A.R. Von's Blog, page 54
April 18, 2013
Review Hot Blue Velvet BBW Romance (Velvet #2) by Leanore Elliott
"Hot Blue Velvet"
Author: Leanore ElliottGenre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.
Published: April 10, 2013
Author's Website: http://captivesouls.weebly.com/-leanores-home.html
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: SOUTHERN CHARM AND WIT, WHERE BIG MAMA IS ALWAYS RIGHT…
“I didn’t discover curves; I only uncovered them.”
Bren Plush had gone after the cowboy of her dreams, but can she keep him? She may need the help of her mama, Daisy.
Kanda Kincade is a curvy cowgirl who believes there's no man...man enough for her.Then, she finds what she calls Pure Prime Rib. Will she have to lasso him to get what she wants?
Follow the women of Flatonia, Texas, who have learned "You have to be as big on the inside as you are on the out."
My Review: This is book two of the Velvet series and it was even more fun than the first. I was completely surprised at the direction the author took, but I do so LOVE surprises! Oh and a good choice prime rib ;)
We have a few things happening here. We get to see Trevor (oh Yeah!) and Bren from the first in the series and are introduced to Wade (oh hell yeah!) and we get more up close and personal with Trevor’s sister Kanda.
Bren and Trevor are going through a touch of a rough patch. It’s more of a misunderstanding than anything else. But is no less heart breaking. Lucky thing Bren has a mother like Daisy to see her through such times. I have to say, I honestly wonder if the term “Daisy Dukes” came solely due to that woman. She’s a blast!
Kanda meets Wade by accident, literally. She’s dumbfounded by the Aussie stud muffin. For the first time ever, she finds herself at a loss for words, speechless actually. Oh and… wanting!
I look forward to the next in in the series. I was left hanging at the edge over here and wanting to know…everything! Hot Blue Velvet is a great read that any fans of the genre will have a great time with :)
Overall Rating
Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames
Review After the Storm by Claudy Conn
"After the Storm"
Author: Claudy ConnGenre: Historical Romance
Pages: 250
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.
Published: February 4, 2013
Author's Website: http://www.claudyconn.com
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: No matter what her family and friends say, Jenny knows she will never fall in love again. How can she, when her childhood sweetheart was one of the countless killed at Waterloo?
So when the Earl of Danfield proposes a marriage of convenience, it seems the perfect solution. He will secure his inheritance, and she will be spared the necessity of being paraded in society, forced to dance and flirt and do all the things her broken heart cannot do. His proposal will give her what she wants most. Peace.
But peace is the last thing she finds in her marriage. Her growing attraction to the earl brings with it guilt that she’s betraying her beloved Johnny. Her mother-in-law considers her an interloper. Her husband’s former lover makes it clear she doesn’t want it to be former. And when a supposed prank nearly kills her, Jenny has to wonder—now that the earl’s inheritance is assured, has she become an inconvenience to be eliminated?
My Review:
Anyone that knows my reading preferences knows I’m not a huge fan of historical. Actually Claudy is now the third author I find myself being pulled to in this genre. After the Storm is a sweet, touching, romantic, mysterious and fun read that all fans of the genre will definitely enjoy. Actually, I find I can say that even readers that are NOT fans of the genre will enjoy it :)
Jenny’s story is a sad one. She lost her best friend and fiancée to battle and has not recovered from it. She swears she will NEVER love again is incapable of it is what she believes for she is still in love with John. But now she is given no choice but to move on. Her father and aunt have put her in the situation that she must face the world, meet many suitable suitors and choose a husband. Jenny is dreading it. She does not any to move forward. She does not want to get married and she most certainly does not want to try to love again. When the Earl approaches her with a proposal of a marriage solely of convenience, she’s not sure. It does give her an out from having to go through the hustle and bustle of meeting other suitors. But will she be able to let go of the guilt she holds for her beloved?
Love the build, characters, setting and EVERYTHING in this story. Claudy Conn is now another who has gained me as a fan of her historical romance. That totals three now. I do love the different feel the time frame and dialect feed to my imagination while reading. Great job Claudy! Bravo!!
Overall Rating
Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames
April 17, 2013
Author/Book Spotlight The Secret Life of Girls by Chloe Thurlow
Title: The Secret Life of girls
Author: Chloe Thurlow Genre: Contemporary Erotic Pages: 220, published by Xcite, andebookISBN-13: 978-1907761904Source: Amazon, bookshops and motorway service stations!Published: September 2012Author's Website: www.chloethurlow.com
The Secret Life of GirlsAfter my tutor at Cambridge gave me a copy of A Spy in the House of Love by Anais Nin, I read all her books and wrote my first short story. It was about a girl going for a job at a casting agents where she is seduced into taking off her clothes and then finds herself giving into her pent up passions and desires. The story was published in a literary magazine whose editor had studied under the same tutor at my college – the erotic can be terribly incestuous.This little success encouraged me to write my first novel, which I called Bella, and was based on aspects of my own life. I loved Nabokov's Lolita. I made my character a few years older and too clever and worldly wise for her own good. The book ended up too literary to be erotic and too erotic to be a mainstream coming of age novel. The publishers all turned it down and I put the book in a drawer and didn't take it out again for five years. In that time, I published four other novels with Nexus and Xcite and had the thrill of A Girl's Adventure going into the best-seller lists for about 5 minutes. When I took Bella out again, I rewrote it completely, cut about 15,000 words – so painful but so essential, and gave the finished work the title The Secret Life of Girls. It was published by Xcite and is now my favourite book. I have been planning a follow up which I will call Bella in America – I just need to take a year off to write it.
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The Secret Life of Girls – to quote the blurb – is a fictionalized memoir of Bella. She is 18 and attends finishing school on the English coast. When her father dies, her mother remarries a man who secretly buys the manor house left in trust to Bella to pay off her father's debts. The betrayal cuts Bella to the core - the house is a part of her. She has nothing left - except she is beautiful, bold and unafraid to use sex to get revenge - as well as for her own pleasure. Bella also has some success on leaving school as a singing star and plans to move to America – the seeds of the unwritten follow-up.
I had come to see through writing my other novels that, while it is character that drives plot, the erotic must evolve through cause and effect. The erotic is a literary genre and, for me, the first law is good writing. That's what I work hard on and which is why each novel takes so long to complete. Since its publication, The Secret Life of Girlshas had loads of great reviews and I will end with just one, because it cleverly sums up the book with a single line '...a potent blend of classic erotica, bubbling with modernity, Elizabeth Woodham, on Amazon.Kisses...Chloe.
