The Dream Trilogy Review

The Dream Trilogy Review

Since Valentine’s Day has just passed, and we are in the mood for Romance, we thought we would treat you to one Nora Roberts pure romantic trilogies.  The Dream Trilogy is what Nora does so well, it is all about romance, love, friendship and pure fun. In some of Nora trilogies, she mixes romance with mystery, tragedy, or in some cases paranormal. Not so in the Dream trilogy. This is a wonderful story of three friends who grew up together from childhood, each having their own outlook at what they wanted for their lives in the future….each having grown up in the same household, but by different means. Margo, Kate and Laura were brought up like sisters amidst the grandeur of the Templeton House, and by the time you finish the series, you will love them like they were your friends and family. Enjoy this series, as it is one of Nora’s best, but then again I love all of Nora’s trilogies.

“Daring to Dream” –  Book #1

Daring to Dream belongs to Margo Sullivan.  Margo is the daughter of Ann Sullivan, who started working for the rich Templeton family almost thirty years ago. Margo was raised in the mansion of the Templeton’s, who own a chain of international luxury hotels. Early, living in the mansion, Margo, becomes best friends with Laura, the daughter of of the Templetons, as well as with Kate, a cousin of Laura, who was adopted by the Templetons, after a tragic accident killed her parents.  Though this is Margo’s story, this is all about the friendship between the three girls, that continues as they are all grown up.  

Margo loved the Templeton’s as they were her own family, and was always treated equally the same as Laura and Kate.  But Margo always wanted to go on her own, and seek fame and fortune.  All the girls are pretty, but Margo the glamour girl of the three of them.  She leaves home at the age of 18 to seek her fame and fortune, which she does well as a model in Europe.  Though famous, Margo still visits her friends and family, but after 10 years she has to return home humiliated by a scandal, as well as losing all her money.

Margo will not beg or ask for help, but it is her friends who give her the love and support to help her begin her life again.  Josh Templeton, Laura’s brother is the Attorney for Templeton, and he is also there to help Margo.  Josh has secretly loved Margo, and both have totally ignored the attraction each had for one another.  Margo, though loving her family (the Templetons), is a bit selfcentered.  Josh, has always been a playboy, living the live style of the rich.  But they are thrown together during Margo’s problems, as well as Laura’s marriage problems, that is heading toward a divorce.   

It is great to see Margo changing and beginning to love the idea of opening a shop and becoming a saleswoman…..to see how the three girls stick together and the love they have for each other….the heat from Margo and Josh realizing they were meant for each other.  Great first book, can’t wait for the next book, which belongs to Kate.

“Holding the Dream”Book #2

Kate Powell is the adopted daughter of Thomas and Susan Templeton.  Kate is different then both Margo and Laura, as she though beautiful, deglamorizes herself.  She dresses in conservatively, is dedicated to her job, as an accountant, and is very opinionated.  Despite all of that, Kate loves her family, and is very close to Margo and Laura, even if they are all different.   Kate, though being offered to work for the Templeton’s did not want to take advantage of them, and pursued working on her own.  Working for a CPA firm, she has high hopes of becoming a partner.   

Kate is a silent partner in Pretenses, a boutique shop Margo started with Laura in the first book.  She helps with the books, and lets the other two use their outgoing personalities to sell.  But then everything begins to fall apart for Kate.  She learns that her deceased father was a thief, and shortly thereafter,  Kate is accused of embezzling funds from the accounting firm she works for.  Then suddenly Kate’s world comes crashing down. First, she finds that her father, who was killed in a car accident when she was a girl, was under a cloud of suspicion for.  Her confidence is shattered, and she keeps her feelings to herself, which eventually causes her to have an ulcer.

Kate has not been dating in the last few years, and meets the new manager of the the Templeton hotel, Byron DeWitt.  She dislikes him, as he is a certified hunk, and not her type.  But the sexual intensity between them is strong.  Bryon is confused, as Kate is exactly what he was never interested in, as she kept her hair short like a boy, dresses conservatively, and comes across as hostile.  Despite her family wanting to help her, Kate regresses into her shell, and it is Byron who she eventually turns to.  She lets herself open up, and become sexually involved with Bryon.   Kate never wants to depend on any man, and thinks they having an affair is good enough.   But as Byron begins to fall in love with Kate, he wants more. 

The family and Byron help Kate come out of her shell and fight the charge against her.  It is Margo and Laura, who convince Kate not to run away from Byron and to face her love. 

