Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Release Day Blitz: Witch Wars




Witch Wars by T. A. Moorman
Paranormal
  • Print Length: 194 pages
  • Publisher: After Glows Publishing (September 12, 2017)
  • Publication Date: September 12, 2017
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B075C8LFLZ
                                                                                                    

Synopsis:

Tialanna is fated to become the queen of all Underlayes witches. She thinks the worst part of her life is the fact that she’s betrothed to a complete stranger while in love with someone else. She’s in for a rude awakening when she discovers who, and what, she truly is.


Tialanna is about to learn the truth behind several lies, because not only does her life depend on it, but so does the fate of the family she never even knew she had. But hey, life would probably just be boring if she didn't have to deal with elemental witches, vampires, demons, sorcerers, bindings, spells, lust and betrayal. Right? 



***This book is intended for mature audiences only as it includes both graphic violence and graphic sex***



Excerpt:

“Yes. No. Just stop!” I shouted in his face, barely able to think, to breathe. “Tonight is the beginning of my courtship with Bran. We have to stop.” Even though stopping was the last thing I wanted.

“You think Bran can make you feel like this?” he damn near growled as he grabbed the back of my head, gripping my hair and rubbing his face in the crook of my neck. He inhaled deeply, sending chills down my spine. “I can smell your lust, Tia, your desire for me. Me, not him.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I replied weakly.

“The hell it doesn’t matter. I am not giving up that easily, Tia. If this is the last chance I have with you, I am taking full advantage. I will make it so that every time you look at him, you will wish it was me.” He ground out each word slowly and precisely through clenched teeth. “Every time he beds you, it will be my face you’ll see, my hands you’ll long for, my name on the tip of your tongue.”

“Grimm, please…”

And then he was kissing me again, harder and faster than before. His tongue exploring every inch of my mouth. Our tongues twisting together in a wild, exotic dance. My body felt like it was on fire, and so did his. Then we were sliding down to the floor to our knees. He gently laid me on my back, never breaking our kiss, my legs opening seemingly of their own accord to accommodate his girth. Slowly, oh so slowly, he broke our lingering kiss. He was on top of me, hands on the floor like he was doing a push up, eyes as black as pitch; I could see my blazing eyes reflected in those dark pools.

Still balancing on one arm and looking into my eyes, he was sliding his other hand down my body, pulling off my pants. Very slowly, he slid his hand up the inside of my thighs, spreading them apart. His hand crept up my inner thigh until he found that spot that let him know just how hot and wet I was for him. Then he was nipping and licking his way down my neck while flicking his thumb over my clit, making my body shudder against his. When he found my breast and took as much of it into his mouth as he could, he drove two fingers inside me. Then he released my breast and kissed his way down to my navel, licking delicately down toward more sensitive regions, all the while his fingers caressing, rubbing, and probing. Suddenly, just when I thought I was about to explode with pleasure, his fingers were replaced by his tongue, going deeper than I would have thought possible, and he was drinking me like I was the finest wine.

Somewhere in all of that, he must have taken off his own pants, because suddenly he was once again hovering over me, and with our gazes locked he thrust every inch of himself inside me—and trust me, there were a lot of inches—leaving me gasping for air and wanting to beg for more.

“If you want me to stop, tell me now and I will,” he snarled, pulling out slowly until only the tip of him was left inside, making a small sound escape from my lips. “But if I am only allowed this one last time, allow me at least this much to keep with me. Allow me to have every piece of you, if only once more.” He gave another deep, powerful thrust, making me cry out. “Allow me to give you every inch of myself for just one final time. Allow me to feel every hot, sweet spot that is all you. Even if you do go on with this foolish plan, he will only have your body. Only I will forever own your heart.”

He kissed me again, then said, “I swear, you will regret leaving me.”




Author Interview

What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
I could go on for days on this one. Lol. Let’s just go with the longest standing one, the fake publishing houses. The ones that truly aren’t publishers at all, but really just a vanity press and not up front about what they truly are. If you’re paying for an editor, and for graphics for your cover, and everything else, then you are not with a legit publisher; you’re just self-publishing and don’t even realize it. A true publisher is one that believes in you enough to invest in you. After all, if you aren’t selling they aren’t earning. It’s more than a win win, it’s a partnership.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?
See above. Lol. Also, beware of phony editors, if you’re self-publishing. Ask for credentials, ask for references, you do not want to end up with someone who is truly no more than a paid beta reader. I love my betas, but they will be the first to tell you, they are not editors and only have a wide tooth comb, not the fine tooth needed to find the mistakes you both might miss. Never be afraid to ask the needed questions. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question, just dumb ass answers.

What is your writing Kryptonite?
Myself. Sometimes, though I hate to admit it, I let the doubters and the naysayers get into my head and doubt myself because of that. Kind of hard to get the words flowing when you second guess every word you write.

What's your favorite genre to read for pleasure?
Paranormal. I’ve been through pretty much everything you can think of, when I read I want to escape ALL of that.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yup. LOL! Especially in the second book in the Underlayes series. Let’s just say one particular ex gets what’s coming to him. Since I would never be able to do the things I’d like to do to him in real life… It was very satisfying writing those scenes.

What was your hardest scene to write?
The ending! I am not a planner, I’m strictly a pantser. I have to just let the story take me wherever it goes, and sometimes those endings have me in tears as I write them.

