Rock Your Heart Out by Crystal Kaswell
(Sinful Serenade #3) Publication date: March 10th 2016 Genres: New Adult, Romance About the Book
SynopsisThere’s a naked rockstar in my hotel room.
And he’s pierced. Willow Denton needs to get out of town fast. Her only option is joining her brother’s band on tour. Ten weeks with misbehaved men doesn’t sound so bad. Until she walks in on the drummer naked and sporting a spanking new piercing. There’s no way the player rock star will ever think of her as more than his BFF’s little sister. Better to focus on her photography. As soon as she stops thinking about him in her bed, against the wall, in the backseat of his car… Sinful Serenade drummer Tom Steele is a wrecking ball. Bossy. Pushy. Hot as the molten center of the Earth. He’s not afraid to use his body or his fame to get what he wants– a different girl every night of the week (and three on Sunday). The man may be a whore but he can control himself. He’s going to keep an eye on Willow, be her friend. That’s it. Their sizzling sexual chemistry makes this whole platonic things hard. But there’s no way he’ll cross the line with the girl he’s supposed to protect. Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28599719-rock-your-heart-out Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CRD1XFS Purchase book 1: http://www.amazon.com/Sing-Your-Heart-Out-Serenade-ebook/dp/B01685Y1X2 Purchase book 2: http://www.amazon.com/Strum-Your-Heart-Sinful-Serenade/dp/1942135122 Excerpt
The room is dark except for the yellow light streaming from under the closed bathroom door. Quiet except for the tap-tap-tap of the shower.
Then there's no more tap-tap-tap. The shower is off. I grope the wall for the light switch. Nothing. Still dark. Okay. No big deal. My brother knows I'm coming. I knock just in case my ETA text messages didn't get through. "Drew. It's me. Take your time." No response. Maybe he didn't hear me. I go to knock again but the handle turns. The bathroom door pulls open. Light pours into the main room. It surrounds a muscular man in a soft, yellow glow. That's not Drew. Thank God, because he's naked. Completely and totally naked. There's a strange naked man in Drew's hotel room, and he's between me and the exit. I take a step backwards. There's nowhere to go. I'm against the wall. My heart beat speeds up. This guy doesn’t look menacing but that's not enough to convince the nerves in my stomach to settle. "Hey. Didn't think you were coming," he says. His voice is calm. Not threatening. I take a deep breath. This must be an innocent mistake. The guy at the front desk gave me the wrong key. Please let it be an innocent mistake. "Alice?" he asks. I shake my head. I'm not Alice. Given the way he's standing, tall and proud and utterly naked, she must be a sexual partner. He reaches for something and the room illuminates. He's no longer highlights on hard muscles. Actually, he's really familiar. Green eyes. Dark blond hair hanging wet around his face. Soft lips curled into a welcoming smile. I know him. Know who he is. Relief floods my limbs as I exhale. That's him. Tom Steele, the drummer in my guitarist brother's alternative rock band, Sinful Serenade. He's not dangerous. He's my brother's best friend. Give or take. Drew isn't really the friendly type. "Did you change your hair?" he asks. "Your nose maybe? Don't get me wrong. You look good. Just different." I shake my head. My mouth is too sticky to form words. He's naked. My eyes won't co-operate with me. They trace a line down his body. Strong jaw, soft lips, broad shoulders, sculpted torso. I've seen plenty of men naked in photography classes, but none of them made me feel sweaty and flushed. My gaze goes lower. To his happy trail. Lower. Holy shit. He's pierced. There's a barbell stud going through the top to the bottom of his tip. My jaw drops. "Is that a..." "Prince Albert?" It's impossible to speak. I nod. "It's an apadravya. Like a Prince Albert but on both sides." "Oh." "It's new," he says. "Real new, actually. I'm out of commission for another three weeks. But I still have a mouth and two hands, so hop on the bed." Me... on the bed... with Tom. He steps closer. "You're not Alice, are you?" Finally, I collect some hint of my senses. "No, I'm sorry." I press my back against the wall. Nerves collect in my stomach. Not fear but embarrassment. "Isn't this Drew's room?" "We switched." His eyes fix on mine. "How did you get a key?" It is an honest mistake. That's a relief. How did I get this key? At the desk. Asking for Bruce Wayne. It's hard to think given the circumstances. I say the first thing that makes it to my lips. "You're naked." He laughs. "You're observant." I can't drag my gaze away from his piercing. "Didn't that hurt?" "Not as much as you'd think." "What's the point?" He