Just Imagine

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Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Obsession. Greed. Passion. The Temple of Indra's Jewel by Rachael Stapleton.

 
 
Welcome! Today it’s my pleasure to interview Rachael Stapleton, author  of The Temple of Indra’s Jewel, a Fiction Fantasy Romance.
 
Publisher: iUniverse, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-4917-0223-9
ISBN: 978-1-4917-0224-6
ISBN: 978-1-4917-0225-3
 
Number of pages: 274
Word Count: 75,279

Book Description


Sophia Marcil awakens from a snorkeling accident in the Lérins Islands to find herself in the chambers—and the body—of a nineteenth-century princess.
 
In a confused state and with no idea of her whereabouts, Sophia embarks on a desperate quest for answers, hoping she can find her way back to her fiancé, Nick, and her true identity.
 
After she finds a diary in an antique desk, Sophia follows a clue that leads her to a questionable alchemist, who relays the history and magic of the mysterious amethyst she inherited from her greatgrandmother— the only possession that made the leap through time with her and perhaps the only thing that can prevent her from becoming a pawn in a murderous plot for the throne.
 
Using her inheritance, Sophia races through time to the twenty-first century to solve the mystery of her family’s past.
 
But once she is there, she unearths a dire warning about a curse that clings to her heirloom, leading her down a dangerous path involving two men from different times and ultimately puts her life at risk.
 
In this tale of obsession, greed and passion, a woman on a journey through time struggles to regain a family heirloom and control its magic, hoping to break the curse before it breaks her.

GIVEAWAY! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win a $20 Giftcard and a copy of The Temple of Indra's Jewel.

Interview Time!


SKY:  What inspired you to write this book?

RACHAEL:  I’ve always loved fairy tales, mysteries and adventures. Not to mention, I’m a big fan of cheesy 80’s and 90’s movies so I guess I was inspired by a lot of movies and books throughout the years and what resulted was sort of an Ever After meets Scooby-doo meets Indiana Jones for women.
 
SKY:  How did you come up with the title?

RACHAEL:  I wanted something that was really intricate to the plot and the cursed heirloom and its mysterious origins are at the heart of the story. Book Two actually starts off with a scene from the Temple itself.  Besides what’s sexier than jewels and a Temple built to worship the God of War?
 
SKY:  What made you choose the main setting for your book?

RACHAEL:  My book actually has a few main settings ranging from 19th century Monaco to modern day Canada. Sophia also travels in the name of love and research to France and Ireland. Thank goodness writing time travel lends itself to variety. I chose the 19th century Monaco in addition to present day because it really fit my need for political upheaval which is a subtle backdrop to Princess Sapphira’s story. I just loved stepping back in time.  I chose the 1920’s for Book two because I found it to be a fascinating time in history. Bootlegging, jazz and speakeasy’s … oh my.


SKY:  If you could spend an hour in real life with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

RACHAEL:  I want to say Cullen because he’s the big hulky Irish love interest and I would love to hear his accent out-side of my head but then again he is an ode to my hubby so I do kind of get to spend time with him every day so in that case I think maybe Gigi or Greta. Both feisty older women who remind me of family members, some of whom I’ve lost.
 
SKY:  Tell us about your book cover and how it relates to your story.

RACHAEL:   Sure, my cover depicts Lichtenstein Castle all shrouded in fog as the backdrop to the alchemist spell book. The romantic neo-gothic fairy tale schloss of Württemberg is home to Viktor Von Württemberg, the rugged 19th century German Graf who rescues Sophia from drowning. In real life the novel "Lichtenstein" by Wilhelm Hauff, published in 1826, provided the inspiration for Count Wilhelm of Urach when building this beautiful castle complex. It is situated high on a cliff located on the Swabian Alb in Baden-Württemberg, Germany and contains a large collection of historic weapons and armour.


SKY:  Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.

RACHAEL:  Of course. There is a scene in the library with the main character Sophia and her best friend Leslie that I had a lot of fun imagining. It involves the alchemist Rochus and his spell book. The one you see on the cover.
 
