Keta's Keep: December 2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Welcome to ROMFAN Reviews Blog Tour- CONTEST

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Posted by Keta Diablo |

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

. . . and thank you so much for participating in the First Annual RomFan Review Blog Hop!

If you need additional instructions, everything is laid out for you here:

ROM FAN REVIEWS

I hope you've visited some of the authors that blogged before me and left a comment so you can lots of Holiday goodies! Good luck to everyone!

Here's my Interview with Annette. You can also find it at the link above.

Today we have Keta Diablo visiting us. Hi Keta.

[Keta waves] Hello lovely RomFan fans. So glad you stopped by.

[Annette] Let's talk about the Holidays. What are your earliest memories of Christmas?

[Keta] Ah, my favorite holiday. Well, I remember waking up when I was five years old and scrambling down the stairs. I had asked Santa for a special doll that year and didn't know if he got my letter. I was thrilled when the doll was beneath the tree. My mom has a video of this moment and not too long ago we watched it. Wow! Where have all the years gone?

[Annette] Did you have a favorite Holiday book as a child?

[Keta] Not really a favorite book, but my mom often read Nursery Rhymes to me. She recited poems too that she learned from her grandmother. Not long ago, I asked her to write them down so they aren't lost to history forever.

[Annette]: What was the best book you read this year?

[Keta] Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne. I love this series, but then I'm a huge historical freak. I like her writing and her twisted plots. You never know what will happen next.

[Annette] What was the best Holiday gift you received as a child?

[Keta] We had a very good family friend who never married. Every year, he'd come to our home for the holidays. He didn't know much about children because he never had his own, but he was such a kind person. He bought lovely Christmas gifts, but had a hard time asking the store clerk what he should purchase because he was deaf. Every year he brought me this horrible perfume called Evening In Paris. I imagine he asked the woman at the perfume counter but forget to tell her my age. I dreaded opening his gift because I knew what it would be. Mind you, I just didn't get a bottle of the perfume -- I got the whole shebang, powder, cologne, perfume, oil and whatever came in that darn gift box. Then one year he came with an envelope and $100 for me. He said I was old enough to buy what I wanted now and he wanted me to choose something I really like. If I never smell Evening In Paris again, I'll be a happy cat.

[Annette] What are your favorite books to give as gifts?

[Keta] I buy books only for my youngest son because he's a reading fanatic. My other two children rarely open a book (unfortunately). I buy my youngest American history books, particularly anything about World War II and the Civil War. I can never go wrong if I stay in those categories.

[Annette] What are you reading now?

[Keta] I’m revisiting an old favorite right now – Sweet, Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. Another all-time favorite is The Windflower by Laura London. I usually have five books going at once due to my short attention span. This past year some of my favorites were: Hunger Games. Daughter of Smoke and Bone, The Bronze Horseman and anything by Helen Kirkman. Sadly, I can’t get to all the books I have – some from LAST Christmas yet that I haven’t started. Such is the life of a writer.

[Annette] What would you like to get from Santa this year?

[Keta] A Kindle Fire, of course!

[Annette] Ah, come on, Keta, leave us with some wise words or something we pass on.

[Keta] Be happy to. I spend too much time surfing the Internet for sayings from all walks of life. I’ll leave you with some of my favorites today (below) about the Holiday Season. Whether you observe Christmas, Hanukah or another holiday celebration, may yours be filled with wonder, and most of all love.

Namaste, Keta

* * *

Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christmas fire, and make the little picture shining in our bright young eyes, complete. ~ Charles Dickens ~

* * *

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. ~ Agnes M. Pharo ~

* * *

It comes every year and will go on forever. And along with Christmas belong the keepsakes and the customs. Those humble, everyday things a mother clings to, and ponders, like Mary in the secret spaces of her heart. ~ Marjorie Holmes ~

* * *

Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display--so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again. ~ Unknown ~

* * *

You can find Keta here on the Internet:

KETA'S HAUNT

KETA'S KEEP ROMANCE BLOG

The Stuff of Myth and Men (Gay Fiction Blog)

KETA ON TWITTER

KETA ON FACEBOOK

KETA'S KEEP

KETA'S AUTHOR HOME

Thank you so much RomFan Reviews for hosting the First Annual Christmas Blog Hop.

