Hi peeps, we have a treat today as Shira Anthony stops by with her tour for her newest release Running With the Wind, the third and last book in her Mermen of Ra series. Shira brings along the third installment of her exclusive ficlit, we have a very sexy excerpt, there is an amazing giveaway and we have Cat’s review’s for all the series! So guys check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Running With The Wind

Shira Anthony

Sequel to Into the Wind

With the final confrontation between the island and mainland Ea factions looming, Taren and Ian sail with Odhrán to investigate a lost colony of merfolk in the Eastern Lands. Upon their arrival, the King of Astenya welcomes them as friends. Odhrán, however, isn’t so quick to trust the descendent of the man who held him prisoner for nearly a decade, especially now that he has someone to cherish and protect—the mysterious winged boy he rescued from the depths.

Armed with the knowledge he believes will save the Ea, Taren returns to the mainland. With Ian at his side, Taren convinces Vurin that their people must unite with their island brethren before it’s too late. When Seria and his men attack, Taren must call upon the ancient power of the rune stone to protect his comrades. But using stone’s immeasurable power commands a hefty price—and Ian fears that price is Taren’s life.

Excerpt

The setup: The crews of the Sea Witch and the Phantom join forces as Taren and Ian search for the fabled colony of merfolk in the Eastern Lands. Human and Ea (mermen shifters), side by side, are drawn into an age-old mystery. Set sometime during the final book in the Mermen of Ea Series, Running with the Wind, two cabin boys, one human and one merman, grow to be close friends and perhaps more….

Continued from [Bayou Book Junkie]

For a moment, Fiall feared the water had grown cloudy. He soon realized it wasn’t sand that partially obscured his vision, but a silvery aura that wrapped itself around Aine’s body like a blanket. Aine’s legs seemed to lengthen as they glowed. His feet seemed to swirl and undulate as they, too, lengthened. Aine’s toes had vanished, and in their place Fiall saw the makings of tail flukes sprout at the end of a long tail.

Aine’s body appeared to solidify in the midst of the silver cloud. Colorful markings streaked what was now his tail, and Fiall noticed appendages at Aine’s wrists: small fins that ended in sharp tines. Aine’s torso had changed as well. Where the concave contours of his youthful abdomen had once been, Fiall saw the slight indentations of muscle. The muscles of Aine’s arms were also more clearly defined than before, the honed planes of his chest more like a man’s than a boy’s.

Fiall felt his mind blur much like the water before. He imagined Aine’s voice in his mind shout, “Fiall!” He reached out for Aine, smiling and floating on the current. In his dreamlike state, he no longer feared the water.

“Fiall, you must breathe!” Aine shouted once again.

Strong arms pulled him upward and into the air. Fiall coughed and spluttered, inhaling long breaths to fill his starving lungs. He’d lost track of himself beneath the water and he’d forgotten he couldn’t breathe beneath the surface!

Fiall looked around and realized they were far from land. Momentary panic evaporated as he felt Aine’s powerful arms encircle his waist and keep him above the water.

“Are you all right?” Aine asked in his mind.

“You can read my thoughts,” he replied.

“In this form,” Aine explained, “this is how we communicate. But I can only hear the thoughts you wish me to hear.”

This time, Fiall did not speak, but thought the words, Thank you for saving me.

“Goddess! You frightened me,” Aine answered. “I feared you would drown.”

I was…. surprised by your transformation. He guessed Aine would hear the words “amazed” and “stunned”, as well.

“I am sorry if I —,” Aine began.

You mustn’t apologize. Fiall didn’t want Aine to think he’d been frightened. It was… you were so… beautiful, I lost myself for a moment. I thought I was like you… That I could breathe in the water as well.

Fiall sensed more than heard Aine’s sigh of relief. “Then you still wish to swim with me?” Aine asked.

Aye. If you will stay at my side.

“I will,” Aine answered. “I promise.”

For just a moment, Fiall found himself wishing that Aine spoke about more than just swimming. That they, like Ian and Taren, might stay together for a lifetime. But that was a dream, after all. A fantasy for someone who couldn’t breathe the water and whose legs lacked the power of an Ea’s tail.

As they swam away from land, Fiall thought he heard Aine’s voice in his mind say, “If there is to be a future, then each of us, Ea and human, must learn to build a bridge between our people. Each of us must face our fear and open our hearts.”

He wasn’t sure Aine had truly spoken the words, but Fiall believed in their truth. And with Aine by his side to keep him safe, he believed in their power. And for now, that was more than enough to make him smile.

#1 – Amanda C. Stone  #2 – Bayou Book Junkie  #3 – MM Good Book Review 

Excerpt

They continued to float, Taren’s face pressed against Ian’s chest. Taren could sense Ian’s physical desire for him, but Ian waited patiently and held him close. The feeling of peaceful repose settled deep within Taren’s heart, and Taren became slowly aware of how much he wanted Ian. Not a new feeling, but this time Taren’s doubt had fled with the onslaught of Ian’s embrace.

Taren reached up and kissed Ian. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected of the kiss. He’d never kissed anyone under the water. Ian’s mouth felt hotter than before. The saltwater caused Taren’s mouth to vibrate with sensation, as if Taren could taste Ian’s desire. Ian’s scent was powerful and primal, more like those of the other creatures Taren had smelled beneath the waves. No longer human. Taren’s body responded to the scent even more strongly than to Ian’s touch. The stirring inside his body felt both strange and wonderful. They swam side by side a few feet above the sand.

Taren’s heart beat a steady tattoo, and his body heated under Ian’s intensely possessive gaze. Taren’s need to submit was primal and demanding. Ian flicked his tail and moved to nuzzle Taren, brushing against Taren’s skin in a sensual and dizzying dance. Around and around they swam, spiraling, their bodies always in contact. Without thinking, Taren nipped at Ian’s neck. Ian swam on his back, exposing his neck to Taren’s mouth and teeth. Taren continued to bite and lick until Ian hissed in reply. The sound was like a soft whistle, audible through the water.

“Goddess!” Ian’s voice in Taren’s mind was a husky growl. “Where did you learn to do that?”

Taren had no answer except that his body knew this. He floated just above Ian, their bellies now pressed together, tails propelling them in unison. They moved in a slow, languid line above the sand. Taren nearly laughed to feel Ian’s cock hard against his own, where before they’d been hidden inside their bodies. He stopped moving and reached down to clasp it, surprised at how human it felt, hard and veined. He wanted to taste it, to learn its secrets with his lips.

Ian gazed down at Taren and stilled so Taren might better explore his body. Taren wrapped his arms around Ian’s tail and hooked his own tail around Ian’s body so they floated as one, their bodies rocked on the gentle current. With a quick glance upward at Ian—Ian’s expression was serene, even vulnerable—Taren took Ian in his mouth.

Ian’s cock was long and thick. Taren licked around the tip, flicking his tongue in tiny circles until he felt Ian’s body shudder with pleasure, then swallowed Ian’s erection until it tickled the back of his throat.

Ian moved his tail just a bit, sending them spinning again as Taren continued to explore with his tongue, reveling in Ian’s sweetness. How strange it felt to hear the surf as he coaxed Ian’s body to the brink. Stranger still, Taren’s mind filled with images from Ian’s thoughts, as if by giving his body over to Taren’s attentions, Ian had given all of himself to Taren.

Through Ian’s eyes, Taren saw the waves buffet the Phantom and felt joy stir in his heart as the mighty ship rode the crest of a wave and fell, the spray cool on his face. He saw himself asleep on Ian’s bed, his head in Ian’s lap as Ian stroked his hair and spoke softly to him. He felt Ian’s concern for his welfare, Ian’s need to reassure himself of Taren’s well-being. He felt the freedom of Ian’s transformation, the power of Ian’s body as it cut through the water and chased dolphins in the surf. He felt his own lips on Ian’s member, his mouth hot and hungry, and Ian’s climax as it exploded through Ian’s body. When Ian finally spent himself in Taren’s hungry mouth, Taren experienced Ian’s climax as if it were his own. Taren’s orgasm sent him over a cascade of emotion and physical sensation.

