M.A. Church's Blog, page 101

Paws and Claws release and Happy October!

Hey everyone! Today's October 1st and the weather has finally cooled off. Thank God. Fall is one of my most favorite times of the year. October's going to be a busy month with the dental stuff I have going on, today's release, and most importantly… GRL.

I'm going to have one more giveaway that I will wrap up before I leave for GRL, so keep a lookout for that.



ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-pawsandclaws-2095283-145.htmlAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX5PJNAitunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/paws-and-claws/id1153635236?mt=11Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/paws-and-claws


Blurb:
When neither choice is acceptable, then what?

To save his jamboree from obliteration, Omega Cade Decker is forced into a match with the powerful but merciless Grady Williams. While he may be attracted to the big, bad Alpha, and Grady will protect him from a corrupt Alpha jaguar, Cade won’t settle for anything less than the love of his life.

As Alpha of one of the most powerful jaguar jamborees around, Grady’s reputation for bloodthirst is more of a help than a hindrance. When Alpha Decker approaches him with a proposal, Grady jumps at the chance to mate with Decker’s Omega brother. Grady doesn’t believe in love but craves having a beautiful, talented partner, so this arrangement is perfect.

When Cade is kidnapped, Grady realizes his love equals his fear that he’ll never get his mate back…




Excerpt:
The door slammed open, the sound as loud as a gunshot. Cade stormed into his brother’s home office. “I won’t! You hear me, Wayne? I refuse!”

Bonnie yelped. She spun on the desk toward the door, claws unsheathed.

Wayne stood so fast his chair crashed into the wall behind him. “Dammit, Cade, the door was closed for a reason.”

“Really? And what reason was that?” Cade shot his sister-in-law a glance as he prowled into the office. He planted his hands on Wayne’s desk and glared at his brother. “Oh, oh, that’s right. It’s closed because you and Bonnie are in here talking about mating me off.”

Wayne swore again. “Dammit.”

“Don’t you think—oh, I don’t know—that maybe I should be included in that conversation? Me. The person who this conversation is about,” Cade demanded.

Wayne stormed out from behind the desk and hurried across his office. He eased the door shut and turned back to Cade. “It isn’t just about you.”

“I’m the one being traded for protection, so yeah, I’d have to say it’s all about me.”

“Would you lower your voice?” Wayne snapped.

“Why? Don’t want anyone else to know you’re offering up my ass? That you’re selling me? That I’m given no choice in what’s to become of me?” Cade waved his hands in the air. “This is my life. Mine. You have no right—”

“It’s not just about you.” Wayne stalked across the office until he was nose-to-nose with Cade. “Every time the White Peak jamboree attacks, we end up with damage to our homes and our lands. Hogan isn’t going to just go away, at least not until he either absorbs us or I form ties with another jamboree strong enough to protect us.”

“I understand that, but—”

“I don’t think you do. Most of my warriors are not at their best. They haven’t had time to heal fully from their wounds before another attack is launched. We simply do not have the manpower to keep fending off attacks from Hogan.”

“Then maybe we need more—”

“What? More members? Who wants to join a jamboree that’s constantly under attack?” Wayne collapsed at his desk, his shoulders slumped. “There are women and children here. They’re defenseless. In the last attack, a kit was hurt. A kit, Cade. This can’t continue.”

“But—”

“No! No ‘buts.’” Wayne straightened. “Do you remember when you turned twenty-five and passed the last test proving you were an Omega? I had to register you and—”

Cade scowled at Wayne. “Of course I remember you registering me. I was there, remember?”

“Then you know that, by our laws, I had to register you with the Shifter Council. That information became public, and Hogan started sniffing around shortly thereafter.”

“You act like I don’t know this. Considering it was me he was sniffing around, again, I’m aware.”

“I’m aware you’re being a smartass, and I’m fixing to swat you. Fuck, Cade, things are only getting worse. I have to stop this before I end up being challenged.”

“No one would dare to—”

“The hell they won’t. If I lose my position as Alpha of the Red Rock jamboree, I’ll be cast out, along with you and Bonnie. Then I certainly won’t be able to protect you. If that happens, Hogan gets what he wants. My jamboree, our financial resources…and you.”