CONTEST! WHO WANTS TO WIN A $15 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM AMAZON? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN AND TELL ME YOUR FAVE HOLIDAY MEMORY. COME ON, I WANT TO HEAR IT!

NOTE: YOU MUST FOLLOW KETA'S KEEP TO PARTICIPATE (thanks)

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Labels: blog tour, holiday memories, Rom Fan |

11 comments

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Welcome to Tonya Kinzer's New Year's Blog Hop

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Posted by Keta Diablo |

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I'm so happy you stopped by!

I hope you have a great time during the hop. Book mark
sites you want to return to, then head out to enter on all
the other hops so you get your contest entries in on all
the blogs! Good luck everyone!

MY Giveaway:

Two winners - Each a $10 Gift Card!

AMAZON

MY Contest Rules: 4 things to do:

Leave a comment

Include your email addy (santa.claus at yahoo dot com)

FOLLOW my blog in Google or Networked (winners will be chkd)

Tell me one of your New Year Resolutions

You're done!

Nothing difficult and not a bunch of hoops to jump through.

(I don't like it when I have to visit other sites to enter a contest either!) Leave your comment here then begin the hop! Leave my window

open, right click on the next blog and open in a new tab.

Close that window after you've finished their contest requirements,

come back here and right click the next blog.

Remember: You Must be FOLLOWING
KETA'S KEEP to be eligible

WINNERS notified by E-mail and posted here
JANUARY 4th!

Good luck everyone and thanks

so much for stopping by!

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26 comments

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

HUNGER GAMES - Sneak Peek!

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Interview with GAVIN LANGDALE - Hero from Land of Falling Stars

3:54 AM |

Posted by Keta Diablo |

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Meet Gavin Langdale

Land of Falling Stars

Interview with Gavin Langdale, Swoon-worthy hero from LAND OF FALLING STARS

Thanks for joining me today. I’m getting ready to take a trip back in time to talk with Gavin Langdale, the hero in Keta Diablo’s newest release – Land of Falling Stars – out now on Kindle and Nook! Care to join me? Great! Hop in! *flicks a couple switches on the time machine.* Ready? And we’re off to the 1860s!

Whoa *grabs the edge of the door, head spinning a bit.* I think we’ve arrived at our destination: 1864, Fredericksburg, Virginia here we come. *stepping out, looking around* Ah, ha -- there’s Arbor Rose, which means Gavin should be around here somewhere.

Man: “Looking for me?”

Turning, *and gasps at the huge, hunky man behind me* “If you’re Gavin, then why yes, I am. Keta told you I was coming right?”

*A nod* “Keta, she’s that sex author, right; the one who interviewed Sophia and me?”

“Yes, that’s her.”

“How do you pronounce her name anyway?”

“I believe it’s pronounced Kee-ta (rhymes with Cheetah).”

“And they say southern names are strange. *offers a wicked grin and a hand* “Yes, I’m Gavin Langdale. At your service ma’am.”

“Good. I promise I won’t take much of your time. I’m sure you want to get back to the lovely Sophia.” *Settling down on the wide veranda* “Okay, let’s cut to the chase, that is, the beginning of the story. From what I understand you fought for the Union in that horrific Civil War. Tell us why you returned to Sophia and Arbor Rose after—well, after your ordeal.

I had to speak with her about-well, about something terrible that happened at Spotsylvania. People say there are no coincidences in life; some even say everything in life is preordained. I’ve done a lot of thinking about those theories and I wish I had answers. I’d like to believe Jesse’s death was a quirk of fate or a satirical act of Satan’s doing. I loved Jesse, and so did Sophia.

Some say you’ve loved Sophia since childhood. Did you still love her even after she shot you?”

