Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Cover Reveal: Paranormal Pleasures II by Roxanne Rhoads
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Monday, 14 April 2014
Cover Reveal & Giveaway: To Love a King by Shona Husk
by Shona Husk
Annwyn Book 3
Genre: paranormal romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Date of Publication: 7 October 2014
Number of pages: 352
Word Count: 80,000
Book Description:
To keep the balance between good and evil at the court of Annwyn, Prince Felan ap Gwyn has two weeks to marry and take the crown. But he wants more than just power—he wants love; a love he once had but was too stubborn to hold on to.
It took years for Jacqueline Ara to put her life back together after Felan abandoned her. And she doesn't want fairies back in her life—even if her heart still burns for him. With war in Annwyn looming and death bleeding into the mortal world, Felan and Jacquie will need to heal old wounds for one last gamble. It's all or nothing to save both worlds.
Pre-order Links: Amazon | The Book Depository | BN
***
Excerpt:
“We could start over.” There was that smile, the one that could derail all of her good intentions, the one that warmed her blood like she was standing in the sun and basking in its heat.
She knew if she lingered too long she’d get burned. “To what end? We both know it will end badly again.”
“It doesn’t have to.”
She pulled her hand back and crossed her arms. “If I do what you want. If I go to Annwyn and give up everything I want. Is that about right?”
He clenched his jaw and looked away. She doubted he was watching the sunlight on the waves.
“You would be asking me to give up my whole life.” The very thing she’d once thought he’d do for her. It seemed neither of them was able to make a compromise. “You could have any woman you wanted. I’m sure many would like to be Queen of Annwyn.”
He looked back at her. “But I don’t love them.”
Her heart did an erratic dance, and spun. Her lips curved and the words to reply automatically formed on her tongue. When she met his gaze, the words froze. In his pale green eyes, she saw so many shadows. Love shouldn’t be followed by so much darkness. It should make you happy, not afraid. When she’d been around him, she’d always felt safe and loved and happy. Even now, she was tempted to give him another chance—right up until she remembered he was fairy and wanted her to go to Annwyn. Even now, he wasn’t telling her everything.
“I can’t trust you.”
“I won’t take you back to Annwyn without your permission. No tricks or glamours. Can you at least think about giving us another try?”
“It’s not us that concerns me. It’s everything else.” She couldn’t imagine being surrounded by fairies all the time. If being in Annwyn didn’t make Felan happy, how was she supposed to like it? She was human, not fairy. And compared to them she would be dull and boring. A waitress couldn’t be Queen.
“I have twelve days, Jacqui. I’m running out of time.” For a moment, he looked tired and worn out, as if his long life was catching up with him.
“Why twelve days?”
“The magic is failing and damaging both worlds.”
“Right.” So he’d come to her to save the world—worlds. She could barely keep her life together. How did he expect her save the world and rule Annwyn?
“Read the paper, watch the news. Tell me what you think.” He stood. “I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“I’m not working tomorrow.” She glanced up at him. Should she have told him that?
“Then I’ll come to your house. Seven okay? Maybe we could go out somewhere.”
“Like a date?” He was asking her out on a date? When had they agreed to that? She hadn’t even agreed to see him tomorrow, and yet she didn’t want to say no. She wanted to see what he’d do, and she wanted to know more about Annwyn and what was happening. Would he tell her about his life in Annwyn, the parts he’d never shared?
“Only if you want it to be.” He walked around the table and placed a kiss on her cheek.
She turned and her lips brushed his. He smelled the way he always had, like summer and fresh grass, as if she could close her eyes and all her troubles would vanish on a sultry breeze. His lips were warm and tasted like coffee.
Half a second later, she realized what she’d done and pulled back. He gazed down at her, and for a moment she thought he was going to lean in and kiss her properly. She realized she wanted him to. The old lust reawakened, filling her belly with heat, and she was so tempted to fall back into his arms and pretend everything would work out fine.
He brushed a stray curl off her face, his fingers lingering for a moment. “Enjoy the cake.”