“And your brother could end up dead at the end of a challenge,” Bonnie added softly as she scooted off the desk. “Don’t ask me to try and live without my mate.”

“I wish we were big enough I could protect you against Hogan,” Wayne said. “But we aren’t. And I can’t. The best I can do is find someone who can protect you and give you the respect due to your position as an Omega.”

“Can’t you see?” Bonnie beseeched. “Wayne’s trying to keep the jamboree safe—which is his responsibility as an Alpha—and take care of you, too.”

“I-I never wanted this.” The hopelessness of the situation closed in on Cade. “Any of this. I don’t want anybody hurt because of me. I don’t want to be a problem.” He backed away from Wayne. “I don’t understand why Hogan…I just want to live my life in peace.”

“I’m sorry. I truly wish there was another way.”

“So that’s it.” Defeated, Cade slumped. “You’re just going to give me to this other Alpha. Can you at least tell me his name?”

“Grady Williams. He’s the Alpha of the Moon Valley jamboree.”

“Moon Valley? Why does that sound familiar? I’ve heard that name before, but I don’t know where.” Cade frowned, gazing into the distance, mumbling as he tried to place that name. “Moon Valley. Moon Valley. Why do I know that name?”

“Cade—”

Then it hit him just exactly where he’d heard that name, and the blood drained from his head. He swayed on his feet. “You have got to be kidding me! Please tell me you didn’t. Please tell me he isn’t the one who challenged Alpha Saul Hendrix for his territory. Rumor says it was a slaughter, and that the Moon Valley Alpha killed every beta after he won.”

“You’re old enough to know better than to listen to rumors.” Wayne crossed his arms over his chest. “The details weren’t released, but I’m pretty sure he didn’t just go in there and randomly start killing members.”

“Pretty sure?” Cade gaped, horrified. “That’s the best you got to reassure me? Wow, that’s such comfort. I mean, you’re pretty sure. Whatever am I going on about, then? I mean—”

“Alpha Williams was brought before the Shifter Council.” Wayne uncrossed his arms and gave Cade his best Alpha glare.

Damn, he hated when Wayne did that. Cade tilted his head, showing his neck to his Alpha. But it did stop him mid-tirade. “He was?”

Wayne stuck his hands in his pockets. “Yes. He wasn’t charged with any wrongdoing.”

“Oh.” He hadn’t heard that. It did help calm him a little. Surely the Shifter Council wouldn’t have left Grady Williams in charge of a jamboree if he was a psychotic killer.

He hoped.

It Takes Two to Tango YouTube video!

Lovely little gift from Divine Promotions. They did the great tour for It Takes Two to Tango.

Cover Reveal for 'On Fire' by Alicia Nordwell and a giveaway!

I want to share a big thank you to my host for featuring the cover reveal today for my latest Dreamspinner Press release, On Fire, made by Garrett Leigh. Without further ado...



A fun tidbit: I actually took the picture of the mountain (it was not on fire at the time, lol)
A picture is definitely worth a thousand words when it comes to a cover, and these guys are hot, but I bet you'd like to know more about their story, so here goes!

Blurb:
Nothing beats getting out of the concrete jungle and into the quiet of the forest. Website designer Scottie Ness is taking a well-deserved vacation from the grindstone, and he plans to spend it in the solitude of Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest around Mt. Adams. He’s prepared for everything—except the lightning storm that traps him in a wildfire.

The firefighter who rescues him sustains serious injuries and ends up in the hospital. Jax Quintero might be abrasive, but the guy saved his life, and Scottie wants to thank him. As they spend time together during Jax’s recovery and exploring the state’s landmarks when he’s released from the hospital, Scottie discovers there’s more to Jax than a smart-ass adrenaline junkie. Jax reassesses his opinion of Scottie as an arrogant city boy who has no business in the mountains. Though Jax’s wounds prevent them from taking things as far as they’d like for a while, they can’t deny the heat building between them—and this is one fire they don’t want to put out.



