just wanted to survive. But survival came at a cost, for which they demanded my will and body. my Master With pain came acceptance. Fully-dependent on the man who claimed me, I learned to appreciate what I had-life and relative safety. my Protector I watched him spill blood and tend my injuries. With betrayal came a revelation.
The only way out was to bring them all down or die trying.
My head ached and I slumped against the wall, rubbing my temple. Between the pain and swelling in my body and the fog threatening to reclaim my mind, each breath and thought became more and more of a struggle.
“Do you remember what happened?” Kirk asked, keeping his voice low—almost calmingly low. A misleading façade to hide whatever beast he locked inside.
I shook my head, unwilling to give into his mock concern.
The elevator halted and my stomach slammed into the lungs, adding to my nausea. I feared I’d lose its contents for a moment, but I managed to swallow as Kirk dragged me out of the elevator and down a hall.
“What is this place?”
“Quiet,” he hissed, wrenching my arm.
“Please, just—”
He hauled me around to face him, lifting me by my upper arms. “Not listening is a good way to get yourself killed here, which is exactly what would have happened if I hadn’t come downstairs to see what trouble our resident dipshits had dragged in. You have yet to be ripped to pieces or to be removed of your ability to speak. If you want to keep it that way, I suggest that you learn to obey simple commands. Shut up.”
I clenched my jaw. I didn’t want to admit the truth in what he said, but with every breath I took, my ribs sent a sharp reminder of what could happen. Regardless of that warning, my brain didn’t stop screaming. All I wanted to do was go home, where neither of us would have to worry about my body parts being ripped off. But, I nodded, and he pulled me forward so quickly I tripped over my own feet and wouldn’t have stayed upright if not for his grasp.
Reviews:
You HAVE to read this book. It really is one of the best that I have read in a while, and definitely one of the best of 2014. It has everything I look for in a dark read. The twist that the author throws in is, just wow. I just cannot emphasis just how much I love this book!”
★★★★★ Alicia, Mean Girls Luv Books
“Not only did Irrevocable gut me, it took me on a roller coaster ride full of emotions that I usually don’t experience while reading romances…. You start to hate, you start to sympathize, and you begin to fall in love in every way. Ms. Callahan has turned my world upside down with her writing. Dark, sensual, and at times overwhelming, Irrevocable will bring you on a dark journey that you will never forget..” (read more…)
★★★★★ Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads TOP PICK of 2014!
“Finally a good DARK read, that has it ALL!! The characters are well developed and believable, the story-line is intriguing, the “dark” factor was HIGH but at the same time there were “light” points…. This is really a story of survival and overcoming obstacles. It’s a story of trust and safety and honor and ultimately, love. Overall – the characters drew me in, the situation jangled my nerves, the sexy scenes were HOT, and the story just blew me away.” (read more…)
★★★★★ Shelby, Wicked Reads
“Beautifully written! Great characters and story line. Skye made me a fan of dark reads. A must read for all who dare to step out of the light and into the darkness!” (read more…)
★★★★★ Summer’s Book Blog
We are very excited about this soon-to-be-released young adult contemporary story, packed with romance and drama, from debut author, K.P. Gazelle, and released by Radiant Books. It is a strong and meaningful story, with some beautiful moments with fantastic characters that will enlighten you and give you that boost you always needed! 🙂
Heart-warming story of adolescence, self-esteem & love!
Title: The Color of Happiness
Author: K.P. Gazelle
Genre: Young Adult, contemporary, drama, romance
Release date: March 1st, 2015
Released by: Radiant Books
Length: 197 pages
Book Blurb:Faith Lane is the girl who has everything. At least, that’s what everyone thinks when they see her rocking a killer dress while laughing with her best friend, Tiffany. But Faith’s life is far from flawless. Her peers torment her relentlessly, and her parents expect her to be the epitome of perfection. Criticized and pressured at school and home, Faith retreats into silent acceptance and finds an escape in her passion of dancing. Then she meets Alex – quirky, forever with a pass, and concealing a mysterious secret of his own. And through his encouragement, Faith starts believing in her gift for dance and gains courage to stand up for herself. But will she be able to keep her footing when the events of one night consume her with the need to jump off the rocky cliffs near her coastal home? And what has pushed her to the edge of reason?
REVIEW
Adolescence hits us all, along with the many lessons we have to learn about ourselves and others. We all want to be accepted, we all want to feel great and we all want to experience love. The Color of Happiness explores all of these subject matters and I loved every second. It really put me in the mind frame of movies such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and St. Elmo’s Fire – to name but a few!
Faith Lane experiences teasing and torment from her peers as she has her own individual wardrobe – sometimes she’s a hit and other times a flop. But the teasing upsets Faith and keeps her self-esteem low. If it wasn’t for her best friend, Tiffany, she would be quite alone. However, she is one that is strong enough to stand up for what she believes in, and even when her mother wants her to wear an outfit that she has made looking like the Mexican flag, Faith wears it in a selfless act to spare her mum’s feelings.
Tiffany is a strong character – she accepts Faith for who she is, encourages her when she’s feeling low and gives her a great boost when she needs it. We can all do with a Tiffany in our lives. She is the one person that Faith opens up to about her feelings of her peers, school work, her parents, and boys.