***
Three time ARRA finalist Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back.
With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she writes paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.
You can find out more at www.shonahusk.com
www.twitter.com/ShonaHusk
www.facebook.com/shonahusk
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/lySiD
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3464665.Shona_Husk
***
Tour giveaway details
Book 1 of the series The Outcast Prince.
1 copy, international shipping
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Guest Post & Giveaway: The Making of Nebraska Brown by Louise Caiola
Guest Post by Louise Caiola
The Truth about Publishing
I still recall the day I attended my first Writer’s Conference. A biggie. In New York City. Wherein there was a PitchSlam with literary agents, motivational speeches and an impressive lunch spread. I remember thinking this was IT. From here on out I would be a REAL writer, what with my hob-knobbing with the author-elite. That was my initial misconception. One of the keynote speakers, an author who has been published many times, opened her presentation with the line, “Are you guys SURE you want to do this?” She proceeded to paint a particularly gruesome picture of an industry fraught with frustration, rejection, long periods of loneliness, half-truths, and biting subjectivity. This woman was clearly mixed up. Perhaps she’d had a bad morning. Run in the pantyhose. Turbulence in first class. Who knew?
Not I, apparently. Not then. Fast forward five years and I have learned. Those things she had mentioned. ALL TRUE. Well, I’ll be. If you are an emerging writer, sunshiney and new, I apologize for being a momentary dark cloud on your blissful publishing horizon. However, this is a realistic heads-up. You will thank me later.
1) Prepare to be frustrated more than you have ever been in your entire life. Waiting. Wondering. Watching grass grow. Fun times? Not so much. Publishing is S –L –O –W go.
2) Rejection. Expect it. ‘Nuff said.
3) Loneliness. Writing is largely a solitary task. Your best friends will become the words on a page. Those guys don’t throw a lot of parties or go to the mall with you.
4) Half-truths. At some point in your publishing quest you will begin to interact with other writers/agents/editors and the like. Their stories and claims will have all the mish-moshed ingredients of goulash. It will be difficult to wade through. Trust in your gut. Believe what you see. Be from Missouri. “Show me.”
5) Subjectivity bites. Yes. Very much so. Every single person has a different definition of good literature. Editors will sweetly scar you for life if you allow it. Develop a thick hide. Be ready to embrace these alternating opinions. Chocolate helps.
There you have it. I implore you – don’t kill the messenger. I’m a sister soldier in this same publishing battle. Yet, after all is said and done I will leave you with this sage advice: Anything you want badly enough is worth suffering the hell-fires of fate to achieve. Forge ahead fiercely.
***
by Louise Caiola
New Adult Mystery
BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1baCbhO
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/LFV8wr
Other: http://bit.ly/1aHAlVj
The last thing eighteen-year-old Ann Leigh remembers is running from her boyfriend in a thick Nebraska cornfield. This morning she’s staring down a cool Italian sunrise, an entire continent from the life she once knew. The events of the eighteen months in between have inexplicably gone missing from her memory.
All at once she’s living with Tommy, an attractive, young foreigner asking for her continued love. Though he’s vaguely familiar, she recalls a boy named Shane in America who she reluctantly agreed to marry. Juggling a new world while her old one is still M.I.A is difficult enough without the terrifying movie scenes spinning a dizzy loop in her mind: glimpses of a devastating house fire, a romance gone wrong, an unplanned pregnancy, and a fractured family – each claiming to be part of who she once was – a girl and a past somehow discarded.
Ann Leigh must collect the pieces of herself to become whole again, but she doesn’t know who to trust especially when Tommy’s lies become too obvious to ignore. And above all, her heart aches to discover what became of the child she may or may not have given birth to.
The Making of Nebraska Brown tells the story of one girl’s coming apart from the inside and the great lengths she’ll go to reclaim herself and find her way home.
***
As a young girl who spent her allowance on Nancy Drew mysteries, Louise realized that one day, she might have a story of her own to tell. Maybe even more than one story. After years focused on raising her children she eventually reconnected with her passion for creative writing. She soon began to craft a large collection of short stories which were published in the inspirational online magazine, Faithhopeandfiction.com. Shortly thereafter, she authored her first novel, Wishless, a contemporary YA, released in 2011.
Louise devotes a portion of each day to honing her skills. She has several other novels currently in various stages of development. A confirmed bibliophile, Louise enjoys reading outdoors on a warm spring day and watching her pup chase leaves on a breeze. She looks forward to meeting others who share her love of the written word and invites you to visit her blog, her website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Website: http://www.louisecaiola.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louise.caiola
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lcwritten & https://twitter.com/AuthorLouiseC
Blog: http://louisecaiola.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20685989-the-making-of-nebraska-brown
***
Giveaway
Cover Reveal Charming by Krystal Wade
Popular YA author Krystal Wade has a thrilling new young adult novel coming out on October, 2014! The spine-tingling suspense in CHARMING will get your heart rate up. We promise you.
We have a fun jigsaw puzzle of the cover for you guys! Go on, give it a try!
...but if you can’t wait, just scroll down and take a peek at final cover of CHARMING!
About CHARMING:
They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and that's great . . . as long as you don't die.
Sixteen-year-old Haley Tremaine had it all: top-notch school, fantastic family, and a bright future, but all of that changed when an accident tore her family apart. Now, an alcoholic father, a bitter younger sister, and a cold headstone bearing her mother’s name are all she has left.
Chris Charming has it all: a powerful CEO for a father, a prestigious school, and a fortune at his fingertips, but none of that matters when he lands a reputation as a troublemaker. Struggling to follow in his father’s footsteps, he reaches out to the one person he believes truly sees him, the one person he wants: Haley.
Little do they know someone's determined to bring the two together, even if it means murder.
Add CHARMING to your TBR pile on Goodreads!
Goodreads: Charming
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Author Bio
Krystal Wade can be found in the sluglines outside Washington D.C. every morning, Monday through Friday. With coffee in hand, iPod plugged in, and strangers - who sometimes snore, smell, or have incredibly bad gas - sitting next to her, she zones out and thinks of fantastical worlds for you and me to read.
How else can she cope with a fifty mile commute?
Good thing she has her husband and three kids to go home to. They keep her sane.
Website: http://www.krystal-wade.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.krystalwade
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KrystalWade/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5773867.Krystal_Wade
We have a fun jigsaw puzzle of the cover for you guys! Go on, give it a try!
...but if you can’t wait, just scroll down and take a peek at final cover of CHARMING!
About CHARMING:
Sixteen-year-old Haley Tremaine had it all: top-notch school, fantastic family, and a bright future, but all of that changed when an accident tore her family apart. Now, an alcoholic father, a bitter younger sister, and a cold headstone bearing her mother’s name are all she has left.
Chris Charming has it all: a powerful CEO for a father, a prestigious school, and a fortune at his fingertips, but none of that matters when he lands a reputation as a troublemaker. Struggling to follow in his father’s footsteps, he reaches out to the one person he believes truly sees him, the one person he wants: Haley.
Little do they know someone's determined to bring the two together, even if it means murder.
Add CHARMING to your TBR pile on Goodreads!
Goodreads: Charming
Krystal Wade can be found in the sluglines outside Washington D.C. every morning, Monday through Friday. With coffee in hand, iPod plugged in, and strangers - who sometimes snore, smell, or have incredibly bad gas - sitting next to her, she zones out and thinks of fantastical worlds for you and me to read.
How else can she cope with a fifty mile commute?
Good thing she has her husband and three kids to go home to. They keep her sane.
Website: http://www.krystal-wade.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.krystalwade
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KrystalWade/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5773867.Krystal_Wade
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Guest Post/Blog Tour & Giveaway Raven's Blood by Cassandra Lawson
Guest Post
Battling My Inner Demons: My Journey to Becoming a Self-Published Author
By Cassandra Lawson
Thank you Annette Gisby for featuring Raven’s Blood today and inviting me to do this guest blog post. I also want to thank everyone who stopped by here to learn more about Raven’s Blood and read my ramblings. Today, I want to tell you a little about myself and how I came to be a self-published author. The path to self-publishing was a long one. Along this path, I faced two horrible demons. Both of these demons, denial and self-doubt, lived within me.
