Review: Unbroken Bonds - Eve L. Mitchell

Unbroken Bonds by Eve L. Mitchell
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Unbroken Bonds is the first book that I have read by Eve L. Mitchell and it is a very sweet, easy read. Matt and Hope really suit each other and the story centers around their budding relationship with Matt trying to figure out who he is and the responsibilities he has and Hope being the strong, wonderful often clumsy character that she is. This was a sweet easy read with some wonderful characters that tug at your heartstrings and a story which is full to the brim with emotion. It might help to read previous books to get to know other characters who pop up in this one a bit more, but overall, a must read for all New Adult/Romance fans.

ARC received for a fair and honest review.



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Review: King's Ransom - Jane Henry

King's Ransom by Jane Henry
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

King’s Ransom was a great book to read. It’s main characters Taara and Stefan are destined for each other if only Stefan can get over the age hang-up and Taara can tell him what she really wants…and that’s him. This story doesn’t start off easy though. Taara has been Stefan’s housekeeper for many years since her mother got sick, but when she sees something she shouldn’t, she is thrust into Stefan’s world of the Russian Mafia and he may have to sacrifice her is she doesn’t do what he says.

There are a lot of trails and tribulations throughout this book as well as some dark scenes of trafficking which some readers may find difficult to read. But, throughout it all we have Taara and Stefan in the centre, fighting for each other a s well as other people. There are some wonderfully written scenes between the two which are really quite steamy and I like that Taara has a backbone when it comes to facing Stefan head on. Stefan is also like a sexy silver fox, a mature man who is dominant and doesn’t shy away from his darker side.

There are a few nail-biting moments in this book where you’re left gasping for breath hoping that everything turns out okay. This is a book in a series but you don’t have to have read the previous ones to understand what is going on. A really good, entertaining read!

ARC received for a fair and honest review.




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Review: Cabezón - Rose Croft

Cabezón by Rose Croft
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

This was an intriguing read for me as I had never read anything by this author before but I will certainly continue to do so after having read Cabezon. The writing is storytelling at its best and you are enmeshed into the lives of both Dani and Vicente and how their pasts have shaped their futures.
The book takes you through childhood to adulthood for both Dani and Vicente. Dani lives a transient life with her mother who doesn’t make the best choices in life. Whereas Vicente comes from a life of poverty, having to learn English as a child and trying to make ends meet as a teenager. Due to unforeseen circumstance Dani sees Vince and her boyfriend Emilio (Vince’s brother) do something which she finds unforgivable which ends up with Dani running away and starting a new life, only to pop up again in the future but this time Vince isn’t standing on the side-lines and he will do anything to have Dani.

This book takes you through what it is like to live in abject poverty, fight to save your family and become the person you should have been without all of the outside influences. There are some extremely sad moments in the book from both characters and the development of Vince and Dani’s relationship is interesting because they have always had a spark but Vince didn’t want to intervene since Dani was seeing his brother. It is also entertaining to watch Vince switch from vulnerable to strong when dealing with Dani and his feeling, yet sometimes he can be cruel and leave Dani a little bit in limbo.

If you enjoy emotional roller-coaster ride books then this one is for you. The strength of both of these characters is amazing as are the stories that both of them tell independently. It will also be interesting to see what happens with Emilio.

ARC received for a fair and honest review.

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Release Blitz: Rush - L. A. Cotton

RUSH Release Day Blitz!

𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙮𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠, 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚.

The first book in a brand new emotional and angsty new adult romance series from L A Cotton is live!!!

Head over to L A's page to win a Black Hearts Book Box >>> http://bit.ly/rushgiveaway

𝗕𝗨𝗬 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 

RUSH: The Beginning (Black Hearts Still Beat #1)

Amazon: http://geni.us/iC6O

iBooks: http://geni.us/cTUm9u

Nook: http://geni.us/ACSI

Kobo: http://geni.us/msGuEk

Universal: books2read.com/rushbhsb

Audio: coming soon

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/BHSBthebeginning

𝗣𝗥𝗘-𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 

RISE: The Interlude (Black Hearts Still Beat #2)

Amazon: http://geni.us/MLEv4

iBooks: http://geni.us/Ybfldvz

Nook: http://geni.us/89Ho

Universal: https://books2read.com/RiseBHSB

Goodreads: bit.ly/BHSBRise

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙮𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠, 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚.

