Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 10

#Review: THE LADY AND THE EARL by Ruth A. Casie

 

3 of 5 stars
 I have not read any books by Ms. Casie before, and I was excited to read this one, especially after reading the blurb. However, the blurb did not really align with the book. It seemed as if there were almost two books combined into one. The first part is when Ashe Dunn, the Earl of Lockford is injured on his way to London and brought to a nearby clinic to be nursed back to health by Harriet Manning, but he has secrets and is not who he seems. Lady Harriet Manning has been training with her father and is an accomplished physician in her own right. When she treats the injured man, she's drawn to Mr. Dunn like no one else. In the four weeks, it takes for Ashe to heal, they fall in love, and when her father, Dr. Manning, is scheduled to give a medical lecture in London, they all traveled there together. 

This is where I thought I was reading a different book. There was no foreshadowing while Ashe was healing that he was a spy who worked for the Crown. That would have linked the two parts of the story together nicely. The writing is disjointed at times, and on numerous occasions, I was confused about who was speaking because there were no dialogue tags. It was most confusing, along with a lack of attention to detail in some of the scenes. This distracted me from the story, and I had to go back and read some scenes again to understand what was happening. There were so many characters introduced once Ashe got to London that I lost track of who was who and was losing interest in the story.
I had an inkling about who the villain was in the story, and it was brilliant. It certainly saved the story and garnered another star to 3 stars. While Ms. Casie is an accomplished writer, it seemed that perhaps this story was rushed to publication. The editing was a bit lacking as well, and some of those details should have been caught in the editing process. I think with a little more fleshing out and a bit more foreshadowing on Ashe's part at the beginning of the book, that would rachet up the tension and make for a thrilling spy novel. As it is written now, it is mediocre at best.

I voluntarily read the book provided by N.N. Light Book Heaven, and all opinions are my own.

#Excerpt: A VISCOUNT FOR THE SPINSTER by Samantha Holt

A Viscount for the Spinster
Samantha Holt
(Spinsters and Rebels, #1)
Publication date: July 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

Some sinners deserve a second chance. Not this one, though…

Miss Maisie Beaufort has no intention of running away ever again. She’s more than ready to return home after a decade in the midst of society and take charge of her life as a spinster businesswoman. Nothing will distract her. Especially not her first love, the rebel who destroyed her young heart…

Apollo Everly always knew Maisie was too good for small town life…and for a spare heir like him. He never stopped wanting her, though. Not that it matters. Even though he’s reformed and a viscount, his lingering reputation is still a threat to her. He should stay away. But fate—and Mother Nature—seem to have other ideas…

If Maisie and Apollo want to rebuild their village after a devastating flood, they’ll need to work together. The only question now is whether they can trust each other when it matters most. And if they can avoid heartbreak this time around…

If you love second chance romance, spinsters, and a hero who will prove he isn’t beyond redemption set amongst a village of unusual and eccentric characters, A Viscount for the Spinster is perfect for lovers of steamy historical romance!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

The fierce beat of Apollo’s heart thudded against her palm. Warmth seeped into her fingertips and left her breathless. She glanced briefly to the side, spying the tile embedded inches into the ground.

That could have been her.

She met Apollo’s gaze, his pupils dark. His breaths were ragged and whispered through her hair. She smelled sweetness on his breath for a moment until it gave way to a soapy fragrance that wrapped about her.

His arms framed her against the wall, a protective cocoon that should have slowed the pounding of her pulse. But he was so close. Inches away. And he was so warm. Her fingers remained splayed upon his chest. She couldn’t move them even if she wanted to.

And she didn’t.

The firmness of his chest and thump, thump of his heart eased away the breathlessness and brought her back to the world. A breeze tousled her hair, sending a curl tickling around her neck. Somewhere in the village a baby cried. And the tingle of awareness that came with touching Apollo continued, rippling through her and leaving her feeling as though her entire body was aflame.

When she met his gaze, everything but the awareness dissolved. Gone were the sounds of life in the village. She swore she could hear the raging hammer of his heart which had yet to slow and each thick inhale she took.

