A.R. Von's Blog, page 42

Review Vengeful Shadows by Bronwyn Green

"Vengeful Shadows"
Author: Bronwyn Green
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Pages: 219
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: May 1, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
I’ll be watching…

Tessa Maycroft is being stalked. Unsettling notes and “gifts” addressed to her are arriving at her workplace. Worse, she can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched, and Zander York, the guy next door, the friend she lusts after but can never have, is on the cop’s suspect list.

Think of me…

Tessa finds it hard to think of anything else—unless she’s near Zander. And she’s sure he’s not the stalker. When Zander comes to her for help with a work issue that will put them in close proximity, she’s got more to worry about than creepy notes. Zander just might get inside the shell she’s kept around herself for so long.

I’ll take yours away…

Amid mounting secrets, new fears arise as Tessa worries for their hearts and Zander’s life. One misstep and their future might end before either is willing to say goodbye.
My Review:
Awesome! Vengeful Shadows is exciting, mysterious, sexy, touching, fun and addictive. A definite must read for any fans of the genre or anyone looking for an all-around great read that will not let you go until the very end (maybe not even then!)

Tessa has a very haunted past. One not many know about. She continues to try and move forward. Leave her past behind her, but it’s hard when she gets constant reminders and new threats! Afraid to ever love or truly trust another again is what stops her from pursuing a man that melts her insides without even a touch. Can she conquer her fears and give him a chance?

Zander is a smart, successful and great looking man that has a different type of troubled past. I think he is the perfect cure for Tessa and she is the perfect cure for him!

I’m a huge fan of Bronwyn’s work. She continues to write stories that keep me wedged in their pages with the characters and story line. I look forward to what she brings us next!



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Review Vampire Thirst (Dragon Heat #2) by Ella J. Phoenix

"Vampire Thirst"
Author: Ella J. Phoenix
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 263
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: June 25, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Sometimes life takes you down a completely different path from the one you had originally planned.

After successfully rescuing the daughter of a draconian senator and other innocent women from a vampire psychopath, Sam and fellow warriors, Zoricah and Yara, have to trade sunny New York for gloomy London. Time is running out on their unfinished mission. More innocent people will die if they don’t catch the person behind the attacks in New York. But something is making Sam lose control of her powers. Something or someone. Ever since her first - and quite heated - encounter with Hikuro, her energies had gone haywire. The vampire king’s second in command affected her in a way no one had ever before. Her torment, however, is bound to get worse, with Hikuro’s unexpected arrival in London.

Ever since she set foot on vampire territory, Sam had turned Hikuro’s carefully controlled life upside down. He doesn’t trust her, but some strange force pulled him toward her; an inexplicable attraction that defies centuries of training. But if Hikuro is to keep his king safe, he must keep a close eye on Sam, even if he loses his sanity and his heart in the process.
My Review:

This is the second book of the Dragon Heat series and my favorite so far. Love the way the author continued right off from where book one left off and added some extra twists and spice. Awesome! Any fan of the genre will fully enjoy Vampires Thirst!

Sam has a past she can’t much remember. When investigating some leads brings her to a place that sparks some of her past. Well let’s just say she’s one hot mess!Hikuro was raised a warrior with great strength and determination. For many years he has been tested and always won. But now he finds himself unable to resist. See, he’s rather weak with it comes to only one thing. Make that one person, Sam.

Love these two together and I’m happy with the way Sam, Hikuro and Zoricah and Tardieh relationships are progressing. I cannot wait for book 3 and what else is to come! I strongly recommend reading book one of the series before cracking open this bad boy. There’s some awesome history you DO NOT want to miss out on with the characters :)



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Review Hateful Burden Carrier Trilogy) by Natalie Gibson

"Hateful Burden"
Author: Natalie Gibson
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Pages: 218
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: August 11, 2012
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Hateful Burden is a gaslight-era paranormal horror novel as well as a psychological thriller where friends and foes are not always what they seem. In this dark urban fantasy, paranormal powers are bred and collected.

Lady Ramillia Winmoore, daughter of the Earl of Brooksberry, has suffered from gaps in her memory her entire life. But this darkness is a blessing. Whenever she feels threatened, it takes over and protects her from feeling pain or even the slightest bit of discomfort. That is until the day she awakens strapped to an examining table at the West Freeman Asylum for Lunatics.

Imprisoned for the gruesome murder of her parents, Ramillia learns she has lost ten months to the darkness. Forced to endure years of tortuous treatments in a grimy, hidden cell, salvation arrives in the form of a benefactor named Sir Julian Lawerence. Betrothed to her through an arranged marriage, he helps her gain freedom.

