Book Jems: excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from Where You'll Find Me:

Nate looks me over, from my jacket to my favorite pair of jeans, to the shoes that are bonfire-worthy but still cute. My hair, with the help of a straightener, is so silky that my dark bangs fall into my eyes even more than usual. My eye makeup is amped up. Whether all of this is because of the bonfire or because of who I hoped I’d run into before leaving is open for debate. He reaches up and brushes my bangs away from my face. The split-second touch makes me crave more. “You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you.”

“Where are you headed?”

Though staying here in the garage might be a better option, I say, “A bonfire.”

Nate studies me again, but this time it feels like he’s looking for something deeper. “Don’t you ever get tired of sneaking out?”

“Not really,” I say with a shrug.

He tugs on the zipper of my fleece, lowering it slightly and pulling me closer. “What are you running from, Hanley?”

It feels like my secrets are written all over my face, but I say, “Nothing.”

When he smiles, it’s almost sad. “I don’t buy it.”

I lean in, putting both hands on the car behind him, one on either side, trapping him. “You tell me why you’re living in my garage and I’ll tell you what I’m running from.”

He gives a sly smile and doesn’t budge. “Secrets it is.”

“Secrets it is,” I echo. And even though the small space between us is electric and threatening to disappear, I push off the car and step away. “I’ll see you later,” I say as I open the door.

“Hanley,” he says before I can get too far. “Be careful out there, okay?”

I don’t make any promises.

Enter to win an eARC of Where You'll Find Me below!

Big thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and Entangled Teen for allowing Book Jems to join them in this release! We are so looking forward to reading the book, and we just absolutely adore the cover!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Launch Giveaway and Excerpt of Proxy (Avalon #0.5) by Mindee Arnett

Proxy (Avalon #0.5) by Mindee Arnett

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
90 Pages

Proxy is an action-packed introduction to a world like nothing readers have seen before, and it sets a spark to the powder keg that will explode in Mindee Arnett's sci-fi thriller Avalon.

If you need something stolen from any star system in the Confederation, you need look no further than the Shades. Jeth Seagrave and his band of teenage mercenaries have been making a name for themselves for being able to steal anything—and for disappearing before anyone is the wiser. Their latest job, a jewel heist on Grakkus, should be no different. But when Jeth's boss replaces a key member of his crew just before takeoff, and Jeth discovers a betrayal within his own ranks, he begins to suspect that not everyone is going to be coming back from his job alive.

From Proxy by Mindee Arnett:

The thrill of the job never got old. Jeth Seagrave lived for it. For the way the anticipation sent electricity pulsing through his veins, making his blood burn hotter, his heart beat harder, and sharpening his senses until he felt like something more than human. A superhero from one of the ancient myths of First Earth, perhaps.

You’re no hero. The automatic thought skidded through his mind, barely registering. No, he wasn’t. He was a thief. One of the best.

And that was all that mattered. Never mind that he was only sixteen. Never mind that most of his crew was even younger. Together they were an unstoppable force, a gang of teenage thieves their adult marks never saw coming. The thrill pulsed harder inside him, and with an effort he focused on the nav monitor in front of him. They would be entering the patrolled zone around the planet Grakkus soon.

To his left, Celeste piloted the Debonair forward, her hands steady on the control column. Jeth would’ve preferred to pilot this job—he would prefer to pilot every job—but he and Celeste took turns. All of the members of the Malleus Shades held specific roles that played to their strengths. Celeste’s forte was counterintelligence, particularly the art of distracting marks. Jeth’s was strategy, and he typically took point on every job. But when it came to piloting, he and Celeste were equally matched.

Jeth drew a breath, still struggling to focus. He couldn’t help it. The upcoming job was the most challenging, complicated one they’d taken on yet. The target was located in a vault at the top of a tower only accessible through the emperor of Grakkus’s personal bedchambers—not some insignificant politician or petty crime lord, but an emperor. Pulling it off would be like flying a spaceship through a solar storm without getting fried. A grin threatened to break on his face. The job was going to be fun, and with a payout well worth the risk.

At last the nav computer flashed an indicator that they were heading into the patrolled zone.