I felt a sharp anticipation to learn what was in those pages twirl down my spine. I hurried into the special collections room and reached for the book. The ache in my head flared into a painful jab. Traces of gilt twinkled along the edge, catching my attention. But the worn golden touches didn’t explain the faint, lustrous shimmer that seemed to be fleeing from inside the pages. Rochus. This was the book Rochus had read from before mixing that potion. I opened the volume, my skin tingling as it connected with the leather. My world spun, as if I was caught once again in the ocean, pulling me deep into a whirlpool. I was spinning and twirling like a washing machine. When the motion ceased, I opened my eyes. I floated in a stone room, surrounded by shelves lined with books and jars. Iridescent colours swirled around me, reminding me of blowing bubbles as a child. I wondered if I were inside one. Past the translucent wall, Rochus sat at his wooden table, the fire burning merrily in the hearth by his side—just as it had when I had last been there. “Sophia, you must come back now,” he said.
 
SKY:  Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon.

RACHAEL:  Yes, I love a good book series. Both reading and writing them. The Temple of Indra’s Jewel which just released this month is the first book in series. The story continues with The Curse of the Purple Delhi Sapphire which plunges Sophia into the Roaring Twenties, and into the shadowed history of her ancestors. To give you a bit more of a teaser, she wakes in the body of her thirteen year old great Aunt Zafira and struggles to locate the Purple Delhi Sapphire in time to prevent the deaths of those she loves. In a twist of fate, she’s thrown back into the present where someone is out to betray her. I wasn’t sure if there was going to be a third book. I always saw it as a trilogy but I really didn’t know if it would continue and then the book just poured out of me the other day while daydreaming in the shower. I’m so excited to get to work on it.
 
SKY:  If you could make changes to a story you’ve already written, which would it be and why?

RACHAEL:   I think everybody sort of feels like they'd change something. For me it would be to make things clearer to the reader in the beginning. Sophia herself is completely confused when she awakens in another time and body and I tried to make the reader feel like they were right there with her and in that I think I made some leaps ... but you live and you learn right.

SKY: Great interview, Rachael! Thanks so much for sharing.


Excerpt

 
Two hours later and three very strong drinks deep, I found myself sitting at a bar with Cullen and some of his friends, pub regulars from the looks of them. They were an entertaining bunch, full of stories and funny phrases.
 
My cell phone rang, and I recognized Leslie’s number.
 
“I’ll be back in a minute.”
 
I walked outside. “Leslie, you got my text?”
 
“Yeah. What’s going on?”
 
“So much. I found him.”
 
“Found who?”
 
“The curator. You remember what Greta said after Gigi died, don’t you?”
 
“Greta, that lady is entertaining. You should have heard her that day I was at the lake house after you’d laid down—”
 
“Leslie, can we not go there right now?” I snapped.
 
“Oh, right. Sorry. No. What did she say?”
 
“I asked her if she believed in magic, and she told me when she was little, her father warned her not to touch Gigi’s amethyst. That a curse lay trapped inside it or something.”
 
Leslie’s eyes widened. “Not this again. Geez, Sophia, will you please just see your doctor. Let them do a CAT scan or something.”
 
“Leslie, listen. I didn’t want to tell you, but the reason I agreed to come here was because I wanted to look for that curator. The one Gigi said Opa got it from. So before I got the chance to go to the museum, guess what Cullen shows me?”
 
“Well, I hope it was long and—”
 
“Never mind your bawdy jokes. He showed me a family portrait of his great-great-great-grandfather, who just happened to be a curator at the museum in the twenties. And guess what was in the portrait?
 
“The gem. The Delhi Purple Sapphire. He told me his grandfather found it but gave it away because it was cursed. I’m wondering if this curse is the key to everything. Maybe we should do a little more research?”
 
“I don’t know, Sophia. I get that this is a family heirloom and it came from somewhere, but this whole story you’re telling yourself about it … I mean, travelling through time. It’s pretty hard to believe.”
 
