Fashion Show.. Calling All Endelle's Ensemble Contestants

THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME.. THE FASHION SHOW BEGINS!! ***NOTE CONTEST HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 02/07/12.. IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE BUT DON'T WANT TO DO THE RUNWAY.. JUST POST YOUR OUTFIT.. THE JUDGING FOR PRIZES IS ON THE OUTFIT.. NOT THE WITTY BANTER ****

The Models are getting ready..
While the crowd slowly assembles..

First comes Alison, dressed in comfy jeans and blouse, dragging an incredibly uncomfortably looking Kerrick. She beams as she finds seats are still available in the front row. Quickly she saves seats for all the rest..

Next come Parisa and Antony, Antony mumbling something about how he would really rather be wearing his purple robes than sitting through this torture..

Grinning widely, in steps Jean-Pierre and Fiona, along with Carolyn and Sariffe.. both women are excited to see and be seen...

Waving to Santiago, Zacharius and Luken who are guarding the room and scoping out the women.. Havily and Marcus stroll in looking like the fashion plates they are.. Havily nods in approval at all the details..

Finally, in stomps the ever elegant Endelle.. wondering whyever she would want to be at a Fashion Show of all things.. She has her own unique style and is proud of it.. 

For the Show Endelle has worn one of her favorite new outfits, long legs clad in thin black and white shining striped pelts, criss crossing her curves and riding low on hips, smooth tan skin peaking through the webbing.. As though in competition w/her unusual leggings are accompanied by what looks like an armadillo skinned bustier.. pushing her almost up and out... *eyes roll as all hope she doesn't pop out*.. Long black hair is caught up in a hair piece, sea anemone.. all piled on top as her hair writhes, giving her a swirling, sinuous slithering look.. .. Oysters dangle from each lobe.. open to showcase their pearls.. And finally 5" black and white boots, reminiscent of 60's go go boot, all shiny  made of some sort of giant squid ..Her necklace a combination of sand dollars and starfish, still writhing.. thread together with still aromatic strings of kelp.

Kerrick leans over to Antony and asks.. "is that Zebra seal skin? How did she find a baby zebra seal?"

Antony smirks, and responds "forget the pants.. look at her hair, it's alive.. "

Havily glares at Endelle and said "I said pearls would be nice.. but not freakin still in the oyster..."

In the back Zacharius hands Luken 10 bucks.. grinning..as Luken gleefully points out "I told you she would find good use for that armadillo we found on the side of the road the other day.. "

Walking right to the front and sitting blocking the view of any and all behind her, she looks at Havily as to say.. 'let's get this show on the road'

Lights dim and the first model steps out.. to the groans and laughter of all assembled..

OK, people do your worst.. place your outfits in the comments below.. Remember mine doesn't count.. I just had to make one!

Just a reminder of what you are creating for...  

The Contest..Design an outfit of animal skin for the high supreme Endelle...

The Prize...

The winner, or winners if I (and by I that means Caris) can't decide on just one entry, will each get a signed copy of a Guardians of Ascension novel, plus a choice of wing-based earrings, plus all the usual author loot!

And Finally, THE RULES
Well as always you MUST be a member of our site..

You must respond by February 7, 2012

and you must post it right below in the comments section.. don't worry about creating the runway.. if you want to feel free...if you want to and feel intimidated email me @ shaunispeaks@yahoo.com and I will help you out, with the runway only not the outfit.. and if you don't want to then just post your outfit below.. The prize is for the outfit not the witty banter

Turn Back Tuesday, Janis Reems Hudson

Today's Turnback Tuesday Author is Janis Reems Hudson, another unique and interesting author. I must say I am really enjoying this series. To find out about the lives and interests of the authors that I have enjoyed over my life. So many of them lead interesting lives BEFORE they became authors.. and since.. well they just keep on going. Janis Reems Hudson is another of those interesting women.