Another wonderful story by Nora.  I just love seeing all of them together…to see how they make their business grow….to watch Margo become a mother and her marriage to Josh is great….to see Laura, though now divorced…be happy for her friends…loved how Margo transformed Kate to look totally sexy for a charity event .  I loved the way Thomas and Susan Templeton love all of “their” children, which does include Kate and Margo.   The key to this series is the fun watching the girls with each other.. the teasing, the fighting, and the love and support they feel for each other.

“Finding the Dream” – Book #3

Laura Templeton is the heroine in the final book of the Dream Trilogy. If you have read the first two books, you know that Laura is the steady one of all three of the girls.  Though she is now divorced from the bad Peter Ridgeway, who took her money, as well as what was put away for her daughters.  She is now working at the hotel, which her family owns, as well at Pretenses. Laura will not touch her stock, or ask for her family to bail her out.  She prefers to work to take care of her girls and pay her bills.  Now alone living in her mansion, Laura raises two daughters, and watches her best friends find love and marry.   She copes with her guilt over the failed marriage, as well as the fallout from her children.  These frustrations began in the previous book, as the oldest daughter blames her for her father leaving.  

Michael Fury is an old friend of Josh, Laura brother.  A rough tough teenager when he was young, Michael has spent years abroad as a mercenary, and in Hollywood, as a stunt man. Now he has finally come home, as he runs a horse stable, but was just recently wiped out by a mudslide.  Josh convinces Laura to let Michael rent their empty stable.  Laura, remembering the bad boy Michael, reluctantly agrees, as she can use the money.

Michael befriends Laura’s girls, as they help him work around the stable, and he teaches them to ride the horses.  Though Laura is not looking for romance, she finds herself becoming attracted to Michael. The romance that develops between the two of them is great to watch.  Michael though does not believe that anything would ever become of his relationship to Laura. He knows he has always admired her from afar, but is now in love with her, but Michael feels he does not belong in the of the wealthy Templetons, nor would Laura even consider becoming serious.  Laura, finally emerging from the shell she built from her previous marriage, and opens herself up both sexually and emotionally.

It’s a great last ¼ of the book, where Laura’s parents come home from Europe to find out what is happening with their daughter, but they realize in a short time, that Laura knows what she wants, and is happy.  But Michael sensing the family, nor Laura will except him, decides to leave.  The exciting ending, where a accident threatens some lives, and the hidden treasure that has been part of this trilogy all the way through, is discovered. But as in most romances, especially Nora, there is a happy ending.

All three books were great…I enjoyed the fun of Margo, though she was a bit selfish, but never to her family, and loved her with Josh…I liked the change in Kate and her romance with Byron…I loved Laura’s story, just seeing her open up to love and sex, especially after her loveless marriage to Peter, and watching her best friends happily married.

If I could change one thing, it would be the ending. I felt there should have been another short chapter, showing all of them together…living happily having found their Dreams.

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INFAMOUS by Sherrilyn Kenyon-Prologue and Excerpt

INFAMOUS by Sherrilyn Kenyon

INFAMOUS by Sherrilyn Kenyon-A prologue.

Prologue

It wasn’t every day you learned that you were the son of a ferocious demon and that your destiny was to end the world. Or that the guy you thought was your whacked-out uncle was actually you from the future trying to prevent not only your death, but that of basically everyone else…

Literally.

All in all, being that he was only fourteen years old, Nick Gautier was handling it pretty well.

Yeah, not really. Stunned into complete silence, which very seldom happened, Nick couldn’t breathe as brutal reality sucker-punched him. Hard. Mercilessly.

Right where it hurt most. Well, not physically there. But mentally it felt like his gonads had been stomped straight into the ground. His head swam from nausea.

Trying to get a handle on everything, he clutched at the broken stones on the stoop where he sat outside his new apartment building on Bourbon Street. Ambrose—the future him—stood to his left, towering over him with a pitiless sneer.

How was it possible that he was Ambrose?

Or more to the point, Ambrose was what he would become…

How could he, an average kid roaming the backstreets of New Orleans, be the ultimate evil? He didn’t feel particularly evil. Most days, he didn’t feel anything except stressed out by school, or tired of his mom nagging at him about everything from the clothes he wore, to the length of his hair, to how late he stayed up. Some days, it felt like she was looking for a reason to be ticked off at him.

Boy, if she knew this about him, he’d never hear the end of it. She’d probably ground him until he was at least three or four thousand years old. Yeah, it sounded ludicrous even to him, until he looked at Ambrose standing all bad ass and tough at his left.

Ambrose is me from the future….

He glanced around the section of Bourbon Street where his new apartment was located. Everything looked the same. The broken sidewalks that made up the French Quarter. The cars parked in a line on both sides of the street. The row of shotgun houses that led to stores and restaurants…

But nothing was the same.