Celeste glanced at him, her dark eyes narrowing. Straight black hair hung in a blunt cut down to her shoulders. “Are you going to turn on the stealth drive or what?”

“I’m thinking about it.” A part of him didn’t want to. The so-called stealth drive was brand new and untested, at least by the Shades. If it didn’t work, things were going to get a whole lot more interesting real quick. And if it did work, well, then things weren’t going to get interesting. He couldn’t decide which he preferred.

In the end, Celeste made the decision for him, reaching over to a switch on a sleek new section of the control panel. Jeth sighed. It was the right thing to do, of course, and there would be plenty of risks to be had once they landed.

Or it might not work properly, he thought, examining the nav monitor once more. Best not to blindly trust some newfangled technology. Within minutes he spotted a blimp on the monitor, a patrol to their starboard. The ship was far off, but within range to scan them.

“What should I do?” A hint of panic colored Celeste’s voice. They had never before flown so boldly through a patrolled area.

“Hold course,” Jeth said, not taking his eyes off the blimp. So far the patrol ship hadn’t given any sign that it had spotted them.

“You sure you’re right?”

“Aren’t I always?”

Celeste snorted. “Do you want an honest answer?”

“Nope. I prefer my own version of the truth.”

“Right.” Celeste tightened her grip on the controls. According to the instructions they’d received from their employer, who owned the Debonair, the stealth drive worked best when the ship maintained a constant speed and course. Any sharp turns or drastic acceleration or deceleration could turn up on a system scanning for thruster signatures, stealth drive or no.

Maybe it was for the best that Celeste was piloting, Jeth realized. He would’ve been tempted to test the theory of what constituted “drastic.”

They passed out of range of the patrol a few minutes later, and Jeth sat back in the copilot’s chair, folding his arms across his chest as he tried to ignore his disappointment. They flew within range of three more patrols but moved past them without incident, finally breaching Grakkus’s atmosphere.

Once through, Celeste headed for their rendezvous point, an isolated forested area a few hundred kilometers outside of the capital city. Beyond the bridge’s main windows, the first rays of sunlight were breasting the horizon, heralded by a swath of purple, pink, and vermillion.

At last Celeste set the Debonair down on a large stretch of tall grass the color of seaweed. She powered off the engines and turned on the auxiliary, which would keep the shipboard systems running, including the stealth drive. It wasn’t likely that anyone would spot them out here—the place was well off the main thoroughfares, not to mention how inhospitable the swamp surrounding them was—but Jeth decided not to point that out.

Celeste stood and stretched, the movement languid as if she were part cat. The dark, fitted clothing she wore aided the illusion. “So, what now?”

Jeth checked his watch, which he’d synced to Grakkus time. “I say breakfast or lunch, whichever works, and then a couple hours’ R and R. The setup man’s not due to arrive until fourteen hundred.” They’d had to get here early to avoid being detected during landing. The stealth drive hid them from sight, but it couldn’t disguise the sound of the engines or the wind raised by the thrusters.

“Think I’m going to shower again, before—” Celeste broke off as a voice echoed over the ship’s comm system.

“Um, Boss? We sorta have a situation. You might want to get down to the common room.”

Jeth blinked, all his disappointment from their unadventurous journey vanishing in the space of a single breath. It wasn’t often that Will Shady sounded nervous.

Wondering if maybe the ship was on fire, Jeth turned and headed off the bridge with Celeste quick on his heels. They arrived in the common room on the deck below moments later. Jeth stopped in the doorway, surveying the scene. There wasn’t a fire. There wasn’t anything amiss at all, as far as he could tell. Shady was sitting on one of the sofas, his attention focused on the 3D projection from his portable gaming system, a wave of bloodthirsty robots coming at him, each one falling to his simulated gunfire. The comm unit he’d used to radio the bridge sat discarded on the sofa beside him, in danger of being swallowed by a cushion.

Jeth approached him. “What are you doing?”

“Practicing,” Shady said, not looking up. The scowl on his face as he let off a triple blast, drilling a robot right between its bulbous black eyes, made his features look distinctly leonine, the appearance aided by his shaggy mane of blond hair. Shady’s assigned role in the Malleus Shades was ordnance officer.

