Saturday, March 15, 2014

Cover Reveal: Son of Set by Kelsey Ketch - Giveaway

Release Date: 05/02/14

Summary from Goodreads:
“. . . the Sons would never just let him go—alive.”

Seth O’Keefe has broken the laws of his god. He never thought he would sacrifice his own future to protect a Daughter of Isis. But when the Sons of Set discovered Natti is the Secret Keeper, he had no choice. Now, Seth and Natti are on the run from his father, who wants nothing more than to see Seth dead. With no allies, Seth turns to the Daughters of Isis for help, hoping they would protect Natti. But when they meet the Daughters, he discovers a secret that puts both their lives in more danger. Low on options, Seth sees only one possibility for survival. He must help Natti solve an ancient puzzle and find the secret name of Ra.



Natara “Natti” Stone is having a hard time swallowing the truth. She can’t believe what she has learned in the past twenty-four hours: Seth is a Son of Set blessed with charm; she is a Daughter of Isis blessed with a sliver of Ma ‘at; the locket her grandmother gave her holds an ancient Egyptian secret linking to Osiris and Isis. That along with being tortured and brutalized by the Sons of Set, she can hardly hold herself together. Thank God for Seth’s touch! That warm, tingling sensation that drowns it all out. Yet her heart struggles to stay focused. She must quickly embrace her destiny before the secret name of Ra falls into the wrong hands.


*Note: Content for Upper YA*



Book One:
(cover linked from Goodreads)
Available from:

Available from:
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Link to my review: Click Here


About the Author
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble CafĂ© in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.


***Author Links***
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GIVEAWAY
Two prize packs, each containing a silver ankh pendant with seven knot anklet, Son of Set e-reader bling, 3 bookmarks, 2 temporary tattoos, 2 character collectable cards, and 2 wristbands (INT).
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Cover Reveal Organized by:

Friday, March 14, 2014

Blog Tour: The Wolf's Cry by Natalie Crown - Interview & Giveaway



Thanks for stopping by my tour stop for The Wolf's Cry by Natalie Crown. This is a YA Fantasy book that released in January 2014. This is the first book in the The Semei Trilogy.  This tour will run March 10th-21st and consist of reviews, author interviews, guest posts, top tens and a giveaway.  Stop by the tour page for the full list of tour stops.

The Wolf's Cry
Book One in the Semei Trilogy

Natalie Crown

YA Fantasy
December 15, 2013

She is his weakness.
And she will ruin everything.
Kammy Helseth's idea of adventure never amounted to more than getting a boat across to the mainland and finally escaping to London. That was until she stumbled through the mouth of the forest into a world beneath our own, the world of the Semei.

Her only wish is to find her way home but when Jamie, her best friend, is taken into this new world of shapeshifters and Crystals she has no choice but to stand up to her fear and to remain beneath the surface. Hunted by Bagor, King of Alashdial, and those that are loyal to him, Kammy finds herself in the company of a group of outlaws led by Jad, a Prince with a bitter past and a similarly bitter demeanour.

They overcome age-old prejudice to find a way to work together. But Bagor knows a secret about the Crystals that threatens to change everything. Kammy and Jad must find a way to thwart the king and to save Jamie, but that is just the beginning. For Kammy is in possession of a Key and the fate of countless lives, both human and Semei, may rest in her hands.

Book Links:  
Goodreads | Amazon 


Interview with Author Natalie Crown

What inspired you to write The Wolf's Cry?
 Honestly, I don't think I can pinpoint one particular thing. I've actually been working on this series, on and off, for about ten years. So there have been all sorts of influences and all sorts of experiences that have impacted on it.
I've been writing for as long as I can remember, as cliché as that sounds, so I don't remember a particular time when I decided to do this. I always knew that I would write fantasy though, and my influences there were Raymond. E. Feist and Tamora Pierce. Then, a little later, J.K Rowling and Philip Pullman.
I discover new sources of inspiration every day. I like to think each source is a building block. I piece each block together, one by one, and I'm left with a creation that I hope people will enjoy.