*a deep throaty laugh* “She shot me all right. Guess I should have waved or called out. Would have saved us both a lot of angst.” *a far-away look crosses his dark blue eyes* “I have loved Sophia since we were children. I can’t remember not loving the contrary woman.”

“Well it sounds like it was only fair she saved you after putting a bullet in your chest. But moving on, tell us what Sophia was like as a young girl? Was she a tomboy or the proper little lady?”

“Now that depends on who was looking at the time. Sophia tagged along with Jesse and me everywhere we went. And we didn’t have to look for trouble; it found us. We got a kick out of turning out the neighbor’s cows and shooing them down the road. We laughed like hyenas while tipping over privies and then there was the day Sophia almost drowned while we sailed the river in a raft Jesse and I built from hollow logs. *shakes his head with another laugh and then his expression turns somber* But when Sophia was around the elders, she acted like a proper young lady of the South. Guess you have to live here to understand what’s expected from the refined elite of the gentry.”

“A little birdie told me Sophia loves to dance. What is the Samba-de-Roda and has she ever tempted you to dance with her?”

“I’ve never seen anyone dance like Sophia, except for the darkies. That’s who taught her the Samba-de-Roda. Nap and Brister say the samba originated in Africa and Brazil. The slaves brought it to the Continent like they did many of their customs. They dance in a circle to the beat of a drum and often sing and clap while they dance. And yes, Sophia has asked many times to join her, but . . .” *he looks down at the ground and points* “Two left feet. I don’t fancy making a fool of myself.”

“And who’s this shaggy fellow?” *holds out hand to approaching dog* “Is this the infamous Ricochet? From my understanding you trained him? I bet that’s come in handy a time or two. Why does Sophia call him a deserter? He sounds like a loyal, lovable wolfhound. “

“That’s Ricochet, all right. I taught him how to knock a man from his mount before I left for the war. Damn, if he didn’t remember when I returned. Sophia has called him a defector or a traitor at times, but she’s just jealous of the attention I give the hound.” *leans forward and murmurs* “She likes to be the center of attention if you know what I mean. Deep down, like me, she loves Ricochet. He’s saved her sorry ass almost as many times as I have. Damn, that woman attracts trouble like tics on a dog.”

What a brave fellow, a definite hero, our Ricochet. *shifting in chair* Was he there the night Sophia lost her sight? That’s a double whammy, her going blind and finding out about Jesse. Isn’t that the night you told her what really happened to Jesse and why you came back? “

“Do we have to talk about the night of Sophia’s accident and Jesse’s . . . well, his accident too? I think you should read the book Keta wrote. She covers the incident on the battlefield with Jesse and the night Billy Cooper set Arbor Rose on fire. I get all riled when I think about those things and think it’s best to leave it alone.”

Very well, I’ll spread the word about Land of Falling Stars. *leans in and lowers voice* “I hate to ask about Mule Copper – that horrid man – but why do you think he possessed so much evil in his heart?

“I knew Mule since I was a yonker. He was mean then too. Sophia’s Pa hired him as overseer at Arbor Rose and thanks to Mule, Rueben didn’t live long enough to regret it.

“I hear on your trip to Boston, you met up with a caravan of Gypsies. Do tell us about them.”

Three words describe the misunderstood Romani people – colorful, hard-working and loyal. Sophia and I have many fond memories from our stay with Vandlo’s people, despite the troubles dogging us at the time.

“Ultimately, despite everything, you leave Sophia in Baltimore, that must have been very hard. What kept you going during the time you were apart? And what made you decide to go back after her?

The hardest decision I ever made was to leave her at the school – in the hands of strangers, but I was left with few choices at the time. I kept going one day at a time, with one purpose in mind – give back to Sophia what she lost because of the war. I went back to bring her home to Arbor Rose. And . . . because I love her, always have.

“Ah the ultimate love trumps all! Thank you for answering my questions, Gavin. *peeks around Gavin’s shoulder* “I do believe the enigmatic Sophia is calling you to dinner, and I must be off myself.”