Where can you pick up your copy? On Fire is available for pre-order at Dreamspinner Press now!https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/on-fire-by-alicia-nordwell-7675-b


Contest!!Because I love my fellow readaholics, I'm giving away a $5 gift card to Dreamspinner Press to celebrate finally being able to share On Fire's awesome cover and my photo inspiration for Jax and Scottie.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author:The number one question folks ask Alicia when she shares she's a MM romance author: "Why gay fiction? Why write men when you're a woman?" and her answer is: "Why the hell not!" Alicia Nordwell is one of those not so rare creatures, a reader turned writer. Striving to find an interesting story one day, she decided to write what she wanted instead. Then the voices started... Yep, not only does she talk about herself in the third person for bios, she has voices in her head constantly clamoring to get out.
Fortunately, with the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided for her own sanity to keep writing. Now you can find her stories both free and e-published. When she’s not on the computer typing away, she's a wife and a mom of two in the dreary, yet ideal for her redhead complexion, Pacific Northwest. Except for when she disappears into one of the many worlds in her head, of course!
She can also be found quite often at her blog, where she has a lot of free fiction for readers to enjoy or working hard, or maybe hardly working, as an admin on GayAuthors.org under her online nickname, Cia.

Blog: http://ciasstories.blogspot.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicia.nordwellTwitter: https://twitter.com/AliciaNordwellGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4479520.Alicia_Nordwell

Release Day for It Takes Two to Tango!

Buy Link:DsP: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/it-takes-two-to-tango-by-ma-church-7563-bPrint: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/it-takes-two-to-tango-by-ma-church-7564-bARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ittakestwototango-2096015-340.html



Fur, Fangs, and Felines: Book Three Can two very different men find the love they need to survive? 
Remi Ginn’s an easygoing werecat with a love of snarky T-shirts. He would be perfectly happy with a human mate. Is that what the goddess Bast gives him? Of course not. Instead she gifts him with Marshell, a Vetala, a snakelike nonshifter who drinks blood to survive. A man who’s just as toppy as Remi—and even more powerful than the West Falls Clowder’s Alpha and heir apparent.
While Remi is deciding whether he can handle the fates’ choice, hunters attack Marshell. Afterward, in an explosion of passion, Remi and Marshell mate and Remi declares Marshell his. Now they have to figure out how to make their relationship work as they dance around each other. 
The clowder is in turmoil, and Remi’s acceptance of Marshell rocks the very foundation of the insular group. The consequences will be far-reaching. And if that isn’t problem enough, the situation with the hunters is far from resolved… as proved by the appearance of an Alpha werewolf.

Cover Artist: Paul RichmondSeries Fur, Fangs, and Felines | Book Three
Genres Erotic Romance / Vampires / Werewolves/Shapeshifters