What do you want readers to know about your book?
In the Underlayes series there are a few Goddesses you may not be familiar with. They don’t play an integral part where you’ll miss anything by not knowing them, but their names just may be new to you; Sekhmet, Nyx, Hel. And always keep in mind I love ALL my readers. So if you have a questions never hesitate to ask. You can find me on my FB page.




About the Author:

When you become a Mom, you begin to put yourself last, and your combat boots begin to collect dust. Going to your child's PTA meetings in full Gothic, especially industrial, regalia is pretty much frowned upon. Especially by your own children, and your teens would die of a heart attack. But, one should not have to completely stop being themselves, uniqueness is greatness. So all of that darkness is put into words in her books, and designs in her jewelry sold in her GothicMoms DarkCharms shop.

Mother of five beautiful children, but by far more than just that. T. A. Moorman is an artist, a violinist, a seamstress, a crafter, a writer, a blogger, a reviewer, a dark confidant and a darkly dangerous, fiercely protective friend. And currently broke, so go buy something of hers. Lol.

Author Links:

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Interview With The Villain: Aliya Dalrae


Character Interview with Helmut Fuhrmann,
Antagonist from the Jessica Sweet Novels
As conducted by the Literature Lemur during his radio show, The Character Hour

Literature Lemur:  Hello, and welcome to The Character Hour! I’m the Literature Lemur, and boy do we have a show for you! Today we will be talking with none other than Helmut Fuhrmann, Sorcerer extraordinaire. You may remember him from The Jessica Sweet Novels, “Sweet Vengeance” and “Sweet Discovery,” but I’m here to tell you, there’s a lot more to this fictional felon than meets the eye. So let’s give a warm welcome to today’s vicious villain, Helmut Fuhrmann! Welcome Helmut, thank you for joining us!

Fuhrmann:  Thank you for having me.

Literature Lemur:  Before we go to the phones, why don’t you give us a little background on yourself? I’m sure the audience would love to know a bit about who you are and how you came to be such horrible person.

Fuhrmann:  M’yes. I was born in Germany, many, many years ago. Honestly, I’ve stopped keeping track. I am, as you say, of a breed of Sorcerers, and we are, for the most part, a peaceful people. However, when that butcher, Raven, destroyed my life, I had no choice but to exact my revenge.

Literature Lemur:  By going after him and those he loves, right?

Fuhrmann:  But of course.

Literature Lemur: I see. You say you are a peaceful people. But isn’t it true you are trying to wipe out the lycanthropes?

Fuhrmann:  The war with the wolves is as ancient as we are a people. Besides, they started it.

Literature Lemur: *laughs nervously* Alrighty then! Let’s go to the phones!  Lyra from Florida, You’re on the air! What is your question for Helmut Fuhrmann?

Lyra:  Hey LL! Mr. Fuhrmann, I want to know when you decided to take your revenge. What was the breaking point?

Fuhrmann: Thank you Lyra. The breaking point was when I discovered my wife, eviscerated by that Vampire. The decision was instantaneous. The moment I saw my beloved Sylva’s battered and bloodied body, I knew that someday I would have my revenge on the animal who destroyed her. There was never a choice.

Lyra: But do you really not feel any guilt when you hurt other people? Do you think that only your people are worthy of respect and pity?

Fuhrmann:  No one is worthy of my pity. I will destroy anyone who gets in the way of my vengeance, regardless of their blood. I would as easily eliminate one of my own as a Vampire or Werewolf. I have one purpose in this life, and that is to avenge my wife. Stand in my way, and you will surely die.

Literature Lemur: *clears throat* Thank you, Lyra!

Lyra: But I had…

Literature Lemur: Next caller! Susan from Wisconsin, welcome to The Character Hour. You’re on the air with Helmut Fuhrmann from the Jessica Sweet Novels.

Susan:  Oh, Sweet! Mr. Fuhrmann, I just had to comment on your amazing hair. It’s so long and floaty – I was just wondering, what is your hair care regimen? Are there any products you could recommend?

Fuhrmann: Why thank you Susan, so kind of you to ask. Our hair is a point of pride for my kind. While I would love to let it fly freely, it is necessary to keep it in check while out amongst the humans. As far as care, I have a special potion that I use for cleansing purposes, one derived by my mother centuries ago, specifically crafted for the delicate nature of our follicles. However, in a pinch, I have been known to use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease.

Literature Lemur: How fascinating! And thank you Susan, for that perfectly safe question! Our next caller is Eva from Rhode Island. Welcome Eva, you’re on the air.

Eva: Ok, Fuhrmann, not finding you likeable in the least, share “one” redeeming feature about yourself besides devotion to your wife, which is an aberration at best.

Literature Lemur:  Oh boy…

Fuhrmann: *taps fingers on the table*…*looks at the ceiling*…

Literature Lemur: Mr. Fuhrmann?

Fuhrmann: I’m sorry. I’m drawing a blank. My love for my Sylva is everything good about me. Without that? I’m afraid we’ll have to move on…

Literature Lemur: So right! Our next caller is Jessica from Oregon. Hello, Jessica, you’re on the air!

Jessica: Hey, Hi Literature Lemur. Uh, Mr. Fuhrmann, I was just wondering, do you have any role models of evil? You know, torture masters or dark wizards who you admire or emulate?