But appearances are deceiving and soon Ramillia learns the cost she must pay. The horrors she encounters in his household are far worse than the asylum when he inducts her into a society of blood-thirsty, cruel immortals. Soon she is forced to join them and accept their way of life.

Now Ramillia must break free of a prison she cannot see, kill an enemy that cannot die, and find a daughter that she cannot remember—all with the help of an ally she does not know. Who is Sally and can she be trusted? Is this mysterious and frightening woman trying to save her or is she planning on saving Ramillia for herself?
My Review:
This is my first time reading any of Natalie Gibson’s work. WHAT HAVE I BEEN MISSING!!?? I fully enjoyed Hateful Burden. Found it very hard to put down actually. It’s very well written, engaging, realistic, thrilling and intense. Anyone that enjoys a spooky, mysterious, exciting and slightly erotic read will definitely enjoy their time spent within this story’s pages!

Ramillia is a very young woman. A very unusual young woman with secrets even she is not privy to. Having spent much time being treated for mental illness after her family’s murder. Mistreated, abused, lost and confused a majority of the time she is in the facility. All turns around for her when she is found by her betrothed. A different light, a brighter one. Now it just needs to be seen if it’s too good to be true or truly meant to be…

I’m super psyched for the next of the series. I love the way it ended. Leaving you wanting and very curious. Bring on the next in the trilogy, please :)



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The poll is up! Vote A.R. Von's Street Team name

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Hello everyone! I've collected all of the listed possible names for the A.R. Von Street Team off of my Facebook page (there are a lot of great ones so be sure to go through the whole list). Whichever name gets the most votes becomes the street team name AND the person that created the name gets his/her name as a character in one of the next of the Wunder series. Now let's see who wins and what the Street team name will be. VOTE TODAY!!! 
If by chance there is a tie within this poll. Another poll will be made and run for 3 days.  The winner by the end of the 3 day run will be IT :)

(VOTING ENDS ON WEDNESDAY JULY 31, 2013)

Vote for A.R. Von's street team name..."The Wunder Squad""Ava's Wunder-ful Zombie Team""The Wunderers""AR Von's Dragons street team""Ava's Zombies and Dragons..."Wunder Team ZombiesZombie Slayer's Wunder TeamAR Von's Wunderful ZombiesThe "Wundering Dead"AR Von's Dragons Full of Awesome"AR's Wunder Gals""AR's Wunder Women""The Zombie Hood"Von Awesome"Radioactive apocolypsians""Wunder's Warriors"Radioactive hottiesThe Wunder ZoneThe Zombie Zone"AR's Wunder's"AR's Street TeamVon's Wunderer'sARVon's Apocalyptic AvengersRIP (Resilient Infected Police)Wunder DragonsDragons WunderA.R. Von's wunderous fawnsWunder's Dream TeamWUNDER WOMENAva's Advance ForceWunder VonWunder the zombie slayerZombie bustersThe wunder deadWunder angelsZombattack!Ava's AngelsAva's Wunder WomenAva's WunderlandAva's Freaks of NatureWunderfully Sexy TeamRadioactive WundersAr wunderful zombie patrolWunder Von Troop (or Troupe)Ava's (or AR Von's) Fantasy FactionThe A.R.V's - Ava's Royal VixensAR Von Dream LandWunders FuryWunders EliteNeon Wunder WasteAR Von's Wunder, Hopes and Dreams...The Wunder Pact TeamThe Zombie pact TeamParanormal Zombie Pact TeamWunder LeagueDragon Lovers UnitedWe are AR Von's Wicked DragonsAva's Zombie Horde (our battle cry could be "For the hordeAva's (or A.R. Von's) Dragon LegionAR-Von's Street SquadThe Von Wunder Book BunchDragon's Kiss SquadThe Von DragonsDragonesqueAvatars (pronounced Ava-tars)AR Von's Fierce Street Team A.R. Von Steel Dragon*Ava’s Zombie Minions *AR Von's Little Dragon'sAR Von's RIP TEAM (Resilient Infected Police) TeamWunder BitchesVonWundersAva-atersWunder warriors!wundervon...(miracle of)Wunder of A.R.V's TeamThe Wundering DeadVon's Wundering Deadwww.poll-maker.com

Christmas in July Hop

In order for readers to take part, they must leave their comment and email address.  Two winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than July 29, 2013.
1st Grand Prize: (1) $100 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Grand Prize: (1) $25 Amazon Gift Card


Be sure to scroll down to enter to win a Wunder prize pack, see about your chance to win the GRAND PRIZE and to check out the other blogs. Get to hopping!