“Goodbye, ma’am and thank you for visiting Arbor Rose.” *rises from the chair and bows at the waist again* “Come back anytime.” *pauses briefly* “Do you think that writer woman will write another story about us?”

“Could be, Gavin. Tell you what, I’ll ask her the minute I get back.”

LAND OF FALLING STARS

* 25 Five Star Reviews

Awarded

* Recommended Read

* Best Book of the Month

* Top Reviewer's Pick

BUY LOFS HERE:

Nook: http://bit.ly/swkBZH

Kindle: http://amzn.to/w4Vlga

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Monday, December 19, 2011

New Review for Holding On To Heaven - 5 Stars

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The Wytch's Mirror review: ★★★★★

Erotic. Two sisters, twins. Two paths, two lives and two societies, one gentle and refined while a piece of heaven to hold on to waits in the rugged wilds.

War changes lives. War changes everything. War and wars, the battles fought between men and the battles of the heart will dictate these characters, their lives and their story.

Lauren and Creed. ~When their passion exploded for the first time, when her passion exploded for the first time, it matched the wilds of that land. It had to be there, in that rugged forsaken place with a man equally so. By no other terms could her heart have been held captive, and by no other terms could she have lost herself to another in such a way.

Sage and Wanapaya. ~Native. Earthly. Mystical and Spiritual. Sizzling. Disciplined.

Lauren's fate, or destiny to leave the comforts of her home in Carolina to touch a real piece of heaven, and in doing so she truly did. In all of Lauren's reality it was the war starting in the South that gave cause for her to venture out and away from 'home', and it would be that very war that would tear her new found world apart. Another kind of war would rip at her very essence and test the core of her bindings. It is the war of the heart that in the end will set her free to live and love.

Sage's world seemingly to her is known and undisturbed, until something, only a hint is revealed opening to her a question. When time is ready, more is shown and thankfully for the love and grace that her life has supplied, she takes what is given.

What we the readers will be left with is the tugging and needing to know... where will Brand fare in the ravage battle between men, and will Lauren allow Creed to love her as he wants to and as Lauren so deserves.

Lauren finds a sister. Sage finds a father and family. In their discoveries, they find each other and a life that was stolen from them. The hell that reins during these discoveries will manifest more feelings and encounters than either could have dreamed or imagined. Both women face dire straights that surely test who they are.

My Favorite Quote

"Men and their wars." Unshed tears gleamed in Lauren's eyes. "They leave you no hope, nothing to hold on to."

There is great loss, tragedy, love, passion, and warmth with some cheerful moments. I wept at times and I absolutely loved Holding On To Heaven! I clung to every word and found it highly erotic where it needed to be, and extremely tasteful, written in a southern voice, with a matching charm. The characters seemed very true to that time period being the 1800's.

The erotic scenes are extremely hot and explicit love scenes. Keta Diablo filled the pages in between those erotic pleasures with such thrilling detail that I did not hunger for more. My mind was filled with the passion of the story itself, and that passion was driven from the depths of the characters. Although it is fiction, the time period is depicted true and well, making the fantasy seemingly possible. An absolutely wonderful erotic historical romance.

This has to be part one because the ending is wide open. In my opinion it ends perfectly though and leaves me now searching and waiting with desperation to read on.

* * *

BUY HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN HERE:

NOOK: http://bit.ly/vuWraC

Kindle: http://amzn.to/v03tFa

* * *

WATCH FOR THE SEQUEL - DARK NIGHT OF THE MOON,

A PARANORMAL WOLF SHAPESHIFTER COMING

TO A KINDLE AND NOOK NEAR YOU IN JANUARY!

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Welcome to STUFF YOUR STOCKING Blog Hop

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WELCOME TO THE STUFF YOUR STOCKING

BLOG HOP!

AN ALL WEEKEND EVENT

I can't even begin to tell you about
all the wonderful

bloggers and prizes in this event.

But I can direct you to the page that can!

