Tour + Review and Giveaway: Queens of Innis Lear

Queens of Innis Lear

A kingdom at risk, a crown divided, a family drenched in blood.

The erratic decisions of a prophecy-obsessed king have drained Innis Lear of its wild magic, leaving behind a trail of barren crops and despondent subjects. Enemy nations circle the once-bountiful isle, sensing its growing vulnerability, hungry to control the ideal port for all trade routes.

The king's three daughters—battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan, and restrained, starblessed Elia—know the realm's only chance of resurrection is to crown a new sovereign, proving a strong hand can resurrect magic and defend itself. But their father will not choose an heir until the longest night of the year, when prophecies align and a poison ritual can be enacted.

Refusing to leave their future in the hands of blind faith, the daughters of Innis Lear prepare for war—but regardless of who wins the crown, the shores of Innis will weep the blood of a house divided. 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for THE QUEENS OF INNIS LEAR

“I adore this—rich, epic, blood-soaked—a glorious and grand sweeping fantasy.” —Kate Elliott, author of The Poisoned Blade

“A gloriously symphonic, thematically rich variation on the story of the daughters of Lear. The danger of seeking certainty makes this a tale for our time; the power of truth and mercy makes it a tale for all times. Prepare to devour every word, for Innis Lear will consume you.” —Karen Lord, author of Redemption in Indigo

"Messy, beautiful, and dark, darker than Shakespeare could have dreamed." —E. K. Johnston, author of Star Wars: Ahsoka

Review:
4 Stars

Queen of Innis Lear was an amazing fantasy novel about three sisters who all want the throne. And to get the throne they each have different methods of how that should go about.

I really loved the novel. I thought all of he characters were unique and well written, and even though I did have a favorite, I did like all of them. And it had a lot to do with how the author had developed the characters.

I would highly recommend this novel if you are a fan of fantasy, and maybe if you are a fan of the Three Dark Crowns trilogy (?), which is haven’t read but just had a feeling hat I would like that book after reading this one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Gratton is the Associate Director of Madcap Retreats and the author of the Blood Journals Series and Gods of New Asgard Series, co-author of YA writing books The Curiosities and The Anatomy of Curiosity, as well as dozens of short stories available in anthologies and on merryfates.com. Though she’s lived all over the world, she’s finally returned to her prairie roots in Kansas with her wife. Her current projects include Tremontaineat Serial Box Publishing, YA Fantasy Strange Grace coming in 2018, and her adult fantasy debut, The Queens of Innis Lear, from Tor March 27, 2018. Visit her at tessagratton.com

Photo Content from Tessa Gratton

WEBSITE: http://tessagratton.com/tessa/index.html

TWITTER:  @tessagratton

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3111338.Tessa_Gratton

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TessaGrattonWriter/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/tessa.gratton/

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- 5 Winners will receive a Copy of THE QUEENS OF INNIS LEAR by Tessa Gratton.

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ENDS: APRIL 14, 2018

Blitz + Excerpt, Teaser, and Giveaway: Don't Look at Me by J.P. Grider

Don’t Look at Me
J.P. Grider
Publication date: March 29th 2018
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Suspense

Haven:
A diligent hand carved this hole in my face.
It stole my confidence, my identity, and ended my short-lived career as a broadcast journalist.
I am now unemployed. Alone. Ugly.
And expected to get over it and move on.
Go on living life as usual—as if the world doesn’t judge the grotesquely unattractive. 

Quest:
It’s been three years since I was kicked out of the Army for nearly killing the opposition’s militia commander with my bare hands.
I am now unemployed. Alone. Angry.
And expected to forget the nightmares that hold me hostage and move on.
Go on living life as usual—as if the world doesn’t judge a dishonorably discharged ex-soldier.
Don’t Look at Me is a modern-day Beauty and the Beast tale—reversed and twisted. Because even the ugly need a good story, and even the beautiful are ugly deep down.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

(I know all too well that transitions are difficult)

