A.R. Von's Blog, page 47

Review Pursuit by Jim Murdoch

"Pursuit" Author: Jim MurdochGenre: FantasyPages: 236Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.Published: May 7, 2013Author's Website
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: Do dragons exist? Do our dreams become part of our reality? Einarr, a young warrior, follows a riddle from his father to find the treasure of his life. Gaby, a little girl and passionate reader, makes an amazing discovery within the pages of an antique book. Pat climbs a mountain to escape overwhelming changes in his life and his sick pregnant wife.Set in three different time periods, we accompany the protagonists and their individual stories through the challenges and discoveries that change their lives forever. Although separated by time, their adventures and encounters are intricately intertwined across the years. What all of the characters in this book have in common may change your life forever. The mystery, adventure and discoveries in Pursuit will have you claim your very own destiny.
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The legends of Mount Pilatus mentioned in this book were taken from the Pilatus official website and other sources. Believe them or not. It is the authors conviction that such legends and myths have originated with some story or other. Do dragon’s exist. Let the reader decide.
My Review: A little bit of a slow start, which I understand because the author was easing us in to the story line and giving us many facts and details that all were needed to truly understand the story. All in all quite an enjoyable read once it got going. One any fan of the genre will enjoy spending their time escaping with :)
There are a variety of things going on within this story with four different characters that intermingle with the one main focus which is an amazing book that hold the secrets to finding hidden treasure along with its protector whom is an amazing and magical dragon. Each individual is on pursuit to gain which they seek must solve mysteries, riddles and take a grand adventure to accomplish it all.
I really enjoy how descriptive Jim Murdoch is. Being a HUGE dragon lover myself. I was able to go on an adventurous ride on a magical dragon back and land home safely and with some great memories. 


Overall Rating 3.5

Wednesday Briefs: Lady #4 by A.R. Von

Hello everyone and welcome to Wednesday Briefs Flash Fiction. I was given many options to inspire a Brief for this week. But I chose to go with the one photo below for this week along with using a storm in some way . I hope you enjoy the forth addition to "LADY" and I would LOVE to hear your thoughts :)
For those of you that have not read the prior week's portions and would like to. Click HERE for part 1 of Lady,  HERE for part 2 & HERE for part 3



     I’m unsure how to greet this dark soul that claims he is death. I sense his power. It crawls on my skin like a thousand insects and constricts me tight as a snake holding its prey. I do my best not to show it to him. My mind wanders to the unicorn. Is it far enough to be safe from this evil one’s dark presence?
     I quickly school my face to hide my anger. “Unicorn? Ha! They are myths, stories used for children’s dream fodder, nothing more. Now a horse, there are plenty of them roaming these lands for you choose from. Next, you’ll tell me the most regal of beasts known as dragons, exist in more than the tales that are told.”
     “Do not mock me, light barer!” His face is turning a horrid shade of red. Almost on the verge of purple, making his darkness pulse towards me in fierce waves of hatred and mistrust.
     “I know one was here. I sense it. A female. One of the rarest and purest of their kind. I’ve searched far and wide, many years for one such as she. I saw her here through the glass. Now tell me. Where has she gone? Do not try and hide her from me. I will have death storm down on you, and then you’ll be nothing but an empty flask. A husk of dried flesh that none will be able to identify!”
     I am not easily intimidated. I am now feeling the heat of adrenaline starting from my gut and flowing out through my fingers and toes. I quickly think through a series of spells my mother taught me throughout the years. Anything I can use to protect the unicorn from this evil curd’s touch.
     Thinking quickly, I simply state, “If it’s what you believe. That’s your choice. I’ve never seen such a creature. No need for empty threats or any threats for that matter. Go on with your search. Peace and light be with you.”
     “Ack! Such nonsense you speak. May the darkness overcome your soul and consume you for all time, you light worshiping fool!”
     Finally remembering the spell of change as Than continues to rant on, I send my magic toward the direction of the unicorn. Hoping it has not gotten too far for my power to reach and I picture the first thought that comes to my mind, the woman in my dreams. 
     So perfect and pale, such beauty and grace—a sensual goddess.
     One, that I yearn to have as mine and I focus now solely on the change. I’m not sure how much time passes by when my power suddenly snaps back into me. I grind my teeth to keep from grunting with the impact. Surprised Than has not sensed my power on the move. I’m also very pleased that he’s so consumed with his search not to realize what I’ve done.
     “Mmm...”
     Both myself and Than turn toward the feminine sound. 
     I feel my eyes widen in surprise but I quickly conceal it. It worked! From what I am able to see of her, I see only her face and the pale upper flesh of her breasts. 
     The woman from my dreams kneels, nude within the heather, looking disoriented. Her hair is a tangled mess and she does not seem to be able rise and stand solidly. Gravity currently appears to be her enemy. 
     Observing her, I feel as if I’m floating. Light and filled with air as one of my uncle’s magic bubbles when it floats up toward the sun. Higher and higher, drifting into bliss and I find myself smiling.
She glances up at me and her mouth forms an ‘O’ of surprise. Her breathing becomes slightly erratic. It looks as if she’s unable to catch a proper breath.
     I find myself moving toward her as if being pulled by some unknown force. Completely captivated by the sight before me and unable to resist. We each only have eyes for each other. I feel everything else around us disappear. It’s now just her and I, caught in a spell woven of lust and intense longing. An annoying buzzing sound pulls me from the spell.
     “I said who is this woman?”
     I take pause, having forgotten he was still here. Then, deciding to remove my shirt to place on her shoulders. I do not want him to see her. Her beauty and goods are for my eyes only. No others. Once again, thinking swiftly I turn toward Than and state, “This is Lady. We were playing a little game as we always do when alone. Then, you came along and interrupted us. Rudely, I might add.”
     Than lets out a frustrated sigh. “You’re up to something light bearer. But I have no time for games. I must find what I’m looking for. I WILL be watching you. “His eyes quickly move from me to Lady. Then, he vanishes into shadow and whisks away like the wind. 
     Thank goodness he is gone. I turn my attention back to my dream splendor and help her get to her feet. 
     She is very unsteady, but is now on her feet. She has a very strong hold on my forearm, almost painful and she’s still looking into my eyes as if she’ll find something she’s missing.
     I find myself smiling once again at her.
     She is now looking at my lips and trying to smile as well. Her lips form more of a reaction to someone that has just suctioned a lemon.
     Instinctively, I release a chuckle. I cannot help it. The innocence and pureness of it warms me deep. Makes me happy in a way I’ve never felt before, almost content. “Lady, my Lady.”I pull her close and hug her to me. 
     She does not resist me. Rather, she melts into me as if she desires to become one.