GO HERE TO SEE COMPLETE LIST OF BLOGGERS AND PRIZES

But wait . . . before you leave don't forget to comment below.

I'm offering TWO FREE books (Winner's Choice)

You can find my books on the Left-hand
side bar of THIS BLOG.

*** You must FOLLOW Keta's Keep to be eligible! ***

So leave your name, letting me know you stopped by and your

e-mail (Note: Your e-mail will not be used or shared for any other event)

Course, you could sign up for my newsletter while you're here.

Good luck to everyone and don't forget to click on the link above

to visit ALL the bloggers participating.

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Labels: Stuff Your Stocking Hop |

24 comments

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Five Star Reviews This Week - SQUEEEE!

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Land of Falling Stars - Captivating and Sensually Moving!

Queen Tutt's World Reviews, ★★★★★

BUY ON KINDLE

BUY ON NOOK

Wow! This novel was such a moving and heart felt story. The story captivated me immediately just from the first paragraph. War is such a horrible time as the South and the North leave pillages of carnage behind in their wake, but that is not the worst of it when one is promised to marriage of one of the soldiers sent off to fight the war along and your childhood best friend is fighting on opposite side.

What you will find in this story is strength, survival, faithfulness, dedication, betrayal, love, friendship, healing, loneliness, death, and bitter sweet emotion that will take you on a ride between sorrow and bliss.

The connection between Sophia and Gavin is intense with a mixture of love and hate. Their erotic romance scene is sensually hot, tender at times, and wildly rough leaving the reader wonton themselves as the words come alive on the pages and leave vivid images to fantasize about.

I loved the independence of Sophia even through the turmoil she was put through and how she guarded her heart even though a mental blindness of accepting reality. Gavin is the savior every woman dreams of, a man bound by loyalty to follow his best friend’s promise, a man who would give the world to the woman he loves to make her happy, and a man that was resistible and insatiable.

There were times however that I just wanted to reach in and grab Sophia’s shoulders and shake the crap out of her. The drama in the book will definitely have you reeling with emotion as I felt happiness, sorrow, aroused, and even got teary eyed through parts of it.

I cannot forget about the loyalty of the wolf-hound in the story. He was the most trained and brilliant protector throughout the whole story. Also the gypsies won my heart immediately with their unconditional kindness and their magical faith of healing.

What can I say, I totally loved it! Definitely a book to keep on the shelf to read over and over again, therefore I highly recommend this historical read for all genre readers. I am truly a fan of Keta Diablo and look forward to reading more of her works. Excellent Read!

