S.J. Himes's Blog, page 2

On Fire Cover Reveal and Giveaway: States of Love Alicia Nordwell

I want to share a big thank you to my host for featuring the cover reveal today for my latest Dreamspinner Press release, On Fire, made by Garrett Leigh. Without further ado...


A fun tidbit: I actually took the picture of the mountain (it was not on fire at the time, lol)
A picture is definitely worth a thousand words when it comes to a cover, and these guys are hot, but I bet you'd like to know more about their story, so here goes!
Blurb:Nothing beatsgetting out of the concrete jungle and into the quiet of the forest. Websitedesigner Scottie Ness is taking a well-deserved vacation from the grindstone,and he plans to spend it in the solitude of Washington’s Gifford Pinchot NationalForest around Mt. Adams. He’s prepared for everything—except the lightningstorm that traps him in a wildfire.
The firefighter who rescues him sustains serious injuries and ends upin the hospital. Jax Quintero might be abrasive, but the guy saved his life,and Scottie wants to thank him. As they spend time together during Jax’srecovery and exploring the state’s landmarks when he’s released from thehospital, Scottie discovers there’s more to Jax than a smart-ass adrenalinejunkie. Jax reassesses his opinion of Scottie as an arrogant city boy who hasno business in the mountains. Though Jax’s wounds prevent them from takingthings as far as they’d like for a while, they can’t deny the heat buildingbetween them—and this is one fire they don’t want to put out.
Where can you pick up your copy? On Fire is available for pre-order at Dreamspinner Press now!https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/on-fire-by-alicia-nordwell-7675-b

Contest!!Because I love my fellow readaholics, I'm giving away a $5 gift card to Dreamspinner Press to celebrate finally being able to share On Fire's awesome cover and my photo inspiration for Jax and Scottie.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:The number one question folks ask Alicia when she shares she's a MM romance author: "Why gay fiction? Why write men when you're a woman?" and her answer is: "Why the hell not!" Alicia Nordwell is one of those not so rare creatures, a reader turned writer. Striving to find an interesting story one day, she decided to write what she wanted instead. Then the voices started... Yep, not only does she talk about herself in the third person for bios, she has voices in her head constantly clamoring to get out.
Fortunately, with the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided for her own sanity to keep writing. Now you can find her stories both free and e-published. When she’s not on the computer typing away, she's a wife and a mom of two in the dreary, yet ideal for her redhead complexion, Pacific Northwest. Except for when she disappears into one of the many worlds in her head, of course!
She can also be found quite often at her blog, where she has a lot of free fiction for readers to enjoy or working hard, or maybe hardly working, as an admin on GayAuthors.org under her online nickname, Cia.
Blog: http://ciasstories.blogspot.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicia.nordwellTwitter: https://twitter.com/AliciaNordwellGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4479520.Alicia_Nordwell

Release Day and Review: Of Love and Corn Dogs by Parker Williams

Happy release day, Parker!

Of Love and Corndogs9/23/2016
BLURB:
With more money than he could spend in ten lifetimes, Darwin Kincade still couldn't keep death from stealing his lover. A little older and a whole lot wiser, flirting with his twice-a-week waiter is the perfect no-risk substitute for a real relationship. Until the night his routine is upended by the restaurant's newest employee.Ricky Donnelly loves people. While being a server isn’t his dream, he’s good at it. When a grumpy man is seated in his station, Ricky sees there’s more to him than he lets on, and when the man relaxes, he’s actually sweet.As the two men bond over a discussion about corn dogs—something Darwin’s never heard of—he realizes how much he’s missed out on in his life. He vows to open himself to new experiences—including, perhaps, a chance at finding love again.Not wanting anything to muddy their blooming relationship, Darwin hides part of himself from Ricky. He likes the look in Ricky’s eyes, unclouded by Darwin’s notoriety. Unfortunately, the truth can never stay hidden, and when it comes out, Darwin may lose any hope of holding onto the future they’ve begun to build.


My Review:
Parker Williams has this incredible ability to make me empathize and bleed along with his characters. The emotional resonance I experience with Ricky as he comes to grips with Darwin and his larger than life existence left me adrift, the thought, "OMG, I would so react this way!" the only anchor I had to hold me throughout the book.
Darwin is so authentic. He is not some stereotypical super-alpha-playboy-assassin-billionaire-ultra-lover who cures the other MC's misgivings with repeated exposure to his Magical Penis. Darwin is a kind, loving soul who slowly comes to life after grief shut him down, Ricky's smile and effortless charm enticing him out of his shell. Darwin may be super-rich--but he acts like every other generous man with heavy responsibilities. Ricky has a dream, but the economy, student loans, and horrible employers are all stumbling blocks to attaining it. He works hard, honestly, and tries his best. He may be poor, but he isn't bitter or beatdown. He knows how to enjoy life, and he has a goal. (And Merlin, too, of course. Who's Merlin? Not telling, but he made the book.)
When the 'truth' comes out about Darwin's wealth, Ricky reacts in such a realistic way, it had me rethinking my dreams of winning the lotto. Something so large, so overwhelming as extreme wealth is SCARY. Forget the daydreams of jet-setting around the world and caviar and champagne. Such a life can bring chains and terrors and leave any of us frightened and feeling inadequate. The twist on the common Rich/Poor plot is invigorating and pulled me in deeper to the story, and I felt for everyone involved, not just Darwin and Ricky. I understood, and that understanding helped me to feel the characters' frustrations, love, and fears all that more keenly.The resolution between Ricky and Darwin is sweet, charming, and full of hope. The best and truest forms of love are just that--made of hope. It is hope that gives us all our Happy Ever Afters.

I give this book a heartfelt 5 Stars. It's on my Reread List.
Buy Links:All Romance
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon DE
Smashwords 
Excerpt:“What are you having?”“There’s a local cider I like,” Ricky answered. “It’s called Tempest Red Cider, and it’s really good. They serve it in a chilled mug, so it’s all frosty and cold.”“Okay, I’ll give it a try.”He watched as Ricky strolled to the bar. In his street clothes, Ricky still possessed a certain grace when he walked. It seemed almost hypnotic the way Darwin couldn’t take his eyes off the man. When Ricky brought the drinks to the table and put one in front of Darwin, he stared at the deep red liquid, with the tiny bubbles at the top. It reminded Darwin of a witch’s brew. His expression must have given him away, because Ricky laughed and picked up his drink, then took a sip, before he smacked his lips theatrically.“See? Not poisoned. Try it. If you don’t like it, I’ll get you something else.”Picking up the mug and bringing it to his lips, Darwin could smell the sweet concoction. His first taste, though, sold him completely. It tasted of apples, but had a definite kick to it.“Good, huh?”“Very. I’ll have to see about picking some of this up.”“Don’t bother,” Ricky told him. “The bottled stuff isn’t nearly as good. I’m not sure what the difference is, but it’s really noticeable.”“Then perhaps I’ll have to come back here again,” Darwin said, hopeful that maybe Ricky’d come with him. He looked around; it seemed like a nice place. The bar itself appeared to be oak with brass trim. The decor suggested they’d had a hard time deciding on a theme and had gone for the hodgepodge approach, with a multitude of pictures and other items dotting the walls, none of which went well together. But it work, at least to Darwin’s mind.There weren’t many people in the bar, but it didn’t matter. Darwin could sit with Ricky all night and simply listen as he told stories about people he’d served, some of the more risqué things that had happened with patrons in the restrooms, or the things that went on in the kitchen with the irascible chef. Enjoying someone else’s company gave Darwin a warmth throughout his whole body. As the night wore on, the place began to fill with more and more men, dressed in a variety of outfits—businessmen, guys in leather, college students with their school names emblazoned on their chests—and Ricky, with his open, friendly manner seemed to be able to be part of the whole lot.Darwin had finished his first drink and had begun his second. Ricky’s fourth had him slurring his words slightly, but beyond that, he seemed happy, which made everything okay. Darwin would make sure he made it home safely, even if he had to call Henley.Ricky hiccupped, then grinned. He stared at Darwin for a few moments before he finally asked, “Do you maybe wanna dance with me?” He bit the corner of his lip, the uncertainty evident. Darwin could only describe the look as adorable. Ricky seemed to have so many facets, and Darwin hoped for time to explore them all.Ricky’s chuckle snapped Darwin from his reverie.“So…dance?”Dance? Darwin turned his attention to the lighted stage where a few men shimmied together, pressed against each other in erotic ways. He and his brother had been taught to waltz and other ballroom dances. While repetition had deeply engrained those lessons, he had no clue how to do what he saw on the stage.“I…don’t know how.”“No problem,” Ricky said, grabbing Darwin’s hand and leading him upto the raised dance floor. When they got there, Ricky leaned over and whispered in Darwin’s ear, “Just let yourself go. You don’t need to be great, or even good. Flow with the music.”The music, much louder on the dancefloor than it had been at the table, wrapped around them, the pulsating beat reverberating through his core. He lifted his arms and started to sway, shifting his hips side to side. He peeked over at Ricky who flowed like he had been made of liquid. Other men pushed in against them, and a knot started forming in Darwin’s stomach. Why did it bother him so much to see men touching Ricky? Hell, Ricky didn’t seem to mind their hands on him. Darwin tamped down the uncomfortable feelings and let the music take him away.The volume dropped, and the bartender called out, “Closing time.”“Looks like we missed last call,” Ricky said, his voice soft as he gazed at Darwin through his thick lashes.Darwin wanted to protest. They hadn’t even been there… Oh hell. The clock on the wall claimed it to be nearly two am. He’d been having such a good time he never even realized how quickly the evening had all passed.“Well, that was….different.” Darwin smacked himself internally. Different? Why not say the truth? It had been amazing. Sublime, even.


