Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
In Enemy Hands - Released from DsP today!
Blurb:
Two very different civilizations—one bathed in
bright sunlight, and the other veiled in shadow.
Bad decisions, declining resources, and a king
on the brink of madness force Prince Varo Kutchif, third son of the royal
family and a starship captain, to attempt the impossible: barter for Black
Phospolrock, an energy source the mysterious Helkan kingdom has in abundance.
Varo opens a line of communication with Adlar, an intriguing Helkan who seems to
reciprocate Varo’s interest. He hopes so, because if negotiations collapse,
Varo has orders to attack.
The Helkans preside over a planet shrouded in
perpetual darkness. Several species have tried to
exploit its natural resources through trade with them, but all have
failed. Adlar Mondur is the older brother to the Helkan ruler. An assassin
of the highest order, he’ll do anything to protect his king and his
people—including tracking down the Yesri prince who crash-lands on their
planet, leaving an ugly scar across its untouched beauty.
Thus begins a journey where two men from
disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.
Release date: 30th December
2016
Excerpt:
Chapter
One
“Stars-cursed
planet.”
Snarling,
Varo paced in his private bridge office. Jerking his luxurious cowlarium-hide
desk chair around, he flopped down. Long white-blond hair fell over his
shoulder. Irritated, he shoved it out of the way. He should’ve braided it this
morning, but he’d gotten up late.
He rested
his chin on his knuckles and stared out the port window into the unrelieved
darkness that was space, scowling. Planet Helkan was his focus—with its
permanent swirling cloud cover that more times than not denied their in-depth
scans.
Its
classification was that of a Darkrealm planet. Thanks to the cloud cover
playing peekaboo, only filtured light got through. As such, its ecosystem
either didn’t require much sunlight to live, or its fauna created its own photosynthesize
non-visible light. No one knew much about the planet’s race since they didn’t
travel off-planet much. The ones who did were said to be reserved, unfriendly,
and uncommunicative. Cold, even.
Varo
picked up a report from his desk and scanned it once more. The description of
the inhabitants as cold seemed appropriate. His reports said they were a tall,
pale-skinned people with long black hair, pointed ears, slit pupiled eyes, and
excellent night vision.
Many of
their cities were believed to either be located underground or built into cliff
faces. Even though their technology was superior, that didn’t mean they weren’t
barbaric and ruthless. Animals, really.
There
were also rumors others had attacked the planet at one point long ago. It was
believed to be for the Black Phospolrock crystals. That prompted the Helkans to
protect themselves in the form of a planetary grid.
The
Satellite Surveillance Network, or SSN, was a system of closely linked
satellites that circled the planet. They formed a grid around Helkan. Beams of
energy linked the satellites together. They incorporated their own shields so
asteroids wouldn’t destroy them, but neither could a starship’s weapons system.
Others
had tried in the past. When ships encountered the grid, the main computers
shorted out, leaving the crippled vessels to crash-land on the planet. No one
had any idea what became of the survivors.
When
ambassadors from other planets tried to open talks about prisoners, the Helkans
made it painfully clear they didn’t release hostages. Questions arose. Were
they being treated humanely? Being taken care of? Were they given basic
necessities like food, water, and shelter? Were they being tortured? Enslaved?
If so, what did that slavery entail?
More
disturbing was the gossip Helkans had fangs and drank blood. As a race they had
a terrible reputation, but they were reputed to be gorgeous monsters. Common
sense said to avoid them since they were dangerous and existed solely on the
fringe of society, but common sense often failed when greed was factored in.
The
whispered rumors they took prisoners and used them as a food source only
increased other societies’ repulsion and curiosity. Varo shivered. Who knew
what was true? Many reviled—and feared—the Helkans even as they tried to
bargain with them. The fact they didn’t leave their planet often didn’t help
the gossip about them either.
When
certain leaderships, like his father’s, became aggressive in their tactics, the
Helkans closed their planet borders and refused outsiders the right to enter
their space. How his father thought he could broker anything with a species as
uncivilized as this one was beyond him. He’d been set up to fail, but failure
was not an option. It did not pay to have His Royal Majesty discontented. The
blood-soaked floors of his dungeons proved that.
But that
wasn’t what was most disconcerting. His orders—straight from the king
himself—were to attack if no agreement could be reached. His targets were King
Omori Mondur and his brother, Adlar Mondur.
The very
idea turned his stomach. While he was willing to die in the line of duty,
murder was something completely different. If he attacked it would be
considered an act of war. Lives would be lost—possibly his own. And over what?
A stupid rock.
But what
could he do? His father made it perfectly clear he considered him dispensable.
If he didn’t follow orders, His Royal Highness had been clear: his crew would
suffer for his disobedience.
He had a
choice: murdering beings based on nothing more than their unwillingness to
share their riches—and in the process, possibly forfeiting his own life along
with his crew’s—or facing the insanity that masqueraded as his father’s rule.
His Royal
Highness’s plan was to disrupt the planetary government of Helkan with the
murders of the king and his brother… then the Yesri would invade. The few
advisors brave enough to point out the various flaws in the plan had been
relieved of their duties—permanently. His father brooked no disagreement. Varo
was doomed. If the Helkans didn’t kill him, then his father most assuredly
would. After all, his father had an heir and a spare; he didn’t need Varo.
He
checked his comm. After making a pest of himself, he’d managed to attract the
Helkans’ attention. He’d sent numerous hails requesting an audience with the
king. Finally he received a message back informing him he would be granted an
opportunity to speak.
