Paranormal Authors Discuss…

Ah, firsts. We all have them: first kisses, first dates, first time behind the wheel. Some of them are memorable, and some we’d rather forget. For this month’s edition of Paranormal Romance Authors Discuss, my friends and I are going to tell you about some of our firsts. Which firsts might they be? Read on to find out!

Topic: Tell us about the first paranormal romance book you ever read.

I was a precocious child and started reading at a really young age. By the time I was ten, I had blown through my mother’s copies of Gone With the Wind and Flowers in the Attic, lol. It wasn’t until I was thirteen that I discovered some pretty amazing supernatural tales in my local Waldenbooks, and that all started with Anne Rice. I suppose from there I just grabbed anything I could get my hands on that involved the paranormal and my love for all things bookish and reading just took off to new heights. So I guess it was not anyone book, but a multitude of fantastic folks like Ms. Anne Rice, Nora Roberts, Teresa Medeiros, to Patricia Briggs, Chanda Kahn, Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, Celia Kyle and so many more, that brought me to this state of utter fascination with PNR love stories. ~C.D. Gorri, author of Purely Paranormal Pleasures

The very first paranormal romance I ever read was Katie MacAlister’s Sex and the Single Vampire. That title alone grabbed me. I loved that she wrote about vampires, but it wasn’t dark or scary (even though her vamps are known as the Dark Ones) and that the heroines were the ones who could save these mysterious sexy guys souls through the power of love! Her books are laugh out loud funny and I’ve read every single book she’s written because she keeps me smiling and swooning. ~Aidy Award, author of Dirty Wolf

It was Anne Rice’s, The Mayfair Witches. What intrigued me the most about this book was how real she made her characters feel. I loved the folklore and history she wove into the story. It was also so much more entertaining than reading about real people because it stretched my imagination. ~Terri A. Wilson, author of Crimson Moon Hideaway: Time Wasn’t Ready (Women of the Fold Book 1)

The first paranormal romance I remember reading was Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian. It’s book 1 of the Midnight Breed series, and it’s about a group of vampire warriors who protect the world from rogues. I’d had plenty of experience with “monsters” from the horror side, but this was the first time I experienced them getting their own happily ever afters, complete with thrilling adventure and lots and lots of steam. I was hooked on the genre after reading Kiss of Midnight. ~Carrie Pulkinen, author of the Crescent City Wolf Pack Series

Living in one of the six Celtic Nations, I am often drawn to Celtic inspired romance novels. These romances are often Scottish and while Lucy Monroe’s ‘Moon Craving’ fits the kilt wearing mould (making me go weak at the knees with the hero’s every muttered ‘och’ and ‘aye’), ‘Moon Craving’ has a twist – a paranormal twist. Talorc, the strapping, shirtless hero, is the leader of a secret werewolf shifting clan. The story tells of his arranged marriage to an English woman who is determined to keep the secret that she’s deaf from her new husband. As you’d expect, the couple fall in love but both characters must learn to trust the other with their secrets. In this historical romance novel you will find passion, a brave heroine who fights for what her heart wants and the all-important paranormal story that keeps you turning the page. Reading this story changed my expectations of romance novels. Now, propelled by that discovery, I have created my own paranormal world of shapeshifters and prowling, hungering heroes and I will be very happy if they give you even a small amount of the joy that this book has given me. ~Beth Linton, author of The Guardians’ Trust: Ana (Book 1)

It’s so hard to recall, since I started reading romance when I was 13… But the first paranormal romance that really stands out for me is A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands. I’ve read the entire series (all 31 books) since, though I definitely prefer her earlier (funnier) books! ~Mia Harlan, author of Amber

I honestly can’t remember; I’ve been reading paranormal romance since I was a pre-teen, and that was a long, long time ago! The ones that stuck with me the most, though, were from my mother’s library (God bless the woman for feeding my reading soul). Katie McAlister’s dragon series are some of my faves and were the books that convinced me I wanted to write paranormal (Drake, her green dragon wyvern, will always be my favorite dragon of all time). And let’s not forget Alyssa Day’s Poseidon’s Warriors; I devoured all those books and am so thrilled that she’s writing them again! Oh, and Alexis Morgan’s Paladins of Darkness series; I just found out she has been writing a spinoff series, so I’m heading right over to her website to go check them out! ~Tami Lund, author of Taming the Dragon Series

As I try to think back to that time, I believe it was Morrigan’s Cross (Circle Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts. I went on to read the rest of the trilogy. I loved all three books so much I read them again. Then bought the audiobooks and listened to them about three times. This was, of course, before I ever thought about writing my own books. I’d always been a fan of Nora Roberts’ books, especially her In Death Series, a futuristic, crime suspense series. I fell in love with the vampire in her Circle Trilogy and I guess, you might say it was those three books that inspired me to write my first book. Oddly enough, my first book was not PNR, but more Urban Fantasy. I do have a vampire series now, Immortal Hearts of San Francisco, of which book 6, Bewitched by a Vampire, has just released. Like Nora’s Circle Trilogy, my vampire series is heavy on the romance side. ~Susan Griscom, author of Bewitched by a Vampire, Book 6 in the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco

If I recall, the first paranormal romance I ever read was Dark Lover, Book 1 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. ~Gina Kincade, author of Shifting Hearts Dating App Series

The first paranormal romance I ever read was The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. I absolutely loved the Mayfair Witches and the entire series (but I love everything she’s written, so there is definitely a bias). I am not sure if it technically qualifies as a romance, but there was definitely some paranormal seduction in play. 😉 ~Corinne O’Flynn, author of Maximum Security Magic

The Vampire Diaries series by LJ Smith was my first paranormal romance. I read it in middle school and immediately started writing my own short stories featuring vampires, monsters, and werewolves and the women who love them. I’ve since started re-reading The Vampire Diaries series and it hasn’t held up as well as I’d hoped, but I’m still enjoying the trip back in time. ~Liza Street, author of Filthy Beast

Do you remember your first paranormal romance? Tell me about it in the comments!

~ Tami Lund is, you guessed it, a paranormal romance author. She also writes contemporary romance. And drinks wine. And blogs. And stares longingly out the window, already waiting for summer to return. Want to check out her books? Here you go: https://tamilund.com/

Welcome to Dark Moon Falls…where everything is not as it seems.

There are secrets, shifters, romance, villains, and so much more.

Including new releases!

Benjamin Martinez joined the most dangerous rogue shifter pack in the country on his pack alpha’s orders. For five years, he’s been trying to figure out how to take them down.

Hannah Montgomery left her old pack and moved to Dark Moon Falls in an effort to forget her past. A past that involved rogue shifters. She swore she’d never have anything to do with them ever again.

When Ben meets Hannah, he doesn’t intend to tell her who he is or what he does for a living. Except the rogues are now after his pack.

And her.

*~*~*

After draining the main vein and washing his hands, Ben tugged open the door to the men’s room as his pocket vibrated, indicating he had a text. Distracted, he stepped into the hall and slammed into another body.

Automatically, he reached out to steady the other person. His hands landed on the curve of a woman’s hips. A nice curve. The flesh underneath the skirt fit so nicely in his palms, he smoothed his hands down so that his fingers could stroke over a plump, yet firm ass.

“Hey!” The woman whose ass he was fondling gave him a shove; he realized what the hell he was doing and threw his arms into the air as he backed up a couple of steps.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to, uh…”

“Grab my ass? Because it sure felt like you deliberately put your hands on my rear and gave it a squeeze.”

He swallowed. “Um, sorry?”

She shook her head. “Whatever. Just don’t touch me again without my permission.”

A pretty face that was a dangerous mix of wholesome and sexy, plump cheeks, ruby lips, and wide, blue eyes was framed by vibrant, red curls. He’d always had a thing for redheads. And even though he should get the hell out of here and head back to where Vape and his crew waited on the outskirts of town, he stayed right there in that hallway and nodded. “I promise, next time, I’ll get your permission first.”

Like there would be a next time.

She canted her head. “You don’t look familiar.”

“Neither do you.” He grew up in this small town, so chances were good that if she had, too, they would have crossed paths at some point.

She glanced at the bar, like she was about to excuse herself and walk away.

“How come you’re hanging out with witches?” he blurted.

Jesus, he was usually way more suave than this. And honestly, he shouldn’t even be interacting. Even if this woman decided to give him her number—highly unlikely after this exchange—he’d never call it. He couldn’t. Maintaining contacts in Dark Moon Falls was dangerous to his undercover operation.

Turning back to look him in the eye, she arched her brow. “How come you’re hanging out alone?”

He shrugged. “Used to it.”

She mimicked his action. “I’m used to hanging out with witches.”

“Why?”

“The first person I met when I moved here was a witch. We hit it off, we started hanging out. Hence…” She nodded at the cluster of women bellied up to the bar. “Why am I even telling you this?”

He chuckled. “No idea. But I don’t mind. Tell me your whole life story, if you want.” Except he didn’t have time to listen to the woman’s personal history, and, frankly, he didn’t need to learn anything else about her because he was leaving town, hopefully sooner than later, and he had no idea when he’d be back.

“Maybe some other time. I’ve got to get back to my friends.”

She was tall and curvy and she walked away with a confidence that was both refreshing and a giant fucking turn-on.

His phone buzzed, reminding him why he’d run into her in the first place. He pulled the contraption out of his pocket and swore when he saw the messages on the screen.

Get back here. I want a full report.

Where the hell are you?

Both from Vape. Ben needed to get out of the Wolf Inn before the man came looking for him.

He hurried through the bar without looking at Lyall or Natalia or the group of women who had taken over the area near the pool tables. But he still noticed all of them.

Especially the redhead who paused in the act of selecting a pool stick to watch him leave.

You know you want to keep reading HERE!

Trick or Treat-Join Us For Halloween Fun

Happy Halloween! This week there’s a Trick or Treat Hop happening over on Facebook. All the fun of Halloween partying without actually leaving your house! We’re partying through October 30th.

