BOOK HIGHLIGHT- Final Death (The Transhuman Chronicles #3) by Rose Garcia

Final Death by Rose Garcia

The Transhuman Chronicles #3

COMING APRIL 27th!!

Dominique has conquered the evil within her, only to find her one true love now has to kill her. Desperate to save her friends and loved ones from sharing her fate, Dominique ditches her companions in an effort to protect them. With Trent left for dead in the past, she has no idea that Infiniti and Fleet have banded together, facing their own adversity as they struggle to find her.

Sure of nothing, and trusting someone from her first life who promises to be on her side, Dominique decides to set out on her own mission: kill before being killed. With time running out and her friends in hot pursuit, Dominique is hell bent on finishing what was started nine lives ago. Or finally face her final death.

Get the first two books in the series!

 

FINAL LIFE (only 99¢!)

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks 

FINAL STAND

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks 

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Excerpt

The
18-wheeler lurched, and that’s when I noticed our speed. We were hauling. My
stomach dropped. Is this guy a
murderer? Whisking me away to his “death cabin” somewhere? My mind filled
with all the horror movies I’d ever watched. Goosebumps lined my skin.

I eyed the
speedometer—one hundred miles per hour! “Um, mister—”

“We gotta
get away from the bad guys, right?” he said with a wink.

I shuddered,
grossed out by his wink, when his phrase “bad guys” made me pause. When I had
hopped in his truck, I had made up a story about being afraid of my drunk
boyfriend. I never said anything about bad guys. I scooted away from him and
closer to the door. My hand connected with the door handle, and a shock stung
my fingers.

The man
chuckled, but I detected a hint of nervousness in his laugh. “The cold weather
always makes me shock myself,” he said, rubbing his thick fingertips together.

Trying to
act calm and not let on how freaked I was, I laughed back. “Um, yeah. The cold
weather.” I eyed the expansive road ahead of us. The only break in the darkness
was the white stripes streaking past down the middle of the asphalt. If I flung
open the door and jumped out of a speeding big rig going a hundred, I’d
probably die. If I stayed, I might get killed. And then I remembered Farrell
would eventually find me and end me anyway. So why should I care how I died? It
was a stupid thing to think about, picking a preferred means of death, but for
some reason I felt the need to get away from crazy grandpa.

The lock at
the top of the door was upright. That was good. I slipped my fingers around the
door handle and scooted closer to my exit, deciding to take my chances with a
stunt-move leap from the truck.

“Hey! What
are you doing?” the old man called out, catching on to my plan.

“Getting
away from YOU!” I pulled the handle and pushed, but nothing happened. It was
locked after all! I clawed at the top of the door and pulled at the metal
lever, but it wouldn’t budge!

“Not so
fast, Dom,” my driver, now abductor, warned.

My eyes
scanned the area around the console, looking for something I could use to
protect myself, when his words sank in. Did
he just call me Dom? My mind raced, trying to remember if I told him my
name, but I knew I hadn’t. Especially not that
name. And then, a whispering recognition of someone calling me Dom entered my
awareness, a memory lodged so deep in my brain it barely escaped.

I pressed up
against the door, the cool glass tingling the back of my head. “Who the hell
are you?”

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Giveaway

First prize: $100 gift card OR a Kindle Paperwhite (winner's choice)

Second prize: eCopies of the complete TRANSHUMAN CHRONICLES series

Third prize: $10 gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the Author

Rose Garcia is a lawyer turned writer who's always been fascinated by science fiction and fantasy. From a very young age, she often had her nose buried in books about other-worlds, fantastical creatures, and life and death situations. More recently she's been intrigued by a blend of science fiction and reality, and the idea that some supernatural events are, indeed, very real. Fueled by her imagination, she created The Transhuman Chronicles--a series of books about people who have overcome human limitations.

Rose lives in Houston with her husband and two kids. You can visit Rose at www.rosegarciabooks.com

TEASER TUESDAY(#8)~ Final Death (The Transhuman Chronicles #3) by Rose Garcia

Final Death by Rose Garcia

The Transhuman Chronicles #3

COMING APRIL 27th!!

Dominique has conquered the evil within her, only to find her one true love now has to kill her. Desperate to save her friends and loved ones from sharing her fate, Dominique ditches her companions in an effort to protect them. With Trent left for dead in the past, she has no idea that Infiniti and Fleet have banded together, facing their own adversity as they struggle to find her.