To be continued...
(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:
BL Morticia  Lily Sawyer      Cia Nordwell      MA Church   Victoria Adams       Elyzabeth VaLey      J.A. Harmon  Andrew Gordon  Julie Lynn Hayes

The Vikings are back in Week 9/Chapter 9 of Silver and Spice by Maria MacAuley!

Hello friends/followers! Welcome to week 9/chapter 9 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
Ireland,  24 years ago
A year had passed since Peter MacRonan saw Aisling leave in the Viking's arms. He howled with rage when news arrived from a messenger in Dubh Linn that she had borne Kerik Halsrason a healthy red-headed son.  The dairy maid who was sharing his bed scrambled away in fear; she had felt the weight of his fist before today, and now that she was new with child she feared the master even more.  Peter’s own undersized black haired boy froze in fear when he heard his father's bellow, summoning him to the chamber.  As the boy tiptoed into the room he cried in pain as Peter pounced and gripped him by the shoulders.  He shook Sean violently and he yelled into the lad's pale face, his breath causing the boy to retch.“Your mother did not love you! She hated the sight of you because you are short and feeble, not broadchested like me!”  Sean’s feet were barely touching the ground, his father had such a hold on his frail undernourished body. “She ran away with a Norseman!  Now she has the red-blooded, strong son she always wanted.” He shook him again and Sean whimpered in pain and fear. Any memories of his mother were of a kind woman, sharing a slice of sweet apple bread,  her soothing voice lulling him to sleep in her warm arms.  Peter continued his tirade, killing any remaining good thoughts Sean had of Aisling.  “She lied to you, to us!” “I will seek revenge on her, her Viking lover and her bastard child. As my only true son and heir, 'twill be your revenge too, do you understand me?” The child nodded, too frightened to wipe the spittle from his father's rage off his face. His father released his grasp, and the boy slid to the floor and curled into a ball, crying for a mother who he believed did not love him. “Do not mourn her! She does not mourn you!” Peter stormed out of the room, kicking up withered rushes and dried clay from the floor.  Servants and animals alike scattered out of his path, his loud cursing and insults ringing in Sean’s ears.
Halsrafjord, present timeRoisin never had believed that a kiss could feel like this. Before Kristr came into her life, a kiss was on the cheek, a goodnight wish for a peaceful slumber. This was not the pure gesture of love and reassurance from a father to his only daughter, nor the gentle goodnight peck from one sister to another.  This was the kiss of longing, of lust, of love.  For a few moments in time, Roisin believed that there was nothing else in the world that mattered. His mouth covered hers, exploring her sweet innocent pout, gently nipping at her lips. The wanting, needing, the desire in his embrace overwhelming her rational thought as she parted her lips, his tongue invading her mouth and dancing with hers as she returned the emotion he shared with her. She moaned softly as his palm moved over her shoulders, down to her breast, whilst the other cupped and stroked her behind. Her eyes flew open, bringing her back to Halsrafjord and reality.“Kristr, stop.” She went to push him away, even more confused, as she wanted him closer. Her brain was addled. 'I... I cannot.'  She was not sure what ‘cannot’ fully meant in her own mind, but she knew there was more than a kiss at stake.This was the man who abducted her from her home, but who saved her from a marriage to a slimy toad. The man who had bound her as his captive, but now treated her like a princess. The man whose actions, with his fair haired brother, had resulted in her sister’s genuine happiness. The man who admitted he wanted her but did not force her onto his furs. The man who made her aware that there was more to the world than the sheltered world of the rath.But he was also the man who believed her value was in six pounds of silver.His hands moved to the tree trunk, bracing his body away from hers, only their foreheads touching. His breathing shallow and harsh, “Roisin, we are not doing anything wrong.”  “It is wrong because... I... I am still your captive.” Her eyes fixed on the ground, as she circled the toe of her shoe in the moist dark soil. He might have dressed up her stay here as one of a guest, and she had started to believe it, as she felt herself increasingly attracted to Kristr. “When my ransom of silver is paid you have given your word to  release me, and... and I will go back to my father. Your plan will have been complete and I...” She could not give her thoughts any voice. She had dreaded the thought of marrying Sean MacRonan, of saying farewell Ciara, of leaving her home.  