Excerpt:Chapter One—Remi
FUCK MY life.I’d have to check, but I was pretty sure I had a shirt that said that somewhere in my closet. If I didn’t, it was next on the list of things to get. Because it fit—my life was fucked.Sighing, I turned the radio up in an effort to drown out my thoughts. I rattled down the road in my old beat-up work truck—which was another thing I needed to take care of. I’d owned a sweet ’69 Ford Mustang. Had being the key word. It went up in flames not long ago… with the mate of Dolf, our heir apparent and head beta, inside.Kirk made it out alive. My baby wasn’t so lucky, and I hadn’t replaced her yet. Yes, I was mourning a car. Iloved her. Ugh. So much for drowning out my thoughts. I turned on my blinker and made the turn onto Alpha Armonty’s street for an emergency meeting he’d called.Bad enough this was Monday, but it was what humans called Cyber Monday, goddess help us. I turned the heat up a little more. December had arrived with what the South considered abnormally cold temperatures. Frankly I liked the cold—liked the snow, as long as we weren’t buried under a mountain of the stuff.As I pulled up in front of his house, I saw Dolf’s truck was already there. Dolf, our head beta, was the Alpha’s son and heir apparent. The other three betas—Heller, Aidric, and Brier—had arrived too. That left me. I was also a beta for the West Falls Clowder.I parked behind Heller and sat in my truck, staring sightlessly at the house. One of the reasons we were meeting was because I met my mate, Marshell Foles, a few days ago. Good news, right? Cue the canned audience applause.Now the bad news. My mate was possibly stronger than my Alpha and the heir apparent together. Okay, now cue the canned boos and hisses. Maybe I should’ve said life was fucked with a capital F.I flashed back to the night I found out he was mine and the heavy petting session we had on his couch. Now my cock was hard. Wonderful. Just what I needed—an erection right before I met with my Alpha.I pushed at the bulge, frowning. “Down, boy. I’m afraid you’re barking up the wrong tree.”In order for a shifter to mate, we had to share come and blood during sex—which involved bottoming. For my mate I could bottom. The thing was, I didn’t see myself doing it on a regular basis. I was a top—which was not that big of a deal, except so was Marshell.Somehow I didn’t see Marshell bottoming any more than I wanted to. The man screamed Alpha male. That was another can of worms, and not the only one by any means. And sitting here analyzing this was useless. I got out and walked toward the front door before one of them noticed me sitting out here in my truck like a dummy.Just as I got to the door, Dolf opened it, read my shirt, and promptly burst out laughing. “You have got to tell me where you get those.”Smirking, I shook my head. “It’s a well-guarded secret.”Today I wore a black shirt with white writing: Be careful when you follow the masses…. Sometimes the M is silent. “Masses” was in light blue, as was the letter M, to draw attention to the play on words. I’d been known to follow an ass or two in my day. Those days were over now.Dolf nodded at my truck. “I was wondering if I was going to have to come out there.”“I had a feeling you’d be tapping on the driver’s window if I didn’t get out soon,” I said as Dolf moved out of the way so I could enter the Alpha’s home.“I was counting down. Dad and the rest are already in his office.”“That’s where the food is, right? I just got off work, so I haven’t eaten.”Dolf clapped me on the shoulder as he shut the front door. “Of course. Come on back before they eat it all—damn bunch of vultures.”I followed Dolf. The smells coming from Alpha Armonty’s office made my mouth water. “Something smells good.”“Mom got hot wings. There are fries, coleslaw, and potato salad to go with it. And rolls too.”“Your mom rocks.”We entered the office. Everyone was standing around helping themselves. Good. That meant there was still food, and I made a beeline for it.“Hey! Look what the cat finally dragged in.” Aidric shoulder-bumped me.“Oh, such sharp wit. It cuts like a dull knife.” I rolled my eyes. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you bumping me away from the table, you hog.”“Hot wings, man.” Aidric winked at me. “Food of the gods and hungry werecat shifters.”“You’re always hungry,” I griped, shoving Aidric out of my way. “Stop blocking the table, dude.”“Hey, Remi,” Brier greeted me.“Hey, how’s it going?”“Good, good. Just got through helping my sister, Breanna, move into her new apartment here in town. I swear, how does one person accumulate that much stuff?” Brier complained.“Oh that’s right. I forgot she was back,” I said. “Where was she living before?”“Philadelphia. She moved up there for her job, but she couldn’t stand the cold weather and endless snow. All she did was gripe, gripe, gripe. I finally got tired of hearing it and told her if she was that unhappy, then she should move back home. I was kidding, but I don’t think she got that. Next thing I know I’m getting a phone call and a due date for her to move.” Brier scowled at a chip on his plate. “Should’ve kept my mouth shut.”“What did you tell me she did?” I asked.“She’s an accountant. Now that she’s settled into her new place, she’s started job hunting. She’s got some savings, but that won’t last forever.”“Is she still unmated?” I asked.“Yep. She had a boyfriend, but they weren’t mates. And speaking of mates, I heard you found yours. Man, sorry I couldn’t attend the dinner. Congrats.” Brier sat down at the round table we always used for meetings.“Yeah, you should’ve seen his face.” Aidric chuckled.“Thanks,” I said, unsure if I should say more. Did Brier know the situation? Aidric did. He was there that night.“Welcome, Remi.” Alpha Armonty pointed at the side table where the drinks were set. “There’s several different sodas to pick from, and tea. Get yourself a plate and grab a seat.”“Yes, Alpha.” I filled a plate and got a drink. After we were settled, Alpha Armonty cleared his throat. All talking ceased.“We’re meeting for several reasons. First let me congratulate Remi. As I understand it, Remi met his mate during Heller’s Thanksgiving dinner, which I wish now the wife and I had attended.”“Yeah, you never know what kind of trouble Heller’s going to stir up,” Aidric joked.“Again, let me remind everyone Lawson’s to blame for the whole Thanksgiving deal. That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it.” Heller nodded as though that was the end of the subject.“You chickenshit.” Aidric poked Heller in the ribs. “Look at you trying to throw it off on your mate, and the guy isn’t even here to defend himself.”“I’ll tell him,” I volunteered, flashing Heller an evil grin. “Knowing Lawson, he’ll hide Heller’s hair-styling stuff as revenge. Hmm, I might even have to suggest that. Just in case, you know.”“He’d need a storage unit for all of it,” Brier added and then took a drink of his soda.“And a forklift to get it to the storage unit.” Dolf snickered, licking the sauce from the hot wings off his fingers.“Just a damn minute here.” Heller threw his napkin at me. “How’d this discussion get onto me anyhow? And Remi? You might want to remember Lawson’s like a brother to your mate. Maybe I’ll tell Lawson to tell Marshell how you picked on me… and I’ll have you in the doghouse, man.”“Doghouse? Really?” Dolf hooted.“Sounds better than cathouse.” Heller shrugged and then bit into a wing.“All of you need to behave, or I’ll sic Kirk on you guys,” Dolf threatened, and then smirked at the table as a whole.“Oh goddess, anything but that.” Heller shuddered. Even Brier and Aidric shut up.“Impressive threat, Dolf.” I looked around. Dolf had managed to get the last word. “Maybe I need a shirt that says that.”“Gentlemen, can we get back to the matter at hand?” Alpha Armonty pinched the bridge of his nose.“What was the matter at hand?” Brier asked, confusion clear on his face.“I swear you have the attention span of a gnat,” I said to Brier as I took a bite of coleslaw. “Mmm, this is good.”“Met a lot of gnats, have you?” Brier fired back at me.I glared at Brier. “Why, as a matter of fact—”“I’m retiring!” Alpha Armonty yelled, silencing the table.What? Stunned, I looked at Dolf, who sat at the table, composed as ever. In fact, he looked like the cat who just ate the canary. Man, he looked pleased. I glanced around the table. At least I wasn’t the only one sitting there with his mouth hanging open.Alpha Armonty pointed his finger at Dolf. “By all that’s holy, I wish you the best of luck with these guys, son.”Shock rendered us speechless, and then the room exploded with questions. Our Alpha held up his hand, and then we all fell silent again.“Dolf’s mother and I wish to do some traveling, and we want to do it while we’re still young enough to enjoy it,” Alpha Armonty said. “I plan to announce this to the clowder tomorrow night. Friday I’ll hand everything over to Dolf. That night, you betas will pledge your loyalty to Dolf. By Saturday, June and I are heading to Hawaii for several weeks. We’ve already checked with the Alpha whose territory we plan to stay in.”“Hawaii? Oh man, I’m jealous.” Aidric bit into a wing rather viciously. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”“And when you come back?” I asked, ignoring Aidric’s pout.