Lynelle Clark's Blog, page 91

Book Release: Blackout by Madeleine Henry. YA dystopian novel

SYNOPSIS:
One wall divides life from darkness. After the worldwide Blackout, America built a concrete wall—the Frontier—across the middle of the nation to isolate its precious electricity in the top half. Everyone below the Frontier was forsaken, and now only a few survive in the grim region known as the Dark Zone. 
Sixteen year old Phoenix Troublefield endures the dark with his girlfriend, Star Windsong. When America announces that it will trade electricity for immigrants, Phoenix and Star sacrifice themselves for the power that might save her younger brother. On the other side of the Frontier, they find America is not what they expected, and instead they are thrown into a shocking and deeply personal contest that threatens to destroy their love. When the chance comes to escape back into the Dark Zone, it may already be too late. 
The WEBSITE and SOCIAL MEDIA:
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The BOOK TRAILER:

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Madeleine Henry was born and raised in New York. This spring, she graduated from Yale University and began her adult life in New York City. 
Madeleine majored in psychology and wrote her senior essay on the extreme popularity of the Twilight book series. In college, she also ran a marathon and had a brief but enthusiastic stint as a stand-up comedienne. 
BLACKOUT is Madeleine's first book. Parts of the story are drawn from two weeks she spent foraging for food and water in desert Utah while enrolled in a survival skills field course. She has since recovered.



Buy Links
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Today I have the very talented Roni Teson with me. She talks about her new book Twist, a suspense romance novel.

Interview Questions:
1.      Where did the idea come from for the book? The idea for Twist came from the writer’s retreat (my word because I love my new place) I moved into in November 2013. I live on the beach. Right outside my window is the letter “B” attached to the light pool. This designates the area that lifeguards drive onto the sand. I also live in unit “B.” I moved in and decided that I’d get a dog and name her Bea. Instead, the very next day I started writing Twist, which is about Bea (no dog, yet).2.      What genre does your book fall under? Twist is listed under romance and suspense. The book has a young protagonist, Beatrice Malcolm, who is 16. But the story is adult. 3.      Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Beatrice Malcolm = Elle Fanning with dark hair. Luke Drake = Dylan Sprayberry. Aunt Charlotte = Marie Schrader. Teddy Malcolm = Ryan Gosling, Grace Malcolm = Charlize Theron. Uncle George = Donnie Wahlberg, 4.      What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  Beatrice Malcolm’s first experience with a boy is caught on a security camera—the footage is used by the FBI in a very public way to flush out her fugitive father who is on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.5.      Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? The book is published through Brown Girls Publishing, March 28, 2104.6.      How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 60-days.7.      What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Breakfast club meets Limitless, meets Taken.8.      Who or What inspired you to write this book? Moving into my writer’s retreat.9.      What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? The reason Beatrice Malcolm’s dad is wanted has everything to do with her and she has no idea. The twists continue through the final page.
Buy Links
Goodreads / Amazon Paperback / KindleBarnes & Noble 
 SynopsisTWIST is a Romantic Suspense full of twists and turns...

When a steamy incident in the back seat of a borrowed car plunges sixteen-year-old Beatrice Malcolm smack in the middle of a global manhunt, she discovers that the search for her fugitive father has more to do with her than she could ever imagine. 

With her mother gone, Bea's life is unraveling in the worst possible way as she's thrust into a world of government conspiracy, insanity, and mind-altering experimentation that forces her to make a life or death decision on who to believe—the FBI or her father.

In Twist, Roni Teson has crafted a suspenseful tale of love, betrayal, and intrigue with a cast of characters who will leap off the pages and stay in your heart long after the last page has been turned.Excerpt[image error]
About the authorRoni Teson’s dream to become an author was realized after she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She spent the better part of her treatment developing and fine-tuning her first novel, Heaven or Hell, which received an award at the 2013 Reader’s Favorite International Book Awards and the 2012-2013 Los Angeles Book Festival.

A consummate believer in the declaration that all things happen for a reason, when Roni went into complete remission her passion to write intensified along with her imagination. Her writing that was once a part of her recovery became an integral part of her daily life.

In Twist, Roni Teson’s most recent novel, she has crafted a suspenseful tale of love, betrayal and intrigue with a cast of characters who will leap off the pages and stay in your heart long after the last page has been turned.

Today, Roni lives in Southern California where she writes, reads, enjoys living by the ocean and gives back by raising money for cancer research and prevention.

New Release: Once more with feeling by Megan Crane. Plus a chance to win a $25 Gift card from Amazon.

SYNOPSIS:

She's suffered the very worst of betrayals.

 And now Sarah's facing a divorce she never expected.

 With Christmas round the corner, what better time to
 re-evaluate her life? As she reconsiders every choice
 she's made, she starts to wonder if her life was so
 perfect after all.

 This winter, lose yourself in Sarah's world of unmade
 decisions, lost friends and old flames...

PURCHASE LINK:
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON



EXCERPT:


It could be worse.
I made the words my mantra.  A daily chant, an affirmation—and the best part was that it was true.  It could, in fact, always be worse.  Pestilence.  Famine. 
Disease.  Death.
Any of those were much worse, obviously, than my own puny little grief.
There were so many people who got divorced.  Many of them had no idea that their marriages were even in trouble until it was all over, just like me.  I wasn’t the only one, the only fool.  I couldn’t be.  Just like I couldn’t possibly be the only one with the great misfortune to come home unexpectedly and find her spouse in bed with someone else.  

It could be worse.  Couldn’t it?


AUTHOR BIO:

Megan Crane is a New Jersey native who had great plans to star on Broadway, preferably in Evita, just like Patti LuPone. Sadly, her inability to wow audiences with her singing voice required a back up plan. Accordingly, she graduated from Vassar College and got her MA and PhD in literature from the University of York in England. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on AIDS literature, mostly so she could wallow in her obsession with the remarkable multi-media artist David Wojnarowicz and her idol, the bitter and hilarious David Feinberg. After many years in the rain and subject to the whim of seasons, she followed the sun to Los Angeles, where she lives with a dog, a cat, two crazy kittens, and an artist named Jeff. She is still plotting her Broadway debut.


AUTHOR MEDIA SITES:

Website: http://www.megancrane.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganCraneAndCaitlinCrews
Twitter: https://twitter.com/megancrane
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Megan-Crane/e/B001IR3LMS/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1401500759&sr=8-2-ent
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/121724.Megan_Crane?from_search=true

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY !!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Revealing the cover of Unexpected by Amy Marie. A great romance with lots of promise for the dedicated reader. Plus a chance to get your hands on a copy.

SYNOPSIS:
At twenty-seven Erin Decker has the perfect life; a thriving career, a dream home she shares with her best friend Noelle, and a secure relationship with Robert, her handsome and faithful boyfriend. Or so she thinks.
When her visions of a marriage proposal are met with the ultimate betrayal, Erin finds herself in the arms of sexy and strong-willed distraction, Walker Prescott.
Her summer becomes life changing as she realizes Walker has left her with a tiny piece of himself and no way to find him…until he suddenly shows up and turns her world upside down.
Can she let go of her past to make way for a future she never saw coming?
Can Walker be exactly what Erin needs?
Will he give her the perfect life she so desperately craves in the most unexpected way?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22090396-unexpected?ac=1



EXCERPT:
“What’s in the bag?” I ask while slamming the grade book closed earning his attention.
“You look so hot Erin. I’m having a really hard time keeping my hands off of you right now.”  He says finally pulling a green apple out of the bag.
Turning around, he says goodbye and heads towards the door as the second bell rings. My classroom is still empty and my hormones are on high Walker alert.
“Why a green apple, Walker? Aren’t apples for teachers typically red?” I call out before he hits the doorway.
Without missing a beat he spins around, arms braced on the doorframe, and I’m met with lust filled eyes. His black polo stretching as far as it will go across his heaving chest. “I’ve heard green makes you horny.”
“You don’t need anything green to get me horny, Walker. All you have to do is walk into a room,” I state, and by his expression I can tell he wasn’t expecting that to come out of my mouth.
Pushing off the frame he stalks towards me like a man on a mission. As soon as he is a breath away his palms wrap around my neck pulling his mouth to mine. This kiss is different than the atmosphere. It’s gentle, fueled by passion, and sexy as hell. At any moment we could be caught but I don’t care. My no touching below the belt rule is killing me and my dreams are getting more and more persistent. I want him and I want him here. Now.
Dragging himself away from me with a pained look he smiles and I realize he just doesn’t want to stop. “You surprise me Erin. At every turn I am taken by surprise and I love it.” He walks backwards and runs his hands through his hair. “I’m falling for you, baby. Hard. Real hard.”
And he’s gone before he can hear me whisper “me too.”

