Book Review: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

 

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin      

Author: Roseanne A. Brown

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

American release date: June 2, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/Teen & YA Epic Fantasy/480 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

The line of people waiting to enter the city-state of Ziran is long, and there is no guarantee that all who wish to enter will be allowed to do so. Malik is there with his two sisters, Leila and Nadia. They hope to be admitted so they can join the celebration known as Solstasia. Bahia’s Comet is due to make an appearance, and they don’t want to miss a thing. The problem is that they have to pretend to be people they aren’t, for if they are recognized as being Eshran, they will never get in. Ziran is harsh on those it considers inferiors, such as those from Eshran. Life is hard, and the three siblings are all they have.

Malik is not like other boys. Since he was little, he’s seen things other people cannot see. Grim folk, he calls them. Dark spirits. He’s learned not to tell anyone about them, lest they think him crazy.  He is furious when little sister Nadia runs off. When he locates her, she excitedly tells him about the griot, who has promised a wish to the person who solves her riddle. Of course Malik and Leila don’t believe in wishes, and it’s hard for them to dash the little girl’s hopes. But they agree to listen to the griot’s story…

Karina and Aminata are hanging out at The Dancing Seal, a questionable establishment at best. Karina has her beloved oud with her. They want to enjoy Solstasia while they can, for life is not all fun and games, as Karina well knows. When the bard who has been playing mistakes her for a woman of easy virtue, Karina sets him straight and challenges him to a musical contest. If she wins, she gets all the money he has made that day. If he wins… well, you can imagine what he wants. She wins handily and takes his money, but he isn’t finished with the princess yet. And yes, she is a princess, albeit in disguise. One who runs away from the palace every chance she gets.

Malik finds himself in a bind when his sister Nadia is kidnapped by an dark spirit calling himself Idir. The only way he can get his sister back is to do as the spirit wishes. He must kill Princess Karina. And the only way he can think to do that, since most people have little or no chance of getting close enough to the princess to talk to her much less kill her, is to become one of the seven Champions of the tournament that is being held for Solstasia. But each champion is picked by the group he or she is meant to represent, according to their affiliation. How is Malik going to maneuver that into happening?

Karina’s life is turned upside down by an unthinkable event, when her mother, the sultana, is murdered before her eyes. Worse, it came on the heels of an argument with harsh words exchanged. Karina just wants her back. She learns of a magic that will resurrect her mother, but the ingredients she needs seem impossible to get. Especially the heart of a king. Ziran has no king, not since the death of her father, along with her older sister, in a fire some years before. But Karina has a plan… and if it works, she’ll have to kill the winner of the Tournament of Champions in order to have her mother back again.

Roseanne A. Brown creates a rich fantasy world in Ziran and the people who inhabit it, drawing on Arabic and Egyptian inspirations. Magic is in the air and in the people. I could see the whole story unfold in my mind as I read, as if I were really there, which is the mark of a great storyteller. Her characters are not all good or all bad, and even good people face difficult situations and make questionable choices. I was kept constantly guessing how everything would turn out, hoping that love would conquer all and Malik would save his sister, and that he and Karina would be together. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but a very wonderful journey. And the good news is that the journey is not over. There will be another book.

It’s hard to believe this is her first book. I just love the way she writes. I believe there is a movie deal in the works. I will definitely look for that to happen. I can’t say enough good things about this book. I highly recommend A Song of Wraiths and Ruin if you like epic fantasies and fantasy romances and good adventures. Can’t wait for the next book!

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #59 (14.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Evan finds a surprising ally in his plot to do something special for Chan's birthday. When Kamal calls Chan to complain that Laksha has no time for him because she is busy with Evan, Chan worries that something is wrong. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #59 (14.2)

The savings and loan where Chan worked locked its doors promptly at noon on Saturday, since it was just a half day. But that didn’t mean any customers still inside were kicked out. Everyone who was already inside at twelve was taken care of before the employees closed up and left for the day.

Everything was running smoothly today.  Chan hoped the same could be said of his home. He’d called Evan on his break and talked to him briefly. But Evan had seemed a little… distracted. Chan had asked was anything wrong and had been assured that nothing was. Still, he couldn’t help but worry just a little.

His concern only increased when his cell phone rang just as he was walking out the door.

What has happened now?

