Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 60

New April Paranormal-Scope

Photo Courtesy by Robert Lukeman on Unsplash of the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland

April is upon us with all its beauty and promises. In my neck of the woods, it does mean that the snow has melted and waterfalls are falling again. It brings with it new flowers and lawns slowly turning green. For many, it means new beginnings. With all of us so beaten down by the coronavirus, I truly hope it will mean a new beginning.

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.

Aries:
Dragons are flying. They love soaring through the warm air. This is your time to follow your dream! Opportunities await.

Taurus:
Goblins are re-evaluating their budgets. It is tempting with Spring weather to plan an expensive vacation or large purchase. Re-evaluate your budget.

Gemini:
Mermaids are coming to the surface drawn by the sunshine. New opportunities in your life will come to light.

Cancer:
Faeries are dancing among the new flowers. Get more movement into your life. Check with your physician as to what exercise plan would be best for you.

Leo:
Shapeshifters are very flexible. You are too! Being adaptable is going to get you far at work.

Virgo:
Werewolves love the scent of new grass. Plan a day out in nature.

Libra:
Pixies love a good laugh. Put together a marathon of funny movies to enjoy and lift your spirit.

Scorpio:
Leprechauns are tricksters and even if you win their faery gold, it could just disappear or bring you bad luck. Beware of anything that appears too good to be true.

Sagittarius:
Elves bring out their magic in song. Add to your music collection. Listen to snippets of songs on the internet and enjoy the choosing process.

Capricorn:
Gnomes like a tidy house. It’s time for spring cleaning. Time to get rid of the worn-old.

Aquarius:
Unicorns would bend their horns into the water and purify it. Pay special attention to what you eat and drink.

Pisces:
A vampire is walking down your street with an umbrella over his head. Being prepared for anything is always a good idea.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks, and Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!
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, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

 

 

 

  

 

Play with Your Food and Other Thoughts by Susan Hanniford Crowley

I saw an amusing commercial the other day. A grandfather was having dinner with his family on the back porch and he was holding up his cooked lobster to make it dance. His granddaughter was doing the same thing. What did he teach her? Play with your food.

I couldn’t find a cooked dancing lobster photo so I put up cupcakes. I tend to eat all the frosting off first before eating the cake.  How do you eat a cupcake?

Friday, April 9 from 10 am to 6 pm, I will be on the Facebook Group I LOVE romance books! chatting, sharing, having contests, and generally having fun!  Their link on Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/groups/262774088092512 Believe me, it’s a fun group that is so worth joining. I am hoping to have a cover reveal for a new book to be released very, very soon!

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all our readers who celebrate!

All the best,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!
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, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

For The Love Of…Secrets by Artemis Crow

Boy, howdy, do I love secrets! Big ones, little ones, they all make me quiver with anticipation. Throughout my childhood, my parents liked to tease (torment) us with a secret code on our Christmas presents that we had to break. My wonderful mother-in-law taunts me with “I have a secret!” before each Christmas, starting earlier and earlier each year for the greatest effect, so of course I do the same to her and my husband. Share the pain, right?

Maybe that’s where my love of mysteries comes from. Mysteries, thrillers, action-adventure, I love them all in my reading and viewing, and though I don’t write in those genres, I still like to infuse secrets and mystery in my stories. To that end, I’m showing you an excerpt from my secret writing project. I’m having a blast with it, and one day I will publish it as part of my current series world.

* * *

Thea adjusted the long, white wig until the bangs were no longer over her right ear, but squarely centered on her forehead. A thick lock of her real hair slowly escaped the hair net and fell onto her shoulder, the thick, straight-as-a-stick, someone-painted-it-like-a-chrome-car strands reflecting the morning light like a mirror. “Damn it. Rena!”

Heavy footsteps pounded up the narrow stairs to Thea’s attic bedroom. The door flew open and Rena, Thea’s Aspis best friend stopped in the doorway, her entrance as dramatic as the rest of her. “Good goddess, you’re a grown woman. When are you going to learn how to girl?”

Rena strode across the room, which took her all of five steps—kind of undermining the effect of a good strode—and snatched the ratty wig off of Thea’s head. She tsked and worked the hair net free and let the stunning chrome hair fall to Thea’s midback. “Honestly, it’s October in the northeast, home to witches and all manner of spooky things and you want to hide this stunning hair?” Rena asked, squinting against the hair glare. 

“And blind someone?”