April 16, 2013
Like Vikings? Let's enjoy story time with Maria MacAuley- Read the prologue and first Chapter of Silver and Spice
Hello friends/followers! I'm trying something new and hope you all will enjoy it as much as I have. Now I present to you a small portion of a very exciting, romantic and all-around great story written by the talented (first time EVER writing) Maria MacAuley. We will be posting a chapter for you to enjoy each week until the story's end. We are looking for 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!
Prologue
The wet, Irish, January wind howled through the doors as the tall figure entered the hall, a cedar chest in his arms. Kristr Halsarson walked the length of the room, heavily decorated in tapestries from Babylon, bronze shields from Persia, and striped sails from Viking longships. The curious clash of cultures and textures was painful to both his eyes and senses, but he strode on to meet his man, scattering withered and decaying rushes in his wake. He did not like his host, and the feeling was mutual, but trading necessitated some unpleasant acquaintances, and the sooner he had his coin, the sooner he could return home to the North. He had spent the years of his youth in fosterage, learning the skills to become a warrior, a trader, a sailor, and a leader. He was master of his world and he knew it.
Putting his chest on the table, pausing to pull down his cowl, he shook his head violently, causing his shoulder length dark auburn hair to swing free from its leather strap. He cursed silently, it was so thick, it could hardly be contained. Perhaps he should chop it short, like one of those feeble Saxon lords. Finally, he turned his attention to the man sitting at the head of the table; his oak chair ornately carved and raised a full hands-width higher than the benches that lined either side of the trestle. He did not smile at the black-haired man seated there, greasy hair clinging to his scalp, his fist curled around a goblet. The vivid purple tunic he wore was stretched to ripping point over his distended stomach. The stench of sweat and unwashed body was overpowering.
‘MacRonan.’ He remained standing; his tone clipped and formal. ‘I have brought spices from the trading markets in Byzantium.’ Both parties knew the value of spices from the city that was the crossroads between East and West. The journey was not particularly difficult in the summer and autumn seasons, but it was long and tedious, especially with stops along the Volga. The valuable goods such as perfumes, silks and spices that were brought back fetched the highest prices in the trading markets of Ireland and the Danelaw. It was profitable for sailing merchants and middlemen alike.
Sean MacRonan drained his goblet, dragging his filthy thumb along the rim to catch the last drop, before sucking on it like an infant. He swept his black hair out of his eyes, only for the lank strands to fall again.
‘Halsarson. How good to see you. I hope your vessel sailed without any challenge from pirates or brigands.’ His tone did not reflect the smooth words he uttered. ‘Would you care to show me what treasures you have brought?’
Kristr unhooked the hasps that secured the lid. When the chest was opened, a warm beautiful aroma filled the hall; the sweet smell of the cinnamon blending with the woody scent of the cedar chest. He opened several smaller vessels contained within the larger chest; cardamom pods, ginger root, and finally, unwrapping a ribbon of silk from around a Venetian glass bottle, displayed the fine orange strands of saffron.
MacRonan sniffed the fragrant air in appreciation.
‘How much for all?’
‘Twelve markur.’ Kristr gave the price in Norse.
‘Hmm, six pounds weight in silver.’ He scratched his stubbly chin. ‘That’s the price of one of your Viking she-thalls,’ he laughed, but Kristr did not respond. ‘Or, in my case the cost of a dowry for a darling little virgin bride from Donegal.’ Pressing on a boil on his neck he studied the lumped contents, muttering to himself, ‘Indeed, Roisin of Dun na Shee will make a fine vessel to carry my sons.’
‘The price still stands.’ Kristr had no interest in the nuptials of this man, other than to pity the undoubtedly halfwit bride who would be impressed by his likes, or unrepulsed by his coarse manners.
Scratching his chair back over the hard clay floor, MacRonan stood up. ‘Come on then, Halsarson, I agree to your price.’ He extended his greasy hand to the younger man.
Kristr’s eyes narrowed as he looked at MacRonan’s palm, creased black with days of dirt. The Irish were as unclean as the Saxons. He did not extend his hand in return. MacHyde never accepted the first offer made, and this was easy. Too easy. Turning slightly, he heard heavy shuffling footsteps coming from the side chamber, and a bear of a man emerged, an ax in his hand. Further down the hall, he looked in fury as another four men came forward, armed with clubs, mace, and other weapons. Kristr spun, and threw his dagger which landed with a sickening slice in the giant’s stomach, but not before a missile was catapulted up the room from the advancing men, hitting him on the back of the head with a dull thud. The sharp pain that followed was excruciating, and he collapsed in a heap on the floor.
When he woke up he was lying on a boat, his body snug between two sea chests. Struggling to remember, he groaned aloud, reaching up and feeling the lump on his scalp. He blinked in slow recognition; this was his boat. A blond haired man crouched down beside him. ‘Brother.’ He put a waterskin to his lips. ‘Drink. You were ambushed. Knottr found you on the dockside here in Dubh Linn, unconscious and without possessions.’
Kristr sat up slowly, and gulped the water gratefully. ‘My thanks Erik, and to Knottr.’ Without the actions of both his brother and strongest crew member he would have perished.
‘Who did this to you? Did you see anything?’ The concern in the other man’s voice was evident.
‘Ja, I did.’ Kristr formed a fist as he recollected the events last in his mind. ‘That underhanded traitorous Sean MacRonan.’ Closing his eyes he saw the sweaty face of his enemy. MacRonan may believe he had won the battle, but by Thor, he would lose the war.
