Book Spotlight & Excerpt: Temptation in a Bottle by Shona Husk

Temptation in a Bottle
In a Bottle, Book 2
Shona Husk

Genre: paranormal romance
Cover Artist: Helen Katsinis

iTunes | ARe  | Smashwords  | BN 

Book Description:
His only wish is to be free…
For centuries Gage has existed only to fulfill the most intimate desires of the woman who holds his bottle. Now Gage has a wish of his own—to be a real man and a have a real life even though he knows it’s an impossible dream. This time he plans to take his bottle and break it just to see what will happen.

Paramedic Sasha Watts has seen the damage falling in love does to people and she has no intention of being another of Cupid’s victims. She accidentally frees Gage without knowing what he is. After one kiss he walks away and she never expects to see him again, but the goddess Inanna has other ideas.

As punishment for breaking his bottle she erases Gage’s memory of everything but Sasha. Only Sasha can give him the life he longs for and only Gage can be the man she’s always dreamed of, but first she’ll have to open her heart and he’ll have to finish the job Inanna gave him. If he fails, he’ll cease to exist.

Excerpt:

Sasha glanced away before she became trapped in his beautiful wild eyes. Her heart pounded like she’d received a shot of adrenaline. Either she walked away and went home, regretting not giving him a chance, or she gave him a chance and regretted giving him the opportunity to hurt her. “You’re making this hard. I should be leaving.” The clock was ticking to the start of her shift.

“We’re just getting started.”

He tipped her chin for another kiss. This one was almost chaste, a brush of lips that heated her blood and sent it scorching around her body at speeds that made her dizzy. She reached up for more, but he pulled away.

She caught herself before she begged for more. He was addictive. She glanced around, looking for Logan to save her, but he’d been sidetracked by Evie. Gage still held her. Without thought, her fingers traced along his jaw, his golden stubble rough on her skin. He couldn’t hurt her if she didn’t let him. Sex was easy; lust was good. Love was for idiots who believed in happily-ever-afters.

Yet she wanted more than one night. She wanted to know who he was. Could she find out without her heart getting trampled?

“What do you do, Gage, when you’re not riding mechanical bulls and chatting up girls at a party?”

He blinked as if surprised. “I do most of the running around on the farm.”

Sasha gave him another once-over, taking in his boots, jeans and shirt and the hint of a silver chain around neck. “What type of farm?”

“Cattle.”

“You’re a real cowboy?” Of all the men she could’ve kissed at the party, she’d picked him, as if she’d known there was something different and he didn’t belong.

“Yes, ma’am.”

A little shimmer of attraction ran down her back. But she wasn’t going to let him off that easy. “How come you’re in the city?”

“I had a few things to do. And what do you do when you’re not talking to strange men?”

“Paramedic. I have an early start tomorrow.”

“And you’re brushing me off.” He gave her a rueful smile.

Was she? He’d be gone in a few days. What did it matter what she did with him? Maybe they should complete his dare. Her skin warmed at the thought of getting naked with Gage. It had been a long time since a man had sparked this much interest, and he wouldn’t be hanging around. He had a time limit. Neither of them would have the chance to get too involved. He was her idea of a perfect date, yet she was standing here, gazing into his eyes instead of getting in his jeans. What was stopping her?

“I’m wondering how far you want to take that dare,” she finally said.

His eyes narrowed a fraction. “What do you mean?”

“We could find somewhere quieter…” She held her breath. Was she being too forward?

“Where did you have in mind?” Gage took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

Sasha let out a sigh, while lust danced through her blood. She hadn’t planned on finding anyone tonight, but Gage was making it hard to think. Being alone with him seemed like a really good idea. Lust and excitement mixed with nerves that weren’t usually there. For half a second she didn’t want to be his easy city girl. But that was who she was…but not who she’d be when she moved.

“This music is giving me a headache.” A smile graced his lips.

Was he playing, knowing she’d jump to the wrong conclusion? Well, she could play too. Her mind skipped through the possibilities. The music filled the house and the back yard. She wanted something a little private…but not too private. “I know just the place.” She took Gage’s hand and led him into the house, through the mass of bodies singing into a karaoke game and down the hallway at the front of the house.

