A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 62
February 18, 2022
Swift Six Character Interview – Henry Fitzroy#Vampire #Paranormal #HistoricalFiction
Character Name
Henry Fitzroy – formerly Duke of Richmond, bastard son of Henry VIII
Which book/world do you live in?
Anarchic Destiny – Book 2 of the Naturae Series
Tell us about yourself:
‘Dying’ when I was 17 was a trauma, but I was told if I became a vampire, I would still be able to fulfil my destiny to be King. Annoyingly, after I said yes to being made vampire, my half brother Edward was born, so I had to wait, hidden and captive for another 17 years, until he too died in 1553. But, when I found out about his plans for succession, I realised I’d been forgotten. I was no-one. I have to find my place in this new world, find a way to fulfil my destiny to rule.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
I didn’t realise how liberating it would be to give up my soul, and so I would say my greatest strength is that I have no compunction about doing what is necessary to achieve my given purpose. I’m also super-fast, super strong, and, depending on the day or how I feel, super compassionate. Perhaps that is my weakness, but I still feel for the humans, even though most of my kind view them as fodder.
Name three important people/creatures/institutions in your world (such as lovers, pets, government institutions, leaders, gods etc).
The institutions in my world are the structures which enable people like me to rule – the Church, although I have wavering affiliation to it, and the monarchy. I’m ambiguous as to which of these institutions should remain once I get into power. On a personal front, I have few friends. Those I can count are Thomas Fairfax, a daemon, and, I suppose, my half sister, Elizabeth. She knows who and what I am, and means a great deal to me, possibly because I cannot influence her as I can mere mortals. She has the potential though, to be great, I have always sensed this about her and I hope that in the future our two realms can grow closer in proximity. Naturae is where I will set my sights though, the home of the fae.
What does ‘heroism’ mean to you?
I have thought a great deal about this, and my opinion of what it means to be a hero, and a leader, was largely influenced by my father, Henry VIII. He had his flaws, to be sure, but he was driven to greatness by passion. A desire to grow his influence, be the best. However, I am of the mind that life should be preserved where possible. I regret losing my mortal life, and mourn the loss of my soul. I am not about revenge, or killing for the sake of it, but rather, people should be allowed to choose how they live, not die because of what someone else thinks. I think that makes me quite heroic, I will always stand up for liberty. That is my passion.
What do you think of your ‘creator’?
She tries hard to make me into a sympathetic character, although I know at times I may make some choices which ordinary people could view as morally wrong.
Give us your favourite piece of advice:
Life is short, for humans. Make the most of it, live how you want to and with honesty and you will have no regrets when it is over. If, like me, you are destined to live a long life, then there is even more reason to be true to yourself, because hiding who you are will cause you untold miseries which you have your whole life to regret.
Links to book
www.books2read.com/anarchicdestiny
February 17, 2022
The Dreadbound Ode Series Blog Tour #Grimdark #Scifi #Fantasy
The Skald’s Black Verse
The Dreadbound Ode Book 1
by Jordan Loyal Short
Genre: Epic Grimdark SciFi Fantasy
Brohr has been lied to, abused.
All he wants is to live in peace, away from the ignorance of his village, to outrun the raging ghost which haunts him.
But a hidden evil seeks to harness his fury.
Accused of murder, hunted by ruthless soldiers, Brohr delves the way of the Skald, unlocking forbidden blood magic as he unearths terrible family secrets.
When the red moon is broken, and all is lost, it’s up to Brohr to lead a rebellion, or face the end of the world!
An epic blend of norse fantasy and grimdark sci-fi!
Praise for the Dreadbound Ode…
“Rich in detail, bringing his tale to life with a foreboding atmosphere and characters that are intense. Good dialogue, rapid-fire action scenes, explosive magic and wicked political machinations.” -Tome Tender
“This is extremely well-written grimdark and if you like your fantasy and sci-fi gritty…this is a book you should pick up.” -Booknest
“The Weeping Sigil never stops. It has a relentless forward motion. It’s painful, and its glorious, and there are twists and turns that I never saw coming. It made my heart pound and yes, there was even a tear or two.” – Sarah Chorn, author of Seraphina’s Lament
“Perfect for grimdark fans.” -Grimdark Magazine
“[The Weeping Sigil] took everything that I had loved from The Skald’s Black Verse and lifted it to a whole other level, and I for one can’t wait to see what Jordan Loyal Short will do next. This is a fantastic book, great for anyone who enjoys a delectable mix of fantasy and science fiction, with a good dash of grimdark.” – Beneath a Thousand Skies
“I love the cultures, the magic system, the spaceships and the interplanetary communication. There’s lots of action and peril. It’s a great book! I’d very much recommend it.” – Lee Conley, author of the Dead Sagas
The Weeping Sigil
The Dreadbound Ode Book 2
Adrift in the void, Henrik’s rescue is only a prelude to slavery.
But his new life on Tyria is not at all what he expected. When the illustrious House of Quoll purchases him, Henrik finds himself living in the home of his old enemy, Prefect Brasca Quoll. Desperate to hide the truth of his last days on Heimir, Henrik dives into the murderous game of Tyrianite politics. Devastated by the catastrophe on the Norn homeworld, the Federation teeters on the brink of civil war.
While the Shining Ones maneuver their champions for the final confrontation, Henrik’s fevered visions unveil the scope of Moriigo’s nightmarish rebellion.
Aboard a stolen voidcraft, Brohr and Lyssa hurtle into the depths of the starry abyss, on a desperate exodus in search of safe haven. But the outer reaches of the system are full of strange worlds, haunted ruins, and bizarre cults.