Now she was an ocean away from Donegal, and whilst a future without Kristr would seem empty, she would be heartbroken if she never saw her father or brother again.Kristr turned away, running his hands through his hair. “Roisin.” He understood her predicament as he also was tormented by his own feelings. Her name was a prayer on his lips, an offering to Freja, goddess of love. Developing more than an attraction for the delicate Irish maiden was not part of his plan, but he was falling in love with this woman.The woman whom he had abducted to avenge the crimes of his enemy.  The woman who did not try to save her own skin when she saw her sister unconscious and helpless in Erik’s arms. The woman who sparred insults with him, unafraid of his temper. The woman who held her head high as a queen when Alfhilde dressed her as a thrall. The woman who cuddled into him as she listened to the skald, entranced by his words, gradually trusting him.The woman who ruined his plans. The woman whose value was priceless, any ransom was a drop in the ocean of her true worth.  The woman for whom he would give up all the gold and silver in the world.“Come, Sweetling.” He offered her his hand. What could he say or do now? He would not take her against her will, despite the fact that he wanted nothing more than to lay with her to claim her as his own.  The short charm of the kiss may have been broken, but the gently growing trust remained intact, and he was grateful to Odin for that small mercy.  He offered his hand, and she accepted the gesture without a word.  The walk back towards the settlement would be a quiet one. Their silent journey was interrupted when they were greeted by a now familiar squeal. “Hej! Kristir eda Roisin!”   Marthe bounded up towards them, eyeing them quizzically before grinning in amusement as she noticed their hand holding, and Roisin's pink lips, still swollen and reddened from their embrace.  She spoke in Norse, her only language. “What have I missed?”“Marthe!” Kristr muttered in exasperation. What was it that his family could not have the common sense and manners to ignore his blundering attempts at a romance? Just this morning Erik had shouted down the hall, startling Roisin.  Now it was his interfering matchmaking sister.  He turned to Roisin, who was blushing furiously, trying to squirm her hand out of his firm grasp. There was no need to translate Marthe's smirk or question.“Sister, what ails you this day?  Surely you do not have idle hands?”  Marthe snorted at his comments.  She had more important things to worry about. And that included finding suitable mates for her brothers.Marthe waved her willow basket at her brother and explained her planned activities for the rest of the day. She was training to be a healer and part of her skill was an ability to prepare effective salves and elixirs.  Some ingredients were brought back by her brother on his long sea journeys, but other medicinal healing plants grew on their own land. Different botanicals were harvested at different times of the year, and Spring came late this far north.  Bringing Roisin with her would be a good opportunity to both teach her some more words and to see how her actions betrayed her feelings to Kristr. Marthe was no fool, and having spent the previous four summers seeking a wife for her brothers, Erik especially, she needed to confirm if Roisin could be the one for Kristr. She twirled her basket and gave Roisin the Norse word.  “Bingr.” Roisin repeated the word, and Marthe beamed and crooked her arm, indicating that they should link together. “Anlegg.” She pointed to the woods, and took Roisin's arm, linking together.“She wants to take you to the woods to look for plants that help in her healing potions,” Kristr explained, as Roisin gave him a perplexed look, “and she wants to teach you more words. But she promises not to suffocate you with her enthusiasm.”Roisin paused, an earlier memory flashing through her mind.  Conall had always warned of boars in the woods, and it was in the forest at Dun-na-Shee that Kristr had taken her from her home. “Will we be safe there?”Guilt coursed through him.  He had not thought of her terror of the previous week.  “I shall tell Marthe to stay out of the woods until you have a chaperone; in the meantime she should be able to find her plants upon the open ground.”  He knew that Marthe would have her dagger to defend herself but Roisin would not.  He would teach her how to protect herself, at least enough to make an escape.He waved them off, happy to see Roisin turn around and gave him a shy reassuring smile. He watched as Marthe led Roisin in a girlish skip, her black braid bouncing with the motion. Another long hard day was now ahead of him, as he went in the direction of the untilled fields. He needed to speak with his father.