2016-10-18

Going for the Moment by Elena Aitken

Going for the Moment, by  Elena Aitken

 Today's special guest is Elena Aitken, author of Going for the Moment. Welcome, Elena!

Sometimes opposites don’t just attract, they collide.

Amber McCormick has always lived a well ordered life. She’s made sure of it. Now, with a new college degree in hand, she decides to take a few days to visit her best friend in Sapphire Falls before starting the next phase of her life. It’s perfect timing too, since for the first time in her life, Amber’s no longer sure of her plan.

However, a mix up in timing results in her crashing with her best friend's wild—more than a little rough around the edges—brother and Amber suddenly finds her predictable life turned upside down.

Taking a break from the backcountry of Australia, Cole Price is home to visit his little sister. But he definitely wasn’t prepared to find her very attractive and very tightly wound best friend, Amber there instead.

Stuck together for a few days, they decide to make the best of the mix up and take in the town’s Fall Festival. All Amber wants is to have a little fun and maybe even lighten up a little bit. The last thing she expects is to be attracted to a man like Cole, and she’s definitely not prepared to actually fall for him. Now after only a few days, Amber’s questioning everything she ever thought she wanted and what she really needs.

 Excerpt: 
He was going to kiss her. He should have kissed her.
Or maybe he shouldn’t have? He was still Josie’s brother, after all.
Damn.
Amber couldn’t think of it anymore. She unscrewed the lid of her Booze and tapped it to his. “Cheers. Happy fall festival.”
He smiled. “This kind of makes us locals, doesn’t it?”
“Hardly.” She laughed and took a small sip of her drink. Not really sure what to expect, she guarded herself, but the pumpkin spice flavored-alcohol was delicious, so she took a bigger swallow. “But this is delicious. What flavor did you get?”
“It’s kind of an apple cider. Delicious, but…strong, I think.”
“Be careful,” a man across from them offered. “Borcher’s Booze will sneak up on you.”
“What is it?” Amber asked. “Because it’s delicious.”
The man laughed. “No one really knows the recipe, but it definitely is delicious.”
“Which is what makes it so dangerous.” The woman next to him laughed. “Welcome to town. There’s a bonfire down by the river tonight. You two should check it out.”
“That sounds fun.” Cole looked over at Amber for confirmation.
With the way he was looking at her and the warmth of the Booze in her belly, she was fairly sure she’d say yes to anything he suggested.
“Great,” the woman said. “The hay ride will take you there.” She winked at them and went back to snuggling with her man.
They looked cozy and sweet. In the past few months, since breaking up with Randy, more than once there’d been moments where Amber missed the togetherness that came with being a couple, the companionship that having someone special in your life afforded you. She thought she was over it and had moved on. Watching the young couple, those old feelings came back. But only a little bit. She pulled her gaze away and turned to Cole, who was watching her carefully.
“What?”
“Nothing,” he said. “I was just wondering where you went. You looked like maybe you were lost in your head there.”
Amber smiled, which was easy to do when she was looking at Cole, and took another big sip of her drink. “I was just thinking about something I used to have and don’t anymore.”
“And that made you sad?”
She shook her head, enjoying how the waves of hair hit her face. It had been so long since she’d worn it down. “You know what, it really didn’t. A little nostalgic maybe. But I think I’ve realized that what I thought I had wasn’t so great. I’m looking forward to the future and having fun.”
His hand slid across the hay to hers. He didn’t take it in his, but instead only one finger wrapped around hers. “Good. I’ve built a whole life on having fun and exploring the world.”
“But there’s more to life than just having fun, isn’t there?”
He laughed. “Spoken like a true accountant.”
“Maybe.” She ignored the twinge of hurt she felt at his words. “But I think I’m starting to see that it should be a balance. I’m twenty-four. I can’t just live a life of fun and no responsibility.”
“Have you ever?”
“That’s why I think it should be a balance.” She winked at him. “I definitely haven’t had enough of it. I was so busy trying to be a ‘good girl’ and not cause any waves at home that I don’t think I really had a chance to do any of the wild and crazy stuff you’re supposed to when you’re a teenager.”
She really didn’t want to get into her family life with Cole. It was hard enough to explain to people that her and her younger sister were the products of a long-running affair and when their father finally left his other family to be with them, it had basically destroyed the lives of all six kids. She’d mostly come to peace with the situation, but there was no denying that the choices of her parents had shaped who she was.
As if he could sense that she didn’t want to get into the details, he squeezed her finger with his and smiled. “Well, it’s never too late. We both have some Booze and we’re at a festival. I can’t think of a better time to have a little of that wild fun, can you?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I can’t.” They each raised their jars and drank deeply. In the back of her head, Amber knew it was a bad idea to let loose completely, but the part of her that no longer cared was a lot louder than the part that did. She took another drink right as an eerie howl split the peaceful night. She jumped, splashing her drink.
“What was that?”
Cole chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “I imagine that was the haunted part of the haunted hay ride. Don’t be scared.”

