Ava's Guest Post/Review Redemption by Elise Marion

Elise Marion is a lover books and has a special place in her heart for sweet and sensual romance. Writing about love across all walks of life is her passion, as is reaching people through the written word. The Army wife and stay-at-home mother of two spends most of her time taking care of her children. Her second job includes writing stories about characters that people can fall in love with. When the Texas native isn't caring for her family or writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, singing loudly, or cooking up something new in the kitchen. 


Elise Marion
www.elisemarion.comwww.facebook.com/elisemarion86
www.goodreads.com/elise_marion

Redemption Tour Guest Post: Satin Sheets Romance

Why I Write About Angels

I don’t know about you, but I like to think of reading as my escape from reality. I mean, in a time when our televisions are filled with news reports about fighting politicians, kidnapped children, wars, and hunger, sometimes it’s nice to have a reason to turn your back on all of that and lose yourself in a good story.

My favorite genre is, of course, Romance. I like to believe that no matter what our circumstances are, love can conquer it all. Stories of love prevailing touch me in a way that gives me hope that even in a dark world we can find happiness.

I think that’s why I gravitated toward the idea of writing about Angels and the spiritual world. What’s more hope-inspiring than knowing that we are not alone in this world; that in the fight between good and evil, there are beings out there that fight on the side of good, that have our backs when it comes to fighting for our lives, families, and love. I think that this is why people enjoy stories of this nature, even when they’re a bit on the dark side like Redemption. I think that along with the part of us that wants to escape, there is also a part of us that wants to believe in something.

Title: Redemption (Angels Among Us Book 3)

Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Self

Length: 40,000 words (Novella)

Book Release Date: November 15

Description:  In a world full of the sick and dying, the hurting and desperate, and those lost in darkness, angels dwell.

Once a Warrior Angel, Nathaniel has now become one of the Fallen, after losing sight of his purpose. Fallen angels are cursed to wander the depths for all of eternity, a fate that Nathan has avoided every day for the past seven years. As the demon within him grows, he knows that it is only a matter of time until he becomes a monster.  His love of a human woman is what caused him to lose his wings, yet Nathan cannot bring himself to regret it, or the child that came of their love. It is that child’s identity as a Naphil—half angel, half human—that threatens the existence of everyone he loves and Nathan finds himself having to face his past in order to secure his son’s future.

Carmen Rodriguez lives her life in constant fear. The power of her son grows every day, leaving him vulnerable to the plans of the Evil One. When a demon’s bold abduction puts Carmen in a desperate position, she turns to the only one who can bring him back. Nathan warns her that the road to rescuing their son will be a treacherous one … one that leads them straight into lair of the Prince of Darkness.

The third and final installment of the Angels Among Us series goes where it never has before.

Even in the very pits of hell, can an angel find salvation? Will the love that Nathan has for Carmen and his son be enough, or will Nathan finally have to face the consequences of his actions.

Is there redemption for the Fallen?

YouTube Video Trailer: http://youtu.be/lPsSAaUC1SE

Buy Links:

Fallen/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063KU0YC?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0063KU0YC&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Tempted/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tempted-Angels-Among-Book-ebook/dp/B007K7TWAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1353365804&sr=1-1&keywords=Tempted+Elise+marion

Redemption/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Angels-Among-Book-ebook/dp/B00A64EUUQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1353365873&sr=1-1&keywords=Redemption+Elise+marion

Excerpt 1:

“I can’t believe you’ve never been salsa dancing! You’re a natural. Are you sure one of your parents isn’t Puerto Rican?”

Nathan laughed as he looped one arm around her waist, sending small shivers travelling up and down her spine. He pulled her against his side as they walked, leaving La Riviera salsa club behind.

“No,” he said with a devastatingly beautiful smile. “No Puerto Rican parents. I don’t know, it just seemed easy to fall into the rhythm with you there.”

Carmen didn’t miss the way his eyes traveled over her crimson halter top, flowing black skirt, and three-inch heels. The heat that passed between them was undeniable, now and on the dance floor. What Carmen could not understand was why Nathan had not yet kissed her. As they walked, Carmen felt the tension thrumming through his body. She’d seen his eyes lingering on her lips countless times; in the hospital, at the park where they’d picnicked and even tonight at the club. Why then, after the weeks they’d spent together, was he holding back?

“I’m glad you had a good time,” she said softly, watching the concrete sidewalk pass under her feet as they walked. Nathan’s hand tightened at her hip and he pulled her to a stop just a few blocks away from her apartment building.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, bringing one hand up to cup her face.