To his surprise, the caller was Kamal. Chan steeled himself for the worst but hoped for the best. “Hello?”

“When are you coming home, Chan?” Kamal hadn’t even bothered with a salutation. Not surprising.

“I’m getting to leave work now. Is something wrong?” Chan held the phone away from his ear as he bid one of the tellers a good day, then returned to his phone.

“I’m booooooored,” Kamal complained. “I want you to come home and play with me.”

Ah, so nothing earth-shattering or critical. Chan breathed a small sigh of relief.

“I thought you were playing with your friend Gene today?” Chan asked. He juggled the phone as he locked the door behind him, the alarm already set, then crossed the parking lot to where his car sat beneath one of the few shade trees around.

“I was, but he had to go visit his grandma.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Chan automatically commiserated. He barely remembered his grandparents. They had died when he was little, long before his mother’s remarriage and before she had his siblings. He wondered if Kamal missed not having a more extensive family. Not that there was anything he could do about it, other than be the best brother he knew how to be.

“Yeah, me too,” Kamal replied. If he was disturbed at his lack of a grandmother, he hid the fact rather well.

“Maybe you can play a game with Laksha till I get home?” Chan suggested as he started the car, glanced automatically behind him, and backed out of his spot.

“No, she’s too busy for me.” Kamal sounded aggrieved. “She told me to go outside and play if I was going to keep whining.”

“Is she playing with Madhu?” Chan wondered if he expected too much from his sister. She was still a child herself, after all.

“No. Her and Evan—”

“She and Evan,” Chan automatically corrected him.

“She and Evan are doing something, and she won’t tell me what.” Chan could practically see the pout on his little brother’s face. Despite himself, he had to smile, even as he wondered what Laksha could be up to with Evan. Should he be more concerned or relieved? Hopefully it was nothing serious. What that something serious might be, he couldn’t say.

“I’ll be home in just a few minutes. We can do something then, okay?”

“Yay!” Kamal’s mood instantly brightened. “We can have fun without them!”

“Kamal…” Chan thought carefully how to phrase his next question. “Laksha and Evan… they’re not yelling at each other, are they?” Not that either one of them actually yelled. The only yelling he’d ever heard from Evan was when he was in State Trooper mode. Not yelling exactly, but definitely a get-your-attention voice.

“Yelling? Why would they be yelling? I’ll meet you out front!” Kamal ended the call before Chan could get in another word. Well, he supposed that was his answer. He’d have to wait to find out what was going on.

How bad could it be?

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

 

 

 

Virtual Book Blast: Earl of Brecken

 Good morning! Please welcome author Aubrey Wynne to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here to tell us about her new release, Earl of Brecken. Aubrey will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

Earl of Brecken

by Aubrey Wynne

 

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GENRE: Historical Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

A seductive Welsh earl on the brink of ruin. A wealthy cit in search of a hero.

 

Miss Evelina Franklin reads too many romance novels. She’s certain a handsome duke—or dashing highwayman—is in her future. In the meantime, Evie entertains herself with the admirers vying for her fortune.

 

The Earl of Brecken needs cash. His late father left their Welsh estate in ruin, and his mother will not let him rest until it is restored to its former glory. Notorious for his seductive charm, he searches the ballrooms for a wealthy heiress. His choices are dismal until he meets Miss Franklin. Guileless and gorgeous with an enormous dowry, she seems the answer to his prayers. Until his conscience makes an unexpected appearance.

 

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EXCERPT:

 

London, 1819

 

Madoc crumpled the paper and scowled fiercely at the roaring fire. He scanned the library of Brooks’s, then squinted at the shadowed corners of the room, glad no one else witnessed his irritation. He and a close confidante were enjoying a leisurely evening in a private London gentlemen’s club. They’d traded a profitable evening of gaming for a quiet place to talk and enjoy a decanter of brandy, when he’d remembered the envelope tucked inside his coat pocket.

 

“Bad news, Doc?” asked Kit, his dark eyes teasing. “It’s rare to see such a storm darken your face. I’m accustomed to the jovial yet bland expression you’ve perfected.”

 

He snorted with good humor at the Earl of Sunderland’s observation. “Ha! My invisible armor protects me well. News from home is rarely good these days.”

 

“Health or financial ailment?”

