Kat Simons's Blog, page 7

Happy December!

Cary and Dragons and Goblins is out now!

This is a novella in the Cary Redmond series that takes place between The Trouble with Magic and Faery Curses (Cary Redmond Book 5) and the upcoming book 6 in the series, The Trouble with Wizards and Old Enemies. I've posted this notice everywhere, but I'll say it again right here:

If you DO NOT LIKE SPOILERS, do not read this book until you're caught up to book 5 in the series. There are major spoilers in this novella for what happens in book 5. If you don't mind spoilers and just want to read a story with dragons and goblins, or you are all caught up on the series (and also want to read a story with dragons and goblins), I hope you enjoy!

~~~

CARY AND DRAGONS AND GOBLINS
A Cary Redmond Story
eBook 
When a dragon asks if you’re a Protector, you say…yes!

Then agree to go help the dragon and his hero because… Well, he’s a dragon.

After her last deadly adventure into Faery, Cary Redmond needs time to heal and recover. Still shaken, and shaky, flying off on dragon back to do her Protector thing seems like a bad idea.

But courting death marks Cary’s life. With kids in trouble, goblins on the loose, and a pair of heroes in need, Cary races to the rescue. Again.

All in a night’s work for a Protector.

~~~

I hope you enjoy this new Cary Redmond adventure in Protecting! I had a blast writing it.

And don't miss the next novel in the Cary Redmond series. THE TROUBLE WITH WIZARDS AND OLD ENEMIES, Book 6 in the Cary Redmond series, is up for preorder now and releases on January 11, 2022 (I almost typed 2021--I have completely lost track of time!) in eBook, Print, and Large Print editions.

~~~

This marks the end of another crazy year, but here's to hoping for a better 2022. Happy Winter Solstice to those of you in the Northern Hemisphere and Summer Solstice to those in the Southern Hemisphere! Happy Holidays for whichever holiday you celebrate -- and if you don't celebrate any this time of year, enjoy some extra reading time!

I hope you and yours are staying safe and healthy. And I hope for wonderful things for you in the coming year.

Happy Reading!
~Kat

Holidays are in full swing now!

There are so many of them this time of year, it's just delightful. All my favorites. For me, it's Winter Solstice, Halloween, Christmas, New Years, even American Thanksgiving because of the food. (Though, to be fair, I don't eat turkey so our food is a little different.)

And beyond the food, are the holiday books! For a paranormal/fantasy author Halloween is the season, of course. But I don't want to leave the others out. And so Cary Redmond gets a Christmas story--mixing my love of spooky with my love of all things Winter holidays.

CARY HOLIDAYS
A Cary Redmond Short Story
eBook 
A quiet holiday shouldn’t be too much to ask…

 

Unless of course your name is Cary Redmond and your job title is Magical Protector. But in the days leading up to Christmas, in her second year as a Protector, Cary might just get the quiet time off she hopes for.
Nothing to do but watch Christmas movies, drink Christmas coffee, maybe even decorate for the season. No shapeshifter trouble. No vampires up to no good. No demons popping in to threaten death. Just peace and quiet. Lots and lots of quiet.
Until, of course, her new Christmas tree reveals a surprising complication...
That is anything but peaceful.~~~
Coming in December is another Cary Redmond novella. In Cary and Dragons and Goblins , Cary meets a dragon and his hero--Joan and Rory from the Joan of Kerry series--and mayhem ensues. Of course. This novella leads into book 6 in the main series, The Trouble with Wizards and Old Enemies, which is out in January 2022!  
For those of you who do NOT like spoilers, please don't read next months release until after you've read book 5 in the series, The Trouble with Magic and Faery Curses . There are spoilers throughout Cary and Dragons and Goblins for book 5--starting on the first page!--so again, if you are someone who hates spoilers, wait on this book!
I'll post that warning again next month, too.
And don't forget to look out for book 6 in the Cary Redmond series, coming out in January! Things in Cary's world are getting...complicated. Well, more complicated than they already are.
Until then, enjoy the holidays you celebrate. Stay safe and take care of yourself! And enjoy a good read.
Happy Reading!

October Brings Cool Weather and Two New Releases!

For a paranormal fantasy fiction lover and all around Halloween fan, this is my favorite time of year! I can't help it. The weather (cooling down here), the fall leaves, the food, the spookiness. All of it.
So I supposed it's pretty cool I have two releases to add for this month. October deserves two releases.
The first I mentioned last month, and it technically released September 28, but why nitpick. Close enough to October to count. Haunts and Howls and Guardian Spells is a short story collection of contemporary fantasy stories, all on the them with a theme of protectors and guardians. Which means that of course there's a new Cary Redmond short story in the anthology--one not published anywhere else!--because she's my most on-the-nose Protector characters. Haunts and Howls and Guardian Spells is out in eBook, Trade paperback, and Large Print editions!

HAUNTS AND HOWLS AND GUARDIAN SPELLSA Contemporary Fantasy Short Story Collection
EBook  Trade Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound 
Between haunts and howls…new guardians rise.
In mystical worlds of deadly magic and danger, the innocent need heroes, guardians, protectors to stand in the way of evil, to keep the world safe and balanced—even if the imperiled never realize trouble looms just out of sight.
Reluctant heroes strive to do whatever they must in these five short stories of contemporary fantasy, where nothing is as it seems. Where wizards and faeries lurk, and shapeshifters prowl. Where magic swells to both hurt and heal. And where destiny calls those fated to save the world.
For readers who love dark tales of mystery and magic, with heroes fated to keep innocent people safe, don’t miss this exciting collection from bestselling author Kat Simons. Including a brand new story in the action-packed urban fantasy Cary Redmond series.

~~~

I enjoyed writing and putting this collection together so much I think I'll make it an annual thing. I even have a few themes for future collections in mind already--demons anyone? So look out for another Haunts and Howls collections next year right around this time!
~~~
My other release this month is another Joan of Kerry short story! (Yes, I'm all about the short stories this month apparently. Quick reads so there's lots of time for other spooky things like...pumpkin spiced everything *grin*) Joan and the Leprechaun is out now!

JOAN AND THE LEPRECHAUNA Joan of Kerry Story
EBook 
Monsters aren’t her only problem…

For Joan, having a dragon best friend and heroing buddy means dealing with sneaky leprechauns. All the time. Because her dragon’s scales are made of gold. And nothing calls to a leprechaun like gold.

So when one of cunning devils steals off with some of those golden scales, Joan rushes in to retrieve the valuable prize. Only to discover a predicament more complicated and deadly than she expects. A situation that requires a hero.

Joan takes up her sword, once again answering the call to protect innocent lives.

Another quest for a hero and her dragon.

~~~

For the record, it took me ages to get the spelling of leprechaun right consistently. Something about that word makes my brain short circuit, and I kept wanting to add extra letters. LOL. I think I've got it now, though. My Irish husband would be proud.
Check back next month for a brand new Cary Redmond short story, this one a Christmas story! Because of course, Cary can't just have a normal, boring few days around Christmas, could she?

Until next month, I hope this finds you safe and healthy.

Happy Reading!Kat

New Urban Fantasy Series, New Novel Release!

The first full novel in the Demon Witch series, BONE LANTERN WITCH, is out now! I'm excited to launch this new series because it's been fun exploring Angie's witchy world. AND the book is available in eBook, Print, Large Print, and Hardback!

BONE LANTERN WITCH
A Demon Witch Novel, Book 1
Ebook 
Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |
Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |Hardback: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound | [More links coming soon]

The demons call and magic answers…

When hunting demons nearly kills her, witch Angie Jordan runs away to New York City, takes a job reading fortunes, and spends two years trying to forget her past. She was born to be a witch, not a demon hunter. Escaping that world means giving up the love of her life, a man who could no more resist the hunt than she could refuse the call of magic. That sacrifice is one of the hardest things she’s ever done. But staying with Sebastian means living in a world that will eventually destroy everything she loves. And she doesn’t dare take that risk.

The demon realms are restless and persistent, though, almost as persistent as Sebastian, dragging her back to the hunt. This time, a young girl is in danger, and Angie can’t refuse to help. But in her quest to rescue the innocent, dark secrets emerge, threatening everything Angie has built, plunging her into a deadly battle that pits the will of a demon against her magic. She must face her deepest fears, and the haunting shadow of a love she just can’t quit.

Because in a fight where the strongest will wins, Angie has to find that inner strength…

Or die.

~~~

As a bonus this month, I also have a fantasy short story collection coming out. It releases late September and includes a brand new, never before published Cary Redmond short story! (It's a fun one too *grin*). Haunts and Howls and Guardian Spells will be out in eBook, print, and large print editions. It's currently available for preorder in eBook. Check back next month for more links and details!

Until next month, I hope September is treating you well and the weather is fine no matter where you are. (I'm a big fan of autumn, so I'm looking forward to the coming months--weather-wise anyway!)

Happy Reading!

Kat

August Heat Brings a New Release

Well, okay, it's only hot on this side of the world. For those of you in the southern hemisphere, I hope the winter is treating you well!

This month, I have a new release that starts a new series! This series goes back in time to the mysterious past of witch Angela "Angie" Jordan, one of Cary Redmond's best friends. There are demons in Angie history, things she never talks about. Well, now you can see what she's been keeping so close to her chest. 

MOONLIT STRANGE is the short story that launches the series and is essentially a prequel to the first book in the series. That book, BONE LANTERN WITCH, will be out in September 2021.

MOONLIT STRANGE, A Demon Witch Short Story
eBook |

She’s a witch in a demon hunter’s world…

Angela Jordan is a witch with a very particular set of skills. One of those skills has her embroiled in the demon hunter world. Not her calling. But the hunt still lures her in. Confronting the kinds of nightmares most humans never have to face, Angie accepts the work though she wouldn’t go so far as to say she enjoys it. Still, demon hunting keeps her close to the man she loves. And saving innocent lives is worth the danger.

But ensuring demons aren’t loosed on the human realm comes at a cost. One that might be too high for Angie to pay.

~~~

For fans of the Cary Redmond series, don't worry, there's more Cary to come, including a Christmas short story and a novella that leads into Book 6 in the series. Book 6 will be out in January 2022. Check back for more details on that release and the other Cary stories.

In the meantime, I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe, that health and good reading are filling your days.

Happy Reading!

~Kat

A Cary Redmond Novella and a New Series

Middle of the summer--or winter depending on your hemisphere--and there's more reading to be had. The latest Cary Redmond story is out now! This is a bit of a love letter to Hawaii for me. I went to college at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and been back to visit many times over the years. I still get asked why I moved away. Sometimes, that question is hard to answer.

So I wrote a story set on the islands, well set on Oahu. And of course, Cary can't just take a holiday with her best friends without something going wrong.

CARY GOES TO HAWAII(A Cary Redmond Short Story)
Ebook 
All vacations are not created equal…

And as far as magical Protector Cary Redmond is concerned, going to Hawaii with her best friends ranks at the top of the list. No work, no magical Protector business, no jumping between good guys and bad guys to keep good guys safe. For two whole weeks. She gets to enjoy sun, sea, and tropical breezes without any paranormal chaos. Couldn’t get any better than that.

Except Cary’s life bends toward chaos, no matter what she tries. And when paranormal danger rears its head, Cary has to answer the call. Even if it means facing one of her greatest fears.

Because her best friend’s future is on the line.
~~~
Next month I have a short story that starts a new series! A spinoff of the Cary Redmond series, featuring the witch Angie Jordan. This series goes back in time, to Angie's mysterious past, and how she ended up knowing so many demon hunters.
MOONLIT STRANGE  is out August 17. And the first novel in the series is coming in September.
Until next month, stay safe out there, everyone!
Happy Reading~Kat

Newest Cary Redmond Short Story

It's almost summer time! Well up here in the northern hemisphere anyway. Welcome to winter all you southern hemisphere people! I hope the season, wherever you are, is treating you well. And giving you plenty of down time to fill with good books.

And for the start of my summer, I have a new Cary Redmond short story out now! One of Cary's best friends is in trouble, so of course Cary is there to give her the back up she needs.

CARY AND THE DEMON WITCH
A Cary Redmond Short Story
Ebook 

When her best friend’s mysterious past comes calling…

Cary Redmond is prepared to step in.

Although powerful witch, Angie Jordan, is one of Cary’s closest friends, there are parts of Angie’s past she refuses to talk about. Things she’s hinted at but always avoids explaining. Demon related things. And while Cary is very curious about that past, she also respects her friend’s privacy. After all, everyone should be allowed their secrets.

But when someone out of Angie’s past comes to town and threatens her family, Cary doesn’t hesitate to throw herself between this threat and her friend. She might not understand the undertone, but she can keep Angie and her family from getting hurt. After all, it’s her job as a magical Protector.

And what good is being a magical Protector if you can’t stand between your friends and disaster?

~~~

Look out for the next Cary Redmond short story coming in July--when Cary tries to take a vacation with the girls and things go predictably wrong.

Also for this month, I had a really fun mini book trailer made for the Cary Redmond series! I think it fits the series well. *grin*

Looking ahead, in August, I have a short story featuring Cary's witch friend Angie Jordan releasing. And in September, the first book in Angie's spin off series, BONE LANTERN WITCH will be out. Check back for more details!

You can always keep up on my new releases, news, and get the occasional free story at my newsletter. New subscribers also get an exclusive short story from my Tiger Shifters paranormal romance series. The story is super hot! You have been warned. This story isn't available anywhere else at the moment, so if you're interested, join the newsletter now! 

Happy Reading, everyone.
~Kat

 

Glorious May! New Release (and a new format!)

May is one of my favorite months of the year, not least because it's my birthday month. I turn 50 this year as well, and that's always a cool and momentous thing even if I have to turn 50 in the middle of a global pandemic. I'm still here, damn it. And I'm gonna celebrate that...

And to help me celebrate this lovely month, I have a new Paranormal Romance release! This is the crossover novel between the Cary Redmond world and the Tiger Shifters world. It's most definitely a romance, not a romantic urban fantasy. And I have two sexy nerd main characters. So this is kind of my sweet spot. LOL I hope you enjoy Cat and Dylan's story too!

ROMANCING THE LEOPARD
Ebook |
Trade Paperback: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |
Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indie Bound |Hardback: Amazon | (currently limited release for hardbacks; check back for more vendors!)

Their world is not what it seems…

Dylan Jones planned for this solar eclipse for two years. He got a prime site at one of the best locations in Oregon, and he intends to savor his last taste of freedom before he has to settled down and finish his Ph.D. thesis. He’s at the festival for sun pictures and maybe some all-night sky watching. And if he can manage it, some much needed time in his leopard form. He’s not there for a weekend fling. But the sexy genius in the site next to his proves too tempting to ignore. Something about Cat’s scent calls to his leopard, pulling him in like catnip, and he just can’t resist her.

Catalina Donovan came to Oregon for the solar eclipse, and only the eclipse. Getting away from New York and the constant pressure from the tiger shifter males to choose a mate only increases her determination to enjoy the festival. And the super hot guy in the camp site next to hers only adds spice to her vacation. There’s something about Dylan that draws her, something she can’t quite put her finger on. For someone like Cat, unraveling the puzzle of him is as tempting and enticing as his sexy voice.

But there’s more to Dylan than Cat knows. And more to their new relationship than Dylan wants to admit. As they countdown to the eclipse, and things between them heat up, Dylan must decide how much to admit to Cat, how much he dares tell a human. When tiger shifters show up to lay a claim to her, Dylan realizes he might just have to fight for her.

And a future neither of them expects.

~~~

For those of you old enough to remember the movie Romancing the Stone? I was feeling very nostalgic about that movie for reasons while I was trying to find a title for this book. Thus, the title. *grin* But I also liked the way it fit in with the Tiger Shifter titles.

And as a really cool twist that I did not see coming, the book is also available in hardback! I didn't think I'd be able to get it into hardback yet, so this was a pretty thrilling turn of events. A special little birthday present I wasn't expecting. I also didn't realize how excited I would be to have a hardback edition of one of my books. But I was pretty thrilled to get my little hands on it. The rest of my backlist will eventually go into hardback editions, and I'm hoping to keep the hardback editions rolling for front list titles as I'm able. But at least for this book, I get to add a little something extra for the release, and I'm frankly pretty delighted with it.

I have more Cary Redmond short story/novellas coming up in June and July, and then a short story to start a new spin off urban fantasy series. More on that soon!

Happy May! Stay safe and healthy everyone.

And Happy Reading!

~Kat

New Collection of Short Stories

Welcome to April! And as the weather warms here in the Northern Hemisphere (sort of), I have a new collection of short stories in the Cary Redmond series out now! This anthology is available in ebook and print for you print readers (Trade and Large Print editions).

DATES, DINNERS, AND OTHER DISASTERS
A Cary Redmond Short Story Anthology Ebook Trade Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound Large Print: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound 
Is one normal night out really too much to ask…?

 

All Cary Redmond wants is to go on a date with her new leopard shifter boyfriend. Just one normal, ordinary date. Other people go on dates all the time. Cary and Deacon should be able to manage at least one. That shouldn’t be too much to ask, right?
Wrong.
Being a magical Protector complicates everything in Cary’s life, including her ability to have a life. Dating and getting to know her boyfriend’s family of powerful shifters is stressful enough. The last thing she needs is constant disruptions and disaster. Unfortunately, Cary’s life is always full of trouble.
And when innocent people are in danger, Cary has to help.

 

Stories in the anthology:
Cary and Deacon (Try to) Go on a Date
Date Night Take Two
Third Date’s the Charm
Dinner with the Joneses
~~~
Next month look out for the release of my new Paranormal Romance novel that crosses over the Cary Redmond world and the Tigers Shifters world! 



ROMANCING THE LEOPARD is available for preorder now and will be releasing May 11, 2021 in ebook and print (large and trade editions).
Until then, have a safe April!Happy Reading!
~Kat

 

March Release and News

And now for something a little different...
I have a new short story out this month. Joan of Kerry: Joan and the Abhartach , is out now! This is the first of a few short stories I have with this character, so if you enjoy Joan and her adventures, there will be more. This is a strictly urban fantasy/mythic fantasy story, though. No romance at all. Just so you're forewarned.
JOAN OF KERRY: Joan and the AbhartachJoan of Kerry, Book OneEBook 

Ancient monsters beware…

Joan has spent her life facing down the monsters that no one else can defeat. But the rise of dark, hungry beings in the fields of Ireland brings portents of something more ancient and deadly. A monster out of myth. And a plague of death that could destroy everything in its wake.

Joan is all that stands between this rising evil and her home. Just her. Her sword. And her one true ally.

All in a night’s work, for a hero and her dragon.

As a heads up, Joan appears in an upcoming Cary Redmond novella, which is currently scheduled (pending potential changes) for December 2021. That Cary Redmond novella also ties more directly into the main series than most of the shorter fiction and leads into Book 6 in the Cary Redmond series--currently scheduled for January 2022. More on that and all the crossover stuff to come!

And speaking of  crossovers...
COVER REVEAL!
I have a new paranormal romance releasing soon! This is a romance, and is a crossover of the Cary Redmond world and the Tiger Shifters world. ROMANCING HER LEOPARD is out May 11, 2021, and will be released in ebook, print, and large print editions.



I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book and I hope you'll enjoy reading it too!
For more on this release as well as other upcoming releases and news, check back next month. In the meantime, I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe. And continuing to read good books.
Happy Reading!Kat