She opened the door that led into Evie’s study. The modem blinked at her, but the computer was off. She drew Gage in, and he gave the door a nudge so it almost closed. The sliver of light cast the room in shadows that pulsed with the music, but the edge was gone and they could speak in soft tones.

“Quiet enough?”

“I think so.” He pulled her into his arms. “I can actually hear you.”

“What were you doing before, lip-reading?”

“You do have lovely lips.” He brushed his mouth over hers in a kiss that was a promise of what could happen if she wanted it to go further.

About the Author:

Three time ARRA finalist Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back. Drawing on history and myth, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally.
With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she is published with Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing and Sourcebooks.

Author Contacts:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter 

Book Spotlight and Giveaway: Stone Angels by Laurie Olerich

Stone Angels
Primani Book Three
Laurie Olerich

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Number of pages: 488
Cover Artist: Angela Bauer

Amazon Paperback | Amazon Kindle 

Book Description:
"The path to immortality is not a simple one. You will face both crossroads and dead ends. Each choice changes destiny. Choose well." Raphael, Archangel.
3,000 years is a long time to wait. Killian is a patient Primani. He knows the prize is worth it. He watches, he hopes, but he never interferes. The terms are clear on that--say anything at all, the promise is broken. Everything’s going according to plan until...
Sean loses his mind. Tortured by guilt, Sean walks a tightrope between two worlds. After a woman dies, he will pay the ultimate price unless someone can save him.
Mica is still Sean’s anchor. Their physical connection can’t be denied, but what of their love? Desperate to save him from falling, she risks everything she has, including Killian. How far will she go to pull him back? Every step she takes moves her farther away from Killian’s plan.
Two paths. Two destinies. One choice.

Excerpt:

Food or sex? Food or sex? Food or…

Offering me his hand, he bowed and said, “Come, my queen, your feast awaits you.”

Food it is then. Grinning at the unexpected playfulness, I regally presented my hand and allowed him to lead me to my seat. He poured the wine and held up his glass.

“Slainte!”

I touched my glass against his and answered, “Slainte.”

“We have another day in Paris. What would you like to do with it?” he asked while filling my plate for me.

I watched with amusement as he cut up my chicken and tore off a chunk of the warm bread. Who are you and what have you done with Killian? He sat the plate in front of me and picked up a piece of the crispy meat with his fingers. Before I could answer his question, he held the morsel to my lips. I opened my mouth like a baby bird.

Sighing with pleasure, I said, “Mm, that’s so good.”

With a grin, he sliced a piece for himself while I chewed. He slipped another piece between my lips, allowing his fingers to linger longer than necessary. A tingle of electricity wove its way down my spine and I took a calming sip of wine.

What did I want to do with him in Paris, the most romantic city in the world? That had to be a trick question. I mean really. The only thought that came to mind was sex…Of course it was hard to think of anything else with his fingertips brushing my lips and his eyes undressing me. I tried to give him a seductive stare across the table and flinched away at the flash of raw desire in his eyes. He was taking his time right now but those eyes promised no such restraint later. I was having a really hard time eating when I only wanted to drag him to the bed.

“Eat, Princess. You have to get your strength back. Did you know that sex burns off a thousand calories? When you consider your high metabolism, you’ll probably burn triple that much by the end of the night. You’re too weak for that now. Probably we should wait another week or two; just to be safe.”

I stabbed another piece of chicken and made a big show of chewing it up. After swallowing, I said, “You’re not playing fair! I can only eat so much! My stomach’s shrunk.” I speared another bite of chicken and washed it down with mineral water.

He laid his hand over mine and said, “Take your time, baby. We’ve got all night.” He traced the rune on my hand and smiled slowly. “This night’s for you. I’m going to spoil you, so just relax and let me.”

I nibbled on the bread. “You’re a mystery.”

“Why’s that?”

I was idly tracing the strong bones of his hand and enjoying the feel of his blood flowing under the surface. “You’re so powerful, but you’re so gentle with me…I know your strength, but you treat me like I might break. Why are you so good to me? I’m not fragile.”

He shrugged and offered me a tiny, sweet berry. The fruit exploded in my mouth and I couldn’t resist kissing his fingers. These little berries were ridiculously good. About the size of a thumbnail, they burst into a sweet floral juice that was very different from the strawberries in America. I could move to France just for these berries.

“You don’t need to ask me that. You should know the answer. Think with your heart, not your head.”

He tugged me to my feet and wrapped an arm around my waist. Leaning me back over his arm, he nibbled the pulse at the base of my throat. His breath was hot against my skin. He smelled of strawberries and bread and the wild forest scent that surrounded him. My head swam happily and I closed my eyes. Before lifting me upright, his mouth trailed kisses from my throat to the tie of the sarong.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly. “Your eyes are glazed.”

Groaning dramatically, I pressed against him and ran my hands underneath his shirt to feel the warm muscle there. “I’m not going to be responsible for my actions in another 30 seconds. You’re taking chances with my powers. Look! My fingers are glowing!” I wiggled the tips of my fingers. They were glowing whitely in the candlelight of the room. “I might accidently blow you up.”

With a smug glance, he said, “This is your fault. You wanted a full night with me. Are you telling me you can’t handle a full night with me?”

About the Author:

Laurie Olerich is the author of the new Primani series. Part romance, part paranormal, part adventure...Three things she can’t live without! Laurie spent most of her life in the Northeastern United States and in Western Europe. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her son and Dalmatian duo, Domino and Rambo.  Desperate to escape the heat, she lives vicariously through Mica and her Primani by setting their adventures in the mountain coolness of New England and the rainy days of London. Before throwing caution to the wind and diving into a writing career, Laurie dedicated 20 years to her country by serving in the United States Air Force. Much of her time was spent around men with guns and cool toys...this explains her obsession with both.

Author Contacts:
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Tour wide giveaway:

1 signed print copy of Stone Angel
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway and Book Review: Forgotten in Darkness by Zoe Forward

Forgotten in Darkness
Scimitar Magi, Book 2
by Zoe Forward

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Release Date: 1/03/14

Our Review:

I enjoyed this story! Word of caution – if you haven’t read book one in the series, Dawn of a Dark Knight, which I hadn’t, you’re in for one heck of a ride trying to lock down the many names and characters and the world they all live in. So my first suggestion would be – read book one. If it’s as good as Forgotten in Darkness (I suspect it is), then you will be well rewarded for your efforts. That being said, if you read Forgotten as a stand-alone, you will become accustomed to everything after 2-3 chapters, and the action and information in the first 2-3 will keep you locked in, anyway.

Scimitar Magus Dakar is yummy, smart and heartbreakingly devoted to the woman fated to kill him, time after time, life after life. Archeology student, Shay McGinnis, for her part, remembers nothing of her past lives, and cannot comprehend why she would ever feel compelled to kill Magus. Their love is inevitable, but is their fate?

  The action is smart and unrelenting, the characters vivid and very likable. Ms. Forward has done a wonderful job weaving an intricate and imaginative tale. Well done.

-Cary Morgan Frates

About the Book:
After an unjustified two-century stint in purgatory, Scimitar Magus Dakar returns to the human realm, 
renewing his eons-old curse. Once again he must murder the woman he loves. To break the vicious 
cycle, he must kill her before she strikes her deathblow, something he's never done in the past.
Archaeology grad student, Shay McGinnis, suffers a near-death attack in pursuit of a piece of Scimitar 
Magi lore.  But did the magnificent warrior who pinned her to the wall injure her or the daemon he 
fought?  In her search for answers, she draws the attention of both an ancient evil sorcerer and the 
warrior Dakar. The attraction between her and Dakar is instant, and for Shay confusing. She wants to be 
with him, but intuition equates him with death. Not random death. Hers. 
Will this be the lifetime they break the curse before they are murdered by an age old enemy or worse 
kill each other yet again?

Amazon | Wild Rose Press |BN | Kobo

DAWN OF A DARK KNIGHT
Series: Scimitar Magi, Book 2
by Zoe Forward

Publisher: Wild Rose Press 
Publication Date: February 18th 2013 
Genre: Paranormal Romance

About the Book:
In the shadows of our world, a secret band of warriors fights to protect us. They are the last line of defense against an evil no human can stop.
An ancient nemesis has resurfaced. Duty demands that Ashor Vlahos, Scimitar Magi commander, recruit a magical healer to fortify the remaining eight magi. The gods' choice is the woman who helped him escape torture a decade ago. Ashor couldn't have imagined a better punishment for his vow-breaker homicidal incidents than for the gods to bind him irrevocably to the only woman in the universe he cannot have. The soul-searing desire she ignites in him is strictly forbidden.
Kira Hardy, M.D. is a brilliant, hardworking internal med resident with big secrets. But when Ashor asks 
for aid after a brutal daemon attack, she is sucked into his dangerous, secret world. Enslavement to the magi, no matter how hot they are, may be an unattractive life plan, but being targeted for death by their enemies is less tolerable.
She must trust the sexy, tormented Ashor to keep her safe while he must deny his ultimate desire and keep Kira at arm's length lest he bring destruction down on them both. As a centuries-old evil catches up to them, they face a crucial decision--follow the gods' rules or follow their hearts.

*Warning: Contains explicit sex, graphic language, action-adventure, and an exceptionally hot tatted hero.

Amazon | Kobo | Wild Rose Press | Nook

About the Author:
Zoe Forward lives in the South with her supportive family and an assortment of pets. She has a special love for archaeology, especially anything Egyptian. A deep part of her wishes she had a career that would have her at a dig site in a sandy country. But she is a small animal veterinarian, caring for everything from chinchillas to dogs...and there was even one hermit crab in there.

Author Contacts:
Facebook | Website | Goodreads | Blog

Tour wide Giveaway Details
Grand Prize: Egyptian style necklace/earrings AND
a $25 Amazon Gift card
Runners-up: 2 runners up will receive an e-copy of
FORGOTTEN IN DARKNESS.
a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Giveaway & Book Review: Poisoned Web by Crista McHugh

Poisoned Web
The Deizian Empire
Book Two
by Crista McHugh

Genre: Fantasy Romance /
SF Romance / Paranormal Romance
 Number of pages: 278Cover Artist: Jaycee Delorenzo
at Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs

Our Review:

Admittedly (although I don’t know why), I was prepared to struggle with this book, yet was pleasantly surprised. I felt an immediate camaraderie with the characters, and their story swept me up right away.

In this second book concerning the Deizian Empire, we find that someone may have played a hand in the former Emperor’s death, and there are only two people, however unlikely they may be, who can unravel the mystery. Slave handmaid to the soon-to-be empress Azurha, Izana has knowledge that must remain hidden on pain of death. Modius, son of a powerful official, was banished from the kingdom years before, yet he, too, has specialized knowledge that may solve the mystery.

This is a grand adventure, but my enthusiasm was dulled somewhat midway through by writing that seemed to run out of gas. Emotions and worries became repetitious and hurried, scenes of great peril seemed contrived to fill space. I sense the author was rushed, which is too bad. Nevertheless, everything picked up again toward the end, emotions and terror were well portrayed, and I was left satisfied to have read the story.

Book Description:The fate of the empire hangs on one slave breaking her silence…
 As the Deizian Empire prepares for the upcoming wedding of Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus and Azruha, one mystery remains unsolved—the sudden and unexplained death of the former emperor. And as her wedding gift to Titus, Azurha wants to give him answers. She suspects an unknown poison was involved, and her search for the truth enlists two unlikely allies.
 Modius Varro’s thirst for knowledge caused an uproar in Emona three years ago and exiled him to the border town of Madrena. But when Titus falls victim to the same poison, his expertise in medicine becomes essential in solving both the riddle of the former emperor’s death and finding a cure to save the current one. His search leads him to far reaches of the Alpirion realm, to an ancient culture shrouded in secrets, and into the arms of one slave who must break her silence to save the empire.

a Rafflecopter giveaway: $100 Amazon gift card and 20 autographed print copies of the first book in the series, Tangled Web.

