Barbara Edwards's Blog, page 10
July 16, 2015
#Guest Kathryn Kane author of Deflowering Daisy on #flowers in history
Please welcome my guest Kathryn Kane, at Barbara Edwards Comments. She did fascinating research for her book and shares a portion with us.
Barbara, thank you very much for the opportunity to be a guest here at your blog. I thought you and your readers might be interested in a bit of flower history which I incorporated into my debut Regency romance. It is titled Deflowering Daisy, and as a play on the title, I have included a number of snippets of floral history into the story. Today, I would like to tell you about Corporal Violet.
Corporal Violet, or, to use the French term, Caporal La Violette, was a code name by which many Bonapartists referred to Napoleon Bonaparte when he was in exile on the island of Elba. Napoleon had begun his career in the French army as a corporal and many of his men still affectionately called him the Little Corporal, even after he had become Emperor of France. Most people who knew him well were also aware that violets were his favorite flower, probably because his beloved Josephine had been very fond of violets, both the flower and their scent. She wore violets at her wedding to Napoleon and he sent her a bouquet of violets every year on their anniversary.
In April of 1814, when Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne and went into exile, he told his supporters that he would “return with the violets.” They all took that to mean the spring, since violets typically first bloom in mid-March. Soon, Bonaparte’s loyal supporters in France used the code name, Caporal La Violette, to talk about him when there was a chance they might be overheard by the Loyalist supporters of the restored Bourbon king, Louis XVIII.
Apparently, the Bourbons and their supporters were never enough interested to learn very much about Napoleon’s personal likes and dislikes and were quite unaware of his fondness for violets. There is also the fact that, since he was considered first and foremost a military man, very much focused on warfare, who would have thought he might be given a code name based on a small flower, even if that little flower was known to be very hardy and persistent?
And so it was, for nearly a year, Bonaparte’s supporters in France could freely discuss him and even raise a toast to him by using the name Caporal La Violette, while they hoped for his return from exile in the coming spring. During that same time, the violet itself became a symbol for those who still supported him. Though the violet as a species blooms in a number of different colors, the most well-known and most common color was the blue-purple flower which gave its name to that same color, violet.
Gentlemen might wear a ring with an enameled blue-purple violet, or a stick-pin with a carefully wrought violet nestled in the folds of their neck-cloth. Others carried a snuff box decorated with violet motifs. Lady Bonapartists had even more elegant options, for soon it was possible to find pendants, broaches and earrings with violet designs, in addition to delicate ladies’ rings with the same violet motif.
That special blue-purple color, violet, also began to appear as part of the wardrobe of dedicated Bonapartists. Ladies might wear a gown or saucy bonnet trimmed with ribbons the color of violets, while others preferred to wear a violet-colored scarf or shawl. Some gentlemen sported a waistcoat which was violet-colored or might be embroidered with tiny violets in blue-purple threads. Others might carry a violet-colored pocket handkerchief.
It was not long before the life-cycle of this small but hardy flower was used to develop a code phrase by which Bonapartists could identify one another upon first meeting. Those who knew about violets were aware that they first bloomed in the early spring. Upon encountering a stranger, a loyal Bonapartist would ask the question, “Aimez vouz la violette?” (Do you like the Violet?) If the response was a simple yes or no, it was clear the person was not a member of the secret network of supporters of Napoleon. However, if they prevaricated with “Eh bien” (Well), they showed themselves to be a confederate, and would go on to say “Il reparaitra au printemps!” (He will reappear in the spring!) Thus would one Bonapartist be able to demonstrate their loyalty and commitment to another whom they had just met, even in the presence of Bourbon Loyalists.
Even after his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon never lost his fondness for violets. He grew them in his garden on St. Helena when he was sent into his final exile there. Upon his death, in the spring of 1821, in addition to being buried with the locket which contained the violets he had picked from Josephine’s garden at Malmaison on his last visit there, records suggest that violets from his own garden were placed in his coffin before he was laid to rest.
David, the hero of my Regency romance, Deflowering Daisy, has learned the importance of violets to supporters of Napoleon. He uses that information to foil an attempt to free Bonaparte from English custody before the defeated emperor could be sent into exile on St. Helena. Unfortunately for David, though he is successful in preventing Bonaparte’s escape, the event ends in a tragedy which haunts him for nearly a year. It is only after he meets the heroine, Daisy, that she is able to help him come to terms with what happened and he is finally able forgive himself for the outcome.
Deflowering Daisy by Kathryn Kane Blurb
“She cannot remain a virgin!”