As anarchy grips the streets of Tyria, Henrik vows to reveal the true peril facing the Federation: Moriigo’s return! While rival electors, assassins, and federal inquisitors plot the downfall of House Quoll, Henrik must bind himself to the future of his onetime enemies, lest the horrors of his prophetic visions come to pass!
Travels in the Dark
The Dreadbound Ode Book 3
The final chapter of the Dreadbound Ode…Lyssa is going to the Dead Place and everyone she killed will be waiting.
As the Hidden One’s twisted plan to resurrect the Deep Gods unfolds, the only way to stop him is a secret buried in the land of death.
But Lyssa has not given up. If the Deep Gods can return, so can she.
Can Lyssa find a way back? Can she delve into hell’s darkest corners and emerge with the lore to stop the Deep Gods’ rise? Or will she become a lost soul, like so many of those she loved in life?
Ancient horrors will wake. Skalds will sing. And a blind seer will see the shadows gather.
Lyssa Pedersten has tasted poison, and hell had best beware.
Jordan Loyal Short is an author of epic fantasy. His first novel, The Skald’s Black Verse, is a dark and beautiful story about families, cultures, and beliefs at war with themselves. The protagonist, Brohr, must navigate the tangled loyalties and unforgiving biases of a planet conquered by invaders from another world. Using black magic, and the bizarre bond he shares with his stillborn brother’s spirit, Brohr unravels the truth about himself and an eon spanning war that has reached its end game.
Jordan has worked in a variety of industries, as a web developer, bartender, copywriter and more. He lives in Washington state with his wife where he is currently daydreaming about the end of the world.
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February 16, 2022
Loving a Young Series Blog Tour #SteamyRomance
The Loving a Young Series is a steamy romance series that consists of six books. While these books are all standalone romances, the characters will be seen across the series since this is a small-town romance series about siblings finding forever loves.
Amazon Exclusive – Kindle Unlimited Series –
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0819ZGZZL
Wesley
Loving a Young Series Book 1
by Stacy Eaton
Genre: Steamy Romance
Charlotte Bennett is not a fan of strangers. When she sees a man touching her daughter at the park, she reacts without listening. It’s only later when her daughter is rushed to the hospital that Charlotte realizes how wrong she had been to accuse the stranger of inappropriate behavior.
Doctor Wesley Young only wanted to help the tender-aged girl he witnessed fall, but when her mother attacks him at the park, he’s left stunned. When little Marisol arrives in the emergency department, the mother makes more of an impression on him than the cut she left on his face.
Things heat up quickly when Marisol is no longer Wes’s patient, but when traumatic things from Charlotte’s past are revealed, Wes isn’t sure that Charlotte is the woman for him. Can Charlotte find a way to explain it all so that Wes will accept both her and her daughter?
Henley
Loving a Young Series Book 2
Being a wedding planner is hard, especially when someone is always trying to steal your business, and your family doesn’t support you. However, Roxanne Novak is determined to keep her business afloat—no matter what. When Roxy is in a car accident hurrying to meet a potential bride, she’s injured and scared, but paramedic Henley Young takes excellent care of her.
Henley loves his job and thrives on the adrenaline of helping people in need. Maybe that’s why when he meets Roxy, he’s inclined to help her with more than just medical care. Hooking her up with his older brother Wesley and his bride-to-be could be just what she needs. It might also be the start of something between Henley and the spunky little wedding planner.
With a surprise job offer Roxy, she finds herself rethinking her entire business plan. Excited at the prospect and another chance, Roxy and Henley begin making plans. After Roxy accidentally learns of Henley’s past relationship, everything she knew about him is questioned.
Can Roxy and Henley put the past to bed and move forward to something that might be more than what either had ever hoped for?
Huntley
Loving a Young Series Book 3
Daniella Knight works hard to create suspenseful and romantic tales, but after a violent interaction with a fan, she shutters herself from the world. When her house catches on fire, Daniella and her protection dog, Tigger, are forced to rely on the help of strangers.
Huntley Young loves being in the thick of the action. Especially, if that action has something to do with his job as a firefighter. When Huntley stops the homeowner from going back into the house, he has no clue that he just placed himself firmly in the hero department.
As Hunt and Daniella get to know each other, Daniella’s creative mind sometimes has trouble separating reality and fiction. When danger strikes again, will Daniella be able to see what is right in front of her, or will her past trauma protect her while hiding inside her romantic fictional world?
Riley
Loving a Young Series Book 4
Riley is always the life of the party, and it’s Ethan that is there to pick her up and keep her together. He knows her almost as well as she knows herself, and he knows she will never love him as he does her.
Now Ethan wants more out of life and love, but Riley continues to deny her feelings and insists they are only friends with benefits. When a training opportunity comes up that will get Ethan out of town for months, he jumps on it. Finally, a way to get over Riley and move on.
With Ethan gone and a new guy in her life, Riley finds herself dealing with several emotional issues without the help of her best friend. A family emergency has Ethan feeling lost without Riley there to lean on, but he refuses to go to her and seeks solace with another.
Will Riley make the right choices, and finally, admit how she feels, or will she find herself alone and falling further down the rabbit hole?
Kayley
Loving a Young Series Book 5
Kayley Young’s life is about to undergo a few profound changes. Independent Kayley Young is a real estate agent in New York and loves her life as a single woman. She’s not one to get tied down, and she leaves the baby-making to her siblings.
Officer Cameron Sexton is new on the job, a veteran of the military, and proud of his dedication to the job. Unfortunately, he finds himself annoyed at his lackadaisical sergeant who should hang up his gun belt before getting someone hurt. When Cameron is dispatched to a burglary, he meets Kayley Young and is instantly attracted to her. Cameron has a feeling she reciprocates those feelings, except she’s a little leery of the fact that he is ten years younger than her.