Fuhrmann: Excellent question, young lady. As a matter of fact, I do! The Marquis de Sade has always been a personal favorite, although I have found myself greatly admiring the work of a dark wizard by the name of Voldemort. That man really knows how to stir the pot, don’t you think? But by far, the greatest torture master of all times would have to be George R.R. Martin. He’s new to the game, by my standards, but he does have a way with making people scream. *smiles wickedly*

Jessica: Uh…nice…So, quick follow up? What is your favorite recipe, passed down by Gramma Fuhrmann?

Fuhrmann: Hmm…That would have to be her Konigsberger Klops. It’s a lovely dumpling filled with minced meat & salt herring, served in a creamy sauce with capers and lemon juice.

Literature Lemur: That sounds delicious!

Fuhrmann:  In fact, it is.

Literature Lemur: And, moving on. Our next caller is Maple from Australia. Maple, go ahead with your question.

Maple:  Hello! Mr. Fuhrmann, I have another hair related question, but this one is more of a technical nature. Does the static electricity that makes your hair fly around interfere with your magic, or is it a part of it?

Fuhrmann: Ah, yes. Excellent question! It is actually a part of the magic. Or the magic is a part of it. As our people are fond of saying, the more magic in the man, the more life in his mane. I mentioned before that our hair is a point of pride, and this is precisely the reason why. Were I to “let my hair down,” so to speak, you would see just how powerful I am! *laughs maniacally*

Literature Lemur: That’s so very interesting, there, Mr. Fuhrmann, but let’s say you keep that braid in for now, right?
*Fuhrmann scowls*

Literature Lemur: Our next caller is Jeannie from New Hampshire. Jeannie, do you have a question for Helmut Fuhrmann?

Jeannie: Indeed I do! Mr. Fuhrmann, if you weren’t so busy doing all of this evil Sorcerer stuff, what would you see yourself doing, you know, for a living?

Fuhrmann: Interesting questions, Jeannie. I believe if I weren’t so focused on avenging my wife, I would probably be working for the government in some capacity. Technically, that’s what I’m supposed to be doing now, but you know how it is. Priorities and such.

Literature Lemur: Yes, I suppose we do! *clears throat again* So, I think we have just enough time for one more question. Maude from Miami? You’re on the air!

Lyra: Hey, I got cut off earlier, and I had more questions.

Literature Lemur: Wait, is this Lyra from Florida again?

Lyra: Yeah, Mr. Furhmann. Can I call you Helmut? I have to know: Do you think you will ever love again? How did you learn your powers? Do you like human food? What’s your favorite movie? Are you secretly attracted to Jessica? Come on, all the guys are! And how does it feel to have…

Fuhrmann: *growls and removes the band from his braid, releasing his hair. Static flies from his fingertips and an earsplitting screech bursts from the speakers.*

Literature Lemur: Okay folks! I think that’s about all the time we have today. Thank you Mr. Fuhrmann, for your candid interview and for your extreme patience with all of our callers!
*Wind blows around the studio, sending papers and equipment flying*

Literature Lemur: *yelling over the din* Join us tomorrow for another amazing show! This is the Literature Lemur, with the Character Hour, signing off!

*Radios the world over experience unexplained dead air*


Synopsis:
Jessica Sweet is an orphan –Again…
At 26, the term may not truly apply, but having been abandoned by her birth parents at an early age, the death of her adoptive parents is like déjà vu all over again. Now she finds herself alone, facing a future that should be unsure; however, the visions she’s been plagued with since childhood are about to descend upon her, pulling her into a supernatural world where her deepest fantasies and most harrowing nightmares will soon come true.

A monster, even by Vampire Standards...
…Raven has spent the better part of his five hundred seventy plus years fighting the evil within. His capture by an ancient breed of Sorcerers, just surfacing in the Legion’s base town of Fallen Cross, Ohio, leaves him beaten and starving. Escape leads him to an old farmhouse, the single heartbeat within promising life. What he couldn’t know is that the blood he now seeks will sustain him in ways he could never imagine…
  (Goodreads)

Synopsis:
Jessica Sweet
Women are dying in Fallen Cross, people I know, people close to me.
However, it’s the way they die that has me worried. 
There hasn’t been a murder like this in a very long time. 
In fact, the last one on Legion record was about the time Raven stopped killing…

Raven
Vampire by birth, monster by choice. 
For centuries he was out of control, a murderer and so much worse. 
Jessica’s love broke the curse that controlled him, restoring his free will, 
but his savage ways remain in the past. 
Or do they?
His Jessica has visions. Fate and her visions brought them together. 
Now, they are threatening to tear them apart…(Goodreads)


About the Author:
Aliya DalRae is the author of the Jessica Sweet Trilogy. Her debut novel, Sweet Vengeance, was published in February 2016, with the sequel, Sweet Discovery, becoming available in April 2017. The third and final book in the trilogy, Sweet Destiny, is well underway.

Born and raised in a farming community in rural Southwest Ohio, Aliya grew up a middle child, with an older and younger brother. Surrounded by corn and cows, it was not unusual for Aliya to immerse herself in books, her way of escaping the humdrum small-town life to visit fantastic lands full of mystery, myth and legend. And of course, romance.

