TELL TALE TUESDAY: As Leif and Sunny prepare to defend themselves, Sunny finds that Leif has also been sent to bring Sunny back to the kingdom. Shadow Dancer by Courtney Rene

Shadow Dancer

Courtney Rene

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 1

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Sunny has a gift that she has no idea how to use, until she meets Leif, a boy from the kingdom of Acadia, on the other side of the shadows.  Leif teaches Sunny about Shadow Walkers and how to use her new found gifts. As they grow closer and their gifts grow stronger, a threat arrives.  The Shadow Guard has been sent to bring Sunny back to Acadia, to determine if she is a threat to the king as the rightful ruler of Acadia. 

As Leif and Sunny prepare to defend themselves, Sunny finds that Leif has also been sent to bring Sunny back to the kingdom but for very different reasons.  As a battle for possession of Sunny wages, she is struggling to come to turns with her feelings of inadequacy regarding controlling her gifts as well as the hurt regarding the lies and deceit of everyone around her.

EXCERPT:

“My Lady? I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what else...I think we need to call for help.”

“Where is she? I can’t see her.”

“She’s fine, my Lady. She’s sleeping, right over there. Can you see her?”

“Bring her to me. I want to hold her.”

“My Lady, you have lost too much blood. We need to get you to a hospital or something. Please.”

“Star, it’s already too late. You know it. We can’t call for help. We have to keep her safe. She’s all that’s left. She is worth that and so much more. God, I am so tired. Please bring her to me.”

“My Lady...“

“Even now Star, after all these years, can’t you just be my friend?”

“I will always be your friend, my Lady, but you will always be my Queen. Even now, even later, that will never change. Here she is. Do you have her?”

“I’ve got her. Please don’t hover over me, Star. I’m alright. Look how beautiful she is. Can you believe Malcolm and I made something so beautiful?”

“Yes, I can. She looks like you. She has your hair, all golden and soft. She has your mouth too. Don’t you think?”

“Yes. Oh God, I want to hold on to her forever. I never want to let her go. Star, you have to promise me that you will keep her safe. Whatever you have to do, you have to keep her safe. Promise me.”

“No, my Lady, we will keep her safe. You and I together.”

“No, Star, this burden will fall to you. You already see the truth of it, right here in front of your eyes. I’m just so tired. Here, you’d better take her. Bye, my baby girl. I love you so.

Star, promise me. You’ve done all you can here. All that is left is her. Malcolm is gone, and I…”

“Stop it! You can’t just give up! Don’t laugh! Can’t you see that it’s tearing me apart? I can’t do this without you.”

“Star, I’m not laughing. I promise you. There just isn’t anything I can do to stop it. You can do this. I believe in you. Star?”

“Yes. My Lady?”

“Promise.”

“All right. I promise I will do everything I can to keep her safe.”

“Do you think you will ever return?”

“I don’t know. Everything is changed now. Our whole world has changed.”

“Star?”

“Yes?”

“Stay safe. You have always been my very best friend. I don’t know what I would have done without you. Thank you, so much, for everything.”

“My Lady...“

“Keep her safe...“

Shadow Dancer is a fun, light read with some action, some romance and some kick-butt abilities. 
LunaMoth for Far from Reality Reviews

MYSTERY MONDAY: SHADWO DANCER BOXED SET FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Shadow Dancer Series Boxed Set

Courtney Rene

ISBN: 978-1-62420-281-0

EMail: ctnyrene@aol.com

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 2

Buy at: Rogue Phoenix Press, Amazon,

Shadow Dancer

Sunny has a gift that she has no idea how to use, until she meets Leif, a boy from the kingdom of Acadia, on the other side of the shadows. 

Leif teaches Sunny about Shadow Walkers and how to use her new found gifts. As they grow closer and their gifts grow stronger, a threat arrives.  The Shadow Guard has been sent to bring Sunny back to Acadia, to determine if she is a threat to the king as the rightful ruler of Acadia.

As Leif and Sunny prepare to defend themselves, Sunny finds that Leif has also been sent to bring Sunny back to the kingdom but for very different reasons.  As a battle for possession of Sunny wages, she is struggling to come to turns with her feelings of inadequacy regarding controlling her gifts as well as the hurt regarding the lies and deceit of everyone around her.