When Kayley’s life starts taking a turn for the worst, she finds herself depending more on the attractive young man she has let into her bed for fun than she intended. Her original thought of enjoying the moment starts to last longer, but Kayley’s not sure that dating a man ten years her junior is smart for the long haul. Especially with the rest of the changes that have happened in her life. Can Kayley come to terms with the age difference, or will her family sway her away from the younger man?
Bradley
Loving a Young Series Book 6
Bradley Young is the eldest sibling of the Young family, and the only one who has previously been married. After losing his wife to cancer, he’s used to caring for his two kids alone. The thought of dating is not something he’s interested in, not with a busy construction business, and a family that always needs help.
Nolan Nickels needed a change, and with the help of her good friend, Kayley, she left New York and came to Millerstown to take a teaching position at the middle school. She has always been a huge tomboy and loves to fix things with her hands and play sports.
With a new house in her name, Nolan seeks out the perfect plan to get the house ready so she can bring her two daughters home, but is her fixer-upper more than she bargained for?
When Kayley finally gets Brad to stop by the house to check something, Brad finds himself more than intrigued with the spitfire, Nolan. Will he finally find the woman to spend his life with, or will she put a halt to any type of future?
Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Bestselling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016 due to a second serious concussion. Her last three years on the job were in investigations and crime scene investigation. She now writes full-time.
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement. She has a daughter in college and a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.
Stacy writes a variety of genres, but mostly romance. She enjoys writing real-life stories that people can relate to with real-life problems, emotions, and solutions.
Her favorites: Classic cars, photography, Disney, music, coffee, and her favorite sweatshirt that says, You are dangerously close to getting killed in my next novel.
Visit Stacy’s website for more information on her and her books. http://www.stacyeaton.com
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$10 Amazon giftcard – 2 winners!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Spotlight – Dark Dimensions -J A Duxbury #Sci-Fi
Basic Book Spotlight
Title: Dark Dimensions
Author: J A Duxbury
Genre: Sci Fi Military
Main character description (short). Troy is Battlemaster for a clan of humans and vampires. He works with the Clan Leader, Vlad, to ensure safety of the entire clan during battles and negotiations.
Synopsis: A clan of vampires and humans is lost in the dimensions due to a failed experiment. They must fight other clans and mad scientists before they are able to control their travel and head for their home dimension.
Brief Excerpt 250 words:
Vlad stood there in all his magnificence, his power emanating all the way to
where I lay on the table. Dmetri and Vlad both looked surprised at the presence of the
other. Vlad spoke, a shock startling me at his words. “Dmetri, I was wondering when we
would meet you. What are you doing with a member of my clan?”
Dmetri’s grin returned. “Stealing him,” he responded and turned all his vampiric
attention toward Vlad.
As he released me I wrenched the injector out of my arm and flung myself from
the table scrambling to the farthest corner from the arguing clan leaders ignoring the
pain it caused.
“It’s good to see you, Vlad. Although I guess I should have expected it,
considering I have your son here.” He paused before continuing on. “He is your son,
isn’t he? Although it’s rather odd. I killed you both some time ago.”
Vlad started with surprise at Dmetri’s words but recovered to respond. “I am a
different Vlad. I am sure my — son — has told you what has happened.”
A shock thudded through me as Vlad confirmed what Dmetri had just said.
“Yes, he did. I didn’t believe him at first, but seeing you here like this makes me
realise he was telling the truth. Your envoy from years ago was enjoyable, by the way.”
“I have not sent any envoys to you. I am not interested in getting involved in your
petty war.”
Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)? People should read this book because it is full of life and is an entertaining delight that will allow people time away from the worries of life.
Clans in Conflict
Dark Dimensions
https://amzn.to/3IL0eVx – Dark Dimensions – Amazon.com
Dark Reign (to be published)
Consequences
Heart of Deception
www.amazon.com/Heart-Deception-Consequences-Book-1-ebook/dp/B098PMXY76
http://www.amazon.com.au/Heart-Deception-Consequences-Book-1-ebook/dp/B098PMXY76
Legacy of Risks – for Pre-order – releasing on 22 February 2022
Social media
Facebook Author page: http://Facebook Author page: www.facebook.com/jaduxbury1
Facebook Group: J A Duxbury’s Weird Words: www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525
http://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-duxbury-0462153b/
Twitter: @JADuxbury1
Website: www. jaduxbury.com/
February 15, 2022
Swift Six Character Interview – Dorcas #YoungAdult
Swift Six Character Interview
Character Name: Dorcas
Which book/world do you live in?
“I’s is livings in the lifer world with the Cracklocks. They’s is my friends, and I has beens with them for a longs time now.”
Tell us about yourself:
“I is a Brownie, or ‘nim’, if’s you is using the olds way of speaking. We is considered to be ones of the most helpful faeries; we’s help out in the home and looks after the family in returns for a little food. I’s been helping the Cracklock family for many years. Hundreds of years, if the truths be told. I’s cooking and cleaning and helping’s to look after the children’s.”
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
“Oh, you’s! I is not boastings about me, you silly! I’s not one for tattle telling stories. But if you’s is insisting, my weaknesses is cakes. Big cakes and biscuits. Looks at my belly! It is too bigs, but its has saves me’s before. When the redcaps came, they’s spears couldn’t get through my blubber guts. So Elsie says. I’s don’t let it slows me down none, anyhow, beings a bit bigger. Everyone should’s be happy with how’s they are, I is thinking. And if you’s is big like me’s, then all good’s. It show’s you is loving life’s.