Jeth put his hands on his hips. “We’re not going to be shooting anybody on this job. And please tell me this wasn’t the thing I needed to see.”

Shady shook his head. “Nope. It’s in that storage locker.” He pointed to the row of lockers along the wall across from them. “The one in the middle.”

Jeth arched an eyebrow. He considered pressing Shady for more, but knew there wasn’t much point. All the crew dealt with prejob nerves in different ways, and once engrossed in his ritual video game, it was hard to get Shady to concern himself with anything else.

Jeth crossed the floor to the locker in question, wondering where the Debonair had been last. Their employer used the ship for lots of different jobs, and it was possible it had been parked planetside somewhere a wild animal could’ve gotten in. An image of something furry and clawed and with teeth the size of fingers flashed through Jeth’s mind. He wasn’t wearing a gun, and he briefly considered getting one before finding out what had Shady so nervous, but then he shrugged and pulled the door open.

There was something alive in there all right, but it wasn’t a wild animal. Even still, it took Jeth several moments to come to grip with what it was. Who it was.

Thank you to New Leaf Literary for letting Book Jems join in this launch celebration for Proxy!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Blog Tour: Giveaway, Interview & Review: All In with the Duke (Gambling on Love #1) by Ava March

Today, we are happy to host Ava March for an interview and review her latest historical M/M romance novel as part of the All In with the Duke Blog Tour! You can find the other stops on the tour listed here!

All In with the Duke (Gambling on Love #1)

by Ava March

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: November 11, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
210 Pages

London, 1822

Max Arrington, the Duke of Pelham, vows to never again let a handsome face blind him to a man's true intentions. But ten months of celibacy and lonely nights drive him to a decadent brothel, where a beautiful young man arouses his illicit passions as never before.

Tristan Walsh has grown tired of being used for men's pleasure. But his latest client is different: commanding yet generous, Max makes him feel cared for as well as wanted. Yet Tristan knows he'll never have the choice to leave the brothel and submit only to Max.

So when Max invites him to be his guest at his country estate, Tristan eagerly agrees to his terms—days to do as he pleases while Max tends to the dukedom, and nights spent together in wicked play. But when the "business arrangement" begins to deepen into something more, Tristan must face the fact that he has no true place in Max's life—or in Max's guarded heart…

Goodreads.Barnes & Noble.Amazon

Tristan pulled his gaze from Max, to the shelves upon shelves lining the walls. “You certainly have a lot of books. Have you read many of them?”

With a light clink of crystal against silver, the maid set a tray with the brandy on the side table. A short curtsy, and she left the room.

“Yes, years ago. My tutor used the library as a source for teaching materials.” He used to dread when the man would walk into the schoolroom, arms full of new finds from this room’s shelves. Max reached for the decanter, poured two glasses of brandy.

Tristan took the proffered glass with a murmured, “Thanks.” The candlelight picked up the pale blond strands in his ginger hair. Max flexed his free hand, the memory of those silken strands still fresh on his skin.

“But not recently?” Tristan asked.

“No.”

“Too busy in your study?”

Max tipped his head and took a long swallow of brandy.

“Do you spend every day behind your desk?”

“With the exception of this afternoon, yes. Unless I’m in London to attend Parliament or to deal with business matters there.”

“Don’t you enjoy hunting or shooting or some other pastime? You have a stable full of prime horseflesh. Do you ever take one out just to go for a ride, enjoy a sunny summer’s day?”

“A dukedom does not manage itself,” Max said, repeating the phrase he’d heard too many times to count.

What would his father think if he knew Max had turned his back on the dukedom in favor of an early afternoon orgasm?

His choice of a bed partner would most assuredly raise an eyebrow. Though his father wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest to learn Max had neglected his responsibilities. Was continuing to neglect them at that very moment.

Yet tonight… Tonight he wasn’t of a mind to dwell on it or let guilt weigh him down. The way Tristan had dropped so eagerly to his knees in that narrow, dark corridor had turned his attention to the locked trunk beside his writing desk. The one he had yet to open since arriving at Arrington Park.

He took another long swallow of brandy. “Shortly before we left London, and after I’d played footman for you, I stopped at a shop off Bond Street.”

