As a fan of themes involving reunited lovers and the fantasy genre I'm thrilled to bring you Life Reignited by Sabrina Garie, the second installment in the Divine Temptation series. Keep reading to get my impressions of this book along with an interview with the leading main couple. Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win eBook copies of both books in the Divine Temptation series and a deck of Ellora's Cave playing cards too!
And now, let's meets Phoebe and Sander.......
After spending a life time apart, Sander and Phoebe are reunited in Life Reignited. They are both well into their 50s, which is still unusual in romance novels but fun to write. Now that this pair is back together, they have a lot to catch up on. For this interview, I've asked Phoebe to interview Sander so it’s written from Sander's point of view. Take it away, Phoebe......
“Thanks, Sabrina. Sander, you know I adore your blog, Found Worlds. I know you’ve been doing it since blogging first started. Yet, I associate you with quill pens and ancient libraries. Why did you start blogging?"
“I’m so glad you enjoy it. When I launched it, I told myself I was doing it to rebuild a popular interest in classics and better connect with my students, who complained when I assigned too many academic papers for them to read.”
“Told yourself?” Phoebe leaned toward him. Curiosity a shiny new coin, brightening her eyes.
Sander tilted his head to break eye contact. This was easier to say if he disconnected. “Now that I’ve found you again, I realize the real reason I started and continued blogging was to reach out to you. It was mindless fantasy that you’d be somewhere out there, reading my words.”
The tears that crawled down Phoebe’s cheeks said all he needed to know.
“Now, I know you were. It all seems worth it.” Pride and warmth puffed up his chest.
Phoebe brushed her arm across her face, shifted her weight on the chair and continued. “Yes, it was worth it,” Phoebe swallowed before continuing. “So, in addition to writing blogs, you circumnavigated the globe going from adventure to adventure. Which one was your most memorable?”
“That’s easy. The one with you.”
“Why that one?” Phoebe whispered.
“It’s an historian's dream to be transported to the ancient worlds that I've only known from artifacts and texts. With you, Phoebe, I met pantheon gods, battled mythic warriors, touched Homer and Plato’s original scrolls. And best of all..." He swallowed hard, before continuing. "I got to come home to you. None of my fantasies of how it might have been between us could have lived up to the reality of it. I'm looking forward to a lifetime of it.” There he got it out. This type of talk had never been easy for him.
"As am I." The smile she gave him had heat tearing up his system. He was now the one wriggling in his seat.
"I must be frank," Phoebe continued. "As much as I love how open you are being, I remember you as more reserved, unwilling to talk about emotions and desires. What's changed?"
Busted. "True, but age has a way of cutting through all that crap. I'm still not comfortable with it, but I know I need to do it."
"I love you Sander. Have you forgiven me?" The sadness glinting in her eyes almost broke his heart.
"Since you walked through my office door at Cambridge, looking sheepish and so very alone.Even if my work looks at the past, I live my life looking forward. And I like what I see."
Now, I think Sander and Phoebe need some alone time. How lovely that the combination of love and chemistry is combustible at any age.
“Thanks, Sabrina. Sander, you know I adore your blog, Found Worlds. I know you’ve been doing it since blogging first started. Yet, I associate you with quill pens and ancient libraries. Why did you start blogging?"
“I’m so glad you enjoy it. When I launched it, I told myself I was doing it to rebuild a popular interest in classics and better connect with my students, who complained when I assigned too many academic papers for them to read.”
“Told yourself?” Phoebe leaned toward him. Curiosity a shiny new coin, brightening her eyes.
Sander tilted his head to break eye contact. This was easier to say if he disconnected. “Now that I’ve found you again, I realize the real reason I started and continued blogging was to reach out to you. It was mindless fantasy that you’d be somewhere out there, reading my words.”
The tears that crawled down Phoebe’s cheeks said all he needed to know.
“Now, I know you were. It all seems worth it.” Pride and warmth puffed up his chest.
Phoebe brushed her arm across her face, shifted her weight on the chair and continued. “Yes, it was worth it,” Phoebe swallowed before continuing. “So, in addition to writing blogs, you circumnavigated the globe going from adventure to adventure. Which one was your most memorable?”
“That’s easy. The one with you.”
“Why that one?” Phoebe whispered.
“It’s an historian's dream to be transported to the ancient worlds that I've only known from artifacts and texts. With you, Phoebe, I met pantheon gods, battled mythic warriors, touched Homer and Plato’s original scrolls. And best of all..." He swallowed hard, before continuing. "I got to come home to you. None of my fantasies of how it might have been between us could have lived up to the reality of it. I'm looking forward to a lifetime of it.” There he got it out. This type of talk had never been easy for him.