Chapter 1
The feeble sun shone low in the sky, the first rays of spring trying unsuccessfully to warm the ground. Roisin and Ciara had taken the opportunity of the rare cold, dry, sunny day; it was a chance to leave the rath, the excuse being to look for first tiny blossoms of the season, the real reason to converse away from Conal of Dun na Shee. Conal was the chieftain of the clan, Roisin’s father and Ciara’s foster father, with a sharp mind and even sharper ears.Roisin spread her precious scarlet woollen cloak on the ground, and kicking off her shoes, stretched out and wiggled her toes in the pale green grass, enjoying the tickling sensation on her soles after a winter in thick woollen socks.'You won't be doing that much longer Roisin', Ciara grinned down at her friend.Shading her eyes from the weak Spring sun she looked up at her best friend and foster sister. This year they would be eighteen summers old, ten of them spent as foster siblings. Before the fortnight was out Roisin would be married to a merchant from Dubh Linn, ten years her senior.Ciara would wed Brian, Roisin's brother, within three moons, when he returned from his own fosterage with Ciara's clan. Conal of Dun na Shee had been sorry to see his son leave; Brian had been found nearly dead in a little coracle washed up on the shores of Dun na Shee when he could not have been more than five summers old, with no recollection of his life before then. Conal adopted the boy with the deep brown eyes, and hair as black as night. With Roisin as his only natural child, Brian became his son and heir. ‘It is a travesty, Ciara,' Roisin grumbled. 'I may as well be in Orkney as be in Dubh Linn. 'Bah! It is the end of the world.' Conal had made the match when Sean MacRonan sailed north the previous Spring. Roisin had thought him a peacock; his elaborately embroidered light cloak and mantle ridiculous in the bright cold Donegal weather. But he had coin and connections and Conal had agreed.Ciara sighed in agreement. The MacRonan lands were four days away by boat, down the coast between the islands of Ireland and Britain, and on the border of the Viking settlement of Dubh Linn. 'I know it seems so far now, but remember, as part of your marriage contract, MacRonan did agree that he would bring you to Donegal for the old festivals of Bealtaine and Samhain.'She understood Roisin's fear of leaving their home, but Ciara's own worries were different. She and Brian had exchanged places, and he had been fostered by her own sire, chieftain of the neighbouring clan to the lands of Dun na Shee. As a sister she loved Brian dearly but she was only the bride in this political match. Knowing her expected future from the time she was fourteen summers, Ciara had resigned herself to fate.'It's not the same and you know it.' Roisin repeated to herself softly, twirled her fingers in the grass and rolled onto her belly. Looking at Ciara staring up into the sky, Roisin seemed to read her mind. 'It might not be a love match, but at least you get to stay in the land that you love, with the people that you love.' She brushed an escaped tendril of Ciara's long blonde hair off her cheek. They could not have looked more different; Ciara was reasonably tall, with blue eyes and white-blonde hair, almost Nordic in her appearance, Roisin was nearly the opposite. She had long wavy hair as black as night, her eyes were green as grass, framed by dark lush eyelashes. She was a head shorter than Ciara, but she did not let her smaller size get in the way of her duties on the rath. 'But marrying a merchant will take you to all sorts of strange lands, with different tongues and people.' Ciara loved to hear the storytellers weave their fables of faraway lands. She wasn't entirely sure if they existed, but in her imagination it was heaven itself. Roisin paused, chewed her lip, and rolled onto her back so she too could enjoy the rare sight of the pale blue sky, ‘You know he deals with the Viking in Dubh Linn...' her voice faded into her own thoughts. There hadn't been a Viking raid in five summers, but the fear was still there, the image of sinister long ships on the horizon, preying on the fears of all who lived within a league of the coast or a waterway.'Is it not bad enough that I have to leave home, as a prize to ensure better trade with Northern shores, as well as play hostess to heathens who have ransacked our lands?' Roisin could not soothe the unease in her belly. Thinking of MacRonan during their one and only introduction, his ornate garments failing to hide his paunch and his overloud laugh had made her cringe. He looked like he bathed once a summer, his skin pink and raw where it had been scrubbed clean. Ciara looked across at Roisin, and wiped away the tear that ran down her smooth white cheek. 'Sweetling, you know your father means the best for you. Think of that scriptorium and a library to rival Clonmacnoise he said he had. I would dearly love to see those illuminated manuscripts. It is said the monks worked on each one for years.' If his manuscripts looked anything like the man, they would be gaudy indeed and unpleasant on the eye. Roisin pressed the heels of her palms against her eyelids, trying to block out the garish view of MacHyde.Ciara sat up, pulled her knees to her breast and rested her chin on them. The pause in chatter did not last long. Sighing dramatically, she stood up, nudged Roisin gently with her foot, hitched up her skirts and ran down to the stream. 'Last one in washes the linens for a sennight!'Laughing in mock outrage that Ciara had such a head start on her, Roisin picked up her shoes, and raced to catch up with her foster sister. *********
From the wooded oak south of the rath, two men looked down at the antics of the girls in the stream below.'Well, brother, is that her?' The blond man looked to his right. He had straight fair hair tied back from his face with a leather thong. He wasn't smiling now, his normal good natured features set in a frown.'Ja. That is she. MacRonan’s betrothed.’ He pulled his thick auburn hair back for the third time that day. 'If you weren't quite so tall, little brother, that fine red hair of yours would make you appear an Irishman.'The teasing comment was met with a snort of derision. ‘Erik, my hair is not the subject this day.' He nodded towards the women. 'That is what is important, and you gibbering on about hair as if you were a wench in the weaving room. You'll be discussing silks from Byzantium next. Besides, you know where I got my hair from, unlike the red-blooded Norseman you are.'Erik shrugged. 'I can see that the little black haired one is comely, but her companion could warm my furs any day. What say you I bring her too?''You might be more clever than you appear, Erik, but if you take her, she is to be your responsibility.' The peacock MacHyde had cheated Kristr out of a considerable weight in silver during the Winter, and Kristr did not take lightly to this affront. His scout and friend, Johan O’Toole, had been paid plenty of coin to help Kristr in his plans, and his reports did not disappoint. Johan, sired by a Irish father with a Norse mother, and with a foot in each world had great skill in getting even the most secretive to reveal their deepest thoughts. 'Her name is Roisin of Dun na Shee.' Erik smirked. Kristr liked to be prepared, and today was no exception. He decided to test his fiery haired brother.'And what is the name of that blonde beauty?''Ciara.' Kristr narrowed his eyes at Erik. He would not make this easy for him. He knew his good natured brother wanted to play, and ease the tension of their plans.'And? Who is she to marry? Or is she to take the veil and hide in one of those Christian convents, a follower of St Bridget?' Kristr gritted his teeth at the mention of the faith.'She is to marry Roisin's brother, Brian.' Erik was clearly aware of Kristr's plans. By taking both for ransom, Kristr would retrieve the silver owed to him, by the men of Dun na Shee or from MacRonan.Kristr stared down at the women splashing calf-deep in the stream. That tiny black haired slip of a girl was too pretty and innocent to waste on the odious MacRonan. For a father to offer her hand, she must be unaccomplished indeed. Twelve markur, that was her cost. In beauty alone, she was worth twice that amount.Patting his shoulder, Erik said, 'I know how important this is to you, brother. We will have time to dwell on your enemy later. Now, let's see to our horses because they'll have a tiring ride back to the far channel and our longship'Starting on their walk through the woods towards the stream, Erik once again could not resist teasing his brother. How is your Gaelic? It's been two moons since you have been to Dubh Linn, and a full four seasons since you spent any time there.' Erik finally smiled, his blue eyes twinkling, the creases around showing his good nature was displayed often.'Better than yours, Erik, and by the time the ransom comes, they will be speaking Norse. I have no time to dance attendance to MacRonan’s woman.'*****
