Title: Becoming the Witch
Author: J. M. Davies
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book Blurb:
This is the Haunting and evocative prequel to The Rise of Orion series. As Miss Elizabeth Marshfield, I’ve never had a choice. My marriage to Sir Charles Dempsey is arranged. Love plays no role in this, but my sizable dowry does. On my eighteenth birthday, as I promise to honor and obey, eerie voices unlock a curse and an ancient magic I didn’t know I possessed, and they won’t rest until I answer them.
My husband suspects I ‘m mad—and mad, I may well be. But this cold-hearted brute cares naught for me as his mistress warms his bed. I don’t know who I am anymore. Even the blacksmith, Barnaby, can’t disguise his contempt, despite saving me from a fall from my horse. So why does this insolent man affect me so? He reveals he’s a Roma called Raven, and the birthmark of the moon I have branded on my wrist proves I’m entwined in his destiny. Even talking with him could mean the hangman. But my heart has spoken, and I know nothing will ever be the same. For once—I will choose my fate, even if it leads to a noose around my neck. WARNING: There are graphic scenes that some people may find disturbing. Not for the faint of heart!
Excerpt:
“Where did you get this mark?”
Needing distance from this overbearing man, she tugged her arm free and rubbed the crescent moon birthmark on her skin. “I was born with it, not that it is any of your business. Now, I need to go.”
She stepped to brush past him, but he lifted his arm to stop her and when she swung to walk the other way, he placed his other arm there, caging her in, with little space between them.
“Let me go,” she said quietly, taking short, sharp breaths as his heat invaded her.
“I can’t do that until you listen. You’re different, Elizabeth. Deep down you know that. The voices and dreams, they’re all part of the magic awakening inside you. Most of your kind experience these things and more when they turn eight and ten. You need to meet Ariana, the Moon Goddess. She will help you. She’ll explain who you are.”
Elizabeth studied the stubborn man before her. Why was he doing this? Was he playing with her? “Look—I was stupid earlier when I went into the water. I don’t know what possessed me, but you’re crazy if you think I will meet up with you. I don’t need anyone to explain who I am. I know. I am mistress of Tregowen, Lady Elizabeth Dempsey, wife of Sir Charles Dempsey. You need to leave me alone,” she said on a sob.
He snorted and pushed away. “Don’t you think I know all of that? My name isn’t Barnaby, it’s Raven. I’m a Roma. My people hide in the shadows and we have lived in fear most of our lives, hunted like savages. Some people believe we are devils or witches. Innocent people have died for being a Roma or for even knowing our kind. I am not here lightly, Elizabeth.”
He stroked her high cheekbone as she stared into his ebony eyes. “You’re in danger. Your husband—he doesn’t treat you the way a husband should. If he discovers who you really are, I’m not sure what he will do. All I know is that I cannot stand by. I don’t want to be drawn to you but—”
“But you can’t help it either. That’s why you treat me the way you do. That’s why you’re rude and push me away.” Elizabeth understood now and knew he spoke the truth because she felt the same, even though she knew the dangers.
Barnaby leaned his forehead against hers. “I need to share something with you. I’ll not harm or lie to you, I promise. My people are travelers. We never stay in one place long. My clan are from Romania, but we’ve traveled all over, searching for a peaceful life. Everywhere we go, we have met your gifted kind and other preternatural creatures. You have magic in your veins, Elizabeth. We helped the others when no one else would because in many ways we are the same, both persecuted and hunted by people of accepted society. The Moon Goddess Ariana has helped my clan as a reward, but you need to meet her to understand. To be ready.”
Elizabeth’s heart wouldn’t settle, even when he stepped away. What he was telling her was impossible. Magic. The stuff of fairy tales. It couldn’t be true. “Why do I need to be ready?”
“Because once it’s known what you are capable of, you will be a target for those who crave power. They will seek to hurt you.”
She stumbled away at his admission but glanced back at him, knowing she needed to know for sure. “Why are you helping me? I mean, I know you have explained you help my kind. But why me? Why do I feel this”—she shook her head—“this irresistible compulsion for you? You need to explain that to me.”
A brief smile skittered across his lips, and he retrieved something from inside his coat and handed it to her.
She stared at it and then at him, touching the smooth gold piece of jewelry and brushing her fingers over the twisted metal. “You made this—for me?”
He nodded, pressing it into her hand when she tried to give it back. “I fashioned it from a gold bracelet I had. I am a blacksmith by trade, and I wanted you to have this. The center opens like a locket. I designed the rest around it to resemble a flower—a rose.” He unclicked the large center gem. “If you need to get word to me, pass a note to Davey. He will ensure I receive it. You can hide it inside. But make sure no one finds it. Now, meet me tonight. Ariana will walk the earth under the full moon, and I will answer all your questions. I promise. Meet me at the edge of the maze by the forest at twilight—please.”
Elizabeth wanted to argue, but he twisted away and vanished without a trace, leaving her alone, staring at the pretty bracelet. She snapped it on her wrist, feeling it vibrate against her skin.
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What makes your featured book a must-read?
Becoming the Witch is not your typical paranormal romance. It does not end in happy-ever-after. It’s the haunting and shocking prequel to The Rise of Orion Series. It has action, adventure, mystery, romance, and betrayal. Death is just the beginning.
Giveaway –
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Open Internationally.
Runs September 26 – October 2, 2023.
Winner will be drawn on October 3, 2023.
Author Biography:
J. M. Davies, Jen, believes everyone deserves a happy ever after, and while life may not deliver, she hopes her books do. Driven by her desire for interesting stories and tormented people, she writes paranormal and contemporary romance as well as women's fiction. The heat level may change as the stories and characters dictate, but the desire to leave you satisfied is the same throughout. Originally born in Wales, UK, she now lives in a small town in New England. Jen has found her own soulmate in her husband, Paul, who is her sounding board for many a plot, and his comedic humor, always lifts her up. He's also very good when it comes to bouncing ideas around, and has sparked brilliant light-bulb moments resolving tedious plot holes. Together they have four boys, one lovely daughter-in-law, and a grandson Zaiyan. A few places you can learn more about J. M. Davies. Cheerleaders group https://www.facebook.com/groups/24632232...