When I moved to Jersey from California, I had no idea that days would go by where I wouldn’t think of the incident that led to my being other-than-honorably discharged. For me, the events of that night have been branded into my brain—the consistent nightmares the hot iron that won’t let the scars heal. But since finding out about Haven’s attack, I find myself thinking about her more and more—why was she walking alone in the middle of the night? What was going through her mind when she was so viciously attacked? What is going through her mind now? Was she raped? It isn’t part of the slasher’s modus operandi to sexually assault his attackers, but he also doesn’t carve out whole sections of skin in the faces of his victims. According to reports I’ve read over and over online since learning of Haven’s attack, his approach is to leave two parallel slash marks down the right side of his victims’ cheek. From what I could see in the dark, the heft of Haven’s lacerations are on the left side of her face. It doesn’t make sense. The Stratford Slasher has only attacked each of his victims once, but if Haven’s wounds weren’t inflicted by this same man, could the one that did hurt her return to finish the job? I wish she’d take me up on my offer to help me in the store. Then I could keep an eye on her and make sure that doesn’t happen. But she barely stays on the phone with me for two minutes when I call her to ask. And the only time she’s ever called me was to thank me for the supplies she very much needed during the storm two weeks ago. I know she has a lot to work through since her attack, but I wish she’d let me help her to get through this transition from on-air personality to whatever she needs to do next. Because I know all too well that transitions are difficult. Especially when that transition requires living an entirely different life than before.
With Haven at the forefront of my mind, I can’t help but blurt out a question during one of our group sessions. “How can I help a friend who doesn’t seem to want my help?”
“You don’t,” Warren says at the same time Mary asks, “What kind of help does your friend need?”
“She needs help getting her life back. It was pretty much taken from her when some loser used her face as a canvas to do with as he pleased.”
“Poor girl,” Mary says while the others mumble something similar.
“And now she won’t go out in public. She has her food delivered to her. She only goes out in the middle of the night, wearing a getup she thinks hides her face.”
“Does she trust you to help her, Quest?” Mary leans forward, crossing her hands over her lap. Mary’s name suits her. She’s kind, soft-spoken, and nurturing. The Virgin Mary, my mother would say. The Mother of all mothers.
I answer honestly. “She hasn’t known me long enough.”
“Until she can trust you, I don’t think she’s going to accept your help. Is she getting counseling?”
“I don’t think so.”
“It sounds like she could use some professional counseling, but would she be open-minded about giving this group a chance? To get her headed in the right direction?”
My eyes go to the fluorescent lights on the ceiling. “I doubt it.”
“Then, just be her friend. Don’t try to help her overcome this, just be there for her until she finds her way.”
So, that’s what I resolve to do. Be her friend.

Author Bio:

J.P. Grider is a New Adult/Young Adult author who is a sucker for a good love story—whether it's reading one or writing one. And when she's not reading or writing a fairy tale, she's living one with her husband, four children, and her little Auggie Doggie. 

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Blitz + Excerpt, Teaser, and Giveaway: Unravel by Aashna K.

Unravel
Aashna K.
(The Love Undone Series, # 1)
Publication date: March 27th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Unravel!
One Moment
That’s all it took for her life spiral out of her carefully crafted control.
One Encounter
That’s all it took for her to fall. Fall into the chasms of her dreams and Unravel.
~~~
With life betraying her plans and a future unyielding to her ambitions, Vienna Roy is at the most crucial crossroads of her life. Not wanting to look back and dishearten her already defeated heart, she accepts a challenge and starts afresh.
A new job, a new city and a new lease on life seems perfect, but it’s far from that. It’s a prismatic trap set by fate to lure her back to a time she has unwillingly left behind. Right back to him, the man in her dreams.
Kingston Sharp.
He’s a man of many talents. Fearless, Formidable, and charismatic, he blazes through every challenge that comes his way. He is a hard man to beat, and a harder one to forget. But behind the rock solid persona, lays the heart of a man who has been scarred, who has lost a lot in a very little time.
Putting in his all, he’s finally dealt with his past, shoving it in a dark corner of his heart. Forging forward, he forgets, only to find himself face to face with the one person who started it all. Her.
As the ghost of their past ignites its fury of passion, the best laid plans crumble and burn out. The inferno of their yesterday leaves nothing for them to control, ripping their hearts out. Fate makes its play, destiny intervenes and a love they never seized starts to Unravel!

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT:

I closed my eyes and prayed, for an anchor, for a distraction, for a way to make it through.
“Why don’t we start with the meeting without wasting more time? I bet you all have things you need to get done.”
My eyes flew open, forgetting everything, wanting nothing more than to look in the direction of his voice. He walked past me toward his chair at the head of the table.
I couldn’t look away, absorbing every detail.
A full head of luxurious brown hair, cut to finesse, swayed gently as he moved, highlighting the natural shades of his hair in the sunlight peeking through the blinds.
He was wearing a white shirt, covered by a dark charcoal suit that accentuated his broad muscular shoulders.
The jacket did nothing to hide the form of his well-sculpted body, making it more prominent, presenting a perfect tease to the spectator.
Recalcitrant eyes travelled lower, following his footsteps, wholly captured by his presence.
A taut derriere flaunted long, lean legs that carried him with utmost confidence and surety to his chair.
I was captivated.
Everything around me became slow, too heightened, and nothing but my heart and his presence, his evasive, invasive presence mattered in this moment.
I observed everything about him, forgetting my entire existence. Such was my obsession with a stranger I didn’t know. I wanted to know him like the emotion that lived within me, that withering throb of emptiness. I wanted him to be the oasis that washed over the Sahara of my battered heart. I wanted to be set free.
And even without reason, from within the deep recesses of my fragile, empty existence, a voice boomed with utmost surety, stating this known stranger to be my demise…and my rebirth.
My eyes locked onto his neck, reveling in his very life force, the beat of his pulse as he adjusted his collar. What I felt for him was so carnal…I craved him, as he reached out to grab the arm of the chair, wanting nothing more than to be ravished by his touch.
I wanted to be the object of his affection.

Author Bio:

Aashna K is an up and coming author, who loves writing about love. Ever since she was a teenager, love stories have fueled her imagination, so finally, after over a decade of daydreaming and brainstorming, she took the plunge and grabbed the metaphorical pen and started writing. She enjoys writing stories about first love and second chances, and always gravitates towards characters that are strong, stubborn, and know who they are. Conflict and passion drives her stories and a strong pair of protagonists, makes the book.
Apart from writing she enjoys travelling, cooking and being silly with her husband and rambunctious Brittany spaniel. 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram

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Blitz + Teaser, Excerpt, and Giveaway: Avalanche by Cambria Hebert

Avalanche
Cambria Hebert
(BearPaw Resort, #1)
Publication date: March 26th 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Thriller

Don’t get caught in the surge.
Through a bullet hole in a wall, I watch a man bleed to death.
Those responsible think their crime died with the victim, until I identify them.
What’s a girl to do when she’s being hunted by murderers
witness protection can’t even stop?
Run.
My only refuge is a place I vowed to never go again.
When it’s do or die, an eight-year-old heartache suddenly seems trivial.
Besides, he won’t be there anyway.
But he is.
Turns out my old pain feels brand new the second his eyes meet mine.
I can’t leave. I can’t stay.
This snowy town that’s supposed to be my shelter
suddenly exposes me more than before.
With no one else to lean on, Liam becomes my lifeline.
Now we’re both running for our lives,
trying not to get swept away.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