Maisie dragged her gaze over his features, lingering upon the white scar then to the slight stubble on his jaw and up again to meet a gaze that remained intense. All she needed to do was push him away. To utter a quick thank you for saving her life and retreat inside.

Neither her legs nor her arms would obey such a command.

His gaze flicked down and up again. He twisted the golden ring on his index finger, his body swaying ever so slightly forward.

Her breaths quickened, rasping in her throat. A single word would stop him. All she had to do was force one from her throat and it would put an end to the inevitable.

Perhaps she’d known this would always come, even from the moment she’d first spotted him. Perhaps that was why she’d hidden from him. Apollo had always held sway over her, and years apart hadn’t changed that. If anything, it was worse. She liked the man he had grown into far too much.

“Maisie,” he murmured, his tone guttural.

She blinked. Her name echoed in her ears, and a flash of recollection flared. He’d uttered her name in exactly the same manner when he’d sent her away. A word tinged with regret.

Well, she wasn’t giving either of them anything to regret now.

She ducked under his arm and backed up by several steps. He offered a rough curse and pushed away from the wall.

“That was a mistake.”

He scrutinized her, his face giving nothing away. Could he not at least show regret at his actions? It would make escaping what had to have been a near kiss easier—if he did not really want it either.

She knew what she wanted, and it wasn’t a kiss from Apollo.

Was it?

Author Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Samantha Holt is known for fun, witty, and usually steamy historical romances. She's been a full-time writer for longer than she ever thought possible having originally trained as a nurse and an archaeologist. She's a champion napper, owner of too many animals, mum to twins, and lives in a small village near the very middle of England.

She's usually writing (or napping) but when she's not, Samantha is plotting (books of course!) with her husband, drinking coffee, climbing hills that are far too high for her fitness levels or visiting stately homes and pretending she's posh.

You can claim a free book by signing to to her newsletter www.samanthaholtromance.com

If you're not sure where to start, why not try:

Capturing the Bride (The Kidnap Club #1). A fun Regency read full of spice and an unusual heroine trying to escape an arranged marriage and a hero who has no idea how to keep his hands off her!

You're the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.

There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea (The Inheritance Clause #1) is a fun, steamy read focused on the Templeton family as they fight to save their inheritance.

Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.

To Steal a Highlander's Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.

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Interview with Brianna Sugalski, DISENCHANTED

Disenchanted
Brianna Sugalski
(A Lay of Ruinous Reign, #1)
Publication date: December 16th 2022
Genres: Adult, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

At the peak of the Breton Renaissance, Lilac Trécesson is held prisoner in her own castle after a most wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her fifteenth birthday. Her coronation looms years later, and between their town riots and the noble family bent on snatching her throne, she prepares for the worst…

Until a letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to banish her curse forever.

Her heirloom dagger at the ready, Lilac embarks into Brocéliande and finds herself in the hands of a bloodthirsty barkeep who demands her help in exchange for protection against the even deadlier forces of the woods.

She is thrust on a quest to uphold her family’s legacy—and her sovereign right to destroy it and start anew—by any means necessary. Pity the fool to underestimate the girl with subpar blade skills but pure spite to make up for it.

This is the tale of a cursed princess,

A crestfallen killer,

The town that wants them to burn,

And the witch who can save them both.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

 

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

Sure, Disenchanted is the history and legend-inspired story of a Breton princess in the 16th century. Lilac learns on her fifteenth birthday that she can speak to the feared creatures in the forest Brocélinde that surrounds her kingdom, in an ancient, arcane tongue elusive to humans; since then, she’s been kept in her castle, convinced to fear the repercussions of a public appearance before she inherits the throne from her father.  

 

One evening, a witch at the edge of the wood makes her an offer she simply cannot refuse, so she escapes into Brocéliande  one week before her Accession ceremony (and the king’s proclamation of his decision to abdicate). A run-in with a nest of ogres chases her into an enchanted tavern inn that appears out of nowhere, and it is there Lilac meets Garin—a barkeep with a witty mouth that clashes with the mysterious way about him. 