She wasn’t. At least, not of whatever fabricated haunts were waiting for them on their ride to the river. No, if Amber was scared of anything at all, it was the way her stomach fluttered and her body burned at Cole’s touch.

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Going for the Moment
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2016-10-17

Going Home by Amanda McIntyre



Kicking off our Sapphire Falls Kindle World Halloween release is author Amanda McIntyre, whose book is titled Going Home. Amanda was kind enough to allow me to use her characters, Kasey and Cooper, in Going Back to Find You. 

Welcome, Amanda, and thanks again for helping Jason find Liz and for helping Liz find her way home.

Blurb:

Kasey Seagren left Sapphire Falls in search of finding her fame and fortune through her music. Tragedy at home forces her to return to face her past and in going home, she discovers that maybe what she needs has always been in her own backyard.

A home-grown country boy, Cooper Evans had always placed home, family and his friends as a priority in his life. But his heart was stolen years before by a young woman with a gypsy’s heart and he never fully recovered. Now she’s back and he’d determined to end her wandering and prove that in his arms is where she belongs.

Excerpt:

She looked up, squinting through the last dredges of dusky sunlight at her roadside savior. His face was rugged, but his eyes were soft, kind as they searched her face. He seemed familiar. “Do I know you?” she asked, trying to place him in the jumbled fog in her brain.

“My name is Cooper. Cooper Evans.”

He glanced over his shoulder, and a fine shoulder it was in that dark blue flannel shirt that made his lapis blue eyes seem even darker. His hair, falling just above his collar, had the most adorable curl behind one ear.
She blinked. Why would she notice something like that?

“I saw your truck as I was coming across the field. Thought you’d gone on into town. I have to admit, the last I checked the road I didn’t see anything coming.”

“No, no, it was my fault. I made a U-turn.” She sighed. “And I was tuning the radio and not paying attention.”

He frowned. “That explains a lot.”

“I’m sorry…what was your name again?” Kasey’s brain went on full alert, followed by other parts of her too long out of use.

“Cooper Evans, ma’am.”

Ma’am? She swallowed. Being on the road had been hard, but she hoped not too hard. “Do I look old enough to be a ma’am?” she asked, trying to scramble to her feet. Cooper Evans. This couldn’t be the same guy. “Did you say you lived around here?”

“My farmland butts right up to the city limits of Sapphire Falls, yes, m—”

She held up her hand to halt the phrase. “Don’t. Say. It.” With his help, Kasey made it to her feet and winced—not from the pain of the injury, but from the sight of her truck.

“I can maybe get a tow truck out here. You know anybody in Sapphire Falls?”

“I do, but I know she’s busy…working at the diner.”

He nodded. “Okay, the least I can do is get you back into town.”

“That’d be great,” she said with more enthusiasm than she truly felt.

Kasey watched, dabbing her temple as he pulled her backpack and guitar case from the truck and hauled them up into the cab of his combine. Her baby blue pick-up was sorely battered. And she was stuck in this god-forsaken place—during Halloween—without transportation. Could this get any worse?

