Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Book tour, giveaway and review: The Woodlands by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

Good morning book-lovers!
A dystopian story is about to distract you today. Read about the story, its author, take a taste of the Woodlands world in an excerpt and also...take part in the giveaway! Somewhere in between you will be able to read my review. Enjoy!

Title:  The Woodlands
Author: Lauren Nicolle Taylor
Published: August 30th, 2013 by Clean Teen Publishing
Word Count:  approx. 92,000
Genre:  YA Mature Dystopian Romance
Content Warning:  Non-graphic Violence
Recommend Age:  14+
Synopsis: Rosa never thought she’d make it to sixteen...

When being unique puts you in danger and speaking your mind can be punishable by death,  you might find yourself fighting to survive. Sixteen-year-old Rosa lives in one of the eight enclosed cities of The Woodlands. Where the lone survivors of a devastating race war have settled in the Russian wilderness because it’s the only scrap of land left habitable on the planet. In these circular cities, everyone must abide by the law or face harsh punishment. Rosa's inability to conform and obey the rules brands her a leper and no one wants to be within two feet of her, until she meets Joseph. He's blonde, fair-skinned, green-eyed, and the laid-back complete opposite of Rosa. She's never met anyone quite like him, and she knows that spells danger.

But differences weren't always a bad thing. People used to think being unique was one of the most treasured of traits to have. Now, the Superiors, who ruthlessly control the concrete cities with an iron fist, are obsessed with creating a 'raceless' race. They are convinced this is the only way to avoid another war. Any anomalies must be destroyed.

The Superiors are unstoppable and can do anything they want. After all, they are considered superheroes by the general public. But not everyone sees them this way. When they continue to abuse their power by collecting young girls for use in their secret, high-tech breeding program, they have no idea that one of those girls has somehow managed to make friends even she didn't know she had. And one man will stop at nothing to save her.

About the Author:
Lauren Nicolle Taylor is a 33-year-old mother living in the tiny, lush town of Bridgewater on the other side of the world in Australia. She married her high school sweetheart and has three very boisterous and individual children. She earned a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences with Honours in Obstetrics and Gynecology and majored in Psychology while minoring in Contemporary Australian Writing.

After a disastrous attempt to build her dream house that left her family homeless, She found herself inexplicably drawn to the computer. She started writing, not really knowing where it may lead but ended up, eight weeks later, with the rough draft of The Woodlands.

In 2013, Lauren Nicolle Taylor accepted a publishing contract with Clean Teen Publishing. Her first published novel, The Woodlands, was released on August 30, 2013. Currently, Lauren has finished her manuscript for the second book in the series titled: The Wall, as well as partially completed the third book in the series which at this time is unnamed.


Excerpt from The Woodlands by Lauren Nicolle Taylor # 1:

LEAVING PAU

The helicopters were stationed at the rim of Ring One, just inside the low, sandy-colored wall that surrounded the center podium. They were waiting, crouching like black angels ready to lift us from this place, this hell, into an unknown world. A Guardian in black uniform with gold trim walked to the front of the choppers and signaled for us to come forward. Another one threw the bags in the cargo hold as he read from his list. Three girls and eight boys. Joseph’s name was not on the list. I felt a flood of relief that was washed away by panic. I was barely holding myself together as it was, seeing him was liable to make me fall to pieces. But he was supposed to be here.
Paulo’s hand was on my back, pushing me towards the helicopter like I was an uncooperative apple on the conveyor belt. I was trying so hard to muster up some courage. Today I was leaving the only home I had ever known. I would never see my mother again. I felt the anxiety rising, the crushing pain of the separation I was about to suffer. Suddenly the grey-washed town didn’t look so horrible. It was home after all, I guess. I told myself it was fear that was making me feel this way. It didn’t help.
My mother, who had been quietly following us around like a dazed puppy, pulled me to her in a tight embrace. She whispered, “Sorry,” in my ear before stepping back, fists clenched, showing the appropriate restraint. Some other mothers were crying and holding their children as the Guardian wrenched them away and led them onto the aircraft.
My mother’s face was my own, the way she moved mirrored my own movements and mannerisms, but that’s where the similarities ended. Although raised by this woman, I was nothing like her. For the first time, I saw things from her perspective. Getting into trouble all the time, never showing Paulo anything other than contempt. I must have been such a frustration to her.
They called my name. Paulo put his hands firmly on my shoulders, holding me in my place. His intense stare was impossible to look away from. “Don’t shame your family,” he spat at me. And with that, he made it easy to leave. I could feel the blades starting to move, my hair whipping around my face. I stripped away the fear and anxiety, leaving a girl that was fierce, empowered by his hatred.
“Don’t worry, Paulo, I’ll stir it up, make a little noise!” I shouted through the wind. The Guardian that let me sign up was watching me, probably regretting his decision. My mother was standing rigidly, her handmade skirt billowing as the air churned around her, her hand outstretched, pleading. I could see it in her eyes—please Rosa, don’t cause more trouble. She couldn’t stop me, no one ever could. Paulo was already walking away, his back to me. Behind my mother stood a man, one blue eye, one brown, smiling. He lifted his hand to wave. I raised my hand, confused. The chopper lurched awkwardly and I was knocked back into the cargo hold.
“Sit down!” the Guardian snapped at me. I quickly found a spot and strapped myself in. The others were staring at me, eyes wide. The Guardian tapped the pilot on the shoulder. “Wait, there’s one more.”
He bounded in, bag in hand, and casually threw it on the pile and scanned the seats. There was plenty of room on the other side but he squeezed his bulky form between me and the boy I was sitting next to.
Suddenly we were in the air. When the Guardian wasn’t looking, Joseph slipped his hand over mine. Warmth calmed the agitation I felt, like pouring gold over lead, glowing. We stayed that way the entire ride. Eyes forward. Impossibly trying to anticipate what may lie ahead.



Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
If US:

GRAND PRIZE: Print copy of The Woodlands, bookmark, surprise Clean Teen Publishing swag gift, and reader’s choice of two digital Clean Teen Publishing books.

If INT:

GRAND PRIZE: $10 Electronic Amazon Gift Card, The Woodlands bookmark, surprise Clean Teen Publishing swag gift, and reader’s choice of two digital Clean Teen Publishing books.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book review


The Woodlands is dystopian story the fans of this genre will absolutely enjoy.
The author has successfully depicted what could be characterized as the futuristic Dark Ages – common context within most dystopian stories – enriched with generous doses of YA romance and then makes her story even more original by adding a little sci-fi: the use of human beings as guinea pigs in the process of medical research.

The heroine, Rosa, was a character I honestly found difficult to like. She wants to rebel against the manipulative and oppressive system the Woodlands is run by and, although this may sound promising, I found myself asking “why?” when I found her  challenge the system representatives over and over as that was just about all her resistance. Eventually I think she was broken and failed to become the kick-ass heroine I wanted her to be.

The story unravels within a variety of context and this makes it even more interesting. So do the many complicated characters that appear on the way. Complicated characters in a complicated world and with justified cause. The world of Woodlands is a nightmare. Love is the only remedy. The story is full of positive messages to the reader and the heroes’ morals and values stand as the only shield against the evils of such a nightmarish regime. Love finds a way to survive.  
The plot reaches the climax and that is when it will make you anxious to turn the pages but the author handles it in such a way that you will be looking forward to the sequel. I know I am!