About Shira

In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “i Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.

Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs, and when she’s not writing she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel.

Where to find the author:

Giveaway!

December Diamonds Wedding Mermen Ornament (or a free download of the audiobook version of Stealing the Wind for non U.S. Residents
Geneva Nautical Wrap Watch
Anchor Cord Bracelet

Shira Anthony Rafflecopter giveaway!

Review

Title: Stealing the Wind

Series: Mermen of Ea 01

Author: Shira Anthony

Genre: Erotic Romance, High Fantasy

Length: Novel (214pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-054-8

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 12th 2013) 

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Taren Laxley has never known anything but life as a slave. When a lusty pirate kidnaps him and holds him prisoner on his ship, Taren embraces the chance to realize his dream of a seagoing life. Not only does the pirate captain offer him freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, but the pleasures Taren finds when he joins the captain and first mate in bed far surpass his greatest fantasies.

Then, during a storm, Taren dives overboard to save another sailor and is lost at sea. He’s rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the enigmatic and seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom, and Taren feels an overwhelming attraction to Ian that Ian appears to share. Soon Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever: Ian and his people are Ea, shape-shifting merfolk… and Taren is one of them too. Bound to each other by a fierce passion neither can explain or deny, Taren and Ian are soon embroiled in a war and forced to fight for a future—not only for themselves but for all their kind.

2013 Rainbow Awards Paranormal Fantasy Award-Winning Books

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4101

Review: This is the first book of the series and you do need to read them in order as each picks up where the other left off. High fantasy isn’t one of my favorite genres though I love a good well-written one from time to time especially if the subject is myths. This an absolutely amazing take on merfolk.

Taren is a young human boy that knows nothing of merfolk except that they are myths and stories. The only father he ever knew was his first owner Mr. Laxley. He learned his love of the sea from working for him. To his dismay, he was sold to the innkeeper to settle a gambling debt and kidnaped from there by a pirate.

Rider was no ordinary evil pirate. He told Taren that he was to serve him for three ears then he could choose his freedom or a job on The Sea Witch.  It wasn’t long before he knew he would never leave Rider or his lover, Bastian. Not willingly.

This was a very intriguing first book of a series. I loved how the author worked the title into the story. Jam-packed with interesting information, intriguing characters, and a cool new world. As I mentioned above I don’t read a lot of high fantasy stories. The main reason is the worlds and names are usually umpteen syllables and hard to pronounce. That wasn’t the case here. The words were simple the names were unique easy to pronounce and fitting of each character. The descriptions painted a mural in your mind. I could see each sexy man, picture the ship, smell the sea or the nasty prisons, feel the torture.

 I will warn you here that there were a few scary scenes that included some torture. Where they are pretty explicit they move the story forward and the minute details such as background noise and things that happen during the scene are important as it shows character growth.

The love scenes are the same. Though they are not over the top explicit, they are hot, sexy, and breathtaking. This book there is a threesome. The sex does not dominate the story and some are off the page. What is on the page is well written and sooo sexy!

I loved this story with all the twists and turns and couldn’t wait to sink into the next book. Luckily I had it waiting!

If you like myths, action, well-written new worlds, Mermen, twists, pirates, threesomes, and some hot Man-sex this is for you!

Title: Into the Wind

Series: Mermen of Ea 02

Author: Shira Anthony

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Novel (216pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-876-6

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 5th 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Sequel to Stealing the Wind

Mermen of Ea: Book Two

Since learning of his merman shifter heritage, Taren has begun building a life with Ian Dunaidh among the mainland Ea. But memories of his past life still haunt him, and as the threat of war with the hostile island merfolk looms ever closer, Taren fears he will lose Ian the same way he lost his beloved centuries before. Together they sail to the Gateway Islands in search of the fabled rune stone—a weapon of great power the Ea believe will protect them—and Odhrán, the pirate rumored to possess it.