Using a corner of Roisin's cloak to dry their cold feet, the pair pulled on their socks and shoes again, stomping on the short grass to get the blood flowing. 'That was refreshing. Did you not enjoy the first outdoor bath of Spring, Roisin?' Ciara shook out the damp cloak, and Roisin shrugged. Another annual passage of childhood ending. Married women could not act like girls. 'Come, let's go through the woods home, I want some willow to make a new basket for my stitching.’ Ciara loved any excuse to be away from the rath, in her mind its turf ramparts and high wooden gates proving more stifling than secure as the time passed. Linking arms, they headed toward the trees, onto the narrow path snaking around the gnarled roots.Roisin glanced around nervously, 'Let's stay to the outside of the woods, I'd not want to come across an angry boar.' From they were little girls, Conal had lectured on the dangers of the woods without a chaperone. No amount of pleading to learn to defend herself had worked on her father. Once again, I'm nothing but property to marry off, she thought. No rights of my own, to be passed from one man as daughter to another as wife. She loved her father dearly, but ironically his protectiveness had left her feeling very vulnerable.Shivering from their dip in the river, the cool green light of the woods didn't let many of the weak sun rays through. Keeping a brisk pace to try and keep warm, Ciara and Roisin did not say much, lost in their own worlds, and in the stillness, they heard a crack behind them. Boar! It had to be a boar, but Roisin did not want stay around to hear its menacing squeals of attack before they were gored by its tusks. A surge of panic fled through her as she and Ciara grabbed hands and started to run, aiming for the rath, but as they saw the welcoming blue skies again, they were stopped in their tracks by a giant blond man. Spinning on her heels Roisin grabbed Ciara to run the other way, but locked eyes with another giant, this time with red hair and grey eyes dark and glinting, like Toledo steel. She gasped when she saw the bindings he was holding, and her stomach lurched. She could hear her blood rushing though her ears, and saw stars in her eyes.A voice finally cut through the haze. It was Ciara sobbing, 'Roisin, run! You must raise the alarm!' Frozen in fear, she couldn’t think straight to make a choice. Ciara’s cries rang in her ears, but to save herself and run to the church would sacrifice her best friend and sister. The decision was made for her. 'I don't think so, Roisin,' the red haired giant said in Gaelic with enough of an accent for Roisin to realise he was not of the close rival clans of the Cenel Eoghan or the Airghialla. 'Vikings!' she finally found her voice screamed as loud as she could. It was the Lochlanach, the Norsemen. It did not matter what language was used, their very name struck terror in the hearts of all who lived outside Dubh Linn. 'Viki...' The words fell away as one calloused hand covered her mouth, and another fisted around her long jet-black braid.
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
Thank you to unknownswilly (http://unknownswilly.orgfree.com) for the kind use of a number of her photographs.
~*"No portion of this story may be copied or shared without the direct permission of the author."*~
Now I present to you... Silver and Spice!
Prologue
The wet, Irish, January wind howled through the doors as the tall figure entered the hall, a cedar chest in his arms. Kristr Halsarson walked the length of the room, heavily decorated in tapestries from Babylon, bronze shields from Persia, and striped sails from Viking longships. The curious clash of cultures and textures was painful to both his eyes and senses, but he strode on to meet his man, scattering withered and decaying rushes in his wake. He did not like his host, and the feeling was mutual, but trading necessitated some unpleasant acquaintances, and the sooner he had his coin, the sooner he could return home to the North. He had spent the years of his youth in fosterage, learning the skills to become a warrior, a trader, a sailor, and a leader. He was master of his world and he knew it.
Putting his chest on the table, pausing to pull down his cowl, he shook his head violently, causing his shoulder length dark auburn hair to swing free from its leather strap. He cursed silently, it was so thick, it could hardly be contained. Perhaps he should chop it short, like one of those feeble Saxon lords. Finally, he turned his attention to the man sitting at the head of the table; his oak chair ornately carved and raised a full hands-width higher than the benches that lined either side of the trestle. He did not smile at the black-haired man seated there, greasy hair clinging to his scalp, his fist curled around a goblet. The vivid purple tunic he wore was stretched to ripping point over his distended stomach. The stench of sweat and unwashed body was overpowering.
‘MacRonan.’ He remained standing; his tone clipped and formal. ‘I have brought spices from the trading markets in Byzantium.’ Both parties knew the value of spices from the city that was the crossroads between East and West. The journey was not particularly difficult in the summer and autumn seasons, but it was long and tedious, especially with stops along the Volga. The valuable goods such as perfumes, silks and spices that were brought back fetched the highest prices in the trading markets of Ireland and the Danelaw. It was profitable for sailing merchants and middlemen alike.
Sean MacRonan drained his goblet, dragging his filthy thumb along the rim to catch the last drop, before sucking on it like an infant. He swept his black hair out of his eyes, only for the lank strands to fall again.
‘Halsarson. How good to see you. I hope your vessel sailed without any challenge from pirates or brigands.’ His tone did not reflect the smooth words he uttered. ‘Would you care to show me what treasures you have brought?’
Kristr unhooked the hasps that secured the lid. When the chest was opened, a warm beautiful aroma filled the hall; the sweet smell of the cinnamon blending with the woody scent of the cedar chest. He opened several smaller vessels contained within the larger chest; cardamom pods, ginger root, and finally, unwrapping a ribbon of silk from around a Venetian glass bottle, displayed the fine orange strands of saffron.
MacRonan sniffed the fragrant air in appreciation.
‘How much for all?’
‘Twelve markur.’ Kristr gave the price in Norse.
‘Hmm, six pounds weight in silver.’ He scratched his stubbly chin. ‘That’s the price of one of your Viking she-thalls,’ he laughed, but Kristr did not respond. ‘Or, in my case the cost of a dowry for a darling little virgin bride from Donegal.’ Pressing on a boil on his neck he studied the lumped contents, muttering to himself, ‘Indeed, Roisin of Dun na Shee will make a fine vessel to carry my sons.’
‘The price still stands.’ Kristr had no interest in the nuptials of this man, other than to pity the undoubtedly halfwit bride who would be impressed by his likes, or unrepulsed by his coarse manners.
Scratching his chair back over the hard clay floor, MacRonan stood up. ‘Come on then, Halsarson, I agree to your price.’ He extended his greasy hand to the younger man.
Kristr’s eyes narrowed as he looked at MacRonan’s palm, creased black with days of dirt. The Irish were as unclean as the Saxons. He did not extend his hand in return. MacHyde never accepted the first offer made, and this was easy. Too easy. Turning slightly, he heard heavy shuffling footsteps coming from the side chamber, and a bear of a man emerged, an ax in his hand. Further down the hall, he looked in fury as another four men came forward, armed with clubs, mace, and other weapons. Kristr spun, and threw his dagger which landed with a sickening slice in the giant’s stomach, but not before a missile was catapulted up the room from the advancing men, hitting him on the back of the head with a dull thud. The sharp pain that followed was excruciating, and he collapsed in a heap on the floor.
