MERRY CHRISTMAS! From @KathryneKennedy

To all my enchanting readers. Hope your day is magical!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PIKACHU, MY LITTLE RESCUE PUPPY! SHE GREW INTO SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE DOG.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ORNERY OLD BAGGINS! WE ARE GRATEFUL TO HAVE HER FOR ANOTHER CHRISTMAS.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SCRAGGLY, SLIGHTLY PSYCHO CHAMPAGNE. MOST DARLING DOG EVER!

#EBook Sale! Beneath the Thirteen Moons by @KathryneKennedy

The digital version of BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS is available for $1.99 from Dec 24 to Jan 5 at Kobo's Boxing Day book sale.
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beneath-the-thirteen-moons
You can download and read it using any of the following Kobo apps and devices:

• DESKTOP
• eREADERS
• TABLETS
• IOS
• ANDROID
• BLACKBERRY
• WINDOWS
   
   
  You can use your phone or desktop computer to read an $8 book for $1.99! You can't get a better deal than that this holiday...for hours and hours of magical, sensual reading pleasure!
  Click the arrow below to watch the book video!
   
   

Last Day to get THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER for 99 cents!

The digital version of THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER is available for 99 cents from Nov 28 to Dec 1 at Kobo's Black Friday/Cyber Monday book sale.
You can download and read it using any of the following Kobo apps and devices:

• DESKTOP
• eREADERS
• TABLETS
• IOS
• ANDROID
• BLACKBERRY
• WINDOWS
   
   
  You can use your phone or desktop computer to read an $8 book for 99 cents! You can't get a better deal than that this holiday...for hours and hours of magical, sensual reading pleasure!
   
  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-fire-lord-s-lover-1 

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-fire-lord-s-lover-1

The digital version of THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER is available for 99 cents from Nov 28 to Dec 1 at Kobo's Black Friday/Cyber Monday book sale.
You can download and read it using any of the following Kobo apps and devices:

• DESKTOP
• eREADERS
• TABLETS
• IOS
• ANDROID
• BLACKBERRY
• WINDOWS
   
   
  You can use your phone or desktop computer to read an $8 book for 99 cents! You can't get a better deal than that this holiday...for hours and hours of magical, sensual reading pleasure!
   
  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-fire-lord-s-lover-1 

More Recommended Reads

One of the advantages of being a Sourcebooks author is the opportunity to purchase our publisher’s books at discount. Although part of the reason I take advantage of those discounts is a loyalty to my publisher, the other part is just because they publish darn good reads. I try to focus on those I recognize hearing about on our Casablanca Blog. This also allows me to expand my genre of reading. So, my list includes many Sourcebooks’ authors and works. I purchased most of these books months ago, and am grateful to have the chance to finally read them, although now my TBR pile is sorely depleted…which is a good thing, cause I haven’t read all the Sourcebooks Casa authors, and now I get to buy some more .

The Heir by Grace Burrows

This is a Historical romance, what I consider a ‘classic’ romance, where the story is primarily centered on the relationship between the hero and heroine. This is a particularly page-turning one, easy to get sucked into, easy to read. I especially loved that the physical relationship between the H&H reflected the advancement of their emotional connection. The brothers of the hero are intriguing as well, and I’m looking forward to reading their stories (there’s a sneak-peek of Devlin’s story at the end of the book). I also adored the secondary story-line of the deaf sister, and when Val plays the piano for her after giving her a ‘speaking tube’, it’s truly magical.

Demon’s Curse by Alexa Egan

I was actually asked to read this book for an author endorsement, so the first time around, I read it too quickly. This is a book that should be savored, so I read it again, with my ‘business’ hat off. If you enjoyed my Relics of Merlin series, you’re sure to enjoy this story. The author has created her own race of shapeshifters she calls the Imnada, although they live in hiding, most of their race in a land cut off from mankind by the palings, a magical mist. There are also the Others, the Fey, who live peaceably alongside mankind, but are mortal enemies of the Imnada. The story centers around an Emnil, an Imnada who broke the clan’s laws and is now rogue. He falls for an actress who is strong enough to deal with the man and his beast, and their romantic future will keep you guessing until the end. This is an entirely new, richly textured creation of a world of shapechangers and Fey, incredibly well conceived and realized.

Cover Me, By Catherine Mann

This is another foray into a genre I haven’t read before, that of sexy military men and the women strong enough to fall in love with them. I don’t often read contemporary romances, but I was glad I delved into this one. The hero was incredibly special, incredibly HOT. A Pararescueman, a job I’m assuming is real, although it would take an incredibly special man to do it, which the hero is. This is a wonderful, sexy romance with a thrilling adventure story as well, set in the wilds of Alaska. Great story!

Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

I have a collection of books that I read over and over, waiting a year or so to forget most of the book, so I can experience it all over again. I have added this book to my collection of treasures. This is my second reading of it, and it was even better than the first.

The Crystal City by Orson Scott Card

One of my favorite authors I’ve been reading for years, I truly enjoy the tales of Alvin the Maker. Here’s just one of the gems in this novel:

“Cal,” said Alvin, “ideas aren’t like land or poems or babies or something. If you tell me an idea, and I like it, then it’s my idea too, and still yours, and it also belongs to everybody on God’s green earth who thinks it’s a good one.”

Cowboy Fever, by Joanne Kennedy

Really warm, believable, charming characters. A hot romance. A hunky cowboy. The scenes of Equine Assisted Therapy had my eyes watering more than once. This is a wonderful romance that can’t fail to touch your heart. An absolute must-read.

The Goblin King by Shona Husk

I’m almost through reading this one. It’s a very dark fairytale, about a king cursed to become Goblin, and about the woman who tries to help him. The author weaves a spell that makes the world of the Shadowlands, and the heartbreak of the king, so very realistic. Even though I haven’t reached the end, I can absolutely recommend this book. The author has an incredible talent for dark fantasy.

A quick disclaimer, here. As you can see, I’m not a reviewer. It takes a certain skill to summarize books clearly, and there are many wonderful professional review sources, like Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, RT BOOKReviews, NOR, TGTB&TU…check out the reviews on my website and blog for more great on-line review sources as well. This is just my personal recommendation of great books I’ve recently read and had to share with my own readers.

A Must Read: THE FIVE DEATHS OF ROXANNE LOVE By @ErinQuinnAuthor

I must start with a disclaimer: Erin and I critique each other’s work. After reading her first few novels and falling in love with her writing, I made it my mission to wrangle her into working with me, and I’ve been grateful for her partnership over the years. Her work often reads like poetry, and she does dark novels with a masterful pen. Being on medical leave, I finally got the opportunity to read through THE FIVE DEATHS OF ROXANNE LOVE once again. (It’s different when reading as a critique; I’m working, and on my computer. Reading the published printed version of the book is just sheer relaxing pleasure.) Anyway, I knew I wanted to write a blog entry one day highlighting some of her words that I found particularly brilliant, evocative, or sensual, so I marked the pages, and I’m sharing them with you here today:

Page 341

“Maybe that’s all you need to know,” he said against her lips. “That I’ll always be waiting for you. You’re not alone in this, angelita. Maybe we do it together.”

Page 295

He seemed overwhelmed by the responsiveness of her body beneath his, overawed by how it felt to make love to her. And for just a moment, he looked lost.

Page 278

A small pool positioned near the rental office and clubhouse glittered, surface as flat as glass, chairs at precise attention around the perimeter. All of it vacant and looking too serene to be real. It buzzed his already stretched nerves.

Page 231

“The Beyond, Reece. Heaven, hell—Hades, Elysium. Call it what you want. But in the end it’s the same. That door lets darkness seep in. And lurking in all those shadows, just waiting for a chance to scuttle through that opening, are demons.”

Page 221

Her breath was shallow. So was his. He held her body so close that their lungs filled in tandem, each breath taking the space vacated by the other.

Page 212

He leaned back against the pillows and tugged her down next to him. She resisted for about half a second before laying her head on his shoulder. He smelled of soap and cotton and Santo. She pressed her nose against him and breathed him in.

Page 211

Still caught in Santo’s gaze, she said good-bye and set the phone on the nightstand beside her. The air felt thin, dissipated by the man who moved like a jungle cat through it, bare feet padding against the wooden planks.

Page 195

He heard it again, a deep, menacing reverberation that seemed to come from just behind the boulder, and yet in front of it and all around it. The shadows gobbled the sound and spat it out in a million small, vibrating pieces.

Same Page

The air grew so still it seemed to thin until he could see the particles within, silver on gray, slate on black.

But then it shifted and became thick. Sulfurous. Suffocating.

Page 188

Reece had only ever seen the hours before dawn from the other side of midnight, when the rising sun meant the end of a good night. He’d never awakened early to watch it evict the stars and muscle down the moon like he did now.

Page 180

His palm felt warm and gentle against hers, his touch a low-frequency hum in her system.

Page 126

Her heart labored, so stressed she couldn’t tell if it had sped up or slowed down. The eerie stillness stretched hard and tight over them, an imperceptible cellophane wrapper that trapped them. Panic made her short of breath; terror convinced her that she’d find the oxygen siphoned away from their dubious refuge if she tried to fill her lungs.

Page 124

The sound of dragging footsteps coming up the other stairway—the one behind them—echoed just as the strident bell of the elevator binged ahead. She didn’t look back. She didn’t need to. She could sense the creature on the stairs. Could it sense her, too? Did she carry a scent that demons could sniff out? Was the one on the stairs testing the air even now and asking, Where are you?

You probably have your own favorite passages after reading this book; these are my own personal ones. And if you haven’t already read it, you can get THE FIVE DEATHS OF ROXANNE LOVE HERE:

http://www.amazon.com/Five-Deaths-Roxanne-Love-ebook/dp/B00A27XBAW/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411600738&sr=1-3&keywords=erin+quinn

And be sure to preorder the sequel, THE THREE FATES OF RYAN LOVE

As Always,

My Magical Best,

Kathryne

Recommended Reading...

There is only one good thing about taking a medical leave, and that is I have time to catch up on my reading. When I’m writing and in the middle of a book, it’s more difficult to leave my world, and enter someone else’s. So today I’m giving a list of the books I’ve read over the past few months, books that have helped me forget the pain…and the frustration of not being able to work. The good thing about being a writer is, I can call it all research!

Since I knew I had a blog post coming up, I thought I’d share some of the fabulous books I’ve read recently. I have good days and bad, so when I have the good, I can post an entry for a later date. Unfortunately, I never know if on that date, I’m gonna be having a day where I’m feeling well enough to respond to any remarks, so if I’ve missed you at any time, my apologies, and I hope that when my issues are resolved I can get back to being more reliable regarding comments.

Romance novels aren’t just romances anymore. Ask any avid reader, and they’ll tell you that romances now span the genres from Science Fiction to Mystery to pretty much every subgenre in between. Usually the novels are half romance and half the other genre, so readers have a wonderful assortment of stories to choose from. Of course, there are still what I think of as the ‘classic’ romance story, where the plot is minimal and the story primarily centers around the relationship between the hero and heroine. And I, of course, love them all, cause I never, ever, met a book that I didn’t like or learn from in some way.

 So here’s the outstanding assortment of books I was grateful to have read:

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison

A paranormal romance, very dark and quite scary. I had a difficult time putting this one down. The concept, plot and characters were just so exceptional.

No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper

The tattoo on the back of the cover model is a clue to this time-travel romance. But there’s magic involved, so deftly woven into the world that it’s wonderfully believable. I loved how those in the past knew about other possible futures, so it made the heroine’s entry into the historical world, and her connection with the hero, such a fast-paced love story.

Wolfsbane by Patricia Briggs

I’ve reader several of her Mercedes series, but have to say, I adore this series the most (Masques was the first book, best read in order). The relationship between the heroine and Wolf is one where you know they are the only two people in the world meant for each other. And talk about a tortured hero…. It’s the skill of a great writer that makes you fall in love with him despite (or maybe because of?) his horrid past.

The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel

Although I have been looking forward to reading this conclusion to the Earth’s Children series, the length of this book made me hesitate to get started on it for fear I wouldn’t be able to put it down. There was a lot of cave-visiting, and it made me wonder if it was based on real-life research on the part of the author. It was a joy to read more about one of my most favorite-fictional-characters-of-all-time again, Ayla.

Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen

I can’t express how much fun this book was! Savor it for a time when you’re feeling blue and need an escape to make you feel good. This is a historical, where both the hero and heroine have been spies and are then retired, giving them a chance to know and appreciate each other. Then they are both sent on a mission to find a murderer, and whoever wins gets to be a spy again. Clever and so charming, this book was a real treat and another must-read.

Forever a Lady by Delilah Marvelle

What I consider a ‘classic’ romance, this was a page-turner. It’s not often I read a book where the heroine is even more of a risk-taker than the hero, and this was refreshing…although the heroine is lucky she didn’t get into more trouble than she did.

Quatrain by Sharon Shinn

One of my favorite fantasy authors, this is a collection of four short stories, in several of her worlds, including the “Summers at Castle Auburn” world, which is the very first book of hers I read, and still my favorite. These short stories are just as fabulous as her books…she always leaves you wanting more, no matter the length.

The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens

Another classic historical romance, with a Scottish laird and a feisty English heiress, this is the kind of book that has you laughing with joy and cheering at the end. It appears to be one of a long line of family connected books, with three closely connected books, this being the third kidnapping by the same laird, so needless to say, I’m going to have to hunt down the rest of these books.

All these books are written by masters of the craft, and I hope you get a chance to read them. Although I enjoyed all the adventures, I’m looking forward to being able to write my own once again.

Magically Yours,

Kathryne

Interview with a Were-Wolf, by @kathrynekennedy #fantasy #books #romance

Interview with Sir Nicodemus Wulfson from ENCHANTING THE BEAST

 Author:  “Hello, Sir Nicodemus.”

Nico turns around in the pond he’s been swimming in. The sunshine filtering through the forest canopy makes the drops of water that cling to his muscular torso glitter like diamonds. “Who the hell are you?” he says in a gentle growl at being caught unaware. 

Author:  “No one terribly important.  I’m just the one who created you.”

Nico tosses his damp hair away from his eyes, the blond strands within the brown refusing to cooperate, falling back over his forehead.  “You think so? How do you know that I don’t exist in some alternate universe and I created you to tell my story?”

Author, frowning:  “Very clever, but that’s beside the point.  I came here to interview you for my readers.”

Nico shoos away a water sprite. “Ah, I see.  Then I am happy to oblige, madam.”

He emerges from the pond, and Author realizes he’s naked as the day he was born and turns her back.  Hears the rustle of clothing, takes a peek, and is half-relieved to see that he’s pulled his trousers on. 

Author:  “Um, can you tell my readers a bit about yourself?”

Nico shrugs, muscles rippling beneath smooth skin. “I’m a were-wolf, I live in a castle that my brother swears is haunted, and I have a sister-in-law who tries my patience.  Is that sufficient?”

Author, smiling:  “No, not quite.  Tell me about Philomena.”

Nico:  “The ghost-hunter?”  His dark brown eyes glaze a bit, the golden specks in them glinting with something akin to hunger.

Author shivers.

Nico:  “She really can talk with ghosts, you know.  Amazing woman.  Her companion is a were-snake and she has a spirit-guide named Tup.”

Author:  “I understand she’s a bit older than you.”

Nico:  “That doesn’t signify.”  He scowls.  “Although she uses it as an excuse to keep me at arm’s length.  Not that it will work, mind you.  I bloody well get what I want.”

Author:  “I have no doubt.”  Takes a step back from the predatory gaze in his eyes, then scolds herself for being foolish.  Despite his look, the man wouldn’t harm her.  “But you’ll have to deal with some issues before that can happen, won’t you, Nico?”

The shadow of his were-self surrounds Nico.  “Know about that, eh?”  Picks up his white linen shirt from the mossy bank and shrugs into it.  “What am I saying, of course you do.”

Author:  “But my readers don’t know yet.  Can you enlighten them?”

Nico cocks his head, more hair tumbling over his eyes, as if he’s trying to hide behind that shaggy screen. “So what do you want me to say?  That I fear my very nature?  That I enjoy it when my wolf hunts, when he devours our kill?”  He paces the mossy bank like a caged beast, the movement parting his unbuttoned shirt and revealing the hard ridges of his belly, the sculpted contours of his muscular chest.  “That doesn’t mean I killed my fiancée, damn it.  I would never murder anyone.”

Author, soothingly:  “Of course you wouldn’t, Nico.  But you need to prove it.”

Nico:  “I can.” Fists his hands.  “I will.”

Author:  “Maybe Phil can help you.”

Nico stills, his handsome face calms. “Yes, she believes in me.  But I’ll solve my own problems.”

Author, smiling indulgently:  “We shall see, Nico.”

Which Dress did Fantasy Author @kathrynekennedy Choose?

A while back I posted photos of four dresses I could choose to wear to an upcoming wedding, and had people vote on them. I was asked to post which dress I finally wore, and I'm sorry to say it wasn't any one of the original four I had chosen! (Here's the original post: http://kathrynekennedy.blogspot.com/2014/03/fantasy-author-kathrynekennedy-needs.html )All except the black one was out of stock (and beware as well when a site says the dress is 'returnable', when they actually mean 'exchangeable'. Learn from my mistake!) I did manage to order the black one, but it was enormous. The entire bodice flopped down. So, measurements don't help a lot when ordering a dress either! The sizes vary from one designer to another, and don't be sad...ALL the dresses run small, so you'll be ordering much larger than your regular size. Anyway, I did manage to get a dress in time, as I went through another ten or so choices that were all out of stock (or couldn't be ordered in time for my wear-date. So another tip, order early. I started six months out, figuring that would be plenty of time. Silly me.) Anyway, it's with a sigh of relief that I'm sharing the photos of the dress I finally chose. I went from fairy princess to a goddess sort of look, and I'm happy to also report that I had many compliments on the dress. And that it was a lovely wedding. Since the dress was so 'flowy' my husband made me sit in the swing to take this photo, and I think he chose well.

And of course, I have to share one of the bride and groom, as that is the most beautiful, important dress!

Thank you for all your help, everyone!
My Magical Best,
Kathryne

Do men choose differently than women?

The obvious answer is of course, yes. Men have different triggers that spark their interest. So I thought it would be fun to hand EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT over to a young man and have him choose random sentences from each chapter that sparked his interest. These are definitely not sentences I would have chosen, so I found them fascinating...and am sharing them with you here today:

Quotes from EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT

Ch. 1 Page 13: Surely her companion knew that baronets had the strength to rip them to shreds?

Ch. 2, Page 33: She studied him for a long moment, those golden eyes disconcerting in their intensity. "Your sadness is a weight I can almost feel. Perhaps that's what makes you so irresistible to women."

Ch. 3 Page 54: She glanced over at the were-vampire bat, who had returned to the wine cabinet and refreshed her glass.

Ch. 4 Page 79: He realized some of his opponents were nothing more than illusion, unable to hurt him as the greater power of Merlin's curse protected him, but since he could not tell what he faced, he must waste his strength on them.

Ch. 5 Page 89: Millicent didn't answer his question. She couldn't. No one had ever done anything like this for her before. It felt like a home. Could he even guess that she'd never had one?

Ch. 6 Page 111: He made no decisions. He followed the pattern Merlin had laid out for him. Why had it not bothered him until now?

Ch. 7 Page 121: Millicent twitched her whiskers in a grim smile and entered the tunnel, her sight quickly adjusting to the darkness.

Ch. 8 Page 144: "The duke treats his prisoners quite well."

Ch. 9 Page 160: He seemed to take for granted that he could outwit the spies, who were certainly a fearsome group of predators.

Ch. 10 Page 175: Iridescent wings twitched. "I never swoon madam. Lose my equilibrium perhaps. But never swoon."

Ch. 11 Page 207: "I would not call them warriors, Sir Knight. A motley horde perhaps, but not warriors."

Ch. 12 Page 218: "Ogres or no, we ain't goin' back," snapped Nell, yanking her skirt out of Millicent's teeth.

Ch. 13 Page 240: The door suddenly swung open and a liveried footman bowed to them, showing no surprise at welcoming a panther, sprite, and a sword-wielding knight.

Ch. 14 Page 261: Millicent shifted back to human with blood still smeared around her mouth.

Ch. 15 Page 276: She drew up the sleeve of her gown, the moonstone twinkling in the light of the wild magic dancing on the ceiling.

Ch. 16 Page 290: "Master -- it's not wise to leave behind loose magic."

Ch. 17 Page 305: Jackals, hyenas, and wolverines slinked into the light. Millicent had never felt so grateful to see her fellow creatures from the Underground.

Ch. 18 Page 315: And Gareth suddenly realized his pain wasn't all mental, that most of the blood covering his tunic might be his own.

Ch. 19 Page 336: In his time he would have composed poems about her.

Ch. 20 Page 348: The world spun. Millicent took a step, and fortunately managed to maneuver a chair beneath her when her legs collapsed.

Ch. 21 Page 358: Gareth blinked. The creature had a tail. A furry tail, with a ball of scraggly fur at the end. It stuck out of the back of his trousers through a narrow slit and waved jauntily at him.

Ch. 22 Page 366: If necessary, she would spend her entire life composing ballads to him, if it made up for the pain she had caused.


Did you note anything in common? That the male reader has focused on the action and adventure in the novel, a good deal of characterization...and just a touch of romance (which is fifty percent of the book). Fortunately, there was enough adventure to hold his interest. The parts he chose as the romance element were actually the deeper ones, the ones that delved into the souls of the characters. Neat stuff here to contemplate.:}

Last Day to Get THE LADY OF THE STORM for $3.99 @B&N Nook!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-of-the-storm-kathryne-kennedy/1100202501?ean=9781402236532

Kathryne Kennedy is at PNRRadio.com with host @arialburnz with shifters and prizes through @LVVampireNovels!

http://ilovevampirenovels.com/podcast/kathryne-kennedy-aj-nuest-giveaway/

In partnership with ILoveVampireNovels.com, author Arial Burnz is the host of the podcast PNRRadio.com, where she features entertainment that goes bump in the night. If you love paranormal books, TV shows and movies, you’ll love PNR Radio! Guests have included bestselling authors and celebrities and every show has a giveaway.

Kathryne Kennedy Plus PNR Radio.com Equals Fun Interview and Prizes!

http://ilovevampirenovels.com/podcast/kathryne-kennedy-aj-nuest-giveaway/

You can also hear the interview on I-Tunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pnr-radio-paranormal-report/id828094403?mt=2&uo=8

I'm giving away a couple autographed books from today until the 20th! Be sure to check out all the give-a-ways at:

http://pnrradio.com/contest

Congratulations to the winners of the ENCHANTING THE BEAST contest!

Last week I did a blog post on my group blog, Casablanca Authors, announcing that the re-release of ENCHANTING THE BEAST was now in book stores, and celebrating with a fun give-a-way. I had LOTS of AMAZING comments, and so many of my favorite readers came by to visit. Four winners were randomly selected, and I'd like to congratulate the following:

Virginia E. ~ Winner of the Moonstone/Sword Pendant
Shana Galen ~ Winner of an autographed ARC of Enchanting the Lady
Mary Preston ~ Winner of an autographed ARC of Enchanting the Lady
Susan P. ~ Winner of an autographed copy of Everlasting Enchantment

Cutest pendant ever! It's reminiscent of Gareth, my noble knight, and the moonstone jewel in Merlin's relic from EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT.

AND my supply of ARC's is getting limited, so big congrats, Ladies!

Last Day to Get EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT for $2.99 @B&N NOOK!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everlasting-enchantment-kathryne-kennedy/1114581319?ean=9781402269912

FRESH FICTION Reviews EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT: "Kennedy is just a damn good storyteller."

"Fantasy-Filled Victorian London Shines in the Fourth of this Riveting Series"

Everlasting Enchantment
Kathryne Kennedy

Reviewed by Diana Troldahl
Posted February 17, 2014

Romance Paranormal | Romance Historical

Millicent Pantere learned early on to care for no one and nothing beyond herself, the one exception being old Nell. She will do anything necessary at whatever cost to bring Nell safely out of the clutches of the Dark Magician who is pulling Millicent's strings.
Gareth Solimere has been enchanted for hundreds of years to emerge from one of Merlin's ancient relics at fall of night, pleasure whatever woman holds his prison then disappear at dawn. If he can find one woman to love him, it may free him.

In EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT, Kathryne Kennedy has written, in my opinion, the best of the Relics of Merlin series. I enjoyed each of the previous three very much, but something about this story grabbed hold deeply and would not let go until I finished. Perhaps it was the contrast between the lighter humorous moments and the intensity of the dark parts of the plot, perhaps the collection of characters I very quickly came to care about; maybe Kennedy is just a damn good story teller.

Whatever the reason, I can firmly recommend you read this book. Unlike many series, you can delve into EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT without reading any of the previous books, but why would you deprive yourself of that enjoyment? Go ahead and start with this one if you like, the others will be waiting.

http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=41937

Last Day to Get THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER for $1.99 B&N NOOK!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-lords-lover-kathryne-kennedy/1100202500?ean=9781402236525

Fantasy author @kathrynekennedy needs dress for wedding, which should she choose? Here are her four top choices:

The first silver one looks Elven. The second brown one, which I would get in black, looks Elven as well. The third lavender gown looks like it might be from the Regency era. The Fourth black one definitely reminds me of the Victorian era. Should I choose gown 1, 2, 3, or 4? They're all so magical I just can't decide. Help!

B&N NOOK features EVERLASTING ENCHANTMENT for $2.99!

Price is good from now until May 6. Much thanks again to Barnes and Noble for introducing new readers to the fantasy romance genre...and my magical Victorian England!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everlasting-enchantment-kathryne-kennedy/1114581319?ean=9781402269912

Barnes & Noble Nook Features THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER for $1.99!

This price break will run from now until April 4th. And so new readers can continue the series, THE LADY OF THE STORM will also be discounted to $3.99 from now until May 2.
Thank you, Barnes & Noble, for introducing new readers to the fantasy romance genre!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-lords-lover-kathryne-kennedy/1100202500?ean=9781402236525

What did you get for Valentine's Day?

It's not the cost of the gift that counts, it's the thought. And my dear husband knocked it out of the ball park this year. I have some favorite things: most anything sparkly, or sweet (especially chocolate) pink roses, peacocks, hummingbirds, velvet, lace and fairies. My passion for pink roses even made it onto my Christmas tree this year:

And I'm working on a light garden right outside my sliding glass door in my bedroom, which includes a hummingbird and fairy:

I have a ridiculous amount of peacocks decorating my vanity, and roses are starting to bloom all over my house (although I keep them mostly limited to the bedroom, and just a few other places around the house. I live with two other males, and try not to inundate them with my girlie stuff. I. Really. Do. Try.)

I'll do another blog post later about my favorite things, with some more photos of my decorating. But in the meantime, given that you now know my tastes, can you guess what my husband gave me for Valentine's Day this year? It didn't cost much, and it was absolutely perfect:

That's right. A chocolate cupcake with an enormous pink rose on top! Am I a lucky girl, or what? And although it was almost too beautiful to eat...well, it was delicious. So what did you get for Valentine's Day this year? Or what was your most favorite gift, and who did you receive it from?

Hoping your day was as special as mine,
Kathryne

Meet Puppy #2: Champagne!

A couple months back I adopted a new puppy from http://www.homeanimalrescue.com/litter1.html#top. I named her Pikachu (Yes, from the Pokemon game my son loves). A mix of Chihuahua and some mystery breed, I proceeded to fall in love. And Pikachu proceeded to find joy in being spoiled rotten. Problem was, my old dog couldn't handle a bouncing, playful pup, and would growl at Pikachu every time the puppy came near. And I couldn't blame either one of them. My poor old Baggins needed a comfy snooze and three meals. Pikachu needed...someone to play with. I mean, I tried, I truly did. But I couldn't play with her 24-7, I have to work. And despite the fact that I work from home, I knew my Pikachu was lonely.

You know what's coming next, right?

Having all these thoughts in my head, I did a crazy thing and walked into a pet store (NO puppy mills here, all the dogs are from reputable breeders) and saw the scrawniest, scraggliest little Yorkshire Terrier. Despite all the other fluffy, pretty little puppies, I named her Champagne, and took her home.

How can I even describe the joy on Pikachu's face when I brought that quivering bundle home? There was no hesitation, just a few inquiring sniffs, and then like me, Pikachu fell instantly in love. And I truly think that dog thinks Champagne belongs to her, not to me (although I'm the one who stayed up half the night when Champagne caught reflections of herself and me in the big mirror. I took her close to the mirror and showed her it was just us, but dang if she didn't keep freaking. I think it was new environment nerves, cause she's been just fine ever since.)

Anyway, those two puppies play constantly. They pick a toy to fight over and then chase each other around the yard, just for the sheer joy of running. And even though Champagne is so tiny, she's a scrapper, and keeps up with Pikachu just fine. And even though Pikachu is bigger and heavier, she has never hurt Champagne, even when they get to REALLY tussling.

I do find time to be alone with Champagne, to love on her without Pikachu barging in and dragging her away to play. And I find time with Pikachu, so she knows she's still my first pup.

But the two of them together are just magic. And despite having three dogs for the first time in my life (I have always said I only have two hands to pet 'em, so I can only have two dogs at a time) I have never regretted that split moment of craziness that brought Champagne home.

As Always,
My Magical Best,
Kathryne

From Left to Right: Champagne, Pikachu, and Baggins.