Kat Simons's Blog, page 6

Autumn is Upon Us!

At least here in the Northern Hemisphere. Down South, I bet you're looking forward to the warming weather!

September marks the start of Spooky Season (yes, I know, some start in August; these holidays, just getting earlier and earlier every year *grin*). And I have some good spooky books coming up!

First this month is the release of the second book in the Demon Witch series! I'm really excited about this one because I got to show a little of Halloween in Greenwich Village and that was fun.

SPIDERWEB WITCH, Book 2 in the Demon Witch series, is out now in eBook, Trade Paperback, and Large Print Editions. Plenty of scary witch stuff and demon stuff abounds. Plus, Angie and Sebastian's relationship continues to get...complicated.

SPIDERWEB WITCH
A Demon Witch Novel, Book 2
eBook 
Paperback: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound 
Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound 

Deception isn’t only for demons…

Faced with returning to the world of demon hunters or fighting an all-out war with them, powerful witch Angie Jordan feels boxed into a corner of lies and deceit. The demon world terrifies her. And if not for the one little trait that allows her to open portals into demon realms, her pursuit of witchcraft would be unquestioned.

Surrounded by people she can’t trust, the only good thing about the whole mess is having Sebastian, the love of her life, by her side again. But their relationship is still best categorized as complicated. And Sebastian has plans of his own. Plans that could upend everything and endanger the entire world.

Enemies on every side force Angie to do things she thought impossible. To survive, she must discover the real extent of her powers. And decide just how far she’s willing to go to save her world and the man she loves.

Because if she can’t conquer her own demons, the real demons will win.

~~~

Next month, I'll have a new contemporary fantasy collection out, which I'm really excited about. Three short stories and two novellas in this spooky, just-in-time-for-Halloween book with all demon-themed stories. HAUNTS AND HOWLS WHERE DEMONS DWELL will be out October 11!

Also the Cary Redmond novella from the first Haunts and Howls collect, Cary at the Haunt and Howl, will release as a standalone story in eBook at the end of October. If you're a print reader, though, you'll be better off picking up the original HAUNTS AND HOWLS AND GUARDIAN SPELLS, as the standalone stories are, currently, only available in eBook.

Also, as a  library reader myself, for those of you with tight wallets, do not forget you should be able to order almost all my books at your local library. You'll likely have to request them, but we've tried to make them available to as many library distribution systems as possible. (And if we've missed some, please let me know so we can try to get the books to those systems!)

Finally, if you want to stay up-to-date on my new releases, sales, excerpts, cover reveals, etc... and have it all delivered to your inbox, please subscribe to my mailing list. It goes out once a month (occasionally more if something exciting comes up like a sale). All new subscribers receive a free, exclusive short story from my Tiger Shifters paranormal romance series. Mate Run is only available through the newsletter.

And next month (October), I'll be giving all current and new subscribers an additional free novella in the Cary Redmond world. This novella will also only be available to newsletter subscribers. When Cary Met Ariel, is one of the Cary origin stories, though I wasn't sure I'd ever write this one. Cary decided to tell me the whole story this summer, so now I have a present for the newsletter. If you subscribe now, you will get this story in the October newsletter. If you subscribe after it goes out to current subscribers, it will be included in the welcome email.

Until next month, enjoy the start of Spooky Season! I hope it brings you some delightful reading.

August Releases and Updates

This month I have two releases out. One is a short story from the HAUNTS AND HOWLS AND GUARDIAN SPELLS collection releasing as a standalone eBook. More on that one below.
The other release is a brand new Demon Witch novella, Howling Dreadful !
Howling Dreadful goes back to the first time Angie met Sebastian. And it's not exactly a typical Meet Cute. This book releases on August 23rd.
HOWLING DREADFULA Demon Witch Novella
eBook 
A demon plague is not a fun meet cute…
Angie Jordan, powerful witch and psychic, should be focused on midterms and getting through college. Not hunting demons. That’s a demon hunter’s job. But when the hunter who saved her life as a child returns and asks a favor, Angie can’t refuse.
When that hunter brings her protégé, and he’s gorgeous and has a sexy English accent… Well, that’s just rude.
Angie knows more about the demon realms than any witch should. Stopping those who would unleash a plague on her world is a calling she must answer. Even if that means doing a job she’s not meant to do. She can’t afford the distraction of a sexy accent and gorgeous eyes. Not if she wants to survive.
Failure means the devastation and destruction of everything she holds dear.
But success could cost her her soul.