She sighed and leaned into his hand, moaning low in her throat as he caressed her jaw with his thumb. Her eyes traveled over his face; dark skin, full lips, chiseled jaw and chin, and warm whiskey brown eyes that probed hers with raw intensity. It was as if he could see right into her soul. No man had ever looked at her that way. Sure, they’d all admired her body. Her blatantly sensual curves begged for attention. They noticed her pretty face and ample hips, but not one of them looked at her. Not the way Nathan did.

“I don’t want you to get the wrong idea,” she said reluctantly as she brought one hand up to his chest.

He smiled and slid his hand from her face to place it over her hand where it rested against his heart. She felt the heat of him emanating through his shirt. “What is it, beautiful?”

Her stomach clenched and the back of her neck tingled. How was it that this man made her so weak with just his words? She was already melting into a puddle at his feet and he had barely even touched her.

“Why won’t you kiss me?” she blurted before she had a chance to think about what she was saying.

Nathan frowned, his eyes lowering as he clenched her hand against his chest.

“Carmen,” he began, his voice serious.

Her eyes grew wide as she pulled her hand away. A step separated them and then another. Carmen’s heart stung from rejection.

“I understand,” she said. “You don’t have to say it. I thought you were attracted to me, but if you’re not—”

He closed the distance between them in an instant, bringing both hands up to her face this time. His body seared hers as their hips and thighs met and his forehead rested against hers.

“Dear God, Carmen, how could you think that? I’m so attracted to you that it hurts. It keeps me up at night. I am tortured with thoughts of you, every day and every night. I want to touch you and hold you and caress your skin. I want to kiss you and know what your lips feel like. I want to taste your tongue, your skin, your…” he trailed off, dragging in a ragged breath and releasing it with a frustrated groan.

“Can’t you feel it? I know you can.”

She nodded, their lips brushing as she did. He gasped, his lips trembling against hers. “Yes,” she whispered. Yes, she felt it, her skin was on fire.

“Carmen, please,” he pleaded, his hands shaking as they lowered to her waist. “I can’t…”

Even as he said the words, his open mouth was roaming over her face, caressing her eyelid and her temple before trailing down to her cheek. The fire blazing through her veins was now a raging inferno as his warm breath tickled her skin.

“I can’t,” he moaned against her lips, his breath coming in ragged gasps. As his fingers flexed against her skin, the small space separating their bodies closed and Carmen stifled a gasp at the feel of her sensitized breasts coming to rest against his hard, heaving chest.

“I can’t.”

His mouth hovered over hers, achingly, a sweet and terrible torture strong enough to reduce her to begging.

“Nathan,” she murmured. She wanted to say more. She wanted to ask all of the questions that bounced around in her head. Why can’t you? Why are you holding yourself back from me? Why won’t you just carry me up to my apartment and take me like we both know you want to?

But his name lingered between them, a plea, a prayer. Her hands clutched his lapel tightly as she closed the distance between them, sealing their lips together with a sigh. Nathan gasped into her mouth, his hands sweeping up from her hips to her back. His fingers dug into her skin as he pressed her against him, as tightly as possible, mating his mouth to hers.

They trembled, lost in their own seductive haze as they kissed beneath the yellow light of a glowing street lamp. His lips were unbelievably soft, pliant but moving with sureness as he drank from her lips as if she held his last breath. The kiss became wilder, more frenzied as their tongues touched, sparking a desire than ran deeper than ever and exploded into possessive need.

She felt the tightness of his muscles beneath her hands as she ran them over him; his chest, his shoulders, his back. She shuddered against him as his hands explored as well, roaming over her breasts and ribs before settling on her generous bottom, pressing her fully up against the hardening ridge between his hips.

When he finally tore his mouth away from her, they were both gasping for air. With every second that she stood in his arms, desire grew and swelled within her until she felt as if one touch from him would send her spiraling over the edge. He released her from his tight hold and reached for her hand, his eyes still wide and frantic as she placed her palm in his.

“Let’s get you home,” he said, his voice a raspy whisper. Tension coiled between them the entire walk home.

She’d thought that a kiss would satisfy her. She’d wanted it for weeks, wishing that he would sweep her against him and press his mouth to hers as he just had. But it just hadn't been enough. As he kissed her goodnight—on the cheek—and left her apartment that night, Carmen knew that just one kiss would never be enough.

Here's a review from Tempted (Angels Among Us #2)

This is the second book of Elise Marion’s Angels Among Us series and it was a very touching and emotional tale of angels, demons, humans and how they all balance the world with the Father’s guidance. Temptation is a form of evil and angels are created without emotions to help prevent them from falling into it. You might want to have some tissues ready because you will shed a tear or two. Any paranormal romance reader will fall in love with Tempted.