 

This is book one of a three, possibly four book series. 

 

Do you have a favorite character? 

Yes, it’s Garin. You’ll see why.

 

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

Yes; the witch Ophelia is a character I wasn’t sure would originally make the second book, but that was when this was supposed to be a duology arc. Now that the series has expanded through my sequel plotting, she has a much larger part in book two and three, and I love writing her. She’s quickly become my favorite. 

 

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

Yes, Disenchanted (A Lay of Ruinous Reign: Book One) was originally released as an upper YA novel in 2020. I participated in PitMad in winter 2018 and it got picked up by an indie publisher, The Parliament House Press. It was published in March 2020 and has an audiobook narrated by Krys Janae. I decided early on in drafting the sequel, which I’m working on now, that this duology needed to become a trilogy at least, and that it must be elevated in age and reader rating. So, in August 2022, I parted ways with my publisher, spent three months rewriting and revising with my original editor and a new one, and rereleased Disenchanted in December 2022 with a new series name and rating—Disenchanted (A Lay of Ruinous Reign: Book One), a New Adult Dark Romantasy. 

 

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel? 

My first contract was offered (with Disenchanted YA by the Parliament House Press) about two weeks after Pitmad 2018. It was an unagented offer.

 

 

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both? 

I will be self-publishing for the foreseeable future. I have so much more control over things and enjoy it that way.

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I like to loosely plot then jump in, filling plot holes in the moment. I have to write with a show or audiobook playing in the background, but most types of music are distracting to me. 

 

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

I did before I participated in Pitmad, and I did again in my New Adult revision. It’s so important to invest in a great editor. They make all the difference, truly. 

 

What’s next for you?

There will be a new cover for Disenchanted releasing in August, as well as the cover reveal and preorder availability for my sequel, Disillusioned in November. This fall I’m also releasing the audiobook for Disenchanted, narrated in duet narration by Krys Janae and Zachary Johnson. 

Author Bio:

Southeast Asian fantasy author with a soup addiction. Diverse medievalist and developmental editor who lives in oversized sweaters, and prefers to explore the more ominous—disenchanting, if you will—undertones of history, romance, and the arcane.

My debut, Breton Arthuriana-inspired YA Dark Fantasy DISENCHANTED, released with the Parliament Press in March 2020, and is being re-released and rebranded for the New Adult/ Adult indie market in December 2022. The rest of the trilogy will follow this updated genre rating.

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#Excerpt: SAVING PIPER MOONLIGHT by Joann Keder

Saving Piper Moonlight
Joann Keder
(Piney Falls Mysteries, #2)
Publication date: July 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Thriller

Piper has lived her entire childhood on the run. She’s about to uncover the deadly reason why…

In the second book of the Piney Falls Mysteries series, Piper Moonlight is tired of constantly looking over her shoulder, afraid of the remaining Fallen Branch cult members. She decides the best place to land is in Piney Falls, Oregon, where the cult originated. At least everyone there knows her story and she’ll be safe.

When she arrives, she finds employment under the watchful eye of Cosmo Hill, also a former Fallen Branch member, at his bakery. Cosmo doesn’t trust Piper or her story. He enlists the help of his fiancé , marketing wonder and super sleuth Lanie Anders to uncover the truth of Piper’s past.

Lanie and Cosmo soon discover there are still shocking secrets buried within the layers of the former cult. As those secrets come to light, those who keep them will stop at nothing to stay hidden. The ugly truth of Fallen Branch will force Lanie, Cosmo and Piper to make unthinkable choices to save themselves and the life they know in Piney Falls.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“Can I ask–did you ever love me?”

There is laughter from the other room and a chill runs down his spine.

“I assumed we’d already discussed the uselessness of emotions. They get in the way. Imagine if I let that interfere during the last two decades. We wouldn’t be where we are, on schedule for the metamorphosis.”

“YOU wouldn’t be on schedule. The rest of us–well, me–would be fine. You don’t remember those times we were gardening at Fallen Branch, talking about the future? You said then you couldn’t picture anyone else by your side.”