When he woke up he was lying on a boat, his body snug between two sea chests. Struggling to remember, he groaned aloud, reaching up and feeling the lump on his scalp. He blinked in slow recognition; this was his boat. A blond haired man crouched down beside him. ‘Brother.’ He put a waterskin to his lips. ‘Drink. You were ambushed. Knottr found you on the dockside here in Dubh Linn, unconscious and without possessions.’
Kristr sat up slowly, and gulped the water gratefully. ‘My thanks Erik, and to Knottr.’ Without the actions of both his brother and strongest crew member he would have perished.
‘Who did this to you? Did you see anything?’ The concern in the other man’s voice was evident.
‘Ja, I did.’ Kristr formed a fist as he recollected the events last in his mind. ‘That underhanded traitorous Sean MacRonan.’ Closing his eyes he saw the sweaty face of his enemy. MacRonan may believe he had won the battle, but by Thor, he would lose the war.
Chapter 1
The feeble sun shone low in the sky, the first rays of spring trying unsuccessfully to warm the ground. Roisin and Ciara had taken the opportunity of the rare cold, dry, sunny day; it was a chance to leave the rath, the excuse being to look for first tiny blossoms of the season, the real reason to converse away from Conal of Dun na Shee. Conal was the chieftain of the clan, Roisin’s father and Ciara’s foster father, with a sharp mind and even sharper ears.Roisin spread her precious scarlet woollen cloak on the ground, and kicking off her shoes, stretched out and wiggled her toes in the pale green grass, enjoying the tickling sensation on her soles after a winter in thick woollen socks.'You won't be doing that much longer Roisin', Ciara grinned down at her friend.Shading her eyes from the weak Spring sun she looked up at her best friend and foster sister. This year they would be eighteen summers old, ten of them spent as foster siblings. Before the fortnight was out Roisin would be married to a merchant from Dubh Linn, ten years her senior.Ciara would wed Brian, Roisin's brother, within three moons, when he returned from his own fosterage with Ciara's clan. Conal of Dun na Shee had been sorry to see his son leave; Brian had been found nearly dead in a little coracle washed up on the shores of Dun na Shee when he could not have been more than five summers old, with no recollection of his life before then. Conal adopted the boy with the deep brown eyes, and hair as black as night. With Roisin as his only natural child, Brian became his son and heir. ‘It is a travesty, Ciara,' Roisin grumbled. 'I may as well be in Orkney as be in Dubh Linn. 'Bah! It is the end of the world.' Conal had made the match when Sean MacRonan sailed north the previous Spring. Roisin had thought him a peacock; his elaborately embroidered light cloak and mantle ridiculous in the bright cold Donegal weather. But he had coin and connections and Conal had agreed.Ciara sighed in agreement. The MacRonan lands were four days away by boat, down the coast between the islands of Ireland and Britain, and on the border of the Viking settlement of Dubh Linn. 'I know it seems so far now, but remember, as part of your marriage contract, MacRonan did agree that he would bring you to Donegal for the old festivals of Bealtaine and Samhain.'She understood Roisin's fear of leaving their home, but Ciara's own worries were different. She and Brian had exchanged places, and he had been fostered by her own sire, chieftain of the neighbouring clan to the lands of Dun na Shee. As a sister she loved Brian dearly but she was only the bride in this political match. Knowing her expected future from the time she was fourteen summers, Ciara had resigned herself to fate.'It's not the same and you know it.' Roisin repeated to herself softly, twirled her fingers in the grass and rolled onto her belly. Looking at Ciara staring up into the sky, Roisin seemed to read her mind. 'It might not be a love match, but at least you get to stay in the land that you love, with the people that you love.' She brushed an escaped tendril of Ciara's long blonde hair off her cheek. They could not have looked more different; Ciara was reasonably tall, with blue eyes and white-blonde hair, almost Nordic in her appearance, Roisin was nearly the opposite. She had long wavy hair as black as night, her eyes were green as grass, framed by dark lush eyelashes. She was a head shorter than Ciara, but she did not let her smaller size get in the way of her duties on the rath. 'But marrying a merchant will take you to all sorts of strange lands, with different tongues and people.' Ciara loved to hear the storytellers weave their fables of faraway lands. She wasn't entirely sure if they existed, but in her imagination it was heaven itself. Roisin paused, chewed her lip, and rolled onto her back so she too could enjoy the rare sight of the pale blue sky, ‘You know he deals with the Viking in Dubh Linn...' her voice faded into her own thoughts. There hadn't been a Viking raid in five summers, but the fear was still there, the image of sinister long ships on the horizon, preying on the fears of all who lived within a league of the coast or a waterway.'Is it not bad enough that I have to leave home, as a prize to ensure better trade with Northern shores, as well as play hostess to heathens who have ransacked our lands?' Roisin could not soothe the unease in her belly. Thinking of MacRonan during their one and only introduction, his ornate garments failing to hide his paunch and his overloud laugh had made her cringe. He looked like he bathed once a summer, his skin pink and raw where it had been scrubbed clean. Ciara looked across at Roisin, and wiped away the tear that ran down her smooth white cheek. 'Sweetling, you know your father means the best for you. Think of that scriptorium and a library to rival Clonmacnoise he said he had. I would dearly love to see those illuminated manuscripts. It is said the monks worked on each one for years.' If his manuscripts looked anything like the man, they would be gaudy indeed and unpleasant on the eye. Roisin pressed the heels of her palms against her eyelids, trying to block out the garish view of MacHyde.Ciara sat up, pulled her knees to her breast and rested her chin on them. The pause in chatter did not last long. Sighing dramatically, she stood up, nudged Roisin gently with her foot, hitched up her skirts and ran down to the stream. 'Last one in washes the linens for a sennight!'Laughing in mock outrage that Ciara had such a head start on her, Roisin picked up her shoes, and raced to catch up with her foster sister. *********
From the wooded oak south of the rath, two men looked down at the antics of the girls in the stream below.'Well, brother, is that her?' The blond man looked to his right. He had straight fair hair tied back from his face with a leather thong. He wasn't smiling now, his normal good natured features set in a frown.'Ja. That is she. MacRonan’s betrothed.’ He pulled his thick auburn hair back for the third time that day. 'If you weren't quite so tall, little brother, that fine red hair of yours would make you appear an Irishman.'The teasing comment was met with a snort of derision. ‘Erik, my hair is not the subject this day.' He nodded towards the women. 'That is what is important, and you gibbering on about hair as if you were a wench in the weaving room. You'll be discussing silks from Byzantium next. Besides, you know where I got my hair from, unlike the red-blooded Norseman you are.'Erik shrugged. 'I can see that the little black haired one is comely, but her companion could warm my furs any day. What say you I bring her too?''You might be more clever than you appear, Erik, but if you take her, she is to be your responsibility.' The peacock MacHyde had cheated Kristr out of a considerable weight in silver during the Winter, and Kristr did not take lightly to this affront. His scout and friend, Johan O’Toole, had been paid plenty of coin to help Kristr in his plans, and his reports did not disappoint. Johan, sired by a Irish father with a Norse mother, and with a foot in each world had great skill in getting even the most secretive to reveal their deepest thoughts. 