Review for Immortal Surrender by Claire Ashgrove

Title: Immortal Surrender (The Curse of the Templars # 2)
Author: Claire Ashgrove

Description: Farran de Clare, loyal member of the cursed Knights Templar, wants nothing to do with predestined mates. Even the Almighty won’t turn him into a fool again—he’d rather sacrifice his soul. Yet in the scientist Noelle Keane, a devout atheist, Farran meets the seraph designed for him.

Ordered by the archangel Gabriel to protect Noelle, the possessor of a sacred relic that could give Azazel incredible power, Farran swears to do his duty—but in name only. Fighting an attraction that grows with each day, he’s determined that he’ll never pledge himself to her.

As they war over her future, their mutual passion ignites a conflict far more damning. But before Noelle will agree to eternity with him, she demands the ultimate sacrifice – his heart

My Thoughts: Noelle Keane a Non-Believer of all things God ,was given a very important task to carbon date a sacred relic that her long time friend Gabriel brought her. As she produces the information to verify it is the real deal then she must return it to it's rightful place. Just not before the meddling Gabriel gives her a gift of the Seraph Torc. Of course she doesn't know that. She just knows she can't get the blasted thing off and that Gabriel is making her have bodyguards . One of them being the oh so smexy yet eternally grumpy Farran.  Farran who is about to find out that she is one of the prophesied Seraphs. Unknown to him, she also bears his mark, and therefore she is his. Farran doesn't want a seraph he had already been burned by a woman and already accepted the inevitable, which is dying fighting against the Azazel .Yet, he agrees to take the oath. Just not pledge his loyalty. Noelle first off thinks he is crazy, and won't take a vow she doesn't mean with her full heart.

Let me start with this; it is my first trip into the Templars but will not be the last. I plan on going back and reading book one. Although, you can read this book as a stand alone and will have no trouble following it. I will say you get to see more of the characters from book one which will make it a case of you don't need to read book one but will want to go back to see what you missed.I really enjoyed my visit into this world.

Farran you are one sexy Templar, but you had me wanting to pull my hair out and yell at you myself in person. In a case of once burned, twice shy you took it to a level beyond that. You had me gnawing at the bit to gripe at you in certain instances and then you do a complete turn and I see swoon moments . While I really enjoyed Noelle; she was a strong character who you really enjoyed after you got over her self doubt about her looks but let's face it... That made her more real. Because as I see it, we all doubt our looks especially if we hadn't impressed guys in the past and here before us is a super smexy smoldering brute with a chip on his shoulder that we think wouldn't look twice at us. As Ashgroves writing progressed and both characters grew I fell in love with all in the story. Noelle held her own and got even stronger as the book went on . The slow build up to the passion between Farran and Noelle had me anxious for the big moment. You still enjoy all the background characters and try to think who you would like to see next get their story told. I also enjoyed the action and villains that Asgrove gave us. I had a hard time breaking away from the book to get cleaning and errands done myself, but I love a book that can hold me like that and Ashgrove delivered it. Now, I will anxiously read book one and am looking forward to book three. Please don't make us wait too long before we can journey back into this world of the fierce Templars and their amazing Seraphs.

 

4 out of 5 Stars

 

You can purchase it here: Amazon  / B&N

Immortal Surrender Blog Tour ~ Guest Post and Giveaway with Claire Ashgrove

Good morning everyone! I’m so excited to be here today and celebrating the release of Immortal Surrender.

Everyone knows romance concludes with a Happy Ever After. Our characters have fought, stood at opposite odds, likely had amazing sex, and they end up together forever, thoroughly in love.

But getting there isn’t just a matter of an author saying “this happens and it leads to love.” It’s more than that. There’s a journey for the character. He or she can jump into bed, have their world rocked, and there’s nothing different the morning after if the experience didn’t have more than a physical effect.

Each encounter the characters have, must impact the other character somehow, and usually it contributes to a growth arc. Take the conservationist arguing with a land developer – the argument may not be resolved, but the developer is now at least thinking about another ramification of cutting down a corner of a rainforest. Whatever that argument includes forces the developer tothink.

In Immortal Surrender, Noelle, a confirmed atheist, is thrust into a world that’s in direct opposition of what she believes. Beliefs are core elements of a person’s composition. Altering them isn’t easily done. As such, everything that happens to her has to impact her in some way that she begins to question what she understands about the world around her.

Farran, on the other hand, required more of a nudge, not a huge shove off a cliff. (Or rooftop as the case may be.) He’s not changing his overall scope, he’s embracing a new outlook on one particular aspect – women. He doesn’t want to, and he fights like hell to hang on to his safe perceptions. But every time he interacts with Noelle, his foundations are rattled.

The impact of the events affecting both Noelle and Farran is what bonds them, not the events themselves. The push-pull of excitement and fear, the satisfaction of secret yearnings, not being kidnapped or forced into a role by an archangel.

And it’s that emotional journey that leaves us readers believing in the eternal happily ever after, not because the author said it would be. It’s why we laugh aloud, why we grimace, and why we cry alongside the characters. We feel their journey and we believe in the hurdles they have overcome.

 Farran de Clare, loyal member of the cursed Knights Templar, wants nothing to do with predestined mates. Even the Almighty won’t turn him into a fool again—he’d rather sacrifice his soul. Yet in the scientist Noelle Keane, a devout atheist, Farran meets the seraph designed for him.

Ordered by the archangel Gabriel to protect Noelle, the possessor of a sacred relic that could give Azazel incredible power, Farran swears to do his duty—but in name only. Fighting an attraction that grows with each day, he’s determined that he’ll never pledge himself to her.

As they war over her future, their mutual passion ignites a conflict far more damning. But before Noelle will agree to eternity with him, she demands the ultimate sacrifice – his heart

“This series (The Curse of the Templars) is explosive, sexy, riveting, and Claire Ashgrove is a master of her craft.” ~ NYTimes Bestselling Author, Maggie Shayne

********* Excerpt *********

Farran stared up at Noelle, cursing her bad luck, the Almighty, and his fate. He well knew how terror could trap a person, had seen it countless times with unseasoned knights. In her unmoving position, he recognized the signs too clearly. This was no act meant to gain his sympathy.’Twas no ploy to soften his anger over her attempt at escape. She was truly terrified.

“Damnation,” he muttered beneath his breath.

He closed his eyes with an inward prayer his stomach would not revolt and made the mark of the cross over his chest. Eyeing her, he strode to the ladder. She would pay for this later. He would find a way to make certain she came to regret her attempt at escape.

Do not look down. He chanted the mantra as he climbed the icy rungs. In less time than he had imagined, he arrived at her feet. Holding on with one hand, he placed the other on her calf. “I am here. Climb down.”

’Twas then he noticed the shaking of her shoulders, heard her muffled tears. When she did not move, he gave her leg a squeeze. “Noelle, come down. I will not let you fall.”

“I’m scared,” she murmured.

Saints’ blood, she did not intend to make this easy. Aye, indeed, he would lock her in her rooms at the temple for a week.

He assessed her position, made note of the little space her tiny body occupied. Carefully, he tucked his feet between hers and the side rails and eased his body up her legs. When he had pinned her between the ladder and his chest, he stopped. “Grab on to me.”

She let go with one hand, then clutched at the rail with a fierce shake of her head. “I can’t. I can’t, Farran.”

At the sound of her broken voice, all his defenses shuddered like a door under the barrage of a battering ram. The anger her defiance provoked dissolved with her sniffle. Deep in his gut, a heavy knot unwound. He pressed his body into hers, molded his thighs around her legs. Holding on with one hand, he pried her fingers off the metal and guided her hand to his shoulder. “Turn around, damsel,” he encouraged quietly. “Wind your arms around my neck, and we shall descend together. I swear to you, I will not let you fall.”

 Author Bio:  

CLAIRE ASHGROVE HAS BEEN WRITING SINCE HER EARLY TEENS AND MAINTAINED THE HOBBY FOR TWENTY YEARS BEFORE DECIDING TO LEAP INTO THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD. HER FIRST CONTEMPORARY NOVEL, SEDUCTION'S STAKES, SOLD TO THE WILD ROSE PRESS IN 2008, WHERE SHE CONTINUES TO WRITE STEAMY, SEXY STORIES FOR THE CHAMPAGNE AND BLACK ROSE LINES. ADDING TO THESE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ROMANCES, CLAIRE’S PARANORMAL ROMANCE SERIES, THE CURSE OF THE TEMPLARS DEBUTED WITH TOR IN JANUARY 2012. FOR THOSE WHO PREFER THE MORE EROTIC SIDE OF ROMANCE, SHE ALSO WRITES FOR BERKLEY HEAT AS THE NATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR TORI ST. CLAIRE.

She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, and her local RWA chapters, Heartland Romance Authors,Midwest Romance Writers, Midwest Romance Writers, North Texas Romance Writers of America, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.

Claire lives in Missouri with her two toddler sons, and too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at Rummy, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.

To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.claireashgrove.com, or www.toristclaire.com.

********* GIVEAWAY DETAILS *********

Claire is giving away one digital copy of any one of her backlist books, excepting those in the Templar series, to one randomly drawn commenter at each stop on the blog tour.  In addition, commenters’ names will be added into the tour-end drawing of a 25.00 Amazon gift card.  Follow the tour – the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.  Complete tour dates can be found here. 

Make sure to leave your email address in case you are the lucky commenter to win. That way Claire will know how to reach you.

Review for Bound by Decency (The Flying Gang Legacy # 1) Claire Ashgrove

Title: Bound By Decency ( The Flying Gang Legacy # 1)

Author: Claire Ashgrove

Description: Once, Cain sailed with the cutthroats of The Flying Gang, fearless Captain of The Kraken, bound to no one save the sea. After inheriting a portion of Spain’s Royal Inheritance, he resigned the life of brigands for a chance at honest wealth. With the secrets of his piracy tucked away, he achieved his lofty aspirations. But when his partner and best friend betrays him to the Royal Navy, Cain’s dreams are ripped to shreds. He’s left with his ship, the tattered remnants of a stolen future, and a piece of Spanish mystery. Wanted by three nations and destined for the gallows, he returns to the legendary band of buccaneers for one purpose---vengeance.

Kidnapped by the formidable Cain, India Prescott discovers he intends to kill the man she’s to marry, Richard Grey. Cain’s story reveals betrayal. Treachery that extends to her as well. Although she holds the key to retribution, India refuses to become another man’s pawn. Freedom lies before her, the liberty to shrug off propriety, make her own decisions, and claim her destiny. But when she uncovers goodness in Cain’s soul and he awakens passion in her heart, she must combat the chains of convention once more.

Only this time India's not fighting society. She’s battling a pirate bent on keeping her decency intact.

My Thoughts: Teddy, better known as Cain, one of the most fearsome pirates on the sea, has tried to put that life behind him in exchange for one of decency. Only that didn't quite happen. He refused to be part of something he didn't believe in and as a result one of the people he thought was close to him revealed his true identity. Upon escape Cain kidnaps India, believing she could lead him to the one who betrayed him. What he didn't expect was how one look and touch from her could heat his body and make him wish he could be the man she deserves. 

India would not betray her betrothed, even if she doesn't like him. Never great at sea, she becomes ill and Cain demonstrates some decency which makes her see him in a different light. Doesn't hurt that he warms her body and makes her ache for his touch. India thought for sure amongst a bunch of pirates she should be scared, but instead she feels free and like she can be herself. As her feelings grow, she knows she will do anything to prove his innocence, even if he thinks it will never happen.

Wow where do I begin.... I hesitated to read this because it is a long book and I feared I would not like it. I never read a pirate book. Then I started and I did not want to put it down. The book held me in it's grasp as Ashgrove captures the readers attention with sexy pirates and a tale of betrayal, trust, passion, romance and adventures across the sea. I was so enthralled with India and her strong will, not to mention her sass and impishness . As well as Cain’s inner struggle with the villain people think he is to the gentleman he wants to be with a pirate’s edge. 

Ashgrove not only has your attention glued to the main characters, but I loved the background characters as well. You got a feel for them and wanted to see more of them. I will say she teased us, building up our intense feelings along with Cain and India. You just couldn't help, but root for their love. This couple was perfectly matched, driving me to the edge with the building passion. Cain battling while India decided to take things into her own hands and makes it happen drove me crazy in a good way. When they finally come together, it was explosive and you could let out that sigh of relief you had been holding for pages. 

Another character I loved in this book was Drake I'm so happy to see Ashgrove is making this a series. Drake’s meddling personality and mischievous ways made me fall for him and I hope to see him again. Ashgrove has created a definite “worth the read” with this book. I'm betting it will be the same with others in this series, where the leading ladies are just as fierce as their swoon-worthy pirates. I am already looking forward to the next. Are you ready to be bound to the sea and ride the waves?