Author Links:
Website: Parker WilliamsE-mail: Parker WilliamsFacebook: Parker WilliamsTwitter: @ParkerWAuthor

Faded Love MA Church Rerelease!

FADED LOVERe-Release by MA Church


MA Church remains one of my favorite authors for a reason, kids! Angst, true love, passion--what's not to love?
Blurb:People often say that the true perfection of the human form is in its imperfections. 
Obviously those people never lived a life of a model. Perfection is flawless. Desired. Demanded. Superstar model Ashley is living the dream. As one of the top models in the world, anything he desires is at his fingertips. Perfection on the surface hides human flaws, though. The one thing Ashley fears? Commitment. If it isn’t broke, why fix it? He and his lover, Will, have the perfect relationship. Or so Ashley thinks until Will starts pushing for more. 
Then a moment in time shatters the illusion of his perfection, and Ashley finds the very basis of his existence torn. Bruised. Wrecked and destroyed. Scarred. 
A near-fatal car accident leaves Ashley permanently disfigured, his career in a tailspin. Only his lover, Will, has a chance to pull him out of his depression. Can Ashley see there is more to him than just a perfect face? Scars can fade, but true love never will.


 Excerpt:Chapter One It was late evening when Ashley stumbled into his apartment and dropped his bags next to the door. The California shoot had gone well, but the flight back had been a nightmare. He had to jog the length of a concourse, while doing this incognito, and barely made it to the gate on his connecting flight. The damn attendants were closing the doors as he got there. Then they ran into turbulent weather, which his stomach hadn’t appreciated. Plus his in-seat video monitor was malfunctioning and inoperable. Good thing he brought a book. But it did irk him that everyone else could watch movies and TV shows.Ashley lurched to the bedroom and glared at the clock next to the bed. “Shit. I should call Will.” Ashley scrubbed at his face. He was stressed and tired. What he should do was go to bed, but he was too tired to sleep… if that made any sense.He jumped when his cell rang and, recognizing the ringtone, fished it out of his pocket. Should he answer it? He missed Will, but lately things had been tense. He cared for the other man, probably more than anyone else in his life. The sex was good, and they enjoyed each other’s company. Things between them were easy and loose. Open. Ashley liked the hands-off approach they were taking toward their relationship, which was why he couldn’t understand why suddenly Will was pushing for more. It stopped ringing, and he sighed. Standing around staring at his phone certainly wasn’t going to relieve his tension. He could either get drunk then have to sweat the calories off tomorrow, or he could call Will and work off the tension that way. It was a no-brainer. He unlocked his cell and called Will back.

Buy Link: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Faded-Love-M-Church-ebook/dp/B01KR0AMRIARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fadedlove-2090291-149.htmlSmashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/659768

Author Bio:M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full-time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!
When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children.
She was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards, runner-up in the 2015 Rainbow Awards, and is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Author Links:Blog * Twitter * Facebook * The Harvest FB fan page * Goodreads * Amazon * E-mail*

The Necromancer's Dilemma Release Giveaway!

The Necromancer's Dilemma Release Giveaway!
Time to celebrate the release of my latest novel, "The Necromancer's Dilemma"! It is book #2 in The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series.
M/m  Urban Fantasy72,000 words. July 1st, 2016
AmazonBlurb:
Even love can die without trust.
Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begins to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?
Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.
The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family. 
Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.
Amazon US

The Giveaway Includes the Following Prizes!**Giveaway at bottom of page.**
The Prizes:
Main Prize $25.00 eGift Card from Amazon (One Winner ONLY for Gift Card)
"Collision" by R. Phoenix

Amazon
Blurb:
From light to grey to dark, follow those who test and defy the status quo's subjugation of humans. In a world where the supernatural reign supreme, only love can set off the ripples that could change this depraved world for the better. But will the cost be too high? 


"Winter Freeze" by E. M. Leya
Blurb:
When a severe winter storm brings Andy and Darren together, the cold is the farthest thing from their minds. Being homeless, Darren isn't used to anyone caring, especially cops. He's seen the worst in people, and trusting Andy isn't easy.
To Andy, homeless means addictions, overdoses, and panhandling. It's a world he doesn't understand, and isn't sure he wants to. Yet, when it comes to life and death, he can't just walk away and let someone die.
Their worlds couldn't be more different, but the more they get to know each other, they find that, inside, where it matters the most, they really aren't so opposite. Trust comes hard for both men, but when a murderer starts hunting homeless boys, the two work together, showing them that no matter where you come from, dreams really can come true.
Amazon US
Amazon UK


"Corin's Chance" by Hannah Walker


Blurb:
Posted to some stars awful cruiser, Dr. Corin Talovich hoped to serve his time quietly and get on with his life, but fate stepped in and decided otherwise. Crashing into an unknown planet was the last thing Corin expected. With only his friend, Lieutenant Commander Tate Riven, by his side, they face the unexplored world and new enemies bravely, leading them to the Derin Clan, where they’re welcomed by the leader’s son. Kel isn't sure about the strange men, but he isn't about to send them away, especially when the bond between Corin and himself is something he can't ignore. When another clan wages an attack, Kel is forced to make some hard choices which nearly costs him everything he holds dear. Together, with their allies, Corin and Kel fight, focusing on the future they desire, knowing failure not only dooms their love, but also those around them. Side by side, they work to destroy the evil threatening to keep them apart and becoming the family both men desire.
Amazon US

Amazon UK


"Trusting Cade" by Luna DavidBook #1&"Protecting Braden"Book #2Custos Securities Series


Amazon US
Trusting Cade Blurb:
At 38, Zavier “Cade” McCade has it all: a military career he can be proud of, a successful business, and a close knit group of family and friends. A former Army Special Forces Captain, Cade leaves the military to create Custos Securities, a burgeoning protection agency that provides unparalleled security for both civilians and corporations across the U.S. 
After a string of disastrous relationships—and a narrow escape from an abusive partner—Braden Cross is finally putting his past to rest. Combining both his passion for baking and his knack for business, Braden owns the Sugar n’ Spice Café with his best friend who concocts exotic coffees and teas that pair perfectly with his decadent confections. 
When a stalker sets his sights on Braden, the young pastry chef’s world is turned upside down. More frightened than he cares to admit, and not knowing where to turn, Braden is relieved when Cade steps in to offer his protection. Caught up in a maelstrom of threats, break-ins, and vandalism, the two draw closer together. Braden eventually realizes that he can trust Cade with his life, but he finds himself wondering… can he trust him with his heart? 
Book #2 "Protecting Braden" debuts July 8th, 2016!

