R.L. Merrill's Blog, page 2
April 8, 2024
Go Accidentally Undercover with Ro...TOMORROW!
TOMORROW is the day! Under His Sheets: Accidentally Undercover will be unleashed on the interwebs and in print. This is my first traditional romantic suspense and I had a blast writing it. I got to add in bits of my Spanish excursions and a lot of rock 'n' roll as well as teaching hijinks, all set on the outskirts of Barcelona. Here's the blurb:
Indie rock star Randall Sutter is hard at work creating a new life for himself in Spain after his band was robbed and decided to break up. The inspiration for his reinvention? The passionate night he spent with a Spaniard who encouraged him to consider spending more time in his country. So Randall 2.0 decides to dust off his credentials and take a job teaching music at an international school in a suburb of Barcelona. But questions soon arise when the stranger Randall can’t stop thinking about appears at the school—as Alonso the Custodian. And pretends not to recognize him. And claims to not speak English. Randall then discovers his new community—like the rest of Catalonia—is experiencing political turmoil, and Randall isn’t sure who he can trust. When Alonso reveals the truth about the night they met and just what he was doing there, Randall will have to have faith that Alonso’s feelings for him are real and not just part of his mission, or they may both end up victims of a centuries-long dispute playing out in modern Spain.
Under His Sheets is part of the Accidentally Undercover shared romantic suspense series.
I hope you'll check out Under His Sheets and the other books in the series!
https://www.amazon.com/Under-His-Shee...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
Indie rock star Randall Sutter is hard at work creating a new life for himself in Spain after his band was robbed and decided to break up. The inspiration for his reinvention? The passionate night he spent with a Spaniard who encouraged him to consider spending more time in his country. So Randall 2.0 decides to dust off his credentials and take a job teaching music at an international school in a suburb of Barcelona. But questions soon arise when the stranger Randall can’t stop thinking about appears at the school—as Alonso the Custodian. And pretends not to recognize him. And claims to not speak English. Randall then discovers his new community—like the rest of Catalonia—is experiencing political turmoil, and Randall isn’t sure who he can trust. When Alonso reveals the truth about the night they met and just what he was doing there, Randall will have to have faith that Alonso’s feelings for him are real and not just part of his mission, or they may both end up victims of a centuries-long dispute playing out in modern Spain.
Under His Sheets is part of the Accidentally Undercover shared romantic suspense series.
I hope you'll check out Under His Sheets and the other books in the series!
https://www.amazon.com/Under-His-Shee...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
November 4, 2023
Protector Excerpt!
Protector, the third book in the Gifted series, will be out on 11/13 and I can't wait for you to see what happens with James and Morgan are finally forced to deal with their unconventional attraction. See, James is a security expert who relies on facts and science while Morgan is a Mystic who uses magic to protect those in her care. Both protectors, both operating on completely different playing fields. But their chemistry is off the charts. Here's what happens when they've had a few drinks and allow their armor to drop:
“Dance with me, then. Let’s go find some joy.”
James swayed the slightest bit on his feet as he held his hand out to me.
He wore a long-sleeved black knit shirt that formed to every muscle on his hard torso and those well-worn jeans he loved so much that hugged each bulge below the belt.
I let him pull me from my seat, appreciating that he didn’t seem to mind that we were about the same height. A lot of guys in the past had made cracks about me being able to handle myself or breaking a guy, and the women I’d dated were often turned off by my lack of concern about my appearance. I had no qualms about my physical self. It was just nice to be near a person that was confident enough in their own body to not be threatened by mine.
“I could go for some joy.”
He led me to the floor, where Delaney gave us a surprised smile…and Jackson appeared concerned. For me or for James, I wondered?
He kept a chaste distance between us, but his hand was planted firmly on the curve of my lower back. I wasn’t going anywhere. We clasped hands and one glance at our fingers wrapped together was a study in contrast.
My long, spindly fingers were so smooth and white against his tanned skin, though I knew his Northern European heritage likely meant his natural state was as pale as me. His fingers were stocky like the rest of him, his hands strong, calloused, and scarred, but all of that excited me. He held so much power in his body, physical strength and mental endurance, being close to him was like cozying up to a transformer. I only wondered about his emotional stamina. It was obvious he’d been limping along in that department for a long time.
“This is nice, Red. You clean up pretty good.”
I loved his easy smile tonight. It wasn’t one I saw often.
“I’d say you do too but I know those jeans have seen a lot of action.”
“We’re in a relationship, myself and the Levi’s. We’re real careful about who we let in.”
I let my head drop back and laughed as he pulled me closer, in contact with his body. Finally.
“Is it an exclusive relationship you have?” The look on his face made me crack up again. He’d obviously lost his train of thought. “The one with your pants?”
He grinned. “We could be tempted to form a triad. As long as it was understood that the Levi’s come first in any scenario.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d never want to come between you and your jeans.”
He raised an eyebrow and put his lips close to my ear. “Ah, now for you, Red, I’d love to have you come between us. Unless you’re in a relationship…with your dresses.”
I barked out a very unladylike laugh and Delaney must have overheard me, as she gave me a pleased grin.
“I happen to love my dresses and robes. I do my best work in them.”
He dragged his thumb up and down my spine. “I’m not sure you’re doing it right if you’re doing it in your clothes.”
“But that’s the best thing about dresses,” I said, doing the lip trick against his ear. I was tempted to bite down on his earlobe. I’d been admiring his matching diamond studs for a while now. They suited him, like an act of defiance against his former employer, the US Navy. “There’s plenty of room to maneuver.”
Can they get past their differences? Read Protector on November 13! All three books are available to purchase on Amazon and are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q7C5VKL
“Dance with me, then. Let’s go find some joy.”
James swayed the slightest bit on his feet as he held his hand out to me.
He wore a long-sleeved black knit shirt that formed to every muscle on his hard torso and those well-worn jeans he loved so much that hugged each bulge below the belt.
I let him pull me from my seat, appreciating that he didn’t seem to mind that we were about the same height. A lot of guys in the past had made cracks about me being able to handle myself or breaking a guy, and the women I’d dated were often turned off by my lack of concern about my appearance. I had no qualms about my physical self. It was just nice to be near a person that was confident enough in their own body to not be threatened by mine.
“I could go for some joy.”
He led me to the floor, where Delaney gave us a surprised smile…and Jackson appeared concerned. For me or for James, I wondered?
He kept a chaste distance between us, but his hand was planted firmly on the curve of my lower back. I wasn’t going anywhere. We clasped hands and one glance at our fingers wrapped together was a study in contrast.
My long, spindly fingers were so smooth and white against his tanned skin, though I knew his Northern European heritage likely meant his natural state was as pale as me. His fingers were stocky like the rest of him, his hands strong, calloused, and scarred, but all of that excited me. He held so much power in his body, physical strength and mental endurance, being close to him was like cozying up to a transformer. I only wondered about his emotional stamina. It was obvious he’d been limping along in that department for a long time.
“This is nice, Red. You clean up pretty good.”
I loved his easy smile tonight. It wasn’t one I saw often.
“I’d say you do too but I know those jeans have seen a lot of action.”
“We’re in a relationship, myself and the Levi’s. We’re real careful about who we let in.”
I let my head drop back and laughed as he pulled me closer, in contact with his body. Finally.
“Is it an exclusive relationship you have?” The look on his face made me crack up again. He’d obviously lost his train of thought. “The one with your pants?”
He grinned. “We could be tempted to form a triad. As long as it was understood that the Levi’s come first in any scenario.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d never want to come between you and your jeans.”
He raised an eyebrow and put his lips close to my ear. “Ah, now for you, Red, I’d love to have you come between us. Unless you’re in a relationship…with your dresses.”
I barked out a very unladylike laugh and Delaney must have overheard me, as she gave me a pleased grin.
“I happen to love my dresses and robes. I do my best work in them.”
He dragged his thumb up and down my spine. “I’m not sure you’re doing it right if you’re doing it in your clothes.”