Want to join us? Click here: TRICK OR TREAT

Paranormal Romance Authors Discuss Their All-Time Favorite Halloween Movies

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

No, I’m not talking about Christmas, silly. It’s Halloween time! When the things that go bump in the night bump a little bit harder. When ghosts, ghouls, vampires, and werewolves come out to play. When the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air and the great debate over whether candy corn can actually be considered candy (or edible) persists.

And, of course, the best part about Halloween time is… THE MOVIES! From sweet to funny to gory to spine-chilling, there’s a Halloween movie for every taste imaginable.

So, grab your latte or a mug of spiced cider and join us as my fellow paranormal romance authors and I discuss our all-time favorite Halloween movies!

Question: What’s your all-time favorite Halloween movie and why?

Hocus Pocus has to my favorite go-to Halloween movie. I am a big Disney fan and everything about this movie was done perfectly. Bette Midler makes an incredible bad Witch and her sisters are just hysterical especially when they sing “I put a spell on you”. I watch this every year with my kids and it never gets old. ~C.D Gorri, author of The Macconwood Pack Novels & Tales

My favorite Halloween movie is Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School. I watch it every year with my husband. Sometimes the kids join us, but my husband and I are just big kids and Halloween is our favorite holiday. I love this movie because at first they’re scared, but then they go out of their ways to help the girls. ~Catherine Banks, author of The Artemis Lupine Series

My all-time favorite Halloween movie is It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I grew up watching this movie, and it always brings a sense of nostalgia when it’s on. I still watch it every year, even though my kids aren’t little anymore, and I’ll keep watching it when they’re grown and moved out!” ~Carrie Pulkinen, author of The New Orleans Nocturnes Series

The Addams Family (1991) is my favorite Halloween movie. I’m not a horror fan, and I was a huge Christina Ricci fan growing up. I thought the casting for this movie was fantastic, and I love the dark humor in it. ~Nicole Zoltack, author of When Vamps Bite (Bedlam in Bethlehem Book 1)

I have two! My favorite Halloween movies are Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice! These two movies are dark yet funny, interesting visually, and have excellent music soundtracks. But the thing I love the most about them is the sense of innocence evident in both. The cartoonish, over-the-top characters and the childish feel of both stories capture the feeling of Halloween perfectly for me. ~Corinne O’Flynn, author of Academy of Supernatural Felons (series)

My favourite Halloween movie is Practical Magic. While trick or treating might be on hold this year because of the pandemic, the spirit of Halloween (wink, wink! ) can definitely be found in this movie. I have little stomach for horror, but as the author of paranormal romance my two favourite themes – romance and magic – can be found in spades in this film. I’m looking forward to yet another viewing this October! ~Beth Linton, author of The Guardians’ Trust: Ana

My fave Halloween movie has to be Hocus Pocus because it reminds me of dressing up with my kids for Halloween. My kids are grown up now but we still watch the movie every year! ~Abbey MacMunn, author of Love Bites: A Dating Agency for Paranormals series

Corpse Bride is my favorite Halloween movie. I love the animation style, and the undeniably sweet aspect of a story that is really kind of dark. The main character is Victor, who has been put into an arranged marriage with Victoria. He is nervous about the wedding and while rehearsing his vows alone in the woods, he places the ring on a tree branch which turns into the hand of Emily, from the land of the dead. It’s a fun story, and it’s made by Tim Burton, which guarantees amazing visuals and music. ~Fiona Starr, author of Society of Ancient Magic (series)

The Paul Lynde Halloween Special is my favorite Halloween movie (if it can be called that). If you haven’t yet seen this masterpiece of 70s camp, you can find it on Youtube in all its disco themed glory. It has children’s television characters like Witchiepoo and Margret Hamilton as The Wicket Witch, Kiss (yes, that band), a comedy sketch with truckers and Tim Conway, Betty White, Hollywood stars, sitcom actors you only know from that one show, disco, some serious singing and dancing numbers, and rhinestones galore. Donny and Marie even made an appearance! At any given moment, you’ll ask yourself why you are watching it, but you won’t be able to turn away from it. It’s brilliant and horrible and great, all at the same time. ~Jules Crisare, author of Broken Peak Pack

Just about any vampire movie. Interview With a Vampire is a favorite. I love the bond and love shared between them. That’s what I like to write mostly. Another one that comes to mind is American Werewolf in London. I liked the graphics and the way they showed him changing. When I write my shifters, I always think back to that. ~Susan Griscom, author of the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco Series

My favorite Halloween movie is, hands down, The Addams Family. Oh my goodness, everything about this movie is perfect. The relationship between Morticia and Gomez. The character personalities. Especially Wednesday and Morticia. Gomez, a strong and emotionally available man who openly adores his family. The funny; good Lord, this movie cracks me up every time I see it and I’ve seen it approximately a million times. This movie embodies the type of book I strive to write. And now, I think I need to go watch it… again. ~Tami Lund, author of Mirror, Mirror, which, yes, is a funny Halloween romance!

