Friday, May 2, 2014

Saving Abel Cover Reveal

Title: Saving Abel (Rocker Series: One)
Author: Gina Whitney
Genre: Erotica BDSM
Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb: Abel Gunner, the lead singer of the band Lethal Abel, is what beautiful nightmares are made of. His gritty, melodic rasp threatens to rip your heart out of your chest and leave you gasping for the very breath he robbed you of. His kisses, detonating on impact, leave you ruined. Abel is also a Dom, and his appetite for seduction is legendary and intense. After a chance encounter with Gia, his need to dominate this woman increases tenfold. He wants to consume her, merge with her, and never leave her body. Abel's emerald eyes touch the deepest part of Gia's soul in a way that terrifies her. She fears he can see her secret. Lies, guilt, and betrayal lay beneath her skin, and she's terrified of being exposed. How will Gia ever begin to explain? She doesn't believe she's worthy of him, and her greatest fear is that her carefully guarded heart will be shattered. However, she finds herself unable to deny this rogue tattooed rocker whose kisses just might ruin her.
Author Bio: Gina Whitney grew up reading Judy Blume, and Nancy Drew books. She was raised in the town of North Valley Stream, New York(Long Island)and attended community college for fashion design. At 19 she opened a boutique. She recently published her first paranormal romance novel Blood Ties. When she's not writing, she's hanging with family and friends. She shares a home with her wonderful son’s PJ and Drew, and their 200lb Mastiff Hercules. She currently lives in Massapequa, New York. Reading has always been a passion and obsession. You can usually find her typing furiously while shouting obscenities over her latest work. She also enjoys a good laugh, being snarky, espresso, and above all steamy swooning angst filled novels. She's pathologically obsessed with True Blood(Eric ;), Games of Thrones, Borgias, Vampire Diaries and Originals. You can also find her chatting it up with readers on Facebook.
Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7093718.Gina_Whitney
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginamwhitney
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gina-Whitney/e/B00DWDU1KG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Blog: http://authorginawhitney.blogspot.com/
                                                                Prologue
The night
On ecru initialed paper the understanding was brutally clear…You’re to be blindfolded and waiting on your knees for your master. I reread a couple of times, my hands shaking with both fear of the unknown and excited to be delivered to brink of aching pleasure. Man, I was fucked! Folding the note in half, perfectly seaming the edges thoughtfully, musings of biting off more than I can chew swirled cyclonically…causing fluttering in my stomach to mount to upchuck levels. Picking up the Hermes silk scarf, I gentled it along my check before breathing in his alpha scent. Him. My eyes closed on their own accord…heart beating in concert with my pussy.  My clit charged and was primed already with my sweet ambrosia. The inner demonness scratching the surface of my psyche, relentlessly thrashing against confinement. Twirling around in a sexual dream-state, my eyes took in floor to ceiling windows—lush drapes pulled back. Gasping heavily… hand on my heart trying to keep the fucker in there. Was he planning to take me in the open—voyeur delight?  I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Then again this was about surrendering. A place my control had no say in. On the left was a free standing bar. His guitar leaning against it.  Chrystal decanters lined the top. Amber colored courage called to my parched throat. Begging, needing something to quell the tremors that plagued my body. I couldn’t. Could I?  Or was that breaking the rules? I couldn’t afford to piss him off nor did I want to. I wanted to please him. Hand over the keys to my soul for him to take up occupancy. I needed to take purchase of the prime piece of real-estate—his heart. Old demons plagued my thoughts with their clever mind tricks. Fighting their way to the surface—sneering that I would lose the man I’d come to love because of my deceitful heart. The mother of all motherfucking Karmas was going to bite my ass—hard. I needed to lock these incessant nauseating thoughts where they belonged…behind a door that had no moral key and slam it shut.
Looking to my left, a fire raged stunningly in a pastoral styled fireplace. Crackling embers radiated warmth to nurture my body. Perfect spot! Unbuttoning my pants and blouse letting them both pool at my feet…my bra and panties followed. The heat of the flames licked my skin helping gentle the goose bumps that stepped forward across my body. Double-knotting the scarf, I lowered to my knees, thankful for plush carpet. I sent a silent bid of gratitude upwards. God had no place here today. On this day, I would be rejoicing, reveling and partaking in rituals practiced by heathens. Tempering my breathing, I repeated Namaste over and over until a shiver redirected my attention to the door. Searching my mind to identify its source, the squeak of the door knob stopped all thought process—and thinking.  His innate maleness seeped into my pores, cocooning my skin in his alpha scent—marking my heart as his. Instantly, my body recognized him. An unwilling groan escaped, making my nether region clench in anticipation. He chuckled.
~~~
"Very good. I see you followed my directions flawlessly. I see that beautiful pussy’s shaved bare for me. This pleases me Gia. And you will see how much very shortly. But, are you ready for your Master?  If I part your folds will you be slick and hot for me?"
His warm breath tickled my ear. My mouth opened and closed a few times like a fish out of water, until I finally croaked out, (no paragraph)"Um, yes. I um. I believe so, Abel.”  Christ why am I reduced to a stuttering adolescent? He's fucking dangerous and hot that's why! Stealing myself, I needed to women the fuck up and show him who I am. Palming my chin out, he spoke gruffly.
“Love, when we’re in this setting I am your God…bringer of pleasure and pain.” He released me, clearly awaiting a response of praise.
“Yes Sir. I understand perfectly.” I affirmed. My body chilled knowing the moment he stepped away. The ring of the crystal decanter signaled loudly in the air. Rolling shutters had me clenching—hard. Moments ticked by at a snail’s pace and I wanted to rip my hair out. Frustration built as he took his time leaving me in a vulnerable position. He swallowed his drink before padding back over in my direction and bringing that delicious signature scent of his - musk and something wild I couldn’t put my finger on.
“I’m going to taste you now.” He quantified.
What? Christ on a motherfuckin cross. Two thick fingers teased my clit round and round, spreading my silky juices along my seam and preparing for his invasion. I held my breath. What else could I do?
“You smell like you want to be fucked.” He smiled appreciatively.” Breathe Gia. Your God would like to sample you. I want to commit your taste to memory. Savor you on my tongue. Swallow your goodness.” He rasped leaning into my ear.
I wanted to scream just do it already! His beard scruffed against my face…leaving his mouth against my ear. Every breath. Every heartbeat. Every swallow. Was mine hear. I had a front row seat to an erotic movie that I starred in. Holding my shoulder firmly with his left hand, he roughly entered my opening. One breath in. One long breath out.  Fingering me with precision…two fingers in me and his thumb on my trigger. I ground against his palm.