Faith’s parents can be quite controlling over her life -not wanting her to do too much socialising with the wrong sorts and keeping a very close eye on her grades. Even when reaching 95%+ in her exams, her mother in particular tries to push for more. Faith knows it is because her parents just want the best for her and because they worry, but she needs a release of pressure at times.
One day at school changes her life forever. After being teased by an upperman, she is relieved from further torment as his friend, Alex, encourages him to stop. Although dubious at first, after bumping into Alex around the school and having conversations and small flirtatious moments with him, she begins to develop feelings for him and they begin to see each other on a regular basis. Albeit, without the knowledge of Faith’s parents – they are so controlling over her life she feels that they won’t accept her having a boyfriend and therefore feels she has no choice but to keep him a secret from them.
Alex soon becomes the love of her life. They share many lovely, intimate and emotional times together. And he really is the boost that she has always needed, giving her courage and building her self-esteem, as well as showing her what true love is all about. The moments with Alex are written beautifully.
Alone in her bedroom, she has been watching dancing videos on the internet and practices the moves around her home and in-between classes at school when no one else is around. After noticing Faith do this and knowing that there is an opening with the dance class, Alex (and later Tiffany) encourage Faith to audition. Not really believing in herself, and knowing her parents want her to dedicate time on her studies, she tries to shrug it off. But deep inside she knows that she would love the opportunity to feel free in dance. Being urged to at least try the audition out, she flourishes and her confidence soars.
Faith’s life comes crashing down when there is a major twist in the story with some very unfortunate events. The reader is taken on a journey with Faith as she tries to piece her life back together. It is extremely touching in parts that may bring a tear or two to your eyes.
The Color of Happiness is a powerful read with so much meaning. It puts the message across for all of us, not just adolescents, to ‘have a go’, even if in doubt. That during dark times you can pick yourself back up. It is a huge confidence boost, uplifting and a great read for any teen, as well as a motivation boost for those feeling down or those with low self-esteem. The story provides courage and faith to all those that read it, which is exactly what Alex does for Faith’s character. It is a great debut from author K.P. Gazelle!
An ARC copy of The Color of Happiness was provided by the publisher in return for an honest and fair review.
Welcome to A Reader’s Review Blog. We would like to thank you for participating in our interview for The Color of Happiness.
Thank you SO much for having me 🙂
Where did your inspiration come from to write The Color of Happiness?
Different events and people inspired different parts of the book. The element of grounded friendships was inspired from my personal life. I have the BEST friends!
Can you relate to any of the characters in The Color of Happiness, either personally or through a friend?
I can relate to Faith in certain ways. Like Faith, I put a lot of pressure on myself to excel and do the best that I can.
Your character, Faith, escapes her peer pressure and the pressure from her parents through dance. Has dance ever played a part in your own life?
Nope! I’m more like Tiffany – Faith’s best friend – in that regard LOL. Couldn’t dance if my life depended on it!
Can you tell us more about Alex, and the effect he has on Faith?
Alex, of course, is Faith’s love interest in the book. He’s one of the people who really get Faith to start believing in her dance abilities and in herself as an individual overall.
Were any particular areas of the story more difficult to write than others?
Definitely, yes. Sometimes, it was difficult to share the exact emotions a character was experiencing at a given time.
How would you describe your writing style?
Hmmm . . . I don’t know if I have a set style. I like to write in character, so that changes each time.
Are you an avid reader? Do you have a favourite book/author?
Yes! I absolutely LOVE to read! I love too many books and authors to pick a favorite . . .
When you are not writing, what do you do like to do? What is next for K.P. Gazelle?
You would probably find me reading. I also enjoy taking pictures, although I’m not very good at it LOL. There’s been an idea rattling in my head for some time. Let’s see what happens with it!
Thank you for your time. We wish you every success with The Color of Happiness!
Anissa Toma fled war-torn Syria after narrowly escaping the massacre of her Christian family by Islamists. Fortunate enough to rebuild her shattered life in New York City, the young refugee gained admission to an elite college, where she excelled. Her beauty, brains, and purity soon captured the interest of two powerful men: Michael, an activist working to establish Antioch, the first Mideast Christian state, and Julien, her professor and one of the city’s wealthiest bachelors.
As Anissa’s saga continues, the refugee-turned-rising-star must navigate between Michael and Julien, while trying to help her surviving relatives and other vulnerable Christians in Syria. As she gets closer to both men in a complex and evolving love triangle, can she unlock Julien’s traumatic childhood to open up his heart? Or will Julien find greater solace from his nightmares and other demons in the sessions with his intriguing therapist? What will Michael do for Antioch and for Anissa, and what will Julien’s role be? How far will each person go to help Anissa’s remaining family and other persecuted Christians at risk in Syria? Find out in this stunning sequel to “The Syrian Virgin.
About the Author
Zack Love graduated from Harvard College, where he studied mostly literature, psychology, philosophy, and film. After college, he moved to New York City and took a corporate consulting job that had absolutely nothing to do with his studies. The attacks of September 11, 2001 inspired him to write a novelette titled “The Doorman” and heightened his interest in the Middle East. A decade later, that interest extended to the Syrian Civil War, which provided the backdrop for his latest work. In late 2013, Zack began releasing his unpublished works of fiction and became a full-time author. He has published comedy, psychological and philosophical fiction, and romance. Zack enjoys confining himself to one genre about as much as he likes trying to sum up his existence in one paragraph.