HERE'S FIVE STAR REVIEWS ON

CHASING LOVE & GUILTY PLEASURES

99 CENTS FOR TWO STORIES???

BUY ON KINDLE

BUY ON NOOK

Two For One by Keta Diablo

Chasing Love -★★★★★

Sexual: 5 flames, Erotic Horror

My review and opinion – "Wow! Excellent Writing! The story grabbed me from the first sentence, I literally couldn’t stop reading it. The characters came to life and were believable with the lust between them and innocence leading into a one night stand. The erotic scene was totally flaming hot and had me crossing my legs to hold down my arousal. Just when I thought this was a great one night stand you throw in a twister that reminded me of life’s reality in general warnings to be afraid of the crazy’s out in the world as it burst my happy ever after bubble and thrust me into horror. Damn, you Hooked, lined, and sinkered me. I’m still shaking from the thought of it. Absolutely superb writing!"

```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Guilty Pleasures ★★★★★

Sexual: 4 flames out of 5 flames.

Erotic BDSM - Teasingly Hot!

Wow, a great short BDSM adventure to dive your sexual mind’s appetite into. This sizzling fast pace page turner story will have your libido hungering for more in the end. Marriages can be trying especially after being married for a long time, however, just when you least expect it life can throw us a curve ball especially when it involves our sexual encounters. Great role playing as a Dom breaking in a new Sub. The characters connection and emotional feelings were captured beautifully and the erotic suspense of the teasing and bursting with frustrated arousal had me anxious for the characters release. The old saying “Save the Best for Last” is definitely the pure guaranteed satisfaction the author leaves us with in a mind blowing climax ending. Excellent Read!

STICK AROUND, THERE'S MORE

Booklover’s Hideaway Review – ★★★★★

FOR HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN

Genre: historical erotic romance set during the Civil War

When the blazing fires of revolt ravage the countryside, Lauren and Sage McCain are trapped amid the flames of destiny. The Civil War has crumbled a Nation, and the Dakota Sioux uprising has turned southern Minnesota into a violent battlefield. Holding on to Heaven is a story of love between two men and a woman, love between siblings, and love that crosses all boundaries and forges all cultures.

BUY ON NOOK

BUY ON KINDLE

Review:

As many of you know I am a fan of Keta's books and this book I have to say is my favorite so far. It basically has two stories in one book.- Creed/Lauren and Sage/Wanapaya - Two sisters that neither know that other exists until fate brings them together.

What an amazing concept! At least for me anyway, I am almost positive I hadn't read anything this unique in awhile. Problem is where to begin with this review, other than I just loved it so much.

I have to admit Lauren, I wanted to smack a few times, but to me that is definitely a good sign the author has written the character well enough for me to actually feel for these fictional people. All these characters I grew to love in this short amount of time. I hate to sound redundant, but that is one of the main things that grab me, if I can connect then I will want to see how their lives play out.

I laughed, cried (can't say why don't want to spoil it for you), and even screamed at the end..... It was definitely an ending I didn't see coming. Well part of it I did, just not all of it. I can't say more without giving anything away. Okay I rambled enough , if you have read Keta's books before then you have to read this one and if you haven't then I say what are you waiting for.??

MY HUMBLE THANKS TO QUEEN TUTT AND BOOK LOVER'S HIDEAWAY!

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The Lovely Renee Vincent Is In The Keep Today!

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Posted by Keta Diablo |

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See, I told you she was lovely! And how about that killer smile?

And I love, love the cover to her new book.

Blurb:

Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.

For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.

Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.

Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK

AMAZON PRINT

AMAZON KINDLE

NOOK

TURQUOISE MORNING PRESS

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

SMASHWORDS

BOOKSTRAND

Excerpt:

Leif laughed inwardly as he heard the lock engage. Lorraine was definitely an odd sort of female, with all her outlandish outbursts and peculiar reactions, but no less interesting. She had this way about her that made him pay close attention, made him want to pay close attention, else he might miss something. No woman had ever been able to do that to him.

He was not a man easily beguiled. ‘Exceedingly picky’ were Kristoff’s words on many occasions when they could’ve had a few choice opportunities with several of the women who entered Tí Joe Mac’s Pub in Kilronan. But he always found a way to stay clear of them. Either their hair was too short, their fingers too long, or they were excessively giggly over anyone who spoke Gaelic to them. No matter how beautiful they were to the eye, Leif always managed to find some flaw, an imperfection he couldn’t get passed.