Warm Bodies – Actual scary movies scare the poop out of me, except for some reason, not zombies. They are the one movie monster I’ve convinced myself isn’t real. Plus, you know, this one is a romance! ~Aidy Award, author of the Black Dragon Brotherhood Series

My favorite Halloween movie is almost a tie between Practical Magic and Trick or Treat. But If I had to pick just one I guess I would choose Practical Magic. I’ve been watching it every year for a long time and I can pretty much quote just about every scene in it now. Witches are in my top 3 paranormal characters and when you add in the romantic element, I’m in. All in! Plus Midnight Margaritas!! Duh.  ~Eliza Gayle, author of Southern Shifters World

What do you think?

Is your all-time favorite Halloween movie listed here? Or do you have something else to add to the list? Why do you love it? Let me know in the comments!

So Many Books~Such An Important Cause

Title: Love Me Always: A Romance Anthology  

Genre: Multi Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2020

It’s all in the name of love…

Get lost in nineteen African American romances filled with passion, desire, and love. This collection includes short reads ranging from sweet to sensual, to dark and addicting. These dirty alphas and sassy heroines will keep you up until long past your bedtime. Believe us, there is something for everyone in this anthology. Don’t delay. This collection of tales will only be available for a short time. One-click now! Note: This collection contains material for mature readers (18+ and older) only. The publisher’s proceeds from Love Me Always will be donated in their entirety to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Please note that Love Me Always is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NAACP.

Authors featured: Peyton Banks LeeSha McCoy Ally Vance Theresa Hodge L. Loren E.S. McMillan Sade Rena Tami Lund Barb Shuler Marie Long ML Preston Ava Mallory Gwen Knight Reina Torres Amanda Faye Cara North Meka James A.C. Nixon Amabel Daniels

HOSTED BY:

‘Picture This’ Fun Excerpt

The fourth and final Bryant Brothers book releases next week! I’m so excited that you all will finally get to read Elliot’s story. He’s the youngest of the Bryant Brothers, and if you’ve been reading the series, you have probably gone through a plethora of emotions associated with him, from annoyance and anger to frustration to maybe, possibly a little sympathy.

Well, on September 8th, you’ll get to join Elliot as he embarks on his happily ever after. That’s right, even Elliot gets to fall in love. No man left behind in this series!

“It’s you,” the guy standing outside her office said. His head was twisted over his shoulder, eyes widening as they stared at her.

Amelia glanced over her shoulder too, but there was no one behind her.

The guy finally turned fully around, and she was struck by two things: One, holy shit, he was gorgeous. Dark, wavy hair that was styled to look messy in an entirely sexy way. Eyes so pale that even from a few feet away she could tell they were blue. He wore that suit well, too.

Amelia appreciated a guy who could fill out a suit and look comfortable in it, too.

And this was the man from the lobby who had ensured she didn’t take a tumble into the potted plant like she had a dozen times before. How come no one else ever warned her or caught her elbow and guided her around the thing? Like, oh, the security guard who was on duty every time it happened.

This incredibly beautiful specimen of the human male did not look familiar, and while Amelia didn’t actually speak to most of her employees, she knew each and every one by face. And she definitely would not have missed his face. If she didn’t recognize him, then either he had just started today in some other department or—

“Are you my next interview?” She glanced around, looking for another person. “You aren’t supposed to be on this floor without an escort.”

He looked around too, his face pinched, like maybe he was confused. “Um, maybe I should just leave then.”

“Why? You’re here. Might as well come in and get it over with.” Good Lord, she sounded like she did sometimes with the men she attempted to date.

She was lousy at dating. She’d grown this company into a highly successful, multimillion-dollar business, but she couldn’t pick the right companion to save her damn life.

The guy—wow, he really was handsome—nodded and headed toward her. She almost wanted to stay standing where she was to see if he’d run into her, because if he did, she would totally cop a feel, which was highly inappropriate and not at all like her, so why in the world was she even having such ridiculous thoughts?

And anyway, he didn’t. He paused and waved his hand, indicating she should step into the office first. Which made him a gentleman, and strong, badass woman she may be, but she did appreciate old-fashioned manners.

Smoothing her hand down her black pencil skirt, she nodded and preceded him into the room. “Beautiful view,” he noted.

Keep reading on 9/8/2020 HERE!!

****

Tami Lund writes books, usually with heroes that are both funny and sexy. And the heroines are kind of cool, too. Check out her website: https://tamilund.com/

Is the 3rd Bryant Brother Ready for Love?

If you’ve been reading the Bryant Brothers series, I bet you’re wondering what’s going on with Kyle (brother #3) and Madison! Wonder no more, because their story is live as of this week! Oh my gosh, I’m so excited for you all to read this one!! 

Here’s a fun snippet for your reading pleasure!

Kyle sure was acting odd. Kind of goofy and awkward, like a kid in high school who’d invited a girl over for the first time.

To be fair, Madison supposed, he had just confessed that he’d not gone on a date in more than two years. That was a long time to go without female companionship. And knowing Kyle, by “date,” he meant anything at all to do with the opposite sex.

Whoa, had Kyle seriously not had sex in more than two years?

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked as he returned to the bedroom and handed her a fresh beer and the list of items he needed to pack. Striding over to the dresser, he pulled a stack of shorts out of a drawer and placed them in the open suitcase. Then he grabbed a pile of boxer shorts—he wore the loose-fitting kind, lots of bright colors and what looked like cartoon characters—and added them to the shorts. His cheeks got really, really red, and he wouldn’t look her in the eye while he did it, which was kind of cute.

