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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

To the Fifth Power (Powers Trilogy #1) by Shirin Dubbin

Published July 29th, 2013

Description:

Three years ago, Zola Noite's nemesis killed her sidekick and forced her to watch. The guilt drove her to hang up her cape. Zola knows one thing for certain. She will never be a superhero again.

Psychologist Dr. Arturo "Fort" Forte specializes in super-powered mental health. He’s the only reason Zola can once again call herself sane—although, truth be told, the heat between them is slowly driving her back to mad.

When three mega-villains escape the prison Fort oversees, all Zola's best laid plans go up in flames. Fort asks her for help, and she can't turn down the man she's secretly come to love. As battles ensue and clues add up, the one thing Zola trusts is called into question: Fort's true agenda and which side he’s on.


EXCERPT:


Excerpt and Giveaway's Prize


Excerpt and Giveaway's Prize


Forty-five minutes later and after a shower, the thrill of the foot massage lingered. Fort could be an enemy, a charlatan or betrayer, and all Zola could think about was the feel of his fingers on her skin.

If she took the problem from a logical viewpoint, she could let go. The damage had been done. He’d been deep inside the most sacred places in her mind already. That knowledge occupied a far more intimate space than him entering her body. If he planned to destroy her he already possessed the tools. She could at least enjoy the devastating sex his touch promised. Then deal with the aftermath…after. Her vision blurred, her stomach flip-flopped. Zola grabbed the nearest poster of her canopied bed and blinked the wooziness away.

On the second blink, she rematerialized in the 1920s suite of Bella Noite. The room’s walls and finishings were largely done in olive. Although varied textures and hues from pink-tinted cream on the damask bedding to amber silk club chairs enlivened the palette.

Fort paused mid-stride, halfway between the Louis XV rosewood bed and the en suite bathroom. He appeared to be on his way to the shower. Zola deduced this not only because a towel hung loosely from his fingertips but also because he was bare-behind-balls-out-nude. No glasses. No nothing.

His impenetrable gaze held hers as he dropped the towel and crossed the room. He stopped a few inches away. The heat of his body brought a hot blush to her skin as he gazed down at her, his expression unchanging. She slid tentative fingers along the musculature of his stomach. She’d been right. His body was a blend of superhero and basketball superstar. Long, lean, perfection.

In response, Fort ran the backs of his hands down her arms. Zola hit air turbulence and closed her eyes. Opening them immediately, she took a step back. “An eye for an eye,” she said.

If he’d give her that, entrust his past and his pain to her safekeeping, maybe she could trust him again. Perhaps then she’d put aside her doubts.

“No,” he said, continuing the caress.

“Fort.” She damn near moaned his name.

“No.”

Distrust did nothing to avert her desire, she ached hot and heavy in her womb, but how could she reconcile the two? Indecision stilled the hand on his stomach. He took her fingers into his and brought her palm to his lips. The tender kiss singed her and she pulled away.

Fort gripped her shoulders, the edges of his closed expression melting with dismay. “Don’t you trust me, Zola?”

She wanted to. “No. I lust for you. I don’t trust you. It's purely a sexual urge.”

A muscled ticked along his jaw. “That’s good enough.” He scooped her off the floor, his muscled forearm braced beneath her bottom. “At least for now,” He growled the words, his gaze on her mouth. Their lips met in a crash of sea meeting shore. Later for consequences. Her whole body strained against him, as though she couldn’t get close enough. She'd give herself tonight. Trust or no, she could kick him out of her house and her mind later. ★




Here’s what you’ll win:
The Amazing Spiderman see clip
First love’s first blush is so amazingly adorkable in this movie. There’s no doubt Spidey is one of the greatest to ever rock a mask, but the romance here starts off awkward then blooms. That love story and its growth center the movie. Plus, there’s spinning and skipping in this clip. D’aww.

