We are thrilled to share this gorgeous cover with you all today!
The Desert Heiress is the start of a brand-new series by Shoshana Rain!
The Desert Heiress (The Seven Star Empire #1)
Expected Publication Date: April 6, 2024
Genre: Why Choose Romance/ Second World Fantasy
🌵Why Choose
🌵MMMF Romance
🌵Slow-Burn
🌵Magic
🌵Spicy
🌵Guaranteed HEA at the End of Series
Nothing will stop Lis from regaining her family's power—not even the three tempting men standing in her way.
In the desert port of Cenefra, the Sun Rose is life blood. A magic plant with the ability to grant people greater abilities. Sale of the plant is strictly forbidden, its growth restricted only to farms owned by the Empire's shipping company.
Liseya Moroeste has only ever wanted one thing: to run the syndicate smuggling it. But her family has been cut off for over a century, forced to advise but never lead. When the government cracks down on all illegal export, Lis is ready to seize her chance.
To do so, she must best her three rivals. Filip, Deo and Adrian each want to court her, control her, cajole her into doing what they want.
Liseya finds herself drawn into their complicated web, but to survive, she must learn if she can trust them, or if she must cut them down before they can do the same to her.
The Desert Heiress is the first book in The Seven Star Empire Series. It is a slow burn, MMMF why choose, second world fantasy with steamy scenes and a guaranteed HEA at the end of the series. It contains both MM and FF scenes, and involves the FMC in a relationship before getting involved with her main love interests.
A lover of mythology, sexy romances, and heroines who give as good as they get, Shoshana knew she wanted to write fantasy romance since reading Kushiel’s Dart. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her cat and trying to keep her garden alive in the harsh desert summer.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be blessed by dragons?
This brand new book by award-winning author, Carol Weakland, is perfect for your children, grandchildren, and anyone young at heart to experience the special magic that awaits inside a dragon’s breath. If you want to be blessed by dragons, THE DRAGON’S BREATH BOOK will show you how.
Inside this magical book about dragons you’ll discover:
★ How to get in touch with your own Dragon Guide.
★ How to receive the blessing of the Dragon’s Breath.
★ The perfect times to call on a dragon to assist you.
The DRAGON’S BREATH BOOK helps you and your little ones enter the magical world of dragons. Learn what masters of magic they are and how they can help you. Find out how to access their blessing through breath made of a special kind of fire that never burns. Delight in astory of nature magic that can make you feel better than ever before. If you enjoy fantasy stories about nature and magical beings like dragons, you will love this book. THE DRAGON’S BREATH BOOK will take you into their magical realm to experience their breath and blessing.
Author Carol Weakland really does lives in a fairytale cottage complete with Fairies, Dragons, and Unicorns. She is a Gatekeeper to Everything Magical! One of her previous children’s books won the COVR Silver Medal Award for Best Children's Picture Book.
Author Carol Weakland really does live in a fairytale cottage complete with Fairies, Dragons, and Unicorns. She is a Gatekeeper to Everything Magical! One of her previous children’s books won the COVR Silver Medal Award for Best Children's Picture Book, SECRETS OF THE FLOWER FAIRIES. It is also a book in THE MAGICAL BEINGS' SERIES. Some of her other books include: the Romantic Fantasy Series: MORGEN OF AVALON. LAND OF THE TWILIGHT MIST. Young Adult Fantasy and THE ADVENTURES OF MAID MARIAN, HEALER OF SHERWOOD FOREST.
Please note that THE DRAGON'S BREATH BOOK is part one of THE MAGICAL BEINGS' SERIES.
SECRETS OF THE FLOWER FAIRIES is considered book two in the series.
The final battle between Heaven and Hell is coming – and I'm at the heart of it.
As I begin my final quest for the last Holy Relic, the Ark of the Covenant, things take an unexpected turn. Kincade is forced to return to the Brotherhood of Watchers and must face the consequences for breaking their laws and assisting me in my search.
Putting the quest on hold, I track down the Brotherhood to find him. My rescue fails, however, when The Knights of the Holy Lance steal my DNA in order to create more super dream walkers. I'm determined now more than ever to destroy them.