He took a
deep breath to steady his nerves. This was it. One way or the other. Releasing
the breath, he composed his demeanor, sat at his desk, and had the incoming
message transferred to the on-screen viewer. The blurred images jumped and
hissed across the screen and then cleared.
And every
thought he had flew out of his head.
The
breath froze in Varo’s chest as he stared. There on the screen was the most gorgeous
creature Varo had ever laid eyes on. Long, glossy black hair cascaded over his
shoulders and disappeared from sight.
A narrow
face that was hauntingly beautiful peered back at Varo. Full lips that tilted
up in a slight smirk drew Varo’s attention. A tingle raced up Varo’s spine and
nailed him in the back of the head. Varo was suddenly achingly hard and more
than a little horrified by his response.
But the
otherworldliness of the face on screen was nothing compared to the eyes, the
striking yellow eyes that studied and cataloged Varo too. The tremble that
threatened to shake Varo’s frame caught him off guard. The look in that gaze
was a mixture of scorching heat and frosty coolness—a predator who had Varo in
his sights. The danger he felt flamed his body.
“Captain
Varo of Yesri, I am Adlar. How may I be of service?”
The soft
taunting voice and the hint of fang he saw snapped him out of his momentary
distraction. Gathering his tattered dignity around him, he lifted his chin.
“Greetings from His Royal Highness King Drea Kutchif, supreme ruler of the
planet Yesri. I have been tasked with the mission of approaching your king
concerning a possible agreement about obtaining rights to Black Phospolrock.
Would it be possible to me to speak with King Omori?”
Varo held
his breath. Was this Adlar the king’s brother? Was that why he did not offer a
last name? And if Adlar was royalty, why would he not announce himself as such?
How… odd.
“Unfortunately
no. A small emergency cropped up and King Omori was detained. I would ask that
in his stead, you deal with me. Tell me of this proposal you come bearing.”
It was
not what he hoped for, but it was better than nothing. As Varo recited the
terms and stipulations, he wished desperately he could remove his uniform
jacket. He knew perfectly well his office was climate controlled, but sweat was
trickling down the small of his back, distracting him. His dry mouth certainly
did not help his attempts to sound articulate. Stars, he hadn’t sweated like
this since he was a cadet.
As he
rattled off the terms, he fought the urge to squirm. Adlar’s gaze unnerved him…
and excited him. The brief glimpses of fangs were horrifyingly erotic, and a
complete bewilderment as to why that affected him. For once he was thankful the
screen only showed him from the waist up.
Instinct
told him Adlar would not only notice his arousal, but use it to his advantage.
That was unacceptable. His voice roughened as he spoke. The situation
infuriated him. He refused to let a certain part of his anatomy lead him
around, even if his body had suddenly decided Adlar was the
soon-to-be star of his fantasies.
“I will
speak with King Omori and bring your proposal to him. I’m sure he will have
questions. May I contact you?”
Varo
couldn’t believe it. Of all the possible outcomes he envisioned, this was
certainly not one. From all the things they’d heard about the Helkans, this
reasonable response was confounding.
“I would
very much like to speak with you again,” Varo said. “I don’t suppose you’d be
willing to come here and speak face-to-face, would you?”
“I’m
afraid not. But thank you for the invitation.”
Varo
started to offer him assurances of his safety, but paused. If this Adlar was
indeed related to the king, then he couldn’t in good faith do that. Stars knew
if his king found out he had the brother of the Helkan king on his ship and
didn’t take him prisoner… it didn’t bear thinking about.
“I see.
That’s too bad.” He refused to admit even to himself how badly he’d like to
meet Adlar face-to face. “Please use this secured subspace frequency again for
any questions you may have. And I thank you for your willingness to share my
king’s words with yours.”
“It was
my pleasure.” Adlar nodded and then signed off.
As soon
as the screen went black, Varo stripped off his warm jacket and dropped it on
the small couch in his office. After ordering up a glass of cool, fresh water,
he released the tight hold on his body and slumped on the couch next to his
jacket.
Well,
that short conversation had been a fountain of knowledge. The Helkans were not
as obtuse as first thought. At least he hoped. He also learned the mental image
he’d had of them as tall and wraith-thin monsters was also false. Inconceivably
false, as his hard cock could testify.
He
glanced down at his dick, which was just now deflating. Why in the two moons of
Helkan had his libido decided now to make itself known? And
toward this race? He scrubbed his hands over his face. It was a fluke, nothing
more. Lack of sleep and stress had finally gotten the better of him. That was
all.
It had to
be.
Several
unit hours passed as he tried to distract himself. He checked over crew
schedules and read through several status reports on various parts of his ship.
He okayed an accident report, several requests for transfers to different ship
departments needed to be read over and decided upon, and a note from the ship’s
doctor that he was due for medical checkup he could attend to either here or on
planet once they were back in port.
The day
passed slowly, even though he tried to keep his mind occupied with the daily
happenings aboard the ship. By the time end of shift came, he was climbing the
walls. He wanted to hear Adlar’s voice again. Maybe he needed to have his head
examined when it came time for his medical checkup.
Just as
he was getting ready to leave his private office on the bridge, his comm
signaled an incoming message. His heart pounded. This was past becoming
ridiculous. The readout showed it was from Adlar. His heart rate increased as
he transferred the message from his comm to his viewing screen.
Then it
dropped as he struggled to keep the disappointment from his face when the image
on the screen was not who he expected. Instead it was King Omori. That was
good. Very, very good. Maybe if he said it enough, he could convince himself of
that.
He
quickly explained the reason for his mission and outlined the plan his king had
given him.
