Today is a BIG day! I’ve finally got Emily Guido as a guest on my blog. She’s here to tell you about her Hero, Tabbruis and all about Charmeine and The Light Bearer Series.
I’ll also being doing my review and there’s a Giveaway!
Make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the post. Got some yummy pictures too!
Tabbruis…
Dark to Light
He woke up centuries ago on a rock in the barren desert by Mt. Sinai. Screaming in agony, his body was twisted, burnt and broken. Miraculously, it healed within a few hours. Nothing made sense; Tabbruis had no recollection of how he got there or even who he was. It was like his consciousness was wiped clean.
A shepherd boy, named Joseph found and befriended him.
Tabbruis understood the boy’s language and could speak it with a perfect dialect.
Joseph showed every kindness a poor shepherd boy could. He gave Tabbruis water, food and even let him wear his colorful robe when the temperature dropped at night.
However, the food did not sit very well on Tabbruis’ stomach.
After nightfall on the third day, marauders stampeded the humble camp stealing the sheep, goats, and Joseph! They were surprised to see Tabbruis come out of the make shift tent. Intent to help his new friend, he took off the colorful robe and started to fight.
Joseph cried out, “Help me! My brothers mean to kill me!”
Just then a man on a horse knocked Tabbruis down and picked up the coat laughing at his achievement. He ordered the men to retreat.
Tabbruis was angry, and his blood boiled with vengeance. To his surprise, fangs poked through his gums making him shocked and senseless. The blood he tasted from the fangs fueled his anger. He ripped a man off his horse and tore through the skin with his bare hands. As the spray of the man’s jugular coated Tabbruis’ face, he could taste the blood, and it was nothing but exquisite to him. For sheer hunger, he leaned down and drank. The liquid ran over his tongue, and the lavish taste was sublime. Tabbruis pulled on the man’s blood until all of the life force was drained.
By then, the other marauders had left. He sat by the corpse with the sanguine liquid dripping down his jaw. With hunger, he relented to his base needs and cried out, “Blood! I need more…Blood!”
That night was the beginning of a dark age for Tabbruis. He began taking life at an enormous rate. His savagery was unparalleled. He travelled from the Sinai desert into the jungles of Africa on the trail of human blood. He found no matter what happened to him, he could not be killed. If he was injured in the battle to secure more blood, he eventually healed. His strength and speed were unbelievable. He could wrestle an elephant to the ground for play, walk, run, and swim great distances.
Tabbruis thought he was invincible!
*****
On a dark day, reckoning came in an instant when Tabbruis saw a young girl crying over her mother and father he slaughtered in his unrelenting thirst for blood. The pitiful sight made him realize what his barbarism was doing to not only the victims but to their families.
Never having a family, he hung his head and loathed his hunger. Now, this little girl had no one, just like he had no one. The village people rushed Tabbruis and began to beat him. He refused to protect himself. He saw the little girl being scooped up by an elderly villager.
A woman’s voice whispered in his ear to run. Tabbruis did not know who or what it was, but immediately escaped. The self-hatred he felt was overpowering. He began to rebuke himself, “Why am I like this? Why?”
Tabbruis turned and ran for days. When he reached the ocean, he swam until it had been days since he had taken a life. On the brink of death, he crawled from the shore and looked to the blue sky. With his emaciated and chapped lips, Tabbruis prayed, “God, I will never take a life again. I surrender to your will.”
Suddenly, he saw a lion which was surrounded in a bright light. The woman’s voice whispered in his ear, “Drink.” He rubbed his head thinking the light and voice was a dream. He slowly got up. With the last bit of strength in his famished body, Tabbruis ran after the lion. In ravenous hunger, he caught the lion, broke its neck, and drank the blood. His need and want was satisfied. From then on, he only fed from animals.
*****
For centuries after that, Tabbruis was a private individual. Solitude was best for him as blood raced in his brain when he was around humans. The scent of blood and the rush it gave him to pierce the jugular was exquisite. However, it was always with a price of a severe self-loathing and self-hatred. His determination to abstain was strong, and he vowed not to take another human life for the pleasure of their blood. He drank donated blood only when big game was unavailable to hunt.
“Why am I drawn to the United States, why the East Coast?” he muttered. Tabbruis had just killed a big stag taking all the life from it and sat back looking at the night sky. Like a star crashing into the Earth, he had an empty and lost feeling. He had been isolated for so long by choice; he was unsure what to think of his recent compulsion to venture out to the United States. He looked at the moon and roared a guttural, “Why?” Desperation overtook him again, which was an old friend and mumbled, “Where else do you want to go?”
Feeling unfocused, Tabbruis wandered until it was close to dawn. He needed a shower and change of clothes. With speed and accuracy, he found his car parked off US Interstate 80 in northwest New Jersey by the exit for Sparta. He looked around to make sure he was not being watched and walked up to his car. He took out of the passenger side a thin black leather jacket which he promptly put on over his blood-stained shirt. He cleaned his hands and face with a wet-nap, then kicked the mud and leaves from his shoes.
Tabbruis slid behind the wheel of his Dodge Charger SRT8 with a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine. His muscle car roared to life with a push of the ignition button. He enjoyed the luxury and power of 465 horses under his hands driving down the open road. This car was a joy to drive, and he freely admitted to being attached to the Charger. He babied and took care of it. In his mind, European sports cars had nothing over his monster Charger with a Hemi.
Thousands of years being on Earth with superpowers and skill had made him independently wealthy. Usually, Tabbruis denied himself luxuries and ‘roughed it,’ as he would like to call it. Unlike power-hungry men of the Earth, he wanted to stay out of the spotlight. He had hidden money around the globe in all sorts of currency and commodities. Determined if he was going to be alone, he would have stability. However, he wanted to be far from suspicion and very much under the radar of governments and media.
Tabbruis saw a sign for a Baymont Inn ahead and a rest stop for gasoline. It was not the best place he ever stayed in, but the thought of taking a nice hot shower was appealing to him. Seldom did he sleep, but he liked to close his eyes and have the world go away. He rarely went out during the day and preferred the night. However, there was nothing stopping him from enjoying a nice sunny day if he wanted; he just liked the stillness and the tranquility of the night.
After check-in, Tabbruis went to his room. With a heavy sigh, he started to undress. He walked into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and closed the door to create a steam bath. While he was taking off his clothes, he looked in the mirror as it was fogging up.
*****
Suddenly, he saw a shadow of a woman’s face. At first, he was anxious. After reaching out with his senses, Tabbruis knew it was just an effect the steam had on the glass. It was beautiful, airy and calm which radiated a translucent quality. The woman’s face had eyes which were deep and dark. He felt them looking straight into his soul.
Tabbruis was extremely fascinated and strangely attracted to the face. His weariness overcame him as he reached out to touch it and dissipated into a powdery puff of steam. He wanted to see her again and chuckled, “You are losing it man.” However, an overwhelming wave of loneliness came rolling down on him.
The shower ran over his aching muscles, and the hot water made him feel better. Nevertheless, when Tabbruis got into bed, he started to think about the apparition in the steam and could not sleep. He studied her for hours with his eyes closed. Suddenly, he was lost in a dream watching the shadowy vision. “What do you want?” he asked.
She smiled at Tabbruis, and he began to feel a heat inside of him.
He reached out but could not touch her. “Who are you? Where are you?”
She was perfect, and peace emanated from her with a charming smile and deep brown eyes. Her gaze was sensual.
His desire went to a fever pitch. With a start, he awoke with his body covered in sweat. He yearned and ached to feel her skin in his hands. Tabbruis closed his eyes willing himself to continue dreaming, but he was not able to go back to sleep. In frustration, he growled out loud madly, “Who are you?”
*****
At sundown the next day, Tabbruis was getting ready to get back on the road. He looked out the window of the second floor of the hotel. Below, the cars were parked in their little lines of order. Above, the blazing sun was turning gold as it set on the horizon.
He wondered if going into the most populated city in the United States was best. An urge to go to New York City troubled him. He closed his eyes and sighed, “This is ridiculous. I should drive to JFK, and fly to Europe. I have to get out of here. I am going insane.”
When Tabbruis looked up once more at the sun, the face appeared in the clouds drifting around the setting sun. He could not believe it and wiped his eyes. He gripped the window seal. Not understanding the reason why this was happening, he questioned out loud, “What does this mean?” He knew Blood-Hunters were not the only supernatural race on Earth. “Why did you make me come here?” All of a sudden, she seemed frightened. His grip on the window seal increased and some drywall came loose in his hands. Her eyes were open with terror, and he wanted to reach her. His abdominal muscles tensed and body trembled. She was screaming, but he could not hear it. Desperately, he asked, “What are you trying to tell me? I will help you. Where are you?” Every cell in his body wanted to rescue and comfort her. In addition, his eyes were focused on her perfect beauty.
Within a minute, the sun disappeared, and so did she. He hung his head and felt utterly alone like he had for his whole existence on Earth. But it was a different kind of loneliness. Now, Tabbruis felt like he was half and not whole. He yearned for something else other than the want of blood. It was the need to protect, touch, and hold her in his hands. Now, he could not do without her. Tabbruis had to find…the face.
My Review
One thing I can tell you is Emily writes from the heart. I felt everything she intended for me to feel. Her love for her characters blooms from the pages.
Charmeine is innocent, sweet, and generous. Don’t let that fool ya though. She has a stubborn streak and plenty of courage and grit.
Her history is sad. She was found wandering the streets with no memory of who she was. She was sent to an orpanage and eventually earned a degree and became a teacher. She’s lived a quiet life until now.
Now someone wants to kill her, and a mysterious stranger, one who she immediately feels connected to, is offering his protection.
Tabbruis is the epitome of alpha male. Drop dead gorgeous and determined. He has a past similar to Charmeine’s in that he had no memory before he woke up lying on a rock. He has regained his memory and knows he is a Blood Hunter, requiring the drinking of blood to survive.
He spent a long time living on the dark side, but has since come to the light. The night he rescued Charmeine, he sensed another Blood Hunter getting ready to kill, but before he arrived at the scene he saw a flash of light. When he got there, the Blood Hunter was stunned and a woman lay on the ground. When her gaze tilted up to his, he was shocked. It was the face from his dreams, the one that’s been haunting him.
together they escape the hunter and Tabbruis persuades her to stay under his protection. He will have to tell her what she is if she’s to survive what’s coming. She is a light-bearer!
“They are opposite of our species. Their mission is to eradicate us as our mission is to eradicate them.” The Elders believe the Earth is ours and not to be shared.
“Light cannot have dark and dark cannot have light Tabbruis.”
Tabbruis is torn. He’s supposed to kill a light-bearer on site, but she’s the woman from his dreams, the one that’s stirred emotions and longings in him he’s never before experienced. Now that he’s found her, he can’t let her go.
Tabbruis closed his eyes and quietly screamed a curse, “Oh God! Why? Why did I meet this woman and never have a possibility of being with her?”
It seems like their love for each other happens in a heartbeat, but not really. Tabbruis was in love with Charmeine long before he met her and a shared dream reveals to her they’ve been connected in the past.
This is a sweet romance. They are both giddy in love, acting almost like teen-agers and puppy love. It’s the first time either has felt these feelings and their attraction is sizzling.
When you read this book, when you read this series, let yourself go. Escape into their world and believe.
If you were fated (created) to be together, wouldn’t it stand to reason you’re love and passion for each other would be immediate? Your souls would be mated. You would be the only one for each other, like magnets. Together they are as one essential being.
Charmeine is a wonderful beginning to the story of Charmeine and Tabbruis. You really need to read Mactus and Accendo to get all that Emily offers. The three books were intended to be one big book. The next two really ramp up the action and there are some characters, good and bad, that I can’t wait for you to meet!
Quotes I Loved
“You quiet me and stir my passion all at the same time. ~ Tabbruis
“What do you feel Tabbruis?” Tabbruis swallowed very hard and said, brushing his fingers over her hair, “Happiness, Charmeine.”
Four Stars for Charmeine. I’m a sucker for forever love!
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About the Author:
Emily Guido is a new Paranormal Romance Author. She was inspired to start writing “Charmeine” because one day she got an idea of two characters that needed to have their story told. Not ever dreaming a week later she would have over a 100,000 words written. When Emily writes, it is similar to you or I watching a movie. She pictures the characters in her head going through vivid descriptions of each scene. There are so many nuances going through her mind that she cannot type fast enough. The novels “Mactus,” “Accendo,” “Seditious,” and “Ransom,” are the continuation of the wonderful adventures of the inhabitants of The Castle Charmeine!
Emily is currently writing “Conundrum” the Sixth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” She is currently working at a College full time, and pursuing her Master of Business Administration.
YA, PNR, Paranormal Romance, Vampire, Angels, Action and Adventure, Historical
Notes to Reviewers and Readers: First, the Blood-Hunter race or Elders have been on Earth for thousands of years. Because of this, they do not use contractions like I’m, don’t or can’t. They communicate in a more refined way because of their age.
Second, there are several OLD editions out in circulation of my books. Please leave a review on the current edition. Please feel free to contact me, Emily, at guido.emily@gmail.com to check the edition you have is the recent edition.
Where to find/follow Emily:
Website: http://authoremilyguido.com/
Website: http://emilyguido.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5764521.Emily_Guido
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Emily__Guido
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelightbearernovelist
“Charmeine” First Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095B6IJC
“Mactus” Second Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009D6226M/
“Accendo” Third Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009J7P7E4/
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Synopsis…
Of
“The Light-Bearer Series”
Can romance develop between a Heavenly Light-Bearer and a Hellish Vampire Blood-Hunter?
“Charmeine” the First Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series,” was released January 2012.
Tabbruis is a Blood-Hunter, he drinks blood to survive. Over millennia Tabbruis has wandered the Earth alone aimlessly living through many historical events.
Charmeine just came to the Earth in 1997, unable to remember anything.
When Tabbruis meets Charmeine the attraction is immediate and passionate. They are polar opposites and clash together in a strongly romantic and dramatic way. When she meets Tabbruis, Charmeine’s powers as a Light-Bearer, one who throws lightning, is triggered and grows exponentially.
Will Charmeine and Tabbruis fulfill their destinies? Will they realize their importance in both the Blood-Hunter and Light-Bearer world?
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“Mactus” is the Second Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series.” The romance and action develop and deepens between our two ill-fated lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine.
“Mactus” means well-done in Latin, and as our Tabbruis and Charmeine proclaim their love for one another, they are reminded of the daunting task before them. However, their union is joyous and very romantic.
Tabbruis and Charmeine’s love deepens and grows stronger. However, they are both thrown when Charmeine is revealed to be the Queen of Light and Tabbruis is the King of Darkness!
Their son, Shane, brings an addition to the family, his fiancée, Sandra Gomez! She bonds with Charmeine and Tabbruis instantly. Can Charmeine and Sandra work together to defend themselves from the powerful Elder Council Blood-Hunter Pascal’s attack?
“Mactus” is a romantic and exciting book is a page turner from the beginning to end!
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“Accendo” is the Third Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series.” Reality knocks our two star-crossed lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine into the now when they have to plan to battle the Evil Blood-Hunter Elder Council.
Charmeine is cut to the core because of Tabbruis’ lack of faith in her ability to lead. Will their love survive? Will their faith in each other be tested as they begin their new life together?
Tabbruis and Charmeine find their close relationship is challenged with unbelief and lack of trust. The battle to freedom from the Dark and Evil forces which Lucifer has let loose on the Earth is harder than Tabbruis and Charmeine ever imagined.
Their family also suffers a serious loss. Can they recover and pick up the pieces? “Accendo” is a romantic and exciting book is a page turner from the beginning to end!
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The Fourth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” is “Seditious.” This book is the continuation of Tabbruis and Charmeine’s romantic and turbulent love story and mission on Earth to battle Lucifer’s minions!
Tabbruis and Charmeine’s life at the ‘Castle Charmeine’ is blissful until reality of the ruling the Elder Council Blood-Hunters hits them in the face.
In “Seditious” Tabbruis and Charmeine find that their love is tested in the most heinous way possible.
Then, as a one-two punch, Lord Cromwell, one of the most deadly and powerful Blood-Hunter ever has escaped the Elder Council Prison. Lord Cromwell sends his beautiful agent to cause trouble for Tabbruis and Charmeine and wants something that they have!
Charmeine runs away from the ‘Castle Charmeine’ to forget the betrayal of her most beloved husband Tabbruis.
Can Tabbruis win Charmeine back? How can he make her understand?
Exciting all the way to the end! “Seditious” will have you turning page after page in this story of passion, betrayal and seduction.
“Seditious” the fourth novel, will have you riveted from the beginning.
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“Ransom” is the Fifth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” Can Tabbruis convince Charmeine, his love and soul-mate to take him back? Will Charmeine be able to forget the pain of the past?
Tabbruis and Charmeine take their new family on a much needed and impromptu vacation; however, there is always a twist and turn for them to recover from.
The children of Dmitri are growing up fast and there is an addition to the ‘Castle Charmeine’.
Lord Cromwell, plans a deadly attack on the ‘Castle Charmeine’ and he takes something precious to Charmeine. However, he wants something in exchange.
Can Charmeine and her family battle this deadly adversary?
Tabbruis and Charmeine’s family bond together to fight Lord Cromwell and more surprises are in store for the star-crossed lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine!
A must read for all who have read “Charmeine,” “Mactus,” “Accendo,” and “Seditious” in “The Light-Bearer Series.” However, “Ransom” can be a stand-alone novel in its own right!
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“Conundrum,” soon to be released in early 2013 will undoubtedly have more of Charmeine and Tabbruis’ adventures along with their family!
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Giveaway…
Of
“The Light-Bearer Series”
Emily is giving 6 eBooks to those who want them.
Book one, two or three!
ALL she asks is to read more than book one!!
To enter, please leave your email and answer this question,
“Have you ever felt an instant connection to someone?”
Giveaway ends Feb. 25th.
Thank you and Good Luck!
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Please enjoy this guest post by Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the contemporary romance series, The Sullivans. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards!
About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started writing her first romance novel, she knew she’d found her perfect career. Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they’ll love forever, nearly all of her novels have appeared on Top 10 lists at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo.