Tracy St. John's Blog, page 32

First Mataras: Iliana Excerpt - Releases September 17 - Pre-order Now

 

Unstoppable attraction

A thrill shot through Selbi when Iliana leaned nearer to him. Her face was inches away. She reached for him, and his heart threatened to stop. She brushed a tendril of hair that hung over his nose. No wonder it had been tickling, though he’d hardly perceived it.

“There you go. Can’t have you hiding that cute face of yours.”

“You think I’m cute?” Selbi wasn’t fishing for compliments. He just wished for her to remain near, to keep talking to him.

“Better than cute.” Ancestors, she was still stroking, his forehead, his temple, his cheek, his jaw. “Doesn’t anyone tell you how gorgeous you are?”

“Nobody who mattered now that you’re saying it.”

“Oh, you’re a smooth talker. A real charmer.” Her arms stretched over his shoulders. Her grip circled his neck. He could have kissed her by slightly inclining his head.

He swallowed. He ached to. Her lips were right there, parted as if waiting for it.

He tried to warn her. “I’m the one in danger here.”

She grinned. “How’s that?”

“If you don’t let go, I’ll kiss you. You don’t want me to, so that’ll ruin the whole night. Then I’ll feel terrible for wrecking the fun we’ve had.”

“Who says I don’t want you to kiss me? I’ve been thinking about when you did before. I liked it.” Her hold on his neck tightened. A daring look filled her expression.

“I’d hate to scare you off.” He ignored her teasing for honesty. He desired that kiss with all his being. But he needed her to stay near even more.

“I’m not scared. Kiss me, Selbi.” She pulled at him.

He went to her. Melted into her.

Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

First Mataras: Iliana Excerpt - Releases September 17

 

The pretend relationship just got a lot more complicated for Nobek Cosdas.

Cosdas pretended awareness of the kurble game, which had resumed as soon as the injured player had been carried off the field. He paid the giant monitor enough attention to keep up with the competition…and a damned good game it was…but another view riveted him.

Specifically, his clan with Iliana. Hanvel held her upper body against his and wore a soft smile Cosdas had no memory seeing before. No one looking at Hanvel and Iliana, so cozy and content, would dream they weren’t in love.

Iliana’s legs draped over Selbi’s. She kept him close too. The Imdiko’s expression was pure, unadulterated infatuation. Selbi wasn’t watching the game at all. He hung on every word Iliana said.

As for Cosdas, he’d put his hand on her shoulder, and she’d twined her fingers with his to draw him into the group. The four were a connected entity. They looked meant to be together.

Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

First Mataras: Iliana Excerpt - Releases September 17

 

  
File this under 'that wasn't what was supposed to happen.'

"Cosdas, what are you growling at?”

“Iliana’s best friends are following us.” The Nobek cast a sidelong glance over his shoulder. “Clan Bas is begging to have their faces rearranged.”

Iliana tried to see, but Cosdas’ muscled bulk blocked her from doing so. “Ugh, they are the worst. Hanvel, how mad would you be if I beat the hell out of them in the middle of your carnival?”

He chuckled. “You’d probably make it a greater success. They don’t take a hint, do they?”

“Not even if you dropped a shuttle on them. Hey, maybe force isn’t the way to go.” A bad idea had formed, but Iliana was down to her last nerve where the pesky Clan Bas was concerned.

“Force is always the way to go,” Cosdas informed her in a lofty tone.

“Spoken like a true Nobek,” Selbi snorted. “What’s the plan, Iliana?”

She stopped and eyed the Imdiko, since he’d spoken up. Her temper had spiked, which made her reckless. “Kiss me. Right here, in front of those idiots. Maybe they’ll finally figure it out if we shove our so-called interest in each other in their faces.”

She’d expected a debate. At the very least, Selbi should have hesitated. After all, he and his clanmates were in love with Deefa. The first thing Selbi had said when they’d arrived at the carnival was “I wonder if Deefa’s here.” He’d looked at the crowd with wistful longing. His search for her had been obvious.

Which was why Iliana froze when she abruptly found herself in Selbi’s arms, his mouth locked on hers.

Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

First Mataras: Iliana Excerpt - Releases September 17

 

Hanvel's guilty admission

“I’m sorry if I shouldn’t ask, but your Dramok father…?”

“He died four years ago,” Hanvel said.

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you. It was an unexpected and devastating loss.”

“Lathen now holds Dramok Ahok’s seat in the Royal Council,” Selbi told Iliana. “He won it quite easily, and he adopted his father’s friendly disputes against my father.”

“Your father is a Royal Councilman as well?”

“He retired a couple years ago.”

“So you’re a bunch of political brats, happily following in your fathers’ footsteps, huh?”

