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Master of the Elements - by Alice Gaines

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MASTER OF THE ELEMENTS by Alice Gaines

Copyright © ALICE GAINES, 2007
All Rights Reserved, RED SAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

EXCERPT FROM MASTER OF THE ELEMENTS

“Don’t question me. Do it.”

She nodded and obeyed. How odd to sit on the lap of someone who might end her life. She’d crawled into her father’s lap as a child, and now she sat on the knee of a man who seemed no more than a mask, robes, and a hand. The hand in question poured some liquid from a pitcher into a tiny glass and handed it to her.

“Drink this.”

She tasted it and found it sweet. Some sort of fortified wine with the scent of flowers. She drank the rest and handed him the glass. As he set it aside, a rush of warmth coursed through her. Pleasant, it made her limbs feel heavy. Her vision blurred, but her other senses came to life. The smell of the oil burning in the torches, the distant sound of waves crashing outside. Even the master’s breathing, which had become labored. Her own heart hammered in her chest, and her skin tingled. Especially at her breasts and the spot between her legs. Her body craved something. It grew restless and hot, but for what?

When his hand went beneath her skirts and found the skin of her calf, she had her answer. She needed his touch. His fingers could make her complete. She sighed and closed her eyes, the better to enjoy the feel of his hand against her skin.

Slowly, he moved higher up her leg to her knee and above. When the stone of his ring grazed the other thigh, she let her legs fall apart. At home, she’d never have allowed a touch so intimate. Such a caress would have mortified her. The heat that now burned her cheeks had nothing to do with embarrassment. It took her back to dreams she’d forgotten — images she hadn’t understood. Dark and sinful and delicious. And always accompanied by an ache between her legs.

She throbbed now. He’d drugged the wine, and she ought to be frightened. Instead, every bit of her mind and body focused on the path of fire he was laying now over her upper thigh. Close, so close.

When he finally touched her, she gasped with shock and pleasure. Her hips jerked, pressing her harder against his hand.

“Hot,” he murmured, his voice husky.

Strange, but somehow touching her had moved him, as well. His breath came faster, as did hers. Somehow, they’d formed a connection, and he’d caught her fever.

With no suitors, she’d never learned much about what went on between men and women. Some part of a man’s body would get hard, and then he’d put it inside his wife. The master would do that with her now. He had the right.

© RED SAGE PUBLISHING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Category: Fantasy, Paranormal & Occult

Length: Novelette

MSRP/List Price: $5.50

Our Cover Price: $2.50

Available Format: eBook

Description: As Elsbeth says goodbye to her father at the foot of the forbidden mountain, he places a bride’s garland on
her head and then refuses to let her go.

“I won’t leave you,” he insists. “Not to what lives up there.”

But Elsbeth has always known that her fate can only be found at the crest of the forbidden mountain in the master’s castle, a place shrouded in legend and kissed by the clouds.

Every hundred years, on the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the new century, a virgin from the town is led to the foot of the mountain and sent up to her destiny at the master’s hands. None of the virgins are ever heard from again.

As the time for the sacrifice grows near, the master’s protection against the elements begins to falter. Drought, wind, cold. Crops fail. The people are suffering, and only Elsbeth can put a stop to it.

But at what cost? Is Elsbeth a blood sacrifice? Or a companion to ease the master’s isolation?

To My Readers: When I saw the picture of the neo-Gothic castle on the Black Sea, I knew I had to set a story there. When I thought up the idea of an immortal Master of the Elements, I knew I’d have to give him a woman brave enough to stand up to him. Luckily, Elsbeth volunteered.

ISBN: 9781603101325

Publication Date: 11/01/2007

Reviews

4.5 Hearts!

"The author's telling of this tale is both lyrical and descriptive and while her story is filled with erotic scenes, it's bound together with very real emotion. The characterization was incredible and the story's pacing and plot flowed so well that time seemed lost in the reading of it. This story engaged me in a way that left me longing for more. Don't miss this gem of a story that solidly launches the Red Sage line of ebooks and pledges to readers that there are many more wonderful stories to come."

~~The Romance Studio gives Master of the Elements by Alice Gaines 4.5 Hearts!

After reading this story, you’ll be reminded why you first started reading romance and continue to do so. I strongly suggest that you snatch up this inspiring fantastic tale.

Once every 100 years, the island folk must sacrifice a virgin to the Master of Elements in exchange for safe seas and temperate weather. Since she was a child, Elsbeth knew the day would come when she would give her life for the sake of her people. She doesn’t know what to expect because the young women that are sacrificed are never heard from again. Yet nothing could prepare her for what she finds. The Master of the Elements is intrigued by the brave and bold Elsbeth. For centuries, he has lived alone as the protector of the island and its people. Many women have come and gone, but this time everything is different, especially in what he feels for Elsbeth.

This wonderfully descriptive story is set in an ancient gothic castle of magic and mystery. The passionate intimacy between Elsbeth and the Master is built upon and tended in every scene. It’s moving when an author can bridge a connection between the reader and her characters. Everything that happens unfolds slowly page by page until you become a part of their world. Master of the Elements is a tender and sensual love story that has a timeless quality. It reminds us that love can be the ultimate salvation between two people. After reading this story, you’ll be reminded why you first started reading romance and continue to do so. I strongly suggest that you snatch up this inspiring fantastic tale.

~~Patrice F. ~ Joyfully Reviewed

•• Coffee Time Romance says it's "a tale of sacrifice and selflessness." "The characters tell you their story quickly and straight to the point. The book is full of Passion and Romance that keeps the reader entertained throughout. Ms. Gaines has written another great story."

~~Coffee Time Romance

MASTER OF THE ELEMENTS – Alice Gaines

RRTE Rating: Multiple O’s

Once every one hundred years, a virgin sacrifice is made to the Master of the Elements so that he will continue to ensure that the people have prosperous fields and a mild climate. Elsbeth is the chosen sacrifice – though unlike those before her, Elsbeth embraces her duty to ensure the survival of her people. Elsbeth doesn’t know what awaits her but she is eager to find out. Will it be her death, or will she find paradise on earth? A short, highly erotic tale, MASTER OF THE ELEMENTS delivers a fantastic story in just a very few pages. Romantic and filled with sizzling hot sex, MASTER OF THE ELEMENTS is a delightful tale and one I recommend.

~~~Terrie Figueroa - Romance Reviews Today Erotic Reviews