Showing posts sorted by relevance for query sourcebooks. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query sourcebooks. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Idolizing In: Dead in the City Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 322; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1227 KB | Expected Release Date: January 5, 2016 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire" [Dead in the City Series, Book 4] by Sara Humphreys

Author's Book Description : “Sara Humphreys combines vampire and cowboy into a devastatingly sexy hero! "The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire" is a compelling, pulse-pounding, titillating adventure that grabs you from the first page, tosses you down, and steals your breath. Humphreys is a must-read in the paranormal genre!”–NYT Bestselling Author, Rebecca Zanetti

Beloved author Sara Humphreys’ acclaimed paranormal romance series continues with sweltering attraction between two vampires who have all the time in the world to satisfy their desires..

He wants eternity?
Dakota Shelton is a vampire cowboy with a penchant for cinnamon lollipops and Johnny Cash. Though highy skilled and deadly dangerous to his enemies, he’s still a Texas good ol’ boy at heart. And he has that heart set on wooing Trixie LaRoux-the most badass punk rock chick in town-the old-fashioned way.

Over her undead body…
Trixie is tough as nails and sharp as a silver stake-the last thing she wants is a man to sit on a porch and not grow old with. So it’ll take going to hell and back fighting a new threat to vampires before she admits Dakota’s courtship makes her blood hum. Turns out chivalry’s not dead after all.

Dead in the City series:
"Tall, Dark and Vampire" (Book 1)
"Vampire Trouble" (Book 2)
"Vampires Never Cry Wolf" (Book 3)
"The Good, the Bad and the Vampire" (Book 4)

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Trixie (Trix) loves being a vampire, being one has changed her life for the better but even after thirty years without her humanity, she still struggles with leaving her daughter behind. Therefore, at least once a week, she watches over her daughter in hopes of making sure she is okay and protecting her from anything bad that might come her way. Nevertheless, Trixie isn’t prepared for the gargoyles that force themselves into her daughter’s life and she’ll do anything it takes to protect her, even if that means transforming her daughter into a vampire as well, something she never wanted to happen. With a slow drawling cowboy vampire (Dakota) to help her keep her family together and hunt down the ones who destroyed her daughter’s life everything might be okay, that is until lies from their pasts are revealed. Now both Dakota & Trixie’s futures are the line … will they be able to right old wrongs before it’s all too late?

This fast-paced suspenseful paranormal romance is one that kept me wanting to read more! Ms. Humphreys’ writes a spectacular tale full of heart and heroism. Written in a way that the reader doesn’t need to follow the series yet made you fall in love with all of the characters, you’re bound to be entertained!

I loved the odd combo of Trixie and Dakota together. With her being a punk rock chick and him being a “good ole boy” cowboy it was interesting and charming to see how put up with being bloodmates. Yet as the reader finds Trixie and Dakota were destined to be together from day one, because of their surprising shared past adventures. They were such a sweet couple. I couldn’t get enough of them, loved how they came together, and wanted to read more! In truth, they intrigued me into this series. I hope it will be continued, as I want updates on them and the other members of Trixie’s coven!

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Humphreys and/or to those looking for a uniquely delightful vampire paranormal romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Tall, Dark, and Vampire (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Vampire Trouble (Book 2) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Vampires Never Cry Wolf (Book 3) | Amazon (Kindle) : Tall, Dark, and Vampire (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) : Vampire Trouble (Book 2) | Amazon (Kindle) : Vampires Never Cry Wolf (Book 3)


IndieBound (Paperback) : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire (Book 4)

Amazon (Kindle) : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire (Book 4)

Amazon (Paperback) : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire (Book 4)

Amazon (Kindle) : Dead in the City Series
Amazon (Paperbacks) : Dead in the City Series

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Untouched | Undenied

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013



Author's Novel Extras : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire - Overview & Excerpt

It's #TeaserTuesday. Here's a snippet from THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE VAMPIRE. (Links in the comments)

Posted by Author Sara Humphreys on Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Author's Series Extras : Ms. Humphreys' Blog: Dead in the City Series | Tall, Dark, and Vampire - Overview & Excerpt | Vampire Trouble - Overview & Excerpt | Vampires Never Cry Wolf - Overview & Excerpt


Book Teaser(s) :
"Well, smack my ass and call me Sally."
The deep Texas drawl echoed around her, stopping Trixie dead in her tracks. A shiver of lust whispered beneath her skin as it usually did when he was nearby, but she swiftly shoved it aside.
"Okay, Sally." Trixie rolled her shoulder and fought the buzz of attraction. "But you can smack your own ass." ~ within Chapter 1

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE VAMPIRE by Author Sara Humphreys -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Book Preview(s) :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Sara, then please check out her Amazon Acct.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Feasted On: A Royal Pain by Megan Mulry

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 338; Kindle Edition - File Size: 647 KB | Expected Release Date: November 1, 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Royal Pain" by Megan Mulry

My Book Summary : Bronte has had a difficult relationship with her father a majority of her life, and that has colored all of her relationships with men since she's been old enough to date. Years later she meets a man, aka Mr. Texas, who seems to be everything that she's looking for and who also is someone her father would dread her being with (which is just an added bonus). However, after she moves to Chicago to be closer to him Bronte finds that Mr. Texas changes because of the closeness therefore they brakes things off which leaves her feeling like her life has fallen apart.

Once she gets her life the way she wants it again, and starts making a name for herself in the advertising world in Chicago, she meets Max. He's a smart, hot British man from England who just happens to live in Chicago for only a few more months while he finishes up his PhD in economics at the University of Chicago. In addition, he's the perfect Transitional Man (TM) because of how long he's going to be around. So, they have eight weeks of fun, getting to know each other, and to be together then they plan to just part as friends. However, that's not exactly how it goes...

Max only agreed for Bronte's sake to be a TM but never had a plan to follow it through once the eight weeks were over, he believed that he could convince her to move to England with him or at least be in a relationship with her still. Nevertheless, as the time ticks down for Max to go a tragedy strikes his family a few days before he planned to leave, which leaves Max with no more time to change her mind making it so he has to leave her in Chicago on bad terms.

Then after Max is gone Bronte finds out a big secret, that Max never shared with her .... he's a Royal Duke!! Shocked and saddened by the way they left things Bronte tries to move on with her life but finds it harder than ever. However, Max still plans to keep Bronte and him together, if only he can convince her and relieve all of her worries about the challenges--and opportunities--of becoming a royal, while dealing with the quirkiness of his family and with the wrath of a bitter Duchess.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! This novel is about finding the right person and keeping them no matter what cost or challenges! It's what I would call a bumpy novel because of how many good things and bad things happen to Bronte throughout this novel. I enjoyed reading about Max and Bronte's relationship, as they seem to suit each other so well!! Also, one thing I was very thankful for was to see how fast this story flows because every time that Bronte had "a freak out" about something going on it didn't last long and didn't give her time to ruin any part of her life or her relationship with Max. Plus, the witty humor throughout this novel was one of the best things to read!

The only thing I was surprised about was the build up about Max's family--especially his mother--and how much it fell short. I only say this because it really makes you think there is going to be a big argument between some of the characters but it never comes. It kind of made me want a fight in the end, even though I am happy with how things with Max's family turned out. I say that, mostly because, it felt to me that everything with Bronte's family--her dislike for her father and why her relationship with her mother is the way it is--wraps up by the end of the novel, and I just didn't feel like it wrapped up for Max's side.

Anyway ... I just hope there will be more of those to in the upcoming novels to find out what happens from there for them. =0)

With that being said, I was infatuated with this novel and I cannot wait to see where this series will go!! I'm so happy Ms. Mulry has already marked on her website that book 2 in this series, "Earl Meets Girl," is going to be about Devon (Max's younger brother) and Sarah (a shoe designer and one of Bronte's best friends)!!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who wants to read a contemporary romance with a historical feel to it!