“Aha, Kristr-sonr! You have decided to join us in some honest work on the land!” Kerik shouted to his second born.“No, Fadir,” Erik yelled, “he has just smelled the fresh ale that my beloved has brought.” He waved to Ciara as she walked back towards  the steading, and  still yelling, 'Thank you Sweetling! Save me a space on your trencher for the natmal.”“Sonr, I do not think any man on the steading would dare to even look at your Ciara at the evening meal. The doe eyes you make at each other make your intentions clear.” Kerik had given his permission for Erik to take Ciara as his concubine, but not as his wife. Not until the terms of the ransom had been met.  As a concubine or mistress, she would have some status on the steading, but not as high as that of a wife.  Until Kerik either died or passed the title of Jarl to Erik, Gertrude would remain the head woman on Halsrafjord.Kristr sat down beside his father and brother. He picked up an axe and idly started swinging the blade toward the chopping block, pulling the tool back out with a slight tug. The only sound from the trio was the thud of the strike and the squeak of retreat, increasing in sound as the blade cut deeper into the wood fibres. When he finished his cup of ale, Erik picked up an empty leather bucket, and took his leave to fetch water and ease thirst of the plough-oxen.“I have to take her home, Fadir.”“Yester-eve, you said were falling in love with her. I do not believe you to be so fickle.” Kerik knew his son well, and tolerating plans that went awry were not in Kristr's nature.“I know. But she has a pure heart. I have treated her as if she were a game piece in tafl. I believe she shares my feelings but her circumstances of her arrival here are still raw.” Kristr knew the reddened marks caused by binding her had faded, but her hurt at his taking her from her father was as fresh as an open wound.  Guest status or not, Roisin did not deserve what life had thrown at her.“Mayhap, but you have saved her from a marriage with MacRonan.” Kerik knew who Sean MacRonan's sire was, and although he was no longer a warrior, he would gladly run through the pudgy deceiving scoundrel, or any kin of his. “Do you believe that if you returned her to Dun-na-Shee, he would not demand that the marriage contract be renewed? You know as well as I do the same son-of-a-murderer would storm her father's lands, kill all the men with paid mercenaries and take her as his wife.”  Kerik squinted at Ciara in the distance. “Look at her foster sister there, reluctantly betrothed to a man who was practically her brother.  You know as well as I do that it would not be difficult for MacRonan to find one of their Christian priests who would marry them, despite the woman’s protest.”Kristr paled at his father's harsh words. He did not know why Kerik spoke with such vitriol over MacRonan, and his sire, Peter. But whilst he trusted his father's guidance, he wanted Roisin to be happy, nonetheless.“Son, I will give you a suggestion. After Johann O’Toole meets with you, you may take Roisin to visit her father, and provide assurances that she is well. However, I will only grant this boon if Roisin agrees that she will return with you until the terms of her ransom are met. Bind her to you again if you must. We are treating her as a guest, but she is still your hostage and responsibility.” Kerik paused. He knew that Kristr did not need the silver, but if he let his son behave like a love-sick puppy, his honour and status amongst his own kind would be crushed. Trying to soften his firm judgement on the matter, he continued,“I believe that she cares for you. I am not an old blind Jarl who cannot see what happens in his hall or on his lands.” His lip twitched in amusement at his son's embarrassed expression. “Nei, 'tis not what you think. Our ancient trees hold many secrets told by many young lovers.  You are not the first man on the settlement to go walking with a maiden.” Ruffling his son's hair as if he were a boy, Kerik stood up. “She is in conflict with her feelings, but let her find her way to you. Bride stealing is as old as Odin himself, and many a fine match has been made this way. Be patient.”  Kristr knew that the ‘stealing’ more often than not was instigated by the young couple themselves. Although not planned, his own mother had been taken willingly by Kerik, but his father had never disclosed the name of Aisling’s husband in Ireland.            Patience was not necessarily a quality Kristr had in barrelfuls at the moment. Following his father, he patted the oxen, and hoisted the yoke of the plough onto his shoulders.  The hard work of turning the soil would make him sweat and would take his mind off Roisin, and the thoughts of wrapping his hand around her braid whilst she wrapped herself around him. He let a long low growl and clicked at the oxen to move forward.
oooOOOooo

