The Raven and the Banshee, page 1
Table of Contents
Synopsis
Praise for the works of Carolyn Elizabeth
Other Bella Books by Carolyn Elizabeth
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Bella Books
Synopsis
It’s the early 1700’s and sixteen-year-old Julia Farrow, spirited daughter of a shipping company owner, lives and loves on her own terms. With a sharp mind and sharper tongue, she constantly defies family and society expectations with no regard for the consequences.
Branna Kelly, only child of an Irish immigrant sailor, is hopelessly in love with Julia and imagines their life together as captains of their own fate. Left brokenhearted after Julia’s rejection, she embarks on a journey to chart a new shipping route to the Caribbean. Before Julia can explain her decision, Branna’s ship is overrun by merciless pirates. All hands are presumed lost.
Fifteen years later, Julia is running the Farrow Company and sailing with the crew on her newest ship when an encounter with pirates leaves her the lone survivor to be rescued by the infamous Raven, hard-hearted captain of the mercenary ship, Banshee. Julia is shocked to discover her rescuer wears a familiar face.
The Raven and the Banshee is a passionate tale of vengeance, forgiveness and second chance love in a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas.
Content note: the book contains one brief scene of sexual assault and one mention of rape.
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Praise for the works of Carolyn Elizabeth
The Other Side of Forestlands Lake
Elizabeth (Gallows Humor) delivers her signature blend of lesbian romance and murder in this suspenseful outing. Paranormal YA author Willa Dunn steps into her own ghost story when she returns to her childhood summer home at Forestlands Lake. She’s hoping to work on her next book and reconnect with her half-sister, rebellious teenager Nicole, but her plans are derailed by a series of spectral visitations. When Nicole gets drunk and almost drowns in the lake, Willa’s childhood sweetheart, Lee Chandler, saves her. Lee, now the director of a summer camp for LGBTQ youth, and her daughter, Maggie, join together with Willa and Nicole to investigate the haunting. Between ghostly possessions and cryptic conversations with mysterious neighbors, Willa and Lee rekindle the flame that was barely allowed to flicker back when they were both closeted teens. Though the story hits some speed bumps trying to juggle the tense mystery and the lighthearted romance, the charming characters will draw in readers, and the plot ultimately hangs together nicely. Fans of romantic suspense are sure to be pleased.
-Publishers Weekly
The author uses great descriptions and innocuous little details to give the community surrounding the lake a disturbing personality. This is a nice juxtaposition with the giddiness Willa and Lee feel over being reunited. I enjoyed losing myself in a paranormal story. I’m pretty set in my ways about sticking to the romance genre, but this was a nice change of pace. The book is well paced, and it’s spooky enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck without making you need to sleep with the lights on.
-The Lesbian Review
It took only one book by Carolyn Elizabeth for me to decide that she was a must-read author. This is her third and it proves true again. I love Elizabeth’s stories but even if I didn’t, I’d read her books for the characters. She makes me fall in love with all of them.
There are many layers to this book, and so we don’t get one mystery but two. Well-thought, complex and thrilling mysteries. Everything came as a surprise yet still made complete sense (in a paranormal way).
Carolyn Elizabeth is proving that she could write any genre and I’d want to read it. In this book, you get romance, paranormal and mystery all in one, with each element being as important and as well-crafted
-Les Rêveur
Gallows Humor
At this very moment, my coffee cup is raised in Carolyn Elizabeth’s honor because she gave me the perfect blend of an angst-filled, budding romance with endless humor and an enthralling murder mystery that kept me up way past my bedtime. I still can’t get over the fact that this story is her debut novel because Carolyn Elizabeth has knocked my fluffy bedroom socks off with her flawless writing and the witty and entertaining dialogue between the characters along with the vivid descriptions of the Jackson City Memorial Hospital and environs.
If you’re looking for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you doubled over with laughter, then this is definitely the story for you!
-The Lesbian Review
I always enjoy reading good debuts. It gets me excited to find new authors. I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I think people will enjoy this read. I hope there is a book two because I will be reading it. Almost forgot, I also like the oddball title of the book.
-Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
Dirt Nap
Yes! This is how you write a sequel, you make it even better than the first. For those readers that were hoping for more of Thayer and Corey, including their relationship, you won’t be disappointed. Their connection keeps growing, the chemistry is in your face and every romantic scene is just as good as the most exciting scenes in the book. All the story lines of this book really hit for me. From a little relationship angst to Corey’s big problem with a trusted friend, there was always something going on that kept me flipping these pages.
-Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
This is a perfect sequel to Gallows Humor and met all of my…high expectations. Sometimes sequels can be disappointing, but not this one. We have the same mystery, intrigue, and romance that we found in the first book. Corey, Thayer, and all the secondary characters are just as likable and easy to connect with. The romance is still as sweet, and it was fun seeing the two grow together through all the trials they had to endure. It was also fun meeting a few new characters and watching them develop. Ms. Elizabeth not only has the knowledge she needs in pathology and medicine for this story, she also shines in character development. This is what makes both of these books so great.
-Betty H., NetGalley
Great second book for Carolyn Elizabeth and a great second in the Curtis & Reynolds series. Just like her debut Gallows Humor, this one is also written in third person, from the point of view of both protagonists, Corey and Thayer. The plot is even more interesting, with a very well-done crime/thriller part, and continuation of a really good romance. The chemistry between the two well-defined and likable protagonists is excellent. Add to that a few other very well-written relationships, good pacing, nice ending…and you have a great read.
-Pin’s Reviews, goodreads
I must admit that this is the second time that I was blown away with this author’s captivating writing style. She has really outdone herself with this story because she gave me a riveting romantic thriller that has so many entertaining and laugh-out-loud moments embedded within it. This story kept me glued to my Kindle and hungry for more priceless wisecracks from Corey and Thayer. Even though Carolyn Elizabeth did a wonderful job of filling in some of the details and facts from her first book, I would strongly advise you to read Gallows Humor before you read this story so that you would get to know more about these lovely characters.
-The Lesbian Review
I reiterate from book one, the main characters of Dr. Thayer Reynolds and Corey Curtis are two of the most charismatic characters that I’ve had the pleasure of reading about in quite a while. Perfect leads in a book that begins in the foulest way, the discovery of a decomposed body. Although the remainder of the book unravels the answers to the mystery via good action and police work, the joy in the story comes from watching Thayer and Corey interact and grow as a couple and as individuals. They show tenderness and vulnerability in small intimate scenes that paint a picture of a couple falling hard and deep. I could easily read another ten of these Curtis & Reynolds books.
-Jules P., NetGalley
Other Bella Books by Carolyn Elizabeth
The Other Side of Forestlands Lake
The Curtis and Reynolds Series
Gallows Humor
Dirt Nap
Zero Chill
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First Edition - 2022
Editor: Ann Roberts
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
ISBN: 978-1-64247-240-0
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Acknowledgments
A version of this story came into the world back in 2014 as an AU fanfiction for a fandom that will forever remain a secret. It’s a story near and dear to my heart and one of my earliest efforts that helped build my confidence as a writer. It only made sense that one day I would develop it for publication. Today is that day.
Thank you to the Bella Books family for continuing to give me the opportunity to publish my stories and to Ann Roberts for continuing to help me make them the best possible books they can be. Many thanks to Tere for reading an early version and providing much needed feedback.
There are many more words where these come from, and I would be pleased to adapt more of the original for publication in the future. If all goes well we can continue our adventures with Captain Branna Kelly, Julia Farrow and the crew of the Banshee.
My wife tells me this one is her favorite. Time will tell what the rest of you think.
Prologue
Charlestown, South Carolina 1705
Branna stumbled along behind her parents, Lochlann and Colleen Kelly. Her shoes were too small and pinched her feet as they made their way through the darkening, muggy evening, dodging the lamplighters on the downtown Charlestown, South Carolina, street. She breathed in the familiar heady scent of blooming crepe myrtles and freshly lit gas lamps on one side and the pungent seaport on the other.
Her belly fluttered with nerves, excitement, and unease while her left hand fidgeted with the heavy gold signet ring she always wore on her first finger. Her right hand pulled at the fabric of the ill-fitting, secondhand dress that once belonged to a young woman who filled it out much better than she could ever hope. It gaped in the bodice and had to be let out to accommodate her height, but still barely reached her ankles. It was once worn by the same young woman she was on her way to see, to profess her love for, and to say goodbye to—Julia Farrow.