For so she was, after nearly a decade of marriage. When she was sixteen, Daisy had willingly, happily, married a man more than fifty years her senior, to escape a forced marriage to a man she abhorred. Though Sir Arthur Hammond had been a wild rake in his youth, he was so deeply in love with his late, beloved first wife that he never considered consummating his second marriage, certainly not with a woman he considered a daughter. But now, knowing he was dying and that he would be leaving sweet, innocent Daisy ignorant of the physical intimacies which could be enjoyed between a man and a woman, he felt that it was imperative she be given the knowledge which would prepare her for the life of a wealthy widow. Armed with the knowledge of physical intimacy, she would be much better prepared to deal with any fortune hunter who might try to seduce her into marriage for her money. And who better to initiate Daisy into the pleasures of the bedchamber than his godson. David had become nearly a recluse since a tragedy which occurred while he was serving the Crown against the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte. Prior to that, his skill as a tender and considerate lover had been bruited about in certain circles. Therefore, Sir Arthur believed that David was just the man to introduce Daisy to physical pleasure. And what might spending time with true and gentle Daisy do for David?
Buy Links
Jupiter Gardens Press
Print: http://jupitergardenspress.com/shop/deflowering-daisy-print/
eBook: http://jupitergardenspress.com/shop/deflowering-daisy/
Barnes & Noble
Print: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deflowering-daisy-kathryn-kane/1119940841?ean=9781508497233
Nook Book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deflowering-daisy-kathryn-kane/1119940841?ean=2940149735174
Amazon
Print: http://www.amazon.com/Deflowering-Daisy-Kathryn-Kane/dp/1508497230
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Deflowering-Daisy-Kathryn-Kane-ebook/dp/B00LPOAA78
Deflowering Daisy- Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE, London, May 1816
“She cannot remain a virgin!”
“You want me to rape your wife?” David Everard rose from his chair, shocked to his core. Sir Arthur Hammond, a man whom he had admired and respected all his life, his godfather and the man he loved as dearly as a father, was asking him to deflower his wife.
“No!” exclaimed Sir Arthur. “No, of course not. She is as dear to me as a daughter.”
“And yet, in six weeks’ time, you propose to give this young lady into my keeping for the express purpose that I violate her person and take her virginity. A young lady, I might add, whom I have never met, a young lady to whom I will be a complete stranger.” His eyes narrowed as he fixed his godfather with the same withering stare which had broken more than one enemy agent under intense interrogation. “She does not know who I am?”
“No, I am sorry to say, she does not,” the older man responded with equanimity, and a note of sadness. Sir Arthur met his gaze without flinching. “I have not spoken of you, David, to anyone, even George, from the day I gave you my word I would not. I keep my promises, young man!”
“Yes, sir, I know. It gave me hope you would be safe.”
“I made that promise to you only because you asked it of me. I was never afraid.”
“But I was,” he admitted. “It was necessary that everyone believed my friends and family had cast me off. I did not want to take the chance anyone might think they could get to me through you or George. I wanted the world to think I was nothing to you, nor you to me. I had to know you were both safe in order to do what I had to, for England.”
“And you have, my boy,” Sir Arthur said. “But the war is over now and Boney is put away for good, in no small part thanks to you, I am sure.”
“Don’t try to make me into a hero, Arthur,” he said. “I am nothing of the sort.”
“Hrrmph! I will never think you anything else, no matter what you say,” came the staunch rejoinder.
Though he did not reply, deep in his soul, David felt again a wave of infinite gratitude for his godfather’s unconditional loyalty to him. Without it, he was not sure he would have been able to endure these past few months as the social exile he had become since that day on Beachy Head.
“You have spent most of this past decade risking life and limb here and on the Continent, to protect England. Have you not the courage to spend one week to protect a kind and gentle young lady and a host of orphans?”
“Protect her by taking her to bed? If she is as you say, I am sure you can find any number of men willing to bed her”
“There is no one else I can turn to, no one else I can trust. You are like a son to me.”
“So, now you are advocating incest?” David asked, his voice thick with sarcasm. “You want a man you consider a son to violate the woman you consider a daughter?” Was it possible for this to get any more repugnant, he wondered to himself.
“God’s teeth, David!” the older man shot back. “You bloody well know that is not what I am asking. Or why.” He took a long, slow, deep breath. “You have a reputation for having a way with women. It is said you give your bedmates pleasure equal to what you take, that you are a kind and considerate lover. That is what I want for Daisy. She is a complete innocent. She should be initiated tenderly, gently, by a man who will appreciate her quality.”
