Karli Rush's Blog

Wishes of Magic will be released Oct 31st!

Wishes of Magic: Book 2



If you were granted three wishes… what would they be? Nina Holmes is just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life and always pursuing love. But when she’s given three wishes, it is quickly discovered her best friend, Oliva Pierce, is a witch, and an entirely new world opens. Nina and Oliva will have to face the wrath of vengeance from another witch who is hell-bent on settling the score. Wishes may seem innocent enough at first, but will they come with a hefty price? A friendship will be caught in the web of deceit. Love will fall on a razor’s edge, and dreams will turn into nightmares.
It will all begin with three little wishes.
So, if you were granted three wishes… what would they be?

Wishes of Magic is the final installment from the Strings of Magic story. I wanted to give the readers one more peek into Luke and Liv’s adventures and feel some closure for them. It’s been long overdue since I had written Strings of Magic… well over a year now. And since I’m finally getting back to writing again, I can (hopefully), achieve my writing goals! I had heart surgery this year, and my oldest son had surgery as well, and it’s been arduous, to say the least.

Now let’s talk about some freebies coming this month… Strings of Magic will be free on Amazon this weekend, October 20th through October 23rd! So be sure to grab your copy and tell your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, or whoever you think might enjoy a good paranormal book. Plus, Fire Bound will be free from Oct 27th through the 29th. What better way to celebrate Halloween, right?

On the horizon for my future work… let’s just say I’m currently outlining a story that has been on my mind for several months. When will it be out? Well, this story will take a lot of research and a lot of time sorting through myths and old Norse legends. I will say it won’t be released this year. What’s it about? I don’t want to say too much about it yet, but I’ll throw out another hint… epic fantasy. It’s a territory I haven’t quite explored in writing and I’m beyond excited and also beyond terrified. It will be a massive challenge to create a whole new world/realm and entirely new beings/characters, but I’m ready and willing to dive into this story. Once I start, I’ll share some teasers as I go along.

In the meantime… grab yourself a good book, maybe some coffee or a hot cup of tea, or perhaps some witch’s brew. Whatever you fancy and enjoy this spooky season!

Happy All Hallows’ Eve!

Strings of Magic is now live on Amazon!

I’m extremely excited to announce that Strings of Magic is now available!!! I’ve waited so long to finally share Luke and Liv’s story, and now you have the chance to peer into their world of magic and romance. I want my readers to know that I’ll have some behind the scenes from the book next week, so stay tuned! Now… here’s what readers are saying about Strings of Magic…
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I was given this as an ARC. First off, Karli did it yet again. She made me have all the feels. This book has it. Laughter, sass, anger, tears, tension, sex (those scenes. OMG! I believe would make Ms. Grey blush!), and just the genuine love. Karli has this way of making you fall in love with her characters. No matter if they are the main ones or secondary. Hell, I even cared about the villain of the story. Want to know more about Liv and Luke’s story? Grab your copy! I promise you won’t be disappointed! – Goodreads reviewer MrsSwt.

Wow, Karli Rush has done it again. She took me on a magical and emotional journey.

Imagine losing your soul mate, the unimaginable gaping hole in your heart, and reliving the moments together daily, knowing that you’ll never get to make more. That you’re left to live without that person. You know that he’d want you to be happy, but how do you move on without feeling guilty for it?
Then one day, you get knocked sideways by someone, and you don’t know how to handle it. Someone that sings to your soul….literally. You feel violated and intrigued. He understands your pain but should you let him in? Everyone says, “move on,” and give him a chance. Can you trust your heart with someone else?
Liv has met her match…again…possibly. Lead singer of the Spell Casters, Luke, has the voice that can capture you immediately, and the words he sings you feel like we’re written for you. When he opens his mouth and sings, you feel like you’re not alone in your feelings, you feel like someone understands. But would you feel violated? Liv knows he’s up to something and wants to “out” his method. But… in doing so, would she be forced to feel things again. That giant wall she built around her heart may not be as hard. Meanwhile, Luke can’t explain the sudden need to be near her, even though she infuriates him. He wants to break through that wall, but then what?
Will they come to terms or blows? Will they find peace or passion?

I’m not going to spoil it. What I can say is that Karli takes you on this ride of love and loss with some magic thrown in. Her ability to make you feel everything and make you look at the characters as though they’re your friends is a special talent. Like I said before… Karli Rush has done it again. She puts the reader through an emotional journey. I could not put this book down, and if the Spell Casters are real and go on tour, I want a front-row seat. – Goodreads reviewer Charidy

I truly hope you grab yourself a copy and tell a friend. Plus, it’s available not only in kindle but paperback and hardback as well! And one more thing I’d like to share with you… I’ll have a Goodreads giveaway this weekend! Sending you massive hugs and love!!! Happy reading!

Goodreads Book Giveaway
Strings of Magic
by Karli Rush
The giveaway begins on Feb 26th and will end on March 26, 2022.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Season's Greetings!

Hi everyone! I know I’m a bit early wishing everyone Merry Christmas, but I figured with how crazy this year has been, I decided now is the best time to wish you happy holidays! So I’m trying today to tackle wrapping presents while listening to Christmas music and sipping on hazelnut coffee. I’ve hit a pause in writing because I’ve had two surgeries recently (eye surgery, let’s just say it was no fun!), and I’m just going to try and recover from that. However, I still have the mental outlines for Strings of Magic (I’m three-fourths of the way of completing it!), and Earth Bound will be my next book to publish. So bear with me.