“Okay, maybe you have a point, but when the sun is down…”

“Just help me, no lectures. My clients expect a white-haired witch to do their reading, just as I’ve done for years, and that’s what they’re going to get. At least the wig is white, instead of black.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rena said, gathering Thea’s hair. “Let’s do a plait then add the hair net. That’ll contain this thing of beauty you so desperately hide and give me something to anchor the wig to.”

Thea closed her eyes and relaxed under Rena’s quick, but gentle, hands. The woman was magic with hair and makeup, far better than the Fae and without the pesky after effect of owing a favor to a dangerous and fickle creature. 

Not that Rena wasn’t dangerous; the woman was an Aspis after all. A black humanoid snake with blue and green iridescent-striped skin that she had to hide with makeup and layers of all-black Goth clothes; gold eyes with black slits for pupils like a viper that she had to cover with contacts, and venom that was many times deadlier than the most poisonous snake. Oh, and fangs that she couldn’t hide or file down, thus the Goth attire to give her an excuse for long, sharp, needle “canines”.

Wig secure, Rena tipped Thea’s face up with a finger under her chin. “Hmm, I need to fix your makeup too.” She dug through the mostly unused pile of makeup she’d given Thea until she found the palette she wanted. 

“Not too much makeup, I don’t want any undo attention.”

“With your face and figure, anytime you leave this village, you create undo, even without makeup. It’s rather annoying.”

Thea snorted and frowned until Rena flicked her cheek. “Did you just flick me?”

“To get you to stop scowling, hell yes. Now sit still and tell me again why you turned down that job in Boston, because I know I didn’t hear you right the first time.”

“I can’t leave mom and Gram. You know this, don’t know why I have to keep repeating myself.”

“You wouldn’t be leaving them; you could commute every day.”

“But I’d have to leave the village every day for work. You know I can’t.”

Rena swept rouge on Thea’s cheeks. “Your mom and Gram brought you here as a baby, surely they don’t want you to leave this place in a pine box.”

“Come on, don’t exaggerate. I leave plenty of times, like tonight and tomorrow night, and every night in October that I can get booked.”

“In a costume, only a few miles away, and with that around your neck for protection,” Rena said, pointing to Thea’s pendant with her pinkie.

Thea gripped the large pendant in her hand, her thumb running over the intricate, multi-pointed star carved into the metal. The Star of Chaos her Gram had told her when she was old enough to wear it; a shield from unwanted attention from the paranorm world her mother and grandmother had taken her out of at the moment of her birth. Why, they had never said, and as the years went by, Thea stopped asking, growing afraid of the truth her mom never wanted to speak, content to live her small life in their small New Hampshire town, or “village”, as Rena like to call it.

“Gram is the very best at protection spells,” Thea finally said, gently releasing the pendant. “And you haven’t taken yours off since the day she gave it to you.”

Rena smirked. “Not true, I hang it on the bedpost when I have company.”

“So, fifty percent of the time.”

“Try a lot north of that,” Rena said with laugh. “Okay, smartass, I’m done with your makeup.” She pulled her phone out of one of her many pockets—the woman had a thing for pockets—and tapped the screen. “Oh, I better scoot. The signing is in thirty minutes. You sure you won’t come? We’re co-writers. People should have a chance to meet you.”

“We agreed, you are the face of our partnership.” Thea pointed at Rena’s outfit of a long, black, maxi skirt, a tight long-sleeved tee, topped by a floor-length, black velvet, robe edged with lace appliques. “And you’re the perfect branding for our urban fantasy series.”

“About a subterranean world populated by paranormals, that, oh by the way, actually exists even though humans haven’t a clue?”

Thea smiled as she stood. “They do say write what you know.” She picked up her witch’s hat and started for the door.

Rena stopped her. “A world that you’ve never seen first-hand.”

“A world that I will never see.” Thea placed a hand on Rena’s shoulder. “That’s why we’re a great team.”

“You have the writing chops, and I know the world.”

Thea nodded once. “Exactly.” She pushed against Rena. “Now go be your fabulous self and sell a boatload of books. And hey, we can celebrate with pizza when I get home tonight.”

“I never turn down a great pie, but I can’t tonight. I’m going to the conference in Boxborough right after the signing, remember?”

“Crap.” Thea trotted down the steep stairs of the old saltbox house she called home to the second floor, then again to the first floor. 