Aliya’s first love was musical theater, and as a teenager dreamed of one day performing on Broadway. Her early writing consisted mostly of poetry and songs. Those dreams were put on hold, as life intervened (as life often does), and she moved on with other pursuits.

After graduation, and a brief time living in England, Aliya returned to her home town, where she worked mainly in administrative positions, but her love for books never waned.

In 1992, Aliya met her immortal beloved, and they have been inseparable ever since. When not weaving romantic tales, she can be found working side by side with her husband in their furniture restoration business, where she weaves caned chairs instead.



Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Review: Before She Ignites

Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows
Fallen Isles Trilogy Book 1
Publication Date September 12, 2017 by Katherine Tegan Books
Reviewed by Rose
5 MAGICAL STARS!!

Synopsis:

Before

Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she’s been told she’s special. Important. Perfect. She’s known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty, but for the Mira Treaty named after her, a peace agreement which united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

But Mira has never felt as perfect as everyone says. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she’s far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

After

Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the Treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit–the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she would die to protect.

No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth the dark truths about the Fallen Isles–and herself–before her very world begins to collapse. (Goodreads)


Review:

Oh wow. What did I just read? It was like Game Of Thrones (minus the adult theme) meets, Mortal Instruments, meets Divergent. The time going back and forth threw me a bit at first. I still would have preferred it be lumped in order, in the beginning to make the flow smoother. However, flow it did. The present was fast paced and nail biting. For those who did not finish this book, they missed out. Truly. There was a hint of romance, but no true romance in this one. The thing that got me is bam it ended. No warning, but at least there is some closure to a piece, but it did leave mannnny questions. A great first start, I hope there is many more to follow. Awesome read form a new to me author. 

Friday, September 1, 2017

Review: Twice Bitten

Twice Bitten by Lauren Dane
Cascadia Wolves Book 6
Revamped August 1, 2017 by Carina Press
Reviewed by Jenn
4 Howls

Synopsis:
Previously published under a different title; newly refreshed by author  
A Cascadia Wolves second-chance romance from New York Timesand USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Dane  
"You need to know this thing between us isn't over." 
Michelle Slattery is no stranger to human cruelty. She's a cop, after all, never mind a witch herself. But when her best friend disappears and all signs point to the same mages who have been killing witches across the country, she's in over her head. There's only one place to turn for the kind of tracking help she needs… 
The werewolves. 
Josh Neelan didn't expect to ever see a witch at Pacific Pack headquarters. She's no ordinary witch in need, either—Michelle was his first love. The one he left behind when he turned a decade ago. That their attraction flares instantly after all this time can mean only one impossible thing: she's his mate. 
As danger looms and the case intensifies, Josh's need to follow the fates and claim Michelle as his mate grows…his man battling his wolf to keep them safe. And Michelle must decide just how far she'll go to find her forever. 
This book is approximately 64,000 words  
Read the entire Cascadia Wolves series by Lauren Dane! Available now from Carina Press.  
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you're looking for with an HEA/HFN. It's a promise! (Goodreads)

Review:
I enjoyed this book. I am a sucker for shifters. And a witch that can handle her own, love it!
Even though this is part of a series and there is a higher story arc, this book was a complete story. It's done as a serial should be, each part being whole while still blending in to the rest. You still want more of the big picture, but the little picture is enough to tide you over.
I came into this series on this book. I am pretty sure I have just kissed getting a decent night's sleep again until I am done with the rest, before and after, this offering.


Interview With The Villain & Review: Torment





Torment
The Damned Series
Book Four
By LM Pruitt

Release Date August 8, 2017

Genre: PNR

Book Description:

Enemies are so stimulating.--Katherine Hepburn

If you can look past the part where they're trying to kill you.

The Damned want my head on a platter. The Winged have similar plans.

As for Morning Star and the Power... well, only They know.

One false step... and everything is lost.

CONTAINS SCENES OF GRAPHIC LANGUAGE AND SEXUAL ACTIVITY. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Amazon


Interview with a Villain

(I’ll admit, when I was given this particular interview topic, I was stumped—mostly because the true villain for the Damned series has yet to be revealed. So instead, I decided to sit down a fan favorite who may or may not have villainous intent—Lilith, the current reigning leader of the succubae.)

--So, I think we’d all like to know—why make the jump from being Adam’s first wife to being, for all intents and purposes, a demon?

I’ll be honest, I’m surprised anyone in this day and age even remembers I was married to Adam before Eve—who was, I’m not ashamed to say, a much better wife than me, even taking in to account the whole eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge thing. I’m not surprised by the fact people just assume I went straight for the so-called dark side. It’s never really a fall from grace—it’s more a gradual slide and tumble down the hill.

--So what caused your slide down the hill?
A man, of course (light laughter). The man, at least for me. And not a man so much as one of the Watchers, although they weren’t called that in the beginning. In the beginning, he was just Samael. And then, when the other Watchers Fell and Heaven was closed, he became the Angel of Death—fitting, since it was the career change which killed our marriage.

--And it was after this… career change that you had a change of your own?

People do desperate and stupid things when they’ve had their heart broken. I don’t apologize for any of the things I did or the choices I made. I rebuilt myself and then I gave other women the chance to do the same.

--Now, I understand in theory what a succubae is and what they do but I’d like to hear from the original succubus on those topics.