Bellamy
Breathing was something my body forgot how to do. An automatic action that suddenly became something so very complicated.
“Liam,” I said, the word low and strained. It used up the very last bit of my oxygen.
His hands flexed again, still holding on to my arms.
That was the problem. The reason my lungs were burning and my sight was blurred. He was touching me.
I wrenched away, nearly tripping. He reached to steady me again, but I made a strangled sound, and he stopped.
The second there was some precious space between us, I sucked in a ragged breath. Then another.
“You’re here,” he rasped.
“You weren’t supposed to be.”
He smiled. Oh, why did he have to do that? The dimple in his chin appeared, and my knees started to shake.
Eight years. Even after eight years, he still reduced me to putty.
“Thought about me, did you?”
Every. Single. Day.
“Of course not.” I drew myself up, wrapping my arms around my body. Oh God, I looked a mess. I was dressed like a homeless person…
Oh God, I was a homeless person.
And I’d come here.
This was a very, very bad choice.
He stepped forward, and I took a step back. Liam frowned, and my eyes raked over his face, taking in his features, noting the way he’d changed over the years.
He was bigger now. So much bigger. His hair wasn’t as long as it used to be. Eight years ago, it was so long he could pull it into a short ponytail at the base of his neck. He said he liked it that way because it drove his father crazy. Now it was shorter on the sides but still long enough to run your fingers through.
His jaw was more chiseled. Light-colored hair filled it out, defined it even more. And his eyes.
Oh, his eyes.
Still the same stormy gray, the same depths I could get lost in for hours. They were wiser now. Almost more hawk-like, as if he could penetrate even my deepest of secrets with that stare.
The trembling in my knees moved to my hands. I stood there staring at him, unable to speak, looking like a homeless woman and trembling like a mouse caught out in the cold.
“Is your father with you?” he asked.
The words were like a knife right to my chest. I actually winced when he said them.
After my throat worked, I managed to reply. “Um, no. I’m alone.”
He frowned. He was starting to see something wasn’t right. He would know if I stood in front of him any longer.
There was something about Liam Mattison that managed to strip me bare.
I thought it had been because I was sixteen. But here I was at the age of twenty-four, and I knew it hadn’t been my age.
It was him.
“Ms. Lane,” the concierge spoke from somewhere behind. “I spoke to the manager, and I’m sorry, but there isn’t anything we can—”
I spun. “It’s okay!” I cut him off instantly, wishing I could have done it sooner.
“Manager?” Liam wondered from behind.
Of course he’d heard.
The man glanced behind me, his eyes widening a fraction.
“What’s this about a manager, Kenny?”
His eyes flickered to me, and I shook my head, begging him to shut up.
“Who runs this place?” Liam snapped.
I gasped. “You run BearPaw now?”
“Yes,” Liam replied with all the confidence in the world.
“What about your father?” Kenny wondered behind us.
“Why did you need a manager?” Liam asked, ignoring what he said.
“I… ah…” I began, then went for my bag I’d dropped on the floor. “I should be going.”
“Like hell,” Liam growled, grabbing my arm again. His hold was firm, but it didn’t hurt.
And damn if I stopped breathing again.
“Please don’t touch me.” I gasped.
Liam frowned but let go. “Stay,” he ordered.

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).
Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC. 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

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Tour + Review and Giveaway: Unbound by Kimberly Derting

Unbound by Kimberly Derting

Do opposites really attract?

Emerson Monroe McLean is a true Texan through and through. But she's never wanted to be like the other girls she grew up with, the ones who view debutante balls and sororities as stepping-stones to landing the perfect husband.

Yet everyone underestimates Em. When they look at the leggy blonde, all they see is a serial-dater who leaves a string of broken hearts in her wake. What people don’t realize is that keeping guys at arms length is more than just about having a good time; it’s a deep-rooted defense mechanism. 

Lucas Harper is California born and bred. The product of his wealthy upbringing and an overbearing mother, Lucas has always been told where to be and when to be there. But after his older brother’s death, Lucas is tired of being a puppet.

Taking a break to figure out what he wants out of life, he moves to West Beach to spend the summer surfing. It’s there that he meets Emerson McLean, the free-spirited beauty who lures him into her bed. Refusing to be tied down, she’s unlike any girl he’s ever known.

Can they find common ground...or will their differences tear them apart?

Their chemistry is undeniable. There’s only one hitch: Lucas already has a fiancée. And when she lands on his doorstep, Emerson realizes that for the first time in her life, she has genuine feelings for a guy.

With her heart on the line, Emerson discovers that, win or lose, she isn’t the kind of girl to play by the rules.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for UNDRESSED

