Family
I write in a paranormal setting with vampires and witches and shapeshifters (oh my!), but the heart of my work is family - and all that can mean and entail. It's human nature to bond, so if we don't have blood family, we gather people around us.
Blood is thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood.
In the Strange Allies series, Della has a higher calling, but making sure her mother is taken care of always comes first, and she feels horrible every time she has to lie to her mother about her job. It's been the two of them since she was five years old, so leaving home is painful. Because Della isn't a normal girl, there will be no college graduation ceremony, no wedding to a nice man, and no grandbabies for her mother to spoil, but she'll let her mother hold on to those dreams as long as possible.
In the Children of Ossiria series, Carys starts out fiercely independent. She's able to do anything she wants when she decides to do it, so accepting increased burdens and letting people in is something she struggles with since it brings the risk of loss. Making friends is easy, but falling in love is the last thing she wanted to do for a while. Enter William.
In Outcast, Michael becomes a young father, but he's also a paladin, and the supernatural world is no place for an infant. His daughter it sent to live with her grandparents, but despite still technically in his teens at the start of the book, he's committed to knowing her and making sure she grows up with the best they can do.
How do you keep your family safe in a world of monsters?
Is having a family - blood or otherwise - a blessing or a liability?
What if your children have greater destinies that cannot be avoided?
These and more questions are the issues my characters face in all of my books.
Background: I have no close family. My parents and grandparents are gone. I've never married and never had children. My closest friends all live outside California, so it's me and Scrapper, the cat that sheds enough to make more cats. At 39, I'm okay with a quiet life, but it was a lot harder to deal with in my twenties, so my characters get to explore questions and avenues I never got to do.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Friday, August 26, 2016
Paranormal Heat Wave Event #paranormalsummerheatwave
Paranormal Heat Wave Event - Aug. 26 & 27
http://pnrlovers.com/paranormal-heat-wave/
Grab these books before the price goes up!
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Bad Boys After Dark release day! #shifters #vampires #ghosts #PNR #books
BAD BOYS AFTER DARK
Official site: https://badboysafterdark.com/
Dark, dangerous, deadly, and full of desire.
Paranormal creatures stalk the night and find their mates in
this collection of stories to be read at bedtime and fantasized about in
dreams. A power that can’t be resisted. A wild streak that can’t be tamed. A
passion that fulfills a woman in ways she never imagined. All these are
contained in a volume of tempting FULL-LENGTH NOVELS by eight AWARD WINNING and
BESTSELLING romance authors.
Shifters, vampires, ghosts, and more inhabit these night
time worlds, existing in the gray realm between good and evil. Whether you like
your hero furry, fanged, aggressive or more subtly seductive, this set is for
you!
$0.99.
Monday, August 1, 2016
MATE release day! #PNR #newrelease #books #vampires
MATE (Children of Ossiria #4)
Mate - Book #4 - August 1, 2016 Apple | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords |
I am Kalana of Ossiria, empress and last of my kind.
I am Carys Taylor, Earth woman.
After the events of GODDESS, Carys sets out to restore Ossiria. Once her orders are being carried out, she returns home to Southern California only to find that weeks have passed instead of days. Convincing William she isn’t possessed doesn’t come easily, but once they’re finally reunited, their relationship solidifies—until a fateful trip to Ossiria.
Caught up in recent insatiable lust, the couple enters into a mating claim on the magical planet, only for Carys to wake up knowing they’ve made an impulsive mistake. Armed with Kalana’s memories, she rescinds her claim on William, putting him in dominance until they’re ready for the consequences of Ossirian magic.
But William has been in a one-sided claim before and it didn’t end well. Will he sabotage their relationship with his vampire tendencies, or are he and Carys destined to become eternal mates? Secrets and surprises will test them like never before.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.
I am Kalana of Ossiria, empress and last of my kind.
I am Carys Taylor, Earth woman.
After the events of GODDESS, Carys sets out to restore Ossiria. Once her orders are being carried out, she returns home to Southern California only to find that weeks have passed instead of days. Convincing William she isn’t possessed doesn’t come easily, but once they’re finally reunited, their relationship solidifies—until a fateful trip to Ossiria.
Caught up in recent insatiable lust, the couple enters into a mating claim on the magical planet, only for Carys to wake up knowing they’ve made an impulsive mistake. Armed with Kalana’s memories, she rescinds her claim on William, putting him in dominance until they’re ready for the consequences of Ossirian magic.
But William has been in a one-sided claim before and it didn’t end well. Will he sabotage their relationship with his vampire tendencies, or are he and Carys destined to become eternal mates? Secrets and surprises will test them like never before.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.
Friday, July 1, 2016
OUTCAST on sale now at all retailers! #PNR #urbanfantasy #newrelease #books
Outcast - Children of Ossiria #3
What will you fight for?
Family?
Honor?
The adrenaline rush?
Because you know no other way?
OUTCAST follows the journeys of three paladins doing their best to keep the people they care about alive in a world where monsters are real and there’s a very good reason to be afraid of the dark.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.
*Discover how the good guys came together. Origin story for Michael, Catherine, Bethany, Hope, and more. Takes place prior to the events in PROTECTOR.
$4.99. Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords (50% off in July) |
What will you fight for?
Family?
Honor?
The adrenaline rush?
Because you know no other way?
OUTCAST follows the journeys of three paladins doing their best to keep the people they care about alive in a world where monsters are real and there’s a very good reason to be afraid of the dark.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.
*Discover how the good guys came together. Origin story for Michael, Catherine, Bethany, Hope, and more. Takes place prior to the events in PROTECTOR.
$4.99. Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords (50% off in July) |
Children of Ossiria series:
The First Vampires (prequel)
Protector
Goddess
Outcast
Mate (August 1, 2016)
Thursday, June 23, 2016
OUTCAST release day! Children of Ossiria #3 is live!
OUTCAST is on sale now!
Outcast - Book #3 - Smashwords | Apple | Barnes and Noble | Kobo |
What will you fight for?
Family?
Honor?
The adrenaline rush?
Because you know no other way?
OUTCAST follows the journeys of three paladins doing their best to keep the people they care about alive in a world where monsters are real and there’s a very good reason to be afraid of the dark.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.
*Discover how the good guys came together. Origin story for Michael, Catherine, Bethany, Hope, and more. Takes place prior to the events in PROTECTOR.
Outcast - Book #3 - Smashwords | Apple | Barnes and Noble | Kobo |
What will you fight for?
Family?
Honor?
The adrenaline rush?
Because you know no other way?
OUTCAST follows the journeys of three paladins doing their best to keep the people they care about alive in a world where monsters are real and there’s a very good reason to be afraid of the dark.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.
*Discover how the good guys came together. Origin story for Michael, Catherine, Bethany, Hope, and more. Takes place prior to the events in PROTECTOR.
$4.99.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Pre-order OUTCAST - Children of Ossiria #3! #books #newrelease #paladins #vampires
What will you fight for?
Family?
Honor?
The adrenaline rush?
Because you know no other way?
OUTCAST follows the journeys of three paladins doing their best to keep the people they care about alive in a world where monsters are real and there’s a very good reason to be afraid of the dark.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.
*Discover how the good guys came together. Origin story for Michael, Catherine, Bethany, Hope, and more. Takes place prior to the events in PROTECTOR.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Scrapper is sick. #cats
My poor kitty
If you've visited my blog or Facebook for a while, you've seen Scrapper pics. If you're new, meet my baby. He needs your help.
This is Scrapper, who turns 13 on May 22nd. He joined our family in July 2003 when he followed me home on my way back from the grocery store as a tiny flea-ridden kitten and never left. His nickname is "the cow" because of the brown patches on his white coat. He's very vocal, quite neurotic, and one of the sweetest animals you'll ever meet. I joke that he's a reincarnated dog. He even learned to sit before receiving a treat.
Recently, suddenly, he lost a lot of weight, and then a week ago (May 5) stopped eating his kibble. We took him to the vet Saturday, and $350 later, he was diagnosed with dehydration, hyperthyroidism, a gallbladder stone, bladder crystals, and a rounded spleen or liver on the x-ray. He also had a few fleas and a tapeworm from the fleas. Vet gave him a hydration shot, flea med, and dewormer, and sent him home while we waited on lab results.
The one upshot is that she said his bones and joints were excellent for his age and he did seem to be healthy before his recent trouble.
Monday, we got the blood and urine test results. Confirmed all the above plus elevated liver enzymes. I asked the vet what we should tackle first, and she said if it was her cat, she'd get an ultrasound to check for a mass. Anyone who has raised and lost pets knows that senior cats with with tumors are not long for this world. We scheduled the ultrasound for Wednesday since that was when the specialist had the next opening.
It's been a struggle to interest him in food, and he vomited on Sunday and Monday nights.
That was yesterday. We dropped him off by nine AM, then came back later for the diagnosis. The good news - no cancer! There is no tumor of any kind.
The bad news - Poor Scrapper has what they call a trifecta of organ inflammation in cats including pancreatitis, plus an inflamed bowel. He's hospitalized at the vet for another 2 or 3 days to receive IV meds and hydration. $350 for the ultrasound. The vet stay and meds will be at least another $700 depending on 2 or 3 days. We've already had to put costs on credit.
We get a copy of the ultrasound specialist's full report and recommendations today (Thursday).