“Come on, I’ll help you up.”

She studied the mammoth machine “Seriously? You’re taking me in that thing?”

“Do it all the time.” He gave her a smile that, okay, might have caused places to clench that she’d forgotten knew how.

Likely some type of post-traumatic stress.

Sapphire Falls Kindle World: smarturl.it/SFKW-GoingHome

~*~
About the Author:

Amanda McIntyre’s storytelling is a natural offshoot of her artistic creativity. A visual writer, living in the rich tapestry of the American heartland, her passion is telling character-driven stories with a penchant (okay, some call it a wicked obsession) for placing ordinary people in extraordinary situations to see how they overcome the obstacles to their HEA.

A bestselling author, her work is published internationally in Print, eBook, and Audio. She writes steamy contemporary and sizzling historical romance and truly believes, no matter what, love will always find a way.

Learn more about Amanda:





AMAZON .uk AUTHOR PAGE:   http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002C1KH2Q



Bestselling author~
  Amanda McIntyre

Storyteller at heart~ Romantic. Riveting. Rebellious.

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2016-10-16

It's Halloween in Sapphire Falls!

This Halloween check out these thirteen spooky (and not so spooky) new additions to Sapphire Falls!


I'm thrilled to be part of the Sapphire Falls special Halloween release. Thirteen romantic stories of love in a small town will be releasing next week, October 25th. What's especially fun for me is that several of these stories (including mine) are paranormal!

Starting tomorrow, and continuing until the end of the month, I'll be highlighting one of the authors/stories, I'll also be running a contest from now until Halloween. Comment each day to be entered to win. I'll be giving away ebooks, ARCs, Amazon GCs, as well as gifts from LUSH, Tea Forte, Moonstruck Chocolate, and Starbucks. It's two weeks of Halloween-themed fun!

Welcome to SAPPHIRE FALLS—a tiny Midwestern gem overflowing with small-town charm. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy happy hour at the Come Again bar, a tasty treat at Scott’s Sweets, a country-music-infused party at the river with a mason jar of legendary Booze, or even join in the fun at one of the annual town festivals, where the locals specialize in making you feel right at home.

But fair warning: Love is always in the air, and visitors tend to fall quickly—for the town and its inhabitants. You may not be looking for happily ever after…but in Sapphire Falls, happily ever after might come looking for you.

October 2016 Release

Because even vampires deserve a second chance.

Getting her help is going to be a lot easier said than done...

He can’t live with her, he can’t leave without her.

Sometimes opposites don’t just attract, they collide.

It’s been ten years since Jackson walked away from the only woman he ever loved. Maybe it’s time to get her back.

Vampires, zombies, and wolves, oh my! Honey's vacation with her ex-husband goes haywire. when he tries too hard to get her back.

Sometimes what your heart is searching for is never far from home.

Ember Jones-Roseman needs a reminder that life is about the journey, not the destination, and Ford Slater is the perfect man for the job.

Small town. Big hearts. But can one little secret tear it all apart?

They’ve been in an intimate relationship for three years, they’ve just never met.

A rebellious aristocrat looking for love…    Meets a noble rebel worthy of his heart…

Love at first sight, or a past they don’t remember?

In the security business things can happen fast – the same is true in the business of love.




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2016-07-03

Summer Magic


The house I lived in while I was growing up stood next to a vacant, wooded lot that belonged to my grandparents. As no one else in my family spent any time there or even seemed to give it any thought, I came to think of it as my own private forest. I spent countless hours there, especially during the summer months. It was where I went to hide treasure, to dig up arrowheads, to observe the local plant and animal life, to read, or just to daydream. It was always a most magical place. I guess that was partially in my mind when I wrote The Oak King, my re-telling of the legend of the Oak King and the Holly King. 

For those of you who are not familiar with the story, the Oak King's magic has to do with growth and new life, and so he rules the light half of the year, just as his counterpart, the Holly King, rules the winter months. In the scene below, my heroine, Aine, comes face to face with Fionn, the current Oak King, for the very first time--although, of course, she has no idea of his true nature. 

I'll be giving away a digital copy of The Oak King to one lucky reader. To be entered to win, just leave me a comment telling me what magical being or creature best embodies the spirit of summer to you. 

The woods were shadowed, tranquil and green as Aine made her way into the forest. This early in the day the sun had yet to burn off the morning mist, but although the day promised to be fine, an unidentifiable melancholy seemed to hang in the soft, still air. It was just a trace, but enough of one that Aine took note of it and thought it strange. Why should the forest feel so gloomy today? What grief dared mar so perfect a morning?

When she reached her destination, a secluded grove where a stately oak and wizened holly stood a short distance from one another, she paused and glanced around, feeling the hair rise on the back of her neck. The sense of sorrow, of loss—of despair, almost—was even stronger here. She did not consider herself a fanciful woman, but there was an unusual sentience in the woods today. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she was being watched.

She shook her head, waiting for the odd notion to dissolve. It was naught but foolishness. She was well aware that there was no one to see her. Indeed, that was another of the reasons why she’d chosen this particular place for her ceremonies; it was as far from her neighbors’ prying eyes as she could get. She brushed her concerns aside and set about getting ready for the morning’s ritual, taking comfort in the familiar routine—the same one she’d followed for several years now, ever since her husband’s death had freed her to worship as she saw fit.

She began by setting up her altar, reverently laying out the tools she would be using. Then she walked the circle, calling on the directions and raising power as she went, carefully placing eight stones around the perimeter to denote the quarter and cross-quarter days. When she’d returned to the start point, she stopped and removed her cloak. Cool air caressed her bare skin, raising goose bumps on her arms and legs and pebbling her nipples. A hush seemed to fall over the forest. The feeling of being watched grew stronger.

Her heart beating uncomfortably fast, she entered the circle and knelt upon the soft green moss. She’d come here today to sing songs of praise; to greet the newly crowned Holly King and pay homage to the fallen Oak—a ceremony that had always brought her joy in the past—but the atmosphere this morning had unsettled her. No longer in the mood to tarry, she rushed through her opening prayers and started right in on a hymn in honor of the Oak King. She was midway through the second stanza when her ordinary day caved in upon her. A naked stranger materialized from out of the fog, nearly scaring the life out of her in the process. Aine gasped in surprise. “Gods save me.”

The stranger said nothing. He stared back at her, looking almost as surprised as she. For one shocked instant Aine was convinced she’d somehow conjured the very Spirit of the Forest. Then reason reasserted itself. This was no insubstantial sprite—his heavy muscles and gleaming flesh attested to that. However godlike he appeared, he was likely no more than a no-account rover, a drifter who’d stumbled drunk onto her property the night before and judged this sheltered grove to be a perfect place to catch a night’s sleep.

“Who-who are you?” she demanded shakily, still staring at him. “Whence did you come?”

His chestnut hair was shaggy and overlong, streaked gold as though by the sun and in desperate need of a trim. It hung in his face, very nearly obscuring his beautiful hazel eyes. Even partially veiled, those eyes were remarkable, a warm amber color overall, like honey and cinnamon swirled together, but with bright flecks of summer green shimmering in their liquid depths. His strong brown body was broad and tall. Perhaps not quite a match for the oak tree that spread its branches above their heads, but still he was an impressive sight to behold. He quite captivated her attention. Although, given that they were both skyclad at the time, their mutual surprise was not so astonishing. She, at least, had a cloak with which to cover her nakedness.

“Answer me,” she demanded as she scrabbled for her cloak and hastily wrapped it around her. She was pleased that her voice no longer shook, though her heart was still pounding at far too swift a pace. In truth, she should be running away, but she feared her legs wouldn’t carry her.


“There’s no need to fear me, lass,” the stranger said, smiling in a way she suspected was meant to be reassuring. “I mean you no harm.”

Aine’s mouth tightened. “Sure, and wouldn’t you like me to think so?”

