M.A. Church's Blog, page 27

Tuesday Teaser

 

~ Except from Edge of Darkness, #1 in the Dragons of San DeLain

Connie was also the only dragon Hudson would ever bend a knee to. He’d burn the world for this male—he didn’t need anyone else. 

Screw Fate.

His mouth watering, he started to drop to his knees in front of Connie when the hair on his neck stood up. Every instinct he had suddenly screamed to life, and his heart pounded in his chest. Goosebumps rose on his arms, and a shudder racked him. His entire body vibrated.

“What?” 

The lazy, sexy look on Connie’s face disappeared and suddenly he was the very efficient and deadly right hand of Hudson Redmond, king of the Fire Court of San DeLain.

Connie was off the couch and standing in front of Hudson in the blink of an eye. “What just happened? You tensed up like you’re on high alert. What’s wrong?”

“I’m not entirely sure.” Uneasy, Hudson stared at Connie. “I was thinking sexy thoughts about you and then suddenly every instinct I had flared to life.”

“Okay.” Connie hurried around Hudson’s desk. Sitting in the huge leather chair, Connie tapped furiously on the computer.

Hudson wandered over and stood behind Connie. “What are you doing?”

“Calling up the cameras to see if our perimeter has been breached.” As he scanned the cameras, Connie pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and unlocked it. “I’m also calling our head of security. If we’ve been breached, Torres should damn well know.”

Just like werewolves, dragons were deeply connected to the land they claimed. While Connie was smart in thinking Hudson’s reaction was based on their territory being invaded, Hudson didn’t think that was what this was.

He had been thinking sexy thoughts about Connie, but that hadn’t been all he was doing. Not by a long shot. He had been thinking things he shouldn’t have had. 

Hudson stayed silent as Connie talked to Torres. He doubted there had been a breach in their security, but it was better to be safe than sorry. 

He wondered away from where Connie sat at his desk to one of the floor-to-ceiling windows in his office and stared outside. The openness of lovely blue skies greeted him, but they didn’t sooth his soul as usual. 

What an interesting mess his life had become lately. 

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday

 It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.

Thursday Book Recommendation (on a Friday lol)

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is:  Ghost (The DiFiore Mafia Family Book 1) by Joel Abernathy

Blurb: 

He's known by many names, but he expects me to call him Master.

As the future DiFiore don, I should know more than anyone that we're not the good guys, but when I catch an even more depraved man about to prey on an innocent woman, I lose sight of that just long enough to make the biggest mistake of my life.

The guy whose life I snuffed out happens to have been the district attorney's son.

I'm suspect number one, and I'm guilty as sin. It stands to reason the only one who can save me is the devil himself.

His code name is Echo, but they call him the Ghost, and he's the most notorious fixer in the business. The morally apathetic psychopath who's willing to cover up any crime, no matter how heinous, as long as you're willing to pay the price. Money is one thing, but one look in those gunmetal eyes and I'm pretty sure this guy wants more than that. He wants me, and I'm way too inclined to give it to him--body, mind, and soul.

I'm no stranger to the dark side, but he lives in places even the shadows are too afraid to touch. We're as wrong as two people can be for each other, but when he touches me, I feel it--the embers of the darkness he's awakened within me stirring. Calling.

What happens when the man who is contracted to fix everything is the man who's destined to break me?

Author's Note: This is an intense, high-heat, high-angst standalone MM Mafia Romance brimming with violence and mayhem. Lorenzo and Echo are corrupt men, and their love story is not for the faint of heart--nor is the series itself, which gets progressively darker. This series revolves around a fictional crime family, and for the sake of storytelling, there are fictionalized aspects of their world. If you are looking for a completely realistic book about real-world mafia organizations, you should skip this one. If you're looking for a filthy hot, angst-filled enemies-to-lovers romance between two antihero criminals, this is the book for you.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09T99SHWJ

Tuesday Teaser

 

Tuesday Teaser - Edge of Darkness, the Dragons of San DeLain, #1

~This is the series following the Daemons of San DeLain. There are spoilers for the other series~

“If I remember correctly, Connie, it was you whostarted it last time.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Connie sniffed ashe straddled Hudson’s lap.

“Uh-huh.”

The first time they made love had indeed happened in Hudson’soffice. It had been rough and motivated by fear, though. After a business tripto New York with Kage, Hudson was attacked coming back from the San DeLain InternationalAirport by hunters.

Conrad, and Hudson’s driver, Wilson, had picked Hudson up. Huntersran them off the road on their way home. They hit a ditch, flipped severaltimes, and landed upside down. Wilson was murdered and Hudson had been clippedby a bullet before Conrad cooked the shooter.

Once the scene had been cleared, they’d returned to Hudson’scompound, and Conrad had freaked out over Hudson being shot. So much so, hepartially shifted out of fear.

Only it hadn’t been just fear. That was the day theystopped dancing around one another and ended up making love on top of Hudson’sdesk. The problem was, as much as he adored Conrad, or Connie as he called himmore often than not, they were not soul bound.

