by Lisa Shearin
She glanced over at Talon, who was laughing at something Phaelan had just said. “I understand your mother described him—and you—as impulsive, stubborn, arrogant, and believes himself impervious to death?”
I grinned. “Don’t forget believes himself irresistible to women.”
Agata snorted. “How could I forget that?” Her dark eyes grew solemn. “You were susceptible, Tam. It was unfortunate, but it kept you alive to do what needed to be done. Those who stand up for good often find themselves beset by those who do evil. Have you ever killed innocents?”
“Never.”
“Precisely. You killed those who threatened your queen, and the freedom and safety of your people. You may have enjoyed what you were doing at the time, but you acted for the greater good. You’re not evil, Tam Nathrach. You never were and you never will be.”
“That doesn’t change that Calida was murdered because of it.”
“She knew the true nature of the man she married. She loved him, married him, and stood by his side. She may not have had magic with which to defend herself, but from what I have heard, she was a woman who knew her own mind. She knew what she wanted. She wanted you.”
Agata reached out and touched my hand. The Heartstone in my ring warmed in response—and so did I.
“I don’t believe Calida had any regrets.” She hesitated, decided something, and raised her hand to brush my face. “You shouldn’t have any regrets, either. You need to stop punishing yourself for what is in the past. You have more than paid your self-inflicted penance. I don’t think Calida would want you to continue punishing yourself. Do you?”
I shook my head, my cheek brushing against the soft warmth of her hand.
“But Calida didn’t deserve to die,” I said softly.
“And you deserve to live. I did not know her, but I think she would have wanted that for you. You can’t save everyone, Tam. All you can do is your best. Life happens. Death happens. Bad things happen to good people. I have no doubt that you will exact revenge for her and Gelsey, but you can’t let this consume you. You are far too important to so many people.” She paused, her other hand reaching for mine. “You’ve become too important to me.”
I leaned forward, brushing her lips with mine. “I’m bad to know and dangerous to be around,” I whispered against her mouth.
I felt her lips curl into a wicked smile. “Then every day will be a new adventure.”
*
The End
About this Series
Thanks for reading Ruins and Revenge. I hope you enjoyed it! Reviews help other readers find books and I appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative. Please take a moment and write a review for Ruins and Revenge.
*
Suggested reading order for the Raine Benares Series:
Magic Lost, Trouble Found
Armed and Magical
The Trouble with Demons
Bewitched and Betrayed
Con and Conjure
All Spell Breaks Loose
Wild Card (a Raine Benares novella)
Wedding Bells, Magic Spells
Treasure and Treason, A Raine Benares World Novel
Ruins and Revenge, A Raine Benares World Novel
*
You may also enjoy my SPI Files Series.
The Grendel Affair
The Dragon Conspiracy
The Brimstone Deception
The Ghoul Vendetta
I also have a story in the Night Shift anthology, containing Lucky Charms, a SPI Files novella.
About the Author
Lisa Shearin is the New York Times bestselling author of the Raine Benares novels, a comedic fantasy adventure series, as well as the SPI Files novels, an urban fantasy series best described as Men in Black with supernaturals instead of aliens. Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots, and teacups, both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
*
Sign up for Lisa’s newsletter at: http://lisashearin.us11.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=681363f47430f46d0d895d1b9&id=8e94bd9428.
@lisashearin
LisaShearinAuthor?skip_nax_wizard=true
lisashearin.com
Also by Lisa Shearin
The Raine Benares Series
Magic Lost, Trouble Found
Armed and Magical
The Trouble with Demons
Bewitched and Betrayed
Con and Conjure
All Spell Breaks Loose
Wild Card (a Raine Benares novella)
Wedding Bells, Magic Spells
*
Treasure and Treason, A Raine Benares World Novel
Ruins and Revenge, A Raine Benares World Novel
*
The SPI Files Series
The Grendel Affair
The Dragon Conspiracy
The Brimstone Deception
The Ghoul Vendetta
Night Shift (anthology), containing Lucky Charms, a SPI Files novella
Copyright © 2017 by Lisa Shearin
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
ISBN: 978-1-62051-265-4
Praise for Lisa Shearin
All Spell Breaks Loose
*
“Exceptional…Shearin has proven herself to be an expert storyteller with the enviable ability to provide both humor and jaw-dropping action.”
—RT Book Reviews
*
“All Spell Breaks Loose not only lived up to my expectations but was even BETTER!”
—Dangerous Romance
*
Con & Conjure
*
“Tons of action and adventure but it also has a bit of romance and humor…All of the characters are excellent…The complexities of the world that Ms. Shearin has developed are fabulous.”
—Night Owl Reviews
*
“Action packed and fast paced, this was a fabulous read.”