Shadow Warrior

Sunny finally makes her first jump to the Kingdom of Acadia that is on the other side of the shadows, for what she hopes is a vacation. Only her vacation turns into quite an unwanted adventure. Aside from new and unexpected issues regarding her relationship with Leif, Sunny meets the rebel group, makes new friends, fights with controlling her powers, and finds herself neck deep within a county that is torn apart by two sides, each fighting for power. Acadia is not quite what she imagined. How is she, one young girl, supposed to unite the Kingdom as well as unseat a King to take her place as ruler of Acadia.

Shadow's End

The adventure and the struggle continues for Sunny, as the fight for control of Acadia is near. Battle lines have been drawn, not just by King Gideon, but also by the rebels that were once Sunny’s allies. Due to unexpected trips to the ice realm and the fire realm, new allies are found to help build the Army of the Sun. There are new worlds explored. New friends and new enemies made. Ready or not, Sunny must prepare for what is coming as well as decide where she belongs within it all. But…what about prom? What about Leif? What about home? How can she, just a seventeen year old girl, rule a whole world? She’s not even sure if she can get through finals.

Shadow Fire

No one really knows who Leif is. They know the man he portrays and the things he has done, both good and bad. He was a boy that came from nothing and grew into a man full of rage that almost killed the one person he set out to save. He roams the realms waiting for death. Waiting for an absolution that doesn’t come. Then a rumor surfaces. A threat has been made against Sunny. Leif sets out to try to right the wrongs of his past. He sets out to do what he was meant to do from the beginning, save the queen. Can he do it alone or will he have to do the one thing that is hardest for him, which is:  Ask for help.

EXCERPT

"I have been looking for you."

I opened my eyes, turned my head, and stared up, way up into a pair of big brown eyes fringed in long lashes. Eyes so dark they looked almost black.

"You're a hard person to find."

That was the point. I didn't want to be found. I liked my hermit existence. I didn't have to see anyone or talk to anyone if I didn't want. I liked to roam the realms and see what I could find. There were so many things we didn't know about the four realms. It wasn't so much as fun, as it was time consuming. That was what I wanted, though. The sooner time passed, the better off I would be.

"You look like crap, Leif," she said when I didn't respond.

Her voice, although lowered in disdain, was soft and feminine. If I weren't waiting for death, maybe I would have cared more. I tried not to notice her creamy, pink tinged skin. I tried not to notice her high cheekbones, and lush lips. I tried not to, but I did anyway. How could I not? She was beautiful. Not that I cared.

"Man, and you stink. God, when was the last time you shaved…"

I lifted a hand up to my face and felt the length of coarse hair that covered the bottom part of my face. How long had it been?

"…or taken a bath for that matter."

A bit longer than I had realized apparently. "What do you want, Cinder?"

She was silent for a moment. Was it my voice? It was gravelly with disuse, but the tone was indifferent, not aggressive.

Finally she said, "I came to bring you this." This, being a sunshine yellow envelope with my name written in bold calligraphy on the front. She held it down to where I lay on the rocky red ground.

I hesitated a moment before I took the proffered envelope. I didn't open it. I could only stare at the writing. I knew the writing and, therefore, who it was from without even having to open it. What did she want? What did it say?

"Why are you here? Why are you laying down there on the ground like that?" Cinder asked.

I used her questions as an excuse to put off the inevitable and said, "I like it down here." I lay sprawled out on the rocky red dirt that made up the Fire Realm. The air was hot, the sun even hotter. If I lay there long enough, maybe I would just evaporate and be gone. No more Leif. No more running. No more hiding. Just gone. Finally.

"Yeah, but why?"

I didn't answer, instead my attention returned to the yellow envelope. I lifted the unsealed flap, and slid out the thick ivory card with silver writing.

…cordially invited…..

…..Sunshine…..

….Lucas….

….Wedding.

I slipped the card back within the envelope and dropped it down next to where I lay. One grain of the red clay had found its way on top. My eyes fell to that red dot.

"So?"

"So, what?" I said still focused on the grain of clay.

"So, are you going to come?"

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"Why not?"

I stayed silent. Everyone knew why not.

"She's not mad at you. In fact, she misses you. She talks about you all the time," Cinder said.

She did? Did she talk about how I tried to kill her? What about how I used her?

"She really is hoping you will come. That's why I'm hand delivering your invite. She wanted to make sure you got it. Saw it."

Did she really want me there? Was it all just a joke to get me back for all I had done?

"Will you at least think about it?"

ROMANCE SUNDAY: A war has left his people on the brink of extinction; Drystan Commander of the King's Warriors will turn to any means necessary to save his people. Blue Fire by Angela Castle

Blue Fire

Angela Castle

Excerpt Heat Level: Violence

Book Heat Level: 4

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BLURB:

A war has left his people on the brink of extinction; Drystan Commander of the King's Warriors will turn to any means necessary to save his people.

Jane, an ordinary woman of Earth, falls into the strange land of muscle bound, sword wielding men, unlike she has ever seen and what's worse they seem to want her!

Could this woman be the savior of their people? Savior or not Drystan knows what he wants, and he wants Jane.

As the passion starts to sizzle evil forces threaten to tear them apart, can Drystan hold onto the woman not only he needs but his people?

Crystal City

Land of the Kell

Claws dug into Drystan's arm. He swung his blade round his head, twisting his large body. Drystan, the commander of the Kell army, kicked high into the lizard-like man's underbelly then shoved the body away. The Drac Scoull left bloody scratch marks as it was hurtled onto its back. Drystan did not hesitate, his blade sunk all the way into the exposed side of the Scoull's armour. The enemy gave a high pitched squeal, its body convulsing in its death throes. He yanked the blade out and ran forward to the next target; blood and adrenaline coursed through his system. His heart, full of anguish and rage, pounded so hard against his ribs he feared it would explode. So many Drac Scoulls in the way.

The screams of the women echoed around him. Oh, by the gods. He fought not for his life but for theirs. The city had been left unguarded; the Drac Scoulls had stormed the inner city. In and out of every home they had gone. Drystan had witnessed them dragging out the women, the helpless babes, the young girls, to slaughter them. The streets were running red with their blood.

The army had been too far away, lured out to battle by Norlac, ruler of the Drac. Adalardo, King of the Kells, had seized the opportunity to end the war once and for all. Every able-bodied man had marched on the Drac fortress.

The Drac were like a swarm of insects moving in every direction. Drystan leapt over the body of an adolescent girl. His blade again hitting its mark; another Scoull's head went flying. His hard, muscled body ached from exertion and was dripping with sweat; his body armour was splattered with blood. He battled, until there were none left to kill.

"That has to be the entire Drac army," panted Melor, who had been fighting a step behind him.

"Go, keep searching. Do not rest until we know every Scoull is dead. May the gods have spared some of our women from this horror."

Melor nodded, racing off. Adalardo came hurtling around the corner on the back of his stag; his own face dark with the same anguished rage Drystan was feeling.

"Drystan, to the palace! There are still Scoulls inside." He bolted towards the Palace gate tower. Drystan raced behind his King. He hoped and prayed there were some still alive.

Angela Castle’s Blue Fire is a fabulous short novel that had me entertained the whole way through.

Lila for Two Lips Reviews

SCI/FI FANTASY SATURDAY: Rebecca longs for the freedom to succumb to The Dance. But will her past threaten her future? Just one night may determine her fate. The Dance by Mckinzie S. Heart

Title: Elemental Seduction–The Dance

Author: McKinzie S. Heart

ISBN: 978-1-62420-139-4

Email: mckinzies.heart@yaho.com

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buy at: Rogue Phoenix Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Review:

Elemental Seduction-The Dance

by McKinzie S. Heart

By Lindsey Armstrong | May 18, 2015 - 12:37 pm | Barb's Reviews, Book Reviews

    Rebecca’s had a horrible marriage. Though the divorce isn’t finalized, she has put as much distance between her and her husband as she could. She’s forlornly alone but safe. As she spends yet another night alone in her grandparents’ old farmhouse, strange unexplainable things begin to happen. Has Charles tracked her down or is it some unknown intruder setting her up? And what are these whispers that she’s now hearing? Are they real or in her mind? While she tries to sort out everything as it happens, she has no idea how much is at stake. Not only is her life in jeopardy, but she may very well lose her heart and soul. But that is exactly what might have to happen for her to give in to The Dance.

