A.R. Von's Blog, page 41

July 27, 2013

Spotlight/Giveaway with Malia Mallory

His Passion, Her Temptation by Malia Mallory

I'm very excited about my new release, His Passion, Her Temptation, which is the fourth book in the Dominating BDSM Billionaires Series. His Need, Her Desire (Book 1) is currently free at most online retailers. His Desire, Her Surrender (Book 2) hit bestseller lists in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Her Wish, His Command (Book 3) released in June.
*****

His Passion, Her Temptation Blurb Granger Pharma executive Monica Granger is hiding her relationship from her family. She has to. Her lover is the son of her father's biggest business rival. Ben Coron is more than Monica can resist; he's everything she's ever wanted—including dominant in bed.But when Coron Health makes a play for Granger Pharma, Monica's relationship—and her life—blow wide open. She loses her job, and her family rejects her. Someone's stealing Granger's vital trade secrets, and worse, Monica's brother is dodging attempts on his life. Their passion is too strong to keep Monica and Ben apart for long. They must thwart the takeover and heal the rift between their families. If they don't, they'll never trust one another enough to pursue the dominance and submission they both need.***** His Passion, Her Temptation Excerpt "So, do you want to eat now … or later?" Monica's smile turned seductive."Well, I think I might need you first." His hand reached to touch the silkiness of her hair."I agree. Food can wait." Monica pulled his head down and kissed him, greedy to taste his lips.Without breaking the kiss, Ben guided her out of the hallway into the living room.Monica slipped her finger under the edge of his collar. "You know, it doesn't seem fair that you get to call all the shots.""Oh? I call all the shots?" Ben's hands roamed to her rear and squeezed."Yes … you decide when and how …" Monica licked the edge of his lip."One, that isn’t quite true, and two, I haven't heard you complaining." He gave her a playful pinch on the ass."Oh no, I'm not complaining." Her hand moved to the front of his pants, cupping him."Then what?" His hands slid down to the back of her thighs."I thought it might be fun to … try a little something else." She rubbed him through the fabric of his pants."What did you have in mind?" Ben swept his hands up her back and tangled his fingers in her hair.Monica tilted her head back. "Do you recall that night before I left for Hawaii?""I do believe it is burned into my memory.""Sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't be interesting to reverse things." Monica observed his face for a reaction."Reverse things?""Oh yes." Her finger laid a trail down the front of his chest. "You," she poked him gently, "would do as I say.""I see. Are you finding you have a dominant streak?" he teased."I'm not sure, but I have a desire to find out." The thought of taking charge appealed to Monica, not all the time, but perhaps occasionally.Ben smiled. "That sounds … enticing.""I hoped you'd think so." Monica walked around him, patting his ass with her palm."How would you start?""I'd tell you to disrobe for my viewing pleasure." Monica enjoyed looking at the hard planes of Ben's body, so different from her own curves."Shall I?""Oh, yes." Monica crossed the few steps to the seating area and settled herself into an upholstered chair.Ben approached Monica and then turned his back toward her. He loosened his tie and pulled it free, tossing it over his shoulder in Monica's direction before unbuttoning his shirt and letting the fabric fall to the floor. He turned slightly and caught her eye. Monica flushed under his wicked gaze.*****His Passion, Her Temptation is available for preview and purchase at the following online retailers.
Amazon | Amazon UK| Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All Romance | Kobo | Bookstrand

His Need, Her Desire (Book 1) is currently FREE at most retail outlets.

Malia Mallory Biography Malia Mallory lives in Hawaii with her husband and daughter. She's been working with words since alphabet blocks rolled into her crib, not only writing her own work but copy editing and proofreading the work of others. She has loved to read about relationships since she first sneaked off with her mother's Harlequin.Malia Mallory is the best-selling author of The ABCs of Erotica series, which covers the erotic spectrum from BDSM to ménage and everything in between. More releases in the series are on the way. She has also released the Mia's Cop Craving series and Santa's Backdoor Baby. Malia’s books have hit the bestselling erotica lists at both Amazon and iTunes. Her books are available in electronic format at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, Smashwordsand AllRomance Books.For a free copy of B is for Beach from The ABCs of Erotica, head to her website and sign up for the newsletter.
Connect with Malia MalloryTwitter| Facebook | Blog | Web Page | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter

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Published on July 27, 2013 21:00

Review Waking Beauty (Naughty Fairy Tales) by Nikki Prince

"Waking Beauty"

Author: Nikki Prince
Genre: Erotic Romance
Pages: 49
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: April 23, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Aurora Devine's libido has been asleep for over eight years. She's had the curse of not being able to have the big O since running away from her Master, Felipe Santiago Castro. The last time she came at the hand of a man was with Felipe.