“I couldn’t. That didn’t mean I loved you, though. You were the perfect partner…for a time. As you’ve said: you didn’t have control of your emotions and I could direct you easily. I gave you a list. You accomplished every bullet point.” The Killer stalks closer. “Is there anything you want them to know? I’m giving you this gift that we never gave the others. A thank you for your service. Let’s call it my ‘emotion’ for today.”

“Tell them I’m sorry. I wasn’t strong enough to continue by your side and I wasn’t smart enough to survive on my own.”

“That’s not at all what I thought you would say.”

“What did you expect? A lengthy speech? I’ve always left those to you.”

“I thought you might want them to know you were a brave soldier in our war. Kind of make them proud, at least.”

He throws his hands in the air. “I give up. You’ll make it your own story no matter what. I learned long ago that it’s impossible to please you. They’ll learn that soon enough.”

“I hope not.”

“Tell them…I tried. Just get on with it now. I can’t bear to think about it anymore.”

His killer hands him a cup. “Cheers, my friend. It was a good ride while it lasted.”

His hand brushes his killer’s and without looking up, he lifts it to his lips.

Author Bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master's degree in creative writing. A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest led her to re-examine her priorities. She now creates stories about life and relationships in small towns while her ever-patient husband encourages her on.

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#Review: GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUKE by Anna Bradley

 

3 of 5 stars

Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke, the golden boy of Society, wants nothing more than to put an old family scandal to rest, and when he is betrothed to Lady Susannah Stanhope, he believes he's done everything he can to rectify that situation. That is until he rescues Francesca Stanhope from being stuck on an iron fence outside the Earl of Stanhope's townhome. Francesca is feisty, and Giles is bewildered when the young lady will not reveal her name. But Giles cannot forget those stunning blue eyes and is shocked when he finds out she's the cousin of his betrothed. Now he can't stop thinking about Francesca when he's supposed to be courting Susannah. Can he honor the contract to marry Susannah, or will he risk another scandal by jilting the young lady?

I absolutely loved Francesca. She was smart, independent, and outspoken. I especially enjoyed the scene where she refuses to dance with the duke. Francesca is trying to rectify a serious wrong done to her family and wants to confront her uncle (Susannah's father) about his lack of funds to support her and her ailing mother. Unfortunately, Lady Crump, Francesca's sponsor for the Season, has given Francesca a wardrobe of bright pink gowns--every gown is the same garish pink. There was no hiding with the wall flowers in that color, and when Giles makes an offhand comment about her dress resembling radishes, Francesca loses all hope of staying invisible until she can confront her uncle. The gossip sheets are having a field day with these two, and the old family scandal resurfaces. Giles was a less likable character, although I did like to see him humbled time after time by Francesco. He does redeem himself later on in the book when he puts aside his ducal airs.

Ms. Bradley does a good job of teasing out the details of what caused the scandal, and the plot moves along nicely. One important critical error in the story is that it is supposed to take place during the London Season, which starts in April and goes through June. In the middle of the story, suddenly it's November, and then it's back to the Season's spring timetable again. That was certainly a major error, in my opinion, and cost the author a star.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE MAKE-BELIEVE WIDOW by Darcy Burke

 

   4 of 5 stars

This is a novella full of desire and longing, while a lie told ten years ago has the power to haunt the future.

Both James Ludlow, Earl of Rotherham, and Mrs. Charlotte Dunthrope are invited to a house party by a mutual friend. Each is looking for different things. Roth is looking for a mother for his young daughters, and Charlotte longs for a torrid affair.

Charlotte has spent the last ten years carving out a new life for herself after an unimaginable tragedy and vows never to marry. She cannot risk anyone finding out about her shocking secret, although she has never felt such desire as she does for Roth.