“Then find a man of quality to initiate her, not some spawn of hell unfit to associate with civilized people.” David walked the few paces to the fireplace as his bitter words fell into silence. When Sir Arthur did not speak, he turned. “I have not touched a woman in nearly a year and I have never taken a virgin,” he admitted. “I am the last man of whom you should ask this.”
“You are the only man I can ask, David,” the older man replied. “Despite your words, I know you to be the most decent and honorable man of my acquaintance. And Daisy is a very special girl, a loyal and generous soul whose sweet spirit should not be crushed by a cold-hearted bedding. I know you would never do that to her.”
“She is your wife. You can do the deed yourself,” David reminded him.
“No, my boy,” Sir Arthur said on a sigh. “Even if I were not much too old for her, there was only ever Millie for me. From the day I met her I never wanted another woman. Even though she is more than eleven years gone, there will never be anyone else.”
“Then encourage her to take a lover,” David suggested, trying to keep the desperation from his voice. He dropped back into his chair.
“I have tried for years, but she has never shown interest in any gentleman to whom I have introduced her. Of which there are few, near our estate in Kent,” he admitted. “And I can seldom get her to leave the country in order to broaden her acquaintance in London. She is determined to be a devoted and faithful wife, even though I doubt she has any concept of what unfaithfulness would entail. And now, it is too late. I cannot leave her so exposed, at such risk.”
“Why? What is so different now?”
Sir Arthur seemed to slump in his chair. “I am more than three-and-eighty, my boy. I am not well. I could cock up my toes any time. You know my wretched relations would instantly plot to snatch my property any way they can. They already suspect my marriage to Daisy is chaste, which means they know the poor child is completely ignorant of the ways of the world. She is as innocent, perhaps even more so than, the new crop of debutantes which are paraded on the marriage mart each year—but without the protection of an eagle-eyed mama to shield her. As a wealthy young widow she would have no protection at all. She would be easy prey for any smooth and experienced Lothario which Gladys might set at her. And mark my words, that profligate wife of my lazy nephew will find such a one before I am cold in my grave!”
“But if she has shown no interest in men up to now, what makes you think they will have any success?”
David caught what could only be an expression of guilt on the older man’s face before he spoke again. “I have wronged her David, though I never intended it to be so. She was treated very badly before she came to me. Even so, she was so young and sweet-tempered, so much the daughter I would have liked to have had with Millie. I shielded her from the harsh realities of life in every way I could to preserve that sweetness. Though I have established a number of foundling homes, I only let her visit the one in Kent, near our home, and I made sure only the very youngest children were sent there. The older children, who had had too much experience of life on the streets, were sent to other homes.” He smiled for a moment. “You should see her with the children, David. She is very kind and caring, yet she can be quite firm when they don’t do their sums or won’t eat their vegetables. Even so, they all adore her.”
“It sounds to me like you have given her a very good life. How can you say you have wronged her?”
“I have left her in complete ignorance of physical relations between a man and a woman. She will be vulnerable, defenseless in the face of any man determined to have her. Once a woman has given herself to a man and has experienced all that entails, only then does she truly understand her own body, her own physical reactions to a man who attracts her. Until that time, she is at the mercy of her body’s responses without the knowledge to understand and control them. There are men who prey on such innocents for that very reason. I do not want Daisy to be one of those helpless innocents. There is too much at stake, both for her and for our charities. Gladys will find some handsome, practiced gallant to seduce Daisy into marriage in order to get her hands on my money. Once Gladys is in control, Daisy will have nothing. She will be left destitute, or worse, bound in marriage to a man who does not care for her. Gladys and Cyril will stop funding my charities. My life’s work in memory of my dear Millie will have been for naught.”
“Arthur—” David began.
“Please, David,” Sir Arthur cut in, leaning forward. “I have wronged Daisy. But you can make amends for me. I have never begged anyone for anything in my life. But I am begging you now. Spend a week with Daisy. Teach her the pleasures of the bed-chamber, teach her to understand the sexual responses of her own body and all those tender intimacies which can be shared between a man and a woman. Please, do this for me. For Daisy.”
David leaned back in his chair. He owed Arthur more than he could ever repay. He was the one person who had always stood by him. How could he refuse him now, when the man was begging? He could not. “All right, Arthur. I will do as you wish,” he agreed, with great reluctance. “But you must prepare her beforehand for what will happen. And she must agree. I will not take her against her will or by force.”
Kathryn Kane, Author of Deflowering Daisy-Bio
Kathryn Kane is a historian and former museum curator who has enjoyed Regency romances since she first discovered them in her teens. She credits the novels of Georgette Heyer with influencing her choice of college curriculum, and she now takes advantage of her knowledge of history to write her own stories of romance in the Regency. Though she now has a career in the tech industry, she has never lost her love of the period and continues to enjoy reading Regency novels and researching her favorite period of English history.