"Wrong Turn" by Taylor Law

Amazon US
Blurb:
After a long, hard year filled with stress and heartache, Jessie Rohen decides to take a vacation to visit his friend and get away from real life for a little while, hoping it will help him heal. On the way, he has an accident and is injured. He wakes up with no memories of his past, not even of his name. 
Xander Dane is a wolf shifter and Second of his pack. He saves Jessie’s life, only to realize Jess is his mate. Xander has been in the closet his whole life. Coming out may be harder than ever because not only does he have to tell everyone he’s gay and risk exile, but he has to tell his mate he’s part wolf. Since Jessie can’t remember who he is, Xander has to take a chance on a man who may have a life waiting for him somewhere include Xander.

"Trouble Comes in Threes" by M.A. Church

Amazon US

Blurb:

A snowstorm in the South—on New Year’s Eve—is a perfect recipe for a catastrophe. After two soul-crushing bad breaks, Kirk’s waiting for disaster number three to strike when naturally, two stray cats arrive on his doorstep during the storm and decide to make themselves at home. Tenderhearted Kirk lets them stay even though there’s something decidedly odd about his overly friendly felines.
Out of the punishing weather, and full of tuna, Dolf and Tal are happy to be snug in Kirk’s house. But then their human goes outside for firewood and suffers a nasty fall that leaves him unconscious. Now the two cats have no choice but to reveal themselves.Kirk wakes up to find the two kitties are actually Dolf and Tal. They’re cat shifters—and his destined mates. Being part of a feline threesome is enough for Kirk to grapple with, but soon he learns they come from a clowder that doesn’t believe humans and shifters should mix. Kirk knew those two cats would be trouble. Little does he know the real trouble lies ahead.
Dreamspinner ** ARe ** MA Church Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day

Release Day!The Necromancer's DilemmaBy SJ HimesThe Beacon Hill Sorcerer Book #2
Cover art by Garret Leigh of Black Jazz Designs.
Blurb:
Even love can die without trust.
Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begins to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?
Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.
The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family. 
Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.

Excerpt:

Solid, thick arms stopped his descent, and Angel pressed a kiss to the corner of Simeon’s mouth in thanks as he was lowered to his feet. He looked up at a rectangle of light, blinking. It was a drop of about twenty feet, and he gulped. “Really glad you went first.”Simeon chuckled, and helped him straighten out his gear. The tunnel was made of cut stone, dripping with moisture and moss. The floor was curved, the tunnel circular and looked to be a few centuries old. Angel looked back up, then ahead, and guessed the tunnel went straight, matching up with the alley. Eventually, depending on how long it was and if there were no turns, they would end up at King’s Chapel. He looked behind them, and saw nothing but utter black.Angel held up his hand, and snapped his fingers. A green ball of hellfire appeared, and he tossed it into the air. About the size of a grapefruit, it hovered a foot or so above their heads. A miniature green sun, it illuminated the tunnel, casting their shadows on the walls. “Dead end that way,” Angel said quietly, pointing behind them at the solid rock wall. He turned back around, the tunnel stretching out ahead of them into the darkness. The hellhound paced a few yards away down the tunnel, easy to see now in the deeper dark that it glowed with an inner fire of its own. Its eyes were brilliant in the shadows, and Angel grinned, still pleased he was able to use the huntmaster’s whistle after all these years. “Can you see?”“I can. I don’t need the light, a ghra, but it doesn’t hinder me. Be ready to put it out if I say so, though. We may need to remain hidden so as not to give away our position.”“Say the word, and it’s out,” Angel said and gestured ahead, letting Simeon take the lead.Simeon took his hand, and led the way into the tunnel. The stone underfoot was wet, but not frozen, and the temperature was still cold, though warmer by a few degrees. The hound’s snuffling and the scratch of claws on stone was as loud as his breathing. Simeon made no noise, and if it weren’t for the larger hand holding his, it would be impossible for Angel to know he was there if the light went out. Eroch stirred and climbed out of Angel’s sweater, perching on his shoulder, one front hand-like paw clutching at his ear to steady himself. “A necromancer, a vampire, a hellhound and a dragon all walk into bar…”Simeon made an inelegant noise, and squeezed his hand. “Are you nervous, my love?”“Walking in the total darkness in some subterranean tunnels beneath the city? I’m fine,” Angel said with a smile, though his heart was beating a bit faster than normal. Simeon didn’t call him out on it though, just held his hand and kept walking forward. Eventually Angel detected a slope, the tunnel angling down, and the rocks under his feet grew slick. Simeon held out his arm, and Angel had no trouble swallowing his pride and borrowing some of Simeon’s balance. The hellhound had no need to worry about such things as slipping, its wide paws and huge claws giving it traction no boots could match. It thankfully wasn’t tracking at a headlong pace this time, its nose to the ground and its long tail out. Occasionally it would lift its head, sniff the air, and then continue onwards. There was never a light ahead—it remained dark.They walked. For what felt like ages. Angel knew from checking his watch that it was less than an hour, but the intensely close surroundings of the tunnel and the deprivation of light made it seem longer. The angle became even more extreme, and Angel gave a serious amount of thought to just sitting on his ass and sliding down the tunnel. At this degree of descent, they were going deeper more than they were going forward, and Angel had a feeling they were somewhere beneath King’s Chapel.Ankles aching and his legs burning from the angle, Angel moaned in gratitude when the tunnel leveled out, and the walls on either side opened up. They paused, and the hellhound whined, tail wagging.He sent the light in front of them, and breathed out in amazement. “Fuck me.”Columns rose from the ground, carved stone that depicted odd creatures and foliage. Angel counted, and from what he could see, the thirty-foot ceiling was supported by a dozen columns, two neat rows of six marching down evenly the length of the room. The walls, just out of view until he increased the light, were smooth, flat, and appeared to be made of unbroken stone. “Are we alone?” Angel asked as quietly as he could, his whisper echoing in the cavernous space.Simeon tilted his head, listening, and grimaced. “I cannot tell. I hear no heartbeats, but that doesn’t mean much. The subway runs nearby,” Simeon said, pointing to the left wall. “It’s the Park Street entrance, and there’s still trains running.”“Ask Fido,” Angel whispered, and Eroch chittered in amusement. Simeon called to the hellhound, and it waged its tail before loping ahead down the length of the room. “What does that mean?”“It’s your spell, a ghra,” Simeon replied. “But I’m certain there must be someone or something here.”Angel sent the green light ahead, feeding it energy, making it grow in size. His eyes ached at the increase of light but he was able to see the vast room more clearly. The dull gray stone now shone a vibrant shade of green, and the columns were even more disturbing. Simeon took the lead again, and Angel followed behind.He approached one of the columns, and the artistry was astounding. Fae females and males lay entwined in beds of flowers, with forest creatures frolicking amidst trees and bushes. Words in languages he’d never seen before were chiseled into the roots of trees, along the petals of flowers, amid blades of grass. He walked around the column, the scene unending, with other scenes he could not make out stretching above his head toward the ceiling. Angel walked to the next column, his footsteps echoing, and found himself looking at a new scene, the relief carved in stone of two fae males, features identical, standing on the prow of a ship. They were dressed in armor and leather, swords on their backs, both of the men staring straight ahead. The waves of the sea, the sweep of a gull’s wings, even the long braids in their hair were carved so delicately, so perfectly, that Angel was left awed. It was art, at a level he’d never seen before. Such work must have taken several lifetimes.This column too had words carved into the details. He tried deciphering them, but the alphabet was wholly foreign to his experience and he couldn’t figure it out. “Fae language, maybe?”Eroch chirped at him, the little dragon confused as well. Eroch made no move to leave his shoulder and explore, and Angel couldn’t blame him. The columns were beautiful, but the room was cool, the atmosphere chilling and somehow sterile. It felt lifeless.“Angel.” Simeon’s voice echoed off the walls, his lover sounding far more distant than he was. Angel jogged towards the call, and he passed nearly all of the columns before he came to the end of the room—It wasn’t the end. A long, low dais about twelve feet long and three feet high was near the far end of the room. The wall, about twenty feet beyond the dais, was crumbling in, large stone blocks tumbled about like children’s toys. Roots grew through the broken wall, a whole mass of them, as thick about as Angel’s waist and dark brown in color. Thousands of offshoots and minor roots sprawled across the wall, ceiling, floor, the longest of which touched the dais, and the object on top.Simeon came out from the shadows, startling Angel. Simeon put a hand on his shoulder, and pointed to the dais. “What magic is this?”“Dear Hecate, fuck me,” Angel breathed, eyes wide, heart pounding. “Is that a coffin?”