Most of all, he would never be the same again.

I am a demon.

“No, no, no,” Nick repeated as he tried to come up with some other explanation. One that made a little more sense and that didn’t leave him as a tool for the darkest forces in the universe.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t one. Not that any of this made sense. It was all pretty farcical when you thought about it.

Him. Nicholas Ambrosius Gautier—smart-mouthed, streetwise kid. Typical teenager. Gaming guru. Anime and manga obsessed otaku. Socially awkward around any girl his age.

Total evil.

Dang, his principal had been right all along….

He really was demonspawn. Too bad Peters had gotten eaten by zombies before he found out the real truth of Nick’s parentage. Old fart would have been proud to be proven right.

Nick really was destined for a life of total destruction.

Even though he wanted to, he couldn’t deny it. Ambrose had the same exact blue eyes and dark brown hair he had. The same sneer that he often wore when things ticked him off—the one that got him grounded every time his mom saw it. More than that, Ambrose had the identical scar on his palm that Nick had been given when Xenon cut his hand for blood. A scar that hadn’t been on Ambrose’s hand the last time he’d seen him.

I’m in a flippin’ Twilight Zone episode.

He had to be. Nothing else made sense.

So where was his voice-over, telling the audience how he’d screwed up and taken a wrong turn down some suburban street or some such crud? C’mon, Rod Serling. Don’t let me down. I need you to come in and tell me that I’m in a nightmare. Tell me about this new dimension of sight and sound.

But there was no reprieve. Not from this skewed reality.

And not from the fact that he was the hated and hunted son of a demon…

“I’m evil.” He tried to accept that and still he couldn’t. If it were true, how could he go to Mass all the time with his mom? Shouldn’t he burst into flames when holy water touched him? Feel a burning sensation or something when he took communion? For that matter, he’d been an altar boy for years.

But he’d never once experienced the slightest bit of discomfort from any of that. The worst thing that had ever happened to him in church was when the priest had fallen asleep during his last confession—which said it all about how boring his life had been prior to all of this.

Yeah, okay, and then there was the time when he’d tripped going down the center aisle and spilled incense all over the place. But that hadn’t been a result of his birthright, unless you counted clumsiness and the fact his thrift store shoes had been too big for his feet.

“I am evil,” Nick repeated one more time.

Ambrose shifted his weight to one leg as his dark scowl intensified. “No, Nick. We’re evil. We were bred to be soldiers for the darkest of powers.” He said that so lackadaisically—Like, Hey, the sun’s shining. Look, the neighbor’s dog is in your trash again. Dude, you’re wearing one ugly shirt.

Oh, and by the way, you’re a demon in human form.

Yeah…

Much like the tacky Hawaiian shirt Nick was wearing, it just didn’t fit.

“Then why are you trying to help me?” he asked Ambrose.

Ambrose snorted. “I ask myself that every day, and I have no answer. Part of me wants to tell you to just embrace your birthright and go with it. To let the evil have its way and carry you to the Nether Realm for your enemies to use as they see fit. God knows, fighting it never gave me any peace or comfort. Not once. Just a giant sized ulcer. You want the honest truth? Caring about others has made my entire life suck from beginning to end. When you don’t care about anyone or anything, nothing can hurt you. When you do…”

Your enemies had you by your stones. He’d already learned that lesson.

Still…

“You haven’t answered my question.”

Ambrose sighed. “Because I don’t have an answer, kid. Contrary to what you think, we’re all mice lost in a maze. No one really knows what they’re doing. You go left for whatever reason, but you don’t know if it’s the right direction or not until you’re either electrocuted or you get the cheese. By the time you find out which it is, it’s too late to turn back. You’re either dead or you’re fed. There’s no third option.”

“I have to say then, that I prefer fed over dead.”

Ambrose laughed bitterly. “So do I. Some days, anyway.” He glanced skyward as if looking for divine guidance of some kind. “I seriously hope I’m not about to make another mistake.” He rubbed his hand against his forehead as if he had a pain there, then leveled a piercing stare at Nick. “Fine. I’ll tell you the truth. All of it. For better or worse. Let’s put the cards on the table and see how we screw things up this time, shall we?”

Nick wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. But either way, he wanted to know exactly what was going on and what he was up against.

