Enchanted Hearts

By Belinda Boring

How do you choose between mere moments and a lifetime?

Aithne was raised on fairytales, spending hours daydreaming about meeting one of the elusive Fae. Little did she know, hidden in the shadows, a Fae Prince stood watching. All it took was one glance and Hadrian became enchanted, unable to stay away. Revealing his presence, Aithne's life was forever changed as her childhood fantasies of magic became a reality.

With each encounter, Aithne fell deeper in love and even though she knew Hadrian couldn't offer her the future she craved, it was enough. That was until William, the local blacksmith's son and friend, stepped forward. Wearing his own heart on his sleeve, and eager to claim Aithne as his wife, there was nothing William wouldn't do for the girl he loved. Even if it meant risking it all at the Midsummer Night's festival.

Three enchanted hearts . . . two honorable men . . . one important choice . . . an unforgettable Midsummer Night's Festival.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belinda Boring
• Release date: Dec 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301473120

Belinda Boring

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. It wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes. Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Book preview

I wonder what you taste like, sweet Aithne. That question has tortured me.

A butterfly commotion rose in my stomach as the flittering turned my insides into a riot of nerves. He was going to give me my first-ever kiss. My hands rested on my stomach fortifying my resolve as his hands gripped the side of my arms. His thumbs moved in soft circles and caused a faintness to come over me.

Hadrian was so close, his breath fanning lightly over my skin. I watched his descending mouth—his lips. I was a storm of emotions—sensations—as the anticipation grew.

As he pulled me closer I held onto his shirt front and offered a silent plea that my knees wouldn’t fail me. His lips were a mere fraction from mine. All I needed to do was creep up on my tiptoes, and the moment would be complete.

We lingered there, the sound of our breath mingling as our eyes locked. He shifted slightly, and traced a delicate pattern across my cheekbone. I shouldn’t. His other arm encircled my waist. But how can I not?

Praise for Enchanted Hearts

This very story just touches your soul and leaves you alittle better of a person for reading it. - Lisa Markson, Mommy Reads Too Much.

With the genteel allure of beloved classic Disney movies meets the love triangle of Twilight, Enchanted Hearts will cast a spell on anyone who believes in romance and love.

- Laurie, Readergirls.

The Queen of Swoon has done it again! Belinda Boring's enchanted my heart with her sweeping romantic triangle in Enchanted Hearts. - Deena Remiel, author of the Book Waitress series.

This is a sweet magical love story. The world Belinda created was beautiful. - Amber, Awesomesauce Book Club.

Other Books by Belinda Boring

The Enchanted Series

Enchanted Hearts

Enchanted Frost (Coming 2013)

The Mystic Wolves Series

The Mystic Wolves

Forget Me Not

Testing Fate (Coming 2013)

The Brianna Lane Series

Broken Promises

Broken Trust (Coming 2013)

Moonstruck Media - Arizona

Copyright © 2012 Belinda Boring

Edited by Irene Hunt, Third Eye Tight Editing Services

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Published by

Moonstruck Media

Arizona

Smashwords Ebook Edition

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

This book is available in print and ebook format.

Dedication

To Mum and Dad

Who would’ve thought I’d be living my dreams like this?

Oh wait, you both did. Thanks for always believing in me. I love you.

To Angel

Willy. Never forget it *winks*

I love you FROEVER

Acknowledgments

Deena, Stacie, Raine, Angel, Kelsie, Lacey, Melina, Melissa.

I have some amazing cheerleaders. Whether it was listening to me swoon over the characters, offering ideas when I was stumped, or reading chapters to tell me what they thought, I’m so grateful for those I know I can always turn to. Thank you for the support, for your faith, and most of all the much needed What are you doing on Facebook? GET OFF! I appreciate you all so much.

A big thank you to my editor, Irene. What can I say . . . I’m the Queen of Prepositions and the Mistress of Gaze. You helped me polish my story and survived! Thanks for your patience and don’t forget . . . you owe me a tiara! Hahaha

And a special thank you to my husband, Mark—for standing in the middle of the store so I could tell you what I’d been writing, taking me on drives to clear my head, and not complaining at 3am when I woke you up to cry over characters. I love you!

Bels

Chapter One

Hadrian

I knew I shouldn’t be here, but like every other time, her beauty beckoned me.

I was helpless to resist the lure of temptation—completely captivated—enchanted. Some would find irony in a Fae enchanted by a human. Once upon a time, I may have argued with them and convinced them of the impossibility of such a statement.

That was before I saw her, however. Everything had changed in that moment.

I don’t believe in fate, the concept absurd to those of my people. We are endless—eternal—the masters of our own destinies. The longevity of our lives affords us the chance to sample all that life offers and with that comes the arrogant belief of our superiority.

Had someone told me I would become fascinated with a human female, I would’ve laughed and dismissed them with a casual wave of my hand. I would’ve reminded them who I was—Prince Hadrian Strongbow, youngest son to Queen Willomena—and such behavior was beneath me.

That was before I saw her, however. Everything changed in that moment.

Aithne. Her name was like a prayer on my lips.

