Today's big news is FaRoBub, and I'm sure you've probably gotten at least 50 other newsletters mentioning it by now. 😜 But just in case you're here in my VIP reader group because you're my real-life friend rather than an "actual" fantasy romance reader (LOL!), you might want to make your way to the bottom of this newsletter. That's where FaRoBub is hanging out in all its bookish glory.

Or maybe you opened this email because the prospect of a Gift of Stone Q&A caught your attention. If so, read on, since my latest paranormal romance novel will be out in the wild starting on Friday this week!

And I'll admit.

I'm terrified.

And it's because . . . Gift of Stone includes abrasive subject matter. 👀

If you read Gift of Fire—the first book in my Elemental Bloodlines series—you've probably settled back into a cozy hammock with a cup of hot chocolate and mused, "It's SO nice that C.L. Carhart's writing fun, witchy romances with lower stakes these days. What a relaxing change from her first series!"

Welp.

Sorry to burst your bubble, if that's you.

But Zehra—Gift of Stone's heroine—was trafficked as a child.

🪨 Gift of Stone Q&A 🪨

Q: What do you mean, the main character in Gift of Stone was trafficked as a child? Are you talking fantasy vibes here or reality vibes?

A: Reality vibes, unfortunately. Zehra's father sold her to a producer of child pornography—a disgusting male who deserves to be imprisoned for life—when Zehra was only eight years old.

Q: ACK! That's horrific! WHY would I want to read about something like THAT when your books are supposed to be all witchy & magical?!

A: Thankfully, you won't have to experience Zehra's traumatic childhood alongside her. Gift of Stone begins shortly after Zehra turned 18, when she made the biggest decision of her life.

Q: What decision, exactly?

A: The decision to become a Teuton witch by way of a deadly blood ritual. You can read about Zehra's transformation on my Coffee page here:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clcarhart/gift-stone-chapters-1-3

Q: Okay. So when we catch up with Zehra, she's become a Teuton witch, and she's no longer enslaved. How exactly did she escape? I certainly hope her beastly handler was brought to justice!

A: If I told you how she escaped, that might be giving away a little too much. 😉 But her handler is in prison now. He'll never exploit children again.

Q: Phew. Thank goodness your books actually bring fiends to justice, since that doesn't always happen in our world. But I'm guessing I might find a lot of triggers in Gift of Stone. Can you let me know what I'll be facing, if I read Zehra's story?

A: Of course! In Gift of Stone, you'll find graphic sexual content (of a consensual nature), off-page rape (between Chapters 17 & 18), graphic violence, profanity, death, and mature themes. Like most trauma survivors, Zehra doesn't heal instantly; she faces a book-long path to recovery. By the end, she finds a kindhearted mate to walk beside her on the journey toward healing. 💖

Q: That actually sounds . . . inspiring, despite the dark nature of Zehra's past. I might be willing to give Gift of Stone a chance. But I have one more question. Are the rest of the books in your Elemental Bloodlines series going to be dark like Gift of Stone, or will they be more lighthearted like Gift of Fire? I ask because sometimes, I'd rather enjoy a casual read than power through a heavy read.

A: Great question! Right now, I have a pretty good idea about where the first 6 books in Elemental Bloodlines are headed. So far, Gift of Stone looks like it'll be the darkest of the 6. The next 4 books will be taking place near the Alpine village where Ilsa and Horst live, so we've got some woodsy shenanigans on the way!

Q: Awesome! I've been wanting to know more about Ilsa and Horst ever since I read Gift of Air. One last question. Can you tell me what romance and fantasy tropes I can immerse myself into when I read Gift of Stone?

A: Sure! The biggest romance trope in Gift of Stone is the fated mates trope, since shortly after Zehra becomes a Teuton witch, she becomes the Leitalra of Erlangen—bound to mate with her city's Keyholder, or Leitaeri. Other tropes include embracing one's destiny, dark secrets, virgin (twisted on its head since it's the GUY who's the virgin this time!), and reuniting with a departed loved one.

🪨 Gift of Stone Snippet 🪨

Time for one more sneak peek at Zehra's budding relationship with her fiery Keyholder, Henning. You won't have to roll your eyes at a dominating alphahole mate in Gift of Stone. Henning is a gem of a guy who just wants his Leitalra to be able to trust him. Best part?

He's a plumber.