“What sort of shop?”

“One for discriminating gentlemen.”

Tristan’s brow furrowed. He wasn’t familiar with that particular shop, hadn’t a clue as to the variety of merchandise sold there. Yet the way Tristan held his gaze indicated he suspected there was a meaning to Max’s words that he didn’t quite catch.

He’d become familiar with a few of the shop’s goods soon enough.

Max set his glass on the side table and stood. “I believe I shall retire a bit early tonight.”

I want to start by thanking Emily and Jenn for having me today. It’s great to be at Book Jems.

What drew you to write M/M fiction?

I’ve always preferred reading and writing from the hero’s point of view, and in a M/M romance, there are two heroes. Plus, in a Regency M/M romance, I have more freedom, in a way. I don’t have to worry about the social constraints placed on females. I can have my heroes go wherever they want, hang out together, spend the night at each other’s houses, travel together, etc. As long as they appear as friends to Society, all is well. And that’s the big constraint I place myself under with a M/M Regency—such relationships were illegal. But if a relationship could thrive in the Regency, then it was a love meant to last. And that really appeals to my romantic heart.

What is your favorite part of writing?

My favorite part of writing is the initial idea stage. When the story is shiny-new and I’m figuring out for the first time how the characters will go about getting to their happily-ever-after. I love mulling over ideas, trying out plot points, and fitting all the puzzle pieces together.

What do you want readers to be left feeling after they finish one of your novels?

My goal is for readers to be left happy and satisfied and secure in the couple’s future, and if I can wring a *happy sigh* out of them when they reach the end, then that’s the ultimate.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration everywhere. I love exploring the dynamics of relationships and what it takes to get a couple to their happily-ever-after. Sometimes it’s a song or a movie scene that gets the muse spinning on a new character. Sometimes inspiration seems to come from nowhere—the start of the story will just pop into my head.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on Sharp Love, the second book in the Gambling on Love series. It features Jack Morgan (Max, from All In with the Duke’s ever-useful carriage driver) and his old childhood friend, William Drake, who happens to be a card sharp. Jack is principled kind of guy who takes his job very seriously, and Will…let’s just say he’s not so principled. Their book has been quite fun to write.

So this was my first M/M read and I feel like it was a good one to start off with. Not to mention very steamy. All In with the Duke is the story of Max Arrington, the Duke of Pellham, who, having been burned in the past by someone he loved, believes that love isn’t for him. On top of this, his preference in sexual partners is something that he needs to hide considering his Dukedom.

Lonely and wanting some comfort, Max takes the advice of a friend and finds himself in a brothel of sorts while visiting London. It is here Max meets Tristan, an employee of the brothel. And there’s just something about him that brings Max back the next day.

I was a little nervous going into this, not going to lie. But March created such vivid characters that I my nerves were instantly forgotten and instead I was instantly submerged into their lives. Max is so broken, with his hurtful past and his public face, you want to help him pull through and see that it’s okay to open up again. But he’s so goddamn stubborn that any reasoning with him is immediately shut down. Then there’s Tristan, who despite his young age, is very wise and an old soul. He’s innocent but not naïve and wears his heart on his sleeve – even if Max is too blind to see it. I like that Tristan wanted to be his own man – not just a kept man. His struggle to find where he fits in and where he excels was a nice balance to Max’s plight.

Set against historical London (my favorite place in the world), I literally felt like I was walking the streets or strolling through the gardens with these characters. Add the background in with the steamy love scenes and this book works its magic. And when I say steamy, I mean hot. London, sexy guys in waistcoats, and strong backstories – I will definitely be keeping my eye on this series.

Unlike my dear friend, Jenn, who states in her review of All In with the Duke that she had never read M/M romance before, I am an avid fan. During the last couple years, I have become surprisingly attached to the genre, and have found several authors who I know write great, believable romances. Ava March is one of them. Since I read her Brook Street series last year, I have put my faith (and money) in her storytelling ability. Not once have I been dissatisfied by March's work.