They let their passion rule them at the house party, and Roth doesn't want their time together to end, so he invites Charlotte to travel with him to an inn where he is to meet friends for a hunting party. Unfortunately, the one person Charlotte never wanted to see again is the first one to arrive at the inn. Lord Sleaford has never forgiven Charlotte for what she's done and reveals her secret past to Roth. Roth reacts badly to being lied to, and Charlotte runs away, heartbroken and fearing Roth would never want to see her again.

This is a quick and easy read, and Ms. Burke keeps the plot moving forward without any other outside distractions. The sizzling attraction between Roth and Charlotte is explored, and this is not a clean read for those who prefer no sex in their books. After a few more twists and turns and a lot of angst, Roth and Charlotte finally get their happy ending.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

 

#Excerpt: HEARTLESS by Grace Goodwin

Heartless
Grace Goodwin
Publication date: June 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Romance, Science Fiction

Warrior. Doctor. Spy. I am Commander Helion, a heartless terror, relentless and unforgiving. Merciless.

My destiny is not to claim a female, to have a family, to be rendered helpless by love.

Despite this, I am matched. A beautiful human female is now mine. Despite my warnings, she is determined to leave her mark on me, body and soul.

Honor demands I resist. I tell her the truth. I will not place a mating collar around her neck. I cannot protect her—especially from me—my choices—the horrors I face every day.

Just one moment of weakness and she gets under my skin, makes me want things I cannot have. She is everything I am not—and the most dangerous creature I have ever faced.

Claiming her—keeping her—is not possible with my pivotal role in this never-ending war. There is no place in my duties for desire. For need. Too many innocents count on me for protection. Too many lives are at stake, including hers.

The enemy is always ready and waiting, but I never expected her to be among them.

For the first time in my hardened life, I question my sanity. My dark soul. I begin to understand exactly what my enemies have stolen from me—and realize there is no limit to what a heartless warrior will sacrifice for love.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Oh, heck yes. I was ready for lots of mind-blowing private time with two hot mates. Sooooo, ready. My body had been willing for a while. My mind had taken its sweet time catching up.

Now every part of me was fully on board. Heart. Mind. Body. Two mates? So very, very naughty. I squirmed, just a bit. I couldn’t keep the restless need from escaping. I hadn’t been touched by a man in so long. I tried to recall the last time—before the—before that. I couldn’t remember clearly, but I was pretty sure it had been years.

“The transport window is closing, my lady. If we wait much longer, I will need to delay your departure.” The Prillon warrior in control of the transport pad interrupted our long goodbye.

“Of course. So sorry.” I gave Makayla one final, super-tight hug, and walked up the few stairs to join my soon-to-be transported suitcase so we could be flung across the galaxy.

The officer nodded, his large hands moving competently over the controls.

Would my mates touch me with that level of intense concentration?

Were their hands that big? That skilled?

What was wrong with me? I was thinking like a horny teenager.

“Are you ready, my lady?” The transport officer had kind eyes. He knew where I was going. And why. I nodded. The hum of the transport pad rose up from the floor like an electricity bath. The extra energy building up for my jump through space made me squirm like a shelter puppy about to be released from its cage. Finally free.

Oh, yes. I was ready to meet my new mate.

Commander Zarren Helion.

Even his name sounded formidable.

I just knew he was going to be one hundred percent perfect.

***

Commander Zarren Helion, Intelligence Core, Black Fleet, Sector 438

The Prillon warrior sitting before me bled from multiple wounds, none fatal, each strategically placed to inflict maximum pain. Lieutenant Oberan Arcas of Prillon Prime.

I have to break him.

Author Bio:

Grace Goodwin is a USA Today and international bestselling author of Sci-Fi and Paranormal romance with nearly one million books sold. Grace's titles are available worldwide in multiple languages in ebook, print and audio formats.

 

Two best friends, one left-brained, the other right-brained, make up the award-winning writing duo that is Grace Goodwin. They are both mothers, escape room enthusiasts, avid readers and intrepid defenders of their preferred beverages. (There may or may not be an ongoing tea vs. coffee war occurring during their daily communications.) Grace loves to hear from readers.