“I know, but it happened—or at least I think it did. The more time goes on, the more unsure I get. So here’s the thing. Why don’t you help me? If I’m wrong, I’ll check myself into a hospital for evaluation, but in the meantime, promise me you’ll help me. You’re the best friend I’ve got, practically family, and you know the archives inside and out. Please?”
 
There was a long pause.
 
“Fine, but I still don’t believe you.”
 
“You don’t have to. Just help me figure out how the original purple amethyst got from Monaco to Ireland. If I can trace it back to Monaco and even further, maybe I can figure out who had it, who wanted it and find a way to control the magic.”

About the Author

 
 
Rachael Stapleton grew up in a small town, writing as a hobby until the age of sixteen when she was given the opportunity to pen a column for the Orono Weekly Times. Today she is a dedicated writer who contributes to a weekly writer’s circle and is also a proud member of the Writer’s Community of Durham Region.

Rachael lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and two children.


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f407/

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Intrigue. Forbidden Passion. Epic Fantasy. The Curse Giver by Dora Machado.



Welcome! Today I’m thrilled to interview Dora Machado, author of The Curse Giver. As always, feet up and relax while you learn more about this intriguing romantic fantasy!

Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Dark Fantasy

Publisher: Twilight Times Books

ISBN: 978-1-60619-289-4
ASIN: B00DSUQL4I

Number of pages: 420
Word Count: 165,000 aprox.

Cover Artist: Brad Fraunfelter


GIVEAWAY! Curse Giver Tour Giveaway Details



Subscribe to Dora Machado's blog and/or newsletter and enter for a chance to win:

1) One of three autographed books of Dora Machado's Stonewiser Series.
Or
2) One of ten special edition bracelets commemorating The Curse Giver's EBook release. 

This handcrafted, customized, limited-edition, 1/4 inch aluminum bracelet from Silver Statements is hammered and stamped with The Curse Giver's signature message—Knowledge, Reason and Awareness, and flanked by the stylized outline of butterfly wings. Inside, the bracelet is stamped with the word Strength. Aluminum is a great metal for jewelry. It won't turn your skin green, doesn't oxidize or tarnish, and its water safe. Plus it's so lightweight that you might even forget you're wearing it. 

For a chance at one of The Curse Giver's limited edition bracelets subscribe now at: 
And/or

Yes, you double your chances when you subscribe to both the blog and the newsletter! 

Giveaway Terms and Condition:

New subscribers to the blog and/or newsletter will automatically qualify to participate. Names will be selected at random from the list of new subscribers on November 15, 2013. Subscribers will be notified via e-mail. Winners will be asked to provide a mailing address for delivery.


Short Description


Betrayed and condemned to die for a crime she didn't commit, an innocent healer must ally with the embittered lord pledged to kill her in order to defeat not only the vile curse obliterating their lives, but also the curse giver who has already conjured their ends.

Long Description


Lusielle's bleak but orderly life as a remedy mixer is shattered when her husband betrays her and she is sentenced to die for a crime she didn't commit. She's on the pyre, about to be burned, when a stranger breaks through the crowd and rescues her from the flames.

Brennus, Lord of Laonia is the last of his line. He is caught in the grip of a mysterious curse that has murdered his kin, doomed his people and embittered his life. To defeat the curse, he must hunt a birthmark and kill the woman who bears it in the foulest of ways. Lusielle bears such a mark.

Stalked by intrigue and confounded by the forbidden passion flaring between them, predator and prey must come together to defeat not only the vile curse, but also the curse giver who has already conjured their ends.  

Book Trailer





Interview time!


SKY:  What inspired you to write this book?

DORA:  I was inspired to write The Curse Giver when I came across an ancient pair of clay tablets that popped up on my screen one night while I was researching another story. The clay tablets dated from 600 BC and were part of the same collection that gave us the famous Gilgamesh epic. Visually, the tablets weren't much to look at, chicken scratches on clay. But the translated words had a huge impact on me.