Author's Novel Extras : On Perseverance | My Summer Vacation | The Recent Pleasantness | Around the Blog-O-Sphere

Book Teaser(s) :
"Hey, Mom, that's my other line. I have to go. I'll see you this weekend."
It wasn't really the other line, but her friend April's desk was close enough that Bronte could give her the now-familiar rotational hand gesture for make-your-phone-ring-really-loud-right-now-so-I-can-get-off-the-damn-phone.
Apparently, that's what mothers were for, right? To make you question (to death) every (goddamned) decision you ever made in an effort to save you from going to all the trouble of making a complete ass of yourself. Or maybe it was just enlightened self-interest on the part of mothers everywhere to save them the hassle of having to pick you up and scrap you off and listen to all the heartache (again) when "the one" turned out to be "that piece of shit" and you were left without that perfectly good job, without that perfectly good, rent-controlled apartment, and (patently) without that boyfriend. ~ within Chapter 2
Much as Ralph Lauren's original ad campaign had offered ready access to the elevated world of polo players and Palm Beach playboys, so Bronte's "Britishness" campaign would do for Mowbray: it would allow the common man to own a tangible piece of the elite.
The irony was not lost on Bronte that the entire campaign served as a microcosm for her relationship with Max. In fact, when she finally pierced the veil that was James Mowbray's outer office and convinced him that it was in his best interest to hear her pitch, she was tempted to ask him if he knew one Maxwell Fitzwilliam-Heyworth. But then she thought she would have sounded like one of those idiotic people who, upon meeting someone from Arkansas, says, "Oh! I know someone from Arkansas!"
Ridiculous.
And what if he did know him? What was the punch line? "Oh, this one time, in Chicago, he and I used a hundred-pack of condoms in record time."
Bronte thought not. ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Megan, then please check out her website.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Idolizing In: Rock Band Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 320; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1564 KB | Expected Release Date: November 3, 2015 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Rock Me Two Times" [Rock Band Series, Book 1] by Dawn Ryder (aka Mary Wine)

Author's Book Description : First in Dawn Ryder’s sizzling new Rock Band series.

Rock star Syon Braden writes and plays the most extreme-and profitable-music from the depths of his shredded heart. He’s got a double platinum record, adoring fans, and success for his band Toxsin—but it’s what he can’t have that he craves. Custom leather designer Kate Napier has her sights set on success, and that means keeping irresistible rock stars like Syon out of her bed. The chance to tour with the band and provide them with a fantastic custom wardrobe is too major an opportunity to turn down. But immersion in the dark, wild world of Toxsin on tour means Kate’s about to get rocked…hard…body and soul.

Rock Band Series:
"Rock Me Two Times" (Book 1)
"Rock Steady" (Book 2)

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! This plot was a typical one for a rockstar romance…
Rockstar meets woman who excites and challenges him. Said rockstar hooks woman to go on tour with him. They fall into a relationship that neither expected. Yet, the Band’s manager doesn’t like their relationship and sets out to destroy it at all costs.
…Like I said, it’s a typical plot. However, the all the characters were mesmerizing from the first page and enticed me to see how everything would turn out and I am SOOO HAPPY that I did! This novel is well worth reading!

InTENse! So intense that every time I had to stop reading the novel to get back to reality I was revved up there too. I’m not sure how Ms. Ryder kept up that intensity throughout this novel but she did and I’m still hot and bothered after finishing it. *hahaa* Plus, I LOVED the way she built up the background stories for all of Toxin’s band members, which makes me excited to see who will “tame” the other guys.

Now onto Kate (Katie) and Syon (The Marquis/Boyfriend). *happy sigh* Intense seems to be the word for this review and it goes perfectly for this couple. Both are so focused on being successes at their passions (Kate being a designer and Syon with Toxsin) that when they meet (and every moment afterwards) they are combustible. Syon is VERY dominant but in a way that thrills Kate in surprising ways, which makes her brake out of her good girl shell in more ways than one. In addition, I could not be happier with how they wrapped up their love story, because it was the perfect BANG at the end of the novel! I cannot wait to read Rock Steady (Book 2) to see who hooks into Ramsey and to see what these two are up too now. ♥

I HIGHLY recommend this novel and its series to those looking for a HOT erotic rockstar romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) USD : Rock Steady (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) USD : Rock Steady (Book 2) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : Rock Steady (Book 2) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : Rock Steady (Book 2) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD : Rock Steady (Book 2) | Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD : Rock Steady (Book 2)


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Rock Me Two Times
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Amazon (Paperback) USD : Rock Me Two Times (Book 1)
Rock Me Two Times
Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD : Rock Me Two Times (Book 1)
Rock Me Two Times
Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD : Rock Me Two Times (Book 1)

Amazon (Paperbacks) USD : Rock Band Series

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters :

Author's Novel Extras : Rock Me Two Times - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Rock Steady - Overview & Excerpt

Are you ready? Here's the cover for Ramsey's book.....Rock Steady. It's writen and turned in...yes, I am teasing you....wink.

Posted by Dawn Ryder on Sunday, November 15, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

ROCK ME TWO TIMES by Dawn Ryder (aka Mary Wine) -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Friday, April 8, 2016

ROCK ME TWO TIMES by Dawn Ryder (aka Mary Wine) -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Friday, April 8, 2016
Drake was grinning from ear to ear. "Pub night," he exclaimed. "I need to hear English spoken correctly." His voice had taken on a very British accent.
"Just to be clear," Ramsey said to Drake, "I am not putting anything into my mouth called 'spotted dick.'"
"This from the man who encouraged me to have octopus?" she asked.
Ramsey grinned at her as they started to pile into an SUV. "Octopus is good for you. Spotted dick, not so sure."
"It's custard," Drake stated like a schoolmaster. "And I've seen some of the things you put your mouth on."
"Only because you were behind me in line," Ramsey answered.
Taz hooted. ~ within Chapter 6

Book Preview(s) :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Dawn, then please check out her Amazon Acct.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Made the Grade: The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 8

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 383; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1188 KB | Expected Release Date: February 1, 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Stud" [The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 8] by Cheryl Brooks

My Book Summary : Over the years, Tarq has put what he knew best to work over the years, by being a stud, and it has made him rich. Nevertheless, it has yet to make him really happy.

As far as Loucinda (Lucy) can remember she has been the one to do everything her parents have ever asked for. From making sure breakfast was ready in the mornings for them to never dating a guy before because her father made sure none came around and a whole lot more.

When these two meet at Lucy's father's restaurant, it is love at first sight/smell. However, when false pretenses, insecurities, and other people try to come between them, how will they ever be able to admit to each other how they truly feel? Or by the time one of them does .... will it already be too late?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Sweet and adventurous is how I would describe this latest novel from The Cat Star Chronicles series. I love this series because of the Zetithians (males and females) and their unique ways! Therefore, I could not wait to read this novel. The characters were colorful and I'm really interested to see if Vertigan will have a bigger role in the next book or not. I really liked the chemistry between Tarq and Lucy! They were such a sweet couple.

However, my biggest issue with this novel was how much Tarq and Lucy second-guessed themselves and each other when it came to their feelings. I mean there were some really great scenes in this novel. Nevertheless, it seems not long after those great scenes happened the main characters (either one of them or both) would backtrack on their decisions, just drawing out the false pretenses that they were using even though there originally was none! I really couldn't believe that they were so insecure with themselves that they kept putting themselves down. At some points I just wanted to smack them (mostly Lucy since she does it more than Tarq) so they get on track and stop thinking about themselves the way they were. It was really annoying.

In addition, even though I haven't read all of the books in this series, I was a little surprised that Jack and Cat weren't in this one (not that they needed to be). On the other hand, I really liked that this was only the POVs from the main characters, since in some of the other books it was POVs from a little bit of everyone.