 

Madoc tossed the paper into the flames. “The solicitor informed me that he’s still waiting for my annual income. He sent word to my father, who replied it would arrive forthwith. I suppose I don’t need that stallion at Tattersall’s.”

 

“I could loan you the sum,” offered Sunderland with a grin, his midnight hair gleaming in the flickering light, “but you won more brass than I did at the tables.”

 

With a sigh, Madoc swirled the amber liquid in his crystal glass. “I’ve got blunt enough from my, er, other services. I couldn’t care less about the money. The sum has shrunk each year I’ve been gone.”

 

“Do you think there’s trouble with the estate? How is the cantankerous old Welshman?”

 

 “Mama’s last letter described Father’s health as declining. He’s rarely left the grounds since his fall, and now he won’t leave the castle.”

 

Madoc remembered the accident like it was yesterday. Foxhunting had been his father’s favorite pastime—until he took a steep hedge that broke his back. The Earl of Brecken hadn’t walked in ten years. “He’s so blasted proud, didn’t want anyone to see him as less than a man, as he put it.”

 

“How old is he now?” Sunderland asked. “Must be nigh on sixty, eh?”

 

“Sixty-three last month.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I believe a journey home is in order. Something’s amiss.”

 

 

 

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series has received the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and twice nominated as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.

 

Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow and the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels.

 

Find Aubrey

 

Website: https://aubreywynne.com/


Facebook: https://facebook.com/magnificentvalor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aubreywynne51


Instagram: https://instagram.com/Aubreywynne51

Bookbub Page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-wynne

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Aubrey-Wynne/e/B00II8QD6G/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7383937.Aubrey_Wynne

Subscribe to Aubrey’s newsletter for new releases and exclusive excerpts and free stories:

Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/k3f1z5

Facebook Reading Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AubreyWynnesEverAfters/

 

 

 

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Saturday is Horror Day - Black Christmas (1974), The Axe Murders of Villisca, The FInal Girls

Good morning everyone and Happy Sunday!  Julie here. Hope you're having a great week and staying safe!

 I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but I am very fond of horror films, and I'm always looking for more to watch. I keep a list of movies that I've picked up from various sources. Some are movies they say are too hard to finish, some are unknown gems. And there are some that turn out to be not worth watching. But I like to make Saturday my day of horror when I can. Last night I was watching one movie for the second time, thinking what a little known film it is and underappreciated. So I decided to review the movies I watch, to let my readers know what's out there, in case you're looking for something to watch.  I'll start with yesterday. I watched three films - Black Christmas (1974), The Axe Murders of Villisca, and The Final Girls.

BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974) - From what I was reading, this film became the start of the slasher genre. Considering that back then, you could barely swear in movies, this one breaks that barrier for sure. It takes place in a college sorority where someone is hiding in the attic and killing co-eds. Other than being the first of the genre, there are some surprising people you would not expect to find in a horror movie. Olivia Hussey is best known for her portrayal of Juliet against Leonard Whiting's Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. At least that's all I know her from. Keir Dullea was in 2001: A Space Odyssey. And most surprising is Andrea Martin, whom I primarily know from SCTV. She's a great comedian, who knew she did horror too? I guess a lot of actors start out in different genres than they end up in.

Oh, did I forget Margot Kidder? She's there too, mostly known for having played Lois Lane to Christopher Reeve's Superman, and for her later mental and emotional difficulties. Kidder is one of the sorority sisters who seems to be going for the record for drinking the most. She is a drunken mess most of the time. In fact, there seems to be a lot of drinking going on here. The sorority sisters are being harassed by a series of disturbing phone calls that no one else takes seriously. More than heavy breathing, there are assorted voices and strange sounds which are unnerving the girls. But the police don't seem to take the calls seriously. Besides, they have a missing child case on their hands.

One of the girls is pregnant and planning to have an abortion, but her boyfriend is adamantly against the idea. The story starts as Christmas break is about to begin. One of the girls' fathers was supposed to meet his daughter but she never showed up. And the fun has just begun...

Although a little dated now, this is worth a watch, although the genre has come a long way since then. The alcoholic house mother is so ridiculous she's hilarious, with stashes of booze hidden in the strangest places. One of the policemen's prank on one of his fellow officers is hilarious, if a little dated (you have to realize that at one time the first two digits of a phone number actually stood for something). All I'll say about the joke is that you have to know what fellatio is (which the cop didn't, obviously) in order to fully appreciate the humor.