For my’s strength, it has to be’s my loves for the little ones. The children. I’s not letting anyones harm thems whilst I is in charge. You see’s this rolling pin? Granny gaves it to me. Come’s back when you summons it. And I is pretty good with it; many a beastie and bumper it has whacked. I is not havings no bullying of my charges, I can tell’s you. Anyone is trying that, then they is getting a thumping.”
Name three important people/creatures/institutions in your world (such as lovers, pets, government institutions, leaders, gods etc).
“This is difficult’s for me to answer. There are many importants things to keep an eyes out for. The Seelie and Unseelie Courts; they is not liking us mixing withs the lifers. But they makes some exceptions for the Cracklocks, particularly of Bartholomew’s line. The others are too bads to mention. I’s is loving my adopted family; Jacksie my sweets boy, Elsie my old friends who’s I lives with before and poor Sammy, who’s can’t see the Fae like the others cans. And we is trying to find David for a long time now; I is hoping that we can save’s him soon. Also, now’s I has a boyfriend too’s! Gnorbitts is nice, but he sometimes drinks too much beers. Especially when he is being with Popple. Those twos are bad influences on each other. Such a mess they’s is leaving; last times they burned popcorns on the stoves, and left it for me’s to tidy. I makes them get up even though they have hurty heads and cleans it all up. Or they is in much troubles.”
What does ‘heroism’ mean to you?
“I is no hero, dearies. I just does what needs to be done. And if I has to crack noggin’s to do’s it, then I does. Like that Lisovyk monster, well, there was no ways it was going to eat Jack and Jimmy’s now, was there? Or that Jailer in the Catacombs. He was a nasty man; too nasty, treating the Faes like that. He was gettings what he deserved, and no mistakings. I is not standing for it; my’s family is what is importants and old Dorcas isn’t having no nonsense where they’s is concerned.”
What do you think of your ‘creator’?
“Mister Deegans? Oh, he is alrights, I is thinking. Blathers about a bits when he’s is writings us up; we’s is having to give him a poke sometimes in the night to make him write faster; puts some ideas in that mushpot of his. But he is nice; he is trying his hardest we is knowing, and we’s helps him where we can’s.”
Give us your favourite piece of advice:
“You’s should stay away from the other Cracklocks. They is bad Cracklocks; tainted with evil. They’s is killing Fae just because they’s is not understanding us. I is having nothings to do withs them, and you’s shouldn’t neither.”
Links to book
I is in the Cracklock Saga books. There is threes of them now and Mister Deegan has finished the fourth and is writings the fifth. You’s can find them at:
Book 1: Fae or Foe? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G9RNMMS
Book 2: The Lost and the Departed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNDM9YZ
Book 3: Alice and the Mirror Glass. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QJ2TV9S
I is in all of them’s. And I’s is getting in some right scrappy scraps, I’s can tell you!
February 13, 2022
Dirty Dozen Author Interview – Olivette Devaux #LBGT #Gayfic #Romance
Welcome to Olivette Devaux
What first prompted you to publish your work?
I have a writing mentor who is a NYT bestseller author as well as a former pro poker player. Turns out, in his younger years he was homeless for a few months (not related to poker,) and he was living out of his Porsche. In the desert, no less. The concept of a homeless man living out of a PORSCHE got me tickled pink. I mean, who does that? I ran with the idea and created Sam and his love interest, Theo.
When I write a book, I publish it. In fact, I publish all books I write. What I don’t publish is short stories – those often sit on my hard drive and I trip over them every so often and say, “Oh, yeah. I really should publish this one.” And then I forget again.
I kind of wanted to give a copy of Lucky Starflowers to my mentor, but I chickened out.
How did you become involved in book bundles? Would you recommend it?
Book bundles are a lot of fun! They are a great way for readers to discover new writers in their target genre. They are also a great way for writers to introduce themselves to a new group of folks who might not hear of them before. Collaborating with other writers is also wonderful and creative. What’s not to like?
What other bundles are you involved with?
There have been so many that I forget. I have a book, maybe two, in Burning Rubbers, which features gay romance tough guys. That one was a lot of fun. The name is kind of awful. It’s like a bad Dad joke and I should be embarrassed for even coming up with it, let alone using it!
Are you a ‘pantser’ or a ‘plotter’?
Well…when I get an idea, I let it fester for a while. At least a day. I generate ideas easily, so if it’s still with me the next day, it’s worth thinking about. If it’s with me few days after that, I’ll sit and write. By then, I’ll have established a few, fairly vague milestones along the plotline. I write into the dark, and when I allow myself to cut loose and do that, my characters surprise me. My milestones might shift around as well, but that’s okay. The story always grows something better in their place.
What is your favourite mythical creature? Why is this?
Ah, that would be a Waterkin. It’s a name I made up for a mythical Czech creature I grew up with, although they are known throughout Europe. I have a whole series of stories written about the way they immigrated to the US and now live in the local rivers and try to adapt to modern life. That world is under my Kate Pavelle pen name, though, and it’s not out yet.
What does writing bring to your life?
I love to create things. Stories are just one of the things I make, and I love sharing them with the world. I love injecting a bit of humor into mine, whether it’s a Millenial vampire in search of “ethical blood,” or whether we’re talking about wiseass one-up scenes that ease the tension in a crime suspense story like Breakfall. I love to laugh, and writing stories allows me to share that with my readers.
If you had to pick 5 books to take to a desert island which 5 would it be?
A survival manual featuring primitive technologies, 2. A book on yoga or karate, with all the asanas and katas in it, 3. a complete collection of Shakespeare, 4. a complete collection of Western poetry (gimme something thick and it has to have Longfellow and Kipling in it,) and a very thick, empty journal with a bunch of pencils.What piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you started your publishing journey?