"As am I." The smile she gave him had heat tearing up his system. He was now the one wriggling in his seat.
"I must be frank," Phoebe continued. "As much as I love how open you are being, I remember you as more reserved, unwilling to talk about emotions and desires. What's changed?"
Busted. "True, but age has a way of cutting through all that crap. I'm still not comfortable with it, but I know I need to do it."
"I love you Sander. Have you forgiven me?" The sadness glinting in her eyes almost broke his heart.
"Since you walked through my office door at Cambridge, looking sheepish and so very alone.Even if my work looks at the past, I live my life looking forward. And I like what I see."
Now, I think Sander and Phoebe need some alone time. How lovely that the combination of love and chemistry is combustible at any age.
Alexander Xenos is world renowned classics expert, who has dedicated his life to the study of ancient cultures and promoting peace. His fame and global adventures hide a hole in his heart, ripped out by a beautiful, gentle scholar, who shut him out cold after the most intense love affair he'd ever had.
Thirty years later, Sander meets his long lost love, only to learn she's an Amazon, the mythical gods are real, and they are about to go to war. And Phoebe, who still sets his blood to boil, is in the thick of it. He'll have to prevent a conflict between the Greek and Norse pantheons or lose her again—this time permanently.
Thirty years later, Sander meets his long lost love, only to learn she's an Amazon, the mythical gods are real, and they are about to go to war. And Phoebe, who still sets his blood to boil, is in the thick of it. He'll have to prevent a conflict between the Greek and Norse pantheons or lose her again—this time permanently.
EXCERPT:
Sander wished Phoebe didn’t feel so enticing. Her unique orchid scent wove its way through his bloodstream, mucking up his focus. He couldn’t square the gentle, quick-witted, brilliant scholar he loved as Cassie with the sad-eyed, battle-scarred Amazon warrior called Phoebe fitted against him. His body remembered her. No other woman ever came close to her creativity, capabilities and stamina in bed. She taught him what it was like to fully lose himself in a woman, and he’d never been able to replicate it. He finally understood why—it was never a fair fight. A human woman could not match a physically enhanced being. He’d always thought she was the love of his life, but did he even know her? Nothing made sense, except the hard-on straining against his zipper. Her physical impact hadn’t dimmed. At all.
When Phoebe stabilized, she led them back to her room at Neutral Ground. She appeared perfectly fine after a fight that would have killed most humans. At her door, she pressed her thumbprint on a small indent above the handle, then pushed it open.
“How did you open the door?” He peered inside. “And what did you do to merit this suite?” Molded ceiling, velvet coverings, red and gold Persian carpets and antique furniture that reminded him of a bedroom he’d find in Buckingham Palace. He was sure the paintings—Botticelli’s Birth of Aphrodite, Rubens’ Judgment of Paris among others—were the artists’ originals. Phoebe was right. This would be an intellectual candy land if his emotions weren’t tied up into knots.
A distraught laugh whispered out of her. “I ticked off the Elders and a portion of the Greek pantheon resistant to change. Neutral Ground is one of six safe havens worldwide sanctioned by the Council of Pantheons. Anyone who threatens me here is subject to death. Outside, well you saw for yourself. The DNA lock is an added protection, just in case. Thank you for coming to my rescue, by the way. My fighting skills are not what they used to be.” Her cheeks burned red. Was she embarrassed?
“You’re welcome.” In the corner an inlaid mahogany desk piled high with ancient scrolls drew his attention. “Are those what I think they are?” Her eyes followed his gaze and her eyebrows rose in what looked like an aha moment, then an indulgent and very real smile lit up her face. It was the first time tonight he’d seen the vivacity that lived in his memories, and he’d sneaked glimpses of her all evening.
“Yes, they are. Ancient scrolls documenting the history, culture and science of the Greek pantheon. I even have an original of The Republic by Plato, and Sappho’s poetry. You’re welcome to take a look.”
As a classics scholar, he read ancient Greek, Latin, Scandinavian, Teutonic and Celtic languages. This was a treasure trove he couldn’t resist. “Aren’t you afraid of ruining them?”
“They’re protected by pantheon magic. They can’t be destroyed.” She hooked her arm through his and guided him to the corner. After scrutinizing the pile, she picked up a scroll and handed it to him. Her fingers lingered on his hand longer than necessary. Sparks ignited under the touch. This was the woman he remembered—glowing eyes, an impish grin, with ancient knowledge flowing around her as if it were part of her aura. If there were more lines radiating from her eyes and lips, they softened her, made her more the Cassie he had adored, less the unknown Phoebe.
