November 12, 2023
Teasing weather & words
The weather has been teasing us here in western North Carolina with days in the 70’s and nights in the 30’s. Having been born and raised in New England, it still makes me pause when I can open the windows and let in the warm, fresh air in November. I grew up with snow and bitter cold in November - not 70F/21c and a swirl of smoke and leaf scented air winding through the house.
While the weather has been amazing, I’ve been focused on getting Jolene done. There’s a sample below for a little tease.
Speaking of teasing - tell me something about the coming holidays that you’re looking forward to. There’s a lot of social media about how much people absolutely dread the holidays - but for me? They’re a chance to focus on the connections I have with those I care about.
In my house, for example, we do Friendsgiving and share food and laughter with friends as well as family. The food and memories shared over the years have been true treasures. I’ve had my share of solo celebrations, but even with those, I found beauty in the moments. So, share something you look forward to in the comments. Please.
Here’s a sample from Jolene:
“What’s got you so skittish, Jo? I’ve never seen you this…reticent.”
“I’ve just got a lot on my plate.” She paused then let her back thud against the chair and looked up at Jace. “And that’s bullshit. I’m not sure what is wrong. I’m developing feelings for Ashton, but while I feel he shares my feelings, there’s something off about the whole thing. It feels like there should be, I don’t know, more there but it’s as if there’s a wall between us and I don’t believe it’s one he’s put there on his own.”
“You’ve taken lovers before, Josie. I know, not as often or as casually as many of our kind, but it’s been done, yes? Is this the first man of his era that you’ve had feelings for?”
“No, there was Blake for a while, but he ended up being an utter asshole. He was fun, until he wasn’t.”
“And he was about ten years older than Ashton, correct? I know that for us, that’s nothing – but it makes a difference.” He gave her hand a gentle pat and reached for an orange slice decorated with milk chocolate. “Maybe just give it some time? He’s been working this case for months, yes?”
“Yes, and he’s exhausted. That may simply be all it is, but my gut says different.” Jo sat up and picked up a piece of chocolate-dipped pineapple and took a bite. “I’ll try and focus on dealing with one issue at a time. Get the case solved, then see what happens with Ashton.”
“I’m going to take my leave and make sure I have time to modify my appearance and get one of my personas in place before I visit the prison.” Jace stood and leaned over to kiss Jo’s temple. “Give yourself some grace, Josie. You’re doing everything possible to keep these assholes from killing more innocents, while running the top global intelligence organization for supernaturals and a renowned training program for the same. Maybe go for a swim tonight or take a nice long soak and unwind. Self-care is something we understood centuries ago and people are just now remembering.”
“Good advice, as usual, Jace. Thank you for doing this.”
“I don’t want to see any more dead children either, Josie. I’ll let you know what I learn.”
Tempted yet? You know you are! Grab your preorder of Jolene here.
As I’ve mentioned before - I have a couple of years worth of Supernatural Intelligence Network stories scheduled - (out to 2027!) and for the Immortal Bloodlines stories there are novels (like Jolene and Saoirse) that come after the novellas in the anthologies.
This is the cover for Magnus - Immortal Bloodlines 4 - Shifters (Coming October 2024). You can preorder Magnus here.
And don’t forget to preorder Jolene and Saoirse!
Also, there’s only a couple of weeks left before Saved By The Everyday Hero is gone. One month left for Rejected by the Immortal and Monster Hunters. Grab these great deals while they’re still around!
Here’s a fellow author’s book to pick up - Rachel Dunning’s book Finding North is free here.
This is a super steamy romance intended for adult readers.
They say love conquers all.
They say love will find a way.
They say it is better to have loved and lost.
They don't say...that these things are all lies.
Conall Williams was my first, my last, my everything.
He is my North. He always will be. Even if I am no longer his.
Check out these promos to find some great new stories to hold you over until mine are released.
As a kid, only child, we moved a lot, but Thanksgiving always meant driving home to family-- grandparents, aunts and uncles, and best of all, cousins! The Appalachians, southeastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia! As an adult, Thanksgiving became an opportunity to invite friends that had no family gathering, to share whatever food we each wanted to eat. Since the blessing of adopting an older daughter, the best blessings have arrived. We now have a fabulous, messy gathering of our daughter and son-in-law, three grandsons, and our daughter’s brother and husband from Mexico. Everyone cooks. It’s an amazing mess of good food, good times, laughs, and just nonstop talking. Our foods and traditions are blended into a weekend fiesta. My only sadness is wishing I could have found and adopted Shakira and Fernando as small children, to save them from some really bad years. But we are grateful that we found each other and have the rest to look forward to.