December

Sorry I've been missing in action the last couple of weeks, but things have just been crazy.  

Now that I'm back...

Here are a few of the most anticipated romance releases for December.  

Which book are you looking forward to reading this month?

"Reaver" by Larissa Ione  (Demonica series)

"Shadowdance" by Kristen Callihan  (Darkest London series)

"Gabriel's Redemption" by Sylvain Reynard  (Gabriel's Inferno series)

"Spellbound" by Sylvia Day  

"The Professional" by Kresley Cole  (The Game Makers)

"Unclaimed" by Sara Humphreys  (The Amoveo Legend)

"The Spider" by Jennifer Estep  

"Deception's Web" by Crista McHugh  (The Deizian Empire series)

Review: "A Soul for Vengeance" by Crista McHugh

Nothing stirs up Chaos like Vengeance.

When Prince Kell returns to Ranello, he finds his homeland in ashes. The invaders from Thallus destroyed everything he held dear, leaving him heir to a throne he can’t claim. The thirst for vengeance consumes him and drives him right into the arms of the most unlikely of rebel leaders.

Zara has fought for months to keep the hopes of the Ranellian people alive. Finding Kell is just the thing their dying rebellion needs. But as she tries to soothe Kell’s bitterness and turn him into the leader he’s meant to be, she finds herself desiring the one man she believes she’ll never have. A man whose heart was broken by a yellow-haired witch named Arden Soulbearer.
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A Soul for Vengeance is the third book in Crista McHugh's Soulbearer Trilogy.

I have been anxiously awaiting this third and final book!  This is a truly unique series that I have just fallen in love with.  Crista McHugh has created such amazing characters and such vivid world building  that it would be hard for someone to not love this series.  

We've been following Arden and Dev's story for the most part throughout the last two books and their struggles coping with the Chaos God.  This book still continues their story but really focuses on Kell since parting with Arden.  I have to admit, I was a little concerned when I heard it wouldn't be all Arden and Dev but I should have known that Ms. McHugh wouldn't disappoint.  One of the traits I value most in an author's writing is the ability for you to "see" the world they've built.  She does an amazing job of this!  I feel like I'm right there in the towns and scenes she describes.

Arden is a strong, compassionate character and I love her interactions with the Chaos God and Dev.  It takes quite a woman to handle these guys and their powers.  I wish Dev would have admitted his feeling to her earlier, but what would be the fun in that?!  

I honestly can't remember how I came across this series initially but I'm so glad I did.  It has been an amazing and unique series.  I have had the chance to read some of Crista McHugh's other books as well and they have all been great.  Definitely one of my new favorite authors!

To find out more about Crista and her books, visit her website at http://www.cristamchugh.com/wordpress/.

"A Soul for Vengeance" will be released May 14th, 2013.

May

Here are some of the most anticipated books being released in May.  Do you know of some other great ones coming this month?  If so, feel free to share in the comments section.

May 7th:
"Dead Ever After" by Charlaine Harris (Final Sookie Stackhouse novel)
"Undone" by Sara Humphreys (The Amoveo Legend - book #4)
"A Highland Werewolf Wedding" by Terry Spear (Heart of the Wolf - book #11)
"Eternal Demon" by Laura Wright (Mark of the Vampire - book #5)
"Nightbound" by Lynn Viehl (Lords of the Darkyn - book #3)
"Alpha and Omega: Cry Wolf, volume Two" by Patricia Briggs
"Dead Man's Deal" by Jocelynn Drake (The Asylum Tales - book #2)
"Mystic" by Alyson Noel (Soul Seekers - book #3)
"Down London Road" by Samantha Young
"Fall of the Night" by Rachel Caine (The Morganville Vampires - book #14)

May 14th:
"A Soul for Vengeance" by Crista McHugh (Soulbearer - book #3)
"The Beautiful and the Cursed" by Page Morgan 

May 27th:
"Prince of Shadows" by Nancy Gideon (Moonlight - book #8)
"Wounded Angel" by Stacy Gail (Earth Angels - book #3)

May 28th:
"Beautiful Stranger" by Christina Lauren 
"Binding the Shadows" by Jenn Bennett (Arcadia Bell - book #3)
"Forever" by Jacquelyn Frank (The World of Nightwalkers - book #2)
"Darkness Bred" by Stella Cameron (Chimney Rock - book #2)
"Avenging Angel" by Cynthia Eden (The Fallen - book #4)
"The Night is Watching" by Heather Graham (Krewe of Hunters)
"Leopard's Prey" by Christine Feehan (Leopard People - book #6)

May 29th:
"The Midnight Breed Companion" by Lara Adrian 

Review: "A Soul for Chaos" by Crista McHugh

                                                              Life is dull without a little Chaos.


Trouble is more than just a nickname for Arden Soulbearer. It seems to follow her wherever she goes, and no one knows this better than her protector, Devarius Tel’Brien.

Dev thought that by moving Arden to Gravaria so she could learn how to control Loku, the chaos god whose soul inhabits her body, life would be simpler. Wrong. Not only is he continually torn between his duty and his growing feelings for the Soulbearer, but he also has to contend with the rival prince who wishes to claim her heart. Adding to his problems, a group of powerful mages have banded together to rid the world of the disembodied chaos god once and for all. Of course, that means they have to destroy Arden in the process.
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"A Soul for Chaos" is book #2 in "The Soulbearer Trilogy."

Arden Soulbearer continues to work on her partnership with Loku, the soul of the God of Chaos, which inhabits her body.  In the past, Loku has driven the other soulbearers crazy over time, eventually causing their deaths.  Luckily for Arden, Loku and her seem to be the perfect match for each other.  It was great watching them both grow throughout the series.  Arden used to be a timid barmaid, cast out by her family and friends due to her different looks and abilities.  She's now in a land where magic is not only permitted but encouraged and it has given her a new feeling of confidence. Loku, who once made it his mission to drive his soulbearers to death as quickly as possible, is learning that not only can he tolerate Arden but that he's coming to care deeply for her.  They have both made huge strides since the last book.


Book 2 in "The Soulbearer Trilogy" also continues with the Arden-Dev-Kell love triangle.  Arden has had strong feelings for Dev throughout book 1 but after not having the feelings returned, she found comfort in Prince Kell's arms.  Not wanting to be parted from Arden when she leaves for Gravaria to continue her training, Kell accompanies Dev and Arden on their journey.  Not only does Arden have her romantic relationships to worry about and her issues with Loku, but now someone appears to be out to kill the new soulbearer.

This series has a little bit of everything, which makes it an exciting read.  It is built around an amazing fantasy world which reminds me a little of a historical romance mixed up with an intricate magical fantasy with a little mystery, suspense and humor on the side.  I have to say, as much as I loved the first book in this series, this one is even better.  It didn't hurt that we get to find out a lot more about Dev and Arden's backstories.  The side characters are very well written and add a lot to the main story as well.  

The next book in the series, "A Soul for Vengeance" will be out next  spring.  The synopsis for the book talks mostly about Kell, but Crista McHugh says we will get plenty of Dev and Arden too.  Whew!  I was a little worried there for a minute!  I hope this last book heads in the direction I'm hoping that it will.  

If you haven't checked out this series, now is a great time to pick up the first two books.  Bonus, you won't have to endure the evil little cliffhanger that I had to after book 1 in which I may have sent a late night message cursing Ms. McHugh.  Okay, okay - it may have been more of me whimpering than cursing.  You can check out my review to "A Soul for Trouble," book 1 in the Soulbearer Trilogy, here.  Be sure to check out her "Tears of Elios" series as well.  You can find the review to the first book here.  The second book in that series will be coming soon.

December Book Releases

Here are a few of the most talked about fantasy and paranormal romance releases for December. Personally, I'm most looking forward to reading "A Soul for Chaos" by Crista McHugh (which I'm currently working on) and "Last Kiss Goodnight" by Gena Showalter.  Which December book releases are you most looking foward to?


Week #1:
"A Soul for Chaos" by Crista McHugh   (The Soulbearer Trilogy)
"Blue Moon" by J.A. Belfield   (Holloway Pack)
"Deliver Me From Temptation" by Tes Hilaire   (Paladin Warriors - book 2)
"Archangel of Mercy" by Christina Ashcroft
"Black Moon" by JD. Tyler   (Alpha Pack - book 3)
"Heart of Atlantis" by Alyssa Day   (Warriors of Poseidon - book 8)
"Nightbred" by Lynn Vielh   (Lords of the Darkyn - book 2)



Week #2:
"Kiss of the Betrayer" by Boone Brux   (Bringer and the Bane - book 2)


Week #3:
"Betrayed by Shadows" by Nancy Gideon   (Moonlight - book 7)
"Blood Winter" by Diana Pharoah Francis   (Horngate Witches - book 4)
"A Soul So Wicked" by Sharie Kohler   (The Moon Chasers - book 6)
"Dark Wolf Rising" by Rhyannon Byrd   (Bloodrunners - book 4)
"Breathless" by Sophie Jordan   (Firelight)


Week #4:
"Crimson Frost" by Jennifer Estep   (Mythos Academy - book 6)
"The Trouble with Fate" by Leigh Evans   (Mystwalker - book 1)
"All for You" by Dana Marie Bell   (The Nephilim - book 1)
"Demon's Curse" by Alexa Egan   (Imnada Brotherhood - book 1)
"A Love Untamed" by Pamela Palmer   (Feral Warriors - book 7)
"Last Kiss Goodnight" by Gena Showalter   (Otherworld Assassin - book 1) *
"Gates of Rapture" by Caris Roane   (Guardians of Ascension - book 6)
"Gilded" by Karina Cooper   (The St. Croix Chronicles - book 2)


Week #5:
"Opal" by Jennifer L. Armentrout   (Lux - book 3)
"A Taste of Ice" by Hanna Martine   (The Elementals - book 2)
"Death's Angel" by Heather Killough-Walden   (Lost Angels - book 3)
"Blessed by a Demon's Mark" by E.S. Moore   (Kat Redding - book 3)
"Sealed with a Curse" by Cecy Robson   (Weird Girls - book 1)

Review: "Tangled Web" by Crista McHugh

                                                                 The deadliest assassin in the empire just got too close
                                                             to her target…
     Azurha, a former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge—seduce, then murder the new Emperor. But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs.
     Titus Sergius Flavus has yet to master the powerful magic of his ancestors—magic he must wield if he’s to protect his people—but his father’s death has left him no choice. Rule the Deizian Empire and attempt to right his ancestors’ wrongs, or watch her fall to his greedy kin.
     More than just Titus’ ideas hold Azurha captive. Night after night, he awakens desires she thought lost, and uncovers the magic of her hidden lineage. As her deadline approaches, Azurha is forced to make an impossible decision-complete her job and kill the man she loves, or fail and forfeit both their lives.


"Tangled Web" is the first book in Crista McHugh's new Diezian Empire series.  While I believe this book is classified as sci-fi, it has more of a historical romance feel to it with a fantasy twist.    

Titus' struggle to take over the role as emperor while trying to improve things for his people makes him such a likable character right from the start.  He's got that alpha, take charge attitude and is tough when he needs to be but manages to stay humble.  Azurha just might be even tougher though.  Working as one of the most feared assassins for the past few years, she never expects to have any problems taking out the new emperor.  Her horrible past and her years of killing have made her very cold but not completely heartless.  

Titus and Azurha have instant chemistry.  She has the opportunity to kill him almost immediately but doesn't take it.  Instead, they spend a lot of time together over the days leading up to her bosses deadline.  I love that it wasn't all just about the steamy nights between them.  She comes to care about Titus and his kingdom that he's working so hard to protect.  Both characters grow so much throughout the book.  I loved the chemistry between these two.  I wish Azurha could have found it in herself to be honest with Titus a little sooner, but it ended up making for a great story.  I hope we get a little more of these two in the next book.  

Tangled Web was very appropriately named.  There are so many obstacles that the protagonists must overcome if they have any chance of being together.  It was very fast paced with tons of suspense, especially in the second half.  The sequel is due out next year and I will definitely be anxiously anticipating it's release.  We will be getting Galerius and Claudia's story in this next one which should be interesting.  

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Check out an excerpt from Tangled Web here.

Check out my reviews on a couple of Crista McHugh's other novels:
A Soul for Trouble - review
Tears of Elios - review

Want to find out more about Crista McHugh and her books?  Visit her website here.

Looking for a hot novella?  Be sure to check out her new short read, More Than a Fling.  I needed a little more Crista McHugh when I finished this, so I read this and was pleasantly surprised.  I'm usually not a big novella fan but this was an enjoyable one.  If you're looking for a steamy one sitting read, you can download it for free at Smashwords.


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Excerpt from "Tangled Web" by Crista McHugh

The deadliest assassin in the empire just got too close to her target…

Azurha, a former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge—seduce, then murder the new Emperor. But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs.

Titus Sergius Flavus has yet to master the powerful magic of his ancestors—magic he must wield if he’s to protect his people—but his father’s death has left him no choice. Rule the Deizian Empire and attempt to right his ancestors’ wrongs, or watch her fall to his greedy kin.

More than just Titus’ ideas hold Azurha captive. Night after night, he awakens desires she thought lost, and uncovers the magic of her hidden lineage. As her deadline approaches, Azurha is forced to make an impossible decision—complete her job and kill the man she loves, or fail and forfeit both their lives.
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I read a couple of Crista's novels ("Tears  of Elios" and "A Soul for Trouble") last year and have been working through some of her other books since.  I have loved each story and I have no doubt that this will be another amazing one.  I'll have a review posted soon.  The book is due to be released October 16th.  Here's an excerpt from "Tangled Web," thanks to Crista McHugh. 



You’ll never find a knot you can’t unravel.
     The soothsayer’s words from years ago sent a shiver down Azurha’s spine. The last time she’d heard them was the day she’d slit her master’s throat. It did not bode well for this job.
     She’d barely been more than a child when an old crone had approached the home of her master, promising to tell him of his future. Her master had shoved her out into the street, claiming
he made his own future and didn’t need to listen to old woman’s rants. Feeling pity for her, Azurha snuck outside to offer her drink of water, never knowing how much the soothsayer’s words would come to haunt her.
     That felt like a lifetime ago. Since then, she learned pity could be a liability in her occupation.
     She strolled along the market and pretended to read the inscription on one of the columns that celebrated the Deizian victory over the Alpirions at the Battle of Silbus. The ore deposits there had magnified the Emperor’s magic, collapsing the ground from underneath the Alpirion army. It was the same battle that had turned her parents into slaves. She didn’t need to be reminded of that.
     Her mind focused on the conversations around her. Her contact had told her he would find her by using a distinct phrase that would not seem too out of place in a market. She edged closer to the fishmongers.
     To her left, a middle aged Elymanian woman crept alongside her and murmured, “Fresh fish tastes better after the Spring Equinox.”
     “Yes, but pork is always pleasant when it’s freshly killed,” she replied.
     The woman looked up at her, her hands shaking, and nodded. The scent of sweat that clung to skin revealed her to be a member of the lower classes dressed in a gentlewoman’s clothes. An old ruse, but one Azurha readily saw through. She followed the woman through the crowded market and up the hill where the wealthier merchants and government figures lived. Elaborate mansions replaced the simple homes below, becoming more ostentatious the higher they climbed. Some of the chill eased from her body. At least she would be guaranteed a nice sum of money for this job.
     The woman glanced over her shoulder and entered the gate before disappearing into the shadows behind an extravagant Deizian chariot adorned with elaborate gold filigree. Apparently, the lord of the house wasn’t satisfied with the fact it required neither wheels nor horses to fly over the streets. He needed to proclaim both his possession of magic and his station in the gaudiest way possible.
Azurha’s gut clenched as the soothsayer’s words echoed in her mind. She straightened her tunic and brushed her hands over the two daggers concealed beneath the fabric. Her keen eyes surveyed the wealth of her prospective employer. Marble statues of the gods aligned the walls of the garden. A glance further down the colonnade showed another courtyard with a gurgling fountain. Two courtyards was a symbol of wealth in this town, and the masts of the airship that rose over the roof signaled this was the home of a powerful Deizian. She needed to watch her manners. Any perceived insult could end in unnecessary bloodshed.
     The woman opened the door to a room on the other side of the courtyard, and the color drained from her face. She waited for Azurha to enter. The tremor in her hands intensified.
     When the doors closed behind her, Azurha checked the room for any possible traps. Not seeing any, she then searched for escape routes and alternative weapons. It was one of the first lessons Cassius taught her when he took her under his wing—an assassin was always prepared. He’d been a strict teacher, but what she learned from him had proved invaluable. And he’d given her freedom by teaching her the business, an occupation where she could support herself without selling her body.
     Voices echoed from the courtyard, and the door inched open. Azurha crouched behind an urn. Her fingers wrapped around the hilt of a dagger, ready to draw it if needed.
“I hope your trust is well placed,” a man’s voice said. His accent was a mixture of Elymanian and Deizian. Her prospective employer.
     “I trained her myself, Pontus. She is as deadly as she is beautiful.”
Azurha almost dropped her dagger. The last time she’d heard that voice was two years ago, as he boarded an airship that had been attacked by the Barbarians. A cosmic storm had weakened the barrier long enough for them to slip through the shield that protected the Empire. They’d left no survivors, and her heart had ached for months when she leaned of his demise.
     She stepped out from behind the urn. “Cassius?”
     The familiar face grinned at her, although time had added more wrinkles and the sun had bronzed it far more than she’d remembered from their life of hiding in the shadows. He stretched out his arms to welcome her. “Little Rabbit.”
     She crossed the room, her emotions warring with each step. Part of her was overjoyed at seeing her mentor after all these years, the man who’d been her rock during those early dark days when she battled the demons of her past, but her heart reminded her of the months she’d spent grieving him.
     When she got close enough to touch him, she slapped his face. “I thought you were dead, you asshole.” Then she wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug.
Cassius returned the hug. “I guess I deserved that.”
     “Are you sure she’s stable enough for my needs?” Pontus asked. He ran his finger along the purple border of his fine linen tunic as if to flash his wealth before his two plainly dressed guests.
     “I wouldn’t have recommended her if she wasn’t,” Cassius replied.
     She broke away from her resurrected mentor to assess her potential employer. Spurius Pontus Gurges, the provincial governor. Perhaps forty summers with a wiry frame and gaunt face, he was a man with blood connections to the Emperor and ambitions to match. Her eyes narrowed. She had no problems killing when paid well for it, but if the whispers were correct, Pontus wanted more than just a troublesome rival removed.
     He scrutinized her in a similar manner. “You are right, Cassius—she is beautiful enough for my plan. I’ve never seen eyes that color, especially in a woman with such a dark complexion. But what of her skills?”
     “She spent nearly seven years under my tutelage. She can kill a man in at least three dozen ways and slip out before she’s caught. I’m sure you’ve heard of her reputation. I’m not the only one who calls her Rabbit.”
     Pontus turned his pale blue gaze to her. His brown hair betrayed the Elymanian taint in his bloodlines, but only the Deizians had eyes like that. “You’re the Rabbit?”
The corner of her mouth quirked up into a half smile as she nodded. “Three dozen is being modest.”
     “I find your reputation to be largely exaggerated.” He turned his back to her.
     The whisper of her blade filled the second of the silence before she pressed it against his throat. “You have doubts about my abilities?”
     He tensed. His Adam’s apple bobbed against the blade, shaving the top layer of skin away. “I could have you arrested and executed for this.”
     “You’d be dead before you cried out for help.”
     Cassius crossed his arms and grinned. “You don’t want to anger Azurha, Pontus. She may prove to be a useful ally.”
     “Fine, she has proven she is quick and silent. No need to continue this demonstration.”
     Her mentor nodded, and she concealed the knife back under her tunic. “Just so we understand each other, Governor.”
     She turned to her former mentor. “Although I wonder why you asked for me, I’m even more curious how you cheated death, Cassius.”
     “What was the third rule I taught you?”
     She closed her eyes and recalled her lessons during her first weeks with him. “Never believe someone is dead until you hear their heart stop beating.”
     “And you were gullible enough to believe I was killed by Barbarians.”
     “There wasn’t a body for me to examine.” A fist formed in her stomach. She’d been fooled by her mentor. “Why didn’t you contact me to let me know you survived?”
     “As much as I’d love to continue this warm reunion,” Pontus interrupted, “I have more important matters to discuss. Shall we talk business?” He poured a glass of wine and sank into one of the cushioned chairs.
     She declined the glass of wine Cassius offered her and sat in a chair across from the men. “Why did you summon me here?”
     “I have a job for you. It will not be simple. I’d originally wanted Cassius for it, but now he tells me he’s retired from the assassination business.”
     Cassius shrugged, holding his palms up long enough for her to notice the violet tinged to them. His tunic was well made, but simple, making him appear to be a typical middle-aged Elymanian plantation owner. “Sometimes a man finds happiness in the simple things in life. Like growing grapes.”
     “Pathetic,” Pontus sneered.
     “If your hands were smeared with as much blood as mine, you’d grab happiness however you could find it.”
     Azurha glanced down at her own hands. She’d lost count of how many people she’d killed over the years. Despite his warning to harden her heart if she wanted to make a career of this, she still felt moments of remorse for the countless faces that stared up at her in death when she was finished with them.
     Cassius caught her reaction and gave her a sad smile. He’d once told her he regretted turning her into what she was, but she’d laughed at him then. Being a killer was an improvement over what she had been subjected to as a slave.
     She erased any emotion from her face. “What do you have in mind for me, Pontus?”
     He leaned back in his chair and took another sip of wine. “First, I need to know what we discuss never leaves this room.”
     “We survive on discretion,” Cassius replied.
     “True. To reveal what we are would be suicide.” She wound one of her dark curls around her finger while the other hand rested over the hilt of her knife. “Who do you want dead?”
     “I’ll get to that. Second, I need to know that you bear no loyalty to the Empire.”
     She laughed. “As I’m sure Cassius has told you, I was born an Alpirion slave. I have no love for the Empire. As far as I’m concerned, you Deizians can return to the sun you came from and burn.”
     “I told you she would be perfect, Pontus. Why would you doubt me after all these years?”
     Her blood chilled. There was more to this meeting than she had first thought. How far did her mentor and the governor go back? “Are we going to talk in riddles, or are you going to tell me what you’re planning?”
     Pontus raised a brow at her impertinence. “The latest news from Emona is that Emperor Decius will not live to see the next full moon.”
    “If he’s already on his deathbed, why do you want me to hasten him to the afterlife?”
    “I’m content to let nature take its course with him. The person I wish for you to kill is his son, Sergius.”
     She bit her bottom lip. “Murdering a member of the Imperial family, especially the heir to the throne, is no simple task. No weapons are allowed inside the Emperor’s chambers. That is, if you can find a way to gain entrance at all.”
     Cassius steepled his fingers under his chin. “You’re a clever girl, Azurha. I’ve taught you plenty of ways to kill someone without a conventional weapon. And as for gaining access to the palace, Governor Pontus has an idea for that.”
     “Oh?” This should prove interesting.
     “According to tradition, when a new Emperor takes the throne, the provincial governors send gifts of tribute in honor of his coronation. Usually, things like gold, fine linen, or rare spices. But nobles have also been known to make contributions to the new Emperor’s harem.”
Azurha shot up to her feet. After the hell her master had put her through, why would Cassius even consider her for this? “Absolutely not. I refuse to be a sex slave for the Emperor.”
She was almost to the door when Cassius caught her and pressed a blade just under her ribs. “Sit down and hear us through, Rabbit.”
     Funny how quickly he could turn on her when it came to business. Every muscle in her body tightened while she weighed her options—kill them or agree to the plan. From what little she’d heard, this plan sounded like madness. She should kill them now before they coerced her into participating in it.
     You’ll never find a knot you can’t unravel.
     “Yes, please let me finish. My contribution to his harem is only a ruse to allow you close access to Sergius. From there, you can decide how far you wish to allow the games to proceed, so long as he ends up dead.”
     “And then?”
     “You will have earned the gratitude of the next Emperor.”
     The air rushed out of her lungs. Just as she had suspected—this was far more than just an assassination. This was a political coup that would place Pontus on the throne as a surviving member of the Imperial Family. “You already know I bear no love for the Empire. Why should I trade one tyrant for another?”
     His laughter sounded too musical to be sane. “Because if you don’t kill him, one of the other ruling families will hire someone else to do it. Sergius spent far too much of his youth studying philosophy instead of warcraft. His ideas for what he wishes to accomplish during his reign are interesting at best.          Most of us consider them far too radical and fear the Empire will crumble if he imposes them.”
     “And how is this a bad thing? If the Empire falls, my people will be free once again.”
     “No, amidst the chaos caused by his plans, the lowest among us will be the first to suffer. That includes the slaves. Sergius is weak. From what I’ve seen, his magic is not even strong enough to maintain the barrier against the Barbarians.”
     Azurha let his words sink in. The Emperor’s primary duty was to maintain the magical shield that encased the Empire and kept outsiders like the Barbarians from attacking. If Sergius was really as weak as Pontus suggested, perhaps it would be a blessing for everyone if she killed him.
     Cassius released her arm and stepped back. “Listen to what he proposes, and you will see Pontus has the stability of the Empire at heart.”
     “If you can help me, Azurha, I will make sure you are properly rewarded. You’ll want for nothing the rest of your life.”
     The hair on the back of her neck stood up. Her mind screamed at her to walk away. “And how long would my life be once I’ve served your purpose?”
     “I give you my word that if you succeed, you’ll live to see your grandchildren playing around your ankles.”
     The prospect of living a life of leisure overcame her hesitations. This could be her last job, the one that made her rich enough to buy a life of obscurity. “You’ll bear witness to this, Cassius?”
     “On my life and honor.”
     She snickered. “There’s no honor in you, but I know you jealously guard your life.”
     “Then are you agreed to it?” Pontus leaned forward, greed dancing his cool blue eyes.
     She settled back into her chair. “Almost, Governor Gurges. Explain your plan to me.”
     “As I mentioned before, I offer you as a gift to the harem. As one of his concubines, you will have greater access to the palace in Emona than most members of the Imperial Family. When Sergius summons you to his chambers, you do what you do best.”
     She exhaled slowly. She wouldn’t have to become the Emperor’s whore. It was all a cover. “And you think the Emperor will find me suitable to summon to his bed?”
     “My dear, I’d summon you to my bed if I didn’t know how deadly you were.” Pontus stared at her as if he was picturing her naked. His cold smile made her skin crawl. “Of course, you’ll need appropriate attire for an Imperial concubine, which I will supply, as well as some instruction on how to please the Emperor.”
     “Which you will supply, too, I assume?” She ground her teeth together.
     “In theory only, naturally, unless you would like hands-on instruction.”
     “I’d prefer not.” She turned to her mentor and searched his face. “Why did you choose me? Surely you know other female assassins.”
     “Because you’re the one person that could carry it out, Rabbit.”
     Could she carry out the guise of pretending to be the Emperor’s whore? Flashbacks of the pain and humiliation she suffered at the hand of her former master filled her mind, of her bleeding wrists bound above her head while he and his friends look their liberties with her. She belonged to no man now and never would.
     Anger warmed her blood, and she swallowed the lump of doubt caught in her throat. She could easily kill the next man that tried to take advantage of her. Let them offer her to the Emperor. His blood would stain his sheets before the sun rose.
     “When do I leave for Emona?”


To find out more about Crista McHugh and her books, visit http://www.cristamchugh.com/wordpress/

Amazing Authors Reveal Their Favorite Series

Have you always wondered what your favorite authors are reading in their down time?  I asked a few amazing authors this question and also which of their series are their favorite to write.  Here's what they had to say.

Gena Showalter:

My absolute favorite series is Barefoot Bay by Roxanne St. Claire.  It’s set in Mimosa Key, a fictional island off the Gulf coast of Florida. These books center around four female friends who met in college and remain close, all in their thirties.  The books are romances at the core, but they deal with universal issues so many real life people face.

This brand new and utterly amazing contemporary series begins with Barefoot in the Sand and gives readers everything they want with a summer getaway book -- a sizzling cougar romance chock full of heartache and heat (meow!), it’s set in a tropical paradise (yes, please!), and has the promise of a whole cast of characters you'll want to visit again and again.  You don’t want to miss it!  I can’t tell you how excited I am for the next one, Barefoot in the Rain.  (And by “excited” I mean I’m foaming at the mouth for it!)

As for my own, my favorite series to write is, hands down, White Rabbit Chronicles—plus Otherworld Assassins and Angels of the Dark. LOL.  Wow, choosing is difficult, because each world brings something different to the writing table.  But okay, all right, I can do this.  If I have to pick one and only one I’ll go with… Angels of the Dark.  I had such fun creating the Army of Disgrace, the “Sent Ones” in danger of falling.  These winged warriors are rough and tough and they have been tasked with defending humanity at any cost—and watching their ice cold leader melt over a human female who spent the last four years in an institution for the criminally insane was quite fun.  Plus, I’m currently working on the second book in the series, Beauty Awakened, and it’s such a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness and redemption, that I’m all aflutter over it.  So, yes, that’s my answer and I’m sticking to it.  Until tomorrow…        -Gena Showalter

Gena's upcoming release Wicked Nights will be released June 26th!  You can view the trailer in our previous post here.  I am so excited for this release as I'm a huge fan of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series!






Rachel Vincent:

Rachel devoured The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, which first sparked her interest in writing YA.  Her current favorite series to write is the Soul Screamers Series.

Before I Wake is due to be released June 26th, 2012.  This is the 6th book in her Souls Screamers series.







Kristen Callihan:

Let's see... Favorite series... Recently, I've been totally glomming (is that a word? Anyway) on Stacia Kane's Downside series. It's dark, gritty, Chess is a mess, her relationship with Terrible is tempestuous, and it's totally addicting! lol     -Kristen Callihan

Her upcoming novel Moonglow will be released July 31st.  The first novel in this series was great and I'm excited to read the latest installment.  You can read my review for the first book, Firelight, here.

Darynda Jones:

I love JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. That has to be my very favorite. I also love Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series and Jacqueline Frank's Nightwalkers series. And, yeah, I could go on and on. LOL. And I guess I enjoy writing the Charley Davidson series the most because Charley is just so much fun. I love that she is ADD and I can bounce her thoughts all over the place. Sometimes she's hard to rein in. hahaha.           -Darynda Jones

Her latest release, Third Grave Dead Ahead, is currently available.  I have heard great things about this series!

Ilona Andrews:

As far as Urban Fantasy, for me the Sookie Stackhouse books are my favorite.  Also, Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series.  Non Urban Fantasy would be the Spenser books by the late Robert B. Parker and almost anything written by David Gemmell.  For Ilona, it would be Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter and the Psy Changling series, also Meljean Brook's Iron Duke books.  I know for a fact, however that she loves Loretta Chase books.  - Gordon

The upcoming novel Gunmetal Magic is the next novel in The World of Kate Daniels.  It is scheduled to be released July 31st.

Crista McHugh:

Crista is a self-proclaimed "huge fantasy geek."  Her favorite series are Lord of the Rings, Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce,  Cleopatra's Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Raine Benares by Lisa Shearin.

A Soul for Chaos, the second book in the Soulbearer Trilogy, is due to be released in December 2012.  I really enjoyed the first book in the series, A Soul for Trouble.  You can check out my review here.