The Orb of Atrios - Excerpt |
Publisher: Ellora's Cave |
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Like a wish being granted, Dare, along with Zen and Ran, emerged from one of the long buildings in the distance. Lea realized they must be stables. The men were talking earnestly and as they neared the garden, began to laugh at some jest of Ran's.
As though feeling the pull of her need, Dare looked up, his gaze meshing with hers. Their silent communication spun through the air. Ran and Zen, following Dare's look, rewarded Lea with waves and Zen clapped Dare on the shoulder, urging him in the direction of the balcony stairs.
Dare took the steps two at a time and made his way to Lea. "Miss me?" he questioned hopefully.
"Actually I guess I did," she confessed with some surprise.
He gave her a pleased smile then sobered and asked, "Did you find anything in the diaries to help you with your decision?" He stood a short distance from her as though restraining himself from touching her. His expression gave nothing away as he waited for her answer.
"Um, well, yes, I did," Lea answered. Now that he stood here before her, revealing her decision wasn't as easy as she'd thought it would be.
"And?"
"And ... I've decided to stay." Once the words were out, they seemed to hang in the air between them as Lea waited breathlessly for his reaction.
Wordlessly Dare nodded and turned away, taking a step that put him at the low balcony wall. He placed both hands on top of the wall and looked out over the garden. Lea watched him for a moment. She could almost feel the tension that radiated from the taut muscles of back. It drew her closer to him until she rested a hand lightly on his shoulder blade.
Dare tensed under her touch, then relaxed as she ran her hand over the sculpted muscles of his back. "Dare?" she questioned quietly. "Is it all right? That I stay?"
Dare turned slowly and sat on the wall. "It's more than all right, Lea. It's what I hoped for. I just didn't realize how much." He reached out and pulled her between his thighs. "When you said you would stay, my strength abandoned me-as did my tongue." His hand brushed across her cheek, his thumb brushing her lower lip, and a soft groan passed his parted lips when she rubbed her face against his hand like a well-loved cat.
"You're mine," he breathed.
Lea had only a split second to sense the change in his mood before his mouth crashed fiercely over hers, taking her breath as though he tried to swallow her down, heart and soul. Shocked, she whimpered submissively, a primitive part of her accepting his need to dominate and claim her.
As her arms wrapped around his muscled torso, her nails dug into his back and she felt power rise inside. Not power brought by the Orb, but the power she possessed as a woman, a woman who was needed by a man. Her acceptance turned to welcome, her kiss becoming every bit as fierce and feral as his.
Sensing the change, Dare fisted his hand in her hair, pulling her head back. His sapphire eyes sparkled, the pupils dilated. "Tell me," he demanded his voice hard and hungry.
Lea gazed at him, her green eyes wide, the amber specks in her eyes flashing. In his eyes she saw an almost brutal desire and gave him the answer he needed. "I'm yours." "Yes." Pure male triumph blazed arrogantly in his eyes as he took her mouth again.
A kiss that began as a savage ravaging of lips and tongues began to gentle and soothe. Dare's hands tenderly stroked her back as his tongue languidly tangled with hers. He ended the kiss, keeping his eyes closed, his forehead pressed to hers as their bodies swayed slowly like seaweed in a drifting tide.
Something unspoken rose between them, a beginning that held them locked together, basking in the warmth and closeness.
"Lea," he breathed against her lips-and that one word held a multitude of meanings and possibilities.
She smiled against his mouth, tasting him again and again with small, sweet, gentle kisses against his pliant lips.
Finally opening their eyes, they drew apart, gazing almost shyly at each other. Small smiles began to play over their lips and Lea felt compelled to touch him. Leaning in close, safe in the circle of his embrace, one hand caressed the nape of his neck as she brought the other up to stroke gentle fingers over the contours of his face.
She felt Dare shiver under the touch of her hand and sighed, that small movement causing her nipples to rise against the firm muscles of his chest. Just as his lips descended toward hers, a knock sounded at the door. It was Dare's turn to sigh. "After the ceremony and banquet, anyone knocking on that door will be beheaded."
Lea laughed, her amusement assuaging Dare's ire. Giving her a quick hard kiss, he crossed the room to confront the offender. Luckily, the two household staff were accompanied by Gilaine.
"Ran told me you were here," she said, bustling in. "I have brought Lea's dress for the ceremony and a light meal for the two of you."
She motioned the servers in, and while they quickly set up the meal, Gilaine took Lea's dress into the bedroom. Returning, she dismissed the staff and turned to Lea and Dare with a long considering look. "I have had your kitchen well stocked, and the staff has been informed that after the banquet you two are not to be disturbed unless we are being attacked or some natural disaster occurs. I would hate to lose any of my people to beheadings after all the time I put into training them." She smiled, arching a brow in Dare's direction. "Ran tells me that you have put him in charge and that similar orders have been issued to the men. Everything is ready, so," she indicated the meal, "eat and enjoy your evening together. Shaylar and I will come tomorrow to help Lea prepare." Without another word she herded her people out and left them alone.
