Title: MAGIC OF THE NILE (GODS OF EGYPT SERIES)
Author: Veronica Scott
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Ancient World romance
Book Blurb:
Egypt, 1550 BCE: She's a priestess, he's a proud warrior … is love enough to bridge their differences?
When the high priestess of an Egyptian temple falls in love with a captain of the royal guard, their bond is tested by the intrigue and peril of their duties to the gods and Pharaoh.
Tyema serves Sobek the Crocodile God as High Priestess of his Nile river temple. But despite her beauty, grace, and the power she wields, the shy priestess lives as a recluse in the remote temple grounds. For though Sobek rescued her from a childhood of abuse and neglect, and healed her crippled foot, her dark past haunts her still.
When Sahure, a dashing captain of Pharaoh's guard, arrives to ask her help for Pharaoh, Tyema's wounded heart blossoms. The captain is captivated as by her well … until Pharaoh orders him to the dangerous frontier, far from Tyema. He rides away, bound by duty and honor, leaving Tyema with even more secrets to bear.
Heart-broken, Tyema returns to her lonely life … until the Crocodile God reveals other plans for his priestess. For Pharaoh's life is threatened with black magic, and only one who wields the power of a god can unmask the sorcerer. Tyema must brave court life, and somehow withstand the pressures of swirling gossip, intrigue and danger. And she must hurry, before ancient evils overcome all her efforts.
But when Sahure returns, is he there to help or to hinder? Will love lead them to common ground, and a future together … or will their differences tear them apart forever?
Excerpt:
Her life was calm, orderly, peaceful…and lonely. I run the temple, I lead the observances, I give direction to the staff, and I see my family occasionally. But she’d deliberately constructed her life to be tranquil, after the turbulent, awful events of her childhood, hadn’t she? So how could she complain now, if safe routine had become a cell, one she saw no way of escaping? At least her decision to venture out for one night with a stranger had been fun.
“May I present Captain Sahure, of Pharaoh’s Own Guards, nephew of Nomarch Ienhotep,” said the scribe as he re-entered the room, followed by the warrior. Bowing to Tyema, Jemkhufu added an admonition to the visitor. “Be honored to enter the presence of High Priestess Tyema.”
She caught her breath as Sahure sauntered in, resplendent in his full uniform, the golden falcon badge prominent on the leather straps crossing his broad chest, scarlet cloak swirling around his legs. He was even more handsome than she’d remembered. He bowed, “Good morning to you, my lady.”
“And to you, captain.” With great effort, she kept a smile from forming on her lips. Unfamiliar heat pulsed in her core and she suppressed the urge to shift her hips in response.
“I appreciate your seeing me today instead of tomorrow,” he said, staring at her with narrowed eyes.
Oh, I couldn’t wait till tomorrow. Tyema remained regally seated in her chair with an effort, curling her fingers tight against the desire to touch him. “I’m sure your business is urgent.”
“Indeed, I’m here at the command of Pharaoh, very pressing affairs.” He raised his eyebrows and gave a sideways glance at the scribe.
“You may go, Jemkhufu,” she said, following Sahure’s line of sight.
“But, my lady, what if notes need to be taken?” The scribe was startled, his eyes opening wide and his mouth hanging open. Tyema never met with anyone alone, other than the god Sobek, so she wasn’t surprised by Jemkhufu’s reaction. Swallowing hard, the scribe glared at Sahure while questioning her order for privacy again. “Are you sure you won’t need me?”
She tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair. “I’ll call you when we’re done.”
The scribe gathered up his tablets, rolls of blank papyrus and sharpened quills in an untidy armful and backed from the room, closing the door. She heard him complaining to the guard about the unscheduled audience interfering with the day as the portal closed.
Before she could say anything, Sahure was standing in front of her, his arms caging her in the chair. “And I thought Theban ladies played games,” he said. “Imagine my surprise this morning to see that the high priestess of Sobek was none other than my little waif from the previous evening. She whom I thought to be Ema was in reality the legendary and rarely seen Tyema herself.”
“Waif?” Tyema couldn’t decide whether to be amused or insulted. True the plain dress wasn’t the best garment in her wardrobe but surely it didn’t give such an insignificant impression?
“Were you laughing at me the entire evening?” His tone was cold. “Did you enjoy your masquerade?”
She put one hand on his chest, trying to push him away, but under her fingers his body was solid muscle, an unyielding wall. “I’m sorry, I didn’t set out to deceive you.”
He stared at her for a long moment before releasing the chair. He backed up a step. Hands on hips, he asked, “Then why the lie?”
Pointing a finger at him, she said, “You just assumed I was a simple priestess. Ema is the pet name my family calls me, if you must know. Please, I had such a lovely, rare time last night, don’t ruin it with anger today. I’m sorry.”
“You’re right, I did assume.” Eyes narrowed, he studied her more closely. “The innkeeper was saying this morning you never come to the village, you’re never seen away from this temple. Of course he wasn’t addressing this remark to me and when he noticed me standing there, he shut up and scurried into the kitchen. His embarrassed departure was my first clue perhaps the girl I’d been enchanted by wasn’t what she seemed.”
“Oh dear, I was hoping no one in the family had seen me.” Tyema knew she’d be dealing with the gossip and fallout of her excursion for a long time. Her aunts, nieces and female cousins would want all the details, none of which she planned to supply, innocuous though the night had been.
“Apparently we’re the talk of the entire town today, I assure you. Not that I care,” he said.
No, for you’ll be departing for Thebes all too soon, while I stay here. Tyema didn’t know what to say next. She was unused to dealing with a man on a personal level. All her encounters with people were about the temple, about Sobek’s business, and those interactions she could handle. She decided to switch the conversation to his reason for visiting the area. “I’m sure the Great One will be fine with anywhere you decide to build a river port, as long as the site isn’t close to this temple complex. The beach below is private for his use.”
“Oh no you don’t, we aren’t done with the subject of last night yet.” He picked up a gilded crocodile statue on the desk, examined it briefly before setting it back down.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
What’s the first binge-worthy book you read and why was it a must-read?
Nalini Singh’s Slave to Sensation, which opened up the wonderful Psy-Changeling series paranormal world to me as a reader.
What makes your featured book a binge-worthy read?
Love, danger and adventure in the time of the Pharaohs! High Priestess Tyema battles black magic in this second chance, secret baby romance as she carries out a command from the Crocodile God Sobek to find the schemers seeking to take Pharaoh from the throne.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon (US or Canada) gift card.
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon Canada account to win.
Runs August 1 – 31
Drawing will be held on September 1.
Author Biography:
USA Today Best Selling Author
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
Seven-time winner of the SFR Galaxy Award, as well as a National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, Veronica is also the proud recipient of a NASA Exceptional Service Medal relating to her former day job, not her romances!
She read the part of Star Trek Crew Member in the official audiobook production of Harlan Ellison’s “The City On the Edge of Forever.”
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vscotttheauthor