Anyways .... I would recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of the series like me!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 4

Book Teaser(s) :
He wasn't cold---in fact, he felt warmer than normal, which was reassuring. Placing her fingertips on the side of his neck, she finally felt a pulse---very faint and slow, but steady. Perhaps this was what he'd meant when he'd said his body would shut down to heal itself. On the other hand, he'd said he would sleep for a couple of days, not appear to be dead. Trust a man to leave out that most pertinent detail... ~ within Chapter 15
"Need a slingshot, though---or something like it. With all these rocks lying around everywhere, there's plenty of ammunition. Don't suppose you've got anything stretchy in that bag of yours, do you?"
Lucy thought for a moment. "Um, the elastic in my underwear, maybe? It's pretty stretchy."
Tarq began chuckling uncontrollably. "I can hardly wait to tell Dax I killed a vrelnot---or anything else, for that matter---with a pair of ladies panties." ~ within Chapter 21

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cheryl, then please check out her Amazon Page.



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Related Posts :

Feasted On: The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 4

Made the Grade: The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 7

A belated Week #21 of When & Where am I Wednesday & a Rant | #BookTuber #BookBlog @CherylCatMaster

Second Sentence Saturday: King Stud

My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ B ~ Authors

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Feasted On: Somerfield Park Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 386; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1374 KB | Expected Release Date: June 2, 2015 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Never Resist a Rake" [Somerfield Park Series, Book 2] by Mia Marlowe

Author's Book Description : Can he fool his new family?
John Fitzhugh Barrett, surprised to learn he is heir to a marquessate, is determined his new status won’t mean giving up his freedom. But as families from all over England descend upon Somerfield Park for the shooting season, their unmarried daughters are lining up to bag the newest trophy buck-him.

Or is he only fooling himself?
John’s instinct for self-preservation inspires him to divide his attentions between a scandalous young widow, and the safely ineligible Rebecca Kearsey, daughter of a destitute baron.

The charade gives John the illusion of controlling the game but when he loses his heart to the beautiful Rebecca, all bets are off.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! After believing all his life that he was a bastard of a Lord, John recently learns he is the legitimate heir to his father. However, still not taking kindly to the family who abandoned him, John goes to London (with his new title) and involves himself in enough debauchery to make the ton cringe. Yet, during one of his "excursions," he "officially" meets and saves Lady Rebecca (an impoverished baron's daughter). John finds to be the first person to talk to him with honesty and to whom makes him feel like the man he was prior to earning his title. Therefore, once John's family sics themselves on him she is the first one he asks to help him. But as their "friendship" turns into something more they'll have to maneuver more than just the ton's rules to find their "happily-ever-after."

This fast-paced novel keeps you on the edge of your seats as you follow John into his new "privileged" world. Quite the dashing fellow, he does pull off being a rake but it's John's vulnerability that endeared me to him while rooting for him to win Rebecca's heart. The multiple storylines were very intriguing, especially since you could tell they were still going from (book 1) while still asserting itself as a standalone quite seemingly. I am enamored with this novel, as all of the characters were entertaining!!

Yet my true love, from this novel, would have to be John. *HAPPY sigh* I think it was his disguised morals that won me over mostly. Then how he, a bit unintentionally, goes about winning Rebecca's hand in marriage was VERY charming. Plus, their steamy scenes didn't hurt either. 😉 While in ways they seem like an unconventional pair as they say like goes to like ... and they have more similarities than expected. A perfect match!

I HIGHLY recommend this series and novel to those looking for an exciting historical romance!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Shop Your Indie/Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) USD : A Rake by Any Other Name (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : A Rake by Any Other Name (Book 1) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : A Rake by Any Other Name (Book 1)


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Never Resist a Rake
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Never Resist a Rake
Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD : Never Resist a Rake (Book 2)

Amazon (Kindle) USD : Somerfield Park Series

Amazon (Paperbacks) USD : Somerfield Park Series

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Author's Novel Extras : Never Resist a Rake - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : A Rake by Any Other Name - Overview & Excerpt | A Rake by Any Other Name Blog Tour!

Book Teaser(s) :
She gasped at the sight of him.
"Don't be afraid." He knelt before her and took her hands.
"I'm not afraid, but you promised," she said. "You said you wouldn't peek."
"I didn't peek. I came around. I didn't promise not to do that."
"You...are a...a very bad man." Her hitching breaths made it hard to complete her sentence.
"That, my dear, is not in dispute."
Her sweet face crumpled. "And I shouldn't care a bit about what happens to you."
"No, you shouldn't."
"You should leave right now."
"I agree completely, Rebecca. I'm a very bad man. You shouldn't care about me a bit, and I ought to leave immediately. And yet, I'm not going to because I don't think you can get out of this wet gown without my help." ~ within Chapter 11
"Love is not love if it tries to make us earn it. It's freely given, or it's not worth a groat. Love takes us as we are, warts and all. And isn't that a good thing? Otherwise, none of us would ever taste a bit of that heaven this side of the grave." ~ within Chapter 27

Book Preview(s) :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Mia, then please check out her Amazon Acct.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Made the Grade: The Windham Series, Book 6 & The Duke's Daughters Sub-Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 359; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1179 KB | Expected Release Date: October 1, 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight" [The Windham Series, Book 6] & [The Duke's Daughters Sub-Series, Book 3] by Grace Burrowes

My Book Summary : Secrets come in all shapes and sizes ... Some secrets can be as small as a book, while others can surely fill up a house.

However, when secrets fall into the wrong hands trouble can form in all shapes and sizes too...

Because of a childhood dare that one of Louisa's old brothers gave her years ago she is now in constant fear that the result of that dare (quite a few published books) will get into the wrong hands and she will be found out as the author, there by creating scandal that will haunt her for years to come. Therefore, she has console herself to knowing that until all the books are found she will not be in the market for a husband any time soon. Yet she might not have a choice in the matter when her big helpful family tries to get involved making anything possible...

Sir Joseph, a family friend, has troubles of his own ... two little daughters in need of a mother and the possibility of a title being thrust upon him soon. Thus, he plans to find himself a wife even if that means going to functions he typically doesn't find enjoyable. While he partakes getting involved in "polite society," he becomes close to Louisa (as a friend even though he wishes it could be more).

Then, after being asked to look after Louisa from her brothers, Joseph protects her from what could have been bad circumstances if he hadn't been there. In need to protect her honor, Joseph asks for her hand in marriage and Louisa gracefully accepts.

Nevertheless, Louisa still hasn't found all of her books and Joseph has a big secret as well that he has yet to inform Louisa about. When they both find themselves being blackmailed, will they be able to save themselves and their new fledgling family before scandal brakes out everywhere? Has Louisa found her Christmas Knight in Joseph? Or will everything they've worked for fall apart at the seams?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. This is a novel about finding hope and love during the Christmas season.

Okay to verify before I get into truly reviewing this novel I will state that this is the first novel I have had the chance to read by Ms. Burrowes. Therefore, because I have not read any other novels within this series, I am giving her (a bit) of a benefit of the doubt. However, if I had not liked the last 150 pages of this novel as much as I did I would have given it a lower rating.

With that being said ...

I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Louisa's family is all very quirky and fun to read about, especially when they start bantering with each other! In addition, I liked the subtle romance between Joseph & Louisa when they first got together. Then it was humorous and sweet reading about how Louisa goes about taking care of Joseph's daughter and him after they get married. Very charming.

My only real issue with it (which could be because this was my first book to read in this series as I mentioned above) was how slow the build up in this novel was. As well as, how it seemed you'd get into a good part within a scene and then it would just skip off and move onto another, leaving me feeling a bit lost. Then there was the fact about Joseph's big secret, or, more to the point, Joseph's personal background. I mean throughout the novel you will find out everything about Joseph's background yet in the beginning because I didn't know anything about him it made me feel more lost then ever. At times, I felt like I was deciphering riddles when it came to Joseph's past, which is why I hope that if I had read the series in order this would not have been the case. However, it's too late for that now, so I don't know.

