The Craft of the Wise: Book of Shadows
Novice witch Ava Valentine’s first run-in with a demon almost ends in her demise until a fierce werewolf steps in to save her. Pledged in loyalty to the coven’s princess, Aaron Remington will do what it takes to protect her. After falling for Ava, he realizes he’s willing to pledge not just his life, but also his soul. When the true meaning behind her rank in the coven is revealed, Aaron and Ava must stand side by side to fight the menace that stalks her or lose their growing love – and possibly their lives – in exchange.
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Reviews for The Craft of the Wise: Book of Shadows
“Ms. Carney writes a catchy suspenseful short story. I found I couldn’t walk away once I began reading…If you want a short story that’s sexy, intelligent, and fun, then look no further than The Craft of the Wise – Book of Shadows . I give this short story 4 ½ cherries .” Tiger Lilly, Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews
“The Craft of the Wise was an entertaining read…Ms. Carney did a great job and I would definitely read more from her.” Nancy Erikson, ParaNormalRomance
“I found it a sensual snippet of paranormal erotic romance that had a quirky edge that engaged the reader to quickly devour the tale. I am looking forward to the second installment in the series as I expect the chase to find answers will lead this ensemble to fulfilling more desires and fantasies.”
4 Tombstones, Hockeyvamp, Bitten by Books
“Dee Carney hits the ground running in her Craft of the Wise series with “Book of Shadows.” It’s one roller coaster thrill ride of a story, with a dash of sex and sweeping romance between Ava and Aaron thrown in…once I finished “Book of Shadows” I was more than ready to dive right into the next Craft of the Wise tale, which definitely says something about the compelling world Ms. Carney created.” Shayna, Joyfully Reviewed
Excerpt from The Craft of the Wise: Book of Shadows
Her neck prickled.
This was not going to work if they didn’t make some changes.
“Are you going to just stare at me all the time or what?”
“Princess?”
She shoved the pen and paper inside her personal Book of Shadows, snapped it shut, and leaned her back against the chair at the desk. They’d been sitting in her bedroom for just over an hour. She was supposed to be reading and memorizing while she sipped honeyed tea to soothe her throat.
Hmph. Had no idea what he was supposed to be doing besides looking tempting.
“Look, my name’s Ava. No one really cares if I am a princess or whatever. Just call me Ava, okay?”
“Ava.”
Never in her life did those two syllables sound the way he’d said them. It was like he was hungry and each letter was a full course meal. If he could do that with three letters, she couldn’t imagine what he could do if she asked him to call her by her full name, Avalon.
She licked her lips and shoved away the thought. Never mind that he made her panties damp. He was supposed to be her bodyguard. Nothing more.
But Goddess, she’d let him guard her body any day of the week he wanted.
Damn, how did those thoughts keep sneaking in like that? Then again, answering the question wasn’t quite rocket science. Not an ounce of fat dared show on his long body. Each time he moved was like watching mercury. Liquid, lithe and just a little bit dangerous.
Her fingers twitched with an urge to touch him but thinking about it too much held her at bay. If he kept watching her like that though, she couldn’t be held responsible for her actions.
No woman with a beating pulse could.
“I can’t concentrate when you keep staring at me like that,” she said after a moment. That was the truth. Her mind kept drifting to these incredible visuals involving hot, sweaty bodies. “And I need to learn these spells.”
“I didn’t mean to distract you, Ava…”
Her eyes narrowed at his pause.
“What?” He looked like he had something else to say. Aaron shook his head, but she wouldn’t be deterred. He did want to say something else. She could see it in his eyes. “What?”
“I’m attracted to you. Have been since the very first time I saw you.” Sweet, holy heaven on high. Now that was something she hadn’t been expecting. “It’s why I keep staring at you. I’m sorry if I’ve interrupted your concentration. I’ll do better with keeping reign on my thoughts,” he finished.
Like that little confession wouldn’t interrupt her concentration permanently. She cleared her throat.
“Oh, that,” she said as if men announced their attraction to her on an hourly basis. “No biggie.”
He turned to review the books on her shelves, but she didn’t return to the book in front of her. All plans for memorizing spells today had left the building. Instead, she visually traced the tattoo on his neck. Followed the curve to his Adam’s apple. When it bobbed, she had to stifle a moan.
Look someplace else. Good idea. Was that a…oh, man. A dimple in his chin. When had she missed seeing the cleft?
“Now you are the one staring, Ava.” He chuckled and turned back to face her.
“Right. Sorry.” She looked away briefly, then caught his gaze.
“Hell. What are we going to do about this?”
“About what?”
She dropped her gaze. “You know what. I have a feeling Grand won’t approve if I give in to my baser desires.”
He frowned, then nodded. “It wouldn’t be the first time for a witch and a werewolf. It’s not necessarily looked upon kindly, but not always denigrated either.”
It wasn’t like she was going to go running to Grand with the news. No one would have to know. Just a quick romp in the hay. They would both be better off for it. Get it out of the way. Then back to business as usual.
She snorted.
Whatever she had to tell herself.
“We’d just be letting off some steam, right?” she asked.
Aaron stood.
“Then back to employer-employee relationship afterwards, right?” she continued.
He gripped her wrists and pulled her to stand next to him. He brought his head down close to hers. He grumbled, “Just letting off some steam.”
When his lips pressed against hers, Ava’s world spun.