King
Omori held up his hand and halted the conversation. “There seems to be some
misunderstanding. We do not grant mining rights. Ever. The one time we allowed
another race to come on planet and mine, the results were disastrous.”
“But I
outlined a plan to your spokesman, Adlar. We would only use as many miners as
needed, use equipment that you sanctioned, and are willing to be supervised.
It’s a very generous package.”
“I am not
sure if Adlar understood you were talking about mining rights.
From what he told me, you were talking about the rights to Black Phospolrock. I
assumed you meant you wanted to speak about an exclusive import agreement with
us concerning the crystal.”
“I… I….”
Varo replayed the earlier conversation and was mortified to see he hadn’t
specified mining rights. Was he so bedazzled by Adlar that he
was careless in his negotiations? What had he done? “I apologize for not
clarifying my intent. If it would be at all possible—”
“Captain
Varo, while I believe the sincerity of your proposal, I’m afraid the proposal
isn’t possible. As I stated, we do not allow anybody on planet. At this point
I’m also not convinced selling the Black Phospolrock is worth the headache it
would entail.”
“Your
Majesty, please, if we could just—”
“If we
supplied one race, we would be opening ourselves up to sharing with many races.
Which eventually would lead to having to deal with others
coming on planet.”
Varo couldn’t
believe this was happening. “But—”
“Eventually
that’s going to lead to problems. It always does. One race is going to feel
another race is getting more than their fair share, or is getting a better
deal, or will have some complaint that, no matter how invalid it is, will blow
up into a disagreement.”
“Maybe
not! We could supply guards to help control—”
“That’s
the last thing we want,” King Omori said. “Not to mention every time we send
the shipment out, we would have to lower our planetary defenses, which opens up
avenues for unscrupulous people to attack. I’m sorry, Captain Varo. The answer
is no.”
Oh
goddess. He actually thought he was going to be able to negotiate this trade
agreement, and now it was falling all the pieces. That left him with one
option, an option he truly detested.
“I also
would ask that you leave our airspace immediately.”
Well,
decision made. “Is there not anything I could do to convince you otherwise,
Your Highness?”
“I
appreciate your dedication, and I’m sorry, but the answer is no. Good day.”
The view
screen went blank. Varo had one unit hour. At the end of that time, life as he
knew it was going to irreparably change.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Finicky Friday - New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas
Welcome to Finicky Friday
Recipe by: Roxanna Parks
We're doing it a little early since I have a release Friday. Oh, and remember, black-eyed peas on New Year's Day brings good
luck for the entire year!
3 h 15 m
16 servings
120 cals
Ingredients
1 pound dry
black-eyed peas
2 cups
chopped cooked ham
salt and
pepper to taste
1 pinch
garlic powder
2 onions,
diced
1 (14.5
ounce) can whole tomatoes
Directions
Place
black-eyed peas in 8 quart pot. Add enough water to fill pot 3/4 full. Stir in
ham and diced onions, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Place
tomatoes in a blender or food processor, and blend until the tomatoes are
liquefied. Add tomatoes to pot. Bring all ingredients to boil.
Cover the pot,
and simmer on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the peas are tender.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
ARe Closing
I'm sure everyone has heard about ARe closing on 12/31/16. Make sure to download your library before the site closes.
Per Dreamspinner:
Announcement in response to All Romance eBooks closure notice: If readers pre-ordered Dreamspinner titles on ARe then you will not be able to download them upon release. If rumors are true, ARe will also not refund pre-orders. Therefore, Dreamspinner offers to fulfill readers' pre-paid Dreamspinner pre-orders from ARe. You need to forward the ARe receipt to contactATdreamspinnerpressDOTcom and the customer service department will be sure you receive the eBook at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
So... if you pre-order In Enemy Hands from ARe then let DsP know. I know Resplendence Publishing is doing this too for their pre-ordered titles, along with several others.
My self-pubbed titles are gone from ARe, and I think all of my DsP titles are too. Please, don't buy my ARe titles. I'm not getting paid for those *at all*. That's right. ARe is going to try to keep all those profits. And for all my other titles, the are only paying 10 cents on the dollar.
So yes, first Storm Moon screwed me over and now ARe is.
Please, guys, make sure to download your libraries there. Do it quick. Authors are pulling their books as fast as they can. If the site crashes, keep trying.
As far as ARe's last minute closing, I'm not making any comments until I find out what my options are. Nothing I say would be fit for y'all's ears anyway. I'll just leave it as I'm PISSED and so damn tired of this shit.
~M
Per Dreamspinner:
Announcement in response to All Romance eBooks closure notice: If readers pre-ordered Dreamspinner titles on ARe then you will not be able to download them upon release. If rumors are true, ARe will also not refund pre-orders. Therefore, Dreamspinner offers to fulfill readers' pre-paid Dreamspinner pre-orders from ARe. You need to forward the ARe receipt to contactATdreamspinnerpressDOTcom and the customer service department will be sure you receive the eBook at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
So... if you pre-order In Enemy Hands from ARe then let DsP know. I know Resplendence Publishing is doing this too for their pre-ordered titles, along with several others.
My self-pubbed titles are gone from ARe, and I think all of my DsP titles are too. Please, don't buy my ARe titles. I'm not getting paid for those *at all*. That's right. ARe is going to try to keep all those profits. And for all my other titles, the are only paying 10 cents on the dollar.
So yes, first Storm Moon screwed me over and now ARe is.
Please, guys, make sure to download your libraries there. Do it quick. Authors are pulling their books as fast as they can. If the site crashes, keep trying.