Sarah is a messenger angel. She is one tough cookie and is reliable, trust worthy and all that an angel should be. When she gets an assignment that she never thought she’d get, she jumps at the chance, anything to please Father and remain in his good grace. Once briefed, she realizes her assignment is a sad and tortured soul that she literally bumped into on earth on day and she knows she’s REALLY going to have her work cut out for her. But she’s not one to give up so she sets off to complete the task with the deepest hopes for success finding she possibly took on more than she chew (so to speak).

Jackson is a man that has been through a lot and carries the weight of his past on his shoulders. He’s haunted by a past of death and destruction and now seems to be heading toward his own path of ruin. Not only is he blaming himself for many lives lost when he was in service, he feels he’s failed at everything he’s ever laid his hands on, he feels tainted. His world looks a little brighter when one day he spots something in the sky heading towards his roof and goes to investigate. Is it an alien? All he knows is he’s never seen such beauty, ever! Jackson goes through a ton of growth that makes this reader proud of him. The best is all finally becomes clear for him. I really LOVED his character :)

Sarah and Jackson balance one another out perfectly; Sarah is the Yin to Jackson’s Yang. But it’s something that can never, ever be. Sarah must remain pure in all ways and resist any temptations of the flesh. If she does not resist she becomes a fallen, working for the opposite side she wants to be. So many have fallen throughout time, can Sarah resist and still be happy?

4 Satin Pillows

Heat rating of 3 pillow mints

GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is Tour Wide...which means all entries will be collected and then the winner will be announced at the end. This allows those who follow the tour to be able to enter multiple times (if they wish.)

Redemption Tour Prize List

1 Angels Among Us Coffee Mug

1 Angel-wing Charm Bracelet

3 ebook copies of Fallen

10 autographed 'Angels Among Us' Bookmarks

Autographed 'Angels Among Us' Bookmarks

Both pictures of prize mug shown are to give you an idea of it whole (I'd like to drink my coffee out of it every morning!)

Angel Wing Charm Bracelet

~Good luck!~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Krystal's Satin Sheets EARC Review of Malice Striker by Jianne Carlo

Malice Striker (Viking Vengeance #1)

by Jianne Carlo

Published by Etopia Press

57,000 words (eBook format)

Erotic Historical Romance

Contains Elements of Action, Adventure and Suspense

Heat Level: Sizzling

Available at:

Coming Soon from Etopia Press

When Scotland’s King Kenneth orders his death and kidnaps his sister, the Viking Brökk—the Malice Striker—plans his vengeance: he’ll steal the king’s bastard daughter from Sumbarten Abbey and use her to buy his sister’s freedom. But his schemes go awry when his liege lord commands him to wed Skatha—and when he finds five women instead of one at the Abbey, none of whom will claim the King as father.

When the Viking abducts Skatha and her women, she’s bewildered. Why did Brökk seize her? Why does he want her for his wife? She weds him willingly enough when he threatens to kill her companions, but she vows to control her own destiny and escape. For if the Viking discovers her secrets, the laws of his people will force him to cast her aside…or kill her. And even Skatha, daughter of a goddess, might not escape the Viking’s wrath.

Warning: This title contains scenes of an erotic nature (highly explicit sex scenes/course language).

Excerpt:

Brökk lay awake long after his wife had collapsed into a deep slumber. He had become too at ease with playing the games of royal courts. Too adept at speaking sweet words while he plotted destruction. Too suspicious of innocence not to watch and wait for evil to surface. He had brought Skatha to pleasure thrice more and swived her with abandon each time.

Not once had he noticed a dubious reaction from his new bride.

Her mouth had been magik all eve. He had been loath to stop kissing her and when she had finally been coaxed into returning his caresses ’twas as if her tongue had coarsened and the cavern of her mouth vibrated. And now she curled into him and her entire body contracted and undulated in an intoxicating rhythm.

His prick engorged when he tried to imagine how her rough tongue and humming mouth would feel around his length. If ’twas what Ali had referred to when he spoke of never wanting another female once a goddess had sucked his prick, then Brökk had found Valhalla indeed. He had not allowed her much liberty of touch, too enflamed with desire to retain control of his climax once sheathed within her puss.

She rubbed her nose on his ribs, mumbled words he did not comprehend and then two he did: bjartr stjarna. Brökk and Konáll’s fond endearment for their beloved sister.

The two brothers had oft tested the women on the journey from Sumbarten using Norse to alarm them, but none of the females had reacted. He had assessed her again in the great hall, and she had not understood the name for his holding.