“You will not come. Yet. Stay still or I’ll stop.” He stated sternly. .  
Well that did it! I needed release and I needed it now. Fuck. Squeezing my eyes tightly, I was thankful for the blind-fold. He had to see how challenging this was for me. With a final stretching thrust he vacated my pussy. The heady juice permeated the air…releasing another gush of wetness. His sucking sound ended with a loud pop, followed by a growl of approval.
“Taste.” He fisted my hair driving his fingers into my open mouth.
“Taste how sweet your pussy is?” He queried.
I had the perfect opportunity to bring him to his knees. My tongue languidly snaked its way around his fingers, sucking greedily any remaining ambrosia—with my own kickass resounding pop. Umm…purring my contentment.  
A seismic roar rumbled its way free from his alpha chest. Oh, he was affected. Breaking dominant control momentarily—he lunged forward. Fisting my hair, his tongue forced my mouth open. Damn this Dom. My lungs fought for air as my hands braced against his muscled chest…alive with the vibrations from the beast tethered within—Abel. Dizziness threatening to take me under. Pulling air into my nose I took a breath. He didn’t let up. Apparently, my survival was to be damned while he consumed me from the inside out. My brain had only registered oxygen. Now I needed to return his kiss. My hands found their way up his neck into his thick hair. Fist full of hair…I pulled. He answered my call with his masterful tongue and gnashing teeth. Needing his cock in my pussy now, I reached for it, feeling its thick steeliness through his jeans. He gently removed my hands. Disappointed, I lowered my head but took the opportunity to nourish my blood with oxygen. He forced my hands behind my back. I sat on the back of my knees to steady myself.
“You have to earn that, Babe. You haven’t earned my cock yet. And he has a bigger ego then I do.” He laughed low and deep as he stood, leaving me again.
Was he serious? His dick had an ego?
Shuffling of drawers opening and closing to my left had me turning my head in that direction. My legs tingled with anticipation and lack of activity. I hoped I wasn’t going to be on my knees too much longer. The loud snap of something caught my immediate attention causing me to lick my dry lips and swallow the golf ball sized knot as I readied myself. Sweet smelling leather assailed my senses.
“Do you know what the Cat of nine tails is, Gia?” He asked.
Thanks to Google, my ignorance for basic BDSM wouldn’t be apparent. I schooled my quickly
in the tricks of the trade like knots, whips, and positions 101.
“Yes Sir. A traditionally favored whip with nine separate tails.” I rejoined, quirking a smile. I awaited his answer which came in the form of him running the tails along my breasts…down to my pussy… and snapping my clit to attention. Over and over again my body became acquainted with this new form of torture. With legs shaking, I thrust myself off of them into an upright position, hoping this little exercise would stop this embarrassing bodily display of minor earthquakes. No such luck. My body wanted to surrender to its Master as my wreathing ratcheted to panic-attack levels. An explosion of epic proportions was near tilt. Whack…the leather sliced across my behind. Ow…fuck me!
“Not nearly yet sweetheart. That nice shade of red on your ass is making me hard as fuck though.” He countered.
Well that’s not how I really meant it, but that’s exactly what I wanted right the fuck now. He was turned on. And that turned me on. If his lash marks on my skin do it for him—then so be it.
“I want to taste you, Master. It’s only fair.” I practically whined. Throw me a fucking bone. This BDSM shit was killing me. I’m not a patient person by nature, so, I deserved a reward for the restraint I’ve been practicing today. The sound of his zipper lowering had my full attention. The lava started to trickle down my legs again.
“Is this what you want pretty girl?” He stepped up smearing his pre-cum on my lips.
I moaned embarrassingly loud.  “Yes! More!” I demanded. He presented his cock to my tongue this time. My tongue stroked something unfamiliar. Was it a piercing? Bracing myself on his thick thighs, I fished for the object. Yep, he was pierced. Fuck me.
Expertly I lavished it with my tongue paying homage to this rock God. Maybe his cock deserved its own zip code? This was a local I wanted to move to…like now. Pushing forward I sought his engorged bell. Licking, flickering and tonguing at break-neck speed to the best of my ability. He roared. He ripped the scarf freeing my eyes from their prison. Site was returned. Though, I couldn’t see a fucking thing. Squinting I looked up towards his beautiful face. His face twisted in agony. He needed release. Eyes sparking with warning. His thread-like hold on reality virtually nonexistent. A sardonic smile pulled to his lips as he continued stroking his cock. Up. Down. Up. Twist. Down. Release. Up. Twist. Down. Release. His left hand squeezed his tightened sack roughly. Eyes glistening. His tongue snaked out to wet his plump lips. Sooty lashed eyes closed for a moment and he blew out a long breath…battling for control. I gulped—hard. Something sparkly caught my upturned eyes bringing my gaze back to his sack.
“Like what you see, Babe?” He smiled proudly. His stance was powerful and mighty.
It was then I noticed his tatted dick. Whoa. I didn’t have the time to even comprehend what art graced his gorgeous cock. I’ll come back to that. I was visually over-stimulated. Tilting my head awkwardly left then right. What even was that? I wasn’t naive. I knew there were guys who pierced the head of their dick. Shit. One was right in front of me. But, all along the underside of his cock? Can’t say I ever saw that or even heard of that before.
“It’s called frenum loops, Babe. The one through my head is an Apadravya. You’ll be thanking me soon for it.” His toothy smile made me blush at my naiveté. He took my lip-licking as a signal for further teachings of How to suck Abel’s cock 101.
“Relax. Open real wide. Get it nice and wet.” He instructed.
Relaxing my gag reflex, I readied my throat for his invasion. Not only did I have to worry about his girth, but his hardware as well. My mouth was desert dry. I pursed my  lips to conjure up enough saliva to get the job done. The wide tip of his cock made its way past my lips, wetting a groan from me of appreciation for this male. Lavishing the small beads of pre-come on my tongue…relishing his heady taste. God damn. His hooded eyes caught mine as I acquiesced. I closed my eyes and sucked his head hard with a quick swirl around his Apadravya. I spit into my palm pumping his cock once. Twice. A throaty groan made my clit swell. I loved his male sounds. I knew I was doing this right. I wanted more. More of him. More of that noise. Widening my mouth even further I took his cock deeply. Paying close attention to his frenulum loops,  I concentrated on them with my tongue. The jingling within my mouth had me shuttering. Up. Down. Twist. Suck. Tongue. Up. Down. Twist. Suck. Gag. Up. Down. Twist. Suck. Gag. His fingers found their home…deeply embedded in my scalp, the pain causing my eyes to mist. Licking from base to tip, I was on repeat. His eyes watched me intently. Appreciatively.
Though, I didn’t always see him watching me, I knew he was. One final swirling suck later,  I let my lips pop loudly. Jerking sounds of wetness aloud. I tried the impossible. To swallow him. Breathing through my nose, I watched. He watched. I swallowed. The thickness of his cock swelling was all the indication I needed. He was ready to blow—hard. My throat relaxed and opened to accommodate his girth further. Abel hissed his thankfulness by thrusting deeply. Once. Twice. Three times. He growled loudly face fucking me into oblivion. Surprising even myself…I swallowed his gift of spicy goodness humming my appreciation to this deity. Swallowing it down and suck-tonguing his Apadravya. I inwardly smiled, milking every last drop of his elixir.            
With a final groan, I fell back and let the fibers of the rug absorb my fatigue. Mentally and physically I was wiped out. I rubbed my fingers through the filaments trying to desperately sooth my restless soul. At that moment, I didn’t care where he was or what he was doing. His gentle fingers caressed my cheek. I closed my eyes savoring his warm touch.
“Oh, Babe we’re not done. Come, I’ll carry you to my bedroom.” He bent and scooped me up. Swaddled in his arms, his hooded eyes caught mine. A few long strides and we were in his bedroom where he gently laid me on his king-sized bed and stepped back.
“I’m gonna take a quick shower. Join me?” He motioned with his hand to the bathroom in not so subtle invitation.
“Nah, I’m good here for now. You go. If I change my mind I’ll find you.” She watched him carefully not sure how he would react to denying him.
His eyes darkened as if he had never been denied before. He nodded and left through the en-suite. Raising myself up to my forearms I took in his room. So this is his room here. Monochromatic black and white made up a majority of his palate choice aside from his poppy red silk shantung comforter. Everything was simple…yet elegant. It was clear to me that Abel sought home comforts and swathed the hotel room with his possessions. I guess a life on the road was a lonely one. Cocooning myself in the lush bedding. There was no better place. And his scent. Lord above if I could bottle his essence I’d be a wealthy chick.  Grabbing his pillow I brought it to my nose inhaling his heady alpha scent. A groan escaped and my clit was beyond engorged—needing release. I needed to steal this pillow.
“Enjoying yourself?” His voice caught me off guard.  I cursed inwardly when I saw his smile reach his eyes. Busted. He abruptly reached for my legs and pulled me across the bed. Holy shit. His eyes alit with mischief as he pulled until my bottom was at the end of the bed. Lying there naked, I started to feel self-conscience so I turned to grab the edge of the comforter.
“Don’t hide your body from me, Gia. Spread your legs for me. I want to see what’s mine. I want to taste your nectar.” He commands. And I obey my spreading my legs. When he doesn’t respond, I get anxious. There’s a mirror on the wall next to the bed and I can see my reflection. What a turn on. Me watching him—us. His eyes visually devouring my pussy. He removes his towel from his waist and turns to see me watching tentatively through the mirror. He grabbed hold of his thick cock, stroking, smiling and watched me for a good long ass minute. This is one big mind fuck and I’m barely holding my own. My blood boiled watching his erotic exhibition. Boy was he a showman. He knelt down and seizing both thighs pulling them back into a V across my chest. The image of us in the mirror is suggestive. He pressed his nose along my pussy—inhaling deeply.
“You’ve got such a pretty pussy, Gia. I’m a man starved for this pussy. When I’m done, I’m going to fuck you like the devil. My cock will be everything you’ve wished for, Babe.” He winked.
Cocky motherfucker. Holding my legs in place he dives face first into my pussy pushing his tongue deep into me…growling…devouring. The sounds of him sucking, licking and nipping my pussy had my muscles locking up. I reached for his hair. I needed to touch him. I wanted to hold his head to my pussy until I was good and ready to let go.
“, Put your damn hands above your head or I will tie you to the bed.” He growled.
I acquiesced. I would fucking die or kill someone if he stopped. Oh, God, don’t stop.
“God has no place here, Babe.” His voice was demonic.
Did I just say that aloud? Never lifting his face from his meal. He pushed my knees almost flush to my chest lathering his face in my juice. Oh, God. Growling, biting and sucking were sounds I would never forget. He was feral. Possessed. Using two fingers, his index finger fucking me as he sucked my clit. My legs shaking with deep vibrations, I started to rock my hips. Twisting the comforter in my hands, I began to scream for my release. He didn’t stop. I barley registered the rumbling from his chest as I floated back down to earth. My eyes now opening to a savage beast. He leaned over to bite my inner thing. I yelped in surprise. He stood tall and proud stoking his long thick massive cock. His face still glistening with my cum Nothing registered to this alpha. He had one thing on his mind and that was sinking his gorgeous cock into my soaked pussy.
“You want this cock now, Babe? He spoke through gritted teeth.  Still stroking his cock he spit in his hand. Fucking hell.
“Please, Abel. I want you now.” I begged. I needed him now.
“Need to hear you say it, Babe. Tell me you want me to sink my cock deep into you.” He whispered, his voice barely audible.
The grit in his voice had me wanting to grab his dick and fuck myself with it. He was watching me closely, his control threadbare.
“Abel, fuck me with that big gorgeous cock of yours. Grind that piercing over my clit.” I hissed. That did it! He couldn’t wait another minute—neither could I. He teased the entrance with the head of his cock agonizingly slow, paying special attention to my clit with his Apadravya. Back and forth. Round and round. The pressure mounted. I couldn’t stand another second of the exquisite torture. I leaned forward and grabbed his cock—hard.
“Stop fucking with me and take me already.” I hissed out my plea. He answered by feeding me his cock one motherfucking inch at a time.
“I have to loosen you up a bit. I can’t go balls deep yet. Let me work myself in there. Love my girl greedy for my cock. Have me harder than fucking stone.” He spoke growled breathlessly. Leaning over me his eyes hooded he fed me his delicious scorching cock. He leaned down over my face, arms at either side of my head. His warm breath humming in my ear. His hand reached down to stroke my clit.
“Come on, Babe. Open for me.” He rumbled. Thrusting a bit harder and quicker I felt my body opening up for this mythical creature. My eyes closed tightly and I tried to wrap my legs around his waist to lock him into place.
“Not yet, Babe. I haven’t worked in my rings yet. I’ll tell you when you need to hang on.” He nipped my ear.
I sighed. Fuck, I thought he was all the way in. Christ, I’m not built for this kind of torment. I reached down to his butt cheeks and clamped down with my hands…pulling him deeper to me. He corkscrewed his ass over and over. I screamed my pleasure.
“That’s it, Mama. Scream for me. You’ll be doing a lot more of that.” He proclaimed.
Biting my lip to stay present and not float away…I took a mental screenshot of this moment. I felt so full. My walls stretched to accommodate his girth. Each thrust he sank deeper. And I fell a little harder. Yeah I was fucked. Literally. The sound of my blood pumping through my veins roared in my ears. I couldn’t tell if it was my breaths or his. It was a hodgepodge of ecstasy. He reached his hand over pining them above my head.
“Arch your back for me, Babe, and spread those pretty legs nice and wide. I’m going to own this pussy right the fuck now.” He gritted out. I did as he asked completely submitting. After all this was what he asked for. Complete and utter submission.
“That’s it, Babe. Offer me that sweet cunt.” He whispered. How did he make my least favorite word sound like a fucking sonnet? I felt so incredible—so alive. Our bodies in tune with one another. Rutting rhythmically in a crescendo of lust. His frenulum rings hitting spots I’ve never sensed before. He manipulated my body with expert precision. I regarded his handsome face relishing beautiful man on top of me. His eyes bore into me with stealth precision. Looking directly into my soul. He smiled wickedly kissing me deeply. Arrogant prick. Yeah, he knew he was the best ride in town. Fuck me. Grinding my heels into the mattress to get better leverage I met him thrust for thrust. He moved his fingers from my clit. His other hand still pinning my arms above my head and pushed my right thigh up from under my knee. Hitting a whole new angle I lost it. Screaming his name…my pussy clenched and squeezed his cock. Jack hammering me a few good thrusts I felt his head swell further. He released my hands rushing to his knees. After a few long strokes of his dick, his hot thick ropes painted my tits and stomach with his come. Yeah, he was an artist all right. His eyes were closed—mouth parted. His breathing hurried—body still. He looked like a fucking God—absolutely stunning. I will never get this image out of my head.
He opened his eyes finally…to see his handiwork. Abel watched me closely. I smiled in post coital bliss. Blissed the fuck out. He leaned over and on top of me kissing me with his full lips, coaxing my mouth open with his talented wicked tongue. Not caring about the fact that his come was smeared all over is body. Most men would mind. But, he wasn’t most men.  I accepted with a moan. He kissed me for a long while until sleep drew me under. I slept without dreams…just a piece of colorful pastel swirls. If I had any conscience thought it felt much akin to Alice and the rabbit hole. My body enveloped in his scent marking me right down to the bone. I would forever be his…whether he knew it or not. His to control. His to do with as he wished. His to consume…eating away at my very soul. I was in that deep. My veins ran with his essence—fuelling nourishment my body craved. His melodic gritty voice carried me to the surface of conciseness. It was faint, but spoke to my heart—awakening me. I opened my eyes…seeking him out. He was singing an acapella version of…? What song was that? I knew it wasn’t one of Lethal Abel’s. I listened keenly…searching for any frame of reference. Oh, I knew now!  It was his version of Katy Perry’s Dark Horse. His version had an edge to it. Nonetheless, it was beautiful.  And more importantly it was quintessential Abel. He mastered everything he did. It was on his terms.
Make me your cubid
Make me your one and only
But don’t make me your enemy, your enemy, your enemy
So you wanna play with magic
Girl, you should know what you’re falling for
Baby, do you dare to do this?
Cause I’m coming at you like a dark horse
Are you ready for a perfect storm, a perfect storm?
Cause once you’re mine, there’s no going back…
Oh, God. His version of reality was quickly becoming mine. I laid back down and let his voice pull me back under again…swathing me in his gravely tones—carrying me to him.

Hollow Point Blog Tour and Review



Title:  Hollow Point
Author:  Gary R. Eddings
Published:  January 2014
Publisher:  Champagne Book Group
Word Count:  60,000
Genre:  Suspense, Thriller
Recommended Age:  13+








Synopsis: 
There is no such thing as an ordinary traffic stop, something Tribal Officer Pat Colson is reminded of when pulling over a dusty old Buick. Before he knows it, shots are flying and he is huddled behind his police cruiser for cover.
In the ensuring investigation, a sizable amount of methamphetamine is discovered in the suspects’ vehicle. Uncut and very potent, the question is where does it come from— the Reservation or elsewhere?
With everyone on the Reservation becoming a suspect, and little information to go on, Colson must act fast to stop the dangerous drug from killing more innocent victims and stop a murderer in his tracks.

My Review: This story has a little bit of everything for everyone. I really enjoyed the references to Native American culture. I found it a very interesting. Tribal Officer Colson is in for way more than he ever imagined when a routine traffic stop becomes a range of circumstances that he was not ready for! When Colson gets advised to listen to  the Eagle really listen things can get a little comedic at times. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a light and quick read. I liked the story and felt that Gary Eddings has a knack for this style and genre of book!
4/5


Excerpt from Hollow Point :

It is told that a Great Serpent caused extreme distress and threatened the Salish people. Chief Kitsap called down the Double-Headed Eagle from the mountains to fight it. The two creatures engaged in a horrible battle and the Great Serpent eventually pulled the Eagle down, presumably to his death, plowing a huge trench that filled with water and became Agate Pass, separating the Kitsap Peninsula from Bainbridge Island.

The people mourned. Then the ground shook and the Double-Headed Eagle rose from the water in victory, having killed the Great Serpent. To this day the symbol of the Suquamish is the Double-Headed Eagle, their protector.

That type of power is needed once again for the Tribe.





About the Author:
I retired as a fire department EMS Division Chief for Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue in 2005. I have been writing seriously since mid-2009, and this is my second novel with Champagne Book Group. I am also a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. I am the father of four and the grandfather of three; a two year old grandson and newly-minted twin girls.


Briksanna's Sacrifice Release Day Blitz

Title: Birksanna’s Sacrifice
Author: Sabrina Rawson
Genre: New Adult Fantasy Romance
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Synopsis: Briksanna’s Sacrifice is a character-driven fantasy romance novel, the first book within a series called A Novel of the Four Realms, about men and women of different realms on a quest to fulfill a prophesy.
Prologue       Captured, physically and emotionally exhausted, Briksanna Akmond, High Princess of Skaldanna has no idea where she is or how long she is going to be kept prisoner.  The Prophesy speaks of her having a starring role in the downfall of Lord Drakkoon.  She escapes her prison draining her persecutor of life.
Two thousand years hiding in the Earth Realm, Briksanna heads a mercenary group called Lightning Strike where every member is part of her adopted family.  Her secret love, Nathanial, openly declares his promise to cherish her forever despite his own reservations.  They are visited by the Goddess Merridian who explains The Prophesy and the importance of their roles.  She reveals Lord Drakkoon is her twin brother and the history of his role in the Under Realm.
In a dream sequence, Briksanna recalls her prison tormentor was actually her betrothed.  Thinking he was dead, she grieved her lost love during her imprisonment.  She does not want to feel the vulnerability of love, and prays for healing from her pain; when her prayers go unanswered she uses her energy to destroy the prison.  Waking, Briksanna is reassured by Nathanial of their growing relationship while giving her space to build their relationship in trust.  Nathanial’s brother, Stark, sits with the rest of the family explaining the importance of solidarity regarding The Prophesy.
In the Under Realm, Lord Drakkoon interrogates his most trusted warrior why he failed his latest mission, in the Earth Realm.  The warrior explains his encounter with Briksanna’s family, and how he lost all of his soldiers.  Lord Drakkoon uses his power to alter the warrior forever changing him.  Merridian is in Lord Drakkoon’s castle when her energy is drained barely escaping the Under Realm with her life.  Briksanna is drained of energy in the Earth Realm.  She contacts her friend, Katerina, who confirms the same had been felt in the Second Realm resulting in the death of her lands.  Briksanna promises to bring help right before fainting in Nathanial’s arms.  In a dream sequence, Briksanna recalls believing she is a victim of tragedy and embraces the desire for vengeance.  Nathanial takes Briksanna to their room to have a surprise visit by Skaldanna’s seer Vakgdona.  She informs him of a quest they will need to embark on in order to gain the weapon needed for The Prophesy.  Stark brings Briksanna’s twin daughters, who are healers, to the room.  Stark reminisces on his past relationship with Nathanial while heading to get something to eat.  Nathanial feels unsure of his capabilities of being a king and shares it with Stark.  Intent on forgetting Nathanial and Briksanna explore their love, embrace their heated desire allowing their emotions free reign.
Stark is surprised when the Goddess Merridian appears out of nowhere seeking shelter before passing out in his arms.  He takes her to the infirmary turning her over to the twins.  The twins explain, to the rest of the family, the dynamics of energy and High Royalty distribution of energy on Skaldanna.  Briksanna doesn’t believe she can trust Merridian and she offers a truce allowing Briksanna to access her memories.  Briksanna explains what is to be expected while on Skaldanna as royalty and how energy is the sole source of life in all the realms.  The warrior interacts with Lord Drakkoon, further acknowledging his hatred for him.  He reflects on The Mistress as his protector while he cherishes the medallion she gave him and together they will destroy Lord Drakkoon.
The next day, all family members prepare to leave for Skaldanna.  Nathanial reflects on his own personal trust issues while Briksanna and Katerina form a portal successfully transporting everyone.  Briksanna is surprised to find, Hawk, the general of her father’s royal guards waiting for her.  Mistakenly reacting to aggression from Hawk, the twins threaten Hawk at sword point until Briksanna forces them to release him.  They go to the castle and engage in heated discussions forcing Merridian to reveal herself as a Goddess.  Everyone agrees to survey the damage to the Second Realm.  Briksanna speculates on the possibility of a different villain acting out these attacks.
In the west wing of the castle two guards assigned to the wing disrespect Briksanna and Nathanial.  Suddenly the lovers fight viciously, attempting to kill one another.  Merridian sees an evil spell weaving around them and she breaks the spell rendering Nathanial and Briksanna unconscious.  Katerina says she witnessed the day Briksanna’s family had been killed by the same magic.  Nathanial and Briksanna awaken horrified by their memories and reassure themselves of their love.  Nathanial leaves to survey the land with the men and Briksanna seeks Katerina and one of the twins to view the grounds outside.  
Appalled at the destruction within the land, Briksanna embraces the core energy from Skaldanna collaborating with one of the twins, they sing the land back to life.  Briksanna embraces her role as High Queen understanding The Prophesy more clearly.  Nathanial worries when the lightning begins, only to be caught up in the energy tsunami flying through the realm, effectively erasing his insecurities, strengthening his resolve to be the leader he wants to be.  Racing back to where the women were, Nathanial orders everyone to the castle.
Heading to their rooms, Briksanna gets violently ill revealing she is pregnant with their first child dictated by The Prophesy.  She expresses her fears for their child and the children they have fostered together along with the impact being pregnant will have on their reign in the near future.  Nathanial replaces all her doubts with his love.  She accepts his love, trusting him with everything she has.  He accepts his role as High King knowing she will forever stand beside him never in front of him.  Together they accept their roles within The Prophesy.
Although I have only been physically writing for two years the ideas that conceived my first novel have been percolating in my mind for many years. In many ways I found life experiences influencing my story although written in fantasy format. Nelson Mandela's words inspired me: "There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." No truer words could have been said. After my first cancer battle three years ago, I was in the frame of mind of surviving trying to get back to my swing of things. Problem was I couldn't. I wasn't the same person anymore. Then I relapsed by the end of the first year. Came through that experience exhausted and have had multiple tumors pop up ever since. To say my health being a mental/physical challenge is putting it mild. I realize what I left behind in that operating room in 2010 was my passion. Cancer can't take that away, I put it away along with my drive and ambition. My creative muse happily skipped right along with the rest of them. I had to discover myself. Well here I am three years post my first surgery and even if I have to do it again in a few months, so what! I refuse to settle for a life less than what I can create for myself. I live in Sonoma County heart of the wine country of California enjoying life in the rural land happily married to a wonderful supportive husband. You can always find me reading a book, cooking a meal for our multitude of children or playing with our dog, Taylor.
Links: 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsabrinarawson Follow for photos, history and book tour information: www.sabrinarawson.com Email me at: sabrina.rawson@outlook.com Follow: Twitter@SabrinaRawson
“I mean it, Bri, I’m going to take care of you first then you and I can talk, deal?  That is the best I can offer after all we have been through tonight.”  Sounding very serious he was putting all his mental effort to block her from his thoughts so she was unable to ascertain if he was lying or not.  He wanted her to trust him.
Looking at her mate her grin managed to reach her eyes for the first time in many years, “Deal Mate.”  Two can play at that game.
He stilled his body, eyes turning a molten green, like an animal ready to pounce before shaking it off knowing he needed to put her needs before his allowing the cool Nate to come to the forefront.  Smiling he picked her up, “Mrs. Angelo, you have made me a very proud man.  I swear I will do all that I can to keep my promise to both you and the Goddess.  Now let’s get you showered, some food in you and a clean change of clothes.  With the way I am feeling right now not necessarily in that order.”
“Warm or hot?” he asked walking into the large bathroom.
“What?”  Licking her lips he wondered what it would feel like to have his arms wrapped around her all night long.  She seemed distracted by his touch before, but now she couldn’t keep her thoughts in the present tense.  She kept projecting her own fantasies of them together under the running water, he was afraid he would lose his cool and jump her.  If she didn’t get her head out of the gutter soon he was going to combust from his own desires boiling inside of him.
He smiled at her knowing she was distracted with her own private thoughts and this touched his heart knowing he excited her with just a thought.  They were the same reasons he was struggling with by putting her basic needs first.  He did not need her attacking him like an animal clearly as her mind was demanding her to do because if she did he wouldn’t last a second.
“Water, warm or hot?”  He repeated poised by the head of the shower stall.
“Warm, please.”  Shaking her head slightly trying to clear her thoughts he figured she should try deep breathing if focusing on the present moment continued to fail her.  Goodness sakes, she was acting like a crazed teenager around him and he liked it.
Suddenly feeling doubtful of her worth to him sobered up her libido real quick.  She stole a quick glance at him hoping to reassure herself of his commitment towards her but he saw her looking at him from the corner of his eyes anyway.
I have got to let go of this self-doubt.  Those thoughts have no place between us in this moment.  If I say that enough times maybe I will believe it?
Setting her down carefully on the bathroom counter, holding her around the waist with one arm he leaned into the shower stall to turn on the water.  She was too quiet for his liking, because after turning the water on he turned back and stared at her.  After a couple of debatable seconds he went with his gut pulling her into a hug wrapping his massive arms around her filling his senses with her scent.  She had endured so much.  He wanted to give her so much and not frighten her with his presence in her life in the process.  He knew he was the man for her and she was the woman for him but she still had a hard time with trusting despite what her heart and mind were saying.  There was still a piece of her she kept hidden.  Some things were just hard for her to let go of.  That he could defiantly understand.
Will she ever trust him enough so they could endure The Prophesy and defeat Lord Drakkoon?  More importantly could he trust her to endure the upcoming battle for the sake for the universe?  What a complete mess this was.  When he dreamed of confronting Bri with the truth of his feelings for her he didn’t count on all of this drama to go with it.  Frowning he thought about where his thoughts were heading.  He would lay down his life for her no matter what, so what the hell was he worried about?  For him there was no one else in the world he would rather spend his days with.  She was the one for him and there was nothing anyone could do or say that would cause him to betray her trust.
He let go of her, turned around and adjusted the water temperature.  She heard a stray thought from him float by her like a breeze in the bathroom.
I don’t know if I can trust her not to forget me.  She has been alive longer than I can imagine.  I don’t even know if there is someone else on Skaldanna waiting for her to come back to.  She could have someone who’s been waiting for her all this time and I show up.  She deserves someone who has more knowledge in all of this prophesy stuff than me.  What can I bring to the table that I have gained in my whopping thirty six years of life?
He was frightened he would not measure up to the man she needed him to be in order for her to succeed with her role in The Prophesy.  She understood, in that moment, he had always been in the present tense with her.  What was going on in that very moment, between the both of them, was the most important thing in his world and he knew it.  He had not been keeping the truth of his commitment to her hidden, she had chosen not to look into his heart seeing what was right in front of her.  This man was her chosen mate and she believed she had chosen well.  Her father would be proud of her choice.
“You are my purpose now, Nathanial.” she said quietly from behind, placing her hand on the small of his back to reassure him of her presence.  “I will do the will of the Gods for the sake of the universe but never lose sight that I do this for the sake of the life of our future son.”
Turning around slowly, Nate looked at her for just a few moments, and then gave a clipped nod.  “Let me help you get out of these clothes.”  Keeping his eyes trained on her beautiful lips he pulled her t-shirt over her head.  He looked like a man who was staring at the world’s greatest problem and she was the answer.
He reached around her and unclasped her bra careful not to frighten her with his actions.  “You are beautiful to me.”  Pulling the bra away slowly gazing at her making her feel like the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.  “You are so beautiful to me.”  Bringing his eyes up to her face she recognized the aroused expression on his face mirrored hers.
“Baby, I want you more than I want to breathe, right now, but what kind of husband would I be to you if I start this relationship off being selfish?”  His voice sounded deeper, gravely like he was straining to get the words out.  His voice sent chills up her spine despite her warmth and she was getting hotter by the second.
Knowing how exhausted she was, he bent on one knee to unlace her boots.  Lifting her right leg he pulled off one boot repeating the action with her other foot.  Still in a kneeling he reached up to unbutton her pants and pulled the zipper down holding his breath until the zipper went as far as it could go.  Chancing a look at her face before he continued with pulling her pants down, he wanted to make sure she was ok with him helping her undress.  She stopped him mid motion with a slight touch of her hands.
“I can hear your thoughts as if they are my own.  I want you to know before we go any further, I have never laid with a man.”  Not waiting for his response, she straightened her shoulders hoping down from the counter pulling her pants down in front of him while he remained kneeling in front of her.
What was he going to say?  Here I am old enough to be his grandmother, more than several times removed, and I am just a plain virgin.
Grabbing her hand before she could step into the shower, he said “There is nothing plain about you.  I am both humbled and honored that you have chosen me to share your love, no don’t look away, that’s right, I said love.  Bri, I will not turn away from this thing we have to go through.  I love you more than I want to breathe.  I may have doubts now and then, but in the end I will always do the right thing.  Now get in there and wash up.  The sooner you do that the sooner we can eat.”
Eyes glistening listening to his declaration of love for her, she felt another crack in the armor she had built around her soul.  “I love you.  I have wanted to say that for a long time.  I did not know how or if you felt the same way.  I was afraid to tell you before, but am no longer.”  Sounding more confidant she pleaded with her eyes for him to believe her.  “Thank you for being here with me.  I do not know what I would have done if you were not here with me.  Truly, I do love you.”
Not hesitating when he spoke next, “I love you forever”
Appearing as if it was the hardest thing in the world to do, he closed his eyes, kissed her lightly on the forehead then turned around and walked right out the bathroom, closing the door, allowing her the privacy of a warm shower.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mortal Coil Review and Blog Tour




Title:  Mortal Coil
Author:  Julie Eberhart Painter
Published:  May 2009
Publisher:  Champagne Book Group
Word Count:  79,000
Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Recommended Age:  14+







Synopsis:
 When two residents in Ellen Lange’s nursing home die, Special Investigator Bill Watts is called to the scene. With the murders linked to others, known as the Ponytail Crimes, it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again.