Once he's treated for the immediate badness, he'll go on a special bland diet for his tummy that will also help clear up the gallbladder stone and crystals. After all THAT will be treatment for his thyroid - radioactive iodine to kill the growth throwing his hormones out of whack.
"Radioactive iodine therapy. This is probably the safest and most effective treatment option. Radioactive iodine, given by injection, becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland, where it irradiates and destroys the hyperfunctioning tissue. No anesthesia or surgery is required, and only one treatment is usually needed to achieve a cure. It used to be that radioiodine treatment was performed only in specialized, licensed facilities, but many private treatment facilities are now found throughout the country. Hospitalization may be prolonged; depending on local or state ordinances, cats may need to be kept at the treatment facility for 10 to 14 days until the level of radioactivity in their urine and feces decreases to an acceptable level. Also, radioiodine therapy is costly. The price tag has come down from about $1,200 to between $500 and $800-but this is still prohibitive for many cat owners."
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-hyperthyroidism?page=2
Obviously, we're attached after 13 years, his human dad especially so since we lost our elder cat Chase in 2012. Scrapper had never bonded with him until then, but now spends time on his lap nearly every night during TV time. It's been a very worrying week for us!
I've set up a GoFundMe page. Neither of us make much money with our jobs, so the help really is needed to not go potentially thousands of dollars in debt to bring Scrapper back to health. Thank you for contributing!
If you've visited my blog or Facebook for a while, you've seen Scrapper pics. If you're new, meet my baby. He needs your help.
This is Scrapper, who turns 13 on May 22nd. He joined our family in July 2003 when he followed me home on my way back from the grocery store as a tiny flea-ridden kitten and never left. His nickname is "the cow" because of the brown patches on his white coat. He's very vocal, quite neurotic, and one of the sweetest animals you'll ever meet. I joke that he's a reincarnated dog. He even learned to sit before receiving a treat.
Recently, suddenly, he lost a lot of weight, and then a week ago (May 5) stopped eating his kibble. We took him to the vet Saturday, and $350 later, he was diagnosed with dehydration, hyperthyroidism, a gallbladder stone, bladder crystals, and a rounded spleen or liver on the x-ray. He also had a few fleas and a tapeworm from the fleas. Vet gave him a hydration shot, flea med, and dewormer, and sent him home while we waited on lab results.
The one upshot is that she said his bones and joints were excellent for his age and he did seem to be healthy before his recent trouble.
Monday, we got the blood and urine test results. Confirmed all the above plus elevated liver enzymes. I asked the vet what we should tackle first, and she said if it was her cat, she'd get an ultrasound to check for a mass. Anyone who has raised and lost pets knows that senior cats with with tumors are not long for this world. We scheduled the ultrasound for Wednesday since that was when the specialist had the next opening.
It's been a struggle to interest him in food, and he vomited on Sunday and Monday nights.
That was yesterday. We dropped him off by nine AM, then came back later for the diagnosis. The good news - no cancer! There is no tumor of any kind.
The bad news - Poor Scrapper has what they call a trifecta of organ inflammation in cats including pancreatitis, plus an inflamed bowel. He's hospitalized at the vet for another 2 or 3 days to receive IV meds and hydration. $350 for the ultrasound. The vet stay and meds will be at least another $700 depending on 2 or 3 days. We've already had to put costs on credit.
We get a copy of the ultrasound specialist's full report and recommendations today (Thursday).
Once he's treated for the immediate badness, he'll go on a special bland diet for his tummy that will also help clear up the gallbladder stone and crystals. After all THAT will be treatment for his thyroid - radioactive iodine to kill the growth throwing his hormones out of whack.
"Radioactive iodine therapy. This is probably the safest and most effective treatment option. Radioactive iodine, given by injection, becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland, where it irradiates and destroys the hyperfunctioning tissue. No anesthesia or surgery is required, and only one treatment is usually needed to achieve a cure. It used to be that radioiodine treatment was performed only in specialized, licensed facilities, but many private treatment facilities are now found throughout the country. Hospitalization may be prolonged; depending on local or state ordinances, cats may need to be kept at the treatment facility for 10 to 14 days until the level of radioactivity in their urine and feces decreases to an acceptable level. Also, radioiodine therapy is costly. The price tag has come down from about $1,200 to between $500 and $800-but this is still prohibitive for many cat owners."
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-hyperthyroidism?page=2
Obviously, we're attached after 13 years, his human dad especially so since we lost our elder cat Chase in 2012. Scrapper had never bonded with him until then, but now spends time on his lap nearly every night during TV time. It's been a very worrying week for us!
I've set up a GoFundMe page. Neither of us make much money with our jobs, so the help really is needed to not go potentially thousands of dollars in debt to bring Scrapper back to health. Thank you for contributing!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
GODDESS is out today! #UF #books #vampires #shapeshifters #newrelease
GODDESS release day!