—Fresh Fiction
*
“Con & Conjure is a great addition to a wonderful series, and I’m looking forward to All Spell Breaks Loose and whatever else [Shearin writes] with high anticipation.”
—Dear Author
*
Bewitched & Betrayed
*
“Once again, Ms. Shearin has given her readers a book that you don’t want to put down. With Raine, the adventures never end.”
—Night Owl Reviews
*
“Bewitched & Betrayed might just be the best in the series so far!…an amazingly exciting fourth installment that really tugs at the heart strings.”
—Ink and Paper
*
“If you’re new to Shearin’s work, and you enjoy fantasy interspersed with an enticing romance, a little bit of humor, and a whole lot of grade-A action, this is the series for you.”
—Lurv a la Mode
*
The Trouble with Demons
*
“The book reads more like an urban fantasy with pirates and sharp wit and humor. I found the mix quite refreshing. Lisa Shearin’s fun, action-packed writing style gives this world life and vibrancy.”
—Fresh Fiction
*
“Lisa Shearin represents that much needed voice in fantasy that combines practiced craft and a wicked sense of humor.”
—Bitten by Books
*
“The brisk pace and increasingly complex character development propel the story on a rollercoaster ride through demons, goblins, elves, and mages while maintaining a satisfying level of romantic attention…that will leave readers chomping at the bit for more.”
—Monsters and Critics
/>
*
“This book has the action starting as soon as you start the story and it keeps going right to the end…All of the characters are interesting, from the naked demon queen to the Guardians guarding Raine. All have a purpose and it comes across with clarity and detail.”
—Night Owl Reviews
*
Armed & Magical
*
“Fresh, original, and fall-out-of-your-chair funny, Lisa Shearin’s Armed & Magical combines deft characterization, snarky dialogue, and nonstop action—plus a yummy hint of romance—to create one of the best reads of the year. This book is a bona fide winner, the series a keeper, and Shearin a definite star on the rise.”
—Linnea Sinclair, RITA Award-winning author of Rebels and Lovers
*
“An exciting, catch-me-if-you-can, lightning-fast-paced tale of magic and evil filled with goblins, elves, mages, and a hint of love interest that will leave fantasy readers anxiously awaiting Raine’s next adventure.”
—Monsters and Critics
*
“The kind of book you hope to find when you go to the bookstore. It takes you away to a world of danger, magic, and adventure, and it does so with dazzling wit and clever humor. It’s gritty, funny, and sexy—a wonderful addition to the urban fantasy genre. I absolutely loved it. From now on Lisa Shearin is on my auto-buy list!”
—Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Magic Shifts
*
“Armed & Magical, like its predecessor, is an enchanting read from the very first page. I absolutely loved it. Shearin weaves a web of magic with a dash of romance that thoroughly snares the reader. She’s definitely an author to watch!”
—Anya Bast, New York Times bestselling author of Embrace of the Damned
*
Magic Lost, Trouble Found
*
“Take a witty, kick-ass heroine and put her in a vividly realized fantasy world where the stakes are high, and you’ve got a fun, page-turning read in Magic Lost, Trouble Found. I can’t wait to read more of Raine Benares’s adventures.”
—Shanna Swendson, author of Don’t Hex with Texas
*
“A wonderful fantasy tale full of different races and myths and legends [that] are drawn so perfectly readers will believe they actually exist. Raine is a strong female, a leader who wants to do the right thing even when she isn’t sure what that is…Lisa Shearin has the magic touch.”
—Midwest Book Review
*
“Shearin serves up an imaginative fantasy…The strong, well-executed story line and characters, along with a nice twist to the ‘object of unspeakable power’ theme, make for an enjoyable, fast-paced read.”
—Monsters and Critics
*
“Lisa Shearin turns expectation on its ear and gives us a different kind of urban fantasy with Magic Lost, Trouble Found. For once, the urban is as fantastic as the fantasy, as Shearin presents an otherworld city peopled with beautiful goblins, piratical elves, and hardly a human to be found. Littered with entertaining characters and a protagonist whose self-serving lifestyle is compromised only by her loyalty to her friends, Magic Lost is an absolutely enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one!”
—C. E. Murphy, author of Raven Calls
*
“Nicely done. I actively enjoyed the characters and their banter.”
—Critical Mass
*
“Fun, fascinating, and loaded with excitement! Magic Lost, Trouble Found is a top-notch read of magic, mayhem, and some of the most charming elves and goblins I’ve ever encountered. Enthralling characters and a thrilling plot…I now need to cast a spell on Ms. Shearin to ensure there’s a sequel.”
—Linnea Sinclair, RITA Award–winning author of Rebels and Lovers