Had she and the other ladies played them the fools? The Viking language was not an easy dialect to mimic, yet she had spoken like a true Norsewoman. He could not trust Skatha fully, fealty oath or not, until he felt cert she had played no part in Hjørdis’s kidnapping.

He dozed on and off, the light slumber of a warrior in an unknown encampment, waking oft to listen and be reassured all was well. Afore the first light of dawn streaked through the gaps in the hide covering the window, the fire surrendered its last heat. In no time at all, Skatha’s skin grew chill even though he tucked the furs and his body around hers.

After he eased off the mattress, Brökk built the fire back to a roaring and snapping blaze, untied a hide, and surveyed the view of Bita Veðr’s rolling hills, the village, and the fjord in the distance. Naught appeared amiss, yet unease coated his nape and shoulders. A movement from the bed drew his attention. He had left the drapes drawn, and he watched bemused as Skatha stretched and the purring noise she made grew louder.

His balls fattened, the hairs there pulling taut as blood and seed pooled, and his groin tightened. He had taken her four times in all, and his lust should be well sated, yet her slightest move inflamed him. But the same had happened in the past with new lovers, and after the first flush of a new coupling, desire had faded to a controllable ache. Pray Freya ’twould be the same with Skatha for he liked not this fever to mount her.

Long, slender arms poked up from the furs, and her fingers flexed in a kneading action. She had massaged him oft during their love play and purred and mewled the most delicate sounds. She emitted one of those throaty seductive noises right then, and he hastened to the bed, greedy for her kisses and her puss, his mouth salivating with the need to suckle her breasts, and lick and nibble the pretty, pouting buds.

He slipped onto the mattress, covered her slender body, and captured both wrists high above her head with one hand. “I bid you good morn, bride.”

She worried her bottom lip with a pearl-white tooth. “Good morn, my lord.”

“Did we not agree to my given name in our lodge?”

Color washed her throat and face. “Brökk.”

“You must still pay the penalty. Kiss me, Skatha.”

She tipped her chin up, and he brought his lips to hers. In a bold, unexpected move, she licked the seam of his mouth and nipped the fullness in the middle.

“Sváss fróðleikr, minn smár köttr.”

Brökk deliberately spoke Norse and studied her reactions to each word.

Krystal's Review.....

I just have to start out by saying FANTASTIC. Those of you that know me, know I don't usually do reviews on this blog, but something about this book just swept me off my feet and I had to read it. I was so excited when my request to review it was accepted. I was not disappointed!

Jianne Carlo weaves an entrancing tale of love, passion, and action. The Malice Striker is about 200 pages that reads like 75. I literally couldn't put it down. My husband had to drag the computer from my hands to get me to come eat dinner. I don't care what style, genre, time-period, etc., but I'm reading everything Jianne Carlo writes and putting her on my auto-buy list (which by the way is very short).

Skatha, the heroine, is a fierce woman who knows who she is isn't afraid of the warrior husband she's been given too. Her Viking husband is strong, sexy, and completely smitten. Just the way I like them. And Skatha drives him crazy -in more ways than one! There are several fabulous secrets in this book and I refuse to give them away. You will just have to read it!!!

I found myself completely immersed in Carlo's created world. Malice Striker blends history and fantasy and it was done beautifully. She also does a fantastic job of painting her setting and connecting with her characters. I really felt as though I could see the landscape and knew the characters personally after the book was over. I laughed and cried with them through their triumphs and sorrows. I was so sad to see their story end.

I do hope you will give Jianne Carlo a chance. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. 

Malice Striker is awarded 

5 Satin Pillows!

About the Author:

Award winning, author Jianne Carlo’s motto is simple: “Alpha Me Please”. While strong heroines, exotic locations, and cultural differences are her forte, she goes weak in the knees for warriors of any type: rebels, SEALs, Vikings, and bad-ass mercenaries.

Send her a man with an attitude and she’ll find the right woman to tame him.

Jianne’s writing career began in 2008, and since then she’s been lucky enough to have over twenty books published. Most of her books are TOP PICKs and several have been nominated for and won awards and prizes.

Nothing makes Jianne’s day more than an email from someone who’s read one of her books. So far, she’s received emails from almost every continent on the planet. Almost…

Contact Jianne at:

Email - Jianne@jiannecarlo.com

URL - http://www.jiannecarlo.com

Facebook - My Facebook Author Page

Twitter - Follow Me on Twitter

Amazon - My Amazon Author Page

Pinterest - My Pinterest Author Page

Goodreads - My Goodreads Page

Natalie Gibson's Satin Sheets Romance Review of A Hint of Frost: Araneae Nation by Hailey Edwards

 

Buy Links: 

Amazon / B&N / iTunes / All Romance / Samhain

Title: A Hint of Frost: Araneae Nation Book 1

Author: Hailey Edwards

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Length: 193 pages

Hope dangles by a silken thread.