Ambrose faced him. “This isn’t my first rodeo, but it is most definitely the last. You, Nick, are the only hope I have of getting it right. I’ve tried three times before this and each one was worse on the outcome than the last. When I started tampering with our lives, I had more humanity in me. I’ve all but lost it now. My last attempt burned out something inside me, and I’ll be honest, it scares me. And I don’t scare. Ever. Not after everything I’ve been through. But the degree to which I don’t care anymore—about anything—is a frightful thing. At times, I want it all to end. Because when it does, my pain will stop and I’ll have some degree of peace. Finally. It’ll seriously suck for everyone else. But like I said, I’m to the point where I really don’t care anymore. I’m holding on to my humanity by the thinnest thread imaginable, and any day now, I expect it to break. God help us all when it does.”

A chill went down Nick’s spine.

http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/stories/2012/01/infamous-excerpt#more

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER TWO: INFAMOUS by Sherrilyn Kenyon

 

 

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FEVER MOON by Karen M Moning-Graphic Novel

FEVER MOON by Karen M Moning-graphic novel

Publication Date: July 10, 2012

An all-new Mac & Barrons story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning, marvelously adapted into a full-color graphic novel by writer David Lawrence and illustrator Al Rio

In Fever Moon, we meet the most ancient and deadly Unseelie ever created, the Fear Dorcha. For eons, he’s traveled worlds with the Unseelie king, leaving behind him a path of mutilation and destruction. Now he’s hunting Dublin, and no one Mac loves is safe.

Dublin is a war zone. The walls between humans and Fae are down. A third of the world’s population is dead and chaos reigns. Imprisoned over half a million years ago, the Unseelie are free and each one Mac meets is worse than the last. Human weapons don’t stand a chance against them.

With a blood moon hanging low over the city, something dark and sinister begins to hunt the streets of Temple Bar, choosing its victims by targeting those closest to Mac. Armed only with the Spear of Destiny and Jericho Barrons, she must face her most terrifying enemy yet. (from Amazon.com)

Available for pre-order from Barnes & Noble:  Amazon:  The Book Depository

Click the button on the right side-bar and order your copy through The Reading Cafe

REMINDER: New Releases from Karen M Moning

Into the Dreaming:  Release date April 2012

Fever Moon:  Release Date July 2012

Iced:  Release Date October 2012

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THE OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

THE OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

 

The Romance Reader, Listopia and Amazon ALL list THE OUTLANDER as their number one romance novel of all time.  Because I apparently had nothing to read one night last week *rolls eyes*, I ordered THE OUTLANDER from KOBO and set my mind on everything love and romance.  By the time I was finished (2 nights later) 896 ‘real’ pages, I had to agree:  The Outlander is probably the number one romance novel *sigh*.  

 

First published in 1991, The Outlander is a novel of love, romance and betrayal set in both the 18th and 20th centuries.  So hold on, grab a coffee or glass of wine, read my review.  It is almost as long as the book. : )-(Nevermind-edited it down.)

The Outlander is the first book in Diana Gabaldon’s The Outlander series. The Romance Reader, Listopia and Amazon ALL list The Outlander as the number one romance book of all time. So, I dug in my heels, and forged ahead. Almost 900 pages later, I am exhausted. The premise involves the history between Scotland and England, romance, sex, love, betrayal, violence, medicine, witchcraft, spirituality, torture, rape, time travel and family. But above all else, this is a love story that crosses the centuries: an accidental relationship that was forced between two people, to save their lives and the lives of many more.

 

Outlander ranks Number ONE on many ‘lists’ as the best romance/love story.  Jamie’s love for Claire ranks as one of the most purest forms of love.  Even with the knowledge that he may one day lose this woman to another time and place, Jamie is willing to risk it all…and he does.

 

The Outlander is a long novel. The many different storylines of romance, love and torture at the hands of someone claiming to love, is reminiscent of many abusive relationships. But the relationship between Jamie and Claire, is a love match, that anyone would hold close to their heart. Similar to Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon, the hero is tortured beyond comprehension, which once again, left me heartbroken and in many spots-in tears.  The Outlander is one story,that I will never forget. As the first book in The Outlander series, I can only surmise, that my heart will be heavy, my eyes will be red, and I will not like the idea that at some point,  Claire will return to her own time. The lists and top tens may have it correct-this is one of the best romance stories I have read.

 Sandy

READING ORDER: The Outlander series

  1. Outlander
  2. Dragonfly In Amber
  3. Voyager
  4. Drums of Autumn
  5. The Fiery Cross
  6. A Breath of Snow and Ashes
  7. An Echo In The Bone
  8. Written In My Own Heart’s Blood: Will be released in early 2013.
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HOW TO DRIVE A DRAGON CRAZY ——-by G A Aiken-Exclusive

DRAGONKIN SERIES by G A Aiken:

Direct from the desk of Shelly Laurenston/G A Aiken.  An exclusive excerpt from her next Dragonkin series of books:  HOW TO DRIVE A DRAGON CRAZY

And for all you Dragonkin fans—Eibhear and Izzy’s story

Back Cover Copy:

HOW TO DRIVE A DRAGON CRAZY
Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. Honestly, though, I thought I was finished with the one dragon I’d have done anything for: Éibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue-haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me.

If Éibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn’t need it — namely me — I’ll let him. Because while I’m trying to fulfill a ridiculous quest for a pushy god, I’m going to draw this overconfident warlord much too close, rekindle his fires, and enjoy every minute of his delicious defeat…

EXCERPT: (Unedited/Unproofed)

HOW TO DRIVE A DRAGON CRAZY
From Zebra
Available September 2012!

 

As human, in their Ice Land fur capes that hid their faces and chainmail leggings and shirts, the four Mì-runach stood on the ridge overlooking the valley caught between a half-ring of mountains and a vast forest where a battle raged on.

“I didn’t know we’d have to fight our way in,” Aidan complained. “I was hoping we’d swoop in and swoop out.”

“That won’t be happening today.”

A battle cry sounded from beside them and Uther turned, gutting the male running at them with his blade and tossing the body back several feet.

Éibhear sighed. “That was one of Annwyl’s men.”

“Oh.” Uther shrugged. “Sorry.”

“Annwyl’s troops are in red and silver. The enemies are ogres, which means their skin is in varying shades of green and they’re not human. So it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out.”

“Why are they fighting ogres?” Caswyn asked.

“Annwyl had to fight ogres once in a pit fight. Now she hates ogres.”

“Interesting woman your human queen.”

Éibhear walked a bit until he found a path leading down the ridge and right into the battle. As they walked, not really engaging in the battle unless threatened, Aidan asked, “So which one is the infamous Izzy?”

“Can’t you tell?”

“I can tell.” Caswyn stopped, pointed at a warrior woman riding on a black steed, her sword flashing as she gave orders to the men surrounding her.

Aidan laughed. “Not even close.”

“Why not? She looks like a proper soldier, leading a queen’s army into battle.”

“That’s the problem. Éibhear’s never been interested in anyone doing the ‘proper’ thing.”

“Then who?”

Aidan looked over the battle, finally smiling and pointing. “Her.”

They all looked where he pointed but all Éibhear could see were a group of ogres beating on something with their clubs. Then there was a scream and a shield came up from the center of those ogres, pushing them back. And from the midst of all that green flesh, she stood. Tall and proud. No longer the young girl he’d met so many years ago, nor the young soldier he’d walked away from.

Now she was something different. Scarred, bruised, and covered in blood, she shoved her long shield forward, knocking a few more ogres out of her way. From her left, another ogre swung at her. Izzy raised her arm, caught the club in her hand. Snarling, she yanked the weapon from the ogre and turned on him, kicking him in the gut. The shield was yanked from her, but that just freed her to grip the club in both hands. She swung it, knocking an ogre to the ground, then she brought the club up and over, bringing the spiked head of the weapon down onto the ogre’s face.

Screaming, she ripped the club off the skull and took out another. That’s when Caswyn looked at Éibhear. “Yeah. Aidan’s right. That’s gotta be her.”

*****

Iseabail, Daughter of Talaith and Briec, human princess by mating of the House of Gwalchmai fab Gwyar, and General of the Eighth, Fourteenth, and Twenty-sixth legions of Annwyl the Bloody, Queen of Garbhán Isle and Dark Plains, ducked the flint axe swinging for her head and brought the club she held up between the legs of the ogre trying to kill her.

He squealed and dropped to his knees. Izzy tore the spiked club up and out of the ogre’s body, then brought it back down on his head, now that he was closer to her height.

It had been a bloody, ugly war for the last two months, but Izzy believed an end was near because she hoped to finally get her chance at the ogre leader. Once he was dead, the rest of his army would fall.

So she took down another ogre, ducked a flint axe aimed at her head, and crushed a knee cap with a well-placed kick, all in the hopes of finding that damn ogre leader.

“Iz!”

Izzy heard her dragon cousin’s screamed warning and was able to move her body out of the way in time to avoid the ogre attacking from behind, but the blade of his flint axe cut across her arm. The wound began to bleed almost immediately and she knew she’d have to get it sewn up. But she refused to worry about that now. Not with the ogre leader in her sights at last. She could see him about thirty feet away. So very close.

Izzy spun, swung the club, and slammed it into the neck of the bastard behind her as he tried to run away. He went down face first and Izzy pulled out her sword and rammed it into the back of the beast’s head.

“Izzy.”

