Month: September 2013

Blog Tour: “The Guardians Series” By Wendy Owens

Leave a comment

Today is the day. Book #5 of “The Guardian Series” is being released. So get your copy now!!!!!!!! Here is a little teaser from the book……….

 

theguardianscrownThe Guardians Crown (Book 5)

by Wendy Owens

Goodreads

Release Date: September 27th

Purchase Links: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Kobo, Goodreads

Blurb:

Gabe is finally forced to answer the ultimate question, will he give his life to save the world? What about just to save the one he loves the most? The Guardians struggle to find another way–ideas that don’t involve Gabe’s death–to defeat Baal. Time is running out. What will Gabe choose? What price will he pay for that choice?

 

Excerpt #1

As Michael watched her speak, he swallowed hard, remembering in that moment it was more than her beauty he had fallen in love with. “I don’t know what to do,” he replied, his words barely audible.

“People need hope Michael, as much as they need a leader. You and Gabe are the answer to both of those things. You’ll lead the people of earth to victory and Gabe will give them the hope they need to keep going,” Mirada said, her voice sensitive, yet unwavering.

“I don’t know if I can,” For the first time in Michael’s life he was completely unsure of what he should do. He had lost all sense of purpose.

“You can, and I’ll be at your side every step of the way,” she said with a smile.

“Are you serious?” Michael asked, his heart now racing.

Falling to her knees she embraced him, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. She pulled away, looking into his eyes. “I’m never going to leave your side again.”

Michael felt as if his heart might burst. With the death of the council he had felt as though he had lost everything that mattered to him, but here in his arms, he found the last piece of hope he had left in the world. “We have to go back and help Gabe.”

“Why, what’s wrong with Gabe?” Mirada asked.

“They found a book that says the guardians crown is real,” Michael explained.

“Well it is real, or it was,” Mirada stated, staring back at Michael.

Michael watched as she rose, taking a seat next to him on the bed and wrapping her fingers around his. “What do you mean it was?” he asked.

 

What does Mirada know that nobody else seems to? Read The Guardians Crown to find out if The Guardians have a chance to change their fate or simply must face their destiny.

Excerpt #2

“Do you think there’s any chance Mirada got the coordinates wrong?” Rachel asked. It was clear to the group that they had followed the directions precisely, and after thoroughly searching the area there was no sign of a cave.

At first nobody answered her question. Sophie and Haim collapsed on the ground, both relieving themselves of the rope around their waist. The rest of the group soon followed suite.

“I don’t know, maybe she had bad information,” Sophie suggested.

Gabe took a big gulp of the water then made his own suggestion, “Perhaps she’s not all that different from her sisters after all.”

Uri nodded in response, but Rachel quickly chimed in to defend the woman whom she barely knew. “That’s not fair. Mirada told us from the beginning that she was working off secondhand knowledge and that this could be a wild goose chase. I think you’re being too hard on her.”

“She has a point,” Haim added, moving to stand next to Rachel, causing her stature to look even smaller. “I don’t think Michael would marry someone who’s that dishonest.”

“You’re sure giving him a lot of credit when it comes to judging a pretty face,” Gabe remarked.

“Really?” Rachel snarled, leaning back against the surface of the rocks behind her.

Suddenly her face shifted from one of contempt towards her husband’s comment to one of pure terror. Before Gabe could react, he watched helplessly as Rachel slipped backwards and out of sight into the mountainside, a crumbling wall now the only thing he could see.

“Rachel!” Gabe shouted, rushing forward. Before Gabe could reach her Haim, being closer to where she had fallen through, leapt into the gaping hole after her.

The group now only heard Haim’s cries echoing in the darkness as they drifted further away.

“What the hell?” Uri shouted as he and Sophie hopped to their feet, peering down the hole with Gabe, only darkness staring back at them.

“Where did they go?” Gabe cried.

Peering into the darkness, Uri commented, “it looks like some sort of old shaft.

“Get out of my way, I’m going after them!” Gabe exclaimed.

He didn’t hesitate. Grabbing what remained of the sides of the cavern, he propelled himself through the hole, and down the ice-covered tube. As he rocketed through the shaft, he could see where pieces above his head had melted away, exposing solid rock, or in some place even an empty darkness.

 

Excerpt #3

Releasing one last big breath, pushing all the air from his lungs, Michael emerged into the room. He opened his eyes, wide, and prepared to greet his brethren. The room shrank inward, all around him, as his eyes took in a sight he had not expected. He had accepted the idea this was a trick, that perhaps he had offended the council one too many times with his unorthodox methods. He had accepted they might, in fact, be luring him there to imprison him for his insubordination. What he saw now though, was not what he had expected.

A half circle of handmade bamboo tables was sprawled out before him. At each table, a small stool perched behind it with an elder seated in it. None of them looked up at him, their heads lying on the table tops, the blood from their slit throats draining, and spilling onto the dirt floor. All of them, they were all dead.

Michael’s head began to spin. He fell to his knees, purging himself of all of his stomach contents. A tear ran down his cheek, as he wiped away a string of vomit with the back of his hand, from the corner of his mouth. “No,” he gasped, shaking his head, as if trying to make the reality before him disappear.

“I knew you’d come!” a voice called out behind him.

Michael staggered to his feet and turned to face his worst nightmare. Baal stood before him, a smirk on his face. He wore his signature grey, pinstripe, three-piece suit, and casually twisted his pinky ring on his long and slender well-manicured finger. As it rotated Michael caught a glimpse of the rubies in the skull’s eye sockets. His black hair was slicked back, the sight of his false appearance made Michael sick to his stomach.

A slight panic rushed over him as he thought, you need to get the hell out of here. But he knew transporting would be pointless. If he fled back to Iron Gate, Baal would most certainly pick up the tracer and follow him. He would bring the same fate of the council down on everyone he cared about. There was only one option. He would stand and fight, even if it meant perishing like the council.

 

Author Bio: wendy.owens

Wendy Owens was raised in the small college town of Oxford, Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went on to a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork, she gave her first love, writing, a try.

Since 2011, she has published a young adult paranormal series, The Guardians, which will contain five books total, as well as a novella.

Wendy now happily spends her days writing—her loving dachshund, Piper, curled up at her feet. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with her tech geek husband and their three amazing kids, exploring the city she loves to call home: Cincinnati, OH.

Author Links:

Website: http://wendy-owens.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-L-Owens/191731754221996?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5038955.Wendy_Owens

Related articles

Book Release “The Guardians Series: The Guardians Crown (Book #5)” by Wendy Owens

Leave a comment

Banner

Title: The Guardians Crown

Author: Wendy Owens

Series: The Guardians, Book 5

Genre: YA Paranormal

guardians crown cover

Book Description:

Gabe is finally forced to answer the ultimate question, will he give his life to save the world? What about just to save the one he loves the most? The Guardians struggle to find another way–ideas that don’t involve Gabe’s death–to defeat Baal.

Time is running out. What will Gabe choose? What price will he pay for that choice?

guardians-quote-2 (1)

About Wendy Owens

 5038955
Wendy Owens is a 34 year old author, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. For several years she created and sold her own artwork. In 2011 she gave her true love, writing, a try. Her first novel flowed from her in only two weeks time, as though it had been fighting to get out. That moment was when she knew she had found her calling. Wendy now happily spends her days writing the stories her characters guide her to tell, admitting even she doesn’t always know where that might lead. Her first series, The Guardians, will be concluded with the fifth and final book in 2013.

When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and two pups, lovingly nicknamed stinks and chubbs. She also loves to cook and is a film fanatic.

For more info on Wendy’s young adult fiction visit http://wendy-owens.com/
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:

Related articles

Blog Tour: “The Guardians Series” By Wendy Owens

Leave a comment

Here is Book #4. I hope you enjoy it!!! Tomorrow Book #5 of the series is released, and of course it will be featured on my Blog.

 

thelostyearsThe Lost Years (book 4)

by Wendy Owens

Purchase Links:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Goodreads

 

Blurb:

Gabe’s world was forever altered by the people he came to know and love at Rampart Manor. Although, it wasn’t only his life that was changed when he made the choice to leave them all behind.

During his five year absence, they each had a battle with personal demons. Dina is faced with a moral dilemma, the path of good leading to certain heartbreak, or evil, and a possibility of happiness.

Uri meets a mysterious woman who seems to have a lot of the answers that he has been searching for, and she certainly has a place in his heart, if he can only hold onto her.

Sophie is faced with choices she never knew would be so difficult. The question now is: will the personal demons of the remaining Guardians of Rampart be too much for them to overcome?

 

Excerpt #1

“Are you telling me that Michael wanted to lie to the council? He’s like— Mr. Perfect.”

“I know, but it’s true. Mirada resisted, she didn’t think he should allow the council to dictate their lives. I think it’s why he is such a hard-ass about choices and the Guardians not removing the ability of choice from a person. They fought about it for a while, but she saw she was not going to change his mind and at last relented to his suggestion.”

“Did they believe him?”

“At first. Over the years though, there have been sightings and rumors that Mirada lives. Michael does the best he can to feed Mirada information so she can stay two steps ahead of the council, often sending me as the messenger. I think they might know where she is now; he wouldn’t say, but I think they’re using her to threaten him into obedience.”

“But— the council wouldn’t do that.”

“Dina, are you that ignorant?”

“Excuse me?” Dina growled, her posture shifting into one of a wild animal, ready to pounce at any moment.

Raising his hands defensively, Uri quickly attempted to correct his careless statement. “All I meant is that the council isn’t all knowing. They make mistakes. They mean well, but sometimes in their zealous attempt to protect the way of the guardians, they seem to violate everything we stand for.”

“There has to be some sort of mistake. Michael has to be coming back,” Dina moaned, slumping into a defeated position.

“I don’t think he is, at least not if the council has their way.”

“This is going to destroy Gabe,” Dina said.

“Damn it, I forgot about Gabe. I have to figure out a way to get him to let me explain. If he would just listen, I could tell him it wasn’t what it looked like.”

“You need to give him some space, Uri. Let me think on it, alright? I’m sure I can come up with something.”

Uri leapt forward in excitement, a grin beaming from ear to ear. After planting a kiss firmly on Dina’s forehead, Uri exclaimed, “Thanks, I knew you would figure this out. You’re the best!”

And in the next moment, in a split second, as soon as the words left his lips, he was gone, leaving Dina standing there and wondering how she got herself into the middle of this mess.

 

Excerpt #2

The smoke stung at the corners of Uri’s eyes as he struggled to open them. He could hear the battle sounds all around him and smell the iron from the blood drenched warfare in the air. Much to his surprise, death had not yet claimed him. He could feel Raimie’s body under his own, no warmth came from him, however, and Uri feared the worse. Over his shoulder, he heard a large blast and the earth shook under him.

The trackers had obviously followed someone through. There were hundreds of designated transportation locations as part of the evacuation drill. Absolutely nobody was allowed to transport directly to a primary facility for this exact reason. If a tracker were to follow your transportation signature to the next facility, the Guardians could be nearly wiped out in one night. The secrecy of the facilities and cloaking spells were key in their safety.

Uri knew if he or Raimie had any chance of surviving, he needed to get clear of the fighting and find a healer. Attempting to sit up, he braced his weight on the earth just beside Raimie’s head. He quickly reconsidered as the unbearable pain shot through his side. Running his hand down to the source, he could feel the shaft of an arrow jutting out from his side; a warm wetness covered his fingertips.

In the distance, Uri could hear someone crying out in agony, not a voice he recognized, yet the pain in it seemed all too familiar. Another blast rang out from behind him as Uri slumped to the ground, groaning in pain.

Closing his eyes, Uri thought of any place other than where he was. Focusing the last bit of strength he had, and holding firmly onto Raimie, Uri attempted to transport them again. Nothing happened. Frantically, he tried again, receiving the same results. With his injuries, he did not have enough strength to transport them both.

The thought of abandoning his friend to save himself was never an option. He collapsed, pushing even closer to Raimie. Pressing his lips against his friend’s ear, he whispered, “As good a day to die as any.” He would defend them until his end.

The sound of a blade cutting through the air and piercing flesh shot out, followed by a groan and gurgling sound. Uri reached to his side, gripping the blade mounted there. With his injury, he wouldn’t likely be able to deliver a killing blow, but he was certain he would still be able to do a significant amount of injury.

Uri waited patiently for the assailant to come closer; the smoke was still thick and his vision obscured. He could still hear the slashing, the crunching of bones as they shattered under the pressure of the warrior’s attack. His chest ached as he wondered how many of his brothers were falling victim to the legions of demons that day. He could feel in his bones that the loss was great.

Slightly arching his back, squinting his watering eyes, Uri attempted to get a good look at the beast that approached. A gasp caught in his throat, he had been wrong; it was not a demon soldier at all that had been approaching them. It was a woman he had never seen before, but something still felt familiar as she approached. She was slashing through the demons as though they were overgrown jungle brush, a mere irritant in her way.

 

Excerpt #3

Running forward into the smoke, a hundred yards in, their weapons were met with a clash of steel and tearing flesh. The demons burst into fluttering piles of ash and flame as their swords sliced through them. Confidently, the men bounded further into the battlefield.

The earth began to shake and tremble beneath their feet. Uri thought perhaps it was an earth quake until he heard his friend’s voice.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Haim groaned.

“What is it?” Uri called back, squinting as the smoke stung his eyes.

“They have a hydra!”

“Huh?” Uri gasped in disbelief. Taking a step closer in Haim’s direction, he peered into the distance, trying to make out the dark figure that loomed above them. As the air began to glow orange, Uri soon realized that what he saw were the flames coming from one of the beast’s five heads.

“Oh, shit!” Uri cried.

“What do we do?” Haim asked, his brutish tactics no match for a hydra.

“This is the stuff Sophie’s good at, damn it!” Uri grumbled. “Just kill as many of them as you can. Love you, brother!”

With those final words, Uri pushed deeper into the mob of demons. It was hard to determine where one monster ended and the next began. Their eyes glowed, their teeth gnashed, hungry for flesh. It only took a moment for Uri to be lost in the sea of unholiness, losing any sight of his friend.

Uri took stock of his situation. Circling above his head was an alp, a trail of smoke streaming behind it. Alp’s were known for haunting one with nightmares. Uri knew he had to keep his guard up and not allow the creature into his thoughts. A bajang was creeping closer to his left. Its feline features did nothing to soften the glare of its exposed fangs. He knew, given the chance, the bajang would suck every last drop of blood from his body. Behind the bajang was a cluster of cambion, their skin blue in color, their skeletal-like frames shaking as they screeched a high-pitched battle cry. A cambion was the offspring of a human and succubus; they had always turned Uri’s stomach.

To Uri’s right were three goblins; their skin was a putrid green, which appeared to always be secreting a slimy fluid of some kind. The goblins clutched their daggers tight, cackling as they prepared to attack. Directly in front of him stood a rokurokubi, which caused Uri to do a double take, at first thinking perhaps Baal had recruited a human.

The male foe was the first to attack, running towards Uri and swinging wildly. As Uri brought his green, glowing blade towards the man’s throat, he was surprised to see its neck flex backwards and to the side, growing at least six feet in length. The being laughed at Uri’s failed attempt to slice its jugular. Uri quickly realized he was not dealing with a human. Instead, he had come face to face with a being he had only ever read about in books. A rokurokubi by all appearances was merely a human, a character trait that allows them to blend into society on Earth. They have an amazing ability to extend their necks to unnatural lengths, a handy trick they use to spy on the humans and report back to their demon masters.

Uri stumbled, careful to avoid the swiping blades of the goblins. After assessing the dangers, Uri was prepared to destroy the ravenous cluster of demons, and they were all prepared to do the same to him. Lunging forward at the rokurokubi, this time Uri was prepared for his evasive maneuvers. He watched as its neck stretched, the shades of its flesh turning an eerie white as it did. Uri was not trying to slash again at the man’s throat; instead he had his aim focused on the creature’s chest. Pushing his blade forward, the heel of his hand thrusting at the butt of it mightily, Uri knew exactly where to penetrate to slide between the ribs. Slicing into his chest with great precision, Uri pulled the blade back out and brought it to rest at his side. His movements had been too quick for the rokurokubi to see.

Thinking the Guardian had foolishly missed again, he started to laugh, but instead of laughter exiting his mouth, there was simply a gurgle. The monster’s blood had already begun to seep into the lung Uri had sliced. Rather than wait for the being to die the slow and agonizing death it deserved, Uri stood and swiped at it’s now exposed, lengthened throat. Cutting clean through, a spurt erupted from the beheaded neck before the body fell to the ground with a thud. At the sight of the fallen demon, the cambion increased the intensity of their shrieking. Uri fought the urge to cover his ears.

Looking in their direction, a glare in Uri’s eyes caused them to hiss as they coward briefly. He was prepared to put an end to them, but the bajang had other plans. The creature moved as though he were floating. He swiped at Uri’s chest, and though he missed his target, his claws managed to grab a piece of Uri’s arm as he pulled away. Uri winced, the wound only angering him.

The goblins were too hungry for Uri’s flesh to resist the fight any longer. Seeing their opportunity after Uri was injured, the three moved in for their attack. Sensing the blade as it sliced through the air, Uri fell to the ground under its reach. In only a moment, he was back on his feet; it was as though his injury did not faze him. The goblins growled with fury at the failed attempt.

“He’s mine!” the bajang shouted furiously at the goblins. They hissed and howled in contempt at the command, but it was clear who ranked higher as the threesome backed away. Their attention was quickly refocused on a group of freshman guardians that were fleeing.

“Run!” Uri bellowed as he saw the beings give chase, unable to shift his attention away from the bajang.

“Are you ready to die, Guardian?” the creature proposed.

“Not today. But you’re about to meet the end,” Uri replied, his arm finally beginning to sting from the scratch.

“The Guardian is going to die, he’s going to die— yesss— he’s going to die,” the cambions taunted from behind the bajang.

“Will you shut up already!” Uri shouted back as he dodged another attempt from the bajang. “If anyone wanted your opinion, they would ask.”

The cambions cry reached a feverish pitch in response to Uri’s words. The bajang didn’t hesitate to move in, piercing Uri’s side with its claws. The shallow wound was not life threatening but painful enough.

“Damn it!” Uri growled, climbing back to his feet.

Blog Tour: “The Guardians Series” By Wendy Owens

Leave a comment

Here is Book #3…….read over the excerpt and see if it still has your attention and you want to read more.

 

theprophecyThe Prophecy (Book 3)

by Wendy Owens

Purchase Links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Goodreads

Blurb

Five years have passed since Gabe abandoned Rampart, deserting his destiny and closest friends. The struggles Gabe has endured to stay alive have changed him, hardening him into a man unwilling to trust anyone or anything, dealing with difficulties connecting with the outside world.

Gabe has finally found a certain paradise–a peace in solitude–until a familiar stranger shows up on his doorstep, pleading for Gabe’s help.

 

Now he has to decide if he is truly content in his new life, or if he is willing to risk his solitary happiness for a little piece of the world he left behind.

 

Should he choose to accept the most important duty of his life, one failure could mark the beginning of the end for all mankind.

 

Excerpt #1

Rachel looked back into Gabe’s eyes as she reached out and took hold of his shirt; she began to unbutton it, catching a glimpse of his bare chest. In an instant she saw a hint of a smile curl at the edge of his lips, the sight of which made her flutter. She slowly continued disrobing him, releasing each button from its hold. Once the job was done the white shirt fell open, exposing his chiseled physique.

Running her hands up his tight six pack, she lingered for a moment before continuing over his strong, broad chest. She moved her hands up to his shoulders, causing the shirt to slip off and fall to the floor. Gabe’s slight smile widened as he continued to allow Rachel to take the lead.

Her hands explored his warm chest for a few moments longer. With each new crevice she discovered, she would lean in and memorize the line with a small kiss. Her hands working their way down to the waist band of his pants that hung low on his fit body, revealing a glimpse of the rigid v-cut below his hips.

Gabe moaned in delight, a low throaty sound that vibrated through his chest, tickling her lips. Gabe reached out, pulling Rachel in, his intense gaze so full of passion it nearly made her melt. His lips met hers, the intensity causing her to tremble. Reaching up, she clasped her arms around his neck in an attempt to steady herself. He pulled away, pleased with himself as he heard her sigh, watching her eyes flutter in ecstasy.

Rachel tugged and pulled at the stubborn button of his slacks. The longer she took, the more increasingly embarrassed she became. Gabe growled a deep and almost silent laughter.

“A little help here,” Rachel replied, throwing her hands up in despair.

With great ease, Gabe slipped the button from its hold, dropping his hands back to his sides. Rachel stared at him puzzled. “Oh no, please, you were doing such a good job, you finish,” Gabe instructed, a huge grin across his face now.

Rachel couldn’t help but also smile, realizing how silly her frustration was. Eagerly, she slid down the zipper of his pants, allowing them to drop to the floor. Much to Rachel’s delight, there was nothing else beneath the thin layer of cloth, his naked body greeting her with clear delight.

Standing there, confident in his skin, Rachel suddenly began to doubt herself again. Gabe sensed her withdraw and quickly combatted the back step by reaching out and pulling her close once again. He pressed his warm lips to her, kissing her deep and long. Slipping his hand between one of the slits in her gown, he gently caressed the inside of her thigh before allowing his fingertips to explore inward.

Rachel cried out, her legs quivering from the pleasure. Pulling his hand away, all he could think about was seeing her glorious body. Yanking on the gown, he lifted it up and over her head, letting it fall to the floor. Gabe smiled, staring at her full breasts. Cupping one, he slipped her nipple into his open mouth. Rachel flung her head back, closing her eyes and enjoying every second.

Rachel looked away, not able to take the intenseness of his eyes. Pulling her chin towards him, he forced her gaze back into his eyes. I—Love—You, pulling his lips away, he mouthed the words, not uttering a sound except his heavy breathing.

“I love you, too,” Rachel whispered, her fears and anxieties lifting.

Gabe pushed against her, the warmth of his chest pressing up against her breasts. Leaning down, Gabe swept Rachel’s hair aside, kissing the part of her body where her neck and shoulder joined. His lips trailed slow, wet kisses down her shoulder, stopping just short of her left breast. She shook with anticipation.
Rachel looked back into Gabe’s eyes as she reached out and took hold of his shirt; she began to unbutton it, catching a glimpse of his bare chest. In an instant she saw a hint of a smile curl at the edge of his lips, the sight of which made her flutter. She slowly continued disrobing him, releasing each button from its hold. Once the job was done the white shirt fell open, exposing his chiseled physique.

Running her hands up his tight six pack, she lingered for a moment before continuing over his strong, broad chest. She moved her hands up to his shoulders, causing the shirt to slip off and fall to the floor. Gabe’s slight smile widened as he continued to allow Rachel to take the lead.

Her hands explored his warm chest for a few moments longer. With each new crevice she discovered, she would lean in and memorize the line with a small kiss. Her hands working their way down to the waist band of his pants that hung low on his fit body, revealing a glimpse of the rigid v-cut below his hips.

Gabe moaned in delight, a low throaty sound that vibrated through his chest, tickling her lips. Gabe reached out, pulling Rachel in, his intense gaze so full of passion it nearly made her melt. His lips met hers, the intensity causing her to tremble. Reaching up, she clasped her arms around his neck in an attempt to steady herself. He pulled away, pleased with himself as he heard her sigh, watching her eyes flutter in ecstasy.

Rachel tugged and pulled at the stubborn button of his slacks. The longer she took, the more increasingly embarrassed she became. Gabe growled a deep and almost silent laughter.

“A little help here,” Rachel replied, throwing her hands up in despair.

With great ease, Gabe slipped the button from its hold, dropping his hands back to his sides. Rachel stared at him puzzled. “Oh no, please, you were doing such a good job, you finish,” Gabe instructed, a huge grin across his face now.

Rachel couldn’t help but also smile, realizing how silly her frustration was. Eagerly, she slid down the zipper of his pants, allowing them to drop to the floor. Much to Rachel’s delight, there was nothing else beneath the thin layer of cloth, his naked body greeting her with clear delight.

Standing there, confident in his skin, Rachel suddenly began to doubt herself again. Gabe sensed her withdraw and quickly combatted the back step by reaching out and pulling her close once again. He pressed his warm lips to her, kissing her deep and long. Slipping his hand between one of the slits in her gown, he gently caressed the inside of her thigh before allowing his fingertips to explore inward.

Rachel cried out, her legs quivering from the pleasure. Pulling his hand away, all he could think about was seeing her glorious body. Yanking on the gown, he lifted it up and over her head, letting it fall to the floor. Gabe smiled, staring at her full breasts. Cupping one, he slipped her nipple into his open mouth. Rachel flung her head back, closing her eyes and enjoying every second.

Rachel looked away, not able to take the intenseness of his eyes. Pulling her chin towards him, he forced her gaze back into his eyes. I—Love—You, pulling his lips away, he mouthed the words, not uttering a sound except his heavy breathing.

“I love you, too,” Rachel whispered, her fears and anxieties lifting.