When the head of the Araneidae clan is found poisoned in her nest, her eldest daughter, Lourdes, becomes their clan’s new maven. If her clan is to survive, she has but one choice: she must marry before her nest is seized. All she needs is a warrior fierce enough to protect her city and safeguard her clansmen. Such a male is Rhys the Cold.
Born the youngest son of an impoverished maven, the only things Rhys has to his name are his sword and his mercenary reputation. His clan is starving, but their fondness for the flesh of fellow Araneaeans makes them unwelcome dinner guests. Torn between loyalty to his clan and fascination with his future bride, Rhys’s first taste of Lourdes threatens to melt the cold encasing his heart.
Amid the chaos of battle, Lourdes’s sister disappears and is feared captured. Lourdes and Rhys pursue their enemies into the southlands, where they discover an odd plague ravaging southern clans as it travels north, to Erania. Determined to survive, Lourdes will discover whether she’s worth her silk or if she’s spun the thread by which her clan will hang.

Warning: This book contains one mercenary hero with a biting fetish, one determined heroine who gets nibbled, and an answer to the age-old question, “What does dragon taste like?” Matricide and sibling rivalry are available upon request. The house special is revenge, best served cold.

Warning: This book contains one mercenary hero with a biting fetish, one determined heroine who gets nibbled, and an answer to the age-old question, “What does dragon taste like?” Matricide and sibling rivalry are available upon request. The house special is revenge, best served cold.


Natalie Gibson's Review: 
This book grabs the reader from the very beginning.  It was a 5 star book from the super strong start.  Lourdes becomes Maven of her clan when her mother dies in the middle of the night due to a mysterious poison.  Her father's fighter family, sworn to protect her own weaker but rich one, has betrayed them in a grab for power.  Lourdes must replace them quickly or fall victim to the other Maven, but the clan she brings in might be even worse.  They are a cannibal tribe, feasting on the flesh of their fallen enemies.  She binds herself to them through a betrothal with Rhys, not knowing if it is the best decision.  The rest of the story is one of action that is carefully woven with the growing romance between them.  The question: Is it a natural bond or the result of a strong chemical magic?

The clans are humanoid fae with spider-like attributes who live in a world divided between the two seasons, summer and winter, by a magical curtain and ruled by the two gods.  Each clan has a different venom, some strong, some weak, some that bind and bring pleasure and some that can kill.  They can all spin silky threads, but it comes easier to some.  Some are war-like and some are peaceful farmers or weavers.  They all must work together to survive and yet are very distrustful of each other.  The setting was rich and well staged. 

The romance felt real.  There is very little sexual contact throughout the story and yet it was sexy in that virgin sort of way.  There is one sex scene at the end after Lourdes and Rhys are properly married, and a scene of minor sexual activity in the middle, but they are tastefully done without the explicit description of erotica.  Hailey Edwards manages to capture the fluttery stomach feeling of a first sexual experience and the wonder of discovering the body of the opposite sex in a way that seemed genuine and she made it highly erotic.  Normally this romance of restraint is not the kind of book I give 5 stars, but I was finished with the read before I realized it was that type.  That, to me, says it was a well written and expertly crafted story.  It was fast paced but didn't feel rushed.  The characters, even the secondary ones, were well rounded.

I would highly suggest this for fans of paranormal romance who are getting tired of the same old vampire, werewolf or witch type.  Fantasy romance fans will find a new favorite with A Hint of Frost.  It won't disappoint and I am looking forward to the rest of the Araneae Nation books.

A Hint of Frost is awarded 5 Satin Pillows.

Book 2 of the Araneae Nation books, A Feast of Souls, will be available in December.  Keep an eye out for this much anticipated sequel to A Hint of Frost by this wonderful author. 

Connect with the author:

Website:http://haileyedwards.net/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorhaileyedwards

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaileyEdwards

Hailey Edwards has been gracious enough to offer one commenter their choice of title from her backlist (excluding Soul Weaver) in any digital format.  There are some good ones in that list so leave your comment below for a quick and easy entry into the drawing.  Be sure to leave your email address and title choice and Good Luck!