This was one very fantastic well written book! The storyline was one that was full of surprises and the characters were so well developed. McKenzie S. Heart has a way of pulling her readers into the story and not letting them take time to look away because they may miss something. The way she brought the element of wind into play was so fantastic. About time some one knows what power the elements can have on a person and how one person can connects to one particular element.

Rebecca was running from her crazy x-husband and she thought she had done a great job of it until he showed up in her house in the middle of the night threatening to kill her. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do so in order to get away from him, she ran outside into the wind. The wind is what saved her that night. She found out that the one thing that was protecting her and making her feel so loved all her life wasn’t a person but something stronger than she would ever realize.

By the end of this book, I had tears streaming down my eyes. The ending is a tear jerker for me but it’s such a beautiful story that I welcomed the tears. I know a book is really good when it provokes strong emotions from me and stays with me for days instead of leaving after I finish the book. Thank you so much McKenzie S. Heart for bringing such a beautiful story to life because this story will stay with me for a very long time. Such beautiful detail and the way everything came together in the end. Grab a copy because you are missing a great story if you don’t read this right now.

TAGLINE

Rebecca longs for the freedom to succumb to The Dance. But will her past threaten her future? Just one night may determine her fate.

BLURB

Rebecca’s had a horrible marriage. Though the divorce isn’t finalized, she has put as much distance between her and her husband as she could. She’s forlornly alone but safe. As she spends yet another night alone in her grandparents’ old farmhouse, strange unexplainable things begin to happen. Has Charles tracked her down or is it some unknown intruder setting her up? And what are these whispers that she’s now hearing? Are they real or in her mind? While she tries to sort out everything as it happens, she has no idea how much is at stake. Not only is her life in jeopardy, but she may very well lose her heart and soul. But that is exactly what might have to happen for her to give in to The Dance.

EXCERPT

The hot water engulfed her body as vanilla-scented bubbles slid across her sensitive skin. Candles glowed in each corner, wrapping her in a warm embrace and filling her soul with comfort. How many times before had she awakened in the night unable to return to sleep? She couldn't remember. Maybe it had something to do with her past. She shook her head free of these thoughts then eased back, flipping open her cell phone. Knowing her friend Kim, she would still be up. The hopeless romantic, she probably lay curled up in the bed sipping on wine enjoying some sappy book about a woman falling for the perfect man and living happily ever after. Of course, she would have a box of tissues at her side for the inevitable tears. Kim had always believed in happy endings regardless of the trials and tribulations in the journey. Rebecca was one of the privileged few allowed to glimpse this hidden beneath her tough exterior. She frowned. She didn't believe in romance anymore but would never share her belief with her best friend.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Kim. Up reading?"

"You know it. I bought this really wonderful book called Dark Moon Harvest. It is the most erotic romance I've ever read."

"Bet you're drinking a glass of wine too." Rebecca flicked absently at her bubbles.

"Of course. Hey, I know you don't go for books like this, but it's really steamy with a happy ending. I think you would like it."

"Hmmm, I don't think so, but when you get done with it, I'll take a look. You know I prefer mysteries like that book I was just reading, Bones, by K. J. Dahlen."

"Well, I'm pretty sure that once you start reading it, you'll get hooked. So, what are you doing up? Having bad dreams again?"

"No, I don't know what made me wake up. I think I heard something tapping on the window. I thought it was a tree but couldn't see anything."

"It's probably just some bad weather that's coming in. I saw on the news that a hurricane is heading this way. Hope you're prepared just in case."

"Of course I am. Nana and Papa always kept a cellar full of supplies. I'm not worried about it."

"You probably just heard something getting blown against the window. You do live out in the country," Kim replied with an audible sip.

"Yeah, I like living here. I'm glad they left the place to me…it gave me a chance to…uh… So, guess you don't have any company tonight?"