"May all these [gods] curse him with a curse that cannot be relieved, terrible and merciless, as long as he lives, may they let his name, his seed, be carried off from the land.” 

I know, hardly an inspiration for most. Me? I immediately thought of the man who had been thus cursed, of the pain and hardship such a curse would bring upon him and his people, of the character that eventually became Bren, Lord of Laonia, in The Curse Giver. 

I started to think: Who would cast a curse like that and why? What kind of creature could be capable of such powerful evil? What would motivate a person to curse another? A new character began to emerge in my mind, the curse giver herself, someone whose understanding of good and evil was very different from my own.

And, once cursed, how could a person defend himself? A third character emerged from this question, Lusielle, a common remedy mixer, a healer of bodies and souls, someone who didn't realize the scope of her own strength until it began to transform her life. 

With Bren, Lusielle and the curse giver thus crystalized, I set out to write this fast, plot-twisting fantasy romance about an innocent woman condemned to die for a crime she didn't commit, who must ally with the cursed lord pledged to kill her in order to defeat the curse giver who has already conjured their ends. The Curse Giver is an epic fantasy story with brawn, brains, and lots of heart, something that I think your epic dark fantasy romance readers might enjoy. 

SKY:  How did you come up with the title? 

DORA:  My villain gave The Curse Giver its title. She is an intriguing, mysterious curse giver, a creature who makes her living from casting curses. For her, good is evil and evil is the only way to go. 

As the book begins, she has cast a fatal curse on the line of Uras, and only Bren, the last Lord of Laonia, remains alive. But, like his father and his brothers before him, he is also about to die. His only hope is to find a birthmark and kill the woman who bears it in the foulest way. But when Bren finds the woman, the condemned healer he rescues from the pyre is not what he expects. 

SKY:  What made you choose the main setting for your book?

Worldwide Chaos. Possible Armageddon. Uprising by Imogen Rose.



Today it’s my pleasure to spotlight Uprising, Bonfire Chronicles Book Two, a YA/Paranormal by Imogen Rose

Publisher: Wild Thorn Publishing
Date of Publication:  10-10-2013
Cover Artist: Phatpuppyart

GIVEAWAY! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win the following.

$50 Amazon gift card
10 Kindle copies of Initiation
10 Kindle copies of Portal


Book Description


The global infrastructure that allows humans and supernaturals to coexist is under threat. A breakdown of this carefully maintained system erupts into worldwide chaos and could eventually lead to Armageddon.

Code Uprising is activated.

The power of the supernatural world shifts from the city councils to Bonfire Academy and the other elite paranormal preps. Now, the staff and students must follow the code, however deadly the ramifications, to return power to the city sovereigns in order to prevent an apocalypse.

Purchase Links


Kindle (Germany): http://amzn.to/1gik7UF


Excerpt


He felt as dead as she looked. With each blow to her lifeless body, he felt his sanity ooze, drop after drop, into the pool of her blood. She was dead. Her only hope now was the guy who had stolen her from him.

The knock on the door filled Quinn with loathsome fury. Had he not already been in his demon form, he’d have transformed because the person on the other side of the door deserved what he had unwillingly subjected Cordelia to.

He flung the door open, growling at the winter faery who was keeping Cordelia’s heart beating. Jagger swept past Quinn to the corner of the room, kneeling down beside Cordelia’s torn-up body. His pale winter hue darkened. He shot to his feet, bringing up his leg and slammed his foot into Quinn’s stomach.

Quinn fell back in surprise, his demon exterior not so much as reddening as a result, but he felt on the verge of losing it and tearing Jagger’s head right off of his fey neck. But he checked himself. If Jagger’s heart stopped, so would Cordelia’s, and Quinn couldn’t allow that to happen.

“What the fuck, Quinn? What did you do to her?” Jagger’s voice was barely audible; his mood had turned from anger to desperation as he looked at the body on the floor again.

Quinn transformed back into his human form, revealing a mess of injuries and broken bones. “I had no choice. It was this or death.”

“Or death? She is dead, you moron!”