“But that’s the best thing about dresses,” I said, doing the lip trick against his ear. I was tempted to bite down on his earlobe. I’d been admiring his matching diamond studs for a while now. They suited him, like an act of defiance against his former employer, the US Navy. “There’s plenty of room to maneuver.”
Can they get past their differences? Read Protector on November 13! All three books are available to purchase on Amazon and are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q7C5VKL
September 12, 2023
Brains and Brawn is FREE and on KU
Greetings! To celebrate and prepare for my upcoming release You Can Do Magic, I've made Summer of Hush 99 cents and for the next four days, Brains and Brawn will be FREE on Amazon! It's not required to read these two books before You Can Do Magic, but the events take place in the same world and there are character crossovers. If you dig that sort of thing, well, here ya go! I hope you enjoy.
Summer of Hush: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08... and Brawn: https://www.amazon.com/Brains-Brawn-S...
You Can Do Magic: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Do-Mag...
Summer of Hush: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08... and Brawn: https://www.amazon.com/Brains-Brawn-S...
You Can Do Magic: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Do-Mag...
September 1, 2023
Release Day Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator
Greetings Goodreaders! It's a big day! I have not one but two stories in charity anthologies that released today. Queer Cheer from the Bay Area Queer Writer's Association is out today with my reprinted story Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire and Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator has a brand new story called "You're Not There." The title comes from an old favorite Dead or Alive tune called Something In My House, but I digress... Here's a sneak peek at my story:
Brian
After twenty-five hours of travel, I was conflicted as to what I wanted to have first. A meal? A shower? A drink? When I arrived at the hotel in Portsmouth, where I’d be staying the next three nights, however, I had another desire front and center:
Social interaction with nonmilitary personnel.
I’d been stationed in Guam for three years, and as beautiful as it was there, I found myself longing for a change of scenery in more ways than one. Attending the retirement ceremony of one of my best friends was the perfect excuse for some shore leave, although it would have been nice if he’d been a Best Coast-er rather than making me travel six additional hours east to Virginia. Eight if you counted my layovers. Plural.
Eloy Paniagua had been one of my first buddies in boot camp, and despite following different paths in the service, we’d always managed to stay in touch. His wife and kids were like family to me, and I’d spent many bittersweet holidays with them, reminding me of what a loving relationship looked like when I had zero prospects of my own. He’d asked me to sing the National Anthem at his retirement ceremony, which was a huge honor. I’d done it for a few events, but this one was extra special.
Bottom line? I was happy to be here for him, but even happier to have me time.
Once I changed out of my uniform, of course. I hoped to make it through the lobby and up to my room without attracting too much attention. The front desk attendant warned me there was a rowdy convention using the hotel that weekend and that if I had any concerns, to please contact them right away.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” I’d spent nearly half my life as a sailor. No one partied harder.
I accepted my key, threw my duffel over my shoulder, and prayed my dress uniform hadn’t been totally trashed by the travel. I hated ironing with a passion. If ever I needed a reason to retire, no more ironing would be it.
The bar was across a long walkway from the front desk and curiosity got the best of me as I passed. It appeared someone had vomited rainbows all over the place. Not just the clothing and decorations, but every third person wore brightly dyed hairstyles. Even a few beards and mustaches were adorned with vibrant shades.
Awesome.
I’d hated missing Pride in my hometown of San Francisco the past few years. Guam hosted a celebration, but I’d always ended up being on duty as Naval Special Warfare didn’t work around holiday schedules. Since DADT was no longer in effect, I’d joined several of my fellow sailors in coming out. It was important for the younger folks to have someone to look up to, and it was fun to punish the assholes with lower rank who wanted to get mouthy about it.
This was October, however, not Pride Month. So what were these folks here for?
I’d find out soon enough. I traipsed toward the elevators, and found a crowd waiting impatiently.
A woman with fuchsia hair made the sign of the cross with her fingers. “There’s no way I’m taking the haunted elevator! I swear the damn thing was possessed.”
“Remember last year? We missed the whole narrator event because we were stuck in it!”
There happened to be three elevators in the foyer and the group stood facing the wall with two. When the doors opened and folks stepped out, the group of about twenty piled into them and turned to wave me in.
“I’ll catch the next one,” I said. My duffel wouldn’t fit without getting up close and personal, and I was carrying so much travel funk on me. I couldn’t risk tarnishing these shiny happy people.
“But that one is—”
The doors shut and I was left alone. Waiting. I was ready to take the stairs. After sitting on my ass, a few flights wouldn’t hurt. I looked at my keycard envelope.
I was on the fourteenth floor.
“Not that many flights.”
I glanced toward the bar and salivated at the thought of an ice-cold beer. I hoped the kitchen was still open, though it was getting close to midnight. I’d probably have to resort to one of my protein bars. I was about to let loose a string of curses when the doors to the third elevator behind me opened with a clunk.
I turned and found it empty.
“How bad could it be?”
I heard shouts coming from the bar and hoped the party would still be going when I finished up in my room. I pushed my button and stepped back as the doors closed, one quickly, the other slowly.
“Weird.”
“Tell me about it. It’s missed my floor twice already.”
I spun around and backed against the wall.
I must have been tired to have missed a whole person in the elevator. To be fair, he was wearing a gold-colored long-sleeved tunic that blended with the brassy walls of the elevator and was fair-skinned with long blond hair. But there was no way I should have missed his smile.
He held up a hand. “Hi. Sorry to startle you. I’m Cole.”
That smile. Julia Roberts-level dazzling. I was caught in its tractor beam and couldn’t look away. If he laughed like her, I would be done for.
“Brian.”
“Brian, I’m guessing you aren’t here for the Queer Lit Extravaganza.”
“Not on purpose. But it looks like fun,” I hurried and added when his smile faded.
It was the right move. His already beautiful smile lit up like a spotlight.
I hope you'll check out these great anthologies at the links below:
Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator: https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Renai...
Queer Cheer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/95091...
Brian
After twenty-five hours of travel, I was conflicted as to what I wanted to have first. A meal? A shower? A drink? When I arrived at the hotel in Portsmouth, where I’d be staying the next three nights, however, I had another desire front and center:
Social interaction with nonmilitary personnel.
I’d been stationed in Guam for three years, and as beautiful as it was there, I found myself longing for a change of scenery in more ways than one. Attending the retirement ceremony of one of my best friends was the perfect excuse for some shore leave, although it would have been nice if he’d been a Best Coast-er rather than making me travel six additional hours east to Virginia. Eight if you counted my layovers. Plural.
Eloy Paniagua had been one of my first buddies in boot camp, and despite following different paths in the service, we’d always managed to stay in touch. His wife and kids were like family to me, and I’d spent many bittersweet holidays with them, reminding me of what a loving relationship looked like when I had zero prospects of my own. He’d asked me to sing the National Anthem at his retirement ceremony, which was a huge honor. I’d done it for a few events, but this one was extra special.
Bottom line? I was happy to be here for him, but even happier to have me time.
Once I changed out of my uniform, of course. I hoped to make it through the lobby and up to my room without attracting too much attention. The front desk attendant warned me there was a rowdy convention using the hotel that weekend and that if I had any concerns, to please contact them right away.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” I’d spent nearly half my life as a sailor. No one partied harder.
I accepted my key, threw my duffel over my shoulder, and prayed my dress uniform hadn’t been totally trashed by the travel. I hated ironing with a passion. If ever I needed a reason to retire, no more ironing would be it.
The bar was across a long walkway from the front desk and curiosity got the best of me as I passed. It appeared someone had vomited rainbows all over the place. Not just the clothing and decorations, but every third person wore brightly dyed hairstyles. Even a few beards and mustaches were adorned with vibrant shades.
Awesome.
I’d hated missing Pride in my hometown of San Francisco the past few years. Guam hosted a celebration, but I’d always ended up being on duty as Naval Special Warfare didn’t work around holiday schedules. Since DADT was no longer in effect, I’d joined several of my fellow sailors in coming out. It was important for the younger folks to have someone to look up to, and it was fun to punish the assholes with lower rank who wanted to get mouthy about it.
This was October, however, not Pride Month. So what were these folks here for?
I’d find out soon enough. I traipsed toward the elevators, and found a crowd waiting impatiently.