Links
Web Site: http://kathrynkane.net/index.html
Kathryn Kane Romance: https://kathrynkaneromance.wordpress.com/
The Regency Redingote: https://regencyredingote.wordpress.com/
Filed under: My Favorite Books, writing Tagged: Deflowering Daisy, Kathryn Kane, Napoleon, regency, violets
July 12, 2015
A poem from Act of Valor
I am a proud patriot. I cried when I heard this read. Please take the time to share this with others. I think all Americans can benefit from these words.
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
~ Chief Tecumseh (Poem from Act of Valor the Movie)
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Filed under: history, writing Tagged: Act of Valor, Barbara Edwards,, poem, Tecumseh
June 28, 2015
Am I a Bigot? by Barbara Edwards
Denali
Am I a bigot? by Barbara Edwards
I always regarded myself as a thoughtful, considerate person. Now I wonder. Society has changed so much. I’m out of step. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. There. I said it. I am out of the closet.
I remember the time when boys and girls not only couldn’t kiss in public, they couldn’t hold hands or hug. Today the news showed pictures of couples that I considered private business.
Am I a bigot? I don’t want to know what you do in your bedroom. I was twenty-six before I learned that anal sex was what homosexuals shared. I wanted my children to be that innocent, but the schools started teaching sex education in third grade. My kids didn’t understand or care. I did object but my objections were considered old-fashioned.
I’m still old-fashioned. A bigot in other words.
Your private life should be private. Social media is a cesspool of too much information. So it’s easier to e-mail the word then one person, big deal.
What do you do when you find out the world, or at least the corner of it you reach, finds most of that stuff boring?
Yeah, I think the picture of the baby is cute. Then I wonder about the child-molester trolling for cute kids. He has your name, address, the baby’s name and what you’re planning to do today.
Am I a bigot?
I’m tired of guarding my tongue and my words.
I have strong political views. Yet if I name a political party I’m argued with.
My religion means more than one hour in church each week, it defines my core beliefs.
I respect the Constitution.
I know in my heart that 90 percent of the people are like me. Don’t be shy. Stand up.
I repeat: stand up and be counted.
Register to vote. Be active.
Filed under: family and friends Tagged: bigot, Marriage, sex education, social media, vote
June 18, 2015
Meet my Guest, Karilyn Bentley with The Detective’s Dragon #Newrelease
Karilyn’s new release of the Detective’s Dragon is exciting for her. Please visit and learn more about her and her wonderful book.
Karilyn’s Bio
Karilyn Bentley’s love of reading stories and preference of sitting in front of a computer at home instead of in a cube, drove her to pen her own works, blending fantasy and romance mixed with a touch of funny.
Her paranormal romance novella, Werewolves in London, placed in the Got Wolf contest and started her writing career as an author of sexy heroes and lush fantasy worlds.
Karilyn lives in North Texas with her own hunky hero, a psycho dog nicknamed Hell Hound, a crazy puppy, and a handful of colorful saltwater fish.
Blurb:
As a Halfling with little magic, Jamie is barely considered a Draconi, his sole talent finding jewels and lost people. But when he dreams of a human female in trouble, he has no choice but to save her, even if it means crossing dimensions into a different realm. Unfairly accused and placed on administrative leave, Detective Ruby Parker is determined to regain her position on the Denver police force. When an attempt to kidnap her fails, she must learn to trust the stranger who appears from nowhere to help her. Unlike in Draconia, Jamie’s powers work in Parker’s world, his longing to wield magic finally fulfilled. But is working magic worth leaving his family and friends? When Parker realizes she loves Jamie, she must make a choice, follow her heart to a different world, or remain alone and attempt to regain her beloved job. What happens when the one you love lives in another dimension?
Excerpt:
The squeak of hinges snapped Parker’s attention to the door. Hottie stood in the doorway, one hand on the frame, the other on the handle, a look of determination plastered on his face. A look she was familiar with. A look she saw reflected in her mirror on a daily basis. A look mirrored on her coworkers’ faces when working a case.
A look she never thought to see directed her way.
Which was a bit unnerving, but not nearly as unnerving as the realization he’d followed her. He stood in the doorway like he owned the place. Or owned her.
Her limbs shuddered like a car without shocks. He. Followed. Her. Was he stalking her? Was he with the ones who tried to kidnap her? What was he doing here? More to the point, how did she get rid of him? Her muscles might be coming out of a deep freeze, but that didn’t mean she could hop off the bed and toss him out the door.
