Karli Rush's Blog - Posts Tagged "new-release"
New upcoming series book One - Pine Needles - The Veil Realm Series.
Chapter One
Quake
City of Sindale...
My hand skims along the once secured concrete wall, broken bits and pieces have crumbled to the floor. The now forgotten structure was once a resource full of hidden knowledge. Ashes of incinerated books leave only dusty remnants. I suppose history has a way of repeating itself, we always succumb to destroy what we fear or do not yet understand.
Many other buildings have fallen to the same fate as this one, the reason I keep finding myself here is that one day I found a book untouched and within its resilient tome was a slip of paper, a message written in dire need of warning....
I am a survivor, our world was torn apart and the only weapon I had was my mind. Never will I lose sight of such vile and massive endings of so many. Voices still haunt my days and their detached screams echo through my every night. Heed my words, their evil is among us.
Joshua, a survivor.
Symbols, I vaguely remember, are scribbled along the note, my grandmother used to teach me that sigils were used for seals, protection, and many other purposes. I carefully fold the well-worn slip of paper and start to place it back into my pocket, when two strong hands tug me backwards, struggling I land in his awaiting arms.
“They told me you were out gathering plants, not reading some old love note,” a low chuckle escapes as he playfully flicks the paper still in my hand.
Laughing at his foolishness, I quickly drop the note into my back pocket, “It's not a love note Rayden, I’ve told you that a thousand times already.” He releases me with a teasing grin, pushing away from him I decide to razz him, “It’s a warning you big jerk, could be the last words of a dying man, besides why are you not at work?”
Rayden takes one threatening step toward me, “What did you just call me Selene?” I know that expression and I’m in trouble so I make a run for it. Dashing through the enfeebling doorway I race down the vine covered steps, but before I can even reach the tree-line Rayden is chasing me down like a mountain lion on the hunt.
Before I know it, I’m lying on the ground with him on top, familiar with his kind of torture I scramble to free myself. His hands grip my sides pinning me in place and then his malevolent fingers begin tickling me with no mercy in sight.
My contagious laughter rivets throughout the simple woods as Rayden straddles over me, he taunts, “Do you give up?” Writhing beneath him, I try to speak, but it’s no use, so instead I nod confirming my submission. His controlled hands measure their way up my body, and his affectionate lips explore mine. “I love you,” he declares as I trace the features of his indomitable face. Those three small words and only from Rayden bring peace to my soul.
As a hint of a giggle slowly ebbs away and I’m finally able to utter, “I love you too,” his arms cradle me. I dislodge a few pine needles from his auburn Caesar cut hair, wondering how he could have any attachment to the woods when I’m the one lying in a bed of it. He laughs at my baffled expression and shakes his head, brushing the remains out of his hair with a hand.
Eventually he slumps over next to me and says, “I see you’re wearing the earrings your sister gave you for your birthday last year, they look good on you.” Absently, I touch the tear-shaped diamond earring. It is the first time I have ever worn them. Normally, I’m not one to wear jewelry, especially anything expensive. But since my sister Bailey presented these as a somewhat peace-offering token, I decided it is time to let the past wash away. As our family members traditionally hand down from one generation to another a small locally owned business. I was the next descendant in line. My sister, for whatever reason thought it was she that should have inherited the shop, never considering the obvious that I’m twenty-eight and she has just turned twenty-two, plus the fact she has never stepped a single foot in the place until it was turned over to me.
So to make my long story short, she quickly married an auditor and simply travels with him shopping to her heart’s content, which is why now; I have a pair of fine tear-shaped diamond earrings.
“So, do you think next time this year you will be ready for marriage Selene?” His deep husky tone turns on every pulsating rhythm within me. I watch him twine a tender fresh pine needle around my left ring finger.
I couldn't help but smile as I answer, “Yes, I told you yes then, and I will always say yes to you Rayden.” He rumbles out a laugh and tosses me on top of him, “Are you going to help me, or not?” I gesture at my hair bombarded with pines, leaves, and dirt. “Everyone at the shop will think I had a little sexual encounter out here in the woods, Rayden,” I remark gently combing my fingers through my dark ringlets of hair.
He starts unbuttoning my top grinning arrogantly. “That’s fine with me, let them think what they want, we can even come back a little sweaty to confirm their theories.”
My petite fingers nimbly trail behind his more than generous hands buttoning my top together. I giggle out, “Stop! As soon as I button one you unbutton another, quit it!” Half-heartedly, I shove his hands away, if it was any other time he could have his way with me, but I had to get back.
Finding enough strength I jump up and bolt through the trees. I turn to see how close he is and surprisingly I have a great head start on him. Knowing Rayden and his stamina, my odds look slim to none in making it to my car. At this point, it doesn't matter if I was to veer off the peculiar path or not, because I know at any moment he’ll catch me. I can see my car parked through the dense thicket, and I feel his unyielding grip swing me around, we both laugh with pounding hearts. Slowly he lowers me down. With my laughing and breathing heavily, I have a notion to pass out, but he leans in kissing me, as if his kiss, his lips, his very breath revitalizes me somehow—with a soul kiss. It’s deep and passionate and it tells me exactly how much he wants me. How much he truly loves me.