The stranger blinked and appeared confused. “I would, indeed. Why else would I have said it?”

Aine choked back a laugh. Her hands were shaking as she began to gather her tools together, spilling everything repeatedly, her motions too jerky and uncoordinated for anything else. “Why indeed.”

The stranger took a step closer. “Here, let me help you with that.”

“No!” Aine raised her hand in a futile effort to stop him. “Stay right where you are. Do not come any closer.”

“As you wish.”

His easy acquiescence emboldened her. She stopped what she was doing to level a glare at him. “What I wish is that you would answer my questions. Who are you and what are you doing here?”

FIONN DIDN’T ANSWER right away. If truth be told, he was having trouble finding his voice. It wasn’t just that her beauty stole his breath; he was also dazed and disoriented, momentarily depleted of power. Who knew it took so much effort to work magic? Well, Kieran, probably. Fionn suspected there were many things the Holly King knew but had not bothered to share with him.

Bitterness rose inside him at the thought. The hurt he’d once felt had long since turned to anger, but the old resentment smoldered still. If there was one thing Fionn would not be wasting time on—neither in the next six months nor ever again, if he were lucky—it was Kieran.

Now that he had broken free, Fionn intended to live as a human, at least until the winter solstice. Perhaps he wouldn’t go back at all. Maybe, if he were truly lucky, he would find that the winds could not find him on this side of the veil. Or maybe, in his absence, his Lord and Lady would find someone else to take his place, someone better suited to the task than he.

“Answer me,” Aine demanded again. Despite the hint of steel in her voice, her eyes were huge and her breath was shallow and far too fast. She is still frightened. The realization struck at Fionn’s heart and didn’t help him find his words any more quickly. She’d always seemed so supremely confident each time he’d seen her, like a goddess in the flesh. It had not occurred to him that his appearance would cause her to become anything more than momentarily startled. He hadn’t thought of…well, entirely too much, obviously, damn him for a fool. As usual, he’d acted on impulse, thinking only of his own needs.

But that thought merely strengthened his resolve. It was one more reason why he’d been right to take this step and leave the throne behind. If he could not live up to even his own expectations of how the Oak King should behave, why not try and carve out a life for himself here, where no one had any expectations of him at all?

“My name is Fionn. I heard you singing.”

“And what of it?” Aine’s chin rose. A hint of challenge hardened her gaze. “This is all private property. You would not have been in a position to hear anything if you were not where you’ve no right to be in the first place!”

“But why should I not hear your song?” Fionn asked in surprise. “You have such a beautiful voice. I had to come out and…and meet you.”

Her voice was beautiful, beautiful, honest, clear, and she’d been singing to him, though she did not yet know it, sweet words of love, honor, and respect, when all he’d had elsewise for year upon year was censure. Her song had been balm to his wounded soul, a lure he could not resist. “I had to come.”

* * * * *

Twice each year, Aine Murphy ventures into the woods to hold ceremonies to honor the Oak King and the Holly King, never dreaming these Lords of the Forest could be anything more than myth. When the legends spring to life in front of her, how can she help but fall for the sexy demi-gods she's loved all her life? 

From midwinter to midsummer, Fionn O'Dair rules the Greenworld as the Oak King--a role he feels is beyond his abilities, and one that dooms him to a loveless future, forever craving the one man he can never allow himself to have. How can he resist what Aine offers--the sweet devotion that soothes his aching soul, and the slim chance to live a "normal" life as her husband, if only for half a year? 

Holly King Kieran Mac Cuilenn never desired a human lover--until now. Seeing Fionn and Aine together fills him with longing for the love he threw away and awakens feelings he thought he'd buried with the last Oak King. Is there enough magic in the solstice to correct the mistakes he made years ago? Or is he doomed to be forever left out in the cold? 




Available in digital format at Amazon, Loose Id, All Romance eBooks, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble

Don't forget to visit all the other wonderful blog posts as the Summer of Magic Blog Hop continues!


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2015-12-23

Kinky New Year's Blog Hop


I think  you'd approach New Year's a little differently if you were a vampire. Especially after the first several hundred years. With so many chances to get things right--and so many years to regret mistakes-- I suspect every New Year's Eve would be either more poignant or less momentous for the undead.

At least that's the premise I've been working with in my Children of Night series. I'm highlighting this series in this post because the newest book in the series, To Curse the Darkness just released on December 22. 

My vampires are, not unexpectedly, living under cover, attempting to blend in and act like humans. As a result, they end up celebrating all sorts of holidays, New Year's Eve among them. In fact, in the course of just two books in the series--Now Comes the Night and Ashes of the Day--they celebrate a total of five different New Year's Eves: from 1968 up until the present. 

Here's an excerpt of just one of them. This is from Ashes of the Day:  

December 31, 1999
New Year’s Eve

Damian leaned against the railing of the second-floor balcony and cast a jaded eye over the crowded ballroom below. The decorations were a tad overdone, in his opinion. Gaudy gold-and-silver Mylar festooned every surface—the bar, the tables, even the walls. The glare all but blinded him. Overhead, a billowing mass of champagne- and platinum-colored balloons were tethered to the ceiling, awaiting the stroke of midnight, when they’d be released. The last day of the year had dwindled down to the final hour. Y2K was on the verge, that ticking time bomb that would shortly send the world hurtling back toward the dark ages…or not.

Either way, Damian could not find it in himself to be concerned, or even very interested, in the fate of the world. The new millennium, as most people counted it, was about to begin. For the time being, it was still 1999 and the throng of people gathered on the hotel dance floor was certainly partying like it.

Exhibiting far more enthusiasm than skill, the crowd sang loudly along with Prince’s signature anthem as they bounced and gyrated to the music. The once-familiar song struck a bittersweet chord in Damian’s heart and he closed his eyes as nostalgia overwhelmed him. How many times had he danced to this same record back when it was first popular? He didn’t feel even remotely like dancing tonight. Hadn’t felt like dancing in years.

Memories rose in his mind of a supple young body pressed tight against his own, warming his back, more often than not. He remembered arms holding him possessively close, sweet lips dropping kisses all along his cheek, his neck, his shoulder…

He remembered the feel of strong hands splayed on his hips, guiding him as they moved together, thrusting, grinding, taunting each other with graphic reminders of everything they’d be doing together later in bed.

Oh, how he longed to feel that way again, careless and wanton, desired, loved. Oh, how he longed to hear that sexy voice whispering in his ear. To feel those muscular arms encircling his waist or his neck, or wrapped around his shoulders. To see that smile, hear that laugh, just one more time.
Knowing those wishes would never come true, that those days of joy and innocence were lost to him, gone for good, never to return, did nothing to improve his mood.

Folding his arms across his chest, he surreptitiously touched the small gold rings with which his nipples had been pierced. The rings had been Paul’s originally, a final gift of sorts. Since he was Vampire, the pain had been mild and fleeting. The tiny wounds had healed almost instantly and had done nothing to ease the heavy sense of loss that weighed against his chest. Perhaps if the physical pain had been more intense, more prolonged, more on par with his emotional pain, it might have helped distract him from his inner turmoil. As it was, all he’d had to make do with was Conrad’s anger. While that was certainly painful to endure, it didn’t so much detract from Damian’s distress as add to it.

“Slaves were once made to wear such things,” Conrad had complained when he learned what Damian had done. “Is that your wish? To be thought of as a slave now? Is that how you want people to think of you? Is it how you want them to think of me?”

“¡Ay, puñeta!” Damian had snarled, baring his teeth and shocking himself with his own boldness. “Déjate de leches. Tell me, who are these people about whom you’re so concerned? And what has any of it to do with you? Are the rings yours? Did you force me to wear them? No! So why should you have a say in this at all? Why do you even care what I do?” It was not his usual habit to disregard his sire’s wishes so recklessly or to respond so rudely to his complaints. No one spoke to Conrad in that fashion. No one without a pronounced death wish, that is.