My rating: 4,5/5

Saturday, September 21, 2013

The Bridge of Deaths "Peace In Time" Book Blitz & Hop Giveaway by M.C.V. Egan



PEACE POST SEPTEMBER 21st 2013 by M.C.V. Egan

Today we celebrate the UN’s INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE, the resolution to have loud voices for PEACE and a special day was passed in 1981; the first celebration was in 1982.
If we can at least try as a society to visualize the possibility of PEACE perhaps someday we will be able to accomplish this. It is a great tool to teach said desire tour children, so that they perhaps find a way to instill PEACE as a way of life*.
On a personal note, I spent my formative years in the 1970swatching the Vietnam War on TV. Literally eating dinner as I watched soldiers from both sides, kill and die.
Inasmuch as there were Peace movements the conservative society that surrounded me represented an acceptance of war. It was simply an accepted principle. Historically it has been an accepted necessity, countries are born through bloody revolutions and re-formed through just as bloody civil wars. We watch it every day.
There have however been great examples of NON violent changes with great results. As per Wikipedia:
A nonviolent revolution is a revolution using mostly campaigns of civil resistance, including various forms of nonviolent protest, to bring about the departure of governments seen as entrenched and authoritarian. While many campaigns of civil resistance are aimed at much more limited goals than revolution, generally a nonviolent revolution is characterized by simultaneous advocacy of democracy, human rights and national independence in the country concerned. In some cases a campaign of civil resistance with a revolutionary purpose may be able to bring about the defeat of a dictatorial regime only if it obtains a degree of support from the armed forces, or at least their benevolent neutrality.**
My favorite principles and acts of a peaceful resolution are those from Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi:
A nonviolent revolution is not a program of seizure of power. It is a program of transformation of relationships ending in a peaceful transfer of power.
 Mohandas Gandhi, 1942***

I hope you enjoy the Peace Hop, ponder on Peace and spread the possibility.
About The Author:picture087
M.C.V. Egan lives in South Florida. she is fluent in four languages; English, Spanish, French and Swedish. From a young age became determined to solve the 'mystery' of her grandfather's death, she has researched this story for almost two decades. the story has taken her to Denmark, England and unconventional world of psychics.


Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Peace In Time Book Blitz
Genre: Historical Paranormal
Publisher: AuthorHouse Publishing
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Amazon

On August 15th, 1939 an English passenger plane from British Airways Ltd. Crashed in Danish waters between the towns of Nykobing/Falster and Vordingborg. There were five casualties reported and one survivor. Just two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland with the world at the brink of war the manner in which this incident was investigated left much open to doubt. The jurisdiction battle between the two towns and the newly formed Danish secret police, created an atmosphere of intrigue and distrust.

In the winter of 2009-2010 a young executive, Bill is promoted and transferred to London for a major International firm. He has struggled for the better part of his life with nightmares and phobias, which only seem to worsen in London. As he seeks the help of a therapist he accepts that his issues may well be related to a 'past-life trauma'.

Through love, curiosity, archives and the information superhighway of the 21st century Bill travels through knowledge and time to uncover the story of the 1939 plane crash.

The Bridge of Deaths is a love story and a mystery. Fictional characters travel through the world of past life regressions and information acquired from psychics as well as archives and historical sources to solve "One of those mysteries that never get solved" is based on true events and real people, it is the culmination of 18 years of sifting through sources in Denmark, England and the United States, it finds a way to help the reader feel that he /she is also sifting through data and forming their own conclusions.

The journey takes the reader to well known and little known events leading up to the Second World War, both in Europe and America. The journey also takes the reader to the possibility of finding oneself in this lifetime by exploring past lives.







Thursday, September 12, 2013

Cover reveal: Falling for Grace, Paranormal romance by Anne Conley

If this doesn't distract you, what will?
I'm so looking forward for Anne Conley's  forthcoming paranormal romance. Read along and I'm sure you will understand why!
And just to have a taste ...

Buy links for Book one in the Four Winds Series, Falling for Heaven, which is .99

Barnes and Noble:  http://bit.ly/18kkRnQ

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1aln3Mv

And now... here's the awesome cover!

Falling for Grace, book two in the Four Winds series by Anne Conley

Release date:  October 15, 2013

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Rafael is one of God’s Four Winds, the Archangel of Healing.  He has answered the countless prayers for healing of loved ones, wondering what it was about the emotion that made humans willing to sacrifice so much.

Grace is a lifeguard who has been on Rafe’s radar since she lost a little boy three years ago.  What she doesn’t realize is the green haze that comes over her during a rescue is actually a diving presence who’s about to give up his celestial body to become a very real entity in her life.

While Grace is trying to overcome her own demon, Rafe is discovering his own sexuality, but there’s a darker presence making himself known.  The Deceiver wants what Rafe is getting, and he’ll do whatever it takes to have her.

Contact the author:

Website:  www.anneconley.com
Twitter:  @anneconley10


About the author: 

Anne Conley lives in a small town in East Texas with her husband, two kids, and thirty goats.  She writes all day, reads all night, and is prides herself on not being in the running for Mommy of the Year, as her kids are lucky to make it to school with socks and underwear on.  She brazenly stole her pseudonym from her great-grandmother, a true pioneer woman who raised seven kids alone:  churning butter, plucking chickens, knitting clothes, and putting coal oil on every visible wound.

Excerpt from Falling for Grace:

                Rafe was in the bathroom, brushing his teeth the next morning, reflecting on his corporeal body.
                Teeth brushing.  That wasn't a normal thing for him.  Neither was showering.  Or shaving. 
                Usually, his work was done on a different realm.  He traveled in the cosmic soup, visiting people in their dreams, subconsciously, or their conscious minds.  He became a temporary part of their psyche.  He dropped in on surgeons during surgery, to help guide shaky, sleep-deprived hands.  Rafe had passed out ideas to the stumped healers, in a sudden flash of brilliance.  He visited dreams.  He was responsible for many 'Eureka!' moments. 
                Rarely, had he come to earth in a human body.  He'd been visiting Grace during saves for the past three years in her mind, allowing her to do her job the way she had been trained to do, only providing moral support.  He hadn't had to step in with her, yet.
                Head-hopping was one of his many talents.  He had the ability to jump inside of another person's head and sense what they were thinking.  He didn't get clear visions, only vague perceptions.  As tempting as it was to be inside her mind all the time, he hadn't done it to Grace.
                Much.
                He enjoyed having a body.  It felt good.  He stood in front of the mirror, a towel wrapped around his waist, sensing his body.  He could feel the muscles in his arm and shoulder flex as he brushed, enjoyed the feel of the bristles against his teeth and tongue.  He flexed his toes against the bathmat, scrunching them into the thick pile, feeling his calves bunch.  He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, delighted at the various ways that the human body secreted by-products.  Marvelous.
                The delight in feeling himself was interrupted by Grace opening the bathroom door, surprising him.  He turned to her, and gaped, undone by what he saw.
                She was standing there, bleary-eyed, wearing nothing but a knit camisole and a pair of the tiniest bikini panties he'd ever seen on a woman in the flesh.  He was frozen, eyes wide, toothbrush in his mouth, toothpaste foaming and dripping, looking like a rabid dog.  He was aware of his groin muscles tightening, his testicles shrinking abruptly.
                Grace was frozen too.  He saw her jaw drop, framing her wide luscious mouth in a perfect O.  Her blue eyes widened, and an attractive blush crawled up her chest to her cheeks.  Her wide eyes traveled from his face down his torso, to the towel wrapped around his waist before dropping to her feet, where they began the climb up her own body.
                She snapped her mouth shut, and she began to sputter as realization dawned.
                "I-I'm so sorry.  I should have knocked."  Her hands went to cover herself.  "I'm not used to a man living here."  Turning, she tossed over her shoulder as she darted out of the bathroom, "I'll just use the other one!"
                Chuckling to himself, Rafe looked down, noticing his erection, making a tent out of his towel.  The tightness in his groin should have been a give away, but he'd been so taken aback by her appearance in the doorway that he hadn't taken in the implications of his blood flow altering its course from his testicles to other places. 
                Spitting out the toothpaste and rinsing his mouth, Rafe whistled as he went into his room to dress for the day.  It would be exciting, he was sure.

 Keep being distracted by reading, 
Urania

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Book blast and Review and Giveaway: Dysus Dreamer by J. A. Garland

Another distraction for us paranormal booklovers by Juniper Grove book solutions!

Title:  Dysus Dreamer
Author:  J.A. Garland
Published:  July 1st, 2013
Publisher: Burst Books
Word Count:  70,000
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
Content Warning:  Contains violence and minor adult language.
Recommended Age:  18+
Synopsis: Demon warrior, Slade Aesus, is determined to destroy the werewolves controlling his cousin. But a beautiful elf, consumed by her own vengeance, finds the wolves first. Botching her assassination attempt, Annwyn has the most powerful Packs in the world biting at her heels.  Both fiercely independent, can the two join forces long enough to fulfill their missions and stay alive?


About the Author:
Writing under the pen name, J.A. Garland, Jennifer is a full time firefighter in the state of California, an addicted trail runner, a connoisseur of all things cheese puff, and a urban fantasy author. When she isn't slogging through the obstacles at a mud run, you can find her hunched over her computer unleashing demons, vampires, and werewolves upon the world.



Excerpt from Dysus Dreamer by J.A. Garland:

A solid assassination operation takes one part opportunity, two parts discipline, and three parts disposition. Having two out of three this chilly Seattle evening, Slade considered himself in abundance of good fortune.
Parked in front of a solitary office building, in the zone clearly marked “No Parking,” Slade cleared his mind of distractions consisting of the little here and there that could creep in and throw him off, just a hair, but enough to jeopardize his mission. Satisfied, he slid out of the rental car and re-tucked a stylish black golf shirt monogrammed with “Constantine Vineyards” into a pair of crisp, steel gray slacks. In this particular scenario, image was crucial.
Tonight, the element discipline presented itself by his waiting for the precise moment to strike. He made a living analyzing people and their habits, so he knew his targets relaxed around the holidays and were less likely to see the danger lurking behind his smiling façade. The current festivity du jour was Christmas, and coupled with his gift, destined Slade a popular man. I'm counting on it.
He moved around to the trunk, where he heaved free a slatted, wooden case. It smelled of musky oak. The peaceful scent hinted at candlelit dinners shared with a long time lover. His jaw clenched. Not in my past and not in my future.
Slade lugged his precious cargo toward the sprawling metal office building. Immense, the structure stabbed farther into the heavens than any other in the area, yet fell short. Just like my target. Outwardly, Joe Larsen appeared a dedicated family man, a real pillar of the community whose flourishing internet and telecommunications business, ProCom, employed hundreds. In reality, the werewolf belonged to the Dirty Dozen, a group of the twelve most ruthless wolf Packs roaming the earth.
How ironic. I was once your target. A year ago, the Dozen kidnapped his cousin Amber, a half-demon, half-human. Able to keep a shifter from shifting, Amber's ability proved irresistible, since more times than not, the Dozen's meetings devolved into an unproductive, fur-flying brawl. We saved Amber, but left behind some unfinished business. Starting with Larsen, the wolves would learn a lesson...a demon’s memory rivals the most scorned woman, and paybacks were indeed a bitch.



 Book Review
As a Juniper Grove Books host, I was asked to submit an honest review of Dysus Dreamer and was sent a copy of J. A. Garland’s story in mobi format. For those of you who have read the About me page of this blog, you know I have decided not to submit a review for a book I do not like; I prefer to contact the author and let them know how I feel about their story and why, maybe making one or two suggestions and always stating that the fact that I’m not the right person to review their story does not really mean anything.  
Thankfully, this was not a problem with Dysus Dreamer. Even from the first page, I realized I was going to enjoy reading it.
But let me explain this:

What I liked about the book:
-Definitely the beginning. You know me; the first pages of the book really matter! And with J. A. Garland’s story, you can’t put the book away once you start reading it.
-The way she blended the two different worlds in her story: the plot unravels in two different levels that eventually meet and... sorry! I can’t reveal more about this if I am to submit a spoiler-free review.
-The action scenes. I have only one word to describe them: breathtaking! It was like I was watching them on screen!
-The unpredictable turn of events in the end and in the way some of the characters evolved... I would love to write more about it but you’re going to have to read the story.
-Last but not least: Slade...

