Kinley Baker is the author of the fantasy romance novel, Ruined. She read her first romance at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy.
Where to Find Kinley:
Rocking the Old World
Thank you for allowing me to visit TBQ's Book Palace today! I love the art on this blog because it reminds me of the Realm of Shadows in Ruined. It has the Old World charm that I absolutely adore. I love the mysticism of castles sprawled over hills, and the magic of a kingdom without technology.
In today’s modern world, I’m pretty lost without my fancy phone which allows me to check twitter, e-mail, and browse online. But something about creating a fantasy realm where magic replaced technology appealed to me. This especially reminds me of the time period like in the movie Ever After where people had to ride horses to travel and communication often became tricky. It was much easier for misunderstandings to emerge. I love the fashions, the royal decorum, and the scandal.
These ideas added to my obsession with the paranormal. I’ve always had an overactive imagination back to the time I first watched Independence Day and swore aliens would attack for several weeks. I believe in the impossible because I can’t discount it. Since I read a lot of paranormal romances, Ruined is heavily influenced by that genre. The Shadow Shifters use the shadows to shift at lightning speeds and they have Spiritual gifts from their Ancestor gods. They have four gifts: Warrior, Healer, Seer and Sensitive. These abilities are traits associated with the paranormal.
I love the time of the Old World where women could get away with wearing robes and slippers. But I also love the idea of lace undergarments, a parallel to the idea that one never really knows what another person is hiding just below their surface.
Even in a historic and paranormal society set in a different realm, I think our problems remain universal. Forbidden love is common, and I think setting the relationship in a realm divided makes for more conflict in the story.
I love television, electricity, and the ability to use a washing machine, but sometimes, especially when I need an escape, I love a fantasy set in the Old World. The magic remains the heart of the people, and suddenly, the impossible isn’t quite so defined.
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Ruined by Kinley Baker
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press (July 16, 2011)
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Jessa is one healing away from death. Under the thrall of her gift, the Court's Senior Healer risks giving her life in exchange for her patient's.
Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goes unheeded.
But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat between them leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bind them in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayal neither could survive.
Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerful Healer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows and fused in fire.
Where to Buy*:
More Info:
Ruined by Kinley Baker
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
"You."
Fury burned hot under Jessa's skin as she glared at Vale. "Who do you
think you are, demanding I come live in this castle? You can't just order your
guards to enter a woman's home and pack up her things."
"Well,
I did." Vale came around the desk and propped one hip against it, more of
a threatening than casual movement.
"Someone
tried to kill me. It makes sense that I have my Healer close by."
She
released a pent-up breath. "Why couldn't you have explained that instead
of mandating?" Silly. Her imagination had run away with her. The king
needed his Healer. But the realization he didn't want her made her angrier.
"Because
I didn't want to give you the option of saying no."
She
most definitely would have said no.
"If
you would have explained your reasoning, I would have complied. Your safety and
health come first, even if I-"
"Even
if you what?"
"Loathe
you." She bunched her fingers into two fists, seriously tempted to hit
him. For all the nonexistent pain it would inflict upon him.
"Do
you?" His tone deadened with calm. "Because I can't stop thinking
about you."
"That's
normal." She brushed off the claim. "I saved your life."
He
moved in a blur. A true Shadow Shifter. One second he stood near his desk, the
next he had her in his arms, one locked around her waist and one hand tangled
in her hair. Their lips almost brushed.
"I
can't stop thinking about you." His murmur played down her spine, leaving
a tingling trail. His scent invaded her. His voice embraced her like bare skin
against satin sheets.
Her
heart beat fast, her pulse jumped.
She
disliked him, but didn't want him to let her go.
"Have
you been thinking about me?" His soft tone feathered over her flesh.
"Only
how much I dislike you." Lust pulsed in her belly.
He
pulled her head back gently by her hair, so they looked straight into each
other's eyes. Their bodies pressed tightly together. "Liar."
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Discussion Question:
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I'd like to thank Kinley for stopping by--I loved your post and I was glad to ahve the chance to read Ruined! I'd also like to thank Bewitching Book Tours for allowing me the opportunity to join this tour, as well as providing the review copy.
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!
2 comments :
Thank you for the chance to visit! This post was a lot of fun to write :-)
Oh, no, thank you! :) I really enjoyed your post as well--I think it was a great choice!
Enjoy,
TBQ
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