RELEASED TODAY is the latest instalment of this super New Adult paranormal romance series, Escape (Dark Alpha #4) by Alisa Woods. The Dark Alpha short story series is sequel to the True Alpha short story series. (Each could be read as stand alone series, however it is strongly recommended that each individual instalment of a particular series should be read to follow the whole story of that series completely.) Escape is my favourite of the Dark Alpha series so far!
Title: Escape (Dark Alpha #4)
Author: Alisa Woods
Genre: Paranormal romance, New Adult (18yrs+)
Release date: March 2, 2015
Length: 60 pages
Blurb: PART4: Escape (Dark Alpha 4) Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com billionaires who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.
With Arianna’s family looking for her, Jak’s plan to flee the state just got a lot more complicated. But before he can worry about that, he has to break her free of Mace’s hold.
Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both? Escape (Dark Alpha 4) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the fourth of six episodes in the Dark Alpha Series.
Contains strong sexual themes/language and is meant for readers over 18.
REVIEW
After dealing with his deception to his own alpha, Gage, Jak has made the decision to free Arianna – the love of his life (but unwillingly mated to his alpha’s brother, Mace) – and there is no going back. He wants her to be free, even if that means he will not be able to join her if he gets caught!
Deception (#3) was a fantastic build up to this exploding instalment. Maybe a little slower without too much action, it provides all the thoughts that are in Jak’s mind and proves how determined he is to go ahead with his plan to save Arianna from a life of misery with Mace. Therefore, Escape is straight in with the action, tension and the fighting. It is a thrilling read that will keep you gripped throughout!
Whilst Arianna is submitting to Mace, in front of his beta’s, Jak was hoping to use the element of surprise to attack them and escape with Arianna. But when Mace’s beta’s clock on to Jak’s presence all hell breaks loose and there is a brilliant action sequence. Will Jak free Arianna? Will they survive Mace’s wrath when he realises what they have done?
Not only that, but now it has been revealed that Arianna’s family have been looking for her, both Jak, Arianna, as well as the reader, will fear for the well-being of her family if they are faced with Mace. Jak wants to protect Arianna, and now her family, from Mace. But will it all prove too much for him?
Complete with action and hot romance Escape is my favourite instalment of the Dark Alpha series so far! Jak and Arianna are sparked with a different kind of dread. They were always worried what would become of them if they were found out and caught, and now they have been found out. Adrenalin is running high for all characters, as well as the reader, as we hope they will find safety. Making matters worse, are the injuries Jak sustained from the fight, making the reader question if he will make it.
To elaborate further would spoil this instalment. I can only state how BRILLIANT it is. Paranormal/shifter fans will love these series’. They are written in such an excitable manner that the reader cannot help but love the characters. The short story aspect means that each book can be read within an hour, packed with action, hot romance, love, tension, and so many more emotions. You won’t be able to wait for the next one – which will be released in two weeks, on March 16!
A copy of Escape (Dark Alpha #4) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
Escape (Dark Alpha #4) by Alisa Woods is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
Reviewed by Caroline Barker
To find out more info of the previous instalments of Dark Alpha, as well as Alisa Woods‘ first series, True Alpha, along with reviews, please check them all out below:-
Today we are thrilled to welcome author Tof Eklund to our blog. Tof has just released Autumn Harvest: Maiden, an erotic fantasy romance, published alongside eighteen short stories from the world of Autumn Harvest. You can find out more about this novel, including some excerpts, by reading the rest of this post, in which Tof also shares with us some of the many and varied experiences of being a writer. Tina 🙂
Interview with Tof Eklund
1. Hi Tof. Thank you for being with us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I think all writers are odd ducks, but I may be a bit odder than most. I earned a Ph.D. in English with a dissertation on comic books and videogames, I’m non-binary transgender (closer to “androgynous,” than male or female), I’m a proud parent of two, and I teach creative writing and game design at my day job.
2. Please tell us about Autumn Harvest: Maiden and the other tales contained in the novel and what inspired you to write them.
I’ve always had a very active, very visual imagination (and a rather wild libido). Most of these stories began with vivid impressions in my mind’s eye and grew from there. The romance of Yelen and Kaye in Maiden has a unique origin: it began as a story written for my spouse when she was pregnant with our first child, and I was torn between excitement at becoming a parent and fear of complications during pregnancy.
3. The tales are set in fantasy worlds. What do you think prompted you to write these tales in the fantasy realm rather than other settings?
I have a love-hate relationship with fantasy that goes all the way back to grade school. I love the idea of new worlds and magic, but not the paternalism and ethical simplicity that often go with fantasy. I wanted to write a romance that didn’t idealize feudalism, a world where the existence of magic reflected the complexity of human nature and ethics.
4. What is your writing process like? To what extent do you plan and how much do you just let the words flow?
Because Maiden was originally serialized online by Big World Network (http://bigworldnetwork.com/site/), I had to outline my episodes and plan ahead, but that’s only part of it for me. When I’m into a story, I obsess over it, planning scenes and trying out ideas in my head, coming up with more plot threads and themes than I will ever use. Then, when I sit down to write, all of that stuff’s there, but I’m much more focused on the immediate, and what comes out on the page often surprises me.
