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Crescent City Arcana #1

Infernal Embrace

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Magic first came to Bethany Hayes in a flash of green light, intense pain, and blinding fear. With the dark witch who wanted her dead now vanquished, she’s learning how to wield her own considerable powers with the help of the former gladiator once tasked with killing her. While their alliance is unconventional, to have any chance of helping a friend in need, she must trust Lucius despite the man he used to be.

Had it not been for Bethany, Lucius Sempronius Asper would still be bound by a dark witch’s curse and forced to assassinate anyone she deemed a threat. Now mortal but free after centuries of servitude, he's loyal only to the woman who saved him. But as strange attacks plague New Orleans, Beth's unpredictable magic could prove more dangerous to Lucius than any mysterious evil tormenting her beloved city.

The Big Easy won’t reveal her secrets without a fight. Can Beth confront what’s hiding in the shadows without losing herself to the darkness within?

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2017

1 person is currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Chanticleer

3 books68 followers
Rachel Chanticleer is a writer who sees beauty in darkness, and can find a love story where you'd least expect it. Her stories often feature worlds where the paranormal hides just out of view—until it's time to turn the lives of her characters upside down. She lives in a former steel town along the East Coast's revitalized Rust Belt.

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Renegade ♥.
1,339 reviews
July 13, 2018
On sale!



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4 to 4 1/2 stars

The blast wave knocked most of the mages to the ground while the ones closest to the epicenter immediately turned to dust. Any still standing scrambled in the dark over their fallen brothers for a way out. An escape from Bethany. Now freed, Lucius climbed up and took out a few more mages before he ran toward her.
Arms stretched out at her sides, her chest rose and fell steadily with deep breaths. She was a glowing beacon in the black tunnel as magic surged through her veins, bright silver-white light shining through her skin like a divine spiderweb.
"Beth? Beth, are you all right?"




First things first... yes, please read this...


The source of her dormant strength was a mystery to her and she feared what would become of her if she fully embraced it. She was scared what she might do to this man who had become so important to her over the last few months if she gave up her control.
But what frightened her the most was that it might not come down to her making the choices to welcome this new side of herself. She may not have a say in the matter at all.


This urban fantasy tale is about a modern day witch who is only just discovering what she's truly capable of, as well as the costs and true nature of magic. She has understandable reservations about utlizing her exceptional gifts in light of her darker, more frightening experiences, but time is running out...

Nope, I did not steal your cookies, but you're welcome to search me for them.:

It's also about the striking, powerful, two-thousand-year-old gladiator who is drawn by and deeply attracted to the young witch (after years of being enslaved by an ancient and evil one). He owes her for his life and freedom, and will do anything to teach, guide and protect her (as well as atone for his past sins) in the face of the numerous obstacles, challenges and mysteries that lie ahead...

Excerpt:


Mysteries, magic, and mayhem...

Bethany Hayes is a smart, sometimes sweet, independent and, at times, slightly snarky heroine, who is willing to go toe to toe with a centuries old warrior (and anyone else, for that matter) when the circumstances call for it. The world of magic is still fairly new to her and it doesn’t help that Lucius takes off after a dark magical incident that terrifies her. Beth’s not sure what might happen when she allows the power to flow through her and avoids it. At least until Lucius returns and forces her into a situation where she must use it. And with good reason. .

"Don't make me do this, Lucius. I don't know what I might become."

Lucius Sempronius Asper is highly protective and also quietly possessive when it comes to Beth. She has been his salvation despite the darkness he brought into her world and the fact that he almost killed her... for reasons. He has stronger feelings for her than she knows, but he is also carrying the burden of guilt for his bloody past and dark secrets he never wants her to learn...

Beth and Lucius soon become involved in a situation where a mysterious curse is driving a young woman mad and people are dying:

"Don't." Lucius growled the command through clenched teeth. "Do not touch her, Beth. Her blood. Something's wrong. It's stinging my hands."
"What? The blood is? Then let her go, Lu-"
A shrill cry pierced the din...