Is that what it’s come to? Damian wondered. Am I so weary of drawing breath I’m looking to end it all? Perhaps he was.

“Silence,” Conrad commanded. “You go too far. Have you forgotten who I am that you dare speak to me in this manner? Are you trying to make me lose my temper?”

Damian looked away. For all that a shudder ran through him when he contemplated the likely result of Conrad’s losing his temper, he still couldn’t honestly say no, that wasn’t exactly what he was trying to do. He needed something, didn’t he? Needed something drastic and extreme, something strong enough to pull him out of the abyss of grief he’d fallen into. Anything was preferable to what he was feeling now.

“Everything you do concerns me,” Conrad said after a moment, his voice lower but no less intense. “Don’t ever think otherwise. You’re a part of me, Damian, a part of my family, blood of my blood. Nothing will ever change that. And I will always have a say. Always.”

And that, Damian thought, was precisely where the problem lay. It was obvious that what Conrad objected to most of all was the idea of someone else’s “mark” being made visible on Damian’s body—a body Conrad still thought of as belonging to him, however little he wanted anything to do with it anymore.

Yes, the small bits of metal would last for centuries—another of Conrad’s complaints, and far more valid than the rest, in that at least it was true. They were as permanent a reminder of Paul as any Damian could think of, something he would carry with him wherever he went, something he could keep symbolically close to his heart for potentially the rest of his life. But what right had Conrad to rage about that either? None at all. Not when he himself had two living, breathing vampire children to remind him of his last lover. As a bequest, they had no equal. As a memorial, nothing else could come close. Of that Damian had no doubts whatsoever. They were his one saving grace, the only things that made his life worth living…

“A penny for your thoughts,” Conrad said, appearing at Damian’s elbow with two glasses of champagne in hand.

Damian started. As his mind returned to the present, the first thing that struck him was that the same song was playing—whether again or still he didn’t know. Memories washed over him once more and his heart twisted in grief. How was it the years could flash by, while the minutes lagged? Time was cruel, fickle, wearisome. How much more could he bear before it broke him?

“What’s wrong? Is one penny not enough? Perhaps you’re holding out for more?”

“What are you talking about?” Damian snapped. “More what?”

Conrad frowned. “Why must you scowl at me in that fashion? I did not invent the phrase and I’m quite sure I used it correctly. If you think I meant to imply your thoughts were not worth very much, I assure you you’re mistaken. I merely intended to inquire what was on your mind.”

Damian sighed. “Of course. I beg your pardon. Your use of the vernacular is exemplary. But I have nothing whatsoever on my mind—not even a penny’s worth.” He waved at the dance floor. “I was merely observing the crowd.”

“Ah.” A pleased smile curved Conrad’s lips. “Getting hungry, are we? Good. I’m pleased to hear your appetite’s returning.”

“No, I’m not particularly hungry.” There was only one taste Damian was craving, and as he had virtually no chance of satisfying that craving… “It all seems somewhat pointless, I’m afraid.”

Conrad’s smile disappeared. “Here,” he said, handing Damian one of the glasses. “Take this, at least. You look as though you could use something.”

“Thank you.” Damian took the glass and looked at it with distaste. Here was something else he’d felt no inclination for in well over a decade. “But I’m not, as they say, in the mood for it.”

“Hold on to it just the same,” Conrad said when Damian attempted to give him back the glass. “You’d do well to keep up appearances.” He studied him for a moment then asked, “Damian…you would tell me if there was anything you needed, wouldn’t you?”

“Of course,” Damian replied dutifully, lying again because what was the point of anything else? The truth wouldn’t do either of them a damn bit of good.



I'll be gifting one lucky visitor with digital copies of both Now Comes the Night and Ashes of the Day. Just comment below for the chance to win!