Blurb:
A World of Turmoil and Yearning

Wunder may have a normal life now…well, as normal as a freak of nature could have. Half zombie while her job is to hunt bloodthirsty creatures to protect the innocent. It’s the dreams that haunt her and they aren’t nightmares. Wunder dreams of a man, a man made just for her. Is he real, can he be the one she‘s yearned for?

Pete’s world is a lonely one as he wrestles with the reality of being part zombie. His hatred for the creatures that killed his parents drives him to patrol the streets and wipe them all out. His life would be stark, but for the dreams he’s been having; of a woman, so sensuous, so sexy. These alluring visions have become erotic and consuming. He feels as if he made her up to keep from going crazy. Is this life of hunting the walking dead, all there is? Or is she out there, waiting…just for him?

Find Wunder (0.5 DreamZ), Wunder (# 1 The Approach) and soon to be released Wunder (#2 Reunion) on Goodreads HERE

View the trailer to get a peek at Pete in my eyes ;)





Here's a HOT excerpt from Wunder (0.5 Dreamz):
Why? Why the torture? Each and every single night since I became a woman I awaken sweating, panting, hot and bothered from the pure sexual torture. Many times with my hand rubbing my most intimate place. A dream, so many dreams. Each one is different, but all contain the same faceless dark haired stranger.

“UGH!”

The only things I know for sure is he is tall, has raven black hair, the same color as mine, but much shorter. He has the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. Glowing eyes that seem to be able to see into my soul. My heart’s deepest desires and he always grants them to me without pause. It was strange at first, seeing him and yet not. Not being able to make out his facial features, except for his eyes. I got used to it throughout the years, I guess. One thing I DO know, is the way he makes me feel, always!

So much passion, heat and desire. He makes me feel beautiful, irreplaceable and wanted in a way, I imagine, every woman wants to feel.

Frustration at its finest. This latest dream seemed more realistic than all of the others. I still feel the ripples on my skin from his touch; the most intimate touch I’ve ever experienced, the only touch from a male I’ve had in such a manner. The goose bumps are just starting to go away. His caress is always so sensual and arousing. My mouth is still dry from all of the panting I’ve done, my panties are drenched and my heart is still pounding.

No words could ever describe my desire to meet this man of my dreams. That is—if he truly does exist. I’m going to be 25 years old and have zero sexual experience. I’d give anything to feel even a portion of what I’ve felt during these amazingly satisfying yet torturous dreams. Anything!

When I finally do get out of bed and stroll towards the bathroom, the floors feel extra cold on my overheated feet. “Definitely starting off with a cold shower.” I turn on the water full blast cold, toss my sleep shirt and panties in the hamper and brace for the shock of cold water against my flesh. “ACK!” Holy crap does it sting. But hey, it works. My body no longer feels the intense heat of arousal, just the residual tingles left after the orgasm, still lingering along my body. I fully submerge after adding some hot water to the mix, when I hear banging on the bathroom door. I jump slightly and slip a bit, almost landing flat on my ass. Luckily, I have fast reflexes and right myself quickly.

“Wunder? WUNDER?? Are you all right in there?” My dad is a real worry-wart when it comes to me. The best dad ever!

“Yea dad. Water was cold. That’s it. I’m fine.”

“Alright hun. I’m making coffee now”

“Ok, dad. I’ll be out in a few,” I answer him with now chattering teeth. I’ve only added a touch of hot water and need to add more, so I can get washed up and get out. It’s just that my body is super sensitive after these dreams.
EVERYTHING feels more intense. But the shock of cold water is the only thing which seems to help tone down my racing hormones and heated flesh to at least some semblance of order, so I can function properly and keep my next pair of panties dry, for now.

Also available Wunder (#1 The Approach):


Add Wunder (0.5 Dreamz) to your Goodreads "Want to read shelf" HEREAdd Wunder (#1 The Approach) to your Goodreads "Want to read shelf" HEREYou can get your copy almost everywhere ebooks are sold!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hot Summer Romance Hop

Be sure to scroll down to enter to win a Wunder prize pack, see about your chance to win the GRAND PRIZE and to check out the other blogs. Get to hopping!

Blurb:
A World of Turmoil and Yearning

Wunder may have a normal life now…well, as normal as a freak of nature could have. Half zombie while her job is to hunt bloodthirsty creatures to protect the innocent. It’s the dreams that haunt her and they aren’t nightmares. Wunder dreams of a man, a man made just for her. Is he real, can he be the one she‘s yearned for?

Pete’s world is a lonely one as he wrestles with the reality of being part zombie. His hatred for the creatures that killed his parents drives him to patrol the streets and wipe them all out. His life would be stark, but for the dreams he’s been having; of a woman, so sensuous, so sexy. These alluring visions have become erotic and consuming. He feels as if he made her up to keep from going crazy. Is this life of hunting the walking dead, all there is? Or is she out there, waiting…just for him?

Find Wunder (0.5 DreamZ), Wunder (# 1 The Approach) and soon to be released Wunder (#2 Reunion) on Goodreads HERE
View the trailer to get a peek at Pete in my eyes ;)





Here's a HOT excerpt:
Why? Why the torture? Each and every single night since I became a woman I awaken sweating, panting, hot and bothered from the pure sexual torture. Many times with my hand rubbing my most intimate place. A dream, so many dreams. Each one is different, but all contain the same faceless dark haired stranger.

“UGH!”

The only things I know for sure is he is tall, has raven black hair, the same color as mine, but much shorter. He has the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. Glowing eyes that seem to be able to see into my soul. My heart’s deepest desires and he always grants them to me without pause. It was strange at first, seeing him and yet not. Not being able to make out his facial features, except for his eyes. I got used to it throughout the years, I guess. One thing I DO know, is the way he makes me feel, always!

So much passion, heat and desire. He makes me feel beautiful, irreplaceable and wanted in a way, I imagine, every woman wants to feel.

Frustration at its finest. This latest dream seemed more realistic than all of the others. I still feel the ripples on my skin from his touch; the most intimate touch I’ve ever experienced, the only touch from a male I’ve had in such a manner. The goose bumps are just starting to go away. His caress is always so sensual and arousing. My mouth is still dry from all of the panting I’ve done, my panties are drenched and my heart is still pounding.

No words could ever describe my desire to meet this man of my dreams. That is—if he truly does exist. I’m going to be 25 years old and have zero sexual experience. I’d give anything to feel even a portion of what I’ve felt during these amazingly satisfying yet torturous dreams. Anything!

When I finally do get out of bed and stroll towards the bathroom, the floors feel extra cold on my overheated feet. “Definitely starting off with a cold shower.” I turn on the water full blast cold, toss my sleep shirt and panties in the hamper and brace for the shock of cold water against my flesh. “ACK!” Holy crap does it sting. But hey, it works. My body no longer feels the intense heat of arousal, just the residual tingles left after the orgasm, still lingering along my body. I fully submerge after adding some hot water to the mix, when I hear banging on the bathroom door. I jump slightly and slip a bit, almost landing flat on my ass. Luckily, I have fast reflexes and right myself quickly.

“Wunder? WUNDER?? Are you all right in there?” My dad is a real worry-wart when it comes to me. The best dad ever!

“Yea dad. Water was cold. That’s it. I’m fine.”

“Alright hun. I’m making coffee now”

“Ok, dad. I’ll be out in a few,” I answer him with now chattering teeth. I’ve only added a touch of hot water and need to add more, so I can get washed up and get out. It’s just that my body is super sensitive after these dreams.
EVERYTHING feels more intense. But the shock of cold water is the only thing which seems to help tone down my racing hormones and heated flesh to at least some semblance of order, so I can function properly and keep my next pair of panties dry, for now.

Also available Wunder (#1 The Approach):













Add Wunder (0.5 Dreamz) to your Goodreads "Want to read shelf" HEREAdd Wunder (#1 The Approach) to your Goodreads "Want to read shelf" HEREYou can get your copy almost everywhere ebooks are sold!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Prizes - We have two grand prizes. #1 is a Kindle Fire. #2 is a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate. Be sure to leave a comment with your email to be entered to win one of the GRAND prizes!

#WedBriefs Flash Fiction Lady #9

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. They were the only two that grabbed at 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 #9” by A.R. Von
I’m unsure how long I was being fed images but the sun is now setting. Its beautiful colors reflect off the waters and sparkle on Tethys’ jewelry making it all look alive. It’s absolutely breathtaking. This creature, queen, goddess is so very differently beautiful.

I know I don’t have much time to ponder my choices. I know what is right, this choice I should make. What my heart and soul tells me to do, screams for me to do. I really don’t need time to make my choice. I have seen the proof of happiness that can be. I feel even now that which blooms between Dezso and myself without having experienced all of him. We will be even happier, have children and live as one.

I focus my thoughts with hopes Dezso can hear me as I answer Tethys, “I have decided. But I must know what it is I am to sacrifice. The decision I have made will not change. But I need to know, to prepare myself and my future love for what is to come and have the knowledge so if arrangements or other changes need to be made they can be done properly. Please?”

Just as the last syllable leaves my lips I hear Dezso whispering frantically, “No no, no…My lady, please do not sacrifice anything that is you, please my love? There has to be another way…”

He looks as if he’s hurting. Fighting a battle within himself. I almost feel his pain. I just want him. I want to live the wondrous life Tethys has shown me. I want to experience love, sex, emotions the wonders only humans experience and family. All with my desire…my Dezso.

