Title: Tethered
Author: Leigh Hall
Series: BirthRight #1
Publication: October 29th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Author: Leigh Hall
Series: BirthRight #1
Publication: October 29th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Synopsis:
No matter how hard you fight it—destiny has a mind of its own!
Since foreseeing the imminent death of her parents six years earlier, Chloe has lived a simple, not-so-charmed-life away from her remaining Wiccan family.
Zero magic.
No close friendships.
While struggling to bench-press more guilt than any nineteen-year-old ever should.
But fate intervenes and forces Chloe to return home. As if being an in-the-closet-Seer wasn’t bad enough, now she has to spend summer break with the snarky sister who hates her—and the magical birthright she was hell-bent on denying for all eternity.
Luckily, meeting Mr. Perfect takes the edge off her endless family drama. Hunter’s twenty-five, sometimes old-fashioned in a Jane Austen hero sort of way, and more delicious than molten-lava cake. But the more she tries to hide her family’s magical secrets from this ever-present stranger, the more quickly she realizes he’s hiding a few doozies of his own.
Will the lies and betrayal destroy their relationship before it really begins? Or will learning of their tethered future create an unbreakable bond neither can deny? Either way, their hearts will be forever entwined by destiny.
Excerpt:
He
eyes me curiously. “Why, were you afraid I was stalking you or something?” Once the words roll off his tongue, a
snicker bursts from his lips.
My
face heats up. “Of course not! It just occurred to me after you left yesterday
I had no idea why you were here...when you knew why I was. So now I
know.”
“Now
you know.” Mischief spreads across his face, his eyebrows lifting with his
crooked smile. “So, if you see me back here a lot over the next few days, you
won’t go thinking I decided to stalk you after all, will you? Because if we’re
here—on the same floor—seeing the same doctor—we’re bound to run into each other from time to time. I wouldn't want you
worrying for your safety or anything, so I figured I’d put your mind at ease before
it has a chance to run away with itself again.” He laughs almost under his
breath.
Seriously?
Oh, he’s clearly enjoying this. But
I’ll play along. Why not? “Your consideration is touching.” I lift my hand to
my heart. “But if you should happen to change your mind about stalking
me, please just give me a heads up first. I’d be more than happy to provide you
with my itinerary. I know how daunting your schedule must be, so I wouldn't want to subject you to any difficulties which might further endanger your
well-being.” I tilt my head, batting my baby blues for affect. “If you like, I
could even leave a ladder outside my window...or binoculars in the tree across
the street. You know...just in case.” Feeling just a tad cocky from my
rebuttal, I return the same sideways smirk he’s now giving me.
“You
see, I knew you were a good woman from the first moment I laid eyes on
you. Most aren't willing to be so accommodating.”
“Well,
the way I see it...you risk your life to protect strangers every day. It’s
merely my civic duty to repay your kindness. I’m nothing if not old-fashioned.”
I re-cross my legs, trying not to seem too confident.
He
leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Well in that case, I promise to let
you know when I decide to stalk you.”
“When...?” My eyes open wide.
The
second he laughs, I jump in right along with him. How could I not with that
amazing, smoky laugh of his? He does seem to be enjoying this just as much as I
am.
“You’re
a lot of fun, Miss Chloe. And a lot quicker than I expected. Very
pleasant surprise.” He smiles. His gorgeous, mocha eyes caress my soul.
Deep
breath, Chloe. “Yeah well, you caught me on an off-day yesterday. But I’ll be
sure to bring my A-game from now on.” I bump my knee into his as I lift my
brows flirtatiously.
“I’ll
hold you to it, you know. Comic relief is in short supply around here.” He nods
towards the emergency room entrance.
“Yeah,
hospitals tend to have that effect on people. I can’t imagine why.”
An
adorable blush lights up his cheeks. I don’t know if I ever realized just how
sexy it is when a guy gets embarrassed. Though, I’m sure just about any look would be attractive on Hunter.
“So,
what do you do for fun in this town, Miss Chloe?”
“When
you figure that one out, you can let me know. I have absolutely
no idea. Lived in San Diego for six years, remember?”
“Oh,
that’s right. Well, perhaps some evening after I decide to stalk you, maybe I’ll lure you to my car with some candy. Then we
can drive around and figure it out together.” He leans back, eyeing me from
under half closed lids as he grins.
“Well
that all depends on how long it takes you to start stalking me. I can’t wait
forever you know.” I do my best to look serious, but I can’t quite tell if I
succeed.
He
tips his head back, belting out a hearty laugh. “Fair enough.”
“So
would it be presumptuous of me to ask how old my perspective stalker is?”
His
jaw drops. “I’m appalled! How dare
you ask me such a personal question? You have some nerve, madam.” His acting
skills are lacking, but who cares. He smiles. “I’m twenty-five. So will you
bestow the same courtesy upon me, Miss Chloe?”
Suddenly
uncomfortable, I re-cross my legs, again, then start bouncing my foot. “Are you
sure you really want to know?” Well, it was fun while it lasted. I know I’m way
too young for him, and now he’ll know too. I’m such a dumb ass for asking his
age. Idiot!
“Of
course I do. It can’t be that shocking.”
“You
sure about that?”
“Oh
come on, it can’t be that bad.”
I
hold my breath for a few seconds, then exhale. “I’m only nineteen.” My
shoulders tense as I get ready for the big let-down.
“So
you’re still in school then?” His head tilts to the side.
“Yup.
Only two years left, thank god.”
“Hmm.
I don’t know if I can stalk someone who’s underage. I could get arrested for
harassing a minor, you know.” He attempts a serious tone.
“First,
I’m not a minor...and second, I’d say
that’s the least of your worries if
you turn out to be a stalker.” Ha. Take that, Hunter Payne!
“You
do have a point.” He shakes his head while looking at the sidewalk.
“Of
course I do.”
AUTHOR BIO:
Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation.
Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.
Brandi hasn't been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it’s okay to speak your mind and be independent, career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society’s mold.
In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.
Giveaway: This giveaway is for a kindle ebook copy of Tethered and is open internationally. This giveaway is sponsored by the Author and/or Xpresso Book Tours. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
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