Because of all of this, I still recommend this novel but to only those who are fans of Ms. Burrowes' books. Also, to those who like and/or have read the other books within The Windham Series and/or The Duke's Daughters Sub-Series.

Author's Novel Extras : Deleted Scene : Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight | The Right Words | The Right Words | Happiness Rules | What’s Afoot for June 10, 2012 | What’s Afoot for June 24, 2012 | What’s Afoot with Grace for July 15, 2012 | What’s Afoot September 2, 2012 | Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight received more encouraging words... | What’s Afoot with Grace for October 1... | Merry Christmas!!! | What’s Afoot with Grace for October 13, 2012 | What’s Afoot with Grace for Nov 18, 2012

Author's Series Extras : Please view the Windham Family Tree. | The Duke's Obsession | The Duke's Daughters | A Duke and His Duchess | Deleted Scene : The Heir | Deleted Scene : The Soldier | Deleted Scene : The Virtuoso | Pertinaciously Yours | Bare ruin’d choirs... | When Enthusiasm Fizzles | The Joy of Discovery | "The Heir" Goes Airborne | "The Soldier" Marches Out Smartly! by Grace Burrowes | What’s afoot with the Windhams? | Three Faces of Grace Burrowes | Happy Valentine's Day! By Grace Burrowes | The Virtuoso is available now! | What Ails My Valentine? | Writing a Resurrected Dream | 8 Spinsters Singing with Grace Burrowes | What’s Afoot December 21 | It’s Called “Earthing...” | What’s Afoot for March 4 | The 1810 Underwear Blues | What’s Afoot with Grace for July 1, 2012 | What’s Afoot for July 22, 2012 | What’s Afoot With Grace for Nov. 4, 2012

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1
"You will get coal in your stocking for Christmas," Sir Joseph groused at his horse. "You allowed me to sit there, blathering to a woman---a lady---about domes and docks and whatnot. When a man recites poetry to a beautiful, intelligent woman, he ought at least to be mentioning roses."
He ran his stirrup irons up the leathers, loosened the girth, and glowered at his horse. "Stand, while I try to find a headstall of sufficient size for that empty noggin of yours. Daffodils would have been an improvement---daffodils and lonely clouds."
He stalked off, finding the halter on its customary hook while Sonnet stood, docile as a lamb in the barn aisle.
"Lambs wouldn't have gone amiss either, though nobody reads Blake except eccentrics."
The horse lowered its head and started rubbing against Sir Joseph's jacket. After a few moments of this, Joseph stepped back. "Filthy beast. I'll smell like horse for the rest of the day." ~ within Chapter 3
"Nervous?" Fairly put the question quietly, though they were downwind of Grattingly, suggesting the doctor wasn't a complete fool.
"Would I admit such a thing to a stranger?"
"You don't have to. There's tension about your mouth and eyes, your breathing is shallow, and you've been pushing the snow around with the toe of a riding boot that deserves better treatment."
Joseph turned to regard the man. "If your medical acumen is commensurate with your powers of observation, perhaps my nervousness is misplaced."
"I can also tell you that Grattingly's breath reeks like a gin whore's when the fleet has docked. He's very likely still the worse for drink from last night's excesses."
"Which makes him unpredictable."
Fairly nodded and said nothing more. ~ within Chapter 9
For more information on this book, series', and/or any other books by Grace, then please check out her website.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Blog Tour - The Duke's Disaster by Grace Burrowes | Spreading the Word & a Book Bundle with Personalized Literary Embosser Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Grace Burrowes author of "The Duke's Disaster," which happens to be the PREQUEL in her True Gentlemen Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour & Giveaway will from April 9 - 29, 2015]



"The Duke's Disaster"
[True Gentlemen Series, Book 0.5] by Grace Burrowes

Author's Book Description :
    Noah Winters, Duke of Anselm, exercises the pragmatism for which he’s infamous when his preferred choice of bride cries off, and her companion, Lady Thea Collins, becomes his next choice for his duchess. Lady Thea’s mature, sensible and even rather attractive—what could possibly go wrong?

    As a lady fallen on hard times, Thea doesn’t expect tender sentiments from His Grace, but she does wish Noah had courted her trust, lest her past turn their hastily arranged marriage into a life of shared regrets. Is His Grace courting a convenient wife, or a ducal disaster?

Book Series Links :

Amazon (e-Book) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes and Noble (Paperback & e-Book) | IndieBound (Paperback)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes' bestsellers include "The Heir," "The Soldier," "Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal," "Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish," and "Lady Eve's Indiscretion." "The Heir" was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, "The Soldier" was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011, "Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish" won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, "Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight" was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and "The Bridegroom Wore Plaid" was a PW Best Book of 2012. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight | The Duke's Disaster

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight



Book Excerpt :

The Duke and Duchess are having a rocky start to their marriage, also to their day…

“Your tea, Duchess.”

Noah had woken up beside his wife—again, despite all plans to the contrary—creating another first for him. Thea had risen several times during the night to tend to herself. He hadn’t realized that monthly courses caused a woman’s rest to be interrupted.

Crashingly bad planning, for a lady’s sleep to be disturbed when she most needed rest.

“You’re not about to steal my tea?” Thea held out the cup, her gaze shy as she sat propped against the headboard.

“Where’s the fun in stealing what’s freely offered?” Noah settled in beside her and filched a bite of her cinnamon toast. “Would you rather have chocolate this morning?”

“Because?”

“You’re”— Noah waved a hand in the direction of her middle—“indisposed.”

“I am not indisposed.” Thea set her teacup down with a little clink. “The discomfort has passed, as it always does. You needn’t be concerned.”

“I am not concerned, Thea.” Not greatly concerned, now that she’d stopped ordering him to go away and was ready for a proper spat. “I am attempting in my bumbling way to dote. You will allow it.”

Drat. He’d given another order.

“You couldn’t bumble if one gave you written instructions, Anselm,” Thea said, looking a little less peaked for having run up her flags. “That was my toast you appropriated.”

“Appropriation is what happens when one’s wife can’t appreciate a little doting. You’re being stingy with the tea, just as you were stingy with the covers. How long does this indisposition last?”

Her chin came up. “I am the Duchess of Anselm. I am not stingy with anything, but you are a very presuming husband.”

“Doting.” Noah took Thea’s free hand to kiss her knuckles— lest she mistake his point. “Also in need of my duchess’s guidance on this one marital matter.”

“This is so personal.” Thea’s gaze was on their joined hands— for Noah would not have her haring off in a fit of mortification. “I didn’t think you’d be a personal sort of husband. You were supposed to appear in my dressing-room doorway a few nights a month, silently take a few marital liberties, and then leave me in peace. We’d trade sections of the Times over breakfast the next morning.”

“Prosaic.” Boring and exactly what Noah himself had envisioned. “Hard to see any doting going on, though.”

“Husband?” Thea’s tone was hesitant. “Thank you, for keeping me company last night. I would not have known how to ask.”

“I suppose that’s the definition of doting.” Noah lingered at the cart to assemble a plate. “It’s the little things you can’t bring yourself to ask for, that an attentive spouse will enjoy providing to you. Bacon or ham?”

“A little of both, please.”

“Feeling carnivorous?”

“I’m a trifle indisposed. I need the sustenance.”

Noah piled both ham and bacon on Thea’s plate, and stole better than half of it, because he needed the sustenance too.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... TWEET about the giveaway!! And you could WIN!! =0)



Find Grace Burrowes :

Friday, October 6, 2017

Blog Tour - Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet / @AuthorABouchet | Spreading the Word, ARC #Giveaway, & a UNIQUE Series #Novella

Today I'm showing off Amanda Bouchet's "Heart on Fire," which is the THIRD novel and final installment in her Kingmaker Chronicles!!


ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour & Giveaway will run from October 3 - 10, 2017]




"Heart on Fire"
[The Kingmaker Chronicles, Book 3] by Amanda Bouchet

Author's Book Description :
    GODS. I’M AN IDIOT.
    Without Griffin—and apparently a few meddling Gods—to push me along, I’d still be telling fortunes at the circus, lying about my past, ignoring my future, and living as far away from my tyrant mother as humanly possible.

    True understanding thuds into place. Hope isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s me. Flesh and blood me. Griffin knew it all along. Probably everyone did. I’m an idea in human form.

    I have the power of the Gods at my fingertips.
    The only thing ever stopping me has been me.

Pre-order Heart on Fire now!

Amazon (Kindle) USD | Amazon (Paperback) USD | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD | Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD | Shop Your Indie/Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) USD

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads & LibraryThing! **




Experience The Kingmaker Chronicles from the start! :



About the Author :

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Her first novel, "A Promise of Fire," won several Romance Writers of America chapter contests, including the Orange Rose Contest and the paranormal category of the prestigious Golden Pen.

A French master's graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.




Readers of The Kingmaker Chronicles are already well-acquainted with Griffin, but never before have we had the chance to see the world of Thalyria—and Cat—through his eyes. In anticipation of the final installment of the series, "Heart on Fire," Amanda Bouchet has written this companion piece from Griffin’s POV!

So, get comfy and dig in!

** What Happened in Velos Stays in Velos... by Amanda Bouchet **

Griffin watched Cat figure out their location from only architectural clues and the fact that there was a nearby forest. The way she put things together using a knowledge base most people didn’t possess amazed him.
“How do you know so much about Velos?” he asked, curious. “The circus travels a route farther to the west.”
“I’ve met people, heard things,” she answered with a small shrug.
Annoyance ground against his earlier admiration. Cat knew the truth—always—and yet she lied to him constantly. He could see it in her face, knew when she was hiding something. He wanted what was best for Sinta. Griffin was convinced that Cat did, too, but for them to start making changes happen, he had to break through her animosity first. Sometimes, he saw flashes of something else in her when she forgot to guard her expression, something that made his chest clench. Maybe there was still hope.
“Help me, Cat,” he said, trying not to sound like he was begging. Weakness wouldn’t go over well with her. She responded negatively to force—that much was clear—but she respected strength. “Or at least tell me the truth. I know when you’re lying.”
“Oh?” She looked like her last meal was abruptly curdling in her stomach.
“Your eyes get twitchy.”
“My eyes do not get twitchy!” she spat back, clearly horrified.
Did she really not know? She had so many tells, but he almost felt like he was alone in seeing them. No one else seemed to notice every nuance of her breath and skin.
“This one gets narrower.” Griffin lightly touched the tip of his finger to the corner of her right eye. Cat jolted at the contact. He wasn’t sure if that brought him satisfaction or regret. Maybe it was some of both. He couldn’t figure out a lot of things when it came to Cat, but he knew his own heart and body. They didn’t lie to him. He cared about her deeply; he wanted her madly.
“It’s as if you’re expecting the lie to hurt, but it doesn’t because it’s your own,” he explained.
Still looking like there was a sour grape in her mouth, she leaned away from him and started walking again. “Thank you for telling me. I’ll have to work on that,” she said through clenched teeth.
“Cat…” he growled, stalking after her. “Everything would be so much easier if—”
“—you let me go.”
Griffin shook his head. “I can’t. You’re too valuable.”
“Aren’t you the lucky despot? The one who caught the Kingmaker. Forgive me for not being overjoyed about becoming your slave.”
“Not a slave.” Impulsively, he reached out and grabbed her arm, swinging her back to him. “One of us.”
Cat wrenched out of his hold, looking more than incredulous. She looked furious, her mesmerizing green eyes practically on fire.
Gods, he wanted to shake her. Kiss her. Make her believe him. It should have been obvious to her of all people that he was telling the truth.
Once again, the fact that he’d dragged her unwillingly from her home punched Griffin in the stomach, making his gut twist. What in the bloody Underworld had he been thinking? His logic and reason had seemed to melt in the heat between them and then abandon him entirely when they’d really begun interacting. In the end, he’d just known she had to be with him. They had to be together.
He inwardly grimaced. As far as choices went about how to make that happen, though, there were undoubtedly better ones. And now he was paying. Cat was making sure of it—as she should.
“I’ll never be one of you,” she bit out with enough conviction to almost convince him.
Almost.
Griffin dragged a hand through his hair, tugging it back. “You’re too stubborn for your own good.”
She glared at him. She was something fierce.
Emotion tore through his chest. Would she ever forgive him?
The five of them—Beta Team, Cat, and him—eventually reached the market rows, and Griffin pulled four silver coins from his money pouch.
Flynn’s eyes brightened as he rubbed his hands together. “Payday!”
Flynn, Carver, and Kato each took the coin Griffin owed them, leaving one in the palm of his hand.
“Cat.” Griffin extended the coin to her, an uncomfortable hesitancy making his heart pound. “Your pay.”
As he expected, Cat refused the money. He wouldn’t push her. He wasn’t out to prove she was part of their team with one gesture. It was a long-term effort, one that meant a great deal to him.
He put the coin away. “I’ll hold it for you. I know what you want. You complain about it often enough.”
She looked up sharply, and then her eyes narrowed. Did she like it when he teased her?
Cat moved along next to him while he bought her some fruit he thought she would like as well as some bread and cheese. Not goat cheese. He knew better than that. Griffin tried to keep the rope from pulling taut, but it wasn’t always easy. He hated to remind her it was there. Not that she ever forgot. He just didn’t want to make things worse between them.
He located a soap seller next and tried to find something nice-smelling to replace Cat’s shrinking bar. He’d been using hers, and there wasn’t much left.
The turn of his thoughts reminded him of bathing so close to her, only a few feet apart. Gods, he wished he could see her. Just a glimpse. Just the slope of her bare shoulder while her hair was slicked back and water slid down the column of her throat…
Taking a deep breath, Griffin tried to control the jagged, unsatisfied heat prowling through him like a caged beast.
Cat rolled her eyes. “You’re worse than a woman. Just take the yellow one. It’s always the best.”
He reached for a block of bright-yellow soap, picked it up, and sniffed. “Lemon.” He closed his eyes and inhaled again, imagining breathing against Cat’s smooth skin. “Smells like you.”
“And you,” she shot back, her color rising. “My soap should have lasted another month.”
Ignoring the bite in her tone and doing his best to redirect his blood to his brain, Griffin handed over payment to the vendor. “We’ll take two,” he said in a voice like gravel.
“There is no we,” Cat muttered irritably as they continued down the row of market stalls. “Don’t act like I have a say in any of this.”
Now that wasn’t true. Griffin turned, frustrated again. Yes, he’d willingly pay for his highhanded stupidity. He’d pay forever if it kept Cat with him, but short of letting her go just to watch her walk away from him, from Sinta, and from everything they could accomplish together, he’d give her anything she asked for. And she damn well knew it.
“You could have a say,” he growled at her. “And you could bloody well choose your own soap!”
“I did! I told you to take the yellow one.”
“And I did!” Cursing under his breath, Griffin stalked toward the next vendor, somehow forgetting about the magic rope. The bloody thing pulled taut, and he accidentally jerked Cat right into someone who suddenly stumbled in from the side. The man looked innocuous enough, but off-balance and dazed. High from some spell, no doubt.
Griffin was about to intervene when Cat gasped and reached out to the stranger with a visible shudder. Her face lit up as she grabbed the man’s shoulders and pulled him even closer.
Griffin scowled. What in the Underworld was she up to now?