I want to share a few holiday treats with you. First Let Your Heart Drive will be free on Amazon starting Friday, December 10, 2021, to Sunday, December 12, 2021. If you enjoy contemporary romance and a strong female character, this will be the book for you! Here’s the blurb –

I live in the shelter of darkness.

This darkness holds a secret over me… one that I have come to protect, and in return, it controls and holds me back.
It’s time to start fighting against it and break free. To become the unrestricted woman, I yearn to be. For this to happen, it will take a sixteen hundred-mile road trip to let go of all that I fear and hopefully discover that the darkness doesn’t lurk everywhere. I stand on the edge overlooking a horizon of possibilities for the first time. Will I let my heart drive… to where it needs to be?

A unique romantic tale of one girl, one road, and a chance meeting with someone that will change everything in every way.

I’ve had readers ask if there will be a continuation for Let Your Heart Drive, wondering if Sinead will finish out her journey on Route 66, and I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit, actually. So, we shall see! But I’d like to ask you, the reader of this blog if you enjoy a series of contemporary romances or prefer paranormal instead?

I enjoy several books, and some are standalone, and some are series, both of which are contemporary and paranormal. So I thought I’d see what my readers enjoy the most.

Let Your Heart DriveKarli Rush
Okay, on to our next treat! I’m going to give you a sneak peek at the first chapter of Strings of Magic! Plus, the cover! Ready?



Chapter One
“Hey, Liv, are you almost ready?” Nina shouts.

I drag my hands over my face and rise up from the edge of the bed. Slowly I move my body toward the closet and shout back. “Ah… yeah. One sec.” I’m shocked to hear my voice sound so natural, almost cheery even. I snag the first shirt and pants I see, throw them on, and head for the front door. I can hear Nina’s footsteps racing down the steps behind me on my way out. “Nice, you look… uh…” she remarks.

“Glamorous?” I reply cynically over my shoulder.

“Not really… you look more like we’re going to rob a bank. I mean, I love the all-black style you have going on but don’t you think you could try to perk up your wardrobe, maybe?” She hits the key fob and unlocks the car. We settle in her Fiat, and I quietly watch as she rummages through her bag.

“Perk up my wardrobe? Why on Earth would I do that, Nina?” I question and slip out her shimmer-me-pink lip gloss. “Ah. You left this in the bathroom. Can we go now?”

“Oh my god, Liv. Do you know I looked everywhere for that? For a moment there, I thought I’d never find it,” she says, smearing the shiny gloss across her lips and smiles. A few seconds pass as she primps herself in the mirror, satisfied; she tosses her bag in the tiny backseat. “Come on, Liv, don’t look so bummed out. Tonight will be fun. Besides, how many times can you sit at home and watch P.S. I Love You?”

I let a small smile reveal itself and reply, “And how many times do you drive to Bernie’s and stare at that cute bartender?

She shrugs a shoulder and starts the car up. “Not enough because he still hasn’t asked me out.”

I let out a dramatic sigh. “Oh, Nina and her quest for love…” I glare over to her and add, “It’s not all that’s it’s cracked up to be. Take it from me. I should know.”

“Maybe, Liv. But tonight, I want you to let your hair down, have a few drinks, and listen to The Spellcasters because they will blow your mind,” she squeezes the steering wheel and wiggles in her seat like she’s about to combust with excitement.

“Yay…” I remark sarcastically.

Thirty minutes later, we’re parked outside of a brick building, and the place is packed. A weathered sign hangs above with the words Old Town. The bar is a popular venue for most, and grudgingly I’ve been here a few times. I never understood why my best friend, Nina, always frequented this hole in the wall. But as we enter, I’m reminded why she loves this place. Through the low lights and bustle of the crowd, Nina shines like the sun with her platinum blonde hair, tanned skin, and a smile that can light up any dark abyss. I keep my stride beside her like a lost moon in the dark. For years, we’ve been this way, a balanced contrast, and I always find it amusing watching how others react to us. Mostly the men stare, crane their necks to get every possible view of Nina, and once their eyes focus on me, it lingers just a fraction of a second, and then it vanishes. As if my scowling dirty look makes them flinch and redirect their gazes.

Nina nudges me. “Come on, let’s grab a drink,” she says, squeezing between a huddle of girls. Once we reach the bar, Nina orders her drink, and I lean in beside her shaking my head.

“Talk about changing things up. Is that the only drink you know? The Gimlet, Nina?” I tease.

“No… it’s not the only drink I know,” she retorts and thanks the bartender. “I just love the way it tastes. So…should I just order you a bottle of gin, Liv?” She quirks a slender brow up and smirks at me like she’s Miss Hoity-toity.

I chuckle. “Just because I can out drink you doesn’t mean you have to be a smartass about it,” I remark and playfully glare at her. “All right, I may regret asking this, but what is it about this band that has you so pumped?”