As far as ARe's last minute closing, I'm not making any comments until I find out what my options are. Nothing I say would be fit for y'all's ears anyway. I'll just leave it as I'm PISSED and so damn tired of this shit.
~M
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Release day for Tre d'amore e di guai (Trouble Comes in Threes - Italian Edition)
Una tempesta di neve – la notte di Capodanno – non promette niente di buono. Dopo una relazione finita male e una serie di disastri domestici, Kirk è in attesa di essere colpito dalla disgrazia numero tre, che si realizza con l’arrivo di due gatti randagi che si mettono subito comodi a casa sua. Kirk ha il cuore tenero e decide di farli restare, anche se c’è qualcosa di strano in quei due mici così affettuosi.
Al riparo dal maltempo e sazi di tonno, Dolf e Tal sono contenti di stare al calduccio a casa di Kirk, ma quando il loro umano esce a prendere della legna per il fuoco e cade perdendo i sensi, i due sono costretti a rivelare la loro vera natura.
Quando Kirk si risveglia, scopre che i gatti sono in realtà due mutaforma che il destino ha scelto come suoi compagni. Per lui non è facile abituarsi all’idea di fare parte di un ménage à trois felino, inoltre la colonia da cui provengono Dolf e Tal ritiene che umani e felini non debbano unirsi. Anche se Kirk ha capito fin da subito che quei due gatti gli avrebbero portato dei guai, non sa che i guai veri sono dietro l’angolo.
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Translator: Emanuela Cardarelli
Genres Holiday / M/M/M or More / Werewolves/Shapeshifters
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Finicky Friday - Polar Bear Cookies
Polar Bear Cookies
Create adorable polar bear cookies using mini marshmallows and easy frosting tricks.
Hey everyone, I thought it'd be fun to post
some recipes I found online for Christmas. I’m going to *try* to do some of
these beforehand, but I’m sure there’ll be times I won't. I'm going to call
this Finicky Friday. :)
Serves: 24
Prep: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients
1 pouch (17.5 oz.) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1 tablespoon flour
1/3 cup softened margarine or spread (spread should have at
least 65% vegetable oil)
1/2 cup Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting
48 miniature marshmallows
1 pouch (7 oz.) Betty Crocker Decorating Cookie Icing
chocolate icing
Instructions
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, mix cookie mix, flour,
melted butter and egg until soft dough forms.
Shape into 24 (1 1/2-inch) balls. Place 2 inches apart on
ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown on
edges. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool
completely.
Using knife, spread 1 teaspoon frosting on cookie.
Immediately sprinkle sugar evenly over frosting. Slightly flatten 2 miniature
marshmallows, and press on cookie for ears. Using chocolate icing, pipe eyes,
nose and mouth on cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
The Novel Approach Blogiversary Celebration and Giveaway
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/blogiversary-celebration-and-giveaway-welcome-to-author-m-a-church/
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Winter Solstice - Holiday Titles on Sale at DsP - Trouble Comes in Threes!
Trouble Comes in Threes, and all its translations, are marked down by 35% for the 21st only!
https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/trouble-comes-in-threes-by-ma-church-756-b
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Winner of the Kindle!
And the winner is:
Kazy Reed!
Sorry for taking so long. My Internet keeps dropping, and even though Comcast has come out, I'm still having problems. I'm not a happy camper. They come back on the twenty-third. Yeah, let's cut this as close to Christmas we can. *sigh*
Anyway, congratulations. Kazy! Email has been sent. :)
~M
Friday, December 16, 2016
Finicky Friday Christmas Style - Cookie and candy collide
Cookie and candy collide.
Hey everyone, I thought it would be spooky good fun to post
some recipes I had found online for Christmas. I’m going to *try* to do some of
these beforehand, but I’m sure there’ll be times I won't. I'm going to call
this Finicky Friday. :)
TOTAL TIME: 1:10
PREP: 0:15
LEVEL: EASY
INGREDIENTS
2 3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 c. jarred caramel
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
DIRECTIONS
Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a small bowl, whisk together
flour and salt.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together butter and
sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture and
mix until completely combined.
Scoop out dough and roll into 1" balls. Place balls
about 2" apart on baking sheet and use a teaspoon measure or your thumb to
press a small divot into each ball. Freeze 30 minutes and preheat oven to 350º.
Bake cookies until golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
Fill each cooled cookie cup with 1 teaspoon caramel and lightly
drizzle with melted chocolate.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
In Enemy Hands cover reveal winner!
Susan Press is the winner from the cover revealed for In Enemy Hands. Email has been sent. :)
~M
Friday, December 9, 2016
Finicky Friday Christmas style - Milk & Cookies Shots
Milk & Cookies Shots
These are the kind of cookies Santa actually wants you to
leave out for him.
Recipe by: CANDACE
BRAUN DAVISON
TOTAL TIME: 0:35
LEVEL: EASY
SERVES: 12 SHOTS
INGREDIENTS
1 tube chocolate chip cookie dough
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp. coconut oil (or butter)
1 part Baileys Irish Cream
1 part milk
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the cups of a muffin
tin, then fill each one with a small ball of cookie dough, pressing down gently
to form a well. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly
golden.
As soon as they’re out, use a shot glass to gently press
down the center of each cookie. Set tray aside to cool for at least 20 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and
coconut oil. Microwave in 25-second intervals, stirring in between, until chips
are fully melted. Line each cookie dough cup with the melted chocolate, place
on a baking sheet or platter, and refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened,
about 15 minutes.
In a shaker filled with ice, combine equal parts Baileys
Irish Cream and milk. Shake, then pour into each cookie shot glass.
