Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 46
September 21, 2023
A Bewitching Thursday
SPOTLIGHT - YA FANTASY - HEART OF THE STORM (Demon Storm, #4) by Valerie Storm #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/45XvZXj
Bittersweet Injuries by Kateri Stanley #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/48ip3pz
Their light is broken. When a new darkness rises, will they overcome it?
https://amzn.to/3LpYQv6 #YAFantasy #YoungAdultFantasySeries #yafantasybooks
Author Sign Ups Are Open for the 2023 Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
Each participating author will receive:
* 3 week Holiday Theme Virtual Book Tour (retail value $125)
* Custom tour banner
* Professional media kit
* Option to offer review copies
* Group Rafflecopter for cross promo
Sign up here https://forms.gle/hBWPb9ySzYUinCBs9
"Do you dare to uncover the eerie secrets of Flint? From ghostly apparitions to unexplained phenomena, Haunted Flint will keep you up at night."
https://amzn.to/2Gt3Cpw #HauntedFlint #RoxanneRhoads #JoeSchipani
#GhostsStories #UrbanLegends #MichiganUrbanLegends #MichiganGhostStories
"They never do look like killers."
Excerpt from The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic from Berkley Publishing Group. Now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB
#nicolasolvinic #mysteryauthor #crimeauthor #thrillerwriter #criminology #criminologymastermind #crimefiction #crimethriller #crimenovels #detectivenovels #suspensenovels #thrillerbooks #murdermystery #mysteryseries #whodunit #mysteryreads #bookcommunity #mustread #bookrecommendation #bookish #booklovers #readinglist #bookclub #bestseller #newrelease
Some secrets can last for centuries
Bittersweet Injuries by Kateri Stanley
https://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-In...
#angelsanddemons #devil #occult #historical #supernatural #magic #horror #paranormal #thrillerbooks #psychological #mystery #darkromance #kindleunlimited #ku #indiebooks
September 19, 2023
Bittersweet Injuries by Kateri Stanley
Bittersweet Injuries The Dove and Snake Series Book OneKateri Stanley
Genre: Supernatural ThrillerDate of Publication: 28/09/2023ISBN: 979-8851416583ASIN: B0C9V97SPHNumber of pages: 302Word Count: 81KCover Artist: Kateri Stanley and Daniel Olah
Tagline: Some secrets can last for centuries
Book Description:
Marcus Weaving is a retired psychology lecturer and therapist. Not a man to sit around, he volunteers at his local university. Years of clinical practice are put to the test when he receives a mischievous text from somebody called L.
Intrigued and unnerved, Marcus goes to the address provided and is welcomed by a beautiful blonde woman named Lily. Their story goes way back to his tumultuous youth when he had to flee from his abusive mother and other demons skulking around.
Timing for a romantic reunion could not be any worse. Marcus is about to become a grandfather and he has ongoing issues with his estranged, drug addicted son.
Why has Lily shown up after all of this time? And, why hasn't she aged a day?
Amazon
Excerpt Prologue
The rambler puffed and panted her way up the hill.What had started off as a pleasant morning in the beautiful rustic countrysidehad turned into a torrential disaster of an afternoon. She’d been strolling ina loose sweater with a fleece wrapped around her waist and now, she wasthankful she’d packed the waterproofs before leaving the house.
She dug her heels into the mud, pushing on two walking poles, dragging her bodytowards the top. Rainwater dripped off the hood of her jacket. After severalminutes of intense core strength, she managed to make it to the top of the hilland was relieved when she saw the warm lights of a nearby pub. She could takeshelter and fill her stomach with cider, gravy and mashed potato.
She was not alone on the hill. Somebody else was there, mad enough to attemptto climb the rest of the mountain.
“Hey!” the rambler shouted. “I wouldn’t go up there ifI were you, mate. The rain’s too heavy. You’d be better off waiting!”
The other rambler donned in the same hiking gearturned to face her. He had a druid beard which hid middle eastern features andhair so long that it spilled out of his hood. He raised his hand signifying agesture not to be worried. Then he smiled, giving the rambler the thumbs up andcontinued to trudge upwards. He wasn’t wearing any walking boots. How strange.His bare feet would get cut to shreds or he’d catch some sort of infection inthis weather.
The rambler glanced at the pub in a panic. She didn’twant to be responsible if the body of a man was found buried somewhere on themountain, even though she’d tried to warn him. She turned back, the rain washailing down. She could barely see the crown of the mountain. The strange thingwas, the other rambler had vanished.
~
The coffee shop on the high street was one of hisfavourite places to unwind after a hard day's work. Jove acquired the booth bythe front window, delicately sipping his large skinny latte. He enjoyedwatching people pass by; it was humanity at its best. They were lost in theirown little worlds, unaware of who was observing.
He peered at his watch, his former employee was late,whereas he on the other hand… was on time. After half an hour, he sensed apresence enter the coffee shop, then a soft manicured hand lightly brushed hisshoulder.
“I think you should invest in a watch,” said Jove.
“You know I don't bother with that old fashionedgarbage,” the voice replied, belonging to the woman standing before him.
Jove sighed. “I’d appreciate it if you could inform methat you’re going to be late. It’s called common courtesy. I have other placesto be. You know this.”
The woman plonked her handbag on the opposing seat,disturbing the gentleman reading his newspaper in the next booth. She didn’tnotice his annoyed expression, she didn’t care.
“Good place to sit,” she said. “You’ve got a keen eye.Watch my bag.”
She grabbed her purse and marched to the bar. Hersharp high heeled boots clicked and clacked on the shiny floor. Her provocativewalk echoed dominance and confidence.
“Splashing out I see,” Jove commented when shereturned with a large caramel macchiato and a plate of fruit toast.
“It’s a special occasion,” she replied merrily,sitting down. “Our meet-ups are important.
Oh, and by the way, it's Lucille when I'm in this skin.Respect my pronouns haha.”
“Fair enough,” Jove replied. “How have you been?”
She sucked the cream ravenously from her fingers.“Profits dropped slightly this month. I'm working on a strategy to increase themarket.”
“And what is that?” he asked.
Lucille smirked. “You know I don’t part with myideas.”
“Of course, I was just venturing.”
She wiped her hands with the napkin and began tolather the butter onto the fruit toast with a plastic knife. “You know, I trulythink the modern world was made for me. The secrets, the scandals, the backstabbings. Souls willing to part with their shares for a couple of thousandfollowers, faking chronic illnesses for attention. Social media is a wonderfulthing. It’s an all-you-can-eat-buffet of human depravity. I love it.”
Jove did not need the loaded information. He alreadyknew about it, and it troubled him.
“How come you chose Starbucks?” Lucille bit into thetoast, ripping it with her teeth, the way a predator tore into its prey. “Ithought you were a Costa Coffee guy.”
“I felt like a change.”
“I agree,” Lucille nodded. “See that guy outside?”
Jove watched out of the window, noticing a tall man ina long grey overcoat with receding brown hair purchasing a Big Issue magazine.
“He sold me a share because his wife left him for hisbest friend. Oh, and that woman, and that fat bloke there. Infidelity is a realmood killer for passion.”
Jove caught sight of each person Lucille indicated.The crowds moved similar to a fast-pacing stream. Before he could hone in onher clients, they melted into the background of the city. A soul wafted pastand he pointed at the window pane. “That girl broke her leg saving her brotherfrom a house fire.”
Lucille rolled her eyes at his observation. “Whoop dedoo. Good people, so boring. Anyway, how's everything down your way, or shouldI say up your way?”
“Everything’s fine.”
“Does anyone ask after me?”
“Your name pops up, now and then. Not in the mostcivil terms, I might add.”
“Doesn’t surprise me. I'm glad I gave in my notice, nooffence.”
Jove frowned. “From my recollection Lucille, youwere... cast out.”
Her gaze hardened. “I walked, actually.”
“I’m not here to argue. But, if you cleansed yourheart, I'd let you back in with open arms.”
“That’s sweet, but I love being my own boss.” Shewiped her mouth with the napkin, careful enough so she wouldn’t smear herlipstick. “I think all of you have your wires crossed. My job isn’t muchdifferent to yours. It’s not... bad. It’s not evil either. I collect and punishthe wicked and sinful. Isn’t that a good thing?”
About the Author: Kateri Stanley is a dark fiction author. Her books include bestselling horror debut, FORGIVE ME and fantasy thriller, FROM THE DEEP. She lives with her partner and her cat in the Midlands, UK.
Website: https://www.kateristanley.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kateristanley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateriStanley
Newsletter: https://www.kateristanley.com/about
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kateristanleywrites Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21272876.Kateri_Stanley
A Bewitching Tuesday
Bittersweet Injuries by Kateri Stanley #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3PmVkmv
Their light is broken. When a new darkness rises, will they overcome it?
https://amzn.to/3LpYQv6 #YAFantasy #YoungAdultFantasySeries #yafantasybooks
Author Sign Ups Are Open for the 2023 Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
Each participating author will receive:
* 3 week Holiday Theme Virtual Book Tour (retail value $125)
* Custom tour banner
* Professional media kit
* Option to offer review copies
* Group Rafflecopter for cross promo
Sign up here https://forms.gle/hBWPb9ySzYUinCBs9
"I had no inkling that my dad was a killer.
I only knew that I idolized him."
Excerpt from The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic from Berkley Publishing Group. Now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB
#nicolasolvinic #mysteryauthor #crimeauthor #thrillerwriter #criminology #criminologymastermind #crimefiction #crimethriller #crimenovels #detectivenovels #suspensenovels #thrillerbooks #murdermystery #mysteryseries #whodunit #mysteryreads #bookcommunity
Some secrets can last for centuries
Bittersweet Injuries by Kateri Stanley
https://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-In...
#angelsanddemons #devil #occult #historical #supernatural #magic #horror #paranormal #thrillerbooks #psychological #mystery #darkromance #kindleunlimited #ku #indiebooks
Unlock the mysteries of Genesee and Lapeer Counties with this gripping collection of ghost stories and legends. Ghosts and Legends will leave you wondering what's lurking in the shadows.
https://amzn.to/3kjorrN
#TrueCrime #HauntedHistory #GhostsandLegends #GeneseeCounty #LapeerCounty #HauntedFlint #HauntedMichigan #GhostsofMichigan #GhostsofGeneseeCounty #HauntedGeneseeCounty #HauntedLapeerCounty #GhostsofLapeerCounty #LapeerCountyMichigan #GeneseeCountyMichigan #GhostsStories #UrbanLegends #MichiganUrbanLegends #MichiganGhostStories
September 18, 2023
A Bewitching Monday
Bittersweet Injuries by Kateri Stanley #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3PmVkmv
Their light is broken. When a new darkness rises, will they overcome it?
https://amzn.to/3LpYQv6 #YAFantasy #YoungAdultFantasySeries #yafantasybooks
Use code BOOKSHIP23 to get free shipping on a signed copy of: Haunted Flint, Ghosts and Legends of Genesee & Lapeer Counties, or Pumpkins and Party Themes https://the-bewitching-cauldron.squar...
"The first time I killed a man was on Tuesday.
I thought I could get through my whole life without killing someone. I thought I could be virtuous. Peaceful. That I could broker treaties among evil men and shattered hearts.
And I thought wrong."
Excerpt from The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic from Berkley Publishing Group. Now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB @nicolasolvinic @NSolvinic #nicolasolvinic #mysteryauthor #crimeauthor #thrillerwriter #criminology
Author Sign Ups Are Open for the 2023 Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
Each participating author will receive:
* 3 week Holiday Theme Virtual Book Tour (retail value $125)
* Custom tour banner
* Professional media kit
* Option to offer review copies
* Group Rafflecopter for cross promo
Sign up here https://forms.gle/hBWPb9ySzYUinCBs9
Witching on a Star- A 10 Episode Short Story on Kindle Vella
Read the first 3 episodes FREE
#spicy #paranormalromance #witchromance #vampireromance
#KindleVella #Vella
https://www.amazon.com/Witching-on-a-...
Join us on October 30 & 31 to trick or treat around the web gathering free ebooks as part of the Bewitching Book Tours Haunted Halloween Spooktacular
https://www.facebook.com/events/17137...
September 14, 2023
The Hunter's Daughter
I thought I could get through my whole life without killing someone. I thought I could be virtuous. Peaceful. That I could broker treaties among evil men and shattered hearts.
And I thought wrong."
Excerpt from The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic from Berkley Publishing Group. Now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB
#nicolasolvinic #mysteryauthor #crimeauthor #thrillerwriter #criminology #criminologymastermind #crimefiction #crimethriller #crimenovels #detectivenovels #suspensenovels #thrillerbooks #murdermystery #mysteryseries #whodunit #mysteryreads #bookcommunity #mustread #bookrecommendation #bookish #booklovers #readinglist #bookclub #bestseller #newrelease
September 6, 2023
A Bewitching Wednesday
INTERVIEW WITH DANA CLAIRE (War of the Sea-Kickstarter: Olympian Wars Book One) #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3Rb1OHU
War of the Sea – Kickstarter by Dana Claire #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/45XSb3m
Use code BOOKSHIP23 to get free shipping on a signed copy of: Haunted Flint, Ghosts and Legends of Genesee & Lapeer Counties, or Pumpkins and Party Themes https://the-bewitching-cauldron.squar...
Dax, a Firebrand warrior, is surly, aggressive, and bloodthirsty.
But Chiara Lopez thinks he’s a hero. He’s bent on proving her wrong.
The Vampire’s Thirst: The Blood Coven Series Book 4 by T.M. Smith
https://amzn.to/3QUaL8f
#steamyromance #darkromancebooks
Navigating Stormy Seas: The Interplay of Greek Mythology, Tarot Cards, and "War of the Sea" #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3qLf4Iq
"The first time I killed a man was on Tuesday.
I thought I could get through my whole life without killing someone. I thought I could be virtuous. Peaceful. That I could broker treaties among evil men and shattered hearts.
And I thought wrong."
Excerpt from The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic from Berkley Publishing Group. Now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB
#nicolasolvinic #mysteryauthor #crimeauthor #thrillerwriter #criminology
Witching on a Star- A 10 Episode Short Story on Kindle Vella
Read the first 3 episodes FREE
#spicy #paranormalromance #witchromance #vampireromance
#KindleVella #Vella
https://www.amazon.com/Witching-on-a-...
September 4, 2023
A Bewitching Monday
🍥🍰 Baking with D.T. Stubblefield: Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Rolls! 🍰🍥 #InTheKitchen #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/44xoPaU
War of the Sea - Kickstarter by Dana Claire #FantasyRomance #Kickstarter
#bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/482hUcu
Use code BOOKSHIP23 to get free shipping on a signed copy of: Haunted Flint, Ghosts and Legends of Genesee & Lapeer Counties, or Pumpkins and Party Themes https://the-bewitching-cauldron.squar...
Guardians by T.J. Baer #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3P3uJe3
Dax, a Firebrand warrior, is surly, aggressive, and bloodthirsty.
But Chiara Lopez thinks he’s a hero. He’s bent on proving her wrong.
The Vampire’s Thirst: The Blood Coven Series Book 4 by T.M. Smith
https://amzn.to/3QUaL8f
#steamyromance #darkromancebooks
Navigating Stormy Seas: The Interplay of Greek Mythology, Tarot Cards, and "War of the Sea" #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3qLf4Iq
"The first time I killed a man was on Tuesday.
I thought I could get through my whole life without killing someone. I thought I could be virtuous. Peaceful. That I could broker treaties among evil men and shattered hearts.
And I thought wrong."
Excerpt from The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic from Berkley Publishing Group. Now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB
#nicolasolvinic #mysteryauthor #crimeauthor #thrillerwriter #criminology
Guardians by T.J. Baer #YASciFi #LGBTQ+ #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/47ZE0MU
War of the Sea - Kickstarter by Dana Claire #FantasyRomance #Kickstarter
War of the Sea - KickstarterOlympian WarsBook OneDana Claire
Genre: Fantasy RomancePublisher: Chamberlain Publishing HouseISBN: 9798987263563ASIN: B0BLGH16G6Number of pages: 270Word Count: 80,000Cover Artist: Brush Media Group
Tagline: A bargain. A brigand. A battle for the sea.
Book Description:
His powers could save the ocean. Her vendetta could sink a kingdom.
Captain Elouise Farrington, the youngest pirate on the Caviar Sea, seeks revenge on her father’s killer. But when her oddly hypnotic foe proposes a pact to kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea’s bloodshed, she must make a choice. Put aside her long-brewing retribution or act the underhanded pirate and use the alliance to claim the life of the man who destroyed her family?
Captain Rylander Bordeaux, the revered royal navy captain of the Isle of Cava, has one mission—kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea. The ocean is the only place Rylander calls home, but to bring peace to his beloved waves, he must defeat his past so he can reshape the future. His greatest hope is Captain Elouise, who calls to him like no siren song ever has. Too bad she’s almost as bloodthirsty as the fanged heart-eaters themselves. She promises to lend her all-female crew to his war on the sirens, but can he trust a brigand—especially one who wants him dead—to uphold her end of the bargain? Or will she be his undoing?
Excerpt:
Our mouths met onceagain, hungry and desperate, as I lifted her into my arms. Her chemise rose andbunched in between us. My palms cupped her exposed thighs, urging them toencircle my waist. I walked us backward to the bed, never breaking our kiss,and slowly lowered her down, careful to bear my weight against my forearm. Isavored the softness of her lips, the warmth of her breath mingling with mine,as her fingers wove into my hair. Pleasure and pain radiated through my scalpas she pulled the ends with her iron grip, her moans urging me on. With my freehand, I explored her, tracing the lines of her neck, the softness of herbreasts. Her body arched in response, a silent plea for more.
I continued myjourney, my hand tracing the curve of her hip, slipping beneath her knee, andwrapping her leg around me once more. The connection between us grew stronger,an unspoken understanding that we were meant to be entwined, a meeting ofsouls. And then, with a surge of anticipation, I pressed into her, feeling herheat and the electric pulse of our bodies against one another.
She pulled back, hereyes locking onto mine, reflecting a hunger and longing that mirrored my own. Amischievous smile played upon her lips as her fingers toyed with the button onmy trousers. But before she undid it, I heard a noise. Footsteps.
“It’s probably a goodidea to tell you both I’m in the room.” Smitter’s voice sounded somewherebehind me, way too close to the bed, to us.
I jumped backward,lost my balance, and stumbled to the floor. My rear landed hard. Lou swathedherself in a wad of sheets.
“I had hoped you’dcome up for air, but there’s really no good way to interrupt.” He waved inbetween us.
“I’m going to killyou,” I growled from the floor. Out of all the times my uncle had popped in andout of a room, this had to be the most invasive and humiliating.
“Why would you …? Ican’t— Don’t you ever do that again,” Lou shouted, horrified. Her hands balledaround the sheets. Flushed like a sunburned noble, she volleyed her gazebetween me, half clothed on the floor, and Smitter. Her knotted hair stuck upon top of her head.
“Yes, I realize it’snot great timing, but the two of you need your rest. We drop anchor tomorrow onthe perimeter of Anthemusa. The men have already been moved to the soundproofrooms. And we need to strategize how you’ll slay the Siren Queen, now that ourfirst plan is no longer viable.” Smitter’s concerned brown eyes found mine.“Also, your aunt said this isn’t the right time for”—he swirled a finger in ourgeneral direction—“this.”
Lou’s browscontorted. “What? Who is your aunt?” She gaped at me.
I waved Lou off. Aunt Artemis, the goddess ofchildbirth, would know when Lou should abstain, but I wasn’t about to have thatconversation. I bent my knees, resting my elbows on my thighs, and rubbed mytemples. My family had truly outdone themselves. Not a single boundary nor aclue as to how their incessant involvement could be a nuisance.
About the Author:DANA CLAIRE is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny in the crossroads of romance and adventure.
Her love of romantic tension and the supernatural effortlessly translates into spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters.
She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her adoring husband living her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at a time.
Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rDRy05
Shop: https://shopdanaclairebooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danaclairebooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordanaclaire/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/dana-claire
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authordanaclaire
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dana-Claire/e/B08P6PQ8LJ
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20913760.Dana_Claire
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September 1, 2023
A Bewitching Friday
INTERVIEW - FANTASY - WAR OF THE SEA - KICKSTARTER (Olympian Wars, #1) by Dana Claire #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/46bLkUb
GUARDIANS (T.J. Baer) #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3Z0RG6j
Dax, a Firebrand warrior, is surly, aggressive, and bloodthirsty.
But Chiara Lopez thinks he’s a hero. He’s bent on proving her wrong.
The Vampire’s Thirst: The Blood Coven Series Book 4 by T.M. Smith
https://amzn.to/3QUaL8f
#steamyromance #darkromancebooks
Guardians by T.J. Baer #YASciFi #LGBTQ+ #bewitchigbooktours https://buff.ly/3syQ2Nc
The Siphoning by D.T. Stubblefield #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3Pkxb07
Guardians
Can two girls who hate each other save the world? #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3YXLo7w
War of the Sea - Kickstarter by Dana Claire #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3L8i8Fh
Navigating Stormy Seas: The Interplay of Greek Mythology, Tarot Cards, and "War of the Sea" #bewitchingbooktours https://buff.ly/3qLf4Iq
Two outcasts meet at the border of two warring lands and join against n rising evil. The Siphoning is coming on September 4, 2023!
https://bit.ly/468KLuj
Are you superstitious? Do you dare test your fate at Crack the Whip in Sunset Hills Cemetery? #crackthewhip
Haunted Flint https://amzn.to/2Gt3Cpw #HauntedFlint #RoxanneRhoads #JoeSchipani
Nicola Solvinic's new book, THE HUNTER’S DAUGHTER from Berkley Publishing Group, is now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB
#nicolasolvinic #mysteryauthor #crimeauthor #thrillerwriter #criminology
#criminologymastermind #crimefiction #crimethriller
August 31, 2023
The Siphoning by D.T. Stubblefield
The Siphoning The Redemption SeriesBook OneD.T. StubblefieldGenre: Fantasy Publisher: D.T. Stubblefield Date of Publication: September 4, 2023ISBN: 8987848906 ASIN: B0C9P3J5FMNumber of pages: 385Word Count: approx. 106,000Cover Artist: BeauteBook
Tagline: Warring Worlds Align Against an Ancient Evil
Book Description:
The Goddess is good. The Goddess is pure.
Assassin Drakon Deathmark has heard those mantras his entire life. It’s not until he comes face-to-face with her that he realizes she’s more demon than deity.
Drakon conceals his innate power while yearning for the magic derived from the goddess’s blessing, which is reserved for nobility.
When a treacherous mission goes awry, he uncovers a prophecy pitting him against an ancient evil intent on vengeance. Drakon and his allies must defeat a demon masquerading as a goddess, her growing Army, and unravel millennia of deceit before she lays waste to their world.
For Drakon, the path to survival means overcoming past trauma and possibly relinquishing the power he has worked so hard to acquire.
Amazon BN Apple Smashwords Kobo
Excerpt
Drakon heaved himself through the open third-storywindow. His black cloak flowed about him, concealing him in shadow. His musclesquivered from the rapid ascent. Below, the clamp of boots and a mutteredconversation passed beneath the window and then receded.
Another close call.
This made the fourth such encounter of the night. Helived by a rule: two close calls and he would abort a mission. Each time heignored this simple rule, something untoward happened. His survival instinctsscreamed for him to turn back and return another night but time was short, andhe was dangerously close to missing his deadline. The manor grounds were an antcolony of activity, and it took him longer than expected to make it this far.Seconds dripped by, increasing his chances of being discovered.
Discovery meant death.
Silently, he settled into the wooden floorboards. Nogroan of protest announced his entry. Crouching, Drakon pulled the cowl of hiscloak lower and drifted wraith-like into the chamber. A breeze swept inward. Thecool, crisp air did nothing to purify the overwhelming stench of incensehanging in the bedchamber.
A light orb floated overhead, casting the chamber in awarm yellow glow, elongating the shadows in which Drakon hid. Art canvases ofall sizes hung on the stone walls, ornate furniture adorned every square inch,and a massive four-poster bed overflowing with furs stood at the chamber’scenter.
Drakon curled his lip in disdain. The warden’s blatantshow of wealth was in contrast to the poverty of the people he lorded over.Another warden charged with the well-being of commoners lining his pockets fromthe people’s labor. He hadn’t expected much humility from a noble, and evenless from a mage such as the Jenna City Warden.
Drakon’s orders from the king were clear. The wardenwas to appear to have died of natural causes. Drakon wasn’t privy to thetransgression the man committed to garner himself a spot on the king’s killlist. The reason was inconsequential. He didn’t care, nor did he mete outjudgments. The Royal Council dealt with such things. He was but the gnarledhand of death employed to dole out the punishment. Drakon recalled the deathand poverty he witnessed while traversing the Commoner District of the city andgrimaced. He would enjoy killing this warden.
The bedchamber was empty, as Drakon knew it would be. He committed his mark’sroutine to memory. The warden was middle-aged, but his habit of nightlydrinking and debauchery was legendary throughout the Kingdom of Somorrah.
Drakon’s gaze searched the chamber for the warden’sfavorite vice. There. A pitcher and glass sat on a table next to the bed;remnants of red wine stained the bottom of the glass. Drakon removed a vialfrom his cloak. A colorless, odorless liquid sloshed within its clear container.He would add one drop into the glass, and the deed would be done. He would sendword of the mission’s completion to the king. Afterward, he might take anoverdue leave of absence.
He moved toward the table. Laughter and shufflingfootsteps from outside the closed door froze him halfway across the chamber.The doorknob turned, and the door banged open. Drakon threw himself into theshadows of a wardrobe. Sounds of merriment drifted into the room and then weremuted as the door snicked shut.
The warden was early. Drakon hadn’t expected him untilnearer to dawn. He cursed inwardly. He couldn’t wait in the shadows until theman passed out. The king made his instructions all too clear. The warden was todie before sunrise. Drakon gritted his teeth. He would have to improvise. Hehated improvising. It reduced his chances of an undetected escape, but whatother choice was there?
He pocketed the vial and pressed against the wardrobe.The warden, red-faced and inebriated, stumbled on unsteady legs toward the bed,hauling a struggling woman behind him. He was small and slender, manual laborhaving never sculpted the muscles of his body. Like all wardens, he was also amagical mage. The man’s diminutive physique was no indication of his power.
Alabaster skin inked with tattoos peeked from thewarden’s robes, testaments of his magical aptitude. Only his face was unmarred.Each tattoo was a rune etched to guard the warden against the harmful effectsof drawing the goddess’s power. Such power came with a price, and the wardensprotected themselves with the tattoos.
The warden’s hair was a dirty blond, and his skin waspale but not an unearthly translucent. A mage’s hair, eyes, and skin lightenedwith their growth in magic. This mage wasn’t as strong as the others Drakon killed.His tongue prodded a void a molar once occupied as a reminder of past battlesagainst magical enemies. Thank the goddess for small mercies.
A sob drew his attention to the woman the wardendragged in tow. She was waif-like. Oily black hair concealed her face, and herchestnut skin identified her as a commoner. Her threadbare dress was torn atthe neck and thin enough to see through. She was probably a slave. He resignedhimself to the possibility of collateral. From the look of her, death would be preferableto her current lot in life. He could give her that escape, at least.
The warden yanked the woman forward. She struggled allthe more, whimpering and pleading for release. The warden cursed and slappedher hard enough to snap her head back. The blow whipped her face toward Drakonand freed it from its curtain of dirty hair.
Drakon’s eyes flared. A face smooth with youth wasdecorated with black and blue bruises and a split lip. Terror-filled eyesglistened with tears and, more disturbing, resignation. This was no woman as heinitially believed. It was a young girl.
The warden slapped the girl again. The crackricocheted off the walls, and she slumped dazed into the warden’s arms. Havingsubdued her struggles, the man dragged her to the bed and flung her across it.She curled into a tight ball and whimpered. The warden grabbed her thin ankleand yanked her toward the edge of the bed.
“Quit your yammering!” He climbed atop her, claspingher wrists in one hand. “You should be honored that I would bring a smut likeyou to my bed!”
Blood pounded in Drakon’s ears. Unbidden, darkmemories rushed to the surface of his mind.
A slave child. Powerless. Drakon blinked and shook hishead, trying to dislodge the memory.
Nausea rolled through him. His blood heated in hisveins.
Hay scratching tender skin.
Powerless.
With effort, he forced the memories back, slamming thedoor on their mental prison. Yet, the rage left in their wake had Drakondarting silently from the shadows and toward the warden, who tore at the girl’sclothing, before he realized he was moving.
The warden stiffened with awareness, some part of hisinebriated psyche realizing they were not alone.
Too late. Drakon’s blade slipped in the hollow at thebase of the man’s skull. The body jerked. Drakon twisted, severing the spine,and yanked the dagger free. The body slumped forward.
Blood gushed from the wound, coating the bed and thestartled girl beneath. He pushed the body aside and freed her.
Wide, oddly ancient eyes––much too knowing for achild—peered back at him from a tear-streaked face mottled with bruises. Shesucked in a deep breath, a preamble to a scream. His hand clamped over hermouth.
“Do. Not. Scream. I won’t harm you, but you willremain silent.” He stared into her shining, unblinking eyes.
“Nod if you understand.”
She nodded slowly, and he peeled his hand away, readyto place it back. She didn’t scream but sat up and eyed him with caution. Hegrabbed an unsoiled coverlet from the bed and tossed it at her.