“I’ll take my place as an elder in our clowder. Once Dolf settles into his role as Alpha, I might consider running for Central territory leader. I have the experience as well as the connections.”Paranormals had laws, a government, and punishments suited to their kind. The paranormals in each territory voted for which elected Alpha was on the ballot. The winner led that territory, and their title was territory leader. They were like human governors. There were five territories in the US: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Island, and Western Zones.Those five territory leaders joined with other territory leaders from around the world to make up the Alliance of Paranormals, or AoP, which had over a hundred members at last count. They had the power to change laws voted in by territory leaders. It was very similar to the humans’ Supreme Court.“Wow,” Brier whispered. “Well, I’m sure I speak for the rest of us when I say I wish you the best of luck, have fun in Hawaii, and is there a suitcase big enough for me to hide in?”There were several murmurs of agreement as we all stood and made our way to him.“Thank….” Alpha Armonty stopped speaking, his voice breaking. He took a deep breath and started again. “Thank you, my betas.” Alpha Armonty laughed slightly. “Well, soon to be Dolf’s betas. It’s been a pleasure working with each of you.”“It’s been our honor, Alpha,” I said. The others agreed. We crowded around him, either giving him a quick hug or shaking his hand.Brier turned to Dolf. “Congratulation to you too, man.”Aidric pounded Dolf on the back. “Dolf, you dirty dog, you didn’t even drop us a hint.”“Yeah, he can keep a secret, can’t he? Congratulations, Dolf,” I said.So much had changed over the past year and a half. Dolf and Tal found they had a second mate. It’d been a rough time for them. Paranormals, as a rule, didn’t like humans, and Kirk was human before Dolf and Tal mated him. Then another shifter tried to kill Kirk.Not long after that, Heller found his mate, who was also human. Of course. It just so happened Heller had a huge problem with humans—he hated them. But they worked it out. Or rather, they were still working it out.Now I’d met my mate, who was very close to Lawson. In fact, they had a sexual relationship over ten years ago. Then hunters found Marshell and attacked. Lawson found out humans weren’t the only beings who walked the Earth.My mate was a paranormal, which was kind of ironic. I’d been totally fine with a human. What I didn’t expect was someone who drank blood and had the power Marshell packed. Why was nothing ever easy?We finished congratulating Dolf and Alpha Armonty and took our seats.“Now, back to business. My retirement was my first announcement. Now for the second. As I mentioned, Remi found his mate a few days ago while attending a Thanksgiving dinner at Heller’s house. His mate is Marshell Foles. He has a sister, Janelle, who mated with Sam Ross, who, as you all know, is the owner of Arches. Marshell is a paranormal—a Vetala.”“I remember Sam mating her.” Brier frowned. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but why do you sound concerned all of a sudden? We accepted her, so…?”“Okay, let’s review,” Dolf said. “The Vetala are snakelike paranormals who don’t shift. I’d been told the wordvetala translates into ‘vampire’ or ‘zombie,’ but neither is accurate. Unlike vamps or zombies, the Vetalas are very much alive. They age slowly, just like us, and die just like us.”“Oh yeah. I remember that. They drink blood, right?” Brier asked, biting into another wing.“Yes,” Dolf said. “Also the Vetala appear human until provoked. Or highly aroused. At which point their fangs drop and their eyes turn a very light blue with a black vertical iris.”I spoke up. “Marshell and the others have to drink blood in order to survive, guys. But Vetalas also eat regular food. You should know they inject venom through their fangs, and this paralyzes the victims when they feed. As a rule they don’t kill their prey. Also, as with vamps, the Vetala can wipe their victims’ memory of the attack.”What I didn’t add was Marshell told me he could use the venom to paralyze me during sex if he fed then. It wouldn’t hurt me, just make me completely helpless. He could do whatever he wanted, and I could do nothing about it. The idea freaked me completely out. Talk about a trust issue.“Is he dangerous?” Aidric asked.“No more so than the rest of us,” I said, trying not to get offended. “He hasn’t killed when feeding—only when threatened or attacked.”“That does bring us to an important issue,” Dolf said. “Marshell is very powerful. I was there when Marshell found out Remi was his mate. The power he released was truly impressive, which is the problem. He’s stronger than Dad… and me.”That scared me to death. What Alpha would accept a new member into his clowder who was stronger than him? Such a person could upset the power structure. Alphas were strong-willed, natural leaders, somewhat arrogant, and very confident.