5. What about the personalities of your characters – are they always fixed in your head before you start writing or do they develop a will of their own?
There’s always a concept, but I don’t feel like I’ve “found” a character until they surprise me. Honestly, my characters tend to be a step ahead of me. Maybe it’s a subconscious result of my ruminating on my own plots, but I often find I reach a point where I go “oh, that’s why they did that thing thirty pages ago.”
6. Are any of the characters in your novels based on people you know or reflect elements of your own personality?
There’s a little of me in each of my characters, even the unlikeable ones, maybe especially the unlikeable ones. There are also bits and pieces of people I know in there, but I’ve never written a character that was a straight-up fictionalization of a real person.
7. What is the best thing about being an author? What do you find the most challenging?
The best thing is getting to create the stories, the worlds and people, that you always wanted to read about but couldn’t find. For me, it’s promotions, getting the word out that’s the hardest part. I find it helps to think of it as something I’m doing for my characters and worlds, rather than for myself.
8. If you could give an aspiring author one tip, what would it be?
Write the stories you want to read, the ones that are telling themselves in your head. It’s the only way to remain passionate about writing, and writing is too hard and too demanding to be worth it if it doesn’t satisfy an inner need.
9. What type of books do you like to read? Have you any favourite authors?
Octavia Butler and Ursula K. Le Guin, have influenced me greatly. Le Guin’s short story “Coming of Age in Kaehide” is great speculative fiction and very sexy at the same time. Lois McMaster Bujold as well: the way she combines romance and action, magic and scientific understanding had a huge impact on Autumn Harvest. Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona’s Staples’ comic book Saga is another inspiration: it’s a borderline surreal science-fantasy, but it’s really all about family. Oh, and there are some seriously hot moments in Saga as well.
10. Can you tell us about what you working on at the moment?
In between teaching and co-parenting, I’m working on a tie-in game called Autumn Harvest: Rites of Spring. We’re not talking about anything too fancy, it’s basically going to be like a “choose your own adventure” book. The story in Rites of Spring is from over a thousand years before Maiden, but with implications about where the plot will go in Autumn Harvest: Mother, the second novel.
11. And finally, have you a message for readers?
I have a lot of stories I want to tell in the world of Autumn Harvest. The continuation of Yelen and Kaye’s story is the biggest one, but I have tales to tell about Isa and Bess and their lovers, plans for the literal subculture of the dwarves, and secrets to reveal about the saphhic temple in Rites of Spring. If you want to see more of any particular part of that world, let me know! There’s a big picture I’m working towards, but your input can help me decide what order the stories get told in.
Tof, many thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. It is always interesting to find out where authors find their inspiration and how they develop their stories and characters.
Autumn Harvest: Maiden certainly sounds like an entertaining and fascinating read, which I am looking forward to reviewing. I think that when it comes to writing fiction the fantasy genre is a great forum in which authors and readers can explore both major societal issues or those affecting the individual. Authors in the genre produce many entertaining and thought provoking reads. When I first started to read fantasy novels many years ago it was sometimes difficult to find stories where the romance was central to the plot and I am pleased to see that today many authors write fantasy romances and erotic fantasy romances.
Your plans for future tales set in the world of Autumn Harvest and the tie-in adventure game sound really exciting and we’d be more than happy to help you spread the word on these. Tina 🙂
Book Blurb
Autumn Harvest: Maiden is a sensual and socially conscious tale of irrepressible longing in a court full of intrigue and inequality. Yelen is a long-lived witch of the Order sent to the patriarchal kingdom of Thrycae, where witchcraft is punishable by death. Kaye is the young prince of that kingdom, and becomes attached to Yelen after she saves his life (but not the use of his legs) from a deadly childhood disease. As the years pass, Kaye grows into a handsome and thoughtful adult, and Yelen finds herself drawn to him despite the mortal peril inherent in such an affair. Eighteen short stories from the world of Autumn Harvest are also included in this volume, including a jilted young man’s life-changing encounter with an emerald-eyed dwarf, the inner monologue of a lady’s maid in need of a helping hand, the frustrations of a dominant dryad, and a series of tales about a polyamorous trio.
Summer passed into autumn, and the weather cooled. I was reviewing some of Kaye’s geometrical proofs when he broached a topic that I should have expected, but was unprepared for. “One of the maids offered herself to me.” I was struck silent, so after a moment, he continued. “I refused her.” I managed to nod and, after a moment, said, “Well, Kaye, that was very responsible of you. You shouldn’t let anyone push you into a sexual relationship before you’re ready.” “That’s not why…” he trailed off, then started over. “I don’t know how to love a woman. You once told me that it’s more than just putting it in – that only barbarians ignore a woman’s, uh…pleasure.” He blushed. Embarrassed at his discomfiture, I replied, “You do have a right to know about these things. And any lovers you have in the future will appreciate your, ah, consideration. I’ll see that you get uncensored copies of the Codex Anatomica, the Garden of Seventy Paths, and…let’s see, Timor’s Way of Love is probably the best general introduction.” “Yelen…you have been my tutor in everything – will you be my tutor in this?” I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks at this, and had to take a moment to compose myself before answering. “I…if there is anything that confuses you about the texts, let me know and I will attempt to explain it.” Kaye’s face twisted up in a conflicted expression. “Thank you,” he replied, his voice quiet and flat. “I couldn’t ask for more.” I felt simultaneously flushed and queasy looking at him, so I returned my gaze to the parchment in my hand and launched into a lecture on the various applications of geometry to architecture and sealing sigils. Kaye was silent and downcast, quite unlike his usual self. After a couple of minutes, I sputtered out in mid-sentence, and declared our lessons over for the day.