Nina grabs our drinks and nods toward the side. I follow, weaving through the horde of people. “You’ll see…” she yells over the rising noise with a smile. A band drones out, and eventually, Nina finds a spot where we can stand and not have someone bumping into us.

I steal a sip of my drink. “Please don’t tell me I’m here because you find one of the band members hot,” I complain, eyeing her before I steal another sip. I add, “I could be at home right now—”

“Watching some sappy love story and crying your heart out?” she sasses and shakes my shoulder. “Oh, Liv, stop living in the past and enjoy the moment!” She starts jumping up and down and screaming as a new band approaches the stage. The overhead lights change colors, and a rush of fog clouds the stage, and then out of the haze, the drummer for The Spellcasters starts pounding out a heavy rhythm. And the crowd goes wild as the bass player begins thumbing the strings on his guitar feverishly, amping up the beat. The stage clouds over again, and the lead singer emerges through the mist. All I can see are tight dark jeans and a brief flash of a grey graphic-designed T-shirt. Words belt out and flow with the beat, and it’s like I’m obsessed with the hypnotic sound. The girl in front of me moves to the left. I ease to the right and catch the sight of the singing God. He’s tall, lean, and blond. Everything about him screams perfection, from the trendy undercut hairstyle to his chiseled features. He shifts his body to the side as he strums the strings on his electric guitar, and I blink, trying to see if it’s just me or if his guitar really is glowing electric blue.

Everyone seems just as captivated as I am, and it’s not solely because of the room’s energy. The lyrics and music blend and join together like a magical trance. Nina bounces her arms against mine and grins. “See… I told you, Liv. You wouldn’t be sorry for coming out tonight. They’re good, right?”

I brush back my long dark hair and retort, “Yup, they’re good. Now can we go home?”

She laughs and dances to the next song that quickly drifts through the air. A girl bumps into me, bobbing to the beat gripping her shirt.

She glances over to me and fans herself. “Oh, wow…it’s like, he has this weird insight into how you’re feeling, you know? Luke’s voice is so… dreamy. It’s totally like he wrote the song just for me!” I drag my eyes over to the stage as she points, still clinging to her shirt like her heart is about to jump straight out of her chest. The next song drums out slowly, vibrating the floor, and I absorb the way the lead singer sways his body, gripping the mic. He drops one hand and pats it against his thigh to the tempo. His eyes glide over the girl beside me, and he sings with a raspy, deep tone…

It’s three a.m., and you’re still thinking about him,

In the car driving down the boulevard…

As the music picks up, I watch as the girl swipes away a tear and sends me a quick smile. “Who’s Luke?” I ask. A light chuckle slips past her lips, and she looks at me with shock.

“Ah… the singer. Duh,” she shouts over the pandemonium.

“Right…” I remark.

I nudge Nina and shout over to her, “Hey, I thought you said this band was kinda new?”

Nina’s in her own world with her hands in the air and moving to the rhythm. “Yeah… they’ve only been here a few times. Why?”

Suddenly the drink in my hand swirls around madly, and I cup my hand over it. My element spikes and signals there’s more here than meets the eye. No soul around me knows I’m a witch, not even my best friend, Nina. Born a water elemental and wired to cast spells wasn’t something I never wanted to share with the humans that fulfill my life. Nina excitedly smiles over at me, and I offer an upbeat smile. “Did you finish your drink?”

I raise my glass. “Almost!” I chug down the last drop and sweep a glance around everyone. I can feel the vibe the band gives off— enchanting and spellbinding. Every word, every lyric hits a chord with the audience, and I stare a hole through the lead singer. Somehow he’s reading the crowd and singing, off-the-cuff the songs from the emotions he’s getting. I watch like a spectator, partly in awe and partly in uncertainty. How can he so easily grasps the emotions and sing so hypnotizing? And then I decide fuck it. I’m not going to overanalyze it and just enjoy the moment, but then, as I lift my arms and move to the pitch of Luke’s voice, I hear…

Baby, I know you’re hurting… I can see it in your face…

You hide your smile and fall into some unknown place…

But baby, I’m here to tell you that’s no place for you…

You can be free from all your tears…

Let my words wash away those fears…

Now’s not the time to run away… don’t run home… and hide your face…

Now’s not the time to go home…

I open my eyes and glare at the lead singer. The drummer still hammers out the riveting chorus, and I haul ass toward the closest exit. Outside I punch in an Uber number on my cell phone and wait. In less than an hour, I ease into a Honda Accord, and I grumble to the driver, “Fuck… take me home, please.” I rest my head against the backseat and let out an aggravated sigh. I shake my finger angrily toward the driver. “Who does that? I mean, seriously, it’s obvious you have the voice, the talent. So why the fuck would you do that?!” The short, dark-eyed driver glances back at me and nods, pretending like he completely understands my rantings, and awkwardly shrugs.

“I mean, how can you sing like a beast and use that gift to…” I shake my head and look at the streets that pass us by. “You know what I mean? You get what I’m saying, right?” I ask the clueless driver with sincerity and thread my fingers through my hair. And then I shake my finger his way once again and warn like he’s the one to blame for all this. “I’m on to your act, Luke, and you just met the wrong witch….” The driver stares at me like I’m nuts, and I quickly correct myself. “Bitch… I meant bitch.” I softly chuckle and hope I sound sane and convincing. I shut my mouth and quietly watch the streets disappear behind us and let the irresistible voice of Luke mingle with my thoughts.