“No, she isn’t. Her heart is still beating.”

“Only because I’m beating it for her,” Jagger muttered.

“Only because I’m letting you beat it for her,” Quinn said quietly.

“She needs a healer.”

“Wander her back to the Academy. But hurry. Potomal’s team is on their way and will be here soon to collect her.”

“Potomal?”

“A Wanderer working with Katerina.” Quinn winced at the stabs of pain his human body was unable to dampen.

“What about you? What happened?”

“Cordelia didn’t go down without a fight, but never mind that. I’ll heal. I need you to beat me to within an inch of my life. Here, use this.” He handed Jagger a tire iron.

“Much as I would love to beat the hell out of you, why? If you’re afraid of what they’ll do to you when they find out you let Cordelia escape, why not just come back to the Academy?”

“No time. Plus, the best way for me to protect Cordelia is from the inside. Hurry.”

Jagger glanced down at Cordelia and then raised the iron bar.

Next book


Retaliation (Bonfire Chronicles Book Three): Coming Spring 2014

Reading Order


Faustine
Initiation
Integration
Uprising 

About the Author



Imogen Rose is the author of the bestselling series, the Portal Chronicles, which has attained cult status within indie literature and become a favorite among teens and adults alike. An immunologist by profession, Dr. Rose published her first work of fiction in 2010. She now writes full time and is currently working on her second teen series, the Bonfire Chronicles. Imogen was born in Sweden and has lived in several places, counting London among her favorites. She moved to New Jersey in 2001. A self-confessed Hermès addict, Imogen freely admits to being obsessed with Kurt Cobain. She enjoys shopping, traveling, watching movies, and hanging out with her family, friends, and Chihuahua.




Twitter: ImogenRoseTweet

Instagram: ImogenRoseGram



Friday, October 4, 2013

A Sexy Bounty Hunter, Undeniable Desire, and a Paranormal Bond. Kane's Bounty by A.S. Fenichel.



Happy Friday everyone! It’s been quiet around here lately but hold on tight because you know I get a little crazy in October. After all, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. Truly, what better month is there to celebrate all things paranormal? That said I’m thrilled to welcome over A.S. Fenichel, author of Kane’s Bounty, a Paranormal Erotic Romance. Ah, such a fabulous combo! Paranormal plus steamy romance. Scrumptious mix. 

I think you all know what I’m going to ‘say’ next. That’s right. Grab your favorite cuppa, feet up and relax while you delve into an intriguing interview and learn more about this sexy book. I have a strong feeling that this one’s a five star read, folks!

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Date of Publication: May 8, 2013
ISBN: 9781419945052
ASIN: B00BGBY3FA

Number of pages: 163
Word Count: 55,103

Cover Artist: Syneca



Ellora’s Cave      Amazon     BN

GIVEAWAY! A.S. Fenichel is giving away two eCopies of Kate’s Bounty and two print copies of Mayan Saviors (open to US shipping). Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for your chance to win.

Book Description


Telepathic bounty hunter Kane has one rule—never get involved with a fugitive.

It’s a simple assignment with good money at the end. Picking Lena up is no problem. Protecting her when her ex-husband, mercenaries and another bounty hunter threaten her turns into the fight of their lives.

Together, the Stones of Adeline and Lena are powerful magic. She never considered the complication of the sexy bounty hunter and her undeniable desire for him. Their paranormal bond will need to be strong if they’re to survive together.

Let’s Interview!


SKY:  What made you choose the main setting for your book?

A.S.:  Kane’s Bounty starts in a bar in Savannah, Ga. It is a kind of “traveling” book. The hero and heroine spend a lot of time running away and toward things. They travel to Mexico, Baltimore, rural New Jersey and Boston. I chose places that I’m familiar with and love. I really like the differences between a beach in Cabo and a prison in Boston. 

SKY:  If you could spend an hour in real life with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

A.S.:  Kane is hot and a really good guy. I don’t know if an hour would be enough time. ;)

SKY:  Tell us a little bit about the conflict in your story. 