Dare looked at the serving table then at Lea. "How hungry are you?"
"Well, I am hungry," she admitted, as she walked around him then ran a teasing hand over his chest as she moved away in the direction of the bedroom, "but I don't see anything on that table that will satisfy my appetite."
Reviews
Review Site: Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewer: Joy Harrington
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Heat level: O
Lealah Redmond happens upon an orb while in an antique shop. By picking it up, she starts on a journey toward the man of her dreams, or at least the man that's been haunting her erotic dreams lately. Darien Finn Mal, the leader of Atrios, has sent out the orb to find his perfect submissive mate as is the long held tradition among his clan.When she arrives via storm and lightning, is he prepared to deal with a modern Earth girl?
The moral of this story is "Enjoy getting what you wish for." Or is it "Be careful what you wish for?" Lealah tells her best friend exactly what she wants in a relationship at the beginning of the book and the rest of the story is about her dealing with the reality of receiving those wants and desires. I commend Ms. Steele's handling of Lealah's reactions to her new life in a realistic manner where other authors have asked their readers to suspend belief. Lealah demands time to process what's happened and asks some hard questions before she accepts her new life. This aspect is usually glossed over very quickly in paranormal romances. I have only one complaint about this story. There is a sex scene that develops from a minor subplot towards the very end that comes completely out of left field and feels gratuitous. I rather enjoyed the scene as a standalone but I didn't feel it integrated well into the two main characters' relationship development or the book as a whole. Overall, the chemistry between Lealah and Darien is very hot and leads to many smoldering sex scenes worthy of savoring again and again. The orb itself is actually my favorite part and reminds me of a similar orb from a non-romance sci-fi series. It has some surprises of its own. Its last act in this story is a doozy and convinces me that there will be a hot juicy sequel in the future.
Review Site: Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewer: Kirra Pierce
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat level: H
Lea and Dare are a yummy couple. At first I thought she was going along with the "whole you've just been dumped in another dimension and destined to mate this guy" (OK, an incredibly hot guy) a little too calmly, but she reasonably dug in her heels and called a temporary halt to things until she felt comfortable with the arrangement. But how comfortable can you be when all you really want to do is have wild monkey sex with the guy who wants you just as much? From a masturbation scene to the very last love scene, the love making in this book is hot and varied. By the way, Dare has an equally delectable brother and couples sharing their love is not forbidden in this culture. There are some major cultural differences that have to be confronted and worked through, but this is a couple that is crazy for each other. There is also strong story support from a number of Dare's family members - some of whom I expect to see in later stories. This is an enjoyable world I look forward to visiting again.
Review Site: Romance Reviews Today
Reviewer: Lynn Mullen
Rating: A Perfect 10
Kate Steele has gifted readers with a delightful story. Although a highly erotic tale, THE ORB OF ATRIOS has all the elements of a romance needed to balance the carnal details of the book. Lea is a rational woman without excessive theatrics; she analyses her situation, makes her choices and then jumps right in without regrets. She has her own standards and opinions and will fight for them. Dare is just as likable, even when he struggles to understand Lea and her different upbringing. He shows the right amount of protectiveness, without being too overbearing. He is a man, after all, and won me over when he showed Lea that he can be romantic as well. There are plenty of charismatic characters who make the plot quite amusing. And wait until you meet Ran. What a hunk! Hot and irreverent, he's the kind of guy you wish your man could turn into sometimes, like a hot date. But I digress… And just when you think the story is settled and about over with, the author sends you spinning with a new twist making a great story even better. For that alone, ORB OF ATRIOS deserves a Perfect 10! Buy it, send everyone away (well, maybe keep your man around) and enjoy a steamy, blow-your-mind book.
Review Site: Fallen Angel Reviews
Reviewer: Trang
Rating: 5 Angels
If I had to pick one word to describe this story, it would be "Fantastic!" The Orb of Atrios is a sizzling story of two people destined to be together, if they can only accept it and learn to live with each other. Lea and Dare are two very different people from different places but with characteristics that are complimentary. Discovering their compatibilities was the best part of this story. Dare is the strong leader, who wants to protect his woman, often without explaining things to Lea. Thankfully, he is also intelligent enough to realize that Lea is different. With no understanding of Atrios and the people or their beliefs, she must adjust and accept their way of life. Working together, they learn about each other and quickly fall in love. The sexual encounters are smoking hot! I enjoyed the secondary characters who were well developed. Ms. Steele has created a wonderful world and I definitely look forward to Dare's twin brother, Tieran's story.