Highland Haven by Krystal Brookes

Saturday November 24, 2012 –Satin Sheets Romance Reviews- Highland Haven by Krystal Brookes

 Title:  Highland Haven

Author:  Krystal Brookes

Website:  www.krystalbrookes.com

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Length:  77 Pages

 

Find It On:  Amazon U.S./U.K. and Smashwords 

When Erin Murray decides to escape her past in Glasgow, she picks the small island of Kilrigh as her haven. Arriving at her new home, she's alone and scared, but is welcomed by the overly cheerful laird's son. But the tall, dark and sexy Finlay must earn her trust--something she's not willing to give easily.

Erin begins to let the walls of her heart come down, only for her past to darken Kilrigh. Can Finlay keep her world from falling apart and can their budding relationship survive this threat? 

Angela’s Review:

Krystal Brookes’ Highland Haven is the second book of the Kilrigh Heat Series set on the Isle of Kilrigh in Scotland.

I absolutely loved the feeling I got from this tiny Isle of Kilgrih.   Ms. Brookes was able to bring the characters to life in her novella, and more amazingly, she was able to create a bond with the reader, and the close-knit community of Kilrigh.  

Erin was a heroine that I could totally relate too, especially given all her insecurities.  Though she was vulnerable at the beginning, Finlay’s patience and sensitivity to Erin’s past was tender and sweet.    Though the book was short, the sex scenes were hot and very creative, especially once Finlay was able help Erin to discover the beauty of a healthy sexual relationship.    

Highland Haven was a wonderful change to my regular Scottish historical reads, and I was pleasantly surprised to find Ms. Brookes being able to kilt it up in a contemporary setting.   I devoured the first book Highland Fling, in one night and Highland Haven kept me turning page after page the next night.  This novella was a breath of fresh Scottish air, and not to be missed.    

 

~Ava's guest post/reviews/giveaway Guardian of the Seventh Realm series by J.W. Baccaro~

"Guardian of the Seventh Realm” is an epic fantasy series consisting of five installments involving action, suspense, drama, mysticism, romantic elements, and a story that many of us can relate to in regards to life’s journey.

Let me start off by saying that my series is not so much about magical powers, mystical creatures, or vexing kingdoms of men, centaurs or dwarves, or how many “magical” spells can this or that sorcerer cast. The theme of the tale revolves around courage, loyalty, beatitudes of the “Golden Rule,” banding together in times of darkness, and faith in something larger than we can see. Elements any one of us can relate to in everyday life and times of trial and tribulation.

I'd like to elaborate a bit on the Nasharin Race, a new class of warrior in my series!

The first book in the series is "Prophecy of the Guardian."

Nasharins are the main focus, and definitely the most exciting out of all the creatures. They are half-wizard/half-human hybrid warriors who love battle and crave energy, thirsting for it much like a vampire thirsts for blood. Nasharins are also feared by the Dark, but because of their untimely origin, and the deed that gave rise to them, the Light hates them. They are considered, "the Accursed Race."

Although what separates a Nasharin from most other creatures is its unique ability of Transformation—what each individual evolves into, controlled by will: an essence of extravagant power and beautified form most warriors cannot fathom. And at the same time, ironically, this power is used for the good of the earth, a factor those high among the Light often overlook.

In a nutshell, "Prophecy of the Guardian" is about a small group of companions and their race against the Dark to find four ancient wizard crystals of power. As is to be expected, they run into plenty of dangers and challenges.

To elaborate a little more, the story is mainly focused on Darshun Luthais. He is Nasharin, one of the last of his race, hungry for battle and eager to advance his Nasharin skills. At the same time, he is a happy-go-lucky kind of individual; quite in-tune with nature and the simple things of life, especially a good feast! But after witnessing a prophetic vision, and also the tragedy of his closest friend, he comes to learn that he is the fulfillment of an old forgotten prophecy, the Prophecy of the Guardian, the one who is said to bring about salvation to the earth, as it struggles to survive the war launched by Abaddon the Demon Lord—an adversary long thought to be deceased.

After the Earth-Wizard Mazarian reveals the prophecy to Darshun, proclaiming it is spoken about him, Darshun must seek out the four Wizard Crystals of the Elements (sacred weapons of immense power once used by the ancient Guardians of earth). His task is to locate the crystals and destroy them before the ruthless Cullach find them first, only to hand them over to the Demon Lord for global destruction.

But Darshun's true crisis lies against himself in the fact that he is called to be this “Guardian.” For Darshun not only has to walk the valley of darkness, but according to prophecy, he must surpass many trials, tribulations and tragedies, where if he fails, the world falls, as he had already witnessed in his vision. It is a heavy burden because of the closeness Darshun has to nature, and the inexperience he has to life. In time he begins to despair, growing all the more vulnerable to the evil forces that long to drag his soul into darkness.