AUTHOR BIO:
Amy Marie was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago and now resides in Virginia Beach with her fantastically crazy husband and two kids.
As an avid reader, she never dreamed of writing her own novel until the characters started haunting her at night and in the shower.  Wanting to get it down on paper she set off on a journey that has been more than she could have ever dreamed. 
When not writing, she can be found carting her kids around, breaking up their fights, cleaning up messes, teaching Zumba, or reading. 


AUTHOR MEDIA SITES:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramymarie
Email: AuthorAmyMarie@yahoo.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

COVER REVEAL HOSTED BY:


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Review Blog Tour: Ravensdale by Lucinda Elliot. Review, Excerpt and Giveaway can be found on my blog today.

TITLE – Ravesndale SERIES – That Scoundrel Émile Duois AUTHOR – Lucinda Elliot GENRE – Historical Romantic Comedy PUBLICATION DATE – 19 April 2014 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – Approx 85,000 words PUBLISHER – Elliot COVER ARTIST – Streetlight Graphics BOOK SYNOPSISWhen the group of highwaymen headed by the disgraced Earl of Little Dean, Reynaud Ravensdale holds up the hoydenish Isabella Murray’s coach, she knocks one of them down and lectures them all on following Robin Hood’s example.The rascally Reynaud Ravensdale – otherwise known as the dashing highwayman Mr Fox – is fascinated at her spirit.He escaped abroad three years back following his supposedly shooting a friend dead after a quarrel. Rumour has it that his far more respectable cousin was involved. Now, having come back during his father’s last illness, the young Earl is seeking to clear his name of murder, even if he is living as an outlaw meanwhile.Isabella’s ambitious parents are eager to marry her off to Reynaud Ravensdale’s cousin, the next in line to his title. The totally unromantic Isabella is even ready to elope with her outlaw admirer to escape this fate – on condition that he teaches her how to be a highwaywoman herself.This hilarious spoof uses vivid characters and lively comedy to bring new life to a theme traditionally favoured by historical novelists – that of the wild young Earl, who, falsely accused of murder by the machinations of a conniving cousin and prejudged by his reputation, lives as an outlaw whilst seeking to clear his name.‘Ravensdale’ is a fast paced, funny and romantic read from the writer of ‘That Scoundrel Émile Dubois’, following the adventures of that character's equally roguish cousin and set in 1792, just prior to the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars and two years before the story of 'That Scoundrel Émile Dubois' .BUY & TBR LINKSAMAZON KINDLE US   /   AMAZON KINDLE UK   /   AMAZON PAPERBACK   /   GOODREADS

Jumping the ditch, he vanished amongst the shrubs and bushes. Longface, following more cautiously, nearly twisted his ankle.Suddenly, Mr Fox sprang behind a bush. Longface leapt behind a lilac tree. The strapping wench who’d floored Filthy Fred came round the side of the house, holding a pair of pistols, and made for a target fixed to one of the shrubs.She wore a pale lemon dress with matching floppy bonnet contrasting with her dark mane of carelessly piled up waving black hair. Longface supposed that she looked quite pretty. The sight of her had an astounding effect on his companion, who reeled on his feet and ogled like a madman.She went over to a bench, and began to load the pistols. Longface shuddered. She got into difficulty with loading the wadding in the first, and after struggling for a while, shocking Longface with her language, threw it on the bench and marched about the adjoining rose garden in her rage.Here Mr Fox showed the full extent of his madness. He stole up to the bench, and using a stone, hammered the wadding securely into place, darting back as the girl turned.Longface awaited detection. On seeing that the pistol had been loaded, the girl merely raised her eyebrows, smiled, and moved towards the target. Longface, behind a bush nearby, threw himself to the ground, covering his head with his arms. The shot rang out. Looking up, he saw that she had shot through the centre of the target and was smiling happily.Longface, startled at how charming her smile was, dreaded its affect on the deranged Mr Fox, who quivered and seemed about to have a fit.The next hour was both dull and nerve racking. The besotted outlaw dodged from bush to shrub, yearning eyes fixed on the hoyden, while she practiced her shooting, singing happily as she loaded the pistol, swearing savagely when she bungled her aim.Longface dreaded that she must see one of them, but Mr Fox was good at concealing himself. Once he sprang behind a bush at the back of which Longface had already rolled. One of his booted feet came down on Longface’s favourite neck cloth. Longface felt at his last gasp when his tormentor finally moved, tearing it and leaving Longface panting.At last, a maid came out to speak to the girl. In frozen horror, Longface heard the words, ‘Mr Ravensdale’. Could this be the cousin whom the rumour went had been involved in the then Viscount’s disgrace? Miss Isabella agreed to be led in, the maid fussing about her heavy dark hair tumbling down, one piece having snaked as far as her waist.On her way into the house, Mr Fox’s goddess dropped a lace edged handkerchief. Of course, as soon as she had gone in, he darted to snatch it up, sniffing it ecstatically and fondling it as if it were the girls’ own flesh.Then he staggered over to a tree, and beating his head on it, muttered of ‘Outlaw’ ‘Cozened, by Hell and the Devil!’ ‘Brigandage’ and ‘Disgrace’. Longface’s embarrassment at this display was swept away in fear that the Young Hothead might do himself an injury. He also wondered vaguely if he was Disgraced himself. The emotional effect was the same, but as after his father’s ruin his goods amounted to half a donkey and a pound in silver, the practical effects weren’t. Meggie was lucky to have had any solvent man offer for her after it, even if her husband was a misery.He started forward to stop Fox just as the outcast pulled away from the tree. Then he stole round the side of the house. Here great windows opened on to a long terrace. With bleeding forehead and wild eyes, he hid behind one of the rhododendrons, staring across at the windows, one being that of a drawing room. Longface feared even more for his sanity, wondering if they would ever leave.After a while, the Disgraced Earl’s patience was rewarded. Several family members came into the room, including the hoyden, now dressed for dinner in ivory silk, her hair up again. She did look well, and the outcast groaned aloud. Longface’s fears were confirmed with the appearance of an upright, tall, vigorous young man who could almost have been the outlaw’s twin.A woman’s voice came stridently over the lawn, repeating, ‘Mr Ravensdale’ as if she could never say it often enough. After a time, this other Ravensdale came up to the piano near the window and Miss Isabella sat down to accompany him while he sang in a fine baritone:‘Where’er you walk, cool glades shall fan the glade; Trees, where you sit, shall crowd into a shade; Where’er you tread, the blushing flowers shall rise, And all things flourish, where you turn your eyes…’Mr Fox writhed. Longface felt his pain. Miss Isabella laughed with his cousin as they finished the song, and so the outlaw’s torment wore on. Then Edmund Ravensdale came out onto the terrace to take a turn in the air alone.Now the outlaw’s hand crept to this pistol, and he took aim. The only thing that stopped Longface from throwing himself on him was a strange sense, he knew not from where – that something of the sort had happened before with Reynaud Ravensdale and turned out badly. He stared frozen instead.Then his chief put his hand on the rumpskuttle’s handkerchief and thrust his pistol back into his belt. His cousin went back in. The robber turned away hunched. On his way back towards his horse, he murmured once:‘Ye Gods, and is there no relief from Love?... On me love’s fiercer flames forever prey, By night he scorches, as he burns by day.’Longface, dolefully chewing on a piece of grass, muttered, ‘He’s gone fairly off his chump.”After a few more steps, Mr Fox stopped. So did Longface, but the other, without troubling to turn round, called him.Sheepishly, Longface approached. He was astounded that his chief had seen him when he had been hiding so skillfully. Still, Mr Fox had sharp eyes, so needed in their trade.Fox was too distracted even to be angry. He swallowed. “Now you know.”Longface met his eyes, and turned away. “I’m sorry,” he offered. He had once known the torments of love himself.On their long, silent ride back to the inn, Longface tried to think of some comforting words to say, but found none. Perhaps, ‘There must be other strapping wenches with gipsyish looks and a liking for fisticuffs and shooting,’ wasn’t tactful. To suggest Kate’s cure might spark off a fit of rage. So, he kept a discreet silence, fingering his torn neck cloth.As they drew into the inn yard, Longface’s chief spoke. “We’ve got our prize; Jack is to Town. Now is your chance to retire into respectability, Longface, as I’m going for a respectable occupation myself.” To Longface’s amazement, he grinned.Late that night, when all was still in The Huntsman, Reynaud Ravensdale appeared downstairs, light in hand, looking for something. He searched first in the bar, then in the kitchen. At last his eyes fell on the brown bottle of the pedlar’s cure, also known as The Famed and Marvellous Elixir, which stood next to the teapot. Finding a spoon, he poured himself a generous helping, swallowing it in one gulp. Then he stood, eagerly waiting for the result.This came speedily. His eyes widened, his face drained of colour, his breathing quickened and he swallowed and looked very ill for the next five minutes. Finally, recovering enough to speak, he swore heartily, poured the bottle down the sink, and trudged back to bed.

Lucinda Elliot was born in Buckinghamshire England, and brought up in various parts of the UK, as her parents earned a living renovating isolated, old country houses before it became fashionable. Some of these would have made an ideal setting for the Gothic novels she loves to write.Having lived and worked in London for many years she now lives with her family in North Wales and writes. She has many interests, including improving her languages and weight training, and loves a laugh above anything. She’s also an environmental and a classic English novel geek with combined first class honours.

My 4 Star Review
I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.The story is a historical romance that played out in the late 1700’s; a time where highway robberies were at the order of the day. We are introduced to Reynaud Ravensdale, heir to an Earldom, disgraced in the past; he became a highway robber-with the law chasing him and his men constantly. He raced to the late Earl’s funeral, to give his last respect to his father, but had to leave quickly as his friend warned him, with soldiers close on his heels. We meet more of the family at the funeral and one name that stood out was Reynaud’s cousin, Edmund Ravensdale, as with funerals it was not long before the late earl was forgotten and the gossip started. Lady Murray wanted to marry of her daughter Isabella, to Edmund. Because of Reynaud’s choice of career he was no longer a prospect, or so she thought. Isabella was a lady with her own ideas, and Reynaud was secretly in love with her. He met her face to face on one of the coach robberies and she stood her ground even knocking one of his men that came to close to her, to the ground; since then he followed her around. Even went to work as a librarian in her father’s house where his cousin frequently came and visit. After interesting developments they became better acquainted. The story is slow paced at times, with flashbacks into the past as the writer gives you a peek into the history of the two cousins and their endeavors with the young ladies. With so many things that happened, the writer did not always give many details so you must read between the lines at times, but at the end, love conquers and all had been revealed. The disgrace had been brought to justice and things were set straight. At times the characters are believable so that you could connect with them, and then things would happen that makes things a bit distant. But besides this it is a good historic romance that showed love conquers at the end.  AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS:AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE   /   WEBSITE / BLOG 3 eCopy sets of “That Scoundrel Emile Dubois” and “Ravensdale”a Rafflecopter giveawayTour Organized by:

Promo Tour: See Through me by Sera Bright. A Lose my senses novel.

There's only one person I want to see when I return home. But I know he won't be waiting. It's the reason I feel safe enough to come back.

I'm so wrong.


Ash isn't the same quiet boy from next door. He's tall, dark, and demanding answers. He wants me, but he doesn't trust me. Who can blame him? When his own family tried to break him down, he still sheltered me in this town full of liars. And I repaid it by leaving him without a word.


But I'll do anything to protect him. I have the scars on my wrist to prove it.


NOT a standalone novel. There are always two sides to every tale, and this is Katie's story.


Contains strong language, sexual situations, and mature themes. This novel is not intended for readers under the age of 17.



Goodreads
Buy Links Available May 8th


A breeze rose up and my hair fluttered into my face, covering my eyes. I brushed the strands away while Ash reached toward me to do the very same thing. He quickly lowered his arm to his side. My whole body pulsed in disappointment, and it struck me how this was a split-second snapshot of our story.

I attempted to walk away, but he braced his other arm on the wall, blocking me from leaving. I forced myself to look at him. Really look at him, and let him look at me. I owed him that much. His gaze stayed on my eyes, daring me to hold the connection.


To my surprise, his face had changed. Ash was always handsome, but his face had taken an edge, losing some of the softness of youth. Only his eyes were the same, starbursts of green and gold framed in thick dark lashes. But the shape of his jaw was stronger. His cheekbones sharper.


I bit the inside of my lip. His nose wasn’t blade straight anymore. There was a slight tilt and bump, as if it had been broken. And a small pink scar over one of his eyebrows. Possessiveness overtook my thoughts. I wanted to know what happened, who hurt him and where I could find them so I could tear them apart myself. I gave myself a mental shake. He wasn’t mine to be possessive about. Or maybe I meant obsessive.


“We need to talk,” he demanded. “You made me think you left for Michigan when you took off.”


“You know how I am.” I tilted my head to hide the fact I was lying to his face again. “I just decided at the last minute, and didn’t think.”


“Bullshit.” He leaned in closer. The air thickened as his breath tickled my cheek.“ Changed your phone number and deleted your email accounts at the last minute, too?”




When I’m not plotting elaborate schemes in my head, I’m having a fabulous time with my own real life story. That’s what happens when you have three awesome kids, two fluffy (useless) cats, and one very patient husband. Currently, we live in the mountains of West Virginia. 

I can cook like a fiend but prefer to eat doughnuts with sprinkles for breakfast. Sprinkles make everything taste better. An avid reader of all genres, I shamelessly admit romance will always be my favorite. And while I enjoy the safe and familiar, I’m always up for an adventure.

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Blog Tour: Revenge White Collared, Book 3 in the Series. 10 Ebooks can be won, you can be one!

SYNOPSIS:
In the third sexy installment of Shelly Bell's serialized erotic thriller, Kate will finally entrust Jaxon with her secrets, but the lies he's told have the power to break her heart … and threaten her life.

Motivated by honor …
After a gruesome discovery, the men in Kate's life unite to protect her from imminent danger, but Jaxon becomes consumed by the fierce desire to possess her fully. Kate trusts him enough to surrender to him in the bedroom, but she still fears the vulnerability of complete and utter submission.

Enslaved by pleasure …
Jaxon continues to push Kate's sexual and emotional boundaries, penetrating her defenses and crumbling the walls she has built around the painful memories of her past. But just as she opens her heart and accepts a future with Jaxon, the devastating truth about Alyssa's death shatters the tenuous bond they share, testing their relationship and propelling her directly into the path of a desperate murderer.