She's convinced the only way she can find peace of mind and pleasure is to go to Once Upon a Dream Fantasies. Aurora signs up, asking for everything she's lost eight years before to be fulfilled in a fantasy.

Felipe wants to show Aurora that he's the only fantasy she needs. He'll do anything to have her back in his life as his submissive. He plays along and gives her the fantasy she wants, but in the end hopes she'll realize that her submissiveness calls to his dominance and they're a matched pair.

Be Warned: BDSM, anal sex, wax play, sex toys, voyeurism
My Review:
A short, erotically written and very creative version of sleeping beauty that’ll sure get the readers spicy juices flowing! Any fans of the genre will enjoy reading Waking Beauty.

Aurora needed a cure for an ailment. Well if you want to call it an ailment. She’s not had even one orgasm in over 8 years (imagine that!!) After visiting the doctor and receiving her unusual script for the cure. She follows through with all directions and finds everything but what she expected. Is she dreaming or is this reality? If it’s a dream, it’s one she never wants to wake up from, ever!

I had fun with this book. I honestly was not fond of Felipe for a while there. But I found I warmed up to him after I got to know him a bit better. He sure aimed to please and did so with elegant dominance I’ve never experienced in a story. I look forward to reading more from Nikki Prince in the very near future!

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Published on July 27, 2013 18:48

July 26, 2013

Review Blade Heart by Chris Lange

"Blade Heart"

Author: Chris Lange
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 284
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: June 14, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Because she trusted him the fate of the world is in her hands…

Icon of the United States of America, New York is Cara’s city—until one sunny afternoon when she wakes up in a beautiful meadow. Light clouds float in the blue sky, a mild breeze dances in the branches of a maple tree and the air smells of freshness. But New York has disappeared.

When Cara opens her eyes, she finds a complete stranger standing too close for comfort and he seems to know all about her. If she wants to find her way back home she must stay with him. Obnoxious as he appears, she has to turn to him for protection when confronted with enemies she never knew she had.

These enemies know of an ancient prophecy. They believe Cara is the only one who can change it and they will do anything to stop her.

As Cara tries to outwit and outrun them, her heart starts to beat for the stranger. Only to discover that his heart is dead.
My Review:
I love when you can truly escape into the pages of a book! To this day I’ve been able to do so with each of Chris Lange’s work, no matter how long or how short. So fun, vivid, exciting, mysterious, surprising and always a great HEA! A definite must read for all fans of the genre :)
Cara awakens one day in a strange place. Doing something very…strange and next to a complete stranger. Realizing she’s no longer in New York, stunned she doesn’t know who she is or where. So freaks a bit. Can this mysterious (and very handsome) stranger really help her figure it all out and who is HE?
Death has secrets, a ton of them! He also has never felt even a thread of what he currently feels since he found this lovely woman. He has many questions for her and himself. Can he trust her and who is she really?
I love the fact Chris mentioned one of the stories from a previous favorite of mine (Blind to Men) within the pages of Blade Heart. She also had appearances from my favorite fantastical being ever, dragons!
My only complaint is the ending. It seemed to cut off. Maybe there’s going to be a book 2? I sure hope so! I’d love to see what’s to become of Death and Cara.

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Published on July 26, 2013 21:00

July 25, 2013

D.X. Luc Cover Reveal

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Find D.X. Luc on GOODREADS
Her WEBSITE
Her Amazon PAGE

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Published on July 25, 2013 21:00

July 24, 2013

Review Omega Mine (Alpha and Omega Series #1) by Aline Hunter

"Omega Mine"

Author: Aline Hunter
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 246
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: September 23, 2011
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
A bond forged in blood. Fealty given to the one he desires above all others. Graced with the ability to shift into any form, Diskant Black is the absolute authority when it comes to New York shifters, and as the Omega of the city, his word is law. Protecting the shifter races is more than a job, it's a predisposition ingrained since birth-nothing is more important. Until a chance encounter with a tiny female sets fire to his blood, brings him to his knees and turns his world upside down. Ava Brisbane is more than he bargained for in a mate-beautiful, fragile...human. If he wants to keep her by his side, he'll have to sacrifice a portion of his soul to establish a bond that can never be broken. Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse. Shepherds-hunters of all the shifter races-have arrived in New York. To protect the woman he can't live without, Diskant will have to stand against those who have come to start a war.
My Review:
I love shifters!! This slightly original start to a new series has many things a fan of the genre looks for. It’s sensual, exciting, mysterious and fun. A definite must read for paranormal romance readers!