We tempt people—mostly men, although some of the girls specialize in women and some are indiscriminate—with the sex of their wildest dreams and then harvest their energy. We rarely kill anyone, simply because it’s messy and time-consuming and causes so many complications with the other side. The energy is pooled, some of it being sent to Morning Star and the rest being redistributed back to the girls. It’s a nice, tidy little system.

--But not everybody is happy with the system.

If I spent my time trying to make everybody happy I would never get anything else done.

--Which isn’t really an answer to the question.

Well, you didn’t really ask a question, did you? (long pause) The situation is being handled. Not as quickly and efficiently as I would prefer but it’s being handled. I fully believe it will be resolved in the next few months.

--My sources tell me you’re looking at abdicating your position to one of the leaders of the so-called rebellion, Julie Watson, who also happens to be one of your newest girls. Why would you willing step down from the position you created after all this time?


What can I say? We all make sacrifices for love.


4 DEMONIC STAR REVIEW:

Starting a series in the middle is always a risk. It must be hard for authors to balance continuing the story for devoted fans while also creating a book that could attack new readers. I think the author of this book did a good job of both. This is book four of the Damned series. I will admit, there were times when I was a little confused as to what was going one, but Pruitt did a good job of filling in the gaps of the story line. I like the fast speed of the plot kept me entertained and I pretty much ignored everyone until I made it to the end. I just wanted to see what would happen next. I like the idea behind this story and I do not know of another story that creates demon characters as anti-heroes. I believe, if I had started this book from the beginning I would have a closer connection to the characters and the premise of the story. 

Reviewed by Terri


Excerpt:

“You’ll catch cold if you stay out here much longer.”
I didn’t turn around, continuing to study the skyline. “I’m fine.”
“It’s three in the morning. You should be asleep.” He didn’t sound angry about the fact I wasn’t or the fact I was standing outside in late September in sleep pants and a thin cotton tank. If anything, his scolding sounded as if it was for form and nothing else. “It’s been a long day for all of us.”
“Yes.” Now I did turn around, studying Barry with the same intensity I’d shown the various buildings of Prague. “Why are you mad at me?”
“I’m not mad.” He pulled a cigar from the pocket of his sleep pants but didn’t light it, staring at the tip for a moment before sliding it back in his pocket. “I’m tired, Julie. As I said, it’s been a long day. The next few days—weeks, rather—promise to be equally long. We all need to sleep, to keep our strength up for what lies ahead.”
“You haven’t touched me since we got back.” Since he stood in front of my sister and ripped her heart out and then walked away without a backward glance. “You’ve barely said anything all night long.”
“As I said, I’m tired.” He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a long sigh. “There’s been quite a bit of upheaval in the last thirty-six hours or so. Quite a bit. Forgive me if I’m not my usual charming self. You have more than enough people here to pay you attention if you’re feeling uncared for.”
“That’s not what I meant.” I turned back to the city view, widening my eyes and blinking rapidly in an effort to keep the tears at bay. I didn’t have a problem with using tears as a weapon when they were called for but I wouldn’t use them with him, ever. “You’re right. It’s late. Go to sleep. I’m fine.”
“We both know I’m not going to sleep until you do.” I heard the sound of metal scraping over concrete and glanced over my shoulder to find he’d pulled one of the patio chairs free of the table. Sitting down and stretching out his legs, he said, “As long as you’re here, I’m here.”
“Barry—.”
“Arguing will only frustrate us both, Julie Elizabeth, and we’ve had enough frustration for the day.” He slid further down in the seat, almost slouching, and crossed his arms. “As long as you’re here, I’m here.”
“But do you want to be here?” The question tumbled out before I even realized it was in my mind and I bit my tongue, already regretting it. “Never mind. You don’t have to answer that.”
“Come here.” When I didn’t move, he uncrossed his arms and held out one hand. “Please.”
Crossing the balcony, I took his hand, curling up in his lap and resting my head on his shoulder. We sat in silence for a few minutes before he cleared his throat. “I don’t know any other way to say it. I can simply say as long as you’re here, I’m here. When you want to leave, we’ll leave.”
“And where would we go?” Joanne’s face in the instant after Barry verbally sucker punched her, Asmodeus’s face the second after I shot him, flashed through my mind and I hunched my shoulders as if the memory carried a physical blow. “There’s no place left. We burned all those bridges today.”
“The thing about bridges is they can always be rebuilt and when they are, they’re stronger than before they burned.” He brushed my hair away from my face, stroking one hand down my back and pulling me tighter against him. “But since you don’t want to leave, the discussion is moot.”
“We’re doing the right thing.”
“The right thing done the wrong way is no longer the right thing.”
“If there was a way to do this differently, we would have taken it.” We’d tried to take it. We’d tried to meet the others halfway. Nobody—Lilith, Asmodeus, the Power, Morning Star—wanted to bend.
So we would have to break them.
“After the raids begin today, there is no turning back. You and your supporters will be branded traitors. There will be bounties on your heads.” He pressed his lips to my hair, breathing deep. “On all our heads. You’ve never lived through a war.”
It wasn’t a question but I answered anyway. “No, I haven’t.”
“I’ve been through more than my fair share, even considering my age. When it’s impossible to die from manmade weapons, you tend to fight in wars simply to alleviate the boredom.” He turned, pressing his face in to my hair. “And they’re nothing compared to supernatural wars. So far you’ve only seen the pretty side of Hell. There are things which will be unleashed which should never exist out of nightmares.”
“On us or by us?”
“Both.” His hand shook as he stroked my back and I wasn’t sure if he was trying to comfort me or himself. “Some things can’t be unseen or unfelt. You’ll carry it with you until the day you die.”
“Are you trying to scare me?”
“I’m trying to warn you. Up until now, everything about this war has been theoretical. Until today, no true shots were fired.” He drew back, his face unnaturally somber, even for him. “I know you did what you had to do and I don’t fault you for that decision.”
“But I officially started the war.” I nodded. “I know. I’ll live with it.”
“Things will get worse.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “They always do.”
“And then they get better.” I had to believe that. If I didn’t, then there was a good chance I was wrecking and ruining lives for no reason at all. I pressed my lips to his, lightly, for comfort more than anything else. “Things will be better. We’re going to make them better.”
We didn’t have any other choice.