BOOK TRAILER:






WHITE COLLARED, PART THREE: REVENGE PLAYLIST (Spotify)Chapter 1. Demons by Imagine DragonsChapter 2. Numb by Linkin ParkChapter 3. Janie’s Got a Gun by AerosmithChapter 4. New Way to Bleed by EvanescenceChapter 5. Pain by Three Days GraceChapter 6. Human by Christina Perri Chapter 7. She Ain’t You by New HallowChapter 8. My Songs Knows What You Did In the Dark by Fall Out Boy Chapter 9. Come by PrinceChapter 10. So Far Away by Staind
Chapter 11. 21 Guns by Green DayTEN REASONS YOU’D WANT JAXON DEVEROUX FROM WHITE COLLARED AS YOUR BOYFRIEND
He’s polite, chivalrous, and protective…Except during sex when he becomes forceful, demanding, and one hell of a dirty talker.He likes grape Popsicles. JFor a rich guy, he knows how to throw a mean punch.He didn’t inherit his money or become a billionaire by thirty. In fact, he’s only a mere millionaire. Besides, he made his money the honest way—he married into it. He’s the perfect combination of kinky and imaginative.  He looks good wet.He knows how to use his hands.He has excellent taste in accessories.As evidenced by his previous marriage, he’s not afraid of commitment. Let’s just hope his second wife doesn’t wind up like his first.


AUTHOR BIO:

SHELLY BELL writes sensual romance and erotic thrillers with high-emotional stakes for her alpha heroes and kiss-ass heroines. She began writing upon the insistence of her husband who dragged her to the store and bought her a laptop. When she’s not practicing corporate law, taking care of her family, or writing, you’ll find her reading the latest smutty romance.

Shelly is a member of Romance Writers of America and International Thriller Writers.


MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyBellBooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2766097.Shelly_Bell
Website: http://www.shellybellbooks.com
Twitter: shellybell987Sign-up for Shelly’s Newsletter

AUTHOR ENDORSEMENTS:

“Shelly Bell is a fresh new voice in erotic romance. She brings the heat!” ~ Lexi Blake, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author


"White Collared takes you on a thrill ride of danger, murder and lust, leaving you hungry for the next installment." ~ Stacey Kennedy, USA Today Bestselling Author of BARED

"A rollercoaster ride of jaw-dropping sex, heated anticipation, and a perfect dash of suspense, all tied together with flawless writing. When I wasn't clenching my thighs, I was frantically flipping pages to find out what would happen next! I can't recommend this series enough. Buy it. Devour it." ~ Alessandra Torre, USA Today Bestselling Author of BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE

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Fae - The Wild HuntThe Riven Wyrde Saga Book 1By Graham Austin-KingRelease date - March 9th 2014

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Blurb: Fairies... The Fae... The stuff of bedtime stories and fables.But sometimes the fairy tales are true. Sometimes they hold a warning... For a hundred generations the Fae have been locked away from the world, in the cold, the Outside. They have faded out of sight and mind into myth and folklore, but now the barriers are weakening and they push against the tattered remnants of the wyrde as they seek a way to return. As a new religion spreads across the world, sweeping the old ways and beliefs away before it, a warlike people look across the frozen ocean towards the shores of Anlan, hungry for new lands. War is coming, even as the wyrde of the Droos is fading. Only by realizing the truth lost in a child's tale will the world hope to withstand the wild hunt.



