Welcome to our Grand Finale celebrations for the amazing
In our final post, we'll look at the Kingdom Of Askara series. We also have our author interview, and one more chance to win!
First up, The Alpha King
The Kingdom of Askara has been torn apart by conflict for centuries, where humans exist as subservient beings to their werewolf masters. Legend says it will only be able to heal itself when an Alpha King and a pure omega are mated and crowned together, but a pure omega hasn’t been born in over a thousand years.
Luca is an Alpha-heir eagerly awaiting the choosing ceremony on his twenty-fifth birthday and the gifts granted by whichever omega he mates. His small pack is destitute due to the decisions of its ruling council, but being only an Alpha-heir, he has no authority to challenge them. Not until now—this moment he has waited a long time for.
Kit grew up as a street-rat, an unlicensed human who would never be more than a slave for whichever master owns him. Then one day he came across a young Alpha-heir, attacked and dying of poison, and found out their fates were suddenly entwined.
Luca needs to take over his pack and save his people. He cannot afford to be distracted. But when he meets Kit, he develops abilities indicating he is not just a pack Alpha, but the King his world has needed for a thousand years.
Is Kit really the cause of Luca’s newfound power, the true mate he needs? How is it possible when the young man isn’t even a werewolf, and as merely a human, a mating is not only forbidden but for Kit, a sentence of death? (MPreg)
Excerpt:
“Hey,” Sam elbowed him and said sarcastically. “You’re not listening. What if you miss the chance to be crowned an Alpha King?”
Luca snorted and sat up. Yeah, like that’s going to happen. Arwenn and Anton would be claimed immediately, and to be honest, neither omega, even male, did anything for him. He yawned and reached over to fill his goblet as the last gilded chair passed, then he paused in shock. The slave who had taken the whipping earlier was now being forced to be one of the servants carrying the chair the last omega sat on. Luca took in the shaking limbs as the boy struggled with the weight of the huge ornate chair. He was far too small for such a task and it had obviously been doled out as further punishment. The slave kept his face down as he staggered past Luca, then he stumbled. Luca saw the red and bleeding stripes on his back at the same time as Mickela raised the arm he carried the whip in.
But the grand-beta never got a chance to bring it down because before Luca realized what he had done, he had leapt from his seat and grasped Mickela’s arm, effortlessly keeping it still. The beta, all three hundred pounds of him, was helpless to break Luca’s hold.
“What is the meaning of this?” Mickela spluttered, and in seconds Luca was surrounded by Alpha Hendrick’s human guards. He dropped the beta’s arm, vaguely surprised at his own strength. Two other gammas surrounded the chair as it was lowered. Mickela clutched the boy.
“He was about to whip a servant for failing at an impossible task. The boy is too small to be a chair-bearer and he has already been beaten once.” Every conversation seemed to have ceased.
“Nonsense,” Alpha Hendrick snapped out, walking over to Luca. “The boy is human, and my slave. He has no rights here. Sit down, Luca,” Hendrick said jovially. “Today is a celebration, but to remind you of your responsibilities I will do one thing for you.” He gestured to Mickela and the boy. The beta’s fist tightened cruelly around the slave’s arm. “Instead of giving you twenty lashes for your impertinence at stopping the choosing, I will give your punishment to the boy.”
Luca gasped. “Absolutely not,” he replied before he thought better of it.
Hendrick barked an incredulous laugh out. “I think you would do better to wait until next year’s choosing. I doubt you have the maturity yet to take on the Alpha’s role.”
Luca opened his mouth to take a deep, angry breath and then he simply forgot to breathe altogether because at the same time as he heard Mickela laughing while he unleashed his whip, the boy finally lifted his face. Piercing blue eyes stared back at him. Eyes he hadn’t seen in exactly seven years. He had convinced himself he had dreamed of the child that day when he had almost died and he had let himself be convinced the boy’s words were nothing more than a product of his fevered imagination.
But as soon as he saw the boy’s eyes he recognized him. Luca took another breath, completely lost for words as the most incredible scent surrounded him. He took a step towards the boy. Luca’s wolf reared up and he had to grit his teeth to stop his change. His animal wanted out, and out right now. One of the gammas lunged for Luca as if he thought to stop him touching what was his. Luca merely shot out his left arm in an attempt to block him. He must have pushed him hard though because the gamma went sailing backwards and crashed into one of the tables where the guests sat.
Angry snarls erupted as the other Alphas moved. “Grab him,” Hendrick shouted, gesturing to his guards, and they all rushed at Luca. Luca barely took his eyes from the boy, just dealing with the guards as if they were merely an inconvenience, but in a few seconds all the guards lay unconscious on the ground where Luca had thrown them. Everyone was silent, scared. No one werewolf was strong enough to fight like that, and Luca had barely moved. Sam quickly put his back protectively to Luca and eyed the other Alphas warily.
“I know you,” Luca said quietly, and gently took the boy’s shaky hand, registering the sparks that traveled up his own at the contact. “What’s your name?”
The boy swallowed, and immediately Luca realized he was older than he had thought. It was the fact he was nothing but skin and bone that made him seem small. Luca frowned. He looked exhausted and his face was unnaturally pale.
“It’s Kit, your Highness,” he whispered, and before Luca could stop him he fell to his knees, and bowed his head.
Luca ignored the gasps around him and bent down quickly, reaching for Kit’s arms. “I’m not...” He started in confusion, then Kit looked up.
“I told you once,” he said softly. “You are the true Alpha King.”
“Blasphemy,” shrieked the grand-beta. “Put the slave in shackles.” More guards rushed forward but Luca turned, snarling. His growl rumbled from his chest, getting louder and louder. The ground started shaking, tables wobbled, and goblets fell over and spilled. The gammas all stood frozen until Hendrick in desperation shouted again. “Kill the usurper!” He pulled clumsily at the small knife all Alphas kept in their belt.
Luca whipped around, his cloak swaying around his legs and at the same time he clasped the small knife he kept in his own and threw it...straight at Alpha Hendrick, where it lodged between his eyes. The man was dead before he hit the floor.
The ground was still shaking and an ungodly growl was still coming from Luca’s throat. The servants dropped to their knees first, quickly followed by many of the guards. Luca stared at each wolf in the clearing until finally even the Alphas and the other heirs bowed down. Luca blinked and the shaking stopped. In the silence, Sam turned. He brought his arm across his chest, bent one knee, and bowed his head.
“Sam?” Luca said shakily, staring at his best friend.
“Your Highness,” Sam replied immediately. “I am your servant to command.”
Luca stared in astonishment at all the people on their knees. It was impossible. He wasn’t...
Luca heard a small sound behind him. Kit had stood back up, but his face was drained of color and he swayed. Luca lunged and caught him just as his eyes rolled up and his legs gave way. Luca took a breath and clutched Kit tightly, possessively, stunned at his own reaction and that of his wolf. Werewolves never mated humans, ever. He had no idea what was happening or whatever had just happened but whatever it was Luca was sure of one thing. He wasn’t letting Kit go. Not now. Not ever.
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Book 2 in the series, The Alpha Heir
Man and wolf. Sworn enemies in the battle for Askara. Can hate and betrayal ever lead to love? Caleb Harken has spent six years wrongfully imprisoned for his father’s treachery. Tortured and reviled by the very wolf pack he should have been leading as Alpha, he is not surprised to learn he’s finally to meet his death at the hands of the human rebel leader, Taegan Callan.
Taegan gave up his dreams of a life-mate and a family after seeing too many humans butchered at the hands of the wolves—even if Caleb doesn’t seem to be the bloodthirsty savage he expects, and even if he starts to long for a different kind of future with the wolf.
Can Caleb become the Alpha he was always meant to be and lead his pack, or will he finally realize that winning his freedom means nothing when he has already lost his heart?
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And book 3 in the series, The Alpha Prince
The Askaran desert can longer sustain the secret hybrid population of wolves bred from those sent there to die for their crimes. Justice knows the time has come to lead his wolves to a new life, but soon realizes his pack could never be governed by nor swear fealty to the cruel and despotic Alpha of Solonara—Darius—so he hatches a plan to fight and ultimately kill the Alpha, his heir, and take over the territory.
Cashel should not exist. It was unheard of for an Alpha-heir to be born an omega, and Darius has made every day a torment for his son. After spending years failing to breed another heir, and desperate not to have to give his territory away to another pack, he finally turns his attention back to Cashel and a whole new nightmare begins.
Justice’s whole life has been about righting a wrong and delivering the very thing he was named for. Meeting Cashel, and finding out he is his true mate, sends his carefully constructed plans and promises up in flames. When he discovers Darius’s cruelty runs deeper than any of them imagined, he is faced with a last desperate choice between his love for Cashel or his loyalty to his people.
Excerpt:
“Cashel?”
Cashel startled a little at the voice and the warm hand on his shoulder. It wasn’t Hale or Axel, so he cautiously opened an eye. Then he closed it again immediately.
Why? Why him? Of all people to witness his humiliation it had to be the one Alpha his traitorous body had responded to.
“No,” he whimpered.
“No, you’re not Cashel?” The rich deep voice rumbled again, this time laced with a little humor.
“It’s not funny,” he snapped miserably with what seemed to be the last of his energy and he slumped forward.
“Of course not,” the wolf—Justice—replied solemnly. “Would you like some water?”
Cashel peered up into the same golden eyes he had first seen only a few moments ago and wondered again about the unusual name. He was going to nod his head but thought better of it. It didn’t seem necessary as he was offering him a small leather pouch for him to drink from. It seemed to have been fastened to his belt, but Cashel was too wrung out to wonder what Justice was doing carrying water around when it was plentiful in the compound. His hands shook so violently he nearly dropped it before Justice covered Cashel’s hands with his and held it steady.
“Just a little,” Justice cautioned.
Cashel took a few sips and then spat it out. He took a few more and swallowed it cautiously, waiting to see if his stomach objected. He heard the sounds of shouting and recognized Hale’s voice, knew he’d been missed. He glanced up at Justice, shivering uncontrollably. Justice frowned but immediately pulled his shirt out from his breeches and up and over his head. Cashel had a second to appreciate deep bronzed skin before softness engulfed him as the shirt was pulled over his head. It was huge on him of course, but warm and soft and Cashel clutched at it gratefully.
“Cashel?” Hale ran over, followed by Axel. “My prince, are you well?” Hale glanced at the other wolf.
Cashel nodded and tried to stand but his legs refused to cooperate. Justice simply placed one arm around his waist and gently lifted him to his feet. Cashel swayed and the wolf tightened his grip. Cashel swallowed. “Thank you—”
“Justice.”
Cashel tried to pretend he had never heard the name, as the golden eyes glittered with anger, as if he was daring Cashel to question his word.
Cashel blinked stupidly, his brain foggy. It was easier to feign ignorance and he wasn’t out to impress anyone. Maybe pretending he had forgotten their earlier meeting would ease his shame at their current one. “Is that what you are or what you are called?”
The stern mouth widened into a smile. “Good question, little prince.”
Little? Cashel should have been offended but he felt too wretched to care.
Hale cleared his throat hesitantly. “Alpha?”
The man looked at Hale but Cashel, even muzzy as he still was, knew it was ridiculous to doubt, whatever his father had said. You could practically feel the Alpha pheromones bouncing off the trees. He giggled weakly, and both Hale and the wolf…Justice stared down at him. His knees wobbled and he leaned further into the wolf’s side. Justice’s eyebrow lifted but instead of taking a step away from Cashel, who didn’t seem to be able to stand upright no matter how much he tried, he bent and hooked an arm under Cashel’s legs and swung him gently into his arms. Cashel’s lips parted on a token protest but Justice tilted him into his chest and shushed him gently. “Perhaps it would be expedient if you could lead the way to the prince’s chambers?”
“My apologies, Alpha,” Hale replied. “Perhaps you would allow me to carry him?”
Cashel felt the wolf shake his head. “He is no burden.”
Cashel would have puddled at the words if he wasn’t already firmly ensconced in the warmest cocoon he had ever been in. His mind drifted as they started walking, and he breathed in lungsful of the rich woodsy scent either from the wolf that was carrying him, or the shirt he was wrapped in. He smelled wonderful and Cashel was relaxed and nearly asleep until he heard Hale question him again, but his mind was too foggy to work out the words. Cashel felt the second shrug from Justice and sighed a little becoming almost boneless. He felt the warmth of clean breath on his skin as Justice leaned down to hush him once more.
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Author Interview:
1. What inspires you? What gets you writing?
I have to write whichever book is pulling me. Plays havoc with schedules and why i have actively four series on the go.
2. What's your writing process? Seat of your pants, lots of sticky notes, complex spreadsheets?
I'm trying so hard to be a plotter. Trying and generally failing miserably. Having said that I usually know the beginning and the end, it's the middle that shocks the hell out of me.
3. Which character from your books is your favorite, and why?
Finn from my Enhanced series is my fave character. That man will save the world one day.
4. Which character is your least favorite, and why?
I don't have one. I worry the way i see my characters and the way my readers see them might not be the same.
5. If you could go back into one of your books and change one thing, what would that be? And why?
If i could change one thing it would be not having a gap between Broken Circle and Eternal Circle in Sirius Wolves. i don't think some of my readers have ever forgiven me.
6. What's next for you? What amazing book are you working on?
I'm working on three books but i have six in various stages.
In Safe Keeping is in final edits and is my next romantic suspense about a firefighter and a guy escaping from his mobster ex-boyfriend. His First Kiss is my next omageverse. I'm nearly finished with a series featuring Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table fighting supernatural monsters in modern day New York. Matt's story in Rainbow Key is half done, and I'm half way through Eli's story in my Enhanced series. On top of that, i'm writing a serialized MPreg novel that's free for all my newsletter subscribers and i'm taking part in two anthologies before the end of the year. So not much!
7. Anything else you'd like to share with your readers?
Favorite book I've ever written? Has to be The Alpha King. I'm writing a novel to go with that before the end of the year and it will be included in the anthology of the series.
Victoria Sue fell in love with love stories as a child when she would hide away with her mom’s library books and dream of the dashing hero coming to rescue her from math homework. She never mastered math but never stopped loving her heroes and decided to give them the happy ever afters they fight so hard for. She loves reading and writing about gorgeous boys loving each other the best—and creating a family for them to adore. Thrilled to hear from her readers, she can be found most days lurking on Facebook where she doesn’t need factor 1000 sun-cream to hide her freckles.
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A full list of all of Victoria Sue's books can be found here.
Giveaway:
Thank you for celebrating this fabulous author with us all month long. We hope you found a few new books to add to your TBR and learned some cool facts about Victoria Sue.
Until next time, happy reading!
Thank you for the interview!
ReplyDeleteOooh! More Askara universe books!
ReplyDelete