It’s Thursday!!!!!! And a little sneek peek… Sshhhh, don’t tell…

Thursday-Graphics-54

No Thursday thought this week, so very very very very sorry… But I have a really good reason..

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Tippity tapping away on the computer desperatley trying to ignore husband.
Typing two at once.
Journey is almost set.

Highland Fairlings – Book Two Ebha will be in the new year.

But just for you here’s a little sneeky peek at both…

Journey

I hurried to Gracie’s side, sliding to a kneeling position beside her, my hands fluttered wildly about looking for the cause of the blood flowing across her arm and her chest. She clutched futilely at the arm, pulling it into her chest and trying to hold the wound closed.

Craig hit the floor beside me, his young legs hurtling him to the scene faster than the others. His hands pushed Gracie’s aside as he replaced them with his own, squeezing tight in the hopes of easing the spray of blood.

I saw the tears that leaked from the corner of Gracie’s eyes as they travelled erratically and unseeing around her. She blinked several times, each closing of her eyes becoming harder to open and then they shut and stayed shut.

Her chest heaved in a rattling breath and then was still. No exhale. She was gone.

“No!” Craig shouted, tears falling freely from his own eyes as he clutched the wound tighter, “Gracie, get up. Get up!”

Seth pulled Craig away, his superior strength making the job of holding the thrashing boy easier for him than any of us. I remained where I was, frozen in despair as James bent to Gracie, his questing fingers searching for any signs of life. His hands were replaced by his face as he leant towards her mouth seeking even a tremor of breath.

He looked up, his glistening eyes meeting my own as he lightly shook his head in confirmation of what we already knew.

Highland Fairlings – Book Two – Ebha

“Yer room?” his black eyes continued to undress her mentally, “Surely ye mean the room of yer lady.”

Ebha quickly hid the surprise she felt at his words. Off course, he must be part of the visiting Quainn’s to roam so freely. He would not know her and dressed as she was she would obviously appear a maid. Clenching her hands behind her she decided to continue her ruse, she saw no reason to correct his assumption of her identity. If he knew not who she was then he would have nothing to report to his master as she was certain, he must be sent to spy upon her.

“I am afraid, sir, that the Lady Ebha has already descended to the great hall.”

If she had thought that her quietly spoken words would halt his predatory approach then, she was mistaken. Stepping back as he approached she found herself quickly trapped between his large frame and the cold stone of the wall.

Her looked at her in such an unusual and overly familiar way that her insides quivered in a disconcerting way. He stared at her with those dark eyes as though he could see all the way to her very soul, his hot gaze burning her blood and causing a feeling like molten liquid to carry within her. He raised his hand and gently touched her cheek eliciting such strange thoughts within her that she could barely breathe.

 

Sneak at Journey- A MODERN ROMANCE

“I’m sorry,” Seth apologized, looking at me,” you know, for laughing. I shouldn’t have.”

He walked slowly towards me as I turned and continued to look away from him. I knew it was foolish, I knew I was stupid. I couldn’t help feeling hurt.

He placed his hand to my jaw and tilted my head back till I looked into his one good eye.

Feeling the warmth spreading from the contact of his skin against mine I watched his green eye darken.

“I am sorry,” he whispered again, meeting my eyes directly, and he moved slowly forwards, his lips descending and meeting mine lightly. His eyelashes fluttered shut, and he groaned pulling me tighter into his embrace and crushing my body into the warmth of his as our kiss intensified.

 

Tuesday Teaser – 19 August 2014 – Ina

 

“As the enemy begun to succumb to the Brothaigh warriors superior skills Alasdair stalked the cowardly Hamish as he tried to recapture the lass.

The poor wee thing was attempting to wield a weapon that was much larger than her small frame whilst her injured companion tried to pull her closer to where he slumped.

Distracted momentarily by the injured man’s, possessive handling Alasdair wondered at the lovers. Who were they? He was expecting no visitors and whilst they were close to the borders of his land, it was still his and that they were upon.

Against his will, he could not help but notice the curves of the woman, even if she did look far too skinny. Her dark red hair was matted in areas and the small, pale hands refused to discard the too large weapon.”

 

Tuesdays Teaser. 12 August 2014. Ina

 Look under the medieval/historic romance post for information on the many places you can now purchase Highland Fairlings Book one Ina.

“As the enemy, begun to succumb to the Brothaigh warriors superior skills Alasdair stalked the cowardly Hamish as he tried to recapture the lass.
The poor wee thing was attempting to wield a weapon that was much larger than her small frame whilst her injured companion tried to pull her closer to where he slumped.
Distracted momentarily by the injured man’s, possessive handling Alasdair wondered at the lovers. Who were they? He was expecting no visitors and whilst they were close to the borders of his land, it was still his and that they were upon.
Against his will, he could not help but notice the curves of the woman, even if she did look far too skinny. Her dark red hair was matted in areas and the small, pale hands refused to discard the too large weapon.”

 

Sunday Review on a Monday morning – 50 Shades of Grey

So Sunday review on a Monday morning?
Well I was certain I was going to review 50 Shades of Grey and in order to do so I had to finish it!!
This time I reviewed slightly differently and reviewed on the first read and as I went along.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

 

“When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind – until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out.
Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more.
But Christian is tormented by inner demons, and consumed by the need to control. As they embark on a passionate love affair, Ana discovers more about her own desires, as well as the dark secrets Christian keeps hidden away from public view .”

“The multi-million copy bestseller soon to be a major movie starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson”

 

 

Here’s my review exactly as it was written as I went along.
Question – Did I like it? Answer still unknoown..

So far I am only approximately 1% of the way in. I try not to make a judgment so quickly and yet already I’m dissatisfied. Ana already is a character I dislike. However the word is perseverance, and so I shall….
So. Chapter one. What can I say? So far I dislike both main characters. I’m also a bit peeved that if Ana is reading questions given to her by Kate for the intereview then it’s crap and this Kate doesn’t deserve to be on the paper. And seriously, no plans for after graduation? Nothing?
The word again is perseverance. So many love this that it surely has to get better?
Shopping list includes, ‘cable ties, masking tape, rope and coveralls?’ and she thinks this is just a standard little out of town shopping trip?

  Oh my God! Perseverance. Reminding myself continually that there has to be something redeeming in this rubbish. It isn’t often that I can’t find anything I like but I’m struggling here. I don’t like the characters. I don’t even like the way the book is written…
I refuse to give up!
21 and drunk for the first time, I think I feel sorry for her. Can’t think if this or Twilight was first but the whole clumsy girl thing has been done.
Ok, can’t keep your hands off, passionate snogging in a lift does kinda work for me.
Still not exactly enjoying this yet but I enjoyed that bit. Yay, for Ana’s inner goddess!!
25% of the way through. They’ve just has sex, normal sex. 21 yr old Ana of the studious, non drinking was also a virgin. Not surprised. It all plays on the old view of the strict librarian taking down her hair, taking off her glasses and turning into a sex God.
Anyway….
The writing style leaves something to be desired, I can’t even pinpoint it but something is missing. I still don’t like the characters and it still feels like a bit of a chore to read and not the pleasant experience reading generally is for me.
I’m intent on finishing this book.
Hmmm… What is there to say so far? The actual characters are still leaving something to be desired. That is not to say that I am not warming to them. A beginning has been made in the complexities of character. We learn as little of Christian Grey’s past, including an inkling of previous sexual relationships. I’m still finding Anastasia Steele dull but there is hinting to more depth of her character. I’m still withholding judgement at this point.
The fully written contract felt wasteful and could have been summed up instead of fully written. There is still that indecipherable something missing from the written format. I can’t place my finger on it yet but there is seriously something bothering me.
Oh, and at this point I am 37% through book one. I’m uncertain yet as to whether I’ll continue with the further books in this series. Never say never, it really depends upon the further 63% that I have yet to read.
“Opal and aquamarine dusk” I mean seriously?
Right, so I’m currently at the start of chapter seventeen and my feelings towards certain characters are in confusion. I still don’t really like them but they are growing on me and they do have depth.
I like the fact that the situation is unique to them both and the idea that they are willing to try to compromise.
I find it relatively easy to relate with Ana’s character a little more, I too would have issues accepting gifts of such high monetary value and many people find it easier to appear more confident and well versed in script as opposed to speaking.
I am making progress in that Grey’s character intrigues me. Everybody loves the fucked up bad boy, right? I’m no exception.
The sex, it’s quality and quantity is not as horrifying as I had first expects. Hearing many things of this series I must admit to some trepidation. I am by no means prudish however there is a thin line between a story with a lot of sex and porn with a bit of storyline. So far there isn’t enough sex in this to be offensive or pornographic, (I’m at chapter 24) however the best writing is during the sexier scenes. It’s an odd sensation to be noticing the writing style so much as opposed to being able to slip wholeheartedly into the plot. This may be the under scoring reason that I find I’m not really enjoying this. I find that more and more plausible, as I’ve stated, there is nothing offensive a far as I’ve read….
We’ll see. Perseverance and all…
Hmmmm. Well that was unexpected. Whilst I have no amazing feelings of love for either Ana or Christian there pain felt very real.
I now have that part of me battling in earnest. I didn’t exactly enjoy this book, I didn’t like the writing style, or the characters particularly. I found I a let down.
And yet I yearn to know what happens.
Holy schmoley I think I’m going to have to buy the next book.
I remain completely undecided and confused over this book. Did I like it or not?
I remain unsure as to whether to continue. Currently my depleted funds refuse to allow me to purchase the next book, especially after wandering into the myriad of Amazon reviews. I know you can’t please everyone but the repetition of accounts and feelings similar to my own concerns me. However I do still desire to continue this unorthodox romance. Troubling… a decision will ultimately be made, but for now I’m refusing the ‘seven shades of sin and fifty shades of fucked up.’

Teaser Tuesday! Tuesday July 29th

Your Tuesday teaser comes from Ina – Highland Fairlings – Book One

Available to buy (Check out where in the medieval/ancient romance tab.)

 

“Donaldina Elliot!”

Ina looked towards the kitchen door, no longer hiding her actions from her upset father’s furious eyes.

Still her fathers impressive muscular form did not hint to his advancing years as he took up the space of the doorframe. His hands on his hips he looked angrily at Ina where she stood.

Walking slowly around the counter where she had been working kneading bread she wiped her floured hands on the already stained brown gown she wore. An annoying curl was escaping in the steamy heat of the room and frizzing before her eyes.

“Whit are ye doing in the damn kitchens again” Her father’s loud bellow frightened many of the other staff who found themselves suddenly working at the opposite of the room to them, “Ye are a Lady, Ina. Ladies dinna work in the kitchen.”

 

Teaser Tuesday! Tuesday 22nd July 2014

Your Tuesday teaser comes from Ina – Highland Fairlings – Book One

Available to buy (Check out where in the medieval/ancient romance tab.)

 

 

“Aye,” Alasdair agreed touching the still tender underneath of his chin, “I made the mistake of looking upon her as a lady and no the wee hellcat she truly is. I’ll nay be making that mistake again and the next time she has a weapon in her hand I intend tay run the other way.”

Declan laughed, “If yer gonna court her surely ye shouldna be tempting her tay cut ye down. Get her flowers or something.”

Continue reading

Teaser Tuesday – Peeking at Ina

Alasdair laughed and pushed back his mane of unbound, long blonde hair over his shoulder in a gesture that proved a habit for him and had the lasses swooning with delight, “Well now, Declan, ye and yer da should nay be encouraging her tay fight. Tis nay seemly. Lasses belong sewing or some such other nonsense as that.”
“Nay seemly?” Declan’s voice raised, “Were it that seemly when I spied one of the kitchen wenches sneaking frae yer chamber this morning?” Declan raised his eyes, holding his friend’s sight only to be met with a disinterested shrug of the shoulders as Alasdair took a further deep gulp of the appropriated uisge beatha.

 

Sneek Peek from Highland Fairlings – Book Two – Ebha – July 2014

Sneek Peek from Highland Fairlings – Book Two – Ebha
(July 2014, currently in editing still so no release date yet.)

 

 

Alasdair Brothaigh threw his hands in the air, his frustration clear as he turned to his beloved wife, “I blame ye!”
Ina appeared startled at first but then settled loving eyes on her husband, “just let her be.”
Ebha turned to face her father in surprise at his next words.
“Ebha, ye were raised tay be a dutiful wife. Ye have always known yer destiny.” Reaching out a large calloused hand he smoothed back one of her wild curls, “Know this. Ye do not honour yer husband and ye shame yer whole clan tay be thinking tay present yerself in such rags,” he indicated the well worn dress she had pilfered from a scullery maid,”Ye only make things harder than they need be.”
Her mother moved closer, looking up at her,”Farrell Quainn IS yer husband. Ye ken that. Ye shame me.Ye have nay been so rude as this afore but ye are a woman so ye say, so do as ye please. I was once young and spoilt but yer da saw through my faults and loved me. I only hope yer husband can see the real ye and nay what yer thinking tay show.” Her mothers eyes looked bright with unshed tears, “Whether ye like it or not, he is yer husband and he may treat ye how he chooses. If ye presented the wife we had hoped ye would be, then ye may convince love and happiness tay blossom. What ye are doing now shows only insolence and disrespect.” Sucking in a deep breath bright blue eyes met and held her own, “Today ye disappoint me, and I am shamed tay call ye my daughter.”
Ebha gasped, her own tears flowing, as her normally gentle and jovial mother rushed from the room.