Review Site: The Romance Studio
Reviewer: Angel Brewer
Rating: 5 hearts
This book is an awesome read and I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Lealah and Darien. The chemistry is intense and the battle of wills certainly keeps you turning the pages. The love scenes are burning and the passion is red hot. Lealah is a strong willed woman who won't submit easily, Darien is the man who won't give up. The characters are wonderful and interesting and the plot is intriguing. Kate Steele has penned another winner and I look forward to seeing what her next book will bring.
Review Site: Erotic Escapades
Reviewer: Miaka Chase
Rating: 5 Tattoos
Lealah Redmond has been having dreams of a mysterious stranger ... dreams that leave her body yearning for this sexy otherworldly man.
Darien Finn Mal has been sharing these dreams with Lea. The Orb of Atrios has chosen Lea as wife to Darien.
Now convincing her that she is his soulmate…well that's not going to be easy.
Kate Steele's The Orb of Atrios was a great read that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The characters were interesting, three-dimensional and easy to relate to. Lea especially endeared herself to me because when she found herself in a strange land with foreign customs and mores, she was still able to handle herself with remarkable aplomb. I can only hope that I would be able to react similarly if I found myself in that kind of situation.
Dare was a very masculine, extremely sexy hero that set my heart racing. Sex between Lea and him was scorchingly hot. If Dare's sexual prowess is any indication, more women will want to visit Atrios , sooner rather than later.
The Orb of Atrios was a delightful read by Kate Steele and the perfect way to wile away a few hours. I can't wait to read Ms. Steele's next offering.
Review Site: Romance Divas
Reviewer: Jodie Boulter
Rating: 4 Kisses
Ms. Steele's voice is like a nice fruity wine with its variety and sweetness. She manages to catch well in her writing a new world with interesting clothes, customs and superior architecture. With a love that is both playful and hot she shows the two aspects can run well together. And if ménages are your thing you won't be disappointed with a scene for every girl's fantasy. Of course, Ms. Steele doesn't disappoint, and be forewarned that we may yet be seeing a sequel to this playful romp in another world. For those that like a little sweet love with their hot sex this one is for you.
Review Site: Joyfully Reviewed
Reviewer: Jolie
The concept of the Orb captivated me as completely as it did Lea! With The Orb of Atrios Ms. Steele creates a fantastic tale that had me turning the pages well past midnight. Her characters are credible, likable and well drawn. The emotional connection between Dare and Lea is powerful and heartfelt. While Dare is a strong, dominant and sometimes arrogant man, he tries to be tender, loving and patient when dealing with his new mate. Lea is a soft, loving, yet feisty heroine and I found myself cheering on her small rebellions as she was finding her way in a new world. The sex was hot and delectable with the heat index increasing as I read. Because of Dare's possessive nature, a ménage scene was an unexpected, yet thoroughly delicious, surprise. I'm looking forward to reading more about the land of Atrios, and hope to see Ran's book soon. Kate Steele has scored a winner with The Orb of Atrios!
Review Site: The Road To Romance
Reviewer: Stacey Brutger
Lealah Redmond considers herself a modern woman, with one exception. She doesn't want a career, but would rather be a full time mother and housewife. But that does not mean she will be a floor mat or obey blindly. She wants a partner, however unlikely it is in this day and age. As a reoccurring dream disturbs her sleep, Lea would give almost anything to find her fantasy man. Confused and unsure of her future, Lea finds an unusual crystal. The instant she touches the smoother surface, Lea is shocked by her reaction to it.
Darien Finn Mal is the chieftain of his clan, yet for the last few weeks a restlessness has plagued him. Following the dictates of his world, he allows the Orb of Atrios to select his mate. Yet, things go wrong from the first. Instead of a normal selection, the orb has chosen a woman from Earth!
One moment Lea was contemplating her life, the next lightening strikes -literally. Transported to another world, she wakes naked. In hours, she finds herself in Dare's arms, listening to a fantastic tale of who he is and her role in this new world. As the future unfolds, Lea fights his command at every turn. Will Lea realize Dare's the husband she always wanted or will his commanding ways push her away?
Dare came across dominating, almost rigid in his beliefs, but underneath, a man who clearly cares for those around him. His soft side made me forgive any harshness that being a commander required. Lea, unsettle by her new surroundings, fights to understand her new life and her natural inclination to be treated as an equal. Some of the rituals and customs alternate from being interesting, to funny, to down right sensual. One of the love scenes felt a little contrived, but the ending of the book wrapped everything up perfectly. Kate Steele is definitely one to keep a look out for if you want a sexy, hot read with gorgeous alpha males to keep you entertained.