Excerpt 2:
“Kaye…” I started, then trailed off as my voice began to tremble. “No!” His voice was soft, but intense. “Please, Yelen, don’t reject me. I’ve loved you for years. I can’t remember not loving you.” “I’m older than your mother,” I started, a bit feebly. “So? I’m not a child anymore.” “No, but you are the heir to the throne of Thrycae.” “The throne can go to Nestor or another noble house for all I care.” “You should. You have a chance to improve upon your father’s reforms, make Thrycae a better place. Others would undo what progress has been made.” “You yourself told me that I don’t have any great destiny. I will help someone else towards greatness, but I will not achieve it myself.” “That’s not quite what the wyrding means. I’m more worried that you could destroy yourself.” “For you, Yelen, I’d—” “Stop! I didn’t save your life—twice—just for you to throw it away!” “Yelen, give me your hand.” I reached out and let him clasp my hand. “Yelen,” he whispered, “you’ve given so much to me, so much for me. I don’t know if I can be your lover. I don’t know if that’s what you really want. I know that’s what I want. I want to be close to you, any way I can. You tell me how, and that’s what I’ll do. I’m not afraid for myself.” “Oh, Kaye, I want to remain close to you as well, but I don’t think I can bear it. If we become lovers, one of us is going to die.” Kaye stared at me in shocked incomprehension. I continued, “I’ve seen it, in true dreaming and waking omen. We have a child, and then only one of us is left to raise her—or him. That part of the vision is unclear.” Kaye lurched forward, pressing off the wall in a half-controlled fall toward me. I caught him and held him close. For some time we stood there, just supporting each other like fallen branches in the path of the firestorm. In that sudden silence, I heard Kaye whisper in a voice husky with awe, “Our child.”
Excerpt 3 (from “Delta,” one of the included short stories):
Not far from the coast of Pa’an, in the delta of the lifegiving Lwan river, there lived an old fisherman. Every morning he would cast his net into a fork of the delta and fasten it on either side with bamboo pegs, hoping to catch a great salmon swimming upstream to spawn, or even a handful of herring. Every evening he would return, and most days the net would be empty. When he caught small fish he would fillet them by the side of the river and eat them raw. On the rare occasion he caught a salmon or other large fish, he took it back to his hut and smoked it carefully to preserve it. When he had no fish, he would take a small handful of rice and prepare it in a large pot ofboiling water. As the rice cooked, he would stand over the pot and breathe in deeply, not letting the rice-steam go to waste. One day, when the old fisherman went to check on his net, the pegs had been pulled out and the entire net dragged upstream by some great fish that now lay tangled and beached on the near side of the river. The fisherman was confused, as he’d never caught a salmon that large, and from between the close-woven strands of the net, the fish’s scales gleamed in the dimming light, catching and throwing the sunset like flashing fire. Picking his way through the wild yarrow, the fisherman stopped still when the fish spoke. “Fisherman, you have caught me in your net. Free me and I will grant you a wish.” The voice was high and undulating, moving over itself like waves coming to shore. The old man stared, dumbstruck. “Please, good fisher, do not leave me here. I grow dry.” A talking fish was a wonder, and wonders were dangerous things. The fisherman hesitated a moment, then gave a slight nod and knelt by the fish’s tail. The net was a mess, torn and twisted by the fish’s struggles. There would be no simply pulling it free. Taking out his boning knife, the old fisherman began cutting his net, carefully sliding the flat of the blade between strand and scale, then turning the sharpened edge out and slicing away from the great fish. The tail, a wondrous fan-like spread of glittering color, was soon free, but that was the barest beginning. It was slow work, and grew slower as the blade dulled on the hemp, but the old man was immune to boredom, as all his work was slow. Completely focused on the task at hand, he did not look ahead, and so was surprised when iridescent scales gave way to pale skin. Smooth, flawless skin, and so light in color as to be translucent; he could make out fine blue veins traversing that milky map, and thought of the familiar forks and windings of the river delta.
We are thrilled to be taking part in the release blitz for another sizzling novella to the City Nights series:
One Night in Madrid by JD Martins
Blurb:
Danny left Dublin for Madrid two years ago, but still scans the crowd in the Irish pubs for the face of someone from home. Though doubtful he’ll ever recognise anybody, one evening he sees Aisling, a girl he’d known – or wished he’d known – at university. Beautiful but haughty, she’d always ignored Danny, and though he’d fantasised about making love to her, she’d never so much as smiled at him.
