“Your life is forfeit if you open that door.”

WARNING!!! SPOILERS MAY OCCUR, AND IF NOT OBVIOUS SPOILERS, PERHAPS INFO YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO KNOW…

I rarely buy anything on impulse, especially books.  I either have to be familiar with the author or know what I’m getting into by buying a familiar genre.  This book was promoted on my friend Ciar Cullen’s blog and I loved the cover and the title.  The logline (posted above) also got my attention.  The blurb – even moreso, and with a warning like this:

This gothic contains heady kisses that lead to ruin, passionate sex on a desk chair, a mysterious husband who may be a murderer, a cursed family of raven shifters, and an unspeakable evil hidden in the closet.

Who could resist, right?

So, let’s start out by setting the stage.  For anyone who’s wished for a historical to add in paranormal flavor, this book is for you.  Magic, curses, & shifters abound in this book.  And not only is it a historical paranormal, it’s shifters are the likes of those we’re not “used” to seeing–raven shifters.

The book takes place in 1823 England, and it begins like you might expect, at a ball/party/soiree of a prestigeous wealthy lord.  Of course, this lord has been whispered as murdering his past two wives, but that doesn’t seem to phase Isabel, our heroine.  You see, Lord Hayle is sinfully sexy, and of course, he’s set his eyes on her, eighteen, though not yet debuted into Society.  Her mother has favorited her older sisters, since she looks too much like her father, who has since passed away.  This aspect reminded me of Cinderella.

Not too long after the hero and heroine first meet, however, you know this isn’t your typical Regency.  No, it’s a book with full on raven shifters, an entire family flock of them, and Lord Hayle, of course, is the Alpha.  I enjoyed reading the heirarchy of the group, as the author has obviously done her homework in both historical England as well as ravens and their behavior.

As the book progresses, secrets are revealed, and the fragile love between Hayle, who’s first name is Rukh (pronounced Rook) and Isabel is tested to the breaking point.

I enjoyed the author’s prose.  It was very rich, almost decadent at times.  A joy to read, however, like a velvety chocolate cake, if you eat too much, you might regret it.  At times it seemed as if the author was deliberately drawing out descriptions in an effort to be overly flowery with the prose, and it became tedious at times.  That is not to say I didn’t enjoy it.  I did immensely, and would have contracted this book had I been an editor.  I suppose my complaint doesn’t lie so much in the prose as it does with the pacing.

I felt there were a few scenes which cut away from the action too fast or rambled on and could be cut.  One such example is when Hayle fought with his family over his now-current wife (Isabel).  Like ravens do, they surrounded him, collapsed on him, and intended to teach him a lesson.  Here, the scene cuts.  I fully intended the next scene to be in Hayle’s point of view, a fight scene of sorts, telling his family where to go as Alpha.

Did I get this?  No…the next scene is three months later.  I’m left scratching my head over what really happened during that family “meeting” and began questioning the hero and his power as Alpha.  I understand an Alpha is the leader of the pack, or flock as the case may be, and as such, his word isn’t to be questioned.  Perhaps it is different in ravens, however, this distinction isn’t made clear in the book.

More and more his family pulls away and goes against his wishes in an effort for the author to show they obviously don’t want Hayle to break their curse.  To the point of holding Hayle and Isabel “captive” in his own home.

This to me seemed to go against every Alpha undertone in the hero’s nature.  He’s so overly protective of his heroine, that he shifts and tries to “kill” any man who dare touch her.  He’s loyal to his family and to a point, loyal to the curse, but the constant power plays between him and the other patriarchs in the flock, without a challenge to rise another Alpha, seemed out of place for Hayle’s character.  He was a pawn, an Alpha in name only, nothing more, as no one else in the family wanted to be Alpha. Then, the full extent of the curse would fall on their shoulders.  And yet, Hayle did nothing to quell the disloyalty, nothing to root it out, nothing to demand his dominance.

Perhaps this was to protect his flock by keeping the curse on his shoulders, but it seemed so out of character with a man who was an Alpha male ONLY to his mate.  Perhaps it was out of respect for his elders.  But at some point, you must have loyalty to the Alpha or the flock will only degenerate and choose a new leader, especially when the other family members seem to walk all over him.  In fact, the only one of his family loyal to him was his previous competition for Isabel’s attentions!  While I enjoyed the  competitors turned friends angle (or at least they’re friendly to a point) I wanted Hayle to do something to whip his family in line.