5 out of 5 Stars 

You can purchase it here: 

Bound by Decency Kindle Edition

Bound by Decency Paperback Edition

Bound by Decency Nook Edition

Bound By Decency Blog Tour - Guest post and Giveaway with Claire Ashgrove

Welcome to this stop of the Bound By Decency Virtual Blog Tour with Claire Ashgrove. I am currently reading this book and really loving it. These pirates are definitely smexy. Now I will pass the blog over to Claire.........

Thanks for letting me stop by United By Books today.  I’m thrilled to be here talking about my debut historical, Bound by Decency.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Cutting Corners As An Author

One of the things I get asked often is “How do you find the time?”  I write in many different genres, and with the combined titles under my second pen name, Tori St. Claire, I have 16 books out.  The vast majority of which have released since August of last year.

So… I’m sharing my secrets with you now!

First, understand, that the Story is God.  This is something that I’ve had to ingrain in my family.  The Story is God…and I Must Answer Its Demands.  This means that when the calendar says I have to have x done on y day, we are not having a gourmet dinner.  We’re having macaroni and cheese if you’re lucky.  Most likely, it’s hot dogs.  If laundry needs to be done?  Well… there’s the soap, there’s the machine…  Carve off a few minutes here and there with the mundane household chores, and that time adds up!  Do the important things.  Let the others wait until the deadline is met.

Second, train your friends, not just your immediate family.  This means all those people who think you’re at home luxuriating in the life of an author, not actuallyworking…get a rather rude awakening when you suddenly just don’t answer the phone or decline a trip down the street for shoes.  (Er… wait… shoes are excusable.  Let’s try new towels.)  They will learn, eventually, that work calls.  And you, dear writer, will be so much more pleased by not having to deal with the interruption of a ringing phone if you simply turn it off.  And tip!  No awkward moments about declining a shopping spree if the invitation comes to voice mail.

Third, abolish your need for sleep.  What?  You can’t function without at least eight hours?  Hah!  You can.  And sometimes, when a deadline is pressing, you must.  On any given night I get around 5 hours of sleep.  I juggle farm life, school for the kids, a part time day job, and home life for the kids.  That means the downtime usually hits on the hours the family is asleep.  Don’t be afraid to burn the midnight oil – you might be surprised how a tiny does of sleep-deprived delirium might actually work in your plot.

Okay all of that is rather tongue in cheek… but what I’m trying to get at is simple:

a.

Carve off the extemporaneous and cut back.  Just like you’d budget finances, budget your time and readjust as you need to when a deadline is staring you in the face.

b.

Once you carve off the time, make the time work for you.  Cutting time out of your lunch hour so you can leave work that much earlier is great.  Spending that time doing anything else but writing as you intended isn’t in your favor.

c.

Use every moment you can.  If this means staying up late, then so be it.  If that means fifteen minutes to review a few pages of edits on a break, use it.  But typically, writers are sleep deprived, and that’s something an author should embrace.

Writing is work, plain and simple. It’s enjoyable work, and when someone has a passion for what they do, it’s even more enjoyable.  Still, it’s a job, and like most self-employed ventures, it requires motivation, drive, and above all, commitment.  I don’t know exactly what I do to accomplish all that’s on my plate.  But I do know that it requires careful juggling of everything, and without my family’s help and support, it simply wouldn’t happen.

So tell me… whether you’re a writer or not, what tricks do you use to make hectic schedules work?

After inheriting a portion of Spain’s Royal Inheritance, Cain left The Flying Gang for a chance at honest wealth. With the secrets of his piracy tucked away, he achieved his lofty aspirations. But when his partner and best friend betrays him to the Royal Navy, Cain’s dreams are ripped to shreds. He’s left with his ship, the tattered remnants of a stolen future, and a piece of Spanish mystery. Wanted by three nations and destined for the gallows, he returns to the legendary band of buccaneers for one purpose -- vengeance.

Kidnapped by the formidable Cain, India Prescott discovers he intends to kill the man she’s to marry. Cain’s story reveals betrayal. Treachery that extends to her as well. Although she holds the key to retribution, India refuses to become another man’s pawn. Freedom lies before her, the liberty to shrug off propriety, make her own decisions, and claim her destiny. But when she uncovers goodness in Cain’s soul and he awakens passion in her heart, she must combat the chains of convention once more.

Only this time India's not fighting society. She’s battling a pirate bent on keeping her decency intact.

Series Concept:

The Flying Gang Legacy

1717...

With Europe in chaos over who would claim the Spanish throne, the Atlantic waters bred a most despicable lot. Privateers who pillaged and claimed, loyal to no country, more thief than noble mercenary. One man would claim Spain’s inheritance. He would pass it on. To a band of cutthroats more terrifying and deadly than the nightmares of the deep.

As the nations settle into peace, The Flying Gang knows no boundaries. No sea is safe. No shore unchartered. Chilling Rogers raised to the sky, they reign with fear, bound only to the wind, the brotherhood, and the ships they love. One tiny jeweled box strikes a gleam in their eyes. A golden trinket four rogue Captains risk danger, capture, and even friendship to possess.

Until love interferes with their rapscallion hearts…

********* EXCERPT*********

For a moment, he could do nothing more than stare. Richard had said his intended was lovely, but somehow, Cain had never pictured her as a beauty. Yet now, as she stood before him, her chest heaving with indignation and her hair a sopping mess, he realized Richard had once again played him false. India Prescott wasn’t merely lovely. She was breathtaking.

“What in the name of Mary do you think you’re doing?” she snapped. “My father will see you hang for this.”

Her sharp tongue yanked Cain out of his stupor. He collected himself quickly, and for the first time since his arrest, gave into a broad grin. “Indeed, he will have to get in line.”

India’s eyes widened a fraction, but anger drew delicate brows downward, and those sky-blue eyes narrowed. “I see no amusement in this. Do you have any idea who I am?”

As a rumble of laughter broke through the men within earshot, Cain’s humor subsided. His smile faded, and he reached out to twine a thick lock of her hair around his finger. Turning his wrist, he wrapped the silken length around his hand, slowly bringing her closer. So close that the wet fabric straining across her breasts dampened his shirt. The heat of her skin grazed his. “I know well who you are, Miss Prescott.” He ran the back of his free hand across her dainty collar bone, over the slope of her shoulder, then lifted it to draw his thumb across her parted lips. The audible catch of her breath ricocheted through him. So she was not unaffected by him. Good. He could use it to his advantage.

His gaze held hers. A flicker of fear passed behind her eyes, but to her credit, she didn’t shrink away. She stood straight and proud, even as she shivered in the stirring breeze. Courage Cain didn’t often encounter from the gentle born. God’s teeth, men far stronger and larger than she didn’t hesitate to grovel at his feet. Yet she, no bigger than a lark, defied him with stubborn silence.

Unacceptable.

To drive her subservient position as his captive home, he tightened his hold on her hair until she winced. Leaning forward, he lowered his mouth to her ear. “You are the daughter of a powerful man and presently my prisoner, to do with as I will.” Stepping back, he untwined his hand and smirked.

India’s palm cracked across his cheek. “Rot in hell!”

Author Bio:  

CLAIRE ASHGROVE HAS BEEN WRITING SINCE HER EARLY TEENS AND MAINTAINED THE HOBBY FOR TWENTY YEARS BEFORE DECIDING TO LEAP INTO THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD. HER FIRST CONTEMPORARY NOVEL, SEDUCTION'S STAKES, SOLD TO THE WILD ROSE PRESS IN 2008, WHERE SHE CONTINUES TO WRITE STEAMY, SEXY STORIES FOR THE CHAMPAGNE AND BLACK ROSE LINES. ADDING TO THESE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ROMANCES, CLAIRE’S PARANORMAL ROMANCE SERIES, THE CURSE OF THE TEMPLARS DEBUTED WITH TOR IN JANUARY 2012. FOR THOSE WHO PREFER THE MORE EROTIC SIDE OF ROMANCE, SHE ALSO WRITES FOR BERKLEY HEAT AS THE NATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR TORI ST. CLAIRE.

She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, and her local RWA chapters, Heartland Romance Authors,Midwest Romance Writers, Midwest Romance Writers, North Texas Romance Writers of America, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.

Claire lives in Missouri with her two toddler sons, and too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at Rummy, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.

To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.claireashgrove.com, or www.toristclaire.com.

********* GIVEAWAY DETAILS *********

Claire will be giving away a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card to one random commenter during the tour.  Follow the tour – the more times you comment, the better your chances of winning!  Complete schedule can be found here.