To his amazement, Aisling is extremely friendly when she meets him all these years later and away from home. She is still snobby and condescending, but Danny decides to make her night as enjoyable as he can, hoping for one last chance to impress her and make his teenage fantasies come true. As the sultry Madrid night progresses, mere lust grows into affection, and Danny begins to see her snobbery as something else entirely. Will Aisling see Danny as more than just a way to pass her night in Madrid?
I have been wanting to reading Marie Drake’s ‘Three Rules’ for quite some time. It is a remarkable read that will reach out to most readers either because of the mystery, the emotional and physical effects of abuse and the beautiful romance/love story. During this past year, Three Rules made it as a semi-finalist for The Kindle Book Review’s Best Kindle Book Awards 2014! Definitely not one to be missed!!
Extremely powerful narrative, beautifully written – will have you reduced to tears!
Title: Three Rules
Author: Marie Drake
Genre: Dark fiction, mystery, romance
Release date: September 24, 2013
Released by: Marie Drake
Length: 296 pages
Blurb: Hope Wellman has a childhood full of horrific memories, a bone chilling recurring nightmare, and a persistent paranoid sense of being followed that she would rather keep repressed. Is evil reaching from beyond the grave to capture the tattered remnants of her soul once and for all, is it only a machination of her disturbed mind, or is there something happening more sinister than even she can imagine?
Attending the funeral of her abuser is the first step in putting her life back together. She struggles with the fact she never told anyone what happened to her, and that the grave they are mourning over is empty. She’d find it a lot easier to move on and believe in the future if he were in the box, ready to be covered with dirt. She fears the last thread of her sanity has snapped when she sees Lucas everywhere she turns, and can’t escape a recurring nightmare. Is her tormentor alive, or is she imagining it? Is her dream triggered by past fears or is it a prediction of the future?
Quoted from Three Rules:
“I have learned three rules in my life: 1.) The most dangerous people in the world are not always strangers. 2.) The scariest things imaginable are not those that can kill you, but those you can live through. And probably the most prominent: 3.) The most horrible possibility is not what could happen to you, but what you could become – I became a killer.” ~Hope Wellman
REVIEW
Three Rules is an extremely powerful narrative and beautifully written, with a great deal of emotion running through it, that will reduce you to tears. Despite the dark subject matter of abuse, and the mystery of the storyline, it also holds one of the most romantic stories I have ever read!
Hope Wellman (20) having lived through sexual abuse as a young girl, by her step-uncle, Lucas, has never said a word about her ordeal to anyone. And now at Lucas’ funeral she feels an inner-relief that he cannot harm her again. The only doubt that she does have is that his body is not in the coffin as it was never recovered from his boat accident. Without his body, there is a fraction of her that wonders if he is still alive, and when she has moments of feeling that somebody is watching her, she instantly thinks it could be him.
There are a string of events that come to light early in the story that keep reminding Hope of her past and begin to create the mystery for the remainder of the story. One of the main questions you’ll be asking is whether or not Lucas is still alive?
Hope is having terrible nightmares about being chased by someone, and then when she is out she feels like someone is following her, watching her at times. This makes her question her own sanity – she may be paranoid, unless she does have a stalker, or maybe it really is Lucas? There are some brilliant twists in the story to keep the reader wondering and guessing.
The reader is aware of how Hope feels about Lucas’ death as it opens her mind up to those moments of abuse again. She puts on a brave face for her parents, to offer support and to keep her ordeals to herself. However, remaining strong and trying to forget is becoming increasingly difficult when she finds out that one of her childhood friends, Karen Bishop, is pregnant with Lucas’ child. Not only does it hurt to know that he had his hands on her, but it also creates some guilt within Hope that maybe if she had spoken about what had happened to her, then Karen wouldn’t have gotten herself into this situation.
As if dealing with all of this wasn’t enough, there is also the very lovely Joey Bishop to face. Joey is Karen’s brother who was always Hope’s best friend growing up. They did everything together during their childhood and he always had time for her. He was the only boy she ever felt close to. But, after what should have been Hope’s magical and memorable first kiss, her parents encouraged her and Joey to keep their distance after Lucas had seen their innocent moment and reported it back.
A few years on and the attraction is still clearly there. And yet, Hope struggles with her feelings. Anything physical is out of the question, leaving Joey believing that they are just friends. After certain events take place, Hope spends more time with Joey and this really brings them closer together on many levels. But every time she feels she can tell him, something prevents her from doing so. And, will he change his opinion of her if he knew her secret?
The further into the story we go the more Hope’s feelings and past are brought to the fore. Hope’s character is very strong, despite all that she has been through. She still feels like she can’t tell anyone and when her family notice something isn’t right they assume she is depressed (just as she tended to be when she was younger). She begins to feel trapped – she wants to tell Joey on many occasions (and sometimes her mum) but she just can’t face it. At this point the reader feels trapped with her – wanting to encourage her to speak and finally let it out, but at the same time realising it is a delicate subject for her. The fact that she is thinking about telling someone is a step in the right direction.
Three Rules is a work of fiction and yet based on the abuse suffered by the author, making it a very real read but written without lengthy graphic details – it is more focused on the state of mind, the emotions, as it is written with the intent to help others in similar situations. Marie Drake has written the story with so much care that it is a sensitive read but with some powerful heart-warming moments – two of which had me in tears.