I guess I rate this at three out of five stars. I did notice there is another Black Christmas, done in 2006, which also takes place in a sorority house. Not sure if it's intended as a reboot or remake or what, but this one has a few people you might know too, such as Michelle Trachtenberg, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Lacey Chabert. Also, Andrea Martin is in this too, which lends credence to the reboot theory. Also look for Oliver Hudson, son of Goldie Hawn and brother to Kate Hudson.

THE AXE MURDERS OF VILLISCA - 

This film is based on a true story. In 1912, someone broke into a house in Villisca, Iowa and killed the eight people sleeping there. I did some digging. While they call the case unsolved, there was a confession, although the man wasn't convicted because of a mistrial. To me, that's just a technicality.

Now it's years later, as we meet the protagonists of our film. Caleb, Denny, and Jess. Jess is the new girl at the high school, who has a "reputation" due to an unfortunate video of her. Caleb and Denny are best friends, each with his own troubled past. They have a video blog that deals with the supernatural and paranormal. They are going to take a tour of the house in Villisca for their blog, and Jess ends up going along, to Denny's annoyance. 

At the murder house, mannikins take the place of the murder victims, killed in bed by the axe-wielding fiend. The owner of the house takes the three on the tour, only to cut it short when Jess goes where she shouldn't. Denny is pissed until Jess suggests they come back later, since obviously the man and his wife don't sleep there as the beds are all taken with mannikins.

Back inside the house, trouble begins when they discover they are far from alone, and the spirits of the deceased are very much with them. Add to that two other students who like to make life hell, and you have a recipe for disaster.

This film was made in 2016 and has much greater production values than our first film. But in all fairness, it's forty years later and technology has greatly advanced since the first one was made. The acting is decent for the genre. I didn't recognize any of the cast other than Conchata Ferrell, who plays the principal of the high school. Everyone has a troubled back story, and these all come out as the movie progresses. Sometimes a little hokey, with the spirit possession and all, but nonetheless entertaining enough for a view. I've seen a lot worse.  I think it's a worthwhile watch, and I'll give it 3.5 stars.

THE FINAL GIRLS - This is the film that got me thinking it deserves more attention than I think it has received. This was actually my second time watching this one.

Max's mother is a a struggling actress, who is only remembered by her peers and her adoring fans for a teen slasher pic she made twenty years before, Camp Bloodbath. In a tragic accident at the start of the film, she is killed and Max goes to live with her aunt. Three years later, Max is still grieving her mother's loss when she is approached by her best friend Gertie's stepbrother, Duncan, to appear at a film festival that night to mark the anniversary of the Camp Bloodbath films. Max is reluctant but agrees to show up when he promises to do her homework for the rest of the year. It doesn't hurt that the guy she likes, Chris, offers to go. He's the ex of a former friend of Max (I know, complicated teen lives).

At the film showing, an accidental fire erupts, and Max and her friends are trapped by the screen, the only way out being to cut through it, which they do, and step into... the movie? Suddenly they find themselves inside the film Camp Bloodbath, along with all the cast from the movie. Despite their best efforts, they can't get away from the place. It's like a living nightmare. The only way out is to survive the killer, and the only way to do that, from a logical standpoint, is to stick with the final girl. (For those who don't know, the final girl is the one who survives the killer and ends up killing him in order to do so).

But how well is this plan going to work?

This film is so good, I just loved it. The premise is unique among horror films, and it's actually very funny, but also has its touching moments, primarily with Max and her mother, who is part of the cast and very much alive within the context of the film. Max gets to experience her again, even if her mother doesn't realize who she is. But they bond nonetheless. Taissa Farmiga plays Max, and Alexander Ludwig is Chris. If you have seen Vikings, you'll recognize him as Bjorn Ironside, son of Ragnar Lothbrok. And appearing as Max's one time friend, Chris' ex, is Nina Dobrev of Vampire Diaries fame. While I don't like her in that, she acquits herself well in this film.

The characters in Camp Bloodbath are definite stereotypes, such as the overly horny busty female, and her male counterpart, the quiet brilliant student, and the shy quiet girl. But that's what also makes it hilarious too. I guess that makes it a horror comedy. Kind of like the Geico commercial that's a spoof on horror films that shows the teens making all bad choices and the chainsaw-wielding killer shaking his head at their stupidity. This is my favorite of the three I watched yesterday.