Enjoy!!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Disastertastic by Alicia Nordwell
Disastertastic
Blurb:
Sawyer is too busy to worry about something as frivolous as Christmas. College is hard, but he’s focused on getting into law school. Kable is studying to make the family business, Del Buon Gusto, into a successful chain restaurant. When a party debacle at the restaurant gives Kable a chance to get close to Sawyer, he’s shocked to learn Sawyer’s a Christmas Grinch. He's determined to change Sawyer’s mind, but their dates are one debacle after another. It just might not be possible to make this into Sawyer's first Merry Christmas.
What a waste of time. He
could’ve been home starting his paper or even watching a movie if he wanted to
slack off.
Fed up avoiding questions of
family traditions and travel plans, Sawyer strolled away from the crowd in the
dining room and headed toward the tree. He nodded and smiled at a few people
but didn’t stop. Everyone else was enjoying the appetizers that had just come
out, but he’d already had dinner before he left home, since he’d expected to
work. He could pass more time pretending to examine the ornaments or watching
the snow drift down now that the storm finally hit. He’d just have to wait a
little longer until he could politely make his escape.
“You don’t like eggnog?”
“What?” Sawyer blinked and
shrugged the hand off his shoulder. He took a step to the side. He’d been
focused on the snow, watching the puffy flakes float down to coat the sidewalks
and road. The grassy verge along the road was already completely white. He
hadn’t even heard Kable approaching, which was odd because he was normally
impossible to miss. He was just as loud and energetic as his dad.
“Your cup is still full.”
Kable gestured toward the red cup in Sawyer’s hand. “Usually when you don’t
drink something that means you don’t like it.”
“It smells gross, and I
definitely don’t think a dairy product should be this thick and still be
drinkable.” Sawyer’s filter was gone, just like it usually was around Kable. He
got so nervous, he always ended up saying whatever came to him. It wasn’t like
he was trying to hide that he was gay—everyone already knew that—but he hoped
his crush wasn’t as obvious. He’d had enough embarrassment for the evening.
Kable laughed. “Then why’d
you take it?”
“It seemed like the thing to
do.” Sawyer rotated the cup between his palms, disgusted by the way the glop
reacted. Surely it couldn’t be safe to drink the stuff.
“So, is it just dairy-based
holiday drinks you don’t like? Or is it something more? You haven’t had a
single thing to eat, and you’re not exactly dressed for the party. There’s so much fun to be had from dressing
up for Christmas parties.” Kable waved a hand in front his chest. “Like this.”
He was wearing an awful sweater with reindeer prancing around a Christmas tree
that had bedazzled ornaments decorating every puffy bough. Not even something
that hideous could detract from his dark-haired, blue-eyed handsomeness... but
really, Sawyer shouldn’t be noticing that at all.
Sawyer scoffed. “I’d rather
be here in my underwear than wear something like that.”
“Or your uniform?” Kable
gestured toward Sawyer’s black slacks and plain white shirt. “Is it just that you
don’t have another outfit?”
“Of course I have other
outfits! Why would you think that?” Sawyer snapped. His face was hot and
prickly; no one else had mentioned his clothes, even if they noticed he was
wearing his work uniform. It’s not like he was wearing something inappropriate,
like shorts and a t-shirt.
Kable cocked his head to one
side. “If you had something else, why didn’t you wear that?”
“You’re nosy, you know?” He
was always asking questions and getting into everyone’s business. The others
didn’t seem to mind. Kable was Mr. McArthur’s son, and he worked the occasional
shift at the restaurant when they were short a waiter even though he was in
school full-time to get a business degree. He was friendly, sometimes too
friendly, and made Sawyer uncomfortable with his casual intimacy. Kable was
always patting him on the back or arm when they spoke, and Sawyer liked it a
little too much.
“Yep.” Kable grinned. “But
wait, don’t tell me! You never come out for a drink with the rest of us, not
even for coffee, and you’re always studying those books on your breaks. I’ve
never heard you even talk about doing something like going to a party. You thought
you were here to work tonight, didn’t you?”
Sawyer grit his teeth. “So
what? Your dad just said he wanted us all here.”
“And you didn’t put two and
two together?” Kable gestured toward the room.
“I did once I got here. He
said he was throwing a party for friends and family. What else was I going to
think?” Sawyer was getting tired of Kable’s questions. He lifted his before
Kable could notice his scowl and figure out he was getting to him and made the
stupid mistake of taking a drink.
“Oh, ew.” Sawyer desperately
wanted to spit out the eggnog, but there was no polite way to do so. He forced
the mouthful down, swallowing repeatedly in an attempt to get rid of the liquid
still coating his tongue. It was as horrible as he thought it would be. He stared
at the cup in disgust. “People actually drink this... on purpose?”
Buy Links:
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-disastertastic-2183371-149.html
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBH2QQ1
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-disastertastic-2183371-149.html
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBH2QQ1
5 Star Review:
Cute story
of opposites attracts. Kable is outgoing, fun-loving, and charismatic. Sawyer is
a little awkward in social situations, somewhat of a klutz, and has never celebrated
Christmas. His parents didn’t buy into the consumerism of the day. Sawyer even
goes on to list reasons not to participate in Christmas—like how amount of trash the United
States throws out after Christmas contributes to the overflowing landfill
problem the country faces. How there is a rise in medical visits for
stress-related ailments in November and December. Then there’s the mountain of credit
card debt people bury themselves in from anticipating in the miracle that’s
Christmas.