“Wow. That’s serious.” Brier glanced at our Alpha, then at Dolf. “What are you going to do, Alpha?”Alpha Armonty looked at Dolf. “I’m leaving it up to Dolf since I’m retiring.”Dolf sighed and pushed his plate away. “At this point I have no idea what I’m going to do. He’s Remi’s mate, and I respect that. I don’t want to lose Remi as a beta, but… well, I’m still debating the issue.”Thus the whole “fuck my life” analogy. I didn’t know what I was going to do either. I loved my job as a beta. I loved my clowder. I didn’t want to leave if Dolf couldn’t accept Marshell, but I also didn’t want to lose my mate. Mates were a gift from our goddess Bast, and we didn’t turn our backs on such a gift.“Remi, I think you and Marshell need to talk.” Aidric pushed his food around on his plate too. “Marshell may be powerful. He may even be more powerful than you. But Dolf, has anyone asked him if he’s even interested in leading a group? He can’t challenge you for position since he’s not a werecat. Am I right about that?”“You’re right,” Alpha Armonty said. “He can’t. But what if he let his power leak around the clowder members? That could erode Dolf’s position as Alpha. Or what if they refused to accept Marshell because of it? Dolf is well liked. Our members could be threatened by Marshell’s power.”“What if we called a meeting and told the clowder? The Vetala don’t live in groups like us or werewolves, do they?” Brier asked.“No,” I said. “They don’t. At the most you’ll have a hunting pair. They hunt in twos as a precaution. Other than that they stay to themselves. Janelle and Marshell hunt together, and they lived together after they moved here. Well, until Janelle met Sam and Heller met Lawson. They still hunt together, though.”“‘Hunt.’ Earlier you called the humans they fed from ‘prey.’ Am I the only one who finds that kind of freaky?” Brier asked.“We shift. For all we know, they find our shifting kind of freaky,” I spat. Oh yeah, I was beginning to see why Dolf reacted as he did when he told us about Kirk.“I didn’t mean it as an insult.” Brier held up his hand. “But come on, Remi. You telling me it doesn’t freak you out some? I’m guessing your mate would want to feed from you. I mean, he would, wouldn’t he? Even though you’re not human?”Shit. He would hit on the one thing I couldn’t answer.“Okay, I’m going to throw this out there, so don’t yell at me,” Aidric said before I could formulate a response to Brier’s question. “Our clowder is already uneasy since we’ve added two humans—”Dolf sighed. “This again? Dammit, they are not—”“Yes, yes, they’re no longer human since they mated two of ours,” Aidric hurriedly added. “But they weren’tborn werecats. They grew up with different values and beliefs. Now we’re talking about accepting another paranormal—which we’ve never done in our clowder until Janelle—who’s stronger than our Alpha.”“It’s a problem,” Brier agreed.“Look, the man’s my mate,” I snapped, my anger rising. “While I don’t want to leave you guys or my clowder… he’s my mate. Do you get that? I’ve watched how Kirk fought to be accepted. Hell, he still fights. Lawson probably will too. I’ve already heard rumblings about Janelle from some of the older clowder members and—”“Wait a minute. Rumblings? What are you talking about?” Aidric demanded. “Dolf?”“After her and Sam’s joining ceremony, the betas and Alpha met at Sam’s house for the welcoming party we always have,” Dolf said, rubbing at his eyes. “A few of the elders’ wives dropped off food—again, as they always do—then left. Janelle had a few words to say about there not being any other women there but her.”“She referred to us as a ‘good-ol’-boys club’ and pointed out there are no women as betas either,” Heller said. “That there are very few women business owners. She asked Lawson if our clowder was stuck in the nineteen twenties.”Dolf massaged his temples.“How do you know she said that to Lawson?” Alpha Armonty asked. “Lawson wasn’t at the party after the joining ceremony. It was just those of us with rank.”“She said that to Lawson after the joining ceremony,” Heller said.“We’ve never had a woman try for a beta position,” Alpha Armonty added. “That’s why we don’t have one.”“Do they even know they can?” Heller took a deep breath. “I feel I should add that Lawson considers Janelle and Marshell family. If Marshell isn’t accepted, Lawson has let me know it’s going to be a problem for him.”“Now what does that mean?” Dolf demanded.“He’ll leave the clowder,” Heller said. “He says if the man he considers a brother isn’t good enough for us, then neither is he. If he leaves, then I go with him.”“So I might end up losing two of my betas?” Dolf slammed his hand on the table. “No, dammit. I won’t. All of you matter too much to me.”“Janelle is right about the small-minded attitudes, Dolf. That might make some mad, but it’s true. You don’t want to lose us? Then this clowder needs to come out of the nineteen hundreds and join the twenty-first century. I won’t walk away from Marshell.” I sat back in my chair.Well, looks like I made up my mind what to do about my very powerful, very deadly mate.