studies my expression. "If you don't like it stop staring." I press my eyelids together. "Sorry." "You want to tell me what you're doing in my hotel room?" "I thought this was Drew's room." Somehow, I manage to look him in the eyes. That's definitely Tom. We've never met—I was in boarding school when the band was forming—but I’ve seen him in music videos and on the cover of Rolling Stone. Tom pulls a towel around his waist. That makes it easier to think. "I'm Drew's sister. Willow." I dig into my purse and pull out my driver's license. "Here. See." Tom glances at the ID then returns it. "You shoulda told me before I let you gawk." He goes to the bed, digs through an open suitcase, and pulls on a pair of boxers. "I don't mind. I'm not shy. But your brother will kill me if he finds out you saw me naked." There's a tattoo of a lion on his chest. Thick black lines. The pattern continues down his arm, all the way to his wrist. "I know I'm sexy as hell, but you should probably stop staring." God, he's right. I'm being all kinds of rude. There's no excuse. "I'm sorry. It's just—" "Been a while?" "Something like that." My cheeks flush. It's been six years since I've had sex. Six years since I've felt a hint of desire. "I feel you, kid. I'm under strict orders from my piercer: no sex for six weeks." He looks back to me with a playful smile. "Can't even fuck myself." He's casual with that information. Hi, I'm Tom, my cock is pierced, I can't fuck anyone for three more weeks. Not even myself. Tom gets dressed like it doesn't bother him that I'm gawking. Skinny jeans. Converse. V-neck. Tight cotton hoodie. Picture perfect, effortlessly cool rock star. I press my hands against my sides and force myself to stare at the wall. Okay. We've got this mix up settled. Now I have to figure out what the hell I'm going to say to Drew about why I'm here. The truth isn't an option. Tom's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. "Hope I didn't scare you." He smirks and motions to his now clothed crotch. "I know it's a monster." I clear my throat. "I wasn't expecting a naked man in my hotel room." "You look rattled." "Surprised." "Intrigued?" He raises a brow. My cheeks flush. "I've never seen a, uh, piercing like that before." I press my lips together before I shove my foot into my mouth. "I have a lot on my mind. That's all." His eyes pass over me. "If you need something—money a place to stay–I can arrange that." I study his expression for a clue to his intentions. He seems earnest but I don't trust my instincts when it comes to men. "No thanks. It's a family thing." Tom raises an eyebrow. "As you wish." He taps a few numbers into the hotel phone's keypad and brings it to his ear. "Hey. You two finished? I ran into your sister at the front desk. You want me to bring her over?" Tom laughs at whatever Drew says. "I know. I wouldn't. I'm too beautiful to die." He sets the phone back in the receiver. His eyes meet mine. "He's ready. Room 417." I nod. "Thank you. And sorry." "I don't mind." Tom shrugs. "Just keep this between us." "Sure." It's too mortifying to tell anyone. "Good night." I grab my bag, sling it over my shoulder, and reach for the door. "Willow—" "Yeah?" "There are leaked pics of me online. If you need to take another look." About the Author
Crystal Kaswell writes steamy new adult and erotic romance books. She loves when flawed characters fall head over heels for each other. Especially if they fall into bed first. She loves police procedurals, tea, and The Hunger Games series. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband.
Author links: http://www.crystalkaswell.com/ https://twitter.com/CrystalKaswell https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379758.Crystal_Kaswell https://www.facebook.com/crystalkaswellwriter/?fref=ts And Now.....the Giveaway!
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Title: Fated
Series: Forever #2
By: Regan Ure
Publication Date: March 22, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Cover Design: Mayhem Cover Creations
Seventeen-year-old Keri Edwards has led a hard life. She is the daughter of the most ruthless Alpha in the territory. In the shadow of cruelty, he molded her to follow in his footsteps. Her father’s unexpected death has freed her and made her the Alpha of a powerful pack. Forced to lie and deceive the people closest to her has led to the rejection of her mate, Blake Stevens. He walked away instead of claiming her. In his eyes she is the one who betrayed him, her actions unforgivable. There is no time to deal with her heartache as she takes on the biggest task of her life, becoming the Alpha she was trained to be. Settling into her new role has dangers, and when Blake appears out of the blue, wanting her as his mate, she can’t trust his motives.