Which is why he was nothing more than a scapegoat for the elders as they didn’t lift a finger to help him, not even in the ending scene.  Because there was no real resolution to this “walking all over the Alpha” dilemma, the book fell flat for me in that regard.

Another pacing problem I had was the end scene with the Big Bad Villain.  I’m very happy to see the author doesn’t pull any punches and doesn’t hand her hero and heroine a happily ever after on a silver platter.  However, I felt it did go on and on a little too long.  We obviously knew what had to be done long before it was actually done, to the point I wanted to yell at my computer screen for them to do it all ready.

At times, I felt the heroine seemed wise beyond her eighteen years.  I remember when I was eighteen, and I’m not so sure I would have been as on-the-ball as this woman was.  Yet the author mentions her mother ignored her and thus she was able to study more with her tudor.  I can let that slide.  At the beginning of the book, she was a wide-eyed innocent, in more ways than one, however, near the middle and end, she seemed more mature.  Perhaps that’s merely a nit-pick.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I read the book in one sitting and prayed I wouldn’t get interrupted.  Like I mentioned before, the prose is decadent, and as a fellow author, I lapped it up.  Looking back, perhaps reading it in one sitting isn’t what one should do with prose such as this.  Perhaps that is why I found it tedious at times.  It needed to be savored rather than gobbled.

This book is filled with so much uniqueness, that I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good gothic romance, a historical romance, or anyone who’s longed for the blending of the two with a paranormal shifter twist.  While I admit, there were times when imagining a giant raven pecking at someone had me giggling at the mental image, the shifter angle was one I’d never seen before and kept my interest, since ravens are indeed such a handsome, sleek bird, after all.

All in all, even with my dings for over-indulgent prose, pacing, and disrespect for the Alpha in Hayle, I give this book a solid four stars from Becka.  I enjoyed every minute of it and will be looking for more of the author’s work in the future.  This storyline was indeed one of a kind, and I’m sure I won’t come across another like it for a long time to come.  Good work, Ms. Drake.  May you have many successes with this book.

And you, dear reader, go and buy this one.  You won’t regret it.

~~Becka
You can buy THE FORBIDDEN CHAMBER from Samhain Publishing here:

http://new.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/the-forbidden-chamber

So this past week, my hubby had a pot-luck at his work.  He had the awesome idea of bringing chicken enchiladas.  But he didn’t want to bring them cold and not warm, nor did he want to make them early in the morning and bring them to work hot as they would still be cold by lunch time.  So he needed a way to keep them warm and/or warm them up.

His brilliant idea was an electric skillet.

But the one we had was old and sad.  It was this little 12″x 12″ deal, that looks like it has seen it’s fair share of world wars.  Most of the “non-stick” coating is scratched off, not to mention it just wasn’t big enough for the shindig at DH’s office.  This thing is literally a dinosaur; a gift from DH’s grandparents on the occasion of our wedding nigh 15 years ago.  It was well used, but now, we needed an upgrade.

I got out of the habit of using an electric skillet because my family is so huge and I didn’t have a big one.  My pans were good enough, as I have a jumbo iron skillet I use all the time.  But, we needed the skillet to do the enchiladas, so off to Target I go.

I found a couple in their selection of bigger skillets, one a $30, the other $60.  Seems a no brainer, right?  Quick giant skillet for a one-time pot-luck, right?  Well, I stood there and weighed my options.  The $30 was indeed the size I needed, but there was some assembly required.  The $60 one was already ready already.  It had rubber feet so it wouldn’t slide on the counter.  And it had a lid that is held down with buckles.  AND a pour spout on one of the corners.

Okay, sold!  Here it was, already nearing 8pm, and we still needed to make the enchiladas!  I don’t want to put together the fricken’ skillet with a screwdriver while browning the chicken.  But it was indeed the pour spout that ultimately sold me.  Browning beef?  No prob, merely lock the lid down and drain.  Awesome Sauce.