When I once more resume my hunt for the Ark, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are unleashed, spreading their reign of terror across countries. The world is now plagued by earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and other disasters.
Lucifer has won.
Or has he?
As we both scramble to obtain the ancient artifact, the ultimate war between good and evil looms before us. The battle for the fate of mankind comes down to me and those brave souls willing to stand against the darkness.
With the fate of all creation on the line, a final sacrifice will be demanded. But will the true nature of love and loyalty be enough to save me?
Michelle Miles believes in fairy tales, true love and magic. She writes heart-stopping urban fantasy, epic fantasy and paranormal romance with an action/adventure twist that will leave you breathless. She is the author of numerous series that includes everything from angels and demons to fairies, dragons and elves.
A native Texan, in her spare time she loves reading, listening to music, watching movies, cross-stitching, drinking wine and taking pictures of her cat. She can be found online at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Goodreads.
Tropes: Sexual identity, bisexuality, forbidden love
Themes: Psychological twist, mystery, family drama
Trigger Warning: Supplementary themes involve sexual identity and a teenage incestuous occurrence: neither are covered in detail, or described graphically, as they were ‘incidents’ rather than relationships, though they have an impact on the development of the narrative.
Heat Rating: 2 - 3 flames
Length: 95 000 words/362 pages
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
It has a HEA of sorts - it fits vaguely into the romance genre with a lot of psychological suspense and mystery interwoven.
A troubled mind, a dysfunctional love story, a psychological twist….
Blurb
Paul Somerfield, a young journalist for Planet Earth magazine, shares a brief friendship with the enigmatic Mike Stokes during an assignment in Devon. It leads to a disruptive fascination and a reluctant complicity in events that evolve from Mike’s tragic past.
On a journey where emotions influence his brittle control, Paul pursues the truth. But the truth has many disguises which disrupt his relationships, his rationality and his life.
A reminder of how fragile the stability of love and trust can be: a journey that follows fear and doubt as they steer lives into a downward spiral of destruction.
Excerpt
(To place in context: Paul (the main character) has just taken a trip over the moors (Dartmoor, Devon, UK) with Mike (the mysterious second character) who he met just a few days ago and befriended).
After a few minutes, with the sun transferring energy to untanned skin, Paul plunged forward to swim towards the opposite bank. Standing up in the shallow water, his gaze rested on his friend still stretched out below him. Mike’s eyes remained closed, the gentle rise and fall of breath the only movement in his body. He could almost have been asleep, but Paul knew he was not, and equally certain of Mike’s awareness of a close observer, perhaps another gift to them both from the custodian of the paradise who chose to share it. Paul was neither embarrassed nor aroused by the hedonic posture, which perfectly balanced the equilibrium, complimenting the setting. He only felt gratitude.
Time slowed to allow appreciation of the scene. Eventually, with reluctance lest the spell be broken, Paul spoke again, “You need another cold dip, mate.” The words were an intrusion. He strained to speak at all. An atmosphere of expectancy subdued his responses.
Mike remained silent. As he turned his head, his eyes filled with a remote but compelling vision. Paul was a prisoner to that gaze. The surroundings drifted out of focus as the man held out a hand in an undeniable gesture of reception.
The sensual element formed a command. With water lapping knees, he leaned as fingers enclosed one arm in a soft grip. Mike’s eyes held a silent appeal. It defied refusal. Legs felt weak, folded, he fell forward, his free hand placed near Mike’s shoulder.
“Mike....” Words came like sobs from his lips, “I … I don’t ... I can’t....” He took shattered breaths, which formed around, “I’m sorry….”
Steady hands cradled his bowed head in a gentle caress. Wet hair supplemented the tears that unmanned him. The softest touches of Mike’s fingers smoothed them from his cheeks.
“Get out of the water, Paul.” Words almost whispered, close to his ear, with barely disguised authority.
Paul responded, unconsciously, climbing onto the stone.
Lines of sweat blurred his eyes. The atmosphere, heavy with anticipation, directed his senses, regulated his responses. Or, a will projected from a powerful force far below him, buried in the rock beneath. The body below him appeared able to harness that power without the need for physical participation. Paul, aware of the reaction of his own body to so sensual a situation, was powerless to subdue it. His skin absorbed the life below with every touch. Nerves ignited with every caress. His senses stimulated by conduction from another’s, as the strained form below him ascended the pinnacles of climactic rapture. Salt tears and sweat, sun warmed skin against his lips, shared breaths of confined desire; the noise of life pounding at his ear, the considerate grip of passion embracing him with a bond of impregnability. All volition was gone.
Suddenly, as though perpetrated by a violent act upon the man below him, the body became still. Only Mike’s relaxed breathing convinced Paul he was innocent of such a deed. Time was striving to catch up with its unnatural stagnancy. A stale memory of desire stained his mind like a contamination of his thoughts; the fruit of an unguarded crop of passion, which left behind the bitterest aftertaste.
Paul stared at the slope they walked down earlier. Then he stood, turned, and dived back into the water. He held no immediate aspiration to emerge from that tranquil medium, doing so only when the pain in his chest forced him to return to reality. Thrusting his feet towards the bed of the stream, he launched to the surface, gasping for air. The vision that met his eyes when his violent breaths had calmed was of a dream shattered. The picture was not as it appeared earlier. The sky painted a tormented brown. The breathtaking scene, transformed to a bleak and forlorn landscape. Air and water around him, tainted with pollution.
Turning his eyes across the water, he saw Mike walking up the slope wearing his shorts, boots held by their laces in one hand, his T-shirt trailing from the other and dragged along the grass. Swimming to the bank, reaching his clothes, he fought jeans over a wet body and slipped on his shoes. Grasping his shirt and camera bag, he stumbled up the slope in his haste. “Mike! Wait!” he called in a weak voice, breathing hard. The man did not respond to his cry. Catching up as they entered the trees, he reached out to the man’s shoulder, halting his progress.
Mike turned, a hard, almost pitiless stare, as he looked deep into Paul’s eyes.
For a moment, Paul was unable to speak. So intense a visage, it took away what little breath he had left. “You bastard! Don’t walk away from me as though your dignity’s been bruised.” He dropped his shirt and bag to his feet, and braced both hands on his knees. Breathing heavily, he waited for some reaction.
“Don’t lecture me about dignity.” The man answered, sharply.
He felt a consuming fury growing within. Standing again, Paul received a harsh look of accusation. As anger conquered instincts, he swung a clenched fist towards the man’s head. The punch found its target, striking a heavy blow to the jaw. Mike made no attempt to avoid the impact; blood soon appeared between his lips, trailing down the side of his chin. He stood motionless, looking into the eyes of his assailant. Paul remained poised, as though prepared to deliver another attack. Yet, in reality, he’d been stunned by the recognition of his actions. Mike’s eyes never flinched as he reached towards the fist, then enclosed it in a strong grip. Paul stood, mentally helpless and physically defeated, as the man lowered the arm back to his side.
“Paul, let’s go home.” The expression on his face softened before he turned to walk ahead.
About the Author
David Blyth was born in Staffordshire, in the UK. He graduated from Nottingham and Wolverhampton Universities.
He lived for many years in South Africa, where he witnessed the political and social transformation during and after apartheid.
His interests, apart from writing, include anything that helps him to stay relatively sane.
The Scars of Life was written during a two-year overland exploration of southern, central and east Africa; much was achieved sitting under the shade of a huge mango tree on the shores of Lake Malawi, always with a beer near at hand.
Separate Development, which is in fact his second novel, though published first, was written at his home in the English Midlands.
Jake Desmet and Rick Brand, heirs to the Brand & Desmet Import Company, travel the world to secure treasures and unusual items for the collections of wealthy and supernatural patrons, accompanied by Jake’s cousin, Veronique “Nicki” LeClercq. Smuggling a small package as a favor for a Polish witch should have been easy. But when assassins come after Jake and a Ripper-style killer leaves the city awash in blood, Jake, Rick, and Nicki realize that dark magic, vampire power struggles, and industrial sabotage are just a prelude to a bigger plot that threatens New Pittsburgh and the world.
New Pittsburgh in 1898 is a crucible of invention and intrigue, the hub of American industry at the height of its steam-driven power. Born from the ashes of devastating fire, flood, and earthquake, New Pittsburgh is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the abandoned mine tunnels beneath the city, supernatural creatures hide from the light, emerging to feed in the smoky city known as “hell with the lid off” while their masters scheme to change the balance of power.
Stopping that scheme will require every ounce of Jake’s courage, every bit of Rick’s cunning, every scintilla of Nicki’s bravura, and all the steam-powered innovation imaginable.
Iron & Bloodis a steampunk action adventure filled with daring escapades, armed airships, vengeful vampires, mysterious magic, found family, mad doctors, quirky inventors, clockwork zombies, and loyal friends.
New Pittsburgh, 1898 – a crucible of invention and intrigue. Born from the ashes of devastating fire, flood and earthquake, the city is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the swarming streets, people of a hundred nations drudge to feed the engines of progress. The Department of Supernatural Investigation was set up to take care of those things that live below, that go bump in the night… those odd cases that go beyond ‘standard’ investigation. Nicknamed ‘Storm and Fury’, Mitch Storm and Jacob Drangosavich are two of the more creative agents, working in New Pittsburgh and obeying the rules – when they have to.
A collection of short stories and novellas set in the world of the Iron & Blood novels and the related Storm and Fury Adventures.
Includes: Airship Down, Ruin Creek, Resurrection Day, The Hunt, Grave Voices, and Rogue. Plus two bonus stories: Ghost Wolf and a Steampunk fairy tale: The Patented Troll
Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wrote at age five was about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer. She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites.
Larry N. Martin is the author of the new sci-fi adventure novel Salvage Rat. He is the co-author (with Gail Z. Martin) of the Spells, Salt, and Steel/New Templars series; the Steampunk series Iron & Blood; and a collection of short stories and novellas: The Storm & Fury Adventures set in the Iron & Blood universe. He is also the co-author of the upcoming Wasteland Marshals series and the Joe Mack Cauldron/Secret Council series.
The Martins have three children, a Maltese, and a Golden Retriever.
Crashers Lindy S. Hudis Publication date: April 27, 2022 Genres: Adult, Crime, Mystery
How far would you go to get rich?
What if you were desperate? What if you were completely out of options? Would you cut in front of a sparkling, new Mercedes on the busy L.A. freeway and slam on the brakes? What if it were that easy?
Enter the world of Crashers…
The con is simple: Get in a car accident. Collect the insurance blood money. What could go wrong?
That’s what Shari believed when she found herself in dire need of cash. When Shari meets the sexy and mysterious Bryce, he teaches her all about how to be a “capper.”
Soon Shari has more money than she knows what to do with.
But as Shari becomes more and more obsessed with her strange new world, she discovers there’s no such thing as easy money. And what started out as a simple payout soon turns into a deadly game…
For KXXX TV and KXXX AM Radio News, this is Katie Carlson with your mid-morning eye-in-the-sky traffic report, and it’s an easy one: It’s messed up EVERYWHERE! So far, the 405 South is backed up all the way to the 101. So, if you are going into Hollywood this morning, you are going to be late for that audition. Also, there is an injury crash on the Eastbound 10. So, if you are heading into downtown LA, you might want to bring a magazine or get some knitting done. If you are going to LAX, forget it, call mom back east and tell her you will be driving out instead. Just Kidding! Any way, this is Katie Carlson with the Los Angeles mid-morning traffic report. Enjoy your commute everybody, NOT!
* * *
As the blare of the clock radio on the night table jolted her awake, Shari Barnes rubbed her eyes, blew her long brown hair out of her face, and snuggled into Nathan Townsend’s chest. She curled her body around his middle and took a deep whiff of his salty, masculine neck.
But she couldn’t ignore the voice on the radio.
“Monday morning traffic,” she sighed.
Nathan matched the sigh and put his arms around her. “At least you don’t have to drive over the hill.”
“Yeah, I would just die if I had to drive into Beverly Hills every day to work in a beautiful office.” Shari giggled and disappeared under their thick blue comforter for a few more moments of sleepy-headed bliss. She felt Nathan stretch up, and a moment later the radio shut off. Then he slid down next to her in the single bed they shared in their Studio City apartment, a few blocks north of Ventura Boulevard. The constant drone and rumble of another L.A. morning came clearly through the open window: cars honking, rock music blaring, the frantic scurrying sounds of the film shoot a few blocks away. Shari ran her bare feet up the inside of Nathan’s thigh.
He jumped. “Shit, your feet are cold.” He pushed her legs off of him.
“What time is it?” she murmured between kisses.
“Um, seven.” He nuzzled her neck and she felt him becoming erect against her.
“No time for that!” She threw off the covers. “Gotta be at work on time for once; gotta get my asp out of bed.”
“There’s a snake in the bed?” Nathan grabbed her with both hands and gave her belly gentle nips.
“Yeah, of the one-eyed variety.” Shari leaped to the floor and padded naked into the bathroom. She turned the hot water in the shower to high and stepped in, filling the small bathroom with steam.
She had just poured a green drop of shampoo into her palm and was running her hands together when the flimsy yellow and white shower curtain flew back and Nathan grinned in at her. She smiled back, surprised by neither his arrival nor the partial hard-on that preceded him.
“Mind if we join you?” he asked.
“There’s enough shampoo for everybody,” Shari said as she rubbed her hands across her scalp.
He stepped into the stall, pulled the curtain closed and began to lather her hair for her. She put her hands on his back, feeling the taut muscles and the water streaming there, but did not reach down between them. It took him about five seconds to realize it and hold her away.
“You okay?”
“Fine….”
“Don’t lie; I can always tell when you have something on your mind.”
“You know me better than I know me,” she said.
“You know it.” He pushed her wet hair over her shoulders. “Come on, give.”
“I was thinking maybe I should get a second job.”
“You’re worrying about money again?”
“Well, I have to shoot my student thesis film this year or I won’t graduate. But where am I going to get the money I need?”
“How much do you need?”
“At least five figures.”
Author Bio:
Lindy S. Hudis is a graduate of New York University, where she studied drama at Tisch School of the Arts. She is the author of several titles, including her romance suspense novel, Weekends, her “Hollywood” story City of Toys, and her crime novel, Crashers. She is also the author of an erotic short story series, “The S&M Club” and “The Mile High Club”. Her short film “The Lesson” was screened at the Seattle Underground Film Festival and Cine-Nights in 2000. She is also an actress, having appeared in the television daytime drama “Sunset Beach”. She and her husband, Hollywood stuntman Stephen Hudis, have formed their own production company called Impact Motion Pictures, and have several projects and screenplays in development. She lives in California with her husband and two children.
The Valentino brothers rule the city of Chicago with closed fists and iron wills. But even kings fall. And the curvy women meant for them are about to drop these crime bosses to their knees. All three books in The Ruined Trilogy can be read as standalones. And don't forget to grab Nico's story to meet the brother they risked everything to save from a life shackled to a criminal empire he didn't want.
Physical Science
The Ruined Trilogy: The Beginning
by Nichole Rose
Genre: Curvy Girl Mafia Romance
Love is the final test for this professor and his star student.
Nico Valentino My brothers are mobsters. Criminals. They rule their kingdoms with iron fists. I'm nothing like them. I'm an astrophysicist. A professor. My lecture hall is full of laughter. Until I set eyes on Norah Bishop. She needs my help, but I need her. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep her. Even if it means returning to the family I left.
Norah Bishop All I've ever wanted was to be a scientist like my dad. But I stumbled into something I shouldn't have. Now, the biggest criminal in Chicago is coming for me. And the only person who can help me is his brother...my new professor. I don't want to drag Nico into this. But when he touches me, I lose all control. He's my professor. I think I want him to be my forever instead. Loving him comes with a price. But losing him will break me.