“ENOUGH! You will give me your answer now, so I may go on with my next service to the goddess. Now!”

I look at Dezso once more I am held prisoner by his gaze. His eyes hold a fire that I want to help keep burning. I do not want to hurt him. I want to give him pleasure and peace. With that last thought I let him hear my answer. “Please Dezso. Support me in my decision. You’ve not seen the possibilities, the hatred, the death and destruction. Let me love you and let me help to mold a bright future for us together forever. I have chosen you. No matter the sacrifice.”

Dezso takes a deep breath of resignation and nods. Never taking his eyes away from me, nor I from him. I speak to Tethys, “I choose to love. What must I give in return to the goddess?”

Tethys smiles and briefly closes her eyes, looking as if she’s absorbing my words or feelings then lightly touches my snout and speak in Latin. I’ve never spoken it before, yet I understand most of what she is saying. I believe the spell Dezso cast earlier has passed on his knowledge of the language to me and I am thankful for the understanding.

She looks up to the sky while still holding my snout and says, “Victoria concordia crescit, vinculum iuris.”—Victory through harmony the chain of law.
The sky suddenly lets loose with a roar of thunder and a flash of lightning, causing my heart to beat even quicker. I do not understand the next words she speaks. It sounds like a different language. She takes a pause to breathe deep and looks me in the eyes and says, “Venistire mane bisdonec denuo completus sis”—from whence you came, you shall remain, until you are complete again.

I am suddenly pulled from beneath her palms and raised up above the water as if someone is carrying me. Then, I quickly fall into the water which is alight with all colors of the spectrum. I’m pulled down to depths I did not believe existed here. Deeper and deeper. The light gets brighter. I must close my eyes for it hurts so badly. This light. It’s almost like the strongest fires beyond ones imagination. It burns me to my deepest depths and twists my insides to a point I can no longer draw breath. This is death. I am dying.

The pain decreases and the light dims. I find myself chained as if a prisoner against a rough rock wall. Cuffed at wrist and ankle. I am now in human form once again. My wish has been granted!


I look upon my limbs and wiggle the digits only to feel as if I am being watched very closely. I glance around but only see a few inches in front of my face. Nothing beyond that…I tug on the bindings to see if I could get loose. They will not budge. Remembering I have a voice now and knowledge of language I call out, “Hello? I know you are there. Please tell me why I am held like a prisoner? Did I do wrong? Is this my sacrifice?”


I feel a breeze against my face but still see nothing beyond sand, rocks and some algae. Ghostly fingers press beneath my chin and lift, so I am looking straight ahead. I see a faint outline of a woman. She has very bright eyes the color of the sun. Golden, orange, so very bright and vivid. The colors seem to swirl, move around and change slightly in brightness. A hand skims the right side of my face.With a melodic voice, a woman speaks to me, “No my child you have done no wrong. I apologize for this but I feel it is best this way to apply your binding mark. It is most painful and I do not wish you to injure yourself.”

Then suddenly, her hands and eyes are gone and I miss the soothing, calming touch they gave to me. I’m afraid. So very afraid…




Come back next week for Lady #9...



(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:
Nephylim  MA Church  Cia Nordwell    Andrew Gordon Lily Sawyer    Victoria Adams Tali SpencerJulie Lynn Hayes  

The Vikings are back in Week 14/Chapter 14 of Silver and Spice by Maria MacAuley!