“I don’t know how you can run down these stairs without killing yourself,” Rena said, taking each step sideways and slowly, a hand gripping the railing tight.

“Practice.”

Thea dropped the hat on the sofa in the drawing room and looked around for her tote bag. “When will you be back?”

“Sunday around lunch time, hopefully with zero books left.”

“And an award for the Halloween costume contest.”

“Oh, you know I’m winning that bad boy.”

“You’ll send pictures?”

“The moment they’re snapped.”

Thea turned to her friend, as different from her as could be, and pulled Rena in for a bear hug. “Pizza on Sunday then, yes?”

“Absolutely, but you’re paying with all that woo-woo money you’re going to make,” Rena said, pushing away. She ran out of the house, a whirlwind of black and spice and salty-sweet that Thea loved like a sister.

I hope you enjoyed this little excerpt!

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IBLeona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjWLibra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNgLeona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

Gemini Asunder – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig

The Real Deal

We are all imposters. It sounds harsh but think about it and ask yourself this question: How often have you found yourself or someone you know trying to be something more? I don’t want to say something they’re not because maybe they are half way there just not quite all the way. The larger question really is whether being an imposter in this sense really is a negative or whether we are simply striving for more and if so, is that bad? Shouldn’t we strive for more?

The answer to that last question really depends on each of us. My husband and I have talked about this many times and come to the conclusion that no we shouldn’t continually strive for more— it isn’t always worth it. Sometimes what we have is enough.

I have felt like an imposter many a time, feeling as if I don’t know enough or should know more. None of us is perfect and as hard as those learning moments are, they truly are gifts. We might feel lost or embarrassed or inadequate but those feelings and experiences are what make us the real deal. So embrace them and learn for tomorrow.

Happy writing this week!

Bunny Hop Paranormal-Scope

It is that time when shifter and were-bunnies are at their best. Who knew that being a bunny could lead to a great career in candy!

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.

Aries:
Being an Easter Bunny can really knock the socks off you, but keep going. If you hear a negative word, keep your bunny lips closed. It will benefit you in the end.

Taurus:
An Easter Bunny must keep focused on the task. By doing this, you will be surprised how much you achieve.

Gemini:
Easter Bunnies have to keep to a strict schedule, but their creativity with their eggs are priceless. Enjoy your fun, but respect the tradition, too.

Cancer:
Easter Bunnies love to dance as they hop along. Getting some extra exercise in is okay, as long as you’ve spoken about it to your physician first.

Leo:
This year’s selected Easter Bunnies know that a huge project is coming their way. Remember to be great, give it your 100%.

Virgo:
Even an Easter Bunny can’t forget their loved ones. If you can’t hop over, make a call and see how they are.

Libra:
An Easter Bunny has four lucky rabbit’s feet. Be pure of heart while enjoying your luck. Perhaps spread around some of that good fortune. 

Scorpio:
An Easter Bunny has to trust his or her colleagues to get the day done! Bring a smile to every meeting and be a great listener.

Sagittarius:
Even being an Easter Bunny doesn’t mean you know everything. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.

Capricorn:
Don’t doubt yourself, Easter Bunny, as you hop to your big day. An important friend will have something to say that motivates you.

Aquarius:
Keeping an Easter Bunny journal, may ease your mind on many matters. Drawing and painting can too.

Pisces:
Dear little Easter Bunny, follow your heart. It is a wide world out there filled with wonders. Hop with joy and pride in who you are.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks, and Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!
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, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

 

  

The Egg Hunt Party Revised by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Photo by dorota dylka on Unsplash

Today I’m giving an Egg Hunt Party for my grandkids and a friend’s child. The children range in ages from 8 to 1 and a half.  So everything from events to prizes has to be carefully thought out so all have fun and none are harmed.

Events:

Egg Hunt – Will have candy in each egg that is suitable for the age of the child. Rather than have running to collect the most possible, each egg will have the first initial of the child. They can collect only the eggs with their initial. The smaller children can have adult help. They will each be handed a basket to put their eggs and other goodies they will accumulate during the party. Then they are off to hunt in the yard which has low-cut grass. I am not making it hard, only fun.Bunny Hop Dance – Each child will be handed a pair of bunny ears to wear. Music will be played and they will learn the Bunny Hop Dance.Lawn Bowling – Children will take turns trying to knock down the plastic bowling pins. As each one “wins,” they receive a stuffed bunny.Sidewalk Chalk Drawing – Everyone will use sidewalk chalk to draw on the driveway. Each child artist will receive two (possibly three) windup hopping toys.Bubble Blowing – Each child will get a bubble wand to make bubbles. At the end of the event, each child will receive two rubber duckies.Pizza Party with Ice Cream – Then everyone will take a seat at the long table and juice boxes, soda (for adults and 8-year-old), pizza, and ice cream will be served.