"Falling in love has never felt so good. With the warmth of the sun, and the sand between your toes, Derting takes you on the summer you always imagined with Undressed." ―Heidi McLaughlin, NY Times bestselling author of Forever My Girl (soon to be a major motion picture)

Praise for KIMBERLY DERTING 

"A strong debut from a promising author." ―Publishers Weekly (The Body Finder)

"If you're in the mood for some psychological thrillers, evil masterminds, strong heroines and hot heroes, then I'd definitely pick up the Body Finder series." ―USA Today (The Body Finder)

"...fast-paced and engrossing." ―VOYA (The Pledge)

"As always, this author writes a gripping tale...With another sequel set up, this intriguing series continues to provide great entertainment for suspense fans." ―Kirkus Reviews (The Last Echo)

"...a refreshing take on paranormal romance..." ―Romantic Times (The Body Finder)

"More great suspense from a prolific new writer with a vibrant imagination." ―Kirkus Reviews (The Pledge)

Review:
4 stars

Unbound by Kimberly Derting is the second book in the Men of West Beach series, and although it is a sequel, it can be read as a stand-alone. I have only read Unbound in this series, but after finishing this book, it has definitely made me want to go back and read the first book in the series. This is a book that you could get completely enraptured in with the well-written, likable characters, and the plot.

I loved both Emerson and Lucas, and I thought the chemistry between them was real and believable. It was interesting to see their relationship and how it changed and grew in this novel. It was a great contemporary romance with the characters already in a relationship at the beginning of the novel. I was very satisfied with how the story progressed, and how the book ended.

I would highly recommend this novel if you are a fan of contemporary romance. It was absolutely amazing, and I look forward to getting my hands on Undressed, and other novels by Kimberly Derting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Derting is the author of the award-winning THE BODY FINDER series, THE PLEDGE trilogy, THE TAKING trilogy, and UNDRESSED (her first book in The Men Of West Beach series). Her books have been translated into 15 languages, and both THE BODY FINDER and THE PLEDGE were YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selections. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where the gloomy weather is ideal for writing anything dark and creepy. Her three beautiful (and often mouthy) children serve as an endless source of inspiration and frequently find the things they say buried in the pages of their mother's books, or on Twitter for the world to see.

Photo Content from Kimberly Derting

WEBSITE: https://www.kimberlyderting.com/

TWITTER:  @kimberlyderting

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2755160.Kimberly_Derting

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlyderting/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyderting/

GIVEAWAY:

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- 5 Winners will receive a Copy of UNBOUND by Kimberly Derting.

- 1 Winner will receive a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card.

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ENDS: APRIL 13, 2018

Tour + Review and Giveaway: Snow White Effect by A.K. Mills

Title: THE SNOW WHITE EFFECT

Author: A.K. Mills

Pub. Date: March 27, 2018

Publisher: Dark Wolf Publications

Pages: 358

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon

Dale knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Cindy from the first moment he saw her.
Forty years later, nothing has changed. She is his best friend, his soul. When she dies shortly after
having an elective procedure at Kendal Slate Memorial Hospital, he is left heartbroken with a million
unanswered questions. Dale may not have a fancy medical degree, but he is convinced medical
malpractice killed his wife.

At thirty-eight years old with four children and a promising medical career, Emma Speck is living her
dream. Being a doctor married to a surgeon, she finds comfort and normalcy in their hectic lifestyle.
When her beloved life of chaos is brought to a screeching halt after she receives a phone call no one
ever wants to get, Emma is forced to question everything she once believed in.

Surgical department chair at Kendal Slate Memorial Hospital, Richard Oakley makes no apologies for
his successes or failures. When his department comes under fire for harming patients, his attitude is no
different; medicine isn’t perfect. Despite his attempts to ignore the meritless accusations, they’re not
going away. In fact, the accusations are mounting, bringing with them elements of his past he had
hoped to keep suppressed.

Having children was always a part of Addison’s plan. However, after suffering a miscarriage that nearly
killed her, Addison decides it’s time to stop trying to get pregnant. Instead, she opts for a surgical
procedure that will end her hopes of conception. The surgery, unlike her fertility, is straight forward
and safe. The hospital, Kendal Slate Memorial, is reputable. Why wouldn’t she trust her doctor?

Four individuals. One hospital ignoring the truth. In this case, what you don’t know can kill you.

About A.K.:

A native of Pennsylvania, A.K. Millsgave up a job in Information Systems to pursue her dream of
