Book Spotlight & Giveaway~ Euphoria by Scott J. Kramer

Title: Euphoria

Author: Scott J Kramer

Series Title and Number: Territory Novel #2

Publisher: Prizm, a Torquere Press Imprint

Cover Artist: Kris Norris

Release Date: 6/1/16

Heat Level: 1

Length: 58,000 words

Genre/Tags: Fantasy, Science Fiction

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Synopsis

The kingdom of Faldoa has thrived under its new queen. Euphoria has changed the land, yet evil lies in wait. During a mission to dispose of the last pieces of the magic mirror, she is attacked by a dark elf assassin using a mysterious box. Taylon, her captain of the Royal Guard is able to fight off the assailant, but not before damage is done to the queen. Deep in the Territories, a strange prophecy comes forth from the elves, and Council Member Gantha is sent on a mission to find a wizard of races. Little does he know that this little foretelling speaks of resurrection of pure evil. Taylon, with the help of a local medicine woman, seeks out a cure for the queen’s sickness in the far reaches of the kingdom, while the pieces of the magic mirror cause their own havoc.

Excerpt

Euphoria’s dark, chocolate-brown hair flew wildly in the wind as the horse freely galloped beneath her. She held back a laugh, enjoying the ride, trying to let her emotions regarding the kiss go. But they would not be suppressed. Ever since she attained this body upon the cracking of the mirror, life had been strange. No longer trapped inside a necklace, Rose possessed someone else now. Euphoria. She didn’t understand the magic behind it. Her husband Guilaud would have, but he… The horse jumped a fallen log, jostling her thinking into disarray. The feelings alone of being alive again were extraordinary. But at what price? Her true husband was dead centuries ago. I am queen. A vibrant, beautiful woman. But even with all of that, Rose felt that something was missing. Sure she was attracting handsome young men, in a different time, in a different land, posing as someone else. As happy as she was, sadness rooted deep within. Taylon knew the truth, of course. They had been through the wraith ordeal together. And they were even closer now. She felt their attraction, and she wanted it. But was she betraying Guilaud? Her horse swiftly took the corner and a tree brushed her shoulder. Thoughts scattered again. Taylon pulled up beside her as the trail widened. “Next town is only a little farther. We can stop there.” He flashed a smile. It soothed her worried mind. Thunk! One moment Taylon was there, and the next only his horse. Euphoria brought back the reigns. Her horse neighed, threw its head back in retort but quickly heeded the command. Taylon lay in the dirt clutching his shoulder, a crossbow bolt protruding. What was…? But those were the only two words she could muster before a scream filled her head. A piercing wail, shattering active thought. Suddenly, pain flooded her body. Fire, burning, scorching agony ripped through her heart. Her own voice echoed the scream. A force jerked her out of her saddle and she fell to the hard-packed ground. Her eyes wildly danced about, unable to focus through the tears. She heard Taylon, but another torturous scream erupted from within her. Something like needles traveled through her skin, poking and tearing. She swung her arm up, expecting to see cuts, blood, but there was only dirt and pain. Euphoria thrashed, arms and legs splaying out at all angles, trying to shake away the pain. Chaos convoluted her senses, a taste of something foul, putrid; an aroma of burning wood, and an obnoxious odor filled her nose. Above her, sky and forest blended into one. “Euphoria!” Taylon was over her, his brow creased, and his eyes roaming erratically over her. In a second between bursts of agony, she locked eyes with him, pleading. She heard someone laugh from the trees. “What have you…?” But the rest was lost as her own banshee cry drowned all else out. Death would be a terrific release for her. Seconds, minutes, maybe hours passed as she released her pain through tears and screams. Why? Who? When? All were questions that briefly formed before they were shattered, lost. As suddenly as it’d begun, it stopped. Swords clashed near her, but Euphoria barely registered it. Every cell throbbed and waited, anticipating the next wave of pain. Her mouth hung open, ready to scream. But nothing came. Except someone did scream. For a moment, Euphoria thought the pain was back and she had yelled. But it wasn’t her. Turning her head, black spots danced about her eyes. The cry stopped and now someone yelled words. To her? Was it Taylon? And he appeared at her side, fresh blood dripping from a cut on his cheek. “My queen!” She looked up, trying to answer him. The dark spots grew and she felt herself slipping away. She wanted to say thank you, and even I’m sorry. She wanted to say so many things, yet her mouth wouldn’t respond. Her eyes closed as the darkness took her.