Ava is an intelligent, beautiful and strong willed female that is on a bit of a mission to get a family heirloom back within the family where it belongs. After her brother decided to pawn it off to someone. She feels it’s a must. (No good brother of hers!) One thing she does not expect to find is an irresistible Omega along her path to get the heirloom. What an Omega he is!

Diskant is the local Omega. He has the skill to shift into various animal forms. A rarity and highly respected position among shifters. He’s on route on day and finds a woman being attacked by vampires. Deciding to save the damsel in distress. He steps up and chases them away. He also finds one person he never thought he’d lay his eyes upon. His mate!

I absolutely LOVED the build and chemistry between these two. I felt it all as if I was one of the characters, right there going through the experience(s) (awesome!) I look forward to much more from this author :)

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Published on July 24, 2013 21:30

Omega Mine Tour

Omega Mine Blurb:
A bond forged in blood. Fealty given to the one he desires above all others.
Graced with the ability to shift into any form, Diskant Black is the absolute authority when it comes to New York shifters, and as the Omega of the city, his word is law. Protecting the shifter races is more than a job, it's a predisposition ingrained since birth--nothing is more important. Until a chance encounter with a tiny female sets fire to his blood, brings him to his knees and turns his world upside down. Ava Brisbane is more than he bargained for in a mate--beautiful, fragile...human. If he wants to keep her by his side, he'll have to sacrifice a portion of his soul to establish a bond that can never be broken.
Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse. Shepherds--hunters of all the shifter races--have arrived in New York. To protect the woman he can't live without, Diskant will have to stand against those who have come to start a war.
buy links:
http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Mine-ebook/dp/B005OYI2IE
http://www.ellorascave.com/omega-mine.html
http://www.ellorascave.com/omega-mine-1.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Omega-Mine-ebook/dp/B005OYI2IE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/omega-mine-aline-hunter/1105947277?ean=9781419934827&itm=1&usri=omega%2Bmine
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-omegamine-605726-140.html

Bio:
Aline Hunter is the alias of multi-published author J.A. Saare, who has written stories featured in horror magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and have been described as "full of sensual promise," "gritty and sexy," and "a breath of fresh air."Currently she is penning multiple projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance categories. You can visit her online at www.alinehunter.com. Those interested in her tamer side can learn more by visiting www.jasaare.com.

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Published on July 24, 2013 21:00

July 23, 2013

#WedBriefs Flash Fiction Lady #10

Hello everyone and welcome to Wednesday Briefs Flash Fiction. As always, I was given many options to inspire this weeks brief. I chose to go with the two photos below and "using a scale in some way". These three options sort of jumped at me and said "PICK ME!! PICK ME!!"...

For those of you that have not read the prior week's portions and would like to. Click HERE to access them all.
I hope you enjoy & thank you for reading!

“Lady #10” by A.R. Von
With the sight before me, I begin to tremble from the pit of my stomach outward.

Four very tall and amazingly magnificent men surround me, wearing nothing on their bodies but leather rings around their very impressive rods. Two of them carry trays with sharp items and colored things I cannot identify. None of them even glance my direction. They stop a few feet away from me. Seeming to wait for some sort of command.

Then the voice, that musical voice speaks again, “You have made your choice my child.”
It’s right next to my ear. So very close that I start and squeak in surprise.
“Now you must know of what you are to sacrifice and then bear the mark of the goddess to seal your word for all time…” She pauses as if waiting for me to speak.
I say the first thing that comes to mind, “Yes my goddess. I am ready to learn my sacrifice and bind my word forever.”

She lets out a sigh in my ear. A happy sigh. Almost as if she expected me to change my mind or protest. “Your sacrifice is most of what you have known throughout this life. You will no longer be a unicorn of full blood. But a half breed, an anomaly. You will no longer know your family or friends. Your past life will exist no more in reality. From here on out, you will live as a human does. Your memories will forever be your own. Unless you wish to share them with he who is half of your soul. You will only be able to visit your loved ones through those memories.”
I listen and wonder what this life will be like.
“You will still carry most magical properties of a full blooded unicorn and be able to shift into the form of a unicorn, but only during a full moon and only if you choose to do so. This is only possible through my magic, my blood and my will. The binding mark you will receive is tainted with the blood of my blood and carries many magical properties you will eventually learn of. Consider it my way of keeping balance. For without balance and too much weight on one side compared to another, the scale will surely be upset.”