A soul bond was much like the werewolves with their Fatedmates. And Conrad was not his soul bound mate. He was not Conrad’s, either. Theknowledge had been devastating.

But after the attempt on his life, they decided it wasn’tgoing to stop them from being together. Problem was, somewhere out there wasa person who was his bounded mate. Same for Connie.

He had no idea what they’d do if either of them found thatelusive being. They were both desperately ignoring that possibility for now. Hudsonhad cursed their god long and hard over that one.

“Now that we’ve established you don’t know what you’re talkingabout, when should we go see Austin?” Connie ran his thumb over Hudson’s bottomlip.

“After.”

Connie raised an eyebrow. “After?”

“Yes, after.”

Standing, Hudson carried Connie to the couch in his office anddropped him on it. For a moment he stood, staring at the man sexy man sprawledbefore him with a smirk on his lips. How had Hudson gotten so lucky? Connie waseverything he wanted.

Connie trailed his hand down his crisp white dress shirt.Hudson’s gaze followed it until it came to rest on the bulge in Connie’s dresspants. He wanted a taste.

“See something you like, my king?” Connie taunted.

It always drove him wild when Connie used his title in thattone. Made him want to pound his chest and roar his ownership of this dragon tothe skies.

He also wanted to worship Connie like he deserved—cover him injewels. Gold. Fine silks. Then lock him away in his hoard. Connie wouldprobably delete his calendar for that, though. His lover might be a bit young,but he was no helpless maiden to coddle.

Connie was also the only dragon Hudson would ever bend a kneeto. He’d burn the world for this male—he didn’t need anyone else. 

Screw Fate.

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.

Thursday Book Recommendation

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is:  Dark Heart: an M/M Dark Mafia Romance (Darker Daddy Bodyguards Book 1) by Sue Brown

Blurb: 

The bodyguard must keep his head in the game and his heart locked up. He may be a Daddy but there’s no way he can take this boy in hand. Not if he wants to remain breathing.

When you’re a bodyguard who comes with a brutal reputation for taking dangerous assignments and getting the job done—whatever the cost—you know there’s a high chance you won’t make it out alive.

But when Leon is assigned to protect Domenico, known as the Prince of Darkness, the spoiled heir to the Acierno family, he knows the assignment’s probably going to end with a bullet to the back of his head. Either by the family’s enemies or his employer.

It’s bad enough that Nico’s father controls the city with an iron fist. But there’s an added complication. The young prince may look like an angel but he’s feisty, out of control, and hunting for a Daddy to put him over his lap.

Nico may be the boy Leon longs to take to his heart, but the bodyguard can’t afford to get involved with the beautiful young man. However the Prince of Darkness isn’t used to the word, no.

Dark Heart is the first book in the Darker Daddy Bodyguards series, a spin-off from Sue Brown's bestselling Biker Daddy Bodyguards. All new. Much darker. The next in the series is out now!

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VFZQZPP

Tuesday Teaser

Welcome to Tuesday Teaser! (Hudson's book.)

I can NOT stress this enough--if you have not read Of Love and Shadows, do not start these teasers because there are massive spoilers!

In fact, I'd go as far as to say read all the Daemon of San DeLain books first, otherwise you're gonna be kinda lost.

Daemons of San DeLain series:

Chasing Shadows #1

Shadows Embrace #2

Of Love and Shadows #3

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Hudson could hear the anger but also the sadness in Kage’s voice.

“I’m so sorry,” Hudson finally said when Kage wound down. “Austin really is okay?”

“Yes. He’s being observed for forty-eight hours. Terry is looking after him.”

For several minutes neither Kage nor Hudson said anything. Finally, Hudson broke the silence, “I hate to say it, but at least it wasn’t you who ended Nox’s life.”

“I know.”

“How is Axel handling that?”

“Honestly? I think he’s having a lot of the same emotions I’m having—just minus the sadness, of course. Lots of anger for sure. Austin and I are keeping an eye on him.”

“That’s good. I’m not going to lie, that situation is a little weird, but I’m glad you and he have worked things out. It sounds like he needs a friend. Also? I hear you’re connect to a wolf pack too.” Hudson snickered. 

“Well, that didn’t take long. But yes.”

“Werewolves are just a bunch of old gossips. Anyhow, I never thought I’d be saying that. Not in a million years.”

“That I’m connected to a werewolf pack? Me either. Life’s a damn trip, is it not?”

“It is indeed, my friend. So, is Austin up to having visitors?”

“Of course.”

“Conrad and I will stop by, then. Any time good?”

“Yes, just call. I’m still feeling rather protective.”

“I bet.” Hudson wasn’t soul bound to anyone, which was the equivalent of a mate for dragons, but he could imagine how he would feel if he was in his friend’s shoes. “Hey, Kage?”

“Yes?”

“I’m here for you. If you need anything, anything, let me know.”

“Thank you. I most definitely will. There’s a possibility I might be asking to borrow your jet to make a quick trip to Greece, but I’m not sure yet.”

