Tamela Quijas's Blog, page 16
July 11, 2011
Updates on my latest WIP and the re-release of Angel's Fire
As many of you know, when I'm not blogging, reading, or reviewing, I'm busy with a handful of WIPs.
My historical romance, Moonlight Deception, is almost finished. It's in the course of the dreaded final edits before I ship it off to the publisher.
My contemporary romance, Raven's Folly, picks up with Adam and Anne. This is Book 2 in the Ravensmoor Saga and, if you read My Lord Raven, you know something went on with these two….The story picks up 12 years after the HEA of Dante and Kate, and you wouldn't believe the problems that Anne and Adam are having, or the secrets!
My paranormal romance, Tears of Blood, is 1/4 completed. Goodness, I love a delicious vampire, but there's evil lurking in the background….
Meanwhile, Wild Horse Press will soon re-released a new edition of Angel's Fire, Demon's Blood. Angel's Fire is a paranormal romance on the ghostly side–no vampires, only spirits, and I'm leaving you with a blurb and an exciting excerpt to life on the ghost hunter side…
BLURB:
Millions of people believe in the world of spirits. In their hearts, they imagine the past mingles with the present, where ghosts seek unattainable loved ones, and linger in a shadowed realm beyond sight.
Luke Angeles' weekly television program, Those Among Us, brings those lost souls to the public. In the supernatural world, his crew of adept investigators offers solace and salvation, redemption for the lingering spirits caught between two worlds.
He believes in that realm, more firmly than any skeptic could imagine, and only investigative television reporter Eva Keyes dares to question his sanity.
Her cynicism would disrupt the perfect facade he's erected over the centuries.
Excerpt:
"Julian is evil and strife, the walking epitome of our sire's daemon blood. Every catastrophe in recorded human history, since the mid-seventeenth century, Julian orchestrated. Name the crime, where mass populations were decimated, or vanished from the face of the earth without cause, and Julian was involved. There is too many who remain earthbound due to my brother's crimes. I believe, with my death, Julian's reign of terror will end."
"And if things don't work out the way you plan?"
"It's a risk I have to take." He admitted soberly. "The world is not prepared for the damage Julian could inflict."
She shook her head, her expression grim. The expression in her eyes was firm and all softness left her gently rounded face. "I won't have a hand in your death, Lucien."
….stubborn girl
"You won't?"
"You heard me." She leaned even closer, their noses nearly touching. Instead of the breathlessness she experienced when she stared at Lucien, her heart leapt. Despite the placid calmness of his pale features, she detected the agitation swirling beneath the surface. He was everything he never revealed to the world, frustrated, angry, and defiant. However, she also sensed the pain hovering in a secretive place deep beneath the surface. "I won't aide nor abet in your death."
"You don't comprehend the importance of my death, Evangeline. You're the key toward ending this abomination."
"Pardon?" She asked innocently. There was a calculating expression darting through her eyes, causing Lucien to flinch. "What abomination?"
"Me!" Lucien stared at her disbelievingly. He was anchored to the couch, unable to move unless he chose to unsettle her from her perch.
"You've managed so well, after all this time."
"Evangeline," he breathed huskily. "You know I need you."
"That's what every woman wants to hear in their lifetime," she rolled her eyes, her cheeks pinkening. "Honestly, I think you need me for all the wrong reasons."
"Damn it!"
"Temper, temper," she smiled, and the action as sweet and beguiling as a siren. "Tell me, do I shatter your composure, D'Angel?"
Lucien lifted his hands and raked them through his hair, his expression one of marked frustration.
"During my entire existence…" he began through tightly clenched teeth, unable to continue as she became markedly serious.
"Existence?"
"I lead a very private life." Lucien's hands fell to his sides and he forced himself not to grind his teeth. "With the exception of the past few years, I haven't permitted myself to become known to the world around me. I've avoided contact with living beings. I…."