“Cover yourself and get out of here. Tell no one ofwhat you’ve seen.”
Even as he uttered the command, he knew he was being afool. The only way to ensure her silence was to kill her, but he couldn’t bringhimself to kill an innocent. No doubt, her short life was filled withatrocities for which this night was but a culmination. Her petite frametrembled beneath the coverlet.
No. Drakon was not so far gone that he would kill aslave girl. His soul was black and withered, but he had not delivered it to thepits of Targarius. Not yet.
The girl’s throat worked. “Th–thank you.” Her voicewas an unsteady whisper in the quiet chamber.
He cleared his throat. Her thanks unsettled him forreasons he didn’t want to acknowledge. He turned, focusing on the warden, andgrimaced at the mess he had made. Blood soaked the bed beneath the corpse andpooled on the floor. A frozen mask of surprise rested on the man’s face. Hispale-blue eyes locked on the nothingness of death. Already pale skin drained ofits color as blood leaked from the body.
Drakon took in the tattooed runes on the warden’sskin. All that power and useless against a simple dagger. In the mage’sassurance in his magical superiority, he never suspected or spelled againstnonmagical attacks. It was the way of nobles—arrogance above intellect.
Drakon sighed. The man’s death would never pass fornatural causes. His moment of untethered emotion destroyed weeks of planning.The outburst he exhibited was out of character. His lapse of control annoyedhim, but he couldn’t dwell on it. He had to plan his next steps, or they wouldbe his last.
There was only one recourse left to him. He wouldremove himself from the city before the warden’s body was discovered. Butbefore he fled, he would retrieve the other reason he was eager for thismission. He bent over the body, rummaging through the folds of the robes.
“Where is it?”
He rolled the corpse on its stomach and patted itdown. He cursed. Nothing.
The warden always carried an object of power when hevisited Sura City. Indeed, this mission excited Drakon for this reason. Desireto own such an object clouded his logic. In hindsight, it went to reason thewarden would travel to court with additional protection. Nobles and commonersalike distrusted the king and the royal mage. The Jenna Warden would’ve been afool not to travel with safeguards. However, the man wouldn’t carry such itemsin his dwelling.
He should have understood this sooner.
Drakon stood with a grunt of frustration, wiped hisblade on his leathers, and returned it to its sheath. If the mission wentaccording to plan, he would’ve had time to search the chamber. As it were, hewould be leaving without his prize.
He spared a glance at the girl. Shock had yet torelease her from its grasp. If the warden’s guards found her, they wouldsacrifice her in Drakon’s stead. He hoped she didn’t waste his gift of mercy.She would live or die by her action or inaction alone.
He sprinted to the window and glanced out. No sentriesstood guard or moved across the grounds. That was good, and no one would enterthe warden’s chamber until the maid arrived for the morning cleaning. Drakonwould be long gone by then. As if summoned by the thought, a creak sounded fromthe door.
“Rainore? What the devil is taking so long? Finishwith the—”
A slender man, clad in nothing more than skin and hismage tattoos, stopped mid-stride into the room. His pale-blue eyes locked onDrakon’s cloaked figure, widened, and then flicked to the body cradled in acrimson stain on the bed.
He screamed.
About the Author:
D.T. Stubblefield was born and raised in a rural town in South Carolina. After reading Skeleton Crew by Stephen King, she was certain she would grow up to be an amazing writer. Those plans were placed on hold when she decided to study mass communications and not creative writing in college. After graduating, much to the disappointment of her seven-year-old self, D.T. did not become a writer or journalist, instead, she entered the world of the federal government as an editor and eventually became a manager.
Craving an outlet from the pressures of her job, D.T. did what she always did during stressful periods: she wrote. She wrote the beginnings of many novels (some of which were so bad they will never see the light of day!). She wrote during her lunch breaks, in the middle of the night, and on the weekends.
Until one day, D.T. wrote a story she fell in love with. A story that she couldn’t wait to share with the world. She wrote a story set in a kingdom trapped within a magical barrier, terrorized by monsters, and where an assassin was foretold to unite warring peoples and overthrow a demonic goddess.
The premise of The Siphoning was born six years ago while D.T. sat in evening traffic on I-495, and now she is ready to share it with the world.
Website: https://dtstubblefield.com/
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