I begin to feel her hands on me once again.
She caresses the side of my face and pauses with two fingers on each of my temples. Slowly making small circular motions and humming an enchantment or tune, she alone knows.I will not ask her about the tune. I only want to get back to my destiny and feel his body against mine. Feeling relaxed and drowsy, I feel more hands upon my body.
The four males are cleansing me with clothes saturated in some sweet smelling liquid and one of them walks away.
Then everything goes to black once more…

*****
I am moving, but not. There is motion, but it’s as if someone carries me. I feel as if I am engulfed by the most soothing warmth one could ever experience. I open my eyes and see the sky is a blaze with the light of the rising sun. I lift my head to see why I am moving and see the utmost beautiful sight of my deepest desires.
The perfectly chiseled jaw of my Dezso. He wears a frown upon his brow as if he is most concerned about something or someone.

So, I go with my instincts and raise my hand to rub the frown away.

Dezso gazes into my eyes. His frown lines decreasing and a small smile plays upon his lips.“My lady. You are alright. I thought I’ve lost you forever when I’ve only just found you.
We’re almost to my home now. I will draw you a luxurious bath, get you relaxed and fetch you some clothing and food. I want to know what happened to you, where you disappeared to and who has placed that mark upon your fair breast?”

“Mark?” I look toward my breast and see and intricately designed heart. It’s not only one heart…It’s two. A swirl of an outer heart, then another within and within that heart is an eye. From the knowledge I’ve gained from Dezso’s mind. I would describe it as Egyptian.
Two hearts and an Egyptian eye within them. So many beautiful colors. It shimmers and shines as a water droplet being pierced by the suns brightest rays while showing a full spectrum of colors. It’s beautiful. “Oh by the goddess! It was she that has placed it. She placed a binding mark on me. It binds my word as true and unbreakable, so I may keep this form and be with my souls other half, while helping to keep the peace in our world.” I look into his face to see if I can determine what he is thinking.
He shows no emotion. After a few minutes of movement and silence he says, “We are here. You must tell me what you had to sacrifice to keep this form, my Iria. It eats at me like a disease, knowing you had to give up even a small portion of yourself for anything. Did it hurt you?” He gently sets me on my feet and opens the door to his home.
I see that his home so beautiful and warm just as he is. “No. It did not. I do not remember receiving it. Just the sounds of a beautiful voice and then darkness overcame me.”

He takes my hand, brings it up to his lips and places a kiss upon my palm. All while looking me in the eyes. So much emotion shines through those colorful depths.

I feel each and every one as if they are my own. He cares so deeply for me. The same way as I care for him. This quiets my doubts about whether I made the right decision and I now know more than I ever have…

Come back next week for Lady #11...

(This story continues to be dedicated to my one and only sister, my Pookie. Her love of unicorns from when we were tots is what inspired me to write it. Love you my sissy!)

Be sure to visit the other Wednesday Briefs:
Victoria Adams BL Morticia Andrew Gordon Lily Sawyer Nephylim MA Church Cia Nordwell Julie Lynn Hayes

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Published on July 23, 2013 21:30

The Vikings are back in Week 15/Chapter 15 of Silver and Spice by Maria MacAuley!

Hello friends/followers! Welcome to week 15/chapter 15 of Maria MacAuley's Silver & Spice. There are only two more chapters after this one (pouts) Now we present to you another portion of a very exciting, romantic and all-around great story. We will be posting a chapter for you to enjoy each week until the story's end. We are looking forward to comments, feelings, thoughts, etc. of what you think for each portion posted. So please be sure to leave a comment in the comments section :)

Now I present to you... Silver and Spice!

View Prologue and chapter 1 HERE, chapter 2 HERE, chapter 3 HERE, chapter 4 HERE, chapter 5 HERE, chapter 6 HERE, chapter 7 HERE, chapter 8 HERE, chapter 9 HERE, chapter 10 HERE, chapter 11 HERE, chapter 12 HERE, chapter 13 HERE, chapter 14 HERE

Chapter 15

Conall looked around the chaos of the rath. He and Diarmuid had joined the other men in clearing up. Digging a shallow grave he buried the hounds that had been killed the night before. Tine and Sioc, his two favourite dogs named Fire and Ice, were now lifeless in the ground. It could have been much worse. The larger livestock were on the back pasture where the boys normally played hurling, and were safe. With the exception of a couple of slaughtered chickens and month old lambs there was no other loss of life. Cleaning up the aftermath, Fergus was unusually quiet, but when Conall had questioned him, he merely shrugged and continued filling in the graves of the wolfhounds. The chieftain put it down to anger over the attack, and without any reason, did not question him further. Conall had found it odd that Fergus had been unscathed during the raid, yet Diarmuid had a nasty gash in his arm and Patrick, his son, had been severely beaten. Both would recover, and now was not the time to apportion blame.
******