"I've my opinion on this entire nasty matter, Lucien D'Angel." Eva leaned in closer, the warmth of her breath flooding his astonished features, and her dark eyes glittered. "How can you truly wish to die when you've never lived?"
….got a point there
"Evangeline, I have lived. I've existed for more years than a man has a right to walk this earth." Lucien vehemently snarled his retort, surprising himself. In the past, he had never lowered himself to the baser of his more human instincts.
"You hit the proverbial nail right on the head, Lucien. You've existed," she corrected cynically. "You're right. You're nothing more than a shell, as you admitted. I can gather you don't eat, drink, or probably even sleep."
"I sleep." He denied in a low, guttural tones.
"Ah." She breathed knowingly. "Then, it would be a dreamless sleep, lacking warmth and vibrancy."
Lucien exhaled an oddly shuddering breath, wondering when she'd turned the tables on him. She didn't reel away from him in fear as other mortals, nor did she clutch at her chest and stare at him with dazed eyes. He lifted a shaking hand from his lap and pressed his fingers to the middle of his chest. There, in the face of her calmness, an indefinable and intense ache started. Eva's eyes fastened to his face as she leaned in closer, deliberately appearing to torment him. The ache in his chest intensified to the point he winced in agony.
"As you've declared, I exist, nothing more, nothing less." He repeated haughtily, the entire effect ruined when he winced again and the pressure of his fingers increased in the region of his heart. "I want to end this excuse of a life."
….ah, damn, she has that look!
Reese's words swirled about them, the pronunciation unmistakably clear. In the midst of the pain assailing Lucien, Eva audaciously smiled.
"As I said, you existed. Existence doesn't count as a life," she persisted, her eyes deceptively wide and innocent. Lucien swore he could see the calculating inner workings of her mind in the brightness of her gaze.
"None the less," he began firmly, only to be rudely interrupted by her inquisitive voice.
"When was the last time you actually touched a human being?" She murmured. She seemed entirely unaware the penetrating warmth of her incandescence bathed him in an all-embracing wave.
….ah, shit!
Lucien ignored Reese's muttered profanity. "Humans don't crave my touch."
"I'm not just any human, am I, Lucien?"
Look for the 2nd Edition of Angel's Fire, Demon's Blood, coming soon, at:
All Amazon retailers Worldwide
W ild Horse Press : http://wildhorsepress.webs.com/
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS : http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-angelsfiredemonsblood-16172-149.html?referrer=savvyreaders
ECampus Books: http://www.ecampus.com/angels-fire-demons-blood-quijas-tamela/bk/9781441472779
BOOKS ON BOARD: http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewbook&BOOK=629811
BARNES AND NOBLE: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Angels-Fire-Demons-Blood/Tamela-Quijas/e/9781441472779
POWELL'S: http://www.powells.com/biblio/1441472770?&PID=31424
LuLu: http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/angels-fire-demons-blood/6279104
***read your exclusive sneak peek into the prologue of Angel's Fire, Demon's Blood on my separate pages in the WordPress Header!***
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Review: Sacrifice (Soul Mates #3) by Jourdan Lane (fullmoonbites.wordpress.com)
February 22, 2010 WIP (lwdstudios.wordpress.com)
July 10, 2011
Whay reading list this week? Human Blend by Lori Pescatore
New to my reading list this week is another YA romance! Lori Pescatore provided me with a thrilling YA bit of fiction with her story, HUMAN BLEND, which I can't wait to read!
Ms. Pescatore is a preschool teacher by day and a wife & mom by night. Human Blend is the first of a trilogy of books in the romance/fantasy/science fiction genre. It is what she loves to read and what she loves to write.
Find out more about the author at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lori-Pescatore-Author/141156271014
BLURB:
Marion, Virginia seemed like a nice place to live a normal life, but she is not a normal girl. Laney's special abilities make her a valuable commodity to those she escaped from. A doctor notices her healing ability and becomes fascinated with her, all the while harboring secrets of his own. Her budding relationship with a local boy turns dangerous when the men she had run from find her.
