THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Even the most powerful hands need a delicate touch…
Emmaline Gallagher is a master of wielding personal glamour. As a free fae who lives among humans, she must hide her true self at all times as she works undercover within the powerful Phaendir—for if certain factions within the Phaendir gain control, the fae will be wiped from existence. Now, an object of fae power lies within a locked ancient box. And there is only one fae who can forge the key.
Known as “the Blacksmith” Aeric O’Malley can create or destroy almost anything with his forging skills. Emmaline has come to him in need, but he and Emmaline have a past—and he has spent centuries wanting to take revenge on her for her transgressions. But now that he has her within his grasp, something about her keeps him from exacting his vengeance—or is it merely her glamour blinding him?
Trapped by fate, Emmaline must hope that she can reach Aeric’s furious heart before it’s too late….
RT gave CRUEL ENCHANTMENT a 4 1/2 stars SCORCHER review, “Bast’s unique voice rings loud and clear in her latest Dark Magick offering. She has a knack for creating believable worlds, then populating those worlds with thoroughly enjoyable characters.” — Annette Elton
Romance Junkies gives Cruel Enchantment Five Blue Ribbons and says, “Oh my goodness!!! After reading CRUEL ENCHANTMENT, words cannot express the emotional roller coaster I feel like I’ve just ridden…. It was intense and never wavered… I cannot wait for DARK ENCHANTMENT.” – Ann
Want a chance to win the LAST ARC of this book? Reply to the following question to enter. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you’ve won!
Aeric has intense passion for Emmaline. Even though he tries his best not to be attracted to her, his emotion rules all and he can’t resist her. What things, activities (or people) do you have an intense passion for in your life?
Excerpt from CRUEL ENCHANTMENT
He moved closer and her whole body stiffened. “So we’ve established that you killed Aileen and you’re lying about the circumstances to save your pretty ass. We’ve also established that I’m unable to kill you. The only question that remains is how I should make you pay.”
His gaze raked her up and down and his body reacted. His too big clothing hid her curves, but he’d had enough of a tantalizing glimpse of them during her shower to let his imagination run wild.
The very last thing he should be doing right now was remember the way her body looked behind that frosted glass. It was almost worse than having her naked. The image behind the shower door hinted at lush breasts—an overflowing handful—a narrow waist that flared into a generous, curvy bottom, and shapely legs.
He wanted to find out for sure, using his hands and maybe his tongue, too.
He’d brutally suppressed the urge before, tamping down the attraction he felt for her because it wasn’t right. Now, in the violent wake of what Emmaline had told him and his subsequent confusion over whether or not it was true—all that want came rushing back at him. It didn’t matter that it was horribly misplaced.
And damned if he could remember why he shouldn’t give in to it.
* * * * *
He was looking at her without anger in his eyes for once.
Okay, maybe there was a little anger in his eyes, but she had the feeling that the anger—for whatever mystical and unbelievable reason—wasn’t directed at her, but at himself. And anger wasn’t the only thing in his expression right now; there was hunger, too.
And that was all for her.
Her heart thudded so fast and so hard she thought it might break her ribs. What the hell? His behavior had changed so quickly she practically had whiplash.
“Aeric?” she whispered. She wasn’t even aware his name had slipped past her lips until it was out there. She didn’t know what to do with this sudden turn of events . . . although her body sure seemed to know. Her mind was awhirl with confusion, but the rest of her was quite aware that the man she’d wanted and fantasized about for so long was inches away from her . . . and seemed to actually want her back.
“Fuck,” he growled, bracing his hand on the wall right near her ear and moving closer to her. “This is not a good thing.”
“No.” She licked her lips—a nervous habit she’d had since she was a kid, no matter what guise she used. “This is not a good thing for either of us.”
His mouth almost brushed hers when he spoke. Her body flared to life, singing to almost painful arousal. Her nipples leapt to hard little points and she ached between her thighs. This man seemed to either terrify her, piss her off, or plunge her straight into animalistic heat.
His voice was a low growl, laced with anger. “I should chain you to my bed in charmed iron and take my revenge that way.”
She closed her eyes, her breath shuddering out of her. “I wouldn’t object.”
His eyes narrowed like a hunter’s sighting prey—and, boy, was she ever. Wounded, limping prey at that. She had no chance. “Don’t you have any shame?” he asked in a low, harsh voice.
“Not where you’re concerned. I never have.”
He eased her against him and dropped his mouth to her throat. Goose bumps erupted all over her skin. He nipped her flesh and then licked the small hurt. As though he wanted to punish her, but couldn’t make himself do it…..
This may sound corny but I have an intense passion for my family.
I also love to create things whether it be arts and crafts, or even my own world building. I just love to feel those creative juices flowing!
by Taylorea August 16th, 2010 at 7:40 amI have two intense passions.
One is reading. I can’t go more than two days without reading, I feel like I am missing something.
And I love to do oil painting. I try to do a painting every week or so. It’s a big passion of mine.
Valerie
by Valerie August 16th, 2010 at 8:37 amvalb0302@yahoo.com
in Germany
Intense passion… reading, no matter what is going on in life, I will take some time to read… also drawing and listening to music… both are a big part of me!
by Colleen August 16th, 2010 at 10:55 amLearning is my greatest passion. There’s so much out there that we do not know. If you lived ten lifetimes you couldn’t learn it all. Everything from space to ancient lands and histories to the future fascinate me and I wish I had the immortality of a vampire to have time to explore it all.
by Cybercliper August 16th, 2010 at 11:18 amI am a firm believer in the word passion, and all it encompasses…for me, Tribal Fusion Bellydance, the empowerment, the beauty, grace, and confidence in instills in those around it (which is why I also teach it!). What could be better?
by Ari August 16th, 2010 at 11:21 amMy writing and art, lyrics and music, the books I own (cough, hoarder, cough), tattoos as an art form, the limitlessness of imagination, knowledge and mythology, the play of darkness and light in any and all aspects; I wouldn’t be me without them.
by INCiDeNT (Kayleigh) August 16th, 2010 at 12:31 pmOh man, that excerpt is hot!! I can feel the passion there.
Valerie
by Valerie August 16th, 2010 at 12:34 pmvalb0302@yahoo.com
in Germany
my passions are reading, scrapbooking, and my family not necessarily in that order.
by Pamk August 16th, 2010 at 12:48 pmThese days..books books books. it is my passion, my other passion, my boyfriend hehe. I can’t get enough of him
by blodeuedd August 16th, 2010 at 1:15 pmMy intense passion is a few things actually.
One is for my family. Two is for reading-got to have a book fix each day and three for my work. I love what I do and can’t see myself ever changing professions. 🙂
Dawn
by Dawn Roberto August 16th, 2010 at 1:15 pmlove2read28@gmail.com
Dream of things my husband and I will do when he returns from Iraq. Anya your books make the time go by, while I am waiting for the return of my husband.
by Heidi August 16th, 2010 at 1:17 pmI have a great passion for men in kilts 😉
by Venus August 16th, 2010 at 1:19 pmI actually have a great passion for everything I embrace; it’s the drama queen in me.
My geat passion in life is my family and friends. I don’t live close to most of them and it is always the best to go home to see them.
by Chris J. August 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pmIn my everyday, my passion is reading and writing poetry when it’s me time. The rest of the day is encouraging my kids, watching their games and being a part of there lives. Everyday is a gift and I am just happily passionate about enjoying it no matter what I do. 🙂
I am passionate about keeping strong bonds with my husband and children. I am also pursuing a long thought-about affair with writing.
by Janel August 16th, 2010 at 1:33 pmI have an intense passion for the ocean, and all things marine. I love living near the water where I can see, smell and hear the Atlantic. When my husband and I briefly lived on the praries, hundreds of miles away from either the Atlantic or Pacific ocean, I was miserable. As soon as we moved back, it felt like all was good in my world again 😉 Thankfully my kids have the same passion and we live for summers at the beach…although we have been known to walk along the beach during snowstorms as well!
by Cheryl McInnis August 16th, 2010 at 1:35 pmReading is still my passion and I keep waiting for something else to supplant it and it has not happened yet.
by Lindsey Ekland August 16th, 2010 at 1:36 pmFamily, Prayer, Reading, and Setting big goals.
by Preye C. August 16th, 2010 at 1:37 pmOne of my passions is my family and spending as much time as I can with my 18 month old granddaughter.