Gabe pushed against her, the warmth of his chest pressing up against her breasts. Leaning down, Gabe swept Rachel’s hair aside, kissing the part of her body where her neck and shoulder joined. His lips trailed slow, wet kisses down her shoulder, stopping just short of her left breast. She shook with anticipation.

 

Rachel looked back into Gabe’s eyes as she reached out and took hold of his shirt; she began to unbutton it, catching a glimpse of his bare chest. In an instant she saw a hint of a smile curl at the edge of his lips, the sight of which made her flutter. She slowly continued disrobing him, releasing each button from its hold. Once the job was done the white shirt fell open, exposing his chiseled physique.

Running her hands up his tight six pack, she lingered for a moment before continuing over his strong, broad chest. She moved her hands up to his shoulders, causing the shirt to slip off and fall to the floor. Gabe’s slight smile widened as he continued to allow Rachel to take the lead.

Her hands explored his warm chest for a few moments longer. With each new crevice she discovered, she would lean in and memorize the line with a small kiss. Her hands working their way down to the waist band of his pants that hung low on his fit body, revealing a glimpse of the rigid v-cut below his hips.

Gabe moaned in delight, a low throaty sound that vibrated through his chest, tickling her lips. Gabe reached out, pulling Rachel in, his intense gaze so full of passion it nearly made her melt. His lips met hers, the intensity causing her to tremble. Reaching up, she clasped her arms around his neck in an attempt to steady herself. He pulled away, pleased with himself as he heard her sigh, watching her eyes flutter in ecstasy.

Rachel tugged and pulled at the stubborn button of his slacks. The longer she took, the more increasingly embarrassed she became. Gabe growled a deep and almost silent laughter.

“A little help here,” Rachel replied, throwing her hands up in despair.

With great ease, Gabe slipped the button from its hold, dropping his hands back to his sides. Rachel stared at him puzzled. “Oh no, please, you were doing such a good job, you finish,” Gabe instructed, a huge grin across his face now.

Rachel couldn’t help but also smile, realizing how silly her frustration was. Eagerly, she slid down the zipper of his pants, allowing them to drop to the floor. Much to Rachel’s delight, there was nothing else beneath the thin layer of cloth, his naked body greeting her with clear delight.

Standing there, confident in his skin, Rachel suddenly began to doubt herself again. Gabe sensed her withdraw and quickly combatted the back step by reaching out and pulling her close once again. He pressed his warm lips to her, kissing her deep and long. Slipping his hand between one of the slits in her gown, he gently caressed the inside of her thigh before allowing his fingertips to explore inward.

Rachel cried out, her legs quivering from the pleasure. Pulling his hand away, all he could think about was seeing her glorious body. Yanking on the gown, he lifted it up and over her head, letting it fall to the floor. Gabe smiled, staring at her full breasts. Cupping one, he slipped her nipple into his open mouth. Rachel flung her head back, closing her eyes and enjoying every second.

Rachel looked away, not able to take the intenseness of his eyes. Pulling her chin towards him, he forced her gaze back into his eyes. I—Love—You, pulling his lips away, he mouthed the words, not uttering a sound except his heavy breathing.

“I love you, too,” Rachel whispered, her fears and anxieties lifting.

Gabe pushed against her, the warmth of his chest pressing up against her breasts. Leaning down, Gabe swept Rachel’s hair aside, kissing the part of her body where her neck and shoulder joined. His lips trailed slow, wet kisses down her shoulder, stopping just short of her left breast. She shook with anticipation.
Rachel looked back into Gabe’s eyes as she reached out and took hold of his shirt; she began to unbutton it, catching a glimpse of his bare chest. In an instant she saw a hint of a smile curl at the edge of his lips, the sight of which made her flutter. She slowly continued disrobing him, releasing each button from its hold. Once the job was done the white shirt fell open, exposing his chiseled physique.

Running her hands up his tight six pack, she lingered for a moment before continuing over his strong, broad chest. She moved her hands up to his shoulders, causing the shirt to slip off and fall to the floor. Gabe’s slight smile widened as he continued to allow Rachel to take the lead.

Her hands explored his warm chest for a few moments longer. With each new crevice she discovered, she would lean in and memorize the line with a small kiss. Her hands working their way down to the waist band of his pants that hung low on his fit body, revealing a glimpse of the rigid v-cut below his hips.

Gabe moaned in delight, a low throaty sound that vibrated through his chest, tickling her lips. Gabe reached out, pulling Rachel in, his intense gaze so full of passion it nearly made her melt. His lips met hers, the intensity causing her to tremble. Reaching up, she clasped her arms around his neck in an attempt to steady herself. He pulled away, pleased with himself as he heard her sigh, watching her eyes flutter in ecstasy.

Rachel tugged and pulled at the stubborn button of his slacks. The longer she took, the more increasingly embarrassed she became. Gabe growled a deep and almost silent laughter.

“A little help here,” Rachel replied, throwing her hands up in despair.

With great ease, Gabe slipped the button from its hold, dropping his hands back to his sides. Rachel stared at him puzzled. “Oh no, please, you were doing such a good job, you finish,” Gabe instructed, a huge grin across his face now.

Rachel couldn’t help but also smile, realizing how silly her frustration was. Eagerly, she slid down the zipper of his pants, allowing them to drop to the floor. Much to Rachel’s delight, there was nothing else beneath the thin layer of cloth, his naked body greeting her with clear delight.

Standing there, confident in his skin, Rachel suddenly began to doubt herself again. Gabe sensed her withdraw and quickly combatted the back step by reaching out and pulling her close once again. He pressed his warm lips to her, kissing her deep and long. Slipping his hand between one of the slits in her gown, he gently caressed the inside of her thigh before allowing his fingertips to explore inward.

Rachel cried out, her legs quivering from the pleasure. Pulling his hand away, all he could think about was seeing her glorious body. Yanking on the gown, he lifted it up and over her head, letting it fall to the floor. Gabe smiled, staring at her full breasts. Cupping one, he slipped her nipple into his open mouth. Rachel flung her head back, closing her eyes and enjoying every second.

Rachel looked away, not able to take the intenseness of his eyes. Pulling her chin towards him, he forced her gaze back into his eyes. I—Love—You, pulling his lips away, he mouthed the words, not uttering a sound except his heavy breathing.

“I love you, too,” Rachel whispered, her fears and anxieties lifting.

“This is so much bigger than you or me. Do you know how many have died for the cause?”

“Uri!” Gabe yelled. “Don’t you get it? You don’t know you’re going to die. You risk your life knowing it’s a possibility, but you don’t know you will be killed as a certainty. The prophecy tells me I will die. I help, and I’m giving my life.”

“That’s just it; I’m not asking you to do that,” Uri added.

Gabe shook his head, looking at Uri with a puzzled stare. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m not asking you to protect the prophet. I’m not asking you to even stay involved. I just need to leave Rachel with you until I figure all this out and find a place to hide her. The prophet hasn’t been born. Hell, she isn’t even pregnant; there is no risk to you based on the prophecy,” Uri explained his reasoning.

“Except for the army of demons hunting her!” Gabe exclaimed.

“Alright, I admit, what I’m asking is not without risk. I wouldn’t ask you if I weren’t out of options,” Uri explained.

“You found me, how safe can it really be for her here?” Gabe asked, doubting Uri’s reasoning.

“The only way I found you was the trinket Dina put on your bag when you left Rampart years ago. Had I not used that to track you, I don’t think I would have ever found you. What are the chances Baal or any of his followers will discover you? Think about it, it truly is the perfect hiding place,” Uri urged.

Gabe sighed, “I know, it took me years of running before I found it; I’m not exactly looking to give it up.”

“I wouldn’t come to you if I had any other option.”

“I don’t know …” Gabe said. A moment later, the front door creaked open. Rachel stood there, clothes damp, simply staring.

“Rachel!” Uri gasped. “Are you all right?”

“I slipped,” Rachel replied flatly. The men looked to each other, each one unsure what to do.

Suddenly, Rachel burst out in a full and jovial laughter. The men soon followed in a similar fashion, all amused by the humor of the situation.

“Come over here and get warm,” Uri said, while motioning to the nearby stove that was still warming a pot of water.

As she did, Uri looked over his shoulder to Gabe who simply nodded. With that unspoken agreement, Gabe would participate in the fight just a little longer. He would watch over Rachel at his home until Uri could return and retrieve her. Uri didn’t utter a response; instead, he walked up and patted his friend firmly on the back in gratitude.

 

“This is so much bigger than you or me. Do you know how many have died for the cause?”

“Uri!” Gabe yelled. “Don’t you get it? You don’t know you’re going to die. You risk your life knowing it’s a possibility, but you don’t know you will be killed as a certainty. The prophecy tells me I will die. I help, and I’m giving my life.”

“That’s just it; I’m not asking you to do that,” Uri added.

Gabe shook his head, looking at Uri with a puzzled stare. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m not asking you to protect the prophet. I’m not asking you to even stay involved. I just need to leave Rachel with you until I figure all this out and find a place to hide her. The prophet hasn’t been born. Hell, she isn’t even pregnant; there is no risk to you based on the prophecy,” Uri explained his reasoning.

“Except for the army of demons hunting her!” Gabe exclaimed.

“Alright, I admit, what I’m asking is not without risk. I wouldn’t ask you if I weren’t out of options,” Uri explained.

“You found me, how safe can it really be for her here?” Gabe asked, doubting Uri’s reasoning.

“The only way I found you was the trinket Dina put on your bag when you left Rampart years ago. Had I not used that to track you, I don’t think I would have ever found you. What are the chances Baal or any of his followers will discover you? Think about it, it truly is the perfect hiding place,” Uri urged.

Gabe sighed, “I know, it took me years of running before I found it; I’m not exactly looking to give it up.”

“I wouldn’t come to you if I had any other option.”

“I don’t know …” Gabe said. A moment later, the front door creaked open. Rachel stood there, clothes damp, simply staring.

“Rachel!” Uri gasped. “Are you all right?”

“I slipped,” Rachel replied flatly. The men looked to each other, each one unsure what to do.

Suddenly, Rachel burst out in a full and jovial laughter. The men soon followed in a similar fashion, all amused by the humor of the situation.

“Come over here and get warm,” Uri said, while motioning to the nearby stove that was still warming a pot of water.

As she did, Uri looked over his shoulder to Gabe who simply nodded. With that unspoken agreement, Gabe would participate in the fight just a little longer. He would watch over Rachel at his home until Uri could return and retrieve her. Uri didn’t utter a response; instead, he walked up and patted his friend firmly on the back in gratitude.

Gabe could feel the joy in Uri’s presence. He hoped his friend didn’t misunderstand his level of commitment. He would make sure it was clear before Uri left. He was willing to watch over Rachel for a short time, just long enough for Uri to find a place safe enough for her. After that, he was out. For good.

 

Excerpt #2

Rachel looked back into Gabe’s eyes as she reached out and took hold of his shirt; she began to unbutton it, catching a glimpse of his bare chest. In an instant she saw a hint of a smile curl at the edge of his lips, the sight of which made her flutter. She slowly continued disrobing him, releasing each button from its hold. Once the job was done the white shirt fell open, exposing his chiseled physique.

Running her hands up his tight six pack, she lingered for a moment before continuing over his strong, broad chest. She moved her hands up to his shoulders, causing the shirt to slip off and fall to the floor. Gabe’s slight smile widened as he continued to allow Rachel to take the lead.

Her hands explored his warm chest for a few moments longer. With each new crevice she discovered, she would lean in and memorize the line with a small kiss. Her hands working their way down to the waist band of his pants that hung low on his fit body, revealing a glimpse of the rigid v-cut below his hips.

Gabe moaned in delight, a low throaty sound that vibrated through his chest, tickling her lips. Gabe reached out, pulling Rachel in, his intense gaze so full of passion it nearly made her melt. His lips met hers, the intensity causing her to tremble. Reaching up, she clasped her arms around his neck in an attempt to steady herself. He pulled away, pleased with himself as he heard her sigh, watching her eyes flutter in ecstasy.

Rachel tugged and pulled at the stubborn button of his slacks. The longer she took, the more increasingly embarrassed she became. Gabe growled a deep and almost silent laughter.

“A little help here,” Rachel replied, throwing her hands up in despair.

With great ease, Gabe slipped the button from its hold, dropping his hands back to his sides. Rachel stared at him puzzled. “Oh no, please, you were doing such a good job, you finish,” Gabe instructed, a huge grin across his face now.

Rachel couldn’t help but also smile, realizing how silly her frustration was. Eagerly, she slid down the zipper of his pants, allowing them to drop to the floor. Much to Rachel’s delight, there was nothing else beneath the thin layer of cloth, his naked body greeting her with clear delight.