Amazon US - http://amzn.to/1WiyOrX
Amazon UK - http://goo.gl/s9xDT0
Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/7BRjxn
Kobo - https://goo.gl/rx7Wux
iBooks - https://goo.gl/qJh1il
Forever Series #1
Amazon US - http://amzn.to/1TFsKvC
Amazon UK - http://goo.gl/dPPJCc
Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/9FWjc6
Kobo - https://goo.gl/c1G3Zd
iBooks - https://goo.gl/ekwDVo
Regan is a South African who is married to an IT specialist. She is also mom to a daughter and son. She discovered the joy of writing at the tender age of twelve. Her first two novels were teen fiction romance. She then got sidetracked into the world of computer programming and travelled extensively visiting twenty-seven countries. A few years ago after her son’s birth she stayed home and took another trip into the world of writing. After writing nine stories on a free writing website, winning an award and becoming a featured writer the next step was to publish her stories. If she isn’t writing her next novel you will find her reading soppy romance novels, shopping like an adrenaline junkie or watching too much television.
Social Media Links
I've also reviewed both books in this exciting new series! See my thoughts here:
Alpha (Book One) - http://recipe-fairy.weebly.com/blog/alpha-by-regan-ure
Fated (Book Two)- http://recipe-fairy.weebly.com/blog/fated-by-regan-ure
Today is the cover reveal for She Laughs in Pink by Jessica Calla. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.
She Laughs in Pink (Sheridan Hall #1) by Jessica Calla Genre: Contemporary Romance Age category: New Adult Release Date: May 2016 Publisher: BookFish Books Blurb: You can find She Laughs in Pink on Goodreads About the Author: Jessica Calla is a lawyer by day and a romance writer by night. Her favorite time is "bedtime," when she's free to open her laptop, battle with her blinking cursor, and pour out the contents of her heart. Jessica is a member of Romance Writers of America and is involved in the Contemporary, Young Adult, and New Jersey Chapters. She is also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, two sons, and a dog. Besides reading and writing, she enjoys movies, coffee, and chocolate. She considers herself addicted to Diet Coke and Netflix (in a good way). You can find and contact Jessica here: - Website - Goodreads - Amazon There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of She Laughs in Pink. One winner will win a 25$ amazon gift card. For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway by Julayn Adams Release Date: March 4th 2016 Summary from Goodreads:
In the aftermath of World War III, the world has become a dangerous place. The ruthless dictator, Equis, and his army, Armageddon, are quickly taking over major metropolitan areas on the west coast. The end of humanity is eminent. Their one hope lies in the hands of a 17 year old girl, Alexa. When Almana volunteers to leave Heaven to guide Alexa, she never thought that her own destiny would include falling in love with a human. Now, cursed to remain on Earth forever, Almana finds that her task is much more than she bargained for.
Teaser:
hen in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,â
-Shakespeare
Sonnet 29
It is my name. It is my curse.
I am Almana.
About the Author
With a diverse background ranging from preschool teacher and professional princess to diagnostic sonographer, Julayn Adams has discovered a new passion and talent for writing. Originally from Massachusetts, she now resides in Australia with her husband and four children, three of whom she home-schools. With her first work, a children's book illustrated by her youngest son, already released, she is excited to introduce her Young Adult novel, Almana, in January of 2016. Julayn is currently working on the second of this three part series, Vision (Almana #2).
Author Links:
Today is the cover reveal for Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks’ Secret by Paula Berinstein. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.
Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks’ Secret (Amanda Lester, Detective #4) by Paula Berinstein Genre: Mystery/detective Age category: Young Adult Release Date: March 31, 2016 Blurb: You can find Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks’ Secret on Goodreads You can pre-order Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks’ Secret here: - Amazon Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks’ Secret first Darktower class excerpt: About the Author: Paula Berinstein is nothing like Amanda. For one thing, she’s crazy about Sherlock Holmes. For another, she’s never wanted to be a filmmaker. In addition, compared to Amanda she’s a big chicken! And she wouldn’t mind going to a secret school at all. In fact, she’s hoping that some day she’ll get to build one. You can find and contact Paula here: - Website - Goodreads - Paula's blog on Goodreads - The Writing Show podcasts There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks’ Secret. You can win a 50$ amazon gift card. Open international. For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Today J. Keller Ford and Month9Books are revealing the cover and first chapter for IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGON KING! Book 1 in the Chronicles of Fallhallow Series which releases May 31, 2016! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to be one of the first readers to receive an eGalley!!
Hereâs a short intro from the author!