Roisin found Marthe's good nature infectious. The younger woman was determined to have her learn as many words as possible, and continued to test her knowledge as they walked around the edges of the woods. Roisin reflected that Marthe may be training as a healer, but would have made an excellent educator, with her gentle persistence and patience. Marthe, pointed out objects and insisted that Roisin repeat the word three times. After learning another five words, would return to those she had been taught earlier in the day. The language was coming slowly but the jester in Marthe had Roisin in fits of giggles at her visual impressions of her family; Kerik's booming voice, Erik's ridiculous manners and Kristr's obsession with his hair, and the arching quizzical eyebrows beloved of all three men.Ciara would have gently chided Roisin for such mischief making in the past, but now she would probably throw herself into Marthe's antics with glee. She wondered where her friend was today. Pulling on Marthe's sleeve, taking her attention from her theatrics, she asked “Ciara?”Marthe thought for a moment. “Ki-ra. Med Madir.” With Mother. She motioned as if she were kneading bread. “Brauthgorth.” Roisin did not know the word but it was clear that Ciara was obviously taking her immersion into Nordic life seriously, if she were joining Gertrude at the cooking hearth. Perhaps she would not feel so conflicted about her head and her heart if she embraced the next year of her life with the same determination as Ciara.Lifting Marthe's basket, she picked up each tiny plant, and named them correctly, blushing under Marthe's approval of her tutelage. She managed her first halting sentence in Norse. “We go back to the hall.” Marthe hugged her, squealed in approval, and swinging the basket in the crook of her arm, they followed the path back to the buildings.Marthe pointed beyond the stable to the fields, and Roisin saw the trio working, with another dozen or so of the men involved in various chores in the process of ploughing and clearing the land. As they approached the men, Roisin watched as Kristr pulled off his tunic, exposing his muscled flesh, the sun catching the beads of sweat on his forehead. She chewed her lip furiously, not knowing whether to stare and be caught, or look away and reject the sight of the man who was addling her brain and her belly. Marthe squeezed her hand, and kissed her on the cheek. “Kristr. Vaenn.” Handsome. She circled her face.  Roisin blushed at Marthe’s assessment, and nodded in agreement.  When Kristr caught her eye, he unhitched himself from the yoke of the ox-plough, walked over to the girls.Brushing the mud off his hands against his woollen leggings, he put his thumb to her mouth. “Roisin, do not bruise your pretty lips!” Relaxing her jaw, she could not help but brush her hand over the runes on Kristr's breast. She felt him flinch at her touch, but he did not move away. Green eyes stared deep into grey.Marthe giggled at the grubby hands of her brother and the soft gasp of Roisin. “Brother, when will you and she give your intentions? Between you and Erik I nearly have two sisters but not one is confirmed. Doe eyes and hand holding is for the skalds!”Closing his eyes, and silently wondering why this daughter of Loki was tormenting him, Kristr  turned to his sister, “and since when has learning the power of healing given you the power of second sight? Meddlesome wench! Marthe only laughed at him. It did not take a soothsayer to see how his brother felt about Roisin, and she about him. She would just have to wait until they saw Freja's path for them. And she would need to enlist Ciara's help.oooOOOooo
Marthe led Roisin to the bakery where they discovered a sweating Ciara, kneading bread before shaping it and passing it to Gertrude for baking in the stone oven. She waved at the pair, brushing her flour covered hands on her apron dress. Calling to her mother, Marthe and Gertrude exchanged a short conversation, which ended with Gertrude gesturing in approval.“Komme, Ki-ra, Rosh-een.” The syllables of their names were still unfamiliar on Marthe's tongue. She motioned that they should follow her. “Svet-kot.” Sweat House. Roisin looked at her sister and shrugged. Time with Marthe so far had been fun. She did not imagine Marthe had an afternoon of work ahead of them.Opening the door to the small windowless room, Marthe lit the fish oil lamps. Adjusting her eyes to the light, Roisin could see a shallow pit, like a small hearth sunken into the ground. There were benches on both sides of the room, and to the back there were barrels, the light of the lamps casting yellowing lines over the rippling waves of water they contained. Marthe bent over to light the fire, and surrounded it with fist-sized stones. She started to take off her apron and linen dress and indicated that the others should do the same. Folding her clothes and placing them neatly on the floor she laughed as she saw the others standing in their shifts. “Nei!” she said with humour, as she tugged on the hem of Roisin’s under-dress. “Svet-kot.”Roisin still found the nudity strange. She had barely seen herself in the nude in her eighteen summers, never mind Ciara or Marthe, who she had known for all of half a day. Yielding to Marthe's murmurs of encouragement she gave in, and put her folded clothes with the others. The dry heat from the fire gave way to damp warmth as Marthe added water to the hot stones, causing them to sizzle and splutter, beads of water dancing on their surface before disappearing with a hiss of steam. They sat back and felt the warm air open their pores and Roisin relaxed onto the bench, her memory of Kristr's naked torso causing her skin to tingle in delight, the tickle of the beads of sweat adding to her already heightened desires she felt within. Her daydream was broken by a knock at the door, with Gertrude, who entered with two kind faced serving women, bearing clean linens and clothing.An older woman washed Roisin's hair with a cake of scented soap and dried her carefully.  Marthe helped her into a clean shift, blue dress and cream-coloured apron, sighing in approval as she finished dressing her by fastening the brooches. Roisin went to braid her still-damp hair, but Gertrude interjected. The bone comb she used easily removed all tangles, and with Marthe's help they dressed Roisin's beautiful  black shiny hair into narrow braids at her temples, and wove them into a circlet like the one Ciara had worn that morn. Handing her a polished plate, she looked at her reflection, her hair flowing down her back, cheeks flushed from the heat of the steam room and her day dreams of Kristr. Marthe gave a squeal of delight at her handiwork and murmured to her mother that Kristr would soon be as content as Erik.Gertrude gave Marthe a long look, somewhere between approval and exasperation. “Kommen dottiren, Natmal.” Marthe looked down and smiled to herself. Roisin and Ciara might not realise that Gertrude had called them her daughters as she led them to the hall for the evening meal.  Kristr was not the only Halsrason who could develop and carry out plans.