She heard her name called again, this time by a much different voice than her cousin Branwen, but she had to ignore it as she was being attacked again. Gods, the ogres just keep coming.

She blocked the flint mace aimed for her face by using the club she still held in her left hand and cut the thick arteries inside the ogre’s thighs with her sword. She spun and slashed her sword again, cutting a throat, spun again and swung, but her blade was stopped by an obscenely large battle axe. She knew the weapon was not an ogre’s. They only used flint weapons and although deadly were often crudely made. This was a well-made weapon forged by a true blacksmith.

So Izzy struck at the knees with the club she still held. The heavy flint made contact and there was an angry snarl from beneath the heavy fur cape that covered the face and body of the axe wielder.

“Izzy! Stop!”

She ignored the command and swung the blade again. A big gloved hand reached out and shoved her back.

“Gods-dammit, Izzy! It’s me!” He yanked the hood of his cape back, revealing his handsome face and dark blue hair. Some of it in braids with leather strips, feathers, and small animal bones tied throughout. “It’s Éibhear.”

“Yeah,” Izzy answered honestly. “I know.”

Then she pulled back her arm and threw the sword she held directly at his head.

*****

Éibhear knew that because of his size, it was believed he was quite slow. Lumbering was a word he’d often heard used from those seeing him doing nothing more than standing. Yet at that moment when he saw the short sword coming right at him, thrown by a woman who clearly knew what she was doing, Éibhear would say he’d never been so grateful that everyone was wrong. He was fast. Very fast. And it was that speed, being able to drop to the ground in seconds, that really saved his life.

Once he hit the ground, he looked up and saw that Izzy was running right at him. He wasn’t sure if she was coming to finish him off or just kick the shit from him, but the thought of batting her away or blasting her with his flame — stupidly — never entered his head.

He would never know why.

When Izzy reached him, she snatched his short sword from his belt and leaped up, one foot landing on his shoulder. She used that foot to launch herself, lifting her body, and spinning in the air. Éibhear turned over and watched as Izzy raised the sword that most human males couldn’t lift and shove it into the nine-foot ogre that had stood behind Éibhear. He’d been so focused on Izzy, he hadn’t even been aware of the big bastard wearing a human skull on a chain around his neck.

But even with the sword buried in the top of his head, the ogre wasn’t dead yet. He was snarling and snapping at Izzy as she hung there, and that’s when she spoke to the green bastard. Éibhear had no idea what she said, but he was positive the ogre did. And the words were so guttural, so vile-sounding that he knew she was speaking the ancient language of the ogres.

When Izzy finished, she released her hold on the sword and dropped to the ground. With one good kick to the ogre’s stomach, she knocked him on his back and walked around until she was able to look him in the eye. Gripping in both hands the club she still held, she raised it above her head and brought it down once, smashing the ogre’s face in.

It was then that Éibhear realized this must be the ogre leader because all the surviving ogres stopped fighting and began to turn and run back toward the mountains in the distance, probably to choose another leader and regroup. Izzy seemed to know that as she yanked Éibhear’s blade from the dead leader’s head.

“All of you!” Izzy called out while walking back toward Éibhear. “Don’t let them reach the caves. Kill them all! Now move!” 

Izzy stopped by Éibhear’s side, looked him over. “Why are you here?” she asked.

“To bring you home.”

“Can’t.” She dropped the blade on his stomach, Éibhear barely catching it before the blade possibly cut something vital. “Not done.”

She turned away from him, dismissing him without a backward glance. “Lieutenant Alistair.” A full-human male rode up to her.

“General!”

“Rally the men. Pull several to get the wounded to healers. We’ll deal with the dead later. I want those ogres meeting their green-skinned ancestors before the moon’s high in the sky. Do you understand?”

“Aye, General.”

“Go.”

He rode off and another female rode to Izzy’s side.

“Fionn. How are we looking?”

“Good, Iz. But there’s still some fight left in the South Valley.”

“Take a contingent and strike them down.”

“Your arm, General,” the woman Fionn pushed.

“Yeah, yeah. I know, Colonel. I’ll deal with it.” She laughed, waved the woman away.

Then, without even looking at him again, Izzy walked off, leaving him lying there.

“I don’t know why you look so shocked,” a voice said from beside him and he looked up into the face of his cousin Branwen. “What did you expect from her? To drop to her knees and suck your cock right here?”

Well… it had crossed his mind.

Copyright © Shelly Laurenston 2012

 

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A SCOTTISH LOVE by Karen Ranney- A review

A SCOTTISH LOVE by Karen Ranney

A Scottish Love is the latest release from author Karen Ranney (aka Katherine Storm). Returning to the historical shores of Scotland with Shona Imrie and Gordon MacDermond, Karen writes another storyline sure to capture the heart of every romance fan.