All In with the Duke is the story of Max and Tristan. Two men from very different backgrounds, living in nineteenth century England, who fall in love despite their circumstances. Max is the great Duke of Pelham, who runs himself ragged with the duties of his Dukedom and does not trust anyone since he was spurned by a past lover. Tristan works at a brothel, giving himself for the pleasure of men to cover a debt. What stems from a passionate night together leads them to a love that neither saw coming.

This story is not extremely long, and it reads very quickly, which I appreciated. It doesn't add unnecessary complexities to overtake the book. This is simply the story of two men who find love with one another and have to work to keep their relationship afloat. It's a sweet (albeit sometimes frustrating), very sexy read that really entertained me and left me with a smile on my face.

These characters are wonderful. Yes, both annoyed me at one point or another, but I think that's realistic. No person is perfect, and not everyone will agree with the decisions of others. Max and Tristan didn't go out of their way to be obnoxious, but their insecurities caused complications that made me want to shake them and tell them what the other was actually thinking so they could finally be happy. These two were a good fit for each other, and I'm very satisfied with the direction that March took with the story. It was nice to see two self-relent characters, who were able to find not only happiness with each other, but happiness with themselves.

I am so excited for the next book in this series as Jack Morgan's character is so very intriguing. Though he didn't have the largest role in this story, what we did see of him truly piqued my curiosity. March is sure to provide her readers with another fantastic tale, much like she did here with All In with the Duke.

Here's my warning to you: Don't read this in public unless you have the best poker face in the world. I tried reading some of this while waiting for a book signing, and barely made it in before blushing, stuttering and quickly hiding my kindle from the public eye. Needless to say, the sex scenes are quite steamy and the book progresses quickly, and I'm awkward enough in person as it is.

We received e-copies of this novel from the publisher for our honest opinions and reviews via Netgalley.

Thank you to Ava for joining us today, and to Kati for asking us to participate in the tour!

Friday, May 10, 2013

Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1) Event: Book Review & Excerpt

As part of the Tuff Girl Legion, I, Emily, am happy to be a part of the Of Silver and Beasts Event. The goal is to reach fifty reviews for the book on Amazon. If we can do it, Trisha Wolfe will release a scene from Prince Caben's point-of-view!

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: April 19, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
305 Pages

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

The cool sensation of the fresh water on my skin helps me forget my nerves and I lie back, floating just below the top of the water. My body dulls, the cold soothing my sore muscles, and I welcome the numbness. The ceiling of the cave is sprinkled with tiny clusters of white lights, dotting the canopy above our heads like stars in the sky. I feel as if I’m sitting on the rooftop of my apartment, staring at the night sky, not here in the Otherworld, awaiting my death.

The water rolls, rocking my body, and I glance over as Caben floats up beside me. He’s on his back also, and points to the lights dusting the cave ceiling.

“Diamonds,” he says.

“Really?” I don’t know much about any minerals other than mercury. And somehow, diamonds as our stars makes my chest heavy. It’s too beautiful. “How can you tell?”

“The ultraviolet light shows the impurities,” he says. “The imperfections actually absorb the dark light, causing the diamond to emit a visible glow.” He chuckles. “A very expensive lighting effect.”

I laugh. “Quite expensive.” They twinkle as they reflect the rippling water. “But almost more heavenly than the stars.” I lower my voice at the end, hoping he didn’t hear my spoken thoughts.

Caben doesn’t speak, and the trickling of the stream and lap of the pool becomes the only sound as we float in compatible silence. I could drift off, fall asleep in this peaceful place, but I know we still have a mission to complete before the Reckoning.

This thought awakens me, and I touch my feet to the bottom of the pool and begin to wade toward the edge.

I hear Caben’s heavy groan. “No you don’t,” he says, and captures the bottom of my tunic. He tugs me through the water, back to the pool’s center. “Not yet. This could be our last reprieve, and I plan for us to enjoy it.”

As I turn to face him, his fingers slip from my shirt to my waist, grazing my stomach. My skin prickles, and I shiver, matching the trembling water around us. His deep blue eyes meet mine, and he swallows, his Adam’s apple working. Slowly, he begins to inch up my tunic—

“Wait.” I place my hand on top of his.

He cranes an eyebrow. “It should really have time to dry before we go back.”