Standing there, confident in his skin, Rachel suddenly began to doubt herself again. Gabe sensed her withdraw and quickly combatted the back step by reaching out and pulling her close once again. He pressed his warm lips to her, kissing her deep and long. Slipping his hand between one of the slits in her gown, he gently caressed the inside of her thigh before allowing his fingertips to explore inward.

Rachel cried out, her legs quivering from the pleasure. Pulling his hand away, all he could think about was seeing her glorious body. Yanking on the gown, he lifted it up and over her head, letting it fall to the floor. Gabe smiled, staring at her full breasts. Cupping one, he slipped her nipple into his open mouth. Rachel flung her head back, closing her eyes and enjoying every second.

Rachel looked away, not able to take the intenseness of his eyes. Pulling her chin towards him, he forced her gaze back into his eyes. I—Love—You, pulling his lips away, he mouthed the words, not uttering a sound except his heavy breathing.

“I love you, too,” Rachel whispered, her fears and anxieties lifting.

Gabe pushed against her, the warmth of his chest pressing up against her breasts. Leaning down, Gabe swept Rachel’s hair aside, kissing the part of her body where her neck and shoulder joined. His lips trailed slow, wet kisses down her shoulder, stopping just short of her left breast. She shook with anticipation.

 

Excerpt #3

Crossing the small wooden bridge, just past the rubble, Gabe ducked off to the left and swooped underneath into hiding. Once sure he was secure, and could not be seen by those that passed overhead, Gabe collapsed on to the dirt and grass. Turning on his side, his body convulsed, and relieved itself of any food that had been in his belly. Rachel was right. He was a liability. Anyone who tried to protect him ended up paying a high price. He didn’t know if his old friends were dead, but he was certain whatever fate had found them must have been bad.

Gabe thought of Uri. Maybe that was why he had not yet returned. Maybe Uri was already dead. What was the point? Why stay alive only to be alone? Rachel’s recent company had reminded Gabe of what life had been like when he had friends. He used to laugh. He used to have more of a reason to get up in the morning than to just tend to the garden. Everything in his life now was simple, too simple. It was the basic things he worried about, like having food in the winter. All he thought about was what he would need to survive alone. Winter would come and go. Then next year, still alone, nobody to talk to, nobody to share with, he would do it all again. Why was he running? Why was he hiding? What was the point in surviving when you’re alone? Gabe didn’t have an answer.

“Gabe?” the small voice behind him caused him to jump, his heart skipping a beat.

Gabe spun around to see who had called his name, wiping a bit of vomit from the corner of his mouth as he did so.

“It is you,” the woman said, not moving.

“Clarite?” Gabe asked, unconvinced the frail woman that stood before him used to be the sweet girl that had given him aid not long ago.

She nodded and smiled, so overcome with emotion she was unable to speak further. Gabe rushed up to her, and as he did he recognized little bits of her face. She had changed greatly, but it was still her. With a sigh of relief, Gabe pulled her close to him for a deep embrace. “I thought you were all—” Gabe paused, not willing to give the words life.

“I’m fine. What are you doing here though? If they find you, well, it wouldn’t be good for anyone,” Clarite said softly. Gabe noticed even her demeanor had changed. She had always been boisterous, even the loud and commanding type when needed. Clarite now reminded him of a weak and feeble mouse. She barely moved and when she did it was obvious it took much effort on her part. She seemed to have aged forty years instead of the four he had been gone.

“Please come, sit,” Gabe directed, taking the woman’s arm. Guiding her away from his puke towards the water’s edge, they both took a seat. Gabe just stared at her as they sat. Unable to reconcile that this woman had been the same one he left all those years ago. She was only a few years older than him and Gabe had fancied her when they first met, though she had never returned the interest in the time they spent together.

“What happened here?” Gabe finally asked, referring to the changes he had seen around Baynar.

“My God, you haven’t aged a bit,” Clarite said, ignoring Gabe’s question.

“I don’t think I would exactly agree with you. I’m feeling so tired all the time. It’s exhausting always looking over your shoulder, waiting for someone to find you,” Gabe replied softly with a smile. The woman reached out and touched Gabe’s cheek as if she had to convince herself he was real.

Gabe grasped her hand firmly. “Clarite, you have to tell me what happened.”

Clarite looked away, staring at the water. They sat in silence for a few moments until at last she spoke. “When Baal’s men came, we all thought you would return. The chosen one would come back and slay the demon’s army. Baylor tried to tell them, the town’s people. He told them there was no way for you to know what was happening here. When the questioning started, it didn’t take long for someone to give up Baylor. They tried torture with him, but you know Baylor—he wouldn’t talk.”

Gabe squeezed Clarite’s hand even tighter. He wanted to scream out in anger, but remained silent, listening. He needed to know more and upsetting Clarite wouldn’t help him.

“We could hear Baylor’s screams from the prison. Kryn couldn’t take it anymore; he decided he would break Baylor out. It didn’t go like he planned. He made it inside but then he — well, it was like he lost all his will to fight when he discovered Baylor was already dead. Kryn just sat there, holding him, he didn’t even try to resist when they found him. After he was captured they decided they would make an example out of him.” Clarite’s voice caught in her throat and she began to tremble.

Gabe pulled her closer, not letting go of her hand, and wrapping his other arm around her body in an effort to comfort her.

“They burned it all to the ground, everything he had in the world. He didn’t even react, just watched silently. I don’t even know if Kryn was in there anymore, his stare was glassy and when he walked it was like he was a machine instead of … I don’t know. It just didn’t seem like him. When they realized torturing him was not going to be any fun they killed him and put his head on a stake outside of town. They wanted everyone to know that if you help the protector you will not be shown mercy.” With those words Clarite heaved as if she were going to cry, but had no tears left.

“I’m so sorry, Clarite,” Gabe said, wishing he could lessen her pain.

Clarite closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing herself to continue. “Many of the town’s people, including myself, were put to work serving Baal’s men. We fed them, cleaned for them, anything that needed done we took care of it. I don’t think I slept at all during those months. Then one day they were gone. I don’t know where, just gone. Do you know what it’s like to wake up every day expecting it to be your last? When they left I didn’t know how to feel. The Wintoks have been around ever since, mercenaries of Baal.”

“Clarite, if I had known— ” Gabe began.

“What? What would you have done if you knew?” Clarite growled.

Gabe sat silent.

 

Excerpt #4

 

“I always loved the smell of rain. Even as a kid, I was never sad when it would rain. My friends always complained because it meant they couldn’t play outside. You would find me curled up on the box seat, the window cracked, a blanket across my lap, and a book in my hands. My aunt always said I had an old soul, just like her.”

“You were close to your aunt?” Gabe asked.

“Oh very. She took my brother and I in after my mom died,” Rachel explained.

Gabe shuddered at the familiar story. Almost all of the students he met at Rampart shared the theme of a parentless upbringing. Many of those parents had been torn away in violent scenarios, including his own. “I’m so sorry about your mom.”

“Don’t be. The cancer took years. In the end we were glad it was finally over. My dad didn’t stick around long after my brother was born. Once mom got sick my aunt moved right in. I guess it just became our normal. We went to live at her house once my mom did pass away. It just seemed natural, living with her. She made us feel like we had a home and like we were wanted,” Rachel continued with her story.

“Your aunt sounds pretty amazing,” Gabe added.

“Oh she is. I want you to meet her one day,” Rachel said. The idea of meeting her family made Gabe blush, though he didn’t know why.

“Does your brother still live with her?” Gabe asked.

Rachel hesitated, looking back out the front door to the rainy night. “I’m not sure. He was getting ready to head off to college when I left with Uri. I haven’t spoken to them since that night, so I don’t really know what happened.

Gabe could hear the sadness in her voice. When Uri had found him he was leaving nothing behind. Gabe had no friends or family of any kind. He never imagined how hard it would be for someone to leave when they had something to stay for. “I’m sorry this happened to you.”

“What? Don’t be silly. You all are protecting me, I’m grateful,” Rachel replied. Without hesitation she dashed out the front door, squealing as the cool rain fell on her face.

Surprised by Rachel’s sudden sprint into action, Gabe leaned forward and pulled himself to the open doorway. Midway into the clearing in front of the cabin Rachel danced. Spinning in a circle, her face and palms turned upwards, she was basking in the moonlight and embracing the rain drops. Rachel’s tongue slipped out, mouth open, lapping up the water as it fell.

“Hey, crazy woman, what are you doing?” Gabe called out.

“It’s refreshing, you should join me.”

“Yeah, no thanks, I think I will stay in here where it’s dry and warm,” Gabe replied.

“Oh come on, you big wuss, live a little,” Rachel goaded, not shifting her gaze from the heavens. “It’s beautiful! The moon, the stars. All of it.”

Using the door handle, Gabe pulled himself to a standing position with a groan. “How is it you always do that?”

“Do what?” Rachel asked, glancing at him for a brief moment.

“You look at everything with such a positive attitude. It’s pouring rain out there and you’re talking about how beautiful it is. I wish I had been born with that ability. I can move mountains, but I can’t find the silver lining in things,” Gabe grimaced stepping onto the porch, careful to stay under the shelter of the roof.

Rachel stopped spinning and looked at Gabe intensely.

“What? Is it something I said?” Gabe asked, glancing over his shoulder and acting confused.

Rachel didn’t say a word; she calmly walked up to face him. Silently they stared at each other for a moment. She leaned in and planted a wet and gentle kiss on his cheek. “Gabe, it’s not something you’re born with. If you want to be happy, then be happy. You only need to make the choice to let go of your sadness.”

With that, Rachel walked past Gabe and back into the cabin, the rain water dripping from her drenched clothes that now clung to her curves, leaving very little to Gabe’s imagination.

Gabe realized he was standing there alone, with a goofy smile on his face. Limping inside, he closed the door behind him, her words still lingering in his mind. Gabe wanted more than anything to be able to choose happiness. He wanted a rain storm to make him smile. He desired that the simple task of cooking would make him dance. To Gabe, however, it didn’t seem as simple as just making a choice. He hoped her joy was contagious, because he was in uncharted territories.

 

 

Blog Tour: “The Guardians Series” By Wendy Owens

Leave a comment

Here is a snap shot of Book two in “The Guardians Series”


cursed2

Cursed (Book 2)

by Wendy Owens

Purchase Links: Goodreads, Amazon

 

Blurb:

Some people are born into love, some people are born into war, when Gabe discovered he was a Guardian Angel, his life was suddenly thrust into both. If this hidden war wasn’t enough to deal with, Gabe learns he is fated to be the great protector who will one day deliver the last prophet to either safety or death. All of these revelations didn’t matter for Gabe, he only cared that his new life included Sophie.

Sophie and Gabe grew closer over the summer. She is now a fixture in his life that keeps him moving forward. Evil doesn’t stop stalking him just because he found happiness. This time darkness finds it’s way into Rampart manor and Gabe will have to decide if he is willing to risk everything to try and stop it.

Excerpt #1

Gabe’s stomach twisted, each knot tighter and more agonizing than the last. He wiped his sweat-soaked hands on the legs of his jeans and searched the nearby crowd for a familiar face. He imagined that if he could just catch a glimpse of Sophie, everything would be all right. Unfortunately, Sophie was nowhere to be found. Gabe felt hopeless.

The roar of the crowd began to grow. He heard them harmoniously stomping their feet in a rhythm that cried out for battle. Gabe glanced across the arena to several cages that were shielded by large cloaks. Whatever was inside was clearly becoming agitated by the noise of the crowd. The captive creatures began beating against the bars. Random secret shrieks and growls came from their general area.

“Rampart Manor!” Gabe heard Uri’s magically amplified voice shout over the thunderous group. “Let’s be honest, we all know the reason why we’re gathered here today. Yes, yes, of course we want to support our dear friend, Gabe. But, let’s get real for a minute. Day in and day out we learn and train and grow as Guardians. We do as we’re told and follow the rules. We all work hard. Now it’s our turn to watch some demons tremble in fear! It’s our turn to watch the hunters become the hunted. Who’s ready to see some fighting? Better yet, who wants to see what our great protector is made of?”

The crowd erupted into a frenzy at Uri’s words.

The past summer had been full of blood, sweat, and tears for Gabe, but it was also an experience he wouldn’t trade for anything. He had grown close to Sophie and all of his new friends. Uri had even become what Gabe would call his best friend; something he hadn’t had in his previous life. As appreciative as he had grown of Uri’s humor, right now, in this arena, was one of those moments he wished Uri was able to contain himself.

Gabe had felt somewhat confident about his tests when he awoke that morning. He had spent every free moment studying and practicing for this all summer,though it didn’t take long before he realized what Uri had done. After the tenth or so person wished him luck and expressed how much they were looking forward to seeing him in action, he knew Uri had decided to make this day into a big event for the entire manor, even though Gabe wasn’t comfortable being a spectacle.