Thanks go to: For the hand drawing and viking painting E Paterson, and the Norway scenery picture is copyrighted to Sarah Gordon





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 favourite 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 Manataka by Ella J. Phoenix

"Manataka"
Author: Ella J. Phoenix
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 216
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: February 16, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
 Since she was a child, Chloe has endured horrible nightmares about a Native American prince living in a time long forgotten. She never understood why, until she finds a stone that matches the one in her dreams. It has unimaginable powers, powers Chloe doesn’t understand. Fueled by memories of someone else’s past, she sets off on a wild quest for the stone’s birth place, hoping to also find answers to her foreboding dreams.

On the outside, Mason Green looks like a hardworking, self-made millionaire, with too busy a life for romance. Very few people know the real reason for his self-imposed seclusion. It’s safer that way. But when a sexy historian shows him a supernatural stone from a forgotten tribe, Mason is intrigued - maybe the relic is the salvation he’s been waiting for. Ignoring the irrational attraction that threatens to crack the cask around his heart, Mason agrees to help Chloe.

As their wild quest becomes a dangerous mission, they must find the relic’s birthplace before Mason’s past catches up to them.
My Review:
I have always loved Native American culture. Combine it with romance, mystery, excitement and plenty of paranormal elements and you have yourself an original story that keeps you turning its pages. A great read for any fans of the genre that crave something different.
Chloe is a very independent and strong woman that takes everything in stride. Dreams that have haunted her for years seem to be stronger now and even more realistic than before. When she follows the lay’s advice and goes to a certain man for help. She’s instantly taken by him, mysteries and all.
Mason is a very serious, successful and mysterious male who has walked the earth for a long time. He’s made some very serious mistakes and poor decisions that have led to lives and lands being lost. Never to be claimed again. He wishes he knew then what he knows now. He also wishes he knew why this woman that has asked for his assistance calls to him. A call he cannot seem to resist.

I love the way the story progressed. I’ll admit, I would have 5 starred this baby. But there were a few parts at the beginning that left me confused. It all pretty much came together at the end and I found myself satisfied with the story as a whole J

Overall Rating:
Sex Rating:

Spotlight & Giveaway with Nikki Rae

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Blurb:
18 year old Sophie Jean is pretty good at acting normal. Sure, she’s not exactly happy, but happiness is nothing compared to being like everyone else. She can pretend she’s not allergic to the sun. She can hide what her ex-boyfriend did to her. She can cover up the scars she’s made for herself. Ignore anything. Forget anything. Then Myles enters her life, and he has more than a few secrets of his own. When accident after accident keeps happening to Sophie, she can’t help noticing that he’s everywhere. That he knows too much. That she’s remembering too much.

It’s one thing covering up her own dark past, but does she really need to worry about people finding out just how much Myles likes her? Or that despite how much she doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes, she kind of likes him back? Not to mention the fact that she now has to conceal that Myles drinks blood-that he says he’s about four hundred years old.

She almost forgot about that part.

But Sophie has no plans to ruin the normal life she has created for herself. She can deal with this little glitch, no problem. Even if word has gotten around to the wrong vampire about Sophie and Myles, even if she’s putting the few people she loves at risk. Suddenly, those who were monsters before are just people, and the monsters? They’re real. Now being a normal human being is the least of her problems. Now she has to stay alive.
  
Here's an excerpt from Sunshine: 
             “I’m dead.”             Oh no, maybe his mom is mad at him for disappearing, or he’s done something and now he’s in trouble.  “Did something bad happen?” I ask.
            He looks at me like I’m speaking Japanese. “No. You don’t understand.”
            “C’mon, it can’t be that bad. What did you do?”
            “Sophie.” He sits down next to me and doesn’t take his eyes away. “I mean I’m not alive.”
            “What?” is all I can manage. “What do you mean, like…” I trail off. I’m trying to figure out if he’s attempting to make some sort of elaborate metaphor or if he literally means he’s dead. Which is insane.
            Myles stands and resumes with the pacing. He rubs the back of his neck with his hand. “A while ago,” he starts. “Something happened to me. Someone killed me.”  

