Indy Book Fairy: Cynthia Luhrs Guest Post~Review~Giveaway

Cynthia Luhrs

From Embraced by Shadow, Thorne, god of Shadow, ruler of the Shadow Walkers meets with the Fates.

Materializing to the realm of Fate, Thorne paused outside the purple doors of the temple. He hated dealing with these conniving bitches. They never said what they meant. It was always riddles or some bullshit that never made any sense until later when it was too late to do anything about it.

Today he was dressed casually as if he didn’t care about this meeting. His silver skin and blue tattoos hidden by the silk shirt except for a small patch across his neck and the backs of his hands. The patterns formed three women with their mouths taped shut. He hoped they wouldn’t notice. Tired of standing there, hands clasped behind his back waiting, he narrowed blue eyes at the guards looking down his aristocratic nose at the two with their plain hair. He’d never admit it but he was rather fond of his long silver hair. It was pulled back in a ponytail tonight.

Eyes rolling around like marbles, he huffed a disgusted snort and pushed opened the doors. Inside two handmaidens waited. One bent to remove his boots and wash his feet while the other provided a basin for him to wash his hands and face. He’d worn a pair of dark jeans with a purple silk shirt. The purple was the color of the fates. Sacred to them and would infuriate them. Normally, he’d be fine with this but considering the answers he wanted maybe not the best idea. With a thought the shirt changed from a deep purple to gunmetal gray.

“If you’ll follow us, god of the realm of Shadow.”

“Lead on.”

They led him down a hallway. The floor was gray stone, the ceiling reflecting the stars and the walls covered in purple silk. Ahead of him were the doors to their inner sanctum. Two more women, warriors, stood stone-faced. When he reached the doors, they bowed and pushed the open with a whoosh.

“We leave you here. When you are finished speaking with our mistresses, we will return for you.”

What they conveniently left out was if he tried to find the way out on his own, he’d be lost. Wandering for years, centuries, before he found his way out. Or he might be trapped in this infernal place for all eternity.

Nodding, he stepped inside as the doors closed behind him.

The room was thick with incense. It smelled like his childhood. Made him remember events best forgotten. As he strode through the thick smoke he came to the center of the room. There were pillows scattered everywhere and the windows were made of stained glass depicting scenes that seemed to change each time he visited.

The three women sat on the floor drinking wine. “Thorne, god of the realm of Shadow. Son of Terya. What brings you to our realm?”

Like they didn’t know.

Tamping his anger down, he forced his voice to sound calm. “Last I visited you told me if I sacrificed my men, letting them turn wraith and if I brought Hamish Campbell back it would ensure my dominion over all and return Luna to me. Yes, you gave me back my memories so I could find the egg and the book on dragonkind. But, I am not ruler over all the realms and. I. Do. Not. Have. Luna. Draken has fallen, taking the chalice and egg with him. I cannot bring back the dragons and rule without these objects.”

They turned as one. Identical faces except one had black hair and blue eyes, one red hair and green eyes, and the third blond hair and purple eyes. If you were stupid, you flirted with these beautiful women and found yourself in some kind of hell for however long it suited them. Wretched women.

No one knew their names. They were older than any of the gods and while they’d been called many things over the millennia, they preferred to keep their true names a secret. For names have power.

The black-haired beauty smiled at him. “Who says Draken has fallen?”

“Anna lives. She is touched by the goddess and carries great power in her blood. Beware the demon for he will seek to steal her away.” The redhead chimed in.

And then the blond looked up at him, staring into his soul. Moments passed, time stretched and then she spoke. So softly he had to lean in to hear the words.

“All Walkers have cheated death. Day Walkers merely return to the earth, dust, when they meet the second death. Your Shadow Walkers become wraith. Send in a human to bring them back. Out of the in-between they can be different. Use them to fight in the coming war. Their death in this battle will allow them to return to dust or—if they win, we will allow them a choice. To live once more a mortal life or to go on to the final rest. But god of Shadow, hear me well. If you lose this battle—all your men and their soul mates will be turned wraith for all eternity. That is the cost of what you desire.”

They turned as one away from him to stare into the shallow pool, watching the fates of others, mucking about in everyone’s lives. Blasted women.

He bowed. “I thank the Fates.”

The doors swung open and he strode through the hall following the handmaidens. Outside the temple, he blinked in the moonlight. How long had he been inside? Time moved differently here. As he turned to dematerialize back to his realm, one of the handmaidens pressed something into his palm and hurried back inside. There were too many spies about to look at the note now. Tucking it into his pocket, he vanished.

Lost in Shadow

Favorite Lines “Emily—a stray dog is one thing, a stray man is a whole ‘nother ballgame, sweetie.”

“Could he let her into his battered heart, take the chance and trust again?”

“Did you know the stars are made out of tears?”

“I was lost the moment ye tried to help me in the Vaults, the compassion in your lovely gray eyes, the color of a stormy sea—so beautiful, so kind. I wanted to grow old with you, give you the big family you always wanted.”

“I was lost in shadow, devoid of hope until you appeared and blazed a shining path through the darkness. I want you to stay in Scotland with me. I love you, for all eternity.”

“Gods Emily, ye hold my heart in your hands, able to crush it with a single squeeze if ye so chose.” He took a deep breath, exhaling hard.

Tears in her eyes, she held them back. Her savage warrior had been profoundly changed. She’d died for him, would love him throughout eternity. Her voice choking, “Your heart is safe in my keeping, I’ll never hurt or betray you.”

“Your love gives me life.”

Okay I went a little crazy with my favorite lines but I just loved so much of this book! Colin is an amazing character! He is a strong alpha male you was brutally betrayed! He closed his heart off and caged it in ice, steal, diamond, and every other thing he could use to close off his heart and emotions. I can't blame him though his so called brother and fiancé betrayed him something horrible! The betrayal is what led him to become a Shadow Walker, a race of men that defend humanity against the crazy Day Walkers who murder humans by stealing there essence and draining them dry!

Emily is visiting Scotland! She's dreamed of visiting here and after her ex gets caught sleeping with another woman he and her best friend can't get there fast enough! Emily has a weakness for men with accents. I agree with her when she says she could listen to them talk forever. So when she's on a tour and sees what she thinks is an replay of a battle from long ago she's floored until she realizes that it's actually happening. One of the fighters takes her breath away! So of course she helps him when he almost loses.

These two are freaking adorable. Colin may fight it a little bit but even he can't deny that Emily is wiggling her way Into his heart and soul.

Can Emily break the curse that every Shadow Walker lives under? You must read to find out! It's an a epic love story with some kick booty action and some amazing Shadow Walker men! Love this book! Can't wait to get to the next book!

I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest review

FIVE SHADOW FAIRIES

Desired by Shadows

Favorite Lines “You’re the one who changed Robert’s fate.”

“The sounds of their voices filling Ravensmore with laughter and love.

What a difference a year made.”

“Choices that carry great power. Power to heal or destroy. There must always be balance. Without sun there can be no rain just as without pain there can be no joy. As you must live your life, Dayne must live his. The choices we make define us and have the power to change humanity’s fate.”

“Living in the past, you never learn to see the present.”

“When we’re in this realm, we’d be honored to make our home here at Gwrych. Though Draken needs to get his own stash of sauce. All my wasabi sauce is gone and we have seven or eight bites left.”

“You showed me how to live again.”

“I love you Mrs. Bartholomew.”

Maggie laughed. “And I you, my pirate husband.”

OMG I want a pirate of my very own! PLZ PLZ PLZ! After reading book 1 I knew Roberts story was going to be amazing! I was right! This author couldn't have done any better! Robert gave up on ever having what Colin has. Boy was he wrong!

Maggie has had such a hard life. She's been betrayed by everyone! Taken hostage by the day walkers and used to find the shadow walkers. She's been warned about the viscous Robert the pirate so when she stumbles across a man hanging and rescues him. She's floored to see that it's Robert the one all the day walkers fear! She runs and guess who's ship she hides out on? Ha ha Roberts!

I loved this book so much! Excellent writing, fabulous characters! Loved it loved it!

I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest review

FIVE PIRATE FAIRIES

Iced in Shadows

Favorite Lines “A time to reflect, to spend time with those we care about. A time of renewal.”

“The smallest ember could lead to the largest fire. Sometimes it just took someone else to fan the flames.”

“The Bengal tiger is rather impressive. Just tell me I won’t find the three wise men hanging around trying to steal the rest of my fortune.”

“It seems I waited for you a thousand years, my love,” he whispered against her neck. Thank the fates for bringing them together.

“Together always. I couldn’t go on without you. I love you,”

What an adorable story filled with love and happiness. Also that crazy ghost Fredrickson!

I'm amazed at how these big tough Shadow Walkers turn into big old softies as soon as their wives or kids bat their eyes at them! It's hilarious to watch! We got to meet Hamish in this story and ugh I don't like him one bit!

I can't wait to see what comes next. This was a fabulous novella!

I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest review

FOUR CHRISTMAS FAIRIES

Reborn in Shadows

Favorite Lines “Nothing like the smell of old books to send you to your happy place.”

“Whatever he was, her heart told her this was a good man, while her brain argued, wanting to know how a man who killed others could be good. She didn’t know the answer.”

“All I meant was people come into our lives. They may be passing through, or someone who will have an impact forever. Those who have a lasting impact become our family when our biological families aren’t the right fit.”

“Maybe if I can save enough of the ones worth saving I won’t be sent back to the in-between. For there is no forgiveness waiting for me. No white light. No mercy. I am haunted by the past. It is a living, breathing part of me, deep within my skin. There is no escape. No peace.”

“She held his heart in her hand. He was lost. For he loved her. And with that power over him she could break him with a word.”

“Even a monster was capable of kindness once in a while, but at the end of the day, the monster was still a monster.”

“Hamish. That’s what love is. It makes us better together than apart. I will stand by your side always. I accept you for who you are.”

Ok, I will admit when I read what this book was about I almost didn't read it! I couldn't stand Hamish I honestly believed he had no hope for redemption! He betrayed Colin so deeply!

While reading this book I did find out a lot about what led Hamish to do what he did. While I don't agree with it I can understand.

This book proved to me that not only can this authors world make your feelings changes but, that with enough love anyone can change.

Anna is literally sunshine and goodness! She's the sweetest character I have read about. She find happiness and goodness in everything! She's the perfect woman for Hamish. Unfortunately her pure heart is just what the Day Walkers need to open a portal to let demo in the world.

This story was an eye opener. I even contacted the author and to quote her now, There are 3 sides to every story Hamish's, Colin's, and the truth.

I won't say I love Hamish now but when it comes to Anna he's a Shadow Warrior that I can respect.

I cried during this book we said goodbye to an amazing character and I'm hoping the author finds a way to bring him back to us!

I'm dying for the last book in this series!

Can't wait!

Freaking amazing series!

I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest review

FIVE REDEMPTION FAIRIES