Writing the Wolf by Steffanie Holmes w/ Giveaway

Writing the Wolf

Wolves of Crookshollow

Book Two

Steffanie Holmes

Genre: paranormal romance, shifters

Publisher: Bacchanalia House

Date of Publication: May 18, 2017

ASIN: B06W58YNT6

Word Count: 70k

Cover Artist: Aria at Resplendant Covers

Rosa just wants to be left alone to write her book, but when werewolves attempt to kidnap her, she realizes her neighbor Caleb is the only one who can protect her. But Caleb is hiding a secret of his own … fur and sparks fly in this hot paranormal romance from USA Today bestselling author Steffanie Holmes.

Book Description:

Sink your teeth into the hot new werewolf paranormal romance from USA Today bestselling author, Steffanie Holmes!

Rosa

I need to escape.

After those racist bastards destroyed my home, I can’t face the world again.

I’ve rented a cabin in the heart of the Crookshollow forest. I’m going to lock myself away and work on my book. I’m going to write my story.

And I absolutely, positively WILL NOT think about Caleb, the hunky labourer who’s fixing up my cabin.

No way.

I won’t think about the way his eyes melt my heart, and his smile melts my panties.

I’m too emotionally raw right now. I can’t handle a fling, especially not with a white guy.

Especially not a guy like him. A guy who shags and leaves. I can’t handle any more heartache.

Caleb

Rosa Parker – clever writer, black woman, total hottie.

The connection between us sizzles – there’s no denying it: this woman is my mate.

When I’m near her, all I want to do is claim her.

If only I wasn’t the biggest threat to her life right now.

With a rogue wolf pack after my hide, I can’t afford a distraction. Even a distraction as alluring as her.

I need to keep my wolfish instincts in check.

But I can’t help myself.

Rosa Parker has got under my skin.

And I won’t stop until I’ve made her mine.

Writing the Wolf is a standalone novel with an HEA. It’s the second book in the hot new paranormal romance series by USA Today bestselling author Steffanie Holmes. Read on if you love spunky heroines, pack politics, and a hero so hot he’ll have you howling for more.

Buy Links:

Amazon      BN      iBooks      Kobo      Google Play



Excerpt:

Rosa stalked through the forest ahead of me, deliberately averting her gaze from my naked body. I wanted to make a joke about it, but judging by the set expression on her face, I knew it wasn’t the best time.

When Rosa reached the cabin, she stomped across the porch, unlocked the door, walked inside and slammed the door shut behind her. I stopped myself before I slammed my face against the glass panel.

“Hey,” I rapped against the window beside the door. “I’m still out here.”

“I know that. Say what you need to say to me through the door,” Rosa moved toward the kitchen, and started slamming her groceries down on the bench. Her hands were still shaking. “I’m not having you inside, not when you could turn into one of them.”

“Could you at least throw me a towel or something? It’s a little nippy out here and I’m afraid I’m not showing you my best angle.”

The corners of Rosa’s mouth tugged upward a little, but she didn’t crack that gorgeous smile for me. She balled up the red duvet she’d spread over the bed, and shoved it through the door to me, slamming it shut behind her before I could get an arm through the gap.

I wrapped the duvet around my lower half, knotting the ends together. “Not quite the kilt I’m used to, but it’s something.”

“Don’t try to be funny, Caleb. This is serious. You’re a werewolf. I was just attacked by two other werewolves. The werewolves that attacked me today – they’re your stepbrothers, and they are after me to get to you for some reason that I’m sure to regret learning.”

“That’s an astute summary of the situation.”

“I’m going to need more, Caleb. I’m going to need the full story.” She slammed the kettle down on the stove, and turned on the gas.

“It’s a pretty long story.”

Rosa held up her cup and waved it at me. She folded her arms and leaned against the bench, one hip jutting out suggestively. “I’m listening.”

About the Author:

Steffanie Holmes is a USA Today bestselling author of dark and steamy paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.

Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.

Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.

Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live?