Buy links: http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Series-ebook/dp/B00B6T24H6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366644347&sr=8-1&keywords=nikki+rae 
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/279488 
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sunshine-nikki-rae/1114253836?ean=2940015946376 

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Blurb: 

Sophie’s life has changed. She’s moved to New York, she’s playing music for new people, and she’s making new friends. Then there’s Myles, and the fact that he is now her boyfriend—and everyone knows it. There are a lot of new things to take in, but Sophie has no problem adjusting.

She’s not exactly normal, living in a half-human, half-vampire world, but she’s finally, truly happy. But some parts of Sophie and Myles’ old life still hide in the dark, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.

Sophie’s having nightmares again, but they aren’t about her; Myles is hiding something that she’s not sure she wants to know.

And one lie will change everything.

No matter how hard she tries to cover up the marks her monsters have left behind, they never truly go away, and Myles’ monsters are no different.
Once again, Sophie’s caught between life and death, but this time, only she can save herself. 





Bio:
Nikki Rae is a student and writer who lives in New Jersey. When she is not writing, thinking, or reading, she is most likely hanging out with her gecko, Neil Gaiman, drawing in a quiet corner, or drinking tea by the gallon. Sunshine is her first book.   

More Nikki: Goodreads Amazon Author Facebook page The Sunshine Series PageMy blogTwitterTumblr r





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Review Dragon Heat (Dragon Heat #1) by Ella J. Phoenix

"Dragon Heat"
[image error] Author: Ella J. Phoenix
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 159
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: April 6, 2012

Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon




Goodreads Blurb: 
Zoricah, the draconian demigoddess, has limited time to uncover a series of killings before one of her own meets the same fate. Determined not to let that happen, Zoricah has no other choice but to ask for the help of her race’s archenemy.

Tardieh, the Vampire King, has long learnt not to trust the Dragons but when the flames of passion ignite between him and Zoricah, he finds himself torn between overwhelming sexual heat and his centuries-old distrust.

Together they have to overcome their own prejudices before it is too late for their races and their love.

My Review:
WOW! While it was a bit of a slow start, once it got going. It went! Full of action, excitement, a touch of mystery, romance and original paranormal aspects. A fun and entertaining read that many fans of the genre will love!
Tardieh is a vampire that is next in line to be king. He has a much clearer view of the world than the current king, and is constantly told as much. Fighting a war against other paranormal beings, most innocents, is a difficult thing to live with and he would like to change that one day. That day actually comes much sooner that he thought it would and he finds himself not only the new king. But enamored by a beautiful female that is known as his enemy.

Zoricah is a beautiful, powerful dragon shifter that holds many secrets. After saving a very important person’s life, which she hopes can bring much desired peace amongst all paranormals. She finds herself falling head over heels for a sworn enemy.

I really enjoyed this story and look forward to much more from this author!


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The first book in the Progeny series by Ashlynne Laynne FREE for a limited time!

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“No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseaus— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.

Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.

This is FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC! One of my all time favorite authors have the first of one of my ALL TIME favorite series up FREE for a limited time (SQUEE!). Make sure to grab your copy now!

Get you copy now HERE See my review HERE

Review The Progeny (The Progeny Series #1) by Ashlynne Laynne

"The Progeny" Author: Ashlynne LaynneGenre: Paranormal RomancePages: 354Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.Published: Jannuary 31, 2012Author's Website
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: “No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseaus— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.
Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.


My Review: The Progeny is two firsts for me. The first of an amazing, original exciting, memorable, touching and fun paranormal read and my first time reading anything by Ashlynne Layne. A definite MUST read for any paranormal romance fans out there that enjoy a magical and endearing story.
Ascher is a devastatingly handsome one of a kind male in his world. Not so much ridiculed for being different, but cherished and smothered in some ways. He picks on himself more than any others do. He’s a very special male that finds himself alone no matter the company, incomplete even though he is whole and unhappy even though joy surrounds him. That’s until the day he meets Shauna. Once he sets his eyes on her, his whole existence changes in the very best of ways.
Shauna is another that is a beautiful person inside and out but does not have a sense of belonging anywhere. Being different in anyway makes it hard for her to be accepted by many. On top of that, she’s had a VERY traumatizing past that constantly haunts her. She’s never had a real relationship in any way shape or form, except for with her sister. Their bond is unbreakable and true. When she meets Ascher, he world tilts on its axis and further exploration of why he makes her feel the way she does is in order.
I absolutely LOVE these two together and cannot wait to see what happens next for them and the rest of their family and friends. An amazing group of people (characters) that are so lovable (well except for one or two meanies), that they linger in your mind even days after you’re through reading…

Overall Rating 4.5






Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames

Review A Broken Man by Brooklyn Wilde

"A Broken Man" Author: Brooklyn WildeGenre: Contemporary RomancePages: 76Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.Published: April 24,2013Author's Website
Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:Can passion heal a broken man?