This is a story of inner-strength, of coming through abuse and it’s effects, and then reaching the other side. It is a story of courage, will-power and love that carries it’s own message to all those in need – don’t push those feelings down, don’t ignore them. The power to speak to someone, anyone, can be all that you need to begin your journey to the light, where you can find security, love and be at peace with yourself and your loved ones.
A copy of Three Rules was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
Book Blurb: Independence. Kit Forrester is a woman who wears her independence like armor. Despite keeping secrets and hiding her past, she’s built a life she loves and is accountable to no one. Until, that is, one of the world’s most wanted war criminals sets his sights on her and she must weigh the risk to one against the chance of justice and closure for many—a decision Kit couldn’t make on her own even if she wanted to.
Certainty. As a man who makes his living in the shadows of governments and wars, certainty isn’t a part of Garret Cantona’s vocabulary, and he’s just fine with that. But when Kit walks into his life, he realizes he’s never before been so sure about anything or anyone. Suddenly, he finds he’s looking at the world, his world, in a different light. And now that he is, he’s determined to protect it, and her, in whatever ways he can.
Frailty. No one knows better than Kit and Garret that an appreciation for what is, or what was, or what might be, can be born from the uncertainty and fragility of life. But when a hunt for a killer leaves Garret no choice but to throw Kit back into her broken and damaged past, even his unshakable faith in what they have together might not be enough to keep it from shattering into a million pieces.
Author Bio:
Tamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, four cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.
We are delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Nina Mason’s latest release, Devil in Duke’s Clothing. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the novel from the author and you can read my review below – fans of erotic historical romance will not want miss this novel. You can also scroll down to read a sizzling excerpt, check out a promotional video and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway where a signed copy of the novel is up for grabs. Tina ❤
Devil in Duke’s Clothing, an erotic historical romance by Nina Mason, tells the story of an innocent bride’s struggles to adapt to her new husband’s eccentric erotic tastes amidst the instability and hedonism of the reign of Charles II. The book is the latest by Nina Mason, the author of The Queen of Swords and The Tin Man. Book One in the Royal Pains Trilogy, Devil in Duke’s Clothing is highly erotic and features scenes of voyeurism, bondage, flagellation, and a voyeuristic menage.
Maggie York, a convent-raised foundling, knows the Duke of Dunwoody’s sexual tastes are a shade or two darker than normal, but marries him anyway—partly because she has no other prospects and partly because, try as she might, she can’t seem to exorcize her desire for the dashing ducal devil. Two years ago, she watched him swive and spank her lady’s maid, luring her from the garden of innocence into the orchard of fleshly delights–and she’s been hungry for more ever since.
Robert Armstrong, the duke, is a Roman Catholic whose extreme devotions as a child warped his desires as a man. He’s also a slave to the times in which he lives–and to his king. Everything he is, everything he holds dear, depends on staying in Charles II’s good graces. Unfortunately, Maggie isn’t the bride the king selected for him. Now, to make amends, the duke must choose between the lesser of two evils: whore his wife or be reduced to a penniless commoner.
Whose interests will Robert choose to serve, his own, the king’s, or the woman he loves?
I LOVED this deliciously decadent Restoration romp where the hero the Duke of Dunwoody is to die for and the heroine is strong and spirited. It is full of desire and debauchery and gives the reader an insight into the political machinations and excesses of the court of Charles II.
The read is one of the most erotic romances that I have read this year, the teachings of the church, so prevalent at the time, (especially in the mind of the convent raised heroine Maggie), make the scenes appear more daring and debauched than they ever could in a contemporary novel. Nina Mason’s clever use of language, manners and internal dialogue of the characters and her colourful descriptions evoked the time period perfectly.
There are plenty of explicit language and scenes as the Duke instructs his young virginal wife in the delights of the marriage bed and his own very particular tastes. The read is most definitely HOT! It is certainly the case of move over Mr Grey and make way for your replacement. Indeed, the Duke of Dunwoody has his own dark desires and proclivities which put Mr Grey well in the shade! The love the couple develop for each other is palpable and the scenes between them sizzle.
The journey that the heroine Maggie embarks on in this novel is a wild one. The ward of the Duke she has been attracted to him for a long time and knows something of his dark desires, desires which she fears, yet is excited by at the same time. Fortunately despite her convent upbringing, she is a spunky and adventuresome lass and is able to give as good as she gets. I love the deal she strikes with her husband whereby she will permit him to train her in the erotic arts if he also educates her in knowledge usually reserved for men. Whilst Maggie comes to enjoy her husband’s debauchery, it remains to be seen whether she can stomach what the King has in store for her and if the love she is developing for her husband can endure. The Duke’s decision to make her his bride has certainly put her in a pretty pickle and I devoured he read to find out her fate and that of the Duke.
The author has certainly researched the time period well, referencing not just the political and religious nuances of the time but the literature and the sexual excesses of King Charles and his contemporaries. Indeed, her descriptions of the debauchery and decadence of the Stuart court, presided over by its licentious king, which play a pivotal role in the plot, are truly sublime.
This is one of my favourite reads so far this year and I wholeheartedly recommend it to lovers of erotic historical romance.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Here’s an excerpt:
The duke pushed the sleeves off her shoulders and halfway down her arms before about-facing her. Stooping, he pressed his mouth to her décolletage.