Free of the burden of knowledge about the future, William and Carys start dating, which isn’t without its challenges. Some of Carys’ friends don’t approve of the vampire and Carys is carrying baggage from her previous relationship that rears its head every time she and William get close. Trusting him with her life is easy. Trusting him with her heart is terrifying.
Meanwhile, a new and sinister supernatural threat arrives in Southern California. The Valarakan have been warriors for thousands of years, so our team of heroes will have to be on top of their game to beat them, but discover too late that Carys’ true destiny as Protector is much more life-changing than anyone could've predicted.
Picks up where TRAVELER ended.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult situations.
76,000 words. $4.99. March 1, 2016. Barnes and Noble | Apple | Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | ARe |
You can still win copies of Protector and Traveler! Enter here
Free of the burden of knowledge about the future, William and Carys start dating, which isn’t without its challenges. Some of Carys’ friends don’t approve of the vampire and Carys is carrying baggage from her previous relationship that rears its head every time she and William get close. Trusting him with her life is easy. Trusting him with her heart is terrifying.
Meanwhile, a new and sinister supernatural threat arrives in Southern California. The Valarakan have been warriors for thousands of years, so our team of heroes will have to be on top of their game to beat them, but discover too late that Carys’ true destiny as Protector is much more life-changing than anyone could've predicted.
Picks up where TRAVELER ended.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult situations.
76,000 words. $4.99. March 1, 2016. Barnes and Noble | Apple | Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | ARe |
You can still win copies of Protector and Traveler! Enter here
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
#Giveaway starts today! Enter now to win copies of my #books!
Protector and Traveler giveaway
PROTECTOR:
First in a new series!
Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control. Equipped with a nice inheritance, she goes where she wants, when she wants, pursuing anything that interests her. So when her old professor asks her to come on a research trip for his thesis, she's eager to tag along.
Until that ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human being in existence. The reclusive tribe calls her their Protector - but from what? And why now? Why her?
Carys is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Is she up to the task?
TRAVELER:
Carys Taylor faced her first mission as Protector and won. Life is back to the new normal, but normal never lasts.
Especially when your teenage daughter pops up in your apartment. Carys didn't think she could have children, so Anastasia's appearance is a shocking miracle. But while spending a day with the teen is a gift Carys would never trade, knowing the future is dangerous. The wrong life choice could change this young girl's destiny.
Between dodging a bounty hunter, dealing with a persistent vampire determined to make her his girlfriend, and meeting her future child, Carys’ first year as a Protector is full of challenges. What does a girl have to do to find a little peace?
Traveler picks up where Protector left off in this exciting new fantasy series, Children of Ossiria.
PROTECTOR:
First in a new series!
Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control. Equipped with a nice inheritance, she goes where she wants, when she wants, pursuing anything that interests her. So when her old professor asks her to come on a research trip for his thesis, she's eager to tag along.
Until that ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human being in existence. The reclusive tribe calls her their Protector - but from what? And why now? Why her?
Carys is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Is she up to the task?
TRAVELER:
Carys Taylor faced her first mission as Protector and won. Life is back to the new normal, but normal never lasts.
Especially when your teenage daughter pops up in your apartment. Carys didn't think she could have children, so Anastasia's appearance is a shocking miracle. But while spending a day with the teen is a gift Carys would never trade, knowing the future is dangerous. The wrong life choice could change this young girl's destiny.
Between dodging a bounty hunter, dealing with a persistent vampire determined to make her his girlfriend, and meeting her future child, Carys’ first year as a Protector is full of challenges. What does a girl have to do to find a little peace?
Traveler picks up where Protector left off in this exciting new fantasy series, Children of Ossiria.
Friday, February 5, 2016
GODDESS cover reveal! #fridayreads #books #urbanfantasy #PNR
GODDESS Cover Reveal
Free of the burden of knowledge about the future, William and Carys start dating, which isn’t without its challenges. Some of Carys’ friends don’t approve of the vampire and Carys is carrying baggage from her previous relationship that rears its head every time she and William get close. Trusting him with her life is easy. Trusting him with her heart is terrifying.
Meanwhile, a new and sinister supernatural threat arrives in Southern California. The Valarakan have been warriors for thousands of years, so our team of heroes will have to be on top of their game to beat them, but discover too late that Carys’ true destiny as Protector is much more life-changing than anyone could've predicted.
Picks up where TRAVELER ended.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult situations.
76,000 words. $4.99. March 1, 2016. Barnes and Noble | Apple | Amazon |
Free of the burden of knowledge about the future, William and Carys start dating, which isn’t without its challenges. Some of Carys’ friends don’t approve of the vampire and Carys is carrying baggage from her previous relationship that rears its head every time she and William get close. Trusting him with her life is easy. Trusting him with her heart is terrifying.