About the Author:

L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She knows this because she's killed bamboo. Twice.  She is the author of the Winged series, the Plaisir Coupable series, Jude Magdalyn series, the Moon Rising series, and Taken: A Frankie Post Novel.






Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Excerpt & Review: So I Married A Sorcerer

So I Married A Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks
The Embraced Book 2
Published August 29, 2017 by St. Martin's Press
Review by Crystal Blood
5 Mystical Stars!


Synopsis:

Growing up on the Isle of Moon, Brigitta knows nothing of her past, except that she is Embraced: born with powers that forced her into hiding. Everything changes when she learns she’s a princess, hidden away from her villainous half-brother who now rules the kingdom. But he knows about Brigitta, and he’ll do anything to get her back. Unless a certain roguish pirate has anything to say about it…

Rupert is both an infamous pirate and a sorcerer with the power to harness the wind. He’s been waiting nineteen years for revenge—and he needs Brigitta to get it. What begins as a kidnapping of the fiery beauty turns into a fierce attraction. But can he win the captive princess’s heart?
 (Goodreads)


Review:

So I Married a Sorcerer is the second book in the Embraced series but also reads as a standalone if you didn't read book one. Nuns, pirates, and magic oh my! 

Brigitta was abandoned as a baby because she was one of the Embraced, children born with magical gifts, she was raised in a convent with no memory of her past. When one of her sisters need her, Brigitta and her other sisters leave the safety of the convent to go to her sisters side. On the journey, the boat she was traveling on is surround by two opposing fleets. To save her sisters on board, Brigitta allows herself to be captured by the infamous pirate Rupert. 

Living his life on the sea has made Rupert happy but what he desires most of all is the revenge which has been denied to him. When Rupert finds out who Brigitta is he sees her as a way to get the revenge that has been after for many years but he didn't count on falling in love with the daughter of the man who betrayed his family. When Brigitta's life is in danger will Rupert be able to follow his heart and save Brigitta or will Rupert finally get his revenge? 

So I Married A Sorcerer is a delicious blend of action and adventure with a bit of romance thrown in. The world of the Embraced drew me in from page one and left me wanting more, I can't wait to read what else in story for all my favorite characters. 

EXCERPT

Chapter One
k



“I cannot play, Brigitta told her sisters as she cast a wary look at the linen bag filled with Telling Stones. Quickly she shifted on the window seat to gaze at the Great West- ern Ocean. The rolling waves went on for as far as she could see, but her mind was elsewhere. Calm yerself. The prediction will neer happen.
At dawn they had boarded this ship, accompanied by Mother Ginessa and Sister Fallyn, who were now resting in the cabin next door. This was the smallest vessel in the Eberoni Royal Navy, the captain had explained, sturdy enough to cross the ocean, but small enough to travel up the Ebe River to the palace at Ebton. There, they would see their oldest sister, who was now the queen of Eberon.
According to the captain, Queen Luciana had intended to send more than one ship to safeguard their journey, but at the last minute the other naval ships had been diverted south to fight the Tourinian pirates who were raiding vil- lages along the Eberoni shore. But not to worry, the cap- tain had assured Brigitta and her companions. Since the royal navy was keeping the pirates occupied to the south, their crossing would be perfectly safe.



Indeed, after a few hours, it seemed perfectly boring. If we dont play, how will we pass the time? Gwen- nore asked from her seat at the round table. Twill be
close to sunset afore we reach Ebton.
“I wish we could wander about on deck, Maeve grumbled from her chair next to Gwennore. “ Tis a lovely spring day, and were stuck down here.
Sorcha huffed in annoyance as she paced about the cabin. Mother Ginessa insisted we remain here. I swear she acts as if shes afraid to let anyone see us.
Perhaps she fears for our safety because we are Em- braced,Gwennore said.
Sorcha shook her head. Were safe now in Eberon.
But only in Eberon, Brigitta thought as she studied the deep-blue waves. Being Embraced was a death sentence anywhere else on the mainland. The other kings abhorred the fact that each of the Embraced possessed some sort of magical power that the kings, themselves, could never have.
When Brigitta and her adopted sisters were born, the only safe haven had been the Isle of Moon. Theyd grown up there in the Convent of the Two Moons, believing they were orphans. But almost a year ago, theyd discovered a shocking truth. Luciana had never been an orphan.
Since then, Brigitta had wondered if she had family somewhere, too. Had they hidden her away or, worse, abandoned her? She feared it was the latter. For in all her nineteen years of life, no one from the mainland had ever bothered to contact her.
You are loved, she reminded herself. Shed grown up in a loving home at the convent. Her sisters loved her, and she loved them. That was enough.
It had to be enough. Didnt it?
Sorcha lowered her voice. I still believe Mother Ginessa knows things about us that she wont tell.