Hi there! Iâm so excited to share this cover with you. I love the stunning blue background with the silver accents, and the dragon medallion totally captures the personality of the book. I knew I wanted the cover to be classic, timeless, yet dark and enchanting, and boy, did the designers deliver! I couldnât be more thrilled. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Title: IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGON KING (The Chronicles of Fallhallow #1)
Author: J. Keller Ford
Pub. Date: May 31, 2016
Publisher: Month9Books
Format: Paperback & eBook
Seventeen-year-old, Eric, is a kick-butt squire to the most revered knight in Fallhollow. Well he would be if Sir Trogsdill allowed him to do anything even remotely awesome. Determined to prove his worth, Eric sets out to find the mythical paladin summoned to protect the realm from the evil lurking nearby.
Sixteen-year-old, David, spends his days collecting school honors, winning archery tournaments, and trying not to fall in love with his scrappy best friend, Charlotte.
Right when things start to get interesting, he is whisked away to the magical realm of Fallhollow where everyone thinks he's some sort of paladin destined to fulfill a two-hundred-year-old prophecy. He's supposed to help kill a dragon with some sort of magic key. The same key that happens to adorn the neck of an annoying squire who's too wrapped up in proving himself to be much help to anyone.
With egos as big as the dragon they need to destroy, Eric and David must get over themselves, or watch everything they know and love, burn.
Excerpt
âWar is a necessary evil. There is not a day or time when each of us does not battle some sort of enemy either within or around us. The true test of our character lies in the instant when we choose to either ignore or defeat that which seeks to destroy us. It is the same in our kingdom. Hirth has seen its share of battles and this great province has ridden the wings of freedom for many an age; however, there will come a day when an evil so immense will seek to threaten our very existence. It is then the knights of Gyllen Castle will rise to the aid of Hirth and defend all that is dear â our families, our land, and our right to survive. When such a time comes, I will fight with honor and for glory and give my life, if my forfeiture of it will allow Hirth the chance to endure in peace. And while I know that the enemy may prevail and my life be extinguished from this body, my death will not be in vain for what is more honorable than giving oneâs life for love of family, countryâ¦and freedom.â
Sir Trogsdill Domnall. Chapter 1 If Eric had known what the daylight would bring after the nightmares ended, he would have remained in bed, the covers pulled over his head. Instead, he waded through the puddles of the castleâs upper courtyard, each gong from the clock tower further coiling his stomach into knots. Sloshing along beside him, down the aisle of topiaries and statues, was his best friend, a devilish lad with unkempt hair the color of dirt and a cock-eyed grin. âI donât know why youâre in such a hurry,â Sestian said, polishing an apple on his sleeve. âWeapons class began fifteen minutes ago. Master Mafi wonât allow us in.â The apple crunched in his teeth. âYou donât understand, Ses. I have to try.â Eric swatted at the spindly arms of a willow tree. âThis will be the third day in a row I missed. If I donât go, word will get back to Trog and heâll flog me. You know how he gets.â âYou worry too much. Heâd never physically hurt you, however, I do have to admit, he is quite an odd fellow. I saw him make another midnight trek to the fountain last night. He sat there all hunched over like heâd lost his best friend, then he stood, dropped a rose in the water, and left.â Ericâs muscles bunched under his light shirt, his brow pinched. âThat is bizarre, even for him.â âWant to hear something even more bizarre?â Sestian paused, took another bite of the apple and buried the core in a potted plant. âI overheard Trog and my own headache of a master talking this morning. I believe the exact words out of Farnsworthâs mouth were, âFallhollow is under attackâ.â Eric came to a stop, his eyes wide. âAttack? From who?â Sestian shrugged. âDonât know, but members of the Senate and the Mageâs High Council arrived an hour ago, including the Supreme Master himself. Theyâre meeting with the Order as we speak.â âWhat?â Ericâs pulse quickened. âJaredâs here? You saw him?â The grand mage of all magical beings never involved himself in the affairs of men. Ever. âNo, but I plan to change that.â An impish twinkle glistened in Sestianâs eyes. âAre you game?â âWhat? You want toâyou meanâyouâre joking, right?â The puckish grin on Sestianâs face answered his question. Eric shook his head. âOh, no. There is no way youâre going to get me to eavesdrop on a secret council meeting. Iâd rather get hit by lightning than suffer the punishment from anyone sitting in that room.â âAww, come on, Eric. Must you always be so dull? Arenât you the least bit curious?