Sure of nothing, and trusting someone from her first life who promises to be on her side, Dominique decides to set out on her own mission: kill before being killed. With time running out and her friends in hot pursuit, Dominique is hell bent on finishing what was started nine lives ago. Or finally face her final death.

Get the first two books in the series!

 

FINAL LIFE (only 99¢!)

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks 

FINAL STAND

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Giveaway

First prize: $100 gift card OR a Kindle Paperwhite (winner's choice)

Second prize: eCopies of the complete TRANSHUMAN CHRONICLES series

Third prize: $10 gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Author

Rose Garcia is a lawyer turned writer who's always been fascinated by science fiction and fantasy. From a very young age, she often had her nose buried in books about other-worlds, fantastical creatures, and life and death situations. More recently she's been intrigued by a blend of science fiction and reality, and the idea that some supernatural events are, indeed, very real. Fueled by her imagination, she created The Transhuman Chronicles--a series of books about people who have overcome human limitations.

Rose lives in Houston with her husband and two kids. You can visit Rose at www.rosegarciabooks.com

TEASER TUESDAY (#7)~ Final Death (The Transhuman Chronicles #3) by Rose Garcia

Final Death by Rose Garcia

The Transhuman Chronicles #3

COMING APRIL 27th!!

Dominique has conquered the evil within her, only to find her one true love now has to kill her. Desperate to save her friends and loved ones from sharing her fate, Dominique ditches her companions in an effort to protect them. With Trent left for dead in the past, she has no idea that Infiniti and Fleet have banded together, facing their own adversity as they struggle to find her.

Sure of nothing, and trusting someone from her first life who promises to be on her side, Dominique decides to set out on her own mission: kill before being killed. With time running out and her friends in hot pursuit, Dominique is hell bent on finishing what was started nine lives ago. Or finally face her final death.

Get the first two books in the series!

 

FINAL LIFE (only 99¢!)

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks 

FINAL STAND

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Giveaway

First prize: $100 gift card OR a Kindle Paperwhite (winner's choice)

Second prize: eCopies of the complete TRANSHUMAN CHRONICLES series

Third prize: $10 gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Author

Rose Garcia is a lawyer turned writer who's always been fascinated by science fiction and fantasy. From a very young age, she often had her nose buried in books about other-worlds, fantastical creatures, and life and death situations. More recently she's been intrigued by a blend of science fiction and reality, and the idea that some supernatural events are, indeed, very real. Fueled by her imagination, she created The Transhuman Chronicles--a series of books about people who have overcome human limitations.

Rose lives in Houston with her husband and two kids. You can visit Rose at www.rosegarciabooks.com

TEASER TUESDAY (#6)~ Final Stand (The Transhuman Chronicles #2) by Rose Garcia

Final Stand by Rose Garcia

The Transhuman Chronicles #2

Dominique is still alive after killing Tavion, the Tainted who's hunted her for lifetimes. Yet her protectors still fear for her life. They force her to flee Houston and abandon the friends she loves. But they can't protect her from herself. When Dominique starts hearing Tavion's voice in her head, she realizes that her personal connection to the Tainted still exists. And when her car is ambushed, she discovers another frightening truth—someone close to her is a traitor.



Desperate for answers, Dominique seeks the aid of first lifers Trent and Infiniti. With their help, she hopes to find her new enemy. But things get complicated with Trent because of her emotional pull toward Farrell, and even more complicated when the whispers in her head threaten her loved ones. Determined to live, Dominique decides to make a final stand against the forces that want to end her. For good.

Available on  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

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ABOUT ROSE

Rose Garcia is a lawyer turned writer who's always been fascinated by science fiction and fantasy. From a very young age, she often had her nose buried in books about other-worlds, fantastical creatures, and life and death situations. More recently she's been intrigued by a blend of science fiction and reality, and the idea that some supernatural events are, indeed, very real. Fueled by her imagination, she created The Transhuman Chronicles--a series of books about people who have overcome human limitations.

Rose lives in Houston with her husband and two kids. You can visit Rose at www.rosegarciabooks.com

SERIES HIGHLIGHT- International School Series by Chanel Cleeton

Title: I See London

Author: Chanel Cleeton

Series: International School Book #1

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Maggie Carpenter is ready for a change— and to leave her ordinary life in South Carolina behind. But when she accepts a scholarship to the International School in London, a university attended by the privileged offspring of diplomats and world leaders, Maggie might get more than she bargained for.



When Maggie meets Hugh, a twentysomething British guy, she finds herself living the life she always wanted. Suddenly she’s riding around the city in a Ferrari, wearing borrowed designer clothes and going to the hottest clubs. The only problem? Another guy, the one she can’t seem to keep her hands off of.