Tell us about your main character. Who is Kammy?
 Kammy is a girl that is searching for her place in the world. She hates being stuck on her island, but she also can't quite force herself to find the courage to step away from the routine of her life.
That said, she never considers that 'her place' might be in a different world altogether. Nor does she ever imagine that her best friend's life will be endangered, forcing her to find courage from deep within.
What I love most about Kammy is that she isn't special because she has any secret power, or because she picks things up quickly. She's special because she tries and because she grows. She's terrified to start with, but that doesn't mean that she won't fight, or that she won't do everything she can to save her friends. I really love that about her. 

Are any of your characters inspired by people in your life, past or present?
 A bit like the inspiration for the book in general, I can't really think of any specific character inspirations. I'm rubbish at this! Ha.
Every person I have ever met has influenced me in some way, I'm sure. I think that's something that is kind of essential to writing. You should soak up every detail around you. Whether it's a person, a place or a feeling. Soak it up, write it down. You never know when it will pop up again.

Do you listen to music while writing? Is so, what music inspired The Wolf's Cry?
 I absolutely do. I don't really think music inspired The Wolf's Cry so much as The Wolf's Cry inspired what music I would listen to while writing.
I have a lot of soundtracks saved on Spotify for when I settle down to write. I think the most popular ones when writing TWC were Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Gladiator.
Harry Potter, particularly the earlier soundtracks, is perfect for the more light hearted sections. Lord of the Rings was good for when they were travelling. And Gladiator is my go to soundtrack for confrontations and action.
That said, I sometimes get so sucked up into my writing that I'll just listen to a soundtrack on a loop. I don't write scene by scene. I write what I write, and then the structure comes into it later. So in that sense, maybe the soundtracks influenced my writing more than I realised!

The Wolf's Cry is the first book of the Semei Trilogy. When can we expect the next book?
 The Lion's Pride will be released in December of this year and I am incredibly excited about it. It was hugely refreshing to work on, as it had been planned in detail for so long. I have recently finished the second draft so I am taking a short breather. Then I will look back over it with fresh eyes and start the slog again.
My cover artist is going to start working on it in March which is exciting because pretty covers.
But yeah, December 2014 for sure.

Describe your writing routine? What do you have to have nearby in order to get into the zone?
 I can write pretty much anywhere as long as I have music and headphones, but I definitely have a preferred scenario.
My first step is to tidy the space that I'm writing in, normally my room. I'll then force myself out of my pyjamas and into the shower, because feeling fresh helps. Who knew? I make a cup of tea, because what's the point in writing if I don't get to drink gallons of tea? Typically, I write by hand so I get one of my pretty notebooks out, and one of my pretty pens (when I say pretty, I mean it. I'm fussy about pens and notebooks. Oops), and I light a candle. Yes, even during the day.
The final step is the most difficult. I load up Spotify to pick a soundtrack, then I force myself to leave my laptop of the other side of my room so I don't get distracted.

What’s the hardest challenge you face as an author?
 I think the hardest thing is maintaining belief. I'm very up and down with this. Sometimes I am incredibly happy with the choices that I have made, in the book directly, but also with publication choices and the like. Other days I obsess over every line I have written and I convince myself I could have written something ten times better, and that I suck. I'd assume this is a pretty common issue for writers.
I also struggle to find time. I live in London and I work full time. I enjoy all aspects of my life at the moment but it's pretty hectic and it can get stressful. And then there are my attempts at having a social life...

What do you do when you’re not writing?
 It's all a bit boring without the writing!
I read?
I love spending time with friends and family and I try to put aside weekends for this, as it's almost impossible in the week. I also love travelling. I love seeing different cultures, and I am obsessed with history and with natural sights. I have Italian family so I am lucky to get to visit there a lot. I am also going to China in July which I cannot WAIT for.
I hope to save some money so that I can take a year out from work (not from writing) to go travelling properly.

Do you have any advice for new writers just entering the shark infested waters?
Hmm, what can I say that isn't completely obvious?
Don't rush.
Yeah, I actually think this is really important. If writing a book takes you years, then it takes you years. Churning something out in a few months isn't always the way to go. And this advice doesn't just apply to the writing process, but to the post writing stages as well. Don't rush publication. Check out all your options first. Get involved with the online book community because everybody is so helpful. Any little bits of advice that you can soak up will be worthwhile. 

This or That

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla. Especailly if it's creamy.

Sun or Moon?
Sun please.

Dragons or Griffins?
Dragons, duh.

Cats or Dogs?
Dogs. I am DESPERATE to get a dog. (I love cats too though)

Coffee or Tea?
TEA. TEA. TEA. I am a very stereotypical Brit in this regard. We really do drink tea ALL the time.

Salty or Sweet?
Salty, grazie.

Oceans or Mountains?
Mountains. My incredibly talented artist friend is currently painting me a mountain landscape and I am drooling with anticipation.

Paper or ebook?
Paper will always be number one for me. (But ebook is super handy)

Hero or Villain?
A great hero is more essential, but a great villain is a bonus.

Country or City?
I think I will always be a country girl at heart, and I'll end up in the country again one day. But I am loving the city life for now.


About the Author

I grew up in a village called Swilland, in the countryside of Suffolk, England. There wasn't much around, other than farms and fields, but for the most part I loved it, and I still do. I’m a passionate person by nature. I don’t just LIKE things, I LOVE things. Whether it’s a book, a film, or a sports team. Once I decide to enjoy something, I enjoy it to the MAX.

I’m a terrible cook. I prioritise essential social media work over keeping my flat tidy, because I know best. I

Onto my love of reading and, consequently, writing - it was my dad that played a big role in encouraging me to read. He didn't push me towards books necessarily; he simply read a lot himself. Then I would pick up his books and read them after him. I was reading high and epic fantasy from a very young age. I guess that might explain why I have always loved adventure stories with magic and intrigue and princes and princesses in.

I was aware that I wanted to ‘be a writer’ from a very young age. I was convinced I would be the first best seller that hadn't reached double figures in age yet! I wrote about the Danshees, furry creatures that lived through a mirror. I wrote about a Sand Bottle that transported a boy into a world of magic. I wrote about a sick girl finding a music boy that healed her, but transported her back in time. (Wow, I always have loved alternate universes…)

When I was eight I wrote my first novel called The Land of No Return. Despite the title, I am determined to return to it one day. I feel like I owe it to my past self. So, as you can see, I have always been writing. There have been times when I have gone weeks without scratching down a word. Then there are days where I churn out multiple chapters and only my body’s silly desire for sleep and/or food can stop me.

I write because I enjoy it. I write fantasy because I enjoy it. I try my hardest to put something of myself into my writing. I like to think my characters have depth, I like to think that my fantasy worlds reflect upon the real world in some way. You guys will be the judge of that but even if you don't agree I know that I at least try and I can do no more than that.

These days I live in North London and I love it. I work full time and London is a hectic city. Juggling work, writing and a social life is tough but nobody is forcing me to do it so I can't complain. The dream is that writing will be my career one day but it doesn't matter if I never quite make it. I love writing too much to ever pack it in.

I am desperate to get a dog. My mum suspects I miss my cats at home more than I miss her. I am a devout Arsenal/Ferrari/Rafael Nadal fan. I get all mad when confronted with a case of social injustice and then I get all mad when people take the fight for social justice too far. I mostly keep those thoughts to myself and simmer with rage. I watch good TV and bad TV, because I can. What I can’t do is enjoy bad books (subjective opinion of course). I just can’t.

Find the author:
2 $50 Amazon Gift Cards (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This tour was organized by CBB Book Promotions
 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Book Blitz: Transformed by E.V. Fairfall - Guest Post




Transformed

E.V. Fairfall

Paranormal Romance
January 1, 2014

Amazon * B&N



Since the beginning, two entities have had complete, unquestioned control over Thea: the Earth and God.

But when Thea suddenly figures out that the Earth has  trapped her within a forest, she discovers that the only way to set herself free is to break God's one rule; she must forsake her animal form and become human.

The result is nothing she could ever have expected. Lost within the torrent of human emotions, Thea starts to lose who she is and even begins to fall in love with the one thing she always hated: a hunter.

As her act against God proves more problematic than anticipated, it is only a matter of time before her punishment may prove to be worse than Earth's entrapment.



Guest Post by Author E.V. Fairfall

E.V. Fairfall’s background with animals.

A good part of Transformed involves animals, and that is largely from personal experience. I grew up in a small town with a lot of wildlife. I had a mountain lion living in my neighbors' backyard, baby foxes growing up at the end of my driveway, and a pregnant deer living under my deck which led to an adorable baby faun. We lived in the mountains; I had my own little forest, and to me those animals were an extension of myself. They shaped who I am today, and I had experiences that I’ll never forget. One time I was painting outside and a large bear walked right in front of my canvas, no more than 6 feet away. He was just minding his own business and enjoying a stroll, but it scared me half to death and I ran into the house. I have sad stories too, times that I’ve experienced people's lack of compassion toward these animals, and it always was hard for me to understand. My inclusion of animals in Transformed is a little cathartic, and a little bit unavoidable. When I set out to write a book, I always pour a little part of myself into the ink, the paper, the binding. Adding the animals just happened to be the part of myself that I chose to share with the world.


About the Author

I love to write just as much as I love to read. I try to read a book per week, which doesn't always work out, but it's the thought that counts. Aside from all that I am a huge animal person.

Transformed is my first novel, but it isn't my first publication; I've had several short stories published over the last two years. My main goal as a writer is to explore humanity and to give people something fun to read.

Author links: 

Book Highlight: Saving Us by CM Hutton - Excerpt & Giveaway



Title: Saving Us
Author: CM Hutton
Series: Paradise Taken #2
Genre: Adult Romance
Publication: January 2014

Our love affair wasn't what everyone wanted it to be. It was raw and full of absolute joy and unbelievable pain. My love for her had consumed me for years and now that Kaye was mine, I was never letting her go. I knew the consequences of our affair would be devastating and hated to see the hurt in Claire's eyes. I thought it would be so easy to just walk away...start a new life. I didn't expect to feel so conflicted about leaving. I needed her. She was my lifeline and we were determined to get our happily ever after....until one day, one event, one conversation threatened it all. "I had to know what went wrong. My stomach was sick with grief and I didn't know what to do next or even how to help Kaye. I needed to get to her. It didn't matter what Rob or Claire thought. No one could stop me from going. I knew she needed me. I could feel it deep in my soul.







Paradise Taken, book #1



Rob was sitting near Jake and Claire and motioned for me to join him on the lounger.  I put my finger up indicating I needed a minute as I still had to see the caterers out.  Rob winked at me and smiled, reminding me of Jakes odd response earlier in the evening.  I smiled back as I tried to ignore my thoughts.
Eventually, I made my way over to my husband and crawled into the chair with him.  Jakes eyes never left me, but Rob didnt notice.   It should have been unnerving, but it wasnt.  I snuggled deep beside my man, laid my head on his muscular chest, and wrapped my arms around his waist.  He was my home. 
I felt Rob stirring and realized Id fallen asleep in his arms in the lounger.  He was still chatting with Jake about work stuff, and I started to get up, but he pulled me back down and held me in place.
Dont leave. We were thinking of going for a night swim. Rob grinned.  I knew what that meant.  He loved to swim naked with me, but I certainly wasnt going to do that with Jake and Claire here.  He chuckled at my raised eyebrows because he knew I was about to protest, so he whispered, With suits this time.





I’m a wife, a mom of three, a friend, an aunt, a sister, a daughter and a teacher.  Now, I can add writer to my list!  I’ve always wanted to write and finally found inspiration and support to do it.

I live near Austin, Texas with my family and love to read and travel.  Put me on a beach with a good book and the world just disappears around me.

Paradise Taken was my first novel and is a highly emotional book based on true events.  Its sequel (Saving Us) is due out February 2014.

Loving Her was the second book I wrote after needing a little time off from Paradise Tak-en.  It is a story close to my heart.

I love that you are willing to take a chance on a new writer and promise to keep striving to put out great books!

If you don't like my books, that's okay. Just please be gentle on my fragile ego. ;)

I'd love to chat with you, so look me up on any of my social pages.

Happy Reading.  :)





a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Book Blitz: Falling from the Sky by Nikki Godwin - Giveaway


Falling From The Sky
Release Date: 02/21/14

Summary from Goodreads:

All stability in sixteen-year-old Ridge McCoy's life crashed and burned in the plane crash that killed his dad. This summer-long basketball camp is his chance to improve his skills and escape his problems back home. But his summer plans take a turn in an unexpected direction when he meets Micah Youngblood, the guy who runs the carousel at the local mall and has a reputation for devouring straight boys' heterosexuality for breakfast, alongside his chocolate chip pancakes.

Ridge needs a way to avoid the guys at camp, whose only quest for the summer is to drown in beer and hook up with girls. So when Micah offers to explain how the ten unique horses on the carousel are significant to his tribe, Ridge takes him up on it. Still, Ridge can't decide if this is a bad thing or not. All he knows is that he hasn't felt this alive since his dad fell from the sky, and as the horse adventures come to an end, Ridge finds himself falling as well – for Micah.



Available from:

About the Author
Nikki Godwin is a Young Adult author from the southern USA. She is a city girl who can't live without Mountain Dew, black eyeliner, Hawthorne Heights, and candles from Bath & Body Works. When not writing, she's not-so-secretly internet-stalking her favorite bands. She is slightly obsessed with rock stars and surfers. She no longer hides her love for One Direction.




***Author Links***
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***GIVEAWAY***
2 ebook copies of Falling from the Sky (INT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Book Highlight: Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton - Excerpt, Character Interviews & Giveaway

Shadow Fire
Light Chronicles Book 1

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

YA Fantasy Romance
Astraea Press
February 25, 2014

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords



Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic. 

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.

Shadow Fire - adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?


Excerpt

The sound of metal clashing echoes through the air on deck. In the center of the ship Zane and Taranis are sparring while the crew watches from a safe distance. Neither man seems to be holding back. Skirting around the fighting men, I reach the stairs up to the helm and scale them. Several pirates are leaning up against the railing overlooking the deck. When I appear they move aside to make a space for me in the middle.

"How long have they been at it?" I ask the group of men.

"Half an hour or so," a red-haired pirate replies. "You want in on the betting pool? It's not too late."

"I'll pass thanks."

Only a moron would bet against Zane. Although I have to admit, it appears Taranis is putting up a good fight. He rushes at Zane with a series of furious swings, which are all parried with ease. When he leaps away, Zane charges him. Taranis manages to parry all but one swing. This one he blocks with the large silver gauntlet on his left forearm. Zane takes a step back and lowers his sword.

"Had enough yet, pirate?" he asks laughing.

Taranis is staring at him in cool silence, but his breathing is a bit labored. When the captain rushes him, Zane drops to the ground and knocks him down with a leg sweep. Taranis sprawls on the deck but doesn't lose his sword. Zane leaps to his feet and moves to place his sword at the rogue's throat. Taranis manages to block the strike with his gauntlet before leaping back to his feet.

"I guess not," Zane observes.

Taranis gazes up at me with a leer and a wicked smirk. I don't even have time to gulp before he vaults over the rail to seize me around the waist. My shriek is somewhere between a cry of surprise and a laugh when Taranis pulls me against his side, pointing his sword at Zane.

"Drop your sword, mercenary," he commands.

"Why would I do that?" Zane asks scowling. He's obviously not happy with the direction of the fight. For my part, I lean against Taranis, trying hard not to laugh.

"I have your woman," Taranis declares. "I'm sure you wouldn't want to see her harmed."

"I know you won't hurt her, pirate," Zane says, exasperation apparent in his eyes and his voice.

With a smirk, I glance up at the pirate's jubilant face. I have to agree with Zane. Taranis is as harmless as a puppy.

"Now either get back down here or surrender," Zane yells.

"What if I do this?" Taranis asks, pulling on my braid and baring my neck to him.

His lips start trailing feather light kisses up my neck. I'm too shocked to do anything but stand in his embrace.

"Oh, that's it!" Zane shouts, running toward us. "You're a dead man!"

"Sorry, my gorgeous beauty," Taranis says laughing, "gotta go!" He leaps off the railing just as Zane reaches my side.

            "Are you all right?" Zane asks, cupping my cheek. I try to keep it in but to no avail. My laughter rings out, and I'm doubled over by the force of it. "I'll take that as a yes," he mumbles before he takes off running after Taranis. "You may as well surrender, pirate! Where are you going to run? This is a ship!"





Character Interviews

Character Interview
Zane Elistaire

How did you end up taking the job to protect the Chosen?
I hadn't planned to. In fact it was the last thing I wanted. You see, I knew who was involved, and frankly I didn't want to deal with him.

Him?
Delistaire, of course. Are you going to let me finish answering your question?

Sorry. Please continue…
I was in Verdane having just dropped off a merchant caravan. My plan was to leave in the morning and head to my next job. While I was relaxing in the town square, a beautiful girl appeared. She was playing tag with the town orphans. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Not only was she the most gorgeous creature I'd ever seen, but she was so vibrant, so full of life. Her smile warmed my heart. When one of the orphans yelled her name, I realized she was the Chosen. At that moment I knew I would protect her—I would give up everything in order to keep her safe. Even if that meant crossing paths with Delistaire.

Wow, that was romantic. How do you know Delistaire?
You know I can't answer that. I have no desire to give away secrets at this point.

What do you find most attractive about Ashlyn?
Everything. *laughs* Fine, if I have to choose, I suppose it would be her spirit. Ashlyn is a fighter through and through. She never gives up, even when the odds are against her. I admire the glimmer of determination she gets in her eyes when she's ready to fight.

What do you like least about her?
Do I look like a fool to you? *Rolls his eyes* Probably the same thing I like the most about her. She's not an easy person to protect…

You became a mercenary when you were twelve. How did you find work?
The mercenaries guild. There's one in every town.

They were willing to hire a child?
Sure things were difficult during the first year, but I had help. I was also quite skilled for a twelve-year-old. My guardian helped hone my fighting skills, and then I fought in the coliseum in Palma. I rose among the ranks, made a name for myself. Afterward no one seemed to care that I was a child.

Who was your guardian?
Again with the questions I can't answer. How about something I can answer for a change?

Fine. What's your favorite color?
Blue. But not just any blue—the deep blue of the sea when the ship is out in deep water.

Any last words or advice?
If you're unhappy with your life don't sit back and hope for change. If there's something you really want, go for it. Never let fear hold you back. Sure you may fail sometimes, we all do. But nothing is worse than wondering what could have been had we only tried. 



Character Interview
Taranis Auberon

You make a late appearance in—
Has anyone ever told you how stunning you are, my fiery vixen?

Let's keep the lecherous comments to a minimum, shall we?
I suppose… though it sounds rather boring.

Anyway, what made you decide to join Ashlyn and Zane on their quest?
Have you seen Ashlyn? Kidding. I had what I suppose was a premonition of sorts. Basically, I had this terrible feeling that something awful would happen to them if I wasn't there. It was bad, you know. I felt it the moment I met them. Gave me a headache…

It didn't bother you—going up against a powerful sorcerer?
Nah. I hate bullies. That sorcerer was nothing but a cowardly bully.

A bully who could kill you with a thought and a flick of his wrist…
Don't get me wrong. I knew I might die. But I'd rather go down fighting than run away with my tail between my legs.

So you're a hero.
You got that right, my angelic beauty.

If I'm doing my math right, you became Captain of your own ship when you were thirteen. How did that come about?
Well, my parents never wanted me around because my magic scared them. They were wealthy so when I asked for a schooner for my twelfth birthday, I actually got it. I think they were hoping I'd sail away and never return. I put together a crew of orphan boys and started sailing the world. I wasn't really alone though. My nanny, Hannah, she's like a mother to me. She joined me on the ship and cared for all of us. She still travels with us, will probably be a nanny to my kids someday.

You want kids?
Geez, you say that like you're shocked. Can't you imagine a bunch of little Taranises running around?

Um, I think one of you is all the world can handle… All right, Taranis, any last words?

Why, are you going to kill me? *laughs* Life isn't a race with a destination, cause then the destination would be death. I mean that's where we all end up, right? So take it easy, live in the now cause tomorrow may never come. Don't merely exist—live life to the fullest.


About the Author


Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety.

Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!)

Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in The Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming soon.


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