Buy Links:
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Enrolled in Kindle Unlimited!


The Necromancer's Dilemma72,000 words. Mature content. Violence, sex, gore. Contains mature content and extreme snark. Bonus short story at the end, called "The Necromancer's Birthday Surprise.". Written for Crystal's Many Reviewers Birthday Celebration, March 2016.

World of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer Part Two

World of the Beacon Hill SorcererPart Two
Characters and Definitions:

Vampire--The Sentient UndeadSource Image

Vampires, ghouls, lich, zombies, wraiths, revenants, and ghosts are all classified as "undead."
Only vampires are called the Sentient Undead. In this world, only vampires have bodily autonomy separate from their creator--unlike those resurrected through magical means by mortal practitioners, vampires are considered a different species once the human in question has died and been reborn as a vampire. Vampires have their own culture, history, and traditions, though they tend to follow along cultural lines of the country and regions in which they reside or the ethnicity of the vampire pre-turning.
Vampires, next to certain types of fae and a small handful other supernatural creatures, are the longest-lived species on the planet. Though not immortal, as they can be slain, vampires will continue to exist in a suspended state, their aging stopped forever at the moment they were turned. Scars and major injuries that were healed prior to turning tend to remain in place after a vampire Turns, though any physical impediments are lessened or improved upon. A mortal blind since birth due to a genetic anomaly will still be blind after turning, though the vampiric magics will adapt to make the remaining senses exceedingly strong. Limbs lost prior to turning will not regrow, though a vampire's ability to adapt and compensate is much better than a human, so these handicaps are more easily lived with by a vampire than a mortal. Tattoos will survive the transition, though vampires can not be tattooed after turning, as the tattoo will heal itself, expelling the ink. 
Vampires are vulnerable to certain types of spelled silver weapons, sunlight, and can be killed by beheading and/or the removal/destruction of their hearts. Vampires are animated by a primordial and mysterious type of death magic, and the exact mechanics of a vampires existence are unknown. The death magic inside all vampires is susceptible to manipulation by necromancers, making them natural antagonists.Vampires rely on their ability to charm, a form of physical, emotional and mental manipulation to beguile prey and defend themselves, and they are extremely fast, strong, and the older vampires develop unique abilities that are rarely discussed. 
Vampires, once turned, can love in non-romantic ways and form relationships as they could while mortal. The one restriction is that they can only ever fall in love once. Romantic, true love, once and forever, creating a spiritual and magical bond with another person, even more rarely two people in a rare triad. This is how vampires mate--once and forever. Many different vampire cultures have different names for the bond and their mates, though the bond example shown in The Necromancer's Dance is called Leannán. In Irish Gaelic, this translates loosely to soul mate or lover. 
If a Leannán bond is left incomplete or destroyed by death or choice, then the vampire (or vampires if two of them bond) become Croíbhriste—the brokenhearted. They are broken, and turn feral and dangerous, often descending into madness. It happens as often as a bond is successful, and is stressful on a vampire's bloodclan until the final cords are in place binding the pair. 

The Necromancer's Dilemma--Book Two of The Beacon Hill Sorcerer on Goodreads
Coming Soon!



All the above is original concepts created by SJ Himes for the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. Artwork property of their respective creators.Copyright © 2016 by SJ Himes 

The World of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer

The World of the Beacon Hill SorcererPart IThe Necromancer's Dance&The Necromancer's Dilemmaby SJ Himes

**Warning: Contains spoilers for The Necromancer's Dance (book #1 of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer)



Definitions and Characters
Necromancer: a sorcerer-ranked magical practitioner with an affinity for death. Can heal mortal injuries, commune with the dead, summon and control spirits, and is the natural nemesis of the sentient undead--vampires. All death magic, natural and spiritual, is under the control of a necromancer and comes easiest out of all the different types of magic accessible to a sorcerer. Necromancers can steal and overcome other sorcerers' spells that utilize death magic if the original caster is not also a necromancer. Death magic affinity is extremely rare, and necromancers are often victims of religious prejudice due to fear and superstition. Necromancers have historically been priests, clerics, and battlemages.Note: Necromancers are capable of resurrecting the dead.



Sorcerer: Highest rank of human practitioners of magic. Capable of "tapping the veil", ie accessing a limitless dimension of magical energy that exists parallel and adjacent to this dimension. The veil can only be breached by magic users with sufficient personal strength. A natural ability for all sorcerers that still requires training, and the more personal stamina, talent, and skill a sorcerer has, the longer they can access the veil. Extremely dangerous for an untrained practitioner to access the veil, and sorcerers have died before or killed others accidentally with veil-drawn power when their personal store of energy becomes exhausted or they lost focus due to mental fatigue. Only the best sorcerers can recharge themselves as they tap the veil while also utilizing it.
Note: Sorcerers are at the top of the magical practitioners hierarchy, though this is a cultural distinction and has little legal weight behind it.
Angelus R. Salvatore:Sorcerer-ranked practitioner, affinity for death. Only necromancer in the entire Eastern Continental USA. Resides in Boston, Massachusetts in historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. Oldest son and one of only two surviving members of the ancient and prestigious Salvatore clan. Historically, they were teachers of high sorcery, and the Salvatores have a long history of necromancy, and fire and earth magics. Famous for being one of the warring families in the Blood Wars, a feuding war between several magical families in the Northeast that resulted in the death of the Salvatore Clan and the imprisonment of the perpetrators of the massacre.  Survived the final battle by destroying an army of vampires with a single spell, and gained infamy throughout the supernatural community. His little brother Isaac survived the onslaught due to Angel's quick thinking and his brother's intent to die and take as many vampires out with him as he could. Angel lived, and as they were the only surviving members fo their clan, Angel, twenty years old at the time, raised the thirteen-year-old Isaac.
Angel is twenty-nine years old in both Book #1 and Book #2 of Beacon Hill Sorcerer. He is involved romantically with Simeon, a four-hundred-year-old vampire Elder of Boston's only Bloodclan. Angel has a familiar, a young dragon named Eroch, the only one of his kind to be seen in this dimension in hundreds of years.
Angel is snarky, loyal, blunt, intelligent, and protective. He carries guilt and pain over what he had to do to survive when he was younger, and that bleeds over into almost every aspect of his life. Angel is a teacher, a specialist tutor in high sorcery, and he works with his business partner and best friend, Dame Milly Fontaine, a sorceress with a mysterious past and a penchant for swearing when mad.




Click here to get The Necromancer's Dance from Amazon

Part II of The World of The Beacon Hill Sorcerer coming soon!