His lips were deliciously warm and moist against the bulging tops of her flattened bosoms. His hair tickled her flesh in a pleasing sort of way and smelled faintly of lavender.
He moved upward, kissing her collarbone, her throat, the side of her neck, and her earlobe. After blowing in her ear, he whispered in a voice like velvet, “Why did you marry me, knowing what you knew?”
A hot lump formed at her core. “Because.”
He ran his tongue around the folds of her ear, sending delicious shivers through her.“Because why?”
“Because you are a duke.” Mouth suddenly parched, she licked her lips.
“And you dreamed of being a duchess?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
“I would prefer not to say.”
“Why?”
“Because it will make me sound small and petty.”
His tongue’s explorations undermined her concentration. “Now I really must know.”
She heaved a sigh of surrender. “Survival, “ she said, forcing the half-truth from her throat. “Since you insist upon an answer, I married you because you asked me to…and I had nowhere else to turn for protection.”
His mouth returned to her neck and proceeded to kiss, lick, and nip her flesh, turning her insides to syrup.
“Thank you,” he said betwixt kisses.
“For what?”
“Your candor.”
Guilt crushed her chest like a boulder. Yes, she’d married him to gain security, but she’d left out the part about lusting after him deep in her heart. She moved away, removed the full-sleeved bodice, and laid it over the bench at the foot of the bed.
He came up behind her, slipped his arms around her waist, and kissed the back of her neck, setting her aflame.
She spun in his embrace and looked at him. His dark hair tumbled in soft waves over his broad shoulders. His features were shadowed, making him look dangerous. The need she’d stuffed down for so long erupted from her core, thick and molten.
Bringing his mouth to hers, he kissed and nibbled her lips as his hands untied the strings of her petticoat. It billowed to the floor, leaving her in only her fancy wedding stays and shift. “Now, ’tis my turn.”
Stepping back a wee ways, she pulled the diamond stick-pin from his cravat, loosened the knot, and unfurled the long strip of linen encircling his neck. Was it the same one he’d used to tie the maid’s hands?
“Why did you dismiss Mistress Honeywell?” she asked, letting his neck cloth slip from her fingers to the floor.
His beguiling mouth hitched into a crooked grin. “Had I known you’d seen me swive her, I could have saved myself the trouble—and a few sovereigns.”
“I’m sorry for your trouble, but do not regret her loss. Truth be known, I never liked her—though I do not doubt part of my aversion stemmed from what I witnessed.”
He lifted her chin, pulling her gaze to his. “Were you jealous, Rosebud?”
“Not at the time, but afterward, I resented her relationship with you.”
“There was no relationship. ‘Twas merely a one off.”
Unsure what to say in response, she unbuttoned his collar, opened the front of his shirt, and slipped both hands inside. As her fingertips met the warm, hair-garnished flesh of his chest, she nearly swooned.
How many times she had fantasized about touching him in this way. How much better he felt in real life—a pleasing quilt of smooth skin, solid bone and muscle, wiry hairs, and petal soft nipples. She pinched one until it grew erect.
“You feel good, husband” she said. “You are well put together.”
“It gets better.” He laughed.
“I know.” She blushed at the memory. “I saw everything you own that day in Mrs. McQueen’s closet.”
“And you married me anyway?”
“Oh, no. I married you because of it.”
The smile he gave her warmed her all the way down to her toes.
She swept her hands downward, shuddering when they touched the tartan draped around his hips. The wool was finely woven, soft. She brushed the apron, pleased to find he was aroused. So was she. Mightily.
Since that day in the closet, she’d pictured his hard phallus a thousand times—in her hand, her mouth, and her cunny, and now ’twas at last within grasp. She bent to unbuckle the belt circumnavigating his hips, but, changing her mind, reached underneath the curtain of plaid instead.
He sucked in a breath as she ran her hands up the backs of his thighs. They felt exactly as she’d dreamed they would. Lean, hard, and flocked in bristly hair. Would his phallusfeel the way she’d imagined, too?
Nina Mason is a hopeful romantic with strong affinities for history, mythology, and the metaphysical. She strives to write the same kind of books she loves to read: those that entertain, edify, educate, and enlighten.
She has two books out at present: The Queen of Swords, a darkly erotic Scottish paranormal romance/urban fantasy, and The Tin Man, a political thriller.
Ms. Mason is currently at work on two new series’: an erotic historical trilogy titled Royal Pains and a four-part erotic paranormal/fantasy series titled The Knights of Avalon. Devil in Duke’s Clothing is book one in Royal Pains. Starry Knight, book one in the Knights of Avalon will be released on August 4, 2015 by Lyrical/Kensington>
When not writing, she works as a communications consultant, doll maker, and home-stager. Born and raised in Orange County, California, Ms. Mason currently lives with her husband, teenage daughter, two rescue cats, and a Westie named Robert just north of Atlanta, Georgia.
Released on 1st March 2015 by Tim O’Rourke, #1 bestselling author of ‘The Kiera Hudson Series’, came ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Part Three), a werewolf romance with a twist.
“Finally a good DARK read, that has it ALL!!
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