The rain poured from the skies. All day, all night. All the following day. The wind chopped up the waters, the waves crashing down along the normally serene waters of the fjord. Roisin was anxious lest the time to sail would pass, and another moon and tide would go by before they could leave. She wanted to see her father, to tell him she missed him, but to tell him she was happy. She got up from bed, and went to fetch some water to wash her face and hands. She loved the Norse custom of regular washing, and this would suffice until the evening.Still lying under the furs, Kristr watched her intently as she brushed her hair, the narrow white teeth of the comb moving smoothly through the dark black waves, her fluid expert motions the result of years of practice. Reaching behind, she separated her tresses into three, and started to braid. He sat up and moved behind her, taking the strands and continuing the plait, until the rope of hair ended just above her slender waist. Running his hands softly over her curves, he delighted in the sensuous feeling of her skin, and her sigh of appreciation to his touch, before she stepped away, opening the trunk and pulling out a green linen kirtle, the colour of her eyes.'Will we leave tomorrow?' she asked, hope in her voice, as she dressed, carefully pinning the brooches of her apron dress into place, looking down, making sure they were straight. He smiled inwardly at her Nordic dress, and how beautiful she looked, clothed or not.'It is unlikely, Sweetling. If the rain ceases today, then we may sail before the waning moon.' His voice was gruff, more so than was necessary. He was avoiding starting the journey, and he knew it. Johan had assured him that Conall did not have the silver, but holding Roisin to her word that she would return with him after all that they had shared would be so difficult. Tethering her and bringing her North once was unfair on an innocent party, to do it again would result in her hatred. He no longer cared about his honour as a trader and merchant. His honour as a man should be greater, and he would try to explain that to his father.'All this rain reminds me of home,' she sighed. 'It can be tiresome, but without it, we do not have our fine green land.'He could not disagree with her. The lands of Ulster, known in Gaelic as Uladh, were varied with their undulating gentle green slopes, majestic valleys, and purple heather topped hills, the coastline craggy and wild, the grey mists that blew in from the sea. On a rare clear day the lands of Albion could be seen to the East, to the west, it was ocean for days, weeks and months. It reminded him of home. He could make it his home.The other provinces were so different. Connacht was barren and craggy, stark in its beauty. Few men had sailed there. Leinster was green and lush, the place where Dubh Linn was founded. Munster to very far south was rocky yet green, warm yet wet, an otherworldly place with high mountains and high tides, hardly accessible without crossing the rough boggy land of the centre of the island. For such a small place, the changes in landscape were extreme; no wonder the Irish never gave up belief in the fairy-folk, or the Sidhe, as they were called in Gaelic.
*****