Denial was the worst of these inner-demons because it kept the self-doubt demon hidden from me. I said things like, “I just don’t have time to do any serious writing,” or, “I don’t want to be a published author.” Oh, I made many excuses to avoid thinking about sharing my work with the world. In truth, I didn’t face denial head on. I inadvertently stumbled past it. I got tired of people telling me I should try to publish my writing. Finally, I just threw up my hands in defeat and said, “Fine! I’ll try to publish a book.” Once I agreed, I realized that the prospect was a little exciting. Despite my many avoidance tactics, I really wanted to call myself an author. Still, I was a scared.
After overcoming denial, I saw things much clearer. That is when I realized I was afraid of putting myself out there. Letting people read my books is like inviting them to wander through the twisted corridors of my mind. That’s some scary stuff in there and I wasn’t sure I wanted to share it with the world. Mostly, I worried I might not have what it takes to do this. I won’t lie, Raven’s Blood is my third book, and my hands shook a little when I hit the publish button. I was a nervous wreck when I sent Raven’s Blood to the first beta reader. As you can see, self-doubt is not an easy demon to battle. I cannot say I have overcome my self-doubt, but I no longer let it control me.
After battling my inner demons, I lived happily ever after as a writer. Wow! That sounded really nice, but things were a little more complicated. Once I decided I wanted to be a published author, I still needed to make a lot of decisions. There are many options for authors. I decided on self-publishing because it allows me the freedom to set my own deadlines. I homeschool my youngest children and that is my top priority. Self-publishing allows me to set goals I can realistically achieve. In the end, it was the right choice for me. While my journey as a self-published author may not always be easy, it is always rewarding.
***
Moon Virus
Book 1
Cassandra Lawson
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Date of Publication: 03/25/2014
Amazon | Amazon UK | BN | iTunes | Smashwords
Following the death of her wood nymph mother at the hands of vampires, Raven worked hard to build a life for herself in one of the few remaining human settlements. Her life takes a frightening turn when she finds herself an unwilling guest in a vampire settlement, but things are not anything like she expected them to be. Still, she cannot help but feel that her attraction to the vampire leader is a betrayal to her mother’s memory and her human friends.
From the moment Connor first laid eyes on Raven she has thrown his entire world off-balance. In order to prove his strength as a leader, he has no choice but to take her up on her offer to trade her freedom for that of her human friends. Having begun his life as a slave, he has no interest in keeping the wood nymph captive. As a man, he has no desire to feel this overwhelming attraction to a woman who hates him and his kind.
As Raven spends more time with the vampires, her feelings for Connor grow even stronger and Connor finds that she may be the one thing he cannot live without. Unfortunately, a new danger emerges that could threaten the survival of vampires and humans alike. As Connor struggles to unravel the mystery of the attacks from a new species of vampire, a madman will go to any lengths to get Raven’s blood.
***
Cassandra Lawson is an author and homeschooling mother of three from the San Francisco Bay area. She has always had a very active imagination and loves making up stories. When she is not writing she enjoys baking, spending time with her family, listening to music, or curling up with a good book.
Blog: http://cassandralawson.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7103612.Cassandra_Lawson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassandralawsonauthor
***
Giveaway
Book Spotlight & Giveaway Captured by Jane Atchley
Captured - PROMO Blitz
By Jane Atchley
Fantasy Romance (Lite Paranormal)
A Garrison Love Story Book 2
Date Published: April 1, 201
Shape shifter, Faelan Foley, goes to war determined to win equality in a society where women are possessions, but when she’s forced to shift and arrested as a spy, a soul-searing friendship with the enemy Field Marshal develops threatening her heart and her definition of equality.