~~~
If you like reading in chronological order for stories, first of all, I'm sorry! I know I'm writing the short stories and novellas related to the main series out of order. I write them as they come to me, and only when Angie feels the need to tell me about a particular incident in her past.
But if you've been hoarding the stories and want the chronological order, it's Howling Dreadful , Moonlit Strange , then the start of the series proper with BONE LANTERN WITCH. In September, the next novel in the series is out! SPIDERWEB WITCH, out September 13, 2022 continues Angie's struggles with the demon hunter world and her feelings for Sebastian. Check back next month for more details on that.~~~
The standalone eBook for Going Out of Business: Everything's for Sale is also out this month and available now!

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS: EVERYTHING'S FOR SALE
eBook 
Completing the job isn’t the hard part. The hard part is finding the way home…
Teri collects difficult things. All kinds of things. From many different realms. For a lot of different people. Sometimes dangerous people. Sometimes desperate people. Sometimes they’re both. And sometimes the things they want prove almost impossible to find.
She specializes in those things.
Teri’s good at her job. And she gets paid well for her work. But once on a job, she’s got one way, and only one way, home. Collect the difficult thing. Then find the doorway back to her realm.
If she succeeds, she gets paid. And gets to go home. But if she fails…
She’ll never see the ones she loves again.

~~~
This short story made its first appearance in last year's HAUNTS AND HOWLS AND GUARDIAN SPELLS. And if you enjoy contemporary fantasy like the first HAUNTS AND HOWLS collection, I have a second due out in October.
HAUNTS AND HOWLS WHERE DEMONS DWELL releases October 11, 2022, and obviously has demon themed stories. And if you liked seeing Aidan from the Demon Witch series in action in Howling Dreadful, you'll be happy to know she makes an appearance in one of the upcoming stories in this new collection as well!
~~~
REMINDER: THE TROUBLE WITH BLACK CATS AND DEMONS is still available for FREE for a limited time. Sale will end August 28th, so if you've been wanting to try the Cary Redmond series, now's the time to snap up the first book!
~~~
So lots on the docket for August and into the fall (or spring depending on your hemisphere!). Keep checking in for updates.
Or if you'd rather get updates directly to your email, please join my newsletter (also a link in the sidebar and on the links page of the website). The newsletter is currently out monthly, and there's a free, not-available-anywhere-else short story in my Tiger Shifters paranormal romance world for all subscribers. 
Also, for new and old subscribers, I have a new Cary Redmond short story that will be exclusive to the newsletter available in October or November, depending on the production process (story is written!) So if you're a current reader of the Cary Redmond series, but haven't joined the newsletter, that's the place to go--soon!--to get this story. I'll have more information on that next month, though.
Until next month, Happy Reading!~ Kat

SALE ALERT!!

A quick in-between monthly-updates update to let everyone know about an eBook

SALE NOW ON

The eBook for THE TROUBLE WITH BLACK CATS AND DEMONS, Book 1 in the Cary Redmond series, is available for a LIMITED TIME for FREE at all vendors. This is the first time this book has been available for free across all vendors, so if you've been considering trying the Cary Redmond series, this is the time to snatch up the first book and give it a try!

Again, this sale is for a LIMITED TIME! The sale ends August 28th. I'm not sure when or if the book will go on sale for FREE again, so this is a great opportunity to pick it up.

Happy Reading!
~Kat

Something a Little Different

For the middle of summer, or winter, depending on your hemisphere.

This month, I have a new-to-me genre release, my first contemporary romance without any hint of fantasy or paranormal elements. A lot of my stories are set in contemporary times, but this is the first time there's not even a little psychic element in the background (like in my hockey romances as Isabo Kelly *grin*)

When I wrote this novel, I needed something light and low angst, and this is what came out. I set it in a contemporary reality without the covid pandemic (think of it as pre-covid), which is also what I needed. And I wrote about nice people finding love. I hope readers will enjoy reading the novel as much as I enjoyed writing it.

If you like grumpy-sunshine pairings, fake dating, boy/girl next door, friends-to-lovers, and romance with a slow burn that turns pretty hot, I think you'll enjoy DESIGNED FOR YOU, out now! Available in eBook, trade paperback, and large print editions.

DESIGNED FOR YOU
eBook 
Trade Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound 
Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound 

