Monday, September 23, 2013

[ARC Review]: "Forged in Dreams and Magick" + Excerpt + Giveaways!


Forged in Dreams and Magick by Kat Bastion
Publisher: Kat Bastion (September 22, 2013)
Series: Highland Legend, 1

Genre: Time Travel Romance


The award-winning debut in the Highland Legend Series:

Isobel MacInnes wakes up in present-day California, lunches in medieval Scotland, and by ten days’ end, falls in love with a man and his country, only to lose them in a heart-wrenching twist of fate . . .

Found in the arms of her second soul mate . . .

Forced to balance the delicate strands of time between two millennia . . .

Shocked by revelations rewriting the very foundations of history . . . of everything.

Isobel, a rising-star archaeology student, is dropped into two ancient worlds without warning . . . or her permission. Her fiery spirit resists the dependency thrust upon her. Amid frustration at her lack of control, she helplessly falls in love. Twice.

She struggles to adjust to the unimaginable demands of two leaders of men—a laird in the thirteenth-century Highlands and a Pict chieftain in a more ancient Scotland. Isobel transforms from an academic, hell-bent on obtaining archaeological recognition, to a woman striving to care for those she loves, and ultimately . . . into a fearless warrior risking everything to protect them.


Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Forged in Dreams and Magick by Kat Bastion
Excerpt




His hazel-green eyes gazed into mine for the longest time. Tears of joy blurred my vision at the incredible sight of his handsome face, the intoxicating scent of him, that rough Scottish brogue teasing my ears. I raised my hand, touching his cheek. I needed tactile proof that he was real and not just another vivid fantasy. He leaned into my touch, closed his eyes, and turned his head, trailing butterfly kisses from my palm to my fingertips.


The reality of Iain, flesh and bone, became my undoing. I burst up from the bed, assaulting his lips in a hard kiss, throwing my hands around his neck.


Every troublesome thought melted away like mud washed downstream in a cleansing rain as I held Iain in my arms again. Words escaped me. I couldn’t stop touching him. Frantic hands and hungry lips roamed everywhere—through his hair, across his jaw, to his ear, down his neck. My hot pursuit of every inch of his flesh was hampered only by his clothing and all of the ravenous attention he paid to me in kind.


I had to devour him. After days and weeks of not knowing for certain if I’d ever see him again, the need to physically touch the very thing I couldn’t for so long consumed me. Iain’s rough, urgent handling of my body told me he felt the same. We both needed a hard pinch to confirm the second chance we had didn’t dissipate into the wispy tendrils of a dream.


He bit my shoulder playfully and licked the mark he left. His short nails dug into my ass as he pulled me against his body, dipping his mouth to my breast. I cried out as he sucked my nipple, scraping it across the edges of his teeth, into his mouth. He growled, and his pure male satisfaction vibrated through me.


We tore his clothes off, literally. Iain ripped his shirt at the collar, yanking it over his head. My impatient hands unraveled his plaid. He grabbed the blankets in his fist and launched them across the room as he climbed between my legs. The cool air rushed goose bumps across my exposed skin as his every heated touch soothed me.


Iain paused.


Time stopped.


Firelight illuminated him from behind, igniting the ends of his chestnut hair into a halo around his head. He knelt between my thighs. Shadows darkened a face that beheld me in utter wonder as his gaze slowly traveled up my body with adoration. My chest rose and fell. His shaking hand touched the outside of my knee and skimmed up to my hip as he leaned forward.


Isa . . .” The endearment fell from his lips in whispered reverence.


I sighed, drinking in his muscular beauty as the magnificent warrior stripped himself down to a mere mortal man, baring the incredible tenderness he felt deep inside for his woman. For me.


He lowered his head, placing a gentle kiss over my navel, and my stomach quivered. He trailed fingertips along my sides as he moved with methodic sensuality up my body.



So . . .” He dropped another soft kiss on my ribs. “Damn . . .” He nipped between my breasts as I closed my eyes, arching up into the teasing touch of his lips. “Beautiful.” I smiled as he spoke the modern word in his thick brogue.




My Review:




Wow. That is all I can say--wow. Kat Bastion managed to surprise me, more than a few times actually, throughout Forged in Dreams and Magick. I was never sure what the outcome would be, much like Isa. I was swept along on an epic and magical journey, and I loved it. Every twist, every turn, every "Oh no, why did you do that?".


I fell in love with Iain. It would be hard NOT to though! He's sexy, he's loyal, he's an alpha male through and through. Oh, and he's a Highlander. Really, need I go on?


Iain sighed. "You're such a stubborn lass, Isa. Donna shut yourself off from an entire world ready to embrace you." He brushed the back of his fingers against my cheek. "There is a man standin' right before you, wantin' to love you. Let him in."


Aaaand cue the sighs and swoons. :D


The prose leaves you breathless, providing a beautiful picture for the reader, revealing every detail about the worlds Isa travels between. And the chemistry between Iain and Isa! Well done, Bastion, well done! :)


"Besides, I like the fight you have. I've always loved your feistiness." He slowly smirked. "And a hunt isn't sport 'til the prey gives good chase."

My jaw dropped. His Royal Cockiness had returned. In a huff, I spun around and he smacked my ass. Hard. I stumbled forward, my backside smarting from the sting. I glanced over my shoulder in time to catch the smirk fall from his face as he crossed his arms.

"Enjoy your afternoon, Isa. Your evenin'... is mine." He brushed past me, disappearing into the hall.



I don't want to give away anything, so I won't go into detail about the plot. But know this: the story is not easy, and you will be caught off guard a few times. Trust me though, it all works out in the end, and while Forged in Dreams and Magick does not end on a cliffhanger, there will be a few more novels and novellas, so don't think that the last page is the end! From what Bastion has mentioned to me, there will still be ample parts in future books where big twists are thrown into the mix. I. Can't. Wait!



Beautiful writing, clear voice, a lovely--and very unique!--story....Forged in Dreams and Magick is full of brawny Highlanders and breathtaking description. Bastion's debut is pure perfection, a combination of romance, magic, emotion, adventure and surprising twists and turns. This is a truly unique romance that should not be missed! I will be (politely) badgering Ms. Bastion for the next installments in this series, and I recommend this book to anyone looking for a grand adventure, a passionate romance, and a skilled author who has only just begun to share her talent!



4 1/2 STARS! 

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I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Note: The quotes used belong to Kat Bastion; TBQ's Book Palace does not claim them.

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WELCOME TO THE BLOG, KAT! :) 

Kat Bastion is an award-winning paranormal romance writer, poetic warrior, and eternal optimist who loves getting lost in the beauty of nature.

On a never-ending, wondrous path of self-discovery, Kat throws her characters into incredible situations with the hope that readers join her in learning more about the meaning of life and love.


Her first published work, Utterly Loved, was shared with the world to benefit others. All proceeds from Utterly Loved, and a portion of the proceeds of all her other books, support charities who help those lost in this world.


Kat lives with her husband amid the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Arizona.

Where to Find Kat:



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There are TWO amazing giveaways being done for FiDaM!

One is tour wide:


Kat Bastion is o ffering an event giveaway.
(5) Signed Paperback Copies of Forged in Dreams and Magick
(5) eBook copies of Forged in Dreams and Magick
(1) Pandora sterling silver Happily Ever After charm with a Pandora sterling silver bracelet.



Also, Kat is giving away ONE eBook copy of Forged in Dreams and Magick to a lucky reader on TBQ's Book Palace! 

This will be gifted from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords; open International.

Giveaway for the one eBook copy of FiDaM ends September 30th. Winner will be picked via Random.org Oct. 1st and announced on the blog. Good Luck!



Congrats, Cameron! You are the winner of the ecopy of FORGED IN DREAMS AND MAGICK! 

Enjoy,
TBQ


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Go. Buy this book NOW! Hide away for a few hours, devour it, then come back and we can chat about it. :) I'm buying a copy myself for my keeper shelf, and when the next novella comes out, I may disappear for a day to properly enjoy it. :D Yes, it is that good!

Are you a Highlander fan? Do you like time travel romances? Share your favorite time travel/Highlander book, leave a comment or question for Kat, and you may win your own copy of Forged in Dreams and Magick! :) 






Enjoy!



Until Next Time,



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  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

27 comments :

Kat Bastion said...

Wow. Thank you so much, TBQ. I'm humbled and honored by your words. I'm beyond thrilled you loved the story and can't wait to share Forged in Dreams and Magick with your readers!


xoxo,
~ Kat

Pat Egan Fordyce said...

Wow, great review TBQ.......I love time travel and Highlanders so have to add this to my TBR. Thanks for the giveaway Ms. Bastion and TBQ.

The_Book_Queen said...

No no, thank you for writing such a beautiful story and allowing me to read it! :)
Enjoy,
TBQ

The_Book_Queen said...

You will LOVE Isa and Iain's story. Good luck, and you must tell me what you think of the book when you read it. :)
Enjoy,
TBQ

Anita Yancey said...

This book sounds amazing, I really enjoy time travel novels. I just love the pretty cover. Thanks for having the giveaway.

Cameron Yeager said...

Wonderful review! The book sounds amazing and I do love me some highland men! Adding this book to my TBR pile for sure. =^.^=

kimbacaffeinate said...

Lovely review and Iain sounds wonderful. I love when a book wraps you up in the characters and its world.

Gaele Hi said...

this looks marvelous! I'm in a highland addiction at the moment ...
Thanks for sharing!!

Kat Bastion said...

Thank you, Lori! I hope you enjoy the adventure!


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

Wonderful, Loupe! I hope you enjoy the story!


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

Hello, Gaele! I'm Highland addicted too. I hope there's no cure... ;)


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

{laughs} Oh, hell yes, indeed! Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the wild adventure! :)


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

Agreed. A truly lovely review, and I do too! I hope you enjoy the story!


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

Thank you so much, Cameron! I hope you enjoy Forged in Dreams and Magick. Prepare for Alpha Overload... ;)


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

Thank you, Anita! I hope you enjoy the unique time travel adventure of Forged in Dreams and Magick!


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

Thank you so much, Pat! I hope you enjoy the unique time travel and Highlanders in Forged in Dreams and Magick. Good luck with the giveaway!


~ Kat

Kat Bastion said...

You're very welcome, my friend. I promise to keep your laundry room well stocked in hidden Highlanders. ;)


~ Kat

Crystal C said...

This looks really great! Not usually my cup of tea but this is pretty intriguing to me and want to get my hands on it. Lol. Even if I don't win I think I will be buying no matter what. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

You'd better! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Hehe--Definitely Alpha Overload. Perhaps that's why I loved it so much? :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Bite your tongue! Perish the thought of a cure... *shudders* ;)

The_Book_Queen said...

Yeah! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Congrats, Cameron! You are the winner of the ecopy of FORGED IN DREAMS AND MAGICK!


Enjoy,
TBQ

Cameron Yeager said...

Thank you so much! This will be a much needed fun read for October. :D

Christy (Love of Books) said...

Time travel? Oh, hell yes! This sounds great.

Loupe Duffy said...

I love this kind of stories! From your review, sounds right up my alley :) Thank you for putting it on my radar.

Lori Zalewski said...

Time Travel and a Highlander - can't wait to read this one.