A woman with fuchsia hair made the sign of the cross with her fingers. “There’s no way I’m taking the haunted elevator! I swear the damn thing was possessed.”
“Remember last year? We missed the whole narrator event because we were stuck in it!”
There happened to be three elevators in the foyer and the group stood facing the wall with two. When the doors opened and folks stepped out, the group of about twenty piled into them and turned to wave me in.
“I’ll catch the next one,” I said. My duffel wouldn’t fit without getting up close and personal, and I was carrying so much travel funk on me. I couldn’t risk tarnishing these shiny happy people.
“But that one is—”
The doors shut and I was left alone. Waiting. I was ready to take the stairs. After sitting on my ass, a few flights wouldn’t hurt. I looked at my keycard envelope.
I was on the fourteenth floor.
“Not that many flights.”
I glanced toward the bar and salivated at the thought of an ice-cold beer. I hoped the kitchen was still open, though it was getting close to midnight. I’d probably have to resort to one of my protein bars. I was about to let loose a string of curses when the doors to the third elevator behind me opened with a clunk.
I turned and found it empty.
“How bad could it be?”
I heard shouts coming from the bar and hoped the party would still be going when I finished up in my room. I pushed my button and stepped back as the doors closed, one quickly, the other slowly.
“Weird.”
“Tell me about it. It’s missed my floor twice already.”
I spun around and backed against the wall.
I must have been tired to have missed a whole person in the elevator. To be fair, he was wearing a gold-colored long-sleeved tunic that blended with the brassy walls of the elevator and was fair-skinned with long blond hair. But there was no way I should have missed his smile.
He held up a hand. “Hi. Sorry to startle you. I’m Cole.”
That smile. Julia Roberts-level dazzling. I was caught in its tractor beam and couldn’t look away. If he laughed like her, I would be done for.
“Brian.”
“Brian, I’m guessing you aren’t here for the Queer Lit Extravaganza.”
“Not on purpose. But it looks like fun,” I hurried and added when his smile faded.
It was the right move. His already beautiful smile lit up like a spotlight.
I hope you'll check out these great anthologies at the links below:
Midnight in the Renaissance Elevator: https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Renai...
Queer Cheer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/95091...
August 5, 2023
You Can Do Magic: Carnival of Mysteries Pre-Order is LIVE!
I am honored to be joining the Carnival of Mysteries shared universe with a new story set in my Summer of Hush series! You Can Do Magic takes place after Brains and Brawn and features Ryan Wells, singer of Backdrop Silhouette, Hush's rivals on the last cross-country Warped Tour! Here's the blurb:
From the author of Foreword Indies Finalist Summer of Hush and BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist Brains and Brawn comes a new installment in the series, a contemporary gay romance with a side of time travel and magic.
Musical prodigy Kallos Alexandrou has played his calliope for countless visitors at Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, but his one-year residency has come to an end. Scars from a terrible tragedy in his past are the only explanation he has for his loss of speech and memory, but it’s time to move on, so when a music festival sets up next to the carnival, Mr. Ame sends him off with identification, a bottomless billfold, and a set of new clothes. Outside the carnival’s perimeter, Kal finds himself in an unfamiliar world surrounded by strange instruments and vibrant people like nothing he’s ever seen.
Ryan Wells is the troubled and celebrated lead singer of the metal band Backdrop Silhouette. He’s brought more than his share of baggage on the last cross-country Warped Tour, including harsh restrictions placed on him by his parole officer and the band’s label, but it’s the treatment from his bandmates that have him feeling unsettled. After a tough morning, he spots a strange young man playing carnival music on a keyboard backstage, and the sound takes him back to a particularly vulnerable time in his youth. Intrigued, Ryan asks the young man’s name, but he flees only to appear later as a replacement stagehand for the tour.
An invitation from the band Hush to ride on their bus gives Ryan and Kal a welcome distraction. They find the camaraderie and support they’ve both been craving…as well as a little magic and a fresh new romance. But the music business makes personal relationships difficult to maintain, and when the tour ends, Ryan and Kal will have to make a choice: move forward together on an uncertain path, or let fear keep them from trusting that sometimes you really can have everything you desire.
You Can Do Magic is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a Depression-era calliaphone, a Ouija board with a purpose, and tour bus hijinks that will warm your heart and make you gigglesnort. Reading Summer of Hush and Brains and Brawn before this book will give you the full Warped Tour experience, but You Can Do Magic can be read as a standalone as well as the other books in the shared universe. Recommended 18+
Here's the link!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDSWDH72
And I'd love for you to mark it as Want To Read! Check out all of the Carnival of Mysteries books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5Y5Z1RH?...
From the author of Foreword Indies Finalist Summer of Hush and BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist Brains and Brawn comes a new installment in the series, a contemporary gay romance with a side of time travel and magic.
Musical prodigy Kallos Alexandrou has played his calliope for countless visitors at Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, but his one-year residency has come to an end. Scars from a terrible tragedy in his past are the only explanation he has for his loss of speech and memory, but it’s time to move on, so when a music festival sets up next to the carnival, Mr. Ame sends him off with identification, a bottomless billfold, and a set of new clothes. Outside the carnival’s perimeter, Kal finds himself in an unfamiliar world surrounded by strange instruments and vibrant people like nothing he’s ever seen.
Ryan Wells is the troubled and celebrated lead singer of the metal band Backdrop Silhouette. He’s brought more than his share of baggage on the last cross-country Warped Tour, including harsh restrictions placed on him by his parole officer and the band’s label, but it’s the treatment from his bandmates that have him feeling unsettled. After a tough morning, he spots a strange young man playing carnival music on a keyboard backstage, and the sound takes him back to a particularly vulnerable time in his youth. Intrigued, Ryan asks the young man’s name, but he flees only to appear later as a replacement stagehand for the tour.
An invitation from the band Hush to ride on their bus gives Ryan and Kal a welcome distraction. They find the camaraderie and support they’ve both been craving…as well as a little magic and a fresh new romance. But the music business makes personal relationships difficult to maintain, and when the tour ends, Ryan and Kal will have to make a choice: move forward together on an uncertain path, or let fear keep them from trusting that sometimes you really can have everything you desire.
You Can Do Magic is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a Depression-era calliaphone, a Ouija board with a purpose, and tour bus hijinks that will warm your heart and make you gigglesnort. Reading Summer of Hush and Brains and Brawn before this book will give you the full Warped Tour experience, but You Can Do Magic can be read as a standalone as well as the other books in the shared universe. Recommended 18+
Here's the link!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDSWDH72
And I'd love for you to mark it as Want To Read! Check out all of the Carnival of Mysteries books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5Y5Z1RH?...
July 23, 2023
Manor of Frights: new short horror!
Manor of Frights
Imagine a Victorian house where every room is cursed with a frightful existence. Are monsters in the halls? Ghosts left to fester in the library? Or are the rooms themselves enchanted with malevolent energy? What was summoned long ago and what doorways were left open? Manor of Frights is a collection of tales all set in different rooms of the same house.
“Flowers in the Foyer” DW Milton
Everyone at the Manor knows there must be fresh flowers in the foyer every morning but why must there be a new housemaid named for a flower every fortnight?
“Storage” Ollie Fox
A servant locked in a storeroom finds there are far worse things than being caught by the master of the house.
“Bye, Baby Bunting” Lesley Warren
First-time mother Ida Wells thought losing her husband was the worst that could happen, that is until the baby came along, bringing hell with it.
“Withered Bindings” Michael Fassbender
While cleaning up the study in preparation for the master's return to the manor, Philippa finds half the books on one shelf rotten under the influence of a mysterious tome.
“Dinner Guests” Emerian Rich
A dutiful butler attempts to keep zombies at bay without letting the family know anything’s amiss.
“A Green Thumb” Daphne Strasert
Eleanor breaks into her friend's conservatory to take a clipping of her prized orchid, only to discover that the plant has more exotic needs than she could have ever imagined.
“Turning Pages” Mark Orr
A ghostly pianist is witness to a gruesome murder, and takes her revenge in a like manner.