“Have you seriously not had sex in two years?”

He dropped the pile of T-shirts he’d been about to walk over to the suitcase.

“Sorry,” she said, falling to her hands and knees to help gather the garments and place them on the bed.

“Why are you asking?” He sounded nonchalant, in that way that people who were trying extra hard to sound nonchalant did.

She refolded the T-shirts and added them the suitcase. “You said you haven’t gone on a date in two years. You don’t strike me as someone who’s into one-night stands.”

“I don’t mind one-night stands.”

“Really? Have you ever had one?”

He waited a beat. “No.”

She smiled. “Me neither.”

“Is it just me, or is this a weird conversation?”

“It’s pretty weird.”

He grabbed a couple pair of swim trunks and tossed them to her to add to the case. One by one, he passed her bundles of rolled socks, which he said were for playing golf. Apparently, he intended to play a lot of golf while they were in Florida.

Then he went to the closet and filled the rest of the case with nicer clothes: golf shirts and slacks and button-down shirts, including the one the groomsmen had been instructed to wear for the wedding.

“Toiletry stuff and a couple pairs of shoes, and I think I’m good to go,” he announced. “Plus, the chili is probably warm, so come on.” He bolted out of the bedroom while Madison followed at a much more sedate pace. As hungry as she was, her mind was on other things. Dating, sex, attractive friends…

They sat on the couch with their bowls of steaming chili and bottles of beer, and when Kyle reached for the remote, Madison stopped him. “Let’s talk about this dating issue.”

He groaned. “For a minute there, I thought we were going to pretend that conversation never happened.”

She chuckled. “No such luck. Tell me why you haven’t dated in so long.”

He buried his nose in his bowl. “Working too much, I guess.”

“I totally get that,” she admitted.

They finished dinner, and he took their bowls to the kitchen. She wandered into the room and propped her hip against the counter, watching as he cleaned out the fridge, dumping his leftovers in the trash.

“I have an idea,” she said when he returned from taking the bag out to the dumpster.

He washed his hands, then leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, facing her. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“We should have a one-night stand.”

KEEP READING

OR, start the series HERE.

~ Tami Lund is an author, a wine drinker, a lover of animals, and she especially loves to help frustrating (and maybe clueless) men find their happily ever after!

Who Loves Vampires?

We’ve got a story bundle for you. Don’t know what that is? Here’s the gist:

1. It’s a limited edition release. This means it’s only available until August 11 and then it’s gone foreverrrrr.
2. You get to name your own price. Within reason, but yeah, whatever you think all those authors’ works are worth, that’s what you pay.
3. All the books are in the same genre. In this case, it’s urban fantasy vampires.
4. Some of the books aren’t available anywhere else. Some are, of course, but what about those others? It’s totally worth it to grab all of them.
5. A percentage of the profits go to charity. In this case, it’s a wolf sanctuary in southern Ohio. Yeah, we think it’s a cool charity too.

Need a little more? Here are a few excerpts for your reading pleasure…

This one is from RESIST by yours truly (side note: I actually included TWO vampire books in this bundle, Resist and Eternity, so really, you get twelve books instead of eleven!).

I sat on the floor in the van while it lumbered through the streets of Chicago. I couldn’t see as there were no windows back here, however, at the rate of speed we were traveling, there was obviously no traffic, foot or vehicle. The St. Patrick’s Day revelers had all taken to their beds by now, to sleep off green beer and cabbage hangovers.

Wherever we were going, it couldn’t be too far from my home base, because dawn would be breaking soon, and at the moment, I was the most protected of all the vampires in the vehicle with me. Those guys in the front would start sweating as soon as the first rays of the sun spiked through the windshield. Depending on their age, they might freaking explode on impact.

The brakes squeaked as we came to a slow stop, and then I felt a blast of cold air, indicating somebody had rolled down a window. A couple of people spoke in low tones, and then the window was rolled up and we continued forward, driving at an unhurried pace, like we were in a residential area. Or, I learned a few minutes later, the alley behind a huge brick building. While the two guys from the van crab- walked me toward the structure, I noticed a small, gold placard affixed to the wall next to the door.

“Macy’s? You went through all this to take me shopping?”

“Shut the fuck up, smartass.” The guy to my left gave me a shake and then hissed when his hand came into contact with the silver chain.

I wanted to ask after Anya, but I didn’t dare show my hand, not yet, not when I had no idea what I was up against and was still confident they hadn’t hurt her. They hadn’t, had they?

“Get your hands off me, you asshole. Jesus, you’re right, I’m not wearing a bra. Does that make you happy? What the hell do you want me to do now, jump on a trampoline?”

Nope, she definitely wasn’t injured. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning at her obvious disdain for whomever she was talking to. I’d love to see her jumping on a trampoline, with or without a bra, but I’d never in a million years say as much.

“Now that’s an idea—omph.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the guy next to Anya double over; she’d either punched or kicked him. Served him right for assuming he could handle her. I had my doubts that even I could handle her, not that it would stop me from trying to find out.

After we figured out how to get out of this predicament, of course.

Here’s one from WICKED IMMORTALS by K.N. Lee…

Edwin Allington drank from a golden goblet, his eyes closed as the screams rippled through the stagnant air. It was a glorious melody, one he knew all too well. He’d been born into a world that hated him. 

A demon for a father, a dragon shifter from the Netherworld for a mother. And, neither of them stuck around to show him true love. He had to experience it on his own, from a woman who hated the sight of him.

He grimaced and opened his amber eyes to gaze upon the sea of bodies writhing on the floor of the dungeon. A harem of angels desperate for his love and affection. He sneered at the sight of them. 

Slaves. No amount of beautiful women could quench his thirst, and yet they came in hordes to pledge their loyalty and allegiance to him. No one even batted an eyelash when it was revealed that one fresh angel would be sacrificed each full moon to his hell hound. 

Enchanting them had been easy, and they proved loyal until death.

Olivia stepped beside him, her arms crossed over her full bosom. She tilted her head, dark hair cascading in lush waves over her shoulders.

“You do know that the Division will probably execute you for this,” she said, and yawned.

He drank the last of the wine and tossed the goblet down the stairs that went nearly one-hundred feet into the earth. It clanked against the stone until it met the grasping hands of his slaves.

“Perhaps,” he said. “But, I’ll risk it.”

She lifted a brow. “For her?”

Edwin’s jaw tightened as he turned away and left the dungeon hall. The door was closed by his guards and he stalked up the ancient stairs of his castle to step into the night.

Olivia followed, her question still echoing in his mind.

For her.

The angel who got away.

The angel he would lose it all for.

“Yes,” he said, pulling in a long breath of fresh air as he leaped into the night sky and transformed from a man, to a black dragon with the wingspan the blotted out the moon and scales that glittered in its light.

Olivia didn’t follow, which was just as well. He needed to be alone.

Inanna would be his…even if he had to slay millions of humans, angels, and vampires to get her attention.

Okay, one more! Here’s a tidbit from MORRIGAN’S BLOOD by Laura Bickle…

My lips peeled back in a snarl. “I’m not leading anyone anywhere. Whatever you want from me, I’m not giving it.”

         He sighed, and it seemed that he carried the weight of ages on his shoulders. “Every incarnation says this. But every incarnation turns when she tastes blood, when her divinity is revealed to her and the goddess is unleashed.”

         “If she keeps incarnating, then she must keep dying. Assuming that this is true, it sounds like you don’t know what the hell you’re doing.”

         He jerked back, as if I’d slapped him. “That’s fair,” he whispered. “And how is it that you keep finding yourself in the same place and the same time as these ‘incarnations’?” I made air quotes around incarnations. “That makes no rational sense. You sound like a guy who gets obsessed pretty easily and gives himself permission to start stalking.”

Ready to start reading? Here’s the link: BEYOND TWILIGHT.

Enjoy!

Tami Lund wrote this post. She’s an author, blogger, and believer in vampire happily ever afters. You should check out her other books too: https://tamilund.com/

Christmas in July II

MERRY CHRISTMAS IN JULY Week 2 – 7/13 thru 7/19!

CHECK IT OUT!

SALES! FREEBIES!

EVERY BOOK IS 99¢ or FREE!

SHIFTERS! SHIFTERS! SHIFTERS!

It’s time to cool off, cuddle up, and

GET YOUR SHIFTER ON!

IT’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY WITH THE WOLF PACK!

(Be sure to check the price before you click!)

I’m taking a stand. The buck stops here – and you better believe I mean every single one of those frikkin’ prancin’ Reindeer.

No more Second Fiddle for me.

My name is Cailleach Bheur and I’m here to screw with your holidays.

And you can blow that right out the toe of your stinkin’ stocking for all I care!

FREE! July 13 thru 17!

Amazon

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Amazon CA

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

Space pirates? Here? Solstice Week should be a time to celebrate. Not a time to chase a tomb raiding tigershifter through a cold alien swamp.

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

Can a wounded, possessive bear and a stubborn, holiday-hating reindeer heal their busted hearts just in time to make some mistletoe magic that will last forever?

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

A bear shifter who found a fresh start in life…

A woman seeking a safe haven for her bear shifter son…


And a little sprinkle of holiday magic to create some lasting joy.


AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

When omega wolf Ana Lyall walked away from her forbidden human soulmate, it shattered her heart. But wolf shifters and humans can’t mix, and she won’t have Mason’s blood on her hands. Nothing can entice her back to him-unless some wild Christmas magic can make their season bright after all.

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

NOOK

iBooks

KOBO

Google Play

BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW RELEASE!

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

And we got a God in the mix!

But when business and pleasure collide with disastrous results,

I have to prove to her that she means more to me than my bottom line

I have until Christmas Eve to make her mine

Treat yourself to a dose of Christmas spirit this holiday season!

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

With his thousand pound secret out in the open, will Madison be able to see past all that fur and into his heart? With the magic of Christmas on his side, Mack will do whatever it takes to claim his fated mate.