He took the scroll in one hand and pulled his reading glasses out of his jacket pocket with the other. He got the spectacles a year ago and wasn’t used to wearing them but his eagerness for the scrolls overcame any hesitation.
“They suit you,” Phoebe said.
He nodded, too absorbed by the parchment now open on the table. “You remembered The Odyssey was my favorite. This is truly Homer’s original copy?” A shiver ran down his spine. It wasn’t every day a man meets his personal deity.
“Yes, it is.” She moved closer, her hair brushing his ear as she leaned over to look at the text with him. Phoebe’s floral scent, the heat of her body skated along his skin, threw his concentration off, something that never happened. If his mind questioned the emotions he thought he once felt for this woman, his body didn’t. Given his age, he thought he could move past physical needs.
Apparently not.
His cock stiffened like that of a hormone-driven teenager in heat. By the way Phoebe squirmed, he’d guess she felt it too. Like in London, when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
“Take a look at this passage in its original. You can see why it’s commonly misinterpreted.” Phoebe’s arm brushed his, sending electric charges exploding beneath his skin.
“The article you published on this created controversy. I was impressed with the argumentation. Now more so. This passage makes interpretation harder, not easier.”
“You’ve followed my work?” Her face beamed with happiness and a soft pride. “I’m glad. I’ve read everything you’ve published, and follow your blog, Found Worlds. You’re making history and culture popular.”
Her praise shot jolts of warmth into his chest. That smile and her soft breasts brushing his arm unlocked the door to his memories. Unbidden, images of naked, sweat-drenched bodies tumbled out. Yes, he’d followed her work, justifying the way he gobbled up her writing as respect of one professional for another. With her next to him, touching him, he had to admit now it wasn’t true. Through her words, he stayed connected to her. And she, him.
When Phoebe stabilized, she led them back to her room at Neutral Ground. She appeared perfectly fine after a fight that would have killed most humans. At her door, she pressed her thumbprint on a small indent above the handle, then pushed it open.
“How did you open the door?” He peered inside. “And what did you do to merit this suite?” Molded ceiling, velvet coverings, red and gold Persian carpets and antique furniture that reminded him of a bedroom he’d find in Buckingham Palace. He was sure the paintings—Botticelli’s Birth of Aphrodite, Rubens’ Judgment of Paris among others—were the artists’ originals. Phoebe was right. This would be an intellectual candy land if his emotions weren’t tied up into knots.
A distraught laugh whispered out of her. “I ticked off the Elders and a portion of the Greek pantheon resistant to change. Neutral Ground is one of six safe havens worldwide sanctioned by the Council of Pantheons. Anyone who threatens me here is subject to death. Outside, well you saw for yourself. The DNA lock is an added protection, just in case. Thank you for coming to my rescue, by the way. My fighting skills are not what they used to be.” Her cheeks burned red. Was she embarrassed?
“You’re welcome.” In the corner an inlaid mahogany desk piled high with ancient scrolls drew his attention. “Are those what I think they are?” Her eyes followed his gaze and her eyebrows rose in what looked like an aha moment, then an indulgent and very real smile lit up her face. It was the first time tonight he’d seen the vivacity that lived in his memories, and he’d sneaked glimpses of her all evening.
“Yes, they are. Ancient scrolls documenting the history, culture and science of the Greek pantheon. I even have an original of The Republic by Plato, and Sappho’s poetry. You’re welcome to take a look.”
As a classics scholar, he read ancient Greek, Latin, Scandinavian, Teutonic and Celtic languages. This was a treasure trove he couldn’t resist. “Aren’t you afraid of ruining them?”
“They’re protected by pantheon magic. They can’t be destroyed.” She hooked her arm through his and guided him to the corner. After scrutinizing the pile, she picked up a scroll and handed it to him. Her fingers lingered on his hand longer than necessary. Sparks ignited under the touch. This was the woman he remembered—glowing eyes, an impish grin, with ancient knowledge flowing around her as if it were part of her aura. If there were more lines radiating from her eyes and lips, they softened her, made her more the Cassie he had adored, less the unknown Phoebe.
He took the scroll in one hand and pulled his reading glasses out of his jacket pocket with the other. He got the spectacles a year ago and wasn’t used to wearing them but his eagerness for the scrolls overcame any hesitation.
“They suit you,” Phoebe said.