“Anything you need.” Hudson didn’t ask why Kage was going to Greece because frankly, it wasn’t any of his business. If Kage wanted him to know, he’d tell him eventually. But Hudson had a sneaking suspicion—he knew were Kage was born. 

After the call ended, Hudson leaned back in his chair, staring at ceiling. His friend was hurting, and he hated that. Made him want to burn something to the ground. 

They’d met when Hudson had fished Kage out of the River Thames during the late eighteen hundreds. Ah, the Victorian era. What fun that had been. How Kage had stunk too. 

It still made him smile thinking about it. Kage had turned the air blue with his foul language. He was one of the few non-dragons Hudson trusted. The daemon was his best friend and sometimes partner-in-crime, so to speak. 

They had several joint ventures that paid nicely, and they shared similar tastes in both stocks and bonds… and at one time, in men and women. But those days were passed, for both of them. 

Strong hands began to massage his tight shoulders. Turning his head slightly, he nipped at the fingers working a particularly brutal knot.

“I certainly didn’t see that coming. He’s hurting. You can hear it in his voice. And stop biting at me before you start something right here in your office, again, you damn horny dragon.”

Hudson spun his desk chair around and yanked the biggest pain in his ass and love of his life into his lap. “If I remember correctly, Connie, it was you who started it last time.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Connie sniffed as he straddled Hudson’s lap. 

“Uh-huh.”

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.

Thursday Book Recommendation

 

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is:  Evil Omega (Darkstar Pack Book 1) by S. Rodman

Blurb: 

Gay. Necromancer. Werewolf. Supervillain.

Silas Northstar is an omega with plans.

Become a supervillain

Embrace necromancy

Enjoy being a boss in the bedroom

Not part of his plans,

Being captured the night he goes into heat

Liking the stupid alpha guarding him

Having way too much fun with him

It's all good though, as by the morning he has escaped. He can put the fiery night behind him and forget it ever happened.

It's not like Dean, the stupid alpha, is going to come looking for him, is it?

Please note this book touches on dark themes, contains strong survivors and emotional growth. It is high heat and knotty. There is no mpreg. HEA guaranteed. Although this book is first in a series that follows the same couple, there is NO cliffhanger and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...

Tuesday Teaser

 

PLEASE READ FIRST:

Okay y'all. We're starting the Tuesday Teaser back, and it's Hudson's book. I can NOT stress this enough--if you have not read Of Love and Shadows, do not start these teasers because there are massive spoilers right here at the very start!!! 

In fact, I'd go as far as to say read all the Daemon of San DeLain books first, otherwise you're gonna be kinda lost. 

Daemons of San DeLain series:

Chasing Shadows #1

Shadows Embrace #2

Of Love and Shadows #3

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Edge of Darkness, Dragons of San DeLain #1

Chapter One - Hudson

“IT’S OVER.”

Hudson sank into his desk chair, holding his cell phone to his ear. “What? What do you mean? What’s over? Kage? What’s going on?” 

“Nox is dead.” Kage sighed heavily. “And he left a mess for me to clean up. Fucker attacked my mate and exposed us to a human before he drew his last breath.”

Hudson blinked several times in shock. “Are you okay? Is Austin? Do you need me? That bastard.” Hudson’s quiet workday had suddenly been turned on its ear. 

“Yes, well, funny you should use that particular word. He really was a bastard, meaning that he was born outside of wedlock. Want to guess who his father was? I’ll give you a hint—it was mine.”

“Holy fuck, Kage.” Stunned didn’t even start to describe what Hudson was. “Are you telling me that Nox is, shit, I mean was, your half-brother? What the hell? And how the hell do you know this? Are you sure you can trust your source?”

Kage’s laugh bordered on bitterness. “Oh yes, I’m absolutely sure. Do you have time to talk? I kind of need to unload. Be warned, it’s a long story.”

“I have all the time in the world.” Even if he didn’t, he’d make the time. “Tell me.”

“I guess the best starting point would be to update you on what’s going on with Axel because that indirectly plays into what happened. Have you ever heard of the Council of Wolves?”

“I have, yes. They’re a bunch of puffed up assholes who think their shit doesn’t stink.”

“By the dead gods, you got that right.” Kage took a deep breath then began.

The more Kage talked, the more Hudson’s mouth dropped open. He didn't interrupt because he could hear how hard this was for Kage—his voice shook. That bothered Hudson tremendously. Kage wasn’t one to show his emotions freely.

The sheer audacity of Nox was breathtaking in its arrogance. And as much as he hated to admit it, pretty smart too. Involving the human, Kit, that Austin was friendly with, was brilliant. Horrifyingly so. He felt sorry for Kit. What a way to get introduced to their world.

Nox was Kage’s stepbrother. Hudson couldn’t wrap his mind around it. No wonder Kage’s emotions were all over the place. He’d gone his entire life without knowing this, and then to find out in such a way? Yeah. Hudson could hear the anger but also the sadness in Kage’s voice.