All the above is original concepts created by SJ Himes for the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. Artwork property of their respective creators.
Copyright © 2016 by SJ Himes 

Cover Reveal: The Necromancer's Dilemma

Cover RevealThe Necromancer's DilemmaBy: SJ HimesCover Design by Garret Leigh


IS THAT SIMEON???????

It is Simeon!
Assorted humans of Earth, it is my pleasure to share with you all the cover reveal for The Necromancer's Dilemma, Book Two of The Beacon Hill Sorcerer!!

I'll post the blurb and the entirety of Chapter One below! Happy reading!!!

(No release date as of yet, I'm expecting sometime before the end of May 2016.)
BLURB:
Even love can die without trust.
Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begin to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family. Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston. 
The following Excerpt from The Necromancer's Dilemma is copyrighted © by SJ Himes 2016


CHAPTER ONE

The tattoo was smooth under his tongue, Simeon’s skin cool but warming the longer Angel played. Shadows and the quiet of pre-dawn covered their bed, but Angel could see the glow of emeralds from his lover’s eyes, and hear Simeon growl, his chest reverberating when Angel got to one peaked nipple, laving at it before sucking the bud into his mouth. Angel bit, gentle, and Simeon bucked his hips, his thick cock slapping against his stone-hard abs. Angel grinned and moved on to the next tattoo, a design that made no sense to Angel at all. It was haphazard and faded lines in a dark, mysterious blue-ish green, made from woad, and applied to Simeon’s skin over four hundred years prior.Angel slid over Simeon, dragging his cock over the chiseled marble that passed as his lover’s upper thighs, until he hovered chest to chest, groin to groin, Simeon’s hands gripping his waist. Angel leaned down, Simeon lifting to meet him, and their lips barely touched, smooth and soft. Taking his time, Angel kissed Simeon with patient intent, content to explore the lips of the man he loved, his heart beating hard and fast for the both of them. Simeon caressed his back, his powerful hands bringing Angel closer, holding him safe and inciting his desire all at once. Simeon moved, and Angel found himself on his back, Simeon between his thighs. He lifted his hips in silent invitation, grabbing his knees and a lubed finger entered him with care, opening him. Angel sighed into Simeon’s mouth, their tongues entwining for a languid, delicious moment. Angel floated in a haze of pleasure and want, a pleasure that pained him as deeply as it set him free, and he keened a low whine when Simeon slid his thick cock deep inside of his ass, seating with a cool and smooth glide. Simeon broke their kiss, faces centimeters apart, gazes locked. Hips lifting in a controlled and devastating undulation, Simeon set the pace, each withdrawal heartbreaking, every stroke back in destructive. Angel was destroyed, mind and body broke down into tiny pieces that Simeon rearranged into a vibrating masterpiece of pleasure.“I love you,” Simeon breathed out, so quiet Angel felt more than heard the words. Angel wrapped his arms around Simeon’s neck, and he clung, sobbing at each perfectly aimed stroke of hard flesh over his prostate and the sting of stretched muscles. “I…,” Angel gasped, sweat and tears running down his temples, “I love …you too.”It was too much. The devotion and desire in those ageless eyes, the way Simeon took him apart and left him a ruin of agonized pleasure. His back arched, an orgasm slamming down his spine and erupting in his groin, cum wetting the hairsbreadth between their bodies. Angel yelled out his release, and Simeon gripped him tighter, hips pumping in a punishing tempo. A strong hand grabbed the back of his head, and Angel’s face was pressed to Simeon’s shoulder, and he bit, hard. There was no thought, no process or plan—Simeon’s blood filled his mouth as Simeon’s release filled his ass. Spicy, cool, with overtones of rich chocolate, his lover’s blood filled his senses and electrified his taste buds. Angel took a mouthful as another peak was reached, and he jerked and shuddered beneath Simeon. He came again, his body over-sensitized, and Simeon held him so tight that he lost what breath he had left. He lost time. His arms and legs buzzed in the far reaches of his nervous system, and his skin sizzled and the air that seeped into his shocked lungs snapped and chilled. He felt hot and cold and hovered on the edge of unconsciousness, eyes blurry. He was able to see the vague outline of Simeon moving beside him, and the pass of a wet washcloth over his stomach and chest. He tried to jump in reaction to the damp cold between his legs and under his ass, but his body failed to move.A deep rumble that sounded like a chuckle met his ears, and Angel managed a smile at his lover’s satisfaction. He was gathered close, Simeon’s body still warm from their lovemaking, and Angel burrowed into his arms. A blanket was pulled over his shoulders, and Angel fell back asleep to Simeon’s whispered endearments.
****The cell alarm shrieked at him, and Angel slapped it into silence where it skittered across his nightstand. Groaning, Angel lifted his head and came face to face with the demon warming his chest.Eroch chirped at him, emerald green wings flapping in surprise, and Angel dropped his head back to his pillow. Eroch, the former demon that once tried to kill him, gave him a glare from daffodil-hued eyes before crawling off his chest and snuggling down onto Simeon’s side of the bed. Which was empty, again.“How hard is it for him to stay in bed until I wake up? Just once I’d like a morning snuggle,” Angel grumbled, and Eroch chirruped back in a commiserating tone. The little dragon let out a puff of smoke out of his nose and smacked one of his leathery wings at Simeon’s pillow. Angel chuckled and leaned over to pet his familiar. “Aw, c’mon now. He isn’t that bad. I was just complaining. He stopped stealing the blankets from you, yeah?”Angel scratched the top of Eroch’s head, enjoying the hard, pebbly sensation of the dragon’s scaled hide. Eroch had a line of ridges over each eye, and he stretched out his long neck, pushing up against Angel’s hand. Eroch purred, sounding much like a cat. Eroch slept with them most nights, curled up at Angel’s back or warming Simeon’s feet under the blankets. Simeon tended to steal the blankets, yanking it up away from the bottom of the bed, exposing Eroch to the chill during the night. Eroch hated it, and Simeon had awakened several times to a cranky dragon chewing on his toes.Simeon was a vampire, and while his sleeping patterns varied, his lover had adapted to Angel’s sleeping habits. Which meant erratic and unreliable, especially if he was working a case with BPD or a private consultation. Technically, Simeon didn’t need to sleep, though Angel had learned that the older a vampire got, the more resistant he became to the lethargy that came over younger, less powerful vampires during the daytime. Simeon said he still felt the urge to rest during the day, but it was no hardship for him to adapt, to be awake during daylight hours.Angel sat up, and slid from the king-size bed, fishing around for his bathrobe. He found it hanging off the end of the bed, tangled up in one of Simeon’s shirts. They hadn’t taken the time to put away their clothes after they got in last night, and their bedroom activities had gone on for hours.A crash sounded through the apartment, and Angel jumped before throwing his robe over his naked ass and running out his bedroom door. A scream destroyed the relative quiet, and Angel’s heart jumped to his throat. Daniel was screaming, his cries full of pain. Bare feet slapping the hardwood floors, he ran the short distance between his bedroom and the living room and turned to look into the kitchen through the brick arch that separated the two rooms. Daniel was swearing and shrieking, his right hand a ruin of flesh and steam. The old kettle that used to belong to Grandma Salvatore was spilling its steaming contents across the hardwood floor, the metal container scorching the floor as it rolled and spun. Magic stunk up the room, sulfur and ozone making Angel gasp and cough. Isaac perched on the island counter, inching away from the boiling hot puddle, his bare feet inches from the disaster. Angel pushed out his will, and swept the residual magic from the room, stifling whatever caused the kettle to erupt. Isaac staggered in his attempt to escape the water, and Angel spared his brother a glance to make sure he was unharmed.“Ahh!” Daniel screamed, falling back on the counter, holding his right wrist in his left hand. Angel’s stomach roiled at the sight of his apprentice’s hand. “Angel!”“Fuck, don’t move,” Angel swore. The puddle was still boiling even as it spread, and steam rose to cloud the air. Isaac was in the way, and Angel couldn’t get down on that side of the island without landing in the hot water. Isaac was going to get burned if he didn’t move. “Isaac, get out of the way. Crawl over the island if you have to.”Isaac for once didn’t argue, his concerned expression and the way he grimaced at Daniel’s screams making it clear his brother was more worried about how badly injured Daniel was than sniping back at his big brother. Isaac slid his ass over the island and jumped down the other side. Angel jumped over the puddle, and grabbed Daniel, dragging him to the sink and away from the danger ruining his floor. Daniel’s hand was destroyed. Daniel shrieked again when Angel took his wrist, and the agony in his apprentice’s voice decided Angel’s mind—he reached up, and using their bond as apprentice and master, knocked Daniel out. Using the cold water was out—a burn this severe would lead to more damage if he held it under the icy water in the building pipes. Winter in Boston meant city water was artic temperatures.Daniel slumped, and Angel pushed on him, using his weight to keep Daniel braced upright between him and the counter. “Isaac! Is Simeon here?”“Yeah, he’s…”“I’m here, a ghra,” Simeon said, and Angel was beyond relieved. He looked over his shoulder, and Simeon was entering the kitchen. Simeon grabbed Isaac and yanked his little brother away from the water into the living room, and then Simeon leapt the ten feet over the spill to join Angel at the sink. “Let me help you. Tell me what needs doing.”“I was going to cool his hand in the water, but it’s too severe,” Angel said, holding the unconscious boy’s hand away from his body. “We need to get him to the couch. I have to see how bad this is. We may be going to the hospital.”Simeon nodded, and with a graceful swoop, took Daniel in his arms and then leapt back across the length of the kitchen to land next to Isaac in the living room. Angel grimaced, took one look at the curdling puddle that was hot enough to boil the varnish on the floor, and jumped up on the island. He walked over it and jumped down the far side, barely missing the leading edge of the mess.“Isaac, I need you to contain that mess. Strip the causal magic from it, and cool it down.”“What?” Isaac stuttered, unable to take his eyes from Daniel’s destroyed hand. Simeon set the boy gently on the couch, and Angel knelt on the floor next to him. Simeon moved away, giving him room to work.“You’re a fire mage, dammit! Absorb the heat and the magic keeping it that damn hot, and clean it up! No arguments!” Angel had no patience for Isaac’s hesitancy to use magic—something happened in the kitchen, and Daniel paid the price. The entire back of the boy’s hand was split open by the intense heat, the skin white and thick, the flesh beneath cooked by the magic spike that turned the kettle and its content into a kitchen supernova. The heat curled in his fingers, and the flesh was weeping fluids. Blisters distorted the edges of the worst of it, the flesh red and warped all the way up the back of his hand to his wrist. The curling of the hand was so severe he couldn’t see how badly Daniel’s palm was injured.“Isaac, never mind, I need you here.” A burn this bad was not life threatening—not yet—Daniel was going into shock, but he wasn’t hovering on the edge of death, so Angel was unable to heal him. This injury was caused by intense and powerful heat—and so was under the purview of any practitioner with a fire affinity. “You need to heal this.” “I’m not a healer!” Isaac gasped out, but he came anyway. Angel grabbed his brother and yanked him down so they were both kneeling by Daniel’s hand. Angel held Daniel’s arm aloft and put his other on Isaac’s shoulder.