“A Fresh Start” DJ Pitsiladis
A woman looking for a fresh start after a tragedy finds something far worse in her new employer.
“The Living Room” Amanda Leslie
There’s something alive in Jenny's living room. She hasn't heard it or seen it yet, but she knows it’s there and that it pulsates with a sickening version of life.
“Lanai” BF Vega
A family secret proves deadly for one of the young heirs to the Castorelli sugar fortune.
“Cacophony” Judith Pancoast
Annalyse is a gifted young pianist who reaches another level when she begins playing the haunted piano in her new home.
“Nightbears” Loren Rhoads
When Jimmy gets sick, it brings a whole new meaning to the “monster under the bed.”
“Beyond the Ensuite” Barend Nieuwstraten III
The ensuite bathroom hides a hidden bathhouse that contains delights (and horrors) only a wild imagination could conjure.
“The Desiccated Heart” Sumiko Saulson
Some punk kids have an idea for the perfect garage band, but an item found in their practice studio soon makes it all go to hell.
“A Study in Terror” Jason Fischer
A family heirloom brings terror to a small girl staying over at the manor, but what her mother doesn’t realize is… It’s best to listen to the little ones.
“Come Find Me, Mummy” Rosetta Yorke
When single mum Debbie, accompanied by her three-year-old daughter, catalogs the manor’s contents to prove herself worthy of a place in her family’s firm, she encounters horrors beyond her worst nightmare in the nursery.
“Missing” R.L. Merrill
High school senior Kristy is creeped out about volunteering in the manor for the 100th anniversary open house, but working in the scullery turns out to be even more menacing than she'd anticipated.
To these stories and check out the floor plans, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Manor-Frights-... E-books available soon!
Imagine a Victorian house where every room is cursed with a frightful existence. Are monsters in the halls? Ghosts left to fester in the library? Or are the rooms themselves enchanted with malevolent energy? What was summoned long ago and what doorways were left open? Manor of Frights is a collection of tales all set in different rooms of the same house.
“Flowers in the Foyer” DW Milton
Everyone at the Manor knows there must be fresh flowers in the foyer every morning but why must there be a new housemaid named for a flower every fortnight?
“Storage” Ollie Fox
A servant locked in a storeroom finds there are far worse things than being caught by the master of the house.
“Bye, Baby Bunting” Lesley Warren
First-time mother Ida Wells thought losing her husband was the worst that could happen, that is until the baby came along, bringing hell with it.
“Withered Bindings” Michael Fassbender
While cleaning up the study in preparation for the master's return to the manor, Philippa finds half the books on one shelf rotten under the influence of a mysterious tome.
“Dinner Guests” Emerian Rich
A dutiful butler attempts to keep zombies at bay without letting the family know anything’s amiss.
“A Green Thumb” Daphne Strasert
Eleanor breaks into her friend's conservatory to take a clipping of her prized orchid, only to discover that the plant has more exotic needs than she could have ever imagined.
“Turning Pages” Mark Orr
A ghostly pianist is witness to a gruesome murder, and takes her revenge in a like manner.
“A Fresh Start” DJ Pitsiladis
A woman looking for a fresh start after a tragedy finds something far worse in her new employer.
“The Living Room” Amanda Leslie
There’s something alive in Jenny's living room. She hasn't heard it or seen it yet, but she knows it’s there and that it pulsates with a sickening version of life.
“Lanai” BF Vega
A family secret proves deadly for one of the young heirs to the Castorelli sugar fortune.
“Cacophony” Judith Pancoast
Annalyse is a gifted young pianist who reaches another level when she begins playing the haunted piano in her new home.
“Nightbears” Loren Rhoads
When Jimmy gets sick, it brings a whole new meaning to the “monster under the bed.”
“Beyond the Ensuite” Barend Nieuwstraten III
The ensuite bathroom hides a hidden bathhouse that contains delights (and horrors) only a wild imagination could conjure.
“The Desiccated Heart” Sumiko Saulson
Some punk kids have an idea for the perfect garage band, but an item found in their practice studio soon makes it all go to hell.
“A Study in Terror” Jason Fischer
A family heirloom brings terror to a small girl staying over at the manor, but what her mother doesn’t realize is… It’s best to listen to the little ones.
“Come Find Me, Mummy” Rosetta Yorke
When single mum Debbie, accompanied by her three-year-old daughter, catalogs the manor’s contents to prove herself worthy of a place in her family’s firm, she encounters horrors beyond her worst nightmare in the nursery.
“Missing” R.L. Merrill
High school senior Kristy is creeped out about volunteering in the manor for the 100th anniversary open house, but working in the scullery turns out to be even more menacing than she'd anticipated.
To these stories and check out the floor plans, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Manor-Frights-... E-books available soon!
July 8, 2023
Did you like Healer and Connection? New Release!
Greetings y'all! If you follow me on Instagram you might have an inkling of the whirlwind month I had in June. I can't believe it's already July 7, much less that I HAVE A NEW RELEASE! That's right! My new book, Protector, is now available as part of the Happily Ever After Collective! You can join today on Patreon (www.HappilyEverAfterCollective.com) and download it today!
Protector is the follow-up to last year's Connection, (which is also a finalist in the Daphne Contest!!!) and it's the story of James, the beloved cousin of counselor Delaney, and Morgan, Havenhart Academy's Media Specialist...and resident mystic. The trope for the collective this month is Opposites Attract, and when it came time to write my novella, I thought, who could be more opposite than a witch who uses magic to protect her students, and a retired Navy SEAL who operates strictly on the basis of facts and science?
As for the HEA Collective, I've had such a great time being a part of this group this year, so much so that I signed up for Season Two! I'll have another novella out in the 2023-24 season that is a trope I've never written before!!! If you join the Patreon THIS MONTH you can choose from any of the novellas that have come out this year, which will not be available after July 31. August 1 starts the new season and if you check out the page now, you can see all the new tropes! www.HappilyEverAfterCollective.com
We are closing out season one of the Happily Ever After Collective with an amazing line up of opposites attract novellas just for you from Nina Crespo, RL Merrill, Abigail Owen and Elizabeth SaFleur!!! Check them out below and then patrons can pick their novellas here. Not a patron yet? No worries! You can join the HEA Collective Patreon here.
The Water Guardian by Nina Crespo
It was supposed to be a simple messenger job: deliver a medallion. But when Kayla Mitchell’s mentor is almost killed and she discovers that the medallion is magical, she finds herself compelled to find the true owner – an adventure that puts her on a boat in the middle of a storm that’s tearing her tiny vessel apart. That is, until out of nowhere, a hot guy swims to her rescue…
Xander is a disgraced ancient guardian of water, embracing a life of exile after a tortured past. When a mortal woman shows up with a “calling stone” signifying the possibility of a fated mate, he tries to resist, not trusting supernatural powers that caused him so much pain. She trusts in magic, and believes in him. He trusts in no one – but can’t seem to resist her. Can they get past their differences, protect the medallion… and embrace fate?
Novella Features: BIPOC, straight main characters
Content Warnings: Death of family members, gun violence
Protector by RL Merrill
Retired Navy SEAL James Morton is an expert in security and protection. When his cousin asks him to provide his expertise and services to the staff at Havenhart Academy—a boarding school for child victims of trauma—he doesn’t count on working alongside folks who don’t operate in his reality, like librarian Morgan Forrester. She’s gorgeous, funny…and a witch? James deals solely in facts, science, and rules of engagement. There is no room for woo-woo in his life, but she knows things about his missing daughters. When he receives a mysterious phone call about his eldest, he’ll have to look past his beliefs and accept that even a natural-born Protector needs help.
Novella Features: White, queer main characters
Content Warnings: Sex Trafficking, no on-page abuse
The Shifter’s Fallout by Abigail Owen
Ever since the Phoenix rose from the ashes to rule the dragon shifter world, things have changed. Including for Rivin and Keighan. Best friends since childhood, the two Enforcers have always done everything together–lived, battled, teased, and…a lot in between. But now it feels like something is missing. Like what they had isn’t enough…
When Bridget starts lighting on fire, she knows what it means. Dragon sign. She’s fated to be a dragon shifter’s mate. The safest place for her is with the very dragons her fluffle of bunny shifters hold responsible for all the shifter violence in the region including mysterious fires plaguing her fluffle.
What she hopes for is help, not a mate. What she doesn’t expect are Rivin and Keighan and the urge to give into her curiosity about both of them. And as things heat up, tough choices are going to have to be made.
Novella Features: White, queer main characters
Content Warnings: Violence, gore, death, kidnapping, tough parental relationships, and explicit sexual content between three consenting adults
For You, Anything by Elizabeth SaFleur
Rayen came to Washington, D.C. to do great things. Not fall for a womanizing billionaire real estate developer.
Budding personal chef Rayen is quickly learning several things about this town. No one cooks here. People love her pre-colonial cooking. Running a business is hard. And her bachelor clients are hopeless around women. Like billionaire real estate developer Knox Michaelson. Sure, he’s gorgeous, wealthy and charming—sometimes. But he’s clueless about the opposite sex. Rayen tells him, too. Which is why when he offers to help her with her business in exchange for tips on women, she’s shocked but can’t say no. She needs the help, and the “let me show you my penthouse view” player needs education. But an inconvenient heat quickly forms between them, and Rayen finds herself not only taking in his, ahem, view but falling for the man who’s completely wrong for her. Or is he?
Novella Features: BIPOC, straight main characters
Content Warnings: None
Thanks for being here and I hope you're having a fantastic summer so far! Swing by my Instagram (@rlmerrillauthor) to see what I've been up to and hit me up to let me know what you're reading/watching/listening to! And Stay Tuned...
Protector is the follow-up to last year's Connection, (which is also a finalist in the Daphne Contest!!!) and it's the story of James, the beloved cousin of counselor Delaney, and Morgan, Havenhart Academy's Media Specialist...and resident mystic. The trope for the collective this month is Opposites Attract, and when it came time to write my novella, I thought, who could be more opposite than a witch who uses magic to protect her students, and a retired Navy SEAL who operates strictly on the basis of facts and science?
As for the HEA Collective, I've had such a great time being a part of this group this year, so much so that I signed up for Season Two! I'll have another novella out in the 2023-24 season that is a trope I've never written before!!! If you join the Patreon THIS MONTH you can choose from any of the novellas that have come out this year, which will not be available after July 31. August 1 starts the new season and if you check out the page now, you can see all the new tropes! www.HappilyEverAfterCollective.com
We are closing out season one of the Happily Ever After Collective with an amazing line up of opposites attract novellas just for you from Nina Crespo, RL Merrill, Abigail Owen and Elizabeth SaFleur!!! Check them out below and then patrons can pick their novellas here. Not a patron yet? No worries! You can join the HEA Collective Patreon here.
The Water Guardian by Nina Crespo
It was supposed to be a simple messenger job: deliver a medallion. But when Kayla Mitchell’s mentor is almost killed and she discovers that the medallion is magical, she finds herself compelled to find the true owner – an adventure that puts her on a boat in the middle of a storm that’s tearing her tiny vessel apart. That is, until out of nowhere, a hot guy swims to her rescue…
Xander is a disgraced ancient guardian of water, embracing a life of exile after a tortured past. When a mortal woman shows up with a “calling stone” signifying the possibility of a fated mate, he tries to resist, not trusting supernatural powers that caused him so much pain. She trusts in magic, and believes in him. He trusts in no one – but can’t seem to resist her. Can they get past their differences, protect the medallion… and embrace fate?
Novella Features: BIPOC, straight main characters
Content Warnings: Death of family members, gun violence
Protector by RL Merrill
Retired Navy SEAL James Morton is an expert in security and protection. When his cousin asks him to provide his expertise and services to the staff at Havenhart Academy—a boarding school for child victims of trauma—he doesn’t count on working alongside folks who don’t operate in his reality, like librarian Morgan Forrester. She’s gorgeous, funny…and a witch? James deals solely in facts, science, and rules of engagement. There is no room for woo-woo in his life, but she knows things about his missing daughters. When he receives a mysterious phone call about his eldest, he’ll have to look past his beliefs and accept that even a natural-born Protector needs help.
Novella Features: White, queer main characters
Content Warnings: Sex Trafficking, no on-page abuse
The Shifter’s Fallout by Abigail Owen
Ever since the Phoenix rose from the ashes to rule the dragon shifter world, things have changed. Including for Rivin and Keighan. Best friends since childhood, the two Enforcers have always done everything together–lived, battled, teased, and…a lot in between. But now it feels like something is missing. Like what they had isn’t enough…
When Bridget starts lighting on fire, she knows what it means. Dragon sign. She’s fated to be a dragon shifter’s mate. The safest place for her is with the very dragons her fluffle of bunny shifters hold responsible for all the shifter violence in the region including mysterious fires plaguing her fluffle.
What she hopes for is help, not a mate. What she doesn’t expect are Rivin and Keighan and the urge to give into her curiosity about both of them. And as things heat up, tough choices are going to have to be made.
Novella Features: White, queer main characters
Content Warnings: Violence, gore, death, kidnapping, tough parental relationships, and explicit sexual content between three consenting adults
For You, Anything by Elizabeth SaFleur
Rayen came to Washington, D.C. to do great things. Not fall for a womanizing billionaire real estate developer.
Budding personal chef Rayen is quickly learning several things about this town. No one cooks here. People love her pre-colonial cooking. Running a business is hard. And her bachelor clients are hopeless around women. Like billionaire real estate developer Knox Michaelson. Sure, he’s gorgeous, wealthy and charming—sometimes. But he’s clueless about the opposite sex. Rayen tells him, too. Which is why when he offers to help her with her business in exchange for tips on women, she’s shocked but can’t say no. She needs the help, and the “let me show you my penthouse view” player needs education. But an inconvenient heat quickly forms between them, and Rayen finds herself not only taking in his, ahem, view but falling for the man who’s completely wrong for her. Or is he?
Novella Features: BIPOC, straight main characters
Content Warnings: None
Thanks for being here and I hope you're having a fantastic summer so far! Swing by my Instagram (@rlmerrillauthor) to see what I've been up to and hit me up to let me know what you're reading/watching/listening to! And Stay Tuned...
May 15, 2023
Everything's Better With You Teaser
It's SO CLOSE to release day I can taste it! I've been working on this book for over a year and a half, so I'm chomping at the bit!
Bust out your spirit fingers and meet Joe and Leslie:
Many times over the years, Les had asked that question regarding the incomparable Joe Judd. Even though Les had been the visiting hero that Spring Fling weekend fifteen years ago, Joe had been the star, and Les hadn’t been able to take his eyes off him. The dancer played a mean game of flag football, leaping over potential tackles as he ran at top speed down to the opposing team’s end zone, doing back flips in celebration. But later at the bar while folks danced and had too much to drink, he’d taken a seat next to the cocky kid white kid with the dark, brooding good looks, and then spent hours standing in the parking lot. Les had cornered him for conversation, but had refused to take advantage of the tipsy coed.
Joe hadn’t been intimidated by him at all.
No, what Joe had been intimidated by was the thought of getting involved with someone. No way, no how was he going to stop moving long enough to fall for a guy, not as long as he had breath in his lungs and feeling in his feet. He’d made that very clear. So for Leslie, it was a no-brainer. He wasn’t interested in a one-time thing, especially not with someone as incredible as Joe Judd.
But that was fifteen years ago. A lot had changed for both of them since then.
“I would have gotten you tickets, you know. If you ever wanted them.”
“Little old cheerleader Joey?” Joe raised his eyebrows at him and batted his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d even remember me…at first.”
“Yeah right. You know better. I saw every show of yours I could.”
Joe smirked. “You never asked me to get tickets for you.”
Les grinned. “I bought out a whole section at Madison Square Garden. I had to see you dance with JLo. When the team heard about the show, they all wanted in.” Les shrugged and smiled innocently. “What could I do?”
Joe raised an eyebrow. “You could have let me know you were going to be there. You’d only ever tell me after.”