It is important to always remain flexible with timing, have lots of napkins and wipes on hand, and remind them to not eat their candy until they get home so they have room for pizza and ice cream.

If you are having an egg hunt too, remember fun is the best ingredient.

All the best,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!
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, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

New Beginnings

Spring has started, flowers are blooming, the weather is warming up and if you are like me, you are trying to enjoy it all while not letting allergies get to you.

So what’s the big deal about Spring? Well, usually it is just a season I love because of the flowers and warmer weather, but given the year we went through, this Spring feels different. This time we are craving a new beginning to wipe away any of the sadness of the last year. It doesn’t erase it and I’m sure 2020 will be a year many of us won’t ever forget, but the idea of a new start is somehow very refreshing at this point.

As far as what this means for any of us? It could mean something or nothing at all. I believe it is something each of us has to choose. We have to determine if we want a new start or need one. I for one feel as if I could use a reset. There are things I appreciate about 2020 and the time a spent with family, but I also realize my physical and emotional state have taken a hit. So, we begin again and grow from there.

Happy writing this week!

Frightening Creatures of the Night Paranormal-Scope

[image error] Photo Courtesy by Josep Castells on Unsplash

Do you fear the bumps you hear in the night? Pull up those covers and do not venture into the dark. There are a lot of creatures out there. Try not to peek.

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.

Aries:
Amarok, the giant wolf of the North, goes after the unwary. Since it’s not time to venture out, make your home more comfortable. Before you know it, Amarok will retreat into the wilds.

Taurus:
The Banshee cries out heralding the death of someone. If you see a Banshee, walk down the other street. Some stresses can be avoided.

Gemini:
Big Foot leaves footprints everywhere. He’s just so hard to clean up after. Create a Spring Cleaning Day to keep up with it all.

Cancer:
Betobeto-san is a ghost from Japan that likes following people and making them annoyed. He’s not dangerous. Something will come up that will be a mere inconvenience.

Leo:
Cerberus, the three headed dog, loves a good cookie or three. Consider buying some cookies for friends or personal enjoyment.

Virgo:
The Cornish Owl Man has been accused of reading literature aloud to keep people awake. (Giggles.) Read some books and enjoy the solitude of the night.

Libra:
Vampires are movers and groovers. This is the time to focus on work and set goals for yourself.

Scorpio:
Gremlins are great at taking machines apart, but putting them back together is not their forte. Take a breather before starting any new project. Be sure to get instructions.

Sagittarius:
Leave a cookie out for your Hob and your day will go well. The Hob, is a household goblin that will help with chores if respected. Respect will get your far.

Capricorn:
The Kraken only bothers those deep in the sea. Don’t worry about things that really don’t affect you. Enjoy your life.

Aquarius:
Nessie has a devoted fan base because she shares just enough to be interesting. A few of your golden words will mean a lot to those that listen.

Pisces:
When you come across a zombie crossing, let the living challenged cross first. Some are just in a hurry to get where they’re going. Enjoy your journey more.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks, and Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!
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, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Closeup on Your World by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Photo by dorota dylka on Unsplash

Looking up close on your world you see all the details that could be missed easily when in a hurry. Honestly, even with the pandemic, we are all in a hurry these days to make up for lost opportunities or go to places we would have gone before the pandemic.

But looking close connects us to our world.

When I write a book even though it is fiction, there is a tremendous amount of face in it. Let’s face it. Vampires have a lot of history. When even though I dream my stories, I have to then fill in the holes with research. It can mean going places like New Orleans for The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais or learning intimately about WWII in Romania for The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars. I have maps and have read published diaries, talked to people, and listened to the music of the time. I’ve done all of it to frame scene-by-scene that moment in time, the closeup. The tiniest details matter to create that doorway for the reader into that world.

Currently, I’m getting ready for my dragon book to burst on the scene. That means long discussions with my editor about the tiniest details of my eighteen-year-old heroine’s life. I have to know things that aren’t in book one but will be in book two. I have to walk the land again in Scotland, the same land I walked years ago. 

There is a certain enjoyment in looking closeup in your world. For a moment or two, time stops, and love reigns. In that space between time, you are glorious.

All the best,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!
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, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

For The Love Of…Excerpts #8 by Artemis Crow

Spring is almost here, though it doesn’t feel like it just yet here in New Hampshire! Today I wanted to share the first chapter of a book that will come out in December of this year, titled “Bryn’s Flight”. It’s a Valkyrie book and a little raw yet, but I’m so excited about this story and the amazing women and horses in it!

——————————

“Bryn worked her way through the sweaty, testosterone-drenched cretins who’d tightly packed the warehouse that squatted in the middle of the mountains in nowhere Colorado. She could scarce breath in the thick cloud of body odor, beer, and farts without gagging. She certainly couldn’t hear anything over the shouting. You’d think they were in a Roman coliseum the way they were carrying on.

A hand reached out and grabbed her ass.

She whipped her hand back and gripped the offending appendage, wrenching it around as she turned, the man’s thumb bent back until it was close to breaking.

He dropped to his knees and cried out.

She leaned close to the rude bastard. “You aren’t worth the effort,” she said, ending her statement with a growl. She shoved him away and returned to her search, when another hand whipped out, grabbed her wrist and jerked her back.

“That’s my brother you put your hands on,” said a taller, larger, uglier version of the man on the floor.

“He needs to learn some manners. Maybe you ought to see to that before you let him off his leash again,” she snarled, pulling out of the man’s grasp.

He lunged at her back, grabbed her upper arms and pulled her into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her upper body, trapping her arms and squeezing. “No one puts their hands on me or my family.”

Bryn closed her eyes and smiled. That’s all she needed to hear. “I couldn’t agree more.”

She dropped her head and rounded her shoulders as much as her attacker’s arms would allow, then threw herself back, slamming the back of her head into his nose, if the sickening crunch told the tale.

The warm liquid splashing against the back of her neck? Gross. Although, it was the blood of her adversary, so that made it not so gross.

His soprano-worthy scream? Delightful.

He dropped her and reeled back, his hands cupping his nose.

Bryn wiped her hands together, job done, when asshole number one jumped up and roared.

He crouched low and ran at her, his arms out in front, questing for a grab.

Bryn turned sideways to him, bent her knees and clenched her right fist. She waited until she could just smell the halitosis jetting out of his mouth, then she stepped forward with her left foot, twisted her torso to the left then backhanded the man before he could touch her. Fist meet temple.

He was unconscious before he hit the floor.

She stood tall and raised her head.

“Uh-oh.”

Every man in her immediate vicinity had stopped shouting and drinking, and started staring at her, their already small eyes growing beadier by the second. 

She smiled and raised her hands. “All good, gents. Nothing more to see here.”

The throng didn’t move, even when the rest of the men in the place shouted and a bell rang. Another match over.

Time to move.

Bryn backed a step and ran into a wall of flesh. She whirled, ready to fight, but all she saw was a flat stomach covered in flannel. She tilted her head back to see who this mountain of a man was, noting his craggy face, a mop of dark brown hair, and beautiful blue eyes. Surprisingly handsome. 

He took her by the arm and turned her around. “Mr. C wants to see you,” the giant said simply.

She tried to peel back one of his thick, sausage fingers gripping her arm, but even she couldn’t budge those kielbasas.

“They started it,” she said, hating the petulant phrase that was unworthy of a warrior, even if it was the truth.

“Mr. C will finish it.”

With that, Paul Bunyan—’cause all this mountain was missing was a blue ox—marched her to a hallway that led to a suite of offices. He passed all the regular sized doors—he probably couldn’t fit through them anyway—in favor of the double doors at the very end. 

Of course.

He opened both doors and pulled her inside. 

The doors closed, not by magic, but by two hulking henchmen. They weren’t the same size as Paul, but they were open carrying. 

And she didn’t do guns.

“Paul” hauled her to the ridiculously ornate desk and forced her to sit in a chair. Then he parked himself behind said chair and placed a platter-sized hand on top of her head and held it there as if she was five years old and she couldn’t leave the table until she ate her carrots.

She hated carrots.

Mr. C kicked back in his reclining throne, placed his fancy Western boots on the desk and studied her. Add in a lasso and a Stetson hat and she could have broken out with a few yeehaws and not felt the least bit embarrassed.

He snapped his fingers and pointed at the security monitors occupying a good portion of the wall to her right. “You took down two men.”

She tilted her head and nodded. “Some asshole put a hand on me, so I put a hand on him. The other idiot objected.”

“That asshole and idiot are my sons.”

Bryn sat very still and wondered at the vagaries of the universe. Not how she’d planned to introduce herself, but if her training taught her nothing else, it taught her how to role with the punches. “Seems they need a little training up before they’re let loose in society again.”

Mr. C narrowed his eyes—so that’s where his son’s beady eyes came from—and pondered her for more than a long minute.

She was about to get antsy when he slapped the top of the desk and turned his focus on the giant. 

“You got any slots open tonight?”

She tried to turn her head to look up, but Paul squeezed her head a little tighter, keeping her in place.

“Slot? What do you mean by slot?” she asked, when she found her words.

“A fighting slot,” Mr. C said.

“There’s Jimmy. He’s been wanting to get put in.”

Mr. C shook his head. “Nah, Jimmy’d never hit her, he’s too soft on the ladies. Probably ask her to marry him,” he added, pointing to her face, “if it weren’t for that road-kill-ugly scar on her face.”

Bryn bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at what the human thought to be an insult. Instead, she stuck her bottom lip out and gave him her best I-been-whooped look.

“Aw, did I hurt your feelings?” Mr. C asked in a soft, chiding voice.

She stuck her lip out farther since she couldn’t nod with Paul holding her head.

“Good.”

That was the moment Bryn decided she didn’t like Mr. C. She definitely didn’t like his sons.

Mr. C dropped his feet and leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. “Why are you here? This isn’t a place women come to, except for the adventurous whores who don’t mind the rough trade. The men out there get their juice up and they want to stick it hard to anything that can’t run away.”

Correction: she hated Mr. C.

“I came to fight.”

“Oh, you’re going to get a fight. The question is: who can I put you in the ring with to teach you a lesson without killing you? I don’t like dealing with dead bodies.” He waved a hand in front of his face. “It’s the smell.”

“And the mess,” Paul added in.

Mr. C pointed at him and nodded. “Too right.”

Correct the correction: she loathed Mr. C with the fury of Surt on Muspelheim.

“I already know who I want to fight,” Bryn offered to get them to shut up.

“Well, it couldn’t be Buddy,” Mr. C said. “He’s even bigger than Ira here.”

She jerked her head hard to free it just because she had to see the giant’s face. But no go. “Your name is Ira? Your parents named you that, when you’re this big?”

“I wasn’t born this big.” Ira grunted and pressed down a little on her head like he was trying to compress her spine. “Family name.”

“They named him after his mom’s favorite Chi-Weenie dog. The little bitey bastard,” Mr. C added helpfully.

Bryn could feel Ira tremble through the grip he had on her head. Scratch that, the gleam in Mr. C’s eyes spoke of cruelty, not in an interest of “the more you know”. He was the type to belittle and bully until you were down, then crush you out of existence.

Bryn savaged the inside of her cheek this time because she had to survive this interview. Too much was riding on getting in the ring with the right person. Neither laughter nor derision would get her what she wanted.

“It’s not Buddy, whoever he is,” she said. “And what’s with all the names ending in –y? Jimmy, Buddy, I mean, come on.”

“We’re simple folk here in Colorado,” Mr. C said, a slight frown of irritation at her mocking pulling his jowls down. “You’d know that if you were from here. You’d also know that no one messes with my kin.”

She held up her hands. “Alright, fine. I’m sorry I hurt your precious boys. Are we good?”

“You aren’t getting out of a fight that easily, girlie. Tell me, who did you come to fight with?”

She folded her hands in her lap and smiled sweetly, ignoring the stretch of the scar on the left side of her face, pleased when Mr. C flinched in disgust. Her scar had been hard won and she was proud of it. Didn’t mean she couldn’t have fun grossing out any human in her vicinity.

“I came here to fight your undefeated champion. I came here to fight Rota.”

Mr. C and Ira remained completely still. So still Bryn itched to snap her fingers to get them to wake up from the hypnotic trance she’d inadvertently put them in.

But she needn’t have worried.

All four men in the office burst out laughing at the same time, as if they had coordinated the move for the greatest, most insulting effect.

Correct the corrected correction: she wanted to flay all four with flames from the god of fire Loki himself until all that remained of them was ash.”

I hope you enjoyed this little excerpt!

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
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