The only imperfection Lorraine possessed, if he could call it that, was being unreadable. Even then, he couldn’t rightfully hold it against her. He was glad that she left him guessing, left him wondering what she’d say or do next. Every time he spoke to her, he had no idea what would come out of her mouth.

And what a pretty mouth it was.

Her lips were a delicate shade of rose and looked just as supple as the petals from which its color derived. He imagined they felt as soft and delicate in a kiss, and longed to taste them, to press his lips against her and savor every blessed moment of it while watching her eyes close in automatic response.

Oh, those eyes…

Their exquisite brilliance utterly entranced him. He couldn’t look away no matter how hard he tried. They shone as bright and vivid as the intrinsic color of an emerald, with flecks of lighter green pigments fissuring throughout.

Though he’d stared at them as if they were rare jewels tucked within the hilt of a Viking warrior’s ceremonially-bent sword, uncovered from a sacred burial site, he couldn’t help but feel he was gazing into something he’d known and seen before. Words could not describe what he felt, except that his longing was innate—as if her eyes and all its wonders had been engraved on him from years past.

Again, he laughed inwardly, reminding himself that his entire week had fallen into the epitome of the absurd. Between finding the carved chest of treasured antiquities buried beneath his porch to having a gorgeous woman bathe in his home, he could hardly believe his bizarre stroke of luck.

He quickly left the hallway and entered the kitchen, flipping the nearly burned fish in the pan. The unrelenting vision of her slick wet body clung to him like a wet blanket, drenched with his own lustful musings of what she’d feel like if he dared to touch her. At least, he was glad to know he was still a red-blooded man. As many times as Kristoff had ridiculed him for his lack of interest, tonight he didn’t have to ponder his gender. It was as plain as the nose on his face, and stuck out a bit further than he cared to admit.

Reaching down, he shifted himself, trying to award his erection some more room in his jeans, while cursing it all the same. “Now is not the time.”

“Not the time for what? Dinner?”

Leif turned at the sound of Lorraine’s voice, not expecting anyone to be behind him, and almost knocked the pan off the stove. He caught it by the handle, fortunately, steadying it before it slid off the edge.

“I take it you’re not used to a woman in your home,” she stated discernibly.

Heaving a sigh, he smiled. “How was your shower?”

“Exhilarating.”

I’m sure it was. “Good.” He rallied his best casual voice and turned back to the fish, still simmering on the stove. As he resumed cooking, he secretly regarded the way the small swell of her breasts put curves in his oversized T-shirt that her raincoat had once hidden. Though her dainty figure had been virtually swallowed up by his cotton drawstring sweats, he knew somewhere beneath all that fabric was an enticing set of feminine curves.

“Since my clothes were still damp, I hung them over the shower rod to dry,” she confessed. “I hope that’s all right.”

His grip tightened on the handle. The image of a lace-lined bra and delicate panties, hanging in his bathroom flashed in his mind and he could do little about the smile teasing the corners of his lips. Without facing her, he shrugged his shoulders, pretending he hardly cared and changed the subject. “I hope you’re hungry,” he replied, fisting a quartered lemon above the pan-seared cod and dousing it with lemon juice. “I’ve made enough for the whole village it seems.”

He thought he heard a slight chuckle, regretting that he’d probably missed the first opportunity to see her smile. But he kept to his mission of transferring the food to the two plates sitting on the adjacent counter. That little feat required more of his attention given he wasn’t much of a practiced chef.

“It smells delicious.”

Adding the final touches to the plate with a few island flowers he’d picked days ago—only because he heard from the more experienced chefs in Dublin’s pricey restaurants that presentation was everything—and a slice of soda bread on top, he turned around and caught her looking at him. Her eyes, however, did not meet his until they jumped up from a lower direction.

She cleared her voice and looked away, feigning that she had ever been looking at his arse. Leif was not a stupid man, nor did things often get passed him, but for her sake, he acted as if he were none the wiser.

“Please. Have a seat.”

She did as he suggested, wringing her hands in the extra T-shirt cloth at her waist.

She’s still nervous.

For that reason, he sat in the seat directly across from her instead of next to her where they could share the same corner of the table. Disappointed as he was, he refused to show it, keeping a keen eye on her facial expressions and body posture. At the present, she sat stiff-backed in the chair, her eyes fixed on the bounty of food he placed in front of her.

A quick grin teased her lips when she saw the white and yellow daisy garnishing the corner of her plate. She never said a word in regards to his makeshift embellishment, but the smile that hung about thereafter was enough for him.