I hope you enjoyed my reviews, I hope to do more of these, maybe go back and cover ones I watched before, such as The Autopsy of Jane Done (another little known gem which has Brian Cox in it!).

Enjoy your day and be safe!

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 33 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 33     

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 7, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Ichigo has defeated Grimmjow, but another Espada is waiting to take him on, Nnitoira.  Contemptuous of Grimmjow, and baffled as to why Ichigo would defend his fallen foe, Nnitoira orders his second-in-command Tesla to keep Orihime close to him. (Will these people never learn? Nothing makes Ichigo fight hard than when one of his friends is in trouble, particularly Orihime).

Meanwhile, Uryu and Renji, having thought they’d escaped the cluthes of Szayelaporro, find themselves back where they started, to their frustration. Besides his disturbing habit of eating his minions in order to regain health, apparently he has the ability to manipulate the inside of his palace to his satisfaction, thus sending the boys on a loop right back to him. “Shall we begin the Second Act?” he queries.

And oh, he has other tricks up his sleeves. Even nastier ones.

Orihime is powerless to do anything to help Ichigo. Although Aizen has made it clear she is not to be harmed, all bets are off if she has her Rikka attack.  Tesla wonders where the small Arrancar has gone. When she is found cowering on the ground, Nnitoira recognizes her, to his surprise. Ichigo wonders how an Espada knows a simple Arrancar, and a child at that.  Nel recognizes Nnitoira… and still doesn’t like him. But what is Nel’s secret?  And for how much longer can she hide it?

Renji, Uryu, Pesche, and Dondochakka have their own problems. With multiple versions of each of them running around, it’s difficult to know who is real and who is an imposter. But again, things can get worse… and they do.

This volume of Bleach is divided between two battles—that of Ichigo and Nnitoira and that of Uryu and Renji vs Szayelaporro. Not sure where Rukia is at this point, but Orihime is being held hostage, a witness to Ichigo’s battle. The surprise here is not Ichigo, but Nel, as we learn her back story, and as she transforms into what she once was. Who saw this coming? Certainly not Ichigo, who never expected to encounter a fully grown former Espada once named Nelliel. Her story is very touching, as is the story of her friends, Pesche and Dondochakka, who prove themselves to be much more than comic relief. They are true subordinates and faithful friends. As for Uryu and Renji, they are being tortured by the devious Szayaleporro. Getting out of this sticky wicket will be a problem. If I had to guess, it will be Uryu’s quick thinking and calm demeanor that will get them through this but we won’t know until the next volume. Likewise, how will the encounter with Nel and Nnitoira end? Gotta wait and see.

Another good volume of Bleach, looking forward to the next one!

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #58 (14.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Since the picnic in the park, peace has prevailed in the household, but for how long? Chan's birthday is coming up and Evan wants to do something special. Will he be able to do that or will he make things worse? See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #58 (14.1)

A week had passed since the picnic in the park. An uneventful week, neither bad nor good. No more outbursts or bad behavior. Homework and chores were done to satisfaction, bedtimes observed without too much whining. And yet, Evan found himself in the guest room almost every other night. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another. Mostly bad dreams. Sometimes Kamal claimed to hear someone in his room, and refused to believe there was no one there, despite Chan showing him otherwise.

Evan accepted  whatever reason was given and  he never complained. This too would pass, he was sure. Life would return to normal.

At least he hoped so.

Chan’s birthday was coming up. This would be his first birthday since they had begun to live together, and also the first since the death of his parents. Evan wanted to celebrate the occasion, but thought he should keep it low-key, under the circumstances.  He wanted to do something special for his lover, but what?

Chan was working a half day. Luckily he only had to work two Saturdays a month. Evan wasn’t scheduled until Monday. Kamal was playing at the home of a friend who lived nearby.  Madhu was keeping herself occupied with some blocks, sitting cross-legged on the living floor. Laksha was reading a book, but she kept a watchful eye on her sister.

Evan stood in the doorway between the kitchen and living room, unaware he was staring until Laksha glanced up to meet his gaze.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“No, no,” he assured her. “I was just thinking.” She returned to her book, apparently satisfied with his response. But he did have something on his mind. He just wasn’t sure if she would be interested in helping him.