becoming an author. The Parts I Remember was published in 2013.  The sequel, The Parts That
Followed was published in 2014. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and two
dogs.

Website | Goodreads

Review:

4 stars

I really enjoyed reading Snow White Effect by A.K. Mills because it wasn't like most books that I pick up. Usually, I stay away from any books that have a medical focus because it doesn't typically interest me, but this one stood out to me, and I was glad I decided to read it.

This was a blend of tragedy and love, and it's relatable with the plot and the characters. I thought all four individual characters stood out distinctly from one another, and all of their stories were intriguing, and flowed well together to make the whole story.

I would highly recommend this novel.

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2711/

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/19/2018- The Book Girl- Interview

3/20/2018- Savings in Seconds- Review

3/21/2018- Caffeine And Composition- Excerpt

3/22/2018- Cindy's Love of Books- Review

3/23/2018- Reading for the Stars and Moon- Review

Week Two:

3/26/2018- Don't Judge, Read- Review

3/27/2018- Rainy Day Reviews- Review

3/28/2018- Lattes & Paperbacks- Review

3/29/2018- Bookhounds- Interview

3/30/2018- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

Blitz + Excerpt and Giveaway: Truthseeker by Heidi Catherine

The Truthseeker
Heidi Catherine
(The Soulweaver Series, #2)
Publication date: March 19th 2018
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Can she learn to forgive before her time runs out again? Or will the truth destroy her?
Maari doesn’t care that Nax is an outcast. She’s drawn to him in a way she can’t explain, determined to teach him to embrace the strange world they live in. But just as his heart opens wide, a force greater than them threatens to tear them apart.
Nax and Maari travel to the depths of the ocean to visit an old woman known as the Truthseeker. She unravels the mystery behind their connection, and warns them to run as far away from each other as they can. But staying away isn’t possible when you’ve found the person who brings your soul to life.
Far away, two sisters are born into extreme poverty, quickly discovering the key to their survival is their strength together. It isn’t until one sister threatens to steal away the love of the other that their bond shatters, and a true struggle for survival begins.
As these two stories merge into one, we learn that when soulmates meet, there’s nothing that can keep them apart. Except love.
The Truthseeker is the stunning continuation of The Soulweaver, winner of Romance Writers of Australia’s Emerald Pro award.

Goodreads / Amazon

Sequel to:

EXCERPT:

A bony hand grabbed him on the arm and he jumped, tightening his grip on Maari.
‘Do you seek the truth?’ croaked the voice of an old woman.
The room filled with soft light and the Truthseeker began to take shape. She was small, maybe only five feet in height. Her back was crooked and her grey hair was wild. She wore a black cloak that wrapped around her shoulders and fell to the floor.
‘No,’ he said, trying to pull away. He wanted to get as far away from here as possible. But the Truthseeker’s grip was firm.
‘I seek the truth,’ said Maari, fire burning in her eyes. The Truthseeker let go of Nax’s arm and turned away, sliding herself through the interior door.
‘Are you sure?’ Nax whispered. Maybe the others who’d come before them were right. Sometimes the truth is better left undisturbed. ‘Let’s get out of here.’
Maari looked at him, her eyes filled with tears. She turned and slid through the door behind the Truthseeker. He went to follow her, but the door was sealed. He pulled at the rubber flaps, but they were sealed tight. He couldn’t get through.
‘Maari,’ he cried.
What was going on in there? The room plunged into darkness and he sank to the floor, shaking with rage, fear and cold. He hugged his knees to his chest and waited. He wouldn’t leave without her. He’d die here if he had to. Was this why the woman in his dreams had warned him to stay away from her? Had she known Maari would lead him into danger? Still, he didn’t care. He couldn’t leave her. His spirit was bound to hers.
The seconds ticked by as minutes. The minutes passed as hours. He waited. Would he ever see Maari again?
He kept his eyes focused in the direction of the door, waiting for her to emerge. It didn’t matter. His eyes may as well have been closed for all they could see.
A noise startled him and he stood, feeling the seal of the door with his fingertips. The cold rubber became soft skin. It was Maari.
‘Are you okay?’ he said, pulling her into his arms. She didn’t wrap herself into his embrace as he expected. She felt stiff. Uncomfortable.
‘What happened?’ he asked, wishing for a sliver of light so he could see her face.


Author Bio:

Heidi’s debut novel, The Soulweaver, won Romance Writers of Australia’s Emerald Pro award and will be released by Crooked Cat Books on 19 Jan 2018.
Not being able to decide if she prefers living in Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula, Heidi shares her time between both places. She is similarly pulled in opposing directions by her two sons and two dogs, remaining thankful she only has one husband. 

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