So, Sawyer
is kind of a Grinch, lol. Kable takes it upon himself to show Sawyer why people
celebrate Christmas through a series of dates… and OMG the results are
hysterical.
It’s a sweet
story chock-full of lovely feels—a story you’ll want to read while curled up in
front of a roaring fire in a comfy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate by your
elbow.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Giveaway for a Kindle Fire!! Enter Now!
Okay y'all, time for the super special giveaway! Enter to win a Kindle Fire, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB, black. Open to US only.
In the comments, tell me what you want Santa to bring you for the holidays. Make sure to leave an email addy too. If I can't get in touch with ya, I can't mail the Kindle to ya!
I'll pick the winner Dec 17th.
And I just want to say thank you. I have the bestest fans ever. :)
Merry Christmas!
~M
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Cover Reveal Hosted for In Enemy Hands at MM Good Book Reviews and a giveaway!
Blurb:
Two very different civilizations—one bathed in bright sunlight, and the other veiled in shadow.
Bad decisions, declining resources, and a king on the brink of madness force Prince Varo Kutchif, third son of the royal family and a starship captain, to attempt the impossible: barter for Black Phospolrock, an energy source the mysterious Helkan kingdom has in abundance. Varo opens a line of communication with Adlar, an intriguing Helkan who seems to reciprocate Varo’s interest. He hopes so, because if negotiations collapse, Varo has orders to attack.
The Helkans preside over a planet shrouded in perpetual darkness. Several species have tried to exploit its natural resources through trade with them, but all have failed. Adlar Mondur is the older brother to the Helkan ruler. An assassin of the highest order, he’ll do anything to protect his king and his people—including tracking down the Yesri prince who crash-lands on their planet, leaving an ugly scar across its untouched beauty.
Thus begins a journey where two men from disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.
Two very different civilizations—one bathed in bright sunlight, and the other veiled in shadow.
Bad decisions, declining resources, and a king on the brink of madness force Prince Varo Kutchif, third son of the royal family and a starship captain, to attempt the impossible: barter for Black Phospolrock, an energy source the mysterious Helkan kingdom has in abundance. Varo opens a line of communication with Adlar, an intriguing Helkan who seems to reciprocate Varo’s interest. He hopes so, because if negotiations collapse, Varo has orders to attack.
The Helkans preside over a planet shrouded in perpetual darkness. Several species have tried to exploit its natural resources through trade with them, but all have failed. Adlar Mondur is the older brother to the Helkan ruler. An assassin of the highest order, he’ll do anything to protect his king and his people—including tracking down the Yesri prince who crash-lands on their planet, leaving an ugly scar across its untouched beauty.
Thus begins a journey where two men from disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.
Release date: 30th December
2016
Pre-order:Dreamspinner Press
ebook
Dreamspinner Press paperback
Dreamspinner Press paperback
In Enemy Hands is based on two very
different civilizations—one resides in the shadows, and the other exists in the
bright sunlight.
The Helkans rule over a planet mostly shaded
in darkness with a diverse landscape containing everything from mountainous
regions to lush jungles. Pale skinned with long pitch-black hair and pointed
ears, they embrace the night. Gorgeous creatures who only wish to be left
alone, they sit upon a treasure trove of highly desirable crystals called Black
Phospolrock. Many throughout the stars are well aware how important the
crystals are as an energy source.
Adlar Mondur, oldest brother to the Helkan
king, is a trained assassin. A true and loving family member, he serves his
people faithfully as he trains the D’noir—ten assassins who protect the king.
The Yesri are creatures who dwell in sunlight.
Greed, the age-old motivator, drives this race relentlessly. Bad decisions,
declining resources, nearly empty coffers, and a king one step away from
madness leads the Yesri to attempt to negotiate the Black Phospolrock.
Prince Varo Kutchif, third son of the royal
family and a starship captain, has been tasked with this insurmountable
objective. Failure is not an option, because if negotiations fail, the Yesri
king has informed Varo to attack the planet. The objective is to murder the
king and his brother, then invade Helkan and take over. Varo finds himself in
an unimaginable position.
Thus starts a journey where two males from
vastly different species and ways of thinking go from enemies to lovers.
~~MM Good Book Reviews is having a contest for the cover reveal too! Go HERE to be entered for a chance to win a book from my backlist!~~
Excerpt:
Chapter
One
“Stars-cursed
planet.”
Snarling,
Varo paced in his private bridge office. Jerking his luxurious cowlarium-hide
desk chair around, he flopped down. Long white-blond hair fell over his
shoulder. Irritated, he shoved it out of the way. He should’ve braided it this
morning, but he’d gotten up late.
He rested
his chin on his knuckles and stared out the port window into the unrelieved
darkness that was space, scowling. Planet Helkan was his focus—with its
permanent swirling cloud cover that more times than not denied their in-depth
scans.
Its
classification was that of a Darkrealm planet. Thanks to the cloud cover
playing peekaboo, only filtured light got through. As such, its ecosystem
either didn’t require much sunlight to live, or its fauna created its own
photosynthesize non-visible light. No one knew much about the planet’s race
since they didn’t travel off-planet much. The ones who did were said to be
reserved, unfriendly, and uncommunicative. Cold, even.
Varo
picked up a report from his desk and scanned it once more. The description of
the inhabitants as cold seemed appropriate. His reports said they were a tall,
pale-skinned people with long black hair, pointed ears, slit pupiled eyes, and
excellent night vision.
Many of
their cities were believed to either be located underground or built into cliff
faces. Even though their technology was superior, that didn’t mean they weren’t
barbaric and ruthless. Animals, really.