There is one more element I wish to comment on. A lot of fantasy novels typically have multiple Gods and/or Goddesses, and that is great. I love that! But I wanted to do something a bit different. I really love the mythology of Judaism and Christianity, preferably the angelic lore, the creation story in the Book of Genesis, the Resurrection story of Christ, and even the idea that there is only “one” all-powerful entity or God who reigns supreme over all, etc. And just to be clear (so nobody gets the wrong impression), my books are not works of “Christian literature fantasy” by any means. I am just really in love with the lore of it, and also many other spiritual beliefs of mankind, including Buddhism and pre-Christian Celtic beliefs and folklore.

The point of this is to inform my readers, or anyone curious about the series; the many races of the Light in my world commonly worship the God of the Light, Abidan, (which in reality, is the Hebrew word for “father of judgment”). So, you get that monotheistic feel.

Another interesting factor is if it is a Patriarchy race speaking, such as the Elves, then Abidan is referred to as a “he,” where the Matriarchy Centaur race will refer to Abidan as a “she.” In other words, in the reality of the story, the God of the Light is neither male nor female. Abidan is an entity of almighty power and energy that often communicates with the Seventh Realm (earth), whenever a disharmony is in place. I had a lot of fun with this idea.

In closing, let me just say that “Prophecy of the Guardian” (book one), introduces the readers to the characters, the legends and myths of the world, and the Prophecy. It also tells about Darshun’s upbringing, and the warriors who help shape him, such as “Mirabel the Great” and Seth Caelen—Father to the animals of the woodlands.

Buy links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Guardian-Seventh-Realm-ebook/dp/B004Y018TY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352256060&sr=1-1&keywords=J.W.+Baccaro

B & N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prophecy-of-the-guardian-j-w-baccaro/1029417153?ean=9781603139137

Siege of Darkness” (book two), is mostly about Darshun, his advanced power, his ultimate ego, and the consequences he brings to his people because of that ego. The book also reveals the adversaries of the series, and just how ruthless, evil and cruel they behave. It is a dark tale, but necessary in the process of Darshun’s growth. It’s also the first book where we meet the main adversary of the series, at least in the flesh, Abaddon the Demon Lord.

Buy links

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Siege-Darkness-Guardian-Seventh-ebook/dp/B004V09THK/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352256060&sr=1-5&keywords=J.W.+Baccaro

B & N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/siege-of-darkness-guardian-of-the-seventh-realm-part-2-j-w-baccaro/1105808409?ean=9781603139816

“The Coming of the Light” (book three), is more along the lines of “heroic” with “edge of your seat” type of battles, the progression of Darshun’s maturity, and even a touch of romance between Darshun and his elf-lady friend Kelarin.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Light-Guardian-Seventh-ebook/dp/B005FHMUHO/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352256060&sr=1-2&keywords=J.W.+Baccaro

B & N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-coming-of-the-light-guardian-of-the-seventh-realm-part-3-j-w-baccaro/1105808403?ean=9781603139854

"The Sword of Righteousness" (book four), is mostly about King Loreus - Ruler of Loreladia and his quest to unite the scattered races of the Light and charge into the artic lands of Syngothra in order to save Darshun from a deathly trap he and his companions are unknowingly walking into.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Righteousness-Guardian-Seventh-ebook/dp/B006H4UBRK/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352256060&sr=1-4&keywords=J.W.+Baccaro

B & N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sword-of-righteousness-guardian-of-the-seventh-realm-part-4-j-w-baccaro/1108162094?ean=9781603131254

And the finale of the series (my latest release) is "Rise of the Guardian."

Buy links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Guardian-Seventh-Realm-ebook/dp/B007G396MW/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352256060&sr=1-3&keywords=J.W.+Baccaro

B & N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-of-the-guardian-prophecy-of-the-guardian-part-5-j-w-baccaro/1109675021?ean=9781611600605

Feel free to check out my website www.guardianoftheseventhrealm.com

And Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JWBaccaro/184531844916499?sk=wall/

Thanks for reading.

Reviews:

 

Prophecy of the Guardian (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #1)

An exciting, fun, adventurous, wondrous and magical read that is right up there with LOTR and GOT (I am a HUGE fan of both). As a matter of fact, if you are a LOTR or GOT fan I strongly recommend this book to you). It’s a great escape from everyday life :)

A wondrous group of people/beings are trying to save the world from the Dark. In order to accomplish this task they must find and destroy the Wizard Crystals of the Elements so the Dark ones have no chance to succeed. They have a long journey ahead of them and must be very cautious with who they trust for some are not at all what they seem to be. They face many dangers and learn many new things about one another, their history and their surroundings. The main character (Darshun) is young, but quickly maturing male who’s to be the Guardian he was born to be. He makes mistakes, loves to eat, enjoys the females and can be quite a pain at times. But he is the KEY to the success of their mission and is determined to make it happen!