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/human-blend-lori-pescatore/1023504184?ean=2940011057830&itm=2&usri=human%2bblend
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On My Wishlist ♡ – Week 16 (witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
July 8, 2011
What's on your menu for the weekend?
Image via Wikipedia
It's summer and the grill is going! Everyone knows that it's time for that special weekend meal that will satisfy the entire family.
Here's my take on some delicious ribs!
5 lbs. pork ribs
½ tsp. garlic powder
3 T. brown sugar
3 T. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place ribs on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Cover and bake for 2 hours. Cool.
In a bowl, mix sugar, red pepper, salt, and cumin. Rub the mixture all over the cooled ribs. Cover and refrigerate overnight
The next day, using a small pan, mix:
1 cup katsup
1 T. brown sugar
1 tsp. mustard
½ cup chili sauce
½ cup Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp. lime juice
1 small onion chopped
½ cup vinegar
Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour on low heat.
Preheat grill
Place ribs on grill; baste with sauce, until browned.
Serves 10
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza! (mowenackie.wordpress.com)
Burger Week: Barbecue Pork Burgers (a1dente.wordpress.com)
July 6, 2011
My review of IN LIMBO by Julie Kimbrell
BLURB:Luke and Ashton have been friends for what feels like forever, but the two cannot deny that they have other feelings for one another. But when they finally decide to be something more than friends, something happens to tear them apart. Can they fight the odds, and even death, to remain together? Or will they stay in limbo?My Review:
I like to take a breather from intense romance. You know the ones, where the pages keep you on edge, and you can feel your heart beat harder than normal in your chest. Sometimes, I need to take that break and read those gentle paranormal romances that make me sigh and go awhhhh.
Julie Kimbrell's YA romance, IN LIMBO, delivers that much needed respite. I took my breather from the intense world of shapeshifters and demons and slipped into a delightful tale of two young lovers (told in 1st person!) I was amazed by Ms. Kimbrell's wonderful writing, where the exchanges between the teens are so 'teenager'! Reading IN LIMBO, I had to smile, readily understanding many of the crazy lingo that goes on in my own household.
The heroine, Ashton, is having a horrible time in her life. Her parents are separating, and she's getting some really strange phone calls. Her world is falling apart around her, and she doesn't know where to turn.
Then Luke walks into her life….
This is a delightful YA that will make you wonder and smile about the strange events gong on in Ashton's life. I would recommend IN LIMBO to any young reader, and those Young at heart!
5 Stars.
Pick up your copy at:
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/In-Limbo-ebook/dp/B004GEAZVK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308575336&sr=1-1-spell
WILD HORSE PRESS: http://wildhorsepress.webs.com
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-inlimbo-494176-140.html
BARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-limbo-julie-kimbrell/1029240700?ean=2940012721082&itm=1&usri=in%2blimbo
Visit Ms. Kimbrell at: http://www.juliekimbrell.com/
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July 5, 2011
What author is on your TBR list for paranormal romance?
Have you become a fan of the paranormal? Do you like to lose yourself in the pages of a romance where you're not quite sure whose side the hero is on? Is he good, or is he evil? Does his thirst for blood outweigh his heart? Have you finished reading your last vampire/shapeshifter/werewolf novel, and you're wondering to begin next?
Well, I can solve that dilemma for you!
Paranormal Romance Author, Melanie Nowak of the stellar paranormal Almost Humanseries, keeps a wonderful list on Amazon of Paranormal Romance Authors and their books. It's a beautifully researched, extensive list that all readers of should have readily on hand.
Over the past few years, the list has grown by phenomenal leaps and bounds, making it impossible for me to show it in it's entirety on my WordPress Site. Nevertheless, I will keep all my readers up-to-date on additions Melanie makes to this wonderful listing!
Despite everything, dear readers, do not become discouraged!
I invite you to become a member at the Paranormal Romance Forum on Yahoo Groups and get your hands on this fantastic list, and grab the opportunity some fabulous authors and great friends that share their love for the paranormal!