There
were also rumors others had attacked the planet at one point long ago. It was
believed to be for the Black Phospolrock crystals. That prompted the Helkans to
protect themselves in the form of a planetary grid.
The
Satellite Surveillance Network, or SSN, was a system of closely linked
satellites that circled the planet. They formed a grid around Helkan. Beams of
energy linked the satellites together. They incorporated their own shields so
asteroids wouldn’t destroy them, but neither could a starship’s weapons system.
Others
had tried in the past. When ships encountered the grid, the main computers
shorted out, leaving the crippled vessels to crash-land on the planet. No one
had any idea what became of the survivors.
When
ambassadors from other planets tried to open talks about prisoners, the Helkans
made it painfully clear they didn’t release hostages. Questions arose. Were
they being treated humanely? Being taken care of? Were they given basic
necessities like food, water, and shelter? Were they being tortured? Enslaved?
If so, what did that slavery entail?
More
disturbing was the gossip Helkans had fangs and drank blood. As a race they had
a terrible reputation, but they were reputed to be gorgeous monsters. Common
sense said to avoid them since they were dangerous and existed solely on the
fringe of society, but common sense often failed when greed was factored in.
The whispered
rumors they took prisoners and used them as a food source only increased other
societies’ repulsion and curiosity. Varo shivered. Who knew what was true? Many
reviled—and feared—the Helkans even as they tried to bargain with them. The
fact they didn’t leave their planet often didn’t help the gossip about them
either.
When
certain leaderships, like his father’s, became aggressive in their tactics, the
Helkans closed their planet borders and refused outsiders the right to enter
their space. How his father thought he could broker anything with a species as
uncivilized as this one was beyond him. He’d been set up to fail, but failure
was not an option. It did not pay to have His Royal Majesty discontented. The
blood-soaked floors of his dungeons proved that.
But that
wasn’t what was most disconcerting. His orders—straight from the king
himself—were to attack if no agreement could be reached. His targets were King
Omori Mondur and his brother, Adlar Mondur.
The very
idea turned his stomach. While he was willing to die in the line of duty,
murder was something completely different. If he attacked it would be
considered an act of war. Lives would be lost—possibly his own. And over what?
A stupid rock.
But what
could he do? His father made it perfectly clear he considered him dispensable.
If he didn’t follow orders, His Royal Highness had been clear: his crew would
suffer for his disobedience.
He had a
choice: murdering beings based on nothing more than their unwillingness to
share their riches—and in the process, possibly forfeiting his own life along
with his crew’s—or facing the insanity that masqueraded as his father’s rule.
His Royal
Highness’s plan was to disrupt the planetary government of Helkan with the
murders of the king and his brother… then the Yesri would invade. The few
advisors brave enough to point out the various flaws in the plan had been
relieved of their duties—permanently. His father brooked no disagreement. Varo
was doomed. If the Helkans didn’t kill him, then his father most assuredly would.
After all, his father had an heir and a spare; he didn’t need Varo.
He
checked his comm. After making a pest of himself, he’d managed to attract the
Helkans’ attention. He’d sent numerous hails requesting an audience with the
king. Finally he received a message back informing him he would be granted an
opportunity to speak.
He took a
deep breath to steady his nerves. This was it. One way or the other. Releasing
the breath, he composed his demeanor, sat at his desk, and had the incoming
message transferred to the on-screen viewer. The blurred images jumped and
hissed across the screen and then cleared.
And every
thought he had flew out of his head.
The
breath froze in Varo’s chest as he stared. There on the screen was the most
gorgeous creature Varo had ever laid eyes on. Long, glossy black hair cascaded
over his shoulders and disappeared from sight.
A narrow
face that was hauntingly beautiful peered back at Varo. Full lips that tilted
up in a slight smirk drew Varo’s attention. A tingle raced up Varo’s spine and
nailed him in the back of the head. Varo was suddenly achingly hard and more
than a little horrified by his response.
But the
otherworldliness of the face on screen was nothing compared to the eyes, the
striking yellow eyes that studied and cataloged Varo too. The tremble that
threatened to shake Varo’s frame caught him off guard. The look in that gaze
was a mixture of scorching heat and frosty coolness—a predator who had Varo in
his sights. The danger he felt flamed his body.
“Captain
Varo of Yesri, I am Adlar. How may I be of service?”
The soft
taunting voice and the hint of fang he saw snapped him out of his momentary
distraction. Gathering his tattered dignity around him, he lifted his chin.
“Greetings from His Royal Highness King Drea Kutchif, supreme ruler of the
planet Yesri. I have been tasked with the mission of approaching your king
concerning a possible agreement about obtaining rights to Black Phospolrock.
Would it be possible to me to speak with King Omori?”
Varo held
his breath. Was this Adlar the king’s brother? Was that why he did not offer a
last name? And if Adlar was royalty, why would he not announce himself as such?
How… odd.
“Unfortunately
no. A small emergency cropped up and King Omori was detained. I would ask that
in his stead, you deal with me. Tell me of this proposal you come bearing.”
It was
not what he hoped for, but it was better than nothing. As Varo recited the
terms and stipulations, he wished desperately he could remove his uniform
jacket. He knew perfectly well his office was climate controlled, but sweat was
trickling down the small of his back, distracting him. His dry mouth certainly
did not help his attempts to sound articulate. Stars, he hadn’t sweated like
this since he was a cadet.
As he
rattled off the terms, he fought the urge to squirm. Adlar’s gaze unnerved him…
and excited him. The brief glimpses of fangs were horrifyingly erotic, and a
complete bewilderment as to why that affected him. For once he was thankful the
screen only showed him from the waist up.