â âThat sort of curiosity will land us in the pillory at best.â Eric pushed past his friend through the carved citadel doors. Sestian darted in front of him and stopped. âYour point?â âMy point is that I value my life.â âAnd what of Fallhollow? Donât you value our home?â âOf course I do, butââ âThen what are you waiting for?â Sestian punched Ericâs arm. âLetâs go.â âSes, no!â Ericâs protest fell on empty ears. His friend was gone. Eric brushed past the lapis columns of the marble vestibule into the Great Hall, a wide-open space topped by a domed ceiling so high its ornate detail was almost lost in the darkness. Nobles and servants milled about, coming and going out of the many rooms, laughter echoing off the walls speckled with massive tapestries and oiled paintings. A flock of girls dressed in aristocratic finery stood upon the majestic staircase, twittering like excited canaries. One of them, Lady Emelia, a startling girl with red hair and striking features, waved at him and winked. Eric rolled his eyes and scurried down the hall past the stairs. The last thing he wanted or needed was a flighty girl choking his freedom. He passed several lavish rooms before spotting his friend at the far end of the music room, leaning on a harp. âWhat took you so long?â Sestian grinned, then pushed aside a wall tapestry and vanished through a secret door. âDrat you, Ses. How do you find these things?â Eric glanced over his shoulder and followed. Inside, Sestian struck a wooden match against the stone wall and lit a torch he plucked from an iron sconce. They climbed a set of narrow steps. The guttering flame of Sestianâs torch cast shadows on the walls. More than once the passageway twisted and turned as they ascended. âAre you sure you know where youâre going?â Eric asked. Sestian laughed. âWeâre in the heart of the castle and youâre going to ask that question now?â They continued upward. After what seemed an eternity, the steps emptied onto the landing of a dark corridor filled with cobwebs. Sestian stopped and thrust the torch at Eric. âHold this.â He spun a wall sconce in a combination of left and right turns until a latch popped, and a hidden door opened inward, exposing a small room filled with wooden crates. âWhat theâ?â Eric stepped inside, his mouth open. Sestian placed his finger to his lips and motioned to a jagged hole the size of a manâs fist in the wall. Curious, Eric squatted and peered through a banner of delicate silk. âDragonâs breath,â he whispered. âThatâs the kingâs arbitration room!â He flicked a sideways glance at Sestian. âHow did you find this?â âI donât sleep much, remember?â âGood heavens, you are crazy.â A chair scraped across the wood floor below. Four mages, recognizable by their golden skin, turquoise eyes, and sapphireâblue garments, sat on one side of an immense oval table. Four senators clad in similar garments of purple and gold sat across from them. At one head of the table sat Trog and Farnsworth. At the other, a sojourner shrouded in black with silver rings upon his fingers and tattoos etched upon his hands. And at one of the five arched windows stood the sorceress, Slavandria, her thick lavender hair plaited in a single braid to the floor. âJared,â Eric said under his breath. âYep,â Sestian said. âThatâd be my guess.â Below, Trog leaned forward, his massive hands clasped together, and addressed the cloaked figure opposite him. âWe will heed your warnings, Master Jared, and dispatch a legion to His Majestyâs entourage. I also think it wise to notify our neighbors to the north of the encroaching threat. If this enemyâs intentions are to see Hirth fall, he will attack our allies first to render our kingdom helpless.â âAgreed.â Jaredâs voice resonated deep within the chambers, and into Ericâs core. âMaster Camden, see to it the kingdoms of Trent and Banning are informed of the possible threat. Also, instruct the shime to dispatch regiments and secure the borders of Hirth.â âDo you feel that necessary?â replied the bald man clad in blue. âThere is no proof the kingdom of Hirth or the realm of Fallhollow, for that matter, is under attack. There have only been a few isolated incidents of bloodshed, nothing that could be construed as acts of war.â âMaster Camden,â Jared said, âseveral families of barbegazis, nine unicorns, and over a hundred humans are dead all in the course of four days. This morning, patrols rescued a herd of pixies from a crowâs cage in the Elmwithian Marsh. They were swathed in dragonâs blood. Might I remind you a single act of brutality, especially one steeped in black magic as these incidences are, is one violation too many. Our job is to protect this world, and more so this kingdom, from any dark sorcery that may threaten it. If this directive is in any way unclear, I will be more than happy to personally instruct you in the importance of upholding your defensive role.â A chill crept up Ericâs spine. âOh, come on. Instruct him,â Sestian said, a grin stretched across his face. A palpable silence fell over the room. Master Camden shifted in his seat and wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead. âPersonal instruction is not necessary, Supreme Master.