So I brought it home, we made the enchiladas, put them in the fridge overnight, DH took the entire skillet to work the next day, plugged it in on 300 degrees an hour before the pot-luck and voila! Perfect hot, melty enchiladas.

That night, it was so easy to clean, just wipe out with a sponge, the non-stick coating is so super-sweet.

So last night, I decided to make frozen burgers for the family.  The thing held 6 big ol’ patties from Costco with no problem, enough to feed everyone without having to do a second batch!

I’m thinking I’m in love with this thing.  It’s definitely the best $60 I’ve spent recently, and I cannot stress how happy I am I didn’t get the less expensive skillet.  With the lovely coating, the lid, the spout and the sheer size of it, this bad boy is now going to be a staple of my kitchen for many years to come.

I love it when you buy something you thought you didn’t really need and it turns into something you can no longer live without. 

Five stars from Becka, for the $60 (Okay, $59.99) 16″ electric skillet by Hamilton Beach.  Well done, guys!

http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/skillets-premiere-cookware-electric-skillet.html

~~Becka

My friend Kathy was unable to send me a guest blog during my birthday bash earlier this month, so she sent it to me a little late. Not wanting to keep her out of the loop, here is her guest blog. Thanks Kathy!

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Halloween is near, time for everything scary and spooky. I’ve never been one to enjoy being intentionally terrified. I would walk through the haunted houses with my eyes closed (most of the time), and never watch horror flicks. The only “scary” shows I ever watch were Poltergeist (all 3) and movies from Alfred Hitchcock and M. Night Shyamalan.

One movie certain to put me in the Halloween mood, besides “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” is “The Lady in White”. Set at Halloween 1962, a young boy witnesses a murder – a murder that had happened years earlier. With ghosts, murder and suspense, I consider it a perfect Halloween thriller.

With every holiday, I enjoy revisiting romances with those themes. Here are some of my favorites for Halloween:

Vampires – Maggie Shayne’s Wings in the Night and Susan Sizemore’s Primes
Ghosts – Shadow’s Kiss by Joan Hohl
The Invisible Man – Splendor by Catherine Mann
Spooky – Kay Hooper’s Bishop series (can’t remember which, but one really freaked me out)
Spy – Dangerous Love by Anne Stuart
Haunted House – Erin McCarthy’s Ohio’s Most Haunted series
Hockey Mask –Deirdre Martin’s NY Blades series (Hey – they’re much hotter than Jason!)
Superheroes – Julie Kenner’s Protector Series

And I would be totally remiss without including:
Dragons – Rebecca Goings’ The Legends of Mynos series

Hope this list gives you some titles to add to your TBR!

Kathy
www.KathysReviewCorner.com

It’s a roller coaster, I tell ya.  Just got word yesterday from the agent I sent RENEGADE to…  She rejected it.  :’(  But that’s okay.  Now that I know she doesn’t want it, I’ve moved on to Plan B.  Don’t allow yourself to wallow in your own self-pity too long or you’ll never find the courage to resubmit somewhere else.

Therefore, I sent off my emailed query, synopsis, and first three chapters to Harlequin Historicals.  They are a part of Mills & Boon in London, and they allow emailed queries.  I sent it end of the day Friday, which means it was middle of the night London time.  I haven’t gotten a reply that they’ve received it yet, which is a little worrying.  Every other time I’ve queried anyone via email, I’ve gotten an automated reply that they received it.

Perhaps the London office doesn’t have an automated reply.  Perhaps someone emails you directly, and since it’s the weekend, no one is in the office.  But that seems strange to me.  If I don’t get a confirmation email in a few days, I’ll probably email again and ask if they received it.  Their website says you get a confirmation email, so I don’t want to be sitting and waiting for weeks on a submission they never got.

Anyhow, I chose HQ for a few reasons.  Number one, the story was the perfect length for the line.  Number two, I’ve always thought my writing fits there.  Number three, I really enjoy reading their books, almost moreso than Avon, Pocket, or Kensington.  And since you don’t need an agent to query…  Well, what could it hurt?