Stepping out of the dim light of the hall, they were greeted by a wide glorious rainbow, the sun was struggling to come out from behind the clouds, leaving the magical colours of the arch in the sky. Marthe came slowly towards them, picking her way daintily along the mucky path. Roisin laughed in amusement, slow and dainty were not words usually associated with Kristr's tall lively sister.'Hej! Kristr und Roisin!' She sidestepped a brown pool of water, nearly landing in another one. 'The weather has changed, and I have to go to the woods to see what new plants the earth god Jord has left for me with the gift of his rain!' Obviously being confined to the hall for three days did not suit Marthe's personality and she was keen to be outside again.'Marthe, I would love to go to the woods with you, but maybe we can wait another day for the earth to dry out a bit. I'm sure the gifts from nature will still be there tomorrow.' Roisin hoped that the gentle refusal would be understood. 'Perhaps instead you can show me some of your runes?' Ever since she had seen the angular shape on Kristr's breast, she had been fascinated by the symbols, so unlike the fluid letters of her own language. She had copied the rune as carefully as she could for her embroidery, but would need Marthe's assistance to know that it was right. Also, the day spent around the hall would give her a chance to pack her newly acquired belongings for the trip; her precious rose oil, needles and hair comb, as well as preparation of the food and ale for the crew.Marthe seemed to be glad of any activity, and her noisy exuberant approval would waken the dead. She hugged Roisin, 'What a magnificent idea! I shall make sure Ciara joins us too!' She danced off, only managing to avoid half the puddles as she went in search of Ciara and Erik, not aware of Roisin's giggles.'Your sister's attitude to life would bring a smile to the face of even the most sour old crone.' Roisin, squeezed Kristr's hand. 'I think her smile might be one of her most potent potions in her store of healing skills.'Kristr followed his sister's movements until she had made it back to the hall, her calls for Ciara cutting through the quiet morning. 'Ja,' he grinned. ' I love her dearly, but I pity the poor man who takes her as a wife.' He did not believe that at all. His sister was coming of age, and there would be no shortage of suitors for the lively, intelligent, kindhearted Jarl's daughter. It would be a fortunate man who succeeded in wooing Marthe as well as her father, mother and brothers.The following day was a perfect Spring day. The sea was calm, there was only a few wispy clouds in the sky and there was even a bit of warmth in the sun as it stretched its rays over the fjord. The torrential rain of the previous days was forgotten in the bright light of the morning. Shortly after the dagmal, Marthe, Ciara and Roisin left for the woods, with instructions from Kristr to keep to the path, and to be aware of boars. He had tucked her new sharpened dagger in its sheath, and fastened it on to her girdle. Marthe brought her basket to gather fresh herbs for her healing potions, and Ciara was keen to find some cloudberries; she had never tasted them before and Erik spoke longingly of the first tart fruits of Spring. Roisin packed her sewing into a little satchel. She could find a dry spot to sit and finish her embroidery whilst the other two foraged for their ingredients.As they walked along, listening to Marthe and her stories, songs and mimickry of her menfolk, Roisin felt that if she was not training to be a healer, she would be known throughout the fjords as a skald and entertainer.Marthe's mischievous side was not far under her skin. 'Tell me, Sisters,' she swung her basket casually from arm to arm, 'what is it like being with a man?' Roisin blushed crimson and Ciara giggled in amusement.'We cannot talk about such things, Marthe,' Roisin chided. She did not want to start talking of Kristr and their bed play. Her mind drifted to Kristr’s naked form, his body muscular from years of sailing and farming. She broke out of her reverie when Marthe's voice rang in her ears.'But I am still virgin, and how will I know what is love?' Marthe pouted. 'I know nothing of the ways of the world, and now that I have found women for my brothers, I want to know what to expect! I'm not a child, and as my sisters you should tell me what I am to expect!' She threw her arms in the air in mock despair, her basket almost launched through the air. 'By the time I meet a suitable mate, Erik, Kristr and my father will have scared him so much, I shall be a maiden forever, with grey hair and stooped over a walking staff!'Ciara put her arms around Marthe, 'Sister,' she said, proud of Marthe's acceptance of her, 'all I can tell you is that you will know when it is the right man for you.' Ciara knew that better than most. 'It will be most pleasurable to share yourself with a man you love, and who loves you.'Marthe did not appear to be satisfied with the response, and continued her interrogation. 'But how can something that causes pain give pleasure?' Roisin blushed further, thinking of her recent evening spent wriggling on Kristr's lap, her audacious lust as she initiated further play. 'Why do your cheeks pinken so, Roisin?' queried Marthe. 'I thought there was only pain the first night.' Roisin opened her mouth and closed it again, the words would not form.Finally she managed to compose herself and sputtered, 'It only hurts for a short time, but after that, it is pleasant.' For reassurance, she looked to Ciara, who nodded in agreement.'Do not think your blushes will save you from further questions, Sisters!' Marthe laughed at the modesty of the pair, even after nearly a full moon on the steading with the Halsrason family. Shyness with nudity and flesh must be a Irish or a Christian custom. She would leave it for now.They spent most of the day in and around the edges of the woods, Ciara and Marthe were busy digging roots and cutting plants. Roisin found a log, the space left by the fallen tree affording plenty of light to work on her sewing. She was so proud of her embroidery creation, a Norse pattern sewn with her new silver Norse needles. As the sun started to move down in the sky, she squinted at the light, and called to the others. 'Perhaps we should think about heading to the steading now.''But it will not be dark for ages yet,' Marthe was engrossed in carefully lifting a piece of lichen off a rock, 'and I have so many more places to look.''All the same, I think we should turn back. The light still fades fast in Spring here. We can come out tomorrow, if Kristr and I have not sailed.' Marthe scrunched her nose in disapproval but shrugged in acceptance. She called to Ciara and they picked up their baskets to head towards the steading, excitedly talking about what each had achieved that day.'Oh no!' Roisin stopped in her tracks. 'My needles!' She had to go back for them, they were a precious gift from Gertrude. 'You two go on, I shall catch up with you before you know it.' She turned around and hastened back to her sewing spot, and the log on which she had sat. She picked up the little leather cylinder of needles, and prepared to fasten them to her brooch with their silver chain.She thought the shadow of the sun was falling quickly over the trees, and she made her way back to the path, when the shadows moved and the long light caught the quivering leaves. That was peculiar. She started to walk briskly, then, her imagination getting the better of her, she started to run, when she tripped over a tree root. Wincing, as she got up, she realised she must have strained her ankle. Marthe would be able to help her when she got back to the hall. Unless it was a boar, she should be able to fend off a smaller animal like a fox. Perhaps it was just a rat. She pulled out her shiny sharpened dagger for protection, the metal just catching the last rays of light. She scolded herself for letting the long shadows of the afternoon sun scare her.That was until the shadow cast over her body. She turned around and lunged, hearing a man's voice howl in pain and outrage. 'Bitch!' The language was Irish. Another shadow came from the opposite direction and pushed her to the ground, one knee on her back, the other crushing upon her dagger arm, forcing her to release her weapon. She screamed as loudly as she could, but choked as the knee pressed harder on her back, pushing the air from her lungs. 'Hold her there, Lorcan. She shall not cause me further damage.' She tried to scream again. She knew that voice. He came closer to her, squatting on the ground as she lay prone before him. 'I see your lover has been teaching you well. He held up his arm, the gash evident on it, blood congealing in a sticky mass around the lurid saffron coloured fibres of the sleeve. You will pay for this.' His breath was rancid, and she resisted the urge to vomit. He ran a leather thong through his fingers, but rather than reaching for her hands, he pulled on her hair, binding the leather tightly halfway down the length of the braid before pulling out his own knife. 'Shall we leave your lover a present?' He spat the words at her, spittle flying onto her cheek.She heard the rasping sound of the knife, and her eyes filled with tears of rage as he waved three hand lengths of braid in front of her. 'He will kill you for this insult!'Throwing the plait on top of her satchel, he issued another order. 'Lorcan, silence her and get her onto the boat.' Roisin felt a slap to the back of her head, felt dizzy and then felt nothing.
****
Ciara and Marthe were nearly back at the outbuildings of Halsrafjord when they met Kristr and Erik coming towards them. Kristr's eyes narrowed. 'Where is Roisin?''She forgot her needles when we were at the edge of the woods, and she went back to retrieve them,' Ciara confirmed. 'She said she would catch up with us.' Frowning, she realised that Roisin should have caught up with them long before now, but herself and Marthe had been so involved in their chatter that they had not noticed.Kristr took off running in the direction of the woods, shouting for Roisin, and followed closely by Erik. With each stride he became more and more panicked. What if she had fallen? Was she injured?When he came upon the scene in the clearing he howled in rage. In a heartbeat he was stabbed with guilt. Now he knew exactly how Conall of Dun na Shee must have felt when he found the ransom note stabbed through the tree. Kristr fell to his knees as he saw the satchel, the dagger with blood on it, and the length of her beautiful hair, so carefully plaited by him that morning.His heart tightened and his stomach lurched. This was not the work of Roisin's menfolk taking her back by stealth. MacRonan had been here. He stared at the disturbed earth, evidence of a struggle. Horror was replaced by anger, and fear of what had become of her. Erik caught up to his brother, and roared in outrage at the small pile of Roisin's belongings before them.
****