Chapter OneMiriam gazed through thesmall window at the sun as it sankslowly behind the tiled rooftops ofKavtrin. Smoke was rising fromthe chimney pots, lending acontrast that painted a dirty stainof indigo across the flaming skies.It was a sunset for young loversand poets, but Miriam was blind toit. Once there had been a timewhen the sight would have strucka chord within her, but those daysseemed long gone to her now.She traced her fingertips idly overthe worn and knife-scarredworktop and sighed as she pickedup a damp cloth and began to runit back and forth over the surface.There was no dirt to clean. Thecounter was as clean as anyonecould make it, but hands need tofeel busy and the cloth workedalmost unnoticed by her as shestared unseeing out of thewindow.She caught sight of herreflection as she turned and shefroze in place, one hand comingup to touch her cheek. Her facewas lined and drawn. Her oncelustrous brown hair was tied backinto a severe bun, which onlyserved to highlight the faint touchof grey at her temples. Shelooked... old? She wondered atherself. Who was this womanlooking back at her? How long hadit been since she'd really looked atherself? How long since she'dreally been herself?She turned to stir the potresting on the woodstove, andglanced nervously at the door.The stew was catching again, buthe probably wouldn't notice unlessit was really badly burned. Shewas a good cook, she knew shewas, but there was only so much aperson could do to keep food hotonce it was ready. The muttonhad stewed for a good six hoursand she had been trying to keep ithot for the last four. She glancedat the door again and tutted asshe caught herself doing so.Sliding the iron vent in the base ofthe stove closed, she lifted the potwith a grunt and placed it onto theheavy table.Her eyes drifted to the simplecot in the corner and she paddedover on quiet feet. The only joyshe had found in the last fifteenyears of her marriage lay sleepingsoundly in this small bed. Caerlhadn't really wanted children, butshe'd hoped that it would havemellowed his temper and whenDevin came along, he'd seemed tocalm for a time. Then of course,he had taken up the drink again.Creaks and mutterings driftedin from the stairs, she turned witha smile carefully arranged on herface as the door opened, andCaerl slumped against the doorframe. She took in all of hisappearance in a single glance.The stained and slovenly clothing,the unwashed and unkempt hair,the filthy and scraggly beard.Where under all of this filth, wasthe man she had married? Theman who had stolen momentswith her, risking her father's wrathwhen she'd been little more thana child herself.“Hello dear,” she said, forcinglightness into her voice. “How wasthe marketplace? Would you likesome dinner? I made yourfavourite.”Caerl grunted, a non-committalnoise that could have meant anynumber of things, and staggeredthe three steps to the sturdy tablebefore collapsing into a chair.Miriam busied herself with thestew, spooning out a healthyportion into a large earthenwarebowl and setting a hunk of breadon the side. She put it down infront of Caerl's slouched form, andstepped quickly away to busyherself in the tiny kitchen. Notthat anything needed doing, therooms were spotless. Living in fearof Caerl's dark moods had turnedher into an efficient cleaner, andthe fewer reasons she could givehim to start off with her, thebetter.Caerl dunked the dark peasantbread into the stew and chewed.He shovelled a spoonful into hismouth, and then grimaced andspat. His dark eyes sought her outand seemed to flash in the lightfrom the fire and the oil lamps onthe walls.“This is burnt, woman.” Heslurred, seeming to chew out thewords from a mouth slack fromdrink.“I'm sorry Caerl,” Miriam said,hating herself for the way shesounded. “I tried to keep it warmfor you, but it must have caught.”“Dammit girl, how hard can itbe to put some food in a man'sbelly?” He pressed his hands tothe tabletop and stood in asudden burst, knocking the simplewooden chair to the floor. It madea sharp crack as it splintered. “Irun those damned carts all daylong for you. Put food on the tableand a roof over the head of youand your brat, and you can't evenmake a decent meal?”Miriam rankled at him startingon the boy. She knew she oughtto keep her head down just as arabbit will stay in the warren whena storm is coming, but Caerlalways knew somehow whatwould set her off.“Well, maybe if you had beenhome instead of in the tavernthree hours ago, it wouldn't havecaught,” she muttered, the wordsspilling from her lips before hergood sense could stop them.Caerl stopped, and stared ather with dark eyes for a longmoment. A slow smile spread overhis stubbled face.“So, it's my fault is it?”“No, Caerl. I didn't mean it likethat.” She took a step back awayfrom him and began edging alongthe wall towards the window.“I work all damned day andthis is what I get? Burnt slop Iwouldn't feed a dog!” He slammedhis hands down on the table,making the bowl jump.Miriam flinched and turnedquickly to see if Devin had woken.“Dammit, woman. Look at mewhen I'm talking to you!” Hesnatched up the bowl and hurled itat the fireplace. It shattered onthe woodstove, splattering stewover the walls and onto the hearthwhere it bubbled and hissed.Miriam cried out as the bowlsmashed, ducking involuntarily asthough it had struck her. Shecowered down, her handsshielding her face as Caerlstormed towards her with ragedancing in his eyes. She drewback as he came closer andgrabbed for her and then skitteredalong the wall towards thewoodstove and the doorway totheir own tiny room. Caerlfollowed swiftly, his movementsunimpeded by the ale he stank of,as if the rage had burned thealcohol from him.“Caerl, don't. Please?” Shebacked into the darkness of theirsmall bedroom. “You'll wake theboy. Try to calm down.”“Don't you tell me what to do.”He reached for her and managedto grab her hair, pulling it free offthe bun as she twisted and triedto dart away from him. “Who inthe hells do you think you are,telling me what to do?”He yanked savagely on herhair, bending her backwards andoff-balance as her eyes filled withtears. “You're nothing!” he spat.“That's what you are woman. Youknow it, and I know it.”He let go, dropping her to thefloor as she curled up tight, ballingher fists and pressing them to herface as if to ward off the hate.“Say it,” he whispered, but shelay silent, biting her cheek to holdin the tears.“Say it!” he roared, drawingback his foot and kicking hersavagely in the ribs with his heavyboot.Miriam gasped as the painflooded through her. Her eyesfilled with tears and she felt himcrouch down and grab her by thethroat , wrenching her towardshim. His calloused hands wererough on the delicate skin of herthroat, and she fought to draw ina ragged breath as he squeezedat her neck.“Don't you ever tell me what todo.” His spittle sprayed onto hercheeks as he spat out the wordsand the stench of stale beerturned her stomach. She began tosob silently as she fled insideherself. Her silence seemed toenrage him more than herdefiance had, and he struck herwith the back of his hand, theforce throwing her to the floor.“Da?” a small voice carried infrom the doorway.Miriam's eyes flew open inhorror and her pain was forgotten.Devin was a slight boy and thenightshirt made him seem all thesmaller as he looked up at hisfather.“Da, don't hit her.” He saidagain, a world of reproach in hissmall voice.Miriam flew to her feet as Caerlturned and bristled at the lad.“You telling me what to do,boy?” he asked in a low dangerousvoice as he moved toward thedoorway.“Don't you touch him, Caerl,”she warned. “Don't you dare touchhim.”“Boy needs to know his place,”he muttered almost to himself, ashe looked down at the dark hairedchild backing away from him.Desperately, she reached forhim and clung to his arm, trying tohold him back as he dragged herinto the kitchen again. Muttering acurse Caerl struggled to throw heroff, turning to face her once more.His face was a mask of pure rageas he struck her with his openhand across the face. This was noslap, his hand was rigid and shestaggered backwards into thewall, her head ringing. He stalkedtowards her as she dashed thetears from her eyes and looked upat him. Her face throbbed and oneeye was already starting to swell.He staggered suddenly asDevin launched himself on hisback screaming like a feral cat.Caerl's eyes went wide in shockand then pain as the boy’s nailsclawed at his neck. He reachedback almost casually, grasping ahandful of the nightshirt and threwthe boy at his mother.“You both got no damnedrespect.” he spat and began toundo the thick leather belt hewore.“That's enough Caerl,” Miriamsaid snapped, her lips white withanger as she got to her feet,clutching Devin to her skirts asthey moved sideways towards thefireplace. He laughed coldly andshook out the belt. Miriamreached out blindly and took upthe first thing that fell to hand.The heavy iron ladle from the pot.“So help me Caerl, if you touchthis boy...”His laugh was frost as shethrust Devin behind herawkwardly. She shrieked as hefeinted towards her and sheswung wildly with the ladle,spraying stew across the roomand missing.He grinned and lunged again,but this time his balance or theale betrayed him and he had noneof the grace of moments ago. Shelashed out, screaming, and theladle caught him solidly on thetemple with a sickening crunch.Caerl staggered backwards andfell, crashing through the chairsand table before hitting the floor.The silence when it fell, waslouder than her screams had everbeen. She stood frozen, holdingthe ladle with both hands. Shewas dimly aware of Devin behindher, both hands gripping her dressand his face buried in the cloth.Extricating herself from his graspshe crept towards Caerl's pronefigure. Blood was seeping slowlyfrom his temple and one nostril,and his eyes were half closed. Shelooked carefully, but saw no signsof movement. He lay still,seemingly out cold. She felt a wildexultation in her breast but then,just as powerfully, the reality ofwhat she had done washed overher and Miriam was filled with afear deeper than she had everknown. He would kill her. Her andthe boy both, that much wascertain. If he didn't kill her, he'deither make her pay so savagelythat she begged for death, or he'dhave her up before the Justice.