I still haven’t heard back from them regarding THE FALL OF JERICHO for their short eBook “Undone” line (which I got a confirmation email for when I sent that on).  Hoping that’s a good sign.  They give themselves 12 to 18 weeks to get back to someone on a submission, and my 12th week will be Oct. 22nd.  I’m hoping to hear from them between the end of Oct. and the end of Nov.

Ultimately, I’m hoping they love JERICHO, offer for it, and perhaps take a closer look at RENEGADE.  Of course I’m counting my chickens, but I’ve always been a dreamer, so keeping that daydream going is what keeps me going.  LOL

Of course if HQ passes on RENEGADE and/or JERICHO, then Plan C is to send them both to Samhain.  If *they* pass, I’ll send them to Champagne Books.

I’m at that point in my writing career where my friends and fans say I’m Totally Awesome!! but the agents and editors think otherwise.  Therefore, I’m trying so hard not to get a big head over good reviews and compliments and excitement over other books that are coming out.  So, if these books are rejected by HQ, it’s not the end of the road for me.  I won’t cry in my beer (for too long lol).

Anyway, I wanted to give you an update on my books.  If HQ takes the long road on RENEGADE, then I won’t hear anything about that book until around Feb. 19th!  :-O  Long time to wait, but worth it if they decide they like it.

Sure, HQ’s books are only around for a few short weeks, like a shooting star rather than a slow burn of other publishers who keep the books on the shelves forever, but it’s where I believe I fit.  There’s a few well-known ladies who write westerns over there.  I want Rebecca Goings to be one of them. 

Keep your fingers crossed, say some lucky chickens, and pray they think I’m Totally Awesome!

~~Becka

Hey guys, I announced this on my author loop, but I didn’t post it on my website.  DUH!  LOL  Cobblestone Press recently bought my erotic short story HEAVEN SENT for their 12 Days of Christmas line!  I don’t know the exact date, but I do know it will be out in December (I’m such a genius! lol)

Here’s the short blurb for those interested:

When God gives you an angel, you don’t turn your back.

For years, Pryce Daniels has mourned his wife’s passing.  He’s lived alone in the Montana wilderness, yearning to feel the warmth of a woman once more.  This Christmas, God has heard his cry.

A consuming passion overtakes them, but Pryce’s doubt threatens their delicate bond.  Before he can accept his gift, he must let the memory of his wife go.  But his hesitation might cost his angel her life.

YAY!!! 

~~Becka

(FYI, for those who’ve read my old skool Inspies back in the day… Yeah.  This one isn’t an Inpsie.  Although it does mention God and His angels.  Who knows, maybe it is inspirational after all.  I’m hoping I’ve meshed the erotic and the Inspie romance together in this one.  Fascinating pairing, don’t you think? )

It’s funny what you start out as and what you end up becoming.  Many of you might not know or remember, but I started out as an Inspirational author.  I wanted to write for Heartsong and Steeple Hill.  But I got rejected by both and picked up by the now defunct By Grace Publishing.

After a time, I tried my hand at mainstream romances.  Found not only was that more lucrative, but it was more fun (for me, anyway.)  I enjoyed writing sexual tension and the full culmination of a romance.

Lemme tell ya, that confused more than one reviewer.  Heheh

So I decided to write mainstream full time and drop the Inspies all together.  Now, all my Inspies are out of print since By Grace Publishing went under.  They’ll probably stay tucked away and those of you “lucky” enough to read them can say, “I remember when…”

Then came the Harlequin Desire.  I read them by the truckload.  Thought hey, I can write one of those!  Tried my hand, but ultimately got rejected.  Plot line wasn’t what they were looking for.  But after I wrote a few contemporaries, I realized that is not my genre of choice.  Becoming a Desire author might not be where I want to go.

But paranormals are great!  Fantasies can be fun too.  And Westerns are a rootin’ tootin’ good time!  I actually decided awhile ago my historical novels would be Westerns.  Why?  Well, I enjoy Regency/Victorian England as much as the next author/reader.  But, I believe enough authors are covering the genre.  And aside from a random pirate novel that might be fun, maybe even a Medieval, my desire to write in historical England isn’t that great.  Besides, when’s the last time you went to the romance section and saw Westerns all over the place?