Yahoo Group Home page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PNRList
Go there to read about the group and click the Join button to become a member.
Amazon listing, beautifully updated by Melanie Nowak
http://www.amazon.com/tag/paranormal%20romance/forum/
Are you familiar with Almost Human's fantastic author, Melanie Nowak?
If not, check out her fantastic website at: http://www.melanienowak.com/
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July 4, 2011
What's on my reading list this week? IN LIMBO by Jule Kimbrell
I decided to soften my reading week and travel over to the YA romance side, picking up a copy of Julie Kimbrell's In Limbo. I'm looking forward to this lovely romance, and look for my review on Thursday!
BLURB:
Luke and Ashton have been friends for what feels like forever, but the two cannot deny that they have other feelings for one another. But when they finally decide to be something more than friends, something happens to tear them apart. Can they fight the odds, and even death, to remain together? Or will they remain in limbo?
Pick up your copy at:
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/In-Limbo-ebook/dp/B004GEAZVK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308575336&sr=1-1-spell
WILD HORSE PRESS: http://wildhorsepress.webs.com
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-inlimbo-494176-140.html
BARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-limbo-julie-kimbrell/1029240700?ean=2940012721082&itm=1&usri=in%2blimbo
and visit the author at: http://www.juliekimbrell.com/
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July 3, 2011
A Happy 4th of July to all my readers!
For all of my American readers, I want to wish you a safe and Happy 4th of July!
June 30, 2011
Let's Celebrate Freedom!
This week is my favorite time of the year, since summer is officially here. The kids are home from school, there's plenty of sunshine down south, barbecue grills are lit, family visits, and the weekend parties are fantastic!
In celebration and, as a devoted fan and follower of I'm a Reader, Not a Writer, and Simply Stacie, I'm joining them in their fantastic entry into summer–The Freedom Giveaway Hop! This Blog Hop runs from July 1st to July 7th and is a wonderful opportunity for readers and followers alike.
On July 11th, by random drawing, I'll be giving away a $50 gift certificate to Amazon!
To be entered in the drawing, there are some rules:
1.) Subscribe to this site
2.) Leave me a comment immediately following this post
3) Follow me at Facebook (tamelaquijas), Twitter (tamela.quijas), and Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com)
4.) Announce that July is the Freedom Giveaway Hop Month
5.) And you're in!
Good Luck to Everyone!
Don't forget, there's other nearly 200 fantastic bloggers in this contest, as well! Check out these other sites and find other interesting wins!
1.
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (Int) | Visit blog
2.
Simply Stacie (Int) | Visit blog
3.
It May Not Be Easy But It Sure Is Worth It (US) | Visit blog
4.
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5.
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166.
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168.
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June 29, 2011
My review of Visionquest by Laura Tolomei
A shape shifting horror fantasy story set in medieval times told in first person POV by Ilenio, a young man from a small village who is chosen by the high lord of the area, Lord Brahany, to become his personal assistant in solving a series of horrible murders. The choice is hardly casual because Ilenio is a Visionario, one who has visions about the killer and his slaughters, and the Lord Brahany needs a person of his kind in order to change into an eagle and fight the evil darkening his land. And their connection must be as intimate as it can get to trigger the transformation.
BLURB
It wasn't till he took me to his bed and made love to me, for the first time—no competition between us, no unspoken challenge, no master-slave, no blood, no death, nothing but intense emotions overwhelming me with the sheer power of his feelings, a sea so deep, a tide so strong I thought I'd drown as he took me face up, raising my legs above his shoulders and plunging deep before preying on my mouth, too, in a never-ending kiss that took my breath, not to mention my resolve, away—that in spite of everything, I gave him what he wanted most, my soul in its entirety, for I knew right there and then I was sealing my destiny forever.
My review:
As always, I love a tale told in first person. There's a particular voyeurism allowed when the reader has an opportunity to delve into a world that seems more like a diary, allowing them a sudden step into a person's inner thoughts and dreams.