Half French, half Lebanese, and ridiculously wealthy, Samir Khouri has made it clear he doesn’t do relationships. He’s the opposite of everything Maggie thought she wanted…and he’s everything she can’t resist. Torn between her dream guy and the boy haunting her dreams, Maggie has to fight for her own happy ending. In a city like London, you never know where you stand, and everything can change in the blink of an eye.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks



Read an excerpt from I SEE LONDON

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Title: London Falling

Author: Chanel Cleeton

Series: International School Book #2

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

We weren't a relationship, we were a ticking time bomb...



Maggie Carpenter walked away from the hottest encounter of her life when she left the seductive glitz of England for summer break in her South Carolina hometown. Now that she’s returned to the International School in London—and sexy, privileged Samir Khouri is once again close enough to touch—she can’t help but remember the attraction, the drama … the heartbreak.



She can’t help but want him even more.



Samir can’t afford to fall for someone so far removed from his world, not when his time in London is running out. It's his senior year—his last chance at freedom before he returns home to Lebanon. There, he’ll be expected to follow in his father’s footsteps—not follow his heart to Maggie. But when a scorching secret hookup becomes a temptation neither can resist, they’ll both have to fight to survive the consequences … and find a future together.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks



Read an excerpt from LONDON FALLING

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Title: French Kissed

Author: Chanel Cleeton

Series: International School Book #3

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

On the surface, Fleur Marceaux has it all. If only the facade matched reality. With one year left at the International School in London, Fleur’s struggling to graduate, her love life is a mess, and she can’t stop thinking about Max, her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. But all that pales compared to the blackmailer determined to destroy her.



There’s a social hierarchy at the International School and Max Tucker is outside the velvet ropes. After watching Fleur break his friend’s heart, Max knows to stay away from trouble, despite the crush he’s had on her since freshman year. But when they’re partnered on a project, Max learns there’s more to Fleur than meets the eye, and she just might be worth the wild ride.



The more time they spend together, the further Max falls. And when a kiss awakens a passion Fleur never imagined, she’s unable to resist Max, who she had thought was all wrong for her but might be the only thing that’s right. But will he stand by her when her secrets are revealed?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks



Read an excerpt from FRENCH KISSED

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About Chanel

Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in Asia.



Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her fighter pilot husband.



She is the author of I SEE LONDON and LONDON FALLING, published by Harlequin HQN, FRENCH KISSED, and FLIRTING WITH SCANDAL, the first book in a new three-book series to be released by Penguin/Intermix in 2015.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter 



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Giveaway

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DEAL HIGHLIGHT: Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch

Title: Daughter of Isis

Author: Kelsey Ketch

Series:  Descendants of Isis #1

Release Date: October 26, 2013

Genre: Upper Young Adult Fantasy

“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”



Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.



The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.



Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.


*Note: Content for Upper YA*

Purchase for just 99¢
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•Excerpt•

Seth let out a deep breath as Natti waited, hoping. He ran his
fingers through his hair before his face came inches from her.

“The traditional story told to me began during the days before Ra
had left Earth. His council told him that if the goddess, Nut, bore any
children one would end his reign. So, to protect his power, he placed a curse
on Nut, one where she would not be able to bear children on any day of the
year.

“Desperate, Nut went to Thoth, the god of wisdom, for help. Thoth
knew that once spoken, the curse could not be recalled. However, he discovered
a loop hole, went to the moon god, Khonsu, and tricked him into giving up some
of his light. From it, Thoth created five extra days which were set between the
end of the old year and the beginning of the new.

“On the first of these days, Osiris was born. The second day was
set aside for the later birth of Horus, Osiris’s son. On the third day, the
second son of Nut was born, Set. Isis, Nut’s first daughter, was born on the
fourth day, and her second daughter, Nephthys, was born on the fifth. And when
they finally grew up, Osiris married his sister, Isis—”

“Ugh, gods.” Natti rolled her eyes. “Why do they always have to
marry their siblings?”

“Well, who else were they supposed to marry?” Seth asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe a mortal for a change.”

Seth crinkled his brow. “The gods are too great to marry a mortal.”

“And how would they know? Have they ever dated one?” Natti trailed
off when Seth placed his finger gently on her lips, letting them tingle under
his touch. Oh, how she was beginning to love that feeling. She let it consume
her.

Seth smiled. “Do you want to hear the story or not?”

Natti focused on his eyes. “You have my full attention.”