You don’t, really.  I want to change that.  I want to help my friends, like Beth Williamson, and other authors, like Cheryl St. John and Kate Bridges bring them back.  They’re my favorite genre to read AND write.

I was talking to another author friend of mine about how much more prolific eAuthors are than print authors.  Sure, we get a lot  more in royalties, but our audience is a niche.  We have to write many more books to “pay the bills” than a big-timey successful NY author might.  Writing one book a year would be stifling to my muse!  LOL

Therefore, while I’m looking for bigger and better pastures to publish in, I am in no way turning my back on the small ePresses.  I know I’m very prolific.  I don’t think any agent or big name publisher I get is going to want to release a story by me every couple of months, assuming I don’t have a multi-book deal (hey, one can always dream!)  Anyhow, there’s just some stories I have that might not jive with more traditional publishers.

But you never know, right?  My plans for today might not be my plans for tomorrow.  If I’m picked up by an agent or a well-known publisher, obviously my writing will gravitate toward that, writing more books for them, perhaps pitching a series, etc.  You never know.  If I’m not, then I’ll continue to do what I’m doing.

But like I said before, sometimes where you plan to go isn’t always where you end up.  We’ll see which way I go at the end of the day. 

~~Becka

IMAGINATION… ROCKS… OR RAISINS

We sat and lamestormed the subjects of our upcoming blogs.  Pedicures lamenting… lame.  Opinions on ink cartridges… lame.  Could cracking one’s knuckles be flirting… lame.  Finally we decided that we’d write something about ourselves that no one knows.

My mother shared with me her great gift of baking.  I adored baking.  Hung around the kitchen and underfoot, constantly wanting to learn to bake various types of cookies, new types of cakes and pies.   Nothing was from a cook book, everything was from her head with a lot of improvisation.

At the same time my dad share with me the gift of loving animals.  We had a cat at one time, a dog, a hamster, a guinea pig and, of course an assortment of goldfish.

Life gave me the gift of imagination.  Creativity was my muse and took me through many an adventure, albeit often only part reality.

One day, while still at a young age, I begged my mom to allow me to make all by myself my dad his favorite cookie, oatmeal raisin.  She was hesitant at first, but I was also relentless.  She went over and over the ingredients, stipulating how important it was to not leave anything out.  She talked about taking care with oven mittens and hot cookie pans.   I listened attentively and the moment arrived, I got to bake the cookies all by myself.  I was tickled, and dad often came into the kitchen to ask if they were done yet, for the sweet aroma had filled the house.

I carefully placed each cookie on a plate in a perfect pyramid and carried them into my dad.  They were still a little warm.  He sat there eagerly anticipating the treat with a glass of skin milk, though he not a dunker, just a washer-down sort.   He took his first bite, blinking in amazement, swallowing and then regaling me with praise.   I watched happily as he ate every last cookie, pouring glass after glass of milk, and then shoving the cookies into his mouth one after the other as I continued to watch, refusing to miss a moment of his delight.  Afterward, he gave be a big hug and thank you.  Only, as he walked away he had a strange look.

At the time, I couldn’t help wondering if it had anything to do with my one improvisations.  And until now, this very moment, I never told a soul what that improv had been, nor would I have ever but Zi charged me with sharing something that no one knows about me.  I have.  We had been out of raisins, so I used my guinea pig ‘s poop.  After all, they looked just like raisins to a girl my age.  I always wondered, did my dad know, and if he did, what a wonderful man he must have been.

When writing KILLER DOLLS we toyed with the texture of the crave of the heroine and felt she needed to be very desirous.  So the readers will find that there are those don’t stopportunities woven into the text.  I suspect our reasoning why we needed this plot device will become obvious.  We hope you enjoy the book.  Let us know.

Unaware that bio-terrorist are using her handcrafted dolls to attack the innocent, Letti Noel finds herself falling for Taut Johnson, an undercover FBI agent.  Even as deceit is a growing barrier to their love, it’s the stalking terrorists that are a threat to their lives.

EXCERPT SEVEN

Tease v. Concern

Taut was quite aware of the danger that was just unvialed and reacted with quick and keen moves. Approaching her from her rear, he placed one huge powerful hand over her mouth so she would not inhale any toxins and his other arm about her waist. Lifting her from the floor, he retreated from the danger. He kept focus. Reviewing what he had memorized from Charles Gallagher’s e-mail.