He nodded, too absorbed by the parchment now open on the table. “You remembered The Odyssey was my favorite. This is truly Homer’s original copy?” A shiver ran down his spine. It wasn’t every day a man meets his personal deity.
“Yes, it is.” She moved closer, her hair brushing his ear as she leaned over to look at the text with him. Phoebe’s floral scent, the heat of her body skated along his skin, threw his concentration off, something that never happened. If his mind questioned the emotions he thought he once felt for this woman, his body didn’t. Given his age, he thought he could move past physical needs.
Apparently not.
His cock stiffened like that of a hormone-driven teenager in heat. By the way Phoebe squirmed, he’d guess she felt it too. Like in London, when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
“Take a look at this passage in its original. You can see why it’s commonly misinterpreted.” Phoebe’s arm brushed his, sending electric charges exploding beneath his skin.
“The article you published on this created controversy. I was impressed with the argumentation. Now more so. This passage makes interpretation harder, not easier.”
“You’ve followed my work?” Her face beamed with happiness and a soft pride. “I’m glad. I’ve read everything you’ve published, and follow your blog, Found Worlds. You’re making history and culture popular.”
Her praise shot jolts of warmth into his chest. That smile and her soft breasts brushing his arm unlocked the door to his memories. Unbidden, images of naked, sweat-drenched bodies tumbled out. Yes, he’d followed her work, justifying the way he gobbled up her writing as respect of one professional for another. With her next to him, touching him, he had to admit now it wasn’t true. Through her words, he stayed connected to her. And she, him.
BUY LINKS: Ellora’s Cave | Amazon | BN
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
One of those whose life has been targeted is Amazonian scholar and warrior, Phoebe. Phoebe would rather be known for her smarts than her strengths and once she entered the Earthly realm she found a kindred spirit in British scholar Sander. Their time together was sensual with their forming a bond neither felt before and never would again. It ended in pain as the Gods issued a death threat on Sander forcing Phoebe to walk away. Years passed, a son was born, and they're back together at his wedding where their feelings are just as combustible. They're older and wiser and want to be together but with the same threats weighing on them it will take an act of war for them to be together. Once the dust clears will they be able to be together or will Phoebe have to walk away again to keep him safe? Phoebe is a strong-willed woman unlike other Amazons as she'd rather be reading than killing. Being older has her knowing her limitations and respecting them when it comes to protecting herself from those still angry at her for questioning their traditions. She's still drawn to Sander and their connection is just as deep with sexual interludes that are super steamy. They're just as connected while trying to keep her people from becoming extinct in action-packed sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Sander has no interest in seeing blood shed and has trouble reconciling the warrior Phoebe with his sexy and smart lover. It's an exotic world he's introduced to at the wedding, and a highly sexualized one, as he gets to know his son and daughter-in-law who's an Amazonian herself. He might not like to fight but to keep Phoebe he may have no choice as he's the only one who has the knowledge to save her people as battle begins amongst the pantheons. It's a dangerous time for them both and I was on the edge of my seat as they dove head-first into the war. Sander's a reliable man, strong and sturdy, whose love of Pheobe matches his love of relics and seeing the rightness of their being together had me rooting for them. Sander sees Phoebe as she wants to be seen and values her for more than her muscle which made their connection richer and more meaningful.
It's refreshing seeing a more mature couple in an erotic tale. They acknowledge the difficulties related to their age which endeared them to me and, despite her origins, made her more human. As a part of a series I always felt a bit lost while reading. The storyline is very heavy with names and the overall mythos and reading the previous books would've enhanced my enjoyment of this story. The action and romance are nicely balanced though which made me relish the relationship between Sander and Phoebe. Their relationship was teeming with sexual tension with sexual interludes that were super hot with a light bit of kink. Overall this was a good story with a unique premise and a compelling main couple that's memorable and will appeal to many readers.
My rating for this is a B-
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Sabrina Garie is on a journey to create the most kick-ass heroine romance fiction has ever known and the hero who can take her. A believer that big, audacious goals spice up life, she relies on coffee, red wine and laughter to make those goals (and her characters) come alive.
When not at the computer, she wrangles vegetables and extra helpings of homework into her star-spangled, fashion-loving progeny, kowtows to a fat cat and reads, a lot. As a child, she wanted to be an astronaut, just to see what’s out there. Now, she just makes it up.
WEB/BLOG: http://www.sabrinagarie.com
TWITTER: @sabrinagarie
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/
TWITTER: @sabrinagarie
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/
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Thanks so much for hosting me and taking the time to review the book. I'm so glad to have the chance to stop by.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I like the sound of this.
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