Hello friends/followers! Welcome to week 14/chapter 14 of  Maria MacAuley's Silver & Spice. 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
Roisin waited for the tides to turn.  Kristr had promised that he would take her on a voyage to see her father, on the condition that she did returned with him again.   She could not bring herself to ask him about the silver again. It was obvious that Halsrafjord was wealthy, and that any ransom paid would not increase the coffers greatly. Just as Ciara and Patrick had been pawns in a marriage transaction, she had been used as a pawn in an unfair trade exchange. She wished that her father could procure the silver; she could imagine it was a dowry and she could stay with Kristr of her own free will. Perhaps when she returned to Donegal, Kristr would give her that choice. He had assured her, that when the ransom was paid, she would be free to make whatever choice she wanted. She would choose him.In the meantime, she had settled into a routine on the farmstead. Roisin loved to weave, and to sew, and was happy to spend time mending the garments of her temporary companions, and preparing patterned cloth on the broadloom. It felt good to be useful and to share her skills.  She liked to take a little extra care over Kristr's clothing. She had been spending part of each day carefully embroidering the rune from his tattoo into a new fine grey tunic. She had not yet shown him her work as she wanted to have it completed before they left for Donegal, and she was sure he would appreciate the gesture. Roisin missed her small bone needles at first, but when Gertrude had presented her with a little cylinder containing needles made of silver, she was delighted. She was proud to have her small sewing pouch hanging from her apron brooch, like a true Viking woman.  Only Gertrude had keys of the hall, the privilege of the Jarl’s wife.Teaching Gertrude and the other women the different ways of weaving, how to make small intricate patterns in the fabric, gave Roisin a sense of pride and belonging. To share her skills with others was a rewarding experience, as she had done on Dun na shee. Her finely woven cloth had been part of the income for the clan when Conall or Patrick went trading. She still missed her father and brother, and was sure Ciara did too. Ciara. To see her friend so happy, so content made her wonder if this had been part of the Lord's plan for her. Ciara was born to live here, in the fjords. Her height aside, she would pass easily for a Norsewoman, with her blond hair, blue eyes and steadfast approach to life. If she and Patrick had married, it would have extinguished the life spark from them both. To find happiness, Roisin would never have believed that the modest quiet Ciara would have become the concubine to a Jarl's son.  But she also would never have believed she would become a hostage, a captive who did not want to leave her captor. Ciara, as Erik's concubine, now had status on the steading. She did not dress as a married woman, and still wore her hair unbound, like a Norse maiden, with the exception of a small kerchief covering the crown of her head, held in place by her silver circlet.  Its symbolism identified her as Erik's woman, in every way but in marriage vows.
******
Under Marthe's tutelage, her Norse was improving, with more new words creeping in every day. Each day it sounded a little less strange, and she started to worry that she would forget her mother tongue, especially where there was no word in Irish for the Norse item. Maria's infectious good nature and humour continued to keep her spirits up, and she knew she would miss Maria when she returned to her training as a healer, further down the coast.On Dun na Shee, Roisin had avoided the cooking pots at all costs, preferring to scrub clothes or even milk cows than be involved in the preparation of the meals. Here, she was still mindful of her status as a hostage, albeit one who was fairly content, and she was keen not to cause any offence to the people who had treated her so kindly. MacRonan as her husband would hardly have fed or cared for her so well. Having spent so little time at the hearth, she was surprised to realise that she enjoyed it, especially since the spring weather was pushing out new leaves and shoots to enjoy. She wondered if she would be here for harvest time, around the time of Lunasa and the eighth moon.Seeing the first early blossoms of hawthorn, breaking though the warming clear spring sunshine reminded her of Donegal, and of the upcoming festival of Bealtine. On Dun na Shee they would have cut hawthorn blossom and decorated the house, the tiny white flowers a symbol of new life after the long winter. Although frowned upon by the Church, there was a certain tolerance for some of the ancient rituals, as reflected in the Celtic Cross used by her people. By blending the old worship of the sun and the new worship of Christ, helped the Irish to accept the new faith. She and Ciara would have washed their faces in the first dew of Bealtaine, said to have magical properties to add to a maiden's complexion. It obviously worked on Ciara, her inner and outer beauty shining through as brightly as a summer sun.Darkness was falling later and later this far north, and evenings were spent in the hall, listening to skalds weave their stories; the sagas were fascinating and the skill of the storyteller had her every bit as enthralled as the rest of the assembly. She did not need Kristr to translate so much, but she loved having him so close as he whispered the words in her ear. Having him so close, only made her think of having him under the furs, and she often settled herself on his lap, wiggling her bottom and innocently teasing him. He obviously agreed with her sentiments, because on more than one occasion they left the hall for some cool night air, and to allow Roisin to admire the magical green and purple lights that lit up the sky on occasion. Nobody was fooled at the antics of the young lovers.The tales were different to those of home. She loved the Mythological Cycle, fables of the Tuatha de Danaan, royal fairy folk who inhabited Ireland before her Celtic ancestors, who, despite the best intentions of the church were still believed to live in the woods, streams and mountains.She missed the sorrowful tale of the Children of Lir, Fionnuala and her three brothers, Conn, Aed and Fiachra, who were transformed into swans by their jealous stepmother. They spent four hundred years under the curse until they were freed from the spell by a hermit who followed the new faith, and its message of love and forgiveness.She wished she were a seanchai, the Irish equivalent to the skald, so that she could do justice to the epic Tain Bo Cualinge, The Cattle Raid of Cooley. The hero Cuchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, singlehandedly fought and won against Queen Maeve of Connacht, only to lose his own life in the process.