About the Author:
Growing up in small town Alabama, Crista relied on story-telling as a natural way for her to pass the time and keep her two younger sisters entertained. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends. 

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant. And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)
Author Contacts:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
 

Book Review: Fall of Darkness by Elle Bright

Fall of Darkness
Book 1, The Darkness Chronicles
by Elle Bright

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Create Space
Release Date: July 5, 2013

About the Book:
One woman, the fate of the world in her unknowing hands. One man, sworn to destroy her. A love so strong it defies nature. In a world of obsession, deception & betrayal, the line between good and evil fades, but one truth remains absolute. Darkness must fall.

For centuries, werewolf, Dominic Ridolfi, has battled the demons of the night, upholding the sacred pact to protect man from vampires. Yet when sent to destroy the long-lost Cacciatori heiress, a vampire prophesied to free her kind from the curse of darkness, he finds himself reluctant to complete his task. The innocent beauty awakens his humanity and Dominic finds himself not in the role of assassin, but savior. 

Swept away in a whirlwind romance, Kate loses herself in Dominic’s mysterious world of opulence and seduction. But Dominic has a secret. He knows the truth about Kate’s past, and her future, truths with the power to destroy them both. Only in her dreams does Kate sense the growing darkness within. Dominic saved her once, but can she save herself from the darkness within?

Discretion advised, contains some adult content.

Our Review:

Fall of Darkness is a great read. The writing is clear, descriptive, and pulls the reader in from the first moments. Full of light, hope and humor in the beginning, this story quickly turns dark and (perhaps) hopeless. The heroine, Kate Murdock, is compelled to live in a world not only not of her choosing, but anathema to the very basis upon which she has built her life. Despite the horror Kate’s life has become, she finds a way to hold onto the precious, although battered remnants of her human nature. 

Throughout, this reviewer remained hopeful and cheered Kate on, but my fists were bunched and my anxiety level was off the charts.

The only downside of this story is that I will have to wait for the sequel to find out what happens, but there is no doubt I will be waiting, anxiously if not patiently. Very well done.

-Cary Morgan Frates

Amazon | BN 

About the Author:
Elle Bright grew up in Layton, Utah. Elle currently resides in San Diego, California, with her husband, their three children, and their border collie. Elle graduated from Grand Canyon University with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. As a practicing Registered Nurse, Elle specializes in Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Emergency Medicine. Fall of Darkness is Elle's first published novel. She is currently working on Dark Redemption, the second installment in The Darkness Chronicles. Elle is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America.


Author Contacts:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

Book Review: The Garnet Dagger by Andrea R. Cooper

The Garnet Dagger

by Andrea R. Cooper

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Our Review:

Twists and turns overlap and multiply in this very fast-paced story. The writing is good, the characters likable, however the pace left me a bit too breathless at times. With a touching and tender opening scene that quickly turns to horror, the reader is launched, along with the elfin hero, into a mysterious quest to save his people. He is given a magical, garnet-embedded dagger that will help him find his quarry, but it comes with only a vague explanation of what he must do once the quarry is found. His route to understanding and fulfillment of his quest is fraught with roadblocks, uncertainty and every sort of evil being.

Had Ms. Cooper slowed down and taken the time to develop a real sense of evil from the bad guys, and a more compelling sense of the growing attraction/love between the hero and heroine, I would have given more “fangs”. Nevertheless, The Garnet Dagger is very imaginative and worth the read.

-Cary Morgan Frates

Amazon 

About the Author:

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always enjoyed creating characters and stories. But it wasn't until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).
Once she heard about a writer who never let her characters deviate from the script. If they did, she just killed them. How sad, she thought. For her one of the best parts of being a writer is letting the characters have a mind of their own and seeing where the story takes them.

She loves this quote from Robert Frost, which sums up her opinion on allowing the characters their freedom: "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader."
― Robert Frost
Andrea writes fantasy, paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.

She is excited to work with Crimson Romance on her forthcoming debut paranormal romance, The Garnet Dagger. She hopes you will enjoy the story as much as she did writing it. Viking Fire, her historical romance, is forthcoming late July 2013.
She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Author Contacts:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Review & Giveaway: Heavy Metal by Natalie J. Damschroder

Heavy Metal
Goddesses Rising
Book Two
Natalie J. Damschroder

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN:  978-1622668908
Cover Artist: Liz Pelletier

Book Description:
The world is not what Riley Kordek imagined. On the run from those who’ve targeted her, all Riley wants is a chance to figure out her new ability to bend metal’s energy. When a hot guy who knows more than he should helps her escape her attackers, she thinks she might’ve found someone who can lead her to the answers she needs.
Three years ago, Sam Remington walked away from his employer and the woman he loved, and now, all he’s looking to do is fill the gaping hole left behind. Except, when Sam takes Riley to the Society for Goddess Education and Defense, the stakes rise beyond what either of them could have imagined.
After being alone for so long, falling for Sam would be far too easy—and far too painful, once his old flame calls needing his help. Worse, Riley uncovers a plot with disastrous ramifications not only for herself, but for Sam and the people he loves—and potentially every goddess in the country.

Our Review:

Great writing, great story! What more can you ask for? Heavy Metal grabs you right from the start – and in a way I had not anticipated – and keeps you turning the pages right through to a very satisfying end.

Pursued by unknown people determined to turn her life upside down, Riley Kordek has only recently discovered she is a goddess, but has no one she can trust to ask about the meaning of it all. Except, perhaps, for Sam Remington, a lowly barkeep, perhaps, but also a man with the knowledge she needs. Can he help her? Will he help her? Or will he be just another false hope to add to the disaster that has become her life? He is affiliated with a group she has been warned to avoid, but she’s at the end of her rope and has to reach out to someone, anyone, even if they prove false.

Riley may not have all the knowledge she needs, but she’s no wimp, and doesn't hesitate, in the face of evil, to wield what power she has. I enjoyed her strength of character, her determination, and her willingness to kick butt. She had me cheering her on from page one, and Sam’s inner strength and desire to help others, even while he suffers, makes him a hero to respect and admire.

I look forward to the continuation of Ms. Damschroder’s Goddesses Rising series. Well done.

-Cary Morgan Frates

Amazon | BN | iTunes | Powell's Books

Tour Wide Giveaway:

1-$25 Amazon or B&N gift card (winner’s choice) plus print or digital copy of Under the Moon; 

2- winner’s choice- print or digital copies of Under the Moon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:
Natalie J. Damschroder is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance—Love with a Shot of Adrenaline. She sold her first book in 1999, and 2013 will see the publication of her 14th novel. She grew up in Massachusetts and loves the New England Patriots more than anything. (Except her family. And writing and reading. And popcorn.)
When she's not writing, revising, proofreading, or promoting her work, she does freelance editing and works part time as a chiropractic assistant. She and her husband have two daughters she's dubbed "the anti-teenagers," one of whom is also a novelist. (The other one prefers math. Smart kid. Practical.)

To contact Natalie:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

Guest Post: Images and excerpts from the Italian Time Travel Series by Morgan O'Neill,

The Italian Time Travel Series by Morgan O’Neill

It’s always fun to see the actual settings depicted in historical novels and time travel epics. We’d like to invite you to join us on a tour of some of the principle locations in Morgan O’Neill’s Italian time travel series. The story begins in present day Santa Lucia, Italy, a village located in the northern foothills of the Apennines. Through dark magic, our heroine, Gwendolyn Godwyn, is pulled back to war-torn tenth century Italy. Follow her from the medieval church where she time traveled, to the towering cliff of La Rocca and its sinister fortress, and then on to the gleaming castle of Canossa, home of our hero, Lord Alberto Uzzo.

The excerpts are from The Other Side of Heaven and its sequel Time Enough for Love.

Basilica della Madonna della Ghiara, 

located in Reggio nell'Emilia. It is

the inspiration for our Chiesa di Santa

Lucia. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia 

Commons.

Our first excerpt from the Other Side of Heaven takes place in the fictional Italian town of Santa Lucia. Our heroine, Gwen, is there to do genealogical research and find her long-lost relatives. Little does she know, the man she is about to meet will play a pivotal role in her future – in the past.

Gwen sipped her cappuccino. A nicely dressed man came into view and bounded up the church steps. The girls at the next table giggled and pointed. She focused on the guy as he unlocked the door and slipped inside. Possible “nice bod” sighting. She listened to the breathless Italian chatter:

“Magnifico... he is so beautiful. Like a Greek god.” 

“Sì, an Adonis. And that blond hair, those green eyes, bellissimo.”

They giggled again and continued to speak excitedly about the tour guide.

Gwen grinned. From this distance anyway, the girls seemed to have pretty good taste. She usually preferred tall, dark, and handsome types, yet she’d heard a lot about the attributes of northern Italian men. Tall, fair, and handsome might just fit the bill; that is, if he were tall enough. 

The Italian girls were still chattering, and a spark of competition flashed through Gwen. She found herself wondering how many tall California blondes had given these girls a run for their money.

Tucking five Euros under the saucer, she gulped down the rest of her cappuccino and left the table. An eye-candy tour guide. This was going to be more interesting than she thought.

Crossing the piazza, she climbed the church steps and arrived at the main doors just as they opened for business. Inside, she looked around, but saw no trace of Nice Bod. She bought her ticket and waited as the signorinas and a group of British tourists got in line. 

Suddenly, the doors to the nave opened from within and she gaped. The tour guide looked a lot like her cousin back in California! That much of a resemblance couldn’t be a coincidence, could it? 

The girls burst into twitters again, one fanning herself dramatically, just out of his line of sight. Gwen felt like joining them, but for a different reason.

She had to keep telling herself, Look normal, look normal, he might be family. You can’t hook up with a relative. His badge says his name is Stefano. But what’s his last name?

She needed to find out.

The promontory of La Rocca rising above Italy's 

Lake Garda. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

In addition to our principal romance between Gwen and Alberto, we have woven in the historical story of Queen Adelaide of Italy and her fight to retain her crown against the efforts of the evil usurper, Lord Berengar. This excerpt from The Other Side of Heaven takes place after Adelaide is kidnapped and facing a terrifying future.

“Let her see.”

Berengar’s voice startled Adelaide.  She had been riding blindfolded and bound at the wrists since her capture, now untold days in the past.

Hands grabbed her, forcing her sideways, and she was pulled off the horse. Someone wrenched the cloth from her eyes. Momentarily stunned by the burst of daylight, she squinted, trying to get her bearings.

“Look at it,” Berengar demanded. “This is where you shall die if you do not do my bidding.”

A dark castle loomed before Adelaide. She felt dizzy gazing up at the sheer cliff face of La Rocca, the mountain of stone forming the foundation of her enemy’s fortress. She had heard of this place, been told of the sinister goings-on, its terrible dungeons. She shuddered.

In book two of the series, Time Enough for Love, Gwen is determined to find a way to rescue Queen Adelaide from Berengar’s fortress.

Gwen glared at the towering cliff of La Rocca, black against the night sky. It loomed before her, the castle at its apex evil personified. The fortress of Berengar and his wife, Willa of Tuscany. The place where Queen Adelaide was being held captive and cruelly mistreated, the very spot where the queen would die if Gwen and her companions could not set her free.

Mission impossible?

Gwen’s heart blazed with rage and fire. She vowed to rescue Adelaide, no matter the cost, then slipped into the forest and headed back to find Alberto and his men.

With each step, she felt his presence growing stronger. Alberto. Dark, smoldering eyes. Tall, with broad shoulders. Sober and intelligent. His sensual smile for her alone.

Despite the terrors she had encountered in this dark place and time, she felt hope because of his love. Alberto, Lord of Canossa, was the queen’s champion, but Gwen knew there was strength in numbers.

I will play a role in her rescue. She pressed on toward Alberto’s camp.

Mission accepted.

San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro
in Pavia, Italy, dates from
the seventh century.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

Several scenes take place in Pavia’s grand basilica, including the wedding of our principal historical couple, Otto and Adelaide. This excerpt is from Time Enough for Love.