Logically, that makes sense. But the heated look he’s giving me says so much more. And regardless of the attraction I may feel for the prince—a woman would have to be blind—and whether or not we actually escape this hell ... what then? We share an intimate moment once, and go back to our stations in life, simply pretending nothing happened?

Or maybe I’m reading too much into his gaze. He’s a man, and physical desire is self-serving. He may die ... and he probably wants to bed a woman one last time. Everything about his character screams he’s not one who thinks past the moment.

I could lose myself for now, give in to the pulse quickening my blood with need, but I’ve never shown a man the clamp over my heart. It would have to be something I did for a different reason if I ever chose to do so. Not merely because I may die soon.

As I push his hand away and start to swim off, he grasps my waist, encircling his firm arms around my stomach, and pulls my back to his chest.

“Don’t run from me,” he breathes into my ear. “I’m not asking for anything. Not even whatever it is you’re hiding. Just stay here.”

Of Silver and Beasts was a truly engaging story. Ms. Wolfe has written another fascinating tale that provides near constant entertainment. Though I wasn't sure what to expect at first, I applaud Trisha Wolfe for gifting readers with another imaginative tale.

Kaliope, or Kal as she is affectionately referred, is head of the Nactue, those who guard the empress of her homeland, Cavan. She would do anything to keep her empress, kingdom and people safe--including babysitting another kingdom's prince as his own home is destroyed by Otherworlders. When a surprise attack on Cavan leads to not only Caben, the prince, and Kal's capture, but unravelling of her homeland, Kal plans to do everything in her power to keep Caben safe and save her home. This includes protecting Caben (and maybe, just maybe falling in love with him), fighting to the death in a caged arena, battling inhuman enemies and stealing back the relic that gives her empress power and life.

While over time I grew fond of him, Caben was not originally a character for whom I cared. He's selfish, arrogant and, a times, pretty sexist. His relationship with Kal is a trigger for character growth and as the novel continued, you could see him changing for the better. Kal was a strong character. Her devotion and determination make her a very relatable young woman. We didn't see into the lives of the minor characters too much, but I am fond enough of them to hope they play a larger role in the future of the series.

The world-building was pretty dang good. Though here and there I had difficulty imagining some elements of the story, the author handles this fantasy excellently. The settings and background of the story were absolutely brilliant. There were several themes that I hadn't often read before that were intriguing, including a society where women play a more dominant role than men. Ms. Wolfe handles this with grace. Not only is her story fantastical, but her writing style will draw in its readers very quickly. Time will pass by faster than you thought because you will be sucked into the story until the very end!

Alas, I must admit that Of Silver and Beasts did not have my full attention immediately, but rather I gradually warmed up to the story and its characters. The plot moved a bit too slowly at points--which is the main reason for the "near constant entertainment." I also was eagerly anticipating the romance of this story as I am especially fond of the relationships Ms. Wolfe creates and when it didn't appear in the very beginning, I was somewhat disheartened. As the story progressed, so did my enjoyment of the story and by the end, I was sad that it was over. I can say with full honesty that I am looking forward to the next installment. So many things are left unanswered… I can't wait to see how everything unfolds!

As there is some mature content in this, I would recommend this to older young adult/new adults fans looking for a fantasy. Of Silver and Beasts is sure to draw its readers in and have them more than ready for the sequel once they reach the end--because really… WHAT THE HECK!

I received an e-copy of this novel from the author for my honest opinion and review.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Cover Reveal + Excerpt: Of Silver and Beasts (A Goddess Wars Novel) by Trisha Wolfe

Of Silver and Beasts (A Goddess Wars Novel) by Trisha Wolfe

Cover Designed by Steven Novak

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: June 1, 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

305 Pages

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads

Excerpt from Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe:

I open my mouth to say something comforting, but I’m unsure of what. In this moment, I’m reminded that I know little about him. Other than the sarcasm and desire to understand nothing of my queendom, he hasn’t allowed me past the surface.

But then, I have my own walls, hiding things I’d never want him or any other to know. And I understand that need to hide them. You can’t trust anyone.

“Caben…” I start, but still can’t find the right words.