****
Kristr continued to set aside part of the day so that they could practice with the dagger. She was becoming much better and agile in her actions, as her confidence grew. He still despaired that she had no training in knife play as a young girl, but each training session generally ended with him overpowering her in mock play and a tender kiss on the lips. However, he knew it was time to take her to get the blade sharpened when their mock struggle did not end in a kiss, but in a deft move from Roisin when she spun around behind him and smacked him on his backside with the flat of the blade.His initial reaction of shock was replaced by mirth when he was faced with a view of a smirking Roisin, delighting in her victory. Giving a long low growl, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. Grinning in delight as she feigned a protest, he  mjgave her a light smack on her own delectable rump and immediately wished he hadn't as he practically ran back to their hall, Roisin laughing as she bounced on his shoulder, her braid nearly touching the ground as it swung below her.Entering the hall, and striding down to the chamber, Kristr laughed in glee as Roisin pummelled his back, 'Put me down, Kristr! What will people think if they see you carrying me like a sack of turnips!' He grunted as he threw her down on the bed furs.'Irish wench!' She rolled her eyes as he wrestled her onto his lap as she tried to squirm out of his grasp, but the enjoyment of having her laugh and wriggle as her skirts hitched up below him was becoming too much to bear. 'Did you think you could best me in knife play?''Viking maurader!' She finally allowed herself to be subdued on his lap. Her kicking legs were trapped between his and her hands were pinioned behind her back. She could feel his erection firm and proud below her, his free hand caressing her bare flesh under her bunched kirtle. She groaned softly in anticipation, as he continued to circle over her soft tender skin.'How shall I punish you, wench? I remember a very cross little piglet on our journey here. She rolled her eyes at me, and I remember telling her that I should put her over my knee.' He smacked her lightly, and she gave a low moan. 'Do you remember?' Another caress, another playful smack, a further caress moving from her sweet rounded bottom to between her slightly parted thighs.'Aye, I remember' she moaned, the heat growing within her, warmth sweetness preparing to welcome him. 'And I also remember a demanding Viking beserker calling me a sea cow as well as a piglet!' She knew exactly what her audacious retort would bring.As he looked at her delicately pinked cheeks of her behind, he noticed the colour reflected on her sweet face and pouty lips.  She desired him as much as he did her. 'I think you have learned your lessons for today, sweetling,' he whispered, as he lifted her up to sit on his lap, freeing her wrists from his gentle grip. 'We have a long journey that will start soon, and you will need your rest.''Ah, but have we finished?' Roisin interjected, as she pressed her palm against his groin, the outline of his desire easily in view. Listening to his quiet hiss of pleasure, she knew she was learning to handle more than one dagger. She wanted another night of love play, of memories stored for her future, where ever it may be.
****
The sun was barely breaking over the grey horizon when the three boats glided into the hidden cove on the north side of the lough. They followed the flickering light of a single flame, guiding them to their harbour. The cloaked figure extinguished the hog-fat candle, its acrid smoke filling the cool air.  “It has been some time MacRonan.”  The cloaked figure spoke. “I thought you would have had more sense than to lose your betrothed to a Viking.” MacRonan shrugged. “I underestimated Halsrason.”The other figure removed his cowl.  “You are more of a fool than I thought.  I went to great trouble convincing Conall to give his daughter to you, and this is how you repay me?”“Fergus, when I finally claim Roisin, and I will claim her,” MacRonan continued, “You can have your reward.”  He waved his hand dismissively.  “This land does not inspire me. You can take it.”“I have spent all my life here, I think it is only right that I should claim it.  Breda should have been mine.  Her father’s lands should have been mine.  Dun na shee is the next best thing.”  Fergus turned on his heel.  “The hounds have had their throats cut.  The gates have been unlocked.  I hope that you do not –sabotage- this opportunity.”  With that, he disappeared.  Silently the crews departed the ships, and crept through the still dark woods, fanning out as they came to the rath.  MacRonan sneered in the shadows. This was too easy. It was easy to find Irish mercenaries from Munster. It was easy to sail down the lough under darkness without being sighted.  And to arrive at Dun na Shee with the help of one of Conall’s own men was the easiest thing of all.He signalled to Lorcan, his longest serving warrior and highest paid gallowglass. With a war cry Lorcan and his men descended on the rath in a flurry of arrows, as MacRonan strode confidently behind them.Through the wooden spiked gates, now ablaze, the people of Dun na Shee were in a state of disarray, the women fleeing to the centre roundhouse, with the infants and children, the men seeking their arms and drawing their blades. The clanging of steel rent through the once silent dawn morning.Conall came storming through the hall, swinging his sword at any man who dared to come near him. MacRonan, you whoreson! He pointed his blade. 'You cause me to lose my daughter by your underhandedness and you now come to ransack my rath!'Looking over MacRonan's shoulder Conall dropped his sword to his side. MacRonan held his ground. 'Aha, you must love your children more than your land. Fool. He is not even your own flesh and blood, 'tis obvious to all,' he hissed, watching Conall's face as Lorcan threw a young man to the ground. His hands were bound and his face was bloody. Pulling Patrick by his hair, raising his head, he held his dagger to Patrick's neck, the blade pressing against his smooth olive skin.Call off your men, Steele, and I might have mine show some mercy. If not. He pressed the knife further against Patrick's throat, a tiny trickle of blood in a rivulet forming below the blade. 'Or I shall show none.'Conall had no option but to capitulate. He did not care if he died, but to allow MacRonan's men to take the lives of those around him would be a mortal sin. 'I will not sacrifice the life of my son to you. You have had my daughter taken from me, and for that I hope you burn in the fires of Hell.'Every man, woman and child in the rath was rounded up and counted. MacRonan had his men search every hut and dwelling, taking each piece of silver they could find. Coin, goblet, jewellery, hacksilver, it didn't matter. Even the small silver crucifix that belonged to Breda, Conall's wife.'Let us see if you can gather enough silver to rescue your daughter now.' MacRonan gave a hollow laugh as he crushed the precious pieces together, 'consider this as Saxon wergild for breach of contract.'Turning to the now smouldering entrance, he yelled to his man. 'Lorcan! Summon your men. Burn their boats before you go.' Without looking behind, he shouted to the shaken group, 'Come after us and I shall decimate your people, Steele. You have been lucky this day, tomorrow you may not.'The three boats left as silently as they came, and headed further north.



Be sure to come back next week for chapter 14!

Thank you to:
copyright unknownswilly (unknownswilly.wordpress.com)copyright Pat McCandless (www.buncranacameraclub.com)E. Paterson for the Viking painting






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."*~

Review Blind Attraction (Reckless Beat #1) by Eden Summers

"Blind Attraction"
Author: Eden Summers
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Pages: 210
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: May 28, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
.He can seduce with a single glance.

Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes the opportunity to be her savior.

She’s been sheltered from the world.

Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.

Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear them apart.

He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the challenge.

My Review:
I love it when a book is so easy to read and review. So well put together with no bumps in the pages. Blind Attraction is one of them, hands down! This is my first time reading Eden’s work (yea, I’m kicking myself in the…) and it’s definitely not my last! I love her voice and feel any fans of the genre will love getting lost within this story’s pages.

Mitch is a rock star. Rich famous, great looking and can have any chick he wants. He’s tired of all of the floozies, groupies and easy meaningless sex. When he lays his eyes on Alana, he knew from the very first glance he has to have her. Even just a little taste.
Alana has led a VERY sheltered life up to this point. Living very differently compared to her friends and many others. Home schooled and held up in a shelter her mother ran made for extreme lack of social activity. Finally getting out in the world, even just for a concert, is what leads her to meet a man that brings forth some exciting and intense feelings. Feelings she’s never felt before…

Love the way these two characters come together and I hope Eden plans to give us more of them in the very near future. I NEED it! An excellent start to a series and I’m sure any other reader will be left itching for more. I know I am! 



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Review Revelations by Julie Lynn Hayes

"Revelations"
Author: Julie Lynn Hayes
Genre: M/M Romance
Pages: 275
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: February 6, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Judas has never been very popular, not in any incarnation that he and Jesus and the others have lived through. But he doesn't care about that. All he cares about is following the instructions of God as set forth in the script that they follow. And Jesus. For Judas has secretly loved the son of God for over two thousand years.

But now he decides that enough is enough, and he's tired of watching Jesus die far too early, and for what? This time Judas is determined to see that Jesus lives a long and happy life, no matter what price he has to pay to accomplish it...no matter if he has to make a deal with the devil himself.

Revelations is a story of what could be, told by those who play it out, time after time after time, unbeknownst to the rest of mankind. They've come back again, for yet another round. But this time is going to be different.
My Review:
Revelations is a very different type of read for me. Not just in the category of M/M, but the entire story line. You would not think the contents that are within are actually what’s there with the story subject. Some might find it insulting or possible offensive. But what readers need to remember is this is fiction, an author’s thoughts and imagination running wild & free! I found it to be a very entertaining read packed with humor, some mystery and…revelations. Many fans of the genre will enjoy this original story by Julie Lynn Hayes.

I love Judas. I also feel very bad for him. He and many others have lived many lives and some (like Judas) has a negative reputation. All he wants to do is love and be loved. Especially by one male in particular. But is it meant to be? Will his past life prevent future happiness? Will his peers not let go and allow him to move forward? You’re going to have to read to find out!

This was my second time reading anything from this author and will not be my last! She is a very talented writer and I look forward to more of her work :)



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