Another would be reading. I have so many books I don’t think I’ll ever finish them all (I keep buying more) but I love trying.
by Heather Brewer August 16th, 2010 at 1:40 pmI have an intense passion for travel which has always eluded me but which still is simmering underneath.
by anne August 16th, 2010 at 1:41 pmFirst and foremost is my family!
Let’s see…..there’s chocolate and coffee (a huge passion of mine) and reading. Oh reading, I do love it so…..
by Kate M. August 16th, 2010 at 1:58 pmmy great passions would be spending time with my kids and cooking, love to combined them both, some of my most treasured moments are of the three of us in the kitchen creating something to eat… 😀
by Allyson August 16th, 2010 at 2:03 pmI’m passionate about my family, friends, sports and food.
by Jane August 16th, 2010 at 2:16 pmI have an intense passion for my animals and reading I would have to say. I think that my family could be counted here also, because I would do just about anything for them.
by Lexee August 16th, 2010 at 2:18 pmlexeetoste at sbcglobal.net
I have passion for helping other people. Like, I love to volunteer or help somebody out in bad situation.
by Marjana Kaly August 16th, 2010 at 2:20 pmI have a passion for science, history, literature, music, film, paper crafts, my favorite causes that involve animals, wildlife and the environment, and social justice, and good food and drink shared with good friends and family. 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity! Looking forward to your books coming out–they sound fab!
by Vicki in Canada August 16th, 2010 at 2:30 pmI have an intense passion for Laura Vandervoort. I love that woman so much, I try to collect everything there is about her: photos, posters and lots more. Absolutely love her movies and tv shows that she has appeared in.
Jan
by Jan van Es August 16th, 2010 at 2:33 pmmoonie442001@yahoo.com
Q: Aeric has intense passion for Emmaline. Even though he tries his best not to be attracted to her, his emotion rules all and he can’t resist her. What things, activities (or people) do you have an intense passion for in your life?
A: I love science fiction & fantasy books! I am addicted to SFF books! I worship, breath and live SFF books! My boyfriend has been nagging me about that particular addiction 😀
by Cherry Mischievous August 16th, 2010 at 2:34 pmRe-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/08/win-cruel-enchantment-at-anya-bast.html
by Cherry Mischievous August 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pmRetwitted at: http://twitter.com/cherrymischivus/status/21347183701
by Cherry Mischievous August 16th, 2010 at 2:43 pmI am passionate about my husband, my dogs and reading.
by Jean P August 16th, 2010 at 2:48 pmI have a passion for reading and decorating my house I love to do both
meandi09@yahoo.com
by jennifer mathis August 16th, 2010 at 3:01 pmMy passions are my son, my arts and crafts and of course reading ( though while in an MLS program I have to pick my books carefully…)
by Sharon August 16th, 2010 at 3:18 pm:lol:ok what i have passion for
by desiree reilly August 16th, 2010 at 3:30 pmis for me to get a degree in school
i have been diganosed last week
with cancer and i am detremined not
to let it kill me or get me down i am going to do what i need to do the
thing to get school done i will gradute next year with bachlor and 2 aa and will be the enviy of my family
I guess I have a couple of passions…
My love and loyalty to my family and friends.
I love to cook. I like to try new recipes.
And last, but not least, is reading. I can’t stop buying and reading books. I book at least 1 book every week…ok,maybe more than one! LOL
by Tracey D August 16th, 2010 at 3:33 pmI have several passions:
Reading romance novels, I usually read about 4 per week.
Writing, because I’m an aspiring author.
My family – especially my 10 month old nephew.
My friends, because I wouldn’t be who I am without their support (and influence).
And my number one passion is for my fiance, who loves my quirks and supports all my decisions.
by Becca Carman August 16th, 2010 at 3:54 pmI have an intense passion for my Lord, my family, our health, and reading of course!
by Lisa Freeman August 16th, 2010 at 3:55 pmIntense passion—-reading will be near the top. I love to read and will read anything including the backs of boxes or whatever when desperate.
Family—-I actually like my family and enjoy being around them. We talk on the phone a couple times a day.
by Terri August 16th, 2010 at 4:02 pmI would say my greatest passion is reading. But that would be a lie because I’m more passionate about this guy – Jason.
by Casey August 16th, 2010 at 4:12 pmI’ve known him for over half of my life, and according to my best friend (who is also a really close friend of his) we have the most complicated/longest history out of everyone she knows. We’ve never dated, but we’re both basically head over heels in love with each other. Except there are a few problems. Namely, my entire family hates his guts, he’s also completely in love with his current girlfriend and he just moved far away.
my passion are my kids. from arts and crafts, to playing (inside and out), to reading or doing school work. They are my life and reason for living. I would not be the same without them!
by Christy M August 16th, 2010 at 4:14 pmi would say my intense passion is for books, I love going to book stores and just mucking bout. something about an old books that is just brings a smile to my face. my hubby it would be sharing his passion for computers while it might not be the most daring thing in the world learning to love them for him has been an experience
by Tina B August 16th, 2010 at 4:15 pmGreat blurb!
by Diane Sadler August 16th, 2010 at 4:31 pmMy passion is my family, my husband and children; through thick and thin we have stuck together and they complete me.
My family and friends are my passion. Also, books.
Great excerpt.
by Stacy S August 16th, 2010 at 4:33 pmMY HUSBAND ,4-DAUGHTERS AND OF COURSE MY BOOKS.
by REGINA ROSS August 16th, 2010 at 4:33 pmMy passion is books and anything to do with them . I seriously love books and it’s been a long time love. I love bookstores and the library. And yes I was the little kid in school whose idea of fun was to go to the library. Still am too!
by Rae M. August 16th, 2010 at 5:06 pmFor me, I’m like everyone else. I love reading. I can’t go a day without reading. If I’m not reading and I’m not working, I love to write. Of course I have passion for friends and family.
by Robyn Sadler August 16th, 2010 at 5:06 pmI also have a passion for my family, books and believe it or not my job!
by Jodi Talbott August 16th, 2010 at 5:15 pmPeople – would be my family and friends
Things/Activities – reading, writing, design, art
Absolutely can’t wait until Cruel Enchantment’s release ty so much for the chance to win it ;).
by Pam S August 16th, 2010 at 5:31 pmI’m not passionate about much, but only the things I hold close to my heart.
My husband is first and foremost. I’m lucky have to met my soul mate.
by Katie S. August 16th, 2010 at 5:33 pmMy three dogs next. They are the furry children, after all. =)
Lastly, books. Reading is an escape, adventure, and learning experience with every story.
I have a passion for reading.
by elaing8 August 16th, 2010 at 5:38 pmAlso my family… especially my nieces,nephews and my sweet little great-nephew 🙂
I have a passion for my husband. <3 <3
by Kirsten August 16th, 2010 at 6:03 pmI have several intense passions in my life including family, friends, reading & the kids I work with. Family is the highest on the list. Right behind my family is my job. I work with juvenile deliquent girls. I love trying to help them learn new things and work on improving thier lives.
by Elizabeth August 16th, 2010 at 6:06 pmThe passions I have are for my man and books! I love them dearly!
by joann downie August 16th, 2010 at 6:23 pmI am passionate about a lot of things in life, but definitely music above all else. I find a certain solace in being able to express myself musically and there’s always a song for the mood that I’m in. As a singer/musician, I can’t imagine living my life without making music and being able to enjoy it from time to time!
by Tammy N. August 16th, 2010 at 6:30 pmI know a lot of people say this, but my big passion is reading. I absolutely love to get swept away into the different worlds that only exist in an authors imagination. I love it.
by MinnChica August 16th, 2010 at 6:32 pmi have an intense passion for my family, fiance, and friends – they are irreplaceable – books, music, and cooking. if i was not able to read, cook, or listen to music, life for me would lose some spark.
by kisah j. August 16th, 2010 at 6:40 pmIt may sound a little cheesy but I have a serious passion for my books. You would not believe the fights I have gotten into with family and boyfriend over the years about my books. Ever since I’ve had my first job I’ve spent most of my paychecks on books. I have a ridiculous amount of books. For years I refused to get rid of any. I get mad even when my boyfriend suggest I put some of my boxes of books in the garage. Umm, no. Then they would not be in my immediate vincinity. I go nowhere with out one. I just love books! Oh, and my boyfriend and family!
by Danielle Gorman August 16th, 2010 at 6:55 pmMy kids, family & reading…..
-Brandy
by Brandy B August 16th, 2010 at 6:57 pmbrandyzbooks@yahoo.com
I have an intense passion for reading and writing. I’m a published journalist and I hope to one day become a published novelist as well.
by Jacqueline C. August 16th, 2010 at 8:01 pmI have an intense passion for books. I can’t help it. I figured out that I read between 300 and 600 books in 2009. And that’s way too many. But I can seem to stop reading books I’ve already read and acquiring new ones to read over and over again.
by Stephanie Nagy August 16th, 2010 at 8:16 pmmy 2 kids my husband and i have just recently discovered scrapbook for which i have developed an intense passion …
by Lamiya tai August 16th, 2010 at 8:16 pmI have an intense passion for my family and i love to cook and read books
by shazeen August 16th, 2010 at 8:19 pmSounds like lots of us share the same passions–mine are my family and books/reading 🙂 Can’t wait for Cruel Enchantment, Anya!
by Fedora August 16th, 2010 at 8:31 pmReading definitely comes to mind and collecting books. Then of course my family – including two wonderful daughters and my mom who is going to be 88 next month. Also all my cats and the ferals I care for too. And games, i just love all kinds of games.
by catslady August 16th, 2010 at 8:36 pmmy guy and books.
and my fur babies. 
by Larena Wirum August 16th, 2010 at 9:13 pmWhat things, activities (or people) do you have an intense passion for in your life?
I have an intense passion for news stories that feature any of the following:
-Weird medical stuff
-Cats
-Endearing stories of why international people chose to become Australian citizens
I’m getting soft in my old age 😉
by Tez Miller August 16th, 2010 at 10:09 pmBooks and horses! I have a collection of horses that I treasure and books are just a part of my life.
by Tamsyn T August 17th, 2010 at 1:47 amMine are, my family and my animals. I also have an intense passion for reading, I can’t go more than a day without picking up a book.
miztik_rose@yahoo.com
by Mary August 17th, 2010 at 2:47 amMy passions in life are my 7 children and grandchildren
by Carol L August 17th, 2010 at 3:05 amMy love for cooking, especially Italian food.
And last but certainly not least is my passion for books and reading.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
I do . I have my hubby.
by Debby August 17th, 2010 at 4:17 ammy intense passion is baking – is the best method to relax 🙂
by Ina S. August 17th, 2010 at 4:50 amI have an intense passion for reading; primarily urban fantasy and paranormal romance. I’ve been both a loner and a book worm since I was a child. I read quite a bit when I was younger then everything changed for me when I read Romeo & Juliet my freshman year in high school. I became obsessed with it and everything Shakespeare. At that point reading for me went from love to obsession. I would pick a book over doing almost anything because reading for me is an escape from my everyday life. There are times that I get so engrossed in a book that I don’t want to do anything else. Hell I once left work to make the trip to Lexington to pick up a book that I had been waiting to be released. Went home, stuck my nose in the book and finished it before I went to bed. As sad as it is gonna sound, my life would be empty without my collection of books. I need them as I need air to breathe.
by Melanie August 17th, 2010 at 6:17 am