She didn’t waste any time taking her first bite, closing her eyes as she pulled the fork from her mouth. Her shoulders melted and a slight hum reverberated from her lips.

“Does that mean it’s good?”

“Are you kidding?” she asked, her eyes nervously diverting from his the moment they met. “This is the best pan-seared fish I’ve ever had.”

He shook his head, forking his first bite. “Now I’m convinced you have a concussion.”

“I’m serious. I’ve never had fish like this before. Most times it’s fried to a crisp or bland as hell.”

“Well, I don’t know much about Kentucky, but I believe they’re known for their horses, not herbs.” He took another generous bite and waited. “That wasn’t funny?”

She mildly smiled and stuffed a piece of bread in her mouth. “You make a better cook than a comedian.”

“Ah, look at that. Give the small town Kentucky girl a hot shower and some food and she’s as good as new.”

Another smile. That one he was sure to catch.

“I don’t know about all that,” she replied uncertainly.

“Well, you’re gaining a bit of confidence. It’s good to know you’re less fearful of me.”

Her hand froze, her fork stuck in another cut of fish. “I don’t fear you, Leif. I just don’t know you.”

He set his utensil down and crossed his arms, eager to finally delve into a meaningful discussion. “What is it you’d like to know?”

I shied from his intrusive eyes, feeling the heat of his stare setting me ablaze.

He leaned in. “I know you are avoiding me because you feel ‘tis right. ‘Tis moral. ‘Tis safer. But you needn’t fear me.”

I took a deep breath. “I fear you not, Dægan. I simply know not enough about you.”

His face recoiled slightly as if my choice of words had stunned him. He released me and crossed his arms in front of him. “What would you like to know?”

“Rain?”

Leif’s voice caught her off guard and she looked around, confused, the name Dægan echoing in her ears. She blinked, staring at the man across from her, his face illustrating as much bewilderment as her own.

“You all right?” he asked, reaching for her hand.

Instantly, she pulled away, trying to gather her wits. It seemed she’d hear Leif’s words in the same minute she’d hear the exact same thing from a man by the name of Dægan.

What the hell was wrong with her? Why did she keep seeing things that weren’t really there or hear conversations from an unknown past, which were so akin to what she was talking about now?

“You blacked out for a moment,” he explained.

“I did?” The question came out of her mouth even though she knew she had gone somewhere else, somewhere that seemed like memories. It was as if she were having personal recollections of long ago, which involved her and a Norse warrior in some uncanny fashion.

“Yeah, you did. I asked you what you wanted to know about me, and suddenly, your eyes glazed over. You stared straight forward, but focused on nothing. Are you sure you’re all right? Perhaps we need to wake up the good doc.”

She fidgeted in her chair. The thought of a doctor looking her over and determining she was categorically crazy was not in her vacation plans. She tried to go back to her normal routine of eating, forking another bite of fish to prove to him, if not herself, he was overreacting. “Really, I’m fine. You shouldn’t worry. I just need to finish eating and get some rest. I’ve had a long day.”

Again, he didn’t look convinced. But what else could she say? She was as lost as he was when it came to her “blacking out” and no amount of pondering it could procure a logical explanation.

For the rest of the meal, they both lost their tongues for small talk and the only sound heard was the casual clinking of silverware on their plates. It was just as well, since neither seemed to know what to say anyway. Despite the great food and warm hospitality Leif had provided her, Lorraine wanted nothing more than to be alone. To lie down with her thoughts and hopefully be exhausted enough to sleep.

She prayed for sleep. Sleep without dreams. Somehow, as she glanced over at Leif looking at her in the most concerned way, she didn’t think she’d get her wish.

About The Author:

I am an author with a passionate interest in Irish and Norse history. I live in the rolling hills of Kentucky with my husband and two children on a beautiful secluded farm of horses and hay fields.

When I am not writing, I love to spend my time on the back of a horse, whether with my family or with my friends. There is nothing like feeling the sunlight on your face, the wind in your hair, and the power of the animal beneath you as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. Seeing the world from a saddle is, by far, the best view and the best therapy for a heavy heart or a troubled mind. My therapist's name, or my horse's, rather, is "Statues Suddenly Lucky", a full-blooded Tennessee Walker, and of course, he goes by the name of Lucky for short.

I am a sucker for a good cup of coffee (lots of cream and sugar...and whipped cream if I can get my hands on it), great conversation, and a lilting Irish accent. I love to read and I can't resist watching great epic historical movies.

FIND RENEE HERE:

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