Okay, my last Christmas treat for you is Fire Bound will be free as well this month starting December 17 to December 19! So, be sure to mark your calendars, grab your copy and tell a friend! Books are always a great gift idea whether it’s a paperback, kindle, or even audio! I truly hope you and your loved ones have a magical holiday season! XOXO

Fire Bound

Fire Bound is the amazing new spinoff from the Crescent Bound series. How many will there be? I’m thinking possibly three, but for now, let me tell you a little about David Van Buren. He’s the main character in this story that was an old flame of Alyssa’s (the female lead in Crescent Bound). David’s a little bit older now, and hopefully wiser since the years have passed. In Shadow Bound, I mention he’s on the hunt for the Brotherhood of the Raven. The corrupt vile witches that are out for a secret book and forbidden blood. In this story, I’ve opened up a whole new world for David and Evan. Yes, Evan will be David’s lucky sidekick. 😉 I’ve created a world of witches, wolves, and hexes and brought in a slew of new characters. Without giving away too much here’s the synopsis…

In the lush, deep woods surrounding the quaint town of Mistcove, there are those who gather to call upon an evil force that will decimate humankind…

David Van Burren, a witch-hunter, is on his way there after learning about a book that will unleash a powerful demon if found in the hands of dark witches known as the Brotherhood. He didn’t anticipate locking gazes with a beautiful woman sitting in a café and instantly feeling drawn.

Hannah Wolfenstein is a witch whose family has long angered and frightened the locals of the town, including the Nakoa, a native tribe that lives to eliminate her kind.

And now the hunt is on as old family feuds escalate and lives are lost, in hopes of securing the only thing that can save the town and the world. Will David find one of the oldest tomes in time to save the woman he loves, or will the Brotherhood get to them first, igniting the land with evil fires and waste?

Withering Bones

NEW RELEASE COMING SOON!
I’m so excited that soon Withering Bones will be released. Withering Bones started off originally titled, Mary Jane, which is the main character. But, I felt Withering Bones seemed more fitting. This story follows what Rich and Keria, (the main characters in The House) discovered about Reidhaven, the asylum and the victims of Deadwood. It will go back in time with a young Mary Jane and from there her story will unravel.

There’s an Author note that will be at the beginning of the book which will say, If you have read The House, you’ll understand this is book two in the series. I would like to warn you that this story is not a fairy tale. The town of Deadwood has many secrets, dark and twisted secrets. In order to tell Mary Jane’s entire story, it has to be told as a whole. With that being said, I truly hope you enjoy the madness that resides deep inside the town of Deadwood.

Now that I have givin’ you a heads up, here’s the blurb – There’s nothing more destructive in this world than a child losing hope. All thoughts of love and protection vanish like a bug hitting a bloodstained windshield. The only thing left are smeared dreams and broken wings. I was taught from a very early age; children should be only seen but are never allowed to speak unless they are told to speak. Seen but not heard. These words resonated with me for years and years. Until one day, I became so isolated from the real world I forgot how to connect with anyone. But… one day, one fateful day, I was shown that if you look through the darkness, there is a light. A bold, bright light that can shine so beautifully at the end. My story is certainly not a fairy tale, it’s not a Cinderella story where she goes to a ball and meets her prince charming, moves into a glamorous castle and they live happily ever after. No, this is the story of how one sees the unthinkable and experiences the unimaginable and learns what love truly is…. Now, if you’re prepared to read my story, a ghost story, then sit back, turn the lights down and step inside my world where monsters hide, dreams are broken and resurrected.

If you want a peek at Withering Bone's cover come my blog! https://rushboundblog.wordpress.com/2...


Oh, and by the way, The House will be free on Amazon this Halloween! So be sure to grab your copy, tell a friend and I hope you have a very haunting Halloween.

A new release

I feel like I have been riding on a roller coaster, I’m sure most of you can relate. Recently, we had family come in from Pennsylvania and Virginia for my husband’s ceremony. Everything went beautifully, I felt more at peace placing my husband’s remains at this gorgeous national cemetery. Having friends and family around always makes things run a little smoother. And, I do feel it gave everyone some closure, including myself.




Now the one thing I was truly hoping for was for my youngest son, Nick, to truly enjoy meeting his family from out-of-town. I realize it was a lot for him to take in… new people, new sights, new scents. The experience was new for him. And then you add the dreary, rainy weather in the mix and you get a very unhappy camper. I know some may say, “Oh, the weather can’t possibly have anything to do with headaches or behavior changes…” But I am here to tell you, yes, it can and does with my son. He can literally feel a storm brewing hours before it actually hits our area, he paces feverishly around the house. Peering out of each and every window like he’s waiting for the storm of all storms to come, and then afterward, the pounding headaches occur. He struggles so much in just dealing with the pain, it’s difficult for him to focus on anything else.

Each time I can see the mountain of frustration riddling his face. And as an autistic parent, it can be extremely tough because for him it’s hard to verbalize what’s going on. We’ve come a long way and I have discovered so, so much in these past few years since my husband passed away. It’s not a path I would pick even for my worst enemy; raising a child with a disability on one’s own. It’s not easy by any means.