Letti gasped at the unexpected behavior but she wasn’t adverse to it. After all, he did something similar when he had kissed her so suddenly in her apartment. It felt like one of those fantasy moments, something right out of an old-fashioned bodice ripper. Yet, the moment wasn’t quite right. There were those guys. Shouldn’t they be a bit prudent, or did the possibility of danger turn Taut…well…taut.

She struggled but he refused to release her. He couldn’t let her do anything that might spread the ricin.  Gallagher had provided photos of ricin victims. He would not allow this to harm Letti. No one was to be hurt. Not again.  Not on his watch. That imperative directed his next decisions.

His hold was an aphrodisiac, animalistic, driven, homogeneous with her want, placated only by submission to it, and her body began to respond. Shallow short breaths followed the intense heat smoldering in her groin, incinerating any resistance, and guaranteeing conflagration of raging flames of lust. The tight, pucker of her nipples signaled her growing arousal, and heaviness attached itself to her breasts, having that need to be touched. She surrendered to his authority, submitted, and urged him with her acquiesces to take more.

ABOUT AUTHORS

Their combined accomplishments include book publications in print and/or electronic versions of twenty-four titles, fifteen romance specific, ten manuscripts pending, EPPIE finalist for three books, Cecil Whig award, Hob-Nob Reader’s Choice Award, written over 500 shorts with numerous published in both nationwide and small press magazines, articles published in various local, city and statewide newspapers, including four as a Guest Columnist in addition to trade articles. Both are members of various writing groups.

KILLER DOLLS IS AVAILABLE:  Unaware that bio-terrorists are using her handcrafted dolls to attack the innocent, Letti Noel finds herself falling for Taut Johnson, an undercover FBI agent.  Even as deceit is a growing barrier to their love, it’s the stalking terrorists that are a threat to their lives.

We love to hear from anyone interested in what we do.  Anyone who writes us at angeliahartandzi@yahoo.com and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.

Angelica Hart and Zi

KILLER DOLLS  ~  September 2009

SNAKE DANCE  ~  February 2010

CHASING GRAVITAS ~  July 2010

angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com

angelicahartandzi.com

KILLER DOLLS can be purchased at

Champagne Books

http://www.champagnebooks.com/

I’m so excited to be a part of Becka’s Birthday Bash! And Happy Birthday, Becka!

That said, I’d like to share with you a short excerpt from my latest release, On the Silver Edge of Time. This is a Viking Time travel in which the hero first travels to the future in search of his fate, then after finding his future bride, takes her back through time to tenth century Normandy.

A bit about me, I write sci-fi futuristic romances, historical western romances and now, paranormal romances for Champagne Books. You can find all my first chapters and a contest at www.ciaragold.com

Excerpt:

“How is it that you understand English?” Erik raised a brow.

The stranger shrugged. “No great mystery, I’m thinkin’. A sorcerer can do just about anything he puts his mind to.” He edged closer. “Be this Keelin, then?”

Erik joined him. “She is, though I suspect you knew this to be so.”

“Aye.” The old man laughed. “A green-haired sprite, one to tease even a leprechaun’s imagination. I’m Fintan, lass.”

Fintan bent and grabbed her upper arm and tugged her forward. The blanket fell from her grip, and the loosely fitting shirt slipped off her shoulder. “The mark I gave her has faded a wee bit.”

Keely twisted to evade his touch. “You gave me the scar?”

The thin white lines spelled her name, an oddity for which her father had never offered an explanation.

“Aye, I etched the marks with a claw from a dragon, a most dangerous item to own, and then dusted it with fairy powder, so it would remain forever.” He dropped her arm and stepped back. “’Twas I who gave ye your name as your father was no’ available tae do so.”

Hysteria bubbled within. This was unlike any of her other dreams. “You–you lie.”

“Enough. You frighten the girl.” Erik sidled closer to the bed.

“I beg pardon, lass. Ye ha’e nothin’ tae fear from me.” Fintan leaned closer. “Take care though with this great beast. He has anger in his heart for the duty he must perform.”

“What is he talking about, Erik?” she asked.

“Nothing. He issues warnings to instill fear. Be brave, Maid. You have nothing to fear as long as you abide by the rules of the household.”

“Rules?” Why would there be rules? Her suspicion rose and with it, her anxiety.

“I would give you this.” He handed her a choker made of gold with a design delicately etched across the surface.

She touched the exquisite piece of jewelry lightly then retrieved her hand. “I can’t accept. I don’t know you well enough.”

“I insist.” He bent and placed it around her neck before she could protest further. The locking mechanism snapped closed. “The collar bears my mark and with it my protection.”

When he retreated, she fingered the neckband with one hand while gripping the cover with the other. His generosity shocked her, but his words made no sense. “Thank you, but why would I need protection?”

“She thanks ye.” Fintan laughed. “Ach, but I suppose she’ll be cursing ye soon enough.”

Erik threw Fintan a fierce frown. “The collar signifies that you belong to me. The men should leave you alone, but there will be times when they celebrate and emotions run high. You must take care to make yourself scarce on these occasions.”

“Men?” She studied the construction of the bed more closely, noting the lack of nails. Wooden pegs held the structure together, and woven ropes supported the mattress. “Erik?”

“Ja.”

“Where in tarnation are we?”

“Nyjord, Francia.”

“As in France?” A sinking feeling hit the pit of her stomach, and her suspicion returned.

“Tenth century.”

“No.” She hissed the word, hoping her mind played tricks. “No. Damn it. I won’t believe you. Time travel isn’t yet possible.”

He narrowed his eyes and started to speak, but closed his mouth.

“I want to go home.” She pushed the blanket from her body and swung her feet to the floor. “Please. I–I have to pack for New York.”

His gaze softened. “I cannot change what has happened. I’m sorry.”

“Ach, Lass. The jarl speaks true. You were meant to be here. Doona fight fate.”

She glanced at Fintan and cringed. Oh God, he’d just confirmed the fear she tried to avoid. She’d traveled eleven centuries in the past. If this were indeed true, she was screwed. Seriously screwed. She wanted to scream, to pick up the piece of pottery on his corner table and throw it at both of them. Shock rendered her immobile.

Ciara Gold

In case you’ve come to my website late this week, you might not know my birthday is on Friday!  All this week, we’re celebrating on my author loop, The Magic of Romance, which you can find here:  http://groups.google.com/group/themagicofromance – any and all authors are welcome to join in and post their excerpts and yak about themselves, it’s not just all about Becka!  And in that spirit, I’ve opened up my website for guest bloggers to showcase their books.  Today, it’s Phyllis Campbell!  (I love the name of your heroine, Phyllis…  )

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I’m excited to announce my new release, Spanish Eyes, a historical romance.  This is my first book with Bookstrand – and hopefully not my last.  I love writing historicals, and I hope you’ll see why when you read my story.  While writing Spanish Eyes, I had one particular actor in mind.  I’ve been a huge fan of Antonio Banderas, and since he’s the perfect hero…  Need I say more?  I wanted a hero who was sinfully handsome, and who could charm a rattlesnake with just a wink of his eye.  My hero, Anton, has fulfilled my desires, and I hope he satisfies yours, too.   I have an awesome book trailer for this story that I hope you check out – http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show.php?title=672 I have received my first review for this story, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!

5-STARS***** In “Spanish Eyes“ by Phyllis Campbell is a remarkable story of strength, romance, and determination. The sexual tension between Rebecca and Anton is so well written you feel the emotions of both characters. The story has many well written subplots that give it a fullness rarely found in romance novels. Although the sexual interactions are very explicit they are tasteful and believable.  I enjoyed reading this story so much I would like to see more novels featuring these characters. This is a strong 5 star book that does not disappoint. If you curl up with this one be prepared to swoon. ~~ Marilyn Thompson / Mind Fog Reviews

Here is the link to order my book – http://www.bookstrand.com/product-spanisheyes-15658-330.html And to tempt you a little more, here is the blurb and excerpt.

In a world when women must fight for every right, Rebecca Wakefield is determined to become a Pinkerton Detective.  Her plan?  Capturing the notorious thief, Anton Carerra; a man known as much for his womanizing as he is for his brilliant criminal mind.  Will he steal her heart, too?

Lady’s man, Anton Carrera is smitten with Rebecca from the very beginning.  He wants nothing more than to seduce the stiff Miss Wakefield, until he learns she is investigating him for a crime he didn’t commit.  She is innocent and naïve; convinced he is the villain her superiors have painted him.  But her over-zealous determination places both of them in danger and he is forced to play the honorable rogue.

Sweeping her away to Padre Island off the coast of Spain seemed like a clever idea at the time.  But how can he protect them both from his own uncle’s murderous games when Anton’s heart falls victim to a woman as full of independence as she is desire…

**excerpt**

Anton had only one thing on his mind, and it didn’t include waking Rebecca’s older companion. Rebecca was more beautiful, more charming, and more sensual than he’d imagined, and he didn’t want to waste a minute of his time, nor hers. She’d told him earlier she informed men when their attentions were not wanted, and so far she’d yet to convey a negative response to him.

That was a good sign.

He stroked her cheek, still warm from embarrassment over her companion’s untimely slumber, and trailed his thumb over her bottom lip. Fascinated, he admired its gentle curve, loving the luscious raspberry color that contrasted with her creamy smooth skin. High cheekbones, straight nose, and delicate, curved chin made her face nearly perfect. Her eyes held him prisoner. Amber brown with flecks of melted gold—like her hair.

Her beauty couldn’t hide her charade. She had a secret, and determination pushed him to find out why she had been asking so many questions, and in an accent that seemed far too strained at times.

Why the desperate interest in him? His manservant had told him about this woman, and when Anton saw her and her companion crawling through the hedges, he became more curious by the second.

“Rebecca, would you accompany me outside for a walk in the gardens?”

She swiped her tongue across her lips. The urge to taste her tempting mouth became strong, but he refrained for now. There would be time for that later…he’d see to it personally.

Hooking her arm around his elbow, he escorted her through the side door onto a small patio that overlooked a flower garden. A thick patch of trees bordered the secluded area, keeping their walk very intimate. As they strolled, her body shivered against him, her breath escaping in uneven spurts. He smiled, loving the power of seduction, seeing himself as an expert at the art. Rarely did a woman refuse him. This one would fall as easily, he was certain.

“So, Anton, where will your operetta group be traveling next?”

Her voice shook, and he tried not to grin. “Since it is the end of the season, we will take a short break for a few months. I plan on staying in New York during that time.” He looked down into her upturned face. “Does that please you?”

“Why would you think such a thing?” One of her perfectly shaped eyebrows rose.

He gave a low chuckle. “This will give us more time to get to know one another. Is that not why you are here with me now?”

Her lips twitched as if she tried to keep herself from smiling. “I think you are jumping to conclusions.”

“Señorita? Are you not interested in me?”

She shrugged.

The moon gave enough illumination to show him her beautiful eyes. He moved in front of her, circling his arms around her slender waist, pulling her body against his. A gasp sprang from her, but she obeyed his gentle prompt and rested her hands on his chest.

“You mentioned earlier that life is too short. If I find something I enjoy, I, like you, want to savor the moment. You, my dear Rebecca, are one of the pleasures I seek.”

“You have only known me for a short time.”

“But I have sung to you for two weeks. I have memorized every line of your face.” He traced his fingertip along the side of her jaw. “And every curve of your delicate figure.” He dropped his hand to her shoulder and caressed it. “How can you say I do not know you, when in my mind, I have already touched you? In my dreams, I have kissed your sweet lips, held you against my body as your uncontrolled breath brushed my skin.”

Her breathing grew faster, accentuating the sensual rise and fall of her bosom, yet she seemed more relaxed in his arms. Seduction was within his grasp.

He lowered his head and swept his lips across her cheek. “And I know you have been thinking of me. Why else would you come every night to see the opera? Why would you look at me the way you do with your fascinating, angelic eyes?”

Her eyelids closed. Almost there. Brushing his lips across hers, he hesitated, teased, and prolonged the sweet pleasure—if only for a moment. But he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to taste her.

Please visit my website – www.phyllismariecampbell.com Thanks, Phyllis