Until that first encounter, I’d considered myself incapable of being influenced by baser emotions. But one look at her radiant beauty—the way her countenance seemed to outshine even the sun—was my undoing.

Aithne.

I didn’t ever stand a chance.

This needs to stop, Brother. Nothing can come from such an attachment. There was a touch of sadness to my eldest brother’s voice. Having one other sibling, Favian and I were the closest, and I wasn’t surprised that he’d followed me here.

I sensed his presence long before Favian revealed himself. Standing just within the tree line, I used the shadows cast by the fading sun as a way to keep hidden and didn’t turn to respond. My focus, as always, rested on her.

My Aithne.

Come, there’s much to do at home. The hunt approaches, and a lot is expected of you.

I don’t care. I will be home when I’m good and ready, I responded. A smile curled over my lips as I caught the sight of a small flash of skin. My mouth watered as the desire to taste her grew strong. Leaning against the trunk of the old, giant, oak tree, I kept my arms tightly folded across my chest. The need to touch her soft body was maddening.

Favian moved beside me, and let out a heavy sigh. This is folly, Hadrian, pure and simple. If you must, have your fling, but do so quickly. Take your fill and purge her from your system. He took a step forward and I could hear the beginning of frustration in his voice. I knew he didn’t understand my fascination with Aithne, but I was helpless to explain something I didn’t quite comprehend myself. All I knew was I couldn’t keep away, and the feelings I was experiencing were deeper than anything I’d ever known.

"I choose more than a mere dalliance. One taste would never satisfy me. She’s under my skin, brother, and not so easily removed. How can I not be in love with her? She is exquisite."

She is human and therefore beneath you. You speak of love? Don’t fool yourself. What you feel is the stirrings of lust, and will no doubt lead to an unhealthy obsession. She is not for you. Come home.

I’m under her spell, I murmured, ignoring his pleas.

It will fade. You’re not the first to think so. Favian put his hand on my shoulder and moved to block my view of Aithne. Anger stirred within me and caused my fists to clench. For the first time since his arrival, I looked at my brother and acknowledged him.

Why are you here? Suddenly impatient, I spoke through gritted teeth. The faster I could get rid of him, the sooner I’d be able to continue watching the object of my affection. The coolness in the air suggested evening was fast approaching, and time was of the essence. Any moment she could decide to leave, and I wasn’t prepared to see her go just yet. I was never ready.

In truth, I am curious. I want to see what holds the sole attention of my beloved brother and brings him across into this world, defying his mother’s wishes. You know she won’t turn a blind eye forever. It’s why I suggest you hurry, have your fling, and be done with this. Favian shifted so he was in my full view. With my complete attention, it was difficult to ignore his concern. Please, favored or not, you don’t want to upset her. You know how she feels.

Closing my eyelids, I recalled the countless lectures I’d received in my youth—about the ruthlessness of humans and their fickle hearts. Many Fae had been lured into traps only to find their souls ensnared. It had led only to misery—so my Mother spoke—and I’d promised to avoid it at all cost. I’d kept my word. Until Aithne.

Turn around and look for yourself. See what brings me here eager for a mere glimpse. I ignored the flicker of hesitation that crossed Favian’s face. The idea his soul could be captured by just one look was pure superstition, and I struggled not to laugh. See.

He had no need to fear, she was perfect. Sitting in the shallow depths of the river, the water caressed her slender form as she trailed her dainty hands through the crystal liquid. The sun’s rays caused her raven-black hair to shine, the soft curls framing her face perfectly. I longed to twirl the long strands around my fingers—the same way the tips floated about in the current when she tilted her head back and stared at the sky. She was flawless—from the porcelain glow of her skin to the smile that brightened her countenance. What I yearned for was to see the true color of her dark eyes. I imagined they were a rich chocolate brown and just once, I wanted them to look my way.

He moved slowly, but once he beheld her there was silence. I couldn’t tell what his thoughts were—his expression guarded—but I was confident he understood what brought me back here seeking her presence. Her innocent beauty was irresistible.

"I see a human female, brother, one who is obviously

Reviews for Enchanted Hearts

[merisha_abbott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Enchanted Hearts by Belinda Boring
I received this book in exchange for an unbiased honest review~~~

This is a spellbinding and enchanting read about love, fantasy, choices, and growth. This book lets you see the childhood dream of seeing fae and the magic that comes from them and a journey of growth not only from Aithne but Hadrian also. The writing ensnares the reader in a delicate way that holds under the magic of the story. It is beautifully written. I love the fact you can feel the emotions of the 3 characters as they are going through the journey. The characters are so loveable and intriguing that I felt that I was there also. I was breathless on this fast paced journey from the writing to the emotions to the wonderful ending. I hope and pray the author writes more in her fairy world of enchantment.

The story is about a young girl Aithne who captures the attention of a fae prince, Hadrian, while swimming in a stream. She also has captured the attention of Willaim, a life long childhood friend who is a human. Hadrian being the embodiment of her fantasies as a child enthralls the attention of Aithne with all the magical wonders that he presents and shows. That is until William one evening declares his love for her then gives her a spell breaking kiss. Who will she choose? Can she live happily if she chooses just one? I give this book 5 stars.