But there is a gift … For me, there are days I see him, my son, I can actually see this beautiful young man staring back at me. There are days where he just comes up and kisses me on the cheek and hugs me, cooks with me, paints with me and those are the days I cherish more than anything else. Those are the days that offer hope to me, that tell me not to give up.

One thing I found truly encouraging when our family came down was how accepting everyone was, how each family member boldly offered their love to him. There was never a moment of insulting questions or offhanded remarks. Everyone seemed to understand that Nick has autism, that a sudden sound or common noise to us could trigger a meltdown for him.

Even though a union of acceptance surrounded us, my stress level was off the charts, only because I desperately wanted Nick to allow his grandmother one glance, one hug, maybe a few words like I love you, but he was confined in the world of autism. Perhaps, in time and with the many changes I am including in our daily life, more progress will show.

So, in this blog, I want to address two things. One – Don’t ever give up on the ones you love and Two – don’t give up on the things you love. And in saying this, I have finally, after three long years, completed a novel, titled Memoirs of a Superhero . Yes, it is available on Amazon, and yes, I do plan on writing more, a lot more! 😉

I truly believe there is a unique journey for all of us and I know some days can be somewhat challenging, believe me I know! But even in the darkest of nights, there are always stars shining above us.

So please help spread the awareness. Help educate, support, encourage, and love families living and dealing with autism. One kind word or act of kindness toward them can go a long, long way!

The Journey Continues...

Well, how was your holidays? Fulfilling? Chaotic? Maybe even remarkable? I had everything I could ever want right under one roof, my family. I adore having my kids around, cooking for them, watching movies, playing games, but there was one thing I truly wished I had… my husband.



I keep thinking as the days pass it’s going to get easier, but once the holidays transpired, my heart grew heavy with grief. So many memories cling to me like a ghost haunting an empty house. And, maybe my grief sprouts more because I compare my boyfriend to him. Some may say it was way too soon to jump into a new relationship.

Maybe.

But, nonetheless here I am. My youngest son, Nick, totally enjoys their time together and seeing him smile and laugh again gives me hope. Children living with autism (from my experience) are so hard to connect with sometimes. They’re usually in their own world and completely happy being fixated in that world. So, when I say I’m given hope every time I see my son laugh or joke with that twinkle in his eyes, I become so determined. Determined you may ask? What do you mean?

As of right now, I am currently reading two books Cure Your Child With Food by Kelly Dorfman and Healthy Healing by Michelle Steinke- Baumgard. I’ve researched a lot over the years and knowing certain things can trigger a slew of unwanted behaviors in our children, one of which I recently came across was artificial food dyes. Oh yes, the wonderful dyes, any color including red No. 40, red No. 3, yellow No. 5, yellow No. 6, green No. 3, and even the blue No 1, blue No. 2. I talked with our private physician and he agreed to remove all of them out of our diet. Easy? It was a little time consuming, but once you get the hang of it, which we did, I saw such a big difference in my son. Small steps. And that’s what this piece is about, to hear my son tell me good morning, maybe even a hug and then, he goes on about his day, makes me one happy mother! Just that, two words or one simple act of kindness. So, every day I strive to learn and focus on what’s important.

While on this journey of mine, my best friend recommended a book to me, Healthy Healing, I had mentioned it above. And as I was reading, the author tells you her story, her story about how she lost her husband. The entire time I’m reading I keep whispering to myself, don’t cry, don’t let the words I’m reading affect me, keep it together!



But I just couldn’t do it. Tears flooded and my heart breaks for her, I can relate to pretty much everything she’s experienced. Her story is told with a disheartening beauty, simply because you know she loses someone she loves. In a passage she states, basically, “you purchased this book because you’re looking for strength and hope.” I am and since the holidays have faded into another year without him, I have started to truly wonder what my purpose is, what is my “thing?” Which is what the author calls it in her book.



So, in part of the healing experience, perhaps this will help, and hopefully, I can do this in one sitting and tell you my story…

I had been working on a story titled Midnight (some of you may know what I’m talking about), my goal was to make it the second installment to a previous book I had written. I had been locked away that day, typing as fast as my fingers would allow, totally absorbed in the story when my husband had come in with dinner. He always made dinner before he went to work and just like any other evening he sat beside me and listened to what I had written for the day. And as usual, he would ask questions, offer ideas and listen to the music I would play while I wrote.

I remember him laughing at a particular scene and for a moment I felt like time stood still for us. He was so easy to talk to, it was effortless to love him. If I had become unsure about how a character or how a scene should play out, he would always talk me through it. And in doing so he built up a confidence in me that encouraged me to march onward.

Before he changed clothes, he played with our youngest son, tickling him with the scruff of his beard. The room filled with giggles and laughs and then he leaned over and kissed me goodbye, little did I know it would be our last kiss.

On August 12, 2015 Chris left for work, as usual he wrote his first email of the night to me letting me know he made it okay.