He wouldn’t know until he tried, would he.

“Laksha,” he started again, hoping she wouldn’t be annoyed with him. The look she gave him was more curious than anything. “You know Chan’s birthday is soon…”

The young girl nodded.

“I was thinking about making him a special dinner. What would you think of that idea?”

“I think that would be good,” she agreed. “Did you have something in mind?”

“Yes, I did.” Evan drew closer as he spoke, taking a seat at the end of the couch. “I’d like to make some of the dishes your… mother used to make.” He tried not to pause too long on the word, make it sound natural and good. She didn’t seem to notice.

“The trouble is,” he continued. “I’m not the cook Chan is, not even close. And I’ve never made those dishes before. What I was wondering… Would you… I mean could you…” Why was it so hard for him to ask a simple question? Maybe because he was afraid of upsetting her? Or maybe he was even more afraid of her rejection?

Just ask the question.

“I was wondering if you’d be interested in helping make your brother’s dinner? Maybe show me how to make some of the foods you and Chan love?”  If she said no, there was always the Internet, of course. Maybe he should just have gone that route first and not said anything?

“I think that’s a great idea,” Laksha said. “Maa taught me a few dishes. I think Chan would like that.”

Evan was surprised to discover he’d been holding his breath, waiting for her response. He let it out in relieved sigh and darted a glance at Laksha. Was she really smiling at him? She was.

“You want this to be a surprise, right? Can I make the cake?”

Evan’s heart swelled at her enthusiasm. He’d assumed he would pick up something at the bakery, but if she wanted to do this for her brother, who was he to tell her no. “Absolutely,” he replied. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“Then I will start to plan the menu. Secretly,” she added with a knowing look.

“Sounds good. We can go shopping for the ingredients together, if you like?” Had he pushed his luck with that particular request?

“Okay, “ she said just as Madhu knocked down a stack of blocks. The small girl began to clap, obviously proud of her accomplishment.

“Good job,” Laksha praised her. Madhu giggled and patted the floor. Laksha closed her book and set it down before sliding onto the floor next to Madhu.

“Thank you,” Evan said, his heart appreciably lighter as he returned to the kitchen to finish the dishes.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers:

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

J Ray Lamb

 

 

Virtual Book Tour: Howl (SIn City Wolf Book 1) by January Bain

 Good morning!  Please welcome author January Bain to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here today to tell us about her new release, Howl (Sin City Wolf Book 1). January will be awarding 1 $30 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!  Also, don't forget to read my review of the book! It's on sale at Amazon for 99 cents! Grab a copy before the sale ends!

 

Sin City Wolf: Howl

by January Bain

 

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GENRE:   Billionaire Werewolf Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Never get between a wolf and his mate…

Billionaire. Casino owner. Tall, dark and deadly. Cristaldo Luceres is a potent force and a dangerous wolf to cross. Head of the House of Luceres, he’s used to fighting—literally—off any threat from rival houses. Wealth and women are his, but the one thing missing from his life is his mate.

Cristaldo’s on full alert when trouble comes to town in the beautiful shape of one Miss Everly Affini. The talented musician won a shot to play at the coveted Nero’s in Cristaldo’s Glittering Palace… and she could be the one, Cristaldo’s Forever Mate.

One problem is that she doesn’t think so—and isn’t shy about telling him—and another is that Rocco, an enforcer for the House of Ribelle, the Luceres’ sworn enemies, thinks she’s destined for him. Oh, and it’s the most powerful Super Blood Wolf Moon of the century, meaning chaos is unleashed.

Too bad. Once Cristaldo has a scent of his Forever Mate, he’ll fight for her…to the death if necessary. Everly doesn’t stand a chance.

 

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EXCERPT:

  

Cristaldo

 

As Everly lost herself on stage, I clenched my hands into fists, claws digging into my palms. I fought the urge to transform, making the air around me shimmer in alarm. My eyes burned with the desire that would turn them incandescent and expose my wolf. Che diavolo sta succedendo? Never had I been affected like this. An alpha male always in control, was what I prided myself on being.