Interior designer Sabrina Mitchell desperately needs this summer break. To put the tatters of her career behind her and rethink her future. House sitting for her best friend out in the Hamptons solves all her immediate problems. Away from Manhattan, away from the pestering former colleague responsible for her career collapse, away from everything, she can focus. The only kink in her plan… The hunky next door neighbor she can’t stop thinking about.

Architect Nick West moved out to the Hamptons to escape people and his own bad work situation. He loves the isolation and quiet he’s built for himself on the beach. And he would continue to happily enjoy his hermit life… If he could just stop thinking about his neighbor’s sexy house sitter.

With a long, hot summer stretching out in front of them, and an attraction they can’t ignore, Sabrina and Nick must decide if what they have lasts only for the summer…

Or a lifetime. 

~~

Next month, I have a couple of short stories releasing, including the next Demon Witch short story ahead of the next novel in the series, out September 2022. More on that in August.

Until then, I hope you're safe, healthy, and able to enjoy some good books.

Happy Reading!
~Kat 

Standalone Releases and a Surprise for July

News and Updates this month include the release of two stories that were originally published in the Haunts and Howls and Guardian Spells contemporary fantasy collection. And information about my "now for something a little different" coming out next month!

The two releases this month are standalone eBooks for The Unshattered Sword (out June 7th) and Destiny Through the Cats Eyes (out June 28th).

~~

The Unshattered Sword turned out to be a sort of ancient history prequel to the Cary Redmond series--a hint as to where the Protectors started. I hadn't intended that when I started writing, but that's what happened.

THE UNSHATTERED SWORDAvailable June 7th
eBook 

The fate of her clan depends on the strength of her sword…

In the land of the Fae, when clans go to war, destruction spreads throughout the realm. To prevent disaster, the clans fight ritual battles through single combatants. One warrior, standing between her people and utter devastation.

Lilia knows that losing the coming fight will mean the end of her people. Everything rests on her shoulders, and her sword. Her ability to stand against the powerful magic of their greatest enemy.

Because if her strength falters…

Her people will die.

~~

Destiny Through the Cats Eyes is a novella that I found so much fun to write, I may have to write more in this series. I'm really interested in seeing what happens between Erica and the cats. *grin*

DESTINY THROUGH THE CATS EYES Available June 28th
eBook 

Her future holds more danger, magic, and…cats than she anticipated.

When Erica Randal learns her beloved aunt has disappeared, she rushes home, desperate to find her. But when she arrives, everything in her aunt’s house appears normal. Except for the missing cats.

No cats means big trouble.

Instead of the simple explanation Erica hopes for, she discovers her aunt is not who she thought. Magic is real. Deadly enemies gather to overwhelm her world. And a powerful destiny awaits her.

If she’s brave enough to embrace it.

~~

And now for the big July news!

I'm branching out into a (slightly) different genre. Contemporary Romance! It's not the first time I've written romance set in contemporary times, but even my hockey romances as Isabo Kelly have had some level of "woo woo," as a former editor used to call it. Some level of the paranormal or fantasy. My July release is just a straight up, low angst, trope-tastic contemporary romance with an adorkable couple in a slipstream non-Covid reality that I just had to write.

DESIGNED FOR YOU is available for preorder now, and releases on July 12th! I wrote this book while I was "going through some things" and needed something easy and light and fun to write. This is what came out. I love these two together.

If you like Grumpy/Sunshine, Friends-to-Lovers, Boy/Girl Next Door, and Fake Dating, I think you'll enjoy this one. I couldn't squeeze in Only-One-Bed, but I'll try for that next time. *grin*

Because this won't be my only contemporary romance. I have a novella coming out in December, and a third story I'm about a third of the way through writing now. Plus, I think the heroine's best friend in DESIGNED FOR YOU deserves a story, too. 

For those worried, NO I'm not moving away from Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy. In fact, the next Demon Witch book is going into edits as we speak for a September release. And the next Haunts and Howls contemporary fantasy collection is coming together for October. I also have a new paranormal romance series I want to launch in early 2023.

So I will not be moving away from my favorite genres! I'm just branching out a little. This branching out will also include some mysteries as well, so look out for more on that in future posts! I'm a genre writing madwoman at the moment, and I'm very excited to bring so many different stories to readers.

Until next month, Happy Reading! 

~Kat

The Trouble with Death and Demon Gods is out!

The first book in the Cary Redmond series, The Trouble with Black Cats and Demons , released on September 13, 2019. That was a Friday the 13th, and we picked that date because it was impossible to resist. 
The main novels in the series cover Cary's seventh year as a Protector, her seventh year test, and the new release is the seventh book in the series. And when we realized there was yet another Friday the 13th conveniently placed in the month when this book was due to release, well, we couldn't resist that either.
THE TROUBLE WITH DEATH AND DEMON GODS, Book 7 in the Cary Redmond series, is out now! It's available in eBook, Trade paperback, and Large Print paperback editions from most booksellers. It can also be obtained through most library systems, but you will probably have to request it from your librarian.
THE TROUBLE WITH DEATH AND DEMON GODSA Cary Redmond Novel, Book 7
Ebooks |Trade Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound 
Trouble’s Last Stand...
Magical Protector Cary Redmond has not been enjoying her test year. Discovering she absorbs magic, figuring out how to release that magic, and dealing with enemies from her past regularly complicates her life. Her seventh year has been overflowing with Trouble. And way too many demons and vampires
Now, with only two months left to go, Cary must face her greatest enemy again. Not to stop him. But to protect him.
Family squabbles suck. And when they involve demons, chances of realm destruction are high. Cary will need all the help she can get in this epic stand against the forces of evil. Because if she can’t stop the demons this time…
Her world will burn.
~~
Originally, I had intended for this to be the last book in the series, at least the main novel series. There was something really symmetrical and pleasing to releasing seven books covering Cary's seventh year as a Protector. And while this book does take Cary to the end of that test...it's probably not going to be the last book.
There are stories I couldn't finish, or only got to hint at, in this book, and I want to explore those storylines. So there will be at least one more novel in the future. And depending on what happens in that book, maybe one more after that. Who knows, there might even been more after that. I love writing in Cary's world and will likely keep on writing in her world until I get tired of it. So this isn't the end for Cary, not by a long shot.
~~
Next month, check back for some stand alone short story releases and some news on something new I have coming in July--a "now for something completely different" announcement. Except, it's not completely different. Just a little different. The completely different is due at the end of the year. *grin*
For early access to news, updates, excerpts, and the occasional free story, don't forget to check out my newsletter (sign up form in the sidebar and also on my links page).
Happy Reading!~Kat

Welcoming the Seasonal Change

Happy Spring or Fall, depending on your hemisphere! I hope the changing seasons are treating you well.

This month, I have a new collection out. This one of three novellas in the Cary Redmond Series. WITCHES AND WEAVERS AND GHOSTS, OH BOY features Cary and her three best friends and some of their more interesting adventures. Each novella has been published independently, but the collection is the first time any of these stories has been in print. The print editions are available in both Trade and Large Print editions.

The universal link to the eBooks also now has links to available markets for paperbacks as well, and should pick up your geolocation and therefore the appropriate markets where you can get the paperbacks. (At least, this is how it's supposed to work. Let me know if it doesn't!) 

Additionally, you can always request either eBook or print copies at your local libraries. Talk to your librarian!

WITCHES AND WEAVERS AND GHOSTS, OH BOYA Cary Redmond Short Story Anthology
Ebook  Trade Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |
Don’t mess with a magical Protector’s best friends…
For magical Protector Cary Redmond, nothing is more important than her family and her friends. And that means standing behind her friends—or in her case, in front of them—whenever they need her help. She’s there when they call. No matter what dangers they face.
Even when those dangers rub against her biggest fears.
Nothing stops Cary from getting between her friends and the bad guys. Because no one messes with the people Cary loves.
Don’t miss this collection of three action-packed Cary Redmond novellas. And find out just how far Cary will go to save the people she loves.
Stories in the collection:Cary vs the Goblin KingCary Goes to HawaiiCary and the Demon Witch
~~~
Next month, the seventh novel in the Cary Redmond series, THE TROUBLE WITH DEATH AND DEMON GODS releases! Preorder is available now . My cover artist did a beautiful job on the cover. I really think she captured the tone and feel of this book.