Brigitta silently agreed. She knew from her special gift that almost everyone was hiding something.
Lets play the game and let the stones tell us, Maeve said. I need to do something. This cabin is feeling smaller by the minute.
Brigitta sighed. Sadly enough, this was the largest cabin on board. Captain Shaw had lent them his quarters, which had a large window overlooking the back of the vessel.
The ship creaked as it rolled to the side, and Sorcha grabbed the sideboard to steady herself.
Have a seat afore ye fall,Gwennore warned her. Fine. Sorcha emptied the oranges from a brass bowl
on the sideboard, then plunked the bowl onto the table as she took a seat. Lets play.
Brigittas sisters gave her a questioning look, but she shook her head and turned to gaze out the window once again. It had been twelve years ago, when she was seven, that Luciana had invented the game where they could each pretend to be the Seer from the Isle of Mist. Theyd gathered up forty pebbles from the nearby beach, then painted them with colors and numbers. After the stones were deposited in a bowl and covered with a cloth, each sister would grab a small handful of pebbles and what- ever colors or numbers shed chosen would indicate her future.
Well just have to play without her, Sorcha grum- bled. A clattering noise filled the cabin as the bag of Telling Stones was emptied into the brass bowl, a noise not quite loud enough to cover Sorchas hushed voice. Ye know why she wont play. Shes spooked.
Brigitta winced. That was too close to the truth.
She could no longer see the Isle of Moon on the hori- zon. As the island had faded from sight, a wave of appre- hension had washed over her, slowly growing until it had



sucked her down into an undertow of fear and dread. For deep in her heart, she believed that leaving the safety of the convent would trigger the set of events that Luciana had predicted.
But how could she have refused this voyage? Luciana would be giving birth soon, and she wanted her sisters with her. She also needed Mother Ginessa, who was an excellent midwife.
Im going first, Sorcha declared, and the stones rat- tled about the bowl as she mixed them up.
O Great Seer, Maeve said, repeating the line they spoke before each prediction. Reveal to us the secrets of the Telling Stones.
What the hell? Sorcha muttered, and Maeve gasped. “Ye mustnt let Mother Ginessa hear ye curse like
that, Gwennore warned her.
These stones are ridiculous! Sorcha slammed them on the table, and out of curiosity Brigitta turned to see what her sister had selected.
Nine, pink, and lavender.
Gwennore tilted her head as she studied the stones. In nine years ye will meet a tall and handsome—”
Nine years?Sorcha grimaced. I would be so old!Twenty-seven. Gwennores mouth twitched. Practi-
cally ancient.
Exactly! Sorcha huffed. Ill wait nine months for my tall and handsome stranger, and not a minute more.She glared at the colored stones. “I hate pink. It looks ter- rible with my freckles and red hair.
Maeves eyes sparkled with mischief. Who said ye would be wearing it? I think yer true love will look very pretty in pink.
Hes not wearing pink,Sorcha growled.
Aye, a lovely pink gown with a lavender sash, Gwen- nore added with a grin.



Nay, Gwennie. Maeve shook her head. The lavender means hell have lavender-blue eyes like you.
Ah. Gwennore tucked a tendril of her white-blond hair behind a pointed ear. “Could be.
Are ye kidding me? Sorcha gave them an incredu- lous look. How on Aerthlan would I ever meet an elf?Ye met me, Gwennore said. And apparently, in nine months, yell meet a tall and handsome elf in a pink gown. She and Maeve laughed, and Sorcha reluctantly
grinned.
Brigitta turned to peer out the window once again. Over the years, the Telling Stones had proven to be an entertaining game. But then, a year ago, something strange had happened. Lucianas prediction for her own future had actually come to pass. Shed met and fallen in love with the tall and handsome stranger shed foretold in specific detail, using the Telling Stones. And if that hadnt been amazing enough, shed become the queen of Eberon.
Eager to experience something equally romantic, Bri- gitta had begged her oldest sister to predict a similar future for her.
A mistake. Brigitta frowned at the churning ocean. Blue, gold, seven, and eight. Those had been the stones
Luciana had selected. Blue and gold, shed explained, sig- nified the royal colors of the kingdom of Tourin. Seven meant there would be seven suitors to compete for her hand. And eight . . . in eight months, Brigitta would meet a tall and handsome stranger.
The eight months had now passed.
She pressed a hand against her roiling stomach. When theyd boarded this morning, shed quickly as-
sessed the captain and his crew. None of them had struck her as particularly tall or handsome. Captain Shaw was portly, bald, and old enough to be her father.