Meanwhile, a new and sinister supernatural threat arrives in Southern California. The Valarakan have been warriors for thousands of years, so our team of heroes will have to be on top of their game to beat them, but discover too late that Carys’ true destiny as Protector is much more life-changing than anyone could've predicted.
Picks up where TRAVELER ended.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult situations.
76,000 words. $4.99. March 1, 2016. Barnes and Noble | Apple | Amazon |
Artwork done by the lovely Sotia Lazu, who does all the Children of Ossiria covers.
Friday, January 22, 2016
GODDESS - Coming March 1, 2016! #new #books
Children of Ossiria #3
Title and blurb reveal for the next book in my series!
GODDESS
Free of the burden of knowledge about the future, William and Carys start dating, which isn’t without its challenges. Some of Carys’ friends don’t approve of the vampire and Carys is carrying baggage from her previous relationship that rears its head every time she and William get close. Trusting him with her life is easy. Trusting him with her heart is terrifying.
Meanwhile, a new and sinister supernatural threat arrives in Southern California. The Valarakan have been warriors for thousands of years, so our team of heroes will have to be on top of their game to beat them, but discover too late that Carys’ true destiny as Protector is much more life-changing than anyone could've predicted.
Picks up where TRAVELER ended.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult situations.
76,000 words. $4.99. March 1, 2016.
Cover reveal coming soon.
Title and blurb reveal for the next book in my series!
GODDESS
Free of the burden of knowledge about the future, William and Carys start dating, which isn’t without its challenges. Some of Carys’ friends don’t approve of the vampire and Carys is carrying baggage from her previous relationship that rears its head every time she and William get close. Trusting him with her life is easy. Trusting him with her heart is terrifying.
Meanwhile, a new and sinister supernatural threat arrives in Southern California. The Valarakan have been warriors for thousands of years, so our team of heroes will have to be on top of their game to beat them, but discover too late that Carys’ true destiny as Protector is much more life-changing than anyone could've predicted.
Picks up where TRAVELER ended.
This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult situations.
76,000 words. $4.99. March 1, 2016.
Cover reveal coming soon.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
#Free Story! The First Vampires - Children of Ossiria prequel #books #vampires #fridayreads
The First Vampires
Jolana has served the Ossirian god of war as a seer for as long as she can remember. When he chooses her to be his instrument of destruction, she devotes herself to the task—starting with young Isa.
Isa is a healer and when Jolana comes into his shop, he knows she is trouble but the beautiful Eridae cannot be resisted. Soon, he is drawn into a war between gods that will alter the universe forever.
This story is a prequel for the Children of Ossiria series.
Read for free here. Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Wattpad |
Jolana has served the Ossirian god of war as a seer for as long as she can remember. When he chooses her to be his instrument of destruction, she devotes herself to the task—starting with young Isa.
Isa is a healer and when Jolana comes into his shop, he knows she is trouble but the beautiful Eridae cannot be resisted. Soon, he is drawn into a war between gods that will alter the universe forever.
This story is a prequel for the Children of Ossiria series.
Read for free here. Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Wattpad |
Friday, January 1, 2016
PROTECTOR Release Day! #newrelease #books #vampires #urbanfantasy
PROTECTOR Blog Tour
Title – Protector (Children of Ossiria #1)
Author – Vivian Lane
Genre – Urban Fantasy
Book Blurb:
First in a new series!
Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control. Equipped with a nice inheritance, she goes where she wants, when she wants, pursuing anything that interests her. So when her old professor asks her to come on a research trip for his thesis, she's eager to tag along.
Until that ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human being in existence. The reclusive tribe calls her their Protector - but from what? And why now? Why her?
Carys is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Is she up to the task?
Buy Links - Jan. 1, 2016. Apple | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo
January 4: fuonlyknew
January 5: Christine Young
January 6: Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
January 7: Dena Garson - Real... Hot... Romance
January 8: Reviews by Crystal
January 11: Welcome to My World of Dreams
January 12: The Avid Reader
January 13: Long and Short Reviews
January 14: Wendi Zwaduk ~ Romance to Make Your Heart Race
January 14: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
January 15: Danita Minnis
Check out the PROTECTOR release tour! Much thanks to all the hosts for having me.
December 28: Carla Krae
January 1: Sotia Lazu
January 1: Tracey Clark
January 4: Maer Wilson
January 6: N.N. Light
Title – Protector (Children of Ossiria #1)
Author – Vivian Lane
Genre – Urban Fantasy
Book Blurb:
First in a new series!
Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control. Equipped with a nice inheritance, she goes where she wants, when she wants, pursuing anything that interests her. So when her old professor asks her to come on a research trip for his thesis, she's eager to tag along.