Roisin tried to shake herself awake. She realised that she must be on a boat, the undulating movements were of the sea, not land. Boats did not normally make her feel so ill; and her head was throbbing. She heard men’s voices but they were speaking in Gaelic, not Norse. She tried to open her eyes, but something was stopping her. She reached to her head and felt a rough piece of material. Tugging furiously at the blindfold, she screamed for Kristr , but was rewarded with a foul-smelling hand clamped over her mouth, and the horrifying familiar voice. 'Your precious Viking is not here!' Another dirty pair of hands pressed a wine skin to her lips, but when she tried to turn away, the sticky sweet liquid poured down her throat. She choked, swallowed, and all was dark again.

Be sure to come back next week for chapter 16!

Thank you to:Copyright http://batmantoo.deviantart.com/E. Paterson for the Viking painting and the Viking hall

Bio
Maria MacAuley is from Derry, Ireland and has a degree in Celtic Languages. She is married to the love of her life, and they live in relative peace with two cats.

She has a secret wish that her husband will investigate his Nordic family tree further and whisk her off on a longboat to Hammerfest to view the Northern Lights.

If Maria were to choose her favorite tense, it should be the subjunctive, and is always keen to discuss same over a pint of Guinness.
email: banbha@hotmail.com

~*"No portion of this story may be copied or shared without the direct permission of the author."*~

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Published on July 23, 2013 21:00

July 22, 2013

Interview, spotlight AND giveaway with M.A. Abraham

(Be sure to scroll to bottom after getting to know M.A. and enter the giveaway! Also be sure to join in on the fun at her Facebook event HERE! Even more AWESOME prizes to be won!! Good luck)

A.R. Hello M.A. thank you for visiting my blog and dealing with my randomness. I’m beyond happy to have you hear my friend! Now let the silliness commence! Oh and the questions J(only comment here if you’d like to).Honored to be here, thank you for asking… and yes, I can do silly.