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Torquere Press

Meet the Author

Ever since Scott’s mother denied naming him Scott Fitzgerald Kramer, writing has been in his blood. He watched his grandfather use an old-fashioned typewriter to compose memories about his grandmother. Finding out quickly that typewriters didn’t like him, Scott began carrying a scrap of paper and a pencil. Word processing changed his fate. Scott lives in Cincinnati with his beautiful wife and two adorable little girls. During the day, Scott as Mr. Kramer terrorizes sixth grade students, forcing them to read and write. Slowly, they come to realize that reading is fun and writing is something they have to do to pass his class. Euphoria is Scott’s second novel in the Territory Series. Soon the conclusion Taylon will be published. The first book is Kara. You can visit Scott at on Wordpress

Giveaway

Rafflecopter Prize: One winner will be selected to win an eBook copy or a signed paperback copy of Euphoria

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talking with a few Torquere/Prizim Authors

Meet Torquere Author T. Strange.....

One of the best parts of reading is being able to live your fantasies from the comfort of your couch. Have you ever fantasized about being spanked? About giving up control, just for a little while? Then this book is for you! Gavin has been going to motorcycle shows for years, hoping to find a hot biker who will introduce him to the BDSM he craves. After years of searching, he meets Terry, who seems to be exactly what he’s been looking for, and vice versa. Before they can play, Gavin has to learn about the differences between fantasy and reality. Boots and Leather is a short, steamy read, perfect for a summer’s day. Be sure and enter to win your free copy!

About the author: 

T. Strange has been part of the BDSM lifestyle for several years. She has actively participated in her local kinky community, and is very passionate when it comes to education about safe, fun kink. So far, she has two Tales of Leather Sips published with Torquere Press, ‘Boots and Leather’ and ‘Belladonna’. Both stories feature m/m BDSM. 
She can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and on Tumblr at tqstrange.tumblr.com, or you can email her at tq.strange@gmail.com

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Meet Prizim author, Huston Piner.....

My Life as a Myth is a bittersweet page-turner filled with humorous misadventures, unexpected psychedelic explorations and moments of love, passion and tragedy. 1969 high school loser Nick Horton’s new friend Jesse Gaston promises to make him a superstar. But if would-be girlfriends, his dysfunctional family, and a suspicious principal weren’t enough to deal with, Nick falls in love with Bobby Warren and things really get complicated. Can Nick and Bobby find their way in a world where acid rock rules, status is everything and being gay is the last taboo?

Nominated for the 2014 Stonewall Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature.

Reviewers’ comments:

… a realistic depiction of the struggles an ordinary young gay person may experience. Some of it is sad, some of it is scary, and some of it is maddening, but it is also funny, insightful, and, ultimately, hopeful. The bittersweet ending is appropriate to the … time in which the book is set. This novel is well worth reading. – Orion

It made me laugh and cry, and I've got to warn you, there are some scenes that really tug on the heartstrings. ... Overall a wonderful YA read which I highly recommend. – Jeff Erno.

If you’re seeking a highly original young adult read that will have you laughing and crying in equal measure, I can certainly recommend this book. - Jamie Deacon

My Life as a Myth is one of the most realistic LGBTQ YA books that has crossed my desk … If you like a period piece, if you are interested in the 60's, if you like LGBTQ YA, if you like humour, a message, young love, and can handle a bittersweet piece of fiction that is firmly rooted in reality, then please do yourself a favour and read the beautifully written, wonderfully named My Life as a Myth. – Kazza K

Excerpt:

I woke up sometime after dawn. I was on my back and Bobby lay on his side with his left leg draped over me and an arm wrapped snuggly around me. As I came to, I realized we were both uncovered, he was naked, and we both had hard-ons; his rested on my thigh. Completely embarrassed, I began a slow delicate process to untangle us without waking him.

After I freed myself, I hurried to the bathroom, quietly closed the door and raised the lid just in time to explode. I stood there shivering until I was completely drained and flushed the toilet. The bathroom had a small walk in shower with a sliding door. I got in before the water fully heated up, and let it flow over me to ensure I was fully awake.

I dried my hair with the damp towel. Bobby had rolled over and snored quietly, now clutching a pillow. I finished dressing and watched him sleep for a minute, taking in how perfect he is from head to toe. My God, he’s beautiful, I thought, and I felt myself stiffen. It took me a couple of minutes to tear myself away from just admiring him. There are some things you just know you’ll remember all your life and I knew right then that even when I’m a hundred, remembering him sleeping like that will bring out the same feelings in me.

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