“Did you get everything you came out here for?” He asks as I pull out a list from my car and hand it to Rayden. I rummage in a large hand woven basket I just placed in my front seat.
“Okay, go through the list for me,” I glance up to him admiring how he leans his self assured body against my car. Today he’s not in his usual work attire, jeans and a T-shirt which form perfectly to his building physique. This is clearly understandable since he owns the company as well as builds log homes throughout the area.
He clears his throat with a snicker in my direction. “Okay, willow bark...?”
I shuffle through the sealed bags and find the one I marked with willows bark and answer, “Check.”
“Burdock Root, do you have that one...?” Again, I flip through and locate the correct package, “Yes, I have it.” He continues on down my list.
“Mint leaves, Dandelions, and Passion flowers...?” He peers over my shoulder as I search for the items.
A satisfied smile blossoms across my face.
“Check, check, and check. I have them all, now tomorrow I’ll probably need to refill a few others, such as pine needles.” The last two words I stress because we were immersed in them and giving a subtle hint of an invitation for him to meet me. His cool and charming demeanor tells me he accepts my invite, but with another proposal.
“How about I meet you back at your place later tonight and I’ll bring whatever you may need, including pine needles.”
I press my lips hard along his, nothing he wasn't use to; it was my way of sealing our deals. “I’ll follow you back into town. I have a new client to meet across the street from your shop today.” I nod to him as I push my things back, slamming the door shut to the Prius, but it doesn't close. A loud clank alerts me to look for the source of the problem; the seat-belt dangles in-between the ridge of the car. I yank the belt, and allow it to zip back into its rightful place and close the passenger door. I glance back at Rayden in his truck and of course, he is shaking his head grinning, I easily amuse him.
I park in my normal designated spot in front of The Natural Path shop. It’s a completely organic food and natural remedy store. We have always done decent here on the west side of this hard to find on the map city. I have a more than fairly large sized studio apartment on the backside of the shop. Which is convenient, I suppose, but if I were to ever call in sick, I had better truly be. Knowing I’m running later than I had anticipated, I quickly collect my things.
I hear Rayden yelling from across the street to me, “I’ll see you later my tree hugger!” Juggling the basket in one hand, papers, forms to fill out, and my purse in the other, I manage to shut the door with the heel of my sandal.
“Yeah, I’ll see you soon tree slayer!” I guffaw back making my way to the door.
Carol, one of the ladies that work for me, comes to assist me through the door. Instantly she does her thing, reaching, grabbing, and sorting everything in a blink of an eye. One of the reasons I hired her, plus she’s a long time family friend. I rush back to my office and check the messages.
I dig out the bank bag and start to walk to the front when I notice everyone gawking out of the front display windows. “Oh, sweet child...Miss Selene you best come take a look.”
I move through everyone as they make a passage for me, a white BMW car parks next to Rayden’s truck. I watch while a very attractive woman steps out of the pristine car. Rayden strides over and greets her as they shake hands and he ushers her inside the restaurant. I note that she never attempts to pull her skintight skirt down, hoping at some point she would at least inch it closer to her knees.
Everything about her strictly states, a fashion show glamour girl, from the tip of her leopard-printed leather boots to her honeyed blonde hair. Before I allow my mind to run wild with invidious thoughts, I wheel around and say, “Okay, ladies let’s get back to work, shall we?” Irritated, I find myself numbly twirling a strand of my own hair, a slight nervous tangent that I tend to do from time to time.
“Besides, Rayden has already told me he was planning to meet a new client today.” Holding my tone with assurance, I make my way back to the office, but the whispering voices still linger quietly behind me. I glare over my shoulder, flipping my hair back and point out, “I can still hear you, don’t you have the decency to wait until I’m out of the room?” My declining expression soon exposes a teasing grin as I turn back.
“Yes, Miss Selene certainly, but we were just so...” I wave a dismissing hand, to show it’s no longer a discussion. Adjusting my seat up more, it’s an overly common occurrence with the girls using the computer back here in my office for orders. I adjust the height a tad bit more as I take a look at our inventory and check on a couple of shipments.
Mandy taps on the open door. “Hi, Selene... I was wondering if I can go for lunch now?” I wrap my hair around a clip. Taking a few pins out of my mouth as I slide them in place on either side of the hair clip.
“By all means, sure go... where are you planning on having lunch?”
She drums her nails for a moment and comments, “McNellis’s across the street.” She throws me a jeering smile and walks away. A few seconds later she yells from the front counter, “And Shellie is coming along too!” I laugh and begin organizing the ordering forms. I make a mental count. I usually have four, maybe five girls helping out here at the shop. But today we had one call in for a dental appointment and another extending her vacation in the Colorado Mountains. Leaving me with Carol, Shellie, and Mandy, this seems to work really well.
Once they come back, I’ll prepare the tea packets from the ingredients I gathered up earlier this morning. Filing the last of the forms, I glance over to my computer screen, the image flickers off and then spontaneously back on. That’s strange. I lean over my desk and check the power cords. Everything is plugged in correctly, I step back when I hear Carol calling out, “Miss Selene something is amiss with your registers up here.” I press the power button one more time with no results.
I wind my way up to the front counter and suddenly everything on the walls tremble. Carol’s wide dark eyes lock onto mine and I can sense the same apprehension I have rising in her too. The walls shake harder, knocking some of the merchandise down to the floor. The lights waver on and off as if they have a mind of their own. “Selene? What’s happening?”
I race around the counter to Carol. “I’m not sure, but I have lost power in the office.” I scan the shop and I know we have no power throughout. I comfortingly pat Carol’s hand and ask her, “Carol, I need you to make a call on your cell, see what you can find out for me.” I nod my head waiting for her reply. It takes her a second, but she hesitatingly reaches down, pulling out her cell.
I move then cautiously toward the front of the shop, stepping over vitamins, and supplement containers. “W-where are you going Miss. Selene?” Her voice crackles with fear, twisting around I point to the front doors.
“I’m just going to take a quick look out the front here and see if anyone else is having problems,” And tremors I whisper under my breath. Living in a rural area, we have never experienced tremors, aftershocks, or earthquakes, but it doesn't necessarily mean that I’m not aware of them. Assuredly, I swing open the door and see everyone merging out of the buildings with the exact same bewildering expressions.
I hear someone yell a store down from me. “Do you have any power Selene?”
I take another step out and reply, “No, I’m guessing this entire block is knocked out?”
Another store owner shouts from across the street, “We are out of power here too!”
Carol’s tone seems more disturbed as she conveys her concern, “Selene I can’t get a signal, I’m so sorry, my... my cell it’s not working. Do you want me to go get yours?” People start filling the sidewalks and I glance out to see if I can find Rayden. But no luck I direct my attention back to Carol.
“No, it’s fine Carol, I’ll go.” I shuffle back trying to miss a metal stand that has fallen over and then a violent quake rips its way through the town. Instead of objects descending to the floor the entire walls collapse, burying Carol beneath the rubble I scream out, “Carol!” Staggering back and dropping to my knees I grip the floor in panic.
That’s when chaos breaks free, ear-piercing screams cluster in the graying dust clouds, men and women alike bellow out in pain, horror, or sheer shock. But no sound comes from where the counter once stood, where Carol had just spoken to me.
I crawl dodging the shelves that tumble over, reaching my goal, “Carol...?!” The earth still quivering and shifting and I’m beginning to feel like I’m inside a can while someone shakes the hell out of it.
Silence is the only reply I receive as I keep calling out her name, “Carol...can you hear me? Can you move...” I’m instantly halted as I find Carol laying in the debris, just barely a view as the concrete blocks pile a tomb over her breathless body. Her smoky brown inert eyes reveal her life quickly ended. I hang my head in tears, and drag my nails against the non-shaking floor. Realizing just then someone is shouting my name....
“Selene!” Guarding myself I hold my hands up waiting for anything else to crash into me, a few things bang and topple over my head. Standing wearily I move towards the voice, my shop no longer holds the appearance of a building and neither does any business that once resided here, I come to a stop at an unreal ravine which was once our main street.
I peer over the chasm to find Rayden standing on the edge, shouting, “Selene, are you hurt?” For the first time I hadn't really thought about it, so I glance down, coated only in dust and unharmed, I turn to look in Carol’s direction. Broken-hearted I focus back to Rayden.
“I’m fine, you?” I narrow my gaze to see the woman he had met with today for lunch clinging to the back of his shirt. Even from where I stand I can see the terror riddling her, making her latch onto anyone.
“I’m okay. Shellie and Mandy are helping others right now.” I feel relief as I sigh knowing they survived. A numbing lump catches in my burning throat, but I try to force the words out regardless.
“Carol—” before I can finish my sentence a man that I don’t recognize at first charges deliriously toward me. Frantically, I saunter backwards, but he still lunges, slamming us both into the sidewalk. With him up close and personal I now understand who he is, holes tattering a dark dress coat, which may have been a lighter color many years ago, a grungy cotton undershirt, and worn stained pants. And a vulgar scent that could have very well knocked me off my two feet without his assault.
He’s the homeless man that stands down at the street corner from time to time. “Hurry, their coming!” He starts shaking me, as if I am made of rags. I begin kicking and shoving trying to get him off me, his milky desolate glare fixates a spine-twisting fear into my dark somber eyes.
I can hear Rayden yelling belligerently, “Get the fuck off her!”
Rayden’s threat never fazes the homeless man as we scuffle on the sidewalk and then as soon as the incident starts it stops. The man freezes digging his marred fingers into my arms. He unexpectedly cranes his head to the side and stutters, “Do you hear it... d— do you?”
I shake my head I can’t hear anything other than the waning cries and moans of despair. He jerks me up and points to the east side of the district, and still I have no clue what he’s talking about.
Rayden’s voice howls out, “Move away from her, or so help me, I’ll put a fucking bullet in your head!” Vengeance dripping from each breath he takes, but I catch a silky flow of... a veil weaving down the sidewalk. It’s larger than life, as if the heavens above were enclosing a shear curtain on this side of the town.
The mad homeless man drops me like a ton of bricks and runs, screaming at the top of his lungs, “It’s here! It’s here!” I slowly sit up hypnotized by what is unfolding before me. An unfamiliar scent passes by me as the translucent veil flutters between me and the gaping ravine.
I stand feeling drawn as I stare up to the sky and follow the majestic veil right in front of me. Without really any thought I reach out and touch it, expecting my hand to go through it, but discover it’s more like glass. Surrounding and closing off this section, my thoughts settle and I realize, it’s some type of confinement.
The mad man wasn't entirely insane after all. I hammer my hands desperately into the pellucid veil, “Rayden!” As I beg for him, I notice he’s contemplating how to travel the trenches of the measureless ravine between us. He slides his gun in the back of his jeans and paces the edge dangerously.
I’m not sure why, but a hollow feeling of doom churns inside me and an inhuman screeching noise erupts through all the other chaotic sounds. Every living soul ceases, doing whatever they were doing and aims their blood-running cold stares down the end of our street.
People begin running down the dismantled street, jumping over fallen barriers, stampeding anyone who gets in their way. Ghostly arrows plague the air. The deadly onslaught strikes at least a dozen directly in the head. Bodies plummet on top of each other, and that unfamiliar scent that I couldn't recall before is the downpour of blood.
I feel paralyzed as I turn to look at Rayden, unaware that I’m shaking till I see my hands shivering in pure panic. “Rayden! Rayden!” I scream out unsure if he can even hear me over the slaughtering just a block away from me.
“Run! Selene, Run!” Pulling some sense together I glance back at the ocean of red filling every crack and crevice, I start to run. I peer across to Rayden as he runs down the broken pavement.
“Don’t look back, keep running Selene!” He’s like a mirror image of me on the opposite side of the street, lunging, hurtling past the obstacles we encounter except he’s not the one being hunted.
Cars, trucks, and other vehicles overturned, out-of-control fires blaze off in the distance and the ground quivers beneath my scampering feet as an explosion ejects with such force commanding my body to thrust face first into the concrete.
I must have veered off somehow because I have no view of the ravine any longer, and I can’t even hear Rayden anymore. I quickly push myself back up when my foot slips in the murky water draining along the side streets, the pipes must have busted.
I see my reflection just briefly, my hair in disarray half fastened by a broken clip, my nose and cheeks skinned up and then a splatter of blood streams through the water. Whipping my head around to see a man lying on his side motionless with an arrow embedded through his temple.
I amble upward and demand my legs to jolt forward, ahead of me I spot a tree-line, I dart a look over my shoulder to see if whatever took that man’s life is anywhere close to me. In the most desperate moment of my life I realize everything that I once knew before will be forever changed. I’m not running from a group of scared-senseless, crazed people, I’m running from a macabre pack of wraith-like warriors.
Quake
City of Sindale...
My hand skims along the once secured concrete wall, broken bits and pieces have crumbled to the floor. The now forgotten structure was once a resource full of hidden knowledge. Ashes of incinerated books leave only dusty remnants. I suppose history has a way of repeating itself, we always succumb to destroy what we fear or do not yet understand.
Many other buildings have fallen to the same fate as this one, the reason I keep finding myself here is that one day I found a book untouched and within its resilient tome was a slip of paper, a message written in dire need of warning....
I am a survivor, our world was torn apart and the only weapon I had was my mind. Never will I lose sight of such vile and massive endings of so many. Voices still haunt my days and their detached screams echo through my every night. Heed my words, their evil is among us.
Joshua, a survivor.
Symbols, I vaguely remember, are scribbled along the note, my grandmother used to teach me that sigils were used for seals, protection, and many other purposes. I carefully fold the well-worn slip of paper and start to place it back into my pocket, when two strong hands tug me backwards, struggling I land in his awaiting arms.
“They told me you were out gathering plants, not reading some old love note,” a low chuckle escapes as he playfully flicks the paper still in my hand.
Laughing at his foolishness, I quickly drop the note into my back pocket, “It's not a love note Rayden, I’ve told you that a thousand times already.” He releases me with a teasing grin, pushing away from him I decide to razz him, “It’s a warning you big jerk, could be the last words of a dying man, besides why are you not at work?”
Rayden takes one threatening step toward me, “What did you just call me Selene?” I know that expression and I’m in trouble so I make a run for it. Dashing through the enfeebling doorway I race down the vine covered steps, but before I can even reach the tree-line Rayden is chasing me down like a mountain lion on the hunt.
Before I know it, I’m lying on the ground with him on top, familiar with his kind of torture I scramble to free myself. His hands grip my sides pinning me in place and then his malevolent fingers begin tickling me with no mercy in sight.
My contagious laughter rivets throughout the simple woods as Rayden straddles over me, he taunts, “Do you give up?” Writhing beneath him, I try to speak, but it’s no use, so instead I nod confirming my submission. His controlled hands measure their way up my body, and his affectionate lips explore mine. “I love you,” he declares as I trace the features of his indomitable face. Those three small words and only from Rayden bring peace to my soul.
As a hint of a giggle slowly ebbs away and I’m finally able to utter, “I love you too,” his arms cradle me. I dislodge a few pine needles from his auburn Caesar cut hair, wondering how he could have any attachment to the woods when I’m the one lying in a bed of it. He laughs at my baffled expression and shakes his head, brushing the remains out of his hair with a hand.
Eventually he slumps over next to me and says, “I see you’re wearing the earrings your sister gave you for your birthday last year, they look good on you.” Absently, I touch the tear-shaped diamond earring. It is the first time I have ever worn them. Normally, I’m not one to wear jewelry, especially anything expensive. But since my sister Bailey presented these as a somewhat peace-offering token, I decided it is time to let the past wash away. As our family members traditionally hand down from one generation to another a small locally owned business. I was the next descendant in line. My sister, for whatever reason thought it was she that should have inherited the shop, never considering the obvious that I’m twenty-eight and she has just turned twenty-two, plus the fact she has never stepped a single foot in the place until it was turned over to me.
So to make my long story short, she quickly married an auditor and simply travels with him shopping to her heart’s content, which is why now; I have a pair of fine tear-shaped diamond earrings.
“So, do you think next time this year you will be ready for marriage Selene?” His deep husky tone turns on every pulsating rhythm within me. I watch him twine a tender fresh pine needle around my left ring finger.
I couldn't help but smile as I answer, “Yes, I told you yes then, and I will always say yes to you Rayden.” He rumbles out a laugh and tosses me on top of him, “Are you going to help me, or not?” I gesture at my hair bombarded with pines, leaves, and dirt. “Everyone at the shop will think I had a little sexual encounter out here in the woods, Rayden,” I remark gently combing my fingers through my dark ringlets of hair.
He starts unbuttoning my top grinning arrogantly. “That’s fine with me, let them think what they want, we can even come back a little sweaty to confirm their theories.”
My petite fingers nimbly trail behind his more than generous hands buttoning my top together. I giggle out, “Stop! As soon as I button one you unbutton another, quit it!” Half-heartedly, I shove his hands away, if it was any other time he could have his way with me, but I had to get back.
Finding enough strength I jump up and bolt through the trees. I turn to see how close he is and surprisingly I have a great head start on him. Knowing Rayden and his stamina, my odds look slim to none in making it to my car. At this point, it doesn't matter if I was to veer off the peculiar path or not, because I know at any moment he’ll catch me. I can see my car parked through the dense thicket, and I feel his unyielding grip swing me around, we both laugh with pounding hearts. Slowly he lowers me down. With my laughing and breathing heavily, I have a notion to pass out, but he leans in kissing me, as if his kiss, his lips, his very breath revitalizes me somehow—with a soul kiss. It’s deep and passionate and it tells me exactly how much he wants me. How much he truly loves me.
“Did you get everything you came out here for?” He asks as I pull out a list from my car and hand it to Rayden. I rummage in a large hand woven basket I just placed in my front seat.
“Okay, go through the list for me,” I glance up to him admiring how he leans his self assured body against my car. Today he’s not in his usual work attire, jeans and a T-shirt which form perfectly to his building physique. This is clearly understandable since he owns the company as well as builds log homes throughout the area.
He clears his throat with a snicker in my direction. “Okay, willow bark...?”
I shuffle through the sealed bags and find the one I marked with willows bark and answer, “Check.”
“Burdock Root, do you have that one...?” Again, I flip through and locate the correct package, “Yes, I have it.” He continues on down my list.
“Mint leaves, Dandelions, and Passion flowers...?” He peers over my shoulder as I search for the items.
A satisfied smile blossoms across my face.
“Check, check, and check. I have them all, now tomorrow I’ll probably need to refill a few others, such as pine needles.” The last two words I stress because we were immersed in them and giving a subtle hint of an invitation for him to meet me. His cool and charming demeanor tells me he accepts my invite, but with another proposal.
“How about I meet you back at your place later tonight and I’ll bring whatever you may need, including pine needles.”
I press my lips hard along his, nothing he wasn't use to; it was my way of sealing our deals. “I’ll follow you back into town. I have a new client to meet across the street from your shop today.” I nod to him as I push my things back, slamming the door shut to the Prius, but it doesn't close. A loud clank alerts me to look for the source of the problem; the seat-belt dangles in-between the ridge of the car. I yank the belt, and allow it to zip back into its rightful place and close the passenger door. I glance back at Rayden in his truck and of course, he is shaking his head grinning, I easily amuse him.
I park in my normal designated spot in front of The Natural Path shop. It’s a completely organic food and natural remedy store. We have always done decent here on the west side of this hard to find on the map city. I have a more than fairly large sized studio apartment on the backside of the shop. Which is convenient, I suppose, but if I were to ever call in sick, I had better truly be. Knowing I’m running later than I had anticipated, I quickly collect my things.
I hear Rayden yelling from across the street to me, “I’ll see you later my tree hugger!” Juggling the basket in one hand, papers, forms to fill out, and my purse in the other, I manage to shut the door with the heel of my sandal.
“Yeah, I’ll see you soon tree slayer!” I guffaw back making my way to the door.
Carol, one of the ladies that work for me, comes to assist me through the door. Instantly she does her thing, reaching, grabbing, and sorting everything in a blink of an eye. One of the reasons I hired her, plus she’s a long time family friend. I rush back to my office and check the messages.
I dig out the bank bag and start to walk to the front when I notice everyone gawking out of the front display windows. “Oh, sweet child...Miss Selene you best come take a look.”
I move through everyone as they make a passage for me, a white BMW car parks next to Rayden’s truck. I watch while a very attractive woman steps out of the pristine car. Rayden strides over and greets her as they shake hands and he ushers her inside the restaurant. I note that she never attempts to pull her skintight skirt down, hoping at some point she would at least inch it closer to her knees.
Everything about her strictly states, a fashion show glamour girl, from the tip of her leopard-printed leather boots to her honeyed blonde hair. Before I allow my mind to run wild with invidious thoughts, I wheel around and say, “Okay, ladies let’s get back to work, shall we?” Irritated, I find myself numbly twirling a strand of my own hair, a slight nervous tangent that I tend to do from time to time.
“Besides, Rayden has already told me he was planning to meet a new client today.” Holding my tone with assurance, I make my way back to the office, but the whispering voices still linger quietly behind me. I glare over my shoulder, flipping my hair back and point out, “I can still hear you, don’t you have the decency to wait until I’m out of the room?” My declining expression soon exposes a teasing grin as I turn back.
“Yes, Miss Selene certainly, but we were just so...” I wave a dismissing hand, to show it’s no longer a discussion. Adjusting my seat up more, it’s an overly common occurrence with the girls using the computer back here in my office for orders. I adjust the height a tad bit more as I take a look at our inventory and check on a couple of shipments.
Mandy taps on the open door. “Hi, Selene... I was wondering if I can go for lunch now?” I wrap my hair around a clip. Taking a few pins out of my mouth as I slide them in place on either side of the hair clip.
“By all means, sure go... where are you planning on having lunch?”
She drums her nails for a moment and comments, “McNellis’s across the street.” She throws me a jeering smile and walks away. A few seconds later she yells from the front counter, “And Shellie is coming along too!” I laugh and begin organizing the ordering forms. I make a mental count. I usually have four, maybe five girls helping out here at the shop. But today we had one call in for a dental appointment and another extending her vacation in the Colorado Mountains. Leaving me with Carol, Shellie, and Mandy, this seems to work really well.
Once they come back, I’ll prepare the tea packets from the ingredients I gathered up earlier this morning. Filing the last of the forms, I glance over to my computer screen, the image flickers off and then spontaneously back on. That’s strange. I lean over my desk and check the power cords. Everything is plugged in correctly, I step back when I hear Carol calling out, “Miss Selene something is amiss with your registers up here.” I press the power button one more time with no results.
I wind my way up to the front counter and suddenly everything on the walls tremble. Carol’s wide dark eyes lock onto mine and I can sense the same apprehension I have rising in her too. The walls shake harder, knocking some of the merchandise down to the floor. The lights waver on and off as if they have a mind of their own. “Selene? What’s happening?”
I race around the counter to Carol. “I’m not sure, but I have lost power in the office.” I scan the shop and I know we have no power throughout. I comfortingly pat Carol’s hand and ask her, “Carol, I need you to make a call on your cell, see what you can find out for me.” I nod my head waiting for her reply. It takes her a second, but she hesitatingly reaches down, pulling out her cell.
I move then cautiously toward the front of the shop, stepping over vitamins, and supplement containers. “W-where are you going Miss. Selene?” Her voice crackles with fear, twisting around I point to the front doors.
“I’m just going to take a quick look out the front here and see if anyone else is having problems,” And tremors I whisper under my breath. Living in a rural area, we have never experienced tremors, aftershocks, or earthquakes, but it doesn't necessarily mean that I’m not aware of them. Assuredly, I swing open the door and see everyone merging out of the buildings with the exact same bewildering expressions.
I hear someone yell a store down from me. “Do you have any power Selene?”
I take another step out and reply, “No, I’m guessing this entire block is knocked out?”
Another store owner shouts from across the street, “We are out of power here too!”
Carol’s tone seems more disturbed as she conveys her concern, “Selene I can’t get a signal, I’m so sorry, my... my cell it’s not working. Do you want me to go get yours?” People start filling the sidewalks and I glance out to see if I can find Rayden. But no luck I direct my attention back to Carol.
“No, it’s fine Carol, I’ll go.” I shuffle back trying to miss a metal stand that has fallen over and then a violent quake rips its way through the town. Instead of objects descending to the floor the entire walls collapse, burying Carol beneath the rubble I scream out, “Carol!” Staggering back and dropping to my knees I grip the floor in panic.
That’s when chaos breaks free, ear-piercing screams cluster in the graying dust clouds, men and women alike bellow out in pain, horror, or sheer shock. But no sound comes from where the counter once stood, where Carol had just spoken to me.
I crawl dodging the shelves that tumble over, reaching my goal, “Carol...?!” The earth still quivering and shifting and I’m beginning to feel like I’m inside a can while someone shakes the hell out of it.
Silence is the only reply I receive as I keep calling out her name, “Carol...can you hear me? Can you move...” I’m instantly halted as I find Carol laying in the debris, just barely a view as the concrete blocks pile a tomb over her breathless body. Her smoky brown inert eyes reveal her life quickly ended. I hang my head in tears, and drag my nails against the non-shaking floor. Realizing just then someone is shouting my name....
“Selene!” Guarding myself I hold my hands up waiting for anything else to crash into me, a few things bang and topple over my head. Standing wearily I move towards the voice, my shop no longer holds the appearance of a building and neither does any business that once resided here, I come to a stop at an unreal ravine which was once our main street.
I peer over the chasm to find Rayden standing on the edge, shouting, “Selene, are you hurt?” For the first time I hadn't really thought about it, so I glance down, coated only in dust and unharmed, I turn to look in Carol’s direction. Broken-hearted I focus back to Rayden.
“I’m fine, you?” I narrow my gaze to see the woman he had met with today for lunch clinging to the back of his shirt. Even from where I stand I can see the terror riddling her, making her latch onto anyone.
“I’m okay. Shellie and Mandy are helping others right now.” I feel relief as I sigh knowing they survived. A numbing lump catches in my burning throat, but I try to force the words out regardless.
“Carol—” before I can finish my sentence a man that I don’t recognize at first charges deliriously toward me. Frantically, I saunter backwards, but he still lunges, slamming us both into the sidewalk. With him up close and personal I now understand who he is, holes tattering a dark dress coat, which may have been a lighter color many years ago, a grungy cotton undershirt, and worn stained pants. And a vulgar scent that could have very well knocked me off my two feet without his assault.
He’s the homeless man that stands down at the street corner from time to time. “Hurry, their coming!” He starts shaking me, as if I am made of rags. I begin kicking and shoving trying to get him off me, his milky desolate glare fixates a spine-twisting fear into my dark somber eyes.
I can hear Rayden yelling belligerently, “Get the fuck off her!”
Rayden’s threat never fazes the homeless man as we scuffle on the sidewalk and then as soon as the incident starts it stops. The man freezes digging his marred fingers into my arms. He unexpectedly cranes his head to the side and stutters, “Do you hear it... d— do you?”
I shake my head I can’t hear anything other than the waning cries and moans of despair. He jerks me up and points to the east side of the district, and still I have no clue what he’s talking about.
Rayden’s voice howls out, “Move away from her, or so help me, I’ll put a fucking bullet in your head!” Vengeance dripping from each breath he takes, but I catch a silky flow of... a veil weaving down the sidewalk. It’s larger than life, as if the heavens above were enclosing a shear curtain on this side of the town.
The mad homeless man drops me like a ton of bricks and runs, screaming at the top of his lungs, “It’s here! It’s here!” I slowly sit up hypnotized by what is unfolding before me. An unfamiliar scent passes by me as the translucent veil flutters between me and the gaping ravine.
I stand feeling drawn as I stare up to the sky and follow the majestic veil right in front of me. Without really any thought I reach out and touch it, expecting my hand to go through it, but discover it’s more like glass. Surrounding and closing off this section, my thoughts settle and I realize, it’s some type of confinement.
The mad man wasn't entirely insane after all. I hammer my hands desperately into the pellucid veil, “Rayden!” As I beg for him, I notice he’s contemplating how to travel the trenches of the measureless ravine between us. He slides his gun in the back of his jeans and paces the edge dangerously.
I’m not sure why, but a hollow feeling of doom churns inside me and an inhuman screeching noise erupts through all the other chaotic sounds. Every living soul ceases, doing whatever they were doing and aims their blood-running cold stares down the end of our street.
People begin running down the dismantled street, jumping over fallen barriers, stampeding anyone who gets in their way. Ghostly arrows plague the air. The deadly onslaught strikes at least a dozen directly in the head. Bodies plummet on top of each other, and that unfamiliar scent that I couldn't recall before is the downpour of blood.
I feel paralyzed as I turn to look at Rayden, unaware that I’m shaking till I see my hands shivering in pure panic. “Rayden! Rayden!” I scream out unsure if he can even hear me over the slaughtering just a block away from me.
“Run! Selene, Run!” Pulling some sense together I glance back at the ocean of red filling every crack and crevice, I start to run. I peer across to Rayden as he runs down the broken pavement.
“Don’t look back, keep running Selene!” He’s like a mirror image of me on the opposite side of the street, lunging, hurtling past the obstacles we encounter except he’s not the one being hunted.
Cars, trucks, and other vehicles overturned, out-of-control fires blaze off in the distance and the ground quivers beneath my scampering feet as an explosion ejects with such force commanding my body to thrust face first into the concrete.
I must have veered off somehow because I have no view of the ravine any longer, and I can’t even hear Rayden anymore. I quickly push myself back up when my foot slips in the murky water draining along the side streets, the pipes must have busted.
I see my reflection just briefly, my hair in disarray half fastened by a broken clip, my nose and cheeks skinned up and then a splatter of blood streams through the water. Whipping my head around to see a man lying on his side motionless with an arrow embedded through his temple.
I amble upward and demand my legs to jolt forward, ahead of me I spot a tree-line, I dart a look over my shoulder to see if whatever took that man’s life is anywhere close to me. In the most desperate moment of my life I realize everything that I once knew before will be forever changed. I’m not running from a group of scared-senseless, crazed people, I’m running from a macabre pack of wraith-like warriors.
The end of the world is free...Today only!
For today only June 15, 2013 Pine Needles (book one in the Veil Realms series) will be free! If you want to learn more about how this story evolved for me then check out my blog here: http://rushboundblog.wordpress.com/20...Pine Needles (The Veil Realm Series, #1).
The end is near...
Soon, very soon, I will publish my last book in the series. The Crescent Bound series, and with the amazing, incredible talent from Inkstain Interior Book Designing we shall have it (hopefully) in our hands this Halloween. Which book you may ask? Ice Bound, the inside look from Marc’s point of view of Crescent Bound. Long awaited answers will be revealed, a new depth to Marc that some may not have known about, and where they all end up after seven years. This story was extremely difficult for me to write. During my writing process our oldest son had some major health concerns. We tackled the worst of the storms and I hope everyone can understand my reasons for delaying the release of Ice Bound.
Now, for some insight into this particular story…
Naomi – the rogue witch will be part of the story but not as prominent as she was in Crescent Bound. My intention wasn’t to fully duplicate Crescent Bound, and to truly bring you Marc’s story. Besides you’ve already read Crescent Bound and it unravels everything in it. Yes, there will be magick, the elements, and entirely new scenes in Ice Bound.
Ready to follow Marc and Alyssa into their witchy magical world one more time?
Let Your Heart Drive is available for pre-order!
*Dances around madly* I am proud to announce my tenth novel which will be published this June. June 1, 2015 will be the release date, but you are able to pre-order it now!
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As some of you may know this is my very first contemporary romance and I’m extremely excited about sharing this story with you. At least two years this couple (Sinead and Trey) have lingered with me and I have to say it was a bit difficult for me to write at first, only because I itched to write in a dash of paranormal or a pinch of supernatural. Believe me I felt the sudden urge to drop an Easter egg or two in the story and…maybe I did. Now this is a standalone novel and a HEA. I hope my readers will enjoy it and if so, tell a friend or your dearest book buddy. <3
Next – I want to announce my Crescent Bound Box set is out, yes, you can now have the entire Bound series in one! Book one through five – Crescent Bound (which is Free!) Raven Bound, Demon Bound, Shadow Bound, and Ice Bound all complied together to make the set complete.
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Since you’re here I want to let you in on a little secret, May 5th through May 7th I will have the Crescent Bound Box set on sale! So, be sure to mark your calendars.
I hope everyone has a phenomenal week and weekend. I am off to prepare Let Your Heart Drive in paperback and decide which story I will conquer next! <3
Let Your Heart Drive is Live!
Synopsis
“The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye.” – Jimi Hendrix
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.
Disclaimer – This book is intended for mature audiences only.
Let Your Heart Drive
Available on Amazon Now!
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Heart-Driv...
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