After humans attack the Phantom, Taren finds himself washed up on an island, faced with a mysterious boy named Brynn who promises to lead him to Odhrán. But Taren isn’t sure if he can trust Brynn, and Odhrán is rumored to enslave Ea to protect his stronghold. Taren will have to put his life on the line to find his way back to Ian and attempt to recover the stone. Even if he does find it, his troubles are far from over: he and Ian are being stalked by an enemy who wants them dead at all costs.

With a foreword by C. Kennedy.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4975

Review: This is the second book of the series and you do need to read them in order as each picks up where the other left off. High fantasy isn’t one of my favorite genres though I love a good well-written one from time to time especially if the subject is myths. This an absolutely amazing take on merfolk.

This story picks up with Taren and Ian exploring their newfound love and Ian teaching Taren the ways of being a Merman. Taren is also learning to use and embrace his powers by the leader of the Mainland people that is a powerful mage.  Taren realizes he will have to go find the Rune stone to save his people.

This book Taren spends a lot of time meeting Odhran and a little more about Treande, the soul he shares. We learn some secrets and backstory about the merpeople. There isn’t as much excitement at first in this book as in the last, but I found it intriguing and interesting.

I will warn you Odhran’s story is sad. I again love how Shira works the title into the story. Where this book was a bit steadier paced throughout towards the end it picks up speed and goes out with an epic bang. You will need a tissue.

I think this was my favorite of the three though I liked all three, there was just something about the love between Ian and Taren, the friendship with Odhran and the epic ending here that won my heart.

If you like high-fantasy, soulmates, deep friendships, twists and turns, a bit of a tearjerker and some sweet, sensual and smoking hot man-sex this is for you.

Title: Running With the Wind

Series: Mermen of Ra 03

Author: Shira Anthony

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Novel (220pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-63476-215-1

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 8 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Sequel to Into the Wind

Mermen of Ea: Book Three

With the final confrontation between the island and mainland Ea factions looming, Taren and Ian sail with Odhrán to investigate a lost colony of merfolk in the Eastern Lands. Upon their arrival, the King of Astenya welcomes them as friends. Odhrán, however, isn’t so quick to trust the descendent of the man who held him prisoner for nearly a decade, especially now that he has someone to cherish and protect—the mysterious winged boy he rescued from the depths.

Armed with the knowledge he believes will save the Ea, Taren returns to the mainland. With Ian at his side, Taren convinces Vurin that their people must unite with their island brethren before it’s too late. When Seria and his men attack, Taren must call upon the ancient power of the rune stone to protect his comrades. But using the stone’s immeasurable power commands a hefty price—and Ian fears that price is Taren’s life

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6455

Review: This is the third book of the series and you do need to read them in order as each picks up where the other left off. High fantasy isn’t one of my favorite genres though I love a good well-written one from time to time especially if the subject is myths. This an absolutely amazing take on merfolk.

In this book we find everyone reeling from the battle that left them aboard the Chimera with Odhran and the Sea Witch sunken and destroyed. (I won’t tell you how since that is a spoiler). Odhran spots something in the water. After their investigation, they find a winged child in a hot cocoon and take him aboard. The island brings back memories for Odhran and Ian and they build stronger friendship and trust. The winged boy sticks to Odhran and grows at a fast rate. They meet the king and find it quite different than they though and they also found the colony they were searching for deserted. Weary and after more battles they head back to the mainland to figure out their next move.

Again we have a very intriguing story. There is lots of emotion and character growth as each man gains their power and learns to use it. You will need tissues! I loved how Shira practically paints a picture of the scenery with words. The sights and smells and tastes are so real. I fell in love with each character and ached with their aches. 

If you like a good High-fantasy, Mermen, friendships, soulmates, a very good romance, a touch of sadness yet a happy ending this is for you!

Check out the other blogs on the blog tour