Book Blast Giveaway:Eli’s Coming byDarcia Helle

Title:    Eli’s Coming

Series:   Chasing the Night, Book 1

Author:  Darcia Helle

Published:  May 11th, 2015

Genre:  Supernatural Suspense

Content Warning:   Moderate violence and adult language

Synopsis:  Eli’s dark legacy holds murder as his rite of passage. They say his ability is a gift. He calls it a curse. A life of violence and heartache leaves him with nothing left to fight for.

Or so he thinks.

Amanda steals his heart, but love makes him vulnerable. He must give her up or accept who he is and fight.

Will he risk stepping into the darkness that could consume him?

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Excerpt from Eli’s Coming by Darcia Helle:

The allure of the night is its ability to pull you into its depths, to keep you hidden in its crevices. The darkness wraps around you. Nothing reaches you there.

And you reach nothing.

Have you ever wanted to melt into the darkness? Dissolve into the shadows?

You can lose yourself in the black emptiness. But while you may lose yourself, the night always knows where you are.

Eli Hayes stood alone in the darkness. The night sky was clear, lit by the stars and a perfect quarter moon. Shadows fell across the ground, casting a thick and almost tangible black film. He was aware of the tension in his shoulders and the ache in his jaw. Closing his eyes, he breathed in slow and deep. He stayed that way, quietly meditating, until the pain melted away.

When he opened his eyes again, the shadows followed the path of the gravestones. He squatted in front of a square chunk of marble. He read the name and date slowly, committing it to memory as if he’d later be quizzed on the information. As if it wasn’t already etched in his mind, a permanent fixture there.

He reached out. The stone felt cold against his fingertips. He traced the letters. Deep grooves in cold rock. All that was left at the end of existence.

About the Author:

Darcia Helle lives in a fictional world with a husband who is sometimes real. Their house is ruled by spoiled dogs and cats and the occasional dust bunny.

Suspense, random blood spatter and mismatched socks consume Darcia’s days. She writes because the characters trespassing through her mind leave her no alternative. Only then are the voices free to haunt someone else’s mind.

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog  |  Website

Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• Faith & Inspiration Sterling Silver Two-Toned Angel Pendant Necklace (US)
• $20 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

Giveaway Ends March 8th at 11:59 PM ET.

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Book Blast Giveaway: Trail of Secrets, YA Mystery by Laura Wolfe

Title:  Trail of Secrets

Author:  Laura Wolfe

Published:  August 27th, 2015

Publisher:  Fire and Ice YA

Genre:  YA Mystery

Content Warning:  PG-13

Synopsis:  Spending three weeks of her summer at the elite Foxwoode Riding Academy in northern Michigan should have been one of the happiest times of sixteen year-old Brynlei’s life. But from the moment Brynlei arrives at Foxwoode, she can’t shake the feeling she’s being watched. Then she hears the story of a girl who vanished on a trail ride four years earlier. While the other girls laugh over the story of the dead girl who haunts Foxwoode, Brynlei senses that the girl—or her ghost—may be lurking in the shadows.

Brynlei’s quest to reveal the truth interferes with her plan to keep her head down and win Foxwoode’s coveted “Top Rider” award. To make things worse, someone discovers Brynlei’s search for answers and will go to any length to stop her. As Brynlei begins to unravel the facts surrounding the missing girl’s disappearance, she is faced with an impossible choice. Will she protect a valuable secret? Or save a life?

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Book Trailer Link:  https://youtu.be/1agKipTUZZQ

Excerpt from Trails of Secrets by Laura Wolfe:

Jett plodded rhythmically through the pristine landscape. The earthy scent of pine needles, tree moss, and raspberries filled Brynlei’s senses. Wild raspberry bushes sprouted up along the trail, their thorns threatening to impale anyone who reached for the ripe fruit. A small creek with crystal clear water babbled to the right of the trail. She could see straight through the rushing water to the leaves and stones on the bottom.

Anna turned back toward Brynlei. “We’re stopping for minute to let the horses drink from the creek. Pass it on.”

Brynlei passed the same message back to Kaitlyn. She guided Jett over to the creek and let him stretch his head toward the water. Out of the corner of her eye, Brynlei saw something dart behind one of the trees in the distance. She would have dismissed it as a squirrel or a deer, but it was too tall. It almost looked like a person, but then it was gone. The hairs on Brynlei’s neck stood on end. The dark energy prickled her skin. She could feel someone watching her. Jett jerked his head up and perked his ears toward the trees beyond the creek. His nostrils flared and his feet danced. He was on alert and so was Brynlei.

About the Author:

Laura Wolfe is a lover of animals and nature. When she is not writing, Laura can be found playing games with her highly-energetic kids, riding horses, growing vegetables in her garden, or spoiling her rescue dog. She lives in her home state of Michigan with her husband, son, and daughter. Laura holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan and a JD from DePaul University. She is an active member of multiple writing groups, including Sisters in Crime and the SCBWI. In addition to Trail of Secrets, Laura’s writing credits include an article in Practical Horseman Magazine, and a picture book, Henrietta’s Hoof Polish (forthcoming from Guardian Angel Publishing).

