Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 110

Happy 4th of July

I love the 4th of July as it is a wonderful reminder of the beauty of this country. I don’t want that statement to be mistaken as my saying this country is perfect—it isn’t and I happen to be in a job where I listen to people vent each day about how these days are so “confusing.” I realize that the world itself is very different today than it was decades ago. It can be scary and it can be unsettling, but that doesn’t detract from much of the privilege many of us can experience on a daily basis.

I’m not simply talking about rich or poor here but small things like the width of our streets that in many places are not littered with pot holes. The fact that we have trash pickup or at least somewhere to throw trash away. There is even a freedom in walking down a street, through a forest, in a park, etc.

We turn on the news each day and see or hear depictions of what is going on in all over the world (Syria, Gaza, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Nicaragua—just to name a few countries in recent news). My husband is from Nicaragua and there isn’t a week that goes buy where we don’t hear about some atrocity the people there are suffering at the hands of their president, Daniel Ortega.

So my thoughts about today? Celebrate this country. Celebrate what it has been (yes it hasn’t all been pretty but if we continue to learn from our mistakes, they will serve us in our evolution), celebrate what it is and most of all, celebrate what it can continue to be as we each learn to protect it. And as always, I want to give a special thanks to all our service members of past and present—thank you for your service to our country and for protecting all we have.

Happy 4th of July!

Romancing the Capitol Closing In by Mandy Rosko

With the convention just around the corner, I have to really pick up the pace on getting last minute supplies for my event, books to sign and sell. All invoices have been sent out for preorders, so now I just have to wait for the payments to come in before I can make the orders.

I’m almost to the finish line. There’s so much more I wish I could have done or had the time to do, but I know I won’t be able to get everything I want in time, so I’ll have to make due with what I’ve got.

I’ve got a couple of worries about it. I will be doing my game with Sharon Page, so I won’t be on my own, but any other panel I’ve been on, or event and game I’ve done with the exception of one has been with multiple people. I think the only event thing I’ve done, and this was only a talk, where there was just one person with me was my chat with Eve Langlais about self publishing.

In this case, I’ll be doing a full game.

If the game sucks or I manage it wrong, then I at least want there to be enough prizes to offset that small disaster.

Or the problem could be that I’ll run a mediocre game and won’t have enough prizes to make it all worth it 0.o

My goal is to at least put on a good show and make sure people leave happy. Even if the game is messy and kind of mixed up, since I’m not entirely sure how I’ll make a game out of designing our own covers. But maybe I can think of something funny to go along with it. A challenge for each cover they have to make and the best looking one or the funniest at each table wins a prize

Zombie Fireworks Paranormal-Scope

Fireworks are fun. However, should they be in the hands of zombies?

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Zombies have taken up the exercise of running… with fireworks. Oops, dropsies! As with any new exercise, check with your physician first.

Taurus:

Zombies enjoy the pretty colors of fireworks. It entrances them. Dress to impress at work this week. It’s important.

Gemini :

Some zombies prefer sky rockets to ride to soar high. It never occurs to them what will happen when the rocket explodes. Think of the effect words have on other people and consider carefully what you choose to say.

Cancer:

Zombies don’t understand sparklers and often get burned because they can’t let go. To improve your life, let go of things in your past that you just don’t need anymore.

Leo:

Zombies make a wish on spinner stars and think that when they disappear in a burst of color that their wish is granted. Make a wish from the heart this week. Then do what you can to make it come true.

Virgo:

A waterfall of lights frighten zombies as they shuffle down your street. Be aware of new people coming into your life.

Libra:

A silver dragon glistens across the sky and disappears in to the dark. Zombies are patient and wait for its return. To accomplish your goals, you will need patience, too.

Scorpio:

A zombie is running at you with a firecracker. He’s sort of lighting a fire under you to do what you’ve always dreamed to do.

Sagittarius:

Chrysanthemum fireworks fill the sky with colors. Zombies know that life can be fleeting but exciting. Treasure your life more by spending time with those you adore.

Capricorn:

One zombie with fireworks is interesting. Many zombies with fireworks means be prepared to put out fires in your life.

