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Jun 10, 20215 min read

Enchanted by Destiny by @beth_caudill is a Celebrate Weddings pick #romance #weddings #giveaway



Title: Enchanted by Destiny


Author: Beth Caudill


Genre: Fantasy Romance


Book Blurb:


Disregarded by her betrothed, elven princess Clairessa Bellehaven analyzes spell books and dreams of finding someone to share her life. Betrayed by her unfaithful witch boyfriend, she convinces herself a single night with another elf will do no harm. Except the Goddess has a plan and Clairessa will have to fight to save the man who seized her heart and refused to let her go.


Clan prince Rowe Calder arrived in Wildeloch to settle problems with his family's business. What he found was the one elf he'd spent his life avoiding. His bondmate. The woman destined to bring about his death. Now he must find a way to keep his family safe when the dark elf comes to claim his soul.


Will a love long denied be strong enough to save them when darkness seeks retribution?


Excerpt:


The ElfShore was exclusive in its clientele; only the most powerful could enter and enjoy the amenities. Derwyn readily handed over his deep black onyx stone. Rowe waited until the caretaker returned Derwyn's channeling stone and then surrendered his own rock of green polished malachite. He needed the grounding and extra protection against negativity, even if it meant cleansing the powerful stone daily.


"Very well, gentlemen. Mr. Morgan, you may follow the staircase to the left." The caretaker turned his hypnotic gaze on Rowe and said, "I highly recommend you, Mr. Calder, follow the staircase to the right."


Rowe lifted an eyebrow at the almost-command. He was a prince of the elves and didn't follow the commands of anyone. He strolled toward the left staircase, past Derwyn. Take the case of his arranged marriage. It was unheard of for anyone in the leadership clans to reject a marriage, he even understood the need to mingle the powers of the clans, but he refused to take the chance of falling prey to the dark curse threatening his life. On the day he completed the marriage bond with his true love, his life would end.


He'd managed to stare down his father, leader of the second largest elven clan and ignored his betrothed. Disregarding the directions from a simple guardian didn't concern him. He stopped at the top of the staircase. "And if we stayed together tonight, and I choose to follow the staircase down?"


The world stilled, no sound could be heard, life existed between heartbeats, the pressure of power weighed heavy in the air.


"You know the rules, Mr. Calder. My words are but a suggestion. The ElfShore takes no responsibility for the safety of our guests. Your will is yours to command. Those looking to enjoy the darker side of passion go below and those looking for a quiet, relaxing night ascend."


One moment the caretaker stood before them and the next he was gone, a ghost among the shadows. The world snapped back into existence. Heady laughter drowned out quiet murmurings and yet neither muffled the thumping of Rowe's heart. There was nothing simple about the power at this guardian's command. The Goddess conveyed her desires many ways; even he knew to heed her messages.


"And your decision?" Derwyn asked, a sparkle of mischief lighting his gray eyes.


Rowe hesitated. He almost took a step onto the left staircase, but a gentle tug on his powers drew him toward the right one. "Perhaps it is best to do as we are directed." His gaze remained riveted on the right stairway.


"As you command, my prince." Derwyn chuckled, gave Rowe a nod, and then bounded down the stairs.


Wary about what awaited him upstairs, Rowe casually climbed his way to the club's upper floor. His right hand trailed along the wooden rail while his left hand fingered a silver coin in his dark gray slacks.


The soft gurgle of water poured through the sound system. The upper room was wide open with small tables diagonally spaced to create the impression of intimate conversations. Miniature orbs of white twinkling fairy lights lit the ceiling and the area around the bar. Large red flowers bloomed from potted trees along the walls, and beside the dark walnut wooden bar, underwater spotlights bathed an indoor waterfall in a pool of soft green light.


The bartender tonight was a Kinnaris. Nameless, the women lived in bevys of eight. The only way to distinguish a Kinnaris was by their coloring. This bartender possessed pearlescent skin and the bright white-feathered wings and tail of a swan. Beings of immense grace, they enjoyed music and dancing, the perfect purveyors of a bar. The woman tilted her head and gave him a half-bow. A formal acknowledgement of his status as an elven prince.


Typically this space provided a casual mingling atmosphere for mass gatherings. Tonight, it was different. The layout created a more intimate setting for patrons to separate into pairs. His palms itched and he had a desire to flee before something irrevocable occurred.


Then he saw her.


Two couples quietly talked on the opposite side of the room, but ahead of him in the back corner an elven woman sat alone. His attention focused on her. The self-confidence she exhibited by sitting alone, unaffected by the romantic atmosphere augmented her slender elegance and drew him.


Although her face was square, there was a hint of mischievousness that softened the harsh lines. And he couldn't ignore her long, butterscotch blonde hair. It fell to her waist and he had an irrational desire to see it spread across his bed. The forest green dress with puffy, short sleeves and a tightly cinched bow emphasized her chest.


He needed to claim her. Now, before someone else discovered her sweet essence. He should be terrified by his desire, because tying himself to anyone would engage the curse overshadowing his life.


But he couldn't help himself. He had to meet her. Had to feel the rush of her power entwined with his.


He crossed the room and sat across from her.


She tilted her head to the side. "And what if that chair is taken?" Her brown, green and gray tri-colored eyes sparkled with mischief.


He looked around. "I don't see anyone watching you. If you were mine, I wouldn't take my eyes off you."


"Any man I'd be with would trust me to handle any unwanted attention."


The challenge in her voice heated his blood. Their interaction was only an appetizer. He looked forward to their engagement and hoped it would end with her in his bed.


He stuck his hand out. "If you get to know me, then you can't claim any unwelcomed attention. My name is Rowe."


She placed her hand in his without hesitation. "Nice to meet you. You may call me Claire."


Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):










What makes your featured book a must-read?


This story features an undesired betrothal, a dark curse, and love enchanted.


Giveaway –

Enter to win a $30 Amazon (US) gift card:


Open Internationally.


Runs June 8 – June 12, 2021.


Winner will be drawn on June 16, 2021.



Author Biography:


Although Beth grew up in West Virginia, she currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two sons and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who makes an excellent lap warmer. Blending the analytical and creative sides of her brain, she delights in creating fantasy worlds for others. Catch her online most days except when NCIS and Once Upon a Time air.


Social Media Links:


Author Website: http://BethCaudill.net/

Author Email: beth@bethcaudill.net

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