Until that ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human being in existence. The reclusive tribe calls her their Protector - but from what? And why now? Why her?
Carys is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Is she up to the task?
Buy Links - Jan. 1, 2016. Apple | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo
January 4: fuonlyknew
January 5: Christine Young
January 6: Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
January 7: Dena Garson - Real... Hot... Romance
January 8: Reviews by Crystal
January 11: Welcome to My World of Dreams
January 12: The Avid Reader
January 13: Long and Short Reviews
January 14: Wendi Zwaduk ~ Romance to Make Your Heart Race
January 14: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
January 15: Danita Minnis
Friday, December 25, 2015
#Christmas Scene #4 - Protector excerpt
Christmas Scene #4
This scene takes place on the day after Christmas.
Was she trying to kill me? First the black bikini, then the top with a sheer back and no bra. The way she danced…I could fantasize for a century with that woman’s moves.
And that was as far as it should ever go. Every woman he’d fancied had tried to kill him. Sometimes more than once. Anything more than sex was a bad idea with his luck.
He flipped channels in what was now his usual chair, Shadow on his lap again. Didn’t know why he let the little buggers near him except for enjoying the warmth. Maybe because they liked him.
“That explains why I didn’t see him upstairs,” Carys said.
“You girls have a nice chat?”
“What did you hear?”
“Their arrival.”
“Yeah. Hope might have a potential boyfriend at school. He’s been too shy to talk to her, so we told her to introduce herself.”
“She’s too young.”
“You sound like her father.”
“Pffft. She’s a child, though.”
“She’s smart. She’ll be fine. I think any boy will have a hard time measuring up.”
Annabelle hated it when William screened her boyfriends. Used to scare them off. Then ran background checks in modern years. She was too trusting. And too willing to give away his money.
“Ready to share your story?” he asked.
Carys sighed and sat down. “On top of what you know, I also have a strong sense of smell and all my previous ailments are gone.
Back in June, I went down to a remote village in a South American jungle to record their music. An old professor invited me to come along on his research expedition. Long story short, they did a ritual the last night without telling us what it was really for and infused me with the essence of their goddess. The panther is the symbol for their god of protection, and every one-hundred years they choose a Protector to guard their people. This time, it was me.
I’m supposed to be able to shape-shift at night, too, though I haven’t tried it since I don’t know what I’ll turn in to. I’ve been learning what I can do ever since, and practicing for the time they summon me for help. I got this bracelet, and the carved claw I sometimes wear, as gifts before I came back home. Like I said last night, I feel they will need me soon. You can bring on the cat jokes any time.”
“Is that why you didn’t tell me? ‘Cause you thought I would make fun of you? Okay, I might say one or two things in jest, but I know this hasn’t been a joke for you. I saw you take on that vamp behind the bar when you first came to town. You didn’t freak out. You took care of that girl and got her home safe. You’ve handled everything thrown at you in style. Don’t ever be ashamed of what you are, love. You’re a powerful woman.”
“Wystan is looking into the history of Protectors. These people only choose a new guardian every hundred years, so either the danger only comes along once, you have old people still trying to fight, or maybe they grew old at a slower rate. I have no idea how long I’m going to be expected to carry this role, or if I go back to normal after the job’s done. I’m going to have to test shape-shifting, too, one of these days, and I’m not taking the risk of harming innocent people.”
“I’ll help if you want me to.”
“Thanks. How long did it take you to tune out noises and scents when you were turned? I had to wear earplugs for over a week.”
“Can’t remember now, it’s been so long. I don’t think about it anymore.”
She brushed her hair back and leaned into the chair.
“You’re wearing the earrings.”
“Yes. They’re beautiful. I love black pearls.”
“I remembered the pendant you wore on Thanksgiving. The black suits you better than white. Exotic. That was the part of your scent I couldn’t figure out when I saw you at the bar. Now I know it’s jungle cat.”
“Thanks. I think. That night was overwhelming. It was the first time I’d been in a crowd of people so close together with these new senses. Doesn’t the loud music give you a headache? I have to take pain pills every time I’m in there.”
“Sometimes. I guess I got used to it.”
“Huh. Well, there’s hope, then.” She smiled at him.
“So what’s the story with your friend at the restaurant?”
“Hunter. He’s an old friend from high school. We were in choir together. I might set him up with Sarah.”
“Did you ever hook up?”
“No. Only friends. He briefly dated my best friend. I didn’t date in high school.”
“Why the bloody hell not?” She was gorgeous.
“When you wear glasses and sing in the choir, you don’t get asked out. I had lots of guy friends, but I didn’t date until college.” She shrugged. “I didn’t mind much. High school boys were so immature. They’re not real ‘cause they’re still figuring out who they want to be. It was all about status and popularity. I hung out with the honor students and discussed science and history.”