That's right. The Keyholder—the most influential Teuton priest in the city of Erlangen—is in the trades. 🔧

Memories I had long stifled tormented every part of my inner self, my stone weeping on my behalf as I sought some source of comfort. Philipp was not here to reassure me that my past could not dictate my present or my future. He had died to grant me Teutonic magic, a strong defense against those who sought to smother my voice. But my childhood slavery reared its ugly head in moments I could not control, grinding my hopes back into dust.

Philipp could not save me or repair the damage done to my body and mind.

Could I manage to tear my way free from this inferno and explain myself to my Leitaeri? I sensed his spirit holding mine close, his arms embracing me as my Truhtein’s never would again. How had Henning picked me up off the floor with my element front and center? Stone was not too heavy for him?

Would he reject me once he knew how broken his Leitalra truly was?

Eventually I managed to pry my eyelids open, my silvery vision recognizing the walls and furniture of the master suite. Henning had carried me to safety, sealed away the outside world while I regained control over myself. He had sat us both on the bed, his arms holding me securely against him. He did not speak, but his spirit caressed mine, offering wordless solace.

I blinked a few times and glanced down at my lap. A pile of tiny pebbles lay there in colors from the usual gray to tan, cream, black, and even jewel tones. My forehead wrinkled and I reached up to rub my right eye, bemused that I felt no pain in the socket after crying literal rocks. I did not know that was possible. But wait, I had seen energy sparking in Philipp’s tears on several occasions. This must be one of many advantages—or drawbacks—of being a Teuton.

Henning still had not spoken one word, likely waiting for me to do it first. Terror raced into my blood as my rational mind reasserted itself. I had no choice but to tell my Keyholder everything, after breaking down in front of him and all his friends. Now he knew “bad men” had murdered my little sister. How much more had my brother divulged before our mother came to quiet him?

How could I explain?

I stirred in my Keyholder’s embrace and he loosened his arms, allowing me to edge away from him. The pebbles on my lap spilled between my legs as I shifted, prompting me to expel a soft snort. “Rocks.”

“You made a nice collection of rocks,” Henning said after a pause, his right hand moving forward to touch the small of my back. I chanced a look at him out of the corner of my left eye, hoping for a clue about how he processed my collapse. Did he view me as weak? Insane?

To my surprise, Henning’s eyes smoldered with what looked like devotion. He offered me a shy smile. “At least you don’t leak little gas flames whenever you cry. Don’t have to worry about burning anything.”

I turned away from him, a feeble laugh quivering in my chest. “I’m sorry.”

“Fiery Teutons get used to it after a while. But if you’re apologizing for crying in front of me, please don’t. I’m so sorry about your sister. I didn’t know.”

His deep voice sounded devastated. I ran my fingers through some of the pebbles bunched between my legs, asking my element to ground me and give me the courage I did not feel. “Thank you. It’s not just that. There’s so much you don’t know . . . about me and my family.”

“You don’t have to tell me right now if you’re not ready.” Henning traced his fingers along my waist, his gentle touch soothing. “But I’m here for you whenever you need to talk. Or cry. And it’s not just the city bond making me say that. You fascinate me, Zehra. I’ve never admired any witch more than I admire you. Not even my Omi.”

I sniffed as moisture gathered behind my eyes again. Hopefully this time I could keep my stone contained; I did not want to be sweeping up pebbles for the rest of the day. My demons whispered in my mind, hissing that my Leitaeri would not admire me once he knew the truth. That he would wish Erlanga’s soul had chosen any other witch.

But I had to get things out in the open to stave off any rumors that might arise thanks to Murat’s revelations. God, please help me be honest with him. And Philipp . . . please stand by my side if Henning won’t, I prayed.

“Remember when I told you . . . Philipp Liebig . . . rescued me from a terrible fate?” I continued running my fingers through the pebbles, focusing my gaze on their colors, not on my Keyholder.

“I remember.” Henning had begun to knead circles upon my lower back, releasing a small portion of my tension.

I dug out a diamond-looking pebble the size of a nail’s head, ordering myself to focus on what Philipp taught me. My past did not matter. I was strong, a shining star, capable of creating my own destiny. A brilliant light in the darkness.

“When I was thirteen, my handler decided to sell me. His clients didn’t want my body anymore. My videos weren’t making enough money. I was turning into a woman. And his clients preferred little girls. Not women.”