Determined to find help, answers, and to save lives before total chaos ensues, Beth and Lucius connect with others in the magical community who may or may not be trustworthy and possibly know more than they're sharing. Especially because the battle between the forces of darkness and light may not be confined to the earthly realm...

A few thoughts...

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This book is written in the third person POV of the hero and the heroine. It takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the author has a wonderful touch in terms of conveying the surroundings and bringing the setting to life. The side characters bring their own interesting and necessary energies to a tale that is filled with unexpected challenges, fierce and unusual villains, otherworldly problems, and unforeseen scenarios.

Her vision grew dark and her thoughts scattered.
Can’t breathe… Need…
Magic.
In a scant moment of clarity, Beth reached within to manifest a set of electric arcs which she shot through her hands [...] in a flash of white light...


There were several touching and/or funny moments between Beth and Lucius that I enjoyed which showed their developing friendship/relationship amidst the craziness. Though there is definite chemistry between them, something deeper is conveyed here which will be a pleasure to discover more about in future books. Nothing is rushed with these two because there is still much to be worked through (and more experiences to be had) before they'll reach that place of trust/intimacy with each other.

"And once you've done that, you need to draw from your power, but not in the same way as when you create the energy for electric charges or arcs. This needs to be more diffused. Dispersed from floor to ceiling and to every corner of this room. Do you think you can do that?"
Raising a brow, she lifted one eyelid.
"That's all? Oh yeah, sure."
When he lowered his head with a quiet laugh, his hair fell along the sides of his face, and she smiled despite her sour mood.


***
Excerpt:


Lucius makes it clear that he wants to both protect and show Beth how strong she truly is (even when she doesn’t always appreciate his tactics and doesn't hesitate to let him know) and he's learning that she must have a say and choice in terms of the direction her future takes.

This is a fascinating journey filled with magic, mythological aspects, and smart, intriguing lead characters whose dynamics, chemistry, and super slow burn relationship, are a breath of fresh air on a number of levels. I'm looking forward to future adventures with the cool witch and my favorite gladiator for sure!

*** A copy of this book was received from the author.

Profile Image for Lakshmi C.
346 reviews107 followers
August 1, 2017
Got an ARC!!! Starting this week!!! Excited Smurf Alert...

You can easily follow this story without the prequel, but I recommend it. The Witch and the Hunter will help you understand Lucius better and see how it all started.

Speaking of Lucius, he was my favorite in this book. He was protective, thoughtful and struggled with his conscience.
He has been a gladiator, a slave, immortal and a hunter.
Now he's mentor and partner to a novice witch.

I have something in common with Lucius. We both don't watch GOT.
I mean, have you ever even watched Game of Thrones?”
Grimacing and rubbing the area she’d just hit, he shook his head.

Beth was outspoken, clear and could be the poster child for trial and error. She followed her gut and believed in giving others a fair chance.

I liked the dynamic between these two - she's angry, he's patient; she's nervous, he's supportive.
A no secrets rule...this never ends badly.

Chase was interesting and liked to keep others guessing.
See, you have to understand, he worked hard to cultivate that whole ‘suave and sophisticated tough guy’ image but that’s not how he started out.

The writing is descriptive and the pace was swift. The dialogue flowed naturally, the atmosphere was tense and you read with a sense of anticipation.
The magic and mythology stood out - it was detailed, nuanced and connected. The mystery and curse are like small pieces in a dark, dangerous jigsaw puzzle.

The Sprinkes - Little things that took this from good to great.
Magic, family, baggage, survival mechanisms, dieties & guilt.
“Primitive, primordial, pains in the arse.”

I enjoyed this and will definitely come back for more.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,382 reviews896 followers
July 19, 2017
What an awesome read! I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. I’m relatively new to Urban Fantasy but if this is what I can expect, sign me up as a die-hard fan.