START AN INVENTORY!!! Seriously, once you write more than a dozen works, it just kind of sprouts and it gets hard to keep track of what is published where, how long is it, and so on. A good, properly crafted spreadsheet can go a long way to sanity when your have more than a hundred works (of all lengths and genres,) floating around the world. They need new book covers every so often, you want to make sure you offer different books into bundles so readers don’t get bored, and so on,
If you could have dinner with any literary character who would you choose, and what would you eat.
I think Gareth, Jack’s partner, from Jackie Keswick’s Power of Zero series. I’d want to show up for their Christmas celebration, when Gareth makes all those meat pies and various other goodies we don’t have here in the States. The advantage of this choice is that I would probably meet the whole cast of interesting characters from that world!
Tell us about your latest piece?
I wrote Buzz, the last stand-alone book in the Vegas-based Happy Hour Inn world. It took me forever (because Covid and real life interefered,) but once I got back to it, I was relieved when it got me to laugh!
What’s your next writing adventure?
My next writing adventure is sharing my rough drafts on Patreon. If you want some free reads, or some reads you’d be happy to support, go have a look at https://www.patreon.com/mugenpress
Is there a message in your books?
Always. But it’s never on purpose. I write something because the topic intrigues me, and only when I reread it half a year later I realize that a tangentially-related “message” had somehow made its way in. And that’s how it should be, because my primary goal is to entertain.
Blurb
Theo and his cousin Rickey inherit a flowershop. Young, sexy, and heartbroken after a rough breakup, Theo throws himself into running a new business.
No more dating!
No more exotic guys!
If Theo caved to romance, his ideal boyfriend would have a stable cubicle job and drive a Kia.
Sam Grey got caught counting cards one too many times. A professional gambler recovering from a bouncer injury, Sam denies that living out of his Porsche counts as a homeless situation.
February freeze in Pittsburgh, a perky florist and a slower, friendlier way of life helps heal his broken ribs – but hurts his heart when Theo thinks of him as just “passing through.”
DISCLAIMER: no real-life professional gamblers had their ribs broken in the making of this sizzling, HEA gay romance.
Excerpt
LUCKY STARFLOWERS
Steel City Stories, a stand-alone novel
Olivette Devaux
Available on all ebook platforms, in paper, and on Audible.
https://www.patreon.com/mugenpress
http://www.mugenpress.com (currently undergoing construction)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/801472633573132 (An Upper Cut, my FB group)
You can best reach me on Patreon or via Messenger.
Bio
Under another name, Olivette Devaux is an award-winning Amazon best-seller. As Olivette, she writes gay romance of many subgenres. If sci-fi, spy suspense, or urban fantasy without hot romance are your desire, look up her other public pen name, Kate Pavelle.
She has been published in magazines including Pulphouse and Heart’s Kiss, and has earned several Honorable Mentions by the Writers of the Future contest under both pen names.
Olivette Devaux is the author of Disorderly Elements, a contemporary urban fantasy gay romance series featuring a curious development of elemental control gifts. You can read the first book, Like a Rock, on her Patreon for free at https://www.patreon.com/mugenpress
February 12, 2022
Guest Feature – Excerpt – Lucky Starflowers #LBGT #Romance
EXCERPT: Lucky Starflowers – Olivette Devaux
Sunshine tickled his eyelids. He burrowed himself deeper in the sleeping bag that must have slid down to his chest.
I slept.
The realization woke him up just as the nonevents of last night began to creep in. The cold, the urge to piss, the thirst for a hot cup of tea or coffee or just plain warm water. The tossing and turning. He’d probably have bruises on his knees from kicking the damn steering wheel.
He couldn’t wait to get out and about. Maybe the coffee shop, or a nearby library. Or a truck-stop diner. He’d settle down with his laptop. Maybe update his blog. The shop would be warm, the coffee hot and aromatic. If he smuggled his toiletries into the bathroom, he could brush his teeth and shave. And change his shirt into something less… fragrant.
He reached into the duffle behind him and pulled out his small toiletry bag. It would squeeze inside the computer case if he was careful. That, and his phone charger. He’d recharge and call the sheriff with his forwarding address.
If only the casinos hadn’t adopted that dumb facial recognition software, he’d be set. There was a casino in Pittsburgh. He could’ve earned enough money to… oh, that’s right. His hand gave a dull throb. He was itching to sign up for a poker game and earn some living, but the casino would have to wait until he could handle cards without wincing in pain.
Sam was about to get out when two guys marched into his field of view. He shrank back.
White snow. Blinding sun. Cutting wind. Pain.
They crossed the little three-space parking lot with its coveted little nook, the one Sam had been eyeing earlier. He was glad, now, he hadn’t shoehorned his way in.
Sunday morning, two guys. What were they up to? He noted their easy body language. Like a couple. Like two guys used to each other’s physical contact. The taller one said something and the shorter one laughed. They both had dark hair, but the shorter guy kept his shoulder-length and mod, with what might’ve been caramel highlights. His hips swished in an easy sway as he negotiated the ice patches in his way. Gay? Maybe.
The thought of a gay couple in Pittsburgh floored Sam. He’d never imagined the descendants of grizzled steel workers to be… gay. Then again, the snow was still white. There was no soot in the air.
Pittsburgh seemed cleaner than expected. People had been, to date, nicer than expected as well. The drivers took turns at intersections, and the coffee was Seattle quality.
For a brief second, the idea of settling down crossed his mind.
No.
Absolutely no fucking way.
He was staying only long enough to get his papers, and to figure out how to work the card tables again.
The two guys disappeared into the building through a basement entrance. Its double door gaped like a maw to the underworld. Sam remained still.
They came out soon, both carrying a white bucket in each hand. Something was sticking out – long and green, covered on top with paper. Sam watched them close the door and walk back around the corner and up the street, and as they passed within ten feet of his car, he realized they were hauling huge buckets of roses.
He let them get out of sight before he crawled out of the low seat of his Porsche. Creaky and miserable, he stretched in the cold morning air. The pallid sun had moved since it woke him, and now half of his car was covered in the shadow of the warehouse. Sam hoisted the black computer bag out of his trunk, added the necessary toiletries, and stuffed a rolled-up T-shirt into the pocket of his leather bomber jacket.
First hygiene, then coffee, then brunch recommendations.
As he crested the hill to turn right onto Butler street, a kitty-corner door caught his attention. The mosaic of its entrance said “1896” in little tiles, surrounded by a design of ivy leaves on a cream background. He stopped to look closer. It had been recently restored, and with loving care at that. The sign above the door read Starflowers, and inside he saw an array of plants. The OPEN neon sign was turned off, but there was light on inside. He skirted the potted conifer with its red and silver heart decorations and pressed his nose to the glass.
The two guys he’d seen before were working at an island. The taller gesticulated wildly, waving a red rose in the air. His shorter partner seemed to have only sighed. He was cute, though. Sam wouldn’t have minded getting to know him better. Maybe they weren’t a couple after all. He stepped away, thinking this was all a very bad idea, when he noticed a small “Help Wanted” sign on the window.
Very bad idea.
He hurried off to the coffee shop down the street. He had… stuff… to do.
Author Interview E. G. Creel #Fantasy #MeetanAuthor
Name: E. G. Creel
Please introduce yourself (250 words or so): Vocationally, I’m a photographer and the mother of two Hobbits. Currently, I’m blooming near Augusta, Georgia.
Tell us about your book(s) – title, genre etc (short) The Immortal subtitle Life or death. The choice is hers. Contemporary/dark fantasy. A midlife crisis, island paradise, mass murder, and immortal Vikings.
When did you start your writing adventure? What was the inspiration for it? The Immortal is my debut book. I stumbled into writing in 2021 after having a bad dream. I thought I’d write a paragraph to get the idea out of my head and ended up completing my first draft six weeks later.
What writing plans do you have for the future? Next up is the audiobook. I’m also writing ongoing episodes on Kindle Vella.
What do you like to read? Netflix subtitles.
What piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you’d started your writing adventure? Writing a book is the fun part. Selling it is the hard part.
Book synopsis
Emma just turned forty and has finally decided to begin living her best life. She books a vacation at a resort on a French Polynesian island only to find herself on the dinner menu of an immortal Viking. If she keeps her wits, and with a little luck, maybe she’ll make it off the island alive.
Spoiler alert: Don’t fall in love because the ending will rip your heart out.
https://amzn.to/3rMrMUZ – The Immortal in Kindle
https://amzn.to/3BitErB – The Immortal in Hardcover
E. G. Creel is currently blooming with her family near Augusta, Georgia. The Immortal is her debut novel. Thanks for supporting an indie author.
Links/Social media
https://www.facebook.com/EG-Creel-103874478633203/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21925578.E_G_Creel
The Last Forest – Excerpt #Fantasy #Shortstory #Dystopian
The Last Forest (c) A.L. Butcher
The whine of the chainsaws, and the rumble of iron machines cut through the growing sound from the forest. Death came on tracks of metal and wheels of rubber. The monkeys who commanded the machines waited, smoking and pointing towards the edges of the forest. “Where do we start?” one asked, eyeing the trees.
“Make your way to that big old one – the tallest. That will take out plenty when it falls. Look it’s three-quarters rotten anyway! Break the heart of the forest and tame it! That is how it’s done, lad.” The speaker pointed towards the Great Oak, satisfaction creased his face, and power gave his countenance a smirk. The monkey who walked on two feet was lord of the land and knew it well. He had brought death to the flora and fauna of this land, and their sap and blood soaked the soil. And he ignored the cacophony of music around him.
“This is the last patch of woodland in the country, the only unspoiled wilderness left,” someone said, from the back. “Must we?”
“It’s coming down. It’s needed for houses – people are more important than trees. They are just plants.” The foreman glared at the speaker, as the wind began to blow around them. “It’s not the last, there’s that coppice over in Haydock, and the Amazon of course.”
“The Amazon went a decade ago, boss. And that place in Haydock was bulldozed last year.” The first speaker reminded him.
The boss shrugged. “Not my problem. We have our orders. Now get to it, there is no place for conscience or sentiment here.”
The machines snarled, they spat their poison breath and rumbled forward, inexorable, awful. Monsters of modernity, some had called them. Progress had been their name from others. All the trees understood was the choking stench and the inexorable roar of impending death. Trees are not complicated, but they are not stupid. The knowledge of the wood pulsed through every branch and root; the force of nature, the will of life to survive surged.
Crack! The sound of tons of wood uprooting drowned the roar of the engines. It was the sound of defiance. Earth showered from roots, and leaves swirled as the mighty trees moved. Nature stopped; from red fox, and blackbird to tiny grey mouse life paused – the cry of war flowed through the ground, squeaked from the lowliest and sung from above. ‘We come! We stand! We fight! Nature Rises!’
Birds swooped, squawking at the monkeys who walked on two feet. Beaks were sharp, and eyeballs soft. The brave robin and the humble thrush dived, their song the sound of battle as they flew towards danger. ‘Be gone! Be gone!’
The humans flapped their arms against the onslaught.
“Get away, filthy creatures!” one monkey yelled. “I hate birds!” His flapping arms knocked birds to the ground, and some rose up for another onslaught. Others lay broken but roused the song to inspire their comrades.