Lost in thought, she didn’t realize they had arrived and she bumped into the back of her tall, broad-shouldered father when he paused to turn up the walk to the Farrow estate.
“Aye, lass, pull yerself together.” His eyes glinted with amusement despite the scolding. “That’s no way fer a young lady to behave.”
“Lady,” Branna scoffed in a very unladylike manner, her accent nearly imperceptible after their many years in the colonies. “You must be speaking of your other daughter.”
His eyes narrowed at his only child, looking her over from head to toe. Branna fought the urge to squirm beneath her father’s intense scrutiny. She knew what she looked like and why she stood out so much from the other young women her age.
She was tall for a young woman of sixteen, towering over her peers, but still a head shorter than her father’s outlandish six-foot-four frame. Despite inheriting her mother’s lithe build, she was strong, broad shouldered and narrow hipped. She had long fingers on large hands, roughened from being raised in a life of hard work and sailing, which were a constant source of embarrassment when in high-class company.
Instead of a fair, rosy complexion and sun-kissed locks, she was gifted with straight black hair pulled back from sharp features darkened by the sun. Her eyes were so dark-brown they appeared black.
“There’s only you, Branna, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Her father grasped her hands and raised them to kiss the knuckles of each, grinning with love and pride. “Now, let Mam fix yer dress.”
“Yes, Da.” She grinned back and turned around for her mother to adjust the pins she had added to help the dress better fit her shape, or as Branna thought, shapelessness. “Thank you, Mam.”
Colleen spun her daughter and looked up at her. “You look beautiful, my darling daughter, and don’t let anyone here tell you different, do you understand? You are every bit as worthy as them and quite a bit more so, if you ask me.”
“Yes, Mam, I know.” Branna lowered her eyes.
“It’s not enough just to know, my sweet.” Her mother tilted Branna’s head up with a finger under her chin. “You must believe it, too. Hold your head up and be strong, be caring…” She trailed off, holding her gaze.
“Be true.” She finished her mother’s constant and favorite encouragement. “I do believe, Mam.”
Her father feigned a sound of disgust at their sentiments and rolled his eyes, shining with emotion. “We’ve only a short time before a favorable tide so let’s get on with it.”
“You’ll not forget to collect the satchel from Mr. Farrow this time?” Her mother pinched the back of his arm.
“Ow, woman, cease yer nagging.” He jerked his arm away but couldn’t hide the adoring twinkle in his eye. “It was only one time.”
“One time that added a week to our voyage for having to return to port as we had no money and no contracts.” She teased with no real anger.
“Aye, love.” He smiled sheepishly. “I’ve not forgotten. Ye won’t let me.”
Branna laughed at her parents’ good-natured bickering, her smile faltering as they neared their destination.
They walked the stone path lined with oaks and dogwoods to the Farrows’ grand, three-story, brick double house. Branna, not knowing when she would lay eyes on it again, marveled at the sight of the columns across the piazza that overlooked the lush and impeccably manicured grounds and private gardens. She called to mind the many times throughout her young life she and Julia Farrow had run hand in hand and barefoot through the cool grass and lay together beneath the shade of the dogwoods in the muggy heat of the summer.
It was beneath one of those trees in the cooling air and dimming light that she experienced her first kiss—and the many that came after. The memory was so vivid she could feel the softness of Julia’s lips against hers, the sweetness of her breath against her cheek, and the press of their still-developing bodies against each other.
Branna had never experienced anything so terrifying and tantalizing as that kiss and wanted nothing more than to feel that way forever. Now she had to say goodbye, for how long she didn’t know.
Upon entering the house, her parents immediately split up in opposite directions to visit and make their goodbyes to their friends. Her father joined some of the other Farrow Company men and her mother went to their wives, including the heavily pregnant Amelia Farrow. “Despite being employees, Branna’s parents were well regarded among the Farrow’s elite business associates and her father was a highly sought-after ship’s captain.” Branna could not say the same and tensed as soon as she was left to fend for herself in the midst of the early summer party.