â âI find that to be a wise decision.â Eric exhaled. âYes, so do I.â Jared stood and pulled the hood of his cloak forward. âSince we are in agreement, I believe we can dismiss. Sir Trogsdill, if I may, Iâd like to speak with my daughter alone.â âOf course,â Trog said, standing. âThe rest of you, follow me to the dining hall where you can feast before your journey home.â âI donât believe this, Sestian whispered as Trog ushered the last of the visitors out and closed the door behind him. âShh,â Eric said. Down below, Slavandria, said âWhat is on your mind, Father?â Jared strolled past her, his hands tucked into his voluminous sleeves. âI have given this a great deal of thought and I have reached a decision. Considering all that has happened, I am left with no other choice. As queen of the Southern Forest and protector of this realm, you must summon the paladin.â Her gasp could have ripped leaves from their stems. âFather, no! I canât! The paladin is only to be summoned in the direst of circumstances. While these attacks are horrid, they are far from extreme.â âDaughterââ âFather, please. The ramifications will be devastating to all those involved. Together with the shime, weâll find this enemy and bring him into the light. I beg you. Please do not do this.â âIf that were true, they would have done so by now. As such, your arguing is futile. My decision is made. By sunset within three days, you must fulfill your duties. I will have the document drawn and sealed. Have Mangus deliver it. So it is said?â Slavandriaâs jaw tightened. âYouâre being unreasonable.â âAnd you are bordering the line of punishment.â Eric shuddered at the menacing tone. âDo I have your word?â Jared said. Slavandria straightened her back and steadied her voice. âYes, Father. So it is said. So it shall be done, but donât think for one-minute I wonât improvise when the time presents itself.â âYou have always been my challenge child. I would expect nothing less from you. Now, if you will forgive me, I must go.â âWhere this time?â âHome, to Felindil for a day. Afterwards, I will be in seclusion, communing with the heavens before taking to the sea.â âWhat? And leave me here to set the world right once the paladin arrives?â Jaredâs full-bodied laughter filled the room. âYou sound as if the demon of the underworld will rise, spewing fire and ash.â âAnd how do you know he wonât?â She paused, her fingers steepled to her lips before continuing. âFather, please. All I ask is for once, in your long, stubborn life, you listen to me. The people of this kingdom and all of Fallhollow are innocent. They need our protection. I fear what the paladinâs presence will do. You canât bring such devastation upon Fallhollow and then leave me to salvage whatever is left.â âI bring nothing upon this realm; therefore, I leave you with nothing to clean up. The course of the world is set. Events will unfold as they will. The paladin will not change that which is set in motion.â âYouâre wrong, Father.â Slavandria brushed past him. âDisagree if you must. You always do. For now, go home. Wait for my summoning papers and prepare the traveler. I will come to you in Chalisdawn three days hence.â Jared snapped his fingers. White shards of light crackled and zapped around him, and he was gone. Slavandria shook her head. âYou have no idea what youâve done, Father.â She gathered her cloak from the back of a chair and incanted some strange words. A swift pale-blue mist rose from the floor, swirling, engulfing her in a vortex. The air sizzled and splintered, and she, too, disappeared. âWhoa,â Sestian said. âThis is worse than bad.â âNo kidding,â Eric stood and brushed the dust from his breeches, âand I have a feeling itâs going to get a lot worse.â Sestian withdrew the torch as they left the room and shut the door. âYou do realize weâre going to have to find out who this paladin is, right?â Eric walked down the steps. âWhy is that?â âCome on. Are you that daft? How else are we going to prove to Trog and Farnsworth that weâre deserving of becoming knights? Right now they think weâre nothing but a pair of imbeciles worthy of nothing more than polishing armor and performing duties of a valet.â âWeâre squires, Ses. Thatâs what we do.â âAnd itâs all weâll ever do if we donât prove ourselves. Donât you get it? When was the last time Gyllen Castle or Hirth saw battle, hmm?â âYou sound as if you want war.â âNo, but I havenât trained all my life to become a knight only to end up as a fat, lazy, well-paid manservant.â Eric turned a corner and continued downward, his voice hollow in the muted dark. âI donât think youâll ever be fat or lazy.â âEric, come on. Why must you be so difficult? Without a skirmish or two, acts of heroism for us are limited to rescuing girls from over-zealous drunkards and protecting the royal dinner from the palace dogs. I want more than that. When I die, I donât want to be remembered for how well I polished a sword, but for something grand and heroic. Donât you want the same?