'Her name is Roisin of Dun na Shee.' Erik smirked. Kristr liked to be prepared, and today was no exception. He decided to test his fiery haired brother.'And what is the name of that blonde beauty?''Ciara.' Kristr narrowed his eyes at Erik. He would not make this easy for him. He knew his good natured brother wanted to play, and ease the tension of their plans.'And? Who is she to marry? Or is she to take the veil and hide in one of those Christian convents, a follower of St Bridget?' Kristr gritted his teeth at the mention of the faith.'She is to marry Roisin's brother, Brian.' Erik was clearly aware of Kristr's plans. By taking both for ransom, Kristr would retrieve the silver owed to him, by the men of Dun na Shee or from MacRonan.Kristr stared down at the women splashing calf-deep in the stream. That tiny black haired slip of a girl was too pretty and innocent to waste on the odious MacRonan. For a father to offer her hand, she must be unaccomplished indeed. Twelve markur, that was her cost. In beauty alone, she was worth twice that amount.Patting his shoulder, Erik said, 'I know how important this is to you, brother. We will have time to dwell on your enemy later. Now, let's see to our horses because they'll have a tiring ride back to the far channel and our longship'Starting on their walk through the woods towards the stream, Erik once again could not resist teasing his brother. How is your Gaelic? It's been two moons since you have been to Dubh Linn, and a full four seasons since you spent any time there.' Erik finally smiled, his blue eyes twinkling, the creases around showing his good nature was displayed often.'Better than yours, Erik, and by the time the ransom comes, they will be speaking Norse. I have no time to dance attendance to MacRonan’s woman.'*****
Using a corner of Roisin's cloak to dry their cold feet, the pair pulled on their socks and shoes again, stomping on the short grass to get the blood flowing. 'That was refreshing. Did you not enjoy the first outdoor bath of Spring, Roisin?' Ciara shook out the damp cloak, and Roisin shrugged. Another annual passage of childhood ending. Married women could not act like girls. 'Come, let's go through the woods home, I want some willow to make a new basket for my stitching.’ Ciara loved any excuse to be away from the rath, in her mind its turf ramparts and high wooden gates proving more stifling than secure as the time passed. Linking arms, they headed toward the trees, onto the narrow path snaking around the gnarled roots.Roisin glanced around nervously, 'Let's stay to the outside of the woods, I'd not want to come across an angry boar.' From they were little girls, Conal had lectured on the dangers of the woods without a chaperone. No amount of pleading to learn to defend herself had worked on her father. Once again, I'm nothing but property to marry off, she thought. No rights of my own, to be passed from one man as daughter to another as wife. She loved her father dearly, but ironically his protectiveness had left her feeling very vulnerable.Shivering from their dip in the river, the cool green light of the woods didn't let many of the weak sun rays through. Keeping a brisk pace to try and keep warm, Ciara and Roisin did not say much, lost in their own worlds, and in the stillness, they heard a crack behind them. Boar! It had to be a boar, but Roisin did not want stay around to hear its menacing squeals of attack before they were gored by its tusks. A surge of panic fled through her as she and Ciara grabbed hands and started to run, aiming for the rath, but as they saw the welcoming blue skies again, they were stopped in their tracks by a giant blond man. Spinning on her heels Roisin grabbed Ciara to run the other way, but locked eyes with another giant, this time with red hair and grey eyes dark and glinting, like Toledo steel. She gasped when she saw the bindings he was holding, and her stomach lurched. She could hear her blood rushing though her ears, and saw stars in her eyes.A voice finally cut through the haze. It was Ciara sobbing, 'Roisin, run! You must raise the alarm!' Frozen in fear, she couldn’t think straight to make a choice. Ciara’s cries rang in her ears, but to save herself and run to the church would sacrifice her best friend and sister. The decision was made for her. 'I don't think so, Roisin,' the red haired giant said in Gaelic with enough of an accent for Roisin to realise he was not of the close rival clans of the Cenel Eoghan or the Airghialla. 'Vikings!' she finally found her voice screamed as loud as she could. It was the Lochlanach, the Norsemen. It did not matter what language was used, their very name struck terror in the hearts of all who lived outside Dubh Linn. 'Viki...' The words fell away as one calloused hand covered her mouth, and another fisted around her long jet-black braid.
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
Thank you to unknownswilly (http://unknownswilly.orgfree.com) for the kind use of a number of her photographs.
~*"No portion of this story may be copied or shared without the direct permission of the author."*~
April 15, 2013
Review Treacherous Temptation by Victoria Vane
"Treacherous Temptation"
Author: Victoria VaneGenre: Historical Romance
Pages: 181
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.
Published: January 21,2013
Author's Website: http://authorvictoriavane.com
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb:
A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortunes in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself.
A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.
A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary's fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.
My Review:
Yes, this story was definitely packed full of treachery. So much so I found myself actually getting angry with those deceitful characters (grr). Having read all of Victoria’s works (and always being satisfied), this book, her first full length novel, did not change that trend for me. Treacherous Temptation is a story that any fans of the genre will enjoy the build, overall satisfaction and escape with :)
Mary’s fathers’ passing is the worst thing that could have ever happen in her life. Besides losing a very close loved one, she must now change her way of life to appease what is expected of women in this time and to appease her father’s wishes. Now she finds herself in a new world. One never ventured, never traveled by her. She must also find and marry a man so she can go back home, the only place she wants to be. But could she marry someone she cares nothing about?
Hadley’s story is a strange one. His life has been a series of shocks and deceit. Actually, it’s most of what he knows and it trying to repair. But most of the repairs to his livelihood that are needed require the funds to do so. Now to find them without having to owe debt or bare some other extreme circumstance on his already burdened life…
Historical romance really gives a completely different feel compared to modern day reads of many genres. It’s an experience in itself that I find when very well written (like this story is), it’s an adventure not to be missed. One for both full-fledged and partial fans of the genre. This is some journey, one that some might give up on due to what goes on in the background and some of the forefront. But hold on tight. We do get a HEA, one I was quite satisfied with am sure you will be as well.
Overall Rating
Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames
April 14, 2013
Evernight's Book Boyfriend Blog Hop (April 15 - 21)
Book Boyfriends...