Aquarius:

Zombies have trouble lighting fireworks. They don’t know how to work matches. Take a class or workshop on something that interests you.

Pisces:

Fireworks spiral down to the zombies, and they saunter off. Some things are best left alone.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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A Rendezvous with Rochambeau…By Ripley Proserpina

If I had a past life, I KNOW, I just KNOW, it was during the Revolutionary War. So in honor of this unsubstantiated claim, and the 4th of July, I’m posting a list of my recommendations for historical (with romance) reads. 

PS: Some of these are on my “to be read” list, but I had to include them because they look really good!

 PPS: I’m going to include pre-revolutionary stories, as well. I mean, I know 1600 is very different from 1776, but sometimes, a girl just has to read a book about a pilgrim. 

The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare. I read this one so long ago, the internet wasn’t even invented. But it stuck with me. I remember crushing on the pilgrim love interest so hard and then he broke my heart when he turned out to be a…a not cool guy. I still really loved this book. 

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, by Katherine Howe. You know what I’m starting to think as I write these recommendations? Maybe I was a witch in a past life, too. Anyway, I loved the way this book bounced between present day and the Salem Witch Trials. Sooo, good. 

Which reminds me…The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Classic rip your heart out. Again with the witches though… 

Enemy of the King by Beth Tissel. This is on my “to be read” pile. It takes place during the American Revolution and includes a ghost. A twin. And a rebel. Cue purr. 

OH! Melissa de la Cruz wrote a book about Alexander and Eliza Hamilton called Love and War. I’m putting this on my list, too. 

So there it is… some historical reads for your July. Happy 4th everyone! 

A Blizzard and Choices

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Photo by Emanuel Hahn on Unsplash

For me, many things happen in Boston. For uncounted years, I went to Arisia, one of the biggest science fiction and fantasy conventions in the northern U.S. I still count it as my home con and try to go every year.

People laugh in a good hearted way when a newbie at that con asks about snow. It always snows at Arisia. One time we were all trapped there an extra day, but I have to say they are a gloriously fun group to be snowbound with.

That particular weekend, one of my panels focused on the writing life. One of the authors on that panel lived in New York City, had a big publisher, and had carved out a big career for herself in science fiction. She lived in a Manhattan apartment with her cats and wrote to her heart’s desire. She had no other job than writing. She only went to events where her publisher requested her attendance. Her every waking minute was devoted soley to her work.

During that panel discussion, a disparity came out between whether to give up everything and only write or to have a day job, a sweetheart, a family or friends that pull you with them into adventres in addition to writing.

She was 100% against the latter. You had to be true to your craft as a writer, if that’s what you really wanted to do.  All those things were a distraction.

The heat of the opposing views increased when we were asked what should a writer do of they were stuck.

Different authors gave different views of defeating writer’s block. When it came to me, I suggested taking a vacation to recharge and get new ideas. (In actuality, after a day of sightseeing, I usually write a ton in the hotel room.)

She was adamant that you don’t stop no matter what, not for a day, not for an hour. You write right through it. (This is also a technique.)

Later after the panel, we talked. I asked her if she was happy. She assured me she was. She also wrote on the subway going to meetings. I always write, too, in waiting rooms. We reached a common ground on being obsessive. (laughs)

Then over the intercom system of the hotel, it was announced that the city of Boston was closed due to a blizzard. Trains and buses cancelled. The mayor declared the city closed. Cars were not allowed on the city streets. The New York author hurried off to call a friend to feed her cats.

I went to my room to meet up with my oldest daughter, order room service, and write.

That weekend, I learned about choices. Our choices influence how we create. Authors are as different as their life choices. Some love writing every moment. Some seek out the adventure and then write about it. (Hemingway went fishing.)

I love watching adventures unfold around me, and that’s why I sat by my hotel window watching the city embraced by snow. Blizzards inspire me.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Author Christina Kirby Resets & Recharges by Stacy Hoff

Hello Passionate readers! Today on Nights of Passion I have author Christina Kirby talking about what it takes for her to recharge.