He lowers his hand from his face, never taking his eyes off the glinting water top. “You’re right,” he finally says. “Let’s find the access to Lilly’s section.”

A hollow pang hits my chest, and I’m not sure why. Something in his voice sounds lost, broken. I imagine the gears around my heart spinning faster, trying to keep up with my racing heart.

When he sidesteps me, I reach out and grab his arm. “Caben, I didn’t mean—”

“It’s fine, Kal,” he snaps. “We have work to do.”

“No, I’ve said something to offend you.” I drop my hand, but keep close to him, not allowing him to leave my side. Goddess, trying to understand the male brain is harder than anything in protector training. I’ve heard people say that you have to tip-toe around a woman’s emotions, but a man’s ego is every bit as fragile, if not more so.

He releases a heavy breath through his nose and walks back to the pool. He sits down along the edge and rolls up his pants, then slips off his boots. “I honestly don’t think Bax or his goons will be returning tonight.” He sinks his bare feet into the water and sighs.

Glancing at the back of the cave, I plant my hands on my hips. We don’t have time for indulgencies, but the prince is still my charge. If it were my empress, I’d give her anything she’d ask for. Allow her as much time as she needed to collect herself. I have to watch over his mental state as well as protect him, so I try to push the pending need to find Lilly aside and sit down next to him.

“Here,” he says, turning his hand out near my crossed feet. “You have to feel this.”

A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “I can remove my own—”

“Have you never been pampered a day in your life?” he asks, lifting an eyebrow. “I know that the Nactue are fierce and will put a hurt on any man for touching them. But try to relax.”

“Is that the rumor in Perinya?”

“What?”

I bite my lip, suddenly regretting my blurt. “Nothing. Never mind.”

From the corner of my eye, I see his lips pucker into a pinched smile, as if he’s trying not to. “Ah,” he says, like he’s made some great universal connection. “Well, there are many whisperings about the Nactue. Some I dare not repeat for fear I’d leave here missing a limb, but that’s one, yes.” He takes my booted foot and begins to unlace it. “I’ve heard that the empress’s protectors are untouchable—forbidden to give themselves to men. And that they’ll snap a man’s neck just for making an advance.”

My mouth drops open. Appalled, I counter, “That’s not true.”

“All right,” he says, as if he hasn’t just insulted my very existence. “It’s only rumors. Things men jaw about in pubs. The unattainable woman is a fantasy, Kal. Don’t be offended.”

“Unattainable?” I grit my teeth, trying to maintain my composure. “Tell me, prince. Do men in your country just go around bedding every woman they can in order to keep them compliant?” I shake my head. “If their fantasy is a woman that would have nothing to do with them, it seems to me it’s their way of feeding their egos after being rejected.”

His eyes widen. “No! How does your brain come up with these—” He bites off his words, his lips thin as he presses them together. “Look, it was a joke.”

I nod, many times. “Another joke. I’m glad that our hard work and sacrifice is amusing to the men of Perinya.”

Caben lets out another sigh and slowly pulls off my boot. His warm fingers skim my calf as he inches up my pant leg. “Just stick your foot in,” he says, then adds lower, “while I stick mine in my mouth.”

Unexpectedly, I laugh. “At least it’s now clean,” I say. “Would you like some help getting it to your face?”

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Monday, March 25, 2013

Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway: The Kings of Charleston (The Kings of Charleston #1) by Kat H. Clayton

Today, we are happy to be a part of the The Kings of Charleston Blog Tour

hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Find the other tour stops here.

The Kings of Charleston (The Kings of Charleston #1) by Kat H. Clayton

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
348 Pages

Casper Whitley is forced to move to Charleston, South Carolina where she’ll be the new kid her senior year of high school. Casper’s upset about the move until she meets the Roman family’s gorgeous son, Cal, but there’s a problem. A mystery surrounds him which can be summed up in one word…Kythera. Never heard of it? Neither has Casper until she finds the word tattooed on cars, paintings and all her new friends.

After Casper’s life is threatened, someone is forced to tell the truth about her parents, the Romans and Kythera’s motives for her being in Charleston. Once the truth is revealed, she must decide whether to protect her family and Kythera’s secrets or walk away from everything she has ever known.

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