Beth has recently come into her powers as a witch and with Lucius’ help she is learning about this strange new world as well as learning to control her magic.

description

Lucius feels guilty for causing her to crash, scarring her, and exposing her to dark dangers. However, it’s obvious his reasons for assisting her in this new life are many and varied, protecting her being primary. When she persists in helping him on a job, they are thrown into a mystery the likes this earthly realm have never seen.

I absolutely loved this couple! Beth was, as Lucius described her, “soft and sweet” and despite all the trouble that comes her way, she is not a “distressed damsel”. She is quirky and fun, outspoken without a hard edge, slightly naïve and her heart is as huge as this unknown world she’s been thrown into. A millennium ago, Lucius was a gladiator before a dark witch entrapped him into a life of doing her dark deeds. Beth is like a ray of sunshine after so much darkness and he is determined to remain by her side attempting to mentor her regarding her powers.

description

Ms. Chanticleer has written an exceptional story of mages, witches, gods and magic. Set in the mystic and history laden New Orleans, the story of this couple absolutely explodes across the pages of this book. I loved their dynamic as she is sweetly snarky and always trying to put him in his place which simply amuses him but which he indulges while ensuring her safety.

Unlike any book I’ve read, I am anticipating the next book in this story and the continued growth of this couple’s relationship.

Thank you Ms. Chanticleer for providing this ARC for me. This really is an honest review and no one will make me say otherwise!

Dual POV
Safe
Clean
No apparent triggers
Profile Image for Angel.
Author 2 books876 followers
August 2, 2017
I like the part where Lucius was teaching Beth how to hone her craft. Being her mentor first despite the growing attraction and romance between them made this the highlight of the book for me because it wasn't about the romance centrally, but the mentorship Lucius provided to Beth and how the romance gradually developed from that. This installment of the series, to me was much better than the prequel.
Profile Image for Ramona Plant.
752 reviews23 followers
August 1, 2017
Infernal Embrace is a very well written book by Rachel Chanticleer. This book is a page turner and had my attention from the very first page. The plot is intricate and in my eyes unique. It is very well developed and has some really nice twists hidden within. The author weaves a web around you that only she can slowly release you from. The mystery that Bethany and Lucius are trying to solve in this book is very well thought through and has some nice angles I didn't anticipate.

The author did some nice character development of both Bethany and Lucius, which was obviously not possible in the Hunter and the Witch. You finally learn more especially about Bethany, but it is still not nearly enough and I need more. She may have just been thrown into this world of magic, but she is adjust well and I attribute that to her character. She is just one of those "nice" people, I wish the world had more of. She believes in the good of people and will do whatever it takes to help them.

We also learn more about Lucius but I wasn't too surprised. I am still happy how these two play of each other and like how their dynamics is changing but still working well.

I am definitely hooked and an official fan. I can't wait to read more of this series and hope the wait is not too long! I can only highly recommend this book. It is well written, has a fantastic plot, great characters and some "struggling" romance. For me it really has it all.

I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
Profile Image for E.G. Manetti.
Author 18 books157 followers
July 15, 2017
Refreshing. The word kept coming to me as I read Infernal Embrace. In the style of Patricia Briggs, this is slow burn romance in a fantastic landscape where magic is real, the forces of light battle the forces of dark, and the hot alpha male is more interested in seeing the heroine succeed than jumping her bones. Not that there isn't plenty of steam between Lucius and Beth, the UST is as burning bright as the story. It kept me guessing - and that is quite an accomplishment.

I can't wait for the next volume.

Read the prequel first, The Hunter and the Witch, The Hunter and the Witch (Crescent City Arcana #0.5) by Rachel Chanticleer . It's free. Amazon, kobo, Nook and maybe others.
Profile Image for R.C. Matthews.
Author 78 books285 followers
January 2, 2018
I enjoyed this urban fantasy story featuring a witch who is still learning to master her powers and an ex-gladiator. Lucius has a great background story. Bethany's no-nonsense attitude is wonderful. She really doesn't let people push her around (my favorite kind of heroine) but she is cautious when it comes to exploring her witchcraft - and rightfully so given the circumstances she has found herself in.