“What is this? Alfred Hitchcock been ‘ere?” The foreman cried, trying to bat away the crows, pecking at his face. Blood flowed, feathers flew, and the beat of the Primal Song changed again – the music surged as other creatures joined the fray.
Available as an ebook and audiobook https://books2read.com/TheLastForest
February 10, 2022
The Conall Series – Blog Tour and Guest Post #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalFantasy
The Women of Conall – Guest Post – David H. Millar
The Conall series is a tale of the ancient Gaels, their lives, loves, and battles. It is a story of a warlike people who also had an undisputed talent for art, design, and music. The series is set in Europe, 400 years before Christ, in a time when life was harsh and violent, and the boundaries between myth and reality were fluid.
A young blacksmith’s apprentice, Conall Mac Gabhann, returns home from a hunting trip with his friends to find his parents and young sisters slaughtered, along with the rest of the small rural community. A meeting with the mysterious Sidhe, Mongfhionn, and a geis accepted, sets Conall on the path of retribution. Several decades later, the former apprentice, now Rí Ruirech, King over Kings, of the great clann he founded and nurtured, stands before the gates of Rome to face his nemesis, Marcus Fabius Ambustus, Pontifex Maximus of Rome.
Conall is a journey of bloody battles, honour, treachery, tragedy, love, and high passions. It is an epic tale of vengeance and retribution, of courage and the frailty of body and spirit.
In Gaelic society, the women fought alongside the men, and many would argue they were the better and more ferocious warriors. From Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and north-western France, the ancient Gaels were guided by the Fénechas (The Law), a set of laws predating those of any Western civilisation. The Fénechas was well ahead of its time in establishing and protecting the rights of women.
Conall III: The Sisters—Na Deirfiúracha is the third book in the Conall series, and the women take centre stage. That said, all the Conall novels feature strong, sometimes tragic, and in some instances truly frightening women.
Mórrígan and Mongfhionn are the main female characters of the series. Both are powerful, troubled souls. After her family was slaughtered, a darkness of the soul overtakes Mórrígan, threatening to destroy her. From beginning to end, Mórrígan, a haunted, beautiful, and emerald-eyed queen, treads a fine line between sanity and madness, often finding relief in dispensing terror.
“Her eyes blazed in fury, and her appearance was terrible to look upon; her waist-length, almost white hair shot through with streaks of red-gold. Her face was pale, highlighted by fiery red cheeks and full, blood-red lips; her eyes near black as the night sky.” Mongfhionn of the Aes Sidhe—a race of demi-goddesses—is an enigmatic and ageless creature whose driving force is avenging the murder of her sisters. Sometimes dark, the lady and her alter ego—the Hag—terrify both friend and foe.
A further sampling would include: Mòrag, “A voluptuous, somewhat narcissistic beauty, and an inveterate flirt, Mòrag was also a fierce warrior who could flatten most of the men in the army,” sets her sights on Conall, setting up an inevitable clash with Mórrígan. The tragic queen Ceana whose betrayal of her husband is a lesson in misjudgement and the descent into madness. “Áine had a mind, and it was a cunning, manipulative one that interpreted everything through its own twisted perspective.” Áine, a spoilt and indulged princess whose guilty conscience sets her on the path to madness, murder, and disease. After extreme abuse by her grandmother, Gràinne, of the Cinn Péinteáilte, swears that never again will she be defenceless. The malevolent Queen Kartimandu is not all she appears and is the only truly irredeemable female character.
Author Tidbits
My influences? I have three main influences: my Irish cultural background, my love of history, and my wife, Lauren. It was Lauren who, when I was constantly complaining about the paucity of stories in this genre of historical fantasy, turned to me and said, “Write your own.”
My target audience? Anyone with an interest in Celtic culture. I had always considered my books historical fiction. However, given the time period of 400 B.C., the distinction between myth and reality is quite blurred, and I recently recategorized my genre as historical fantasy. Some characters are mythical, such as the Sidhe, Mongfhionn, and others such as Medb, queen of the Connachta, are open to interpretation. The latter had a unique negotiating style and was often described as “Medb of the friendly thighs”!
My goals? My priority is to give readers a good yarn in the tradition of the ancient Celtic seanchaithe—the storytellers. The books are a gritty reflection of the time, the battle settings are bloody, and some scenes may raise a blush to your cheeks.
Future works? The future is Celtic. It is a niche that I enjoy writing about and is underserved.
Now that I have completed the Conall series, there is a need to emphasise marketing and promotion. For most authors, marketing, which includes acquiring reviews, is a daunting, vital, and ongoing need. Branded merchandise, author events, and blogs like the Authors’ Lounge are all part of the mix.
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The Place of Blood – Rinn-Iru
Conall Book I
by David H. Millar
Genre: Historical Fantasy
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Over four hundred years before the birth of Christ, the island of Ériu is a patchwork of feuding kingdoms, wide plains, and impassable bogs. Battle, intrigue, betrayals, and courage are part of life for the Celts who call Ériu home, while from their underground halls the mysterious aes sidhe seduce brave warriors, turning men in to kings and binding them with fearsome geis.
Conall Mac Gabhann is content with his apprenticeship to the local blacksmith. Content, that is, until his family is slaughtered in their home.
Two men share responsibility for the massacre: a mad Irish king and a dissolute Roman. Conall will have his vengeance on both, or die in the attempt.
Accompanied by his childhood friend Brion ó Cathasaigh and the veteran warrior Fearghal ó Maoilriain, Conall’s hunt takes him northward through unfriendly kingdoms and treacherous bogs to a confrontation beyond the ancient earthworks of the Black Pig’s Dyke.
Along the way, Conall will gather an army, and come to the attention of the aes sidhe. An apprentice blacksmith could become a king with their help—if he so desires.