As for the seven suitors vying for her hand, she had initially been thrilled, considering the idea wildly exciting. But when her sisters had likened it to her being a prize in a tourney, shed had second thoughts.
Why would seven men compete for her? She had noth- ing special to offer. Even the gift she possessed for being Embraced was hardly special. And did this contest mean she would have no choice but to marry whichever man won her? The more shed thought about this competition, the more it had made her cringe.
So, five months ago, shed played the game again, hop- ing to achieve different results. But to her shock, there had been four stones in her hand.
Blue, gold, seven, and five.
Had some sort of mysterious countdown gone into ef- fect? Reluctant to believe that, shed attempted the game again a month later. Blue, gold, seven, and four. Alarmed, shed sworn never to play again.
But one month ago, Sorcha had dared her to play, taunt- ing her for being overly dramatic. Those words never failed to irk Brigitta, so shed accepted the dare. With a silent prayer to the moon goddesses, shed reached into the bowl, swished the pebbles around, and grabbed a hand- ful. And there, in her palm, four stones had stared up at her.
Blue, gold, seven, and one. A fate was shoving itself down her throat whether she liked it or not.
And she did not.
Brigitta had been raised on the Isle of Moon, where women were free to determine their own futures and everyone worshipped the moon goddesses, Luna and Lessa.
It was different on the mainland. Men were in charge there, and everyone worshipped a male god, the Light.



Luciana had been fortunate to find a good man who respected her independent nature. As king and queen, they had declared it safe to worship the moon goddesses in Eberon.
But it was not that way elsewhere. In the other main- land kingdoms, Brigitta would be executed for making the sign of the moons as she prayed. Executed for being Embraced. So why did she keep picking the blue and gold colors of Tourin?
And why would seven suitors compete for her? She glanced at her sisters. Sorcha had always seemed the stron- gest, with a fiery temperament that matched her fiery red hair. Gwennore had always been the smartest. Maeve, the youngest, had always been the sweetest. And Luciananow married—had been their brave leader. Brigitta had never been quite sure where she fit in.
Gwennore, with her superior intellect, had always been the best at translating books into different languages. Maeve had excelled in penmanship, and Sorcha in artwork. Luciana had been good at everything.
But Brigitta . . . the nuns had despaired with her. When transcribing a book, she could never stay true to the text. A little embellishment here, a tweak there, and eventu- ally she would take a story so off course, it was no longer recognizable. This, of course, upset the nuns, for their male customers on the mainland were paying for an ex- act copy of an old tale, not the romantic fantasies of an overly dramatic young woman.
Whenever the nuns had fussed at her, her sisters had come to her defense, insisting that her story was much better than the original. And each time the nuns tried to use Brigittas overly dramatic mistakes for kindling, her sisters always managed to rescue the pages and give them to her. Theyd even begged her to finish her stories



about dashing young heroes, so that they could read them.
Brigitta adored them for that. Shed do anything for her sisters, including this voyage to Eberon that she was so afraid would activate the events shed been dread- ing.
She shifted her gaze back to the rolling motion of the ocean, and her stomach churned. Did a persons destiny have to be set in stone, in this case the Telling Stones? This was her story, so why couldnt it be one of her mak- ing? Surely she didnt have to stick to a text that had already been written without her consent. Couldnt she be the author of her own destiny?
Ye should watch the horizon, not the waves, Maeve said as she sat next to Brigitta on the window seat. “ Tis a sure way to make yerself ill.
Oh. Brigitta turned to her youngest sister. I didnt realize . . . Her stomach twisted with a sharp pain, and she winced.
Gwennore gave her a worried look. Ye look pale. Would ye like some bread or wine? She motioned toward the sideboard and the food that had been left for them.
Brigitta shook her head. Perhaps if she sat perfectly still for a few moments, the nausea would pass. “Did ye finish playing the Game of Stones?
Aye, Maeve answered. Didnt ye hear us giggling?Brigitta groaned inwardly, not wanting to admit shed been too engrossed in her own worries to pay her sisters
any mind.
My prediction was the best, Maeve continued. In four years, Ill meet a tall and handsome stranger with green teeth, purple hair, and three feet.
Brigitta wrinkled her nose. Ye call that handsome? How can he have three feet? Does he have a third leg?



Maeve waved a dismissive hand. We didnt bother to figure that part out. But he is taller than most.
Aye.Sorcha snorted. By a foot.
Maeve grinned. As ye can see, the game is nonsense. Besides, I have no desire to meet any man, no matter how tall or handsome. I plan to live the rest of my life with all of you at the convent.
Aye, Sorcha agreed. Im not leaving my sisters for an elf in a pink gown. Tis naught but a silly game.
Exactly. Gwennore gave Brigitta a pointed look. So ye shouldnt believe anything the stones say.
They were doing their best to relieve her fear, Brigitta realized, and as her heart warmed, the ache in her stomach eased. Thank you. What would I do without ye all?
The ship lurched suddenly to the right, causing Bri- gitta and Maeve to fall against the padded wall of the window seat. The oranges rolled off the sideboard and plummeted to the wooden floor. Empty goblets fell onto the floor with a series of loud clunks.
Sorcha grabbed on to the table. What was that?
Loud shouts and the pounding of feet sounded on the deck overhead.
Something is amiss, Gwennore said as she gazed up at the ceiling. Theyre running about.
Maeve peered out the window. I believe we made a sudden turn to the south.
That would put us off course, Gwennore murmured.
The door slammed open, and they jumped in their seats.

Mother Ginessa gave them a stern look, while behind her Sister Fallyn pressed the tips of her fingers against her thumbs, forming two small circles to represent the twin moons.


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