Gabe’s confidence quickly disintegrated into rage, conjuring visions in his head of strangling his dear friend Uri for inviting a crowd to watch his tests. It was hard enough for him to concentrate alone in complete silence knowing what was at stake. He wasn’t sure how he would be able to do anything with a hundred of his future classmates looking on. Gabe knew that failing today wouldn’t only let down everyone who helped him, but could also have his mentor, Michael, questioning if he had made a mistake in choosing Gabe.

“Get over here, Gabe,” Uri motioned to his friend to join him in the circle. He reluctantly walked to his side. Uri grabbed his hand and raised it high into the air in a triumphant motion. “Are you ready to kick some demon tail, my friend?”

Gabe glanced over his shoulder at the rattling cages and could only feign a smile for a short moment. As he looked back to the crowd, he saw Michael standing off to the side with an expressionless face, his arms crossed, watching intensely as the scene unfolded. For a moment, he thought Michael may step in and stop the side show antics. When Michael just continued to watch, Gabe knew he was on his own.

“So everyone knows the rules …” Uri shouted. “Oh yeah, that’s right, there are no rules! Gabe can showcase anything and everything he has learned to stay alive!”

“I think you’re exaggerating a bit, don’t you?” Gabe mumbled under his breath to Uri. He was sure Michael wouldn’t let him die in these tests. At least, he thought he was sure. Gabe quickly looked at Michael again for some reassurance. He still displayed no change in expression or stance.

“Don’t worry,” Uri continued. “We’ll all be safe. There’s a protection spell on the arena so the demons won’t be able to escape. Just you and them!” Uri patted Gabe on the back heavily. Then he turned and scurried out of the arena. Uri’s words made Gabe even more anxious as he stumbled forward.

Gabe turned slowly, his hands feeling like two large boulders hanging from his sides. He watched in horror as Uri and two other men pulled the draping from the three cages.

Excerpt #2

The two continued to stand in silence for a moment longer while Gabe debated if sharing anything with Neru would help. Something was strange about her, but Gabe thought perhaps it was exactly those things that drew him to her.

“I know almost everything that’s bothering me is probably myself reading into stuff and being irrational,” Gabe smiled trying to show humor. “I tend to do that.”

“I’m sure you’re not that bad,” Neru said, giving Gabe a slight nudge.

“Take the tests for example, I studied all summer. I skipped nearly all the social events going on so that I would be prepared when the time came for my tests.”

“And so you were. Are you annoyed you had to give that all up?” Neru asked, pulling a strand of hair back from her face to reveal a confused expression.

“No,” Gabe quickly interjected. “I didn’t mind any of that. I was actually happy to do it all if it meant catching up to the rest of my friends.”

“So what’s the problem? Seems like you nailed the tests.”

“You would think so, wouldn’t you?” Gabe asked, looking off into the distance again.

“Didn’t you?” Neru asked. “That’s what it looked like to the rest of us. I could have never came up with half the ideas you did.”

“Well, I thought I did really well, but then …” Gabe thought better of revealing his frustration with Michael to this girl he barely knew. Instead he revised his statement. “Then some friends pointed out that I could have done better.”

“Gabe, you can’t let a few friends make you doubt yourself,” Neru assured him as she reached over and took a comforting hold of Gabe’s hand, wrapping her tiny arm around his. “Your test was to defeat the three creatures and you did.”

“Yeah,” Gabe said slowly as he considered her words. “I suppose you’re right.” He thought, If you knew it was Michael that did not approve of my methods, I bet you would be saying something else right now. He remained silent about that detail, however.

“That’s all that has been bothering you? That’s not so bad,” Neru said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Sort of,” Gabe replied, glancing over at her with a smile again.

“Oh my. Gabe, how much do you have going on up in that head of yours?”

“More than you would probably care to know,” Gabe added, looking down into the water, unconsciously picking at his cuticles with his teeth.

“All right, spill it,” Neru demanded.

It was like a flood gate opening for Gabe. He couldn’t hold back any longer. “It’s not just one thing. There are a bunch of little things really. I start classes and my girlfriend doesn’t even care that she gets pulled out of all the ones we share. Two of my friends that I consider to be the model couple are bickering. Let’s not even get started with the fact that Baal and who knows what other demons, are trying to hunt me down and kill me. I don’t even get …” Looking over at Neru’s expression, Gabe knew he had completely unloaded on her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to …” Gabe began.

“No, it’s fine,” Neru said, pulling Gabe closer in a reassuring way. “I didn’t realize you had so much on your mind. If I were the protector I am not sure what I would be feeling. Nobody can blame you, not even your girlfriend.”

“Gabe!” Sophie’s voice shouted behind them. Quickly they pulled apart, Gabe turning around to look at Sophie.

“Sophie, where have you been? I was looking for you.”

“Yeah, it looks like you were looking real hard, Gabe.”

“What?” Gabe asked, confused by Sophie’s tone. He considered telling her that she was full of nonsense, and then thought better of it.

“Whatever, Gabe,” Sophie said, turning to walk away in a huff.

Gabe glanced at Sophie, then Neru, and then Sophie again. Lunging forward, Gabe took hold of Sophie’s arm and spun her to face him. “What’s your deal? This is Neru. I met her in one of my classes today. We were just talking.”

“Yeah, Gabe, I always talk arm in arm with guys I just meet,” Sophie argued, pulling, trying to break free of his grasp.

“Are you serious, Sophie? I’m sorry if I upset you. I didn’t mean anything by it,” Gabe pleaded.

Sophie stopped struggling and turned to face Neru. “Hi, Peru. I’m Gabe’s girlfriend, maybe he mentioned me.”

“It’s Neru,” the girl replied.

“Oh, so sorry, N-e-r-u,” Sophie added sarcastically.

“Gabe may have mentioned you,” Neru added with equal spite. “Hey, Gabe, we’ll talk later. I should really take off.”

“Okay, thanks for the talk. Sorry about this,” Gabe told her.

At Gabe’s apology, Sophie crossed her arms, giving him a disgusted look. Neru simply ignored her and walked away in the direction of the dining hall.

“Sophie!” Gabe yelled. “What has gotten into you?”

“Into me?” Sophie defended herself, giving Gabe a slight push. “I come here looking for you and find you practically making out with some little twig of a girl.”

“Whoa? Making out? I was upset because of our fight earlier and she was trying to make me feel better.”

“Yeah, I bet she was,” Sophie made no effort to hide her anger.

“Look, this is ridiculous! I don’t see what this is accomplishing. There was nothing going on. I guess you can either believe me or not.” Gabe had never seen Sophie become jealous. He wanted to shake her back to reality, back into the girl he had come to care so much about.

“Fine, Gabe! Whatever you say!” Sophie replied and then turned towards the dining hall; from her tone she was still clearly irritated. “Let’s just go eat.”

“Fine!” Gabe rejoined. The two walked off together in silence.

 

 

Excerpt #3

“Well?” Gabe urged as Uri reentered the room.

“What?” Uri replied in a daze.

“Did you talk to him? Michael?” Gabe asked, slipping the few items he packed into a nearby drawer as Uri walked across the length of the room in silence.

With a dazed look on his face, Uri stopped when he reached the bed and rested on the edge of it.

“Uri?” Gabe said, attempting to snap him out of the trance-like condition. “Did you get to talk to Michael? How is everyone? Is Sophie all right?”

Still Uri said nothing, staring at the empty space in front of him. Gabe walked hurriedly over to him and waved a hand in front of his face, repeatedly snapping his fingers. “Hey, snap out of it!”

“Huh,” Uri muttered shaking his head as if the coma he was in was something he could physically brush off. “What did you say?”

“Is everything all right?”

“Not exactly,” Uri replied.

“Is it Sophie?” Gabe asked, his voice strained with panic.

“No, she’s fine,” Uri quickly put Gabe’s fears to rest.

“Is it someone else?”

Uri just nodded at first, not wanting to bring the situation into reality by verbalizing it. “Michael,” Uri whispered finally, unable to say the name at a normal volume.

“What happened? Is he ok?” Gabe asked, turning and resting on the corner of a chest of drawers.

“The trackers, they were on him as soon as he left …” Uri answered, his words trailing off and he continued to look blankly at the space in front of him.

“Uri!” Gabe exclaimed. “Is Michael all right?”

“Oh, yeah, I guess. The clerics have been working pretty hard on him and they say that he’ll pull through. But Haim said he was banged up pretty good.”

“Well, that’s good news, right? Michael’s going to be okay.”

“Gabe, he could have died! He went out there on his own to protect us,” Uri shook his head, running his hands over his face and through his greasy hair. “I should have never let him do it. I told him not to go alone, but he said he didn’t want to risk the trackers reading anyone else and figuring out the plan.”

The two sat quiet for a moment; Gabe unsure what to say to comfort his friend and Uri stewing in his own frustration. “Damn it! It was a stupid plan!” Uri swung an arm around behind himself and his bag being the nearest object in reach, swung it across the room with as much force as he could muster.

Excerpt #4

The group continued walking until they entered into the main area of the courtyard. There they saw Artis already standing alone, a small group of elderly gentlemen and a guard gathered nearby her. The two boys who were leading Uri and Gabe escorted them to Artis’ side, and then took a step back.

“What’s going on?” Uri whispered in Artis’ direction.

“No clue,” Artis whispered back. “They just told me to come with them.”

“Same here,” Uri muttered.

“Me too,” Gabe added.

“Gabe, Uri, step away from her,” the boys heard Michael’s voice command behind them. Quickly turning around, they saw their mentor standing next to Patina.

“Huh? What are you doing here, Michael? I don’t understand, they told me you were hurt,” the confused words stumbled out of Uri’s mouth.

“Boys, I want you to come over here and stand behind me. Now!” Michael said sternly. The two did as they were told, though both were clearly confused. They had not been told of Michael’s arrival and last either had heard, he was at Rampart, on the mend.

“Artis, I want you to get on your knees,” Patina called out to her young student that was now standing all alone.

“What?” Artis asked, terrified by what was happening.

“You heard me. You need to get down onto your knees now. I don’t want to have to hurt you,” Patina repeated.

“What is going on here?” Uri asked Michael, confused as well as terrified. “You can’t let her do this, Artis was helping us.”

“Silence, Uri,” Michael hushed, not even looking in his direction.

“Please, Patina, don’t do this,” Artis pleaded.

“Guards!” Patina shouted, as if giving the girl a final warning.

With that, Artis’ head slumped towards the ground though her shoulders stayed rigid.

“Artis?” Uri cried out, fearful that she might be hurt.

Artis’ fingers curled into tight, balled fists at her side. Her head rotated from side to side, though her face was still not visible. The small crowd watched in silence as the veins in her arm began to protrude intensely. Her knees bent in an inhuman way as she crouched low to the ground and at last looked up at the crowd. Her face had contorted into an unrecognizable one.

“Artis?” Uri repeated, this time unsure if who he was looking at was the same small, frail girl he had spent so much time with in the recent days.

“Artis can’t come to the phone right now,” the unfamiliar voice called back, stretching her neck out and flicking her tongue wildly between words.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Artis, but I will if I have to,” Patina called out.

“Your student is gone, Patina. The curse has gone on too long untreated,” Michael insisted. As the words left Michael’s lips, Gabe realized what was happening. Artis had been the one who was cursed and switched the stones. Though his original instinct was to not trust her, he wished he had been wrong.

Gabe felt sympathy for this girl he had just met, though he couldn’t help but think of Sophie and how she would become a monster just the same if left untreated. He felt an even more intense urgency to break the curse.

“Somnus,” the word was soft and delicate as it left Patina’s lips. Nothing like the powerfulness in Michael’s voice when he had cast it on Sophie at home in the hall.

Gabe watched as Artis’ body fell to the ground, the muscles no longer contorted and her appearance returning to normal.

 

Excerpt #5

“Gabe, this is going to take time, you have to be patient,” Michael assured the young boy.

“Time, Michael? She doesn’t even see me. Hell, now she has fallen in love with my best friend. How can I possibly be patient?” Gabe groaned.

“She will come around, I’m sure of it. And I would hardly say she’s in love with me,” Uri added.

“It just feels so hopeless. I wish I could say to her ‘Sophie, I am in love with you and you’re in love with me.’ And we would be back to the way things were.”

“What?” Sophie’s small voice gasped from the doorway. As the three had been talking, no one noticed Sophie had quietly entered the room in search of Michael.

“Sophie!” Gabe exclaimed hopping to his feet. “I can explain.”

“No! Stay away from me!” Sophie cried running from the room.

