Padme's Library

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Coulda Woulda Shoulda Song Series by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

TITLE – This Could Have Been Our Song! A coulda woulda shoulda ballad…
SERIES – Coulda Woulda Shoulda Song #1
AUTHOR – Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba
GENRE – Women’s fiction, Chicklit
PUBLICATION DATE – January 18th 2013
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 93000 words/ 400 pages
PUBLISHER – Ever After Edition
COVER ARTIST – Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Summary:
Love can be such a “coulda, woulda, shoulda” song sometimes…
Lucia Mpobo-Riddell could have been a dancer like the rest of women of her family but instead she chose music. Marcus Grant could have been a doctor like the rest of his family but instead he chose music. She also could have not fallen for Marcus on her birthday but she did. And Marcus, he could have told Lucia the truth about his real reason for being in Toronto that night, but he didn’t. Now they have to deal with big reveals and consequences: Marcus almost stealing her job and being force to work on an album together. Marcus, because he couldn’t swallow his pride, leaves Toronto and goes home to London. Lucia, because she just couldn’t give up on her first amazing opportunity to produce a whole album. And to complicate the situation further, the band they’re working for is not the easiest one. Mary Gillis, Marcus’ on and off flame, still has a hold on him. Greg McMullen, Lucia’s close friend and former dance partner is back in town and has been in love with her for years. Then there’s Marcus and Lucia, in the middle of their own a professional and personal tug-of- war with each over and the rest of the world. But maybe things could still work out… All things considered, this could have been one heck of a love song!
Note: Cliff-hanger, family saga, Happy for now ending

TITLE – This Would Have Been Our Song! Catchy tunes and dancers’ tales
SERIES – Coulda Woulda Shoulda Song #2
AUTHOR – Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba
GENRE – Women’s fiction, Chicklit
PUBLICATION DATE – January 18th 2014
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 90000 words/ 350 pages
PUBLISHER – Ever After Edition
COVER ARTIST – Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Summary:
Marcus, Greg and Lucia are back in the second part of their journey to their perfect love song... will they finally find it?
This would have been their perfect love song…
It has been two years since Lucia Mpobo-Riddell has made her choice between the two men in her life. She and her beloved would have been perfectly happy if it wasn’t for… the constant distractions from her past, her sister Noor’s complicated life, her own doubts and fears. Maybe there wasn’t such a thing as perfection and this was a lesson that Lucia was going to learn the hard way. Greg McMullen and Marcus Grant’s lives had been affected by Lucia’s choice that day in Glasgow two years ago. Since then one had been fighting to keep her when the other had been relentlessly trying to get her back. It soon became apparent to them that she wasn’t the Lucia they met and fell in love with anymore. Her life and priorities had completely shifted. To even consider keeping her or just getting her back, they would have to accept it or they would have to let her go. But would they ever be able to do either?
Note: Cliff-hanger, family saga, Happy for now ending

I'm ashamed to say that there was a time when I would not have chosen to read these books because when I was younger I often would pick books by the cover and I'll be honest, the cover would not have pulled me in. I'm happy to say that I haven't done that in many years because I would have missed out on a library size list of great stories and even better authors, this series included. I was surprised to find as much humor in this triangle themed stories as I did. You don't often find humor in a "who does she choose? A or B" story. At times I felt like I was watching William Powell and Myrna Loy trade banter or Bogey and Bacall sexual innuendos that made 1940s Hollywood great. The characters are extremely well written and at times are larger than life that you only find in fiction and other times they could easily be your neighbor next door.

Rating:

This Could Have Been Our Song! - book One
MARCUS

     “Do you want to get out of here?” I asked, straight in the eyes. I still can’t believe she said yes. After all that had happened between us in past the six months and all that had happened yesterday at the wedding, she still said yes. She generously gave herself to me without any reserve and I selfishly took what she was offering. And I want more, more of her, more of us.
     I look at her sleeping next to me on her stomach in my bed. She’s facing me but I can’t see her face; her hair is covering it. I move it away to kiss her nose, her cheekbone, her neck. I move the sheet down so I can slowly kiss her naked back, each vertebra at a time. Her smell is just so intoxicating, vanilla and cocoa butter at the same time, strangely matching her light-brown complexion. The then exotic, charming, beautiful and very inviting Lucia has now become the beautifully, passionate, exotically intoxicating, charmingly stubborn, temptress Lucia.
     I hear a small groan as I’m running my hands across her smooth back. She’s finally waking up. Good; I thought I might have to shake her this time.
     “Hi, Marcus.” She’s just smiling, her eyes closed, her voice hoarse.
     I keep kissing her lower back, almost reaching her butt when I’m stopped by a pair of knickers. “Now, how did those get here?” I ask her, laughing and trying to remove them.
     She turns around, now fully awake, giving me an impressive view of her breasts, partially hidden under her long, straightened hair. My mouth goes dry. I bend down to kiss her stomach then lick her navel. She looks down, takes my head and brings it to her eye level.
     “Marcus…” she whispers, staring at me, her eyes so full of love, our mouths so close to one another.
     “Luce…” I respond. That’s the only thing I can say every time I hear my name in that sexy, pleading tone. Temptress Lucia kisses me, softly at first, teasing me with her tongue, then she just goes for it. It’s deep, it’s wet, it’s messy, it’s just earthshattering. I kiss her chin, her neck goes back to her mouth, take her breasts in my hands. I can hardly breathe or think but I just can’t stop myself. But I do while pushing her hair away from her breasts so I can enjoy them fully.
     “Would you be a dear and take those off?” I ask her, pointing to her knickers.
     “No rest for the wicked I see. Where do you find this energy?” she answers, smiling at me.
     “I’m not sure,” I tease, still waiting for those damn knickers to be removed.
     “I can barely move.” She pushes me away. “Are you trying to break a record?”
     “It’s the last time I promise,” I tell her while kissing her neck. I don’t think I’m going to be able to keep this promise but she doesn’t have to know. “Now, please, the knickers.”
     “Baby, I’m so tired. I need a good shower,” she yawns and stretches her body against mine.
     “A shower would be nice,” I gloat. Forget it, I’ll remove them myself.
     She takes my hand and kisses it before pushing it away. “Alone! I’m starving. How about I cook us some breakfast as well?” she adds, sitting up and retrieving a nightgown.
     “Where did you get this?” I ask her.
     “In my bag.” She points it out. “I went downstairs to pick up my things, which included my infamous knickers.”
     “I see. It is mid-Sunday morning after all.” I look down at those damn panties. “So, are you going to do something about this?” I say.
     “Patrick was here and left for Manchester about ninety minutes ago. He said, he’d call… Do you think he’s going to call me, Marcus? Men always say that but most never do,” she tells me.
     “You’re too much, Luce! And he’d better not call you or–” I say, taking her in my arms.
     “Or what, Marcus?” she asks softly.
I caress her soft, sweet cheeks while she’s kissing my hands along the way. How can such simple gestures feel so intimate and so natural between us? It keeps amazing me.
     “Or what, Marcus?” she asks again.
     “Oh…I will deal with him,” I tell her. I reach out for her face, her lovely face. “Come here,” I say before kissing her again. “Luce?”
     “What now?” she asks against my lips.
     “I have to be in Paris next Wednesday…in ten days. I can’t promise you anything but I would really like–”
     “I’ll stay with you.” She kisses the tip of my nose. She doesn’t add anything else but her eyes are doing all the talking, the yearning and the longing.
     I can’t promise you anything, Luce, I keep repeating to myself, but I don’t want you to go away. “Thank you for staying.”
     She removes her panties slowly, without breaking eye contact. She reaches for me, her arms and legs embracing me, placing me on top of her.
     “Last time, right? Then you’ll let me rest,” she asks me. Her hands are caressing my back and the back of my head; her feet are caressing my butt.
     “I really, really doubt it, love,” I groan, completely entering her without breaking eye contact and taking all her sweet, wonderful warmth inside of me.

This Would Have Been Our Song! - book Two
IX. Marcus - As Doddy Grant always says, carry on my wayward sons!

     I slowly take Lucia lips before deepening the kiss… so deep I’m not even sure how we’re breathing. But here we are in my bedroom, always in my bedroom, wrestling each other clothes off. I’ve missed her so much; I haven’t seen her in days. I push her on the bed but she takes me with her in her fall. “Naughty boy! Raising your lovely hand on a defenceless woman…” she whispers in my ear and licks it.
     I’m melting and getting so hard at the same time. I didn’t even know it was possible. “Temptress, you’re a lot of thing but you’re never defenceless. Right now you’re killing me,” I moan back. I hungrily start on her perfect luscious breasts before taking care of the rest of her. Her hands are scratching my back when they’re not pulling my hair. “I love you so much,” I let out against her mouth and she locks her legs around me.
     “You’re all talk, talk, talk… Prove it, Mercutio,” she grins back looking straight into my eyes. She masterfully wiggles and somehow I’m inside her, “That’s better.”
     “Luce, are you for real,” I moan and start moving.
     “You…tell…me,” she groans. We move faster, deeper, in pure ecstasy but Temptress has decided to test my endurance.
     “Luce, please,” I beg, sweat dripping from my forehead.
     “It’s completely up to you,” she laughs back. She softly, tenderly, slowly kisses me and we come together.
     “I’m dreaming again, am I?” I ask her out of breath still in my own daze.
     She straddles me, her long straightened hair covering her breasts, “What do you think?”
     I’m thinking that Lucia is wearing her hair short and curly right now. I’m thinking– “I don’t care!” I lean up and bring her even closer. “As far as I’m concerned you’re here right now with me.”

Author Bio:
I’m over 30.
I was born in Quebec City, Canada.
I grew up in France and in Gabon.
I speak English & French fluently.
Pizza is my favorite dish.
Black Forest Cake is my favorite dessert.
I met Michael Jackson when I was eleven.
I loathe vodka but love gin, wine and tequila.
I'm obsessed with Robbie Williams and Michael Fassbender.
I call Toronto my home.
I love reading.
I love dancing.
I love watching exciting TV shows.
I love my life... most days.
I'm a major goof.
I can't stand intolerance.
I'm curious, cheeky and oh so opinionated!

Author Links:
Blog-Indie Books Review
Facebook
Twitter
Website
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Goodreads
Pinterest

Author on Spotify

Coulda #1 on Spotify

Coulda #2 Chapter on Spotify

Coulda #2 on Spotify

Bird of Prey #1 on Spotify

Plot Thickens #2 on Spotify

Polliannah Got Married! #3 on Spotify

Vincent Mallory Edgerton #3 on Spotify

This Could Have Been Our Song!(#1)

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This Could Have Been Our Song!(#2)

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Kindle Paperwhite or NOOK GlowLight or Kobo Glo (winner’s choice Open in US, CA and UK ONLY)
$25 or £15 for UK Starbucks eGift
$10 AllRomance.com gift certificate
2 paperbacks: Stages & Thieves (Open in US, CA and UK ONLY)

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Also by the author:

Summary:
This was supposed to be an easy case...
Sémya Slotin had spent the last three years living in London with her best friend Polliannah Koch staying away from solving cases. After Hawaii, she was taking a break from puzzles, cases and mysteries that could potentially get her killed. Instead, she had been doing her second and third favorite things, drinking and selling expensive vintage wines and having earth-shattering sex with the mysterious, sexy, beautiful but ever so secretive Josh Heinz. Life in London was good....until her funds ran out. Too much wine drinking, not enough wine selling!
When fashion designer and adoptive mother, Annika Slotin, summoned her back to Paris to hire her for what Sémya considered being the easiest case of her amateur sleuth career, all she could think of and see was money signs and a well-deserved Cuban holiday once it was solved.
What Sémya didn't see was her stumbling on the fresh corpse of supermodel Johanna Cartier. She didn't think that male model turned fashion designer Julian Marais-Caldwin, who also happened to be Sémya's ex, would be suspected of brutally murdering her. Johanna was his girlfriend, his muse and he loved her. Sémya didn't see the dead bodies piling up or the conspiracy theories.
Sémya was a little rusty. But then again, it was supposed to be an easy case and she was going to solve it. One vintage wine at a time... Sémya Slotin was officially back in business!

Summary:
What happened while Semya Slotin and Josh Heinz were busy solving Johanna Cartier's murder in Bird Of Prey?
Polliannah's story... When Polliannah Koch Guryev meets John Allen, she thinks that she's finally found her Prince Charming a tall, blond and handsome banker. What could go wrong?
John Allen has a job to do and getting closer to the beautiful Miss Koch Guryev is supposed to be a means to an end. But then they fall in love. He's a hit man on a mission, she's the sister of his targets. What possible future could they have? Now he and his Russian Princess have to leave London for their safety. But it may already be too late for them...
Note: Not a standalone, you need to read Bird of Prey first.

Summary:
The truth this time, and nothing but the truth…
Polliannah Koch Guryev is in trouble and her boyfriend is dead. It's not the first time amateur sleuth Sémya Slotin finds herself on the first plane to rescue her best friend, but nothing's prepared her for what she finds in Toronto. Polliannah is a widow and her late husband John Allen was a hit man for the powerful Dovos family. What did they want from her? Why is this happening? One thing they do know: their carefree life back in London is officially over.
Sémya’s long-time boyfriend Josh Heinz knows more than he lets on, but as usual he’s not telling her anything. In fact, everyone knows more but nobody’s talking. But that never stops Sémya Slotin, Detective Extraordinaire, from finding out the truth beneath the lies…
But at what cost? Old conspiracies and secrets resurface that put them all in peril. Sémya’s worst fears about her relationship with Josh and his past are confirmed, and the rift between them may never heal.
Sémya and Polliannah’s world is falling apart. Will they be able to come out of this stronger?
Oh, and did I mention that Polliannah got married?
Note: This book is part of the series and is not a complete standalone. However, it
could be enjoyed without reading Bird of Prey and The Plot Thickens first.

Summary:
The pursuit of peace is not always pacific.
Vincent Mallory Edgerton had always been an efficient FREGG operative. It was his family legacy and his pride. He had always loved his job, even when he had to leave everything behind for his safety and become Josh Heinz.
Every love story has a beginning.
Sémya Slotin had been coasting through life solving one mystery after another. While in Hawaii, her young protégée disappeared. When Sémya met Josh Heinz, her mind kept telling her to stay away from the handsome stranger with the hypnotic light brown eyes but she found herself inexplicably drawn to him. He awakened something in her and she was unable to resist him. It never happened to her before. Who was that man?
In Hawaii, Vincent had to work covertly with the sexy bold sleuth. Sémya’s beauty and intellect completely enthralled him, but his passion and growing love for her also changed him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to finally win her trust and keep her safe, causing him to unleash events that would shape the rest of their lives. From the moment their gazes locked, Sémya and Vincent sealed their fate.
Note: This book is part of the series and is not a standalone. You might be able
to enjoy without reading Bird of Prey and The Plot Thickens first BUT I really advise to read Polliannah Got Married! first.

Bird of Prey (#1)

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords / Kobo / iBooks / Goodreads TBR

The Plot Thickens (#2)

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Polliannah Got Married! (#3)

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Vincent Mallory Edgerton (#4)

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Monday, September 15, 2014

Captured by a Laird by Margaret Mallory

TITLE – Captured by a Laird

SERIES – The Douglas Legacy #1

AUTHOR – Margaret Mallory

GENRE – Historical Romance/ Highland Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – September 15, 2014

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 319

PUBLISHER – Amazon

Summary:
THE DOUGLAS LEGACY
The Douglas sisters, beauties all, are valuable pawns in their family's bitter struggle to control the Scottish Crown. But when powerful enemies threaten, each Douglas lass will find she must face them alone.

CAPTURED BY A LAIRD
Haunted by his father's violent death, David Hume, the new laird of Wedderburn, sets out to make his name so feared that no one will dare harm his family again. The treacherous ally who played on his father's weakness is dead and beyond David's vengeance, but his castle and young widow are ripe for the taking. The moment David lays eyes on the dark-haired beauty defending her wee daughters, however, he knows this frail-looking lass is the one person who could bring him to his knees.

Wed at thirteen to a man who tried daily to break her spirit, Lady Alison Douglas is looking forward to a long widowhood. But when the fearsome warrior known as the Beast of Wedderburn storms her gates, she finds herself, once again, forced to wed a stranger. Alison is only a pawn to serve his vengeance, so why does this dark warrior arouse such fiery passion and an unwelcome longing in her heart?

With death and danger looming, these two wounded souls must learn to trust each other . . . for only love can save them.

David strode through the battle raging between his men and the castle defenders in the courtyard and headed straight for the keep, intent on his goal.
The castle would fall quickly. The defenders lacked leadership and were in disarray. His only concern was whether the castle had a secret tunnel for escape. During the siege, he had spread his men out through the fields surrounding the fortress to keep watch. But he had concentrated his forces for the attack and most were now inside the castle. If there was a tunnel, he must secure the widow and her daughters before they had a chance to escape. He did not relish the idea of having to chase them down through the fields with dogs.
The defenders had foolishly waited too long to withdraw to the keep, and most were caught in the courtyard when David’s men burst through the gate. He barely spared them a glance as he ran up the steps of the keep.
With several of his warriors at his back, he burst through the doors brandishing his sword. He paused inside the entrance to hall. Women and children were screaming, and the few Blackadder warriors who had made it inside were overturning tables in a useless attempt to set up a defense.
“If ye hope for mercy, drop your weapons,” David shouted, making his voice heard above the chaos.
He locked gazes with the men who hesitated to obey his order until every weapon clanked to the floor, then he swept his gaze over the women. Their clothing confirmed what he’d known the moment he entered the hall. Blackadder’s widow was not in the room.
“Where is she?” he demanded of the closest Blackadder man.
“Who, m’lord?” the man said, shifting his gaze to the side.
“Your mistress!” David picked him up by the front of his tunic and leaned in close. “Tell me now.”
“In her bedchamber,” the man squeaked, pointing to an arched doorway. “’Tis up the stairs.”
David caught a sudden whiff of urine and dropped the man to the floor in disgust. The wretch had wet himself.
“Take him to the dungeon,” he ordered. The coward had given up his mistress far too easily.
David started up the wheeled stairs to the upper floors with his sword at the ready. He expected to encounter Blackadder warriors, protecting the lady of the castle. But there were none on the stairs and none guarding the door on the first floor.
Damn it. She must have escaped. He gritted his teeth as he envisioned the lady’s guards leading her through the tunnel.
He was about to open the chamber door to make sure it was empty when Brian, one of his best men, came down the stairs.
“Laird, I checked all the chambers while ye were in the hall,” he said.
David’s jaw ached from clenching it.
“There’s one door on the floor just above us that wouldn’t open with the latch,” Brian said. “Shall I break it down?”
David waved him aside and pulled the ax from his belt as he raced up the stairs.
“Open it!” he shouted and pounded on the door.
He did not wait. She could be escaping through a secret door this very moment. Three hard whacks with his ax, and the door split. He kicked it until it swung open, then stepped through.
At his first sight of the woman, his feet became fixed to the floor. He felt strange, and his vision was distorted, as if as if he had swallowed a magical potion that narrowed his sight. He could see nothing in the room but her.
She was extraordinarily lovely, with violet eyes, pale skin, and shining black hair. But there was something about her, something beyond her beauty, that held him captive. She was young, much younger than he expected, and her features and form were delicate, in marked contrast to the violent emotion in her eyes.
David knew to the depths of his soul that a brute like him should not be the man to claim this fragile flower, even while the word mine beat in his head like a drum. He had no notion of how long he stood staring at her before he became aware that she held a sword. It was longer still before he noticed the two wee lasses peeking out from behind her like frightened kittens.
Anger boiled up in his chest. Every Blackadder man in the castle who could still draw breath should have been here, standing between him and their lady. Instead, she faced him alone with a sword she could barely lift with both hands.
It was a brave, but ridiculous gesture.
There was no defense against him.

Author Bio:
MARGARET MALLORY surprised her friends & family by abandoning her legal career to write tales of romance & adventure. At long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad & rewarding the worthy--in the pages of her novels.

Margaret lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, goofy dog & crabby cat. With her two children off to college, Margaret spends most of her time working on her next Scottish historical romance. Visit her website for Book Group Discussion Questions, photos of Scotland, excerpts, & other info. Margaret loves to hear from readers!

Author Links:
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Website
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Goodreads
Shelfari

Celebrate the Captured by A Laird Release Party tonight, September 15 7-10PM EST on Facebook

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Saturday's Series Spotlight: Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn

For my first Saturday Series Spotlight I'm featuring the series that jump started the Star Wars Extended Universe: The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn.

Heir to the Empire
Summary:

It's five years after Return of the Jedi: the Rebel Alliance has destroyed the Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor, and driven out the remnants of the old Imperial Starfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy. Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting Jedi Twins. And Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of Jedi Knights. But thousand of light-years away, the last of the emperor's warlords has taken command of the shattered Imperial Fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the new Republic. For this dark warrior has made two vital discoveries that could destroy everything the courageous men and women of the Rebel Alliance fought so hard to build. The explosive confrontation that results is a towering epic of action, invention, mystery, and spectacle on a galactic scale--in short, a story worthy of the name Star Wars.

Dark Force Rising
Summary:
The dying Empire's most cunning and ruthless warlord--Grand Admiral Thrawn--has taken command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet and launched a massive campaign aimed at the New Republic's destruction. Meanwhile, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find proof of treason inside the highest Republican Council--only to discover instead a ghostly fleet of warships that could bring doom to their friends and victory to their enemies.

Yet most dangerous of all is a new Dark Jedi, risen from the ashes of a shrouded past, consumed by bitterness...and scheming to corrupt Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side.

The Last Command
Summary:

The embattled Republic reels from the attacks of Grand Admiral Thrawn, who has marshaled the remnants of the Imperial forces and driven the Rebels back with an abominable technology recovered from the Emperor's secret fortress: clone soldiers. As Thrawn mounts his final siege, Han and Chewbacca struggle to form a coalition of smugglers for a last-ditch attack against the empire, while Leia holds the Alliance together and prepares for the birth of her Jedi twins. Overwhelmed by the ships and clones at Thrawn's command, the Republic has one last hope--sending a small force, led by Luke Skywalker, into the very stronghold that houses Thrawn's terrible cloning machines. There a final danger awaits, as the Dark Jedi C'baoth directs the battle against the Rebels and builds his strength to finish what he had already started: the destruction of Luke Skywalker.

I haven't read this series in nearly 20 years and yet it feels like just yesterday. Not only is the Star Wars universe continued on beyond the films but Timothy Zahn created one of my most favorite characters in all the literary world: Mara Jade, The Emperor's Hand. Grand Admiral Thrawn is an incredible villain worthy of the title.

Rating:

Author Link: Goodreads

Graphic Novel Adapter Link: Mike Baron--Amazon

Heir to the Empire

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Graphic Novel--Amazon

Graphic Novel--B&N

Goodreads TBR

Dark Force Rising

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Graphic Novel--Amazon

The Last Command

Graphic Novel--Amazon

Graphic Novel--B&N

Goodreads TBR

Complete Trilogy Graphic Novel Hardcover

Amazon

Friday, September 12, 2014

Devotion (The Seductors Series #3) by B.L. Wilde

Cover Design: Jo Matthews

Genre: Romance/Erotica/Suspense

Release Date: September 12, 2014

***Contains mature content meant only for 18+ years of age***

Summary:
Falling in love is never easy, but when you’re a Seductor who has fallen for your target, it’s impossible.
Now that Jade has learned the whereabouts of the powercore made by Oliver’s company, her mission is almost over. The chances of being able to stay with him at the end of her contract are slim and she knows that. Would her organization really keep their word? When has a Seductor ever been able to stay with their mark?
When disaster strikes near the end of her assignment, Jade is faced with the biggest decision of her life—she must choose between her heart’s desire and doing the right thing for the sake of the world. Her choice may just be the catalyst that sets her free.
What happens when the truth comes out? Will Oliver be able to let her go this time? Or will their love for each other be enough to finally bring The Seductors down?
One thing is for certain—devotion will seal their fate.

I didn't think the author was going to top Desire but then Hunger came out. Definitely didn't think she could top Hunger, guess what? She did. I don't do spoilers so in regards to plot I'll just say WOOHOO!! Hot romance, hot drama, hot espionage, oh and did I mention it's hot? Seriously though, Miss Wilde has brought us characters, situations, settings all wrapped in this amazing series that run the gauntlet of emotional heaven and hell. We get answers in Devotion that could easily wrap up the Seductors Series but I'm told there will be another novel and a short novella yet to come. Can't wait to see what Miss Wilde brings us in the future both with the Seductors Series characters we've come to love and new characters, stories, and worlds not yet created. If you haven't read books 1 and 2, then I highly recommend that you go do so now before reading Devotion. If you have read Desire and Hunger, what are you doing sitting here reading my review of Devotion, go set your eyes feasting on Oliver and Jade. Go on, you know you want to.

Rating:

I loved spending time in Macon with Oliver and his family, but I was glad once we got back to New York. I had him all to myself, and as selfish as it sounded, I loved it when we were alone. New York held the most memories for me with him.
“I think your uncle is warming to me,” I mused as we sat eating the dinner that Mrs. Davis had prepared for us. “He actually wished me a safe trip when we left this morning.”
“It’s definitely progress,” Oliver chuckled.
“Now that we’re back in New York, you need to tell me what you want to do for your birthday. It’s only a few weeks away.”
“Well, we are fucking on my desk at work for sure. You promised me,” he winked, licking his lips. Damn him! He was too sexy for words.
“You’re sex crazed,” I giggled, shaking my head. “What about going out to dinner somewhere? We could go away for a weekend, too.”
“A dirty weekend away?” I threw my napkin at him. “What?”
“Stop thinking about sex!”
“That’s difficult. I happen to have an incredibly sexy girlfriend that I want to fuck all the time.”
“Oliver!”
“If you think about it, you’re the reason I’m sex crazed. This is your entire fault, Jade.”
“Oh, that’s right—blame it all on me,” I laughed, taking a sip of wine.
“Do you have any idea how happy you make me?”
“No, but I know how happy you make me.”
“I’m not hungry anymore.” Oliver suddenly had that look in his eyes again. The ‘I’m going to rip the clothes from your body and fuck you’ look. Instantly, I had to hold my legs together. It looked like he was going to try a prove a point.
“You’ve hardly eaten. I hope you’re not coming down with anything,” I replied, innocently.
“I’m not coming down with anything, but I certainly will be going down on something tonight.”
“Oh, God,” I whimpered, choking on my sip of wine.
“All this sex talk is making me horny. I’m going to give you a thirty second head start, then I’m planning on making you cum as many times as I can on my staircase. There are thirty four steps total. I’m thinking that’s at least ten orgasms I’ll be able to give you, maybe more, until I throw you on my bed and slide my cock inside you.” I couldn’t move. I sat there gawking at him. Ten orgasms. I couldn’t handle that! “Run Jade, I mean it. I’ll start on this table if I have to.” I stood up and ran. My heart was pounding hard in my chest. Why was I running anyway? I wanted Oliver to catch me.
I managed five steps on the staircase before he caught me from behind. “That was a feeble attempt to try and get away. Anyone would think you wanted me to catch you,” he whispered into my ear, sucking on my earlobe as his hands moved to undo the buttons on my jeans. “I’m going to drive you crazy, Beautiful. I hope you’re ready.” I couldn’t answer; his hands had already slipped inside my jeans and I was lost. Oliver began to put pressure on my sex through my panties. Why didn’t he just push my panties to the side? It was so frustrating. “Do you like that, Beautiful? I can feel your panties getting damper. How many pairs have I ruined now?”
“Too many to count,” I panted, gripping the banister for support as he sped up the movement of his hand. “W…What about Mrs. Davis?”
“She’s staying with a friend tonight. We’re all alone.” I could hear his smirk as he planted kisses down my neck. Starting to climb already, I knew my first orgasm was quickly approaching. “That’s it, Jade, give it up. I want to hear you let it all out.” I came, groaning out a string of nonsensical words, trying to hold myself up as I came undone. “I’ll give you a minute this time to compose yourself and run.”
“Are you being serious?” I gasped, still clutching the stairs. “I can hardly stand!”
“A minute and a half then,” he smirked, tilting his head. “You can manage a few more steps, Jade.” I wasn’t sure I could. “Just put one foot in front of the other.”
“Alright, Mr. Cocky.”
“Interesting choice of words.” I rolled my eyes and began to take a few unsteady steps, but it was difficult when I was still in a state of bliss. “You’re making this too easy,” he chuckled, pulling me so I was facing him. He backed me against the railing, gazing down at my chest. With one swift tug, he pulled my top over my head. “I’ll never get enough of undressing you,” he mused, running his fingertips across the top of my breasts and then into my bra, stroking my aching nipples. While his one hand continued to tease my sensitive skin, his other went south and slid right inside my panties. “Fuck, I got you well and truly worked up, didn’t I?” He ran his fingers through my slick folds, and I had to bite my lip to fight the pleasure. I had no control over myself when it came this man. “Shit, I can’t wait to fuck you. I can feel my cock already leaking at the thought.”
“Ugh, Oliver, you can’t say stuff like that to me!”
“Is gets you excited. I know you love it when I talk dirty.” He slid his fingers inside me and began another excruciating pace. “Do you know what I’m going to do after this?” he whispered, biting down on my left nipple through my bra. I couldn’t help but cry out—it felt amazing. “I’m going to strip you naked and taste you. You know I love eating you out.” I wasn’t going to survive the night, but if this was how it ended, death by an Oliver orgasm was the way to go.

Author Bio:
B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Supported fully by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.
Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn't looked back since.

Author Links:
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Website
Smashwords

Desire (TSS #1)
Summary:
Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too.
With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.
Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn’t have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.
What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?

Hunger (TSS #2)

Summary:

When Jade walked out on Oliver six months ago, she left her heart behind. Little did she know her mission was far from over. Given a new mission—to secure a secret nuclear power core—she’s thrown back into his world and has to earn his trust once more. The only problem is that she’s competing directly with another Seductor that she despises, who has already been on the mission for two months.

Oliver was devastated when he discovered Jade had left him, so he closed himself off to the world, focusing solely on his job. Everything is thrown into chaos when she resurfaces, working for an old friend of his.

Will Jade be able to win Oliver back while fighting her jealously that another Seductor might steal the mission from her? Consumed with love, controlled by a hunger she has never known, can she protect her heart a second time around if Oliver takes her back?

Devotion

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Lady Quill Chronicles by DD Chant

TITLE – The Promise (book #1) The Vow (book #2)

SERIES – The Lady Quill Chronicles

AUTHOR – D.D. Chant

GENRE – Historical Fiction/romance/adventure/mystery

PUBLICATION DATE – March 3, 2012/ July 28, 2014

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 95.620 words / 108.290 words

PUBLISHER – Self-Publish

COVER ARTIST – D.D. Chant

The Promise
Summary:
Dear Reader,
I wish to tell you a tale that began with a promise destined to change the lives of many.
When only a child, Lady Adele of Berron lost her family during a dreadful battle and was betrothed to a stranger.
Lord Rafe of Valrek, only a boy himself when the battle of Calis raged, grew to be a feared warrior and trusted advisor to his King. But sadness filled his past and Adele served only to remind him of all he had lost.
However the promise that bound these two together caused great anger to some.
What, Dear Reader, happened in those days of treachery and darkness? Incline your ear that I may whisper the secrets that you so desire to hear......
Lady Quill

Rafe watched as Adele pushed a wisp of hair back from her cheek and tucked it behind her
ear. She was unaware of his eyes upon her, all her attention was on the robin that hopped about
on the frozen earth, pecking at the crumbs she had scattered for it.
She must be tired, she had to be. Eda was even now asleep, curled up in the shelter of a
fallen log. It was Eda who had begged for rest, for food, but never once had Adele demanded
anything, no word of complaint had passed her lips. Still he was uneasy.
Adele and Eda had talk in a desultory manner, but there had been silence between himself
and her for too long. At first he had not noticed, his head was too full of plans and worries for
him to spare a thought for conversation. But for a long while he had been conscious of the
deafening silence between them and had been made uncomfortable by it.
That was strange in itself because he had been used to long marches from an early age and
had never found the quiet awkward before. Certainly he had never voluntarily conversed with
any lady not related to him. He was surprised to find that the hush had become oppressive and
longed for her to say something, however inconsequential, to show him that she was not upset
by his having ignored her for so long. Maybe he should talk to her, but he could think of nothing
to say.
The robin, encouraged by Adele’s stillness and enticed by the crumbs, bravely moved a little
nearer. Adele smiled breaking another piece of rye bread and crumbling it between her fingers
before dropping them to the floor. The robin fluttered away nervously and Adele laughed.
“’Tis only crumbs, you silly thing.”
The robin cocked its head to one side, regarding her speculatively from one beady eye
before hopping a little nearer. He was so close that Rafe could see with incredible clarity the
overlapping feathers on his bright red chest and he realised that he had never really looked at a
robin before, not really looked.
“He’s a handsome fellow, isn’t he?”
Rafe was startled to hear Adele’s warm and friendly voice. He looked up to find her regarding
him from wide, clear eyes.
“Welcome back to the land of the living, you were gone a long time you know.” She was still
smiling, there was no reproach in her words.
“I was thinking,” answered Rafe apologetically. “Forgive me, I have not been very good
company for you.”
“You are worried,” shrugged Adele. “I only hope that you have found some solution to the
problem that vexes you so. It is not pleasant to be always troubled.” She scattered a few more
crumbs for the waiting robin. “You know, this little fellow reminds me of a passage in the Bible.”
Adele smiled again. “When Jesus was teaching upon the Mount of Olives and he said to take a
lesson from the lilies of the field because they neither toil nor spin but even Solomon in all his
glory was not comparable to one of them.” Her serene eyes drifted up to meet his gaze. “’Tis
true; for I have never yet seen a fabric that could equal this little robin redbreast.”
Rafe stared hard into her softly unfocused eyes for some moments.
“You are a very unusual girl.”
The words slipped from his mouth before he could check them. Adele’s eyes met his and,
for the first time in the short while he had known her, he saw that they were clouded with
uncertainty.
It had been meant as a compliment, in his own mind it had been a praising description,
although it was true that he never meant to speak the words out loud. It seemed that although
she might well be unusual, she did have one thing in common with the rest of her sex. That was
the belief that in a woman, unusual was not an epithet to aspire to. She had taken the comment
to be little better than a slight and was embarrassed, he could tell.
It was with some surprise that he discovered that he would have given a great deal to unsay
those words, or to come into possession of others that would assure her of his meaning. But he
had none.
He knew not how to converse with women, although there were many who would have
refuted that statement. Rafe was held as a favourite with ladies, they thought him charming,
attentively courteous and yet still retaining that elusive air of reckless danger.
Rafe had never been easy in their company, it had rendered him silent. Strangely enough this
silence had the effect of inspiring admiration in female hearts and these ladies believed that his
lack of words had betrayed a great depth of emotion and sympathy.
Gradually he had learnt to suffer the discomfort he felt in their presence stoically. He had
never found their conversation particularly interesting, but then again he had not found it to
be fraught with as many difficulties as conversation with Adele so often was. Indeed these
ladies would have said, had they been asked, that it was possible to converse with Lord Rafe in
complete openness.
Rafe was innately polite and had always listened to their prattle in well concealed boredom,
leaving them with the impression that he was a wonderfully sensitive man, with whom a lady
could always enjoy a deep and meaningful conversation in which the souls of the principals had
been poured out with unrestrained and frank honesty. The fact that Lord Rafe rarely said a
word, but listened in silence while the Lady in question divested herself of her opinions on every
subject under the sun, completely escaped them. This left said Lady with the impression that
Rafe were something of a fountain of wisdom.
Thankfully there had never been the need to say very much, for it had often been his
reflection that ladies were quite capable of holding a conversation without the participation of a
second party. In fact they seemed vaguely put out when one interrupted them half way through
their monologue.
It was different with Adele, she required active participation. To her conversation was to
learn about others, not discussing, at length and in great detail, her own feelings and needs. He
should have found the change refreshing, and in a way he did, but he found it alarming too.
Adele would have been greatly surprised to know that he had any interest in her at all and
her opinion of this last remark was not well defined. She was conscious of a sinking feeling of
disappointment, tangled up with hurt and embarrassment.
It had never occurred to Adele that she might be different to other girls, for she had thought
that the whole point of her training at the fort was that she might conform to the idea of a
proper wife. It came as something of a shock to find that this was not so and she knew a sudden
and uncomfortable fear that perhaps she would not please Lord Rafe, that he too would be
disappointed.
“Are you thirsty, Lady Adele?”
Rafe didn’t know what she was thinking, but he misliked the look of perturbed concentration
on her face. She looked up at him, not having heard what he had said but knowing that he had
addressed her. Her large, troubled eyes met his and he felt as if the breath were knocked from
his body, suddenly he heard himself speaking.
“I did not mean that!” He registered the meaning of his words and began to stammer. “That
is... ‘tis not that I didn’t mean it, ‘tis just... I just...”
He broke off, unsure if his tangled explanations were making it worse. He was relieved to find
that the worry had faded from her eyes and that they were filled with the beginnings of mirth.
“You are funny when you become nervous.”
“I’m not nervous!” Rafe looked vaguely revolted by this description. “It is only that I did not
mean it like that.” Again he looked sheepish. “All I meant was, that to be different... ’tis good...
that is, Lord Rafe will be pleased.” He broke off abruptly again.
“You do not think Lord Rafe will mind?” asked Adele blushing. “You think he will like it, Finn?”
“I... yes.” Rafe cleared his throat and stood, looking in the direction in which they had come.
The conversation was becoming a little too complicated, too difficult. He even had a vague
suspicion that the discussion should not have been taking place.
As he looked through the trees, his eyes keen and searching, worry entered his face. Adele
saw it, saw his mind change track and begin on lines wholly different to those of a few moments
before. He was gone again, lost to her as a companion. Though his form was still there standing
across from her, his mind was somewhere else, somewhere along the trail that they had
traversed, restless, questing, searching for answers, for something that she did not know.
“Finn?”
Rafe turned at the sound of her voice, it was low, gently probing and for a few seconds he
said nothing as he tried to recover his wondering thoughts. She didn’t speak again, did not
question him, but sat looking up, her eyes placid, waiting for him to say something. He had the
feeling that she was not requesting confidences, but merely seeking reassurance, the comfort of
companionship with another person.
“You look tired.”
“So do you,” she replied. “In truth I think you must be more weary than I, for ‘tis you who
must bear the responsibility of our journey.” She stole a look up at him from beneath lowered
lashes. “And I think you are plagued by much worry, more even than befits the gravity of our
situation.”
Rafe was taken back, few were the people who could read his thoughts with such a degree of
perspicacity, and rare was the person who could hold their curiosity in check, questioning not
from whence these other worries came. For some reason her understanding unsettled him.
“We have yet much ground to cover before we make camp tonight, it is best that we move
along now.”

The Vow (#2)
Summary:
Dear Reader,
My next story begins with Velrek, where Lord Rafe and Lady Adele's arrival was cause for much celebration and rejoicing.
However Finan of Gournay, Rafe's foster brother and the captain of Valreks army, could not help a lingering feeling of worry.
Were Rafe and Adele truly safe from Lord Kyule's hate?
Adding to Finan's problems was the unsettling presence of Rafe's sister, Lady Esme. Used to keeping his distance from the woman of Valrek, Finan found that he could no longer escape as before.
As danger and treachery enveloped Valrek, Finan and Esme found themselves drawn together to fight the shadowy assailant that threatened the lives of those they loved.
What secrets would they unearth in their search for the enemy that taunted them?
Would they find that their stories were more closely linked than either of them ever knew? Allow me please to answer these questions...
Lady Quill

The night was black as pitch, so dark that Finan could not make out anything in the room.
He sat upright, wondering what could have woken him. He was by no means a light sleeper
and during the evening’s festivities had indulged liberally in mead. It had not been enough to
inebriate, but enough to relax him and give him an altogether more cheerful view of the world.
So why was he sleepless now?
Grinding a fist against his eye, it suddenly occurred to him that the room was too dark. The fire
had gone out, leaving the air to take on the chill of the night. He shivered and grumbled irritably
under his breath.
He had managed to remove his tunic before falling in to bed, now with the woollen blanket
and the furs covering the bed pooled at his waist, his skin was covered with gooseflesh. Vaguely
he wondered if he could be bothered to relight the dead fire, or if it would be simpler to find
another blanket. He was almost certain there was a spare at the foot of his bed.
Yawning he flung back the covers, but his sleepiness made him clumsy and he cracked his
knee against the table to one side of the bed. With an angry oath he lurched to rest against the
wall, soothing his bruised appendage. He stood there for some considerable time, cursing with
a fluency that would have alarmed Lady Ebba, if only she had heard him. He found a great many
things to curse: the table, himself and whatever fool had thought to put the table there in the
first place.
Finally he straightened and sighed heavily. The flavour of smoke hung on the air and Finan
frowned glancing to where his fire should have been burning merrily. There was enough of the
scent of smoke to burn the back of his throat, yet no source for its abundance.
The mists of sleep cleared sharply from his brain, replaced by an uncomfortable sensation that
something somewhere was amiss. It was a feeling that he had learnt long ago not to ignore, a
cold certainty that clawed in his stomach giving him no peace.
Opening the door he stepped out into the hall beyond. The main house and great hall was
used only during the day. One of the smaller secondary halls housed the bedchambers. It was a
square structure with an apex roof, built with a secondary wall within a first and partitioned into
private rooms. Finan had been given the first chamber on the left, as his duties called for him to
be readily available for his men.
The stench of smoke was stronger in the hall but the large fire toward the end of the room
was nothing more than a few glowing embers. After a few moments investigation, Finan found
the source of the smoke; it seeped under the door of Rafe’s bedchamber. Panic welled within
him and he threw back the bedroom door.
Smoke billowed out, causing him to recoil, with a shout for help he plunged into the room,
almost blind with tears as the smoke laden air assaulted his eyes. He fought his way forward to
the bottom of Rafe’s bed. He could just make out his friend’s form, unnaturally still beneath the
covers, a twisted woollen blanket spreading flames over the furs.
“Rafe!”
Finan’s hoarse voice had no affect on the still form and he reached to pull the burning covers
free from the bed. The walls on either side were aflame preventing Finan from stepping
forward, and greedy flames licked at the frame of the bed. Finan made out Rafe’s heavy, fur
lined cloak carelessly thrown over a nearby chair and used it to cover Rafe’s inert body.
It would at least shield him from the flames long enough for Finan to get him out of the room.
He sucked in a dry lungful of hot air that scorched his throat and wiped the sweat free of his
eyes.
There was no way past the flames that surrounded the bed, no way to reach Rafe but through
the scorching heat. With sudden determination Finan plunged forwards, pain filling his mind as
he felt the touch of fire on his hands and crawling along his forearms.
This couldn’t happen again, he couldn’t lose another brother!
Wrapping Rafe within the cloak, he hoisted him over his shoulder and staggered towards the
door. The scorching burn against his shirtless skin was agonising but Rafe’s lax body in his arms
frightened him more.
Dimly he was aware of shouting as the rest of the house became aware that something was
wrong. As soon as he made it into the hall, eager hands lifted Rafe away from him.
“Don’t put him down in here.” Adele’s voice cut through the noise, her tone calm and
confident. “Get him outside, he needs clean air, Finan too.”
“I must help with the fire.”
A firm grip fell on his shoulder and Finan grimaced shifting away from the touch. Esme
released him immediately.
“You have helped enough Finan, there are sufficient people to see the fire is put out.”
Looking at the men staggering to and fro with buckets of water, he saw the truth of her
statement. Worry for Rafe propelled him out into the cool night air.
Too many was the time he had seen someone shut too long in a smoky room die.
It didn’t seem to matter whether the flames had touched them or not, they fell into a sleep
that no one could rouse them from.
Adele directed the men to lay Rafe down some distance from the house. She was shrouded in
a plain nightgown, without a cloak to offer her protection from the night air. She looked more
childlike than ever with the voluminous white folds billowing about her and her hair plaited
neatly down her back.
Finan swayed, his vision blurring and nausea making his stomach roll.
“Finan? What is it? What is wrong?” Lady Esme’s concerned face swam before his eyes and he
shook his head attempting to bring her into focus.
The nausea hit harder and Finan turned and vomited on to the grass. He’d never felt so weak
before, his legs as unsteady as a newborn colt. Someone slid their arm around his waist, giving
him much needed support as he discharged the rest of his evening meal on to the ground. His
legs gave way and he dropped to his knees, despite the cold air his skin still seemed to burn.
Esme watched his laboured breathing worriedly. His hands were fisted and pressed into the
ground either side of his knees and his head was bent forward, eyes tightly closed. She could
see the pain in the lines of his face and red burns stood out patchily against pale skin.
Reaching forward she drew his head to rest against her shoulder, surprised that he didn’t pull
away, but sagged tiredly against her. The new position gave a better view of his arms and hands.
The blood drained from her face and she winced.
Large blisters and red open wounds covered his skin from hand to elbow. Finan would bear a
constant reminder of this night for the rest of his life.
“Rafe?”
Finan’s voice, rough and husky made her jump and she looked where Adele held Rafe’s limp
form in her arms. Tears blinded her, closing her throat so she could hardly breathe.
It didn’t seem possible that her energetic, vibrant brother could be lying so still and silent. Was
it just a few hours ago that he had stood before them all with the tale of his adventures?
Her gaze shifted to where her father clasped her sobbing mother tightly, a grey expression of
horror drawing his features tight. Aisly stood to one side, immaculately elegant as ever, her long
chestnut locks hanging around her slender frame, making her appear as some ethereal pagan
goddess. There were tears standing in her eyes but Esme knew that Aisly would not let them fall.
She clenched her hands into fists and stood stiff and defiant.
Finan struggled upright on receiving no response and cast a worried look down into her face.
Whatever he saw expressed upon her features caused him to pull away and drag himself to
where Rafe lay pillowed in Adele’s embrace. Adele wasn’t crying but there was bleakness in her
expression, pain in her eyes.
“Is he...?”
“Give him but a moment.”
Adele’s soft voice was no more than a whisper and Finan felt that she was not exactly
answering his question but reassuring herself. He gazed down at Rafe’s lifeless body and pale
face. Bile rose in his throat as he recalled another white face and lax body laid out as if in sleep.
His vision blurred between the two faces, both so dear to him.
Once again it seemed as though he sat in Lord Brogan’s tent, a bloody battle field without and
Evoric’s body laid within. His brother had looked so calm, so peaceful, as if he slept. Finan had
felt that he had only to reach out and touch his shoulder and Evoric would rise from his slumber.
He couldn’t recall how long he’d sat by his brother’s still form. It hadn’t seemed possible that
Evoric was truly dead, Finan’s mind had recoiled from the idea, yet deep down he had known it
to be the truth. It was why he could not bring himself to touch Evoric’s body and find it cold and
lifeless.
In the end he had sat beside his brother through the night, and when the soldiers came to
bury him the next morning, Finan had exchanged his own dagger with Evoric’s. At least they
would always have something of each other that way.
“Rafe?”
Finan jumped at Adele’s soft voice, she was stroking Rafe’s cheek with gentle fingers. “You
must wake up now, you have to try, can you not do that for me?”
Her voice trembled with the effort it took to hold back her tears, but still Rafe made no move.
She bent her head to touch her lips to his brow.
“I know how strong you are, your heart still beats with the might of a warrior.”
Adele shifted to set a lingering kiss against Rafe’s mouth. Her next plea was so softly spoken
Finan doubted anyone but he heard it.
“Pease, Rafe, you cannot leave me all alone.”

I really enjoyed the period setting. I'll admit that some of the character names took me a little while to keep them straight but once I did, everything really flowed together. It is so well written that I felt like I was almost watching a movie, I could just see everything happening. It's the kind of story that I find hard to write a review for because I don't do spoilers, so I'll just say that I am so glad that I took the time to read these. Very enjoyable.

Rating:

Trailers:
My sister is a musician and she wrote two custom pieces for both books. --DD Chant
The Promise

The Vow

Character Bios:
Adele of Berron – Adele is the last surviving member of the house of Berron, who lost their lives
in the battle of Clais. She has lived in seclusion since she was 2 years old. She is betrothed to
Rafe of Valrek to ensure her lands stay loyal to King Ine. Innocent in appearance, her childlike
sweetness hides a clever and cunning mind.

Rafe of Valrek – Oldest child and only son to Lord Brogan and Lady Ebba of Valrek. He is a feared
warrior and favoured emissary of King Ine. Blunt and impatient in private, he is known for his
diplomacy in politics. Somewhat exuberant in nature.

Brogan of Valrek – Rafe’s father and trusted advisor of King Ine.

Finan of Gournay –Rafe's foster brother and captain of Valrek's army. Even tempered and
content to follow wherever Rafe leads, Finan, has devoted his life to protecting the house of
Valrek. A younger brother to a noble house, he has no lands of his own.

Evoric of Gournay – Rafe's foster brother and Finan's younger blood brother. Evoric died in the
battle of Calis, his death has had far reaching affects on his foster brothers.

Leofric of Drogand –Rafe and Finan's foster brother. Fricka is the youngest of the foster
brothers, he is the only son to lord Ramm of Drogand, but father and son have an uneasy
relationship. He is a favourite with the ladies of the court and is considered the best swordsman
in all of Wessex. Prone to levity and having no interest in politics, Fricka is nevertheless a loyal
friend and brother to Rafe, often leading his own men to follow in Rafe's train.

Daegmund of Gradock – Second son of the house of Gradock until Rafe slays his older half-
brother, Bertolf. The houses of Gradock and Valrek are locked into a blood feud. Known for their
quick temper and fearsome warriors, the Gradocks are poor but landed nobility. Lazily indolent,
Daegmund conforms to his own code of honour and cares nothing for what others think of
him. Rumours of madness in their bloodline make the other houses of Wessex both scared and
contemptuous of the house of Gradock.

Anlaf of Gradock – Daegmunds younger half-brother and gifted with any sort of blade. Favours
the dagger. Though very much a Gradock, Anlaf is more laid back and humorous than his
brother. Despite the fact that the Gradocks are known to have no family feeling, Daegmund and
Anlaf have a great fondness between them due to their fathers disregard for them during his
life.

Ebba of Valrek – Lord Brogan's wife, mischievous and fun loving she views all of her foster sons
as her own children.

Esme of Valrek – Rafe's younger sister and the middle child. Esme is a tomboy and has her
brother's blunt manner and quick temper.

Aisly of Valrek – Rafe's youngest sister, extremely intelligent her biggest weakness is her pride.

Rand of Targhe – Rafe, Leofric, Evoric and Finan's foster brother until the battle of Clais. A
distant cousin of Adele's. Secretive and withdrawn.

Lord Targhe – Rand's father and the slayer of the house of Berron. No longer a lord of Wessex,
his lands now lie under Mercia's rule.

Eda of Mulland – The daughter of a free man, given over to servitude as a child. Eda is Adele's
best friend and only companion of a comparable age. Very beautiful and waspish, she is loyal to
Adele and seeks to keep her safe.

Author Bio:
Hi everyone! My name is Dee Dee, I’m twenty six and I live in a beautiful part of Devon, England
with my family. I have a younger sister, Amy who is a brilliant guitar player, some chickens, duck,
geese, pheasants, a cat (that adopted us when we moved in!!!) and some Koi.
Broken City is actually my second novel. My first, as my Aunt so delicately put it, was crazy but
in my defence I was only sixteen at the time. On the plus side I learnt a lot (or so I hope) and two
years later ‘Broken City’ was finished.
I really hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I love reading and have a kindle: I read almost anything with adventure and romance in it! I also like to cook and wear impractical high heels!!! And as you might have noticed I have a horrible addiction to exclamation marks!!!

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