“Daniel your only ex?”
“No. There’s Victor. Ex fiancé. We were too young. Dan was kind of a rebound from that, and we split last May. Victor is married with kids now.”
“Was he your first date?”
“Not really. I went out once with a friend, and kinda dated a different guy shortly before meeting Victor. We kissed a few times, then he went back to his old girlfriend. That’s it, unless you want to count the boy when I was four.”
“You had a little preschool boyfriend?”
“Don’t mock, mister! Best boyfriend I ever had. It was pure, innocent affection with no head trips. We moved away from each other when I was seven. He took care of me even though I was the older one.”
“Cradle robber, eh?”
“By five months. Daniel is two and a half years younger than me.”
“So you like younger boys.”
“No, it just worked out that way. My mother was older than my father, and my grandmother was older than my grandfather. My grandparents were the only ones to stay together, so—”
“Not a proven method.”
“No. They were just as much in love when my grandfather died as when they got married, if not more so. The pool cue on the wall, that’s been shortened? That was Grandpa’s. He kept food in their mouths during the Depression with that. He was one of those guys who does the math for the whole table at one shot and runs it out. He could do that with either hand. I have a picture in my wallet of him from 1936. My mother always said I have his smirk.”
We watched the TV for a while.
“Why do you stay? I’m sure you could go anywhere if you wanted to,” she asked.
“Thought about that one a lot, haven’t you?”
“Yes. There has to be somewhere you like better. And don’t give me the curse excuse again.”
He sighed. Yes, there were many places he preferred more than Southern California, but finding Sunny to reverse the curse was important. Couldn’t be his true self hobbled like this. But…Carys was starting to be a second reason to stay. “Been in a lot worse places. Seen a hell of a lot of the world. New York was fun. Brazil was alright. Can’t stand Paris. The Orient was interesting. Met my first paladin in Japan.”
“Demons revel in anarchy, huh.”
“Most do. Vampires crave blood, violence, and sex. Everything boils down to the hunt.”
“You control your urges.”
“I’m old. It’s more about embracing that part and appeasing it in ways it can accept. I kill demons instead of humans because it’s still violence.”
She yawned.
“Go to bed, kitten. You’ve looked sleepy for the past half hour.
“I guess you’re right. We good?”
“Right as rain.”
She stood, ruffling his hair on her way out. “Night, William.”
Protector - Book #1 - Releasing Jan. 1, 2016. Apple | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Smashwords
First in a new series!
Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control. Equipped with a nice inheritance, she goes where she wants, when she wants, pursuing anything that interests her. So when her old professor asks her to come on a research trip for his thesis, she's eager to tag along.
Until that ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human being in existence. The reclusive tribe calls her their Protector - but from what? And why now? Why her?
Carys is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Is she up to the task?
This scene takes place on the day after Christmas.
Was she trying to kill me? First the black bikini, then the top with a sheer back and no bra. The way she danced…I could fantasize for a century with that woman’s moves.
And that was as far as it should ever go. Every woman he’d fancied had tried to kill him. Sometimes more than once. Anything more than sex was a bad idea with his luck.
He flipped channels in what was now his usual chair, Shadow on his lap again. Didn’t know why he let the little buggers near him except for enjoying the warmth. Maybe because they liked him.
“That explains why I didn’t see him upstairs,” Carys said.
“You girls have a nice chat?”
“What did you hear?”
“Their arrival.”
“Yeah. Hope might have a potential boyfriend at school. He’s been too shy to talk to her, so we told her to introduce herself.”
“She’s too young.”
“You sound like her father.”
“Pffft. She’s a child, though.”
“She’s smart. She’ll be fine. I think any boy will have a hard time measuring up.”
Annabelle hated it when William screened her boyfriends. Used to scare them off. Then ran background checks in modern years. She was too trusting. And too willing to give away his money.
“Ready to share your story?” he asked.
Carys sighed and sat down. “On top of what you know, I also have a strong sense of smell and all my previous ailments are gone.
Back in June, I went down to a remote village in a South American jungle to record their music. An old professor invited me to come along on his research expedition. Long story short, they did a ritual the last night without telling us what it was really for and infused me with the essence of their goddess. The panther is the symbol for their god of protection, and every one-hundred years they choose a Protector to guard their people. This time, it was me.
I’m supposed to be able to shape-shift at night, too, though I haven’t tried it since I don’t know what I’ll turn in to. I’ve been learning what I can do ever since, and practicing for the time they summon me for help. I got this bracelet, and the carved claw I sometimes wear, as gifts before I came back home. Like I said last night, I feel they will need me soon. You can bring on the cat jokes any time.”