“Devin, sweetheart?” shecalled softly. “Let's take a trip, justyou and me. We'll have anadventure.”The boy looked at her withhuge dark eyes. “Without Da?” heasked in a small voice. Miriamnodded.“Good,” he said firmly.Forcing a smile onto her face,she set about grabbing clothesand what little food they had inthe house, filling bags while Devindressed. Taking his small hand,she led him to the door andreminded herself to walk normallyand calmly into the hallway anddown the stairs, even as her mindscreamed at her to run.Kavtrin was not a small cityand even at this time in theevening the streets were filledwith people. Miriam held tight toDevin with one hand, and thebags with the other, as she triedto thread her way through thecrowded streets. Many peoplewere still making their way homefrom work. Some few hawkerswere still on street corners, tryingto sell this and that. Miriamnoticed first one, and then severalevening girls coming to standunder the, as yet, unlit streetlamps with their lost and hopelesseyes.She hurried Devin along thecobbled streets, trying to keepfrom being forced into the guttersby the sheer weight of traffic.They darted over to the side fromtime to time to avoid the cartsthat clattered through with theirdrivers flicking the whip at thehorses and cursing at all whostood in their way. She was onlydimly aware of where she wasgoing. It had been so long thatshe was surprised she evenremembered the way. Devin hadbeen silent since they left thehouse, and she neededdesperately to get him into thewarm.Miriam didn't notice the rainwhen it first started, a soft mistingdrizzle that was more like spraythan rain, but which soon beganto soak through her simplewoollen dress. It slowly changedinto a steady rain that plasteredher long brown hair to her faceand her dress clung to her legswith each step. They were bothsoaked to the skin as they finallycrossed the high cobbled bridgeand saw the golden glow of thelamplight coming from thewindows of the Broom andBadger. Miriam made her wayaround to the rear of the inn andpounded on the large oak door asDevin pressed himself hardagainst her hip. The boy wasshaking, not simply shivering, buta solid trembling. Miriam drew in abreath to speak as the door finallyopened, but the girl in thedoorway pulled them both out ofthe rain with wide eyes.“Lords and Ladies, look at thestate of you two.” she exclaimed.“Boy'll catch his death out in that.So will you! An' what's wrong withthe front door anyway?”“Shalin said I could call on herif ever I needed anything,” Miriamtold the blonde girl in a tinybroken voice. The girl looked ather, taking in the deepeningbruises, and her face softened.“Ah darlin', you've been through it,haven't you, love?” She hurriedthem through into the warmkitchen, still filled with the aromasof dinner, and sat them close tothe fire set in the long wall.“You two sit here and I'll findShalin. I expect you could usesomething hot inside you too.”She bustled around and set alarge bowl in front of Devin,before leaving through the doubledoors that led into the inn proper.The kitchen was long and lowbeamed,with huge cast-ironovens set against one wall and along table filling the centre of theroom. It was well-lit with oil lampson the walls shedding a warmcomforting light. It smelled ofchicken, fresh baked bread, andhope. Miriam let the warmth fromthe fire soak slowly into her bodyand watched Devin devour a largebowl of warm apple pie as only aten year old boy could.“My stars, Miriam, I neverthought I'd see you again!”exclaimed a slim blonde womanfrom the doorway. Shalin seemeddetermined to overcome everystereotype about innkeeper'swives. She was tall and willowy,with a figure that made otherwomen hate her on sight. She wasneither matronly nor blousey,though that was not to say shewas not beautiful. She had longhair the colour of good honey, andpiercing blue eyes. It would beeasy to assume that she was justsome pretty thing the Innkeeperhad been lucky enough to end upwith, but Shalin was far more thana pretty face. She ran the inn witha brisk efficiency that showed inher eyes. This was a woman whobrooked no nonsense anddemanded both order and respect.This was a woman thatcommanded loyalty and who noman with a whit of sense wouldcross. She had once been Miriam'sclosest friend, and the last thingsMiriam had said to her had beenlies. “Shalin,” she breathed as shemade her way to the doorway.“Lords and Ladies woman, lookat the state of you,” Shalinmuttered as she drew Miriamclose into a fierce embrace,ignoring the water that waspooling by her feet. “What'shappened to you?”Miriam sucked in oneshuddering breath before spittingout, “Caerl.” The name tore fromher throat and carried all theyears of venom and fear. All thelove and betrayal, the hurt andevery bruise. She clung fiercely toShalin, taking strength from theembrace and the simpleknowledge that another adultcared for her. Shalin stroked herhair softly, making hushing noises.“Deena,” she called through intothe hallway. “Why don't you getthe lad a warm bath and wrap himup in Thomas' old room?”The girl nodded, smiling atDevin as she held out her hand.“That pie was good wasn't it? Ialways feel better after coming infrom the wet, when I can getsomething warm inside me. Now,how about we get you out ofthose wet clothes, into a hot bath,and then find you a nice warmbed?” Devin nodded sleepily andallowed himself to be herded fromthe room.“He'll be fine,” Shalin said,stepping back to look at Miriam.“Now, how about we get youwarm and you can tell me what isgoing on? Go on with Deena andshe'll get you one of my robes.You can wrap up in that for nowand get dry.”The blonde girl led them bothup the stairs and pointed Miriamtowards a bedroom door, “Thereshould be a robe or two on theback of the door. Just leave yourdress in there and I'll see it'scleaned for you.”Miriam nodded her thanks andcrouched a little to give Devin aquick hug before stepping into theroom.Shalin smiled at her as shecame back into the kitchen andwaved her back into the chair. Therobe was soft and with thewarmth from the fire she wasbeginning to thaw. “Now then,now that you look more like thewoman I knew and less adrowning kitten, why don't you tellme what's going on? The last timeI saw you, your Caerl had gotten anew job in Savarel and you weremoving up there.”“We were never going toSavarel,” Miriam admitted in asmall voice. “I lied because he'dlost his job again and we werebeing thrown out of our home.”“Why didn't you saysomething?” Shalin gasped. “I hadno idea! You know I would havehelped you.”“When you've got nothing,Shalin, sometimes pride is all youcan to cling to,” Miriam saidsimply.“Hmm, you're right.” saidShalin. “We were so poor, wemade the birds look rich when Iwas a little'un, but our doorstepwas scrubbed daily.” She foldedher arms across herself. “So,what's happened now? I mean, it'sbeen what, eight years? Nine?”“It's been eleven, Shalin,almost twelve.” Miriam walkedover to the fireplace and stareddeep into the flames. “He drank,”she began. “Most men drink, buthe drank and then he got meanwith it. I could cope with that wellenough, I suppose, but it wasalmost every day in the end.” Herhead bowed as if she werespeaking to the floor, like theconfession of a naughty child.“And he would hit me. Nothing Idid would be good enough, Shalin.I tried. I really tried! There wouldbe days when he would comehome and it seemed like he wassearching for something to startoff on. Then tonight, he beat meand Devin woke up.”“Your boy?” Shalin askedquietly.Miriam nodded silently. “Caerlwas always careful not to wakehim, either that or Devin alwaysmade out like he was sleeping.He'd never stir.” She breatheddeeply before pressing on. “Caerlhad me on the floor and he justkept kicking me. All I could thinkwas, this was it. This was thenight that he's finally going to killme. Then, Devin was there,throwing himself on Caerl and hegrabbed him and threw him atme. He actually threw my boy,Shalin! He was taking his belt offto beat the both of us.”“How did you end up like this,Miriam? You were always sostrong, when I knew you.”“He wasn't always like this.When we first met, he was sosweet you wouldn't believe hewas the same person.”“How did you meet him? Younever did tell me, you know?” Shestood and took down a kettle froma hook, filling it from the pumpover the double sinks. “I expectyou could use some tea to startwith?” She cocked an eyebrow atMiriam over one shoulder.“He was a caravan guard. Heused to come in to my father's innevery few months, doing the routefrom Savarel to Kavtrin.”“And I bet you thought he heldthe sun in one hand and the moonin the other didn't you?” Shalinsaid as she set the kettle to boil.“And then some,” Miriamadmitted. “He was everything myfather hated, and of course,everything I wanted. I was all offifteen when we started sneakingabout together.” Her face twistedas she spoke. “Eventually, hetalked me into running away withhim, and that was that. I snuckout of the window one night withnothing but a small pack ofclothing and keepsakes.” Shepicked up the mug and blew softlyat the steam curling from the top.“At fifteen, I knew all there was toknow, and so I turned my back onmy family, friends and my home.All for a man I'd really, barelyknown.”“You don't need to tell me ifyou don't want to,” the womansaid softly.“No, it's good. It sort of helps,you know, to talk about it? I don'tthink I've ever told anyone thewhole thing before.”Shalin nodded, setting thesteaming mug down in front ofMiriam and moving back to herown chair, cradling her cup in herelegant hands.