A.S.:  Kane, a psychic bounty hunter, has been hired to bring a fugitive back to prison. Lena escaped prison in order to save her life and protect her secret. Thorn, Lena’s ex-husband, wants her back so that he can use her powerful gifts for his own nefarious reasons. 

Kane has only one rule – Never get involved with the fugitive. But when he sees that Lena is in real danger he can’t abandon her to the mercenary her husband has sent to bring her in. 

SKY:  Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details. 

A.S.:  I’m working on a book about Joshua, Kane’s brother. He has his own set of issues to deal with and a lot of people who want him dead. 

However, before that, I have a holiday book, Revving up the Holidays releasing November 22. Here’s the blurb for Revving Up the Holidays!

Workaholic Isaac hasn’t been back to his hometown since his father’s funeral two years earlier, pushing his family away because of a painful secret. Hanukkah and a forced vacation lure him back to Atlanta, where he’s reunited with his two lost loves—an old motorcycle and his sister’s best friend Giada. While rediscovering his passion for both the bike and the woman, Isaac rebuilds his heart.

Giada has lost her Christmas spirit since returning home to care for her dying parents. Left alone, she struggles to return to her successful teaching career, choosing instead to stay in her hometown. Only the unexpected return of her high school crush Isaac brings any joy to the season.

The transitive nature of Isaac’s visit and Giada’s fear of abandonment keep them from sharing their whole hearts, but certainly not their bodies. Their desire for each other is hotter than flames on a menorah and they take advantage of their limited time together by burning up the sheets. But once their secrets are revealed, their hearts will do all the thinking.

SKY:  Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.

A.S.:  I found one scene in Kane’s Bounty really challenging and since it turned out so well, it’s now my favorite. Kane is psychic. He can read feelings and minds if the other person is willing to make the link. There’s a scene where the lovemaking is happening only in their minds and yet it’s one of the most erotic I’ve ever written. I think that’s my favorite. 

SKY:  Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.

A.S.:  I write in my sunroom. I have a chaise lounge that overlooks the very large lake we live on. I watch the sun rise most mornings with my cat purring by my feet. Not bad, right?

SKY:  How long have you been writing? How long have you been published?

A.S.:  I’ve been writing for about twenty years and I’ve been published for two. 

SKY:  What genre/genres do you prefer to write? Are there other genres you’d like to write in the future?

A.S.:  I’m published in Erotic Contemporary, Erotic Paranormal and Historical. I love them all. 

SKY:  Do you prefer to write short stories, novellas or novels? Why?

A.S.:  I feel like every story has a certain amount of words necessary to make it good. I have written 400 page books and 100 page novellas. I’m a slave to the story, so as long as it takes, that’s what I write. :)

SKY:  Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon. 

A.S.:  The Mayan Destiny series is my first three books. Mayan Afterglow, Mayan Craving and Mayan Inferno are erotic, dystopian, paranormal stories about finding love after the End Of Days. You can check out Mayan Afterglow for FREE right now on Amazon, B&N and at the Ellora’s Cave web-site. 

Thank you again for having me visit. I truly enjoyed the wonderful questions. 

SKY:  My pleasure, A.S.! And thanks for sharing more about your work with us. Great interview. :)

Excerpt


A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, please exit this site.

An Excerpt From: KANE’S BOUNTY

Copyright © A.S. FENICHEL, 2013

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One


The overcrowded bar didn’t stop Kane from spotting his mark the moment she walked in. Even if he hadn’t seen her picture, her nervous demeanor would have given her away. It was too crowded to get a psychic read on her, but there were other ways to find a fugitive. 

The mug shot hadn’t done her justice. Lena Cruz could stop traffic. Her curves were exactly the kind a man liked to run his hands over and other body parts came to mind too. Her dark hair just touched her shoulders and those bright hazel eyes darted nervously to every corner of the room. 

She even looked at him for a second or two. He smiled and moved to lift his glass in her direction, but her focus shifted before he had the chance. He followed her gaze to the corner of the room. 