“Is that why you didn’t tell me? ‘Cause you thought I would make fun of you? Okay, I might say one or two things in jest, but I know this hasn’t been a joke for you. I saw you take on that vamp behind the bar when you first came to town. You didn’t freak out. You took care of that girl and got her home safe. You’ve handled everything thrown at you in style. Don’t ever be ashamed of what you are, love. You’re a powerful woman.”
“Wystan is looking into the history of Protectors. These people only choose a new guardian every hundred years, so either the danger only comes along once, you have old people still trying to fight, or maybe they grew old at a slower rate. I have no idea how long I’m going to be expected to carry this role, or if I go back to normal after the job’s done. I’m going to have to test shape-shifting, too, one of these days, and I’m not taking the risk of harming innocent people.”
“I’ll help if you want me to.”
“Thanks. How long did it take you to tune out noises and scents when you were turned? I had to wear earplugs for over a week.”
“Can’t remember now, it’s been so long. I don’t think about it anymore.”
She brushed her hair back and leaned into the chair.
“You’re wearing the earrings.”
“Yes. They’re beautiful. I love black pearls.”
“I remembered the pendant you wore on Thanksgiving. The black suits you better than white. Exotic. That was the part of your scent I couldn’t figure out when I saw you at the bar. Now I know it’s jungle cat.”
“Thanks. I think. That night was overwhelming. It was the first time I’d been in a crowd of people so close together with these new senses. Doesn’t the loud music give you a headache? I have to take pain pills every time I’m in there.”
“Sometimes. I guess I got used to it.”
“Huh. Well, there’s hope, then.” She smiled at him.
“So what’s the story with your friend at the restaurant?”
“Hunter. He’s an old friend from high school. We were in choir together. I might set him up with Sarah.”
“Did you ever hook up?”
“No. Only friends. He briefly dated my best friend. I didn’t date in high school.”
“Why the bloody hell not?” She was gorgeous.
“When you wear glasses and sing in the choir, you don’t get asked out. I had lots of guy friends, but I didn’t date until college.” She shrugged. “I didn’t mind much. High school boys were so immature. They’re not real ‘cause they’re still figuring out who they want to be. It was all about status and popularity. I hung out with the honor students and discussed science and history.”
“Daniel your only ex?”
“No. There’s Victor. Ex fiancé. We were too young. Dan was kind of a rebound from that, and we split last May. Victor is married with kids now.”
“Was he your first date?”
“Not really. I went out once with a friend, and kinda dated a different guy shortly before meeting Victor. We kissed a few times, then he went back to his old girlfriend. That’s it, unless you want to count the boy when I was four.”
“You had a little preschool boyfriend?”
“Don’t mock, mister! Best boyfriend I ever had. It was pure, innocent affection with no head trips. We moved away from each other when I was seven. He took care of me even though I was the older one.”
“Cradle robber, eh?”
“By five months. Daniel is two and a half years younger than me.”
“So you like younger boys.”
“No, it just worked out that way. My mother was older than my father, and my grandmother was older than my grandfather. My grandparents were the only ones to stay together, so—”
“Not a proven method.”
“No. They were just as much in love when my grandfather died as when they got married, if not more so. The pool cue on the wall, that’s been shortened? That was Grandpa’s. He kept food in their mouths during the Depression with that. He was one of those guys who does the math for the whole table at one shot and runs it out. He could do that with either hand. I have a picture in my wallet of him from 1936. My mother always said I have his smirk.”
We watched the TV for a while.
“Why do you stay? I’m sure you could go anywhere if you wanted to,” she asked.
“Thought about that one a lot, haven’t you?”
“Yes. There has to be somewhere you like better. And don’t give me the curse excuse again.”
He sighed. Yes, there were many places he preferred more than Southern California, but finding Sunny to reverse the curse was important. Couldn’t be his true self hobbled like this. But…Carys was starting to be a second reason to stay. “Been in a lot worse places. Seen a hell of a lot of the world. New York was fun. Brazil was alright. Can’t stand Paris. The Orient was interesting. Met my first paladin in Japan.”
“Demons revel in anarchy, huh.”
“Most do. Vampires crave blood, violence, and sex. Everything boils down to the hunt.”
“You control your urges.”
“I’m old. It’s more about embracing that part and appeasing it in ways it can accept. I kill demons instead of humans because it’s still violence.”
She yawned.
“Go to bed, kitten. You’ve looked sleepy for the past half hour.
“I guess you’re right. We good?”
“Right as rain.”
She stood, ruffling his hair on her way out. “Night, William.”
First in a new series!
Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control. Equipped with a nice inheritance, she goes where she wants, when she wants, pursuing anything that interests her. So when her old professor asks her to come on a research trip for his thesis, she's eager to tag along.
Until that ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human being in existence. The reclusive tribe calls her their Protector - but from what? And why now? Why her?
Carys is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Is she up to the task?
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