Hanvel winced. He stopped in front of another competitive entertainment area. “Yeah. Cosdas, how about leading us in a kurble scrimmage?”

Iliana blinked at his abrupt change in mood. “What did I say?”

“It’s not you.” Selbi patted both her and Hanvel on their shoulders. “Hanvel’s first career choice was architecture. His parent clan pushed him into politics. Since Ahok’s father and two grandfathers were also councilmen, they see it as a sort of family dynasty.”

Iliana studied the Dramok. He watched her, as if gauging her reaction. “Why didn’t you push back if architecture was what you wanted to do?”

“I did. For a while.” He shrugged, clearly unhappy with the conversation.

“He took classes while working as a regional director,” Cosdas said. “Earned his certification and a position at a reputable architectural firm. Then he told his parents he was quitting politics.”

“It devastated my Dramok father,” Hanvel admitted. “He died days later.”

“What?” Iliana stared at him in horror.

 

Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

First Mataras: Iliana Excerpt - Releases September 17

 

The evening had been fun thus far, with the men attentive and as entertaining as the carnival. Iliana noted Clan Hanvel’s potential…for another woman, of course. It was too bad they were so hung up on Deefa, who was obviously an idiot to not appreciate what they offered. They’d have made an Earther an excellent clan.

When Hanvel took her hand, the affectionate gesture natural and spontaneous, Iliana’s smile was real. She could be friends with his clan. It wasn’t a farfetched idea that they might maintain such a relationship after their pretended interest in each other was over.

“Hanvel! Over here.”

Iliana and the clan alerted to a Kalquorian female waving from a beverage booth. Hanvel stiffened, then shot Iliana a look that was both nervous and apologetic. He squeezed her hand, as if to offer her courage. “My parent clan. I hope you’re ready for this.”

“Oh goody,” Iliana deadpanned. The clan laughed. “Into battle, men.”

 

Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

 

WIP Wednesday - First Mataras: Iliana

 

A plot hatches

“Who’s giving you grief from that department?” Cosdas asked Iliana.

“Oh, this paternalistic, aggravating…well, that’s unimportant. It’s just, uh, I might have used you as an excuse to get him off my back.” Iliana warmed. Had she behaved any better than Clan Hanvel in that regard?

“Used us? How?”

Iliana cringed. “He’s been at me to consider clanning. I was at the party last night to convince him to leave me alone, which failed. He showed up in my shop to hound me about who I met and did I give them a chance. And I sort of…well, I didn’t come right out and tell him we were seeing each other, but I didn’t exactly say we weren’t when he assumed we were, so…”

“Ah.” Hanvel’s gaze brightened, and he grinned. “Now everybody thinks we’re an item, huh?”

“Dramok Metnur is hardly everybody. He’s simply a significant somebody whom I want to leave me alone.”

“Got it. Well, my mother commed me today to tell me how happy she was I left with a woman who wasn’t Deefa, and I failed to correct her, so I guess we’re even on that score.”

Iliana stared at them. They looked at her. The next second, chuckles and giggles filled the air, muffled to keep Clan Baknu from overhearing.

“We’re all a mess, aren’t we?” Selbi snorted. “Hell, we should keep pretending we’re having an affair so everyone will leave us alone for a change.”

“Except we’d have to explain the situation to Deefa. I won’t play on her emotions again,” Hanvel said. “Otherwise, that would save a lot of trouble. We could talk to her without everyone jumping down our throats about it. She might appreciate it too.”

Iliana sighed. “Even Clan Bas might run for the hills if they thought I was serious about you. It would solve several issues.”

Their quiet laughter tapered off. They blinked at each other. Iliana saw dawning inspiration on the men’s faces, a match to the hope blooming within her.

“You don’t think—” she began.

“Actually, I do,” Hanvel said.

 

 Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

WIP Wednesday - First Mataras: Iliana

 Official pressure

Metnur’s thousand-watt smile dimmed appreciably as he turned from Katelyn to Iliana. She almost laughed at the Matara Liaison official's noticeable attempt to brace himself. Almost.

She waited behind the sales counter as the attractive but irritating Dramok approached. “Good day, Matara Iliana.”

Her greeting was as stiff. “Dramok Metnur.”

“I guess you know why I’m here.”

“To buy candy or snacks or a nice blouse for your Matara, I hope. Otherwise, you’re taking up valuable real estate in my store that could have gone to a customer. As you see, we’re quite busy.”

In fact, a young woman sidestepped around Metnur to have her purchases rung up. “Oh, I love this scarf,” Iliana sighed wistfully as she charged a sizeable amount to the woman’s account. She hated giving up her pieces for sale, no matter how many she kept for herself.

She prolonged the transaction as long as possible, chatting with that customer and the next. Metnur, damn his hide, stood waiting, his attitude one of unending patience.