Henning’s hand froze upon my back. I could tell he was holding his breath. I chewed on my inner cheek and fingered the sparkling crystal my tears had made. My spirit sensed Henning’s repulsion along with an emergent anger. You can tell him. He’s not angry at you. He’s angry at what they did to you.

“He was just about to sell me to someone who produced porn of teenagers. But then Philipp came along . . . and offered him twice as much money. The first time I saw Philipp, I thought I was being sold to the Playboy mansion. I’d heard talk about that place. I was so scared. But then he brought me here and set me in a room upstairs. A really basic room. To detox me from the alcohol. He didn’t want sex. I tried to give it to him so many times. I didn’t understand. I thought he wanted little girls, too. I didn’t understand why he bought me.”

Salty tears dripped from my eyes, my stone confining itself within. “Philipp worked hard to change the way I viewed myself, the way I viewed the world. He showed me the kindness. The beauty. The path to recovery. He wanted to make sure I could take care of myself . . . so I’d never fall into the hands of evil men again. He kept me safe when we brought my handler to justice, along with all the others who worked with him. He and Lenz kept my testimony anonymous. When I turned eighteen, Philipp gave me his name and his blood, a new start.”

My rushing river of confessions ended abruptly, my fingers pressing the crystal tight against my palm. Tears fell like rain onto my patterned gray blouse, my eyes squeezed shut once more. I had gained a new life and lost the man who made it all possible. Henning wrapped his arms around me again, and this time I leaned my face into his chest, the warmth of his fire comforting me.

“Your Truhtein gave you a priceless gift. I understand now why you love him, Zehra. I’m so sorry I misjudged you at first. I wish he could have survived the ritual, so you could have had the marriage you longed for.”

“His ashes are still in his family crypt,” I choked out, sorrow shattering me anew. “They should be here with me, in our home. I hate German law. His ashes should be here with me.”

“Hmm.” Henning’s nose was buried in my hair, his voice humming against the insides of my brain. Our closeness awakened yearnings hardly appropriate at a time like this—or any time, for that matter. I had not yet told him the worst parts of my past. The parts that made me an unworthy Leitalra.

Blinking my tears away, I sighed and remained where I lay against his chest. “Lenz and I rescued my Anne and Murat from my Baba—my father—just last month,” I said, skirting the issue for the moment. “He works with a group of human traffickers not far north of here. He sold Leyla and me to pay a gambling debt. His biggest addiction. That’s why he got into the dark side of business, to try to stay on top of his losses.”

Henning exhaled heavily into my hair, then raised his head, his strong arms my anchor. “He may be your father, but he sounds like a crook.”

“He’s a terrible person,” I responded instantly. Any latent love I may have had for him had evaporated long ago. “Even before, when he was a custodian at the university, he beat my mother. And all of us. Even Leyla. I saw him shake her once when she wouldn’t stop crying. A little baby.”

Henning murmured a curse on my father’s behalf. “Lenz is trying to uncover enough evidence to break my Baba’s organization apart, like we did with the porn ring,” I went on. “But that took years. And we had my Truhtein then. He was good at tracing stuff on the dark web. I miss him so much.”

“You three brought that ring down in 2001, right?” I nodded. “You were fifteen and did all of that after surviving the worst violence ever. Gosh, Zehra. No wonder Erlanga’s soul chose you to represent her.”

I had not thought about it like that before. “I feel so unworthy sometimes. I can’t understand why this city’s soul didn’t choose a born Teuton.”

“If anyone’s worthy to take the reins of a Teuton city, it’s you. Never doubt that. I already respected you, but now I’m just . . . blown away.”

Pulling back from his embrace, I met his gaze, astonished by the admiration pulsing from his fiery aura. I almost believed I sensed Erlanga’s soul speaking to my heart, a gentle reproof. Your Leitaeri is a good man, and that’s why he took the responsibility of Erlangen’s keys. It’s his duty to guide and protect you.

***

Don't forget, if you want to join Zehra in her empowering journey toward healing and devoted love, you can do that TODAY by ordering Gift of Stone from the big button at the link below. It'll take you to a PayPal checkout page, and once you've paid, BookFunnel will send you your download link right away. Two days before Zehra's story releases on the retailers.

Want to know everything before the general public? Buy Gift of Stone today!