Ethan Hendrix never needed anyone. But when a car accident leaves him wheelchair-bound, Ethan has nowhere to turn. Ethan’s terrified he may never walk again, much less run the business he worked so hard to build. Angry, alone, and afraid of being forced into a long-term care facility, Ethan reaches out to an unlikely source for help.

Physical therapist Sarah Portman has no patience for self-pity. So when Ethan asks Sarah to move in and be his caretaker, she thinks he’s lost his mind. But Ethan is desperate. In such close quarters, Sarah isn’t sure she can fight the intense sexual connection between them. Can Sarah help Ethan overcome his physical disability or will she be overcome by physical attraction? 
My Review:  This is my second time reading any of Brooklyn Wilde’s work and I have to say, she writes some very intense, touching and emotional stories with a perfect amount of spice to heat things up. A great read for any fans of the genre!
Ethan has experienced a very traumatic and physically damaging accident that has caused him to have to make many drastic changes in his life. He starts off as a bitter man, angry and feeling deeply sorry for himself. But that all begins to change from the first time he meets his physical therapist, Sarah.
Sarah has a lot of experience with helping those in need of physical rehabilitation. She’s always very professional and hopes to continue that way throughout her career. She has dreams and plans to have her very own business in the future. But those all seem so far away and some things majorly change once she meets the stubborn Ethan.
I loved all of the characters in the story. The story itself was deeply touching. I just have one complaint. The ending!!!! I wanted more. It built up so nicely and then it seemed like, BAM! Done. Is there going to be another book in addition to A Broken Man? I would love to see how this all progresses J



Overall Rating
 Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames

FREE book with Jennifer Labelle

Who Wants a FREE Book?FREEBIE Over HERE…Have I got your attention yet? JIt’s my birthday week, and I’ve decided to give you all a present to help celebrate my 33rd this past Tuesday June, 4th. What better way than to have my very first release up for FREE on Amazon for the entire weekend! (June 7th, 8th, and 9th) I’d like to thank everyone for joining me here, and I hope you enjoy it! *coughs* Don’t forget, I’m always up for some new reviews too. If you have the time that is, in the meantime please check out the blurb and excerpt below and get your very own copy today before time runs out! J Spread the word…

Book blurb: Jenna Baker is shaken up after her recovery with a near death experience. As if, being haunted with visions and losing her husband in a car accident weren’t hard enough. Could she be losing her mind? She finally moves on, only to have the husband she thought was dead suddenly reappear. After the shocking task of convincing Jenna that she’s not seeing his ghost, Tyler becomes overwhelmed with guilt for saving himself and leaving her to almost die. Jenna’s recovery takes its toll while Tyler’s vulnerability gets the best of him. He’s harboring secrets that will devastate her and as Jenna unravels the truth her life takes an unexpected journey.
Excerpt: He smiled again, taking the last plate from her to dry and shook off the extra suds. Drips of water and soap suds flew through the air getting her wet in the process, and he laughed at her shocked expression.     “Oh, really,” she said in the mood to play. Taking the sprayer hose from the faucet, she turned it on and gave him a squirt. She laughed, and it was his turn to pause in shock.    She could tell by his expression that this meant war and made a run for it, laughing the whole way. She made it into the living room before he extended his arm to catch her, swooping her up as if she was feather light. “Got ye.”    They both laughed, but when she turned to face him, he became serious suddenly. She knew then that the games were over. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and pulled her towards him. Slowly moving his face closer, his eyes sparkled and completely absorbed hers.     The kiss started out slow, and she wanted him to take his time with it. She held back a groan when his mouth pulled away and pulled him tighter against her. Her adrenaline pumped faster, and she could feel the warmth coursing throughout her body. There was no thinking twice about it; her desire consumed her.      Pushing him against the wall, she kissed him hard, wanting him in that moment more than she’d ever wanted anything. She liked where this was going, liked being in control, needed it in that moment. Placing her hands on his chest, she slowly moved them down his beautifully sculptured abs. “Stay,” she whispered, taking a step back so that he could watch as she unzipped her dress. It slowly slid to the floor exposing her bare breasts and the sexy black thong she wore. She kicked it out of the way, pulled his shirt off, and pressed herself against him again, flesh against flesh.
AMAZON LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Meant-To-Be-ebook/dp/B004OYTSHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC&s=digital-text&qid=1298595348&sr=1-1
Author bio: Jennifer Labelle resides in Ottawa, Ontario Canada with her husband and three beautiful children. After her third child she became a stay at home mom. In her busy household Jennifer likes to spend her down time engrossed in the stories that she creates. She is an active reader of romance (especially historical), mystery and anything paranormal. With an education in Addictions work she's decided to take a less stressful approach in life and hopes that you enjoy, as she shares some of her imagination with all of you.

Author contact links:Website: http://www.jenniferlabelle.com Blog: http://labellebooks.blogspot.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/1JenniferLabell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292#!/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4649930.Jennifer_Labelle
Best wishes,Jennifer Labelle