Instinct
told him Adlar would not only notice his arousal, but use it to his advantage.
That was unacceptable. His voice roughened as he spoke. The situation
infuriated him. He refused to let a certain part of his anatomy lead him
around, even if his body had suddenly decided Adlar was the
soon-to-be star of his fantasies.
“I will
speak with King Omori and bring your proposal to him. I’m sure he will have
questions. May I contact you?”
Varo
couldn’t believe it. Of all the possible outcomes he envisioned, this was
certainly not one. From all the things they’d heard about the Helkans, this
reasonable response was confounding.
“I would
very much like to speak with you again,” Varo said. “I don’t suppose you’d be
willing to come here and speak face-to-face, would you?”
“I’m
afraid not. But thank you for the invitation.”
Varo
started to offer him assurances of his safety, but paused. If this Adlar was
indeed related to the king, then he couldn’t in good faith do that. Stars knew
if his king found out he had the brother of the Helkan king on his ship and
didn’t take him prisoner… it didn’t bear thinking about.
“I see.
That’s too bad.” He refused to admit even to himself how badly he’d like to meet
Adlar face-to face. “Please use this secured subspace frequency again for any
questions you may have. And I thank you for your willingness to share my king’s
words with yours.”
“It was
my pleasure.” Adlar nodded and then signed off.
As soon
as the screen went black, Varo stripped off his warm jacket and dropped it on
the small couch in his office. After ordering up a glass of cool, fresh water,
he released the tight hold on his body and slumped on the couch next to his
jacket.
Well,
that short conversation had been a fountain of knowledge. The Helkans were not
as obtuse as first thought. At least he hoped. He also learned the mental image
he’d had of them as tall and wraith-thin monsters was also false. Inconceivably
false, as his hard cock could testify.
He
glanced down at his dick, which was just now deflating. Why in the two moons of
Helkan had his libido decided now to make itself known? And
toward this race? He scrubbed his hands over his face. It was a fluke, nothing
more. Lack of sleep and stress had finally gotten the better of him. That was
all.
It had to
be.
Several
unit hours passed as he tried to distract himself. He checked over crew
schedules and read through several status reports on various parts of his ship.
He okayed an accident report, several requests for transfers to different ship
departments needed to be read over and decided upon, and a note from the ship’s
doctor that he was due for medical checkup he could attend to either here or on
planet once they were back in port.
The day
passed slowly, even though he tried to keep his mind occupied with the daily
happenings aboard the ship. By the time end of shift came, he was climbing the
walls. He wanted to hear Adlar’s voice again. Maybe he needed to have his head
examined when it came time for his medical checkup.
Just as
he was getting ready to leave his private office on the bridge, his comm
signaled an incoming message. His heart pounded. This was past becoming
ridiculous. The readout showed it was from Adlar. His heart rate increased as
he transferred the message from his comm to his viewing screen.
Then it
dropped as he struggled to keep the disappointment from his face when the image
on the screen was not who he expected. Instead it was King Omori. That was
good. Very, very good. Maybe if he said it enough, he could convince himself of
that.
He
quickly explained the reason for his mission and outlined the plan his king had
given him.
King
Omori held up his hand and halted the conversation. “There seems to be some
misunderstanding. We do not grant mining rights. Ever. The one time we allowed
another race to come on planet and mine, the results were disastrous.”
“But I
outlined a plan to your spokesman, Adlar. We would only use as many miners as
needed, use equipment that you sanctioned, and are willing to be supervised.
It’s a very generous package.”
“I am not
sure if Adlar understood you were talking about mining rights.
From what he told me, you were talking about the rights to Black Phospolrock. I
assumed you meant you wanted to speak about an exclusive import agreement with
us concerning the crystal.”
“I… I….”
Varo replayed the earlier conversation and was mortified to see he hadn’t
specified mining rights. Was he so bedazzled by Adlar that he
was careless in his negotiations? What had he done? “I apologize for not
clarifying my intent. If it would be at all possible—”
“Captain
Varo, while I believe the sincerity of your proposal, I’m afraid the proposal
isn’t possible. As I stated, we do not allow anybody on planet. At this point
I’m also not convinced selling the Black Phospolrock is worth the headache it
would entail.”
“Your
Majesty, please, if we could just—”
“If we
supplied one race, we would be opening ourselves up to sharing with many races.
Which eventually would lead to having to deal with others
coming on planet.”
Varo
couldn’t believe this was happening. “But—”
“Eventually
that’s going to lead to problems. It always does. One race is going to feel
another race is getting more than their fair share, or is getting a better
deal, or will have some complaint that, no matter how invalid it is, will blow
up into a disagreement.”
“Maybe
not! We could supply guards to help control—”
“That’s
the last thing we want,” King Omori said. “Not to mention every time we send
the shipment out, we would have to lower our planetary defenses, which opens up
avenues for unscrupulous people to attack. I’m sorry, Captain Varo. The answer
is no.”
Oh
goddess. He actually thought he was going to be able to negotiate this trade
agreement, and now it was falling all the pieces. That left him with one
option, an option he truly detested.
“I also
would ask that you leave our airspace immediately.”
Well,
decision made. “Is there not anything I could do to convince you otherwise,
Your Highness?”
“I
appreciate your dedication, and I’m sorry, but the answer is no. Good day.”
The view
screen went blank. Varo had one unit hour. At the end of that time, life as he
knew it was going to irreparably change.
~Cover done by the wonderful Anne Cain
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