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

The attraction between the rival diner owners becomes irresistible as they near the holiday festivities. But Faith’s dreams of sleigh rides through the snow and mistletoe kisses are dashed when Tommy’s ex slithers back into town. Can Tommy forget his past wounds before he ruins his chance to make Faith his mate?

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

Lilly deserves everything, including a tree in a box and a creepy stranger dressed in a red suit.

She’s my everything, she’s my fated mate.

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

Jack Frost, yes, that Jack Frost, missed his chance with Ginger when they were teenagers… But she’s returned to Holly Valley, and he’s determined to win her back. Can a cocky Winter Elf, a salty old wizard, and a food-motivated reindeer restore Ginger’s beliefs in Christmas and in love?

FREE!! July 13 thru 17!! Then 99¢!

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

Part of the Kindle Unlimited Library

And, there are witches, too.

If you like witches with lots of romance, you will like this book.

AMAZON EVERYWHERE

NOOK

iBooks

KOBO

Be sure to check the price before you click!

These prices are good from 7/13 thru 7/19.

Tempting Teaser

Have you read the first book in the Bryant Brothers series yet? (RACING HOME) Better get on it – book 2, To Love & Protect, is now up for pre-order, and releases on July 28!

What’s that, you say? You’d like a teaser from book 2? Well, as a matter of a fact, guess what I have for you today!

TO LOVE & PROTECT

Philip Bryant, second born son to a fine, upstanding family, is anything but.

He wants to amend his ways, though. Operate on the right side of the law. Be a positive, contributing member of society.

A buddy who works for a government agency gives him the perfect opportunity to change his stripes. But instead of doing what he was told to do, he kidnaps the witness to an attempted murder.

The witness’s name is Maecie McIntosh. She’s a hairstylist with a whole lot of opinions, and she isn’t afraid to put him in his place. And the more time he spends with her, the less he wants to let her go. Can kidnappers develop Stockholm Syndrome?

Or is this what true love feels like?

Bryant Brothers series

Each book has its own happily ever after, however it is recommended they be read in the following order:

Racing Home

To Love & Protect

The Right Tool

Picture This

Chapter One

“You look way more rumpled than usual,” Richard Gerrard commented as Philip slid into the booth across from him at the diner in downtown Detroit where they almost always met to talk business.

Philip glanced down at his V-neck sweater and white T-shirt. Although he hadn’t taken the time to trim his beard this morning, he didn’t think it looked scruffy, and his clothes weren’t overly wrinkled, so Richard must have noticed the bags under his eyes.

“You know what I do for a living,” Philip replied, stifling a yawn and waving at the server who was holding a coffee carafe in her hand, systematically refilling customers’ cups. “Unfortunately, most of my clientele don’t keep bankers’ hours.”

“Philip Bryant,” his buddy drawled, “serving and protecting the bad guys since 2016.”

The young server, wearing jeans and a green T-shirt with the name of the diner screen printed over her left breast, stepped up to their table and flipped over the ceramic mug that had already been placed in front of Philip’s seat. “Sugar and creamer’s right there,” she said, pointing at the table. “I’ll take your order in a minute.”

She left, and Philip grimaced. “Thanks for making it sound exactly as shady as it is.”

He grabbed the menu, even though he almost always ordered off the specials board. Today he had a choice of country eggs benedict, strawberry pancakes, or Detroit style corned beef hash. He had no idea what made it Detroit style, but he loved a good corned beef hash, so he tucked the menu behind the napkin dispenser and doctored his coffee while Richard contemplated his options.

The server returned, took their orders, and hurried away again.

Richard glanced around the restaurant. Philip had already scoped out the place before sliding into his seat, so he knew there were three tables of elderly couples, a few suits sipping coffee while working on their laptops, and a twenty-something couple who looked as if they hadn’t gone to bed in at least thirty-six hours.

“Hey, at least you’re making bank.”

Philip sighed. “I should try taking legit jobs once in a while. Working as contract security for people who don’t necessarily operate on the right side of the law definitely more than pays the bills, but it feels like my soul is shriveling up and dying.”

Richard snorted and took a hit of coffee. “You and me, we should have switched lives years ago. You’re the do-gooder who’s rolling in dough because you babysit people who are very likely—no, they are criminals. And I’m the poor shmuck who can’t catch a break, working for the man and making peanuts.”

“Not all my clients are criminals,” Philip argued, which he knew damn well was for his own benefit, not Richard’s. His buddy seemingly had no problem with some of Philip’s clients’ highly questionable ethics and morals.

Shaking his head, Richard said, “And here I’m protecting the world from illegal arms deals and terrorists and I can barely pay my mortgage.”

“That’s because you spend too damn much time at the casino and betting on your favorite football team. If you change nothing else but stopped buying lottery tickets every week, there’s your mortgage payment.”

Richard waved off his suggestion and then leaned back so that the server could place their plates on the table. While he squirted ketchup on his hash browns, he said, “I should be able to do both. You’re able to do both.”

Philip hated it when Richard was in this mood. It wasn’t a damn competition.

“I don’t play the lottery,” Philip said. Which Richard already knew. This wasn’t a new topic of conversation.

“But you could.”