 

I couldn’t wait until after the concert, though the group had just begun their set. It had to happen now. My skin rippled visibly with the need. The only way to bring back control was to give in to the wolf. I left the auditorium and took the flight of stairs from the penthouse leading to the rooftop and my favorite toy, a Bell-Boeing 609 Tilt-Rotor straight from the factory in France. I jumped in behind the controls and set a course for our nearest compound in the desert. Ten minutes to freedom.

 

No sooner had I landed the helicopter—and with the blades still rotating—than I was out and running. Mid-stride, I entered another realm, a parallel existence, invisible from Earth, and my body underwent the change. On the other side, through the shimmering portal, the sensation deepened until all my cells had transformed, aligned in a new form. Then I was back in the present, a wolf. The world had mutated to an array of colors unknown to the human eye, blacks and browns and grays with subtle shadings that my brain converted to what my human side saw—blues and greens, yellow and reds. I breathed in deeply, my olfactory nerves sharpened by the cool, dry air of the desert at night. The odor of dust among the cactus, scrub and clumps of grass filled my nostrils.

 

I picked up the scent of fast game and gave chase. Bounding along, the wind to my back, twisting and turning as I easily followed my prey, I savored the strength of the wolf. My large paws ate up the distance, the shadows of the Joshua trees familiar forms mimicking humans and moving past me at lightning speed as I continued my pursuit.

 

The scent of fear ahead span my brain out of control. My prey knew I was close. I redoubled my efforts, imagining the takedown. The satisfaction. Then the creature found his burrow all of a sudden and went to ground. No matter. I streaked by the spot, needing the run far more than the catch.

 

The dry land slapped against my paws and the wind sliced across my muzzle. Time had no meaning in the desert. The longer I ran, the lighter I felt. Expending such energy increased my strength, mile by mile, each muscle quivering with adrenaline.

 

A new scent drew my attention. Wolf. I swung my massive head to the east. The interloper was not of the Luceres pack. My brain sharpened and the thrill of the chase intensified. I covered ground quickly, totally focused on the enemy. I needed this, to show the curs their place.

 

I raced to the farthest section of my land and confronted the Ribelle dog. My fur rose as my tail bushed out behind me. He was hellbent on getting away, circling back and forth like a prisoner in a cell, preferring to cross over the electric fence rather than face me. I snarled my disdain at finding the coward trying so desperately to escape.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.

If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.

 

If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…

 

Blog Address - http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/

Twitter Name – https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain

Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/january.bain

Any other social media - 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain

 

 

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My Review

Cristaldo Luceres is so sexy, he turns women’s heads wherever he goes. Add to that attractive package charisma to spare and the fact that he is a billionaire, and he is just so much catnip to the ladies of Las Vegas. However what they don’t know won’t hurt them. Namely, that he is also a werewolf, a member of an ancient tribe dating back to the original founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

Cristaldo has a twin brother, Lucius. And while they may pick up women and pleasure them while in the same room, they do not share any of them, not like their younger twin brothers are wont to do. Each of them yearns for a forever mate, a seemingly elusive goal, but one long desired.

Everly Affini is the drummer in an all female band by the name of The Sirens. Winning the opportunity to play at the grand Glitter Palace in Las Vegas is like a dream come true. Things are finally beginning to work out for her, still struggling after a painful break-up. Even so, when she is first introduced to the owner of the venue, Cristaldo Luceres, she has to fight her attraction to the very sexy man. Not going there, no way. It doesn’t matter how much he seems to be attracted to her. That’s just too bad, too sad for him. The band only has three nights in Vegas, than back home and she won’t have to see his very handsome face ever again.

Among the various houses that comprise the werewolf society, the House of Luceres’ main rivals are the House of Ribelle. When a few of them show up at the Sirens’ concert, Cristaldo realizes he must put a stop to their attempts to claim Everly for their own. Especially since he’s decided she is his Forever Mate. And heaven help anyone who gets between them.

I’m not gonna lie, this book is one hot read. But it’s also romantic and fast-paced and very interesting. Sure, you know at the beginning that these two are meant to be but you can say that about any romance. It’s watching them get together that’s the fun. Cristaldo is sex on legs, and Everly is one damn strong woman who is nobody’s damsel in distress. Together they make a dynamite couple.

And to think, this is just the first book! I’m predicting that the next book will be twin brother Lucius’ book. My further guess is that his love interest will turn out to be the mysterious cardcounter mentioned but not seen in the first book. Only time will tell. Looking forward to finding out. 

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