“We settled here in Kavtrin. Hefound work easily enough in themarketplace and on the docks. Ifound easy work in a tavern. Wehad a lovely room in a nice areaoverlooking some of the gardensby the park. It wasn't anythingespecially wonderful, but it wasours, and it felt like a home.Things were wonderful. I meantruly storybook wonderful, until hestarted drinking.” She cleared herthroat and looked down at thetable as she continued. “First, hestarted drinking after work withthe boys from the marketplace. Ididn't mind or blame him. It's hotand heavy work, and a man needsto spend time with the folks heworks with.“Then, he started drinkingduring lunch with the dockhands.Before long, he was drinking morethan he was working. That waswhen he lost the first job. He wasso ashamed that he hid it from mefor almost a week before he finallyadmitted it. He'd been still goingout to work in the mornings andnot back until dusk, but I'd knownsomething wasn't right. A womanalways knows. So, he'd sworn offthe drink and we'd muddledthrough. He found more work andthings were back to normal, untilit happened again.” She drew in adeep shuddering breath andsighed it out slowly. “This isharder than I thought,” she said,looking at Shalin with anapologetic smile.“You're doing fine Miriam, justtake your time.”Miriam nodded and drained hertea, setting the mug down andcurling her hands in her lap. “Afterwe lost the third home, I told himstraight. One more time, one lasttime, and that was all the chancesI was giving him.” She sighed andgave a wry smile, “We hadn'treally planned for a family. Oh, wehadn't exactly avoided it, I'dstopped drinking moon-tea soonafter we settled down again. If I'mhonest with myself, it had beenmy price for keeping us together,and that had been the idea really.Maybe I thought that if weconcentrated on starting a family,then things would be better. Ofcourse, you need to be home tostart a family. It helps if you areconscious and not snoring alefumes into the kitchen floor. I'dbeen right on the verge of tellinghim we were done, when alongcame Devin, just like that.” Shelaughed a bitter little laugh.“He changed. Overnight hechanged, and it was like none ofthe strife or struggles had everbeen there.” She glanced up atShalin and smiled with tearrimmedeyes. “He helped throughthe pregnancy. He worked harder,was home earlier and looked afterme like I was made of glass.Sometimes too much! When Devinwas born he was there, though hebolted outside as soon as themidwife arrived and wouldn'tcome back into the building untilhe heard the babe squall. Life wasback to the storybook for almostfour years, four blissful years.”“So, what happened? Whatchanged?” She heard Shalin ask.“Honestly? I have no idea.”She shook her head. “I wonderedfor a while if he'd been having anaffair and it had ended orsomething like that. Between onemonth and the next he shifted, hebecame distant. He came hometwice with ale on his breath,though I pretended I hadn't smeltit. The following week it wasspirits he reeked of. Then itseemed it was every night. Youknow the funny thing?” Shalinshook her head quietly and Miriamsmiled a sad smile. “It was onlythen, that I began to realise howalone I'd become. We lost most ofour friends when we'd had tomove the first time. There'snothing quite like pride to rob aperson of their good sense isthere? Oh, I'd reached out acouple of times, but after we'dmoved the third time, I was soashamed I never bothered tryingto keep in touch again. ThenDevin came along and my dayswere filled with him and whatwork I could find. Caerl had beenso good to me that I almost didn'tnotice that I never really sawanyone else. Until of course, Ineeded somebody else. Until it allbegan again. And then I wasalone. So, so alone.”Shalin moved to take her in herarms as the tears began to fall.Her body shook with silent sobs,and she allowed the willowyblonde to pull her head into hershoulder. For a time they just satin silence, until Miriam pushedherself away with a sniff. “Look atme, crying like a babe.”Shalin just looked at her insilence, a faint smile on her face.“Where were you working?”Miriam sniffed. “I still workedin a couple of taverns. It was hardto find one where I could bringDevin. But then when he got oldenough he worked as a scullion,while I worked in the kitchen orthe laundry. I'd tried working as aserving girl again, but any manwho smelled of ale reminded meof Caerl. I tried a few places, butin the end I realised it wasn't theinn, it was me. A girl working in aninn needs to be able to laugh andbanter and flirt a bit. I couldn't doit. I couldn't find it in me. Any manso much as spoke to me and I ranoff to the kitchens like a startledrabbit. So I stayed in the kitchens,preparing meals and washinglinens.“Through all of it, Caerl wasthe same. He ran in cycles. Hewould drink himself to almost rockbottom before swearing off thestuff. He was true to his word too.He wouldn't touch it, or go to theinn with the others. He'd comeback from his work early. He'd becalmer, kinder, more attentive,and then it would begin again.Always the same, every time. Itwould start with one drink withthe boys on a Friday. Then itwould become Wednesday too,then a touch of wine with dinner.Before too long, he'd be cursingthat we had nothing in the placeto drink. He'd be coming backfrom the marketplace later andlater and stinking like the bottomof an ale barrel. The more hedrank, the blacker his moodseemed to get, and then beforelong I was back to never knowingwhen he was coming home, orwho he might be when he arrived.“Some men are happy drunks.We've both seen them, laughingand carrying on. Some becomedepressed and snuffle into atankard in the corner. Caerl wasn'teither of these. He would fall inthrough the doors with a shadowin his eyes, and then it wouldstart. It seemed some days, healmost had to search forsomething to get angry about, buthe always found something.Everything was meant as a hurtwhen the mood was on him. If thefire was built too high, I wassquandering his money. If thefood was too simple or the roomsnot spotless I was failing as awife. But it was rare for him toactually hit me, until just lately.”Her hand crept unnoticed to herface and she fingered the bruises,probing the sore flesh absentlyshe spoke.“Always before, even in hisdarkest place he stopped athurling things across the room orkicking over the table. He'd rageand curse at me as I stood in frontof Devin's cot and eventually, itwas like he'd suddenly see me.Maybe he saw how scared I wasor something. But he'd turn andstorm out of the door. He'd beback later, stinking of cheap ginand slurring apologies as hepawed at me in the bed.“And then one time, he did it.He hit me. And it was like, nowhe'd crossed the line and seenthat nothing came from it, hedecided it was okay. He never didit in front of the boy, though. Itwas like he thought beating mewas fine, it was okay. But childrenshouldn't see it. Then tonight, hewoke Devin with all his shoutingand Devin saw him hit me. My boyactually tried to protect meShalin.” Her voice was filled with afierce pride.“What have you done, Miriam?”Shalin asked, as understandingsuddenly dawned on her.“He was going to beat us both.He was taking off his belt!”“What have you done, Miriam?”she repeated in a soft voice.“I went for him with a potladle. It caught him in the face,just here,” she touched hertemple. “He fell hard. And…and,we just left.”“Is he dead?”Miriam gasped. “I don't know,”she admitted as her hand flew toher mouth. “I didn't think to check.Oh, Lords and Ladies! What if I'vekilled him?”Shalin took her by the hands,and looked at her firmly. “Now,listen here. You did what youneeded to do. Nobody in this roomis going to blame you or think lessof you for that. You were keepingyour boy safe, and that's whatcounts. If he's dead, well then hegot what was coming to him. Lessthan I would have given him!” Shestood abruptly and left the room,returning quickly with two glassesand a dark bottle.“Take this, you look like youcould use a good drink,” she said,pressing the brandy into Miriam'shands.Miriam drank the fiery liquiddown without comment and heldher glass out for another. Shalinchuckled and poured, beforeturning back with a serious look.“Have you thought what youmight do?”Miriam shook her head.“I'd have you here, Miriam, youknow that. But you must know it'sgoing to be one of the first placeshe looks, if he comes looking foryou. If he's dead, well then, betteryou were gone from Kavtrincompletely.”“Maybe I should just go to theJustice, Shalin. I mean, if he'sdead?”“Now don't talk stupid, girl!”Shalin snapped. “You've done theright thing. You got yourself out,you looked after your lad. You'vewalked all the way here, and nowyou talk about going to theJustice?”“If he's dead though...” shetrailed off.“What? Because it's the law?”Shalin scoffed. “You know as wellas I do, that people die in this cityevery day. Caerl wasn't rich orimportant, they won't bat an eye.IF he's even dead!” she took adeep drink, and set down herglass again. “Now, before youstarted on that nonsense, I wasabout to ask if you have anywhereyou could go. Somewhere outsideof Kavtrin, until you get on yourfeet? Are you in touch with yourfamily at all?”Miriam shook her head. “No.And it's been too long. I couldn'tjust turn up, not now. To behonest, I don't even know ifthey're still there.”“It's a start, Miriam. Go thereand see. It gets you away fromany... problems here. And it getsyou moving off your behind, girl!”“I don't have any money,Shalin. I hadn't really thought pastmaybe someday getting awayfrom Caerl, and finding a jobsomewhere with just me andDevin. It was all just rainy daydreams, but now...”Shalin took a deep breath,visibly biting back words whichwere too harsh for the moment.“Wait here,” she said tersely andstrode from the room. Miriam satby the fire, listening to the soundsof raucous laughter and merrimentfrom the common room. She wasdimly aware of Shalin's voice inthe hallway. The words wereindistinct, but the tone spokevolumes. A few moments later shestepped back into the kitchen.“I've a few things to organise,but we will sort you out, Miriam.For now, I think you probablyneed a bed. You look like you'reabout to drop off your feet. Whydon't you head up and climb inwith your boy? We'll talk more inthe morning.”