Gabe turned to give chase, but Michael grabbed his arm, holding him back. “No Gabe, let her go.”

“But—” Gabe began.

“You will have time to talk to her; right now she needs to be alone with it. All right? Patience. We can’t rush her through this process,” Michael said reassuring his young student.

Gabe looked at the door, though he wanted to chase after her he knew his teacher was probably right and chose to wait. Every fiber of him wanted to give chase, but for now he would give patience a try for the sake of him and Sophie.

“I don’t understand why this is so hard,” Gabe muttered.

“What?” Michael asked, a confused look in his eyes.

“If Sophie and I are destined to be, then why has it been so hard for her to fall in love with me again?” Gabe inquired.

Michael sighed, saddened by the state of his student’s heart. “Gabe, it’s just like you and your destiny. You may be the protector of the prophet, but it is your choice to actually fulfill it.”

“Are you telling me that even if Sophie is my soul mate we may still not end up together?” the question slipped out of Gabe’s deflated body.

“Would you want her to love you if it wasn’t of her own free will?” Michael posed.

Gabe thought on his mentor’s words for a moment, “I suppose not.”

“Gabe, she loved you very much. I think it comes down to you needing to be patient and give her time. I am sure she will come around,” Michael reassured the boy.

Excerpt #6

As the door creaked open, a small hint of candle light peeked out.

“Why is it so dark in there?” Gabe asked, glaring back at Haim.

“The overhead light seemed to agitate her; she seems to like the candle light. The barrier shield can only be removed by Michael, but if you want, you should be able to cross in,” Haim explained.

“Wait, what are you talking about? What barrier shield?” Gabe demanded.

“Michael thought it would be best if Sophie couldn’t leave the room in her condition,” Haim said, attempting to delicately shed light on the reasoning behind the imprisonment.

“And a guard isn’t sufficient?” Gabe asked defensively.

“I just think Michael wanted to make sure she was safe,” Haim replied.

Gabe hung his head; he had no words left to say. Part of him just wanted to close the door and walk away. To close the door on the entire situation Sophie was trapped in. Somehow, if he could close that door, perhaps everything would return to the way it was. Things could go back to the way they were over the summer when Sophie and he were happy and together, back to when Sophie was the light that made all of this worth it.

Gabe took another deep breath. He knew there was no going back, this was their reality now. He needed to go in and confront his fears, confront the situation they found themselves in. He had to be strong for Sophie’s sake.

As Gabe stepped inside he heard Haim interject, “Stay close to the walls,” just before the door closed.

Gabe squinted, trying to readjust to the darkness. To the side, he saw a small table with a candle perched on it. Under his feet he heard cracking. Looking down he could see the floor was covered in straw. Gabe’s stomach twisted. He couldn’t stand the thought of Sophie being kept like this.

In the far corner of the room, Gabe saw a figure curled up in the corner. A pale blanket wrapped around them. In the dark, Gabe could not even make out the color of the person’s hair.

“Sophie?” Gabe spoke softly.

The figure trembled, but barely stirred at his voice.

“It’s me, Gabe.”

Gabe watched, holding his breath as the figure slowly turned. The body moved in an almost unnatural way as it shifted and crawled slowly on all fours across the floor. When the candlelight at last fell on the figure, Gabe could make out the auburn hair of his beloved Sophie. Her hair was matted, greasy, and hung in her face.

Gabe saw her shoulders were hollow looking and her skin was almost glowing white. Gabe caught sight of Sophie’s fingers, her knuckles were bloody, and her nails cracked and peeling. Instinctively, Gabe fell to his knees and crawled to Sophie. Without even giving it a thought, he grabbed her hands and pulled them closer to the light.

“Oh Sophie, what happened to your hands?” Gabe cried.

Sophie jerked her hands from Gabe’s grasp. Arching her back she sharply hissed as she flipped her hair back and glared at him. Gasping, Gabe fell back on to his butt, crawling towards the door backwards on his hands. His beloved Sophie’s blue eyes were gone; instead a deep full blackness stared back at him. Her lips were dry, cracked, and appeared almost blue in color, at least at the places that weren’t covered with spots of dried blood. Unlike the skin on the rest of her body, her face her face was the color of ash. It was marbleized by black veins that crawled up her neck and splintered around her eyes, making them appear even more haunting.

“Oh God, Sophie!” Gabe shrieked.

“Hst!” Sophie spat and bared her jagged, sharp teeth at Gabe, the spaces filled with a rotting blackness. She hovered close to the ground like an animal.

“Sophie, please! It’s me, Gabe. Don’t you recognize me?” Gabe begged as he searched for any part of Sophie.

Blankly, the creature stared back at Gabe. There was nothing left of her true eyes, nothing of what they had been, nothing of his former love.

Author Bio: wendy.owens

Wendy Owens was raised in the small college town of Oxford, Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went on to a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork, she gave her first love, writing, a try.

Since 2011, she has published a young adult paranormal series, The Guardians, which will contain five books total, as well as a novella.

Wendy now happily spends her days writing—her loving dachshund, Piper, curled up at her feet. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with her tech geek husband and their three amazing kids, exploring the city she loves to call home: Cincinnati, OH.

Author Links:

Website: http://wendy-owens.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-L-Owens/191731754221996?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5038955.Wendy_Owens

Blog Tour: “The Guardians Series” By Wendy Owens

6 Comments

Let’s get this tour started!!!!!! So before book #5 is released this week, let’s look at the other books in the series. So today I’m starting with book 1. Enjoy the excerpts and hopefully you will read the series as I’m beginning to do now.

UntitledSacred Bloodlines (Book 1)

by Wendy Owens

Purchase Links: Free Everywhere – Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Goodreads

 

Blurb

Tragedy has defined Gabe’s short existence in this world. An ominous darkness lurked on the edge of his existence until one day in a subway, strange things start happening. A series of events lead Gabe into a new and fascinating life filled with angels and demons, but he isn’t sure if he wants to be a part of it.

 

Gabe is thrust into the middle of this exciting world that is full of things he has longed for in his life but it comes with a price. This new life also promises constant terrifying dangers that Gabe fears he may not be able to survive.

 

Excerpt #1

Feeling confident the danger had passed, Gabe climbed up onto the seat. He pulled the handle, pushing the heavy door open with his feet. On the ground in front of him, he saw Uri on his knees clutching an unconscious Sophie. Nearby, there was a small mountain of ash.

“Is she …” Gabe paused, unsure what to even ask. None of what had just happened made any sense.

“Help me get her in the back,” Uri said with a strained voice, motioning to him.

Gabe quickly ran to Uri’s side and swung around to hold her feet. Uri climbed in first, pulling Sophie in behind him as Gabe guided the rest of her. Gabe thought about how he had admired her boot clad feet when he first saw her. He wished with everything in him that she would be all right.

“You come around this side and hold her head,” Uri beckoned.

Gabe made sure Sophie’s lower half was securely in the car, then closed the door as gently as he could. He rushed to the other side of the car to take Uri’s place. As he came around the back, he saw two more piles of ash where the creatures that were looking at him had been.

He hesitated for a moment as Uri stepped out of the way, allowing Gabe to slide into place, cradling Sophie’s head in his lap. Even lifeless, she was beautiful, Gabe thought. Her skin was so pale; it had a gorgeous alabaster quality to it. He wasn’t sure how she did it, but he knew she had saved him.

Uri jumped quickly behind the wheel and searched frantically for the keys. Gabe saw they were still dangling from the ignition. Leaning forward, he placed a hand on Uri’s shoulder. Uri looked back at him; Gabe could see the worry in his eyes. Gabe motioned toward the keys, slightly clearing his throat. Uri looked down and with a sigh started the car, pulling back out onto the deserted road. Minutes passed with Uri frantically checking over his shoulder.

“How is she?” he finally asked Gabe.

Gabe looked at Sophie’s body, lying there, unsure how to even answer that question.

“Seems to be the same,” he responded honestly. “I don’t understand. What happened to her?”

Uri stared at the road.

“There’s a lot you don’t understand right now, Gabe,” Uri answered, clearly not wanting to deal with a bunch of questions. “All you need to know is Soph used every ounce of power she had to save us.”

All of the questions Gabe had wanted answers to suddenly didn’t seem important. He leaned forward and noticed Uri had increased their speed to just over one hundred miles per hour, Gabe thought it prudent to say something.

“What if we get pulled over? Might be hard to explain what’s wrong with her.” Gabe had dealt with the cops enough in his life. He knew what it would be like trying to explain a half dead girl in the back seat.

“Right, right,” Uri responded without changing speed.

“Caecus,” Uri stated in a powerful voice.

“What?” Gabe asked.

“Oh,” Uri responded realizing Gabe had no idea what was happening. As they sped down the street, Uri searched for the words.

“Look, I know this is all must seem pretty messed up and I want to explain everything, really I do, but I think it’s better if you wait and talk to Michael.”

“Can you at least tell me what you just said? I heard Sophie say something back at the roadside I didn’t understand either,” Gabe pleaded.

“At the manor we learn a lot of things, one of the things they teach us … some might call … spells.”

“Like magic?” Gabe asked, trying not to laugh. The more he thought about it the less funny it seemed. After everything he had seen, did it really seem so impossible that magic existed?

“I suppose, but it’s the source behind our magic that makes it work. It’s a divine power,” Uri explained, increasing his speed even more. “I promise, if you have any questions after talking to Michael, I will answer them for you. He’s the best one to explain all of this. I put an incantation on the car so it’s invisible.”

“Yeah, right, we’re invisible,” Gabe said in disbelief, but then suddenly remembered back to the subway and how the officers seemed to not even notice them. “Wait, like you did in the city, with all those police officers?”

Uri glanced back at Gabe, his worry giving way for a moment to an impressed stare. “Exactly, I used a distraction spell on them allowing us to sneak by cloaked.”

“So that scream wasn’t real?” Gabe asked. Uri nodded his head affirmatively.

Gabe’s head felt like it was spinning. Monsters. Magic. He had always worried about the evils he had known in the world. Now it appeared there were unknowns that he always thought were make believe to worry about, too.

He leaned back and looked at Sophie’s face, as he did, his thoughts seemed to calm. He began to stroke her auburn hair, admiring how soft it was. Captivated by Sophie, he didn’t realize his hands had begun to burn. He heard Uri’s muffled voice and as he looked up at him, he felt an overwhelming feeling of nausea and realized everything had become blurry.

Uri was turned, looking at him, shouting something, but at that point, Gabe couldn’t hear him. A moment later, Gabe felt like the car was spinning uncontrollably. The nausea overcame him and he seriously thought he might be sick. He looked down at Sophie to make sure she was still all right. His hands were holding her head gently, but they no longer seemed like his hands. There was a glowing, blue light coming from his palms. He began to hyperventilate. Everything went black.

 

Feeling confident the danger had passed, Gabe climbed up onto the seat. He pulled the handle, pushing the heavy door open with his feet. On the ground in front of him, he saw Uri on his knees clutching an unconscious Sophie. Nearby, there was a small mountain of ash.

“Is she …” Gabe paused, unsure what to even ask. None of what had just happened made any sense.

“Help me get her in the back,” Uri said with a strained voice, motioning to him.

Gabe quickly ran to Uri’s side and swung around to hold her feet. Uri climbed in first, pulling Sophie in behind him as Gabe guided the rest of her. Gabe thought about how he had admired her boot clad feet when he first saw her. He wished with everything in him that she would be all right.

“You come around this side and hold her head,” Uri beckoned.

Gabe made sure Sophie’s lower half was securely in the car, then closed the door as gently as he could. He rushed to the other side of the car to take Uri’s place. As he came around the back, he saw two more piles of ash where the creatures that were looking at him had been.

He hesitated for a moment as Uri stepped out of the way, allowing Gabe to slide into place, cradling Sophie’s head in his lap. Even lifeless, she was beautiful, Gabe thought. Her skin was so pale; it had a gorgeous alabaster quality to it. He wasn’t sure how she did it, but he knew she had saved him.

Uri jumped quickly behind the wheel and searched frantically for the keys. Gabe saw they were still dangling from the ignition. Leaning forward, he placed a hand on Uri’s shoulder. Uri looked back at him; Gabe could see the worry in his eyes. Gabe motioned toward the keys, slightly clearing his throat. Uri looked down and with a sigh started the car, pulling back out onto the deserted road. Minutes passed with Uri frantically checking over his shoulder.

“How is she?” he finally asked Gabe.

Gabe looked at Sophie’s body, lying there, unsure how to even answer that question.

“Seems to be the same,” he responded honestly. “I don’t understand. What happened to her?”

Uri stared at the road.