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While Ms Hudson has written many interesting books she wrote a series that touched me deeply and left an indelible place in my heart. Her Colton Series was a fascinating look into our past. She wrote of a family living on the brink of change in Texas.. At the time of Geronimo and the end of so much freedom for the Apache Nation.. She did a stellar job of showing how love can thrive in the most difficult of situations but more than that she wrote about, passion, greed, racism, hatred, all the things that marked that particular era of our country's history. As Phoebe Conn, did with her series on Southern California when the Americans took the land from Mexico, Ms Hudson gives us an interesting look into the thoughts of the Apache people and what drove them. Yes, I know this series was a piece of fiction but it touched me.. Of course, having ancestors that walked the Trail of Tears probably gave me inclinations towards this type of work. I will say this, if you come across any of the stories from this series it is most definitely worth the read.

Romance novelist Janis Reams Hudson was born in California, grew up in Colorado, lived in Texas, but has called central Oklahoma home for most of her adult life. Janis worked for fifteen years in local television in the Oklahoma City and Corpus Christi, Texas, markets. After writing for seven years, during which she left television and completed seven novels, Janis made her first sale in September, 1990. The book was FOSTER LOVE, which sold to Meteor Publishing for their Kismet line of short contemporary romances.  Since the book’s publication in February, 1991, FOSTER LOVE has won several major book awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award for Best Short Contemporary Romance of 1991, Best Kismet of the Year from Romantic Times, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence for Best Short Contemporary of the Year, and was a RITA finalist for Best First Book from the Romance Writers of America.

Within two and a half years of making that first sale, Janis sold twenty-two novels, both contemporary and historical romances.  Her books have appeared on the romance best-seller lists of Waldenbooks, B. Dalton, and Bookrak, have been nominated for numerous awards, and have earned a total of six major book awards.

What little time she does not spend writing and researching her next book Janis spends helping other writers and volunteering her time to various writers’ organizations.  She maintains professional memberships in Romance Writers of America, where she served six years on the national board of directors (including two as president/ceo), and in Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, which she helped found. She also actively promotes her work by holding autographings and speaking at various writers’ workshops and conferences across the country.

Janis lives in Choctaw, Oklahoma, with her husband Ron, and various cats, ducks, and sheep.  * Janis Reems Hudson Website

Shauni

ON THE WINGS OF ASCENSION-A Poem

ON THE WINGS OF ASCENSION-A Poem

By Sandy S.

(A poem based on the characters and series by Caris Roane)

A warrior's wings of gifted flight.

To tell a tale, Ascended knights.

Breh-Hedden heard, a song foretold,

Of lovers waiting, wings unfold.

Ascension waits for those that earn.

Few are chosen. Less return.

Blood and death, are symbols bold.

Love and honor, truth is told.

Power shifts for those who wait,

Endelle rules, it is her fate.

Second Earth under attack.

She seeks to claim, to win it back.

The Coming Order, fate has deemed.

An evil tyrant, leads the team.

Greaves pays heed, to none but self.

He breaks the rules. He owns the wealth.

Kerrick lost a love, a friend.

Love renewed, Breh-Hedden's sin.

Alison was gifted strong,

But touch eluded, senses wrong.

Blessed with child, first with wings.

A parent's joy, their world would sing.

Marcus damned, a friendship cost.

When sister's life, forever lost.

A lover rogue, her blood did call.

For Havily, his heart would fall.

Medichi did hide his past.

A shame so deep, scars were his mask.

Parisa's gift of sight and sound,

Surrounded by a love, so strong.

Jean-Pierre knew triumph well,

But now he faced the gates of hell.

Fiona died, her blood renewed.

A lover's kiss, it was her due.

Breh-Hedden claimed another male.

As Gideon fought, he would not fail.

Elise decided, a chance she took,

She bared her soul. A love that shook.

Thorne is waiting, second command.

Cared for non--that was his plan

But Marguerite is waiting still.

Their story next. A love fulfilled.

Luken waits for love to call.

While Leto braves, the night that falls.

Santiago dared to dream.

Zacharius would hear their screams.

Guardians wait for gifts of wings.

To feel the call, Breh-Hedden brings.

