Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 374

Interviews with Three Authors from Corvidae

CorvidaeEdited by Rhonda Parrish
Publication Date for Corvidae: July 7, 2015  Fantasy / Horror$12.95 trade paperback, 234 pages   $5.99 ebookISBN: 978-0692430217


Associated with life and death, disease and luck, corvids have long captured mankind’s attention, showing up in mythology as the companions or manifestations of deities, and starring in stories from Aesop to Poe and beyond. In Corvidae birds are born of blood and pain, trickster ravens live up to their names, magpies take human form, blue jays battle evil forces, and choughs become prisoners of war. These stories will take you to the Great War, research facilities, frozen mountaintops, steam-powered worlds, remote forest homes, and deep into fairy tales. One thing is for certain, after reading this anthology, you’ll never look the same way at the corvid outside your window.
Corvidae  features works by Jane Yolen, Mike Allen, C.S.E. Cooney, M.L.D. Curelas, Tim Deal, Megan Engelhardt, Megan Fennell, Adria Laycraft, Kat Otis, Michael S. Pack, Sara Puls, Michael M. Rader, Mark Rapacz, Angela Slatter, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, and Leslie Van Zwol.

Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Kobo.com, WorldWeaverPress.com
Rhonda Parrish is a master procrastinator and nap connoisseur but despite that she somehow manages a full professional life. She has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of Niteblade Magazine for over five years now (which is like 25 years in internet time) and is the editor of the benefit anthology Metastasis, as well as the World Weaver Press anthologies  Fae ,  Scarecrow , and  Corvidae . In addition, Rhonda is a writer whose work has been included or is forthcoming in dozens of publications including Tesseracts 17: Speculating Canada from Coast to Coast and Imaginarium: The Best Canadian Speculative Writing. Her website, updated weekly, is at rhondaparrish.com.


Quick Author Interviews
Today we have Fang-tastic interviews with three of the authors from Corvidae. 
Enjoy!
Author Name: Leslie Van ZwolSocial Media Links:Twitter: @bobbistylzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/leslie.zwol
What is it about corvids that inspired you to write about them?          Corvids are too smart for their own good, and their high intelligence often comes out in mischievous ways – this is what I love about them. You often see a group of corvids picking on a lone dog, a bird of prey, a human, or even a wolf. They just don’t care about anything. They lack the natural fear you see in most species. They are the embodiment of the ‘idle hands’ warning – too smart, too cunning, too bored!
Was there one corvid characteristic you wanted to highlight more than others?
I wanted to highlight their faults and their talents. Corvids are notoriously resourceful and fearless, but they are not very physically strong. I really wanted to show how they use their skillset to get around their weaknesses – not much slows a corvid down.
Do you think you were successful?
I think I did a good job… well I hope so.
If you were a covid, what would you build your nest out of?
Anything I could find, but I would lean towards the side of ‘things that did not stink’. No garbage. I would use mint gum as an adhesive, and find the prettiest accessories and add some bling around the edges.
What’s your favourite ‘shiny’ thing?
I am a fan of sequins and glitter, but I don’t like them in high concentration, more like a tasteful sprinkle. I am most assuredly not a corvid.
Author Name: Adria Laycraft
Website Address: www.adrialaycraft.com Social Media Links:Twitter:aklaycraftFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/adria.laycraft
What is it about corvids that inspired you to write about them?
I love birds in general, but corvids hold a special place in my heart for their intelligence and tenacity. I think they appear in so many mythologies and legends because they are worthy of it!
Was there one corvid characteristic you wanted to highlight more than others?
I wanted a modern riff off old myths, highlighting Raven’s trickster ways, his laziness, and the fact he is seen as Creator in so many West Coast stories.
If you were a corvid, what would you build your nest out of?
The feathers of my foe. Mwhahahaha...
What’s your favourite ‘shiny’ thing?
As many are aware, I collect crystals and minerals. They are my ‘shiny’ treasures, my precious.
Author Name: Michael S. Pack
Website Address:  rivenlucidity.wordpress.comSocial Media Links:Twitter: @Michael_PackFacebook:  www.facebook.com/M.Pack.Author
What is it about corvids that inspired you to write about them?
Ravens have interesting ambiguity when they appear in myths and folklore. They can represent wisdom, but also destruction. They can be messengers of the gods or forerunners of war—or both. They create, but they also play the role of the trickster. The uncanny intelligence of ravens has led people around the world to imbue them with supernal, almost mystical, cunning. And, in many myths the raven literally exists in a state of ambiguity: a part of our “real” world as well as a part of the spirit world. 
Was there one corvid characteristic you wanted to highlight more than others?
The sound of their wings in flight.
If you were a corvid, what would you build your nest out of?
Twigs. I’m all for tradition.
What’s your favourite ‘shiny’ thing?
Firefly. ;)

Top 3 Fictional Character Everyone Loves – But I Hate Guest Blog by Amanda Meuwissen

Top 3 Fictional Character Everyone Loves – But I Hate
It’s fascinating what causes people to love or hate a character. There isn’t necessarily a rhyme or reason to it, or everyone would always love or hate the same people. Certain characters just don’t mesh with everyone. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing. 

For every character out there that the masses seem to rally behind, there are people, like me, who hate them. Does that mean the character is bad? Ask me in a certain mood and I’ll say hell yes, but if I’m being honest, it must mean that character is memorable if I’m willing to express such ire for them. 

So here are my top 3 fictional characters that everyone else seems to love, but I just plain hate. 

1. Katniss Everdeen

Wow, Hunger Games is huge. My pretty much entire family read the series before the first movie came out. I had not, but was all on board to give a new movie franchise a chance after finally being rid of Twilight, that I agreed to see it for the midnight showing. 

Back when Harry Potter was growing in infamy, I wasn’t interested in reading the books…until the first movie came out and I fell head over heels in love and proceeded to read all four of the books that were out at the time. So I figured maybe that could happen again, and after seeing the first Hunger Games movie, I’d be a book convert too. 

Yeah, not so much. I don’t remember the last time I hated a movie so passionately, and I refuse to see the others, or read the books. Sure, part of it is because I’m not the biggest fan of dystopian future tales, and the shaky cam made me nauseous, the lack of blood and gore that would have to exist in reality, the poor storytelling at times that had me whispering to my nephew to explain why the hell that Peta guy was throwing bread into the mud, which after hearing the explanation I realized was in no way accurately portrayed in how the movie showed it, not to mention many other elements. I felt like as someone who hadn’t read the books, I was given no lifeline to enjoy this story. 

But even all that aside wouldn’t make up for how unlikable Katniss is to me. Now, my sister admits to feeling the same way even as a fan, that she read on to see what became of Peta and other characters, not Katniss, but…she’s the protagonist! You expect that person to be someone you would want to rally behind. And I just never cared about what happened to her, making her in my eyes a terrible character to follow. 

2. Mako Mori

I actually feel bad about this one now, because it is not Mako’s fault that I hate her so much. You see, when Pacific Rim was first on its way, the previews didn’t show her even once that I remember, at least not clearly. I remember seeing Raleigh and Chuck’s interactions and thinking, oh, we’re going to go for a very classic anime story, where two rivals who hate each other end up having to be partners and form a lasting friendship that aides in saving the world. I was all on board. 

So when Raleigh’s brother died at the beginning, I was certain I had guessed right. Then Mako shows up and gives me this queasy feeling, and it soon becomes more and more obvious that she’s intended to be Raleigh’s partner instead, and my headcanon went BOOM and exploded all over me. I couldn’t help resenting her for destroying my expectations. 

It’s interesting, because it’s not like I dislike her character, her acting, anything about how she was portrayed, it’s all on me and what I took with me into the theater that causes me to just sneer every time I see her, because she ruined what I thought I wanted the story to be, and what I expected. Her presence will always ruin the movie a bit in my eyes because I wanted something different, even though everything about her otherwise creates a character I would normally love.

3. BBC Sherlock- Moriarty

And finally, this hatred is unique in that it deals with an existing character with history and depictions I normally adore, but for whatever reason…this one rubs me wrong. 

I honestly think my initial love for the character of Professor Moriarty in general comes from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and all of the holodeck episodes with Data as Sherlock. But in so many other versions as well, something about someone who could be as genius and adaptable as Sherlock Holmes but also evil is just plain thrilling, and with how much I loved BBC’s Sherlock from the start, I really could not wait to see how they presented this classic character. Clearly they could do no wrong. 

And god, everything about him is just grating. No offence to Andrew Scott, who seems lovely himself as an actor and person, but why they directed him this way, I’ll never understand. He and Benedict are the same age, but Andrew just looks younger, and I’ve always envisioned Moriarty as slightly older than Sherlock at the very least. He came across as a spoiled rich kid who just happened to be smart enough to want to go after Sherlock to subdue his own boredom. It felt so cheap to me. I wanted drama and magnetism, and I got a whiney brat with a very nasal, high-pitched voice instead. It just leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and I hope they don’t bring him back to life as seems to be so very possible.


Now, I’m sure there are many of you who disagree with me on these points, and hey, maybe there are some of you who are right there with me on all three, but it still brings me back to what I first said – me hating these characters doesn’t change that they are very, very memorable. 

Of course I beam every time someone tells they love the title character of my series The Incubus Saga, Sasha Kelly (even though he’s not actually the protagonist), that they fell for him so quickly, and even in several cases that they enjoyed M/M romance for the first time largely in part because of Sasha’s portrayal. 

That’s what we all hope for, right? Well, the loving our characters part, though maybe the converting people to M/M romance part too. And while I know there will be people out there who will end up hating Sasha, just because that’s how the world works, you can bet that love or hate, if anyone ever made a list like this that included one of my characters, at least I could sleep well knowing they were written memorably. 

SidheThe Incubus SagaBook 3Amanda Meuwissen
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Gay Paranormal Romance                          Publisher: BigWorldNetwork.com, LLC
Date of Publication: July 2, 2015
ISBN:ASIN: B00Y1WDVK4
Word Count: 180,000
Cover Artist: Mario Hernandez
Book Description:
Nathan Grier returns from the Veil a changed man. The consequences of his time with Malak, the dark sidhe king, and the deal made to free him may be more than he can bear. The weakening of the Veil and new enemies foretell of a greater battle still ahead.
With Nathan’s brother Jim now an Awakened changeling, and Nathan’s role in Malak’s plans finally revealed, Nathan’s love for fae hunter and incubus, Sasha Kelly, may not be enough to save him after all.
Available at Amazon
Excerpt:
“Nathan, it’s us,” Sasha tried to say calmly, inching closer with hands held up in seeming surrender.  Jim did the same.Nathan knew he had to be a pitiable sight with that weakly held knife, but he’d use it, damn it, he would.  Somehow he’d use it.  His back hit the corner of the room.  “Playing that game?” Nathan scoffed. “I know better.  You haven’t been them in…in so long, I…I don’t even remember.  I don’t remember…”“Nathan,” Jim pleaded, moving closer with one hand outstretched.  He looked so strange to Nathan, almost believable with those dark blue eyes so caring, so concerned.  “I can’t imagine what it must have been like, but it’s over.  You’re not in the Veil anymore.  We got you out.  You’re safe.  With us.”“Please believe us, Nathan,” Sasha said. “Just look at us.”  He gestured to himself; to Jim.  Sasha too looked so normal, so honest and how Nathan remembered him.  “It’s really us.  You’re safe, Nathan.  Please recognize us…”He recognized them.  But it had to be a trick.  Another damn trick like all the others.  “I gave you what you wanted,” Nathan said again.  He was so cold.  Nothing looked right.  Nothing felt right.  He couldn’t understand why this was happening when he had finally given in.“Nathan, it’s us,” Sasha said more firmly, like maybe Nathan just couldn’t hear them.“Malak took you and we’re so sorry,” Jim said. “We wish we could have gotten you out sooner, but you have to know us.  Please tell me you still know us…” “Malak…?” Nathan glared at the false images before him, knife still held firm, warning them not to get closer.  “It had nothing to do with that, you know that, you know.  I didn’t…I didn’t go to the Veil.” Jim and Sasha stopped their progression toward him, their eyes wide and disbelieving.  They shared a pained look, not knowing what to say until finally Jim spoke, slow and gentle.“Nathan, don’t you remember?  Malak said killing the spriggan instead of banishing it broke the deal. That’s why we couldn’t win, why we couldn’t save you.  You went to the Veil, Nathan.  You’ve been in the Veil.  But you’re out now.  I don’t know what Malak did to you there, but we got you out.”It almost made sense, as if a second reality were trying to push into Nathan’s mind: memories of what Jim was saying, memories he knew weren’t fabrications, and yet…how could he remember things happening two different ways?The Veil?  Had that been the Veil?  To him it had felt like life.


About the Author:
Amanda Meuwissen is the author of The Incubus Saga and The Collector. Amanda also serves as COO and Managing Editor for BigWorldNetwork.com. She oversees editing and series selection, and is featured as a narrator for several BWN series. Amanda lives in Minneapolis, MN, with her husband, John, and their cats, Helga and Sasha (no connection to the incubus of the same name).
http://bigworldnetwork.com/site/series/incubus
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6831429.Amanda_Meuwissen
https://twitter.com/MissSuperCube
http://crimsondomingo.tumblr.com
http://pinterest.com/crimsondomingo
https://www.facebook.com/TheIncubusSaga
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMeuwissen

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Guest Blog and Giveaway Dancing to an Irish Reel by Claire Fullerton

I’ll tell you why I returned last October to the misty, velvet shores of western Ireland, where I once spent a year: it is the setting for my novel, “Dancing to an Irish Reel,” and I wanted to reinvigorate my standing amongst the land and its people before my book was released.  In order to do that, one has to show up in person to let the very air saturate the skin until it permeates to a cellular level and recalibrates the soul. 


Ireland affected me deeply when I lived in the rural village of Inverin, in the western region of Connemara, yet it took a few months before I allowed myself to let go of my American frame of reference. Once I did, there was such a shift in my being that a local at the grocery store (or the shops, as they call it there) did a double take upon seeing my tranquil face and commented, “Claire, you look more Irish!” I knew just what she implied. I could already feel a newly acquired demeanor settle upon me, one that relaxed me physically and slipped me into a present tense mind frame where a type of willing acceptance of events replaced my harried propensity to manipulate my way through life. 


Ireland will do this to a person quickly, for it is an island with its own peculiar consciousness spawned from its cloistered history and its humble dependence upon the vagaries of the weather. I see it as an overarching attitude of rightful thinking, something which suggests there’s no point in becoming too worked up over much of anything, for change will rule the day of the best laid plans, and in the meantime, we’re all in it together, safe under the watchful eyes of God. And the Irish are a reverential people. And it’s not just God they revere. They pretty much hold all things sacred: the land, Irish history, each other. And because they comport themselves this way, they don't take themselves too seriously, which is exactly why they have the reputation of being the friendliest lot on earth. 

Let me now digress by confessing I over use the expression, “I can’t tell you how much I love” this or that. The fact is, I can tell you, and I did when it comes to the subject of Ireland. 



I wrote many of my thoughts and impressions of Ireland in my novel “Dancing to an Irish Reel,” by working them into the story of a twenty five year old American named Hailey Crossan, who leaves the record business and moves to rural Ireland, where she meets an Irish musician who won’t come closer not completely go away. The story depicts the ambiguity of attraction, with all its hopes, excitement, doubt and often times, confusion. 

Since Hailey is a stranger in a beautiful, but strange land, she is uncertain of Ireland’s cultural nuances, and begins to think her lack of understanding might be behind the perplexing dynamic of her budding romance with Liam Hennessey.  But thankfully, she is surrounded by a handful of vibrant Irish characters who help her decipher the codes of attraction, as well as the mixed messages Liam displays, as she comes to feel at home in a land that has more soul than any place she ever imagined. 


Dancing to an Irish ReelClaire Fullerton
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Date of Publication: March 3, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-9903042-5-8ASIN:
Number of pages: 220Word Count: 63,000
Cover Artist: Elaina Lee for the Muse Designs
Book Description:
Twenty five year old Hailey Crossan takes a trip to Ireland during a sabbatical from her job in the LA record business. While there, she’s offered a job too good to turn down, so she stays.
Although Hailey works in Galway, she lives in the countryside of Connemara, a rural area famous for its Irish traditional music.  When Hailey meets local musician, Liam Hennessey, a confusing relationship begins, which Hailey thinks is the result of differing cultures, for Liam is married to the music, and so unbalanced at the prospect of love, he won't come closer nor completely go away.
And so begins the dance of attraction that Hailey struggles to decipher. Thankfully, a handful of vibrant local friends come to her aid, and Hailey learns to love a land and its people, both with more charm than she ever imagined.

Available on Amazon for Kindleand Print
About the Author:
Claire Fullerton is the author of Paranormal Mystery,  A Portal in Time . She is an award winning essayist, a contributor to numerous magazines (including “Southern Writers Magazine) a former newspaper columnist and a four time contributor to the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series.
She hails from Memphis, TN. and now lives in Malibu, CA where she is working on her third novel.
www.clairefullerton.com
https://www.facebook.com/clairefullertonauthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7388895.Claire_Fullerton
@cfullerton3

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Playlist and Giveaway Dragon’s Guide to Slaying Virgins by Isabelle Saint-Michael

My Personal Playlist for Dragon’s Guide to Slaying Virgins
Despite how I try, I always end up listening to music I can sing along with when I write. I also live in South Korea, home of K-pop, so you may find some songs you’ve never heard before. There are so many emotions in this book and I think that is definitely reflected in how eclectic the music was that I was listening to. The following were the top 10 most played songs from my iTunes during the time I was writing Dragon’s Guide. All of these songs are available on iTunes and Amazon or you can listen for free through Youtube. 

10.) Break Free by Ariana Grande

9.) Eyes, Nose Lips by Taeyang (English Title)

8.) How to Save a Life by The Fray

7.) Breakeven by The Script

6.) Queen Hearts by We the Kings

5.) It’s My Life by Bonjovi

4.) Fiction by Beast (English & Korean Title)

3.) Die Young by Ke$ha

2.) I’ll Get Lost, You Go Your Way by G.Na (English Title)

1.) Say by John Mayer



Dragon’s Guide to Slaying VirginsOtherworld RealmsBook ThreeIsabelle Saint-Michael
Genre: PNR/Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Otherworld Romance, LLC
Date of Publication: June 26th, 2015
ISBN: 9780990866589ASIN: B00XNJHU8A
Number of pages: 474Word Count: 104K
Cover Artist: CL Smith
Book Description:
Lady Morgan is a Knight of Queen Mab’s court. She’s earned it too – while most other Fae were playing tricks and using come-hither glamours on the unsuspecting, she was out saving the day – and finding true love.  But when fate steals her one shot at happiness, Morgan decides to find out if there really is no job, too big to handle alone.  Armed with a strong sword arm, a never-ending supply of wit, and very little magic, she is willing to take on the most dangerous of enemies…
Vallen is what most knights would consider their mortal enemy: a Dragon.  He’s also Sir Vallen, a member of an ancient order, and the years since he joined have made him as hard and grumpy on the inside as he is scaly on the outside.  His honor would never allow him to take the easy path, though, only the right one… which leaves him in something of a predicament when he first meets Lady Morgan…
When the strings of fate cross, Knight and Dragon set aside their differences to fight a common foe – and find the second chance at love they never knew they were looking for.


Amazon   BN   Smashwords   Kobo
Excerpt:
The journey was pleasant and uneventful. It was enough to almost make me forget that I was on a mission to slay a Dragon and avenge my fallen love. “What are you going to do after you slay Avery?” Heather interrupted my thoughts.“I don’t really know, to be honest with you. I was going to track down the Dragons that rescued me, and I still may, but I’m not sure how many more Dragons I really want to face in my lifetime.” I sat perplexed. For the first time in months I felt like I almost had my life back, and in many ways it was thanks to Sir Vallen and his brother. Though my blood still boiled when I thought about how they had dumped me in another realm.“Do you think you will keep fighting, or settle down?” She was full of questions this morning.“I have been waging war for most of my teenage and adult life now. I’m not entirely sure I want to do that anymore, but I’m not really good at anything else.” What other work was there to do? I wasn’t a farmer. Fae or not, I had a black thumb that made anything that wasn’t a weed shrivel and die within days. I couldn’t see myself crafting as an artisan did, or even building. I shook my head. “I really don’t know,” I said again, but this time more for my own benefit than hers. She sat in quiet contemplation of my words. When she finally spoke again it was with a new perspective of the world. “I don’t know what I want to do with my life when this ‘adventure’ is over. It makes me feel a little better that you don’t know either. I thought something was wrong with me for not knowing.”“I don’t think not knowing makes you lost. I think not caring does. Whatever I do when this is over, I will still help others. I’ve never heard anyone regret their life when they lived it showing kindness and helping others” As long as I am helping people, I know I will find joy in what I do, I thought to myself.


About the Author:
Isabelle Saint-Michael is a cupcake enthusiast, shoe addict, and globetrotter. She is known for her sense of adventure and geeky hobbies. She is frequently seen haunting coffee shops and pubs into the wee hours of the morning. No matter where she goes, shenanigans and mirth are never far behind.
Blog- http://elvenlife.com/
Twitter- @IsabelleStMike
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/IsabelleStMichael
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/
Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Isabelle-Saint-Michael/e/B00OV2XRR6/

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Spotlight on The Maurin Kincaide Series by Rachel Rawlings

The MorrignaThe Maurin Kincaide SeriesBook OneRachel Rawlings
Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy
ASIN: B003V4B6CI
Number of pages: 326
Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood
Book Description:
I'm Maurin Kincaide, a psychometric, and until a few days ago I was working for Salem's Preternatural Task Force as an interrogator. I cracked more cold cases and got more confessions than anyone else in the department. Of course that was before I traded in my badge for an ancient Celtic sword. Now, I'm the Special Liaison for the Council, the governing body of the Others, and I take my orders from witches, werewolves and vampires.
I didn't just make a career change though. I'm not the same person I was before. I'm stronger, I can heal from wounds that would kill a normal person. I'm developing latent psychic skills at a breakneck speed. Oh yeah, and it would seem that a Pagan goddess has taken permanent residence in my body and mind. Crazy thing is, I'm starting to feel normal, like this is who I'm supposed to be.
Of course, there are those who don't agree. Morrigan and her sisters for example. Actually, I'm pretty sure they'd like nothing more than to see me dead. And if I can't stop them and the demons they've raised, they just might get their wish.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Y9g8FJKN2vM
Available at    Amazon    Audible    BN


Excerpt: The MorrignaI couldn’t help feeling a little vindicated as the Captain told him his theory was pretty much paper thin, but he hadn’t even started on me yet.  He dismissed Masarelli with a wave of his hand, but Masarelli didn’t move.  He just stood there like he was waiting for more instructions or perhaps to hear me get chewed out.  He would get neither.     “Now, Masarelli.”  The tone in Matthison’s voice had me sitting up straight.  “Shut the door behind you.”   Captain Matthison waited until Masarelli closed the door and was sure he had walked far enough away not to overhear our conversation before he continued.  Definitely not a good sign.   “You’re not going to like what I have to say, Kincaide, but I’m going to say it and you’re going to listen.  I’m putting you on paid administrative leave.  Effective immediately.”  He was his usual calm self as he handed out my punishment.   “For how long?  Wait a minute, what the hell did I do?  I came in here, tried to do my job and now you’re punishing me because I didn’t get the desired results?  You never said that there would be repercussions if I didn’t produce every time when you offered me this job!”  He might be calm, but I was fuming.   He lowered his head and ran a hand through his short brown hair.  “I realize every case can’t be easy, that there will be times when you simply can’t get the answers we need.  That’s not what this is about and you know it.”   “No, I don’t actually, so why don’t you enlighten me.”  It probably wasn’t smart to get flippant with the Captain, but I couldn’t have cared less in the heat of the moment.   “There’s something going on with you.  I’ve noticed things over the last couple of weeks, ever since we’ve been dealing with this demon case.  Even before that, if we’re being perfectly honest.  There‘s no way that witch should have walked out of here like she did.”  He was mussing up his hair again, like he didn’t want to finish, so I didn’t give him the chance.   “If the arresting officer had caught that witch’s charms, we wouldn’t even be talking about her right now!  And you can’t seriously think I had anything to do with any of this?  That my not feeling well is in any way related to the demon running loose?  So why put me on leave?”  I didn’t even try to hide my disgust at the thought.   “Would you shut up and let me finish.  We both know it’s more than you ‘not feeling well’.  ‘Not feeling well’ implies that you’re coming down with a cold or something.  That is not what is happening with you.  And of course I don’t think you had anything to do with the demon.  As for being related?  Who knows?  From what Masarelli says, our best, though admittedly thin, lead had you in some kind of trance.  You were catatonic in our interrogation room for Christ’s sake!  That’s never happened before.  Not once in the three years you’ve been here.  You have been getting stronger.  I’ve seen it.  You spend less and less time with the suspects and walk away with more and more information.  But the witch?  Charms have never stopped you before.  And then you face O’Neil and it’s like you’ve got nothing, no abilities at all.  He should have been a cakewalk for you.  He didn’t even register on any of our psychic scans.  It’s like with more power comes less control.  I don’t know what’s going on with you and you don’t either.  So until you figure it out, you’re on leave.  I just can’t risk you being injured or blowing a case - both of which are very real possibilities and you know it.  I don’t want you near the station or anywhere near this case.  That’s an order.”  He didn’t have the same tone in his voice as he had with Masarelli, but it didn’t make it any easier to hear what he had just said.   “Do you want my badge too?”  Okay, it was slightly juvenile, but I couldn’t help myself.
   “Are you offering it to me?  Because as much as it would disappoint me, I’ll take it if you are,” he said.
Witch HuntThe Maurin Kincaide SeriesBook TwoRachel Rawlings
Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy
ASIN: B009YLODRW
Number of pages: 316
Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood
Book Description:
Maurin Kincaide is back in this action packed follow up novel to The Morrigna. No longer a member of Salem's Preternatural Task Force Maurin is the new liaison for The Council, governing body of Others. During what should have been a routine meeting with her former Captain, Maurin is brought in on a murder investigation.
Three dead witches, three cryptic clues, no sign of the killers and the Salem coven is losing allies within the Council. If Maurin and her unlikely partner Captain Matthison can't stop the killers, the Witch City might be without its namesake.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/ZwTNzVGJvxQ
Available at Amazon    BN   AudibleWitch Hunt  Excerpt:
Maurin Kincaide.” That was my professional greeting.“It’s Matthison. You need to- ” I cut him off.“Too late. You already approved the pass. You don’t get to change your mind now.” He wasn’t going back on the pass, not after I had already sent word that it had been approved.“First, I only said yes to you. You don’t have my signature on the form yet. And second, I absolutely could go back on it if I wanted to, and there isn’t a damned thing that you could do about it. But that’s-” He didn’t get to finish.“I could get someone to whip up a potion. I know people.” I interrupted.I was almost to the corner. I pulled my coat a little tighter. It wasn’t officially winter yet, but the Solstice was only a week away. I could almost see the sign for the Daily Grind; coffee was almost within my reach.“They wouldn’t and you know it. I didn’t call about the pass, Maurin. You need to come back in.” The friendly banter was over.“Come back in? You make it sound like I’m wanted for questioning. Am I a person of interest, Captain?” I asked.Something was up - so much for a decent cup of coffee. Looks like I’d be slurping down more of the sludge they keep in the coffee pot in the break room.“You are one of the most interesting people that I know. I need to talk to you about a case.” I could hear him talking to someone, but his hand was over the receiver, muffling his voice.“Wow! Sounds like you need to meet some more people. Don’t you have any cops working for you anymore, or did you transfer all of them too? Why didn’t you ask me about this when I was in your office?” Of course, I had already turned around. My curiosity was definitely peeked, but I didn’t want him to know that.“I’m looking at it now for the first time. Just get your ass in here.” He hung up.When I got back to Matthison’s office, he was gone. It didn’t take me that long to get there; I was right outside, for crying out loud. I scanned the desks outside his office and found him bent over a folder with my least favorite detective - Masarelli. The one good thing about not being on SPTF anymore was not seeing Masarelli’s ugly mug every day. I walked over to Masarelli’s desk. “Captain.” I didn’t even bother acknowledging Masarelli, the prick. I did, however, try to look at the file on his desk.Before I could get a good look at anything, Matthison scooped up the folder and waved me into his office. Masarelli turned his best thousand-yard stare on me – as if I was intimidated by him. I was a better interrogator than he was and he knew it. Of course, he would say it’s because I have advantages that he doesn’t. While it is true that I have what I would call “helpful abilities”, it isn’t my fault that I have them. Besides, I was convinced that I would be a better interrogator than Masarelli even without those abilities. I gave him a wink and a smile over my shoulder, and then followed the Captain into his office.He dropped the file onto his desk. “I need you to make a call.”I shut the door behind me. “I’m sorry, what?” I hadn’t expected him to ask me to make a phone call. Talk to a suspect for old time’s sake maybe, but not a phone call.“You’re the liaison. I need you to call the Council. Mahalia, specifically.” He started rubbing his forehead, which was always his tell that something was very wrong.“Okay, and what is it that you’d like me to ask her?” I asked. It was never good when he reminded you what your job was. Something was definitely wrong.He dropped down in his chair. “Tell her that I’ve got a dead witch on my hands and I need her to ID the body. She can meet us at the morgue. They’ve already finished processing the scene.”“How are you so sure it’s a witch? If they only just finished at the scene, then there’s no way you have lab confirmation. What makes you say witch?” I was really hoping that he was jumping the gun on this.There were lots of Norms who liked to masquerade around as witches in Salem. You could find a body in front of a cauldron with a broom in one hand and a wand in the other, and it still wouldn’t mean you had a real witch. True witches have a slightly different genetic make-up than Norms, but you’d never know it without the lab work.He slid the folder across his desk, spilling its contents. “Besides the ‘thou shalt not suffer a witch to live’ carved into her abdomen, you mean?”“Shit.” I picked up a photo off his desk. “Are her, are her hands cut off too?” Despite all the gross stuff I’d seen recently, I was still swallowing hard.
“Yeah, and her tongue was cut out too. Why would someone do that?” He wasn’t really asking me, which was good - because I didn’t have an answer.
WolfsbaneThe Maurin Kincaide SeriesBook ThreeRachel Rawlings
Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy
ASIN: B00DAIILMS
Number of pages: 78 Novella
Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood
Book Description:
Given the choice between her sister's wedding and witnessing the challenge for Alpha of the Salem pack, Maurin knows exactly where she'd rather be. Smack dead center in a pack of snarling werewolves wearing eau de filet mignon.
Until Francesca takes off the morning of her wedding. Being her sister's keeper will not excuse her from her job as the Council Liaison. Torn between obligations to a family she's avoided for almost a decade and the Council of Others, Maurin has less than twenty-four hours to set things right.
Available at 
Amazon   BN   AudibleWolfsbane Excerpt:I woke in a cold sweat to the sound of heavy gun fire. I grabbed the Retaliator from the empty side of the bed and bolted out of my room. My front door was open and I was out in the little stairway that led to my third floor walk up before I was awake enough to realize there was no danger. My first clue should have been Conry- a Cwnn Anfwnn, gift from my father and personal guard "dog"- just rolling over and burying his head beneath his massive paws. The sound of grenades and Dempsey's voice coming up the stairs told me it was just my new neighbor playing COD Zombies with the TV full blast at three o'clock in the morning again. I was still in boy shorts and a tank top but I didn't bother to go back in my apartment to change. He'd seen me in less. I stormed down the flight of stairs to Cash's apartment with my sword in hand."It's going on four in the morning! Turn that shit off or I'll send some real zombies to your apartment!" I yelled while I pounded on the door. How the guy on the first floor slept through it I'll never know. But it had been me stomping on my floor and banging on Cash's door every night for the last month. "What's the big deal? I figured a fanger like you would be used to staying up late." Cash casually replied upon opening the door. "You can be such a jerk." I said with more venom than the insult commanded. "Jerk? That's the best you could come up with?" Cash said through his laughter. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not at my wittiest when I wake up to the sound of World War III at three in the morning." I said tartly."It's Modern Warfare, not World War III." He smirked. I rolled my eyes. "I'm not the only other person who lives here you know. I can only imagine what it sounds like downstairs. The poor guy probably has to sleep with ear plugs in." I scolded. "Mike works third shift. He doesn't get home until after seven in the morning. " He was still smirking. "He's only lived here for like three weeks and I haven't even talked to him. You two are what, like best friends already?" I asked, irritated. "What can I say? People just like me better than you." He was past smirking and into a full grin.I probably shouldn't have but I couldn't help myself. I swung the Retaliator around until the tip of the blade pressed against his Adam's apple. "Just turn the TV down or we'll see how good of a gamer you are without your thumbs."I stomped away. "And stop staring at my ass." I said as I started up the steps. If the challenge for Alpha of the Salem pack didn't happen soon Roul was going to start getting wake up calls at three in the morning. I didn't know what the holdup was anyway. He was too busy to help us with the Inquisitors and the demon they unleashed a few weeks ago because of his "pack business" and now it's delay, delay, delay. It's been unusually quiet in Salem but I haven't had a decent night's sleep in four weeks because of my new neighbor. Well, it wasn't all Cash's fault. Aidan had a little something to do with it - too bad it was just talking. Aidan made his feelings for me clear but was still insisting we take our time. Vampires could be very patient. Having spent most of my life living more like a "norm" than an immortal I found it infuriating. He wanted to be sure the effects of Mahalia's spell were gone. I assured him that any feelings I had for Oberon died the minute I found out he hadn't. I thought I had killed him, pulling too much power through the tie that bound us. In order to save himself, he broke the connection  and the false feelings for him Mahalia had spelled into my heart. I tried on more than one occasion to convince Aidan that I hadn't felt more like myself since Mahalia's magic had been broken. That had been a monumental waste of time. It takes powerful magic to control someone's heart and mind, he explained during one of our all night conversations. I had had other things on my mind, things that didn't involve so much talking. I used all my feminine wiles to persuade him - unsuccessfully. He was convinced lingering magic would try to latch itself onto the next person to vie for my affections. His conviction to determine my true feelings made for more than one long and frustrating night. Not to mention my temper was becoming increasingly short. Which might explain why I was down here threatening to cut fingers off my irritating neighbor's hands. "No kiss good night?" Cash asked sarcastically. I didn't bother with a response. Cash was one of the few people I knew who had as many smart ass comebacks as me. If I didn't walk away we'd be going at each other until the sun came up. "How about a kiss for good luck then?" He called out as I was half way up the stairs. "The challenge is tonight."I turned around slowly. How weird was that? I was just ranting to myself about how Roul was dragging his ass. If I didn't know better I would have thought Weres had suddenly developed the ability to read minds. Thankfully they hadn't or my thoughts about Roul wouldn't have been the only thing Cash would have glimpsed. He didn't need any more ammunition when it came to aggravating my vampire. If Cash even suspected my frustration with Aidan it would be like arming a nuclear war head. "The only lips she'll be kissing are mine, wolf." Aidan's voice carried up the stairway from the first floor. I'd hardly seen him over the last couple of weeks. Just hearing his voice sent shivers up my spine and I silently cursed him, knowing full well we wouldn't get further than second base again tonight. I'm sure Cash knew he was there, hence the kiss comments but I hadn't been expecting him. So why had he suddenly shown up on my doorstep? Curiosity over his surprise visit quieted my suddenly raging hormones. He had been working every night on some new assignment that he couldn't talk about. It was starting to piss me off actually - not the constantly working part, the not knowing part. To be honest, my increasingly bad mood may have stemmed more from being out of the action than Aidan staying out of my bedroom. Sure the time off from saving Salem from imminent danger was great. At first anyway, but it had been almost a month of peace and quiet. After only a week I found myself wishing for some sort of Armageddon. Whatever Aidan was working on seemed to be the cure for my doldrums - and pent up sexual energy - but Agrona had me on the sidelines with no intentions of letting me play in their vampire games.

Blood BathThe Maurin Kincaide SeriesBook FourRachel Rawlings
Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy
ASIN: B00IJ16Z56
Number of pages: 202
Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood
Book Description:
Bodies are piling up and all signs point in one direction. Rogue vampire. Except things aren't always what they seem, especially in a murder investigation.
With her current relationship on the rocks, her father playing match-maker and her neighbor tossing his hat in the ring, the body count isn't the only thing on the rise. Maurin is neck deep in magic, mayhem and murder.
Can she catch the killer before the killer catches her? One things for certain, when hunting vampires there will be blood.
Available at   
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Blood Bath Excerpt:
"You need to come to the station with me." He moved to open my door, like that would get me into motion. Conry took interest in the detective again and Masarelli quickly removed his hand from the handle.  "Look, I was going to talk to you about the Salem pack. I'll spare you the bullshit excuses and just admit I forgot. Cash is the new alpha. If I promise to come in tomorrow and tell you about it can I go? I'm already late for an appointment." I glanced at the clock on the radio. It was the only unoriginal thing in the car, well that and the speakers. I was now ten minutes late for my meeting with Arawn. "It's not about the wolves. It can't wait until tomorrow." He backed up enough for me to open the car door. "I'm not getting out of the car until you tell me what the hell is going on." I started to put the window back up."I am not going to discuss this on the side of the road. Quit busting my balls and get out of the dammed car.""Quit busting your balls?" I opened the door and stepped out in a rush, thrusting my hand out. "Hello, pot, my names kettle. It's nice to meet you. Why can't I just follow you?" He ran a hand over his face, across stubble that was too long, even for him. "This is exactly what I was talking about. Because I know you won't follow me. Now would you please get in my car so I can take you to the station and get your expert fucking opinion on something?"I relinquished any hope of salvaging my night, leaned inside the Camero, put the window up, grabbed the keys from the ignition and whistled for Conry. I glared at Masarelli over my shoulder as I walked to his car, daring him to question me about my dog. Masarelli locked and shut the car door, giving the Camaro one last approving look before heading back to his filthy unmarked patrol car.Since I wasn't under arrest - at least not yet, the night's still young - I opened the car door myself and slid in behind the driver's seat. "Remember that movie we watched last week, Conry? The one where the dog ate the nice policeman's headrest?" I gave him a big belly rub as he stretched out over my lap and the rest of the back seat. Masarelli gave me his best cop stare in the rear view and headed toward the station. "So you just forgot about the fact that a black ops merc killed the alpha and took control of the Salem pack? You got papers for this guy?""It's a pack not the AKC." I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Matthison approved his pass personally.""It's expired." He blipped the lights and burped the siren to get through the intersection. "Cash is Alpha now. The paperwork is irrelevant at this point. Unless of course you want to run him out of town on a technicality and create a power vacuum." I gave Conry a little nudge, my legs were falling asleep. Masarelli spared a quick glance in the rear view mirror. "What happened to Roul? They eat him?""Eighteenth century France called. They wanted their superstitions back. How did you get this job again? They buried him, following pack ritual." Not even ten minutes with him and I was already exhausted. "And his mate?" He couldn't know, could he? Was this what the mysterious trip to the station was really about? He needed my expert opinion on some trumped up murder charge? "Dead." I didn’t elaborate. "Killing the mate isn't covered under the Meneur de Loupes agreement." He was fishing for something, anything to get rid of Cash. My mouth was moving before I thought about the consequences. "It doesn't need to be covered by the Leader of the Wolves agreement since a werewolf didn't kill Olwyn. I did and it was self defense." "And that's why you didn't bother telling us about it? I have to file a report and take your statement. I don't suppose you have someone to corroborate your self-defense story?"Shit. "Besides the pack you mean?"He shook his head. "What do you think?"
"No." If this sounded half as bad to him as it did to me I might actually be in trouble. 
Mistletoe MeltdownThe Maurin Kincaide SeriesShort Story Book 4.5Rachel Rawlings
Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy
ASIN: B00RLUQ2GI
Number of pages: 28
Book Description:
What do you do when you're out voted on hosting a holiday party, complete with gift exchange and all the trimmings?
Tie on the apron and deck those halls.
Self proclaimed Scrooge, Maurin Kincaide accepts the challenge and tackles the yuletide with all the determination she would a Council task.
But not everyone is brimming with holiday cheer. A blood coven threatens to bring the holiday festivities to an end.
Can Maurin stop the dark magic before the clock strikes twelve, signaling the solstice?
Available at    
Amazon   BN   Audible


Mistletoe Meltdown Excerpt:
"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos." Nat King Cole's smooth voice blared from the outdoor speakers hidden in the greenery that turned the walking mall into a winter wonderland, soothing the savage holiday shopping beasts surrounding me. I tried not to overanalyze the lyrics but I'd met the Hoar Frost King once and he'd do a lot more than nip at your nose. Besides, did anyone really have a Christmas like the ones people sang about? The Kincaides, my adoptive family, practiced every holiday tradition from Midnight Mass to the extravagant family dinner to a house staged similar to something from a Martha Stewart Livingmagazine. It didn't change anything. The tinsel and twinkling lights only highlighted the hatred. So imagine my enthusiasm when my real father Arawn suggested we have a Christmas/Solstice dinner. With friends. At my apartment. I understood his need to create memories--he'd missed out on most of my life--but as a self-proclaimed Scrooge I'd avoided anything to do with the holidays since I'd left Beacon Hill at seventeen. But here I was layered up underneath my leather jacket, knit hat pulled down to my eyebrows, basically dressed like the aforementioned Eskimo. The numbness in my hands increased with each block I walked back to my car. Not from the cold--my purple wool gloves did a decent job--but from the shopping bags cutting of my circulation. I loaded up the Rabriolet, an old metallic blue VW so named because the guy who sold it took all the Rabbit badges off and replaced them with Cabriolet, the convertible's small trunk barely holding my haul of gifts and groceries for tonight's festivities. The temperature inside the car barely rose a degree above the outside temperature during the short drive back to my apartment. I pulled into the parking space I'd shoveled out this morning after the snow stopped but didn't rush to get out of the car. Two pep talks later I dragged myself and my multitude of bags up the three flights of stairs which led to my place.

Ill FatedThe Maurin Kincaide SeriesBook FiveRachel Rawlings
Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy
ASIN: B00TI20TZC
Number of pages: 270
Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood
Book Description:
Some things are destined to end in death. After the first attempt on her life Maurin wasn’t scared. Hell, she was almost flattered. But someone put a price on her head and things are getting complicated. Trouble is brewing in the fae courts and it’s spilling over into Salem. The UnSeelie Dark Guard have answered the call for her head on a platter and people closest to her are disappearing.
Can Maurin master court politics and find her missing men before someone claims the bounty on her head?
Available at BN
Ill Fated Excerpt:
"You're awake?" He sounded more than a little surprised."I'm not really sure the state I'm in qualifies as awake." "Here I was, terrified to poke the dragon, and you're already drinking coffee and talking in complete sentences." I snorted and took a sip of the aforementioned liquid gold. "Are you always like this in the morning?""If you'd let me sleep over you'd already know the answer to that question. Why aren't you asleep?"In general or just tonight, I silently wondered. "Bad dream. I've been tossing and turning all night. I finally gave in and got out of bed."   Papers rustled in the background and when he spoke again, his voice was lower, intimate."You want to talk about it?""Something tells me my nightmares are the least of our problems.""You have no idea. I need you to come down to my office."I sighed. "Can it at least wait until after sunrise?""Would I be breaking the no phone calls before noon policy if it could wait?" “There really is no rest for the wicked, is there?”He laughed and the sound warmed me more than a hundred cups of coffee. "Apparently not, in your case. Now, there's a dirty chai latte and a croissant for you if you're here before Amalie. I can't promise real coffee and pastries will survive beyond five minutes of her arrival." "It's four-thirty in the morning, Mas. If you know what's good for you, you'll make sure at least  one dirty chai and croissant remain unmolested." "I'll see you soon." He was laughing as he hung up the phone. Three hours ago I’d practically crawled through the doorway, exhausted from cleaning up after a newbie vamp who’d broken the Jus Sanguinis Intergentes when she killed her donor. The blood pact between people and vampires had a clear no killing, no exceptions clause.It was up to the maker to ensure their child was ready to feed unsupervised. If something went wrong and the Council found out about it, we cleaned up the mess and the sire was subject to heavy fines and possible revocation of their rights to expand their blood lines. She’d been quite literally a bitch to track and take down.It had been a long night and it was shaping up to be an even longer day. I wasted little time getting dressed, opting for a slip on black jersey dress, eighteen hole Docs and a leather jacket. Jewelry was a hindrance in my line of work. My meeting with Mason could easily turn into a run. Choked with my own chain? No, thank you. Unclasping the necklace, I set it in a glass dish on my bathroom counter. I ran a brush through my hair, a toothbrush over my teeth and slipped into the between. I stepped out of the alley two buildings down from the station and walked the last block and a half. Amalie was swarmed by detectives trying to get at the goodies she brought over from the Daily Grind. She greeted me with a warm smile, shaking her head when I offered to pull her out of the fray. She had managed to endear herself to the entire department in record time. All it took was real coffee and fresh pastries. I pointed to Mason's office. She'd make her way over once the starving masses had their fill.Mason was so engrossed in the file on his desk he didn't hear me come in. He looked as tired as I felt - too many double shifts. Despite an uptick in activity, SPTF was short staffed due to budget cuts. Without enough man power to staff the shifts properly overtime was mandatory. "Is that for me?" I pointed at the to-go cup and white paper bag on his desk. He finally looked up and gave me a smile which lit up his whole face. "As promised." I stole a quick kiss, grabbed the coffee and croissant, and settled in the chair across from him. I took a long sip of my latte, savoring the delicious mix of tea and espresso. "Man, I needed this. Is that the case you're working on?" "Yeah, we've got a real problem on our hands." "Don't we always." I tried to peak at the file. Mason closed the manila folder. "I'd rather wait until everyone is here." "Who else is coming besides Amalie?" My curiosity was definitely peaked now. I reached across his desk, hoping to grab the file. "You look exhausted. Tell me about your dream while we wait."I narrowed my eyes and glared at him. "I see this for the obvious distraction it is but you're right.” Sighing, I rubbed my temple.“However, I'm exhausted, too exhausted to argue. So I'll tell you. Prepare to be confounded." He listened intently as I filled him in on the nightly visits from the weathered old woman who washed my clothes and hauntingly called my name. I expected him to laugh and tell me it was just a dream, that I had nothing to worry about.I didn't expect him to look so stricken. "Bean Nighe." He all but whispered the name. "You've heard of her?""Of course I've heard of her. How long has she been coming to you?"I stared at him curiously. "A few weeks. Why?" "A few weeks and this is the first I'm hearing of it?” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, obviously struggling to control his temper.“We talked about this. No holding things back, remember?""I thought it was just a dream.” I shrugged.“Honestly, I didn't think it was a big deal.""It was a big enough deal for you to research it." Agitation rolled off him in waves. When I agreed to give this thing with Mason a chance I also agreed to some conditions. No more flying solo, no more rash decisions or rushing off to play the hero. We were a team, in everything. This was just one of many set-backs."I got curious, did a little digging. Until tonight, everything I found pointed to deep seated family issues, particularly with a mother figure. I've told you about my childhood, does that dream analysis surprise you?"His growl told me he wasn’t in the mood for reasonable—at least to me—explanations. "When did you discover the true meaning of the dream? How long have you known about the Bean Nighe?""Tonight. This morning. Before you called me." I held up a hand to stop the tongue lashing I knew he wanted to give me. "I would have told you. I got the impression on the phone there were more pressing matters than my insomnia." "Is this why you won't let me stay at your place?” His gaze roamed over my face, searching.“Why you never stay at mine?""Is that the real reason why you're so upset?" I arched my brows. “Because we’re not having sleepovers?”"I stayed at your lovely apartment the first night we met." I turned to watch Aidan glide into the room, stopping behind my chair. Rolling my eyes, I snorted and muttered, “In the closet.”Mason's jaw twitched but he didn't take the bait. "Aidan." "It's almost sunrise. Shouldn't you be hunkered down for the day?" I sighed, wondering what he was doing here. I was too tired to deal with Aidan and Mason and their combined testoserone. Putting the three of us in a room together was like throwing lit matches at sticks of dynamite - eventually one of them will explode.


About the Author:
Rachel Rawlings was born and raised in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Her family, originally from Rhode Island, spent summers in New England sparking her fascination with Salem, MA. She has been writing fictional stories and poems since middle school, but it wasn't until 2009 that she found the inspiration to create her heroine Maurin Kincaide and complete her first full length novel, The Morrigna.
When she isn't writing, Rachel can often be found with her nose buried in a good book. An avid reader of Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Horror and Steampunk herself, Rachel founded Hallowread- an interactive convention for both authors and fans of those genres.
More information on Hallowread, its schedule of events and participating authors can be found at www.hallowread.blogspot.com  and www.facebook.com/Hallowread .
She still lives in Maryland with her husband and three children.
www.rachelrawlings.com
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Spotlight and Giveaway: The Perfect Wife by Amber Lake

The Perfect WifeAmber Lake
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Ice House Publisher
Date of Publication: 06/18/2015
ISBN: 978.84.16384-21-1ASIN: B00WTNVN1G
Number of pages: 130
Cover Artist: Borja Puig
Book Description:
A society full of rules, but when it comes to love, there is no written rule.Charlotte Wilcox, an unfortunate baronet’s daughter, has been living with her father in a small village since her mother died when she was still a kid. Although she is happy at home and the fact of remaining single at 23 is not a worry for her, her relatives put pressure on her to find a husband who provides for her.
With that purpose, she travels to Bath, where her aunt Margaret is responsible for educating her so that she can get a proper marriage proposal.
Charlotte thinks that the strict norms that govern aristocratic members of society are ridiculous and old-fashioned. Thus, she is afraid that she will never become the perfect wife that her aunt expects and that every gentleman wishes.
At the first ball she goes to, she meets Edward Holne, viscount of Eversley, and all the rules that her aunt had taught her will be useless before the attraction between them.


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Bath, Somersetshire, March 1831
“…The perfect wife has always in mind that the husband’s happiness is her greatest concern even if she has to give up to her own happiness. This success is enough to bring her absolute bliss.She neither asks the husband any explanation about his words or actions nor complains if he arrives home late. She keeps in mind that he is the master of both her and the house.She always lets her husband speak in the first place and she listens to him carefully since any topic he brings up is more important than the ones she could ever think of. When he lets her talk, she does so in a humble and plain tone without expanding on typical women trivialities that end up boring and exasperating the husband.She does not overwhelm him with domestic problems or with her interests and hobbies, which are insignificant compared to those of men…”
Charlotte closed the book and let out an inelegant snort out of exasperation. The more she read, the more she thought its content was ridiculous. How was it possible that aunt Margaret stood up for such nonsense?She had lent her the guide and told her to read it thoroughly absorbing all its instructions dealing with the main rules of behaviour that should govern her future life of married woman. However, she didn’t think she could carry them out; she even doubted that some rules were actually right. Her father had raised her to think and act with complete freedom as long as it didn’t harm her fellows. He had also taught her to make a source of satisfaction out of her knowledge, to be proud of her intelligence and her enthusiasm to learn and reason, and she wasn't ready to sacrifice everything in or- der to find a husband. She preferred being single rather than becoming a brainless puppet in the hands of a man that was going to decide what she had to say or do. This was such a humiliating idea that she was unable to accept it.She was very fond of her aunt and she appreciated her efforts to marry her to someone, but she agreed that this attitude was neither proper of an impeccable spouse-as she claimed-nor the guarantee of the marriage stability.Ever since she arrived in Bath two weeks before, her aunt never stopped trying to polish her unruly personality and rustic manners. That was something she was always re- minding her. She also trained her for social practice in or- der to come across successfully during the social season that had just started. Everything was designed to get a proposal, which was the main reason for her being there. Charlotte imagined that her aunt was making much more effort than she originally thought in order to transform her into a fair lady. Even tough, she knew that her pride was preventing her from admitting it and, of course, from giving up.With a resigned but light-hearted sigh, she closed her eyes and fell into a snooze induced by the calmness the delicious lunch had made her feel. That was another one of the rules she denied to follow: the austerity in the diet as the guide indicated which her aunt resolved to defend so that it forced her to usually sneak in the kitchen and have an extra food supply to help her get by such sort of penance. Margaret insisted that a polished lady had to be very sparing with meals and this fact tormented her. Yes, greediness was a sin, but even having a bite to eat was too much, so she had decided, together with the cook’s complicity, to provide herself with all she needed in order not to starve to death while she was at that house.She also disagreed with waking up at dawn to ride a horse around the park. According to her aunt, it was an elegant and useful habit considering that at that time many single gentlemen devoted their time to such a healthy hobby. And, even if no one had ever talked to her, maybe due to the fact of passing her very quickly, Margaret didn’t lose heart and insisted on it every day. Anyway, one nonsense after another she wasn’t easily bearing.“Have you gone completely mad, child?”This yell behind her back surprised Charlotte, who hastily stood up and looked at her aunt with an expression of total misunderstanding.“How do you dare lie down on the lawn and exposing your face to the sun? I had almost managed an acceptable skin!” She angrily regretted. “Now you’ll have to put on the brightening concealer again otherwise you’ll look like a peddler tonight, with all your face blackened by soot.”Charlotte was terrified when she knew what was expecting her-more than an hour standing still with a horrible mush on her face made of a mixture of honey, lemon juice and ground oat. This process had repeated daily, every morning and every afternoon, and she didn’t see any expected results anywhere.“It’s only been a while, Aunt Margaret. Besides, I am not undergoing again that torment. If my possible candidates don’t like my appearance, that is because they aren’t suit- able to even consider them.” She complained with a surly voice. She was used to life at the countryside with the healthy sun caressing her face and colouring her cheeks. She didn’t understand the determination in making it lighter until showing a pale skin just like the one of the sick, however fashionable it was.“Don’t say stupid things, kid. That colour only gives away your rural origin and you shouldn’t be very proud of it. A real lady tries to cover her face from the sun, otherwise she takes the risk that people think she is in the street all day instead of being at home waiting for her husband or taking care of her guests, as every good married woman must do.” She emphasised.“But I’m not married, if you remember.” She replied with a certain resentment. She was again talking nonsense. She did felt proud of her origins and she missed her home in the countryside.“I perfectly remember that, Charlotte. My obligation is in- deed to get you married. Moreover, that rule applies to future spouses too.” She reminded her maliciously.Charlotte gasped loudly, annoyed by her aunt’s words. “Stop complaining and follow me to your room. I’ll try to fix the damage you've made. And don't make those inelegant noises, please; you look like a mare neighing.” She told her off irritated while she walked into the house with quick determined pace.With bad attitude though, Charlotte had no choice but to comply with the categorical order. She had promised her father that she would obey her aunt and learn everything she taught her and she was willing to patiently bear every sacrifice that promise required.When they arrived at the room, Margaret started giving orders to the maids and Charlotte, resigned as she was, pre- pared herself to bear the long hours of torture in order to get the appearance every elegant lady should have, according to Aunt Margaret’s rules.“I’m afraid that if you don’t do your part to improve your appearance and manners, you’ll never have an acceptable gentleman propose to you. I will regret disappointing your father, who has entrusted me with the task of marrying you, but every single day it seems to me a tall order. Of course, it is not completely your fault. It was him who, against my opinion, insisted on taking on your education after my beloved sister’s death. I should never have allowed him to raise you in that small village doing everything you pleased.” She regretted while she spread that sticky mass on the girl’s face.Charlotte bit her tongue to avoid replying to her aunt. How did she dare criticize her father, who had taken the bur- den of raising and educating a 10-year-old child when her wife died? Margaret, who wished to take care of her, had al- ways reproached him for this decision and she criticized him for not knowing to raise her child appropriately. However, Charlotte appreciated that her father had held his ground before his sister-in-law and let her live in Parham, the small village where she was happy during her 22 years of existence without worrying about her future.Nevertheless, some months before, Margaret convinced him of the need of finding Charlotte a husband. Thus, she wouldn’t depend on George, his brother and heir of the house and lands, when her father died.Charlotte didn’t want to be a burden for her family. Her brother had a wife and two children to feed. Her sister-in- law didn’t like that solution either, so that she agreed on Margaret’s idea and persuaded her father-in-law to take Charlotte to his matchmaker sister-in-law. Even if she didn’t completely agree on the idea of marriage, she complied with her father’s wish and traveled to Bath. She only set one condition: if after three months she didn’t get married, she would come back home.Charlotte was fully aware that she had little chance of get- ting married and especially in such a short time. Being the child of an unlucky baronet and being already 22 without standing out for her beauty, which Margaret was always re- minding her, made the chances of getting married-as her family wished-even smaller. The fussy aristocrats hardy ever married someone that wasn’t the same as them or that didn’t give a substantial dowry, in case they needed funds. There was more to be said from local nobility and rural land-owners. Not only did they expect that their future wife would come together with a bulky bag of money, but they also required that she provided them with social contacts among the upper class.She didn’t have neither one thing nor the other. She could only provide great knowledge on the wild flora of the county and on the study of medieval texts. This wasn’t a very appropriate cultural background to find a husband-as her aunt claimed-nor was her being prone to argue, her little willing to obey and her revolutionary ideas-mainly that a woman could look after herself if she got the chance to try. Margaret thought that all these facts were the reason why she was still single at her age, so she had to make an effort if she didn't want to see another year passing without finding a husband, which was something that every woman longed. Every single day she spent in the city, she appreciated more and more her reduced rural world. There she led a simple and nice life helping her father with his studies on botany and throwing herself into the literary club she had set up, formed by other girls around her who were fond of reading. The even had the chance to count on the experienced involvement of Professor Davis, recently retired from teaching and a great authority in history and medieval literature. At the club, she didn’t feel as the dumb bumpkin that her aunt usually stated.After those two weeks at her aunt’s, she started to regret having accepted to take part in this project. The task of get- ting ready for marriage was more and more difficult to her and, obviously, it was giving her little satisfaction if it implied giving up her hobbies and learning stupid things that seemed to be totally necessary to be a perfect wife.She had had to learn to serve the tea properly, to dress adequately depending on the time of the day and the event she was going to, to keep a smile on her face without suffering any jaw ache, to train herself into embroidery and difficult points of stitching that would make an impression to her fellow women, to recite boring verses without looking like a choked goose, to learn by heart the protocol and re- fined expressions to entertain her guests. Luckily, she had enough practice to get through those lessons without the least difficulty, but she felt overwhelmed by the load of things she ignored and that Margaret said “they were very important to become a real lady”. This was something she was far from being and the reason why her aunt hadn’t dared taking her to any relevant event.During all that time, her rare social life had reduced to strolling around that beautiful city and to attending to several visits. That was the first night she was going to attend to an important event and she couldn’t help being nervous. It was about a ball in the house of the Earl and the Countess of Newbury. They were important members of the local upper class and it was one of the most select and largest ball of the beginning of the season.Her aunt Alfred, Margaret’s husband, was good friends with the earl and that’s why he invited him to all his parties. In fact, she had happened to meet the countess in a visit to the museum and she thought she was very nice. She had even invited her, together with her aunt, for tea in her great residence. At the meeting, the kind lady showed interest in her hobbies and confessed that she also liked Gothic literature. Charlotte was glad to see that they had that interest in common, but she was even more delighted when she saw her aunt’s surprised expression. She didn’t considered it suitable to spend time with these novels. The fact that lady Newbury, who was considered a flawless lady and a good example by Charlotte’s aunt, liked those kind of pastimes typical of the working class must have caused her a big shock.
About the Author:
Amber was born in a village by the seashore in Murcia (Spain) a long time ago and now she is living in Cartagena with her husband and children. She has a B.A. in History and she also has a degree in Teaching. She works in the university in the same city where she lives.
Since she was a little girl she has been passionate for literature. She lapped up everything she could get her hands on and very soon she began to create in her mind her own stories, tales, short stories and drafts of ambitious young novels.
Her studies, her work and her family were the reasons why she put on hold those literary dreams for several years, although she kept on embodying on paper some ideas that she wished her own novels would talk about. Fifteen years ago she resumed her old dream and she started to write regularly. She sent her stories to some competitions, where she won a few prizes, and also to different publishing houses.
In 2008 she saw how her dream came true with the publication of her first novel. Other novels followed that first one, such as El escolta in 2010, Buscando a la esposa perfecta, in 2012, El escolta (new version) in 2014 and some others. Thanks to all these novels, she has been very lucky to see how her readers have warmly welcomed them and this fact has made her very proud.
Blog: http://amber-lake.blogspot.com.es/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.lake
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/amberlakewriter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825560.Amber_Lake

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Guest Blog: Catch My Breath by Lynn Montagano

No Review is a “Bad” Review
I had a nightmare recently that someone gave my book half a star. Not just one star but HALF a star. *whimper*

As a debut author, reviews are something I try not to dwell on. Do I want reviews? Yes. Lots of them. Good ones. Bad ones. Middle of the road ones. That means people are reading and having some type of reaction to the stories I’ve written. Any review is a form of publicity and as the saying goes “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”

So what do you do when a review isn’t so glowing and fabulous?

Think of it this way. Anybody who reviews a book has spent time and energy thinking about it. They’re spreading the word. The beauty about a bad review is whatever it was about the story that particular reader didn’t like might be exactly what someone else loves. Seriously. How many times have I gone to see a big, loud special effects laden movie because some critic said it lacked substance? Too many to mention.

Everybody has their own relationship with the book they’re reading. I certainly do and have disliked many popular books that others can’t seem to get enough of. Does that make the book bad? Nope. It just meant it wasn’t for me.

I’ve been fortunate and haven’t received too many negative reviews. As I said, I’m a debut author so I try not to dwell on reviews too much if I can help it. It doesn’t mean my heart won’t break a little when somebody doesn’t like that my heroine is a little naive in certain situations or totally missed the point on why my hero can be so difficult. 

Do I want everyone to love and squeeze and fawn over my characters the same way I do? Of course. What author wouldn’t. Will some readers do just that? Yes. I’ve already heard from numerous readers about how much they loved the characters and their story. On the days I do see a not so positive review I tend to focus on the comments that make me smile. Then, I jump right back into writing because at the end of the day, it’s what I love to do and I’m just happy to be able to share some of my stories with all of you.



Catch My BreathThe Breathless SeriesBook 1  Lynn Montagano
Genre:  Contemporary RomancePublisher:  HarperImpulse
Date of Publication:  April 17, 2014
ISBN:  978-0007591749ASIN:  B00IR2J2BQNumber of pages:  275
Book Description: 
Lia Meyers' plan for a relaxing Scottish vacation is short-lived when one uncharacteristic moment of clumsiness lands her in the arms of a dangerously attractive Englishman.
The perfect opportunity for a much needed holiday romance? Wrong! Lia’s still reeling from the mother of all bad breakups, and she really doesn't have the patience for Alastair Holden – despite his effortless charm and sexy British accent.
Arrogant and totally inscrutable, he's exactly the sort of guy she wants to avoid but can't: the man behind the mystery proves just too tempting to resist.
Drawn to him, Lia is forced to battle with her own insecurities, and the closer they become, the more she recognizes her own weaknesses as she peels away his layers with every night they spend together. Discovering the past Alastair is so desperate to conceal, Lia must decide if they can heal one another together or if their deepest fears will tear them apart.
Amazon US      Amazon UK
Google Play   Nook    iTunes

Books 2 and 3 Also Available: Unravel Me Effortless

Excerpt:
“You’re quite lovely, Lia. Pity you’re leaving soon. I’d like to take you—” he paused, tracing his thumb over my lower lip. I shuddered. “—out. Again.” “You would?” I asked hoarsely. Nodding, he stroked the curve of my cheek. “Are you coming back to Glasgow after the wedding?”“Yeah…yes. Saturday.” Backing away from him, I bumped into the arm of the couch. I almost toppled over it, but managed to steady myself. Being in his presence made me so damn skittish, it was frustrating.“I’m supposed to make an appearance at a cocktail party for my grandfather’s company.”Oh good, he’s busy.“You should come. Or we could go out to dinner.” Like an apparition, he was in front of me, stroking his fingers along my arm. “What do you say? Fancy spending the night with me?”The unspoken promise behind that question nearly shattered me on the spot. This was supposed to be an easy trip across the pond. Go to the wedding, hang out with the family and go home. Not fend off an amazingly sexy, impossible-to-resist guy. “Stop overthinking,” he ordered. Stormy, dark eyes carved a path through my skull. I wilted beneath the strength of his stare. A shaky breath escaped my lips as he traced his finger along my jaw and down my neck. He drew me into his hypnotic orbit with such ease. I was powerless to resist. “This is inevitable, Amelia. Don’t deny it.”Inevitable? Each stroke of his fingers left a fiery trail in its wake. The smooth, soft skin of his cheek brushed against mine. “Come with me.”Oh Jesus, those three words. I jolted out of his seductive haze like I was on fire, trying to avoid his eyes. His expression was one of pure lust.“No,” I whispered.His mouth fell open slightly in surprise. “No?”“No,” I repeated, louder. “Do you not hear that word very often?”Impassivity dominated his features. He studied me as though I was the most confusing creature on the planet. We stood so close to one another I was overcome by his intoxicating scent.  “Why not?”“Because,” I sighed. “I’m not interested.”“In what, Lia? Food or drinks?”
“You know what I mean.”
About the Author:
A fresh, new voice in contemporary romance, Lynn is a former TV news writer who decided to take the plunge and write a novel. She's thrilled that her debut series has been published by Harper Impulse. Catch My Breath, Unravel Me and Effortless were released to rave reviews.
Lynn grew up in a small town in Rhode Island before venturing out into the world. She's lived everywhere from Los Angeles to Boston to Orlando. An avid traveler, Lynn's been as far away as Australia and as close as Canada. Her favorite place to visit is London.
The small town girl is back on the east coast after a brief stint in Northern California. Lynn currently resides in Massachusetts, comfortably close to her beloved football team.
Website: www.lynnmontagano.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnMontagano
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynnMontagano
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lynniemont/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7706026.Lynn_Montagano
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lynn1214/
Google Plus: https://www.google.com/+LynnMontagano

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Cover and Book Trailer Reveal: Crimson Shadow Noir by Nathan Squiers

CRIMSON SHADOW: NOIRby Nathan Squiers

About the Book
Xander Stryker wants to die. Ever since witnessing his mother's murder at the hands of his abusive stepfather when he was a boy, he has spent every day trying to reach that goal. But every night he's denied the death he craves. As his eighteenth birthday approaches, a chance for change is offered when his life is plunged into a supernatural world of vampires and other creatures of darkness. Caught in the depths of this new reality, mysteries of his vampiric lineage begin to unravel and he's offered the ultimate choice: Continue on with his wretched human life or begin a new one as the vampire prodigy he was always meant to be. Unfortunately, the supernatural world can be just as unforgiving and brutal as any other and Xander's choice is met with disastrous consequences. Now, with little support and even less hope, the chaos of his new world collides with his torturous past and threatens to crush him once and for all.




About the Author:
Nathan Squiers (“The Literary Dark Emperor” and the author formally known as “Prince”) is a resident of Upstate New York. Living with his loving fiancé/fellow author, Megan J. Parker, and two incredibly demanding and out-of-control demon-cats, Nathan lives day-by-day on a steady diet of potentially lethal doses of caffeine and (of course) bacon. When not immersed in his writing, he often escapes reality through movie marathons, comics and anime, and gnarly tunes. 
While out-and-about, The Literary Dark Emperor can be found in the chair of a piercing studio/tattoo parlor, at the movies, or simply loving life with friends and loved ones.



Connect with Nathan:Website: http://www.nathansquiersauthor.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nathan.Squiers Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitDark_Emperor


WATCH THE NEVER BEFORE SEEN BOOK TRAILERhttps://youtu.be/ivog2yAaFmM

Top Five Songs for Angel Lover: Guest Blog and Giveaway Angel Lover by Tricia Skinner

Top Five Songs for Angel Lover

Music played a pivotal part in the creation of ANGEL LOVER, my newest novel. I’ve always used music as a soundtrack to the images in my head. I need to see and feel connected to the words, and music has always been the easy conduit. 

I listened to songs that spoke to different scenes in the novel. The characters demanded a wide mix, everything from Johnny Cash to Beyonce. Kasdeja, my Nephilim hero, has a thing for 60s rock. I also wanted to capture the relationship tensions between him and Mariel, my mysterious heroine. 

Below are five songs that enhanced the world in my head. You can also find the music videos on my Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorTrici...). 

(Warning: Songs may have adult lyrics.)


PLAYLIST FOR ANGEL LOVER
1. Haunted by Beyoncehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acJz_NkhnDk 



2. Black Sun by Death Cab for Cutiehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nruUewOQZiQ 



3. Till It's Gone by Yelawolfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHrHqOpPD-w 



4. Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Lordehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smSSSs46rng



5. No Strings On Me by The Avengers: Age of Ultron Soundtrackhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa4-F5UtOLI


Angel LoverTricia Skinner
Release Date: 6/30/15
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Tagline: There's no danger greater than falling for your enemy...

Book Description:

The Nephilim are bound. Their powers cursed. But half-angel Kasdeja will do anything to free them from Heaven's tyranny. When Kas is approached by a striking, mysterious woman, she tells him his greatest enemies hold the key to his freedom.

Mariel keeps herself shrouded in secrets, using them to hide her true self. For she is not just employed by the Renegades--enemy fallen angels—she is a double agent, working on the sly for Heaven. Her directive is to seduce the gorgeous Nephilim—despite her insecurity about such sensual acts.

For Mariel is playing a dangerous game, and falling for Kas could only cause trouble; her assignment isn't just seduction. It's destruction.

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Purchase at    Amazon    BN    Entangled

Excerpt 2:
The Nephilim grabbed Mariel's shoulder and squeezed. “You’re coming with me.”
Training instincts kicked in. She slammed her elbow into his abdomen and cracked the back of her fist into his throat. Kasdeja coughed but recovered too quickly. He reached for her again, and she blocked his arm with hers. He switched to his other arm, and she matched the move.
She had once fought demons on the plains of Damascus. She’d hunted dark elves in their underground cities. She’d survived the ambush that had left her team—her friends— dead. No way on earth would a lone Nephilim bring her down.
Desperation fed her, and Mariel pressed her attack, but suppressed her strength. If she could do some damage, she’d make it back to the Renegades while Kasdeja remained alive. She spun a roundhouse kick toward the half angel’s stomach, but he knocked her leg aside. He smoothly dodged her punches but purposely avoided leveling a few of his own.
She grappled for a way to end the fight. This was a mistake, and she wondered why she refused to cause him unnecessary harm. Feigning a jab to the left, she struck his face on the right. His head snapped to the side, his long, loose hair flying. A lucky hit.

Kasdeja swept one of her legs. Twisting, she narrowly missed a face-plant into the pavement and rolled away from his boot before it collided with her side.
The fight had moved them deeper into the parking lot. Half a dozen cars and trucks, parked inside and outside the painted lines, made maneuvering dicey. The Nephilim’s arm came around faster than she expected and slapped her into a spin.
Mariel reached toward the blades hidden in her boots but changed her mind. She stared at him and caught the stormy menace in his eyes. Distracted, she failed to avoid the back of his arm as it drove into her stomach.
The air whooshed from her lungs and Kasdeja pressed in, not giving her time to regain a breath. He locked his large hands over her wrists, lifted her off her feet, and shoved her, suspended by her wrists, against a brick wall. A sunburst exploded behind her eyes. Agony blasted through her body and escaped her mouth in a sharp cry.
“Damn you. I should bury you,” the assassin said in a choppy voice.



About the Author:

Tricia Skinner is an author of passionate dark fantasy. She is a features writer for Fresh Fiction and a project manager for Short Fuse. She began her writing career as a business reporter and wrote for The Detroit News, Investor’s Business Daily, MSN, and The Houston Chronicle.
Raised in Detroit, Tricia graduated with a BA degree from the nationally acclaimed Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University. She earned a Masters of Liberal Studies – Creative Writing degree from Southern Methodist University and will obtain a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in 2017.
Diversity in genre fiction is dear to Tricia’s heart. She is represented by Laurie McLean, co-founder of Fuse Literary Agency.
When not writing, Tricia can be found reading, lifting weights, or geeking out over games, movies, and music. She has a Tom Hiddleston obsession, and she is Team Vader. Her family includes three Great Danes (so far).
Author Website: http://www.triciaskinner.com
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorTrish
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTriciaSkinner
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/triciaskinner
Newsletter: http://www.triciaskinner.com/newsletter/


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The Anathergian Queen’s Top Ten Favorite Foods

Hey, how are ya’? I’m Leah Ratharian. And I like food… A LOT. Luckily I’m immortal, so eating whatever I want, whenever I want, doesn’t phase me much. And, honestly, I’d probably feel the same even if I was just a regular human.

So, what do I love? Let’s starting with one….

1. Cheeseburgers
The greasier the better! And if it has bacon and barbeque sauce, I’ll give it an extra star. Bring on the pile of napkins!

2. Potatoes
Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stink ‘em in a stew. And don’t forget to fry them. Lots of garlic doesn’t keep this witch away.

3. Ice cream
The more flavors the better! And don’t forget the sprinkles. More sprinkles, please. Yep, another spoonful. How ‘bout another? That’ll do it!

4. Pancakes
They must include chocolate chips with freshly made whipped cream. It isn’t good enough if my lips aren’t coated with the stuff.

5. Crepes
Oh, yeah, now we’re talking… Stuff ‘em full with cream cheese and smother ‘em in strawberry jam. And make sure I have a bottle full of strawberry syrup. That’ll do.

6. Monte Cristo
Nothing like deep fried sandwich with melting cheese and lots and lots and lots of powdered sugar. Love it!

7. Chicken Fried Steak
Make sure to coat it in gravy. Along with a side of hash browns, a few eggs, and a huge biscuit. Umm mmm mmmm.

8. Sweet Belgium Waffle
Along with a side of grits, eggs, and raisin toast. And don’t forget the coffee!

9. Blackened Sea Bass
I don’t want it too spicy, and make sure it’s not dry. I like it when it’s messy.

10. Peaches
Ha! I bet that surprises you. It surprised my Lifemate, too. But I don’t necessarily want to eat them. You know the song “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard? Yeah, that one. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Fun! And sticky.


RoyalsThe Anathergians TrilogyBook ThreeMichelle C Reilly
Genre: SciFi/Paranormal Romance
Date of Publication: June 29, 2015
ASIN:B010C2PWC6
Word Count:  100k
Cover Artist: Michelle C Reilly
Book Description:
The highly anticipated last book in the Anathergians Trilogy is here at long last!Together They Can Prevent the Destruction of the World
The King
Variants, humans whose altered DNA turn them into blood ravaging killers, are attacking en masse around the world. Their leader, Travik, is gathering a force from space to kill every last human.
Auden, king of the Anathergians, has the fate of the world in his hands. His hold is slipping as the threats multiply each day.
Then there’s Auden’s Lifemate, Leah, whom he loves above all others. He struggles to do what he can to ensure her safety while also protecting her from herself.
The Queen
J'ashidah, the Anathergian gathering, is upon them. There Leah will be introduced to thousands of her people and crowned as the Anathergian queen.
But Leah wants nothing more than to use her newfound Anathergian strength, along with her witch powers, to remove the threat of the Variants and their leader. It doesn’t matter that the villain is her father. She’s had enough of his continual harassment and attacks, especially to those she loves. She will do whatever it takes, including lies and deception, to end this threat.
The Royal
Travik, one of the last living Anathergian royals, wants to take Auden’s place with his daughter at his side. He will destroy everything, including every precious life on this world, to get what he wants, no matter the cost. First, however, he must convince Leah to agree with his way of thinking. And if she doesn’t… Well, he has no problem hurting, maiming, or killing those she cares for.

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CHAPTER 1Leah’s breath rang harsh in her ears and her heart pumped wildly in her chest. She dashed behind a wide tree, her feet barely touching the dark soil and rocks beneath her. Pine needles slapped against her warm cheeks, bringing with them the overwhelming scents of pine and sap. She froze, peering down the mountainside, its green depths ethereal in the full moon’s yellow glow. Each leaf, blade of grass, and tree groove came to her in explicit detail.Her stomach churned as her powers surged through her veins and the left side of her neck burned from the activation of her crescent moon Designation. The blue-silver glow from her eyes shone against the branches as she scanned the area below her, searching the shadows for any signs of those in pursuit. The area had a deceptive calmness. A cool breeze swept up the incline, sweeping strands from her ponytail over her exposed neck and along her cheek.Leah swallowed in an effort to control her breathing and squinted as a sharp pain lanced through her side.How long have I been at this?Judging by the moon’s placement in the cloudless sky, she guessed at least five hours.A crack echoed to her left. She twisted her head in that direction and caught sight of a branch bouncing back into place two hundred yards to the east of her.Too close. They’ll be on top of me in seconds.Turning about, she combed the area to determine a getaway route.The tree coverage had thinned as she’d ascended the mountain, heading south from where the hunt began. Vegetation had become nearly nonexistent as the terrain became more rocks than dirt.The tinkling of pebbles came to her, the sound so light even her enhanced hearing barely registered it. They were gaining on her, and her choices for escape were dwindling. She gnashed her teeth and leaped to an outcropping of boulders. Leah pushed her powers higher, forcing herself to jump as fast as she could from rock to rock.Her witch powers allowed her to levitate, but doing so would be a mistake. The move would put her out in the open, making her vulnerable. Her only option left was to use her Anathergian abilities. She increased her speed, weaving through the obstacle course. Objects stuttered past her like a film in slow motion. Her gaze caught each small detail. A lizard jumped out of her way, its bluish-gray body zipping back and forth. Small white flowers stuck out from a crack in a boulder, proving life found a way even when the odds were insurmountably stacked against it.Leah’s thigh muscles screamed as she pumped her legs, compelling them to go faster. Sweat dampened the back of her long-sleeved black shirt. It was the middle of summer and, though the elevation made it cooler, she wished for spring or autumn. She darted onto another rock, its reddish-beige surface coming at her fast. The hairs on the nape of her neck prickled as she sensed someone gaining on her. The tracker was good. Her enhanced senses couldn’t even feel him there. Nor could she pick up on the sound of his pursuit.A heavy weight bashed into her back and her body fell forward, her face aiming for the boulder. Her breathe shot out of her lungs. Strong hands gripped her wrists, spreading her arms wide. Leah struggled to free them, but the assailant was too strong. The ground came closer and she closed her eyes to prepare for the crash landing. She forced her Hiy'kula to the front part of her body. The ripples of silver, like snake skin, blanketed her dermas. It was her ultimate defense mechanism and impermeable. But it used huge amounts of her Ra'juhl, leaving her weak and low on power. At the last moment, the man flipped around, taking the brunt of the fall on his back, while still keeping her hands apart. Her head bounced back against his chest. A whoosh of air escaped from the man, but he made no other sound.Leah let go of the Hiy’kula, and pushed her powers higher, reaching for her specialty ability, Va'shule. Bolts of lightning arced from her fingers, but without the use of her hands, she couldn’t direct them. She tsked in frustration and kicked backward at the man’s shin.If I can’t use my powers, I may as well revert to the methods I used prior to becoming full Anathergian.The man grunted, his voice unrecognizable.Leah yanked, trying pull her arms free, but the man’s strength was immense. She could taste his power in the air, the frigidness of it nearly stealing her breath.Amping up more power, she pushed her feet against the hard boulder and rounded her shoulder blades, rolling up and back. She twisted around to loosen her hands. Finally free, she spun around and found her pursuer already on his feet, towering over her like death come for its victim.Damn he’s fast.She bared her fangs and hissed as she bent her knees and brought up her fists. Her opponent stood at least six-foot-five, taller than her Lifemate, Auden. Her heart skittered in her chest as she took in the extraordinary wide chest and bald head covered with red skin.Zonatair. Here to take me. Here to kill all humans and take over Earth.Leah studied her enemy, determining where to strike first. She feigned with her left, waiting for a slight flinch from the man. When it came, she bashed the man’s left temple with her right hand. She sprang off the balls of her feet and grabbed the man around his neck, and continued her motion to bring down the mammoth body. They fell with an oomph. Her pursuer landed hard on top of her, covered the right side of her body.Leah lay on the edge of the outcropping, her left leg dangling in the air. She had nowhere to push off from.The warrior scrambled from her neck hold, gripped her shirt, and pulled her up with him. Leah released blazing streams of her power, and directed it at him. He pulled her against him and she stopped.She couldn’t hit him with the lightning or it would go through his body and into her. Her mind scrambled for her next move. The man’s scent of clean sweat and forest tickled her nose. “How about another kick, motherfucker? Right where it counts?”She lifted her knee, but he wrapped his leg around her, stilling her at once. Leah opened her mouth to curse at him, when another interrupted her.“You’re dead, Leah.”Leah stilled and angled her head in the direction the voice had come from. A man kneeled on the cliff above her, the light of the moon casting gold streaks along his long, dark brown hair. His powers were in full force so that his right eye beamed blue, while the left gleamed with a burnished silver. The eye of a hawk shone mercury and charcoal beneath his strong jawline.“Damn it, Nico!” Leah fumed.He laughed, his straight teeth bright in the darkness. “Don’t damn me. It’s your own fault. This training is supposed to help you improve your night ops. To keep you unseen and unheard. A ghost. You were seen and heard. Not very ghostly of you.”Leah shook her head and then let it fall against the broad chest in front of her. “Can you please let go?”The titanic man released her at once. Stars spun in her peripheral vision, but she hid the weakness. There was no way she would let on to Nico she was close to the end of her strength.Leah examined the large man who had captured her. The red skin stretched over the wide, muscular frame. His lilac eyes stared at her, and memories of the conversation she’d seen of the Zonatair during her ritual returned to haunt her. The beastly aliens had discussed plans to destroy Earth and all its humans, like they had Anathergia. Her Anathergian father would then be in charge of the rest of his race. That is, after he killed Auden, her Lifemate. She swallowed convulsively.His monstrous sized hand went to his wrist and a beeping sound came to her. The Zonatair illusion dissolved to reveal an Anathergian warrior. She glanced at the device circling his wrist. Gunner, the Anathergian IT pro, had developed it to produce the exterior to assist with Leah’s training.Gunner and his magic.She nodded at the tall warrior. “M’sharik.”The man returned her nod, but said nothing. His bright diamond shard eyes began to diminish into their regular ice blue color and his long hair blazed alabaster in the night. She dampened a shiver and swiveled back to Nico. Leah loosened her grip on her own powers, allowing the burning in her stomach to cool and her fangs to retreat. “One more round?”Nico jumped down to their level. “Naw. I think it’s time to head back.”“Already?” She widened her eyes, trying to portray a look of innocence, while inside she was relieved.He’d diminished his powers, and his gaze, no longer glowing, gave her a once over. “You don’t fool me, Leah.”She followed him as he stepped down. The large man stayed behind her. A breeze picked up and brought his scents of earth and strength. The icy tinge of his power was still there as well. “What do you mean?”“You’ve been at this over six hours, going full out. I want to help build up your endurance, but I’m not going to let you completely deplete your Ra'juhl.”“My powers are fine,” she said, quickening her pace to catch up.“We’ll start over tomorrow.”“But I want to keep training tonight. I need to be ready for whatever my father has planned.”Nico stopped and whipped around to stare down at her. Leah’s feet dug into the ground to prevent herself from running into the warrior. M’sharik stepped up beside her, quiet as ever.“Leah, if you push yourself too hard, you’ll become nothing but a shell, and be so weak your father and the Zonatair could send a human boy to take you. Is that what you want? To be taken again?”Leah blinked. “Of course not. I just want to be ready.”“The way to become ready is to build your powers up. That is done by working on your endurance.” When she opened her mouth to argue, he cut her off. “In increments, Leah. Not all at once.”“But a couple hours of increments isn’t difficult,” she complained.He took a step closer, making her tilt her head back to look at him. “Do you know how long it took me to build up my endurance so I could be where I need to be, Leah?”She shook her head. M’sharik’s bright head swiveled back and forth, watching the exchange.“Close to twenty years. And even then, I wasn’t where I needed to be. You,” he pointed at her and she drew back, “have only weeks. Weeks! So stop complaining and do what I say, all right?”Leah drew in a deep inhalation, and her damp shirt stretched across her back. “All right.”Nico studied her for a few more moments. “Race me back to the cabin?”She smiled. “You’re on.”“No powers,” he said, and he zipped around and disappeared.“What?” she gaped. “You sneaky, little…” Leah pushed off, pressing herself as hard as she could to catch up with him.She laughed when she hit the small clearing behind Gunner’s cabin, situated in a tiny neighborhood in Mt. Charleston. A few feet separated her from Nico. Then her face fell when she noticed M'sharik sitting on the roof, staring up at the stars, without any sign of having ran over five miles through the woods to reach the place before them. Leah’s feet came to a stop and she bent over, kneading at her side.How the hell did he make it before us?The warrior freaked her out with his stoic demeanor and how he constantly analyzed everyone.Nico peered over his shoulder at her and shook his head. He muttered under his breath. She wasn’t sure what he’d said, but is sounded something like “pathetic.” As he entered the back sliding glass door, Leah wanted to stick her tongue out at him, but tamped down the urge.She regarded his disappearing back and then joy spread through her as she would soon speak to her Lifemate.Nico had left the door open for her, and she slid inside and made her way to the kitchen. She plucked a bottle of water from the fridge and then climbed the steep stairs to the loft. After grabbing her phone from the nightstand, she landed on her back onto the mattress. Leah opened an app and selected Auden’s name from the list, then laid the phone on her chest. After two rings, an image of her Lifemate’s smiling face floated above the screen. “Q’mara. How are you?”Leah marveled at his life-like visage.Gunner is such a genius.“Tired,” she said. “And sore. How about you?” Leah kicked off her shoes and rubbed her foot along her aching leg muscles.Auden’s black gaze angled to the side for a moment, and she could barely discern the corridors of the complex in the background. He returned his attention back to her. “We received a report from Sordjic, the chief of the Italian Anathergian headquarters, of Variants raiding Florence. We’ve scheduled an operation with a special ops group to take care of the problem the day after tomorrow.”She frowned, uneasy with the increasing number of Variants. The humans had received variant strains of Anathergian DNA from her father, along with magical compounds from Daya, his wicked witch cohort, in an effort to make them as powerful as the Anathergians. Most of the time the humans didn’t survive the transition. If they did, they often went crazy, killing and maiming people. Sightings had spiked all over the world. It was as if the mutated humans had all been hoarded in cages and suddenly set free to terrorize the planet.Leah knew this was the beginning of something much larger to come.“I’ve scheduled to meet with all of the complex leaders to finalize preparations for the upcoming invasion. The meeting will take place during J'ashidah.”Leah’s body seemed to turn in on itself. The oncoming threat was so huge, she could barely comprehend it. And soon there would be J'ashidah—a gathering of the Anathergians that happened every ten years. There she would be presented by her Lifemate, the Anathergian king, as the new queen. Her stomach whirled at the thought. Tack on the rigors of her training and being responsible for her foster brother who recently turned fifteen … It was enough to make anyone melt into a puddle.“You return tomorrow, correct?” he asked.She nodded. “After we’ve finished the training.”He tilted his head. “How are you holding up?”Leah shrugged, her shoulder blade rubbing against the bed. “I’m doing okay. I’ve probably run at least twenty miles, or more, each night, on top of all the specialty training Nico and M'sharik are giving me. My muscles are sore, but I’ll be fine once I see you.”His white teeth shone bright against his tanned skin as he smiled.“How is Ceadan?” Her foster brother was the only thing that kept her sane while growing up with her abusive foster parents. Auden had gained guardianship of him at her request, so it was now on them to ensure he was taken care of.His smile disappeared. “Trianne took him to his first day of summer tech camp and I picked him up. He grumbled incessantly.”Leah’s lips quivered. “Yeah, he’s pretty good at that.”They were quiet for a few moments, and the time filled with longing. “I miss you,” Leah whispered.“And I, you.”“Tomorrow?”“Tomorrow.”His image dissipated and she held the phone close to her. The warmth of the device seeped through her shirt and she wished the heat came from her Lifemate. Being away from him for just a few days made her ache. Their connection with one another was so entangled, each of them often knew what the other was thinking. Being away was like having a hot poker stabbed into her spine, its iron cross twisting the fragile bone and nerves into tiny fragments.
She sucked in a shaky breath and finally rose to shower.
About the Author:
Michelle C. Reilly is a science fiction romance writer. She's a single mom of two wonderful boys. She spent ten years in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Preventive Medicine Technician, which meant she was actually attached to or stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. She has a Masters in Science in Public Health, but she is generally an IT geek and a geek of many other things as well. She currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, with her two cats, Meowdy and Moose, and her dog, Katie aka "The Old Lady."
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