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#Excerpt: SHATTERED DREAMS by Abbie Roads

Shattered Dreams
Abbie Roads
(Beautiful Nightmare, #3)
Publication date: July 11th 2023
Genres: Adult, Dark Romance, Romance

A crooked cop. Corruption. A woman convicted of murder. A man determined to prove her innocence.

When Helena Grayse is released from prison, all she wants is to say a final goodbye to her old life. But when a man finds her trespassing on his property, instead of turning her in, he takes her in. Accepts her. Loves her.

But someone decides to serve Helena with a death sentence.

Shattered Dreams is the third book in Abbie Roads’ Beautiful Nightmare Series of dark romantic thrillers. It features a felon heroine who never thought she deserved love. If you devour true crime and romance novels then you’ll love a series that combines both in a roller-coaster ride of danger, mind games, and swoon worthy love.

Buy this dangerously dark romance today!

Trigger warning: Depictions of SA and violence.

Previously Published under the title Never Let Me Fall.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

Excerpt:

Thomas burst through the back door on a dead run. Each footfall a jackhammer of sound. Stealth didn’t matter as much as getting to Helen.

He didn’t remember running through the house and up the stairs, but suddenly, he burst into the bathroom she’d been using. He skidded to a halt. Helen lay in the bathtub, curled on her side. Water rained over her nakedness. She wasn’t moving. Didn’t seem to be breathing. A garish river of scarlet gushed from the massive wound in her chest, pooling as it waited to slip down the drain.

Her face was an abominable shade of blue and gray and devoid of life. Water rained over her, swirling the blood leaking from her chest in mesmerizing streams. The wound was massive. Destructive. Deadly. Something no one could survive.

Despair emptied him out. He became a shell of skin with nothing on the inside.

He reached for her, but even though he stood as close to the tub as he could get, she seemed so far away, as if miles and miles stretched between them. Water rained over his head, drizzling down inside his coat, but he barely noticed.

His hands didn’t seem like they belonged to him as he scooped her out of the tub. Her skin was slick and slippery. Her body limp and lifeless. “Helen.” His voice contained a vast desolation. Her head lolled awkwardly to the side, and wet strands of hair clung to her face in fat tentacles. Ribbons of blood leaked from the gaping wound over her heart, sliding over and around her breast, pooling in the bend of her stomach. 

A sick sense of dread filled all his empty places. The wound should be gushing, not dribbling. He was too late. She’d lost too much blood.

No. No. No. Goddamn it. She couldn’t be dead. He wouldn’t let her die. Not now. Not when he’d just found her. Helen needed to be alive. Even though they’d just met, he couldn’t live in a world without her in it. Didn’t matter if they were together or not, she just needed to be alive. That would be enough for him.

His legs folded beneath him. He sat on the floor, leaned against the old tub, and held her. He grabbed her chin and shook her head gently, “Helen. Oh God. Helen, wake up.” This was wrong. So wrong. None of this should be happening. Not now.

Never taking his eyes off her, he reached into his coat pocket for his phone and then dialed the number he called the most. Work. He pinched the phone between his ear and shoulder while it rang.

“No news yet.” Lanning said when he picked up the call. 

Thomas opened his mouth. Only one word came out. “Helen.” His brain had clogged up, allowing only a trickle of thought at a time.

“What?” Confusion dominated Lanning’s tone.

“Helen.” It was just a name to Lanning, but to Thomas, she was everything. “Helen’s been shot. I need an ambulance. The police.” He let the phone drop and distantly heard Lanning shouting.

Nothing in his whole life seemed as important as Helen. “You’ve got to fight.” A lump of some unnamed emotion rose in his throat. He struggled to swallow it back down. “You hear me? You have to fight to stay here with me. I know we just met. But you and me— there’s something between us. I knew it the moment I saw you. And you need to stay so we can explore this thing. Because it feels powerful. It feels destined. Like we are supposed to be together.”

His voice hitched, and he struggled to keep talking around the fear and grief bubbling up inside him. “Just listen to my voice.” He smoothed wet hair from her face. Chilled skin met his fingertips. She was too cold. The tang of her blood sickening in the damp air. “Follow my voice. Don’t let it go.”