Shona Imrie is broke, penniless, and she has made the decision to sell the family’s beloved Castle to a wealthy American, Mr. Loftus and his daughter, Miriam. But to add insult to her otherwise tarnished pride, Gordon MacDermond, her childhood sweetheart, her first lover and the man who proposed marriage 7 years ago, has returned from the Indo-Crimean war, a national hero. And he is everything that she remembered-sexy, tall and handsome. But war comes with a high price-Fergus-Shona’s brother and Gordon’s best friend, returned 6months earlier, severely wounded and depressed, and now, Shona needs money to pay the bills.

Gordon is still in love with Shona, and does not understand why she refused his offer of marriage 7 years ago. They were lovers, they were in love, and as far as he is concerned, Shona is still his only love. But Shona married a man 40 years her senior, and is now a widow. Why had Shona turned away from Gordon, into the arms of a stranger? And why is she selling Gairloch Castle?

Shona is worried about Fergus, and must see to his health and safety before she leaves for good. When she asks Gordon to care for and take -in Fergus, she is surprised when she finds them both, at his house by the Castle. Thinking Gordon would return to his military career, she is even more surprised to learn he has moved back home, and will continue to operate his father’s old munitions factory.

With her friend Helen by her side, Shona embarks on a whirlwind frenzy to clean Castle Gairloch before the ‘potential’ new owners arrive. But, their early arrival from America, sends Shona deeper into debt, as she must now feed and entertain several more people including Loftus’s nurse Elizabeth and his bodyguard Helmut. And the stories regarding the castle ghosts, which Shona holds dear, continue to amuse and haunt, the otherwise unhappy guests. Ashamed and broken, Shona offers Gordon her last family jewel, in return for the funds, to buy food for her guests, but it is not the jewels, that Gordon requests in payment. It is her heart.

Meanwhile, Fergus is angry at his sister’s decision to sell their family home. But, Shona has never confided in Fergus, as to the depths of their financial problems, and she must now bear the brunt of his anger and sorrow, towards the inevitable loss of Castle Gairloch. But something or someone, has now angered Fergus-and his thoughts regarding the ‘new owner’s ‘ nursemaid, Elizabeth, have everyone concerned, especially Shona. As Fergus continues to make himself scarce, Shona is left alone with Gordon, to entertain and feed, the American guests.

It is during one of the many castle tours, that Miriam Loftus, sets her sights on Gordon, and declares that Shona and Fergus must arrange a party, to introduce the neighbors, to the new Castle owners.

Realizing she is still in love with General Gordon MacDermond, Shona tries to distance herself from family and friends, but Gordon is forever in her thoughts and dreams. And Fergus’s control over his own emotions explodes, when he reveals, that Elizabeth was more than just a nurse. They have a history—a history that has left Fergus depressed and withdrawn.

Throughout the storyline, several secondary stories, manifest themselves within the walls of Gairloch Castle. Gordon’s munitions factory comes under scrutiny when both the military and a ‘secretive’ group of gentlemen vie for the rights to option a powerful explosive: a history of love and rejection between Fergus and Elizabeth: a ‘ghost’ in the hidden passageways of the family home: and a recounting of a family mystery that culminates in the discovery of long ago lovers, tortured and left to die.

A Scottish Love is a true romance in every sense of a romance novel. The heroine directs the story, her emotions are real and she is torn between the love of a man and her pride. The secondary storylines and characters add complexity, and although, at times we wonder, why are they here?—in the end, their presence adds layers to the mystery surrounding Gairloch Castle and its’ past and present inhabitants. Gordon MacDermond will make you blush, and Fergus will break your heart. But, in true romantic fashion, there is always a Happily Ever After or two or three.

Sandy

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞GIVEAWAY∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

The Reading Cafe and Karen Ranney are giving away 2 signed copies of Karen’s book– A SCOTTISH LOVE.  To be eligible for the giveaway:

1.  You must be a member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, register today.

2.  You must post a comment on the interview thread.  Say hello and tell us about your favorite Karen Ranney book, or what you thought about our interview.

Contest runs from February 13 to February 17, 2012

 LINK TO CONTEST POST: Karen Ranney Giveaway
 
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Christine Feehan Exclusive

Christine Feehan Exclusive

Christine Feehan gave her fans a Valentine’s day present. This is what she told her fans on her site www.christinefeehan.com:

Dark Storm has new hero and new heroine not previously known, although the heroine’s ancestor is known.