A.R. Can you fake any accents?I was told I sometimes sound like I come from Northern London (and no, I don’t know if that is good or bad)
A.R. Do you prefer card games or board games?Depends on the game :D
A.R. Do you do dance crazy when no one is looking?Does Snoopy dances count? Never mind, I do that when people are looking too.
A.R. If you throw a Blue stone into the blue sea what it will become?A blue stone in a blue sea.
A.R. What mythical creature would you want to be?Right about now Elves sound like a good bet. They live for thousands of years and don’t have to make excuses for the mischief they get into. A.R. My favorite unusual food combination is:Dill pickle chips and cherry coke?
A.R. Of all of the Gilligan's Island characters, I am most like (and tell us why):There are times I can be like several of them… the professor, always looking for answers… Gilligan, I can be comical as well as a ditz if I am too far into a storyline and not watching what is going on around me. The skipper, because ditzs frustrate me.
A.R. What is your favorite holiday (if you celebrate)?Christmas… love the lights and the music.
A.R. What is something you cannot live without?Can it be more than one? Sunshine and sleep… if only one, humor.
A.R. Do you have nicknames?A few… rolling eyes… The Godmother… Mistress of Ambush… The Auntie
A.R. Pen or pencil?Pen… pencil rubs on on other paper and the side of my hand.
A.R. Do you have any pets?One Snoop cat (Seal Point Siamese )
A.R. Do you have a favorite character from any of your works? Why? Depends on what I am writing. Favorite all the time as in one of? No.
A.R. Do you have any projects in the works right now? Can you tell us about them?I have several on the go. I am working on Return of the Legend, book 5 of the Elven Chronicles… Embracing the Light… which is another Elven Christmas story… and I am reworking Theory in Depth and My Darling, Janice.
Which one would you like to know about? Would you like an excerpt? I need to know these things.

Life Mate to a King (book 4 of the Elven Chronicles)

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Published on July 22, 2013 21:30

Review Life Mate to a King (Elven Chronicles #4) By M.A. Abraham

"Life Mate to a King"

Author: M.A. Abraham
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 310
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: July 24, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Garoldth is a warrior King or great stature, and he can have no vulnerability. With that in mind he has lived his life. Marriage is for convenience, to make sure he will have sons to follow in his footsteps. He has twelve sons, and all are warriors of great power. He rules his family as he does his people in this he must be firm. He loves his people, loves his family, but still he is alone. All of his life he has known nothing but war and strife. He is King Garoldth and he rules the lands beyond the portal.

Five hundred years before the wars across the boundary are brought to an end Tári meets an Elf who she recognized is her Life Mate. She knows their time is not now, for she has the sight. The call of the bond that declares them one, however, would not be denied. Despite knowing their love was not meant to be in this time they act on it, after, she disappears into the shielding rock caves of her land, refusing to speak the words they must to complete their bond. One hundred years later they meet again, and again the call of their souls to unite is too powerful to resist and they spend their time together in love. This time he can offer his love nothing, caught in an alliance not of his choosing. He is joined with another, one he does not love or want. To offer to take the one he does love to his world would be a great dishonor to her, as well as dangerous.

As Garoldth stands beside his piers on the day peace is brought to his land he sees a movement in the forest beyond. Is it his love, his Life Mate? Has she has come to him again? He is sure of it. He is quick to give chase, but she has disappeared once more. This time he will not be denied. He will seek her to the end of the world. This time he is free to offer her everything, body, soul, heart, mind. They can be one. She will be his Queen, and he will have no other. He will never be forced to live without his love again. This time he can offer her a safe haven, his home and his arms.
My Review:
Once again I got lost within the story of M.A. Abrahams elves. I love the chemistry of the each pair of life mates, all of the characters antics, their “there’s nothing to it but to do it” attitudes and the all-around family feel that vibes off of the pages. Anyone that enjoys a fun, exciting and unpredictable fantastical escape will enjoy this addition to the Elven Chronicles.
There is so much going on in Life Mate to a King. We get to see how the elves from the previous stories are currently doing (let me just say, WOW!). It was great to see Gabriel again (I have a major crush on him). We are introduced to many new characters and a different type of elf ‘branch’. The war has finally settled down and it’s now possible for all of the elven folk to live happily and rebuild. We all know how life can be no matter what type of being we are. Just when everything seems as it should be. WHAM! But these elves are very resilient. The kings, generals and all of the followers make an excellent team. Once again they work together to make things right and save their lands and people. Oh and the very best part of all is how many life mates find one another. It made me giddy!
I know there is going to be more. That ending… Well I can’t tell you anything about it or I’ll ruin it for you. I’ll just say please get to writing the next one M.A. :)

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Published on July 22, 2013 21:00

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