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To Reset And Recharge

The past month has brought with it a book release (yay!) and the end of the school year for my boys (double yay!) and while there are times having a full house derails any sort of writing progress, it also allows the entire family to regroup.  Everyone stays so busy running from school, to practices, to meetings, and striving to meet deadlines it makes sense that we need time to recharge.

The same thing happens to be true for Bailey, the hero in my latest novel A Light in the Dark. When readers met Bailey in the first book in my Survival of the Fittest Series, they witnessed him at his lowest point and though he was a side character, his struggle was palpable. In the second book from the series, Bailey moves to center stage and we see him step away from his music career and in a way reset his life.

When I wrote the book, I didn’t consider it compared to my own life (I have much less drama), but I definitely agree that sometimes we all need a chance to catch our breath. Maybe my subconscious was trying to tell me something all along or maybe it’s simply coincidence. Either way, I think it’s important to take that break. It makes me a better mom and it gives me the energy I need to throw myself into the next story.

What about you all? What do you do to find your center again?

Blurb for “A Light In the Dark”

After surviving a life-threatening illness, Bailey Honeycutt is struggling to find his footing in life and in his career. With a bold decision to step out of the spotlight, he crosses an ocean to return to school in search of something to fill the void. It turns out it might not be a whatso much as a whothat can pull him out of the darkness.

Brie Freeman is on the five-year plan and, after one man almost ruined her future, she’s finally back on track.  As soon as her degree is in her hands she’ll be free to move to the United States and pursue her dream job as a curator, but she never planned on an encounter with Bailey Honeycutt.

They’ll each have to let go of their pasts to fully embrace a chance at the future, but what happens when the past won’t let go?

Excerpt:

They walked arm in arm down the path to the water’s edge and as they did, the music sounding from the guitar grew louder. Between the small cluster of people who’d stopped to listen, Brie could make out the man playing. He was propped on a tree stump with his legs spread and a coffee cup resting between his feet.

“Let’s move in a little closer.” Jessica tugged her arm and half dragged Brie until they were directly in front of him.

“This is hardly a little,” Brie murmured out of the corner of her mouth.

Jessica offered a quiet, “Shh.”

Brie bit her tongue and tried not to feel foolish as she concentrated on the music. After all, the man wasn’t paying any attention to the growing crowd. His head was bent and nodding to the rhythm of the song. She stood mesmerized as he glided from one familiar song into another and then into something she didn’t recognize.

His fingers moved with agility across the strings and though his jeans were torn and his shirt wrinkled, he didn’t look like the usual street performer. Between the way his hair was cut short and the intricate tattoos covering one of his arms, he wasn’t at all what she’d expected.

As he strummed a final chord the crowd broke out into applause. The man’s head rose and he nodded in thanks, and then, meeting Brie’s eyes, offered up a grin.

Beautiful.

“That was brilliant,” Jessica said. “Do you know any other Survival of the Fittest songs?”

Though Jess was speaking from right beside her, the haze Brie was caught in made her seem much further away. She wanted to offer a compliment or at least a hello, but she couldn’t find the words. So instead, she continued to stare as though mute.

He chuckled. “I know a few. Which one would you like to hear?”

Jessica bounced on her toes. “Dark Days is one of my favorites.”

“You got it.”

He played the requested song, but this time he sang as well, his American accent doing nothing to help Brie compose her nerves. As his voice rose and his deft fingers moved along the neck of the guitar, she couldn’t stop herself from wondering what his hands would feel like on her body. What was it about men and music?

“He’s completely fit,” Jessica whispered from beside her.

They rarely had the same taste in men, but this time Brie couldn’t argue. There was something interesting about the man before them, some sort of depth projected as he sang. She felt pulled to him, suddenly curious as to what he was thinking. It was the same way she wanted to go back in time and talk to the painters who’d created the works of art she studied. The scholar in her needed to know more.

The song finished up and Jessica clapped at a volume bordering on embarrassing. “That was completely amazing. Thank you. They’re a favorite of mine, well that’s obvi, I guess.”