To read more about the series, check out the Children of Night series page on my website:

http://www.pgforte.com/ChildrenOfNight.htm

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing…
Children of Night, Book 6
When Conrad goes full disclosure on the twins’ heritage, Julie isn’t all that surprised. She’s already figured most of it out. But Armand’s shock over learning the woman he loves was born vampire drives him away for space to think. The chasm between Conrad and Damien yawns wider than ever as Conrad grapples with the pain he’s unintentionally inflicted.
As all hell breaks loose at home, Marc is dangerously out of touch on a trip down the coast to find Elise and bring her home—though she insists he’s a fool to trust her.
Armand, still struggling with his own feelings of guilt, inadequacy and betrayal, returns to find the Fischer-Quintano house in chaos. Julie is determined to go ahead with her plans to save Georgia for Conrad’s sake, though the knowledge she seeks—and the venom-drenched ritual she must endure to get it—could cause her to lose her mind. If not her life.
Warning: Handle with care. Contents are under pressure. Contains past violence, present violence, future potential violence, including, but by no means limited to, matricide, fratricide…possibly even patricide. In short, pretty much everything you’d expect to find in a multi-generational vampire love story.


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2015-11-02

November News

November is shaping up to be a busy month! Here's some of what I have going on:

 #1. The first book in my Children of Night series, In the Dark, is going to be on sale for just .99 until November 13. 
In the Dark
When you live forever, you’re bound to make a few mistakes.
Children of Night, Book 1
1969 San Francisco. World-weary Conrad Quintano should have known better than to fall in love with a human—much less Suzanne Fischer, the barely legal, adventure-seeking hippie beauty known as Desert Rose. And the very last thing he should have agreed to do was to raise her babies and protect them with his life. But even twelve-hundred-year-old master vampires can find it hard to reject a deathbed request—especially when issues of love, guilt and blood are involved.
Present day. Raised in virtual isolation, twins Marc and Julie Fischer have always known they are vampires. But they never knew their parentage—or their unique status in the vampire world—until their “uncle” Damian comes to fetch them home. The family reunion, however, isn’t what they expect. They’re thrust into a world for which they’re totally unprepared. And the father they expected to see, Conrad, is missing.
How to find him…and whom to trust? Solving the mystery of betrayal and vampire family values will prove the Beatles had it right. All you needis love…and an occasional side of blood.
Product Warnings
While reading this book you may experience any of the following, an increased desire to wear flowers in your hair, dress in tie-dye or nap during the day. Other symptoms may include an intolerance to sunlight, an aversion to garlic-flavored tofu and a pronounced urge to bake…or get baked.



When you live forever, you’re bound to make a few mistakes. Children of Night, Book 1 1969 San Francisco. World-weary Conrad Quintano should have known better than to fall in love with a human—much less Suzanne Fischer, the barely legal, adventure-seeking hippie beauty known as Desert Rose. And the…


























SAMHAINPUBLISHING.COM


#2 I'm also taking part in a PTSD and Wounded Warrior fundraiser happening now through November 8 on Facebook. 


There's a ton of great books available. I've donated a couple of print copies of Midnight Ink--the book is no longer available ANYWHERE, so if you want one, here's your chance to get it and give back a little to our warriors. 

One tattoo shop in one infamous city sets the stage for 8 ALL NEW stories about resolutions, kink, love and ink. Get ready to let the good times roll! 

#1 All Romance Ebooks Best Seller
Top 10 Amazon Best Seller
Top 50 Barnes & Noble Best Seller

#3. Both In the Dark and Inked Memories (my story in the Midnight Ink antho) are part of Heavenly Sent's second book review bash happening now! 



Welcome To the Book Review Bash the 2nd!

We all know that reviews are a big part of the Authors world. I also know that there are a ton of you that love helping Authors out! 

So this event is to designed to help those Authors we know and love, and maybe some amazing new ones, get those reviews that can help them in ways we just couldn't imagine!


So sit back and prepare to get your reading on. 

#4. Finally, I'll be in Huntington, WV next weekend (November 7 and 8) at the Rebels & Readers Author Event, a two day book signing event. Woohoo! I'll be signing books from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days at the Pullman Plaza Hotel. 

Hope to see you there!

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