Their eyes met for a long moment and then they broke off, laughing nervously. Leslie was pumped like he’d just scored a touchdown and he couldn’t wait to make the next play. His muscles twitched with their desire to do…something. Anything. Especially if it involved getting closer to Joe.
“It really is damn good to see you.”
“You too.”
Les held the door for Joe at the top of the stairs and he didn’t miss his wince when he climbed the last step.
“Stairs, man, am I right?” He chuckled, but Joe just scowled and brushed past him. The playfulness momentarily gone.
“Hey Caroline,” Les said, giving the secretary a big hug. “You remember Joe Judd.”
She blushed as Les set her back on her feet.
“Of course. It’s good to have you back, Mr. Judd. Mr. Payton will see you both now.”
“Darn right he’ll see me,” Les said as he strutted into the President’s office like he was on set at the NFL Postgame Show on network TV but dressed more like a drunken spectator tailgating before the big game.
“Brother Barry,” Les said. He trotted over to the president’s desk with his arms spread.
“Jesus, Leslie, you’ve got a wider wingspan than a pterodactyl.” Barry stood and accepted his brother’s bear hug. Barry was three years older than Les’s forty-five years and was about six inches shorter. He looked the part of the responsible older brother, always had.
Les put an arm around him and gestured to Joe. “Joe and I met up in the parking lot. Joe, you remember my brother Barry?”
Barry reached out to shake Joe’s hand. “I was teaching Economics, I believe, when you were a student here. Thank you for coming.”
Joe nodded. “Yes, sir. I had you for Macro.”
Barry grinned. “And of course we are in debt to you for pushing us to make the cheerleading program coed. We’ve won several national championships, and the squads have traveled to Europe and Japan to perform. All thanks to you.”
Joe took the praise with only the slightest hint of a blush.
“It helped me as well,” Joe said. “Dance Machine never would have been possible without my experience here.”
Barry nodded. “Which is why we’ve asked you to come.” He shot a glance in Les’s direction, which made Joe frown.
“We?”
“We-e-e,” Les said, trying to hide his excitement, “asked you to come because we have a proposition for you.”
Joe crossed an ankle over his knee and looked between Les and Barry.
“A proposition? I thought I was coming for Spring Fling.”
Les glanced at Barry and he leaned forward, lacing his fingers in front of him on the desk.
“You know I was recently made president here at Greenvale, Mr. Judd—”
“Joe, please.”
Barry nodded and continued. “I have a mandate from the board. They want to see some significant changes. Our enrollment has been declining the past five years, we’re losing qualified students and staff to the larger schools, but we firmly believe that the education we provide is top rate and a special experience for our students. We want to continue to offer unique programs as well as quality extracurricular activities. Which is where you come in.”
Joe’s eyebrows rose as he glanced between Les and Barry, but he didn’t speak.
Les had been standing next to Barry’s desk, but he took a seat in the chair next to Joe and turned it to face him. He didn’t want to seem like they were on the attack. What they were about to propose could send Joe running for the hills. No one knew that possibility more than Les. It was a huge departure from Joe’s current lifestyle, and Les knew from their brief encounter fifteen years ago that Joe was destined for greatness and a big life. But he had exactly what Greenvale needed, and wasn’t that advantageous for Les?
“What my brother is so eloquently trying to say is that we need your special skill set. We want to revamp the athletic program at Greenvale, make it possible to recruit the top athletes in our various sports programs, and put Greenvale College back on the winning track, financially as well as with our alumni. Participation and donations have been dwindling, attendance at our events have petered out. We need to make this an exciting place to be again.”
Joe chuckled. “I don’t mean to offend, but exciting is not exactly a word I would have ever used to describe Greenvale. Safe? Yes. Nurturing? Absolutely. Fun? Sometimes. But not exciting.”
This was going to be a hard sell. Les had known that, but he was determined. There was no better option for Greenvale, and no better way to make his plan work.
“All right, maybe I could have chosen a different word. But I’m going to whip this football program into shape and get the team into the playoffs year one. Year two and beyond, I plan to clinch the conference title at the very least. But it’s not just about football. In the past, Greenvale had champion soccer, volleyball, and softball teams…and of course, the Yellowjackets Cheer program. We want to bring that winning spirit back. And how could we even possibly consider rebuilding our championship sports programs without talking to you?”
Joe shrugged. “Sounds great. I’m glad you are including the cheerleaders in your plans.”
Barry cleared his throat. “Leslie has agreed to end his run at the network as an NFL talking head to coach the Jackets Football program and to help me recruit the best of the best coaches for the rest of the teams.”
Joe shifted in his chair, swapping one long leg for the other. “I’m happy to hear it.”
Les leaned closer to Joe. “Actually, Joe, we asked you here because we want you to join our coaching staff as well.”
Joe blinked. “I’m sorry, what? Want me for what? I’m not a coach.”
“You’ve been an instructor and a choreographer. You’ve coached contestants on your show. You’re a motivator.” Les wasn’t sure how much to divulge of his borderline unhealthy fixation on the man, which included having all twelve seasons of Dance Machine saved on his DVR. “You’re exactly what we need.”
No, that definitely didn’t sound like you were hitting on him.
“To be completely transparent,” Barry said, cutting in before Les made a total fool out of himself. He was always so damn awkward when it came to discussing, well, anything other than football. “Your accomplishments and reputation will give the program the credibility it’s been lacking in recent years. Recruitment is going to be key to the success of this endeavor and I’ll be honest and say that having Joe Judd join the faculty at Greenvale will go a long way in easing the board’s concerns about this gamble.”
Joe sat for a long time without speaking. An uncomfortably long time. Then he folded his arms over his chest and licked his lips. “I’m…flattered?” He let out a burst of nervous laughter. “Never in a million years would I have ever imagined my name would ease anyone’s concerns about anything. I mean, what exactly are we talking about?”
Barry held out his hands. “Carte blanche. Oversee the cheer program, foster its growth and improvement. There is significant interest in offering a dance program as part of our Fine Arts department, which we could see you spearheading. You certainly have the experience. Year one would be a building year, and classes would have to be approved by the board, of course.”
From what Les knew about Joe’s past—what he’d gleaned from watching countless interviews and reading anything in print he could get his hands on—Joe had been a ballet dancer as a child, had switched over to more contemporary disciplines when he was a teenager, and by the time he hit college he was primarily a hip-hop dancer. Then, after two years of attending workshops and auditions, he was chosen for Dance Machine’s debut season. The reality show put dancers through a grueling competition where they were challenged to develop their skills in multiple disciplines. Joe soared, coming in second behind a bubbly young woman who was a social media darling. Joe’s darker disposition turned some of the audience off…and then there were those in the show’s demographics who would never vote for an openly queer dancer no matter how much he danced circles around the competition. He took it all in stride and used the attention to launch his career. Nabbing Joe Judd to coach the cheer program and potentially found a dance program at Greenvale would be a huge win for Barry…and it would please Les to no end. He just didn’t know if it was possible to tie Joe Judd to one place for any length of time.
Leslie certainly hadn’t been able to tempt him with previous attempts.
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you, obviously. I’m flattered you would even think of me for such an opportunity,” Joe said.
Les was impressed at the lengths Joe was going to come across professionally. Les knew from experience that Joe had a sharp temper and snarky sense of humor.
“But I’m not exactly collegiate leadership material.”
“And I am?” Les said, gesturing to himself. He knew it would make Joe laugh, and he succeeded.
“But you’re a proven commodity. I’m an unknown quantity.”
“Not true,” Barry said. “You’re an important part of the athletic history of this school and it makes perfect sense to offer you the position.”
Again with the blinking.
“I don’t know what to say,” Joe said, his voice not quite as strong. “I…wow.”
Barry held up a hand. “Think about it. Spend the weekend thinking about it. Les will tell you more about what the position entails, and then we can talk more about salary and benefits. Leslie will introduce you around and take you to your accommodations as well.” He stood from his desk and held out his hand, prompting Joe to pop up from his seat. Les moved a little slower as he got up and moved around next to his brother. “I’ve got a meeting with alumni donors and then I’m going to introduce the cheer squad for their exhibition. Thanks for coming this weekend, Joe. I hope you enjoy Spring Fling.”
Joe shook his hand. “Thanks for the invite. I always meant to come back.”
Les squeezed Barry’s shoulder and then turned to Joe. “You’re here now, that’s what counts. We’ll see if we can’t persuade you to join us over the weekend.” He was laying it on thick, but he couldn’t help himself. Joe Judd was here, in person, and Les was determined to convince him to stay. Well, to take the job.
“We’ll see you two in a bit.” Barry left them alone in the office.
Les’s cheeks hurt from smiling.
“What do you think?” he asked. “I know you’d be great.”
Joe planted his hands on his hips and the confused look on his face made Les crack up.
“Do you honestly see me as an educator? An upstanding citizen and a fucking role model? Oh my god, listen to my mouth, are you serious right now? How could anyone see me as an academic? I graduated from here with mediocre marks, and that’s being generous.”
He put a hand to his forehead and Les wanted nothing more than to say the right thing, but he knew better.
“Joe, you’re great at everything you do and you know it.”
He looked at Les funny and his shoulders dropped from up and around his ears. “Maybe you should be the cheer coach,” he finally said.
“You’re good at this.”
Are you ready for more? Pre Order Everything's Better Than You at a special low price!
https://books2read.com/u/4NgavY
Bust out your spirit fingers and meet Joe and Leslie:
Many times over the years, Les had asked that question regarding the incomparable Joe Judd. Even though Les had been the visiting hero that Spring Fling weekend fifteen years ago, Joe had been the star, and Les hadn’t been able to take his eyes off him. The dancer played a mean game of flag football, leaping over potential tackles as he ran at top speed down to the opposing team’s end zone, doing back flips in celebration. But later at the bar while folks danced and had too much to drink, he’d taken a seat next to the cocky kid white kid with the dark, brooding good looks, and then spent hours standing in the parking lot. Les had cornered him for conversation, but had refused to take advantage of the tipsy coed.
Joe hadn’t been intimidated by him at all.
No, what Joe had been intimidated by was the thought of getting involved with someone. No way, no how was he going to stop moving long enough to fall for a guy, not as long as he had breath in his lungs and feeling in his feet. He’d made that very clear. So for Leslie, it was a no-brainer. He wasn’t interested in a one-time thing, especially not with someone as incredible as Joe Judd.
But that was fifteen years ago. A lot had changed for both of them since then.
“I would have gotten you tickets, you know. If you ever wanted them.”
“Little old cheerleader Joey?” Joe raised his eyebrows at him and batted his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d even remember me…at first.”
“Yeah right. You know better. I saw every show of yours I could.”
Joe smirked. “You never asked me to get tickets for you.”
Les grinned. “I bought out a whole section at Madison Square Garden. I had to see you dance with JLo. When the team heard about the show, they all wanted in.” Les shrugged and smiled innocently. “What could I do?”
Joe raised an eyebrow. “You could have let me know you were going to be there. You’d only ever tell me after.”
Their eyes met for a long moment and then they broke off, laughing nervously. Leslie was pumped like he’d just scored a touchdown and he couldn’t wait to make the next play. His muscles twitched with their desire to do…something. Anything. Especially if it involved getting closer to Joe.
“It really is damn good to see you.”
“You too.”
Les held the door for Joe at the top of the stairs and he didn’t miss his wince when he climbed the last step.
“Stairs, man, am I right?” He chuckled, but Joe just scowled and brushed past him. The playfulness momentarily gone.
“Hey Caroline,” Les said, giving the secretary a big hug. “You remember Joe Judd.”
She blushed as Les set her back on her feet.
“Of course. It’s good to have you back, Mr. Judd. Mr. Payton will see you both now.”
“Darn right he’ll see me,” Les said as he strutted into the President’s office like he was on set at the NFL Postgame Show on network TV but dressed more like a drunken spectator tailgating before the big game.
“Brother Barry,” Les said. He trotted over to the president’s desk with his arms spread.
“Jesus, Leslie, you’ve got a wider wingspan than a pterodactyl.” Barry stood and accepted his brother’s bear hug. Barry was three years older than Les’s forty-five years and was about six inches shorter. He looked the part of the responsible older brother, always had.
Les put an arm around him and gestured to Joe. “Joe and I met up in the parking lot. Joe, you remember my brother Barry?”
Barry reached out to shake Joe’s hand. “I was teaching Economics, I believe, when you were a student here. Thank you for coming.”
Joe nodded. “Yes, sir. I had you for Macro.”
Barry grinned. “And of course we are in debt to you for pushing us to make the cheerleading program coed. We’ve won several national championships, and the squads have traveled to Europe and Japan to perform. All thanks to you.”
Joe took the praise with only the slightest hint of a blush.
“It helped me as well,” Joe said. “Dance Machine never would have been possible without my experience here.”
Barry nodded. “Which is why we’ve asked you to come.” He shot a glance in Les’s direction, which made Joe frown.
“We?”
“We-e-e,” Les said, trying to hide his excitement, “asked you to come because we have a proposition for you.”
Joe crossed an ankle over his knee and looked between Les and Barry.
“A proposition? I thought I was coming for Spring Fling.”
Les glanced at Barry and he leaned forward, lacing his fingers in front of him on the desk.
“You know I was recently made president here at Greenvale, Mr. Judd—”
“Joe, please.”
Barry nodded and continued. “I have a mandate from the board. They want to see some significant changes. Our enrollment has been declining the past five years, we’re losing qualified students and staff to the larger schools, but we firmly believe that the education we provide is top rate and a special experience for our students. We want to continue to offer unique programs as well as quality extracurricular activities. Which is where you come in.”
Joe’s eyebrows rose as he glanced between Les and Barry, but he didn’t speak.
Les had been standing next to Barry’s desk, but he took a seat in the chair next to Joe and turned it to face him. He didn’t want to seem like they were on the attack. What they were about to propose could send Joe running for the hills. No one knew that possibility more than Les. It was a huge departure from Joe’s current lifestyle, and Les knew from their brief encounter fifteen years ago that Joe was destined for greatness and a big life. But he had exactly what Greenvale needed, and wasn’t that advantageous for Les?
“What my brother is so eloquently trying to say is that we need your special skill set. We want to revamp the athletic program at Greenvale, make it possible to recruit the top athletes in our various sports programs, and put Greenvale College back on the winning track, financially as well as with our alumni. Participation and donations have been dwindling, attendance at our events have petered out. We need to make this an exciting place to be again.”
Joe chuckled. “I don’t mean to offend, but exciting is not exactly a word I would have ever used to describe Greenvale. Safe? Yes. Nurturing? Absolutely. Fun? Sometimes. But not exciting.”
This was going to be a hard sell. Les had known that, but he was determined. There was no better option for Greenvale, and no better way to make his plan work.
“All right, maybe I could have chosen a different word. But I’m going to whip this football program into shape and get the team into the playoffs year one. Year two and beyond, I plan to clinch the conference title at the very least. But it’s not just about football. In the past, Greenvale had champion soccer, volleyball, and softball teams…and of course, the Yellowjackets Cheer program. We want to bring that winning spirit back. And how could we even possibly consider rebuilding our championship sports programs without talking to you?”
Joe shrugged. “Sounds great. I’m glad you are including the cheerleaders in your plans.”
Barry cleared his throat. “Leslie has agreed to end his run at the network as an NFL talking head to coach the Jackets Football program and to help me recruit the best of the best coaches for the rest of the teams.”
Joe shifted in his chair, swapping one long leg for the other. “I’m happy to hear it.”
Les leaned closer to Joe. “Actually, Joe, we asked you here because we want you to join our coaching staff as well.”
Joe blinked. “I’m sorry, what? Want me for what? I’m not a coach.”
“You’ve been an instructor and a choreographer. You’ve coached contestants on your show. You’re a motivator.” Les wasn’t sure how much to divulge of his borderline unhealthy fixation on the man, which included having all twelve seasons of Dance Machine saved on his DVR. “You’re exactly what we need.”