“Mine, too.” He turned his gaze on Brie again. “And, what about you? Are you a fan of Survival’s music or is there someone else who would please you more?”

“What? Oh, um. That was fine.”

Jessica elbowed her in the side.

“No, I mean it was better than fine. Here,” Brie dug around in her pocket and pulled out a coin where she then proceeded to toss it into his cup. Coffee splashed over the rim and splattered down the legs of his jeans. He shot to his feet and set his guitar to the side.

Her stomach dropped at the same time she dropped to her knees and tried to wipe his legs dry with her flowery scarf. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.” She continued to pat at his legs until a hand appeared beside her face. She tilted her head back, her cheeks scalding, and stared at his outstretched hand.

“It’s all good. No harm done.” He reached a little further and she took his hand, unsure if it was simply her embarrassment or something else that sent the jolt through her at his touch.

“Seriously, I’m such a git.” She backed up a step and didn’t miss the look of amusement Jessica was sending her way. “I should’ve looked first.”

“It’s no biggie. I was heading out anyway.” He gathered up his guitar and his cup. “Maybe I’ll see you two around.”

“Sorry again,” she called as she buried her face in her friend’s shoulder.

Jessica patted her on the back. “It’s okay. I’m sure it happens all the time.”

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Dark-Survival-Fittest-ebook/dp/B07BXWYQR5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523371325&sr=8-1&keywords=a+light+in+the+dark+kirby

Author Bio:

Christina Kirby is the author of the Warm Springs Trilogy, the Survival of the Fittest Series, and writes YA under the name Kirby Hall. She holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University and is currently a stay at home mom to two sons. An avid reader of romance and obsessed with good TV, Christina likes nothing more than to talk pop culture with other fans. She also believes a copy of Entertainment Weekly and a chocolate chip cookie can cure anything.

For more information visit her website: www.ChristinaKirbyBooks.com

Find her on:

Twitter: @CKirbyWriter

FB: https://www.facebook.com/christina.kirby.395?fref=ts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9791223.Christina_Kirby

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorchris0192/

Sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://www.ChristinaKirbyBooks.com

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WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

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HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN – In the Caribbean, the secrets, sex, and scandals are hotter!

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT! http://bit.ly/2GZxfx9

Kindle version: http://amzn.to/2xW3WtJ

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BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series, #1)

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT: https://www.amazon.com/Betting-Love-Vegas-Stacy-Hoff/dp/1682913422/

Kindle version: http://amzn.to/2kAgBvK

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JOCKEYING FOR YOU print version http://amzn.to/2eanq2o

JOCKEYING FOR YOU Kindle version http://amzn.to/2c8Hi5t

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DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC print version http://amzn.to/2cubwCf

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC kindle version http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V

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DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES print version http://amzn.to/2dXO1zV

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES Kindle version http://amzn.to/1YEseie

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LAWFULLY YOURS print version http://amzn.to/2e6Ug8k

LAWFULLY YOURS Kindle version http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm

A Story of Imperfection

Do you ever feel like your life is one big comedy (or other genre if you prefer) and you are the star—only nobody told you that you were the star of this “film”? I choose comedy for myself because about 98% of the time I feel like I’m just one walking calamity. I come into work each day and I see all these people around me—they are dressed well, seem put together and organized. A small part of me wonders if they are aliens or if I must be the alien to be so far removed from this world of perfection.

Okay, so I realize that most everybody around me has their own set of issues and nobody is perfect, but since I’m not privy to all their flaws, my mind will weave its own story so back to it…

This past Monday, it was a beautiful Monday (note the sarcasm) as usual. My husband made me a delicious sandwich and coffee for the drive to work so despite the fact that it was Monday, I was in a fairly good mood. Well that lasted about all of five minutes into my drive. Before long, I had spilled coffee all over my dress because the coffee thermos I own is old and coffee pours out of many different places. No matter, because I had a bottle of water and what better to dilute coffee stains than water? So yes, I poured water all over my dress, rolled the window down and let the humid air do its magic. Are you getting a good visual yet? Imagine big, windy brown hair and a damp dress and that should do the trick.