“John Porter,” Kane mumbled. He had to make an effort to relax his grip on the glass before he ended up with a hand full of Jack Daniels and cheap glass. He shrugged and downed the remaining whiskey before getting up and moving to a barstool that was closer and had a better view of the corner. Porter wasn’t alone. He had a couple of his bodyguards with him and a blonde wearing too much makeup. 

The band finished their set and the crowd noise lulled for a few seconds. 

“It’s nice to see you, Lena,” Porter said. He stood and kissed her cheek. 

“I need your help, John.” 

Porter’s eyes darted around the bar. “You shouldn’t—” 

The jukebox kicked on, and Kane couldn’t hear the rest of their conversation. 

It made no difference. She was a mark, no more, no less. He was hired by the bail bondsman to pick her up and bring her in. What she was doing talking to a notorious money launderer was irrelevant. 

He’d wait. No need to tip off Porter. Someday he might have to pick the scumbag up and he didn’t want to blow his cover. He signaled the bartender and ordered another Jack on the rocks. 

Something niggled at the back of his senses. The atmosphere changed and a familiar mind slipped into his consciousness. “Wade, NO!” 

The words were not out of his mouth before Shamus Wade torpedoed through the crowd and crashed into Porter’s table. 

Kane was on his feet. He didn’t move forward. Interesting distraction. 

All three men and the blonde who was sitting with them stood up as drinks splashed in every direction. Lena stood gape-mouthed, and Wade grabbed her arm. He stood a full foot taller than her and probably outweighed her by a hundred pounds, but she pushed at him and slapped his face. Wade’s beady eyes narrowed. Closed-fisted, Wade punched her in the head. 

Mistake. Kane took a step toward them to get a better position and wait to see how the situation played out. 

Wade’s head spun around, sensing Kane for the first time. When their eyes met, Kane just smiled and shook his head at the ill-laid plans of the other hunter. 

The crowd went dead silent. The music screeched to a stop. Lena looked dazed for a moment and then her knees began to buckle. 

Wade sensed the change in the focus of the crowd. Men and women alike were glaring at him and moving closer. “It’s okay, folks. This is my wife. We’re just heading home now.” 

The bartender had already dialed 911. Kane could hear the conversation behind the bar. A woman with colorful full-sleeve tattoos, flanked by two enormous men, stepped forward. “I don’t care if she’s your momma. You ain’t going anywhere with that woman. We don’t care for men who beat their women around here.” 

“It was just a little misunderstanding. Right, Lena?” Wade looked scared as the crowd moved in on him. Kane felt the building tension and rage in the bar. Anger and fear pulsed in the room, creating a dull ache in the back of his skull. He was sure Wade could feel it too and it was the cause of the hunter’s fear. 

Wade still clutched Lena’s right arm tightly. 

Lena’s eyes rolled back in her head and she leaned against Wade, forcing him to release her arm and grab her around the waist. 

Kane moved in another two steps and sidled off to the left. The crowd pushed forward and Wade pulled his handgun. He waved the Remington 9mm in the direction of the crowd. 
Mistake two. 

John Porter and his associates bolted for the back door as soon as the weapon came into view. 

Kane rushed in just as the two large men and the tattooed woman charged Wade. Lena slipped from his grasp and the gun hit the floor. Kane closed the gap, threw Lena over his shoulder and headed for the back door. 

He heard as much as sensed the change in the crowd as the fight started. Kane didn’t know how long it would take the police to arrive or if Wade would get away before that happened. He had to get her to a safe place. He could take her to local law enforcement for extradition in the morning. 

The rear exit led out to a narrow alley. Before they’d reached a hundred feet from the noisy bar, she pounded on his back. “Put me down.” 

“That was a fine performance, Lena. Why don’t you continue with the knocked-out act for a few minutes more?”

About the Author



A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back. 

A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

Multi-published in both erotic and historical romance, A.S. has 5 books currently available and three more under contract with Ellora’s Cave Publishing. 

Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

Find A.S. Fenichel on the Net



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