“Isaac, all you need to do is settle into your inner sight, look at Daniel’s hand, and call to the heat in the injuries. The actual temperature has nothing to do with healing—this is a mental exercise that relies on how your brain interprets and processes the injury in his hand. It was caused by heat, and you can reverse the damage,” Angel instructed, and he squeezed his hand on Isaac’s shoulder when a wave of uncertainty crossed his features. “No room for doubt. I taught you how to heal fire and heat based injuries before you even got your driver’s license, so don’t lie to yourself and think you can’t do this.” “How… his hand…how can I fix that?” Isaac whispered, looking sick.“You can do it. I know you can. That power lives in you, just waiting for you to take it out and make use of it. I can block Daniel’s pain as his master and supply energy for his recovery, but you’ll have to do the hard work.” Angel shook Isaac gently, impatient, though he made sure to hide the worst of it. Isaac had something holding him back, and his magic was sporadic, his aura flaring and dulling. Seeing Angel’s impatience would get his back up and make him balk. Yet his little brother was a powerful sorcerer—all the Salvatore scions were. He could do this. “The magnitude of the injury is irrelevant. It is fire touched, and it answers to you,” Angel whispered to his little brother, and Isaac breathed out before taking a deeper, steadier breath. “Oh…okay,” Isaac gasped out, and Angel smiled. They had to hurry, or it would be harder to heal. Angel could feel the pain tearing at Daniel’s mind through their link, and the boy would soon wake regardless of the knockout Angel used on him. Angel opened the apprenticeship link—one similar though not as intimate as the Leannán link he shared with Simeon. Daniel’s mind was close to awakening, the pain overriding the knockout spell, and if Isaac didn’t hurry this was about to get really bad—healing an injury like this while the victim was awake would be torturous. Angel soothed Daniel as best he could, and poured energy into the boy’s reserves as Isaac began to recite the spells under his breath.Isaac always cast as if embarrassed—his Latin was spot on, and his spell work was solid. He was talented, as most fire mages were; Isaac’s doubts came from that inner mental hiccup Isaac carried around and left Angel flabbergasted. One eye on Isaac’s casting, another on keeping Daniel out and supplying his body with the energy to heal—the conversion of energy to matter was taxing, the drain tremendous, and there was plenty to repair and replace in his hand—Angel remained removed, watchful, but Isaac knew what he was doing once he started. Slow motion, a horrific CGI scene in reverse, the wound and ruined flesh flowed as liquid. In the early years of his participation in the Blood Wars, Angel saw many terrific wounds, and the majority were caused by fire-based spells. Fire mages were frequent combatants in war. Burns and scorch marks, seared flesh and crispy appendages were forever etched in his memory, and yet it was still hard for him to watch as the damage done to Daniel was repaired. A decade removal may not have erased his reflexes or his inability to back down from a fight, but it certainly took from him his iron stomach. He could deal with decaying zombies and corpses of deceased friends, but seeing someone under his protection so injured was too much for him. Angel swallowed back bile since Isaac would likely vomit as well if Angel lost control of his urge to throw up. Remaining stone-faced and stoic was killing him, and he was beyond thankful when Simeon moved into his line of sight behind the couch.His lover smiled at him, white fangs flashing in the bright morning light. Angel funneled energy into Daniel, the surge more than sufficient to fuel the healing Isaac was directing, and Angel gave Simeon a grateful smile of his own when he felt a wave of power come along the nascent mate-bond that shimmered between them. Simeon’s core was a bountiful wealth of power, an expanse of primordial death magic that animated Simeon as one of the undead. Angel could tap the veil to fuel the energy he was sending his apprentice, but Daniel would feel the surge in ambient magic fields, especially this close, and it might wake him early. Simeon sending him so much power, and so selflessly, made his heart swell and tears prick at his eyes. Simeon was the better man by far—Angel wasn’t worthy of his sexy vampire.Death magic, smooth as funereal silk and cool as the taste of ice wine on a heated tongue flowed over him, through him, more than Angel was accustomed to handling outside reaching for the veil. He swayed, eyes shutting, and he breathed in and out, the magic one even swell of perfection, singing in his soul and making every cell in his body chime in harmony. The bond between him and Simeon was a golden cord of light, visible only to his inner sight, the once thin and fragile bond growing more solid, substantial, and the selfless gift from Simeon to Angel made it flare even brighter.Daniel jerked, and Angel blinked his eyes open. The damage was gone. Isaac sat back, exhausted, but his work was impressive for a sorcerer who’d rather watch television than cast spells. Angel held his breath as Daniel coughed, his dark eyes opening. Sweat darkened his blond hair at his temples, and his lips were dry, but he was recovering. Angel and Isaac managed to abort the process of falling into shock, but the upheaval to his system in the last hour probably had the boy feeling wretched.“Angel?” Daniel whispered, tears running down his temples. His poor apprentice sniffled, his arm limp in Angel’s grip, and he figured the boy was terrified he was still hurt.“Hey, kiddo,” Angel smiled, and he gently took Daniel’s now restored hand in his and squeezed. “Everything is fine. Your hand is all better. Can you feel my hand?”Daniel nodded, and carefully squeezed Angel’s hand back.“Did you heal me?” Daniel asked, voice cracking.Angel looked at Isaac and smiled. Isaac was tired and leaning back on the coffee table, and his face flushed, but he smiled back at Angel. “I didn’t. Isaac fixed you right up. Good as new.”“You did?” Daniel asked Isaac, surprised. Isaac nodded, and awkwardly patted Daniel’s knee, biting his lip and not saying anything.Daniel and Isaac may be close in age and they hung out the most, but they were still new to each other. Daniel had switched from his fear of Salvatores to needing Angel like a lifeline—the degree to which Daniel needed him was worrisome, but Angel would make sure to release Daniel from his apprenticeship as a well-trained sorcerer and balanced adult, and at this stage such dependency meant Daniel trusted him above all others. Isaac was already trained, and his issues came from whatever lead to his anger and magic-abhorrent behavior, and Isaac needed less from Angel as means of support. Angel had raised his little brother after their whole family died, and learning how to be something other than teacher and the parental unit was hard for Angel and weird for Isaac. They were brothers, and they needed to learn to act like it. The boys were close, but the differences in how both interacted with Angel were drastic and it made things off-kilter sometimes in their own relationship.“Thank you,” Daniel whispered to the both of them, and the lanky kid curled up on his side and his slow blinking and pallor told Angel that Daniel was about to fall into a natural sleep. Simeon came over and looked down at the exhausted apprentice.“Should I carry him to bed?” Simeon asked, and Daniel tensed. The young man was still dealing with the abuse and mistreatment he’d received at the hands of the vampire Deimos, and though he liked Simeon, the vampire made him nervous.“No, that’s ok. Isaac is gonna help Daniel to bed,” Angel said, and he was grateful for his brother’s short nod in agreement. “Isaac, take a nap yourself. I’m very impressed. You did a good job, little brother.”Isaac looked back at him, surprise and something like happiness in his eyes. His little brother nodded, face red and flushed, and he leaned down and carefully helped Daniel to his feet. Angel withdrew from the bond with Daniel, the boy sufficiently recharged. Sleep would help him more than anything. Isaac drew Daniel’s arm over his shoulder and all but carried the lanky blond out of the room to the hall. They disappeared around the corner and Angel frowned, eyes to the kitchen.Angel got up, and walked to the threshold of the kitchen, one hand on the old brick arch that marked the two rooms. He could see the whole room, and the spilled kettle had ended up on the far side of the room, blackened lines in the hardwood marking the kettle’s journey from the stove. Simeon came up to his shoulder, and a cool hand gripped the back of his neck, squeezing hard enough to make Angel groan as his tense muscles relaxed. Simeon always knew what he needed, easing his tension before he even registered he was stressed.“What happened?” Simeon asked quietly. The sounds of the boys talking down the hall filtered up to where they stood, so anything they said may be heard as well. His apartment wasn’t all that big.“I’m not sure. What did you hear?” Angel asked in turn. He looked up at Simeon, his lover towering over him. Simeon was at least a foot taller than Angel, and half again as wide. He was strength, wild and yet reliable, and Angel leaned back into his hand, Simeon immovable and steady.“I was reading the paper in the front hall,” Simeon replied, “the door was open and I wasn’t listening, but the boys were talking to each other as Daniel made tea. I think they may have been arguing, as their tones were sharp, but I was not listening on purpose.”Simeon often went to get the paper, as the windows in the hall and landing of the staircase outside his apartment were placed in such a way that Simeon could safely step into the hall during the day and not get fried. The runes and wards that Angel designed to protect Simeon while letting him enjoy actual daylight didn’t extend past his apartment, but thankfully the building faced the wrong direction for sunlight to reach his door. If they ever had to leave during the day, they could exit the back way out of the building into the alleyway, and get into a car, all in shadow. Simeon could hear for a solid block in each direction, and the vampire had learned the seemingly backward ability to turn his super-hearing off. Angel could hardly stand humans in small quantities, so being able to hear veritable strangers talking about inane details of their lives would drive him batshit crazy. If he were Simeon, he’d stop listening, too.The water was cold, though the damage done while it was hot was pretty severe. Not even counting the damage done to Daniel’s hand, the kitchen was sorely wounded. The floors were original to the building, and the generations of layered varnish and shellac had turned to waxy gray and in some places peeled up in gooey strands.“How hot did the water get?” Simeon asked, stunned as they took in the widespread damage. “Hot enough to destroy Daniel’s hand and my security deposit,” Angel sighed. “That old kettle should have melted, but instead, it scorched and burnt the floor and ends up against the far wall. Water is everywhere in here, damn near, and just dropping the kettle would have led to a smaller area of damage. This was magic, not just an accident.”“Daniel or Isaac?” Simeon said, his big thumb rubbing along the side of Angel’s neck. “I’m thinking both. Neither of them has the best control. Isaac from lack of effort and practice, and Daniel from his bad education. The kid can summon a demon and not get eaten, but some of the easiest spells and matter of control escape him. I really want to visit Leicester Macavoy and bitch slap him for letting Daniel out in the world with such huge holes in his training.”“Are they a danger?” Simeon didn’t look worried at all. He would be more worried for Angel’s safety, but he could handle his apprentice and little brother.“I think this incident may be the wakeup call they both need,” Angel said. “I’ll keep an eye on them both, but they’re smart. Sometimes bad things happen and it’s the slap a person needs to become better.”“You sound like you know from experience, my love,” Simeon tugged, and Angel went into his arms. He rested his cheek over the spot where a heart should be beating. The silence there once left him feeling odd, but now it was familiar and normal, reassuring. Simeon existed, and loved him, despite the lack of heartbeat. Even Death could love. He smirked at himself and his romantic thoughts and hugged Simeon tight for a moment before leaning back in his lover’s arms. “Soo…..” Angel started, Simeon arching a dark auburn brow at him as he waited, “Mop or bucket?”