Where was the damn call button?
Parker patted the mattress. Hottie took a step closer. Then another. No button. Her heart shook an uneven rhythm, the beat a warning drum in her veins. Her hand moved faster against the mattress, searching, seeking, not finding.
Damn it.
“Be of ease. I mean no harm.”
She stilled, her hand paused mid-pat as if his words flipped her off switch. Deep and soothing, his voice stroked across frazzled nerves, slowing her racing heart. If he could bottle that sound, women would fall at his feet.
Buy Links: Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00XCXYLP2
Where to find Karilyn
Website: http://www.karilynbentley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarilynBentleyAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karilynbentley1
Blog: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4051943.Karilyn_Bentley
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karilynbentley
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ba_0Rf
Filed under: My Favorite Books, writing Tagged: Karilyn Bentley, paranormal, The Detective's Dragon
June 10, 2015
#freeread Jami Gray’s Shadow Edge #uf #pnr from Barbara Edwards
Nab Jami Gray’s SHADOW’S EDGE Free for a Limited Time! #freeread #uf #pnr
“This fantastic paranormal action novel is quite possibly the best book I’ve read this year. I could not put it down, and had to exercise serious self-control to keep from staying up all night to finish it.” – The Romance Reviews, 5/5 stars
“This book has everything in it, you have your Fey, Demons, Witches/Wizards, and Shifters. What more could you ask for?! Plus you have a great story to follow. The story and characters flowed so well together, it was like watching a movie in my head! Book 2 here I come!!” – Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock, 5/5 Fangs
buy link: 
http://amzn.com/B0061CAXJ4
SHADOW’S EDGE: BOOK 1 OF THE KYN KRONICLES
Everyone fears what hunts in the shadows—especially the monsters…
When the supernatural lurks in the shadows of the mundane, hunting monsters requires unique skills, like those of Raine McCord. A series of deaths threatens to reveal the Kyn community and forces her to partner with the sexy Gavin Durand.
As the trail leads to the foundation haunting Raine’s childhood, she and Gavin must unravel lies and betrayals to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.
Now available Free in eBook format at: AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / BLACK OPAL BOOKS / ARe / SMASHWORDS / iBOOKS / KOBO / SCRIBD
READ AN EXCERPT
Ryder stepped in front of her, stopping her short. “Damn, Natasha is never wrong,” he teased, running an appraising look over her.
(Raine) didn’t have the patience to deal with cocky little demon frat boys and cursed herself for asking, “About what?”
He gave a low, evil laugh. “You, of course.” He stepped closer, deliberately invading her personal space. She froze, while her muscles vibrated slightly as if ready to strike. Unaware of how close danger stood, Ryder continued, “You like to live dangerously.”
She gave him a sardonic look. “I hate to be bored.”
“She didn’t mention you’re another prime example of why you don’t have to be male to have stone cold balls.” He pushed, testing her, like some naughty child. But she wasn’t anyone’s mother.
Raising her gaze, she met his smirk. From the up close and personal view she currently held, she saw the signs of latent handsomeness. His ability to grow into that promise was currently up for debate. Only a breath separated them and in her right hand, she held her wrist blade a hair’s breath away from his groin area. Her voice dropped a notch, “If you don’t want to lose yours, you’ll step back, little boy.”
His eyes flamed red for a second as he looked down to see her blade perilously close to his own set. He stepped back, but not before flashing a taunting grin and raising his hands to indicate his was unarmed. The tension between them broke when Xander called her over to see what she discovered.
Heading to the tracker, Raine shook her head. She hated dealing with demons. They were such a pain in the ass, always pushing the limits until someone bled. Frat boy from Hell better have some serious skills or when this was over, she and the demon queen were going to go a few rounds.
Now available Free in eBook format at: AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / BLACK OPAL BOOKS / ARe / SMASHWORDS / iBOOKS / KOBO / SCRIBD
If you want to play in the shadows, continue the adventure with Jami Gray’s Kyn Kronicles:
Jami Gray is the award winning, multi-published author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Kyn Kronicles, and the Paranormal Romantic Suspense series, PSY-IV Teams. She can be soothed with coffee and chocolate. Surrounded by Star Wars obsessed males and two female labs moonlighting as the Fur Minxes, she escapes by playing with the voices in her head.