✨ Get It NOW! ✨

Or you can pre-order at your favorite retailer & start reading on Friday. All the retailer links are stuffed inside that button above, too. 😉

Recommended Reading

While you won't have to suffer a giant clump of extra newsletters this month, while I'm pushing Gift of Stone's release, I do have a couple bonus books to share, as my fellow authors share Gift of Stone with their own readers. Please do take a look at each book, because we're all just hopeful writers trying to share our stories with you. We truly appreciate your support!

Problems arise and Terra is commissioned by the Tribunal to return to her realm. Their mission is for her to find five commoner candidates from her realm, The Land of Lost Souls, that will be a good fit for the Tribunal. Without hesitation, Terra is more than willing to return home but less than willing to do what the Tribunal asks. She has her own agenda.

What she finds as she learns to navigate her magic skills is more than she can explain. She and her friends easily put together the lies the Tribunal has been feeding them all their lives and the mission becomes one of mystery as they maneuver their way through half-truths.

Worse than the lies, Clyde is kidnapped by a vampire stalker and used as bait to lure Terra to Drakonia where she faces the vampire Minister M'ra who has special plans for her. Forced to go along with it as Clyde's life hangs in the balance, more secrets come to light. Secrets that are far more dangerous and enigmatic than being a hybrid.

✨ All Retailers ✨

The court of the gryphon king has ever been a dangerous and seductive place where Ishtar’s blessing is both the hot breath of passion and the cold kiss of steel. Yet as the childhood companion of King Ditanu, Iltani never doubted her place in either his kingdom or his heart.

Then duty called her away to complete her training.

Now, a woman grown and a sword-maiden to the goddess Ishtar, Iltani returns and takes up her sacred destiny to protect the royal line. But so much has changed. Ditanu most of all. The youth she knew is gone. A stoic, untouchable king now sits the throne.

Does anything of their once deep bond survive?

Iltani must swiftly find her place in a court where cunning governors plot treason, trusted advisors orchestrate deceptions, and noblewomen seek to beguile King Ditanu using methods both fair and foul. But the greatest threat of all is no mortal adversary.

Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Underworld, desires to make Ditanu her consort and seize his kingdom for her own.

✨ FREE On All Retailers ✨

Get all 5 Dakota Hearts books in 1 set at a bargain price! Separately these books would cost $14.95 retail. But all 5 stories of the McKinnon brothers of South Dakota are just $9.99. This is a limited time offer. So if you love the McKinnon's of Dakota Hearts, don't miss out on this deal!

✨ All Retailers ✨

🎉 It's FaRoBub! 🎉

ARE YOU READY for 200+ free books by 200+ indie authors??? Literally no strings attached this time around. Even the BookFunnel downloads don't require an email address (I checked; they don't 😉). This is a massive, one-day event hosted by FaRoFeb and shared by all of my fellow fantasy romance authors. Monster romance, historical fantasy romance, epic fantasy romance, and our beloved paranormal romance—you can find it all here!

Don't forget to browse the offerings all the way down to the bottom, so you can pick out diamonds in the rough. Yes, some of the books are available only on Amazon. But just as many of them are free on all retailers or BookFunnel.

There might be a sneaky tale of mine in the mix.

One you can't get anywhere else at present. -innocent whistle-

Are you ready to load up your e-reader? Check it out!

✨ FaRoBub Time! ✨

Okay, I'd better sneak back to my laptop so I can work on a secret project. Yep, another one of those. Yep, it might be a novella. Yep, you might be able to get it for yourself at some future point.

Nope, I'm not going to reveal its subject matter just yet. 😝

I'll be sending out "RELEASE DAY! YAY!" newsletters starting on February 10th in honor of Gift of Stone's publication on all online retailers. So expect to hear from me one more time before next Wednesday, as I attempt to shove Zehra's compelling love story into your mouth.

If you happen to be on my ARC team, you'll also be getting the stereotypical "plz review my book" email on February 10th. 😎

Don't want to wait until Friday? You can get Zehra's story right now by snagging it from the big button at the first link below.

Have a weirdly wonderful week, and enjoy all the FaRoBub freebies. 📚

Talk to you soon,

C.L. Carhart

Get Gift of Stone (a deliciously dark tale): https://bf.clcarhart.com/keag4pmhtb

Get Gift of Fire (a much lighter tale): https://bf.clcarhart.com/w721mjjj90

Get Gift of Air (a free prequel): https://bf.clcarhart.com/6w57qgfhc9

FaRoBub free books: https://farofeb.com/freebooks/