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The Raven’s Flight – Eitilt an Fhiagh Dhuibh
Conall Book II
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Conall II: The Raven’s Flight continues to chronicle the epic journey of the warriors from Ériu (Ireland).
Conall Mac Gabhann and his brooding queen, Mórrígan, lead over two thousand warriors together with their followers across the narrow sea that separates Ériu from Albu (Britain). Their quest: the capture of Cassius Fabius Scaeva, the dissolute Roman patrician held responsible for the slaughter of their families.
The Ériu encounter human, natural, and supernatural foes and friends. At the mercy of the aes sidhe, a race of demi-goddesses who demand that he fulfill an ancient geis, Conall is named as the “Hand of the Goddess” and given the instrument that will crush the Na Daoine Tùrsach—a tribe of fanatical, blood-lusting priests.
They battle fierce northern tribes: the Aos na Coille, whose one-eyed king, Drostan Ruadh, opposes their presence as do the Na Mèadaidh led by the sly Finnean Mac Sèitheach. Not all are enemies. The Aos an Fhithich offer their support, although it too comes at a price.
Heroes and villains from myth, legend, and history converge in this saga set in the vast ancient forests, treacherous bogs, snow-capped mountains, and mysterious lochs of Scotland some four hundred years before the birth of Christ.
The Sisters – Na Deirfiúracha
Conall Book III
[image error] It is 406 B.C. The Gaels tramp through the vast forests of lowland Scotland, cross the brooding moors and marshes of the Pennines, and plough the grain fields of the South. The majestic stone brochs and dùns of the north give way to the great hillforts of the south.
Cloaked in a rich tapestry of tattoos or wearing armour inlaid with iron scales, the Gaels stand as one, taunting their enemies with fierce battle-cries and insults.
In Conall III: The Sisters—the third book of the Conall series—the women take centre stage. Brighid and Danu are kidnapped on the orders of Kartimandu, a malevolent queen bent on conquering the North. Mórrígan and Conall’s blood oath promises no quarter until the young twins are returned.
Will Eachdonn Breac, betrayed by his queen—Ceana, redeem his honour on the battlefield? A merciless assassin stalks the community. Tadhg Ó Cuileannáin is given the unenviable task of tracking the killer down. A mission made worse, when the signs point to the sister of one of Conall’s closest friends. Amid, the battles and intrigue, Mòrag Ni Artair, a tall beauty and fearsome warrior, sets her sights on Conall. A clash with Mórrígan—Conall’s queen, appears inevitable.
A Brace of Eagles – Snaidhm Iolar
Conall Book IV
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“Butter-gold and cruelly hooked, the beak ripped a ragged gash across the newborn’s throat.”
Son of a blacksmith, Conall Mac Gabhann’s only desire was to follow in his father’s footsteps and enjoy a long life with his childhood love, Mórrígan. The slaughter of their parents dashed those dreams. Fuelled by vengeance, both embark on the dark path of retribution.
From the ancient forest, two great eagles take wing. With amber-gold eyes, Fate and the Goddess watch, ready to guide and meddle in human lives. Conall, now Clann Ui Flaithimh’s ‘king over kings’, must complete his geis—at any cost. Conall takes another stride closer to Rome and a reckoning with Marcus Fabius Ambustus. Flat-bottomed biremes carry Conall’s army cross the Muir nIocht to crash on the shingle beaches of North-western Gaul. New enemies and uneasy alliances flourish.
Assassins, treason, and treachery thrive. Above all, Conall values loyalty. Thus, treason within the tribe sours his belly. Mercy will have no part in his response.
The fourth novel in the Conall series, Conall IV: A Brace of Eagles is a rousing epic of Celtic heroes and villains, bloody battles, political intrigue, honour, treachery, and forbidden love.
Retribution – Díoltas
Conall Book V
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“Witch!” Tullus gasped.
“You are not that fortunate, Roman,” came the menacing reply.”
Blood has purchased a fragile peace for Conall and Mórrígan and the close circle of friends they call family. Now, allies and enemies alike wonder if the king and queen have lost the thirst for vengeance on those who slaughtered their families. Alarmed, gods, kings, and despots conspire to poke the slumbering fire.
Brennus of the Senones still smarts at his defeat at Conall’s hands and covets his lands and wealth. Will a bruised ego and hubris overrule the Gaulish king’s normal pragmatism?
The Gaiscedach want revenge for the defeat and execution of their queen. In the dead of night, like cockroaches, they scuttle over the walls of Lugudunon.
Marcus Fabius Ambustus tolerates no challenge to his plan to be Dictator of Rome. But has arrogance blinded him to the enemy he has nurtured?
The gates of Rome and retribution draw closer. But Conall needs his enemies as much as his friends. Still, who are enemies and who are friends? It is a time of schisms and rebuilding, of loved ones endangered, and assassins and spies revealed.
Yet, there has always been one constant. Only the foolish doubt Conall and Mórrígan will show any mercy to those who threaten their family.
Conall V: Retribution is the fifth and final book in the Conall series.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, David H. Millar is the founder, owner, and author-in-residence of Houston-based ‘A Wee Publishing Company’—a business that promotes Celtic literature, authors and art.
Millar moved from Ireland to Nova Scotia, Canada, in the late 1990s. After ten years shovelling snow, he decided to relocate to warmer climates and has now settled in Houston, Texas. Quite a contrast!
An avid reader, armchair sportsman, and Liverpool Football Club fan, Millar lives with his family and Bailey, a Manx cat of questionable disposition known to his friends as ‘the small angry one!’
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
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$20 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner WW
Conall t-shirt of choice – 3 winners, US only!
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