THE KYN KRONICLES (Urban Fantasy series w/Black Opal Books)
WRAPPED IN SHADOWS, Kyn Kronicles .5
(Things That Go Bump For The Holidays Anthology)
The magic of the holidays can be hell…
Celebrations abound during the holidays, but this Christmas an engagement celebration goes horrifically wrong. What appears to be a simple murder/suicide hides a vicious surprise. The type of gift Raine and Gavin, elite member of the Kyn, didn’t want humans to unwrap, because revealing the monsters in the shadows isn’t the way to spread holiday cheer.
SHADOW’S EDGE, Kyn Kronicles #1
Everyone fears what hunts in the shadows—especially the monsters…
When the supernatural lurks in the shadows of the mundane, hunting monsters requires unique skills, like those of Raine McCord. A series of deaths threatens to reveal the Kyn community and forces her to partner with the sexy Gavin Durand.
As the trail leads to the foundation haunting Raine’s childhood, she and Gavin must unravel lies and betrayals to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.
SHADOW’S SOUL, Kyn Kronicles #2
Some nightmares are born of love…
A simple assignment turns into a nightmare when Raine McCord follows Cheveyo to the Southwest on a consulting gig. When the most feared beings of the Kyn kidnaps Cheveyo and leaves Raine for dead, her ability to heal her mind and spirit hinges on the one man who can touch her soul, Gavin Durand.
Unraveling the Southwest Kyn’s web of secrets and hidden vendettas will either bring them together or tear them apart forever.
SHADOW’S MOON, Kyn Kronicles #3
Even wild hearts can be broken…
Tracker, Xander Cade, confronts an enraged Shifter in a crowded human nightclub, fraying the thin secrecy shielding the supernatural community from public scrutiny. Danger stalks the pack and she must protect her alpha and mate, Warrick Vidis, even if he doesn’t want it.
If they don’t find a way to trust each other and accept their rare bond they risk losing everything-their pack, their friends and each other.
SHADOW’S CURSE, Kyn Kronicles #4
Death and chaos can devastate even the best-laid plans…
After tragedy strikes the Northwest Kyn, leaving the houses in chaos and the Wraiths hungry for blood, the fallout threatens Natasha Bertoi’s carefully laid plans. When the Council sends Darius Abazi, the one man guaranteed to skew the odds, she faces her toughest opponent yet.
As death stalks the Northwest Kyn, can Natasha trust Darius, a man well versed in subterfuge, to uncover the truth before treachery destroys them all?
Coming Fall 2015:
A collection of Kyn shorts, including WRAPPED IN SHADOWS
PSY-IV Teams (Paranormal Romantic Suspense series w/MuseIt Up Publishing)
HUNTED BY THE PAST, PSY-IV Teams #1
Sometimes death is the only way to out run the past…
Changing the past is impossible, a fact ex-marine, Cynthia Arden, understands all too well. Struggling with the aftermath of a botched mission, a panicked phone call brings her home to face a killer’s game. Unfortunately, the distracting Kayden Shaw returns as well, the one man she thought would stand by her, until he chose his job over her.
To survive, will Cyn risk her heart or lose the man she loves and her life?
Coming Spring 2016:
TOUCHED BY FATE, PSY-IV Teams #2
Trusting him with her secrets is dangerous. Trusting him with her heart could be fatal.
As a specialized consultant for the Department of Defense, Risia Lacoste understands the bargaining chip of a well-kept secret. When her current assignment threatens to unearth her deeply buried skeletons, she’s forced into a high-stakes game of lies and loyalty where even her ability to foresee the future can’t predict the winner.
Darkness lies under the skin of every man, and PSY-IV Team operative and touch empath, Tag Gunderson, has the demons to prove it. Scarred by betrayal and disillusionment, he’s not Risia’s top pick for a partner in the game, but he’s all she’s got.
As the game draws them deeper into a pit of intrigue and their list of enemies grow, will Risia trust Tag with more than her secrets or will his demons destroy them both?
BIO:
Jami Gray is the award winning, multi-published author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Kyn Kronicles, and the Paranormal Romantic Suspense series, PSY-IV Teams. She can be soothed with coffee and chocolate. Surrounded by Star Wars obsessed males and two female labs moonlighting as the Fur Minxes, she escapes by playing with the voices in her head.
Come stalk Jami at any of these fine locations:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Google+ / Amazon
You can find me at:
Black Opal Books: www.BlackOpalBooks.com
Muse It Up Publishing: http://museituppublishing.com
Website: www.JamiGray.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamigray.author
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/JamiGrayUFWriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamiGrayAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JamiGray
Google+: https://google.com/+JamiGray
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.com/e/B006HU3HJI
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/LvoZn
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jamigrayauthor/
BUY LINKS:
You can find all the buy links for both The Kyn Kronicles and PSY-IV Teams, in all formats at:
http://jamigray.com/kynkronicles/
http://jamigray.com/psyivteams/
Or you can use the following:
THE KYN KRONICLES:
THINGS THAT GO BUMP FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Wrapped in Shadows .5 Kyn Kronicles)
Amazon: http://amzn.com/1626940908
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/387518
Black Opal Books: http://www.blackopalbooks.com/anthology/things-that-go-bump
Shadow’s Edge: Bk 1 of Kyn Kronicles
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0061CAXJ4
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadow039sedgethekynkroniclesbook1-625433-139.html
Black Opal Books: http://www.blackopalbooks.com/shop-our-store/authors/jami-gray
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/101023
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadows-edge-kyn-kronicles/id482595056?mt=11
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/shadow-s-edge-the-kyn-kronicles-book-1
Scribd.: https://www.scribd.com/book/235371403/Shadow-s-Edge-The-Kyn-Kronicles-Book-1
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jami_Gray_Shadow_s_Edge?id=ubxyAgAAQBAJ
Shadow’s Soul:Bk 2 of the Kyn Kronicles
Black Opal Books: http://www.blackopalbooks.com/shop-our-store/authors/jami-gray
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B008DIZ9OI
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadow039ssoulthekynkroniclesbook2-848561-139.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/174291
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadows-soul-kyn-kronicles/id541827836?mt=11
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/shadow-s-soul-the-kyn-kronicles-book-2-1
Scribd.: https://www.scribd.com/book/235371430/Shadow-s-Soul-the-Kyn-Kronicles-Book-2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jami_Gray_Shadow_s_Soul?id=nb9yAgAAQBAJ
Shadow’s Moon: Bk 3 of the Kyn Kronicles
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00K8AZZES
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-moon-the-kyn-kronicles-book-3-jami-gray/1119462166?ean=2940149437719
Black Opal Books: http://www.blackopalbooks.com/shop-our-store/authors/jami-gray
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/435674
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadow039smoonthekynkroniclesbook3-1507186-140.html
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadows-moon-kyn-kronicles/id875444016?mt=11
Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/shadow-s-moon
Scribd.: https://www.scribd.com/book/233279819/Shadow-s-Moon-The-Kyn-Kronicles-Book-3
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jami_Gray_Shadow_s_Moon?id=npODAwAAQBAJ
Shadow’s Curse: Bk 4 of the Kyn Kronicles
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00RLE3PZU
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-curse-jami-gray/1121072005?ean=9781626942202
Black Opal Books: http://www.blackopalbooks.com/shop-our-store/authors/jami-gray
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadows-curse-kyn-kronicles/id954894551?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/505822
KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/shadow-s-curse-the-kyn-kronicles-book-4
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadow039sedgethekynkroniclesbook1-625433-140.html
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/253090806/Shadow-s-Curse-The-Kyn-Kronicles-Book-4
THE PSY-IV TEAMS:
Hunted by the Past: Bk 1 of PSY-IV Teams
MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/our-authors/57-our-authors/authors-g/445-jami-gray
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00M289FTA
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/449240
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1119776913?ean=9781771275538&itm=1&usri=9781771275538
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id890554328
ARe: https://www.omnilit.com/product-huntedbythepast-1553419-143.html
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jami_Gray_Hunted_by_the_Past?id=u1nOBAAAQBAJ
Filed under: My Favorite Books, writing Tagged: Black Opal Books, fantasy, Jami Gray, Kyn Kronicles, Shadow's Edge. #freeread
May 19, 2015
#Sale until Friday Ancient Awakening by Barbara Edwards
To my surprise, the Wild Rose Press has Ancient Awakening on sale. Don’t miss out on this wonderful paranormal romance at a fantastic price.
Ancient Awakening
by Barbara Edwards is on sale $.99 until Friday
Link: http://amzn.com/B002TG4NFG
Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen is the only one who believes a suspicious death is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her. Her neighbor Stephan Zoriak is a prime suspect. While working for a major pharmaceutical company, he is exposed to a dangerous organism that changed him. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help Mel find the truth when the deaths continue. In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find more death and continued distrust that make them wonder if love can defy death.
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Filed under: writing
May 17, 2015
Controlled Burning by Barbara Edwards
There are so many things to see when you travel. We left our campsite early one morning and noticed smoke hovering over St. George Island.
Forest fires are common in Florida. Wild fires ravaged the swamps and land for centuries before the area was settled. The thick dry brush is ignited by lightning. The fires kept the brush low and allowed animals to find food and shelter. 