Thomas shifted Helen’s body until she was settled in the crook of his left arm. Blood pooled on her stomach, seeping into his coat.

Without any reason or rationality, he pressed his hand over the bullet hole. A zap of static electricity blazed through him at the contact. Her body jolted, and then his hand suctioned to her chest.

Everything changed.

Inside his torso, a cool and pleasant sensation gathered, then rolled down his arm to his hand and poured into her. His eyes rolled back in his head under the waves of bliss pouring from him into her. Holy shit. Maybe he was losing his grip on reality, but some vital part of him—his essence, his strength, his soul—flowed into her. The ultimate act of giving. And it felt amazing. “You feel this? You feel me inside you? Making you better?” He sounded crazy. He’d worry about his sanity later.

Underneath her delicate eyelids, her eyes rolled. For the first time since he’d picked her up, he noticed the subtle rise and fall of her chest. Blood no longer trickled from the wound. He stared at his hand mashed against her chest. Were his eyes playing tricks on him? Making him see what he wanted to see instead of reality?

Did it really matter what was happening as long as Helen seemed to be improving? Everything inside him that had been so devastated perked up as if spring had arrived.

She wasn’t dead. He knew that now. Knew it as surely as he knew he was alive. He slumped back against the tub and sucked in a giant breath.

“You’re going to be all right. I’m with you. I’m inside you. I’m a part of you now.” His gaze traveled beyond his hand over her heart to her body. All the horror he thought was behind them reignited.

Her chest and stomach were covered in scars. Her body told a story of misery unimagined, of incomprehensible suffering. And from last night, he knew there were more on her back that he couldn’t see.

“Oh, Helen.” He hugged her tighter to him. What on earth had done that to her? “This is it. After this, all your pain is over. I won’t let anything hurt you ever again.” He kissed her forehead, sealing the deal.

In the distance, sirens sounded—a reassurance that everything was going to be okay. He just needed to keep his hand on her. Keep himself flowing into her. The sirens pulled into his driveway, then cut off midwail. 

Thomas whispered to Helen. “You’re gonna hate this, but there’s no getting around it this time. You’re going to the hospital.” He paused, waiting for some reaction from her. But she kept breathing, and her heart kept beating, and that was enough for him. “But don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole time. You don’t have anything to be afraid of. I promise.”

Footsteps sounded on the staircase, then treaded down the hallway toward them.

“In there,” he called.

Two EMTs entered the bathroom. Thomas didn’t look at them; he just kept his attention on Helen. Her color was better, and he knew in the way-down-deep parts of himself that she was going to be all right.

“Dddaaammmnn…” One of the EMTs stretched the word out long and low.

Thomas’s attention snapped up to the guy. What was he…

The guy had his gaze glued to Helen’s face. “That’s Helena Grayse.”

Thomas knew that name. Everyone in Sundew, Ohio, knew the name.

He looked back down at Helen. She looked so fragile and damaged. Nothing like a murderer.

Author Bio:

Abbie Roads is the best-selling author of the Fatal Dreams Series and the Fatal Truth Series. Her novels have been finalists in many prestigious contests including The Golden Heart, The Greater Detroit Booksellers Best, The Oklahoma National Readers’ Choice Award, The Write Touch, The Strut Your Stuff Contest, The Aspen Gold Contest, The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, The Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, The Midnight Sun, The Kathryn Hayes Contest, The Chanticleer, The Daphne du Maurier, The National Readers’ Choice Award, The New England Readers’ Choice Contest, The Beverly Award, and The Maggie Award. Her debut novel Race the Darkness was Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Fall and Never Let Me Fall is an Amazon Editor’s Pick.

By day Abbie Roads is a mental health counselor always focusing on the bright side. By night she writes on the dark side, putting her characters through the wringer before she gives them their happily-ever-after. She loves a good inspirational quote and is a fan of true crime.

