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Jungle Burn by Sarah Mäkelä
Jungle Burn by Sarah Mäkelä
In the series finale, Sabina Rukan is ready to find her mate. She must choose between her close friend, Tiago, who lusts after her, and the object of her desire, Rafael. When the three of them come together, Rafael discovers the feelings between him and Sabina are mutual, and he’ll stop at nothing to make her his mate.
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Excerpt:
Sabina Rukan knocked on the door to Tiago’s hut. He’d been her closest friend for a while, even though her parents had always preferred her to socialize with the other girls in the village. She didn’t really care. Growing up as Princess of the Amazons, she couldn’t help a slight feeling of entitlement.
The door to his hut opened, and Tiago stood there shirtless with a faded pair of jeans hugging his hips. He smirked at her with a wicked quirk of his lips.
She trailed her gaze over the muscular expanse of his chest. Seeing all his bare skin made her want to nibble on his torso and bask in its warmth. For the past few weeks, her hormones had gone into overdrive.
She’d noticed the werepuma men taking a greater interest in her, which was embarrassing, and yet her parents were still convinced she wasn’t ready to become a woman. If they weren’t going to trust her, she needed to take matters into her own hands. She’d known just who to come to.
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Sabina, how are you doing?” His nose twitched a little, and his brown eyes darkened, as they tended to do whenever she came around. He wanted her, and she wouldn’t mind having him, either.
“I’m doing well enough. I need to talk with you.” She held on to his hand, pulling him out of his hut. With her being a weretiger, she had comparable strength to his, but she’d been taught not to use her full strength from a young age. That would only hurt people around her, which she was very careful about.
He didn’t look too sure about this, but he shut the door and followed her. “Where are we going? Why aren’t we talking in my home? There’s more privacy in there than out here.”
She stopped, turned to look at him, and sighed. “Not really. You know as well as I do, if someone wanted to listen in on our conversation, all they’d have to do is stand outside your door and concentrate. That’s not okay with what I need to talk about.”
At just that moment, a couple of male werepumas walked by them and looked her up and down. One halted his progress, his eyes flashing upon her as if he wanted nothing better than to push her to the ground and ride her. Her out-of-control hormones were a primary cause for the sudden surge of crudeness she faced, yet her Amazon kin wouldn’t understand.
Sabina was different from them. She was the only female werecat in the village, and in many ways, it felt like she’d been cursed. Her parents had forbidden the werepumas to tell her secret, and Kyle — their leader — made sure his people knew the lengths he’d go to help make sure the Amazons didn’t find out before they were ready. They weren’t sure the Amazons would stand behind her as they did her mother, the queen, or even her father or Rubia and Kyle. None of them was a creature next in line for the throne.
Frowning, Tiago shrugged. “Fine. Take me wherever you think is safe.”
She walked with him through the village, her gaze set straight on where she was going. Her shoulders were tense, but Tiago used his free hand to squeeze one of them slightly. “Relax,” he said.
Sabina let out a breath and took him into the trees. They didn’t go far, just enough to have some privacy. “Okay. I…” She paused, not knowing how to go about this. Her usual carefree personality stumbled with letting this off her chest. How could she ask him about her needs? “I was wondering…” She shook her head. “I’m sorry for bothering –”
Tiago hooked his index finger under her chin and forced her to look at him. “You’re not bothering me. Just let me know what’s on your mind.” He stared into her eyes, his gaze intense even in the dark night.
“I need sexual release.” The words left her lips before she could cage them. “I hear the mated women and men in their huts, and my body burns like it’s caught in a bonfire.” She licked her suddenly dry lips, and his gaze dropped to take in the swift motion.
“And you’ve come to me with this request?” His tone was carefully neutral, but the bulge at the front of his jeans spoke louder than his words.
She nodded.
“Your parents would kill me — hell, my parents would probably help — if I claimed you without their permission.” The wicked quirk of his lips teased her. She wanted to punch him in the face, but that wouldn’t help her cause.
“And?” She propped her hands on her hips.
“I might be able to help ease your desire.” He helped her to the ground then settled her onto her back. His hands went to the strip of cloth covering her chest…
Other Books in the Amazon Chronicles series:
Jungle Heat
Jungle Fire
Jungle Blaze
Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
http://www.sarahmakela.com
Jungle Blaze by Sarah Mäkelä
Jungle Blaze by Sarah Mäkelä
Sol has seen others around her find their mates, and she’s determined to find her own, except the man who has caught her eye is standoffish and has no intention of getting into a relationship.
Eduardo, the second in command of the werepumas, has no interest in the mating going on around him, but his stern attitude is about to change when he finds what he didn’t know he was looking for — Sol.
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Excerpt:
Soft moans filtered into her sleep, and Sol Rios blinked open her eyes. Drowsily, she pushed herself into a sitting position and rubbed her hands over her face. Sleep wasn’t her friend anymore. Not since her neighbor, Rubia, had mated with the werepumas’ leader.
The quiet sighs of pleasure gained intensity and became more insistent, more demanding. Her hands balled into fists. Dampness and warmth gathered between Sol’s legs. She squeezed her thighs together against the cruel sensation.
This was crazy. She had to get away from here. Would it look too suspicious if Sol asked Adara, the Amazon Queen, if she could move her hut? Rubia and Adara were friends. Sol didn’t know if there would be a problem, but she would have to come up with a good reason, instead of just complaining about the… noise.
Once dressed, she stepped out into the night.
Darkness blanketed the village, and only a few torches here and there provided light for her to see. She headed toward the center of the village where the Amazons and werepumas held their feasts. Embers glowed hot in the fire pit. She sat beside it, enjoying the heat and the night sounds of the rainforest.
A few guards — both Amazon and werepuma — were prowling the catwalks, and one of the Amazons noticed her with a wave. She returned the kind gesture then lowered her gaze to the coals. Toasty warmth caressed her skin. She wrapped her arms around her legs, hugging them to her chest, and then rested her chin on her knees.
Movement drew her attention away from the fire pit, and she caught sight of a tall, lithe figure striding from the village’s entrance toward her. Torchlight revealed his face, and she sucked in a breath. The werepumas’ second in command. What was his name again…? Argh, she couldn’t remember.
She was thankful for the darkness; otherwise, she’d have run.
Her gaze followed him as he walked past without even looking at her. She buried her face in her legs, wishing she had what the others had. More of her people were finding their mates, yet no one paid her any attention. Especially not the man she found most attractive. He didn’t even spare her a glance.
At this rate, her womb would become barren before he even made eye contact. She shook her head, shrugging off any pity for herself. Peeking over her shoulder, she saw the pumas’ second in command standing in front of Rubia’s hut. Even from this distance, she saw tension in his posture. Maybe Rubia and the werepuma leader were still rutting like wild animals.
Sol turned away before he felt her gaze on him. Not like that would matter much. She hadn’t seen him look or talk to any of the other women aside from Adara, Rubia, and a few Amazon guards. All occasions were strictly for business. He didn’t seem to possess much charm or charisma, just a stern, no nonsense attitude, and yet Sol couldn’t help the attraction she felt toward him. What was wrong with her?
Faint footsteps approached her from behind, but maybe he was just leaving the village again. It didn’t mean he’d have any reason to talk with her. Right? The sudden encompassing silence unsettled her.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a pair of denim-clad legs. Her gaze slid up those strong legs and over his solid chest until she stared into his dark blue eyes.
Other Books in the Amazon Chronicles series:
Jungle Heat
Jungle Fire
Jungle Burn
Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
http://www.sarahmakela.com
Jungle Fire by Sarah Mäkelä
Jungle Fire by Sarah Mäkelä
In the Amazon Rainforest, traditions are important. They’ve long led to survival for the Amazon warrior women.
Kyle Reynolds, ruler of the werepumas, is ready to fly in the face of those treasured customs for the love of Rubia Costa, who will soon be out of his grasp if he can’t win her affection before allies of the Amazons steal her away from him forever.
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Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Changeling Press
Excerpt:
Rubia Costa tied down her hammock in a peaceful spot where she went to get away. She’d told no one of this spot, and yet she was within yelling distance of her people. Help would come if the need arose.
She didn’t dare venture far from her village. But these days, her village wasn’t as calm and mundane as it once had been. So far, she wasn’t sure whether that was good or bad. Life and traditions were changing, and she couldn’t hold back confusion as pieces of what she’d been taught now unraveled around her.
She climbed onto the hammock and gazed at the trees above her. The hammock swung gently, lulling her into the relaxed state she so desired. She closed her eyes and sighed softly.
The dream world rose up to greet her. The sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot forced her back to alertness. Her eyes shot open to see a tall, dark-haired man staring at her.
She lunged for her spear, stuck in the ground nearby. Gradually, the realization dawned on her who this man was, and she settled back, her nerves still tense and ready to fight.
“Some reflexes you have there,” Kyle Reynolds said. A grin stretched across his lips, brightening his face. At ease, he leaned against the tree near her feet while she admired his broad, muscular shoulders that narrowed down to a slim waist.
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, unwilling to show the impact his presence had on her. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?”
“My sense of smell isn’t as acute as other animals’, but it’s good enough to find where you went. I wanted to make sure you’re not out getting in trouble.”
His grin turned into a smirk, and he pushed off from the tree.
“What? Like my friend…” She grimaced. Although they still talked, Adara had so much going on. They didn’t spend as much time together as they had before, especially now with Rei in Adara’s life.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He winked and sat next to her in the hammock. It tilted enough that she slid closer to him.
Her hip bumped his, and her nerves tingled. She crawled away. Unfortunately, he must have taken that as an invitation to come closer, since he lay next to her. “What are you doing? Get out of my hammock.” She scooted farther away as her body started to slip toward his once again.
Kyle grabbed her wrist and kissed her knuckles. His gaze held something she’d seen in glances between Rei and Adara. Those kinds of emotions were unfamiliar to her. Vaguely, she realized their meaning, but why would Kyle project that toward her?
He trailed his lips over her wrist and slowly moved up her arm. His warm breath tickled her flesh. She couldn’t drag her gaze from his. Her voice escaped in a whisper. “What are you doing?”
“Something I’ve wanted to do for a while now. You don’t make this easy for me, Rubia.” He rolled over carefully. His body hovered over hers, and he pressed his lips against her shoulder and then her neck.
Sensations of pleasure spread between her legs, warming her body to a fever pitch. What were they doing? Panic rose up within her, and she shoved hard at Kyle’s chest, throwing him off balance. The hammock tilted, and air rushed by just before her body hit the ground with a thud.
Pain throbbed throughout her back, and a groan welled from her throat. She blinked her eyes open.
Kyle knelt next to her. Concern etched soft lines at the corner of his mouth. “Are you okay?”
The ache in her back sharpened, and she fought not to wince. Instead, she pushed against Kyle’s chest. “I’m fine. I can walk.”
Kyle stared at her with a raised eyebrow. He shook his head. “I’ll carry you. It’s no trouble.”
Great. She didn’t want her tribeswomen to see him carting her around as if he was her protector or had… claimed her. Let alone the state she was in. They might worry she’d been injured, which wasn’t far from the truth since she wasn’t feeling too well at the moment.
She shoved against him, but it was like trying to move a solid tree trunk. He didn’t budge an inch. Her people had studied the werecats, since they lived in such close proximity, but she had a hard time getting used to one being so close. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be intimate with Kyle.
Something about him was alluring, but she couldn’t dream of becoming tied to the werepumas’ leader and shirking her responsibilities as an Amazon. She wanted to lead a peaceful, simple life. Those words were foreign when Kyle was involved.
He stood just out of sight from the village’s catwalks, and she wriggled in his arms.
“Set me down. Right now.” She lowered her voice and glared at him. If only he didn’t have such a solid grip on her spear, but there was no chance she’d be able to wrestle it away from him. Not if he didn’t want her to.
Determination set in his jaw, but he gently placed her feet on the ground. “Fine. Go show everyone how strong and brave you are.” He muttered under his breath, “Silly woman.”
Other Books in the Amazon Chronicles series:
Jungle Heat
Jungle Blaze
Jungle Burn
Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
http://www.sarahmakela.com
Jungle Heat by Sarah Mäkelä
Jungle Heat by Sarah Mäkelä
The Amazon Rainforest still contains a few secrets. One of these secrets is a hidden village of women whose history is filled with the horror of conquering men.
Adara Rukan, princess of the Amazons, ventures away from her village to find something waiting for her. Andrei “Rei” Makarov is a weretiger and a biologist on assignment. Can Rei and Adara find love enough to bridge their two separate worlds?
Buy Now
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Changeling Press
Excerpt:
Adara raced over the dense forest floor, trying to escape the shadow closing on her heels. Fear pumped adrenaline through her body as she ran toward her village through the darkness. Panic tangled with the sheer need to survive. If only I’d listened. What was I thinking, coming out alone?
She shot a glance over her shoulder. Her foot smacked against a tree root in the moment of distraction, pitching her body forward. The fall came in slow motion.
Cursing under her breath, she rolled onto her back. Dry leaves clung to her blonde hair. The subtle, musty scent of slow rot rose from the rich soil, mixed with something coming from behind her. The dark shadow loomed. Her gaze rose to take in her pursuer, wondering if the beast would be her doom.
The tall, broad-shouldered creature towered over her. Watching. It wasn’t human or animal. The village wise woman had warned her of beings like this, but they’d seemed like fables. How could something so fantastical be real?
Even as she trembled with fear, this creature captivated her. The black and orange stripes covering his shoulders and arms evoked a distant memory, yet the design was uncommon in the Amazon.
His hair hung in straight, black strands like a human’s, but his face had the nose, mouth, and eyes of a feline. His muscular, naked body reflected a splendid combination of both species. Sweat-shiny skin glistened through the inch-long fur that covered him. His white chest intrigued her, all the way to the patch of fur barely covering his groin. Leaves and branches framed his face with a lush green background. He crouched over her. His piercing golden eyes focused solely on her. His stare reminded her of a cat from her village staring at a small rodent before pouncing.
As he leaned down, she grabbed her kris from the garter on her thigh and pushed it against his stomach. She didn’t want today to be the day she died. Her people needed her. She wouldn’t let this beast deny them their princess.
The animal cocked his head at her. He brushed his lips over her throat, whiskers tickling her chin.
Her body stiffened. What is he doing? Bewilderment spread through her as his feline lips touched her neck. Instead of biting her, his canines grazed lightly, gently, from just below her ear down to her shoulder, almost as if exploring her flesh, instead of seeking to rip open her throat.
She tensed. Even with her weapon pressed against the beast’s stomach, she still feared for her life. As an Amazon princess, she wasn’t easily scared. But this feline made her heart pound. If only she had brought Rubia with her. She wouldn’t be in this situation and could’ve stood a better chance against this feline.
Why does he persist in toying with me? Adara swallowed as a low burn started in the pit of her stomach. These feelings confused her.
A soft sniffing sounded in her ear right before his tongue scraped rough caresses on her skin. Other jungle cats marked their territory. Did this animal believe she was his? She didn’t want to find out.
Without waiting for the feline’s next move, Adara drove the kris deep into his stomach, meeting resistance as it plunged through flesh and muscle. She forced it further as his blood flowed onto her hands, making the hilt of the kris slick, weakening her grip.
He roared and leapt back with her kris still embedded in his abdomen.
She scrambled to her feet. His scream so near the side of her face made her ear ring. Bringing up a hand to her ear, Adara felt a trail of his wet blood drip along her cheek.
He straightened his spine and strode back to her, her kris still buried in him. It seemed as if it were nothing more than a minor annoyance to him. She clenched her hands into fists and dropped them to her sides.
The reality of what she saw struck her. She froze. How could he act so unaffected? He shouldn’t have been able to move around so casually. It wasn’t possible. How can I outrun something like that? This can’t be happening. Her mother had always warned her to be careful when traveling through the forest. Why hadn’t she listened? And how could she feel so drawn to this animal when he intimidated her?
“Who are you?” Gritting her teeth, she forced her voice to resonate with the commanding tones of an Amazon huntress, and fervently hoped it didn’t betray the panic racing through her veins. Her people’s beliefs restricted them from showing fear in front of strangers. Not that they saw many. But her tribeswomen were survivors in dangerous times. Their history brimmed with reminders.
The feline bared pointed white teeth. “Call me Rei.” His husky voice reverberated like a deep growl.
He launched into the air and, before she could react, flattened her to the ground. Air whooshed out of her lungs. Her eyes widened and locked onto his.
He pinned her arms next to her head and pressed his feline lips to hers. His tongue scraped across her lower lip, causing nips of pain to cut through the alluring sensation.
She shook her head hard, breaking the kiss. Her breath rushed out short and quick. Never before had she kissed anyone. His mouth on hers created fiery stirrings within her body that felt almost too good. Her racing pulse only spread the warmth throughout her body that much faster.
Twice a year, her tribeswomen associated with Indian men. The younger girls were forced to stay in a hut during those visits, although Adara had snuck out once with Rubia in a fit of rebellion. She’d spotted one of her kin pressing her mouth against an Indian male’s. Could this be what happens?
But men weren’t to be trusted. Her kin had learned that the hard way many, many years ago.
Her mind flashed to the tales she’d heard from the wise woman. Horrible reminders assaulted her, memories of the men from long ago, enslaving her kind, killing them ruthlessly with diseases and swords.
She could imagine the cruelty of the conquering, pillaging men as vividly as if she had been there herself, so strongly had the wise woman spoken. It had taken weeks for her to sleep soundly after listening to that story.
Sudden panic swept away the lust that burned inside her. This creature could do the same. He’s chased me, after all.
“What do you want from me?” Adara asked, trying to sound forceful, but instead her voice came out husky. She cleared her throat and returned his gaze.
Talking with an animal! Rubia would be jealous. Her tribeswomen would never believe this story… if she survived the encounter.
Rei smiled, warmth emanating from him. “You.” His chest rumbled, and he rolled the word off his tongue like an exotic purr.
Other Books in the Amazon Chronicles series:
Jungle Fire
Jungle Blaze
Jungle Burn
Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
http://www.sarahmakela.com
Captivated by Sarah Mäkelä – Steamy Excerpt
Captivated by Sarah Mäkelä
When a mercenary, whose purpose is to dispose of wicked Unseelie fae, meets a dark elf, she’ll question her mission and become captivated…
After her family was killed by a dark elf, mercenary Honora Butler’s purpose is the disposal of wicked faeries, elves, and other Unseelie beings, but she’ll find herself questioning her mission when she meets Brennan, a dark elf who doesn’t conform to what she believed his kind were like.
Brennan O’Niall doesn’t know what it is about Honora that makes him crave her, but he wants to find out. However, when she’s charged with the murder of a friend, he’ll have to discover the truth and decide just how much she means to him.
Publisher: Total-e-Bound Publishing
Genre: Erotic Fantasy Romance
Length: Novella
Buy Now
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance eBooks / Total-e-Bound Publishing
Excerpt:
A sleeping mat lay before the fire. She tossed down her pack then slid back her hood, deciding to take advantage of what little good fortune she’d found. A small sound sent her spinning around.
But she’d been too slow. Before she had a chance to see the cause, Honora was crushed against a hard body, facing away from her captor. The hand on her knife was held in place near her belt. She struggled to free herself, but it was like being held by a wall of muscle. The person behind her didn’t give way.
Warm breath tickled her ear. “What are you doing in my home?” The deep voice promised dark things, and she couldn’t help but squirm a little at the onslaught of images rushing through her head—her standing naked as her faceless captor thrust into her, harder and faster, taking all she had and giving much more.
Her chest rose and fell with her panting. This wasn’t the time or place, yet the dull ache between her legs begged to differ.
She remembered the last time she’d felt this vulnerable. Memories of her family’s deaths and the horrible pain she’d felt stopped her desire cold.
“I knocked, but no one answered. I took shelter from…” How I am supposed to answer? Humans knew a little of what lurked in the shadows, especially those who resided around here, but she wouldn’t tell this man more than she had to.
“From?” he prompted, his slight Irish accent catching her attention.
“From the dark.”
“Ah, I see.” He chuckled. “Much good that will do you here.” The easy humour of his voice relaxed her, but something about what he’d said triggered warning bells. The world spun. No, wait, it was her.
She raised her eyes to stare into his—they were nearly black. The man’s pale skin reminded her of the moon’s glow. His raven-black hair trailed to below his shoulders and pale, pointed ears peeked from the dark mane. Cursing, she recognised what this man…creature…was. A dark elf.
Her hand lifted the throwing knife, but he squeezed her wrist in a sharp gesture. Pain shot through her arm and the knife fell from her grip, landing with a metallic thud on the floor beside them. Magic churned within his touch. Magic that shivered along her skin, tugging at things low in her stomach.
No bloody way!
She raised her free hand to throw a fireball at him, but he grabbed her wrists, twisting her arms behind her back. The dark elf shifted his steely grip to hold her wrists with one strong hand. Twisting and bucking only brushed her soft breasts against his hard chest. Moisture pooled between her legs.
“Release me,” she said.
He dropped his gaze to her chest where her cloak had fallen away, showing her pert nipples through her linen shirt. “I don’t think you want me to.” A fierce grin formed on his lips.
Buy Now
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance eBooks / Total-e-Bound Publishing
Enter the TRS giveaway for your chance to win an e-copy of Captivated!
Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
http://www.sarahmakela.com
Captivated by Sarah Mäkelä
Captivated by Sarah Mäkelä
When a mercenary, whose purpose is to dispose of wicked Unseelie fae, meets a dark elf, she’ll question her mission and become captivated…
After her family was killed by a dark elf, mercenary Honora Butler’s purpose is the disposal of wicked faeries, elves, and other Unseelie beings, but she’ll find herself questioning her mission when she meets Brennan, a dark elf who doesn’t conform to what she believed his kind were like.
Brennan O’Niall doesn’t know what it is about Honora that makes him crave her, but he wants to find out. However, when she’s charged with the murder of a friend, he’ll have to discover the truth and decide just how much she means to him.
Publisher: Total-e-Bound Publishing
Genre: Erotic Fantasy Romance
Length: Novella
Buy Now
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance eBooks / Total-e-Bound Publishing
PG Excerpt:
Gritting her teeth, Honora Butler sneaked farther into the dark, snowy forest. Danger lurked within the shadows, and she would kill or be killed. Death didn’t intimidate her anymore. She knew it too well.
Everyone she’d loved had been taken from her.
Snow crunched beneath the soles of her knee-high leather boots. When she was young, the Mercenary Guild had taken her in. They’d seen her abilities and her determination. They’d trained her, given her a chance when she’d wanted only to die, and now she did what she bloody well could to make sure the dark beings of the Unseelie Court hurt no one else.
A horrified scream erupted ahead, beckoning her deeper into the forest. It had to have been caused by her prey. Picking up her pace, she pulled a throwing knife from its sheath. Her magic surged into the blade, filling it with power and making the metal white—hot.
The trees broke into a clearing. The cause of the cries stood in the dirt road. A woman cowered on the ground while a short, stocky man dressed in blood red with a matching hat sneered at her. He looked to be having far too good a time.
“I have a husband and kids. Please, don’t hurt me,” the woman whimpered. “My master…he’ll—”
The Fear Dearg snorted and crossed his arms in front of him. He stared down his crooked nose at the terrified woman as if pondering what to do first.
Honora doubted the woman was in immediate danger. The Red Man mostly engaged in cruel pranks on those he sought, but that wouldn’t stop her from killing him. Her mission in life was to rid the world of malevolence.
She slid from the trees, taking one quiet step after another. “Na dean maggadh fum,” she said. Those words, ‘do not mock me’, were the best chance she had to take him down without a problem.
The Fear Dearg jerked his gaze to Honora. His lips curled back into a snarl at the interruption. “So be it. Now go on. Get out of here. Can’t you see I’m busy?” He stared at her blankly, waiting. “What? You want my favour and prosperity? Wait for your turn.”
Just like that, he returned his focus to the woman. He grabbed at her dress.
With a snap of her wrist, Honora sent the throwing knife sailing through the air. A wash of blood arced in a thick spray as the Fear Dearg collapsed, the knife lodged in his head.
Shrieking, the woman scurried backwards from the corpse. Her eyes were wide and horrified at the sight of the dead faerie. “What have you done?” she asked, glancing Honora’s way. Shaking her head, she picked up her large basket with foodstuffs that lay on its side. Most of the food had fallen out, but the woman didn’t bother gathering it. She took the basket, then ran off down the dirt road.
What had that been about?
Honora watched the woman until she disappeared around the curve of the path. She walked over to the dead Red Man then tugged her blade out of his skull. It came away easily, blood dripping off it in great crimson drops. She wiped it clean on his jacket before tucking the knife back in its sheath.
Her stomach rumbled. On the ground was an unsoiled loaf of bread from the woman’s fallen food. She stripped off her bloody gloves and crouched. She brushed off a few leaves then tore a piece from it and lifted it to her lips.
In the distance, she heard a faint noise like that of a large flock of birds beating their wings. That couldn’t be right. Birds weren’t typically active at night there. Yet the sound grew louder.
The sudden realisation of what it was punched her in the gut. She dropped the bread and raced after the woman. Honora needed to find the safety of shelter. She couldn’t be out here when the Sluagh—restless spirits of the dead—flew over. What they did was worse than death. They captured their victims’ souls.
Behind her, the cries became impossibly louder. She didn’t have much time at all. She had yet to spot any homes or places to hide and knew if she were spotted she would be connected with the murder of the Fear Dearg, and hunted. She wouldn’t be safe unless she found somewhere soon.
Chancing a look over her shoulder, she saw a horrible black mass darken the sky. Screams of their victims filled her ears then. They were close. She caught sight of an elegant manor off to the left.
Buy Now
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance eBooks / Total-e-Bound Publishing
Enter the TRS giveaway for your chance to win an e-copy of Captivated!
Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
http://www.sarahmakela.com
Her Christmas Elf by Sarah Mäkelä
Her Christmas Elf by Sarah Mäkelä
Traveling alone in Finland around Christmas isn’t exactly what Vera Hayes had imagined she’d be doing. When her longtime boyfriend dumps her before the trip at the last minute, she decides to go anyways. However, she gets lost in a forest in Lapland and starts to panic until she runs into a magical man who looks suspiciously like an elf without the pointy ears. Pekka, one of Santa’s elves, soothes away her worry and helps her find her way back to her cabin, giving her a Christmas Eve to remember.
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Excerpt:
Shivering, Vera Hayes watched the soft snow falling around her. The landscape was so pretty and so dangerous at this chilling temperature, especially considering she had no clue where she was. She’d gone on a walk when the sun had been up, but now darkness rapidly descended on the forest.
Damn it!
This trip had been nothing but trouble, and she’d been stupid to actually take it. Her ex-boyfriend Steve had wanted this, not her. She’d gone ahead with it thinking it would help free her somehow, but this was far from freeing.
Vera stomped her feet and huddled deeper into her coat, which was starting to feel a little too thin for the current weather. She leaned against a birch tree and hunched her shoulders, beyond frustrated with her current predicament.
Snow dusted her, and she scanned the forest again. Hope failed her, and she set off walking again. Damn, damn, damn.
Faint rumbling sounded in the distance behind her and she stopped. The noise grew louder until she could identify it.
Hooves. Lots and lots of hooves. Adrenaline flooded her veins, but her body froze in place from fear.
In the distance, she spotted a herd of reindeer running in her direction. A quick look around her showed no trees with low-hanging branches. So much for easy climbing. She reached for the closest birch, its bark broken by the frost. She wrapped her hands around it and began to climb.
Behind her, the noise grew louder. Among the trees, a herd of reindeer led by a massive gray bull trampled its way through the forest. Snow and frost caved beneath their hooves with almost no resistance.
The glance startled her, and her feet slipped down the birch. Panic struck her chest as she dropped to the ground.
To her left, she saw a small clearing among the trees. She tried to sprint through the almost knee-deep snow, but her progress was too slow. With the herd not far behind, she screamed. When would this nightmare end?
Just as she reached the clearing, a man grabbed her by the arm. He pulled her toward him then and shoved her against a tree, his firm body nestled against her back.
Her breath came out in pants, and not only from her running. “Let me go,” she yelled, fear audible in her voice.
“Hush. The herd will ignore you.” The man’s low, accented voice calmed her a little.
For a moment, Vera considered kicking him and racing away, but his grip tightened on her. He pressed her tighter to the tree. His body molded to hers as if they were puzzle pieces. She only had a second to ponder that as the herd of reindeer stampeded through the clearing.
The large reindeer bull slowed to a stop beside them. Intelligence gleamed in its black, glaring eyes as it waited for the rest of the herd to pass.
“She won’t hunt your kin, Old One. I’ll look after her,” the man said. The reindeer turned its gaze to the man and snorted, shaking its head.
Vera trembled. The cold and numbness she’d been fighting against was draining away her energy. She barely made out the man saying something she couldn’t catch. Her attention now focused on the huge bull that stood close enough for her to reach out her hand and touch. The other reindeer were easily her height from hoof to head, but this one made them look small in comparison.
The reindeer stared at her then blew a cloud of steam from its nostrils, obviously not impressed, before galloping after the rest of the herd.
She watched it go until it was barely in sight, then the man grabbed her shoulders. He spun her around, and his gaze dipped to take her in. His expression soured, and he returned his gaze to hers. “What are you doing out here dressed like that?”
Surprise at his audacity had her pulling away from him. His clothing didn’t exactly inspire confidence in his sense of fashion either. From what she could tell, his clothing looked to be made of animal pelt. She placed her glove-covered hand against his chest and marveled at the sleek fur.
He snagged her wrist yet didn’t move her hand. “There’s a storm coming. You shouldn’t be out here. You’ll die.” His gaze whipped over her again, and he grimaced. “Where are you staying?” His words held a melodic lilt that was so pleasant.
“At the cabins.” Her teeth chattered a bit more, and she huddled in on herself.
He gave her a quizzical stare then cursed an almost lyrical string of sound. “You’re far from safety. What are you doing way out here?”
What did he mean? She hadn’t been walking for that long. Or maybe it just hadn’t seemed so.
He scooped her into his arms, and she considered falling asleep in the warmth of his grip. But she didn’t know anything about him, and after what had just happened with the reindeer…
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Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
Skin Deep by Sarah Mäkelä – Hot Excerpt
Skin Deep by Sarah Mäkelä
Passions sizzle even between a feline and a wolf…
Angelique had no idea her black panther tattoo would force her to abandon the love of her life—Connor O’Reilly—but she’s determined to keep him safe no matter how much it hurts. Her tattoo doubles as her feline familiar: loving, protective, dangerous, and with a life of its own. It’s also her deepest secret and draws enemies who desire its power for themselves.
Connor has no idea why Angelique left him, but he’s determined to win her back. As a werewolf, he has secrets of his own. Now his alpha is ready to force him to pair with an ex-girlfriend he can’t stand unless he can find Angelique and claim her as his mate. But even as their secrets threaten to keep them apart, hidden enemies seek to destroy their chance at love forever.
Publisher: Etopia Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
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Hot Excerpt:
Angelique wrapped her arms around his neck, sinking into the warm sensation that being around Connor stirred inside her. She froze, knowing this might not be what was best for her, but with him being here—so close, and apparently so ready too—she didn’t know if she had it in her to turn him away.
Connor pulled back a little, concern darkening his eyes. “Tell me if you don’t want this.”
She opened her mouth to refuse him, to distance herself, but the words wouldn’t come. What was the problem with giving in? She leaned forward, pushing her fingers into his dark blond hair. Her lips met his, and he groaned.
He gripped her hips, tugging her forward on the counter, pressing her close to him. Close enough to feel his hard cock hiding beneath his suit pants. They’d never gone this far before in their relationship. She hadn’t let him get close because of Kira, but Kira wasn’t a problem right now.
Angelique smiled against his lips and pushed off Connor’s suit jacket, letting it fall to the kitchen floor. He stepped back a little, grabbing for her jacket. She let him unzip it and toss it to the floor next to his. His hands brushed over her torso from just under her breasts, over her stomach, and down to the hem of her undershirt. She sucked in a breath as his warm hands met her skin.
He slowly slid the top up and watched her face. She should stop him, but she didn’t want to. Sharing this with him, regardless of what came after, would be a delicious birthday present.
She lifted her arms, and he slipped the shirt over her head, revealing her bare chest. She’d been at home for the night and hadn’t worn a bra.
His eyes burned with lust, and she noticed a tick in his jaw as if he were struggling to control himself. He didn’t need to think she was made of glass. This wasn’t her first time.
She tugged his shirt out of his pants and worked the buttons from the holes. Underneath the silk was a finely chiseled chest. His workout regime must be relentless.
Connor chuckled, and she glanced up at him, cocking an eyebrow. “What?”
“That look on your face. You’re almost drooling.” He smirked. “I like that.”
“I am not.” Angelique shoved against his chest, but he didn’t budge an inch. His muscular pecs beckoned her. She slid her hands over that hot expanse of skin toward his belt. Her lips pressed against his chest, and she trailed kisses over it.
Connor’s chuckle faded and turned into a groan. He planted his hands on the counter beside her knees, staying there and not moving away from her lips. “I want you, Angel.” His husky voice was a near whisper.
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Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
Skin Deep by Sarah Mäkelä
Skin Deep by Sarah Mäkelä
Passions sizzle even between a feline and a wolf…
Angelique had no idea her black panther tattoo would force her to abandon the love of her life—Connor O’Reilly—but she’s determined to keep him safe no matter how much it hurts. Her tattoo doubles as her feline familiar: loving, protective, dangerous, and with a life of its own. It’s also her deepest secret and draws enemies who desire its power for themselves.
Connor has no idea why Angelique left him, but he’s determined to win her back. As a werewolf, he has secrets of his own. Now his alpha is ready to force him to pair with an ex-girlfriend he can’t stand unless he can find Angelique and claim her as his mate. But even as their secrets threaten to keep them apart, hidden enemies seek to destroy their chance at love forever.
Publisher: Etopia Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
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PG Excerpt:
Angelique Trinette sat on her bed with her knees pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs. The small box on the nightstand had arrived in the mail a few days ago. Connor. Heaven knew she wanted him, but it was her birthday. After the way they’d parted last year, she couldn’t imagine why he’d still keep contacting her.
The things she’d said to him…
A swish of fur brushed against her lower back, pulling her back to her bedroom and away from the memories of the tears that flowed after they’d broken up. Kira’s soft feline growl reverberated against her skin. The pinprick of claws bit gently into her flesh. The black panther’s energy buzzed along her body in angry vibrations.
“It’s okay, Kira. I’m fine.”
Kira, Angelique’s inked-on familiar, reacted to her emotions. Since they shared flesh, Angelique had to always be in control, which was one reason why she’d made the choice to leave Connor.
The black panther slid up from its usual spot on her lower back and nuzzled Angelique’s neck. Kira rumbled, almost like a purr, and slid her sleek body against Angelique’s shoulder. The tattoo was a piece of her—a warm, living, breathing thing. The one difference between her familiar and an ordinary cat was the prickle of magical energy she exuded.
Angelique closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against her knees. Connor still cared enough to get in touch, even after all this time, but she had to trust her instincts. Her decision to leave was for his protection too. The weighty pressure of Kira growing and stretching her skin shot a well-known pain through her. She bit her lower lip to hold back her cries. Letting Kira out and into the world made her feel not so alone.
A buzzing from the nightstand snapped her from her melancholy mood, and she jerked her head up to watch her cell phone dance across the cherry wood surface. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and forced her familiar back into her skin. Having Kira out when she was on the phone never went well. The swishing of the mouthy big cat’s tail spoke of her agitation.
Angelique grabbed the phone and nearly dropped it when she looked at the caller ID. Kira huffed and retreated to Angelique’s lower back where she curled up. Vibes of edgy energy from Angelique’s familiar told her that Kira thought she was acting cowardly. Maybe she was, but she couldn’t face hearing his voice. She wouldn’t answer it.
Instead, she set the phone back on the nightstand and stared at it. She thrummed her hands on her knees, tapping a nervous beat. “Go to voicemail,” she whispered. The phone stopped vibrating. From the lack of a follow-up chime, she knew Connor didn’t leave a message. Disappointment flickered within her.
Angelique sucked in a shaky breath and stood, stretching her arms over her head. The tattoo of her familiar was now just a normal carving of ink and flesh. Angelique ached with loneliness. She could awaken her familiar, but it would only irritate Kira.
Part of her wanted to double-check the phone, but no, she wouldn’t do that to herself. Staring at it, she clenched her hands into a fist. This was ridiculous. She headed toward the living room, needing distance from the cell. Her stomach growled as she passed the kitchen. She hadn’t eaten dinner. With providing energy for both her and Kira, food was important. Yet bed called to her, and she’d gladly forgo a meal to sleep. Birthdays always seemed to depress her.
The doorbell rang, and she spun toward the sound, yipping and grabbing her chest. Magical energy rumbled from her familiar. “Easy girl. Back to sleep for you.”
Angelique took a deep breath and strode to the door. She glanced through the peephole and bit her lip hard, holding back a gasp. Her heart leapt into her throat. She’d moved, changed her phone number, and done everything she could to try to prove to him that they couldn’t be together, but he’d remained persistent. Part of her admired that about him. Then again, after how she’d left things, maybe he had a right to an explanation.
She scurried to the window framing the door and pushed back the curtain. Connor glanced her way. His intense gaze locked with hers, and a frown curved his full lips down before they straightened into a thin line. He wore a sleek business suit, as if he’d just gotten off work. In one arm, he carried a large, brown paper bag. If she blocked out the last eleven months, he looked so normal. So many of their happy evenings had started this way.
She let the curtains fall from her fingertips and stepped away from the window. Of all the days for him to find her, it would have to be today.
He knocked on the door this time. “Come on, Angel. Open up.”
She squeezed her hands into fists. Only he called her Angel.
“What do you want?” She glanced up at the ceiling, whispering a prayer.
“I want to talk to you.”
This was proving to be yet another birthday disaster. Although she’d recognized his right to an explanation, she didn’t want to be face-to-face like this with him. Not today.
Her shoulders sagged. Maybe if they talked, she’d finally make him see reason. He’d get it through his thick skull that her problems were the reason they couldn’t be together.
She flipped the deadbolt before opening the door a crack. “Then talk.” Her chances of him being fine with talking on her doorstep were next to none, but she had to try. Connor O’Reilly was too tempting a man to let inside.
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Enter the TRS giveaway for your chance to win an e-copy of Skin Deep!
Sarah Mäkelä
Dark, Magical Encounters of Passion…