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Giveaway:

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Coming Home by Kimberley O'Malley w/ Giveaway

Coming Home 

by Kimberley O'Malley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Date Published: 3-7-17

Publisher: self/ Carolina Blue Publishing

Dr. Elizabeth Abbott Fitzgerald has spent the last ten years of her life running; from tragedy, from family, from love. But now her mother’s failing health calls her home to Windsor Falls, North Carolina; to the place where her past awaits. Sam Bishop can’t believe his eyes when the love of his life returns after ten long years. All he wants is to clear his conscience and get back the family he lost when Connor, his best friend and Elizabeth’s husband died tragically. Could it really be true that time heals all wounds?

Buy the Book

Amazon / B&N / Kobo

Excerpt

"I believe you promised me a dip in the Jacuzzi." She released his hand and got up, heading across the patio. "I don’t suppose you have an extra suit, do you?" When he didn’t answer, she shrugged. "Oh well, it's not like it’s the first time you’ve seen me in my underwear." She kicked off her flip flops and pulled her t-shirt over her head, revealing a navy-blue bra. The discarded clothing was soon joined by her shorts. Clad only in a matching set of underwear, Elizabeth leaned over to adjust the controls. Sam's breath caught in his throat at the site of her perfect ass. His breathing grew more rapid as she dipped the toes of one foot into the tub. Sighing, Elizabeth slid down into the water. "Why are you still all the way over there?"

It took him less than a heartbeat to make his decision. Screw common sense. Where had that ever gotten him anyway? Sam quickly ripped his shirt over his head and kicked off his shoes. Taking a moment to undo his belt, he pulled off his khaki shorts. He was left with only his boxers. Seeing Elizabeth in only her scant underwear was enough to render him fully sober. He felt her eyes upon him as he stepped into the hot tub. Sam settled across from her with his arms stretched out along the rim of the tub. 

Feigning indifference to the scantily clad woman across from him, Sam sighed aloud. "Ah! I knew there was a reason I had this installed." His long legs reached across to her side, brushing her thigh. He rested his feet on the ledge next to her. "Hope you don’t mind" he asked innocently. "All that driving today has made the muscles in my legs stiff."

Elizabeth was silent but watching Sam intently. He hoped that sliding his foot along the length of her smooth thigh would get her attention. He thought about his next move. This was a dangerous game he was playing. He had spent the day trying to ignore his attraction to her. Even though he had been dying to touch her. Everywhere. 

He hesitated, and Elizabeth straightened up, bringing her breasts just above the water line. She stretched her arms over her head, arching her back. The night air, combined with her wet bra, brought her nipples to attention. Sam longed to put his hands, and then his mouth, on them.

Meet the Author

Kimberley O’Malley is a recent transplant to Charlotte, North Carolina from the frozen North. She is learning to say y’all but draws the line at sweet tea. Sarcasm is an art form in her world. When not writing, she is a full-time nurse and part-time soccer Mom, but not necessarily in that order. She shares her life with an amazing husband of more than twenty years, two teenagers, and one very sweet Shetland Sheepdog, Molly.

Contact Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

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NEW RELEASE ~ Highland Faith by Madelyn Hill

Highland Faith by Madelyn Hill

Book 2 of the Wild Thistle Trilogy

Historical Romance

Date Published: May 17th, 2017

Lady Faith MacAlister lives to provide for her clan with a skill she honed while hunting with her father. Since his death and final pledge, “Through Hope, Faith, and Honor, ye can rule” she proclaims herself as clan huntress. She loves the quiet of the woods, the thrill of the hunt and the exhilaration of a perfectly placed arrow. If only she could travel further than MacAlister lands to experience adventure. When an intruder interrupts her hunt and steals her away from MacAlister land and out to the sea—she may just experience the adventure she craves.

Graeme Ross must save the family home his father gambled away and regain the respect of his father and clan. When he stumbles upon a lovely lass in the forest, he secures her for ransom. He knows she was one of the MacAlister sisters, those who pledged to rule the clan. What Graeme didn’t expect was how this beautiful woman would entice him with her strength and determination. Graeme’s attraction to Faith cannot interfere with his quest to save his home, redeem his image in his father’s eyes. Graeme lets her go—worse he betrays their growing affection by feigning she means nothing to him.

Devastated, Faith goes back to her clan with a secret she must keep until Graeme comes back to her. Graeme travels to his father with the ransom money weighting his pocket and heart. Faith is better off without him, his vagabond ways and the loathing of his father and clan.

Can Graeme reconcile with his clan and have Faith as his?

Can Faith keep her secret until Graeme comes to his senses and realizes he loves her?

Separately, they yearn for one another, together their love will take them on an adventure of a lifetime.

Excerpt

’Twas her sister’s fault.

Hope had married Aidan MacKerry, leading the MacAlister Clan together, and now they were acting like lovesick cows. Aye, they’d recently had another bairn and ’twas why they were smiling like amadans. But Faith MacAlister had enough of the cooing and kissing.

She had to leave the Wild Thistle Keep or go mad.

Hunting was the only option.

The size of the MacAlister Clan dictated hunting trips each fortnight to keep the larder full. Faith grabbed her quiver and bow, left word with the guards at the palisade to inform the lairds Aidan and Hope her direction, and left to find sustenance and peace.

And now, three days later she continued stalking the elusive stag. She kenned her sister would be close to sending a group of men to look for her in a day or so. Luckily she’d managed an agreement with her sister whom was also her laird. An agreement between sisters proved hard to negotiate, but she’d won in the end. And she hunted without escort as long as she never left without telling the guards her direction.

A sun filled day, just cool enough not to need too much clothing that may hinder her movement, but warm enough she didn’t need to start a fire to warm herself. She stretched in the britches she’d stolen from one of the stable hands. Aye, she’d tried the tartan her sister Hope loved to wear, but found it too revealing as she moved and climbed to find her prey. And a gown, the devil take them, ’twould make it nigh impossible to hunt and secure meat for the clan.

She moved quietly through the woods. Each footfall, purposeful, silently brought her closer to her elusive prey.

Aye, there he stood. In the morning mist that hovered just above the low foliage, a proud, beautiful stag who’d avoided her arrow for too long. Huge, with several points on his rack and a cocksure stance stating, I’m king of the forest. She hated to take down the magnificent animal. But he’d provide for her clan and her duty dictated securing meat for those who depended on her.

She drew her bow, stretching the sinew, straining her arm muscles as she prepared to let the arrow fly. The feather fletching grazed her cheek as she held her breath waiting for the perfect moment to release. She’d traveled far for this chance, stalked her prey as her father had taught her so many years ago with her so wee she could barely hold a bow, much less draw and aim. And today, her size may well again thwart her hunting. ’Twould be problematic once the massive stag was felled. She’d have to dress him in the field and lug the meat back with her. No matter, she’d manage as always.

Two more steps forward. Stared down the length of the arrow past the head, ready to release.

“Well, well, well. What have we here?”

“Damn,” she muttered as she turned toward the voice. The stag fled and leapt gracefully away from her.

Vexed, she re-drew her bow and aimed toward the interloper.

She gasped as she spied the man.

He held up his hands and chuckled. “Now, darling, I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Dear Lord, he was large. He leaned against a tree, one of his legs crossed arrogantly before the other. His direct gaze set her heart pounding as she tried to catch her breath.

He nodded toward the woods surrounding them. “I never travel alone. My men surround you, darling.”

She glanced to the right, then left, all the while keeping the arrow nocked. She didn’t see anyone, but if they were trained men, they were cloaked in the brush and pine.

The man chuckled. “Aye, love. They’re here—watching you. Well trained and well hidden.”

He moved forward with long, purposeful strides. The bow nearly slipped from her sweaty grasp.

She swallowed. Piercing blue eyes sized her up as he lazily raked his gaze from her head to her toes. Irritation spiked at his cocksure grin.

He wore a billowing liene and a tartan slung low on his hips. At his side rested a gleaming sword. If she weren’t in the wood alone with the stranger and his men, she’d ask to see the impressive weapon. And to her trained eye, expertly made.

“What do you want?” she asked with more bravado then she felt. Chills shivered up her spine as she tried to see the men watching her. Where were they? And would they hurt a helpless lass?

She nearly scoffed. I am no helpless lass. “Step back or I’ll release the arrow.”

The man tipped his head back and laughed. The husky, throaty laugh sent shivers down her back. The chuckles of his men joined him and she cursed the day she wasn’t born a man. If she were a man, she would have had the strength to challenge him immediately.

She nodded her head at him. “I am a sure shot,” she warned without a hint of pride—her prowess with a bow ’twas common knowledge. Again she drew her bow.

“Damn.” She arched her back when a sharp weapon poked into it.

“Release the bow, lass,” a gruff voice said from behind her, “and I’ll let ye live.”

Meet the Author

Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she'd sneak books into her textbooks during school. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a "closet" writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. 

A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They have 3 children and keep busy cooking, movies, and of course reading!

Contact Information

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

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NEW RELEASE ~ Feeble Connections by Meghana Sarathy

Feeble Connections

by Meghana Sarathy

Genre: New Adult Romance

Date Published: 05/29/17

A charming Casanova; Brandon

A Beautiful, Sassy woman in search of true love; Jennifer

A cocky basketball player; Linden

Three lives, two best friends and one unique love story.

Feeble Connection spins the tale of two friends- Jennifer and Brandon, who meet in college. They were opposite on many grounds and yet perfect for one another. More so as best friends. The love that blossomed in their hearts never made it to their lips. It was Jennifer's lost hope or perhaps Brandon's ignorance to understand his own feelings that made him pave the way for Jennifer to meet Linden . He was very different from Brandon and yet he managed to steal her heart.

Can first love be truly forgotten?

Is second love truly that strong?

Is it even possible to love two people at same time?

Feeble Connections mark the beginning of The Love Connection Series. The series can be started with this book. Love Connection and Love Reconnection which follow this book are already published and available for purchase.

*Due to sexual content and profanity, recommended for readers 18 +

Buy the Book

AMAZON US / UK

iBooks / Smashwords / B&N / Kobo

Excerpt

Jennifer

I walk to the door, unlock it and swing it open. There is no one here, but when I sweep my eyes across the floor, I notice a rose just outside the door. I pick it up to see a small note tied to it.

I untie it and read the words out loud.

“Roses are red. Violets are blue…” I start.

“When I say I love you, you say I love you too.”

I whip my head to see Brandon rounding the turn from his hiding spot. He looks dashing wearing a red suit, the same color as my dress on his white dress shirt. His hair is gelled and slicked back. The top two buttons of his shirt are left open and he also dons a black bow tie. Dashing is a small word. He looks…..I swallow hard. Mouth-watering delicious? A true Gentleman? Hot..sexy??...

My Prince Charming? The one I always sought.

“Those lines were original. Nice, right?”

I am so mesmerized by his sudden appearance and looks that I barely paid any attention to his words. But it can’t be what I believe I heard.

“Pardon me?”

He walks to me and slides his hand behind my neck, pulling me closer. His eyes are so intense that it can bore holes through mine. They are focused solely on me, simmering with unbridled passion. 

“Senorita, roses are red.”

The pressure of his fingers on my neck increases.

“Violets are blue.”

His other arm slides around my waist, and my body stiffens. He is just a breath away.

“When I say I love you.” He pauses and I swallow hard. 

He can’t possibly mean it. 

“You say?” he probes, raising his brows.

“I love you too,” I admit locking my eyes on his.

His lips tug into a smile before they gently press on mine. It’s soft, slow and…… short. He pulls back and brushes his bottom lip with his thumb. He winks and drops both his arms.

“I put up a good show, don’t I? I am very convincing.”

A show? An act. That’s what this was all about.

“What’s going on here?” Gia asks from the doorway. I don’t even have to look at her to see the disdain look on her face. Up until this point, she was in team Sandy.

“Did you buy my act as well, princess?” He is displaying his lopsided grin again. The one reserved for friends and closed ones. Gia belongs to that category as well. 

Before she can answer him, I interrupt. “What are you doing here Brandon? I am waiting for my date. We have a party to attend.”

I really don’t want to make a big deal of that kiss. Brandon and I tend to get carried away at times and this was one of those times. Like he just admitted, he was pretending.

But I wasn’t….my conscience warns. I ignore it. I am becoming good at ignoring it these days.

“I am your date for the night,” he tells smoothly with the widest grin he can muster.

“What?” Gia and I ask in unison.

He can’t just trade place with Sandy like that. 

“What do you mean? Today is Valentine ’s Day, Brandon. It is not a joke to me.”

“Look who’s so uptight today.” He scowls. 

Uptight? What does he expect? He comes out of the blue and tells he loves me. One thing I always dream of hearing from his mouth and I admit my feelings too, only to find out that he was putting on a show.

He really expects me to be happy about that? The joke is on me.

“Roses are red. Violets are blue.” I cross my arms across my chest. He looks at me curiously. “When you crack such a nasty joke, You make me wanna screw you.”

He chuckles hard and shakes his head in amusement.

Teasers

In the Series

Love Connection (Love Connection Series Book 1)

Love Connection is the first book in the Love Connection series. I want to make it a nine book series with stories of interrelated couples, but mainly focusing on Jennifer, Linden and Brandon. I will be releasing love reconnection next which is the sequel to Love Connection. I am currently working on Feeble Connections and Dirty Connections, both of which can be read as standalones. 

Love Connection on SALE at:

Amazon

About the Author

Meghana Sarathy is from Bangalore, India. She is an avid reader and also a writer.  She mainly reads and writes Adult and New Adult romance, as well as dark and psychological thrillers. She has a special affinity towards love triangles and angst filled stories. Her all time favorite characters are her very own characters- Jennifer, Brandon and Linden. She tends to fall hard for boys who are either cocky or, good flirts and total charmers.

She spends most of her free time reading, writing or watching anime. Depending on her mood, she tends to write two to three books at a time. She is a crazy fan of Dragonball Z and can be seen watching the episodes in repeat. Vegeta is her all time favorite anime character.

Contact Information:

Website / Facebook / Goodreads

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Ahe'ey by Jamie Le Fay w/ Giveaway

Ahe’ey

Ange’el Series

Book One

Jamie Le Fay

Genre: Epic Fantasy Romance

Date of Publication / Book Release Date: 8th March 2017

ISBN-10: 0646969188

ISBN-13: 978-0646969183

ASIN: B06XF7T8P1

Number of pages: 625 paperback

Word Count: 155190

Cover Artist: Milan Jovanovic

Tagline: 

Morgan’s feminist books didn’t prepare her to deal with the dashing Gabriel and the land of Ahe’ey

Book Description:

"A thoughtful look at empowerment for women."

"A rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking."

"Highly recommended for all ages."

Morgan is a dreamer, change maker and art lover. She is a feisty, slightly preachy, romantic feminist full of contradictions and insecurities. Morgan uncovers a world where women have the power, and where magic is no longer just a figment of her wild imagination. Sounds like a dream, but it may, in fact, turn into a nightmare.

The world of the Ahe'ey challenges and subverts her views about gender, genes, and nature versus nurture.

The strong and uninvited chemistry between her and the dashing Gabriel makes matters even more complicated. His stunning looks keep short-circuiting her rational mind.

Books2Read  /  Amazon  /  BN  /  iTunes  /  Kobo

Excerpt:

"She believed in magic—the magic of places, the magic of people, the magic of coincidences, serendipity, and fortune. She enjoyed wandering through the world with the open mind and curiosity of a four-year-old child. In her world the mystical, mythical, and magical inhabited the same space and time as the ordinary and the practical. At Bethesda Terrace, she always felt close to a source of magic and creativity. It was as if she were tapping into the place where dragons, angels, gods, sorceresses, and demons came to life."

"She killed him instantly. The young woman plunged her hand into his wound and licked the blood. Once again, she dipped her hand into the blood and used four fingers to paint stripes on her face. Sky’s defiant eyes locked on Iblis."

"Debilitating guilt crushed Gabriel every time he interacted with Morgan. The Ange’el’s affection for the human was weakening his mandate to control her movements and influence her decisions. His task was, once again, to deceive and manipulate. He seemed destined to betray the confidence of those he held most dear."

“You know, it would be much less trouble if you were willing to bat your magic eyelashes.”

"Young Sathian was flirtatious, titillating, quick-witted, and brilliant. He left a trail of broken hearts across the land as he teased and taunted his victims with his beauty and charm. Both women and men succumbed to his joie de vivre and panache as he was an untypical Ange’el that carried the sunshine in his smile and in his eyes."

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:

"A bracing mix of emotionally and intellectually honest fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews

"This book is a thoughtful look at empowerment for women. At the same time, it’s a rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking. This book is highly recommended for all ages." - HUGEOrange

"They're flawed, real, and honest characters that can be easily related to. Ahe'ey is the kind of novel society needs to read, to create inspiration and to make people think. Ahe'ey is daring, complex, and honest. A must-read novel that tackles heavy and real topics with a mix of serious and humorous, charm and tragedy." - Reader's Favorite - 5 Star Review

"Ahe’ey contains a richly imagined world that raises complicated and timely questions about our own.

Jamie Le Fay’s Ahe’ey is an action-packed love story that puts forth a nuanced vision of gender stereotypes, body politics, and the dark side of seeking perfection." - Foreword Clarion - 4 Star Review

About the Author:

Jamie is an accomplished writer and speaker that focuses mainly on topics related to girlhood, feminism, gender equality, and the misrepresentation of minorities in media and marketing.

Website: http://www.angeelseries.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/angeelseries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jamie LeFay/

Goodreads: 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34459933-ahe-ey

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Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney w/ Giveaway

This is my stop during the blog tour for Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney. 

This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 1 till 21 May. 

 View the tour schedule here.

Black Dawn (Black Dawn #1)

By Mallory McCartney

Genre: Fantasy

Age category: Young Adult/ New Adult

Release Date: February 14, 2017

Blurb: 

The end of an Empire, the rise of a Queen.

Emory Fae enjoys leading a quiet, normal life. That is until two mysterious, and handsome soldiers show up at her apartment, and the life she knew is instantly whisked away. Memphis Carter and Brokk Foster come from the magical and war ridden world of Kiero, and upon Emory's arrival she will discover she is the long-lost heir to the Royal Line and is thrown into the Black Dawn Rebellion with a dynamic role to ignite the rebels and reclaim her throne.

With both men being darkly woven in her past Emory uncovers hidden secrets, a power held long dormant, and will soon realize there are worse things than supernatural humans, love, loss, betrayal, and a Mad King.

Some things are better left in the shadows.

You can find Black Dawn on Goodreads

You can buy Black Dawn here:

- Amazon

- Barnes & Noble

- Indigo

~

Excerpt:

Nyx looked at Memphis like he was a ghost. Command was silent after Brokk and Memphis had finished, the only noise the rustle of scanners and screens that kept surveillance. 

 “How could you do this?” 

Nyx screeched her chair back, venom dripping from her tone. She jabbed a shaking finger into Memphis’s chest. “I trusted you. This is not something you keep to yourself, Memphis Carter. I trusted you. By fire and flame, Emory has gotten to safety while the rest of us barely survived? You two betrayed us to save one girl!”

Nyx was fully trembling now, her anger uncontained. Brokk looked to Wyatt, Jaxson, and Alby; their skeptical stances and hurt faces were enough for him to decipher how they were feeling. He cleared his voice and said, “I’m sorry. We both are. This can change our chances, though. From Adair’s point of view, I don’t think there would be anything more challenging than Emory returning from the dead. We use her and the Fae name to be the face of this Rebellion, and we finally end Adair.”

Nyx spat and said, “Well, doesn’t that just sound like the perfect fairytale that it is. The long lost Princess finally home to free her lands. Only that she saved her hide to leave the rest of us to suffer. Not very noble.”

Memphis’s face darkened. “You can be mad at my fault in this and in my decision to keep this from all of you, but Emory would have been killed if she had stayed that night. We all know this.”

Nyx flipped her purple hair over her shoulder. “Call a meeting. Tell the others. Then you two go on an Ops mission. Bring her back, and maybe I will consider staying with you.” 

Memphis flushed a deep red at not getting that last word in before Nyx haughtily stalked out of the room. 

The others followed, not giving them a second glance. Memphis turned to him in anger. “Well, that went fantastic.” 

Brokk rolled his shoulders. “You have to understand, especially when it comes to Nyx, that anything to do with Emory will be a soft spot. She loves you, brother, and she thought that the competition for you was dead.”

Memphis flushed a deeper maroon at this point, sputtering. Brokk shook his head. “Call the alarm in an hour. Until then, take a moment. I will see you then.” 

Brokk left, navigating quickly down the hallway. People around him were just blurs of colors. His heart was galloping just at the thought of seeing Emory Fae again. Six years and it only felt like yesterday that she was here laughing beside them, that he got lost in her sea-green eyes. Time could change a lot of things, but the advantage of being able to time travel was that he could relive those memories a thousand times over, and every time he thought it would fill the ache in his heart. He was sorely wrong. Now he was hoping desperately that the woman a world away would remember him as he once was, and not the soldier he was now. 

****

“Please proceed to the dining hall. Please proceed to the dining hall…” Brokk’s stomach twisted. Weaving through the crowd, he lined up to enter the next cage. Numbly he stepped in, and the cage dropped into the ground. The wind roared around them as he tried to prepare himself. They slowed to a grinding halt, and Brokk realized the dining hall was nearly full already. 

Weaving in between rows of familiar faces, he took a seat at the nearest table. Brokk scanned the crowd—near the front, Nyx’s purple hair reflected against the lantern glow. As if feeling his gaze, she turned her head, locking her eyes on him. 

She was always the fierce one holding them all together. Her mouth was set in a grim line, she slightly tipped her head toward him. They all knew that from this moment on, there was no going back. As if on cue, Memphis walked out, stopping to take in everyone. He wore a pale blue shirt and black pants, his lace-up boots shining. Brokk could see his inner turmoil from the slight quirk in his nose; his pale eyebrows knitted together. His authoritative voice quieted the bustle in the room as Memphis clasped his hands in front of him. “Good morning. Firstly, I am sorry to take you all away from your tasks, but thank you for coming. As you all know, we formed this Rebellion to create a sanctuary to anyone who has been terrorized by Adair. 

“We are here to heal and gain our strength, so we have a fighting chance against him. As a group, we have accomplished amazing feats but have lost way too much in the midterm. Every person in this room has trusted me without question, has taken me as their leader. All of us have been working toward resolutionto reclaim our world.” Memphis paused, his voice echoing in Brokk’s mind alone, “It’s time.” Sighing, he continued, “I have not been honest. In fact, I have lied to protect a secret that was never mine to keep. For this alone, words cannot begin to express my regret and guilt.”

About the Author:

Mallory McCartney currently lives in London, Ontario with her husband and their two dachshunds Link and Lola. Black Dawn is her debut novel, the first in a series. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found dog grooming, book shopping and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

You can find and contact Mallory McCartney here:

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Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Black Dawn. Three winners will each win a signed copy of Black Dawn. Open International.

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