Kim was a good friend. She completely ignored the awkward pause. "Now, you know that a real guy can't compete with my books. When it's book night, that's it. No guys allowed."

Rebecca stifled a giggle at Kim's comment. She could afford to have a book night since guys practically beat down the door for her attentions, otherwise.

"Of course, you don't have a book night so are you alone?"

"Now what kind of question is that? Of course, I'm alone."

"Pity. You really need to get laid. How long has it been?"

A smile spread across Rebecca's face. Her friend…always the nosey one, always the match-maker. "It's been a long time, but I don't care."

"Nonsense, you care, but you've just convinced yourself that intimacy is no longer important."

"I'm perfectly fine in this house all by myself. When I'm ready, I'm sure I'll find someone compatible."

"It's been six months, Becca, you've got to be pretty lonely. Hell, you're probably gonna rust shut." Kim suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. Rebecca couldn't help but giggle with her. The idea seemed hilariously possible.

"If it rusts shut, I'll just have to lubricate it--"

"Yeah, with man-juice," Kim interrupted, snorting then sounding as though choking on her wine.

"Serves you right, ho, for talking such talk."

"You're just jealous."

"But seriously, though, you know I can't see anyone until everything is finalized."

"Why not? It's not like you two have any kids together."

"I know, but I don't need to complicate the issues. I don't want him to find a way to drag this out. He's already threatened to refuse to sign the divorce papers."

She heard her friend's book slam shut then she replied, "Who cares? The bastard cheated on you and treated you like shit. What should you care? I think it's time for you to start enjoying life. I never did like him. I knew his kind instantly. All he wanted was someone he could control and in the worst way."

"I know, I know," Rebecca sighed as they slipped into this all-too-familiar conversation.

"But, Becca, you can't be controlled. You're a free spirit and a free spirit can't be possessed or manipulated. All you wanted was his love…not his abuse. Honestly, I don't know why it took you so long to see it. I just wish you wouldn't have married that cock sucker!"

"Geez, Kim," she laughed. "You been dating that wrestler again? The mouth he had on him--"

"Nope, dating a marine. And let me tell you, he's got some kind of mouth not to mention his--"

"Okay, okay, sorry I asked. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your book. I just wanted to check up on you."

"Sure, just remember to keep an ear out about that hurricane if you're going to stay up a little longer. If not, have hot sweet dreams, girl, and I'll talk to you in the morning."

"Talk to you later." Rebecca snapped the phone shut, setting it on the side of the tub. She leaned farther back thinking about Kim's comments and how she knew that she was right.

Suddenly, the phone rang, causing her to splash water over the side in surprise. The caller ID showed it as a private caller. It could be anyone if they were out of their own calling plan range. Any of her friends knew that there was a good possibility that she would be up, even though she was normally an early bird, especially in these last six months. Hell, it might even be Kim calling her back. Maybe she forgot to mention something.

"Hello?"

No one replied.

"Hello?"

Still no answer.

"If you can hear me, I can't hear you. I'm just going to hang up so you can call me back when you're in better range." She flipped the phone shut and waited. It instantly rang again.

"Hello?" She listened closely and could hear breathing on the other end. Nope, this person was in range but must think it pretty funny to harass someone this time of the night. "I'm not impressed, perv, so give it up."

She hung up and waited. The phone didn't ring again. Lucky for him because next she would have pulled out the old police whistle and--tap, tap, tap…

Rebecca nearly dropped the phone into the water. She fumbled for control then took deep breaths to sooth her thundering heart.

"It's only the storm." She glanced up to the covered bathroom window. "Better get out of the water in case of lightning."

Quickly, she toweled off and slipped back into the silk nightie. As she brushed her long wet hair, strains of soft music drifted up from the living room. She paused, staring at herself in the mirror then crinkled a brow.

"I know I turned off the stereo before I went to bed…I'm pretty sure." Of course, as soft as the music flowed, she could have overlooked it. That's what happened. She left the damned thing on. Just the other night, she had left the TV on too.

She slipped on her fuzzy slippers then went downstairs to make sure everything was turned off. Couldn't let anything wake her up again.