There's a great world in these pages with such vigorous imagination, amazing mythical creatures, magic and strong original characters that snatch you into the pages and DO NOT let you go!

Siege of Darkness (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #2)

The adventure continues in the second book of the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series and what an excellent continuation it is, it took off perfectly from the last book in the series and left me wanting more!

Darshun is now back after visiting a sacred island to help bring forth his powers to a stronger level so he can defeat the Dark. Not much has changed since he left, but war is upon them and he feels as ready as he can be for any and all that’s to come his way. But what can he possibly do if his mind is elsewhere? Once again our dear Darshun gets side tracked and some even perish due to his absence of both physical and mental presence for the fight. He now finds himself in a place he does not want to be and feels as if he is destined to fail all.

Siege of Darkness had me laughing as well as crying quite a few times from many of the characters and their dealings. It also had me holding onto my seat in suspense waiting for what would happen next. J.W, Baccaro kept it going strong and I CANNOT wait to see what happens next with Darshun and his comrades! Any fantasy fan will enjoy indulging in Siege of Darkness :)

The Coming of the Light (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #3)

J.W. Baccaro continues with an amazingly strong series. More new characters have been introduced to us and much more has transpired. This is the most exciting, magnetic and intriguing of the series thus far. It has me hooked!

Talvenya finds out her dream has come true and by the hands of none other than Darshun. We also get to learn a lot about Talvenya, how she came to be and who (as well as what) she really is. She is fighting herself because of how she was raised and whom she was raised by. The light is trying to take her back. But she is resistant because of all of the anger and hatred she holds deep.

So far this is my favorite in the series. While there is much sadness within. It is evenly balanced with happiness. All of the original characters (that remain) have progressed, matured or gotten stronger from the beginning and all are very impressive in their ways of the light. My favorite part of all... We get introduced to a dragon! That's right and he is one mighty creature that I'm very happy to see is on the right side :)

The Sword of Righteousness (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #4)

Ok, this series just keeps getting better and better. J.W. picked up the pace even more with this one. It's full of non stop action, adventure and excitement then before as Darshun and his companions continue their quest for the light.

The guardian and his five companions defeat even more evil as they are progressing on their quest. They've also found allies in the dwarves (which I found a very humorous bunch). The king of the dwarves bestows gifts to Mirabel to help in the quest in the form of a sword (the Dragon Spirit Lance) and a shield for he feels Mirabel is master enough of mind and meditation to wield such tools.

Being the great king he truly is, Loreladia runs to the rescue to stop the elves from engaging in war against one another and bring peace as it should always have been.

So much more happens, but to tell it here will give away many suspenseful moments (which I do not want to ruin for anyone). Just be ready to be hooked and lose some sleep from the pull The Sword of Righteousness will have on you and your imagination :)

Rise of the Guardian (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #5

I'm sad to see the series at an end (or is it the end?) But so very glad that I can reread as many times as my heart desires! What a fantastical adventure I went on until the very end with the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series. This is a very strong written series that a fantasy lover does not want to let go of. Watching the Guardian grow and develop throughout the series was an experience I will never forget. So much sacrifice, love, fun, emotions of various sorts, heroism, action, adventure, success, failures, creatures of beauty and some of ugliness. All balanced out into one excellent series that I highly recommend for a great escape!

In  Rise of the Guardian Darshun has become a being none of us could ever phantom. He has grown and developed in so many ways since he truly accepted his calling of Guardian. The Great War is still upon them and many lives have been taken. Some have return to assist in the success of the light in battle. Many have reunited as it should be and became the best of friends, brothers and sisters, fighting on the same side for victory and peace. The Demon Lord Abaddon is not an easy foe to defeat. But the light will not give up until the task is done!

J.W. Baccaro, you have gained a fan. I will look for more of your works in the future; I am always looking for a great escape in a great book :)

Over all rating

5 Satin Pillows

Heat rating of 2 pillow mints

 

Now for the giveaway portion... J.W. is generously giving away to one person the first three books in the series, and a second person the first two books, all in ebook format. All you need to do is leave a question or comment below, along with your email address and you are entered to win. Winners will be chosen using random.org on Wednesday December 5, 2012. Good luck and thank you!