Evangeline Walker knows how quickly everything can change.

But nothing can prepare her for the moment she meets Rafe Hunter.

Intense gray eyes.

Wicked smile.

Tattoos inked on his skin just begging to be touched. 

Those aren’t the reasons Eva should stay away from him though.

The fact he’s the bassist for America’s hottest rock band is the reason she should run and never look back.

Everyone knows the greatest love stories all start somewhere.

... this is their beginning.

EXCERPT:

“I made you some hot chocolate.” He offered me the mug and I took a sip, the smooth rich liquid warming my insides.

“How very rock star of you.” 

“I try.” His gray eyes twinkled with laughter. “Come here.” 

I went to Rafe, and he eased the mug out of my hand, placing it on the ledge. His long fingers brushed my jaw, moving along my neck and into my hair as he tilted my face up to his. “I’ve wanted to do this again all night.” 

My hands wound around his neck as he kissed me, his lips brushing over mine with a heated desperation I felt right down to my toes. We stumbled back as Rafe’s hand slipped to the small of my back pushing me closer as he pressed me against the wall.

“Rafe…” I panted and he broke the kiss.

“You want me to stop?” His eyes searched mine, his pupils blown with lust.

“N- no.”

“Thank fuck.” He dived for me again, attacking my mouth with fervent need. One of his hands slid to my throat, stroking the skin there, his lips chasing his fingers. Sucking and biting, sending shocks of pleasure zinging through me.

“Where have you been all my life?” Rafe whispered into my neck, his words so low I wasn’t sure they were for me. But I’d heard them. Like a gunshot to the heart they’d impacted me.

It was crazy.

We didn’t know each other. We didn’t know any of the important stuff. But I was falling. Hurtling towards the ground hoping, praying, he’d be there to catch me.

“Eva, tell me what you want?” He lifted his face, eyes dark and stormy and so full of need. I swallowed hard.

“This.” I pulled his face to mine, kissing him deeply, rubbing myself against him shamelessly. His mouth curved, and he pushed his head to mine, forcing me further against the wall. My hands pressed at my sides, steadying myself as he hooked one of his hands under my thigh, hitching my leg around his hip. I could feel him thick and hard beneath his jeans, but I wasn’t ready for that.

ABOUT LA COTTON:

Angsty. Edgy. Addictive Romance

Author of mature young adult and new adult novels, L A is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find L A immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

L A loves connecting with readers. The best places to find her are

www.lacotton.com

www.facebook.com/authorlacotton

www.instagram.com/authorlacotton

Review: At His Mercy - S.S. Richards

At His Mercy by S.S. Richards
My rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Wow, this book was an intense read! Elena is trapped in the Mafia world with no way out. Being kidnapped by Maskim (part of the Russian Mafia) as he knows that she is the niece of his sworn enemy, you know that he isn’t going to let her go. Having lived in a world where she is treated like a princess, Elena’s world is thrust upside down and she will have to fight the passion that she feels for Maskim whilst trying to save herself.

This was a very exciting read from a new author. The words just seemed to flow off the page and I enjoyed the interaction between Elena and Maskim. Elena is not as sweet as she would like everyone to think but she is naive, especially when it comes to her Uncle and what he has done and what he does to her. She has some really snarky moments throughout the book which is good to see and she isn’t a complete doormat which I was worried about when I first started reading.

Maskim on the other hand is a purely dominant male, after all, he is part of the Russian Mafia and heaven help anyone who gets on his bad side. There was something very likeable about him as a character even though he is dark and brooding. You can see his opinion of Elena change and the steamy scenes between them are really good.

If you like a good Mafia romance with some darker elements and sexy scenes with great characters then this is one for you!

ARC received for a fair and honest review.



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Review: Beautiful Secret - Claire Raye

Beautiful Secret by Claire Raye
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Beautiful secret is a wonderfully written, heart wrenching book. It really pulls you in and shows you the cost of being in the limelight and how hard it is for people and their relationships.

This book looks at the relationship of Julia (the starlet) and Aiden (a production assistant) and what they must do to be together when faced with the storm of the media. Julia and Aiden are perfect for each other, they really seem to understand each other and their relationship is often relatable when you’re reading. It also shows the reader what it is like to be behind the scenes when you are thrust into the limelight and how everything is not what it seems.

A beautifully written novel for any romance fans out there.

ARC received for a fair and honest review.


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Review: The 25 Men of Christmas - Cassie James

The 25 Men of Christmas by Cassie James
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

OMG this book was hot, funny, sexy and it has so many rugby players at times it is hard to keep track! Gemma seems to be in a relationship rut. Gemma works for the Strudford Storms rugby team and although she may have fantasized about many of the players, she hasn’t done anything about it. That is until a proposition falls into her lap and she’s sees the lead up to the 25th day of Christmas as a date with each player on the team.

This book was so good, you just had to keep reading it. Gemma is sweet, funny and cute. You can totally see why the men are taken with her. As for her dates with the team, some of them are hilarious and most of them are sexy. I particularity liked the one with the team Captain = hot!

I really liked how we saw different points of view throughout this book and Gemma’s father is a hoot. If you like easy read, steamy romances with Christmas thrown into the mix, then this one is for you!

ARC received for a fair and honest review.



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Review: Dark Horizon - N.M. Black

DARK HORIZON by N.M. Black
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Wow this is a never ending, page turning book of greatness. Not only do we have some really great characters, but we also have a setting which is disturbing to say the least. I don’t normally read zombie novels but I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity when I read the blurb. Dark Horizon is the second book in the Pandorum series which looks at the characters of Lucie and Chris. Lucie is alternative and doing what she must to survive after having survived a pretty hard childhood. She is attracted to Chris, but he sees the age difference as something huge. It is only when Lucie is trying to survive that Chris steps up to the plate.

There is a lot of action in this book and it kind of sneaks up on you and then attacks. I really liked the twist with what was happening with Lucie as well as her relationship with the butt kicking Bea. This is not a romance, but there are elements of it when Chris and Lucie are developing their relationship and man is it hot. Chris can also sometimes come across as really arrogant, and if we didn’t have his POV in the story I could totally see why people would think that. I think the bottom lines when it comes to how Chris feels about Lucie is that he is scared to lose her so he continues to push her away. The development of the characters is really good and it will be interesting to see what is in store for not only these two characters but the rest of them in this novella.

If you like zombies, post-apocalyptic, unapologetic characters then this is the book for you!

ARC received for a fair and honest review.

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Review: Rush: The Beginning - L. A. Cotton

Rush: The Beginning by L.A. Cotton
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Rush is the first book in the Black Hearts Still Beat Series by L. A. Cotton and boy is it a page turner. The story looks at Evangeline Turner, a girl who knows how quickly life can change. Having gotten a place in a song contest, Eva comes across some stiff competition but no one is as intriguing as the man she bumps into and he only happens to be the bassist for the band the Black Hearts. Rafe Hunter is a mega star, women, drugs and rock and roll are his calling, but he is intrigued by Eva and here starts their really sweet relationship which explodes into passion.

Rafe and Eva have a difficult road, not only is Eva in a contest but Rafe also has to look after his lead singer brother which is easier said than done. This book is full of sweet and steamy moments as you watch their relationship grow, but nothing is as it seems and you are left with a cliff-hanger at the end wondering what is going to happen to these two wonderful characters. There is a lot of emotion in this book both from Eva and what she has been through as well as with Rafe and the struggles he has had too. The emotion, steamy scenes and interactions between characters keep you turning the page and I am excited to see what happens in the next installment of this story.

ARC received for a fair and honest review.


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Release Boost: High Fae Academy - Kaylin Peyerk

RELEASE BOOST

Title: High Fae Academy: Year One

Series: High Fae Trilogy #1

Author: Kaylin Peyerk

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: November 22, 2019

BLURB

Tiana is an elemental fae who can control all five of the Earth’s elements, but all she’s ever wanted is to have a normal life. Because of this, she has spent her entire existence avoiding the High Fae Academy for gifted supernaturals.

After a successful twenty-one years of avoidance, a prophecy describing the next Great War leads academy recruiter Orin to her home. He offers her a new start, an explanation, and training for her wayward power. Tiana can’t help but accept when she feels a draw toward him that leaves her breathless.

Little does she know that her powers are more than anyone had bargained for.

Disclaimer: This book is a paranormal romance that contains sexual content that may not be appropriate for young readers under the age of 18.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48595361-high-fae-academy

PURCHASE LINKS

US: https://amzn.to/32WUgf6
UK: https://amzn.to/2rOpOH2
CA: https://amzn.to/2Qye7ib
AU: https://amzn.to/32S6CoH

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

"Open your eyes, Tiana.

My eyes flutter open and I sit up. A silhouette of a fully transformed fae male is sitting cross-legged in front of me. He's the spitting image of Lucian with small differences. He looks like he'd be taller and brawnier. Despite him merely being an image made of magic and light, his eyes glow deep purple, the darker cousins to Lucian's. His midnight hair is long and pulled back behind his head in a braid running down his back. Rowan could be Lucian's older brother. Or a more dangerous, feral, and powerful version of him.

"Why do you look just like him? How are you doing this?" 

My reply comes out breathy and strange. He replies, and while his mouth moves, I can only hear him in my head.

Using your magical well, I can manifest like this for short periods of time. I look like Lucian because I am his distant relative. Before I became the king of the fae, I was a citizen of the spirit court within the royal family.

My hands move toward his form by themselves before I snatch them back again, "Can I touch you?" 

He moves closer, one blink he's a few feet away, and then his knees are nearly touching mine. It doesn't startle me. If anything, I lean closer to him in wonder. His form is made up entirely of magic, swirling colors moving quickly throughout.

You may touch me, if you'd like to.

I reach out with shaking fingers and lay one hand against his chest. It feels solid and real. Like he's living and breathing right in front of me. When his fingers come up to brush my cheek, my eyelids flutter closed. It almost feels like my own soul is caressing me, comforting me, making me whole again. I hold his face in my hands and run my thumbs over his smooth cheeks. When Rowan smiles at me it takes my breath away. Magic is sparkling off him so vividly that I almost want to shield my eyes.

While Lucian calls to my spirit, Rowan calls to my very being. The darkest depths or recesses of my soul. He knows everything about me, yet I can sense love and tenderness from him that makes me feel safe and happy. We move to lie side by side together with our hands clasped tightly.

We lie there like that long after darkness had fallen and the stars came out. We spoke about our fears, his life he led while being king, and what may come of us in the future. It's a simple interaction that has no expectations, no tensions, and it's a relief to have this time with him. Although, it may have had the opposite effect of what Rowan was hoping for. While I feel closer to him, and my heart aches for him, he still isn't real, right? He can't stay with me forever like this. And do I only like him more now because he resembles Lucian, the man that I'm almost certain is my fated mate? The confusion in my chest grows as I roll onto my side to face him.

His form is dimmer now as if he doesn't have much more time before he will disappear. It allows me to better study his features. Rowan has a strong jawline, deep coal violet eyes, and crow’s feet that speak of many hours spent laughing. I can see his emotions plainly on his face as he watches me in return. Love, fear, uncertainty. 

Are they simply a reflection of my own feelings, or is Rowan capable of feeling things? I'm still not sure how this shared body thing works. The thought leads me back to the main question I keep asking. As if sensing my inner monologue, he leans over me, one hand on either side of my head. His eyes search my face, while his looks vulnerable. The pure honesty we have between us gives me the courage to ask him one of my many burning questions.

Are you real?

I am real, Tiana. For you, I am real."

AUTHOR BIO

My name is Kaylin Peyerk, and I live in the beautiful state of Michigan. I have five full bookshelves, a bursting Kindle library, and a total love for the written word. My favorite genres to read are paranormal romance, fantasy, and the occasional contemporary novel. I am a lover of swimming, video games, and my golden retriever. 

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylinpeyerkauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KPeyerk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylinpeyerk_author

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/2649dd53fa7b/kaylin-author

Cover Reveal: Drawn Blue Lines - Cora Kenborn

Title: Drawn Blue Lines: A Carrera Cartel Novel

Author: Cora Kenborn

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense (Mafia) (Stand alone)

Release Date: December 5, 2019

Cover Design: Marisa Rose-Wesley of Cover Me Darling, LLC.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38347096-drawn-blue-lines

Blurb:

Loyalty is the deadliest sin

Adriana

Every devil doesn’t always get his due.

I survived a fate worse than death, and the only thing my family’s traitor got was my birthright.

I used to rule an empire. Brody Harcourt made me a pariah.

Now, I'm back for more than revenge. I‘m here to reclaim and ruin. All I want to do is to build him up just to watch him fall.

But sometimes, things don’t go as planned.

He’s the enemy, the one man I can never fall for.

And the only one I do.

Brody

Eventually, everyone’s true colors show.

I swore to uphold an oath then sold my soul to the darkness I fought so hard to destroy.

I used to put criminals behind bars. Adriana Carrera turned me into one.

I no longer ask for permission, and I care nothing about forgiveness. I’ll protect what’s mine by beating her at her own game.

She should know I take what I want.

A year ago, I took the queen’s crown.

Now I want the queen.

Author Bio

Cora Kenborn is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes in multiple genres from dark and gritty romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedy. Known for her sharp banter and shocking blindsides, Cora pushes her characters and readers out of their comfort zones and onto an emotional roller coaster before delivering a twisted happily ever after.

Cora believes there’s nothing better than a feisty heroine who keeps her alpha on his toes, and she draws inspiration from the sassy country women who raised her. However, since the domestic Southern Belle gene seems to have skipped a generation, she spends any free time convincing her family that microwaving Hot Pockets counts as cooking dinner.

Oh, and autocorrect thinks she's obsessed with ducks.

Social Media Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IiIFML

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c5O8Cv

Facebook: www.facebook.com/corakenborn

Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/twistedalphaaddicts

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/cora-kenborn

Twitter: www.twitter.com/corakenborn

Instagram: www.instagram.com/corakenborn

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/corakenborn

Website: www.corakenborn.com

Review: Hail to the King - May Sage

Hail to the King by May Sage
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Hail to the king is a wonderful story that shows us the progressive relationship between Ryn and Desmond. The path of Ryn’s life hasn’t been easy. Having been blackmailed by a family member and then made to pay by a sleezy man from work she is definitely down on her luck and stuck in a hard and dark place. Scrimping and saving to help her sister, trying to keep it together and getting stronger by the day… Ryn just wants to survive. Enter Desmond King, helping Ryn to pick herself up and become the woman she is meant to be. He is strong, brooding and short on words but can see what is inside Ryn, even when he sees her vulnerability and the situation, she finds herself in, he seems to be her quiet strength.

What I really liked about this book is the slow burn between Ryn and Desmond. Desmond is completely honest about his sexuality which is really refreshing and Ryn seems to take everything in her stride. There are definite moments where your heart breaks for the two of them but they have an enormous amount of strength which can be seen throughout the book.

There are some moments in the book such as the scene with the sister where I think she deserved more than a good telling off, but overall this was a really good read.



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Release Blitz: High Fae Academy: Year One - Kaylin Peyerk

RELEASE BLITZ

Title: High Fae Academy: Year One

Series: High Fae Trilogy #1

Author: Kaylin Peyerk

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: November 22, 2019

BLURB

Tiana is an elemental fae who can control all five of the Earth’s elements, but all she’s ever wanted is to have a normal life. Because of this, she has spent her entire existence avoiding the High Fae Academy for gifted supernaturals.

After a successful twenty-one years of avoidance, a prophecy describing the next Great War leads academy recruiter Orin to her home. He offers her a new start, an explanation, and training for her wayward power. Tiana can’t help but accept when she feels a draw toward him that leaves her breathless.

Little does she know that her powers are more than anyone had bargained for.

Disclaimer: This book is a paranormal romance that contains sexual content that may not be appropriate for young readers under the age of 18.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48595361-high-fae-academy

PURCHASE LINKS

US: https://amzn.to/32WUgf6
UK: https://amzn.to/2rOpOH2
CA: https://amzn.to/2Qye7ib
AU: https://amzn.to/32S6CoH

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

"Open your eyes, Tiana.

My eyes flutter open and I sit up. A silhouette of a fully transformed fae male is sitting cross-legged in front of me. He's the spitting image of Lucian with small differences. He looks like he'd be taller and brawnier. Despite him merely being an image made of magic and light, his eyes glow deep purple, the darker cousins to Lucian's. His midnight hair is long and pulled back behind his head in a braid running down his back. Rowan could be Lucian's older brother. Or a more dangerous, feral, and powerful version of him.

"Why do you look just like him? How are you doing this?" 

My reply comes out breathy and strange. He replies, and while his mouth moves, I can only hear him in my head.

Using your magical well, I can manifest like this for short periods of time. I look like Lucian because I am his distant relative. Before I became the king of the fae, I was a citizen of the spirit court within the royal family.

My hands move toward his form by themselves before I snatch them back again, "Can I touch you?" 

He moves closer, one blink he's a few feet away, and then his knees are nearly touching mine. It doesn't startle me. If anything, I lean closer to him in wonder. His form is made up entirely of magic, swirling colors moving quickly throughout.

You may touch me, if you'd like to.

I reach out with shaking fingers and lay one hand against his chest. It feels solid and real. Like he's living and breathing right in front of me. When his fingers come up to brush my cheek, my eyelids flutter closed. It almost feels like my own soul is caressing me, comforting me, making me whole again. I hold his face in my hands and run my thumbs over his smooth cheeks. When Rowan smiles at me it takes my breath away. Magic is sparkling off him so vividly that I almost want to shield my eyes.

While Lucian calls to my spirit, Rowan calls to my very being. The darkest depths or recesses of my soul. He knows everything about me, yet I can sense love and tenderness from him that makes me feel safe and happy. We move to lie side by side together with our hands clasped tightly.

We lie there like that long after darkness had fallen and the stars came out. We spoke about our fears, his life he led while being king, and what may come of us in the future. It's a simple interaction that has no expectations, no tensions, and it's a relief to have this time with him. Although, it may have had the opposite effect of what Rowan was hoping for. While I feel closer to him, and my heart aches for him, he still isn't real, right? He can't stay with me forever like this. And do I only like him more now because he resembles Lucian, the man that I'm almost certain is my fated mate? The confusion in my chest grows as I roll onto my side to face him.

His form is dimmer now as if he doesn't have much more time before he will disappear. It allows me to better study his features. Rowan has a strong jawline, deep coal violet eyes, and crow’s feet that speak of many hours spent laughing. I can see his emotions plainly on his face as he watches me in return. Love, fear, uncertainty. 

Are they simply a reflection of my own feelings, or is Rowan capable of feeling things? I'm still not sure how this shared body thing works. The thought leads me back to the main question I keep asking. As if sensing my inner monologue, he leans over me, one hand on either side of my head. His eyes search my face, while his looks vulnerable. The pure honesty we have between us gives me the courage to ask him one of my many burning questions.

Are you real?

I am real, Tiana. For you, I am real."

AUTHOR BIO

My name is Kaylin Peyerk, and I live in the beautiful state of Michigan. I have five full bookshelves, a bursting Kindle library, and a total love for the written word. My favorite genres to read are paranormal romance, fantasy, and the occasional contemporary novel. I am a lover of swimming, video games, and my golden retriever. 

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