Graham Austin-King began his writing with children's stories to entertain his children when walking them to and from school. When he started getting demands to repeat the same story over and over again he decided to write them down.Liam and the Grump was soon followed by Captain Pegleg and the Greatest Treasure.Fantasy is the genre which has always appealed to him, a result of reading too many books and playing too many roleplaying games and computer games. Having weaned himself on Tolkein he cut his teeth on David Eddings and Raymond E. Feist.Finally the keyboard beckoned, there were worlds to create.Graham lives in Kent in England with his wife and three younger children.

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A Review for Follies Past by Melanie Kerr. a Prequel to Pride and Prejudice.

Debut writer reveals Mr. Darcy’s scandalous past

Picture taken from Aryun Domiel' page
EDMONTON, ALBERTA 200 years after the publication of Pride and Prejudice, Melanie Kerr’s new novel treats readers to the complete and dramatic history of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. The novel is entitled Follies Past: a Prequel to Pride and Prejudice,  and to read it is to step back into the charming world of Jane Austen’s England, to pass a few more hours with some of her beloved characters, sympathetically portrayed as they might have been before ever they came to Netherfield.In Pride and Prejudice, everything hinges on a letter which Mr. Darcy gives Elizabeth - a letter setting forth all his dealings with Mr. Wickham. These facts, supplied by Austen herself, are at the heart of Follies Past. The drama begins almost a year before the opening of Pride and Prejudice itself, at Pemberley, at Christmas. We follow young Georgiana Darcy to London, to Ramsgate and to the brink of a perilous elopement. Along the way, readers will discover a host of new characters, with compelling histories of their own. Authentic in its use of language and meticulously researched, Follies Past is a truly diverting entertainment.Melanie Kerr has not only penned and published Follies Past, she has also scripted, directed and produced three film-style book trailers, for which she personally designed and created all the period costumes. She also planned and executed a highly successful book launch last November at the Hotel Macdonald, featuring live music, dramatic reading and a real live Mr. Darcy. She is currently planning a book tour to promote her novel, while raising her two young sons and carrying on a busy legal practice.Follies Past is her debut novel.
The book is currently available for Kindle at http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00GD76KJY  and in paperback at http://www.createspace.com/4524790Also, see http://twitter.com/folliespast and http://facebook.com/folliespast for updates on the book and posts on interesting historical trivia. The trailers for the book can also be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIn1Mil6l-w4f3pPD9wm6WA.
CONTACT INFORMATION:Contact Person: Tara RoutEmail: contact@folliespast.comphone: (780) 893-8962

Synopsis

"I must now mention a circumstance which I would wish to forget myself, and which no obligation less than the present should induce me to unfold to any human being..."
So begins Mr. Darcy to lay before Elizabeth his faithful narrative of Mr. Wickham's villainy toward his sister, Georgiana. The facts he sets out are brief but potent. They contain a story unto themselves, and that story is the subject of this book.
Taking its facts from Austen’s own words, Follies Past opens almost a year before the opening of Pride and Prejudice itself, at Pemberley, at Christmas. Fourteen-year-old Georgiana has just been taken from school and is preparing to transfer to London in the spring. It follows Georgiana to London, to Ramsgate and into the arms of the charming and infamous Mr. Wickham. 
To read this book is to step back into the charming world of Jane Austen’s England, to pass a few more hours with some of her beloved characters, sympathetically portrayed as they might have been before ever they came to Netherfield, and to discover a host of new characters each with engaging histories of their own. Authentic in its use of language and meticulously researched, it is a truly diverting entertainment.



Author Bio 
Melanie Kerr studied linguistics, English and theatre at the University of British Columbia and law at the University of Alberta. She is a regular attendee at meetings of her local chapter of JASNA, and has numerous times arranged for large groups of Canadians to join her in attendingWhat other reviewers said:When I was asked to review Melanie Kerr’s Follies Past on my blog www.rusticatinginthetropics.com, I agreed readily. The novel is termed a prequel to Pride & Prejudice, and who doesn’t love Pride & Prejudice? I was not to be disappointed.

Melanie’s writing is stylistically on the money. She knows this time period well.

She knows the familiar characters well too. None of the Bennetts make an appearance, but Darcy is present. So are Bingley and Wickham, and very true to how Austen created them. We see the indomitable Lady Catherine de Bourgh and finally find out what is behind her daughter Anne’s silence.

Two subplots give us more information about Caroline Bingley and Georgiana Darcy. The latter introduces a new and charming character who is Georgiana’s dear friend and who plays a big part in averting the scandal that almost overtakes her.

Fans of Austen will delight in this book as much as I did, and even those not familiar with Pride & Prejudice will find a book that stands on its own merits. Francis Thomas. 5 Stars.

I've often wondered how many more variations can possibly be squeezed out of Pride and Prejudice. Follies Past: A prequel to Pride and Prejudice by Melanie Kerr takes up in great detail the events leading up to and surrounding the attempted elopement of Miss Georgiana Darcy and Mr. Wickham.

At first, the story read like another uninspired re-telling of those events but the author deftly introduces several new characters into the mix and the plot picks up both momentum and complexity. This is the story of Lord Ashwell, the elder brother of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Clare Langford, Georgiana's best school friend and daughter of an admiral.

Initially, I assumed this was to be about Miss Caroline Bingley and her efforts to secure Mr. Darcy. The calculating and devious Mr. Wickham also tries to secure Miss Bingley so as to get at her fortune.

Then it shifts to Georgiana Darcy and Mr. Wickham. Paralleling this harrowing encounter with Mrs. Younge encouraging Mr. Wickham, the unlikely romance between Clare and Lord Ashwell takes form.

The author also includes cameo appearances by Lady Catherine DeBourgh, Anne DeBourgh, Louisa Hurst, and others in Jane Austen's original work.

The complex intertwining relationships of the principals and how they inadvertently hinder or intentionally help each other carry the story along with doses of suspense, confusion on the part of many, and a beautiful romance over-arching the entire tale.  Jeffrey from Goodreads 5 Stars.

My 5 Star Review
I received the book from the publisher for an honest review.
Step back into the world of Jane Austen and her brainchild Pride and Prejudice, and discover who the man, Mr. Darcy was and why he captured so many romantic hearts. Ms Kerr did a wonderful work as she brought back many of the original characters within Pride and Prejudice; clarifying some riddles we were left with in Ms. Austen's work. In my opinion this is an extension of that world renown book enjoyed by millions of readers all over the world.  A book I believe will have it's own place within the literature world.She stayed remarkable well within the time period but yet stamped her own signature on this work without loosing it's originality. The characters remained pure to their creator but had a life of their own so that you had a clear picture of Mr. Darcy's past and the mystery surrounding him. A great tribute to Ms Austen's work, if I may say so. 

Cover Reveal: Without you by Kelly Elliot. Learn more about this wife & mother from Texas.

SYNOPSIS:
Alex and Will have spent months keeping their relationship hidden from their families. Getting caught prematurely causes them to admit their love for each other to their parents.
One decision made by Alex's father changes her entire world, shattering her plans for the future. Alex always thought Will was the very air she breathed, but life has a way of causing doubts for the one thing she thought was absolute…their love.
Can Will's promise to Alex be enough for her to hold on to or will she find herself moving down a different path that she never imagined for herself?
Without You is book one in the Love Wanted in Texas series.

Goodreads: 





AUTHOR BIO:
Kelly is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!

She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.

In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.


Stay connected with Kelly Elliott:
Facebook Page: / Twitter: @author_kelly
Website: /  Goodreads: 
Email: authorkellyelliott@gmail.com


PUBLISHED BOOKS BY KELLY ELLIOTT:
THE WANTED SERIES WANTEDSAVEDFAITHFULBELIEVECHERISHEDA FOREVER LOVE
THE BROKEN SERIES BROKEN BROKEN DREAMS
JOURNEY OF LOVE SERIES
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (RELEASING ON 6/24)


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