They can be strong and sexy, dark and dangerous, rebellious and reckless or cute and quirky. We love to escape into their world and fall in love with these irresistible heroes. Evernight Publishing has them all and I’m helping them show off their favorites in the Book Boyfriend Blog Hop!
The authors of Evernight invite you to a Speed Date challenge. Their cowboys, Doms, detectives, millionaires, royalty, vampires, soldiers, shifters, even steam-powered heroes are waiting to meet you on each author website.
So pull up a chair and get to know every single one. Here’s who you’ll meet:
Nicola Cameron’s IAN WESTKaryn Gerrard’s DEEGAN BLACKStacey Espino’s CALLUM O’SHEARaven McAllan’s RYAN CULLIVERCait Jarrod’s JAKE GIBSON Jenika Snow’s DOMINICCR Moss and RM Sotera's ANDREW MATHISON/DALTON DOUGANMorgan King’s ARTHUR EARL OF HENTONBURYSandra Bunino’s JASON ROYCECarlene Love Flores’ LUCKY MASONR. Brennan’s RICHARD HALSTEADNicky Penttila’s ELLIOTTDoris O’Connor’s GRISHAD.C. Stone’s BARI DEXTER Robin Badillo’s TUCKER WILDETyler Robbins’ JARED PROPHETErin M. Leaf’s SETH DUSTINMarie E. Blossom’s ZERFIRINOElyzabeth M. VaLey’s ADRIAN ORMONDEMichelle Clay’s JAMES "SULLY" SULLIVANEmma Shortt’s GEORGE CONSTANTINOUChristle Gray’s DRACO TARALUNDARElla Grey’s ALEX WINCHESTERLila Shaw’s ADAMAshlynn Monroe’s SAWYERKastil Eavenshade’s MATTLilith Duvalier’s ALARICKacey Hammell’s HUNTER SULLIVANShyla Colt’s KELLY QUINNDiane Thorne’s STEPHENTC Collins’ ADAM RIVERSLuxie Ryder’s MALACHI BANEMichaela Rhua’s MICHAELCharisma Knight's DANE Lorraine Nelson’s LUKE MANNINGTina Pollick’s GABRIEL Avril Ashton's WES DUMONTSam Crescent's WAYNE Marie Medina's BASTIANLondon Saint James' LORD ASHTON ARCHERKathleen Grieve's DR. CRUZ AVERYSiobhan Muir's FREDRICK MACGREGORShawn Lane's JOE Adonis Devereux's KAMEN James Cox's THE OUTLAW Hazel Gower's CALEB Angelina Rain's DANIELStephanie Berget's SEAN O'CONNELLIsabella Olivia Ellis' LORD LUKE STONEAnna Keraleigh’s WICK
Wow! What a line-up!
What’s up for grabs?• One lucky hopper will win a KINDLE PAPERWHITE eREADER sponsored by Evernight Publishing.• My blog is giving away one free eBook from Evernight (winner’s choice of any eBook from Evernight Publishing’s website).• Plus, visit each blog hop stop for a host of fabulous prizes!How to enter?
Tell me about your favorite hero trait and why in the comment section below. Be sure you leave your email address to be eligible to win a prize.
Keep hopping to the next author or blogger. After you’ve met each hero click here to vote for your favorite book boyfriend. You’ll earn an extra grand prize entry!
You’re one step closer to meeting your next Book Boyfriend...
April 13, 2013
Review Bound After Midnight by Bonni Sanson, Sascha Illyvich & Margie Church
"Bound After Midnight"
Author: Bonni Sanson, Sascha Illyvich & Margie ChurchGenre: Erotic Paranormal RomancePages: 217Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.Published: February 20, 2013Buy Links: Amazon
Blurb: Three novellas of paranormal romance. There is something about the darkness that liberates our deeper, more sensual desires. Combine that with the power of true love and you have a recipe for perfection when the heart gets what it wants, and the body is satisfied through carnal stimulation. The ties that bind are not always visible, the universal concept of love, not always seen clearly through the eyes of the wandering traveler. This is no truer than in the case of Solan, a warrior with an unknown destiny in "Finding Eternity." Wounded on the battlefield, his rescue by a vampire who yearns to be his proves to be too much for a man with no concept of ownership. "Cream on the Crop" is a rather tongue in cheek, yet powerful story about a strong willed woman of privilege making her own way in the country until a specter appears and shows her carnal delights through submission of more than just will. Demanding blood lust fuels our characters in "Hunter's Bounty," a tale of rescue featuring a very unlikely type of shape-shifter as love interest for our vampire heroine. Each tale weaves the intricacies of kinky sensuality, sensual romance and story enough to keep you turning the pages of this hot collection. Perhaps you, too, may find yourself lucky enough to be Bound After Midnight...
My Review: Bound After Midnight is a collection of three erotic, paranormal BDSM stories from three different authors rolled in to one page turning book. All three authors are new to me and each has a very original voice. This collection is definitely something worth checking out for those fans of the genre that enjoy variety (the spice of life) and originality.
Cream on the Crop starts off a bit spooky and grows into an amazing tale of fate, love and proper use of a riding crop. Both characters (Jamaal and Neha) are different, in too many ways to mention. But no matter the differences. What is meant to be will happen.
In Finding Eternity I found myself a touch confused at some points. But as I continued the reading, I was able to piece together the story’s meaning. If any two characters were ever meant to be, Solan and Katherine fit the bill to perfection. A good vampire tale that has the possibilities of greatness. Actually, I would enjoy seeing more of these two and their life together J
Hunter’s Bounty is my favorite of the three. It satisfied everything one looks for in a short and kept me engrossed until the very end. Very original and exciting with enough sex to feed anyone’s appetite. I loved the chemistry between Lana and Devon. They were both completely kick butt characters and REALLY belonged together. I would not mind meeting Devon. He’s a definite treasure of a hunk!
Overall Rating
Sex Rating of 5 Dragon Flames
April 12, 2013
Spotlight & Giveaway with Laila Blake
Blurb
Withdrawn and with a reputation for her strange, eccentric ways, young Lady Moira Rochmond is old to be unwed. Rumors say she has been seen barefoot in the orchard, is awake all night in moon-struck rambles, and sleeps all day. Some even claim her ghostly pallor and aloof manner are signs of illness, a curse, or insanity.
The hopes of the peaceful succession to her father’s fief lie in an advantageous marriage. Moira, however, has a hard time attracting suitors. When one does show interest, her family pushes for a decision.
Almost resigned to the fact that she has no choice but to play the part she has been given in life, Moira is faced with Owain, a member of the mysterious Blaidyn creatures and a new guard in her father’s castle, specifically tasked to keep her safe. He is different from other people she knows and when one night under the full moon she makes the acquaintance of the wolf who shares Owain’s soul, she starts to trust him and seek his presence. As he becomes one of the few individuals who doesn’t make her want to hide and retreat, she wants to learn more about him and they grow closer until they share a kiss one night under the moon.
Faced with feelings and desires that overthrow everything she thought she knew about herself, Moira knows non-the-less that they have to be kept utterly secret. However much they try, they continue to be drawn to each other until one night, Owain discovers something about Moira that shakes him to his core.
Book Links:Amazon US Amazon UKiTunesGoodreads Crimson Romance
Video/Audio:Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7TSvdUiTAGEPrologue Reading: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DX4bzI9CU54
Bio:
Laila Blake, born in 1985 in Cologne/Germany, is a bi-lingual author and translator. She has an MA in Specialized Translating and has worked with several research projects in Applied Linguistics and language acquisition. Teaching English to adults is still paying most of her bills.
Growing up with a love of stories, she started her first epic fantasy story at the age of 13. It didn’t grow past a few chapters and since then, she has gone through a myriad of ideas and beginnings, both in English and German, has learned a lot and lived a lot and dreamed of being a writer.In 2013, Crimson Romance picked her debut novel for publication and she has been working on its sequel ever since. In the meantime, she has also gotten short-stories into several erotic anthologies to be published later this year, and has been working on other projects and ideas.“By the Light of the Moon” will be released on the 8th of April and constitutes her very first novel. The second book in the Lakeside Series, tentatively titled “A Taste of Winter” will follow later the same year.
Website Links:www.lakeside-series.comwww.lailablake.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laila-Blake/160715104077875Twitter: https://twitter.com/LailaJBlakePinterest: http://pinterest.com/stainsofblue/Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6829033.Laila_BlakeTumblr: http://stainsofblue.tumblr.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 11, 2013
Guest post/GMTA Blog Tour with Lyra McKen author of Zombified
Zombie CluelessWhen I first wrote Zombified I had watched several Zombie movies. I really enjoyed Zombieland, Shawn of the Dead, and Night of the Living Dead {the classic} a lot. I hadn’t however heard of Warm Bodies, The Walking Dead, and all of the other Zombie things that have come out of the woodwork since the story of Cassie and her adventure came into my head. I love that Zombie culture is so big, but it of course made me think that my story was just going to be one in a sea of Zombie tales and no one would want it. I was thrilled beyond words when it was signed with GMTA and happy to get my tale out there, but it needed some work.Initial beta reads were not that great, some people thought it lacked some meat, or some parts didn’t flow well. I was still really proud of my story and knew I could only make it better. I also had people who read it and loved it just the way it was, and those people couldn’t understand why I pulled it for rewrites and another good deep editing. I love those people and I am glad they loved my book. The new version isn’t really all that different it just flows better, has some added scenes, and already has the hearts of some of my favorite indie authors like Alexia Purdy and Heather Powell. I am excited for the release of the 15th, and since my story is still the same just better I know people are going to enjoy it just as much as before. At least, I hope they do.
AUTHOR BIO’S
Lyra McKen (aka, Emily Walker) resides in the mountains of North Carolina. She lives on top of a mountain quite literally with her other half of nine years and her fur baby, Rebel. After a couple of jobs ghost writing for other successful authors she embarked on her own journey to write a novel.
ZOMBIFIED
Cassie is a typical teenager. She’s crushing on a boy and trying to make it through high school. It’s a typical day of classes when all hell breaks loose. Forced to run and hide the situation just keeps getting worse. She makes a mistake and soon becomes infected. She meets others like her and together they sent out to find a cure. Is their fate already sealed? Can they find a cure before it’s too late? See what happens through the eyes of the infected when Cassie tells you how Zombies are people too.
“THE ZOMBIE LANGUAGE SLOPAR” BY LYRA MCKEN
Slopar'A Zombie Language'In my novel the Zombies can actually communicate with others in their hoard. They talk to one another with noises, groans, and slow moving hand signals.The language of the Zombies is a simple yet effective one. They can alert each other that there is fresh uninfected meat nearby. They can warn each other of impending human gun fire or explosives. The fact that they can't move away very quickly usually means the warning comes too late. In the beginning of the novel Cassie is attempting to explain to the man she is eating that there shouldn't be any hard feelings. To him it sounds like she is moaning in pleasure over devouring his leg. She names him Neil because she doesn't know his name. I think that she forgets that humans can no longer understand her.When Rose first turns Cassie cannot understand her either. The art of Slopar comes slowly to the infected, and they eventually will understand it when they are completely transformed.Through the use of their Zombie language they discover that they work better in slow moving hordes then groups of one or two.Thanks again for allowing me to post on your blog. I hope everyone who reads Zombified enjoys it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
xx Lyra Mcken
LYRA MCKEN’S LINKS:
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Review Blood Promise (The Progeny #3) by Ashlynne Laynne
"Blood Promise"
Author: Ashlynne LaynneGenre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 354
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.
Published: February 15, 2013
Author's Website: http://ashlynnelaynne.com/
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: “Their love is fated by an ancient prophecy. Now the promise is fulfilled.”
Ascher Rousseau is a half-human, half vampire whose life has been a series of prophecies and predictions. After finding incredible love and passion with Shauna—a Wiccan with powers beyond anything he’s ever known—he seals to her and hopes for happiness. But his enemies seek to destroy all that he loves, and he finds that happiness never lasts for long.
Darkness is descending and a vampiric revolution is nearing. A new brood of hatchlings is born to join their darkling brothers, in preparation for war. A preordained chain of events is set into motion that could lead to the rise of the demonic “cloaked one” and his half-human fallen children, while ending humanity—as we know it.
Can a supernatural love and the loyal bond of a family save the Rousseaus and the world from certain extinction?
My Review: Oh how I missed this dynamic duo! Ashlynne continued on perfectly from where Blood Bond left off, with the continued action, suspense, romance, excitement, soul deep love and even more sex than before. A definite must read for all fans of the genre, but I STRONGLY recommend starting off from book 1 (The Progeny) so you can appreciate the growing love and character growth that occurs as the series progresses.
Shauna and Ascher are still on their toes, keeping their senses alert, ready for whatever is to come their way with this (what I like to call) mini love/hate war. Now married (very happily I might add) and finding their groove as a couple. They can barely keep their hands off one another and are enjoying every second of their time together. They are also both very anxious (in their own ways) about the change that is to come. Both unknowing of what is to be expected, but so deeply in love that they’ll accept any good or bad that’ll occur, no matter what.
I am beyond anxious for book 4 to release. The ending of Blood Promise literally left me hanging at the edge of my seat, needing to know what will happen next! Please hurry Ashlynne J
Overall 4.5 Rating
Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames
