Saturday Book News

TABITHA SHAY
ETERNAL PRESS

 http://www.eternalpress.ca
http://www.tabithashay.com

 

BLURB/WITCH’S MOON/BOOK THREE/TABITHA SHAY

Ru-Noc: A magical world teetering on the edge of destruction.
Excited about her first Beltane, the feisty and strong-willed Princess of Ru-Noc makes plans to find her ideal mate. But Princess Kali’s world is turned upside down when finds herself whisked away and trapped in the mortal realm of vampires.
Captain Koran T knows he’s in serious trouble when the King of Ru-Noc orders him to kidnap Princess Kali. He’s no different than any other male of his species at mating time, so the urge to breed Kali is strong. But Koran T has a dark secret of his own, one that could have him banished from the coven.
Fall under the spell of a Witch’s Moon—when dark forces gather to threaten the very existence of Ru-Noc—and Princess Kali and Captain Koran cross swords in a fierce battle only a witch can win!

EXCERPT FROM WITCH’S MOON BY TABITHA SHAY

Koran sighed. It had been a stupid, risky thing to do. He should never have allowed it to happen. But the temptation to teach her a lesson had overridden the need to handle her with care. When he’d realized she was outside his window watching him wash off, he’d intended to teach her a lesson by linking their minds. Only—

Only it had all gone so wrong.

He hadn’t expected to discover she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Once their minds were linked, Kali had no secrets left. He was stunned to learn her secret desires. He was able to hide his thoughts, his desire, but he raped her of hers and he raped her body, mentally. He’d given her everything she wanted from him.

Koran closed his eyes and rubbed a hand down his face. He didn’t know which of them it hurt the worse. When it was over, physically, they were both satisfied, but the link had only made them both more aware of the other. There were no secrets left about their bodies. He knew her body intimately, just as she knew his. He’d come so damned hard, he thought the head of his cock was going to explode.

When he broke the link, their eyes met. She looked utterly devastated. Tears welled in her eyes. She whirled and ran away, as fast as she could run. He hadn’t tried to stop her. He hadn’t dared.

Saturday Book News

 

 

Romance and Dark Places

I find it fitting that I am able to do this post as a guest on Diana’s site, Romance that thrives in dark places. Especially given the nature of my latest book, Dark Immortal, and the fact that the heroine of this book is named “Diana”.

Now, while both of these things are purely coincidental, it got me to thinking about the dark hero. Why is it that we are drawn to them—to these tortured, brooding, angry men?

I think there is something seductive about a hero who has a sordid past, who struggles with a baser, darker part of himself. There’s a thrill that comes with being involved with someone who’s not necessarily...safe. At the same time, I think that it’s important for his motivations to be understandable. A bad boy who’s nasty and cruel just for the sake of it, isn’t going to get sympathy from anyone. But a man who’s angry and defensive for a reason, and who can find it in himself to work through that and still be an honourable and decent man—well that’s someone you want to hang onto.

In my book, Dark Immortal, Diana and Alric have been together ever since she rescued him from 100 years of isolation and imprisonment in a very dark place. But that experience changed him, and now Alric struggles every day to control the beast that was born in him as a result of that torture and pain—a struggle that becomes even more difficult when he almost loses Diana in an attack that takes her memory from her so that she doesn’t remember him, or the life they’ve built together.

Summary:

How do you know the woman of your dreams would still love you if all the circumstances which brought you together no longer existed? How do you know she would still want you if the memory of your love was wiped away and the only thing left was fear and pain? How could you ask her to stay if all she could see was the monster inside of you, the monster that gets harder and harder to contain?

After one hundred years of torture, trapped underground in darkness and isolation, Alric was visited by an angel. Diana. Beautiful. Strong. Brave. She released him from his prison and saved him from the insanity of his own mind, offering him the kind of love only a fool would ever deny.

But when a vampire’s attack leaves Diana broken and comatose, locked deep inside of herself where Alric can’t reach her, he blames himself for failing to protect her. He can only hope that giving her time to heal will eventually bring her back to him...but it seems that time is not on their side.

Excerpt © Dark Immortal, by J.K. Coi

Alric lifted a hand to her face, lightly trailing a curled finger down her cheek. Callused and rough, but warm on her skin.

She started, her gaze jerking back up to his. His hand was too large, like the rest of him. She knew very well there was little she could do if he decided to use that size and strength against her. And so did he.

It scared the crap out of her, but even so, she didn’t pull back from him.

He touched her with such gentle care, almost trepidation. As if he were more afraid of her, of what she might do, than she was of him. Curiosity rode her. If by some fantastical twist of fate this man was telling her the truth, then she would know from his kiss.

Won’t I?

More to the point, if he kissed her and she felt nothing, then they would both know it. She would be able to put aside the ridiculous uncertainty that continued to torment her once and for all, and maybe he would even let her go.

His gaze shifted to her mouth before he closed the distance. His lips were warm, firm...but light against hers. He was giving her all the time in the world to reject his touch and pull away. When she didn’t do so immediately, he groaned and leaned in closer. There was nothing demanding in his kiss, and yet she felt as if she were being marked, as if this one kiss could break down all of her walls and leave her shivering and vulnerable.

“Diana.” He murmured her name as if it were made to be uttered in his deep voice, his breath stealing between her slightly parted lips. He curved his hand around the back of her head, holding her to him with the gentlest of tethers and slid his tongue across her lips, changing the kiss from something soft and unthreatening, to one that hungered—and dared her to feed the hunger. Dared her to accept it. Crave it.

Oh, God.

I’d love to hear from you, and I want to say thank you to Diana Castilleja for letting me visit today.

Dark Immortal is available for download February 15, 2009:

www.mybookstoreandmore.com

www.lindenbayromance.com

www.allromanceebooks.com

Please sign up for my newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jkcoi/join, and visit me at my website for more information about upcoming books, chats, interviews, reviews, and all things Immortal: http://www.jkcoi.com. I’m also on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jkcoi and I blog at http://www.jkcoi.blogspot.com.

J.K. Coi 
Immortals to Die For 
www.jkcoi.com

Saturday Book News

THE HIEROPHANT by Joe Vadalma
Published by Tease Tarot

Available at All Romance Ebooks

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-thehierophantthehierophant-12429-140.html

http://papajoesfantasticworld.com

A Medieval castle, a woman on the edge of madness, the paranormal, obsessed scientists, mysterious events, murder, a torrid love affair and an unholy experiment. After Joseph and Amy bury their stillborn child, Amy shows symptoms of mental illness. A psychic tells her that the Hierophant means that someone will return the spirit of her dead son to earth, but another death will be involved. When Joseph learns that he has inherited a castle in Austria, they travel there At the dark and gloomy castle, they meet the supposedly dead uncle, who proposes a blasphemous experiment to bring the corpse of an infant to life. In this manner Amy is led from horror after horror which sinks her into a quagmire of death, madness and sin. And what of the young Ray Smart? Will he save Amy from the horrors that haunts her? Or will he tempt her into a forbidden love affair?

In the Tarot the purpose of the Hierophant is to bring the spiritual down to Earth. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck explicitly connects the Hierophant with the Ten of Swords. A dead man lies face down on a beach and is penetrated by ten swords. He has his hand in the same position of blessing as the Hierophant. Perhaps the artist believed that the path of the Hierophant ultimately leads to death; a sanctified death, but death nonetheless.

Excerpt:

At the end of the hallway was the entrance to the tower. Amy led the way up a narrow spiral staircase. They climbed what Kraus estimated was five stories. Near the top Kraus looked out an arrow slit. Because the full moon lit up the countryside, he could see for miles around. Beyond the hills, meadows and farmland glistened the snow covered peaks of the Alps and a star studded night sky. After they climbed a few more steps, they came upon an oaken door which would not open.
"Oh damn," Kraus said. "We've worn ourselves out for nothing. The door is locked."
"I wonder who has a key."
"Probably Herman." He glanced at his watch. It was near midnight. The butler would be in bed.
"Tomorrow you must get it from him." Amy's eyes reflected a great eagerness to see what was in that room. Kraus wondered why.
As they turned to head back downstairs, Kraus heard footstep behind the door. He put his ear to the door, sure that someone was in the room beyond. He rapped loudly. The sounds from within stopped. He called out, "Whoever is in there, I hear you walking about. This is Doctor Joseph Kraus, owner of this property. Let me in, or I'll call the police." He repeated this in Austrian in case the person within did not speak English. He listened again. There was no sound. He cursed.
While he wondered what to do next, there was a click. He tried the doorknob. It turned, and the door creaked open. Whatever lie beyond was in total darkness. Kraus fumbled for a light switch. Overhead fluorescent lights came on, revealing a large room that was part library, part laboratory and part medical examining room.
He peered around for the person who had made the noise. The room was empty of human presence. There did not seem anywhere for an intruder to hide. He scratched his head. Someone had been walking about and had unlocked the door. Where could he or she have gone? There had to be another exit. He and Amy stepped into the room.
"Apparently Uncle Johann was doing scientific work. I wonder why he was so secretive about it."
While he searched for another way out of the room, Amy opened cabinets. After a while, he heard her talking. When he turned to look at her, in her hands was a large glass container. She was whispering to it. He walked over to see what she had. To his horror, it contained a dead infant preserved in alcohol. It must have died at birth, because it was completely formed and full size.
Amy turned toward him. "Look Joe, a baby. I've named him Adolph, a proper Austrian name don't you think."
"Please put that back where you got it, Amy. It's dead, like Edmund."
"But he's talking to me through telepathy. He wants to live."
He snatched the jar from her hands, put it back in the open cabinet and slammed the doors shut. "C'mon, we must get out of here. Your delusions are returning."
"But what about Adolph?" She turned toward the cabinet and gazed through the glass with longing.
"We'll come back tomorrow. You'll see things clearer in the daylight." He pulled her toward the exit. She came reluctantly. Before they left, he had a queer feeling on the back of his neck as though they were being watched.

Saturday Book News

Mary Eason
Samhain Publishing
Print: http://samhainpublishing.com/print/survivor-print
ebook: http://samhainpublishing.com/books/survivor

www.maryeason.bravehost.com
http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/mary-eason

Blurb:
The biggest challenge to Grace’s self-imposed celibacy? Love.
As a little girl, Grace Caldwell watched her father walk out on her mother as she struggled through the final stages of breast cancer. Grace, knowing the odds that she could suffer her mother’s fate, resolves to never to let any man close enough to hurt her that way.
Her new boss, Aaron Severn, isn’t hard to figure out—his reputation with women is legendary. She’s confident it won’t be hard for her to resist his charm. To her surprise, Aaron seems sensitive and caring, the kind of man who will be there for her, no matter what. Despite her vow of self-imposed celibacy, Grace finds herself allowing their friendship to grow deeper.
When her worst nightmare becomes reality, Grace’s past fear rears its ugly head, driving her to push him away. But Aaron’s not the kind of man to give up on Grace’s love—or her life—without a fight.
Excerpt*
Aaron left it up to me to choose where we would have dinner. I decided he needed a little authentic taste of Texas. So I took him to my favorite barbeque joint. The kind of place where they serve barbeque up by the pound on white meat market paper. Aaron wasn’t nearly as convinced as I was when I told him he would love it.
“Come on, you have to try it just once. This place is a legend around town.” Still not so sure, he took a bite of one of the well-seasoned ribs, sending sloppy barbeque sauce squirting in just about every direction. It was on his face, running down the front of his crisp, white shirt, before plopping onto the white paper. He was lucky to have taken his jacket off otherwise it would have been all over that as well. And I was almost positive I felt some of it strike my cheek.
As hard as I tried when I looked at his completely disgusted expression, I had to laugh. He was such a Yankee. Didn’t he realize you couldn’t eat ribs like that without a bib and whole lot of napkins?
“You did that on purpose didn’t you?”
“I did not. I’m sorry. How did I know you had no idea how to eat ribs? Don’t they have them in New York?” I reached for a handful of napkins, handed him several, then tucked one into his shirt. “There, you should be safe now.”
That strange expression was back on his face as he leaned over and wiped the sauce from my cheek.
“Pretty good shot, don’t you think?” He showed me the sauce he’d just wiped from my face.
“Remind me next time to sit at another table.”
“There’s not going to be a next time, so you can forget about that. You got me once. You won’t be so lucky again.”
“Well, maybe not with barbeque but there are lots of other ways, Mr. Severn. You are, after all, a foreigner here. You stand out like a sore thumb.”
At least I made him smile a little, which diminished that disturbing expression in his eyes. “Another homespun adage I take it?”
“Yep, I’m full of them.”
“I can see that. Like I said before, I think you’re going to be trouble for me. I’m not so sure I’m ready for you just yet, Miss Caldwell.” I had no idea what he meant. I was finding the best way to take him was on face value alone and not dig too deep.
Even so, I was aware of every little thing he said or did. To cover my sudden awareness, I decided to ask him some questions about himself. So far all I knew about him was that he could be impossible to deal with and he dated lots of women.
“So, your parents must be very proud of you?” Okay I never said I had a lot of tact. That probably was the least pleasant way of changing the conversation but I didn’t care. I just blurted that one out, surprising him and probably giving him whiplash at the speed of my subject change.
“Is this your way of asking me about myself? I didn’t think you cared.” He took my silence for what it was—complete annoyance at his sarcasm. “My parents passed away when I was away at the university. It’s only me in the world.”
“I’m sorry…oh, Aaron, I had no idea. That must have been…awful.”
“Yes, it was. But it was also an awfully long time ago.”
“Really? I didn’t know you were so old.”
His full attention was back on me once again. “Your way of asking how old I am?”
“Maybe…”
“I’m thirty-seven.”
“That old, huh?”
Aaron shook his head. “Okay, smart guy, what about you? How old are you?”
“You know, I’d think with all the women you’re supposed to have dated in your lifetime, you would have learned something about them by now. Don’t you know you never ask a woman her age?”
Aaron didn’t laugh. In fact, he wasn’t even smiling. “It just so happens there aren’t as many women in my past as you and everyone else in the world would like to think. And I happen to know you’re twenty-three, Grace. I was just being polite. What about your parents?”
Of course, I knew the question was coming even though I was trying my hardest to steer the conversation away from me. I hated talking about my parents because it always led to the inevitable questions about them I didn’t want to answer.
Looking into Aaron’s blue eyes I knew if I didn’t say something, and soon, he would guess the truth on his own. “My mother passed away when I was six. I haven’t seen my father since.”
I think he figured by the way I blurted those words out that it was not the time to ask a whole lot of questions on the subject.
“Where did you grow up?” The compassion in his voice threatened to crack my hard won resolve.
“With my grandparents. My mom’s parents. They have a small farm outside of Amarillo.”
“I see. That must have been hard—losing both parents so young?”
How could I tell him I couldn’t let go of the hurt? At times the pain was just as strong as it had been when I was that scared girl of six who didn’t understand her mother was dying. The little girl who cherished her father’s love only to lose it when he left us both for good.
I tried again to change the subject. “It was. But my grandparents were wonderful. I was lucky.” I pretended to look at my watch before faking surprise. “Oh geez, is that the time? I really need to go.”
Just before he agreed with me, I saw the truth. He knew. He’d seen my pain before I could hide it. It was there in the ever-so-slight-did-I-actually-imagine-it softening expression in his eyes.
Reviews*

1. Rating: 78! I have a wonderful time reading Survivor because of the author’s often graceful prose. It’s why I keep reading her books, actually, since the books I’ve read by her have prose that really appeals to me… The author can easily sell me even the most fanciful or whimsical ideas when I’m really quite the cynic.

   — Mrs. Giggles

2.  4 Roses!
   I loved the whole concept of this story that shows not only true romance between the characters but that there is still that all time consuming passion that surpasses anything even a person’s fear of letting go and learning to love for the first time.

   — Lena, My Book Cravings

Saturday Book News

Druid Quest

Cornelia Amiri

Awe Struck E-Books

http://www.amazon.com/Druid-Quest-Cornelia-Amiri/dp/1587497026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231646297&sr=1-1

http://www.myspace.com/CelticRomanceQueen.com

 

Blurb:

In first century AD Britannia, the Romans move to crush Queen Boudica's revolt. The future of the mist covered isle and its brave people rest in the hands of two druids whose views are as different as fire and ice.

Arch Druid Rhys, a master of the sacred mysteries, is but a novice in the ways of the heart. Sulwen, a sacred druidess, discovers Rhys, the shape shifter, has evoked a feral desire in her. Though their love is as potent as their magic, is it strong enough to survive their desperate quest.

Excerpt:

Sulwen's essence rose from her like gray smoke from a snuffed candle. She gazed down on her still body, her white skin, and her long, blondish hair. She felt like a heavy cloud as she pushed against the wind and floated into the body of the bird.

She felt small. Compressed. She gazed out of tiny yet sharp eyes. She opened her mouth, expecting a shrill scream, but her beak emitted the caw of a gull. Her teeth were gone. Frightened by it all, she felt as if she had leapt off the cliff and was falling helpless, to her doom.

Hot, almost fevered, her heart hammered alarmingly. She breathed faster than any human. She felt hurried. She needed to hasten, to move swiftly. Sulwen needed to fly. She began to move up and down.

Faster than any human can move their arms, she flapped her wings hard and dove off the cliff. Fighting the urge to shut her new, keen eyes, she worked her wings with all her might until she caught a wave of wind and ceased the frantic flapping.

As she stretched out her wings, her entire body eased. That feels so good. Like lying down on the most comfortable bed, all the tautness and tension in her body rolled off. She rode the wind, arching her wings slightly. Her tiny, light body had the strength and power to defy the pull of the earth and break free.

Sulwen coasted, effortless, across the sky with the speed of an iron pellet fired from a slingshot. She whizzed through the air, breathless. A chariot at top speed seemed slow, compared to the swiftness of flight. She tilted her head up and rode higher. With an empowering freedom, her body ran with little guidance from her brain as she soared beyond the clouds.

As her sharp gull eyes gazed upon the rocky sides of Ynys Mon jutting out of the tranquil blue water, she quivered with joy. She soared above strips of sandy beach, patches of huge white rocks blanketed in emerald green and the blueberry-toned mountain range. Making a large, playful loop in the air, she circled the ancient rocks of Holy Head where she first fell in love with Rhys.

She glided above mountains topped with groves of trees crested with lush green leaves, and slopes covered with dense woodland. Sulwen flew free over splashes of bright blue, she knew as lakes and streams, as well as strips of ebony rocks dotted with green, which stretched into the sea.

Lifting one wing higher than the other, Sulwen turned back to fly over Ynys Mon once more. As she flapped her wings slower and slower, the earth began to pull her closer. She flew past a grey seal basking in the sun on a rock jutting out of the white-foamed water. She soared over a forest as she headed towards Eryri. Sulwen came to a clearing with a small ring of green sparkly standing stones.

With a twist of her wings, she slowed her landing, then spread and lowered her tail feathers to brake to a stop. With feet outstretched,  she landed on top of one of two tallest stones in the center of the ancient ring. Like its mate, the long stone stood twenty hands high.
Glancing to the north, she looked upon Holy Head but to the south across the sea she gazed at the peak of Eryri where Rhys stood, waiting for her sprit to return to her body. Perched on the tall slab-like stone of green schist, she gazed at its mate. At the last Beltaine festival on the Ynys Mon, in the center between the two long stones, Madog stood, beating a bodhran drum as he led her and the other druids in a chant.
She looked to the smaller stones circling the larger two. She had stood there, between her best friends, Goewin and Brisen, holding their hands and dancing around the sacred ring. When the Beltaine sun set behind the stones, the shadows of this and the other center stone stretched across the ground, looking like an ancient giant, like a god.

Reviews:

"Cornelia Amin writes scenes that come alive when battles rage and the people celebrate. Moreover, the love scenes with Sulwen and Rhys sizzle and make the heart rate kick into high gear. The Druid Quest QUEST offers shape shifting, a hint of dragons, magic, and the indomitable spirit of the druids to survive and help humanity. This is a story I'm glad I had the opportunity to read. It is a story of faith, hope, and love." Reviewed by Camellia of The Long and the Short of It Reviews.

"If you enjoy reading about the Celts, don't miss this story…DRUID QUEST is a fantastic look into the life of the Ancient Celts. Cornelia Amiri has definitely done her research before she ever put fingers to keyboard on this one, and it shows." Reviewed by Chere Gruber of Paranormal/Romance

"So as far as fantasy books with a Celtic twist go I recommend reading Druid Quest as you will find yourself falling in love with Cornelia Amiri and her books." Reviewed by Cheryl at Cheryl's Booknook book blog

"Ms. Amiri gives us a very strong woman in Sulwen, who is able to put aside the horrors of her recent past to complete her quest and perform some "sex magic" with Rhys along the way! If you are a fan of the medieval and love a great romance then you will definitely want to take Druid's Quest home with you." Reviewed by Lynda of Simply Romance Reviews

Saturday Book news

 

Teri Wilson (www.teriwilson.net)

The Wild Rose Press
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1043
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook76584.htm

Blurb:
As a child, Simone Littleton adores the European folktale that animals are given the gift of speech at midnight on Christmas Eve. She makes a wish to talk to animals "forever and ever" and, when her pet Dalmatian asks her for a biscuit, she discovers her wish has been granted. Now Simone is all grown up and she uses her unique gift to rehabilitate unwanted horses. When racehorse trainer Chet Wallace rolls into San Antonio, with chocolate eyes and dimples blazing beneath his black Stetson, romantic sparks fly. He is immediately drawn to the beautiful woman who has a mesmerizing affect on both his horses and his dog, but his less than enthusiastic response to Simone's claims threatens their budding romance. It takes a scheming Jack Russell terrier and a dose of Christmas magic to convince Chet she just may be telling the truth.

Excerpt:
“So this is why all your animals are named after artists.” Her gentle voice washed over him, soothing his nerves.
He turned and there she was, hair full of hay like always. She looked particularly welcoming today, though, wearing a soft pink sweater that hugged her curves. Her hair was on top of her head in a ponytail rather than her usual braid. He had to press down the urge to loosen the fastener and let it tumble over her shoulders in thick, blonde waves.
He gulped. Hard. Just looking at her was almost enough to take his breath away. “Happy Thanksgiving, Simone.”
She came closer, ponytail swinging, and stood next to him. Close enough so he felt almost intoxicated by the orchid fragrance. “Happy Thanksgiving. I can’t believe you painted this. It’s breathtaking. When I close my eyes and picture Buttercup in my mind, she looks exactly like this.”
It was a nice compliment. The special gleam in Chet’s eye came not from her kind words, but from the fact Simone stood close to him and looked at him in the way Ted had observed in the kitchen the night before. Yes, there was something between them all right. He felt it in every nerve ending in his body. “Thanks. It’s just a hobby really.”
“You are quite the Renaissance Man, Chet.” She punched him playfully in the shoulder. “You’re just one surprise after another. What am I going to find out about you next?”
“Well, if I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise now, would it?” His gazed locked with hers and he winked.
Reviews:
Do You Hear What I Hear named Fallen Angels Review Recommended Read with a 5/5 Angels rating!
"I was so enchanted with this charming tale that I read it straight through in one sitting. I loved the special affinity for animals, and Simone’s conversations with some of the animals were cute and funny. But the way some of the other people in the story treated Simone almost broke my heart; it seemed so unfair. Human nature often fears and ridicules what they don’t understand so it was very believable. This story is my first taste of the work of Teri Wilson but it will not be my last. Ms. Wilson imparts a style and spirit into her work that I love, and I want to read all her works. If you love magic, romance, and animals, Do You Hear What I Hear? is a must read Christmas story. I highly recommend this enchanting, magical tale! And as a special bonus this book promises to be just the first of a series of books by Ms. Wilson called Hoofbeats and Heartstrings. I can’t wait for the next installment!"
Reviewed by: Stephanie B., Fallen Angels Reviews
Do You Hear What I Hear named Recommended Read by CK2S Kwips & Kritiques with a 5/5 rating!
"I was totally charmed by this book from the first page. Teri Wilson creates a wonderful slate of characters, human, canine and equine, that grab your heart and won’t let go. Do You Hear What I Hear? was well developed and the perfect reading choice for the holiday season when we all need a break from the hustle and bustle and long to curl up in a soft corner with a steaming cup of cocoa and a heartwarming read. I loved the unique career that Simone had developed for herself and enjoyed all the scenes about the horse rescue ranch. While part of a series, this book stands alone.
Animal Rescue organizations have a special place in my heart, so discovering that Do You Hear What I Hear? was benefiting horse rescue was particularly gratifying. As described on the author’s website: Hoofbeats & Heartstrings is a series of romance novels celebrating love, miracles and the beauty of horses. A portion of the proceeds from all the Hoofbeats & Heartstrings novels will go directly to help horses in need at Saddlebred Rescue. For more information about this wonderful organization, you can visit their website at http://www.saddlebredrescue.com/ Do yourself, and the rescue horses benefiting from the sales of this book, a favor and pick up your copy today. You are sure to be enchanted. The second book in the series is due out in March."
Reviewed by Crystal, CK2S Kwips & Kritiques
Do You Hear What I Hear named Night Owl Romance Reviewer's Top Pick!
"Ms. Wilson has penned a wonderful story. I loved how the author came up with the creative storyline of Simone being able to communicate with animals and I was truly heartbroken with how she was treated by most people because of her special gift. I fell in love with Simone not only because of her talent with animals, but also how she was the perfect compliment for Chet. I absolutely adored the choice of names chosen for all the animals, especially the horses. I enjoyed this story so much I just couldn’t put it down. Ms. Wilson wrote every detail with a purpose and in the end, she told a beautiful story of love between humans and animals. I highly recommend this story and eagerly look forward to reading more from this author."
Diana Coyle, Night Owl Romance Book Reviews

Saturday Book News

 

Terry Odell

Five Star Expressions

http://www.terryodell.com/editable_files/WDC.buylinks.html

www.terryodell.com

Blurb:

If someone asks single mother Frankie Castor to clear a room, she'll smile and find a vacuum cleaner.  Ryan Harper uses a gun.  Can they work together when their lives depend on it?

Frankie’s returned to her childhood home in Montana to help care for her mother. Her biggest worries are balancing the budget and the upkeep of an aging home. When she offers a man a ride home from the hospital, she never imagines she’ll end up having to choose between her daughter’s life and matters of national security that could cost the lives of millions.
Ryan returns to his family home to find a way to prove he didn’t leak vital information on a covert ops mission gone south. As he searches for the meaning of a file he’s kept hidden from the mission, he has no idea that international mercenaries have been searching for it—and him. When the mercenaries come after Ryan, he’s torn. Fighting for his country wars with fighting to rescue people he loves.
Set against a Montana mountain backdrop, When Danger Calls is a story filled with action, adventure, and romance, where the stakes keep getting higher and higher.

Excerpt* 

"Do you want me to call the doctor back for you?" Frankie asked.

Still gazing at the floor, he shook his head. "No," he croaked. "I'm fine."

"I'm no doctor, but it's obvious that you're not. Can I get you some water, Jack?"

This time he looked up, and she knew those eyes, bloodshot and full of anguish, recognized her. In the harsh emergency room lighting, she saw they were the color of the whiskey he drank.

"Gladys?"

"Frances, actually. Frankie. Gladys is my bar name. What happened?"

"Car crash. My father."

He shuddered, and beneath the soot stains, his face faded to the color of parchment. Before she could call out, he clutched her forearm. Despite his condition, his grip was strong. She pried his fingers loose, but held on to his hand. It was frigid, and she cradled it, rubbing gently to transfer some of her warmth. He seemed oblivious to her touch.

"Well, then can I call someone for you? Your mother—does she know about the accident?"

With an uneven breath, he sat up straight. "She's dead."

"Oh, my. In the crash? I'm so sorry. I didn't think."

Shaking his head, he said, "No, she died years ago." He stared into space with hollow eyes.

"Let me get someone to help."

"No. No doctor. Need to catch my breath is all."

Still holding his hand, which she noted was warming slightly, she talked to him as if he were one of the stray pets she used to rescue. The words didn't matter, it was all in the tone. "My dad died when I was a kid, too. Somehow, we think they'll live forever, and then something happens and you realize you'll be alone some day. But you still refuse to believe it, don't you? My mom was admitted tonight, but I know she's going to be fine. Same with your father. No way would they both leave us, right?"

Color returned to his face. He gave her a wry grin. "Yeah. Pop's too stubborn to die. Not like this, anyway."

From the counter, the receptionist called Jack's name. He jumped to his feet, letting the blanket fall to the chair. Without giving Frankie a glance, he strode to the desk. Back straight, shoulders squared, probably unaware he wasn't wearing a shirt. Braced for the worst, Frankie thought.

Moments later, a woman in a white coat approached. She smiled, said something, and Jack lifted his head toward the ceiling. For several minutes they spoke in quiet murmurs Frankie couldn't understand. He shook the woman's hand, and she raised an index finger before pivoting and leaving the counter. Jack glanced downward, then leaned against the counter, and Frankie saw the deep breaths he was taking. The woman returned with a green scrub shirt and handed it to Jack. He shrugged into it and shook her hand once again.

When he turned toward Frankie, there was no disguising the relief in his eyes.

She smiled. "I told you he'd be all right."

"The doctor said it didn't look too bad, but they're going to keep him a day or two to make sure. Nothing I can do, and I need to get out of this place." He swayed and grabbed the back of the chair.

Frankie took his elbow. "You're still shaky. I think you should stick around here, where someone can keep an eye on you."

His mouth narrowed. "No, I need to get away. It's complicated, but I don't want anyone to know I'm here." He stared over he shoulder for a moment, as if it took a long time for the words to line up before he spoke. "Can I impose on you for a lift to a motel? I'd like to be nearby." He lifted his arms shoulder height, palms upward, then did a slow pivot. "I'm not armed. And I don't bite. Promise. In a few minutes I'll be out of your hair."

Logic said to give him cab fare. She checked her wallet, and didn't think three dollars would get him anywhere. She remembered his gentle touch on the dance floor. At the moment, he was in no condition to do anything to hurt her, and she'd have him at a motel in a few minutes. Instinct trumped logic. "My car's outside. Can you walk?"

Reviews*"...an action-packed adventure tale with agreeable results." Jay Boyar, Orlando Magazine
“Terry Odell creates adventures that will keep you turning the pages.  A perfect, getaway read from a very talented author.” – USA Today best-selling author Rhonda Pollero

(Link to more:  http://www.terryodell.com/editable_files/reviews.WDC.html )

Saturday Book News

Author name: Jenyfer Matthews
Publisher name: Cerridwen Press
Buy link  http://www.jasmine-jade.com/pm-6855-357-here-to-stay.aspx
Author Link: http://www.jenyfermatthews.com/books/here-to-stay/
Blurb

All Julia Sullivan wanted was a fresh start in a new place. But cutting ties with the past and starting over can be a difficult thing to do.

After leaving her husband and quitting her job, Julia was emotionally spent. She needed a quiet place to recharge and to think about what she wanted from life. She thought she had found just that when she inherited her aunt's oceanfront Victorian house in Haven, New Jersey. It wasn't going to be that simple, however. In addition to her new house being a complete shambles, her charming soon-to-be ex-husband Patrick, whom she discovers she still loves, arrives with the intention of winning her back. To complicate matters further, it seems as if her aunt's death wasn't an accident after all. And there's just something about her new house that seems to interest all sorts of people.

Reviews*

"Emotionally charged and full of suspense HERE TO STAY by Jenyfer Matthews is an enticing read. [...] I highly recommend this gripping book to anyone who loves suspense, it is well worth the read."

Sheryl, Ecataromance, on HERE TO STAY

"There are many twists and turns and the kind suspense that keep the reader on edge and very much involved. The many truths are revealed slowly, in completely logical, well-plotted fashion. The sense of danger is palpable.[...] This kept me turning pages until the very satisfying ending. Jenyfer Matthews is a skillful writer. She has crafted a tale of romantic affection within a superb suspense story. Recommended."

Lynn Bushey, The Romance Studio, on HERE TO STAY

Saturday Book News

Dara England

Lyrical Press

Release date: Coming 3/16/08

Buy Link: http://www.lyricalpress.com/brought_to_life.html

MySpace.com/DaraEngland

 

Blurb:

Megan Hurst's life has taken some unexpected turns: First she loses her heart to the dashing hero of a novel. And then she meets an amnesia victim who seems just like him.
The mysterious stranger needs her help to piece his past together, and the closer the two become, the more questions arise about his resemblance to a "fictional" character.
Megan's romantic feelings and her bizarre suspicions bring her to an impossible question... Has she dreamed the Duke to life?

Saturday Book News

 

 

"The Wolf's Sister" by R. F. Long

Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Fantasy Romance

ISBN: 1-60504-237-4
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: November 11, 2008
Cover art by Natalie Winters

A love transcending race and culture…a secret that could cost everything.

A Tale of the Holtlands, Book 1

Elite Fey'na warrior Shan is driven only by hatred for Gilliad, the Lord of River Holt, the human responsible for the brutal slaying of his innocent sister. Vengeance will be his as soon as he can find a way to confront his enemy. His mind is set; his path chosen. Then he meets Jeren…

Jeren of River Holt flees for her life, desperate to escape the clutches of her brother, Gilliad, before his misuse of magic consumes what remains of his sanity. She finds safety and protection with Shan…but only so long as she hides her kinship with the Lord of River Holt. As they are pursued across the northern snow plains, their deepening trust turns to love.

A love that could shatter when he learns who, and what, she is.

Warning: This title contains violence, torture, and a wolf-lover's worst nightmare. Readers may find their imaginations hopelessly ensnared in a beautiful and terrible world of magic.

Links
Samhain:http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/the-wolfs-sister
MBaM: http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/the-wolfs-sister
My Website: www.rflong.com
Booktrailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEd5qJxOeWA
Excerpt:

She skidded to a halt where the trees descended into a gully, hoping the edge might offer an advantage. She grabbed a hefty branch from the ground and faced her pursuers. Five of them, all men.

"She's waiting for her Fair One friends to drop out of the sky and save her!"

The wind stirred the leaves overhead.

Drop out of the sky, Shan. Please! Do as he says and save me!

Nothing happened. She heaved in a breath.

"Leave me alone." She clenched her teeth, her knuckles white where she gripped her makeshift weapon.

Their laughter roared in her ears. They couldn't imagine that anything could hurt them, least of all one small woman, so outnumbered. The first walked forwards, a knife in his hand. The irony of it twisted in her stomach—Jeren, sister of the Scion of Jern, heiress to River Holt, killed by a bunch of drunken louts from a hole like Brightling's Dale? It wasn't going to happen. She would not allow it!

Jeren lashed out. The impact of the wood on his arm jarred through her. His bone shattered.

She didn't pause. They weren't going to line up and politely attack her one by one. The other four scrambled forwards, a ragged pack who, sensing danger, would rely on their numbers. She crouched low. There were too many, despair told her. The foremost caught her arm and she saw the flash of a knife. Pain exploded in her side.

An unearthly shriek came from above her and something white plummeted into the face of the third man, beak and talons rending his flesh. He fell beneath the screeching owl, flailing wildly. Anala hurtled into the one with the bloody knife, her whole body her weapon. They tumbled down the gully, man and wolf, a cacophony of screams and snarls.

The other pair faltered. They were staring at Jeren in horror now, their faces pale with dread. No, not at her…past her, above her…

Shan unfolded silently from the tree branch and dropped to the ground, his sword already drawn.

"Run away," he told them. His voice rippled like the breeze through the leaves. "Run away now."