At last, Iliana had no option but to deal with him. “I went to the party given by Matara Deefa,” she snapped.

“And left early, I’m told.”

“I wasn’t feeling well. I was escorted to my shuttle by a potential clan.” Ha. A clan who’d used her to make Deefa jealous.

Metnur knew none of that. He blinked and allowed hope to creep in on the edges of his expression. “I heard, but that’s happened before.”

“I said I was escorted. On a man’s arm. Not followed to my ride by whining suitors. Which reminds me, Clan Bas was there too.”

A frown. Metnur was a pest, but like most Kalquorian men, he was protective of women. “They bothered you after they were warned?”

“I’m done being polite about it, Metnur. Next time, I break their kneecaps. Fortunately for those jerks, the clan I walked out with got rid of them.”

“It’s nice to have men ready to come to your rescue.” His statement was pointed, as usual.

“I can rescue myself, and I will do so. Including from a meddling Dramok and agency that insist on pushing me to clan when the courts say I don’t have to. Are you acquainted with Dramok Hanvel?” Sudden inspiration allowed her to speak the name she might have choked on otherwise.

“The name is familiar.”

“It should be. He’s a city councilman who’s running for the director post. He wasn’t pleased to hear about how I’ve been harassed by your office. His brother, Royal Councilman Lathen, is also aware of the issue. I might file a direct complaint with them both.”

Another customer interrupted their conversation. Iliana switched on her smile and rang her up.

When the patron departed, Metnur resumed the conversation where they’d left off. “The courts have already ruled the Matara Liaison Office can contact you about potential opportunities to clan, Iliana.”

“Well, we’ll find out how they feel once the city and Royal Council get involved.” She’d never been good at bluffing, but she was learning. Her brother’s Dramok was an expert, and Iliana had made a point to study and emulate him as best as she could.

“Katelyn is excited about Dramok Lathen’s clan courting her, so I assume it was Clan Hanvel who helped you with Clan Bas and escorted you to your shuttle?”

“As a matter of fact, it was them. Nice fellows.” When they weren’t being conniving assholes. She wondered at the anger that rose fresh at their duplicity. She’d read them the riot act. That should have burned the fury off.

“Will you be seeing them again?”

Iliana barked harsh laughter. “Those three? Those…”

Hold on. Wait just a second.

Inspiration was back, showing her a path out of Metnur’s irritating pestering…at least for a few days. Maybe longer if he didn’t check her story with Hanvel and his merry jerk men.

Iliana seized on the opportunity. “Fine. But I swear, if you say ‘I told you so,’ I’ll beat you with my brother’s baseball bat.”

Metnur’s face lit. “You rascal, you’re giving a clan an opportunity? You weren’t going to tell me? I can’t decide on whether to yell or congratulate you.”

She hadn’t lied. She hadn’t actually claimed she was dating them. She waved him off without smiling. Displaying anything but her usual impatience with him would be suspect. “Show your approval by getting out and leaving me alone.”

“When are you meeting with them again?”

He never quit. “Slow down, Rocket Man. You know I won’t jump into anything that fast.”

“Iliana, there are other Mataras they could talk to if you don’t give them a real break. If you’re at all interested—”

“They stopped by this morning, and we’re doing this at my pace.” Which was a full stop. “Don’t worry. I did all in my power to make an impression when they came to visit me.”

He beamed at her. “I’m proud of you for taking this chance.”

“Baseball bat, Metnur. You’re edging close to that ‘I told you so.’”

“I’ll save it for your clanning ceremony.”

“Out. Now.”

He left, wearing a smug smile that set Iliana’s teeth grinding. How many assholes could one day send her way?

 

Releasing September (specific date not yet determined). 

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

WIP Wednesday - First Mataras: Iliana

 

Sibling rivalry

Hanvel ground his teeth as his brother’s clan schmoozed Iliana, drawing her from him, Cosdas, and Selbi. That his brother was doing it as much to irritate Hanvel as to court a stunning woman was no secret.

It didn’t matter that Hanvel had no intention of pursuing Iliana, despite how bewitching she was. She was enchanting. Her hair was as black as any Kalquorian’s. Her delightful lithe figure was more than hinted at in its somehow clingy-yet-demure dress. He could have drowned in those brilliant, sapphire eyes that glowed in contrast to skin only a few shades lighter than his own.

Just as fascinating had been her frank admission that she had no intention to join a clan. Independent and resourceful, Iliana appeared to be a force to reckon with. Hanvel admitted to being impressed.

It had been his clan she’d dashed to for aid, not Lathen’s. His brother, gifted with more than his fair share of accolades, had swooped in after the fact to snatch her away. After all his grand speeches about Hanvel giving up on Deefa and pursuing an Earther Matara instead, he’d followed it up by trying to win Iliana right out from under Hanvel’s nose.