The Avengers
To the Fifth Power is the first in the Powers Trilogy. In the series a team of superheroes break into duos to fight very personal battles, and to unwittingly fall in love. I chose The Avengers because it is the linchpin to the love stories in Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and various versions of The Hulk (incredible or otherwise). And because it hints at a romance I’m anxiously hoping to see: Hawkeye and Black Widow.

Blink* - Doctor Who episode see clip
Whether you’re a Doctor Who fan or not, there’s no denying the genius of everybody’s favorite episode, Blink. It’s frightening, heartbreaking, and utterly magnificent. It also features the most perfect love story ever told in 10 minutes or less. Remember this line: “I have until the rain stops…”

Hancock
Uh huh, this is a movie about a FUBAR superhero. It’s also a story of epic love and sacrifice. The three main characters forfeit the most important things in their lives for each other. That’s amazing on its on. Also, sexual tension, thy name is Will Smith and Charlize Theron. Pure sizzle.

Hellboy 1
Never did the words “I love you just the way you are” “stay” take on more meaning than in the romance of Liz Sherman and Hellboy. She’s surly as hell and he’s from there. Yet somehow we adore them both. Not only does this team up get the job done, they get each other.

Megamind
There’s a line in To the Fifth Power, “So what? Even villains fall in love.” In Megamind, a super villain with a huge blue cranium and an ace reporter take us on a classic rock infused joy ride, showing us just how fun the fall can be.

Superman 2
If you’ve seen Man of Steel and enjoyed it you’ve got to watch Superman 2, starring Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Actually, you’ve got to see Superman 2 whether you’ve ever seen another Superman movie or not. Reeve and Kidder have become the prototype for this iconic power couple. Their snappy banter reminds you of a 1930’s film and their chemistry will blow up your lab. Bonus: Terrance Stamp as the villain. Oh my Zod!

This Little Piggy* – Justice League Unlimited Episode
The Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series told some of the finest DC Comics stories to ever hit screens. I recommend watching both from beginning to end. But, if you’re only interested in the romance, Batman and Wonder Woman have a serious love thang going. It’s clutch your pearls worthy. In this episode Batman does things we never thought he would to save Wonder Woman from a bad case of being hogtied.


Power Up Snacks
I can’t set you loose on a marathon of such epic proportions without offering a few snacks. If you win, you’ll also power up with these:

Moose Munch or Popcorn Mix – Misfits TV Series
I’m sad I wasn’t able to include the love story of Alisha and Simon from the British television series Misfits. This snack is in honor of them and an ongoing joke about pick n’ mix (it’s an UK thing).

Tortuga Rum Cake – Hancock
I’ll let the movie’s hero speak for himself.
Rail Crossing Crowd #2, “I can smell alcohol on your breath!”
Hancock, “That's cause I've been drinking, b--!”

Chocolate and banana chips - Doctor Who
The Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, is featured in the Blink episode above. In his honor we have Endangered Species chocolate (he’s the last of the Time Lords, after all) and banana chips—his favorites.

There you have it. Have fun. But use your power wisely.
~Shirin Dubbin

* TV episodes to be delivered digitally through winner’s choice of Amazon or iTunes. Physical items open to US Shipping



About the author:
Shirin Dubbin is often called a “chic geek,” and she likes the sound of it. Especially since she’s a closet wallflower (albeit one with a super-heroine styled alter ego). When not working in graphic design or hosting The Fantastic Forum—a celebration of comics & speculative fiction—she writes stories inspired by the art, literature, international cinema, and anime she grew up with.

In her own storytelling, Shirin spins tales of sci-fi and urban fantasy with romantic edge. The battle between good and evil, humor, and break neck action are ink to her imagination.

Culturally, she’s half American, half British and very southern; right down to the accent and love of grits. Government reports show a residence in DC, but Shirin lives largely on the astral plane and hopes to meet you there.


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1 comment:

Andreea Ilie said...

Imi place coperta!! Este superba! ;)