Isn’t that a nice present?

TRC Team: So what does everyone think.  A new Carpathian male totally unknown…..A new female heroine..can she be one of the physic women rescued? Will we still have a chance to go back to the Mountains?

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A PROMISE OF LOVE by Karen Ranney-A Review

A Promise of Love Review

 

A Promise of Love is one of Karen Ranney’s older novels, originally published in 1997. Written in the historical romance genre, the backdrop is set against the Anglo-Scottish Culloden wars-a battle between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Royal Troops of King George. The English have all but annihilated the Scottish people, leaving in their wake, a path of death, destruction and starvation.

The heroine, English woman Judith Cuthbertson, returns to her family’s home following the death of her second husband, but soon becomes the pawn in her father’s sale to a Scottish Lord. An arrogant and ruthless man, William Cuthbertson barters to exchange a flock of sheep, on the condition that his daughter is part of the deal. Clansman Malcolm Macleod, commissioned to purchase the sheep for the Laird, is confused with the transaction, but is well aware, that Judith hides a painful secret.

Upon arrival in the Highlands of Scotland at the Castle Tynan, Judith is introduced to the handsome Lord Alisdair Macleod, where upon, in a traditional but informal proclamation by Malcolm, is promptly married to the Lord, before either is aware what is happening. Disgusted with the idea of being married yet again, Judith is consoled by Alisdair’s elderly grandmother Sophie, who secretly wishes for her grandson’s happiness. But not is all that is seems on the surface. Judith hides a secret, one that she relives night after night, and a secret that her new Scottish husband, yearns to discover. Sophie, suspecting that Judith and Alisdair, would eventually work out their problems, issues a proclamation-she gives the young couple 3 months-if at the end of that time, they have not fallen in love, Judith may leave, and the marriage is dissolved.

Alisdair MacLeod is a hardworking man, a proud Lord and an even prouder Scotsman, who has watched his clan’s people slowly succumbed to death by war and starvation. The brutality of the rampaging English troops, has decimated the crops, the livestock and the people. And the last thing Alisdair Macleod, the Lord of Tynan Castle wanted or needed, was an English bride-one who apparently, was despised by his people- for being an English woman- and by her father-for existing. But Alisdair slowly realizes he is falling for the mysterious English woman, who, regardless of her treatment by his clans people, is determined to show that she too, is willing to sacrifice for the good of the Scottish people. Realization hits, and Alisdair is determined to show his people, that she is and will be, the Lady MacLeod. But, Alisdair must approach with caution-they have yet to consummate their impromptu marriage.

As the days and weeks pass, Judith sets to work to win-over the people of the clan, but not before, her worse nightmare comes true. Her second husband’s brother, Bennett Henderson, a Colonel in the English army, has come hunting- and Judith is his target. Sadistic, brutal, and calculating men, Anthony and Bennett Henderson lived to torture, and Judith is one of their many victims, but a victim that got away. Hoping to hear Judith scream for mercy, Bennett tracks his victim, and with the aid of his men, finds Judith and her only friend Meggie, alone. Meggie is brutally raped and it takes everything for Judith to escape and get help.

By now, Alisdair is well aware his young wife, holds a secret, deep in her soul, and bears the physical scars of her torture, at the hands of Bennett Henderson. When Judith confesses her past, it is not shame or pity that is revealed in her husband’s eyes, but a growing affection and pride, that she was able to survive the many abuses inflicted by her husband and brother-in-law.

Alisdair grows to love his reluctant bride, but he is unsure that Judith feels the same. But Alisdair’s grandmother sees something that neither one can see. Love. Sophie is dying, and her last request of Judith, are to hold the family secrets and jewels until her death. Upon Sophie’s death, Judith presents the Laird with his family treasures, but is taken aback when Alisdair offers her the jewels, to buy her freedom to leave Scotland and return to England with her family. Judith, so torn, believing Alisdair does not want or love her, enlists Malcom MacLeod to aid her in her return home. When Judith and Malcolm are attacked by Bennett and his men, along the roads back to England, Judith must forget her fears, and assist Malcolm in his fight against Bennett. With Bennett now dead, and an injury plagued Malcolm, Judith returns to Scotland, with the realization, that this is her home and Alisdair is the man, with whom she is in love.

A Promise of Love is a wonderful story. A tale of reluctant love between those thought to be enemies, and a HEA storyline that is sure to please. Alisdair has fallen, heart and soul for his accidental bride, and her decision to leave, will bring you to tears. You can’t help but think…..”say something, don’t let her go”. Karen’s love of everything romance in A Promise of Love, will continue to please for years to come.

Sandy

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