“There’s a lot you don’t understand right now, Gabe,” Uri answered, clearly not wanting to deal with a bunch of questions. “All you need to know is Soph used every ounce of power she had to save us.”

All of the questions Gabe had wanted answers to suddenly didn’t seem important. He leaned forward and noticed Uri had increased their speed to just over one hundred miles per hour, Gabe thought it prudent to say something.

“What if we get pulled over? Might be hard to explain what’s wrong with her.” Gabe had dealt with the cops enough in his life. He knew what it would be like trying to explain a half dead girl in the back seat.

“Right, right,” Uri responded without changing speed.

“Caecus,” Uri stated in a powerful voice.

“What?” Gabe asked.

“Oh,” Uri responded realizing Gabe had no idea what was happening. As they sped down the street, Uri searched for the words.

“Look, I know this is all must seem pretty messed up and I want to explain everything, really I do, but I think it’s better if you wait and talk to Michael.”

“Can you at least tell me what you just said? I heard Sophie say something back at the roadside I didn’t understand either,” Gabe pleaded.

“At the manor we learn a lot of things, one of the things they teach us … some might call … spells.”

“Like magic?” Gabe asked, trying not to laugh. The more he thought about it the less funny it seemed. After everything he had seen, did it really seem so impossible that magic existed?

“I suppose, but it’s the source behind our magic that makes it work. It’s a divine power,” Uri explained, increasing his speed even more. “I promise, if you have any questions after talking to Michael, I will answer them for you. He’s the best one to explain all of this. I put an incantation on the car so it’s invisible.”

“Yeah, right, we’re invisible,” Gabe said in disbelief, but then suddenly remembered back to the subway and how the officers seemed to not even notice them. “Wait, like you did in the city, with all those police officers?”

Uri glanced back at Gabe, his worry giving way for a moment to an impressed stare. “Exactly, I used a distraction spell on them allowing us to sneak by cloaked.”

“So that scream wasn’t real?” Gabe asked. Uri nodded his head affirmatively.

Gabe’s head felt like it was spinning. Monsters. Magic. He had always worried about the evils he had known in the world. Now it appeared there were unknowns that he always thought were make believe to worry about, too.

He leaned back and looked at Sophie’s face, as he did, his thoughts seemed to calm. He began to stroke her auburn hair, admiring how soft it was. Captivated by Sophie, he didn’t realize his hands had begun to burn. He heard Uri’s muffled voice and as he looked up at him, he felt an overwhelming feeling of nausea and realized everything had become blurry.

Uri was turned, looking at him, shouting something, but at that point, Gabe couldn’t hear him. A moment later, Gabe felt like the car was spinning uncontrollably. The nausea overcame him and he seriously thought he might be sick. He looked down at Sophie to make sure she was still all right. His hands were holding her head gently, but they no longer seemed like his hands. There was a glowing, blue light coming from his palms. He began to hyperventilate. Everything went black.

 

Excerpt #2

Gabe closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the cool subway tiles. The pungent smell of urine and burnt electrical wires filled his nostrils as the loud roar of a passing train erupted in his ears. His social worker’s words replayed again and again in his head, “difficulties with home placement,” “a past filled with tragic incidents,” “more time needed to find the right parental candidates.” Gabe knew what that meant, after years of being shipped from one foster family to the next, it was clear what people thought of him. He was cursed. “And why wouldn’t they,” he thought. It was even obvious to himself.

The bustle of the station increased as the train squealed to a halt. Gabe grabbed his ragged black backpack and headed to the nearest set of open doors. He twisted and turned, trying to make his way through the thick crowd. A chill came over him, one that was all too familiar and Gabe found himself filled with dread. Coming to a sudden stop he looked around at the sea of people. Just steps from the train doors he was unable to move. He was staring and searching, his breath now shallow. The voices around him were instantly silenced as a pulsing white noise consumed his mind.

Gabe’s hands were clammy and he felt his legs weaken. “Are you getting on or what?” the man behind him shouted. The man was wearing a plain, tan trench coat and carried a briefcase. Gabe looked back at him, not able to hear what he was saying for a moment, still distracted by the deafening white noise in his head.

“Come on, some of us have places to be,” the man grumbled as he rudely pushed past Gabe and boarded the subway car. Stumbling to a nearby column, Gabe steadied himself, attempting to regain his composure.

As sounds came flooding back, he heard the buzzer warning that the doors would soon be closing. Gabe looked up and prepared to make a dash for the opening. Before he could make his move, he caught sight of a young woman standing in front of the subway doors. She was wearing a long, black leather coat that was cinched at her waist. There was an odd grey color that surrounded her, creating a halo effect around her entire body. He had seen this before, actually more times than he cared to recall. He even saw the same grey aura the night his parents died.

Gabe stared intensely at her back as she stepped into the subway car. She slowly turned around, her black hair was short, cut just above the chin, which she wore slicked back, tucked behind her petite ears. Gabe thought she looked as though she were trying to remove the femininity from her small frame in any way she could. Her skin was pale; the color reminded Gabe of milk.

He watched, frozen, as the girl lifted her head and looked directly into his eyes. She flashed him a small, wicked smile as the doors closed. He saw her eyes flicker a hint of red. A moment later, the train pulled away. Gabe slid to the cold floor as the crushing weight of impending doom filled him.

Gabe had been plagued by these feelings and visions his entire life. He could remember being sent to at least a dozen different therapists all over the city. Their diagnoses were all the same; however, ‘hallucinations brought on by depression caused by the tragic loss of his parents.’ Some had him writing his feelings in journals, but most of them found it easier to load him up on medication and send him on his way. He had learned a long time ago that the easiest thing to do was to lie about the visions.

Gabe wondered if the therapists were all right. Perhaps he was just crazy with grief. His parents had died when he was only five years old. He found it hard to believe such grief could plague a person for eleven years, but what did he know, he was no …

A loud explosion suddenly interrupted Gabe’s thoughts. He reached out his hands to try and steady himself as the ground under him shook violently. He threw up his arms to cover his head, plaster crumbling and falling like rain from the high ceilings.

 

Gabe closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the cool subway tiles. The pungent smell of urine and burnt electrical wires filled his nostrils as the loud roar of a passing train erupted in his ears. His social worker’s words replayed again and again in his head, “difficulties with home placement,” “a past filled with tragic incidents,” “more time needed to find the right parental candidates.” Gabe knew what that meant, after years of being shipped from one foster family to the next, it was clear what people thought of him. He was cursed. “And why wouldn’t they,” he thought. It was even obvious to himself.

The bustle of the station increased as the train squealed to a halt. Gabe grabbed his ragged black backpack and headed to the nearest set of open doors. He twisted and turned, trying to make his way through the thick crowd. A chill came over him, one that was all too familiar and Gabe found himself filled with dread. Coming to a sudden stop he looked around at the sea of people. Just steps from the train doors he was unable to move. He was staring and searching, his breath now shallow. The voices around him were instantly silenced as a pulsing white noise consumed his mind.

Gabe’s hands were clammy and he felt his legs weaken. “Are you getting on or what?” the man behind him shouted. The man was wearing a plain, tan trench coat and carried a briefcase. Gabe looked back at him, not able to hear what he was saying for a moment, still distracted by the deafening white noise in his head.

“Come on, some of us have places to be,” the man grumbled as he rudely pushed past Gabe and boarded the subway car. Stumbling to a nearby column, Gabe steadied himself, attempting to regain his composure.

As sounds came flooding back, he heard the buzzer warning that the doors would soon be closing. Gabe looked up and prepared to make a dash for the opening. Before he could make his move, he caught sight of a young woman standing in front of the subway doors. She was wearing a long, black leather coat that was cinched at her waist. There was an odd grey color that surrounded her, creating a halo effect around her entire body. He had seen this before, actually more times than he cared to recall. He even saw the same grey aura the night his parents died.

Gabe stared intensely at her back as she stepped into the subway car. She slowly turned around, her black hair was short, cut just above the chin, which she wore slicked back, tucked behind her petite ears. Gabe thought she looked as though she were trying to remove the femininity from her small frame in any way she could. Her skin was pale; the color reminded Gabe of milk.

He watched, frozen, as the girl lifted her head and looked directly into his eyes. She flashed him a small, wicked smile as the doors closed. He saw her eyes flicker a hint of red. A moment later, the train pulled away. Gabe slid to the cold floor as the crushing weight of impending doom filled him.

Gabe had been plagued by these feelings and visions his entire life. He could remember being sent to at least a dozen different therapists all over the city. Their diagnoses were all the same; however, ‘hallucinations brought on by depression caused by the tragic loss of his parents.’ Some had him writing his feelings in journals, but most of them found it easier to load him up on medication and send him on his way. He had learned a long time ago that the easiest thing to do was to lie about the visions.

Gabe wondered if the therapists were all right. Perhaps he was just crazy with grief. His parents had died when he was only five years old. He found it hard to believe such grief could plague a person for eleven years, but what did he know, he was no …

A loud explosion suddenly interrupted Gabe’s thoughts. He reached out his hands to try and steady himself as the ground under him shook violently. He threw up his arms to cover his head, plaster crumbling and falling like rain from the high ceilings.

 

Author Bio: wendy.owens

Wendy Owens was raised in the small college town of Oxford, Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went on to a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork, she gave her first love, writing, a try.

Since 2011, she has published a young adult paranormal series, The Guardians, which will contain five books total, as well as a novella.

Wendy now happily spends her days writing—her loving dachshund, Piper, curled up at her feet. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with her tech geek husband and their three amazing kids, exploring the city she loves to call home: Cincinnati, OH.

Author Links:

Website: http://wendy-owens.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-L-Owens/191731754221996?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5038955.Wendy_Owens

Book Release “Through Glass” by Rebecca Ethington

Leave a comment

through glassTitle: Through Glass

Author: Rebecca Ethington

Release Date: September 20, 2013

Genre: NA Dystopian with Sci-Fi and Romance

FORMATS AVAILABLE: E-book & Paperback

Purchase Links: amazonbutton

SYNOPSIS:

Everyone remembered the day the sky went black. The day the sun was wiped from the sky. They remember the wind as it brought in the darkness; the way the earth shook and everything changed.

Everyone remembered the screams as the darkness ate those who were out in the open, those who had surrounded themselves by light, and those who made noise.

Everyone remembered the voice from the sky and the way food disappeared.

At least, that’s what I hoped. I hoped that there was an ‘everyone’ that would remember because I am not sure how many are left, how many survived. Or if anyone did.

I hoped that I wasn’t alone.

I remembered that day.

I remembered because it was the day I became alone.

It was the day that everything was perfect until the monsters took it away. Then the house went silent and the birds stopped singing. It was the day when everyone disappeared, everyone except the boy, the only person I have seen in two years.
The boy I talk to through the glass.

About Rebecca Ethington rebecca.ethington

Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn’t found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.

Related articles

Excited about a new trilogy…….

3 Comments

YES!!!!!!!!! I have another series that I’m really excited to start reading and that I’m hoping to add to my book boyfriend collection (Christian Grey, Gideon Cross, Jackson Rutledge (Jax), Jett Mayfield). LOL

driven.k.bromberg(The Driven Trilogy) by K. Bromberg

Driven ((The Driven Trilogy)) Book #1 by K. Bromberg

Synopsis – Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it… I am the exception to the rule. In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track. Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline. I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away? Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?

 

Fueled (The Driven Trilogy) Book #2 by K. Bromberg fueled.k.bromberg

Synopsis – What happens when the one person you never expected suddenly happens to be the one you’ll fight the hardest to keep?

Colton stole my heart. He wasn’t supposed to, and I sure as hell didn’t want him to, but he crashed into my life, ignited feelings within me that I thought had died forever, and fueled a passion that I never knew could exist.

Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet and into my life. Now I don’t think I’ll ever be the same. She’s seen glimpses of the darkness within me, and yet she’s still here. Still fighting for me. She is without a doubt the saint, and I am most definitely the sinner.

How is it the one thing neither of us wanted—neither of us anticipated that fateful night—has us fighting so hard to keep?

He steals my breath, stops my heart, and brings me back to life again all in a split second of time. But how can I love a man who won’t let me in? Who continually pushes me away to prevent me from seeing the damaged secrets in his past? My heart has fallen, but patience and forgiveness can only go so far.

How can I desire a woman who unnerves me, defies me, and forces me to see that in the deep, black abyss of my soul there’s someone worthy of her love? A place and person I swore I’d never be again. Her selfless heart and sexy body deserve so much more than I’ll ever be capable of giving her. I know I can’t be what she needs, so why can’t I just let her go?

We are driven by need and fueled with desire, but is that enough for us to crash into love?

Crashed (The Driven Trilogy) Book #3 by K. Bromberg  – is not out yet and so far there is no release date.