No, that definitely didn’t sound like you were hitting on him.
“To be completely transparent,” Barry said, cutting in before Les made a total fool out of himself. He was always so damn awkward when it came to discussing, well, anything other than football. “Your accomplishments and reputation will give the program the credibility it’s been lacking in recent years. Recruitment is going to be key to the success of this endeavor and I’ll be honest and say that having Joe Judd join the faculty at Greenvale will go a long way in easing the board’s concerns about this gamble.”
Joe sat for a long time without speaking. An uncomfortably long time. Then he folded his arms over his chest and licked his lips. “I’m…flattered?” He let out a burst of nervous laughter. “Never in a million years would I have ever imagined my name would ease anyone’s concerns about anything. I mean, what exactly are we talking about?”
Barry held out his hands. “Carte blanche. Oversee the cheer program, foster its growth and improvement. There is significant interest in offering a dance program as part of our Fine Arts department, which we could see you spearheading. You certainly have the experience. Year one would be a building year, and classes would have to be approved by the board, of course.”
From what Les knew about Joe’s past—what he’d gleaned from watching countless interviews and reading anything in print he could get his hands on—Joe had been a ballet dancer as a child, had switched over to more contemporary disciplines when he was a teenager, and by the time he hit college he was primarily a hip-hop dancer. Then, after two years of attending workshops and auditions, he was chosen for Dance Machine’s debut season. The reality show put dancers through a grueling competition where they were challenged to develop their skills in multiple disciplines. Joe soared, coming in second behind a bubbly young woman who was a social media darling. Joe’s darker disposition turned some of the audience off…and then there were those in the show’s demographics who would never vote for an openly queer dancer no matter how much he danced circles around the competition. He took it all in stride and used the attention to launch his career. Nabbing Joe Judd to coach the cheer program and potentially found a dance program at Greenvale would be a huge win for Barry…and it would please Les to no end. He just didn’t know if it was possible to tie Joe Judd to one place for any length of time.
Leslie certainly hadn’t been able to tempt him with previous attempts.
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you, obviously. I’m flattered you would even think of me for such an opportunity,” Joe said.
Les was impressed at the lengths Joe was going to come across professionally. Les knew from experience that Joe had a sharp temper and snarky sense of humor.
“But I’m not exactly collegiate leadership material.”
“And I am?” Les said, gesturing to himself. He knew it would make Joe laugh, and he succeeded.
“But you’re a proven commodity. I’m an unknown quantity.”
“Not true,” Barry said. “You’re an important part of the athletic history of this school and it makes perfect sense to offer you the position.”
Again with the blinking.
“I don’t know what to say,” Joe said, his voice not quite as strong. “I…wow.”
Barry held up a hand. “Think about it. Spend the weekend thinking about it. Les will tell you more about what the position entails, and then we can talk more about salary and benefits. Leslie will introduce you around and take you to your accommodations as well.” He stood from his desk and held out his hand, prompting Joe to pop up from his seat. Les moved a little slower as he got up and moved around next to his brother. “I’ve got a meeting with alumni donors and then I’m going to introduce the cheer squad for their exhibition. Thanks for coming this weekend, Joe. I hope you enjoy Spring Fling.”
Joe shook his hand. “Thanks for the invite. I always meant to come back.”
Les squeezed Barry’s shoulder and then turned to Joe. “You’re here now, that’s what counts. We’ll see if we can’t persuade you to join us over the weekend.” He was laying it on thick, but he couldn’t help himself. Joe Judd was here, in person, and Les was determined to convince him to stay. Well, to take the job.
“We’ll see you two in a bit.” Barry left them alone in the office.
Les’s cheeks hurt from smiling.
“What do you think?” he asked. “I know you’d be great.”
Joe planted his hands on his hips and the confused look on his face made Les crack up.
“Do you honestly see me as an educator? An upstanding citizen and a fucking role model? Oh my god, listen to my mouth, are you serious right now? How could anyone see me as an academic? I graduated from here with mediocre marks, and that’s being generous.”
He put a hand to his forehead and Les wanted nothing more than to say the right thing, but he knew better.
“Joe, you’re great at everything you do and you know it.”
He looked at Les funny and his shoulders dropped from up and around his ears. “Maybe you should be the cheer coach,” he finally said.
“You’re good at this.”
Are you ready for more? Pre Order Everything's Better Than You at a special low price!
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February 9, 2023
Connection: Sale and Reader's Choice Award Nominee
Greetings friends! Connection came out in April 2022 after a long period of time where I wondered if it would ever come together. It's the follow up to Healer and I'd started it when I finished the original version of Healer...in 2012! As you can guess, a lot has happened during those 10 years, including the fact that I sort of learned to write? I knew next to nothing about writing fiction when I began writing in 2009, so when it came time to finish the second book, I had a lot of bad writing to unwork, and a lot of fresh ideas how to make the book even better! I called on my knowledge of cults (long story, check out my blog at www.rlmerrillauthor.com for more) and I spent a lot of time talking to my best friend, who is the model for Cassidy. She's a woman pilot who kicks ass and I'm so very proud of her. Being able to feature her skills and spark in the book was a dream come true!
Connection is up for a Reader's Choice Award at the Paranormal Romance Guild, and if you are so inclined, I'd love for you to check out their site and the other nominees. https://paranormalromanceguild.com/
Vote if you are moved to do so. ALSO...I just put Connection on sale for 0.99! It make take a day or so for all of the sites to catch up, but that means both Healer and Connection are 99 cents each! Two bucks, nearly a thousand pages of paranormal romance/supernatural suspense, and characters that captivate, I hope you'll check it out!
Connection is up for a Reader's Choice Award at the Paranormal Romance Guild, and if you are so inclined, I'd love for you to check out their site and the other nominees. https://paranormalromanceguild.com/
Vote if you are moved to do so. ALSO...I just put Connection on sale for 0.99! It make take a day or so for all of the sites to catch up, but that means both Healer and Connection are 99 cents each! Two bucks, nearly a thousand pages of paranormal romance/supernatural suspense, and characters that captivate, I hope you'll check it out!
October 31, 2022
A Magic and Mayhem Universe Halloween!
It's my most favorite day of the year and it's also Blast Off Day for the Magic and Mayhem Universe, a shared-world universe inspired by the books of Robyn Peterman. My latest release, my 6th in the universe, is titled Five Fanger Witch Punch and it's definitely a wild and witchy ride! Join us today!
R.L. Merrill
Five Fanger Witch Punch
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/r-...
Magic & Mayhem Universe
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com
Switching Hour by Robyn Peterman - FREE
https://robynpeterman.com/switching-h...
Saranna DeWylde
Fairy Gothmothered
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/sa...
C.S. Edwards
Crazy Witch
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/c-...
Teresa Gabelman
Wicked Endings
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/te...
C.D. Gorri
Hungry For Her Bear
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/c-...
Scarlet Le Clair
Ariadne and the Goat Mother
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/sc...
Kathy Love
I’ll Stand Bayou
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/ka...
Donna McDonald
Crone Alone
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/do...
Monette Michaels
What A Witch Seeks
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/mo...
Dawn Montgomery
Hexes and Habaneros
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/da...
Virginia Nelson
Witches Just Want To Have Pun
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/vi...
R.L. Merrill
Five Fanger Witch Punch
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/r-...
Magic & Mayhem Universe
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com
Switching Hour by Robyn Peterman - FREE
https://robynpeterman.com/switching-h...
Saranna DeWylde
Fairy Gothmothered
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/sa...
C.S. Edwards
Crazy Witch
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/c-...
Teresa Gabelman
Wicked Endings
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/te...
C.D. Gorri
Hungry For Her Bear
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/c-...
Scarlet Le Clair
Ariadne and the Goat Mother
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/sc...
Kathy Love
I’ll Stand Bayou
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/ka...
Donna McDonald
Crone Alone
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/do...
Monette Michaels
What A Witch Seeks
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/mo...
Dawn Montgomery
Hexes and Habaneros
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/da...
Virginia Nelson
Witches Just Want To Have Pun
https://magicandmayhemuniverse.com/vi...