I'm very excited about this book. I hope readers will enjoy it too. It's currently up for preorder and will be available in eBook, Trade paperback, and Large Print editions.
Until next month, happy Reading!~Kat

Happy March!

This month, I have a short novella out that was originally published last fall in the Haunts and Howls and Guardian Spells collection. Tombstone Wizard surprised me a little with the direction it ended up going while I was writing it. But I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out. I really hope readers are too!

It's officially out now as a stand alone in eBook.

TOMBSTONE WIZARD
eBook 

A cold, foggy night in a graveyard.

A mythical monster on the prowl. And only the magic he brought with him to help.

Charles never thought he’d have to challenge his mentor and teacher, a wizard whose powers far exceeded his own. But when his teacher turns to the unthinkable, and bodies start piling up, Charles knows his time has run out.

To end the violence, Charles must best his teacher in a battle of magic, trapped inside a mystical domain. The only way out… Victory.

Or death.

~~

Additionally, I have the first Box Set for the Cary Redmond series releasing at the end of the month, March 29th. If you haven't tried the series, now's the chance to get the first three books at a discounted price! And since book 7 in the series is out in May, it's a great way to catch up.

Next month check back for a novella collection from the Cary Redmond series as well as news on the upcoming release of THE TROUBLE WITH DEATH AND DEMON GODS, Cary Redmond Book 7.
Until then, happy reading!~Kat

Happy Galentine's Day!

If I were being true to the spirit of Galentine's Day, I'd probably release this short story on February 13th. But the fact that I have a holiday story coming out in the correct month for the holiday (or in this case, the anti-holiday to replace the actual holiday), I'll count that as a win.

To help her best friend Lucy get through her most dreaded and hated holiday, Cary and the girls are skipping Valentine's Day in favor of Galentine's Day. And of course, it can't be a quiet night out.

CARY'S GALENTINE'S DAY
A Cary Redmond Short Story
eBook

Who needs Valentine’s Day when you have Trouble…

For Cary Redmond, Portland’s resident magical Protector, a simple night out with her friends to celebrate an alternative to Valentine’s Day should involve good food, too much wine, and plenty of girl talk. What it actually involves is…a lot more dangerous.

But saving the innocent is what Cary does. Even on pretend national holidays.

And when called to save someone from the manipulative dangers of a wizard, Cary races to the rescue. Her friends at her back. Her wine buzz left behind.

Because no one messes with love on Cary’s watch.

~~~

Next month, I'll have one of the Haunts and Howls and Guardian Spells short stories releasing as a standalone, as well as more information on the May release of The Trouble with Death and Demon Gods (Cary Redmond, Book 7). I'm super excited about this seventh book in the Cary Redmond series! More on that next month.

Until then, stay safe and healthy. And if you celebrate, enjoy Valentine's Day. If you're like Lucy and hate the holiday, enjoy eating something yummy and thumbing your nose at all the hearts and chocolates nonsense!

Happy Reading!
~Kat

Happy 2022!

 Happy New Year!

I'm celebrating the start of 2022 with a new novel release, the next book in the Cary Redmond series! I'm very excited for this release. The book was challenging to write and written during some challenging times. Seeing it live in the world finally makes this writer's heart happy.

The Trouble with Wizards and Old Enemies is available in eBook, Paperback, and Large Print from wherever you buy books. You can also get my books through most library systems, but you may have to request them from your librarian.

THE TROUBLE WITH WIZARDS AND OLD ENEMIES
Cary Redmond Book 6
eBook
Paperback: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |
Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |

Trouble with a Vengeance…

In her seventh year as a magical Protector, Cary Redmond has faced down more world-ending, life-or-death situations than she cares to remember. And now that she’s discovered she’s not as ordinary as she thought, finding ways to not die is getting even tougher. Especially with all the enemies she’s collected while saving good guys from bad guys.

So when her latest job forces her to confront too many of these old enemies, Cary desperately wants to refuse. Unfortunately, walking away is not an option, thanks to more of that world-ending trouble so common in her life.

With the help of her leopard shifter mate, Cary once again faces overwhelming odds in a quest to save the world.

And hopefully not die.

~~~

Check back next month for news on the next Cary Redmond short story--hint, it's actually a Valentine's Day(ish) story in the correct month for Valentine's Day.

For regular, monthly updates on new releases, news, cover reveals, excerpts, upcoming books, and the occasional free story, please join my newsletter. Subscribers get a free, exclusive story in my Tiger Shifters paranormal romance series that isn't available anywhere else!

Until next month, stay safe and healthy. And enjoy some good books.

Happy Reading!

~Kat