Movement at the doorway caught Hanvel’s attention. Deefa had returned to stare at him. Imperious. Displeased.

Hanvel flushed with guilt, but before he could hurry her way, Clan Syno appeared. She refused to acknowledge their intense murmurs, her pointed stare skewering Hanvel.

“Can you believe it? Deefa’s jealous,” Selbi whispered, his tone gleeful. “She must think we’re interested in Iliana.”

Deefa? Jealous? A thrill shot through Hanvel. She must truly care about us to be so possessive. It was the proof he’d ached for.

“It might do her good to experience some of what we’ve been feeling,” Cosdas muttered so only his clanmates could hear.

Hanvel grinned at his Nobek and Imdiko. “You’re right. She should know the hurt she’s put us through. My brother could use a lesson too, while we’re at it.”

Aware of Deefa, now arguing with her promised clan as she attempted to shoo them off, Hanvel set his sights on Iliana. Gesturing his clanmates to come along, he approached her with a smile.

Releasing September (specific date not yet determined). 

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

WIP Wednesday - First Mataras: Iliana

 

Seeking shelter

Selbi blinked and glanced at his clanmates. He’d never met this Earther before, but she greeted them as if they were old friends.

“Where have you three been hiding? I was getting the idea you were avoiding me,” she gushed.

Her coloring was hectic, and she was out of breath. Yet she was gorgeous. With long, black hair framing her fine-boned features, startling blue eyes that matched her simple gown that draped a lithe figure, she brought Selbi’s thoughts to a stop for a few moments. His clanmates were similarly stunned into silence, but he wasn’t sure if it was from her abrupt approach or her breathtaking appearance.

He’d have remembered her had they met before. There was no doubt about that.

“I’m sorry, Matara.” Selbi recovered speech before the others. “You must have mistaken us for another clan.”

He noticed Deefa entering the conservatory, behind a clan he vaguely recognized but quickly discounted. Deefa was alone, Clan Syno nowhere in sight. He nudged Hanvel, whose expression brightened.

“Could you excuse us, please, Matara? There’s someone we have to talk to.”

“No, I won’t excuse you. Give me a damned moment to get rid of those assholes.” Her order was delivered in a snarl between clenched teeth as the Earther grabbed Cosdas by the wrist. Then the stunning smile reappeared, and she laughed as if Selbi had something funny. She glanced at the clan heading their way, the three men that Selbi knew he recognized from somewhere.

“Oh, you are hilarious. Don’t think you’re pulling this stunt now.”

Recognizing she was a female in distress, Cosdas and Hanvel broke into friendly smiles. Selbi followed suit an instant later. They crowded around her even as their glances darted to both Deefa and the nearing clan.

“Name?” Cosdas whispered.

“Iliana.” Gratitude filled her expression.

“Matara Iliana, you have to give these other Earthers a chance. The instant you appear, they no longer exist.” Hanvel’s gaze skittered nervously to Deefa, who’d moved within earshot. He kept up his smile, however. A woman in need of assistance couldn’t be ignored. He pretended as if he’d just noticed the clan Iliana was trying to escape. “Dramok Bas. Did you require something?”

Bas. Of course, Selbi should have recognized the clan immediately, but it had been a couple of years since they’d been expelled from the private club Clan Hanvel belonged to. A high-ranked clan, but known for less savory activities, such as drinking too much, losing most of their money gambling, and cheating, whether it be clients of their investment firm or at games. No wonder Iliana was desperate for help.

Releasing September (specific date not yet determined). 

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

WIP Wednesday - First Mataras: Iliana - Halfway There

 

(Inspirations for the characters, clockwise from upper left: Imdiko Selbi, Iliana Rossi, Nobek Cosdas, Dramok Hanvel)

I am happy to report I'm about halfway through the first draft of First Mataras: Iliana. Writing is going well. 

This story has developed in an interesting way. The romance is a slow burn...at this halfway point, Iliana and Clan Hanvel are just now starting to get...ahem...familiar with each other. Initially, they weren't clicking (and they didn't want to click, thanks very much), then they made a deal to appear as if Iliana was dating the guys, actual attraction kicked in, and now the sparks are starting to fly. I write a lot of love-at-first-sight...but this ain't it. No fear on the heat scale though; having held off so long, these four are making up for lost time. It's turned into a scorching five-alarm fire. The old saying is true; good things come to those who wait. 😉

A second difference that isn't typical for a Kalquor universe book: there's no impending danger threatening anyone. This is strictly a story of romance against all odds.

I'm well within schedule of having this done by late fall. I'll give you all another update when I have news to share. Take care!