Aimery Duncan traded the privileged life of an island landholder for the anonymity of a cavalry officer. He never expects to find himself Field Marshal of the Allied Kingdom Army facing an invading enemy. Let alone meet his soul mate. Too bad, she is a shape-shifter and an enemy spy.
Can Duncan do his duty, save Faelan from the hangman’s noose, and somehow convince her that love is stronger than war?
EXCERPT
"Damn Nicholas. Who does he think he is?" Faelan shouldn’t have let Nicholas's possessiveness get to her, but it galled. It was the sort of thing she had sought to avoid by volunteering with the army. "Where does he find the nerve?"
Riding beside her on a stolen dun gelding, Quinn wisely held his tongue. Like big brothers everywhere he was a maddening tease, but in a quarrel he came down on Faelan’s side every time. Near the spot where they had encountered the blue-jacket scout, she reined in, slid out of the saddle, and rubbed her backside. Why did she always have to ride a mule?
"I know Nicholas is your friend, but I’m not marrying him no matter what anyone thinks. And I’ll tell you another thing; I’m not marrying anyone who thinks he can tell me how to live my life."
"I’ll be sure to relay your thoughts to Nicholas."
Faelan arched her brow. "When I need your help, I’ll ask for it." She glanced around. "Wasn’t there a cave around here somewhere?"
Quinn touched his chest. "Are you asking me for help?"
Faelan showed her teeth, a snarl not a smile.
Quinn laughed. "See the dark spot behind the thin stand of firs over there?"
Faelan nodded. "I’ll leave my clothes in the cave, and we can meet here until the enemy breaks camp." Handing Quinn her reins, she headed for the dark niche within the rocks.
"Wait." Quinn jumped down. "Are you sure I can't talk you out of this?"
Faelan gave a long-suffering sigh. "It will help our war effort."
"I don’t doubt it, but I wonder if it’s the war effort you’re so eager to help."
"I don’t see your meaning."
"I know your appetites, little sister, better than I know my own. You want to devour the pretty little field marshal."
"My wolf wants to devour him." She flashed a saucy grin. "I’d settle for a good licking."
"Lan-nie."
"Qu-inn." Faelan matched his tone.
"Don’t get killed."
"I won’t. I promise. Come give me a hug. I have to find an enemy soldier with a weakness for dogs before nightfall. Please don’t worry Quinn. This will work, you’ll see. We’ll meet here in two nights."
Faelan padded down a pine needle carpeted deer trail in wolf form considering her brother’s words. She didn’t want to gobble up the field marshal. She wanted to roll over and show her belly. Given her mission, this dangerous desire annoyed the hell out of her. Pausing, she raised her nose, tested the air for scent and found what she sought, steel and horses, and death. Crouching low Faelan eased toward the source.
She could not believe her luck. Commanders kept to the safety of camp. At least they did in her army. But the field marshal and his demon crouched beside the scout’s body looking at—Oh great ancestor Quinn’s fur!
The demon rubbed the inky fur between his fingers. "Duncan, this fur is...it’s not right."
Duncan. The field marshal’s name sizzled through Faelan’s bloodstream, found a home in her heart, and melted in. She shook herself. Oh, yes. This man was danger in a pretty wrapper. Moments later, the search party mounted and turned their fine horses toward their camp. The demon walked at Duncan’s stirrup leading his own mount burdened with the body of the blue-jacket scout. Mindful of Descendant tales and warnings of demon powers, Faelan followed the group at a respectful distance.
Faelan had seen this demon in the camp, tall, rapier thin, lean-muscled, a terrible beauty with spiky golden hair, tapered ears, and rich amber eyes. The tales said demons didn’t age, but this one’s mannerisms suggested youth. Obviously, Duncan’s creature, Faelan smelled his devotion like spice on the wind. Keeping downwind, hidden by trees, she strained her hearing in hopes of gleaning some useful information, but her enemy’s mood was somber. Frustrated, Faelan turned to her other senses.
The field marshal, the demon, two of the men, and the woman wore blue-jackets. Having never seen a female warrior before, the woman fascinated Faelan. Citizen militia made up the rest of their party. Faelan had seen their like before in the little villages her people raided before the field marshal brought his cavalry into the field. Each man wore his own regimentals, one a rich burgundy, one a dark green, the other a pale gray trimmed in dark blue.
The search party stopped near a clear slow moving creek, and the demon passed out meat pies. The rich aroma made Faelan’s stomach growl. She inched forward watching, listening, and was rewarded with the first chink in the field marshal’s army. The militiamen took their portions and moved apart from the blue-jackets. Abruptly, the demon raised his head, sniffed the air, and glanced toward her hiding place. Faelan melted back into the trees.
The field marshal walked slowly along the shallow stream moving away from his group. His magnificent horse, gray as a storm with scattering of black spots across its white rump, trailed behind dipping its elegant head to the stream now and again.
Faelan paced him.
Duncan squatted in the stream and let the cold water sluice over his hands. He reeked of regret. Would death on a large scale slow his relentless pursuit of her people? Could the Descendants even manage something like that in their current sorry state?
Faelan circled.
Upwind now, Duncan’s elegant spotted horse caught her scent. Its head lifted. The warhorse looked straight at her, nostrils flared. Faelan crouched even lower. Tail tucked tight against her belly, ears flat against her skull, she inched forward.
"Be very still, Aimery Duncan."
The demon’s voice came from Faelan’s right. Until he spoke, she had not seen, heard, or even smelled him, so intent had she been on the field marshal. The demon stood about twenty feet away with a short powerful looking bow aimed at her heart.
Duncan looked up and trapped Faelan in the full force of his remarkable eyes. For a minute she couldn’t move, melting in his burning sapphire gaze. A whimper slipped from her mouth. She dropped her rump lower and tucked her tail tighter against her belly. Her posture screamed I’m harmless.
The field marshal held his hand out palm up. "Come to me, Azure-eyes. I will not let the terrible elf shoot you." He shot his demon a determined look. "I have seen enough death today, Eamon." His gaze returned to her. "Come here, my beauty. There is nothing to fear."
Duncan’s voice flowed over her, warm as a summer day. It soothed her, compelled her. Faelan inched forward, aware the demon—elf had not relaxed the tension on his bow. Faelan’s nose grazed Duncan’s fingertips. His skin smelled of oranges and chocolate. Faelan gave in to desire. She rolled over and exposed her soft creamy belly to his touch.
He rubbed her thick fur and smiled. "You see, Eamon. She is just a big friendly dog. A real beauty too, I think."
He thought she was beautiful. The demon—the elf, Faelan corrected herself again, didn’t look convinced, but he lowered his bow.
"Where did it come from, Duncan?" The elf moved closer. "It looks like a wolf. Come away from it."
"This dog did not kill our trooper." Duncan pushed to his feet, wiping his hands on his thighs. "You worry too much."
"My Captain told me to look after you."
"Did he?" Duncan punched the elf’s shoulder in passing, as men do. "He said just the opposite to me."
Faelan stayed on her back, vulnerable. The elf troubled her. He knew there was something ‘not right’ about Quinn’s fur. He was suspicious of her and he had unknown powers.
"Look at her, Eamon," Duncan collected his horse’s reins. "How many white, blue-eyed wolves have you seen? She is a cross breed probably from one of the burned out farmsteads we passed left behind to die." He turned, patted his leg. "Come Azure. Come girl." Faelan rolled to her feet and trotted to his side.
"You’re not keeping it?"
"I could not save my scout today, but I can save this dog. I need to do this." He paused, caught his lower lip between his teeth. "Look at those eyes, blue as the sky on a clear day at sea. Can you think of a single reason I should not keep her?"
"Yes," Eamon nodded. "It’s a wolf."
Jane Atchley
Trapped in a world of user manuals, Jane Atchley dreamed of a life beyond technical writing. One night, over nachos and margaritas with “the great ladies,” a world of elves, pixies, and a certain red-haired cavalry captain beckoned. She and her two terriers have lived there ever since enjoying one adventure after another.
Jane is a member of Romance Writers of America and Dallas Area Romance Authors. She loves to hear from readers. Email Jane at jane@janeatchley.com
Jane gives away a $50 gift card every month. Visit her website http://www.janeatchley.com to enter for a chance to win.
Authors Links
Giveaway
1 grand prize of $100 Visa (Usa Only)
10-eBook Copies of Captured
Monday, 7 April 2014
Book Spotlight & Giveaway In A Wolf's Eyes by A. Katie Rose
About In A Wolf's Eyes
Raine is a slave, a gladiator. Known as the Bloody Wolf, he is the champion of all champions in the Empire of Khalid. Ly’Tana is a warrior princess of Kel’Halla and is set to wed the heir to Khalid’s throne, Crown Prince Broughton. When Raine and his new wizard pal, Rygel, accidentally murder the High King, they set in motion events rapidly spiraling out of control. Ly’Tana discovers the true, and violent, nature of her betrothed, a man nicknamed Prince Brutal for his vicious nature, and escapes her marriage.
But Brutal will stop at nothing to have her for his wife. To entice his runaway bride into a trap, he brings down and captures her griffin bodyguard, Bar. Ly’Tana vows to have Bar back or die trying. She seeks the help of Raine and Rygel, and frees Bar from Brutal’s clutches. Yet, in doing so, Raine and Ly’Tana are forced to flee for their lives, hunted by Brutal’s secretive assassins.
Can they escape the hunters and their silent, evil hounds? Can Ly’Tana evade Brutal’s hungry need to marry her and seize her beloved country? Can Raine keep Ly’Tana alive and still save himself from capture and torture? Can they stop themselves from falling in love?
Thus begins the first novel of The Saga of the Black Wolf series.
About A Katie Rose
A. Katie Rose is a Colorado native, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She enjoys riding, teaching and learning from horses, likes camping, reading novels, watching movies and, of course, lives to write fantasy books. She currently works as a photographer in San Antonio, Texas, and is a slave to her six cats and four horses. “In a Wolf’s Eyes” is her first novel.
Book Excerpt
“This is no place for you, Ly’Tana.” His eyes grave, he sipped at his wine chalice. “You could fall prey to his viciousness. Peace isn’t worth having if Kel’Halla loses you.”
Affronted that Kel’Ratan would sneak behind my back, I stiffened. “I can take care of myself.”
“On any battlefield or tavern brawl, I agree. Against a madman on the Khalid throne? Ly’Tana, we have kept the Federates out of Kel’Halla for thirty years. We will keep fighting them.”
“I have no choice, as you very well know,” I snapped. “Not since Father issued that bloody decree.”
Kel’Ratan blew out a gust of breath, a deep sigh that fluttered his mustache. “The Crown Prince is the only heir that meets his criteria,” he said.
“What about the King of Arcadia’s heir?”
He smiled gently. “Girl, do you really want to marry a six-year old?”
I snorted. “A six-year old would be hard pressed to murder me.”
The crowd parted enough for me to study Prince Broughton as he chatted with his circle of butt-kissing cronies. Brown-haired and brown-eyed with a thin wispy beard, he looked innocuous and clerkly. Dressed in a gold tunic trimmed in scarlet, with a light cloak of the same gold trimmed cloth that draped him to his knees, he looked not at all the savage man who earned the nickname of Brutal. Not much taller than I, he weighed probably less, for he was thin almost to the point of emaciation. Tonight, a prince’s circlet crowned his head, and if the dagger he needed to cut his meat was twice as long as any other, who would protest?
His eyes caught mine from across the hall and he smiled, raising his cup in a salute. I smiled and offered a slight, though respectful, curtsey, observing the spark of madness deep within his eyes even from that distance. Kel’Ratan was right, I thought. There must be other avenues to peace between our nations. How would my death benefit my homeland and my father if I died at the hands of my own husband?
Drinking the last of the fruity wine in my chalice, I licked the last drop off my lip. I cast about for a servant or a slave for a refill, but saw none nearby. Only the aristocratic merry makers and the still circulating musicians strolled within my immediate vicinity.