December 25. It was late, an evening wedding, the scene glowing with candlelight and hope, the air redolent with sweet incense, the future for the royal couple beckoning and so very bright.

In St. Peter’s Church of the Golden Ceiling, King Otto and Queen Adelaide were participating in the velatio, an ancient ritual where the bride and groom knelt beneath the nuptial veil and received God’s blessing. Pope Agapetus II stood over them, hands raised in prayer. All looked resplendent, Otto and Adelaide in silken robes of Imperial Purple, the Holy Father’s brocaded vestments crimson and trimmed with ermine.

Gwen kept her eyes on the king and queen, but she could feel Alberto’s presence, feel his eyes upon her.

Since our epic Italian time travel series is a romance, we leave our readers to ponder who will get married next at the Church of the Golden Ceiling…

Morgan O’Neill invites you to join Gwen and Alberto on their epic adventure from Santa Lucia to La Rocca, then to Pavia and beyond. 

If you have comments or questions about medieval Italy, we would be glad to answer them. Thank you and happy reading!

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The Other Side of Heaven

Book One of the Italian Time Travel Series

by Morgan O'Neill

Release Date: May 13, 2013

Publisher: Crimson Romance

About Book One:

Californian Gwendolyn Godwyn seeks to learn her family’s history and hopes to restore the bond that once existed between her Italian forebearers and those who live in America. While visiting her ancestral Italian town, Gwen is caught in a violent earthquake and inexplicably thrust through time.

At first refusing to believe what has happened, she nevertheless uses her wits to survive, donning a monk’s cowl to hide her identity as a woman. Ripped apart from all she has ever known, Gwen finds herself in the midst of brutal territorial battles in an era she once blithely called “The Dark Ages.” When the golden Italian summer of 951 emerges from the strife and gloom, Gwen joins forces with a cadre of gallant men, allies in the struggle against the evil nobles, Willa of Tuscany and Count Berengar, kidnappers of Italy’s rightful queen, Adelaide.

Along with Father Warinus and Lord Alberto Uzzo, Gwen seeks to rescue Adelaide and restore her kingdom. In the midst of this great adventure, Gwen falls in love with the complex and passionate Alberto, to whom she reveals her identity as a woman. But can Alberto learn to love her strong and independent nature and help Gwen in her quest to discover her rightful place in time?

Time Enough for Love

Book Two of the Italian Time Travel Series

by Morgan O'Neill

Release Date: August 12, 2013
Publisher: Crimson Romance

About Book Two: 

Through dark magic, Californian Gwendolyn Godwyn has been swept back in time to medieval Italy. There, she finds herself in the midst of a war between Italy’s rightful queen, Adelaide, and those who have kidnapped her and seek to usurp her crown. Risking her life, Gwen elects to play a pivotal role in the planned rescue.

In the chaos, she is drawn to the queen’s champion, Lord Alberto Uzzo, who battles not only their military foes but also his personal demons. Tested to the limit when he discovers Gwen’s true identity as a time traveler, Alberto nevertheless fights through his doubt and the whirl of superstition that surrounds this intriguing and strong-willed woman. Time is of the essence as the lovers seek to overcome the evil forces rallying against the queen they’ve vowed to save.

Will Gwen and Alberto be able to overcome the groundswell of danger to find time enough for love?

Other books by Morgan O'Neill:
The Roman Time Travel Series:
Love, Eternally, After the Fall and Return to Me.
Released in 2012
Publisher: Crimson Romance

For more on Morgan O'Neill visit:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Reviews:
To my complete amazement, an ending I did not expect made me say "wow." Time Enough for Love is a wonderful sequel to its companion, and a stand alone read worth any number of "wows"! - Leslie Garcia, author of Unattainable.

Alberto and Gwen’s relationship was one of the most touching and heartfelt romances, that I’ve read in a long time. The conflicts they endured in the story had me holding my breath one minute, and crying the next....Time Enough for Love by Morgan O’Neill is a must read!   - Angela Boudreau Searles, Satin Sheets Romance