Ms. Tolomei's Visionquest is not the normal shape shifter tale. Set in a medieval world, a beast roams the streets, killing everything in its path. Ilenio, a young peasant, is tormented by nightmares of the murders, and the problems that plague his family. The use of first person allows the reader to delve more deeply into the horror of the murders, and the extent of the brutality inflicted on the victims, as well as the illness suffered by Ilenio's sister.
Times are hard for Ilenio's family and, when the mysterious Lord Brahany purchases Ilenio as a servant and seer for his home, the family problems seem to be solved.
However, the new lord has plans for Ilenio, which can only be developed to their fullest while they explore each other's bodies.
Visionquest is a well-written mixture of romance, history, mystique, and horror. The encounters between the characters are breathless moments of rough sex that are a crucial development theme to the story.
Visionquest will pull at the senses, and draws the reader into a magnificent world of fantasy!
4 Stars!
Pick up your copy of this m/m shapeshifter romance at:
Read an exclusive excerpt at SMASHWORDS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-visionquest-500094-140.html
Find out more about the author, Laura Tolomei, at: http://www.lallagatta.com
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June 28, 2011
Great News! Eternally Mine by Jessica Coulter Smith is now available!
I have the latest my Jessica Coulter Smith on my TBR list, Eternally Mine! As you may already know, I'm a big fan of Ms. Coulter Smith and I can't wait to sink my teeth into this dream of a novella! Meanwhile, Jess was kind enough to drop in and give me a little sneak peek into her latest work!
From the desk of paranormal romance author Jessica Coulter Smith:
About a year ago, I wrote a vampire story called Eternally Mine. And then, a few months ago, I decided to submit it to Changeling Press. I'm happy to say the decided to publish it, and it releases on Friday, June 24th. I'd had the idea for my vampire characters, Whittaker, in my head for a while so I was anxious to have his story told. I don't write vampire stories often. For those of you who know me, or of my writing, then you know I'm typically a werewolf or sci-fi kind of gal. But if I had to write a vampire story, then Whittaker would definitely be my idea vampire. Think Gerard Butler in Dracula 2000. Yum!
But enough from me. Let me tell you a little bit about the book…
Salena Roarke has chosen yet another stellar boyfriend. Running for her life from the enraged Derrick, she collapses outside of a mountain cabin. Little does she realize her savior is a deadly predator, a vampire.
Whittaker longs to be with Salena, but he knows his maker is still out there. Doubting he can keep her safe from the bloodthirsty creature who turned him, he tries to hold her at bay. But once he succumbs to Salena's charms, he knows his life will be forever changed and he will do anything to keep her safe.
Does that sound like something you might be interested in? Yes? No? Well, either way, I've decided I'm going to give you a little taste just the same. So, without further ado, here's an extended excerpt from the book.
Salena tossed and turned, trapped in a nightmare. Her boyfriend, Derrick, held a knife in his hand as he chased her through the woods. On and on she ran, long after he quit following, only stopping once exhaustion set in and she collapsed on the ground. A light in the distance gave her hope that someone lived nearby, but she knew she couldn't make it there on her own.
Waking with a gasp, she realized it wasn't a nightmare, but had actually happened. Sitting up, she scanned her surroundings, confused to find herself in a bedroom. She looked down at herself and saw a black tee in place of her dress. She'd obviously been rescued, but by whom?
Pushing back the covers, she rose unsteadily to her feet and walked the short distance to the bedroom door. Before she could open it, a man stepped inside.
"You're awake, I see."
She swallowed and stared at him in wonder, having never seen a man quite so beautiful. His black hair, layered to frame his face, fell to his shoulders. Eyes so blue they seemed ethereal watched her with concern. His nose was long and straight and led to full, kissable lips, ones she suddenly wanted to nibble.
Stubble along his square jaw gave him a bad boy look that she found to be oddly appealing. She wanted to run her fingers along that jaw and feel the rasp of his whiskers against her skin. She felt hypnotized, enthralled.
