Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Bound by Oath and Honour NBtM

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting Debbi Peterson who agreed to party with us by sharing a mythical take on birthdays! Hope you find her post as interesting and informative as I did.

Blurb:
Fresh from her photo shoot in Northern England, wildlife photographer Tala Westbrook makes a promised stop at the family manor in Staffordshire, desperately in need of renovation. Though she didn’t plan to stay longer than it took to find a contractor, she is caught up in an ancient paranormal war. Despite the danger all around, she finds herself falling for the handsome, enigmatic man assigned to protect her.

Micah Berrington, elite guardian from the realm of the Bewitan Fierd, is used to protecting men of strength in the greatest of peril, not a female looking for someone to repair her home. Yet the assignment is far more than it seems and so is the beautiful woman destined to capture his heart, regardless of the cost.


Excerpt:
“You expect me to believe I said my name in my sleep?”

Finally, he turned around and faced her. The moment his dark brown eyes connected with hers, her heart spun in wild circles. A swarm of bothersome butterflies, buried deep within her belly, took flight. Handsome. Dark. Mysterious. The words swirled around inside her mind as the man, dressed in black from head to toe, took a couple of slow steps toward her. All the while, her inside churned in a simple response to his mere presence. In an irrational way she couldn’t explain, that increased her level of irritation as well.

“Believe whatever you wish.”

She ignored the comment. “If you don’t mind my asking, just where am I?”

“Not all that far from Westbrook Manor.”

“How very informative.”

In a show of exasperation, he took in a deep breath. Then with a bit of force, he blew it out again. “You’re sitting on my sofa, inside my home—or, at least you’re inside the residence I use when I’m in the area.” He sounded bored again.

She gave him a nod and then turned her gaze toward the door. “Good enough. If you’ll point me in the proper direction, I’ll get out of your way and leave you to what’s left of your evening.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not about to let you go out there all by yourself. By now your friends have regrouped. They’re probably waiting for you to show up so they can have another go at you.”

Tala narrowed her eyes. “You think you can hold me here against my will?”



I am really excited to kick off the Bound by Oath and Honour book tour here at Sharing Links and Wisdom! So thank you very much Emily, for the invitation. I am honored.

In as much as Emily celebrates her birthday this week, she thought it would be fun if, in some form or another, we talk about—well—birthdays.

Because I have a love for folklore and mythology, I thought I would incorporate the two by talking about one of my favorite birthday stories in Greek (Roman) legend—or at least one of the many versions of it.

Once upon a time Zeus, the supreme Ruler of Olympia carried on a secret dalliance with Leto, a Titan Goddess. This liaison resulted in the pregnancy of not one, but two children. As you can imagine, Hera, the wife of Zeus was not pleased over the impending births even if the affair happened before they were wed. Anyway, in a fit of rage, jealousy, vengeance or whatever her mood at the time, she sent a python to devour the hapless woman. While fleeing for her life, Artemis (or Diana according to Roman lore) was born. As one legend goes, Artemis—though newly born— assisted Leto with the birth of her twin brother Apollo. Yes, indeed, she’s all that! (Don’t you just love mythological stories?)

Anyway, on her third birthday--according to the poet Callimachus—the precocious child sat at the knee of her famous father and asked for six specific gifts:

First and foremost, Artemis wanted to live a chaste life.

Second, she didn’t ever want to marry anyone. Ever. (I am not making this up.)

Third, she asked for a bow and arrow—a really, really nice one, please.

Fourth, she wanted some hunting dogs to assist her when she went hunting—a thing she did often.

Fifth, she would need, of course, some fine-looking stags to lead her chariot.

Sixth, she asked for hunting companions, because, well it was boring to go out all by herself. Eighty companions would do quite nicely, and she wanted all of them to be virgin nymphs. (Don’t ask.)
That, she said, should just about do it.

Ever the indulgent and adoring father, Zeus, highly amused, granted each childish wish. Yet, with these gifts, Artemis went on to have countless adventures. So in effect, the gifts she received on her 3rd birthday not only lasted an entire lifetime, but also helped shape the unique Goddess she would become:

She is: The Greek Goddess of Chastity, Virginity, Hunting, Forests and hills, the Moon, and Archery.

And those, my friends, are some pretty fine accomplishments. So here’s my question. If Zeus happened to be your father, what birthday gifts would you ask for?


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Author Bio and Links:
Debbie is an author of paranormal and fantasy romance because she has a soft spot for fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, making an impossible love possible, and happily ever after endings. She loves animals of every persuasion, music, art, beautiful sunrises, sunsets, the smell of rain, and thunder storms.

When she is not busy conjuring her latest novel, Debbie spends time with the members of her very large family in the lovely, arid deserts of southern Nevada, where some of those spectacular sunsets occur. She also pursues her interests in genealogy—which she also teaches—mythology, and history.

Connect with Debbie:
Website     |     Blog     |     Twitter     |     Pinterest
Facebook     |     Amazon Author Page     |     Goodreads  

Buy Links:
Amazon     |     The Wild Rose Press

102 comments:

  1. What books have most influenced your life?

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    1. In the fictional department, anything by Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, the Bronte sisters and a host of others. Thanks for stopping by Mai!

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  2. I'm excited to be here! Thanks for sharing some blog space Emily!

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    1. It was my pleasure, thanks so much for being a part of my birthday celebration!

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  3. Thanks so much for giving us this opportunity to win

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  4. I had to really think about what I would want if I could ask my father for anything, but couldn't think of anything except perhaps a small house with a garden. Not too exciting I know. Your story sounds really great.

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    1. Hello MomJane! Nice to see you here... And really, think of all the things you could do and enjoy with that small house and garden! The possibilities are endless.

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  5. Oh all of your books have such a hook. I love the way you write. If I could ask my father for anything it would have to be to have your talent..

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  6. sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway.

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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    1. You're welcome Thomas! I'm happy you stopped by!

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  7. Where is your favorite place to read?

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    1. Either outside on my porch swing, or all cuddled up in bed! Thanks for taking time to make a comment Becky! I love them!

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  8. What an interesting list for a three year old. She clearly knew how she wanted her life to unfold.

    Selfishly, I have always wanted the ability to fly. Maybe I would ask Zeus for that...along with wisdom like Solomon. Wouldn't it be great to always know the answer and do the right thing? :)

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    1. And fly away to all of the right places! Fun! Thanks for the comments and the visit!

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  9. This sounds absolutely amazing! I can't wait to read it, thanks for sharing :)

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  10. Thanks Cali! The lovely cover was designed by the very talented Debbie Taylor, graphic artist for The Wild Rose Press!

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  11. Birthdays are a big deal in our family. A great post thank you.

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    1. They're a very big deal in mine as well! A lot of fun and laughter. Thanks so much for stopping by Mary!

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  12. How many books do you write a year.

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    1. As many as I can, Julie! ;)

      For me family is always a priority and for the past couple of years we've had "life events" that have cut into my writing time. However, on average I write, edit, refine, sculpt and mold about 2 books a year...give or take.

      Thanks so much for stopping by and asking your question! I appreciate both!

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  13. Happy Thursday and hope it's a great one for you. Thanks for the giveaway and opportunity to win.

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    1. Good morning James Robert! Nice to see you again!

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  14. I'm intrigued and want to know about this ancient paranormal war

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    1. Well, Katieoscarlet... long story short, it begins with a race of shifters from another dimension, a portion of which desired an overthrow of their peaceful democratic society. By war and blood they sought to replace the government with a tyrannical leader. They lost. The perpetrators were imprisoned for life in a remote area of Romania. Through a rogue guard who infiltrated the system they escaped the prison. They now seek to return to their own dimension and finish what they began. Thanks for the question!

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  15. Loved reading the Guest post, thank you! :)

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    1. I'm happy you enjoyed it Nikolina. I love mythology/myths/legends...

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  16. Here we are at the start of another weekend. Thanks for the chance to win and have an enjoyable weekend.

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  17. Replies
    1. Excerpts are always so difficult to choose, so I'm happy you loved it! Thanks for stopping by Sonya!

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  18. I enjoyed reading the excerpt and the guest post. This book sounds like an interesting and intriguing read. Looking forward to checking out this book.

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  19. Hope you have an awesome Sunday and thanks for the giveaway

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  21. As we start the week I want to say Happy Monday and thank you for the opportunity to win

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  22. Where is your favorite place to read?

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  23. I appreciate the chance at winning the great giveaway you brought to us, thank you

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  29. Who was your favorite author growing up?

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  30. Congrats on the new book and good luck on the book tour!

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  31. Thank you for taking the time to offer us this giveaway

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  32. Thanks for the opportunity to win, you're awesome! Happy Friday!

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  40. What is your favorite pleasure food?

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  41. I appreciate you bringing us this giveaway, thank you

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  46. Stopping by and thanking you for giving us the opportunity to win. Have a great Sunday!

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  53. What is the name of your favorite restaurant?

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