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Announcement
Regrets and Apologies
It is with a deep sense of chagrin and apology that I need to inform you all that I’ve canceled the April 29th, 2016 release of Wolf of the Northern Star. I am well aware that this will mark the second time I’ve had to delay releasing the sequel to Wolves of Black Pine. The first cancellation was due to my health disintegrating at an alarming rate, and my inability to write the book. Thankfully I recovered enough to continue to write, but this time, fate has different plans for me.Due to unexpected events outside my control, I will need to postpone the release yet again. While I don’t want to let you, the reader down, forcing myself to release the book when I can’t give 100% of my focus to making sure it’s the best product possible is not an option. I can assure all my readers and fans that the book is nearly complete. If this change hadn’t occurred, I would have been able to get this book out to you all right on schedule. I don’t expect things to be in an upheaval for more than three weeks, so I am comfortable saying that I can release Wolfkin II sometime in May 2016. I do not do this with any sense of ease; canceling a preorder with Amazon carries repercussions. I lose out on guaranteed income from preorder sales; I also lose for a WHOLE YEAR the ability to create a preorder for any book I publish with Amazon.I am deeply sorry. I love this book, these characters, and I feel like I’m letting everyone down, along with myself. I will keep everyone apprised of the book’s progress, and I will let everyone know exactly when I will be making the book live on Amazon. 
My sincerest and heartfelt apologies, SJ Himes

"Beneath the Surface" Guest Post and Excerpt by MA Church

Beneath the SurfaceM.A. Church

Guest Post by M.A. Church
Mermaids have long captured our imaginations. They’ve thrilled us in “documentaries“, paintings, fairytales, and in the movies. Sometimes these part human/part fish come to the aid of men (helpful!), and sometimes they just want to hug you to death and drown you (less helpful). Here are a few “facts” about these mythical creatures you might want to know before your next boat trip.

One of the earliest mermaid legends comes from SyriaIn ancient Syrian (~ 1000 BC), there was a goddess who went by the name of Atargatis. She was a fertility goddess whose cult eventually spread to Greece and Rome and was associated with water (especially lakes) and fish. Often depicted in mermaid form, Atargatis is perhaps the “original” mermaid. Legend has it that she dove into a lake to become a fish, but only her bottom half was transformed.

The original mermaid wasn’t a ‘maid’ at allBefore anyone dreamed of a mermaid, the “merman” was front and center. The Babylonian god Oannes predates the Syrian mermaid Atargatis by several thousand years. Apparently he had both a fish body and a human body. His human form was beneath his fish form, which allowed him to live among men, as well as in the sea.

Mermaids are literally ‘women of the sea’In Old English, “mer” means “sea,” and “maid” simply meant woman. Mermaids are therefore “women of the sea.” Following this line of etymological logic, a “mer” man (merman) would be a “man of the sea.” Both names make perfect sense and describe their natural habitat without a lot of fuss. Mermaids and mermen are fish-like people who swim through the oceans and the seas.

Some societies believe humans are descended from mermaidsIn some of the legends of the Pacific Islands, it is said that human beings are descended from both mermaids and mermen. It seems somewhere back in time, their tails somehow dropped off, and people were magically able to walk on land. A good example of this is the creator god Vatea, who was usually depicted as being half-human and half-fish.

Aquamarine is made of mermaid tearsAquamarine is the gemstone of the sea, and it’s supposed to be a cherished object for mermaids. In addition to being treasure, people once believed this gemstone came from the tears of mermaids, and it used to be thought had the power to protect sailors when they were at sea, or when they fell into the water.

Starbuck’s original mermaid was seriously suggestiveApparently Starbucks had to tone down its original logo art. The company’s logo is based on a two-tailed mermaid. Technically, the woman depicted is a type of Melusine, or siren, with two tails. Starbucks decided this spread eagle fishlady was a bit too suggestive, so now only the tips of her tails are visible.

Mermaids can see into the futureHans Christian Andersen based the mermaids in his tale, ‘The Little Mermaid,’ on Scandinavian mermaids called the Havfine. These northern merfolk were able to live in both freshwater and saltwater. They were also supposed to be fairly temperamental, and have the ability to foretell the future. If a human being ever caught sight of one, it was considered a bad omen. Oddly he makes no mention of crabs singing reggae music.

The infamous sirens started out as bird womenSirens bring to mind images of lovely mermaids sitting on rocky shores, singing out and luring impressionable sailors to their doom. A ton of folk art as well as many myths support this notion, but the sirens of Ancient Greece were actually bird-women (half woman, half bird). Eventually these bird women, or harpys, were transformed into mermaids in some of the later stories, but they kept their beautiful, bird-like voices, in order to draw the mariners in.

Mermaids spell troubleAs a general rule, Mermaids usually meant trouble to the people of Europe, and fishermen and sailors in particular. The presence of these odd creatures could mean a terrible storm was a-brewin’ at sea, or that your luck was about to change from good to bad, or that you were about to be taken down to the bottom of the sea to die.

Sailors once mistook manatees for mermaidsWhen European sailors first made it to the Caribbean, they encountered an unknown creature that looked like a mermaid from the waist down. From the midsection up, they look more like cows. When sailors would spot them at night, perhaps in the moonlight, many thought they were gazing upon mermaids. If they happened to see them during the day, the sailors would totally pretend that they never thought the manatee was hot and that they knew it was a busted-up merman all along.



Beneath The Surface by M.A. Church Published By: OmniLit / All Romance eBooks, LLCPublished: Apr 01, 2016 Word Count: 37,000
Blurb:A whole different world exists beneath the surface.The last thing Nisha expects while patrolling his territory is to find his mate, but his instincts tell him the handsome human diving into the surf is the one meant for him. Two bites and Kannon will be joined to him forever. But when Kannon’s father disrupts the mating process, Nisha releases his claim, hoping beyond hope his mate will one day return.While free diving with his father, Kannon is bitten by a seductive merman. Although he swore to never go near the ocean again, the pull to return to the water and his mystery man remains strong. Finally, after fifteen years away, an impromptu wedding brings Kannon back to the Seychelles, and his destiny.Kannon only plans to stay on the island for a week, but this time Nisha won’t let his mate go without a fight. Merfolk and human culture collide as the embers of Nisha and Kannon’s mate bond ignite, and Nisha must complete the mating before it’s too late.
Excerpt:A whole different world existed under the sea—lighting, sounds, even the feeling of otherworldliness. No matter how clear the water, it still played tricks, even on experienced divers. The colorful tropical fish, artifacts, and the remnants of history buried beneath the waves—along with a mysterious landscape mostly untouched by humans—always gave Kannon a thrill. Parts of the reef weren’t very deep, so he had no trouble freediving. This year for vacation, Kannon and his dad rented a boat and guide to take them to the reefs around the Seychelles. This was by no means the first time he’d gone snorkeling. Growing up along the California coast guaranteed Kannon was comfortable in the water. The guide had warned them to stay together, but Kannon had other ideas. Besides, he wasn’t going that far off. After investigating the colorful reef fish and interesting coral formations—and seeing his dad was distracted—Kannon slowly but steadily wandered off on his own. An outcrop of rocks covered in algae caught his eye, and he went to investigate. Many of the multihued native fish swam past him, curious as to what he was. It was funny how they circled him. Kannon held his hand out. A few braver fish darted in, nibbled at his fingers, and then swam off. God, what a rush it was. Nothing was better than this. He drew closer to the outcrop, surprised it was much deeper than he’d first thought. Huh, not an outcrop, but the mouth of an underwater cave. Cool. From a distance it appeared to be nothing more than oddly shaped rocks. Peering inside, he was unable to see past the murky blackness within. Curious, he reached his hand out, stretching toward the mouth of the cave. His scalp prickled. A tingle washed through him. The water around him caressed his body as he hung weightlessly, staring at the cave entrance as his dick swelled in his trunks. What the…?It wasn’t as if he made a habit of getting horny while diving, so what the hell? Torn between desire and unease, he hovered in the tropical water. Chills chased up his spine, and goose bumps broke out over his body. His heart rate sped up—not a good thing underwater—and the feeling of being watched crept across his nerves. Something was in there, and his mind screamed at him to get away even as the urge to reach inside nearly overwhelmed him. Kannon’s body swayed dangerously closer. His nipples ached as the water flowed past, and he had to force himself not to whimper as need struck him. He jerked back. There’s something waiting for me, just waiting for me to reach in so it can... what? So it can do what? Jesus, he needed to get a serious grip on his imagination, and crap, he had to surface too. Lack of oxygen made the decision for him. All this panicking on his part had used up his air—stupid of him. He surfaced and shook the hair out of his eyes. Wow, is that our boat way over there? Oh man, Dad’s going to kill me. Worried about the fit his dad was going to have, he was totally unprepared for the strange guy who popped up next to him, although “guy” might have been overly nice. Kannon yelped, but the dude across from him just smiled. The androgynous, fey face wasn’t quite human. The long pointed ears were a good indication, as was the glimpse of sharp little teeth. Oh, and the gills at its neck. Azure blue hair floated in the water around shapely shoulders and cobalt blue eyes stared back at him. It was a visage that was hauntingly beautiful, otherworldly, and a tad disconcerting. The creature smiled slightly as if he agreed. It—whatever it was—scared the bejesus out of him. Then it reached out and dragged Kannon under the water. 

AUTHOR BIOM.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children. She was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards, runner up in the 2015 Rainbow Awards, and is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
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