2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Behind the Eight Ball

Hey y'all! I heard today that 8 Ball won an Honorable Mention in the Rainbow Awards. One judge said this about it:

1) Points for originality, for sure.

2) I really enjoyed this sweet shifter story. The characters were lovely, and having the MC as a domestic cat shifter was delightful. M.A.'s writing style fit the story perfectly - it was smooth, error-free, and a joy to read.





Behind the Eight Ball (Fur, Fangs, and Felines #2)
Gay Paranormal RomancePaperback: 214 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 30, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634766962
ISBN-13: 978-1634766968
Amazon: Behind the Eight Ball (Fur, Fangs, and Felines #2)
Amazon Kindle: Behind the Eight Ball (Fur, Fangs, and Felines #2)

And the winner is...

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Mari! 
Congrats!! You're the winner! Email has been sent. :)~M

Dreamspinner's preorder for GRL

Going to GRL? This is a chance for those who are attending the event to get my titles at a discounted rate of 30% off! You will also receive free shipping to the event and DsP have the books there ready for you to pickup. Bring one of my titles to me and I'll sign it!

DsP encourage fans to preorder their favorites as quantities on site will be very limited!
~M

One Pulse released today! Get your copy! All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida

Buy Link:
Dreamspinner: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/one-pulse-7577-b
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Pulse-Jon-Keys-ebook/dp/B01LZQYAH5



By Connie Bailey, Ellis Carrington, Edmond Manning, Chrissy Munder, Caitlin Ricci, Andrea Speed, M.T. Aspen, Jayce Ellis, Sera Kane, Dev Bentham, George Seaton, Renee Stevens, Emery C Walters, Vicktor Alexander, Alicia Nordwell, C.C. Dado, M.A. Church, Troy Storm, Mickie B. Ashling, KC Burn, Jon Keys, John Goode, John Amory, Grace R. Duncan, Felicitas Ivey, Elizabeth Noble, Bree Cariad, Lila Leigh Hunter, Laura Lascarso, J. C. Long
Stories drive life. Sometimes life is good; sometimes life is bad. But it’s the nature of our community that in the aftermath of an act of hatred, we respond with love. Because darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Cruelty cannot stand against compassion. Negativity will never overcome hope.
To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.


Jon Keys—A Single Night
Alicia Nordwell—About Best Friends & Boyfriends
Mickie B. Ashling—Adíos
M.T. Aspen—Asking for Trouble
M.A. Church—Chasing Tyme
Caitlin Ricci—Coming Out
George Seaton—Cucurrucucú
Jayce Ellis—Dance
Bree Cariad—Everyday Miracles
Chrissy Munder—Everything I Need
Ellis Carrington—For the First Time
Felicitas Ivey—Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time
John Amory—Happy Pride
Grace R. Duncan—Hope
John Goode—Let Them Eat Cake
J. C. Long—Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Elizabeth Noble—Magicicada
Renee Stevens—More Than a Pact
Troy Storm—One Big Happy… Bunch
Connie Bailey—One Heart at a Time
Dev Bentham—Perfection
Andrea Speed—Pride
Laura Lascarso—Pull
Lila Leigh Hunter—Raffled Kiss
Emery C. Walters—Ranch Dressing
C.C. Dado—Read My Lips
Sera Kane—The Stag's Bane
KC Burn—The Tithe
Vicktor Alexander—The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes
Edmond Manning—They Danced



Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Genres: Contemporary / Ghosts/Spirits / New Adult / Science Fiction / Werewolves/Shapeshifters / Western

Another giveaway!

Okay, this is going to be a quick one lol. I have an ARe gift certificate that has to be used by 9/25/16. All you have to do to be entered in the contest is comment. I'm going to announce the winner September 23. 
~M

Finicky Friday - Blackened Tilapia Baja Tacos

Blackened Tilapia Baja Tacos

Hey everyone, I thought it would be cool to post some recipes I had found online. I’m going to *try* to do some of these beforehand, but I’m sure there’ll be times I won't. I'm going to call this Finicky Friday. :)



Ingredients
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped

1 cup thinly sliced white onion

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets

1 tablespoon canola oil

8 (6-inch) corn tortillas

1/2 ripe peeled avocado, thinly sliced

4 lime wedges




Preparation

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth. Combine jalapeño sauce and onion in a small bowl.

2. Combine paprika and next 6 ingredients (through ground red pepper); sprinkle evenly over fish. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.

3. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Divide fish, onion mixture, and avocado evenly among tortillas. Serve with lime wedges.





Recipe Time: Total: 20 Minutes

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 2 tacos)




Nutritional Information

Calories 362

Fat 13.6 g

Satfat 3.1 g

Monofat 6.4 g

Polyfat 2.8 g

Protein 37 g

Carbohydrate 27.1 g

Fiber 4.9 g

Cholesterol 79 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Sodium 388 mg

Calcium 74 mg





David Bonom, Cooking Light

MARCH 2011