To know a vampire, finds a love,

Ascended Warriors, from above.

Caris Roane did write her dream,

Of vampires, love and hidden wings.

She wrote the tale, that will not end.

With-The Guardians of Ascension.

By Sandy S.

Happy MANCANDY MONDAY

Yes that's right.. it's time to throw off the covers and get out of bed.. Time to forget about the fun of the weekend and return to the grindstone..

For all you hardworking folks out there.. Here's a bit of Monday Cheer!!

Can you say YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?

More Unbelievable Pick-Up Lines from--askmen.com

It is Sunday, and once again, my foray onto the WWW, has left me both shocked and amazed.

I sometimes wonder how the human species has never completely annihilated itself through sheer stupidity and the inability to know when to stop talking.

askmen.com is a website geared to men--to help men with everything from erectile disfunction, to diet to picking up and meeting women in bars.

*shaking head*..I think I will count my blessings that I am no longer part of the single-scene.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

And the love of my life, has 'consented' to assist me, to understand, just 'what the h*ll', they think they are doing.

askmen.com: Opening comment

pick-up line: askmen.com's suggested pick up line

Hubby: My lifemate

Me: Self explanatory

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askmen.com: A good pickup line is like a good wingman-funny, but not so cool as to distract from your good looks and charm.

pick-up line: Hi beautiful, statistics show that Americans aren't having enough sex, so why don't you and I get together and raise the mean.

Hubby: Is that what they call it now.."RAISING THE MEAN"? I thought they were trying to raise something else.

Me: *giggling*...You, so did not just go there.

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askmen.com Some women just need a little teasing in order to relax and open up around you.

pick-up line: Can I lick that film off your teeth?

Hubby: *gag* Dental Hygiene isn't what I tease, to get women to open up.

Me: *double gag* if some man offered to lick the film off my teeth, I think I would offer a toilet that needs cleaning

And.....heyyyyy, what do you mean....? How many women do you 'get to open up'?

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askmen.com: With a little confidence, this week's pick up line could seriously work for you--no joke.

pick-up line: My buddies over there said that I wouldn't be able to start a conversation with the most beautiful girl in the bar. Wanna buy some drinks with some of their money?

Hubby: *rolls eyes* First thing, you don't take a bet from your so-called friends, that have been drinking

Me: I don't think there is enough money in the world, to buy what he wants.

Hubby: *snort* I don't think he cares what he buys at that point.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

askmen.com: Here's a pickup line that's easy to remember--handy when you've had a few drinks

pick-up line: You've made me so nervous that I've forgotten my standard pickup line.

Hubby: *coughs* There is no such thing as a standard pick-up line.

Me: *coughs in response* Um, love of my life, do you have a cold coming on? And that man is so nervous, he has forgotten where he parked his 'standard pick-up truck'.

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askmen.com: This pick-up line is best used in the wee hours of the morning, when she's less likely to think you're a creep.

pick-up line: You know, good girls get presents this time of year, but naughty girls get to have fun.

Hubby: That time of the morning, involves the guy wearing beer goggles, and the woman in a similar state. Remember, you have to wake up to each other in the morning, or be able to run as fast as you can.

Me: Seriously, I want the present...diamonds, preferably.

Hubby: Yes dear....*grins*

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askmen.com: This one is best used if you're wearing a tweed jacket and sipping a Scotch on the rocks.

pick-up line: Most people would agree that society these days, has lost a bit of its' civility. It's a shame. You have excellent posture.

Hubby: *snort* God, is that all he noticed?

Me: *snort*

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

askmen.com: This one might piss her off a little, but at least you'll have her attention.

pick-up line: F*ck me if I'm wrong, but haven't we met?

Hubby: *snort* You know what the answer to that one will be. She's definitely met you before, regardless....you are NOT wrong....and you won't be getting f*cked.

Me: *roll eyes* And on that note.....