Yeah, he could do a lot of things. “It’s a choice. One you could make, too, you know. And if you feel like you can’t, then maybe you need to get some help so you can.”

Richard dredged a triangular slice of buttered toast through runny egg yolk and crammed it into his mouth. “Stop. You sound like my ex when you talk like that.”

Philip sighed. He was pretty sure Richard had a gambling addiction, and like most addicts, he refused to see what was so obvious to everyone around him. And got defensive when someone suggested he needed help.

Richard’s ex, like Philip and Richard, had been a marine. She was also an exceedingly tolerant woman, but even she had gotten sick of begging him to seek help, which inevitably led to screaming arguments, and she’d divorced him two years ago.

After another scan of the restaurant, Richard said, “Maybe I can help with that soul of yours. I have a job for you if you’re interested.”

 Richard worked for the federal government, specifically for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, better known as ATF. Richard and Philip met while they were both in the Marine Corps, and they’d become fast friends. They both got out at about the same time, and when Richard was accepted as an ATF agent, Philip had considered going that route too. Until a contract job landed in his lap and introduced him to the lucrative world of “securities.”

Maybe this was a sign. While technically Philip had not broken the law himself, he certainly had plenty of dirt on some pretty grimy people, and Richard knew it. Richard also knew Philip was loyal, if to the wrong people.

But if his friend was offering him contract employment with the ATF, that must mean Philip had a shot at going legit.

He rested his forearms on the table and tried not to look too excited. “I’m listening.”

“Frank Charles. Does that name sound familiar?”

“Pyrotechnics. Isn’t he the guy in charge of the Detroit fireworks?”

Richard nodded. “We’ve been watching him for a while now.”

“How come?”

“We believe he’s using his pyrotechnics distribution license to illegally sell explosives to terrorist groups.”

Philip let out a low whistle. Frank Charles, by all appearances, had been an upstanding member of the Detroit community for decades. His fireworks displays were arguably the best in the country, and he was well-known for giving back to the residents of the city that embraced the colorful and spectacular way he lit up the sky over the riverfront each summer.

Unfortunately, Philip knew from firsthand experience that the ones who put on the most positive public image were often the most corrupt.

He rubbed his hand over his face. “What do you need me to do?”

Hey, at least this one was clear-cut: he was definitely working for the good guys.

PRE-ORDER HERE!

They are Oil and Water

Camila knew damn well that Tommy wanted to sleep with her. He flirted in that raunchy way of overconfident men everywhere, clearly used to women falling all over themselves for the opportunity to share Mr. Egomaniac’s bed for a night. She dealt with guys like him every shift she worked at the bar.

No, thank you.

To be fair, though, bits of a polite, funny guy peeked through here and there. Enough to stir Camila’s interest. If there was one thing she was a sucker for, it was a guy who could make her laugh. Bonus that he was made of solid muscle and looked like sex on a stick.

But she wasn’t interested in some guy who traveled all the time, who couldn’t even be bothered to unpack his bag when he got home after his latest tour. A guy who probably had a motocross fan club that called themselves Tommy’s Tinas or some other stupid name.

After they returned to the house and helped unpack groceries, Deanna shooed them all upstairs, insisting they change into their swimsuits and hang out at the pool for the rest of the day. It was exactly what Camila had been hoping for when her sister said she could stay for the week, except she hadn’t counted on Tommy’s presence as part of the relax-and-take-her-mind-off-her-stalker agenda.

While she donned her royal-blue bikini, she did a quick Google search. According to several articles she skimmed, Tommy was one of the best racers in the industry and had been for quite a few years. Guess that made him a celebrity.

She also couldn’t help pausing on the various pics of him with this or that woman’s body twisted around his like Saran Wrap. In every one of them, he wore a cat-got-the-canary grin. Cocky. Sure of himself. And of what was about to happen with that clinging woman on his arm.

Ugh. Stop thinking about him.

After twisting her braid into a bun and securing it with a hair clip, she hurried downstairs. She could hear the sounds of splashing and playful shrieks that indicated someone had already dived into the undoubtedly cool and refreshing pool. She was more than ready to join them.

Tommy stood on the deck, next to the sliding glass door, a copper mug in each hand, like he was waiting for her. He wore a pair of aviator shades, a baseball cap over his messy, almost- ready-for-a-cut hair, and blue and white swim trunks resting low on his hips, showing off muscles from his neck all the way down to the elastic waist of those shorts. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the legs.

Jesus, he should be a model.

She mentally picked her jaw up off the floor and shook herself. She did not need this man to know she found him attractive.

Just attractive? Yeah right, I’m practically drooling.

His smile crawled across his face in slow motion, lighting him up and drawing her attention away from the muscles to the beauty that she’d swear was descended from a Greek god. Or maybe Roman. Whichever ones were the more gorgeous.

He offered her one of the mugs and said, “I can think of a thousand compliments to give you right now and every single one could be construed as hitting on you. Which they would be, for the record. So is it corny if I just say you’re beautiful?”

She took a swallow of her drink. “Not corny. But still sounds like you’re hitting on me.”

RELEASES JUNE 30 – Keep reading HERE