“Good. . . . As I was saying, Osiris married Isis, and together
they traveled the land. Now before Osiris, the people of ancient Egypt were
considered barbarians. Chaos reigned through wars and cannibalism. But when
Osiris and Isis spread their knowledge, the people learned to plant grains like
wheat and barley; how to tend and water the crops; how to cut the corn when
ripe and thresh grain; and then how to dry the crop, grind it, and make bread.
They even taught the people how to plant vines, and turn grapes into wine. For
his teachings, Osiris became the ruler of all Egypt.

“Set, however, was not pleased by his older brother’s rise to
power. So he laid out a plan to kill Osiris and rule in his place. Aided by
seventy-two of his most loyal worshipers, Set obtained the exact measurements
of Osiris’s body and carved a beautiful box that would only fix to his exact
size. Set then threw Osiris a grand feast, the greatest feast Egypt had ever
known. He called for only the best food the realm could provide and for the
strongest wine to be served. And the dancing girls, they were the most
beautiful creatures anyone had ever seen as their bodies swayed to the hypnotic
music—”

“That part of the story would get your attention, wouldn’t it?” Natti teased.

Seth’s cheeks turned a slight pink, and the corners of his lips
pulled into a smile. He let his finger slide across Natti’s lip again. A
delightful shiver silenced her thoughts.

“As the festivities continued, and Osiris drank, Set commanded that
the box would be brought to the grand hall. Osiris marveled at the rare cedar
inlaid with ivory, gold, silver, and painted figures of the gods and their
creations. Using his charm and deception, Set made a grand gesture. He offered
the box to whoever could fit inside. A few people tried and failed. When Osiris
finally took his turn, though, it fit perfectly, and the lid slammed shut, locking
him inside to die. Later, Set returned, dismembered the body into fourteen
pieces, and scattered them across the desert.”

The imagery that crossed Natti’s mind caused her whole body to
cringe. Seth took her wrist and rubbed his thumb over her hand. The soft
tingling sensation soothed her nerves, making her feel all warm and gooey
inside.

“When Isis heard what happened, she and Nephthys set out to look
for the pieces, gathered each one, and carefully wrapped Osiris in strips of
cloth. Unfortunately, this was not enough. The manner in which he had died had
prevented his entry into Amenti, the
place for those who have passed judgment. So, ultimately, Osiris would not be
able to rest in peace.

“However, Isis was clever. She crafted a magical serpent out of
dust and Ra’s spittle and placed it in the sun god’s path. The serpent bit him,
and Ra—being the most powerful god of all—commanded the poison to leave his
body. Yet his magic would not work, for the serpent was made from Ra’s spittle,
and therefore, he was unable to cure himself of the poison running through his
veins. He called upon Isis, a great healer herself, to withdraw the poison.
Isis, though, told him she could only heal him if she knew his secret name. A
large request, considering. You see, knowing a god’s true name gives the other
person their power. In this case, Isis would gain the power of creation
itself.”

Natti thought back her first day at Setemple High when Seth had
“stolen” her name in gym class. She understood exactly how the Egyptians felt.
It left her feeling violated and betrayed.

“As the pain of the poison spread, Ra finally submitted. He gave
her his name in secret and in confidence that no one other than herself shall
ever know. Isis agreed and cured Ra of her serpent’s poison.” Seth’s voice
became soft and slow. “When she returned to her husband’s side, she took him
into her arms, called on the power of Ra, and breathed life back into his body.”

Focused on Seth’s words and his eyes, Natti hardly realized how
close his lips had come to hers. They brushed up against her mouth, sending
sparks across her flesh. Her heart galloped with excitement. Her mouth parted
slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the
story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

•About the Author•

During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.

For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

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FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday + Giveaway~ The Mackenzie Duncan Box Set by Adrianne James (#49)

Title: The Mackenzie Duncan Box Set

Author: Adrianne James

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

Includes: The Tempering, The Enlightening, The Uprising

Mackenzie Duncan's whole life is ripped from her by the teeth of a strange wolf with yellow-green eyes. Learning quickly that she now lived by the moon cycles was hard enough, but finding her heart torn between two hot Werewolves amidst the blood and violence her new life brought was almost too much to handle. When her new pack's secrets came to light, Mackenzie's conscious wouldn't let her stay quiet. Follow along the amazing journey as Mackenzie fights for what her heart wants and what her kind needs.

____________________________________________________________

The Tempering, book #1

The Mythology department at prestigious Harvard University is tiny—and Mackenzie Duncan has just been selected as one of the lucky few. Her love for myths and legends is strong, but she never thought any of it could be real.



After being attacked by a large wolf while walking home alone, Mackenzie realizes something is not right. She heals quickly, is suddenly super strong, and is experiencing mood swings that can't possibly be normal. The myths she's studying aren't myths at all. Werewolves are real and she's one of them. Fear of what she is, and who she might hurt sends Mackenzie running from the life she’s worked hard to build–and straight into the arms of a handsome Were named Geoff and into the home of his pack. Living with her new pack takes the edge off her confusion and self-loathing, but the arrival of new pack members changes the dynamic, and tests Geoff and Mackenzie’s growing relationship.



The hardest part of being a werewolf is having no control and no memory of her time as a blood thirsty beast. When a moon cycle passes and she actually remembers bits and pieces of the night, she starts to ask questions, and the more questions she asks, the more she realizes she doesn't like the answers. Can she set aside her own sense of morals to belong to a pack that is like a family or will she leave everything behind yet again in search of a life she can be proud of?

The Enlightening, book #2

Mackenzie Duncan found out that pack life wasn’t for her. Now she is running for the second time in the six months since she was bitten and turned into a Werewolf. But this time, she isn’t alone. This time, she has Geoff and Liam with her, two very hot Werewolves vying for her heart.



But her companions aren't her focus. The only thing she can focus on is getting far from her old pack and their murderous ways. Only, she doesn’t just want to run. She wants to warn every pack she can that their lives are in danger too. No one should be turned against their will like she was and no other pack should have to surrender to the ideas of a centuries old, power hungry woman.



Not only does Mackenzie have to deal with her crazy ex-pack leader sending people out to kill her, she has to keep both men at arm’s length (and that proves to be much more difficult than she thought), but she finds out more about her own life and heritage than she ever thought imaginable.



And suddenly, everything makes sense...

The Uprising, book #3

Ever since Mackenzie Duncan watched her skin knit together after being ripped apart by a blood thirsty Werewolf, her life has been anything but normal. After being part of a pack with more secrets than the FBI, Mackenzie left and tried not to look back. Her old pack leader Margaret, a Royal wolf hungry to regain the throne and rule over all the world’s Werewolves, made that impossible. Figuring out who to trust was full of heart break, but moving forward left her with a clear path ahead.



After Mackenzie found out that she, too, is part of the Royal blood line and that she had inadvertently endangered every pack she came into contact with, she feels that it is her duty to help stop Margaret at all costs before any more blood is shed or another life is lost.



Despite traveling the world with Liam, the man she loves, her life is in danger at every turn in her hunt for other Werewolves willing to stand against Margaret. Who better to fight then the blood line that shunned the role of power centuries ago?



Bloody battles surround her at every turn and when Mackenzie thinks all is lost, she has to find a way to embrace her past and accept her future.

____________________________________________________________
About Adrianne James

Growing up, Adrianne couldn't get her hands on enough books to satisfy her need for the make believe. If she finished a novel and didn't have a new one ready and waiting for her, she began to create her own tales of magic and wonder. Now, as an adult, books s till make up majority of her free time, and now her tales get written down to be shared with the world.
During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life's stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family.
Paranormal Romance is Adrianne's most loved genre, but you will find she dabbles in contemporary stories as well. But one thing is for sure, Adrianne writes strong heroines and strong loves.  Website | Twitter ____________________________________________________________
Giveaway
**Additional entry options will be added on November 11th, November 22nd, and December 1st**



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BOOK HIGHLIGHT: Stalking the Demon by Ciara Ballintyne

Title: Stalking the Demon

Author: Ciara Ballintyne

Series: The Seven Circles of Hell #2

Six months ago, the disgraced wizard, Alloran, sacrificed his hand to rescue the woman he loves from his traitorous friend, Ladanyon. Despite saving the city from a demon, his reputation remains tarnished, and the council of wizards has penalised him severely for the practise of banned magic.



Now he learns his desperate efforts to stop Ladanyon led more to damnation than salvation. Finding a solution compels him to breach his sanctions and venture into forbidden places at risk of his life and freedom.



Alloran must choose between saving himself and everything he holds dear.

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Book #1

Sign up for Ciara Ballintyne's Newsletter to receive CONFRONTING THE DEMON for FREE!

Chapter 1

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Alloran rushed through
the citadel halls heedless of the rich carpets crushed beneath his heavy boots.
Gisayne hung limply in his arms, and her black hair trailed over his elbow. A
few people watched him pass, but none offered assistance. Over the past six
months, Gisayne collapsed often enough to blunt the urgency and the panic. The
faces turning in his direction bore only mild curiosity, oblivious to the fact
that this time was different.

Her chest barely rose and
fell beneath the thin cream silk of her night gown and robe, and blue tinged
the edges of her bee-stung lips. Seven hells, was she dying? As he raced
onwards, he clutched her against him and her cold skin pressed against his.
With no left hand, he had no way to check for a pulse. A choked-back scream of
desperate frustration tightened his chest until it squeezed the breath out of
his lungs.

While juggling Gisayne,
he fumbled with the latch on the door to the citadel’s hospice. Damn his
missing hand to the first hell. When the door finally gave, he shouldered it
open and backed into a long room lined with starkly made beds. The few occupied
by sick or injured had curtains drawn for privacy. Breidmar, dressed in the
red-trimmed white robes of a citadel doctor, bustled over at their entrance.

Orange brows pinched with
concern over her violet eyes. ‘Again?’

‘She’s…’ The lump in his
throat choked him. He swallowed hard. ‘She’s hardly breathing.’

‘This way.’ Pointing to
an empty bed, Breidmar called out and strode to a door at the far end. Before
she crossed halfway back, an unfamiliar girl in acolyte’s white appeared in the
doorway.

Alloran placed Gisayne on
the bed with gentle care. Her slack body slid from his arms, her skin pale.
When he let her go, her eyelids fluttered but did not open. Nausea knotted his
gut. The last time she’d fainted, the recovery was quick. Now, she looked as if
death hovered over her, waiting for the moment to snip the thread of her life.

As Breidmar began
checking Gisayne’s vitals, she waved Alloran off. He hesitated. What would he
do except wait, patient, and idle while Breidmar tried again to determine what
illness affected her? She would try and fail, most likely.

‘Are you sure this is not
the falling sickness? It’s supposed to get worse with each successive bout.’

‘She’s not got the right
symptoms. No seizures,’ Breidmar responded in precise, clipped tones.

Alloran frowned. He
wasn’t an idiot. ‘Then what? These collapses are getting more frequent and more
severe! Seven hells take you, tell me. Whatever the illness, it can’t be
too complicated for me to understand.’

With her severe lips
curving down, she sniffed. ‘No amount of genius can assist you to comprehend a
malady I cannot explain. While you’ve made any number of miraculous discoveries,
you have no particular expertise in medical matters. Leave this to me.’

‘The title of doctor is
reserved only for those who have studied in the citadel, and yet you say
you don’t know? After all this time, you must have some notion.’ Wisps
of his black hair hung about his face, torn free of their bindings in his
haste. He pushed them back with a rough motion. When they slid back into
disarray, he tore the leather thong free and began tying his hair back with
short, sharp motions.

The doctor scowled at him.
At her nod, the acolyte whipped the curtain around the bed in a rattle of
rings. The cloth brushed Alloran’s nose; he jerked his head away.

A heartfelt sigh escaped
his lips before he retreated to a waiting area that comprised a group of
chairs. No, sitting still would be intolerable. He changed direction and paced
the length of the room, passing the rows of identical empty beds. His boots
echoed in the open space. Sterile and odourless air filled his nostrils.

Apparently, Breidmar
shared the sentiments of many people in the citadel. Some blamed him solely for
the demons that plagued the city of Ehsan six months earlier, and others
accused him of working with the renegade wizard, Ladanyon. Although Alloran
wasn’t subjected to a disciplinary hearing, the council’s public announcement
that they were banning him from all forms of magic involving the hells only
reinforced the blame.

Seven hells, the
councillors banned him because some
of them felt the same as the other citizens. Those residents who lost loved ones
in the battle against Ladanyon’s first-circle demon were the most damning.
Councillor Valgon’s wife died, and he made no bones about believing Alloran to
be a public menace. I just can’t prove it, was what he said.

Ciara Ballintyne was born in 1981 in Sydney, Australia, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, one masochistic cat, and one cat with a god complex. She holds degrees in law and accounting, and has been a practising financial services lawyer since 2004. She is both an idealist and a cynic.



She started reading epic fantasy at the age of nine, when she kidnapped Castle of Wizardry by David Eddings from her father. Another two years passed before she began her first attempts at the craft of writing. Confronting the Demon is her debut book.



She enjoys horse-riding, and speculation about taking over the world. If she could choose to be anything it would be a dragon, but instead she shares more in common with Dr. Gregory House of House. M.D.

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