Born of Ashes, A Review

In the Ascension Series, Caris Roane is creating something that just gets better with each book. It astounds me that someone can take snippets of modern culture, add a bit of legend and lore and then create this wonderful world. The Ascension Series is about more than a world in the throes of change, about more a world fighting to survive. It is about one world and all it’s dimensions. About fighting evil and yet not always knowing if what you are doing is working. It’s about the bad guys looking better than the good guys.. it’s about politics and corruption and bureaucrats and how far people will go to fight evil.

Born of Ashes is the fourth book in this absolutely amazing series and yes it is the best so far. It seems Ms Roane is riding a wave and it is no where near hitting the shore.. I hope it has yet to peak. In Born of Ashes we return to Second Earth and the battle against Greaves, Fiona having been rescued from her status as the oldest blood slave, living or dead, is committed to finding all of Rith’s (evil minion of Greaves) slave holdings and destroying them. The rest of her time has been spent in reconnecting with the daughter she lost and had long thought dead. She has no time for such things as the Breh-Hedden (that “mythological” connection that only a few Ascenders have ever obtained), which to her mind was just another form of enslavement. No choice, forced attraction.. undeniable and unreal. The problem is she is crazy about Jean-Pierre, the Warrior who has been assigned as her guardian and who just happens to be her Breh-Hedden. The problem with the Breh-Hedden is that it matches souls, more or less so even while the individuals involved insist upon fighting it.. claiming that it traps them and they have no free will.. they fit. The couples are not destined that implies that they will meet.. but they are the right counterparts for each other..
 

Jean-Pierre, the sexiest of the Warriors (IMHO) is actually quite young in the grand scheme of things and has only been a Warrior for a couple of centuries and retains much of his first Earth Issues. Namely having been falsely betrayed by his wife, the love of his mortal life, to the French Revolution. He doesn’t trust in love and he certainly doesn’t want the Breh-Hedden. Oh no, he has seen his fellow Warriors fall and he doesn’t want to give anyone that kind of power over him ever again. Assigned to be her guardian by the ever interesting Endelle, he has been wearing himself out fighting Death Vamps and protecting Fiona, who has been making things very difficult for him. Limited personal times by way of twice monthly torture, ok dates..  

As they fight their attraction Greaves and company are beginning to play out the fight in the poll of public opinion. While Endelle is a PR nightmare, Greaves has it all figured out. Of course how often is that the case? Look to WWII for example. Greaves, while keeping the ever evil minion Rith close at hand, publicly declares him public enemy Number One.. even going so far as to offer a reward.. jerkface.. We also meet Casimer, a fourth ascender who has been cast out. I guess the upper dimension like to think of the lower ones as penal colonies..

While Fiona and Jean-Pierre resolve their conflicts and learn to work together they discover that Fiona is an Obsidian Flame...yet another “mythological” power that has not been seen in millennium, at least not on Second Earth. As the Obsidian Flame she is part of a triad and the fight to learn her powers and gather the rest of the triad is a race.. Greaves and company want to destroy any power that might help Endelle. Secret 6th level ascenders are sending vague messages that at first look to hurt Endelle’s chances. Oh and just to make things interesting.. Fiona connects with a mysterious seer who plays a huge part in this story and I am sure in future ones..

Revenge, mayhem, obsession, love, friendship are the main themes in this book and that is just with the good guys. It is a compelling, fascinating, intriguing and multi layered wonder of words. With each page comes a new twist, with each solution comes a new problem. People that are supposed to be serving good, those that are not considered evil, have agendas.. power, control... and then comes family. I like that this book really speaks on family connections. Thorne’s sister, Allyson and Kerrick’s baby, Fiona’s Daughter, Son-in-Law and grandchildren..

There is so much to see and read in this book it virtually surrounds the senses.. while all that power is being displayed and control is fought over, the delightful decadence of some of the scenes sent shivers up my spine. Sensual lovemaking scenes.. where desire and need collide.. Powerful individuals who maintain control of their worlds learn to let go and let love.

Do I recommend this book? In case you wonder? Oh yeah.. Ms Roane has set her bar high..

Shauni

A Gift of Magic, A Review

Lynn Kurland out does herself in this final installment of her second trilogy in the Nine Kingdoms Series. From what I understand she plans on doing three trilogies all intertwining and yet can be read in any order. After reading the first trilogy, I will say it works beautifully with the second one. We get glimpses of what is going on throughout the Nine Kingdoms as we see some favorites from the first trilogy.. but it manages to avoid any confusion.

As Ruithneadh of Ceangail and Sarah of Doire continue on their quest things begin to heat up. The story goes from a gentle watercolor to a vibrant intense oil. Vibrant and alive with rich characters and exotic plotlines.. A Gift of Magic takes up right where SpellWeaver takes off. Ruith the reluctant magician and Sarah the girl who sees.. but has no magic are trying to find Ruith’s father’s book of evil spells.. An evil of such magnitude that anyone who holds them for too long can be maddened. Their quest is to find each individual page and when they have the entire book then to destroy it.

Of course there are many who would prefer they not succeed.. from a witch who thinks she can take Sarah’s powers (of which she has none) to Ruith’s evil half brothers, to other Mage’s that want to capture the book and use it for their own purpose.. They have learned one thing, trust no one and yet they must.

Ruith and Sarah have to deal with meddling relatives who all have their own agendas, deal with reuniting with lost love ones and with learning to discover and depend on each other. While they hold strong in their attachment to each other, there are those who wonder if this is the best match. Be set on all sides..

While this books started off with the gentle song of the first book the crescendo gradually grows.. Ms Kurland direct her character llike the Maestro she is.. There are many people who are not who they claim to be, others aren’t as bad as you think they are and still others that offer a deep betrayal. Proving that evil is...

All this culminates into a wonderful surprise ending and an enchanting promise. I can not wait to see who the third trilogy is about. Ms Kurland has fast become a favored author of mine with this series.

Shauni

Friday Feature and Follow #3

I was on The Para Junkie Blog and found this blog hop. I love blog hops because they take you to some interesting places and bring some interesting people to your blog. This particular blog hop is pretty basic.. if you go to The Para Junkie Blog or Alison can read who co hosts this blog hop. You will see a feature post as well as a list of other blogs that have some fun and exciting reading available.

Our Feature -Book’d Out

Hi, my name is Shelleyrae of Book’d Out. As a thirty something, married, mother of four I live a quiet life at home in Australia (in amongst moments of sheer chaos) which I love, but with a book in my hand I can be a vampire’s mistress; a detective on the hunt for a serial killer; a damsel in distress or even a teenager again. I have always loved reading but never had anyone to talk to about books with. No one really wanted to listen if a book made me cry or rage or laugh or filled my heart with joy. *insert sob here* So like everyone who has something to say but feels no one is listening, I started a blog. I read an eclectic mix though I prefer urban fantasy, mystery and contemporary fiction, I find it impossible to choose favorites though. I am as happy to read ebooks (on my iPod) as I am print, from backlists to bestsellers, mostly if there is a story to tell I am willing to read it.

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

 Oh that's a fun one, I avoid mysteries. I can't help it! I get so caught up in the suspense that I can't sleep for days. If I am lucky. When I was a kid, my parents forbid me to watch any shows with tension in it. Including comedic tension because I would get so upset. To this day I can't sleep under a canopy because I saw a movie called The House of Seven Ghosts, One of the characters was smothered by his canopy... yeah I have nightmares about being smothered by canopies.. which is sad since I have NEVER had one! So a good mystery will really put me under.. who knows what my nightmares would be like then.. of course horror ala Stephen King would do it to me as well.. 

Make sure you check out some of our Blogging Friends by clicking on some of the links below!

Talking About...Anthony Catanzaro

It is Thursday, and today's Talking About column will feature cover model and fitness champion Anthony Catanzaro

STATS:

Name: Anthony Catanzaro

Birthplace: Bay Shore, NY

Date of Birth: December 18th

Residence: New York, NY

Height: 5'10"

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Anthony Catanzaro, born December 18th, in Bayshore Long Island, is an American Fitness model and bodybuilder. He is a former Playgirl model and Mr. Fitness 1997. He has also appeared in movies such as Carlito's Way, The Scout and Batman: Gothic

Growing in Bayshore, his family lived in a small house. It was around his 15th birthday, when he transformed one of the family bedrooms in his parent's house, into a gym. He was an avid WWF fan at the time. He used to love watching Hulk Hogan pump up his persona on TV. These images impressed Anthony so much, that he pursued fitness and bodybuilding.

On his 15th birthday, his sister bought him a weight set. Then one week later, he bought himself a weight bench, and the rest is history.

Anthony's many romance covers include G A Aiken's LAST DRAGON STANDING.

As well as:

A Perfect Stranger by Terry McLaughlin

Dakota Dreams by Madeline Baker

A Taste of Honey by Jamie Alden

Anthony started modeling at the age of 18, and continues to have a busy schedule. He not only competes as a fitness model, he also competes in natural bodybuilding shows. He has appeared in many films, TV show, commercials, magazines, catalogs and romance covers.

Anthony is very proud to help others achieve their goals. Whether it is health, fitness, motivation, nutrition and well being, he always encourages people to follow their dreams. He believes we all have a purpose, and we should all help each other find that purpose.

Anthony is a contributing editor in fitness modeling and healthy eating and workout programs with Tracy James'- New York Modeling Network

Tony is married to his wife, Tina-the love of his life. He currently resides in NYC where he continues to work on body building, modeling and television. He is also the owner of Tony's Fitness Studio in Ozone Park, NY.

You can find Anthony's website at : http://www.anthonycatanzaro.com/

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http://fitnessmodelsonline.net/male/anthony-catanzaro/

http://www.anthonycatanzaro.com/bio.html

http://www.myspace.com/anthonycatanzarofanclub/photos/14331562

http://www.mostbeautifulman.com/misc/anthonycatanzaro/bio.shtml

Sandy

Wings of Fire, A Guest Review

Today's guest reviewer is our own Nina. Nina has been a fun part of Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy since the very beginning. We met her on the Christine Feehan website and dragged her along with us. She has been my stalwart supporter in all things Caris Roane and we have had many discussions about Ascenders and what we would like to do with those wings.. *grins cheekily* She has written a wonderful review on Wings of Fire, hope you enjoy.

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Guardians of Ascension: The war continues with the eccentric Madame Endelle’s Warriors of the Blood and the corrupted evil Commander Greaves. Imagine if you will: Eight very large warriors in leather kilts. Now add beautiful wings. They are not angels, but vampires, whose mission is to keep the soulless death vampires from entering mortal earth. Place those warriors in multidimensional worlds, the higher the dimension, the stronger the powers. This particular series takes place on Mortal Earth and Second Earth with occasional glimpses of the upper dimensional worlds coming into play at crucial times. The breh-hedden is a legendary phenomenon that emits pheromones that bind a male to female as mates, albeit against their will, and is only recognized by the other through the sense of smell of a particular individual scent .

So for all you J. R. Ward and Lara Adrian fans…. Dig in.. you are in for a great ride!

“Wings of Fire” is the third chapter in the series, Guardians of Ascension.

Parisa Lovejoy was introduced in the previous novel, Burning Skies, as a rare mortal not yet ascended with wings and voyeur capabilities. She was abducted by Rith, a powerfully deranged loyal servant to Commander Reaves while under the watch of her guardian and breh, Antony Medichi.

This story begins with Parisa missing for three months now and Antony searching tirelessly day and night for clues to where she may be. He knows she is still alive because she, as a voyeur, has visited Antony every morning whispering his name. Trying unsuccessfully to communicate her whereabouts telepathically she feels helpless and alone. When she encounters a mysterious woman begging for help and then voyeurs her, she discovers the horrific truth of what Rith is doing secretly in the basement below. The basement is a site for blood slaves and not only does it reveal how dying blood is obtained for the Death Vampires, it also introduces the mysterious female as Fiona, a partially ascended mortal who has been undergoing torture for more than a century but has managed to survive. Through a new found inner resolve and strength she successfully reaches out to Antony to save them all.

Antony is dreadfully scarred both physically and mentally from previous events before his ascension and his attraction to Parisa is handicapped only because both are reluctant to allow the other into their tightly guarded hearts. Through trials and tribulations they finally come together in an explosive revelation to win the battle that turns the tide in the war against Commander Reaves.

There is a very nice surprise for Fiona at the end of this chapter. (It was “tissue” time at my house when I got to that part of the book.)

Caris Roane never fails to deliver; I found Wings of Fire edgy, erotic and in places, hilarious. It may very well be the best book in the series so far. Parisa is strong and easy to like, Antony is described as one of the largest of the warriors and is a favorite of mine in the Warriors of the Blood. The secondary characters are still very much a part of each story.

I love the brotherhood theme, the twists and turns, the descriptive way in the creative accounting of the strong characters and their purpose in parallel worlds. I also love the way series is presented as an ongoing ‘saga’ and how each book does an excellent job in setting up the next story. Most of all, I truly love the all powerful Endelle, the “Supreme High Administrator of All Second Earth”. She is accurately described as a PETA nightmare, wearing the most ridiculous ensembles from some kind of animal. She can out “cuss” a sailor, she’s saucy, crass and she speaks her mind whenever, to whom ever and however she sees fit.

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Thank you Nina for a wonderful review

WWW Wednesday

It's Wednesday that means it's time for another WWW WEDNESDAY Post!

Remember there are no rules, you can Write Whatever strikes your fancy.

While Wednesdays are remain all yours I have found that this post works better with a question.. so today's question is

What's With the Wings?

We have been reading The Guardians of Ascension where once they ascend, Wings are guaranteed to follow.. In one rare case the Wings actually came first. While it is a great aspect of second earth you have to admit the idea of men with Wings is just plain sexy!! 

But the guardians aren't the only ones with Wings!! Let's see, Jennifer Lyon's Wing Slayer Hunters obtain Wings once they are accepted by Wing Slayer and they have met their soul mirror.

There are Furies and Angels and Demons all with Wings in Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld.. 

Plenty of powerful creatures with Wings in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark. 

Donna Grant's next book in her Dark Sword Series features Broc as the hero and you got it he has WINGS...

So I have to Wonder.. Who's your favorite character with Wings? And What do you think the attraction is?  (feel free to cite an example I did not use, no Way could I get ALL the characters with Wings)

Shauni

New Releases January 26-31, 2012

Title: Nautier and Wilder

Author: Lora Leigh/Jaci Burton

Release Date: January 26, 2012

Title: Darkest Highlander

Author: Donna Grant

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Title: The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae

Author: Stephanie Laurens

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Title: Last Man Standing

Author: Cindy Gerard

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Title: Lenobia's Vow

Author: PC & Kristin Cast

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Title: Lucky Penny

Author: Catherine Anderson

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Title: The Summer Garden

Author: Sherryl Woods

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Title: 44 Charles Street

Author: Danielle Steel

Release Date: January 31, 2012

THE ROYAL ASSASSIN (Shadows of Myst series) by Shireen Nemnich

THE ROYAL ASSASSIN is the premiere release for Shireen Nemnich’s Shadows of Myst series.. The Royal Assassin novella introduces the people of the Royal House of Darkness and Shadow in the magical land of Myst—a group of beings bathed in the power of magic and shadows.

Reis, part Nightelf, part Mystic, and the Royal Assassin for the Royal House of Darkness and Shadow, must bestow congratulations onto Essence-the Heir to the Chalice, and the woman who should have been his consort. But 4 years after the birth of her twins, and marriage to Phantom, he is still reluctant to acknowledge their union. And to complicate matters, one of their children was offered as a consort and/or apprentice in training, as compensation for his loss of a consort. With great reluctance, Reis bestows his blessing upon the couple’s children, but not before, he is enthralled by their 4year old daughter--a child, so innocent and sweet, that he loses his heart and soul, when he realizes that she will be his consort and mate. But Reis senses an evil presence within the shadows surrounding the couple, especially when their young boy is offered into servitude without consideration or thought.

Shadowen and her twin Shade, have a connection, unlike anything Reis has ever seen, in children so young. They seem to communicate without talking, and feel without touching. The power of their magic engulfs Reis with a feeling of both wonder and awe, but there is also darkness within the House of the Royal Chalice. When it becomes apparent that something evil lives within the family, Reis is determined to claim his consort, if only to protect from future harm.

For eight years, Reis must hide in the shadows, in order to protect his young consort. He must sit back and watch as she grows into a young woman, and begins to fall for Darken, the young neighbor boy. But when Shadowen’s pain overtakes Reis, he knows it is time free her from her parent’s care. The cruelty and abuse inflicted by her father, are more than either can bear. Their connection already strong, Reis rescues the 12 year old, but not without threat to his life and family. But sadness pales the young child, when she must leave her twin brother behind and at the mercy of their twisted parents. Shadowen’s magic and her use of the shadows in the land of Myst, both surprise and scare Reis. There are times when she literally disappears into herself. Is she communicating with another?

In the land of Myst, the citizens travel using the shadows and darkness, and it is these shadows, that also encompass the very essence of their being. The shadows surrounding the individual vibrate with sensuality, anger, love or anxiety, depending on the action of the moment, and it is among these shadows, that magic proceeds. When an attempted abduction by her own father, sends Shadowen into the darkness, Reis is lost, in the knowledge, that he was unable to protect his future mate, as well as his grandmother. But a call from the Royal Magistrates’s office, to answer to charges of neglect, for the disappearance of the young woman, only reinforces their love for one another. Her parents are refused visitation and contact, but this also brings the realization to Shadowen, on the loss of her twin because no contact with her parents, also means no contact with her brother.

Over the next 5 years, Reis and Shadowen’s relationship grows, as does the woman. Shortly after her 17^th birthday, Reis claims Shadowen’s heart as well as her body, but her connection to her brother and family is so strong, that they sense what has happened, and her father is outraged and seeks to destroy their lives. He is determined that she is his property and wants her back.

Several forces of magic play into the lives of the people of Myst, including dark, light, life and death magic, as well as different planes of existence. Many different levels of the Royal House involve political allies and enemies-all will converge in this storyline, to defend and protect the young couple, as well as fight for dominance in an aggressive world of royal intrigue. The Royal Seer, Reis’ father, has been long absent from his son’s life, and has only recently renewed a relationship with his only child. The Royal Conjurer takes it upon herself to mentor and teach Shade, the ways of a skilled warrior, and ,a heritage of shadows from family long gone, seem to embody the spirits that drive the current generation of the people of Myst.

When Reis is called away , to fulfill his duty as the Royal Assassin, Shadowen reveals that she is with child. But when Reis is captured and held prisoner, Shadowen and the child suffer from the loss, but not before Darken lays claim and wishes to be her new consort. Once again, Reis is overcome with guilt, at his own actions, leaving his pregnant mate behind, but when Shade affects his escape, Reis is determined never to leave her side again.

There are heartbreaking losses that affect the young couple, as well as the duty Reis must perform for his father, that will wrench one’s soul. The death of a child or parent, can be one of the most devastating losses, and it is within the pages of this book, that love will heal the broken and shattered heart.. The Royal Assassin is my first peak into one of Shireen Nemnich’s novels. It was an easy read, but the premise is new and unusual. I liked The Royal Assassin, and I am hoping to continue the series, as soon as possible.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shireen Nemnich was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona, but now calls Virginia her home. She is the mother of 3, and the grandmother of 2. As well as a registered practical nurse, Shireen follows her dreams of writing, and published her first book of poetry on lulu.com, but has since entered the world of self-publication. Her writing genre is romance, whether it is fantasy or science fiction.

Coming Soon:

The Royal Seer

The Royal Conjurer

The Forgotten Assassin

You can find Shireen at the following locations:

http://www.snemnich.com

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