â âOf course I do, but I donât sit around thinking about what legacy I want to leave behind when I die.â âLiar. All you ever talk about is how much you want to be a knight like Trog.â Sestian shoved past Eric and blocked his descent. âThink about it. You know as well as I weâll be relegated to the stables to saddle horses and pack rations and bedrolls if there is the slightest hint of a conflict. They wonât let us anywhere near a battlefield, especially you. Itâs like youâre some kind of poster boy for squire school.â âI know, butââ âNo, there are no buts. Donât you see? Now is our chance to show our mettle. If we team up with this paladin, we have a chance to prove ourselves. Trog and Farnsworth will have to take notice.â âYeah, after they flog, tar and feather us. Besides, what makes you think this paladin will want us, huh? Heâs probably some powerful sorcerer like Jared.â âNo one is as powerful as Jared, but Iâll bet you a rooster against a duck this savior dabbles not only in white, but black magic, too. Thatâs why Jared needs him.â âWhich is all the more reason for us to keep our distance.â âNo! Itâs all the more reason for us to find him. Heâll need guides to help him maneuver through our lands. Weâll be heroes for saving Fallhollow from a murderous foe. King Gildore will praise us. Songs will be written about us.â Eric rolled his eyes. Sestian snorted. âDonât think I canât hear your eyes flipping around in their sockets. You know Iâm right. We know every crack in the earth Fallhollow possesses. Weâve been trained by the very best knights in the world. On top of that, I have a knack for getting us in and out of places unseen. Youâre extraordinary with a blade. Together, weâre dangerous. We can be his eyes and ears. And when we defeat whatever is out there, Trog and Farnsworth will have no choice but to admit our accomplishments and recommend us for knighthood.â Sestianâs stance and the set of his eyes conveyed an intensity Eric admired and feared. He sighed aloud. âAll right. You win, but we say nothing. If Trog and Farnsworth found out, theyâd roll us in dragon dung and set us on fire.â Sestian punched Eric playfully on the arm and smiled, wide. âHa! I knew I could break you.â They hurried from the music room and fell in with other students leaving classrooms. In the sunlit courtyard, Eric stopped short. Sestian plowed into him from behind. âWhatâs wrong?â Eric gritted his teeth. âDo you not see who is standing in front of us?â Sestian turned his gaze to their masters leaning against the balustrade, their arms folded to their chests, waiting. âGreat. Let me handle this.â Trog stood upright and adjusted the sword on his hip, flexing the intersecting scars on his armsâreminders of dozens of battles fought. He took a step forward, and a gust of wind blew his dark hair back from his weathered, sun-darkened face, exposing a high forehead, square jaw, and intense peridot eyes. Eric gulped as a childhood tale about a sly mouse captured by a blind owl scampered through his brain. âYouâre late,â Trog said, tossing Eric a suede satchel weighed down with sheathed knives. âWhere have you been?â He spoke softly, but his voice reverberated through the crisp morning air. âListening to Magister Timanâs lecture on ceremonial magic,â Sestian replied. âDid you know there are magical portals that allow us to travel between realms?â âDid you know I have a magical foot that can disappear up your backside if you donât get down to the stables right now?â Farnsworth asked. His brow furrowed beneath a curtain of wavy straw-colored hair. He walked toward Sestian, the seams of his green tunic strained over his wide shoulders, his eyes as brown and penetrating as a wolfâs. âSo Iâve heard. Several times.â Sestian grinned and tapped Eric on the arm. âWeâll get together later and go over what we learned today, eh?â Eric nodded and shuffled his feet under the weight of Trogâs stare. He waited for Sestian and Farnsworth to get far enough away before lifting his head and meeting Trogâs gaze. The knight lifted a brow. âAre you going to tell me where you really were, or are you going to hold to your story that you were listening to a lecture that ended this time yesterday?â âWhich one will get me in the least amount of trouble?â Trog placed his hand on Ericâs back and edged him down the stone steps to the lower courtyard. âThe truth, Eric. Always the truth.â âWhat if I promised not to tell?â âSecrets are grave burdens to bear.â âI canât betray his confidence, sir. I promised.â Trog nodded. âThen youâll sleep in the stables tonight as punishment.â âWhat? How is that fair?â âYou know the rules as my squire, and you still choose to withhold the truth. Therefore, you shall be punished accordingly.â âBut the rules of knighthood require I not reveal confidences or secrets under any circumstance to anyone at any time, even under pain of death.â âNice try, lad, but the last time I looked, you have not been captured nor are you under pain of death.â Trog placed a heavy hand on Ericâs shoulder. âIâm going to give you one more chance. What will it be?