***

“Cat?” Griffin stepped closer to her. “Cat! What are you doing?”
Laughing, she finally released the stunned-looking man. She turned and stumbled straight into Griffin, sucking in a sharp breath when he caught her bare arms to steady her. Her eyes flared, then softened.
“You’re pink!” She giggled, the sound seeming strange and unnatural coming from her.
Griffin frowned, which apparently made her laugh harder. Her eyes unfocused, Cat splayed her hand over his chest. He thought it was for balance. She probably wouldn’t have touched him otherwise. He still reveled in the warm, light weight of her fingers. He’d longed to have her hands on him.
Cat stared at his chest. She seemed fascinated. She slowed her breathing to match his.
Poseidon’s balls! What in the Underworld did you do to me?” The man who’d stumbled into Cat didn’t look dazed anymore; he looked infuriated.
Cat blinked. She blinked again, tilting her head to one side. She stayed right next to Griffin, her hand still on his chest.
The man staggered, fighting tremors and hiccupping down a series of short, disjointed breaths. His overly lean, unhealthy frame spoke of dependence and bad choices. Griffin tensed in case the addict got any stupid ideas about accosting Cat—who had clearly done something to him with her magic.
“That dose was supposed to last all day!” the man snarled. “I paid good silver for it. Give it back!” He lunged at Cat.
Griffin wrapped his arm around Cat’s waist and swept her out of the man’s path. The addict howled, and she laughed, leaning into Griffin in a way that warmed his entire side. Enraged, the addict drew a knife and waved it in Cat’s direction, a crazed light sparking in his already frantic eyes.
No one threatened Cat. Griffin shot out his hand and knocked the knife from the other man’s grip. It wasn’t hard; the addict already shook. He had no intention of stopping there. He leapt forward and wrapped his hand around the man’s throat. He held on to Cat as well. There was no way he was letting her go.
Her gaze bright, almost rapt, Cat stared fixedly at Griffin’s arm until he tossed the man to the ground. Kato, Flynn, and Carver formed a perimeter, keeping everyone else away and the addict in. Cat clapped and smiled, wiggling in apparent delight.
“Dose of what?” Griffin demanded in a hard voice. He needed to know what was wrong with her, and he needed to know now.
Cat shivered, and he couldn’t help gripping her tighter. He was self-aware enough to know he didn’t pull her closer solely for her protection.
Banking on sheer intimidation as the best way to handle the addict, Griffin drew a knife and threw it with precision, sticking it a mere inch from the man’s ear. “The next one lands somewhere that hurts,” he snarled.
The addict paled, his mouth going slack as his eyes darted to the blade next to his face.
“Brutal,” Cat commented. She didn’t sound averse.
Griffin glanced at her. “No one touches you.”
She bit her lower lip, looking adorably confused. “You’re touching me.”
Griffin’s eyes fixed on her mouth. “I’m the exception.”
She seemed to stop breathing, to maybe even like what she heard. Hope jerked in his chest. Smiling, Cat swayed toward him, and his fingers tightened on her hip. It took an almost herculean effort to resist hauling her up against him and kissing her like he’d wanted to since the moment he’d first laid eyes on her, weeks ago.
Griffin briefly closed his eyes. Cat wasn’t herself, and he wouldn’t take advantage of her.
Focusing on the addict again, he ground out, “I’m waiting.”
Cat turned back to the man at their feet as well and pointed her finger. “Answer or die!”
She did menace with absolute believability, and the man’s face went cloud-white. Cat burst out laughing.
“Euphoria,” he finally answered, pushing himself up to sitting. “Paid five silvers for it, and the little leech stole it with one touch.”
The addict spat at Cat, and a low growl rumbled in Griffin’s throat. He wasn’t in the habit of beating on people weaker than himself, but right then, he was sorely tempted.
You bumped into me,” Cat announced, although she didn’t look entirely certain. She peeled Griffin’s arm off her waist and then stumbled away, unsteady on her feet.
The rope snapped tight, and she swayed. Following her, Griffin put his hand on her lower back to steady her, and the slight, momentary hitch in Cat’s stride was the only indication that she’d felt him behind her. She ignored him otherwise.
“What about the addict?” Carver asked, handing Griffin back his knife.
“Leave him.” Griffin stayed close to Cat as he sheathed the blade. “Make sure he’s not following.”
Cat hummed as she walked, almost dancing. Without her usual dark cloud of cynicism and understandable fury in place, there was a brightness to her that riveted him. Griffin wanted to enjoy it, enjoy her, but he was too worried about what she’d done to herself—and how it would end. Highs inevitably came with lows.
She stumbled, dizzy and distracted, and he easily caught her around the waist. Gods, he loved the feel of this woman in his hands. He wanted her under him. Over him. Everywhere.
“You’re high on euphoria.” He slid his hands up her ribcage to better balance her as she swayed. “A strong dose, calibrated to a man twice your size.” Their eyes met, and Griffin felt her soft, dreamy gaze straight down to his groin. “How did that happen?”
Cat beckoned, and he lowered his head. Their faces brushed, and he wished he could turn and capture her lips with his. It was torture to hold back, especially when Cat pressed into him, seeming to enjoy the contact.
“I can steal magic,” she told him in a conspiratorial whisper. “If you had any, I’d steal yours.”
Griffin kept a steady expression, even though her words shocked him. He’d never heard of that. He’d known Cat was valuable, powerful, but good Gods, was there nothing she couldn’t do?
Without his immunity to harmful magic, he could never hold on to a Magoi like Cat—magic rope or not. Although the rope certainly helped.
Helped keep her, he thought grimly. It didn’t help their relationship.
Her sudden smile nearly winded him.
“I can give it away, too.” Cat laid her hands on his chest and then shuddered. She frowned, seeming baffled.
“You don’t want any?” She pushed on his chest again before dropping her hands. “There’s something very strange about you.”
The realization appeared to delight her. Laughter bubbled up straight from her belly. Griffin felt his own mouth twitch.
Her amusement cut off abruptly, and she scooted out of his arms, reaching for Kato. Kato’s eyes glazed over the instant she touched him. He grinned like a fool.
“Everything’s pink!” Kato turned, lost his balance, and knocked over an entire table of leather goods.
“For the Gods’ sakes!” Griffin muttered. Now there were two of them.
The irate vendor started grumbling curses, so Griffin handed over some money. Nothing was broken, and the silver coin would more than pay for the mess.
He turned to someone who still had his wits intact. “Flynn! Take care of him. Take him back to the inn. Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid or kill anyone by accident.”
“Oh, no!” Cat sang out in a loud voice. “We mustn’t kill by accident. Only on purpose.”
“My sentiment exactly.” Griffin gripped her hand and led her away from the growing crowd of staring people.
Cat giggled. Carver kept pace behind them.
“Where are we going?” Cat asked, starting to dance in circles around him. Griffin turned as well to keep the rope from tangling—not that he’d mind if it drew her right up against him.
Her hands suddenly flew up, and she started almost frantically taking apart her braid.
“We have one more thing to buy,” Griffin answered, wondering if he should help her with whatever she was doing.
“I knew it!” She seemed to forget about her now-disheveled hair and clapped, beaming. “What?”
“A drying cloth.”
Her face fell. Griffin knew a drying cloth wasn’t very exciting, but she needed one, so there was that.
Cat’s head swiveled around, and she walked off to the right, taking Griffin with her.
Her expression brightened once more. “A sword! I want a sword. Can I have a sword?”
The way her eyes glittered when she looked up at him punched a hole of happiness straight through his ribs. Right then, he knew he could deny her nothing—except the freedom she wanted most.
“You can’t even lift a sword.” He followed her toward the table of blades anyway. Maybe the vendor had something small.
“I can. Watch me.” She reached for a huge monstrosity of a weapon. It looked big, even to Griffin’s eyes.
“That’s odd. Someone must have glued it.” She bent over the sword for a closer look and ended up hitting her face on it.
Griffin’s heart spasmed. Was she hurt?
“Ow!” Cat popped up, rubbing her nose and nearly falling over backward. His hand shot out to steady her, but this time, she didn’t need him.
She frowned ferociously at the blood on her fingers, but Griffin breathed a sigh of relief. The cut was a small thing.
Cat eventually shrugged and then wiped the red smudge from her hand, laughing again. The euphoria must still have been strong in her system.
Brushing flyaway hair out of her face, Griffin leaned in for a closer look. The nick had already stopped bleeding.
In a move that startled him, Cat’s hands shot up and gripped his face back. Griffin’s heart stopped dead in his chest. She held on, her grasp tight at first. Then it loosened, and she trailed her fingertips down his cheeks.
Heat rushed through him. He wished he’d shaved for her. He didn’t dare breathe.
“Hmmm.” Her eyelids seemed to grow heavy, her lashing dipping to shade her beautiful eyes. “Scratchy.”
Griffin swallowed hard. Cat was touching him, and circumstances made it so that he couldn’t reciprocate.
He captured her hands in his and slowly lowered them. He couldn’t help the light caress he gave her knuckles. He didn’t do it consciously.
“The cut’s nothing.” Hardly recognizing his own voice, he released her. If he’d held on to her much longer, his skin would have caught fire.
With what felt like an Olympian effort, Griffin turned away from Cat and nodded to a small blade at the end of the table. The merchant handed it over, and he tested it, only partially to distract himself. If it wasn’t a quality blade, it wasn’t for Cat.
The sword turned out to be sturdy, well-crafted, and straight. “We’ll take it,” he announced. “And your smallest sword belt with dagger loops.”
Cat looked thrilled, and Griffin felt his chest expand.
“You’re buying me a sword? And a belt for my knives?” Grinning, she astonished him by leaping on him.
Griffin caught her as her arms and legs clamped around him. His heart thudded hard, his lungs seized, and his whole body ignited. She felt painfully perfect in his arms.
Unable to resist, he angled his head toward her and inhaled deeply. Cat smelled like frosted lemons—fresh and tangy, with a hint of acidity. He loved her bite. He was fairly certain he loved her.
As he breathed her in, his chest pressed against hers. The contact was exhilarating. His long, slow exhale shuddered over her neck, and Cat shivered in his arms.
Breathy laughter fluttered against his ear. “Ack! That tickles!”
A strained chuckle was Griffin’s only response.
He forced himself to unlock his greedy arms from around her and set her back on her feet. He knew Cat—an undrugged Cat—wouldn’t want to be in his embrace.
Staying close to him of her own accord, she smiled up at him in a way she never had before, like she meant it, rather than like she wanted to chew him up, spit him out, and then stomp on him until he was good and bloody.
Was this how things between them could be if she trusted him? If he’d convinced her that night at the circus fair instead of capturing her?
The thought made his chest ache, and Griffin cleared his throat, chasing out regret and need with a gruff sound. He’d figure out a way to win her over. He had to.
“The sword’s really for me?” Cat asked.
He hadn’t fully let her go since she hadn’t stepped back, and his fingers pressed lightly into her sides. “You said you wanted one.”
Cat’s smile grew brilliant. “In that case, I want two! One for each hip.”
He chuckled in spite of everything, imagining it all too well. The problem was, Cat was dangerous enough already.
“Let’s start with one,” he answered, drawing her a fraction closer.
Her breath caught, and it was agony not to lower his head and kiss her.
To avoid temptation, Griffin turned and paid for the sword.
Cat hopped along next to him when he began walking again. “Can I have it? Can I? Can I, please?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“You can have it when I can trust you.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
Okay?” Griffin’s eyebrows flew up in surprise. “That’s it?”
“What’s it?” She flapped her hands, swatting at something. “Did you see that?”
He frowned. “See what?”
“The bee. The Centaur bee. The pink one.”
Glancing briefly toward Olympus for guidance—and to keep from laughing—Griffin took Cat’s hand and led her through the market. It would have been easier if she hadn’t been dancing—not that he would ever stop her.
When she looked up at him again, the joy in her eyes almost blinded him. “Thank you.”
Her simple words punched the air from his lungs. “You’re welcome,” he answered gruffly.
“Not you,” she declared in an exasperated tone.
Griffin was content to not comment and watch her dance some more. She stumbled over Carver’s feet. Quick, as always, his brother helped her back up before he could reach for her, and Griffin’s hands clenched with the need to steady her himself.
In thanks for Carver’s aid, Cat dipped into a deep and graceful curtsy that looked like it could have been executed in any royal court. He was surprised she managed it so well, given her current state. The ease with which she moved smacked of years of practice and raised questions he knew she wouldn’t answer.
Carver bowed back awkwardly enough to make Cat laugh until she could barely breathe. They weren’t used to such pomp in the south. Court etiquette was something he and his family still had to figure out—preferably fast.
Feeling a rush of worry for his family right now trying to integrate into royal life in Sinta City without him, Griffin guided Cat toward a table covered in drying cloths. Cat jumped, trying to catch the hanging ones while he looked through the selection on the table, suddenly ready to be done with the market in Velos and get back on the road.
“This one,” he said, selecting a yellow one about the same shade as Cat’s usual soap. She’d like that, wouldn’t she? It was almost like having a set.
“Is that for me?” she asked.
Griffin nodded, his stomach sinking at how disgusted she looked by his choice.
“Not that one. It looks like Cerberus threw up on it.” She glanced from side to side. “I want that one!”
She seemed ecstatic about a flashy red cloth big enough to cover four of her, so he put the yellow one back and bought the red.
He couldn’t think of anything else she—or anyone—needed, so Griffin steered Cat back toward the inn. Without warning, she sat down in the street, yanking the rope tight between them and pulling him to a sudden stop. Griffin let out a grunt of surprise.
Cat looked up at him, her nose scrunching. “Serves you right. You could just untie me. Or let me go.”
There was the usual Cat. Her tongue was still sharp, even if her mind was fuzzy. “And miss all this fun?” he teased.
Her laughter shook her all over. Griffin smiled back, wishing things could always be this easy and enjoyable between them. Maybe they would have been if he hadn’t been such a colossal arse the night they met.
He opened his mouth to apologize for capturing her, to solemnly ask her forgiveness, for another chance, for a better them he was desperate to have, when Cat’s head snapped around, and she jumped up, already running.
Bollocks! He’d missed his opportunity. He knew himself; there was a good chance he wouldn’t take it again. Cat’s barbed tongue could make even him hesitate, and she’d be back to her normal self soon. And in the end, he wasn’t sorry they were together. He’d never be sorry for that. Griffin ran after her.
“Where are you going?” he asked. Carver jogged next to them on Cat’s other side.
She didn’t answer but then veered off and ran up the steps of a bathhouse, crashing through the doors and nearly plowing into a couple. She reached for the woman but then pulled back before Griffin had to intervene. She kept going.
Chortling with glee, Cat raced toward what Griffin suspected was the men’s pool from the artwork on the walls. She didn’t seem to notice the increasingly explicit mosaics lining the corridor.
They arrived at a tall door that Cat tried unsuccessfully to open. She repeatedly groped for and missed the very prominent latch.
Griffin reached around her to open the door, not sure he shouldn’t have been barring the way instead. “I get the feeling you’ve never been high before.”
She glanced up at him. “Have you?”
He shook his head. Never—and he didn’t plan on it.
“Looks like fun,” Carver chimed in, rather idiotically in Griffin’s opinion. It looked like a dangerous loss of control to him.
Cat teetered toward Carver. “Want some? It’s fabulous!”
Carver grinned. “No thanks. Offering anything else?” he asked so smoothly that Griffin had to do a double-take before the urge to punch his brother hit him.
Cat laughed, blushing prettily. Then she sighed. “Don’t flirt.”
“Why not?” Carver asked, completely ignoring Griffin’s hard stare.
“Don’t you know? Poseidon sent your incredibly annoying brother to me with an oracular dream. Once-in-a-lifetime thing. Except for most people. Most people never have one. Anyway”—she rolled her eyes—“he probably thinks it means something.” She snorted like that was beyond ridiculous when it was likely the most important thing that had ever happened to him. “I’d rather eat goat balls. Or goat shit.” She frowned, clearly confused. “Or goat cheese!” she abruptly shouted.
“Oracular dream?” Griffin turned the term over in his mind and in his mouth. He hadn’t known what it was called, or that it occasionally happened to others, but he’d known it was life-changing. He’d known it meant he was supposed to be with Cat.
“She’s a wealth of information,” Carver murmured.
“What? Never heard of one?” Cat shrugged. “I’m hot.” She turned, tripped, and went down before Griffin could catch her.
He helped her to her feet again and then followed as she ran straight into the men’s bathing chamber. Three naked men looked over, startled.
Cat yanked her tunic over her head.
Griffin’s eyes widened. “For the Gods’ sakes, Cat!” He wanted to look. He knew he shouldn’t.
Everyone else needed to get out now.
She kept stripping, and something roared inside him.
“Out!” he shouted to the other men. What in the Underworld was he supposed to do? He couldn’t leave her alone in here. Not looking seemed impossible, especially when he needed to keep her safe. And because he desperately wanted to.
The need to protect her, even from himself, battered his chest. At the savage look on his face, the three men scrambled out of the pool and ran. They averted their gazes from Cat, obviously knowing what was good for them.
Cat turned back to him, completely bare. Heat built in his groin and crept through his abdomen. Griffin wanted to reach for her, to cover her. To cover her with himself. He nearly groaned.
His brother moved in his peripheral vision. What in the Gods’ names was Carver still doing here? A growl ground deep in his throat.
Before his narrowed eyes could snap to Carver, Cat reached up and swept her fingers through his hair. Her touch was light but sure. There was no hesitation, and even some gentleness. He wished she would never stop.
She smiled and patted his head. “Good Beta.”
The growl meant for Carver turned into a grunted laugh.
“Woof!” she barked back.
Gods, she was amazing. And fun. And strong. The knowledge made him grin and hit him square in the chest—which made his eyes automatically drop to hers.
Griffin froze, balling his hands into fists to keep from reaching for her.
She flushed. Her nipples hardened as he watched, and the tension inside him exploded into something nearly unbearable—hot and urgent. Griffin felt a muscle tick in his jaw as he clenched his teeth, fighting to tear his eyes away from her. He lost the battle, and his eyes dipped, sweeping over her. He swallowed hard. He wanted this woman more than his next breath. But he wanted her to like him first.
“Untie me or get in.” Cat’s throaty whisper, her invitation, nearly brought him to his knees.
Griffin stepped closer to hide her nakedness from Carver. He didn’t watch Carver leave the room, but he did watch Cat blow his brother a kiss, and Griffin practically saw red. He’d never felt so barbarically possessive in his life.
Finally alone with her, Griffin lifted his eyes to Cat’s. “Give me your binding word you won’t leave without me.”
“All right,” she agreed.
Could it be that easy? “Say it,” he insisted.
She rolled her eyes with extra exuberance and then bowed dramatically. “I won’t leave the bathing chamber without you, O Imperious One.”
It was hard not to laugh. His ire deflated instantly. Cat was his only concern.
Griffin untied the rope, trying to keep his hands to himself. He accidentally brushed Cat’s waist at one point, though, and his fingers almost caught fire. His whole body tightened with the need to claim Cat for his own.
The instant she was free of the rope, Cat turned and dove into the pool. She stayed underwater for so long that Griffin started to get anxious. He realized he shouldn’t have worried when she popped up a moment later, whooping and laughing.
She swam forever, and Griffin couldn’t do anything but watch and make sure she didn’t hurt herself. She played, frolicking in a way that made him long to join her. But she wouldn’t like that. She might like it now—she’d even splashed him and tried to coax him in—but she wouldn’t like it later. He wouldn’t make the inevitable end of her fun worse by joining her and giving her something more to regret from today.
Besides, how would he keep from touching her? From showing her how hot he burned for her? If he got in, the whole damn pool might evaporate just from the fire inside him.
Another long hour of torture later, Griffin pulled up short. He saw the exact moment Cat’s high burned itself out and fatigue and reality came crashing back to take its place.
She gasped, paling to near-translucent. She started to sink.
Griffin stepped forward, but then she seemed to recover enough to float. He hesitated. He wanted to help her, but she probably wouldn’t want him touching her.
Cat’s face went from white to red so fast it was blinding. She bowed her head, looking defeated, and Griffin’s heart clenched hard.
“That’s why addicts stay high,” he said softly. “It’s too awful when it ends.”
She sniffed but didn’t look up.
“Come.” Dropping his gaze to the marble floor, Griffin held out her new drying cloth. It was more than big enough to cover her up and warm her.
He didn’t look directly at Cat, but he could still tell that she crawled up the steps, shaking, shivering, and almost too weak to make it to the cloth he held. Griffin was going to hand it to her, but then she just oozed into the material and waited. He wrapped it around her and began gently patting her dry.
“Why did you take it?” he asked when she closed her eyes, looking mortified, weary, and utterly alone.
Right then, Griffin wished more than ever that he’d earned the right to take her into his arms and comfort her. But he hadn’t, so he wrapped the cloth more firmly around her instead. She trembled.
“The magic wanted to be inside me.” She spoke so softly he barely heard. “I couldn’t control it. I-I didn’t even try.”
Was it just his imagination, or had Cat leaned into him?
He cleared his throat.
“It wasn’t his magic. It was a spell.” Griffin straightened, wanting a better look at her. Pale face. Grey lips. Blank eyes. The sight of her made his chest ache.
“It doesn’t matter.” She slumped, hardly even upright. “It’s the same to me.”
Not knowing what else to do, Griffin made sure the cloth was secure around her before trying to guide her toward her clothes. “Let’s go.”
Instead of walking, Cat dropped to the floor and curled up in a ball.
Watching her, Griffin’s gut sank. He’d put her in a position where she’d felt compelled to steal unknown magic, undoubtedly to help her escape. Now she was sick and miserable, and it was in good part his fault. No wonder she hated him.
Griffin gathered their belongings and then carefully picked Cat up off the floor. She surprised him by not protesting. She even rested her wet head on his shoulder, her breath a sweet warmth against his neck. He cradled her against him. He’d build trust one heartbeat at a time if he had to.
“You never smell bad,” she murmured, barely forming words around her fatigue.
“Should I?” Griffin asked.
“It would make you mortal, like the rest of us.”
“I am mortal. That’s why I need—”
“—your help,” she finished with a sigh.
“This isn’t a game, Cat.”
“Just leave me here,” she said despondently. “You can’t carry me all the way back.”
Griffin grunted. That was absurd—in more ways than one. “And leave behind my most valued treasure?”
She hesitated. Her breath seemed to catch. “I won’t be used.”
Ah, the usual rhetoric. He smiled vaguely. Was she coming back to herself?
“Egeria will win you over,” he said. And he would, too.
She yawned, bringing the tip of her nose into contact with his neck. He wished she’d let herself come even closer, thought maybe a small part of her even wanted to, but suddenly she stiffened in his arms.
“It won’t get that far.” Those five words were sharper than anything she’d said in hours.
Griffin’s mouth flattened. And so it began again. “You’re wrong. You’re wrong about a lot of things.” And somehow, someday, he would prove it.
“I bled on that sword and didn’t dilute it.” The panic in Cat’s voice shot tension through his body. “They’ll track my blood. It’s been hours. They’re already on their way.”
“Who?” he demanded.
Wilting again, she yawned, exhaustion seeming to drown her fear. “It’s your fault. You exposed me.”
Griffin held her tighter, his heart hammering out adrenaline-laced beats. “I’ll protect you.”
She closed her eyes, looking alarmingly weak. Almost unconscious. “You could try,” she whispered just before her head lolled, and her body went limp in his arms.
Grim-faced, Griffin carried her toward the inn. He had to do better than try. The fate of Thalyria and both of their futures depended upon it.



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