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 7:03 PM
Subject: Hi Darlin
Hello Darlin,
I made it here, but if I start feeling bad I might come home early, it just depends on how I feel. So far, so good.
I sure do love your writing and you have mad skills with your story. I love every drop of it and can’t wait to read more.
I miss you
I replied back, he hadn’t felt good and it always made me anxious. He emailed me about five more times and we conversed throughout the night. At 2:45 I started receiving phone calls, Chris had left work and about a couple of blocks away he turned around and headed back to the job site. As soon as he parked the car he told one of the security guards there he was having trouble breathing. He took a few moments asking the guard to stay with him. And as they looked up Chris commented about the Perseids meteor shower, it was the last thing he saw before he passed away.
Shortly after I arrived at the hospital and I remember waiting in the emergency room alone. I held onto hope, thinking maybe now, we will know what was making him feel so bad. I sat and watched life flight leave, readying myself to soon follow, because in my heart I just knew he would be okay. He was going to be fine, I must have said those words over and over a thousand times inside my head.
But no one came to tell me that, instead the hospital security ushered me into a side room. It was small, plain and isolated. Still I carried no doubt in my mind, I anxiously waited for someone, a doctor, a nurse to tell me he was in surgery or something. But, once the room filled up with nurses and the same security guards, my heart started to beat a little faster. A tall, slender woman walked in, a stethoscope dangled around her shoulders, she knelt down beside me and that’s when I saw the tears in her eyes.
She spoke softly, and told me my husband had passed away, they did everything they possibly could. And as she delivered her words I felt so detached. Like it wasn’t me sitting there, it wasn’t me hearing what was being said. I remember a pile of tissues were handed to me, but I couldn’t feel the tears that streamed down my face.
From that point on, it felt like an out-of-body experience was happening to me, I was asked to see him and I said no. I wanted to remember him when he was getting ready for work that night. Full of life, smiling, I didn’t want to change that image of him. With numb hands I held the last of his things, his shoes, belt, his watch I had got him for Christmas that year, and his wedding ring.
When it came time, I was escorted back into the emergency waiting room, and still there wasn’t a soul in there. It was so quiet I could hear the creak of the chair as I sat down. One of the hospital security guards came over, asked if he could sit with me while I waited for the sheriff’s deputy to come pick me up. We sat in silence for a few minutes, and then he said, you’re going to be okay. My thoughts inside couldn’t imagine how I would ever be okay. He went on to tell me that he had also lost someone dear to him, his wife several years ago, he raised his children and eventually met someone new.
I tried so hard to be polite, tried to appear like I was listening to his story, but the very thought of moving on without Chris was unbearable. Unimaginable. I thought how could anyone say this to me? I clung to his things even harder and practically ran to the deputy’s truck when I saw it drive up. I watched the streets pass by not really hearing a word the deputy was saying, I felt as if my heart had been shattered into a million pieces. My mind scattered into various thoughts, all flooding me at once.
Once I arrived back home, I made sure my tears were gone and I told myself to be strong for my children. The rest of the early morning was a blinding blur of phone calls and deciding on different factors. One of which was making the decision of him being a donor, my middle son and I decided together. My husband was able to help three other lives that night.
My life, our life had been washed away by a tide I never saw coming. I learned that everyone handles grief differently, I also grew more appreciation for the little things in life. It’s been two years, five months and twenty-five days since I last saw his face, kissed his lips and felt his embrace. I have kept everything he has written, even his last emails, and this was the last thing he wrote before I received the call.
I love you and will be home shortly.

Writing Goals for 2017!

It’s amazing to think it is 2017! Where has the time gone? I ask myself this every single day, and everyday I plan to accomplish a word count or a scene, half a scene or something! But, and I hate to say it my writing groove has vacated the premises. I realize since August 2015 things haven’t been quite the same, and without him it’s been quite a challenge for me to commit whole-heartedly to writing.

How does one pick up after losing your number one confidant? I mean he’s the reason I started the journey of writing. Midnight (the second book in the No Death for the Wicked series) was the last book he was reading, so in saying all this Memoirs of a Superhero will be my first novel without his loyal support and his loving encouragement.

Don’t get me wrong. My heart still beats fervently for writing and I have a couple of stories brewing inside me, but if I can stick with my goals for this year, like completing Memoirs of a Superhero. And pursuing Mary Jane (the next installment in the Deadwood short stories) and Citeron (book two in the Veil Realms series), well I think you get the picture – it’s time to get the ball rolling!

So without further ado, here’s a little snippet of Memoirs of a Superhero –

“Lacey? I think Mia might reschedule for this weekend and you haven’t been to Mr. Lockwood’s residence yet…would you consider it?” Remi questions, she eases back in her chair donning a candid grin. All eyes fall directly on me and before I can protest and throw in all my analytical reasons, Remi points her long pink painted nail at me and chides, “You work the desk night and day, Lacey, and we think you need a break from the office.”

“We?” I query pushing my glasses farther up the bridge of my nose. I roam my eyes around the break room, not sure how this even came about, my role behind the desk has been cyclical, maybe even trite at times. A thought surfaces to my mind as I guzzle down the rest of my coffee, my life is structured by the book, straight and orderly. Precisely, from seven to five I’m a business owner. After hours, I make excuses as to why I can’t meet for drinks or late night dinners. My time is consumed with cheats and low-lives stalking the streets of Fairwater. And as of late, things crime wise, have been rather dull. Exactly the same for my love life, dismally and pathetically dull. I step over to the sink and rinse out my coffee mug debating with who would be a better candidate than myself. “Remi, don’t you have one other client early Saturday morning? Mr. Lockwood’s appointment isn’t until five-thirty…”

“Oh, Lacey… don’t start to pencil me in just yet,” Remi replies jumping to her feet, her full-figured hip leans against the counter-top. “I have plans remember? Rob’s taking me to a concert Saturday night, besides we all think you need to check out Mr. Lockwood’s place.” Her arms fold over her chest as she quietly nods, urging everyone around us to agree. The room strums with approval.

“We?” I mumble again. “I know what you’re trying to do Remi—”

“What? Take a peek at a guy that looks too good to be true?”

I wave toward the laptop, the same laptop still showcasing his handsome face and explain, “I already know what he looks like…”

She moves closer. “But with his shirt off?”

“What?!” My brows scrunch together in surprise, my cheeks warm with heat and I can’t seem to do anything else except blink. “Wha—when…why were you watching him get dressed?” I mumble out.

She taps a nail along her forearm and says, “He was undressing.” She emphasis the un part with a growing smile and adds, “I had just brought Nibs home from our evening walk and he barreled past me slinging off his shirt and ran upstairs. I wasn’t sure if I should go see where the fire was, but for a split moment I knew there was a God because I had just been graced by the most well-defined man on the planet.”

Mia pipes in, “I wasn’t as lucky, but last weekend I was hanging Nibs’ leash up in the foyer when I noticed clothes flung all across the floor. His expensive Stefano dress shoes were chucked off to one side and then there were his slacks, jacket and shirt sprinkled all over the steps. The way it looked to me, he wasn’t alone and whoever she was did an amazing job of stripping him down.”

“And why is this any concern of ours? I smirk trying to act aloof. This is the last thing I need in my life, a charismatic, attractive egocentric male parading his manliness around.

“Don’t you think he sends off this vibe like he’s some sort of lone wolf? A riddle to be solved?” Donna quizzes standing up. She tips her short pixie cut blonde hair to one side and glances at the screen. “He’s single, never been married, moved here just a few months ago and owns some sort of notable technology company.” She sits on the edge of the table tallying off each point. “His company doesn’t even reside here…”

“So?” I state and walk toward the laptop. “It’s his business, he can operate anywhere in the world, that doesn’t necessarily make him an anomaly.” I tap a few keys and close his profile. “But, just to prove a point that there’s nothing riddling about this man I’ll go.”

Donna runs her hand down my forearm, her neatly trimmed brows lift as she offers, “Lacey, believe me when I say, some men make sense, some are work driven slaves, some have their secret addictions, sex, drugs to online pornography, but Mr. Lockwood, he’s something entirely different and you’re—”

“And I’m going to come back Monday morning and tell you he’s nothing more than a boring reclusive man.”




Memoirs of a Superhero - coming soon!

Midnight release! 2.13.16

"Good books don’t give up all their secrets at once.” ― Stephen King


When I first started writing out the story for ‘Daylight’ which is the first book in the No Death for the Wicked series, it was for a Halloween anthology dedicated to a charity. It was meant to be a short story with a limited word count and a wonderful opportunity to write with so many talented writers. As most now know the story has evolved and I am currently writing book 2 Midnight. As soon as I am finished with Midnight I will announce the release date, which I’m hoping will be sometime next month.

It is the ultimate challenge, writing a book with balance. As an author, I want to write a book that is capturing, intriguing and brings you along as my characters live out their lives. But here’s the thing with my writing, I write what the characters show me, they are the ones that take me down the writing path. I follow their lead. Do I want to be an author that is too easy? Predictable or boring? Well I certainly hope not, but do I want to give up everything to you in the first book? No, I don’t. I want you to desire for more, to have unanswered questions that stick with you and allow the secrets not yet whispered into your ear to bring you along as the full story unfolds, whether it’s one stand alone book or a series.

Daylight, my first book in the No Death for the Wicked series, is a great example of this. I understand that my readers are open minded, thought provoking, and intelligent. So, I don’t fill my book with explanations of why a Reaper (Graham) and a young vampire (Mattie) have an instant attraction. Book two, Midnight, will bring more of this to light and book three, (Untitled) will wrap it up.

I also don’t dive into much of the backstory of Mattie or Graham because the first book is more of a discovery into who they are right now. How they handle themselves in different situations. What are their boundaries, or restrictions? What are their strengths or weaknesses?

There is so much in Daylight that can be expanded on, and that’s the fun part of a series. Why was Mattie so stuck in being young? How did Mattie’s Mother Dearest control and use her? Why is Graham so thunderstruck with Mattie? Why can’t Mattie get enough of Graham? What’s the deal with the serum Daylight? How is the serum made? What’s the rest of the world like outside of Solace? Are there other vampires out there? How does Pandora fit into the picture going forward? Or does she? Why wasn’t Krew a truly evil bastard? Was he really meant to be the villain or just someone representing the other side?

All of these questions and much more are set into Daylight for a reason. The answers are my secrets. Secrets to be whispered to you as you read along with the rest of the series. And that’s the real trick isn’t it? In Midnight you’ll find out more about the questions above, more secrets will rise up too. The one thing you can rest assured is that I will always wrap up my books with a nice little bow at the end so that you’re not left hanging.

A peek at Midnight...

If you’re a Rush fan or have read Daylight and have been anxiously waiting for book 2 in the No Death for the Wicked series, well… please bear with me.

As some might already know, I have recently lost my best friend, my husband. He passed away August 13th and I have been completely and utterly lost without him. I know some may say it’s too soon or take it slow, which I am. But, the one thing that has always kept me grounded is writing, my husband used to always say he loved it when I wrote simply, because it fueled me with life. Writing helps me on so many different levels and I know it’s the one thing he would want me to continue even with him gone.

With that being said, here’s the first chapter to Midnight. I’m working on it here and there, whenever I get the chance, mostly nights since sleep evades me. Also, I would like to mention before I cozy up to write, (book one) – Daylight should be out in audio very soon. I will post links as soon as I can and I hope you enjoy the beginning taste of Mattie and Graham’s next story.

© 2015 Karli Rush

Chapter One -


“A stake through the heart…” I flip another page and grumble, “Exposure to the sun.” Another page. “Decapitation.” And another. “Starvation.” I roam my eyes over to Graham, annoyed.

“Where’s the good stuff in this fossilized book?”

He directs a shimmer of a glance my way, but still keeps his blue eyes on the ill-lit road. The city of Solace is a distant memory, but one I will not soon forget. Graham found a set of wheels for us, more like a war machine. A Gothic black 1965 Buick Rivera, to travel the wastelands, the barren lifeless roads. Each mile means I’m that much farther away from the Elites. The elites are hunting us, and every pit stop we make, someone’s watching us. So, whether it’s a cashier at a gas station or a hitchhiker wandering the dusty roads, Graham makes sure they have no breath to reiterate what or who they just saw.

“There’s more in the book, Mattie,” Graham reveals, and magically flicks the pages backward with a simple gesture from his finger. His unworldly succulent eyes study me. “Bleed,” he says in a deep and throaty tone.

The only way I can read the book in my lap, the Voynich’s book, is for a drop of vampire blood to touch the page. I press my nail into my hand and squeeze the ruby-red blood from my palm. The crimson fluid turns into ink and the encrypted symbols begin to form into words. Readable, fluent sentences appear, and I start to decipher what I’m seeing.

“Vampires have existed since the dawn of man, and since that time, the two races have been at war. Both fighting for their own instinctual survival. Mankind had daylight on their side, to them vampires were nothing more than a menace.

The vampires ruled the night, but were also reliant on the humans… for their blood. After centuries of bloody war the humans believed they had finally won, and fell into a state of complacency, but the vampires, concealed by shadows of night, discovered another race being hunted and persecuted by the humans… witches.

These two formed an alliance and began slowly developing a strategy to infiltrate and take over humanity, without mankind ever knowing. First, a serum was created, giving them the one thing the humans had advantage of, the sun. Now the nightwalkers walk the day, and soon all aspects of society will be within our grasp. In five hundred years, we shall rule the world.”

As soon as my last word expels from my lips the sentences fade, no words, no ancient scribbly handwriting, not even a hint that my blood had even spilled there.

“So all this time humans think that vampires are mere stories of myth and forgotten legends, but in fact they’re the ruling class of humanity. How ironic— wait a minute… how many cities are there like Solace?”

Graham hits the lights, deadening the path in front of us even more, and steers the car off the road. The town, Shadow Hills, caps the dry scenery in the distance. Graham slips out and scouts the area. He walks, no that’s not accurate, he glides toward the front of the car. His long trench coat whispers along the ground as he waits a breath before he answers me.

“There are more cities like Solace than you would like to know about, Mattie.”

“So, we’re fucked?” I quip getting out, my eyes roam around the dreary landscape. I set my hope for blood on a metaphorical shelf for now and stride toward the back of the car. I slam my fist hard against the dusty metal and watch as vials of daylight shine like the Holy Grail from the trunk. I slide one translucent bottle from its precious cushioned protection and inspect it. The entire trunk is filled with cases of daylight, and if I’m careful, it will last me a couple of years. But, if I am not, I may just end up being a flesh-skinning nightwalker and that’s not a go-to option for me.

Graham motions over at the horizon just as the sun breaks through the early morning light. I quickly slip the vial back in its snug, tight concealment and make sure the cases are securely closed before I slam the trunk shut. I might be able to go a few days without needing another dose, but a thousand or so vials of daylight won’t last me forever. In the book it mentions witches, an alliance between us and them. And how they conjured the serum, now, all I need is a witch.

“Your friend… she’s there,” Graham announces and shifts his provocative eyes toward me.

“How do you know? You have a thing for witches too?” I sass meeting his pace, his body meets mine. We’re close to touching but not. I swallow hard watching as he licks his full sinful lips. He’s been careful not to touch me since we hightailed it out of Solace, all of his energy and concentration has solely been on keeping us safe. But now, I can see his sexual frustration building, he wants to touch me, he needs to touch me.

Finally, his right hand ensnares around my waist, pressing our hips closer. His blue eyes scour over my face as if he’s deciding on how he wants to take me. “Witches? No… They couldn’t survive my ways, they’re not nearly wicked enough.”