Having read the prequel novella to this book, I was able to jump right in and understand the dynamic of the relationship between Bethany and Lucius. This book takes us on an interesting journey. I loved the big reveal of the villain(s). The battle scenes were detailed and exciting. The descriptions of Bethany's magic were cool.

However, by the end of the story, I wasn't quite sure if Bethany and Lucius were going to be a couple ... to be continued in book #2, I guess. I'm rooting for them!

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Heather Blair.
Author 22 books219 followers
January 13, 2018
I love New Orleans. I love witches. I love gladiators. So Infernal Embrace was right up my alley.

A dark one, crowded with ancient deities, monsters and vicious curses.

The author does a great job evoking the atmosphere of Louisiana and NOLA and I adored the slow burn between Lucius and his witch-in-training. Secrets are revealed, some painful ones. I don't want to give too much away, but things (and people) are not always as they seem.

Bring on #2, Miss Chanticleer!
Profile Image for Gio Listmaker .
286 reviews88 followers
April 27, 2019
Bethany Hayes Our Heroine Just Wants A Normal Life

Maya Angelou

Then Our Hero Lucius Sempronius Asper Shows Up And Bethany Is Taken Beyond The Veil

Veil Between Worlds

She Now Has To Navigate New Orleans As A Witch

Lower garden District

Our Hero Is An Ancient Gladiator And A Hunter Who Owes Bethany His Freedom From A Curse

When the '300' movie came out, men and women everywhere were eager to learn how…

(At This Point You Should Read The Hunter and the Witch (Crescent City Arcana, #0.5) by Rachel Chanticleer . It Is The Prequel To This Story)


We Meet Erinyes Or Furies Who Are Really F!@#$^& Scary

Greek Myths-Troy-Orestes and the Erinyes by Coyotzin on DeviantArt

The Characters Are Complex

The New Budding Relationships Are Very Interesting

I Look Forward To This Slow Burn Romance And Cannot Wait For The Next In The Series

If You Enjoy Ilona Andrews You Will Enjoy This Urban Fantasy
36 reviews
August 1, 2017
I received an arc of this book from the author for an honest review.

I found this book very engaging and refreshing from the very first page.
The slow burn relationship between Lucius and Bethany is very intriguing. Bethany is a strong female character that knows what she wants and works towards her goal of learning her magic and how to control it. Lucius’ primary interest is in helping Bethany learn to control her powers, while trying to make his perceived sins of the past right.

I found this take on romance very refreshing as Lucius primary goal is not to get the Bethany into bed, but to teach her. Having said that there is plenty heat between them throughout the book.
If you like urban fantasy this is a much read book. This book is very well written and edited and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Karma Queen.
316 reviews
September 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. As one reviewer noted, it was refreshing. This is a great start to what I hope will be many more books in the series. Bethany is a witch. She doesn't know how or why she has these powers or how to use them. Lucius is the former gladiator who hunted her for years as he was bound by another witch, Helena. Beth destroys the evil witch and forms an unconventional alliance with Lucius. He has offered to help her with her gift and she accepts this as long as she can help others.

They have a lot to learn about each other as well as how Beth can control her magic. Lucius has a lot of baggage manifested as a guilty conscience for killing so many people over the centuries. Beth is trying to figure out her place in this new world of the paranormal. I think they will have an interesting journey as they figure things out together and maybe spark a bit of romance in the process.
2 reviews
March 11, 2018
I really loved the prequel, short one but good one. I read every single line.
Internal embrace, not so much, I skiped a lot of lines, I was so bored. It was to slow, it took the author to much time to get to the point.



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