Bill is a Southerner; Ellen was raised in the Midwest. Despite her efforts to remain aloof, Ellen finds herself falling in love with more than the South…

My Review: Mortal Coil takes us through the lives of Ellen Lange and Bill Watts. Ellen a widow with a daughter manages a nursing home, The nursing home becomes a crime scene Bill Watts enters the picture. As the two work closely together a romance ensues that soon becomes a scenario for falling in love. The story is for sure a great mystery. I truly enjoyed reading it as this story has plenty of twists and leaves you guessing as to who did it which for me is what makes a great mystery. As it draws to an end I was somewhat surprised to find out who the killer was not at all who I had picked. Mortal Coil was a great book to cozy up with on the rainy day I chose. If you are into a cozy mystery this is the book for you. Author Julie Eberhart Painter did a wonderful job of keeping me entertained and I think that she can do the same for you with this book. 
4/5
  


Excerpt from Mortal Coil:

There was nothing like physical activity to allay anxiety, so Friday afternoon, Ellen took off work early to tackle cleaning the kitchen and laundry room floors. She had only an hour left before Patti would come in and undo her efforts. She didn't want her daughter skating around on the wet floor. Ellen had changed into old jeans and a loose-at-the-neck blue T-shirt. Her feet were bare.

Public radio was running a fundraiser, so she turned the living room stereo to the country western station—music to clean by. Ellen had opened the garage doors to take advantage of the warm, dry breeze blowing from the west. She danced around the kitchen, pushing the mop in time with the music. About half of the kitchen corners were now free of dirt, a testimony to what Millie would call Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She’d moved the kitchen table into one corner and stacked the chairs on top. A rap on the screen door alerted her to a visitor.

She unhooked the screen and motioned Bill inside. “Watch the wet spots.”

“What are you doing?” he asked, raising his voice to be heard over the loud music.

“Cleaning the floor,” she said, raking the back of an arm over her wet forehead and wiping her hands on her jeans.

“Isn't there an easier way?” Bill asked. “How about the old Irma Bombeck trick?”

“Any solution in a storm. What is it?”

“I’ll show you. Do you have any old towels?”

“Lots.”

“You need to put old terrycloth towels on your feet and dance around the floor.”

“Well, I've got the music. Let’s see if I can get some towels.” She placed the mop back in the wheeled bucket she’d borrowed from maintenance and headed for the garage. All the old towels Patti used to wash the car had been washed and dried and left on top of Tom’s abandoned toolbox.

Grabbing a handful, she came back into the kitchen. “Demonstrate,” she said, handing the bunch to Bill.

He wrung out the mop and set it aside. Soaking and pulling the towels through the wringer, he handed them to her one by one. “Okay. Put a towel under each foot and dance like you were dancing, slide, two, three, four, slide...”

Ellen smiled. “Terrific.”

Just then the announcer went to a commercial. They stood there looking at each other waiting for more music. Ellen dropped two more wet towels and stepped on them. Bill shucked his shoes and socks and dropped his towels. The next tune was a bouncy number that set Ellen’s head bobbing.

“More like this,” he said, sliding and dipping in dance mode. “Ever do the Texas two-step?” Bill called over the twanging guitars.

“No. But I've seen the contests on TV.”




About the Author:
Julie Eberhart Painter raised in Bucks Count, Pennsylvania, boyhood home of James A Michener, is the author of Mortal Coil, Tangled Web, and the 2011 Book of the Year, Kill Fee, and sequel, Medium Rare from www.champagnebooks.com. Daughters of the Sea, e-book and print. Julie’s first paranormal romance, and Morning After Midnight are available from MuseItUp Publishing.



Renegade Reject Trailer Release

Renegade Reject Book Trailer Release

Trailer Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZG_WR6Ns-0


A giveaway of  Renegade Lady by Emily Minton and Dawn Martens will run from today until May 13, 2014 

To Enter the Giveaway:

You have to follow my blog anyway you can 

Leave a comment telling me how you followed and why I should choose you to win a copy 
of Renegade Lady be creative

Winners will be chosen on the 13th.

Fruit of Misfortune Release Day Blitz

Title: Fruit of Misfortune (Creatura #2)
Author: Nely Cab    
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly
Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours
BLURB:
Isis and her boyfriend, David, are on the brink of a horrible transformation and they are eager to stop it. Together, they set out on a quest to Greece to find Isis’ biological father—the only person that may be able to help them. Their journey comes to an abrupt stop before it even begins when Isis falls ill, and Eros, David’s best friend, arrives in Athens, unannounced and curious…with a plan of his own.
The hunt for her father leads Isis on the turbulent path of deceit, death, and demons as she anticipates the dawning of the beast that stirs inside her.
Nely Cab has lived and resided in a small, quiet South Texas town most of her life. She worked in banking for several years, before she relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in 2001, where she dedicated time to the study of culinary arts and the art of oil painting. After her return to the U.S., Nely resumed her employment in banking and later transitioned to the field of Social Work.
Today, Nely Cab writes from the comfort of her home, where she lives with her husband and son. Her life goal is to check-off Bucket List Item No. 95,623,351: To Conquer the World. While she aspires world domination, Nely can be found lost in other fantasy worlds in front of her computer, sipping coffee. 
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
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Memento Mori Blog Tour Review and Giveaway




Title: Memento Mori
Author: Katy O’Dowd
Genre: Crime Fiction/Victorian Mafia/ Alternate history with a dash of Steampunk
Publisher: Untold Press
Release Date: April 1st, 2014
Tour Host:
Lady Amber's Tours






Blurb:
Take tea with the Victorian Mafia – organized crime has never been so civilized
Revenge is a dish best served cold. At the Lamb residence, it is also served on fine bone china.
The untimely demise of Thaddeus Lamb leaves his son Riley in charge of the vast Lamb empire, which imports tea, picks pockets, extorts, and keeps men warm on cold winter's nights. And so the Lambs grieve for their father in the best way they know how… Retribution.
Hired by the new head of the Fox Family, a position recently vacated by another untimely demise, the assassin O'Murtagh is tasked with the utter destruction of all the Lamb Family's business associates. They learn the hard way that there is no better hit man than a beautiful woman with tricks and weapons up her finely coiffed sleeves.
Treachery and deceit abound in the streets of London, and no one is safe. Honestly, it's enough to make anyone drink. Would you care for one lump or two?

My Review: Memento Mori is set in Victorian London era. The Lamb family is a mafia like family who's father has just died and they set out to seek retribution and they aim to take out anyone in their path. As the brothers Riley and Kavanagh seek to find their fathers killer they have a few run ins with their rivals the Fox family. The Fox family have a few tricks up their sleeves the biggest one being assassin Sunday O'Murtagh. Sunday aims to seek her target, Sunday is an orphan or waif as refereed to in the story. She has a story all her own. Now don't get me wrong there are some brutal scenes in Memento Mori but there is a lightness to it as well. I felt this was a well written thought out story that had me rooting for Sunday in the end. This story has a bit of everything in it from the love of family to murder. Who prevails in the end and who takes the most loss well that you see is for you to find out. So sit back with a copy of Memento Mori have a cup of tea and remember when asked one lump or two it may not mean a sugar cube to sweeten the brew. 
5/5


Excerpt
Snip. The jewelled secateurs caught the soft light thrown by the candles. Snip. Dark orange on green. Snip. Tiny white blossoms fell to the stone floor. Snip, snip.
Carmine Fox took an orange in her gloved hand and turned it over, this way and that, examining the pitted skin and running a finger along the bumps and grooves in the fruit.
In an alcove, the huge Brass Lady statue gleamed, her beautiful features painted buttery gold, eyes looking blindly at nothing at all.
Carmine's dress swept the floor, not a mourning dress as you might expect, having lost her father, but rather dove grey and lavender picked out with black trim along the panel, cuffs, hem, and bustle. Her hair, long and coiled, was the color of Grip's wings, as were her eyes. The muted tones of her dress made her sallow, or maybe it was just the lack of light.
Years of water and living things within the man-made lake had given the huge cathedral style glass ceiling and everything beneath a greenish hue and made the walls bleed rust.
She looked up from her study of the orange and threw it across the room, faster than the eye could see.
The woman standing in the shadows caught the orange, her arm shooting up to stop the fruit, as it nestled in her palm.
"Oh, brava."
O'Murtagh stood silently before Carmine Fox who walked toward her, the secateurs dangling lazily from her hand.
"Quiet little thing, aren't you?"
Fox peered at her intently, taking in the pale face and brown eyes framed with a veil of auburn hair.
"Well, quiet suits my needs. Feel free to eat the orange, which will be sweet and ripe. Ah, but how could such a thing grow here you wonder?" She paused. "It didn't, of course, there is a vast orangery in the house, but I like to be here to prune, the setting eases my mind."
O'Murtagh made no move to peel the fruit; instead she put it in one of the many pockets of her skirts.
Carmine Fox shrugged. "No matter. When you come to eat the orange, you will find it as I say. But now, we have other matters to discuss."
She walked back to the table where the plants stood and put the secateurs down.
"You have come highly recommended." Her heel tapped on the black and white tiled floor. "I have been told of your merits, misdeeds, and probably know more about you than your own mother, whom I believe has been dead a long time. But that doesn't interest me, your skills do."
O'Murtagh nodded imperceptibly.
"This is not a pretty tale, but then I suppose these things never are." Fox sighed and smiled, pacing the room, warming to her tale and the task ahead.
"Tell me, O'Murtagh. Do you believe in an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth?" Fox waved her hand airily. "We are not here to talk about the philosophy of doddery old men falling asleep and drooling into their beards. I mean vengeance, retribution. Honor, even if it is only the kind to be found among thieves."
Fox stopped pacing, abruptly, and O'Murtagh could feel the heightened tension in the room under the still water.
"There is no need for you to know everything, but know this," Carmine resumed talking and walking, "I am not sorry that my father is dead. Vile man. He made my mother's life a misery. Drove her to her death. I had this statue of her made. You know, I talk to her as I prune." She gazed fondly at the Brass Lady.
"But he didn't do this alone. No. Rather he was fuelled by his once great friend turned great enemy. Interesting that they should have died in the same week, is it not? Thaddeus Lamb and my father climbed the tree to the gold at the top, from ragged boys to prosperous men, branch by branch to the prize at the end. Suffice to say there was a falling out and my father the Fox did everything in his power to bring the traitor Lamb down."
Carmine went to the Brass Lady, and standing on tiptoe, ran her hand down the statue's cold cheek.
"My mother would have hated to see this. Hated to see what he made me. But my father not only left me his riches, he left me his hatred. After my mother died, all I heard of was how he was going to get his revenge. Now that he is no longer here, it is up to me to see this thing through. You do understand, don't you?"
"I do."
O'Murtagh's voice was so quiet that Carmine Fox wasn't sure she had heard her in the first place.
"I suppose you do, why would you be in your line of work otherwise?"
The assassin kept her brown gaze on the woman who had hired her, but held her tongue.
"Very well. Your job then, is to take the family down. Not directly, but by hitting them where they will hurt the most. Trade routes, business associates, and so on. My father left a diary full of any information you should need. I shall release the names of four people to you when the time is right. None of this shall be traced back to me, and if you should fail, I will make your life one long misery."
"I have no doubt."
"Good. So," Carmine Fox rubbed her hands together, almost gleefully, "Thaddeus Lamb, the Head of the Family is out of our way. I have been told that other factions are gathering like vultures over the rotting corpse of what remains and that the Lambs–when they are able to act–will find other matters to occupy their time. Such as a nasty little turf war. At which point we shall have progressed to a point where we will be able to muzzle them entirely."
She laughed, and O'Murtagh, seasoned as she was, felt the small hairs on her arms raise and her skin became as pitted as that of the orange in her pocket.
Fox pirouetted, her skirts spreading out and then settling.
"None of it shall ever be traced back to me," she delighted in her glee, before quietening. "Then I can get straight to the heart of things."
O'Murtagh's place was not to ask. She was being paid handsomely and had more time than she cared for to do these jobs. Nor was she squeamish, her body-count was impressive. Though she stopped short at children, babies, and pregnant women.
"Now, my dear." Fox clapped her hands together. "Time for tea. Would you care to accompany me back to the house?"

eBook  Links  



Author Bio:
Katy is an arts and entertainment journalist and has worked for Time Out, Associated Newspapers and Comic Relief and her articles have appeared in The Times (London), Metro (London) and many other arts and entertainment publications, paper and online.
Alongside writing with her Dad under the pen-name Derry O’Dowd, whose first book ‘The Scarlet Ribbon’ was chosen to launch the History Press Ireland’s fiction line, she writes under her own name. 'The Lady Astronomer', a YA Steampunk tale was released by Untold Press in 2012.
Katy reviews for the Historical Novels Review and the British Fantasy Society.

Connect with Katy: [Webpage][Twitter][Goodreads]