"Not talking?" he asked.
Her gaze returned to his. A mistake, for sure, as his stare robbed her of the ability to speak. For that matter, the man robbed her of all senses except the ones urging her to run her hands over his biceps and see if his mouth tasted as yummy as it looked.
Salena quickly looked away. She'd never reacted to men this way and wasn't sure she liked feeling this powerless now. In another moment, she would have been rubbing against him like a cat in heat. She didn't know what the hell was wrong with her, but she needed to figure it out and shut it off.
"Can you tell me how it is you came to be so far up the mountain?" he asked.
"I was running," she answered quietly, keeping her eyes averted, not wanting his gaze to mesmerize her again.
"Running from what?"
Salena looked up at him, trying to assess just how trustworthy he was, but once more, her body betrayed her. The moment their eyes met, she felt liquid heat zing through her and settle between her legs. Biting her lip, she looked away. If she didn't look at him, she wouldn't want him, right? At least, that was her theory. "A man was chasing me. I ran until I just couldn't run anymore."
He reached out and gently took her arm, turning her to face him. "I think you'd better tell me the whole story."
Eyes downcast to avoid his intense stare, Salena sighed. She knew he wouldn't harm her. If he'd wanted to, he would have done it while she was sleeping. Instead, he had brought her into his home and taken care of her. On the off chance Derrick found her, she owed this man some answers. It was possible he could be in danger, and all because he'd been kind enough to rescue a stranger.
But at the same time, she didn't want to tell him everything. It was embarrassing to admit she had such lousy taste in men and that her boyfriend had tried to kill her. After all, what kind of woman went away for the weekend with a killer? Apparently she did.
It wasn't like she was desperate for a boyfriend. Okay, so she hadn't dated much lately, but Derrick hadn't been her only option, he'd just seemed like the best one. He'd been nice at first, even considerate. They hadn't slept together yet, just because it hadn't felt right. That wasn't to say she was a virgin, because she wasn't. She just hadn't wanted to be intimate with Derrick, not on that level. She knew he'd hoped their camping trip would change things, but she'd planned to sleep separately. Something he hadn't taken well when he'd found out.
How did she manage to get herself into messes like this? It wasn't the first time a boyfriend turned out to be something more than he'd first appeared, but nothing this bad had happened before. No, she'd dealt with one loser after another, some with illegal habits. Not her best moments, to be sure, but she'd never had someone try to kill her. She was definitely at an all-time low.
"My boyfriend brought me to a cabin in the mountains. He said he just wanted to get away for a few days. But then, when we got here, something happened. He changed."
The man watched her intently. "What do you mean he changed?"
She shrugged a shoulder. "He kissed me and pressured me for more, but I held him off, telling him I just wanted to enjoy being away from the city for a little bit. It sent him into a rage." It hadn't felt right. She hadn't been able to place her finger on any one thing, but something felt off, and she'd reacted to it. At least she knew now what had been off. Her boyfriend was a crazed psycho killer.
"And you ran away?"
She glanced at him and quickly looked away again. "Not exactly. I mean, I did, but that was after he grabbed a knife from the kitchen."
His hands tightened on her flesh, anger streaking across his face like the lightning outside. "He threatened you with a knife?"
"Yes. When I ran from him, he chased me out of the cabin and up into the mountains. He stopped running after a while, but I was too scared to stop. The last thing I remember was seeing the light from your cabin. I was too exhausted to make it to the door."
He gently stroked her arm. "You're safe now. I promise he won't hurt you."
Chills raced down Salena's spine. If she thought the man's eyes were entrancing, it wasn't anything compared to what his touch did to her. She had to bite back a moan and closed her eyes. The simple movement of his hand sliding along her arm was enough to cause erotic images of them entwined on the bed to flash through her mind. What the hell was wrong with her? She was acting like an oversexed teenager!
Eternally Mine, by Jessica Coulter Smith, will be available with Changeling Press on June 24, 2011.
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