The scary thing is that this is a completely normal day in my life. There is no grace or perfection. I am the material of movies like Bridget Jones Diary or I Feel Pretty. And while I could groan (which I do sometimes), I don’t dwell on it too long because where would that get me? Instead, I laugh, shake my head and take a deep breath. After all, how boring would our world be if it weren’t for the occasional good laugh?

Happy writing this week.

5 Weeks to Romancing The Capitol by Mandy Rosko

Time is ticking for getting all the stuff together that needs to be done for Romancing The Capitol. I’ve got the water bottles in, a couple of preorders for T-shirts and books, and now it’s just a matter of getting my game set up, prizes, and making and ordering some more fun swag for the event.

 

The funny thing is how I’m most nervous for my Game/Panel. I’ll be doing it with Sharon Page, and we’ll be making funny or sexy book covers out of glitter, old magazines and the like, and I have no idea how I’m supposed to judge something like this, so my goal is to make sure there are enough prizes and they’re good enough that it won’t really matter.

A Vampire Holiday Paranormal-Scope

What do vampires really want? A Vampire Holiday is not like “A Roman Holiday,” but then again you never know.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Vampires aren’t fooled by snappy chatter at social events. They see people for who they really are. Don’t be taken in by someone you don’t really know.

Taurus:

Vampires love a nightlife. Go out with friends, and dress to impress. You may meet someone exciting.

Gemini :

Vampires can be workaholics. When it comes to your ambitions, hold on to your project and get credit for your unique genius.

Cancer:

Vampires search for purpose, too. Pay attention to your inner guidance. Your instincts will lead you. Go with the feeling.

Leo:

Vampires are usually lone wolves. In this instance, a gathering is called for to benefit you socially and perhaps financially, too.

Virgo:

The secrets of a vampire can be shared with those closest and most true. Take dear ones into your confidence. Benefit from their advice.

Libra:

Vampires shun the spotlight, but you should walk right in and smile. Your talents will be recognized.

Scorpio:

Vampires are constantly working on their priorities. Analyze work and home responsibilities. Rescheduling may be in order.

Sagittarius:

Summer means a vampire has to redirect his or her focus. Enjoy sleeping in and waking to cooler nights for fun with friends.

Capricorn:

It’s vampire party time with friends! New Orleans is great, but for a more relaxing vacation, go to the mountains to walk under the stars.

Aquarius:

Vampires are a font of wisdom. A friend will need your advice. Be a good listener.

Pisces:

Vampires are not above falling in love. It may be a person who didn’t expect, rekindling of flames with the love of your life, or a sweet furry creature you need in your life.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Fun In Space…By Ripley Proserpina

This week, I wanted to feature author Lucy Smoke. What I love about Lucy is that she branches out into other genres. The first book I read of hers was a paranormal romance. Then recently, she released a contemporary series. Now, she is getting ready to release a science fiction romance. And the best part? It has a reverse harem twist! Click the cover for buy links:)

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On Tartarus I was born…

Soaked in power and secrets—Tartarus is a city for rebels, exiles, and criminals. As a messenger, every shadow is my friend. I know all the secrets of this place. Or, at least, I thought I did. When my best friend, Kida, goes missing, I don’t waste any time assuming her identity to draw her or whoever took her, out of hiding.

On Tartarus I will die…

As I search for Kida’s whereabouts, Tartarus’ most dangerous gang—The Tanks—are slowly rising out of the chromework, growing more and more powerful. Every instinct in my body is screaming for me to run, to save myself, but I can’t—not without Kida. If I have to set the city ablaze just to get her attention, I will. And if the fire doesn’t kill me, the secrets I uncover just might.

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Author Bio:
Lucy Smoke is a self proclaimed creative schizophrenic from Charleston, South Carolina. With a bachelor’s degree in Literature, Language, and Professional Writing, Lucy is a current Masters candidate at a southern university. She is a writer of everything romance as she enjoys the complexities that come with delving into the habits and relationships between her characters. Many of her novels experiment with newer sub genre’s such as reverse harem. But dark romance and new adult will always hold a special place in her heart.