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• A $10 Amazon gift card.

Giveaway is International.

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Keep being distracted by reading,
Urania

Book Blast Giveaway: Protecting Cheyenne by Susan Stoker

Our distarctions today include Protecting Cheyenne! 
Enjoy!

Title:   Protecting Cheyenne

Series:  SEAL of Protection #5 (Stand-alone)

Author:  Susan Stoker

Published:  May 5th, 2015

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Content Warning:  Mild adult sexual content

Synopsis:

Living in Southern California, Cheyenne was used to seeing hot military men as she went about her daily business. An anonymous encounter at the grocery store cemented her crush on one such man. He was big, built, and incredibly easy on the eyes, but it wasn’t as if he would ever really notice her.

Always in control of any situation, Faulkner “Dude” Cooper knows explosives. As a bomb expert, he’s lived through many high pressure situations. Disfigured by a bomb while on a mission, he’s used to being looked at with pity. When he’s called to a local supermarket to assist the local PD, the last thing he expects to find is a generous act of kindness performed by a beautiful, amazing woman. Enchanted by her selflessness in the face of danger and intrigued by her actions to save civilians she didn’t know, Dude’s hooked.

Dude was able to save Cheyenne from the group of thugs trying to take her life, but when the past comes back to haunt them both, sometimes having the knowledge and the desire isn’t enough to beat the countdown of the clock.

**Protecting Cheyenne is the 5th book in the SEAL of Protection Series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s recommended you read the books in order to get maximum enjoyment out of the series.

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Title:   Protecting Jessyka

Series:  SEAL of Protection #6 (Stand-alone)

Author:  Susan Stoker

To be published:  July 7th, 2015

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Synopsis:

Kason “Benny” Sawyer was the last single man on his Navy SEAL team. He loved his teammates like brothers and respected each and every one of their women. They’d all been through hell and they deserved their current happiness. But seeing the love between his friends and their women made it tough to be the odd man out all the time.

Jessyka Allen had a good life, until it wasn’t anymore.

Finding herself in an impossible situation, with no noticeable way out, her job was an escape. Working at the small Bar and Grill put her in contact with some wonderful people, who Jess figured couldn’t ever understand what she was going through.

Being a SEAL, Benny thought he knew the true meaning of teamwork and friendship. But Jess would show him that everything he thought he knew about sacrifice, trust, and love, paled in comparison to what she brought into his world.

 **Protecting Jessyka is the 6th book in the SEAL of Protection Series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s recommended you read the books in order to get maximum enjoyment out of the series.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

About the Author:

Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

As Mr. Stoker says, Susan has been training to become a romance author her entire life. She’s been reading romances since middle school and writes what she loves.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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Excerpt  from Protecting Cheyenne:

“You’re hot. I’m assuming you know this.” Cheyenne sounded like she was imparting some deep dark secret to him.

“Shy…” He didn’t disagree, but he didn’t agree either. She was extremely cute all drugged up. Dude shuddered to think about her actually driving in his condition.

“Seriously, you are. I don’t know why you’re here though. Did you lose a bet or something? Are your buddies around somewhere ready to bust out and laugh?”

“What?” Dude was getting pissed. Cheyenne couldn’t mean what it sounded like she meant.

“Yeah, no one who looks like you has ever taken a second look at me before. I’m just me. You’re….well…you’re sex on a stick.”

Dude didn’t even smile at her words. She had to be kidding him. “Hon…”

“No, really. I know I’m not a troll. I’m passable, I actually think I’ve got great calves, and I like my arms…at least I did before I had the hair completely ripped off of them. But I’m not the kind of woman you probably are with all the time. I bet chicks throw themselves at you. When you go out to the bar I bet you always leave with someone right? Oh shit! I bet you hang out with a gang of hotties don’t you? Jesus, I bet you leave a wake of devastation behind you wherever you go.”

Dude raised his right hand and covered Cheyenne’s mouth lightly. He didn’t know whether to be pissed at her assumptions, or to be flattered. “Cheyenne, first, there’s no fucking bet and I’m kinda pissed you’d even accuse me of something like that. I think you are exquisite. Funny. Cute. Interesting. And there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here, right now, with you. Second, yes, I have a group of friends and we hang out, but almost all of them are either married or in a serious relationship. We don’t leave a wake of anything behind us, because we only have eyes for our women.” Dude didn’t even stop to think about what he was saying, that he was suddenly including Cheyenne in his thoughts and words.

“I hope like hell when you wake up in the morning and the pain pills have worn off you’ll remember this conversation and want to hang out with me and my friends. You’re like them more than you know.”

Dude smiled at the look on Cheyenne’s face. She hadn’t picked her head up off the head rest, but watched him with serious eyes.

“But you’re perfect…” She would have said more, but Dude interrupted her.