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#Review: WHAT'S A DUKE GOT TO DO WITH IT by Christina Britton

 

4 of 5 stars

Sebastian Thorne, now the Duke of Ramsleigh, has spent the last 4 years trying to right the wrongs his late father had caused with his irresponsible gambling and the scheme to make up his losses, only to steal the funds for himself. Life had not been easy as Sebastian sold everything he could to give restitution to his father's victims. That was not his only problem. Four years ago, he'd been set on telling Miss Katrina Denby that he wanted to court her. That dream had been dashed, and Sebastian retreated to his country home to do everything in his power to help his tenants and take care of his sisters.

Miss Katrina Denby thought her horrible childhood was finally behind her. She was the darling of the ton and enjoyed every moment, especially the attention from Sebastian Thorne. It all came crashing down when a lord took it upon himself to try and sneak into her bedchamber. Her brother Francis challenged the lord to a duel, and the result was horrifying. When her brother blamed her and banished her from their home, she thought life could not get any worse. How wrong she was.

Being a companion to Lady Tesh on the Isle of Synne had been a wonderful respite for Katrina. The lady had saved Katrina from homelessness. Her life had settled into a pleasant experience until that same pesky lord from four years ago, tried once again to climb into her bedroom window, only to fall to his death. Now, Katrina faced another scandal not of her doing, and the consequences were harsh when the people of Synne began to give her the cut direct. To make matters worse, Lady Tesh's nephew came for a visit accompanied by none other than the Duke of Ramsleigh. Katrina was in a personal hell as her feelings for the handsome duke had never changed. When she finds out he's nearly betrothed to the nephew's sister, she vows to stay away from him as much as possible, but life is never orderly or predictable for Katrina.

I loved how Katrina grew from a timid young lady trying to please everyone to finally standing up for herself. Sebastian was so honorable, especially since he was willing to marry a virtual stranger to secure funding to save the dukedom from bankruptcy. However, nothing could deny Katrina and Sebastian's love for each other, for their love was true and deep. There were many twists and turns in the story, and it was with great satisfaction when they finally got their HEA.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: A KISS OF EMBERS by Sydney Winward

4 of 5 stars

Seraphina Nova, the Ember Fae Queen, has one thing on her mind, and she'll do anything to accomplish her goal, including killing. Her younger sister Pri has been captured by the rival Forest Fae clan when she sought the healing waters of the Glades, and Seraphine will do anything to rescue her, even if she has to burn the forest down. Unfortunately, the Forest Fae are a formidable enemy with the skill to protect their surrounding forest and clan, and it's hard to penetrate even for Seraphina. She's out of options until an opportunity allows her to capture the Forest Fae heir. She'll exchange him for her sister. Simple, right?

I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, so I was a little lost at the beginning. However, the world-building in the story is fantastic, as the author's imagination seemingly has no bounds to keep the reader engaged. I really enjoyed the different aspects of magic each of the clans wielded. 

When Seraphina captures Bastian, the first thing she does is stab him. Yikes! That certainly got my attention and demonstrated to Bastian's fellow guardsman, Ashryn, that she was serious in her threats to kill him. "Bring my sister to the cliffs, or he dies," was the last thing Ashryn heard as darkness overtook her from a sleeping dart. Ashryn and Bastian have a long and complicated history--certainly best friends now, but a hint of romance in the past. Ashryn is the only one in Attleglade who befriends Bastian, and she'll do anything to save him. Seraphina is counting on that.

The pages fly by as one obstacle after another is thrown into the path of Seraphina and Bastian. Along the way, they became more than enemies. Their blossoming feelings seemed a bit rushed, although they're willing to throw caution to the wind to be together. Of course, their growing romance is doomed, as each respective clan would never accept a relationship between an Ember Fae and a Forest Fae. 

The climax was phenomenal, and I should have seen it coming, but I was so engrossed in the story that it caught me by surprise. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen. There was only one small aspect involving Bastian's father's health that was left unresolved when there seemed to be a solution nearby that I found lacking in this otherwise very enjoyable fantasy romance.

I voluntarily read this book provided by N.N. Light Book Heaven and all opinions are my own.