Let me know if you have read either one of these and what you think of it.

A busy, busy week……now it’s time to unwind

Leave a comment

Wow is all I can say. It’s been a very busy week for me. I’ve been running from one side of town to the next, in the car, out of the car and so forth. So right now I just want to unwind.

So to update you on my week challenge (exercise for 4 days out of the week)……lol it was an epic “FAIL”. There are no excuses, I just didn’t get it done. So now the question is how do you find the time when you are busy as heck???? Any suggestions????? Now I did eat healthier this past week, so does that count?

Any-who…….so today really is all about relaxing so when you’ve had a stressful and busy week what is your best unwind methods?

I’ll start with mine. Today I’m going to have a glass of wine, or two, and get back to reading “The Grave Winner” by Lindsey R. Loucks. So far this has been a very interesting book and I am enjoying it. Want a Synopsis? Heck why not!!!!

Synopsis- Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead — just like the prom queen did. Single tree in field during winter 2

While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.

She should have listened.

Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth.

With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.

Now this is a YA Paranormal/Fantasy Romance book and I thought I might read it first before I recommend it to my niece who loves paranormal books as well. She told me that she wanted a better variety of these books so I guess it’s my duty to check it out to see if it might be something she likes.  With my love for books I am presently dripping in her to read more but as I know with the children of this generation, it is difficult to get them off the computers, ipods and television to read a book.  I digress….

Back to the mission at hand, time to get my read on and unwind. You’ll see the review for this book posted soon.

“Fifty Shades Trilogy” re-reading reflection

Leave a comment

ImageOk, so I admit, I have read the “Fifty Shades trilogy” more than twice. So why is it that I want to read it again? I have a ton of books that I need to finish reading and even more to start but here I am again wanting to revisit the series that’s had many talking about it. So my question is…………….what is it about the Fifty Shades series that keeps us wanting to re-read it?

Though many may think it’s all about the sex, to me there was more to the story than what the surface entailed. Perhaps it’s because of my interest and studies in child a family law that had me reading more into the issues that troubled the relationship and how as adults we bring those things with us. Though our past both good and bad has shaped who we are today, we have also developed some strong personality traits because of it. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the sexual scenes in the book weren’t interesting :-), what I am referencing to is that for some of us, it was more to the book then that. So if you care to share, please do. 

“Locked” weekend

Leave a comment

Ok, so I know I’m late but it’s been a busy week. Friday was even busier than normal. Anyways I had to post reviews for “The Alpha group” Series by Maya Cross which is up. So technically it was a “locked” weekend. lol I enjoyed the series. So my challenge was to read the book in a weekend (3 days) and I actually got that done last weekend.  So this week I’m challenging myself to work out 4 days in a row and post the results on friday to see if it was accomplished. Whew, this is definitely going to be a challenge. I’m also looking for a new and exciting series to read. If you have suggestions let me know.

Book Review: Unlocked (The Alpha Group #3) by Maya Cross

1 Comment

Book3_zpsdbf14ec24 Stars

Synopsis:

The heart can lead you to dangerous places. Abandoned by the man she loves, with nothing more than sweet words and riddles for an explanation, Sophia Pearce felt like her life was crumbling before her eyes. And then they came for her. Now, things will never be the same.

Confronted with the truth about Sebastian’s identity, she’s thrust into a high stakes world beyond anything she could have imagined. A world that threatens much more than just her feelings. Sebastian’s enemies will stop at nothing to get what they want, and they want her.

Their passion for one another consumes them, but as the danger mounts, and loyalties are tested, Sophia must answer one simple question. What is she willing to risk for love?

UnLocked is the final installment of the Alpha Series and I must say that it did not disappoint. The action here was amazing as Sebastian’s secrets are exposed and life and death hangs in the air for them both. Trying to keep Sophia out of harms way and at a distance, Sebastian tries hard to push his feelings aside and end things with Sophia. Little did he know, it was already too late. Sophia found herself in a world full of secrets and danger around every turn, but she was not willing to let Sebastian go. Here author Maya Cross, ramps up the action and the story evolves into something I just didn’t anticipate. I was presently surprised at the turn of events and was utterly shocked when the story climaxed. Though I was sad that the story came to and end, i was even more disappointed by the conclusion (it just didn’t do it for me). Overall it was a very nice and enjoyable series and I would recommend it tho those who like erotica mixed with mystery and action.

Book Review: Lockout (The Alpha Group #2) by Maya Cross

2 Comments

Image4 Stars

Lockout picks up right where the first novel ends. Sophia and Sebastian develops a relationship and she attempts to tear down his resistant walls as the secrets just  get to much for her. Sophia begins to realize that there is more to Sebastian than meets the eye and is hell bent on finding out how he really feels about her.

(Taken from the book synopsis) But things are never as simple as they appear. Sophia’s trust is a fragile thing, and Sebastian seems insistent on testing it. He has his own demons to battle, and nobody has brought them to the fore like she has.

As their relationship deepens, and Sophia begins to break down his walls, all that greets her are more questions. Why is Sebastian fighting so hard to keep her at a distance? Who is the girl on the background of his phone? And why does the strange tattoo on his chest seem so familiar?

These puzzles plague her, but as Sebastian’s mysteries begin to unravel, she must face an entirely different truth. Staying in the dark may be painful, but finding the answers could be deadly.

This book for me got right into deciphering the mystery that is Sebastian and I loved that about it. As secrets began to be revealed Sophia and Sebastian have a lot of decisions to make and the challenges around that seem even greater. The action in this novel is great and of course it leaves you on yet another cliffhanger. The sex scenes are really steamy, but the action and mystery really wraps this novel up and pushes it to the next level.

Book Review: Locked (The Alpha Group #1) by Maya Cross

Leave a comment

Book1_zpsefb952f74 Stars

When up and coming corporate Attorney Sophia Pearce goes out for a night on the town with her two favorite girls they end up in a hole in the wall bar that really wasn’t a normal stop in their rotation, but with alcohol flowing through their veins they decide to go on in anyway and have a few more drinks. The not so glamorous bar was just as they expected but “fun” was on the agenda for the night so the ladies settled in to have a few more drinks. As they sat there chatting it up and sipping drinks  the girls noticed the well-dressed guests entering the bar and then disappearing behind the guarded closed door in the back.  Sophia is a woman who is not immune to making rash decisions while under the influence of alcohol, so when her curiosity got the best of her, Sophia decided to infiltrate the secret party in the back to find out what was going on.

With her history of rash decisions while she’s out with her best friends, (possibly not the best decisions for an attorney) Sophia manages to maneuver herself to the back and finds herself meeting Sebastian Locke. Sebastian is the only one at the party who dares to speak with Sophia and she finds herself enthralled  with his magnetism, looks and mysteriousness.  While attempting the make her exist without being completely noticed as out of place at the party Sophia finds herself wandering a hallway and ends up in an office closet after she hears voices approaching.

While attempting to hide in the closet out of sight from those who just entered the office, Sophia become witness to a form of  punishment that’s beyond her understanding. As Sophia watches Sebastian from the closet, she attempts to shift her position and ends up making noise that gets her discovered and she bolts from the room running without looking back.

Sebastian being intrigued with the women who has caught his attention at the party finds her curiosity perplexing and uses his connections to better acquaint himself with her.  After arranging a few chance meetings with Sophia, Sebastian finally gets her to agree to a dinner with him and from there the story gets more interesting. Sophia finds herself in a relationship with Sebastian in which he begins to show her things about herself she didn’t know of.

Ok so I can go further into this novel but then I’ll spoil it for you. Overall I really enjoyed the first novel in this series as it was not only a little BDSM, dom/sub relationship but also action and mystery all in one.  Author Maya Cross did an excellent job in creating a strong sexual relationship between Sophia and Sebastian along with the mystery. I found myself drawn to Sebastian as the unanswered questions about his life and career were ever present. Sophia is a strong, feisty woman who can hold her own, but is she willing to give up control to an absolute stranger in exchange for the pleasure he is offering her? Sophia finds herself in an inner battle of emotions as she finds herself developing feelings for this stranger who seems to be keeping his emotions at a distance. The plot development was phenomenal as Cross began to really let us to know the main characters and what the were going through. There were some hot sexual encounters that will have you fanning, but the mystery was the nail in the coffin for me in this series. The novel ended on a cliffhanger and this is why I was so happy that I waited until all three books were out.

 

 

September – Book Challenge Update

Leave a comment

Hey all!! So last month I increased my reading book challenge from 40 books to 60 books. Now I actually started the Goodreads book challenge in May so for half a year I thought 40 books would be enough…….then I found myself with about a week left in August and I only had four books left to reach that goal. Yay me right………..not!!!!! I felt I could push myself more so I increased the goal an additional 20 books. :-) So now my goal is 60 books for half a year.  But all in all it was a great month. Here were my book choices for August:

  • Afterburn by Sylvia Day – 5 Stars
  • The White Aura (White Aura, #1) by Felicia Tatum – 4 Stars
  • Pack Law (Pack Law, #1) by Marie Stephens – 2 Stars
  • Complete Me (Stark Trilogy, #3) by J. Kenner – 3 Stars
  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – 5 Stars
  • Fractured Souls (Shattered Promises, #2) by Jessica Sorensen – 5 Stars
  • Shadows Fall (Others of Edenton, #1.5) by Brandy L. Rivers – 4 Stars
  • Rainwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story by Krista Lakes – 3 Stars
  • Locked (The Alpha Group, #1) by Maya Cross – 3 Stars

So now my challenge stats are as follows:  You have read 39 books toward your goal of 60 books.

Goodreads is taunting me because it nows says that I’m 1 book behind schedule. I guess I need to pick it up a notch. Till next update……Keep reading.

~V

Book Review: Shadows Fall (Others of Edenton, #1.5) by Brandy L. Rivers

2 Comments

Image

4 Stars

Wow, I didn’t think I can anticipate the next novel anymore than I already did, but after reading this short story……I am anticipating the next novel in the Others of Edenton series even more. Author Brandy Rivers gave us a sneak peak into the next book, but gave us the background information that we needed to know about Amethyst before she reaches Edenton with the rest of the characters. In only 40 pages, Rivers has allowed us to fall in love with Amethyst and see a different side of Preston and now I can’t figure out which character I like more.

Release Day Blitz for E.I. Jennings’ Darkest Dawn

Leave a comment

Release Day Blitz for E.I. Jennings’ Darkest Dawn

The day has finally arrived…welcome everyone to Darkest Dawn and the darkness…

 Image

 Book – Darkest

 Dawn – Book Two in The Jessica Dawn Series

Author – E.I Jennings

Genre – Paranormal Erotica

Release Date – 31st August 2013

Book Synopsis

The Darkest Days are finally upon us and the Daughters of Eve shall rise again. Jess sacrificed herself for the people she loved but she now has to pay the consequences for her actions because something dark is coming and it is heading straight for her. She really did not think her life could get any more complicated but when another tall dark stranger walks back into her life she realizes she has a decision to make. All she wants is for everyone to leave her alone and let her live the life she thought she once had but things are getting out of control fast. The love she has for Reuban can only ground her for so long and her anger is beginning to spiral out of control. If she tells him how she really feels she could lose him forever or get him killed and that is a risk she could never forgive herself for.

The Council have accepted her for what she is but has she?

 There is a huge possibility everyone she loves is going to die if she stays, but if she walks away she will have to leave the love of her life behind and that would rip her soul apart. The only way out is to work with the one person she hates more than anything in this world and that was going to take a lot of self-restraint if she was going to get through this nightmare without killing him.

Reuban can see the torment within Jess and it is breaking his heart. He would do anything to ease her pain even if it meant letting her walk away, destroying him in the process. His only hope is to seek guidance from Brigate and finally understand the true meaning of Megan’s Prophecy. It started with a Prophecy and it is there he will find the truth and it is a secret that could tear the Council to pieces.

A fractured alliance will be formed again with a new generation of warriors and Jess is at its centre. The war is about to begin and a destiny will finally be fulfilled!

Author Bio

E.I Jennings lives in Derbyshire in the UK with her husband Imageand two black cats.  She has always had a keen interest in writing and a vivid imagination.  At the age of 16 she wrote my first romance short story as a hobby and never thought about publishing.  After a few jobs E.I Jennings re-evaluated her life and has become an author full time specializing in Paranormal Romance Erotica.  Her first novel Rising Dawn was quickly followed by the novella Burning Desire; Juliet’s Story.  E.I Jennings is currently working on the next installment in the Jessica Dawn Series and is hoping to release more in the near future.  Each book are testament that through hard work, imagination and a little help from friends anything is possible and dreams can happen.