“I’m not even close to fucking perfect. I’m kinda a slob, I have a tendency to throw my shit on the floor until it annoys me too badly and I have to put it in the hamper. I have a temper, but I’d never raise my hand to you or any other woman. And…” Dude held up his left hand, reminding Cheyenne of his mangled hand. “Enough women have told me this is disgusting or just plain gross, for me to think I’m anything but perfect.”

Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• A $10 Amazon gift card

Giveaway is International

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Book Blast Giveaway: Wizdom and Pandora,YA Fantasy by K.M. Woodard

About The Author:

 A lifetime resident of the Washington, DC area, K.M. Woodard has always enjoyed the outdoors and loves to travel. After working 17 years with the MetLife Insurance Company, she pursued her career as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent with Homeland Security and has a Masters Degree in Criminology. A true Tolkien fan, her passion for medieval and ancient times and her personal travel adventures often inspire ideas for new books. Her active imagination and fascination with escaping reality to a world of enchantment, mystery and suspense has resulted in a series of novels sure to delight readers looking for fast-paced adventure at every twist and turn, interspersed with a smidgen of humor.

Author Links - 

www.wizdomandpandora.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WizdomandPandora

Twitter: @wizdomandpandor

Goodreads member/blog: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7380415.K_M_Woodard

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Wizdom-And-Pandora-Quest-Blood/dp/1468538020/ref=sr_1_1?

ie=UTF8&qid=1400258256&sr=8-1&keywords=wizdom+and+pandora

Book Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: Authorhouse

Release Date: 10/30/2014

Buy Link(s): AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/Wizdom-And-Pandora-Quest-Blood/dp/1468538020/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400258256&sr=8-1&keywords=wizdom+and+pandora

AUTHORHOUSE:
http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000536911/WIZDOM-AND-PANDORA.aspx

Book Description:

Wizdom didn't know dragons really existed. He's never ridden a white woolly mammoth or flown on a griffin. He's never known a real king or a princess or been friends with a goblin. Wizdom's never seen elves that glow blue all the time. All he's ever known are his adoptive mother and his aunt Kayden. One day he finds himself in a secret world, face to face with dragons and fire monsters. He meets an interesting girl, Pandora, who he learns is no ordinary girl, just as he is no ordinary boy. Wizdom soon finds himself on a magical journey full of secrets, sorcery, danger and evil. He fights many fierce battles and faces certain death as his quest leads him on an adventure like never before as he discovers his true identity . . . or does he?

Excerpt:

Wizdom stared in awe, unconsciously holding his breath, as he looked up the endless staircase of gleaming black marble before him. The air around him was damp and musty and tickled his nostrils.

Cobwebs hung overhead, dangling high above him from the towering ceiling. Perched at the top of the stairs was a large, golden dragon throne. Sitting on white marble, it was surrounded by statues of goblins, gargoyles and other strange creatures. They all stared back disconcertingly at Wizdom, some with tongues out, others with piercing eyes, bared teeth or pointed ears. The dragon’s head held its mouth agape, as if ready to devour him, revealing a long golden tongue jutting out and sharp pointed teeth. The arms of the throne were created by the front legs of the dragon and the claws made up the feet of the chair.

A huge tail jutted out from the back of the chair and coiled around to the front like a sitting cat. Three spikes on the tail’s end glistened in piercing diamond shards. Giant wings stood out from the dragon’s back, poised for flight, black and shimmering like dark sapphires. Its eyes were large rubies, and its body was sprinkled in faceted jewels.

Two spiraling horns jutted out from its head, over a foot of solid gold, with diamonds on the tips. Held within the horns shone an enormous crimson red stone, casting an eerie glow and dancing shadows over the stone statues surrounding it.

What was this place? Where was he? He dared to move forward, ever so slowly, toward this great altar. His pulse racing, palms sweating, he paused momentarily, staring up at the dragon’s red gleaming eyes.

As he approached the stairs, the dragon’s fiery eyes stared down at him unnervingly, as if it was alive, watching him.

Wizdom wondered about how he had gotten there. How did he get here? He glanced around the great hall surrounding him. Flickering candles, sconces and torches aligned the walls of marbled stone. The ceiling was several stories high and great pillars supported the wooden arches above him. Shadows and darkness surrounded him, except for the faint glow of the iron torches, and the scarlet glow of the jewel radiating from the dragon’s crown jewel. He could feel some sort of power emanating from it as he stood there. It made him feel happy and safe, despite his surroundings.

Suddenly, he saw movement out of the corner of his left eye. He looked quickly, but saw nothing. Turning to scurrying sounds to his right, he still saw nothing but black. Was he imagining things? Because of the obscuring darkness, he could not see very far, only as far as the torches lining the walls. He was only eleven but he was an adventurer and never scared and despite his current situation, he normally loved mysteries and secret places. Unconsciously, his pulse kept racing as the silence crept eerily around him… 

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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?

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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.

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog

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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog

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