“Here,” Kel’Ratan said, taking the light cup from me. “I see a slave over there.” He jerked his chin toward the cluster of royal brothers. “I’ll fetch you another.”
“My thanks,” I replied, a little surprised at his courtesy.
He eyed me with some humor, his mustache bristling. “I know how badly you need your drink, young lush.”
“Bloody boor,” I grumbled, but the teasing blue twinkle in his eye forced a laugh from me.
Khalidian aristocrats parted the way for him, melting out of his path, as though fearing he might turn on them. They eyed him sidelong, as though he were not royalty in his own right, but a rapid and vicious cur. I knew these people called us ‘barbarians’, and feared us more than a little. To see them behave in such a fashion in a civilized setting as the great hall beneath the noses of High King Lionel and his Queen Iyumi burned me more than a little. I turned away to keep myself from screaming invectives at them.
Without warning, a nobleman pushed rudely past me, striking me hard with his shoulder. From the tail of my eye, I saw grey silk trimmed in silver. I might have kept my balance and my royal dignity had I been wearing anything but the simple dress. In the wild attempt to keep to my feet, I stepped on the hem of my gown. If I fell, sprawling in a most undignified fashion, I would be humiliated before the entire court. If I kept my feet, and remained stoically upright, it meant tearing the flimsy dress from my shoulders, leaving me utterly naked, and shamed in the eyes of the High King and Queen. It appeared Lord Colvin would have his petty revenge, by one method or another.
Starting to fall, I felt my arm gripped tight above the elbow, blissfully saving me from the disparaging choice of either a disgraceful headlong tumble or total nudity.
The hand, strong but gentle, steadied me until I gained my feet and my wits about me. I turned to thank my benefactor, words already in my throat – until I looked up into the most incredible eyes I have ever seen.
My words died stillborn. Like the sun on ice, the eyes were a pale, an almost translucent grey. Long lashes any woman would murder to obtain framed those light irises ringed eerily in black. His black pupils looked as though they peered through a hangman’s noose.
Once, long ago, I saw a shark pulled out of the surf by a fisherman, its eyes black, wide and staring, lifeless and yet alive, predatory and chilling. Like that shark, these eyes lacked anything that resembled human consciousness or emotion. I, a warrior from birth, have stared into death’s eyes without flinching, have killed men who would have killed me, led men into battle with a warcry on my lips. Never before have I seen eyes as cold-blooded as these eyes. I caught my breath against the icy ruthlessness in them. Killer’s eyes, flat and inhuman. Mesmerized, I looked long into those merciless eyes, feeling the chill of fear creep down my spine.
Suddenly the iciness in them vanished. Warmth and humor appeared as if by sorcery. None of his facial muscles flexed, his lips failed to smile, his cheeks remained rock hard and smooth. Yet, curiously, kindness and sympathy gleamed from those sinister eyes as though he had smiled broadly. Then he winked. The lightning fast wink of a man who looked at a woman and liked what he saw.
I gaped. He had winked. He dared to wink at Her Royal Exalted Highness, Princess Ly’Tana, only child of King Gareth, and heir to the throne of mighty Kel’Halla. He winked at me as though I were any tavern slut. I drew myself up to vent my feminine fury into his smiling eyes -
“Move on, Wolf,” said someone behind him.
The chill returned to his eyes like a veil hiding the sun and he turned away. Only then did I see the leather collar studded with jewels around his neck.
Kindle Fire HD International Giveaway
To be in with a chance of winning a Kindle Fire HD, everyone who purchases either In A Wolf's Eyes and/or To Catch A Wolf and email proof of purchase to sylv@book-tours.com will be placed into the draw.
Purchase one and get one entry, purchase both books and get three entries.In A Wolf's Eyes
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1d5W8VX
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Catch a Wolf
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Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1iGVxdK
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Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/LI4xne
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1o4u0XD
This giveaway is international
One of $50 Amazon Coupon
One of $30 Amazon Coupon
The winner will be announced at the end of the tour.
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