â Eric clenched and unclenched his fists at his sides. âWith all due respect, sir, I cannot and will not betray my friend.â Trog removed his hand. âI commend you on your loyalty, son, but you have made your choice. Therefore, you will suffer the consequences of it. Now go on and get busy with your chores. I want each of those blades in your hand sharpened and polished by morningââ âBut, sirââ âAnd for protesting when you should not, you will also sharpen and polish Sir Farnsworthâs blades. Iâll see to it they are dropped off.â Eric opened his mouth to speak, but changed his mind when Trog dipped his brow in warning. âWould you like me to add Sir Gowranâs and Sir Crohnâs weapons to your load?â Eric bit back the irritation boiling below the surface. âNo, sir.â âVery well. Bring the blades to the farrierâs stall in the morning around eight. It will be a dual-fold meeting as you can visit your father at the same time.â Trog paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful, then turned and strolled across the courtyard. He hoisted a young page from a game of marbles and lectured him on the pitfalls of wasting time. Eric snorted at the boyâs bewildered expression and the speed at which he ran once set down upon his feet. Been there, boy. He cursed beneath his breath. What am I talking about? Iâm still there. Ericâs boots clicked on the cobblestones as he plodded toward Crafterâs Row. He passed beneath the archway connecting the cathedral to the knightsâ quarters and turned left down the tree-shaded lane toward the royal stables. After informing the stablemaster of his upcoming sleeping arrangements, Eric returned the way he came. At the crossroad, he turned and made his way toward the smithy. Horses clomped and wagons rattled over the pavers while thick clouds gathered overhead, suffocating the sun. A light drizzle set in as he entered a stone building marked by a metal plate engraved with a hammer and anvil. The blacksmith wiped the sweat from his brow and motioned Eric to a table set with vials of oils, and various whetstones. Eric sighed. Lovely. He settled into the monotonous task of sharpening and polishing, taking on Farnsworthâs load a few hours later. He finished his arduous task just after dusk. Cursing his sore muscles, he packed up the satchels and shuffled to the stables where a plate of bread, cheese and a pint of goatâs milk waited for him. Great. Is he trying to starve me, too? He ate what was given and settled into the hayloft, his stomach a knot of protests. He sighed. Who was this paladin, and from who or what was he destined to save the realm? There was only one way to find out. Tomorrow he and Sestian would devise a plan, and it would be worthy of a knightâs tale. When all was said and done, Trog would have no other choice than to see him as a worthy knight instead of an incompetent fool. An image of Trog groveling for forgiveness appeared in his mind. Eric snuggled into a bed of hay and fell into a blissful dream, a wide grin on his face.
About J. Keller Ford:
J. (Jenny) Keller Ford grew up as an Army brat, traveling the world and wandering the halls of some of Germanyâs most extraordinary castles. From the time she was old enough to hold a crayon, she wove fantasy tales of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former paralegal, sheâs the author of several short stories including The Amulet of Ormisez, Dragon Flight, and The Passing of Millie Hudson. When not at her keyboard breathing new life into fantasy worlds, Jenny spends time overloading on coffee, collecting seashells, bowling, swimming, riding roller coasters and talking plotlines with anyone who will listen. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her husband, two sons, two dogs, and a pretentious orange cat. Her two daughters and grand-daughter make their homes in Seattle, WA.
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Summary:
Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection Box Set
One spellbound night, nine award-winning and Amazon best-selling authors joined together to bring you an enchanting collection of tales featuring our favorite otherworldly creatures, fairies. Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection will seduce you into the wondrous world of the fae with magic, romance, fantasy, adventure, fairy tales, and folklore. Get ready to be beguiled by a unique boxed set with fractured fairy tales, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, sci-fi adventure, and more. A captivating collection certain to please anyone who loves fairy stories.
Each book in Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection is a newly released work.
Our Books and Authors
I Do Believe in Faeries by Erin Hayes
The Bee Charmer by Poppy Lawless
Woe for a Faerie by B. Brumley
Flightless by Margo Bond Collins
Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein
Fairly Normal by Carrie L. Wells
Fae Came on the Plane by Elizabeth Watasin
The Fae and the Farmgirl by Pauline Creeden
The Fairy Bargain by Blaire Edens
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