Friday, October 31, 2014

Blog Tour - UNSPOKEN by Brenda Rothert



Goodreads/Amazon rating: 5/5
In Patti's Imagination rating: 9.5/10

I often expand my Goodreads/Amazon reviews for the blog, so this includes parts of my posted reviews and adds a little bit. Based on the Amazon/Goodreads rating system, this was easily another 5-star from Brenda. Why 9.5 instead of 10 for the blog rating? I guess it's because I wasn't sure about this story when I got started. The blurb didn't persuade me instantly to read it, but since I've loved all of Brenda's books, I had faith that she'd turn me around. She did that and then some! 

I say this time and again - I love a story with characters who make me feel. I don't need to like them every second, but they need to make me react emotionally. I like it even better when they elicit a variety of emotions. I laughed (Troy in the trailer, anyone?), I cried numerous times, right up to the end. I wanted to smack Brady and Palmer both at certain points (Brady in particular, silly alpha male!) I love great characters who grow, realistic narratives and emotional reads, and while I'm still not convinced that the synopsis tells me I'll get them in this story, I did.

If you're on the fence about this book, don't be. Brenda has hit it out of the park again. There are so many emotional events in this book that you won't even realize you've flown through it until you're at the end.

If you love hot, sexy reads that truly engage the reader in the lives of the characters, pick up this story. You won't regret it.

Now, Brenda, when are we getting stories for Troy and Amanda - together, maybe?


Palmer Sinclair was on the edge of happily ever after when she broke off her engagement to Brady Grant. The end of their relationship marked the beginning of a painful solitary journey for her. Though she makes places beautiful with her work as an interior designer, the rest of her life is anything but beautiful – it’s slowly pulling her under.

Brady, a contractor, is swiftly building his business into an empire. Work is a faithful companion that never lets him down like Palmer did. When he sees women now, it’s on his terms. And his terms are simple: just sex. He won’t let a woman break him again.

Palmer is barely holding it together when she and Brady are unexpectedly paired on a project after a year apart. The pull between them is stronger than ever, but the fallout from their reconnection leaves them both wondering if maybe some things are better left unsaid.




**Part of the Proceeds of the Sale of Unpsoken will go toward The Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP for the rest of the month of October.**

For More Information on AFSP and The Keith Milano Memorial Visit: 
Keith Milano Memorial

#isupportmentalhealthawareness

Chapter 1

I grinned at the image of the bride in the magazine I held, picturing her classic, beaded veil and big cascading curls on myself.

“You like?” I asked, turning the magazine around for my design partner Georges to see.

“Eh,” he said, frowning. “Maybe if you were going to prom in 1985. Add some pink frosted lipstick and dark blue eye shadow.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I don’t want my hair pulled back tight the way you like. Brady wouldn’t like it, either. He likes to touch my hair. You know, run his hands through it.”

Georges gave me a horrified stare. “Not on your wedding day, Palmer! What about the photos? Tell him to keep his caveman hands to himself until the wedding night.”

Just the words wedding night brought on a tingle of excitement. Not that Brady didn’t bring it every time we had sex, but the idea of wedding night sex was especially hot. He’d told me about a fantasy involving his face between my thighs while I still had the dress on, and I couldn’t deny that I was now fantasizing about it, too.

“We still have quite a few details to work out,” Georges said, looking up from the bridal magazine he was flipping through to give me a chastising look over the dark rims of his glasses.

“I know,” I said, snapping out of my sexy reverie about Brady. “Let me get out my wedding planner.”

“Let’s finish this over sushi,” Georges said. “I skipped lunch and I’m starving.”

I glanced down at my watch and shook my head. “Ugh, it’s after six. I can’t. My mom asked me to stop by her house on my way home and I told her I’d be there around six.”

“Damn you. Now I have to get carryout.” Georges rolled his eyes dramatically.

“I’ll buy lunch tomorrow,” I said. “Don’t forget that we’re going to the florist’s shop for a dry run of the centerpieces.”

Georges’ face brightened. “Let’s go visit the dress again, too.”

“Maybe,” I said, smiling at him. “It has been a full week since we last saw it. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

He nodded and turned back to the magazine. I checked my phone on the way to the parking deck, smiling when I saw a message from Brady.

Brady: Going to see Dad. Be home late. Lunch tomorrow? Love you.

I wrote back, glancing up occasionally to make sure I didn’t crash into anyone.

Me: Lunch with G tomorrow. I’ll cook dinner tomorrow night at my place. Love you too.

We still called it my place even though he’d practically moved in. One married, we planned to live in my tiny bungalow after instead of his tiny apartment. Between Brady’s building skills and my design ones, we’d made my place into a cozy love nest.

On the drive to Mom’s, I let my mind wander to the job I’d just been hired for. I was designing a nursery for twins – a boy and a girl. My client loved a traditional look, so I was using gingham, soft yellows and greens and gorgeous white painted furniture.

This job was creating unexpectedly strong maternal pangs. Brady and I both wanted kids, but we wanted to wait a couple years. He was paying a price for his father’s lousy decisions, and we both had to focus on our careers for a while.

Still, I let myself dream about the day we’d have a baby. Hopefully one with his dark hair and bright green eyes.

I parked in front of Mom’s house, noticing the faded maroon shutter that had been hanging by one screw had finally fallen off. Brady had offered to paint the dingy brownish exterior when Mom and Danny moved in here last year, but Mom always put him off, saying she knew he was too busy with work.

This place needed a spruce-up, though, even if Brady and I had to show up and just do it. Weeds were beginning to overtake the small flower bed next to the front porch.

When I pulled open the creaky back screen door, Mom glanced up from the kitchen table and stood, meeting me for a hug. She held on longer than usual, and I studied her face when she pulled away.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah.” She headed for the stove, not meeting my curious gaze. “I made you a plate of dinner. Chicken pot pie.”

I sank into a chair at the table, looking around the kitchen for my younger brother. “Where’s Danny?” 

On cue, his wheelchair came rolling into the room.

“Almer!” he cried, reaching out his arms. I grinned and stood, bending down to hug him tight, the way he liked.

As soon as I released him, he turned his chair around, grunting with the effort, and worked his way back out of the room.

“Where are you going?” I called behind him. “I just got here!”

“Cubs,” he said shortly.

I smiled at his retreating form, realizing I should’ve guessed from his baseball hat and Cubs t-shirt that he was immersed in a game on TV. Though he was 23, Danny’s doctors said he had the mental capacity of a four-year-old. I knew he was smarter than they gave him credit for. But no matter what his mental capacity, he was the brightest ray of sunshine in my life. I’d been in one fist fight in my life – when I was eight and a kid in our neighborhood called my five-year-old brother stupid. 

Mom set a plate down in front of me, fussing over grabbing the salt and pepper shakers and a napkin and pouring me a glass of iced tea.

“I can get that stuff. Sit down,” I said. “This looks delish.”

“How are the wedding plans coming?” she asked, her eyes warming with excitement.

“Good. I’m going to make the final decisions on the flowers tomorrow.”

I blew on a steaming forkful of pot pie, studying my mom’s drawn expression. She didn’t bother with fixing her hair or makeup, since she spent her days taking care of Danny. But the lines on her face were more pronounced than usual. Something was off.

“What’s up?” I lowered my fork and set it on the plate. “You look worried.”

She sighed deeply. “It’s probably nothing.”

“What’s probably nothing?”

“I got a call from the hospital today about the pre-op testing for my back surgery.”

“That’s right,” I said, chiding myself for forgetting to call her about it yesterday. “Is there a problem with the surgery?”

Hopefully the doctor hadn’t changed his mind about it helping her or the insurance hadn’t denied coverage. Mom needed this surgery. Years of lifting Danny in and out of his chair had left her back aching every minute of the day, though she rarely complained about it.

“They did an x-ray and it showed a possible mass,” she said, wrapping her arms around herself. “In one of my lungs.”

My heart pounded as her words sank in. “A . . .” I cleared my throat. “A possible mass? What does that mean?”

She sighed again. “It means I have to get a CT scan tomorrow. Aunt Claire came over to be with Danny while I was at the hospital yesterday, and it’s an hour drive for her. I didn’t want to ask her to come back tomorrow. Is there any way you could come over in the morning, around 9:30?”

“Of course.” Emotions swirled inside me. This was so unexpected that I was still trying to wrap my mind around it. “But I want to go with you. I’ll ask Brady to come stay with Danny.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know that they’ll do anything but the scan tomorrow, Palmer. The results may take time. I can handle it on my own. If you’ll be with Danny, that’d be perfect.”

“Sure,” I said, not sure at all. “Are you okay?”

She nodded and attempted a smile. “It’s probably nothing. Just a precaution. They haven’t cancelled my surgery or anything.”

I nodded, too, trying to see that as a positive indication. But the worry that had kicked up my heart rate and drained my appetite in an instant was still there.

Flowers, cake and the perfect wedding hairstyle suddenly felt like ridiculous things to care about. All that mattered right now was my mom being okay. She had to be.








Brenda Rothert is a proud indie author who loves writing stories that make readers laugh, cry and occasionally, yell at their e-readers. Her Contemporary Romances include Unspoken; The Now Series - Now and Then, Now and Again and Now and Forever, and The Fire on Ice Series - Bound, Captive, Edge and Drive. Brenda lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three boys.
 


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T.H. Morris' THE 11th PERCENT




Book Information

Author - T.H. Morris
Book - The 11th Percent
Genre - Paranormal
Print Length - 396 pages

Synopsis


Jonah Rowe, a bored accountant and aspiring novelist, is sick and tired of his job as an accountant. He is burnt out from all the office gossip, politics, and double talk, and he longs for his life to matter. Truth be told, Jonah wants anything besides the lame routine of coasting through his workday....only to psych himself up enough to do it all over again the next day. He only wishes that his life had some meaning.

Amidst the combination of writer's block and society's expectations to have a "real" 9-5 job, Jonah gets his wish.

His world is turned completely upside down one evening when his vision inexplicably turns blue for several moments. He then receives a warning from a spectral visitor that not only is he in danger, but everything in his life is about to change.

Overnight, Jonah transforms from an overworked, underpaid accountant to the centerpiece of a spectral battle. Will he rise to the occasion? Can he accept that everything he knows about life and death is completely wrong? And, most importantly, will he be able to comprehend and harness the power of the mysterious 11th Percent?

Follow Jonah's journey in this new breed of ghost story!




Buy Links





Praise for the Author


- I am really enjoying it. T.H. Morris a gifted writer!

-Had a great time reading! I was hooked in from the start. I really like how you are letting the mystery unfold in pieces. It makes it really suspenseful and got me trying to figure out how this spirit world works. So, I was sitting at the beach, reading your book on my nook and got to the last page and kept clicking "next" because I didn't realize I was done and wanted to read more! So, long story short, I really enjoyed what I read and want to read more!

-The per center concept and the spirits were outright brilliant. Descriptive so much so I could see the characters. I would read more. It left questions which kept me reading………

-I enjoyed it. The plot was very engaging and kept my interest throughout. I found your imagery very descriptive and that really helped me get a good feel for Jonah and his surroundings. I know you have put a lot of time and effort into this and I wish continued success!

-Literally, couldn't stop reading those pages. From an author's perspecive the characters are engaging, the plot gripping. From a reader's standpoint the premise of the story is intriguing and left me wanting more...no mean feat as I'm notoriously selective about what fiction I read. I'm hardcore fantasy, with a bit of sci-fi and horror thrown into the mix to spice things up, so for your paranormal to entice me the way it did was impressive………….displays great descriptive powers…………T.H. Morris is the real deal, mate.


Author Interview


Here's an interview with T.H. Morris, Author of THE 11TH PERCENT, Book 1 of THE 11TH PERCENT Series, conducted by Patti Roberts. Let's get to know this up-and-coming author!

What inspired you to start writing, and when?
I was inspired to write at a very young age, four or five. I grew up on fairy tales, tall tales, and fables. All of those were full of fantastical beings. I couldn’t get enough of those stories. They instilled in me a love of creating worlds and situations within me that has yet to wane. I think the seeds of wanting to write fantasy fiction were planted at that time, but the moment that I knew I just had to be a writer was in the fourth grade. We had to create nine to ten page “books,” bound by yarn and construction paper, and read them to the other fourth grade class. I loved the feeling of reading to other people, and having other people peruse my work. From that moment on, I was bitten by the bug. 

What is your preferred genre?
Paranormal, Fantasy, New Adult…..anything that brings about the need to suspend my disbelief.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?
The 11th Percent is Book 1 of what will eventually be a seven book series.

Tell us a little about your book:
The 11th Percent is a paranormal story that takes place in North Carolina. It follows the adventures of everyman Jonah Rowe, who is a bored, unfulfilled, and listless accountant who has literary aspirations. He simply wants his life to mean something. He is about to get his wish in a very rude fashion; he discovers that he is at the epicenter of an ongoing ethereal conflict.

I would like to say that The Eleventh Percent is a new kind of ghost story. I don’t employ the usage of some of the old tried and true formulas that we’ve seen in ghost stories in the past….all a part of putting my own original edge on a story that’s dear to my heart. I truly think people will love it!

Do you have plans for a new book?
I sure do! I’m currently at work on Book 2 of The 11th Percent Series, entitled Item & Time.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
Undoubtedly! Beverly Cleary, Lynn Reid Banks, Tamora Pierce, Sharon Shinn, JK Rowling, Meg Cabot, James Patterson, Elizabeth Wyke, Nat Russo, Alan J. Garner, Matthew Arkin….and of course, Patti Roberts!

Was there an Author that inspired your writing?
Oh sure! Even though I do not recall the author’s names, the fairy tales of my youth shaped my imagination. Beyond that, let’s see……Beverly Clearly was a huge inspiration for expounding family dynamics. Tamora Pierce was all about flouting limits and antiquated notions. Stephen King has always been an inspiration to write what you want, regardless of other’s opinions.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?
I don’t really care for outlines; they always seem to chafe me. What I like to do is use bullet points. I make a bullet point for each thing I want to see, each thing I want to remember. The main idea of the bullet is then turned into a full chapter. And sometimes, the chapter will go into a completely different direction, and I just go along for the ride. So, I suppose I would say largely by the seat of my pants.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
For the longest time, I was heavily into paperbacks and hardcover. I adore the smell of a new book and the turning of pages. But then, I came across indie authors some years back and was unable to access their stories unless I had access to ebooks. That got me into that avenue. Nowadays, I love all three.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?
Don’t have a preference, to be honest. I will go with whoever will have them!

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author?
 I will be on Halloween 2014!!

What books would you like to read again?
The Twelve Houses series by Sharon Shinn (particularly Dark Moon Defender, which is Book 3), anything by Rick Riordan, The Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce, and the Pendragon series by DJ Machale.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
Most movies don’t do the books justice, my opinion.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I am currently reading Fortune and Fate by Sharon Shinn in a hardcover format.

Who designed the cover of your book?
The superbly talented Patti Roberts!

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it?
Oh, most definitely!

Do you have any advice for other writers starting out?
Always remember why you love writing. Know it, have it in your heart, and keep it close. It will help you when people try to discourage you by remarking on how “tough” the business is. It will reassure when you come across people that aren’t fond of your work (and you won’t please everyone. It’s simply not going to happen). Never, never lose the excitement that you have for creating. And lastly, just write. Write all the time. Write, and keep writing, until your story is finished. And when you have written all you possibly can, write some more.

Do you write under a pen name?
Yes. TH Morris. The “TH” are the initials of my first and last name, Terrick Heckstall. The Morris piece of it is to honor my late grandmother, whose passing, in several ways, served as the catalyst for The 11th Percent series.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
 PJ’s, athletic shorts…..you name it!

What are your pet peeves?
Unfounded accusations, bullying, stupid people, and individuals who make decisions based on partial information.

You are trapped on a tropical island - who would you like to be stranded with?
My wife!

Pick one - Wine, Chocolate or shoes?
Chocolate!

Cats or dogs?
Cats! And you will be seeing them in The 11th Percent Series!

Tell us about someone or something that just made your day
I’m a substitute teacher by day. Last semester, I was doing lunch duty with the first grade children, and paid a compliment to a boy who had just shown me a crayon depiction of WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan. He made it for me because he knew I was a fan. He was so happy when I praised the drawing that he said “You know what, Mr. H? I want you to work here for real, not be a sub.” Made my day AND my week.

What is your favorite food and beverage?
Favorite food is my wife baked spaghetti with turkey burger in it. Favorite beverage is any mixture of tea and lemonade.

How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?
5-6

What are 3 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
Glasses, hematite necklace, and wedding ring.

Sleep in or get up early?
I’m a morning person, so I’ll say get up early. I try to wake up every day like I did it on purpose.

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop!

Your favorite gadget?
My game console, the PS3!

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
As soon as I get up out of bed and have worked out, and right before bed at night. In the daytime, I actually like writing in the car! At night, I write on the floor next to the bed.

One of your favorite quotes
“We are all sculptors chipping away at the marble until we’ve reached the masterpiece.” Eddie Murphy

List 3 of your favorite movies?
Kung Fu Panda, Hot Fuzz, Casino Royale

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
House of Cards

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
When it is released, it will be both.

Where can your readers stalk you?
On Twitter (@terrick_j), facebook (facebook.com/authorthmorris), and my website (www.thmorris.weebly.com)

Author Bio


T.H. Morris is a lifelong writer who was born in 1984 and raised in Colerain, North Carolina. He has been living in Greensboro, North Carolina for the past twelve years. He is an avid reader, primarily in the genre of science fiction and fantasy because he enjoys creating people, situations, and worlds. He holds hold a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and spent several years as a therapist and mental health clinician. He has been writing in some way, shape, or form ever since he was strong enough to hold a pen or pencil, but the expectation of securing and maintaining a traditional 40 hour job was the expectation of all around him. The call of writing never diminished, though, and soon became too powerful to ignore. Morris began writing The 11th Percent in 2011, and is currently working on its sequel. He still resides in Greensboro, with his wife of six years. 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

New Release - THIS CHRISTMAS: A CHARTREUSE STORY by T.E. RIDENER





Chartreuse purchase link: http://amzn.com/B00JWECPYO
This Christmas purchase link: http://amzn.com/B00OLDLL0A



Following up to the best-selling novel CHARTREUSE, T.E. Ridener is releasing a new story entitled This Christmas: A Chartreuse story.  

 



AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story accompanies the novel Chartreuse which is available now. For a better understanding, entertainment, enjoyment, and the sake of not spoiling the ending of the novel, please be sure to read Chartreuse first. This is a M/M romance for those who are curious. If you don't mind the spoilers and you're just looking for a quick, enjoyable read, please proceed. 

For Kasen Reed and Rowan Kelly the road to true love has never been easy. Six years after finding each other, things seem to finally be falling in to place. Their love for each other has done nothing but grow. But true love has its faults.

Demanding jobs, new business ventures, and general day to day activities have put a distance between the two lovers. Both are at a loss on how to fix it. With the holidays right around the corner and a want to expand their family, our favorite couple must find a way to get back to the harmony they once had.

After fighting for their love in almost impossible conditions will everyday life be their downfall? Christmas is a time of peace and love. Can Kasen and Rowan turn their chaotic life around in time to enjoy the holiday and have everything they ever dreamed of? 




 

50% of sales for Chartreuse & This Christmas are being donated to the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter in Ridener's hometown of Corbin, KY.  The shelter suffered a fire in November 2013 which destroyed their home and claimed the lives of several cats and dogs, including their beloved mascot, Sassy.  They are seeking to get kennels for the new shelter.  One of the main characters in Chartreuse, Rowan Kelly, is a vet, and Ridener feels there isn't a more perfect cause for the sales to be donated towards.  In April, she donated $300 to The Trevor Project and The Ronald McDonald House through the success of her first M/M romance novel.  She'd like to thank you in advance for your support.



T.E. Ridener entered the world in the magnificent year of 1985. She's an avid reader, crazy writer, and photoshop addict. She started writing stories at a young age, and will probably do so until she takes her last breath. Forever the daydreamer, not a day passes in which Miss Ridener isn't working on something book related. Her books may be a work of fiction, but there is a lot of truth in each one.
Creating relatable characters and believable storylines mixed in with make-believe is what she is best known for. She always includes a strong female lead, a compassionate male, and tons of every day events that readers will be able to connect with. Miss Ridener is a lover of music, movies, TV shows, and her family.
During the months of November and December, she participates in the charity she helped create called Random Acts of Christmas, an online program geared towards making Christmas happen for families in need. In 2013, they gave over $69,000 in gifts to kids who otherwise would not have had presents to open on Christmas morning. Coming from a childhood of poverty, T.E. understands that life isn't always easy and she has experienced living from paycheck to paycheck. This has fueled her drive to always lend a helping hand in every form possible. She is very active in the group "Books for Troops", a program designed to send ebooks and paperbacks to soldiers currently serving overseas.
T.E. Ridener is the youngest of 3 children, a surviving twin, and an extremely proud aunt. She claims to be married to her books and the characters she creates are her kids. Thus far, she has produced three ongoing series entitled Blood Betrayal (vampires), The Kadenburg Shifters Series (bear-shifters), and The Descendants (elementals). There are loads more and new ones popping up each day. She LOVES her fans and readers, and not a single one of them appear as a number to her. She knows that without them, she wouldn't be where she is today. Every day is a new possibility, a new adventure, and a new dream. Life doesn't get any better than that.

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Book Blitz - MACALISTER'S HOPE by Laurin Wittig

MacAlisters Hope - Banner  

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – MACALISTER’S HOPE SERIES – A KILMARTIN GLEN NOVELLA AUTHOR – LAURIN WITTIG GENRE – SCOTTISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE PUBLICATION DATE – OCTOBER 21, 2014 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 29K PUBLISHER – INDIE COVER ARTIST – T. A. Straley
 

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Kieron MacAlister has always loved Fia MacLachlan, a wee fey lass he met years ago who, with her sweet smile and surprising insight, changed his life. When he comes face-to-face with the beautiful woman she’s grown into, can he convince her to change her life, too?
 

BUY & TBR LINKS

MacAlisters Hope - Cover  

EXCERPT


“Fia can go with you,” Elena said.

Fia’s breath hitched. “Nay, I am needed here, at least until after the bairn is born and you are recovered.”

Elena took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I shall be fine. The midwife can look after me.”

Fia wanted to shake her head, but she nodded instead, swallowing all of her arguments for why she should stay. ’Twas her duty to do as the chief and the lady required. “I will go.”

“Do you share the Lamont gift?” Tavish snapped, jerking Fia’s attention back to the two men who stood closest to her and spoke for their clan.

“Nay,” Fia answered with a lift of her chin, “but I am well trained as a healer.”

“Fia is expert with herbs, far more than I am,” Elena said. “She has a canny way of knowing which will best serve those she treats, such as I have never seen before.” Elena reached out and pulled Fia close, wrapping her arm over Fia’s shoulder in a gesture that had always made Fia feel safe, while at the same time Elena skewered first Tavish, then the other man, with that same motherly glare that made even grown men cower. “She is more than capable of tending your chief in his illness.”

Elena’s words of praise eased some of Fia’s concern over leaving her foster mother when the bairn could come at any time. “Aye, I will do all that I can for your chief, but I have one condition.” Elena tightened her grip and Symon turned to face her, irritation and concern filling his eyes. Fia wiggled free of Elena’s grip and took her hand again. She smiled at Symon, knowing he could not glower at her when she did that, and indeed his gaze softened. “I will need to return to Kilmartin within a ten day. If you cannot promise me that, then I will not go with you.”

She took a deep breath, unused to going against Symon or Elena’s wishes, but she hoped this was enough of a compromise to keep everyone happy. Fia could feel the knots in her shoulders loosening now that she had set her own requirements on the deal.

“But she does not have your gift.” The words came out as a growl from between Tavish’s gritted teeth. Fia could see the man next to him tense, as if ready to do battle, though he had not so much as gestured toward his dirk or his sword. That was when she noticed that he held something in his hand, rolling it in his palm as if he calmed himself with it. She looked up at his face carefully for the first time and realized he was familiar to her, though she could not remember from where she might know him. There was something about his eyes…nay, she could not place him.

Elena tilted her head and smiled, glancing at Fia and drawing Fia’s attention back to the conversation. “Nay, she does not have the Lamont gift,” Elena agreed, “but she is very talented in her own way, and you do not have a choice. Fia can go with you to tend your chief—your father—” she added pointedly, “and be returned here within a ten day, or you can leave here with a tincture that may or may not be what your father requires.”

Tavish started to respond, when the other man simultaneously reached out and gripped his shoulder, as if to stop him from speaking, and dropped the thing in his hand. Fia watched as a perfectly round, milky stone rolled to rest near Elena’s feet. Fia scooped it up, for Elena could not even bend over these days. She dusted the pretty stone off on her skirt, then held it out for the man but he did not take it from her.

“Do you think you can heal him, Fia?” he asked, saying her name as if he, too, remembered her, though she still could not remember why she knew him. She looked at Tavish, holding the stone out for him to take as his companion did not seem interested in it anymore.

“I do not ken,” she said, needing to be truthful with him and herself, “but I will do my best.” The palest pink whispered along the milky white ribbons within the stone, surprising her even as she heard the other man let out his breath. “But you must promise to have me back here before Elena’s time,” she said, though her eyes were still on the stone that was once again milky white, “whether your father is better or not.”

Elena plucked the stone from Fia’s hand and held it up to the pale sunlight, gazing into it with a bemused look upon her face. “I believe she can heal him,” Elena said, still gazing into the stone, while pink once more whispered through it. Fia gasped. Elena looked at her for a moment and quirked an eyebrow as if asking if Fia had seen what Elena had. Elena lowered her hand and held the stone out to its owner with a mysterious sort of smile playing over her lips. “’Tis a beautiful stone. It reminds me of a tale I once heard about the Cailleach Bheur, the mother of winter, and a frozen tear that held the truth of her heartache. You should not be so uncareful with it.”

“Aye, my lady,” he said quietly. “I have heard that story, too.” He swallowed and smiled. “I am afraid I have a bad habit of fiddling with it and dropping it betimes,” he added, tucking the stone into a pouch at his belt. “Fia’s skills will be most appreciated.” Tavish sucked in a loud breath.

“She will do as she says,” the other man said to him, “I am sure of it.”

Tavish said nothing for a long moment, then nodded. “Very well. If we cannot have the skill of Lady Elena, we will take Fia with us to tend my da.”

Fia and the other man winced at Tavish’s less than grateful tone. “And return me in a ten day.” Fia narrowed her eyes and pressed her lips together. She had no intention of budging from Elena’s side without this assurance.

“We promise,” the other man said when Tavish did not.

MacAlisters Hop - Author Photo  

AUTHOR BIO

Laurin Wittig writes Kindle Top 10 bestselling and award-winning Scottish medieval romances. She has been obsessed with her Scottish heritage since her first visit to Scotland when she was eleven years old, and was thrilled, years later, to discover Scottish romances. Since then she has had the good fortune to bring her own Highland stories to readers around the world.

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