The federal government decided they knew better than nature and insisted all forest fires be fought until extinguished. This national policy resulted in millions of acres being prime for huge fires. Firefighters lost their lives when the brush exploded in violent bursts. Finally the policy changed to clearing brush by cutting, and in many areas, by controlled burns.
Park Manager
The park rangers were in the process of controlled burning of the overgrowth. This is important for the safety of the residents. St. George Island is on the North American bird migration route and the birds managed before people when the barrier island was swept by natural burning every four or five years.
Ranger Melody
The rangers burn in controlled sections when the wind and humidity are right. Over the course of several years all the wild sections are burned to spurt regrowth.
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Filed under: Camping, family and friends Tagged: controlled burn, park rangers, St George Island
May 5, 2015
I don’t want to go home by Barbara Edwards
I admit to loving the weather on St George’s Island in Florida over the winter. Its not like further south. It can get down to 30 degrees, rains a lot and has a high pollen count in the early spring. But, a very big but, it doesn’t snow. And that’s the point of going south for the winter.
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Beach at St George State Park
Bill and a sand castle
Blue Herons
sunset
Blue Heron
Incoming storm
Shrimp boat
Filed under: Camping Tagged: camping, St George Isl, winter
April 27, 2015
#Review – Shift Happens, Carus Series, J.C. McKenzie from Barbara edards
Review Shift Happens, Carus Series, J.C. McKenzie
Shift Happens begins with a murder. Not a normal murder, but an assassination by Andrea, a shape-shifter working for a government agency. Only he���s not dead, she���s not your usual shifter and the government is hunting her, not giving her assignments. From there it gets better.
Andrea, or Andy as she insists she be called, is a different kind of shifter who lives in a time when paranormal forms are out in the open. J.C. McKenzie has made changes to the usual shape-sifter, werewolf, vampire, witch and even demons from the accepted stereotypes. Enough to increase the tension, but not enough to jar me from the increasingly twisted plot.
Andy is battling hurtful memories that keep her from trusting the werewolf Wick who lures her to be his mate. I liked the uncertainty in their building attraction. In fact I liked all the characters from the well-portrayed hero to the multiple villains.
With help from Wick, she works to unravel why she is targeted to take the fall for the attempted murder, what is Carus and her longing to mate. She must also protect her shifter secrets as she battles with changing enemies.
The story ended too soon for me. I want more and am looking forward to the next in the series.
I gave this five stars on Amazon, Goodreads and Paranormal Love Features with five dragons
Buy links:
Amazon:��http://www.amzn.com/B00J9OB1I8
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shifthappens-1570897-143.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shift-happens-j-c-mckenzie/1119955961?ean=2940149823383
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/shift-happens
Chapters – Indigo: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/shift-happens/9781628302592-item.html?ikwid=shift+happens&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_C_McKenzie_Shift_Happens?id=qgEKBAAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/shift-happens/id896810057?mt=11
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/shift-happens-3
Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1154
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Filed under: My Favorite Books, reviews, writing Tagged: Barbara Edwards,, Carus Series, J.C. McKenzie, paranormal, review, Shift Happens, shifter, The Wild Rose Press
April 25, 2015
I Called a Cop by Barbara Edwards
I called a cop by Barbara Edwards
When I heard shots fired in the park behind my house, I called a cop.
When some idiot hit my car and took off, I called a cop.
When I heard a woman scream down the street, I called a cop.
When I got mugged, I called a cop.
And every time, they came.
Thank God.
A hundred years ago a man would hide his wife and children in the cellar if a bad person came to the door. He���d be lucky if he had a rifle for protection and time to use it. before cops, we were at the mercy of the strongest or meanest.
Police have been a sign of civilization. London was a crowded city before they hired men to patrol the streets and provide safety. This is true all over the world. A cop is a sign your neighbors care that the laws are obeyed.
The police are the only ones keeping the local neighborhoods and streets safe. That���s why countries without local police forces, but state, are run by fear.
A cop arrests the drug-pusher in the school grounds. A cop will escort a freezing homeless person to a nearby shelter. A cop is usually the first on scene when a fire alarm is pulled. A cop cleared the way to the hospital when my husband had a heart attack.
You���ll recognize a cop. He���s the one running towards danger.
When I look out the window and a cruiser drives slowly past, I thank God. They���re watching out for me.
When I drive past a bad accident and the police are there, I thank God. It wasn���t me because a cop was enforcing the traffic laws and I slowed down.
When I hear the news and the cops are working to solve a murder, I thank God. My family and friends are safe.
And if they���re not, I can call a cop.
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Filed under: family and friends Tagged: Barbara Edwards,, cop, law