What I would change:
-This one has nothing to do with the book. It’s about me: next time I decide to submit a review I should keep in mind never to skip reading book one of the series. It is not fair to the story. Dysus Dreamer can be a standalone but I really had to read certain pages twice and really carefully to keep up with the events and the background of the plot.
-The paragraphs that reveal the characters’ inner thoughts to the reader could also include Anwyn, one of the main characters whose role is crucial throughout the story. As a reader, I really wondered how she felt about Slade and if she felt the same for him.
- The villains’ inner thoughts confused me at some points: they sounded too good, their actions too justified. Was it the writer’s intention to show that sometimes there is a rationale behind evil? That no one is really evil but simply has no option? I wonder... (If this is so, please consider this paragraph as the last one of the What I liked part. Maybe the writer can enlighten us about it!)


My rating: 4/5 hearts!






Giveaway Details:
There is an international tour wide giveaway. Up for grabs is a $50 Amazon Gift Card!


Keep being distracted by reading,
Urania


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Book blast and Giveaway: Baehrly Breathing by Elizabeth A Reeves

Today I intend to distract you with a Contemporary Fantasy story:


Title:  Baehrly Breathing
Series:  Goldie Locke and the Were Bears # 1
Author:  Elizabeth A Reeves
Published:  May 7th, 2013
Word Count:  approx. 45,000
Genre:  Contemporary Fantasy
Content Warning:  Mild Violence


Synopsis:  A spin-off of the popular Cindy Eller series.
The first book in the Goldie Locke and the Were Bears series.
It’s difficult to be taken seriously when you are a member of the Magical community and saddled with the unfortunate name ‘Goldie Locke’. It certainly doesn’t help if you are also about five feet tall, blond, and most commonly described as ‘cute.’ What was a girl to do?
Become one of the most dreaded Magical environmental lawyers of all time?
Goldie isn’t there yet, but she’s well on her way when a case drags her into uncharted territory– working with Ordinary officials to figure out why ‘unusual’ remains are being discovered all around New England.
With her hands full and a new dragon on the way, Goldie’s hunches about this case may prove to be all-too true– this stuff is bad business!



Title:  Baehrly Beginning
Series:  Goldie Locke and the Were Bears .5
Author:  Elizabeth A Reeves
Published:  April 22nd, 2013
Word Count:  about 21 pages
Genre:  Contemporary Fantasy

Synopsis:  A short story introducing sassy and spunky Goldie Locke and her menagerie of magical and rare creatures. Witch Goldie Locke's mission in life is the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered Magical creatures. She will put her life and all she has at risk to save them.

FREE!

About the Author:
Legend has it that Elizabeth A Reeves was born with a book in her hands and immediately requested a pony. Though this story is questionable, it is true that books and horses have been consistent themes in her life. Born in Massachusetts, she was quickly transplanted to Arizona by a professor father and creativity-driven mother, who is the one responsible for saying “If you can’t find a book that you want to read, write a book you want to read.”
In her spare time, she likes to knit, weave, hatch chickens, and chase after her husband and four sons.
Excerpt from Baehrly Breathing by Elizabeth A. Reeves:

It’s difficult to be taken seriously when you are a member of the Magical community and saddled with the unfortunate name ‘Goldie Locke’. It certainly doesn’t help if you are also about five feet tall, blond, and most commonly described as ‘cute.’ What was a girl to do?
Become one of the most dreaded Magical environmental lawyers of all time?
Well, I wasn’t there quite yet, but I was well on my way.
I stared up my nose at the frowning specter of a Mage. I wondered if he had any ogre blood in his lineage, for he was exceptionally tall, had quite a lot of girth, and had the most bulbous nose I had ever had the misfortune to meet.
Moments like this I really wished I was over six feet tall, male, and named Marmaduke. Then I would have been taken seriously.
I figured anyone named Marmaduke had to be pretty kick-ass if they survived to adulthood.
The ogre was actually laughing at me.
“What makes you think a tiny thing like you can just waltz in here and tell me what to do?” he demanded, his face turning an ugly shade of mauve that really didn’t go well with his rather orange hair, what there was of it.
I put my hands on my hips. “I suggest that you cooperate,” I told him. “You have been commanded by the Council of Magic to release into my custody the illegal specimen you have in your possession.” I waved the writ at him, but he just shoved it away with an unpleasant laugh.
“The council sent a speck like you to enforce it?” he roared.
“Hey,” I protested. “I know I’m cute, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take me seriously.”
“How about I smash you flat?” His piggy eyes glowered at me. “Is that serious enough?”
Yup, he definitely had ogre in him.
“Don’t mess with me,” I warned.
In response he took a lumbering swing at my head.
In a flash I was out of his range and had the tip of my sword tucked neatly underneath one of his massive earlobes.
“I suggest,” I said sweetly, “that you don’t move.”
He made a growling sound, but let his shoulders slump.
“Good choice,” I said, sheathing my sword again. “If you don’t like my blade you would really hate my magic.”
“Witch,” the ogre spat.
“Thank you,” I answered, flattered. “Now may I please have your cooperation?”
For a second I thought I was going to have to kick his butt again, but he turned away from me grumbling, and led the way into his dwelling.
Not everyone in the Magical Community lived in archaic squalor. I knew that, having grown up in a rather affluent home, but these days I seemed to deal more and more with the other side of my world—the dregs, as my bosses, the Baehr brothers, would have called them.
I tried not to judge people or label them, but some things made it difficult.
The cottage was small and made of stone, with half a sheep’s head sitting on the table, a cleaver wedged into its skull. The whole interior of the cottage was damp and sporting a large array of moss.
“Love what you’ve done with the place,” I quipped.
“Huh?” the giant turned an eye towards me then shrugged. “Oh, uh, thanks.”
I gave him my sweetest and most genuine smile.
His ears actually turned a little pink.
He kicked open a door that looked like it led straight down into the cellar.
I’d been tricked before. “After you,” I suggested.
With a nod he barreled down the few stairs. Reluctantly, I followed him.
I wrinkled my nose. There was something both musty and sulfuric about the scent of the cellar and, despite the dampness above, it was parched dry and hot.
I’d never been one for standing close to a fire, and this felt like I was standing close to volcanic ash.
I fought the urge to loosen my collar. I knew the ogre-man was watching my every move and I couldn’t afford for him to stop taking me seriously. Things could get messy really fast with a big guy like this.
And I really didn’t want to wipe the floor with him if I didn’t have to.
He shuffled off into a corner and returned with his contraband—a huge, shiny green egg nestled into a makeshift nest of old leather and practically radiating heat.
Damn. It was a dragon’s egg.
I didn’t even want to know how this monster of a man had gotten his hands on one of the great rarities of the Magical world. Dragons were on the endangered creatures list—near the top, actually. There was a grand tradition of dragon hunting: spells containing objects such as scales and claws that made anything dragon a hot commodity on the black market. The dragon population on this side of the barrier that kept the Ordinary and Fae worlds separate was tiny and rather inbred. I’d heard that there was a large and healthy dragon population on the other side, but that was all hearsay.
I took a deep breath and counted to ten in Gaelic to quiet my temper. I hated it when people broke the rules. This egg—if it was viable—was going to cause someone a lot of trouble.
And that someone was always me.

Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
·         $25 Gift Card – Winner’s choice to Amazon, B&N, or PayPal Cash
Giveaway is International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep being distracted by reading,
Urania