If you enjoy over-the-top nerdy men, curvy heroines willing to risk it all, and forbidden student-teacher romance, you'll love Nico and Norah's sugary-sweet and extra steamy story! As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. Physical Science is the steamy beginning to the Ruined Trilogy. It can be read as a standalone story.
One look at his curvy captive and this Mafia boss will risk it all. Even if it means toppling his own kingdom to the ground...
Rafe Valentino A life in chains was the deal I made with my father to win my twin's freedom. My soul is black with the things I've done to keep my promise. I never regretted any of it until now. Until her. Amalia Santiago's bravado and fierce defiance make me feel alive in a way I never expected. I was never meant to fall for her. I don't deserve to put my filthy hands all over her pristine body. She's supposed to be my prisoner. But now, she'll become my world instead.
Amalia Santiago When the devil came for my foster brother, I let him take me in his place. I swore I'd find a way out of this mess for both of us. Except Rafe Valentino wasn't supposed to have a heart... And I wasn't supposed to fall for the ruthless crime boss. So why do I come alive when he touches me? Now, I'm one wrong move from destroying everything. And nothing is what it seems. How do I sacrifice the man I love to save my brother?
If you enjoy OTT possessive older men with a little bit of darkness in them and sassy, curvy heroines with heart, get ready to fall for Rafe and Amalia in this sweet and extra steamy romance. As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. Safe read. No cliffhanger. Each book in the Ruined Trilogy features a different Valentino brother and can be read as a standalone story.
Falling for the enemy wasn't part of Luca Valentino's plan. But one taste of his curvy captive will change everything for this mafia boss. Luca A life in hell was the sacrifice I made to keep my brothers alive. There's nothing I won't do to see that job through. Even if it means seducing the enemy. But I never intended to fall for Callandria Genovese. She was supposed to be a means to an end, nothing more. Now, I've got more to lose than ever. And the woman who holds the key to my future is in chains in my bedroom. I need her trust. I want her heart. One way or another, I will have both.
Callandria I've been taught to hate the Valentino family since I could walk. I know they killed my grandfather. But no one warned me that the real monster of the bunch was Luca Valentino. They didn't tell me I'd find myself imprisoned in his bed, either. Or that I'd be so reluctant to leave it. But that's precisely what happened. Little by little, he's slipping beneath my defenses and making me feel things I shouldn't. But which side of him is real? The wanton man who sets me ablaze...or the ruthless mobster who refuses to let me go?
If you like your OTT possessive older men morally gray and your curvy heroines strong, prepare to fall for Luca and Callandria in this steamy mafia romance. As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. Safe read. No cliffhanger. Each book in the Ruined Trilogy features a different Valentino brother and can be read as a standalone story.
To win her love, this crime boss will need more than money and power.
Gabriel They say those with the power make the rules. They lied. Genesis Santiago refuses to bend to my will. I know because I've tried. She wants nothing to do with me. That isn't going to work for me. She's the only thing in this world I need. One way or another, I'll make her mine. Even if I have to break her to claim her.
Genesis I know what people say about Gabriel Valentino. He's not just a billionaire. He's a criminal. When he catches me trying to steal from him, I expect a quick death. Instead, the bossy, arrogant man hires me. But I won't bow to any man… Not even the one who owns my soul. Not even to save my own life.
Warning When this wicked mob boss finds his curvy girl, he'll do whatever it takes to make her his. If you enjoy over-the-top billionaires, willful heroines, and steamy romance with a touch of darkness, you'll love Gabriel and Genesis. As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. No cheating. Each book in the Ruined Trilogy features a different Valentino brother and can be read as a standalone novel.
Nichole Rose writes filthy, feel-good romance for curvy readers. Her books feature headstrong, sassy women and the alpha males who consume them. From grumpy detectives to country boys with attitude to instalove and over-the-top declarations, nothing is off-limits.
She is sure to have a steamy, sweet story just right for everyone. She fully believes the world is ugly enough without trying to fit falling in love into a one-size-fits-all box.
When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud mama to the world’s most ridiculous fur-babies. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest.
You can learn more about Nichole and her books at her website or by liking her on Facebook or following her on Instagram.
The Highlander’s Enchantress Violetta Rand Published by: Entangled: Amara Publication date: May 29th 2023 Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance
If her cruel and domineering father were to be believed, Kali Bane is the worst of women. Defiant. Independent. Were it not for her beloved younger sisters, she would have sought her freedom long ago. When she refuses to wed an old, wine-soaked English lord, her father bans her to the McKay clan in the Highlands, warning them that she’s a witch.
There is no welcome at the McKay castle—only an aging laird prone to fits of temper who believes that Kali is, in fact, a witch. A sorceress. Here she is little more than a hostage, kept from sight from almost all but Adam McKay, the laird’s son, whose hypnotic green eyes make her long for something forbidden. It’s almost enough to make her abandon all thoughts of escape.
Kali is the only one who can protect her sisters from their father’s greedy machinations. But the longer she remains imprisoned in the McKay tower, the more Kali and Adam realize there are other forces at play. They’re both pieces in a silent, terrible game that could destroy everyone they’ve ever loved…including each other.
He tugged their joined hands onto his lap so she had to turn and face him again. “Live.”
“Live?”
“Thrive.”
“Aye.” She seemed to understand now.
“Prosper, regardless of yer circumstances. What better way to spit in the bastard’s eye?”
She rewarded him with a soul-warming smile—soul-stealing, really. Pretty white teeth, each one a precious pearl, and perfectly formed lips stole his attention. And the sound of her tinkling laughter…
He was doomed. Cast into the pits of agony because this untouchable—forbidden—woman stirred something inside him that had long been dormant. Perhaps never there before. There were dozens of local lasses worthy of his affection and respect, but they all paled in comparison to this striking woman. She was fire and ice, sunlight and moonlight, sweet and bitter, and any other paradox his addled mind could create.
“Why are ye staring at me?” she asked, appearing uncomfortable.
“I hold ye in the highest esteem, lass—yer tenacity and iron will to survive.”
Again, her features softened at his words. Aye, he’d have to tread carefully with this one. She missed little if anything. If only he could reach out and caress her cheek—provide comfort and reassurance with tender kisses.
For a brief moment he forgot himself and leaned closer, his mouth hovering just above hers. Adam’s heartbeat intensified, and his mind swirled with anticipation of what she would taste like. What it would feel like to hold her in his arms? But as their gazes clashed, he remembered her words, how men always wanted something… Damn it, she was beautiful and smelled so lovely and looked so perfect.
Be the honorable man ye were raised to be…
Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling author Violetta Rand was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, and spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.
Violetta still lives in Alaska and spends her days writing evocative romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.
Wishes aren't all they're cracked up to be... especially when you have to capture the Fairies who grant them to you.
Er... make that faeries... and not the normal, hiding-in-plain-sight magical kind.
When a misadventure cleaning out the attic leads Isaac to release a faerie trapped in a glass ball of light, he believes he's struck gold--in the form of wishes. All he has to do is mention the name that was engraved on the ball, and the indebted faerie would grant him any three wishes he wanted.
The best part of all was knowing that there was an entire chest of captured faeries waiting to be freed...
But when strange things start to happen around town, Isaac begins to wonder if the increasingly unfortunate events are his doing.
Only his mysterious neighbor, Yara, knows the truth about his lineage as a Light Keeper.
Can Yara's strength and wisdom guide Isaac into his new role?
Can Isaac make things right again?
Or will his dream-come-true turn into his worst nightmare?
Christina Wallace has been many things. A student, an analyst, a wife, a mother, a gamer, and a lifelong writer. For almost as long as she can remember she’s dreamed of people and places that only existed in her mind, and sharing her stories is a dream come true.
Christina writes books not only for middle-grade audiences, but for young and new adults as well. Stories should be an escape. Christina likes to write about people who become their own heroes and take fate into their own hands. Many of her works contain fantastical elements and also a bit of love, but strong friendships are the common thread.
The Light Keeper is Christina’s debut series with more books soon to come. She is thrilled to begin this adventure of her very own as an author.
