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The 6th book of the Blackhaven Manor series is now live on Amazon and free to read with your Kindle Unlimited subscription!  It’s been twelve years since the Awakening. Otherlings are out of the paranormal closet. The whole world knows that creatures like vampires, werewolves, and witches exist. So, seeing dead people barely even rates on the freaky scale. Right? Wrong. Fritz Tolliver figures he must have done something terrible in a previous life to be afflicted with such a curse. In fact, every bad thing that has ever happened to him can be traced back to his unwanted ability. So, when a stupidly hot werewolf who’s way out of his league claims to be his mate, he should be thrilled. And he probably would have been if he hadn’t gone and gotten himself haunted by a nasty spirit on the same day. When a gorgeous male strolls into the station asking for a job—and promptly spills an entire Americano on him—Sheriff Vander Hale has a feeling it’s going to be a bad day. Then, the door opens, the wind shifts, and suddenly, his whole world changes. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his mate, no battle he wouldn’t wage, even if his enemy is technically already dead. Unfortunately, there’s just one problem with his plan. He’d go to hell and back for Fritz, but how is he supposed to fight something he can’t see?  EXCERPT Soft footsteps against the linoleum drew his attention, and he glanced up as a male who looked to be in his early twenties stumbled to a stop at the end of the counter.
“Oh,” the guy breathed. “Um, hi.” He lifted his hand in a stiff wave. Dressed in a red vest with a matching tie over a white button-down, he looked ridiculously out of place in the grungy station. He wore his dark hair a little longer on top and spiked with probably half a gallon of styling gel, but the look suited him, and it highlighted big, wide-set eyes the color of fresh cinnamon. Eyes that could drown a man, that could pull him under so that he never wanted to surface. Vander turned to Hardy and nodded. Okay, he’d give the deputy this one. Fritz was absolutely stunning. Bringing his attention back to the newcomer, he softened his smile. “Hello, I’m Sheriff Vander Hale.” “I’m—oh, I almost forgot!” He rushed over to the waiting area, which consisted of four folding chairs and two tiny, square tables. Grabbing a familiar-looking paper cup, he held it up like an offering. “I brought you coffee.” Pleasantly surprised by the gift, Vander grinned. “I appreciate that.” “Americano.” Fritz stared at the cup with a furrowed brow. “I think it’s black. I don’t know. Emrys made it.” So, the little pixie was in on this scheme as well. Fritz must have made quite the impression for so many people to be pushing for Vander to give him a job. At that point, he half expected to start receiving calls from every person the guy had even briefly interacted with in town. “I’m sure it’s fine.” In the eight years since he’d been going to the hotel café, Emrys had yet to make him a bad cup of coffee. “Thank you.” “Right.” The guy ducked his head as his cheeks flushed an alluring shade of pink. “Well, here you go.” Still staring at the floor, he stretched his arm out as far as he could reach to offer the cup again. Vander barely managed to choke back his laughter. Damn, the kid was a fucking mess, but in a sweet, endearing sort of way. He was beginning to see what all the fuss was about. Stepping forward to take the drink, he didn’t anticipate that Fritz would decide to bring it to him instead. They collided in the middle of the waiting area, crushing the flimsy cup between them. Coffee exploded from the top like a geyser, spraying directly into Vander’s face and sloshing down the front of his uniform. “Oh. My. God.” The blood drained from Fritz’s face, leaving him deathly pale, and he took several steps away on trembling legs. “I’m sorry. Shit, I am so sorry.” If possible, his eyes grew even bigger. “Shit, I didn’t mean to say shit.” Then, he dropped his head and whimpered. “Just shoot me now.”
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The Nocturne Bay books are now live and available to read on Amazon!! Just a reminder that these books may start in the same place, but they are all standalone and can be read in any order. So, pick one and enjoy! You may also notice that some books are available to read with Kindle Unlimited and some aren't. This was solely the choice of the authors and what works best for them. Links are below and keep scrolling for an excerpt from Catnip!     Excerpt from Catnip by Arden SteeleOn the other hand, if he didn’t walk through those doors, he might never see his mate again. Fate wasn’t exactly generous, rarely offering first, let alone second chances.
Oh, what did it even matter? The guy wore fancy suits and expensive shoes. He spoke with an air of class and sophistication that Ryo could never hope to match. They obviously came from two completely different worlds. His mate hadn’t commented on his skimpy dress or elaborate makeup, but it was a party after all. The likelihood that he would find it acceptable on a regular Tuesday was pretty slim. Not that Ryo gave in to those desires often, but in the privacy of his home, away from prying eyes and mocking tongues, he should be free to be himself. He shouldn’t have to worry that his mate might freak out over a pair of silk panties. “Ryo!” Startled out of his musings, Ryo jerked his head up, his brow furrowed as he watched his mate jogging toward him down the sidewalk. The male had pulled on a pair of tailored slacks before exiting the club, but apparently, he couldn’t be bothered with shoes or a shirt. Then again, Ryo wasn’t even wearing pants, so it wasn’t like he had room to talk. With all that smooth, gorgeously tanned skin stretched across hard, defined muscles, he was certainly garnering a good bit of attention from those waiting in line. Loud whistles and catcalls followed his approach, and one bold little imp actually stepped forward to block his path. A sharp growl from Ryo’s mate sent the little pixie scurrying back into the queue. “There you are,” he said as he marched right into Ryo’s personal space and cupped his cheek. “Are you okay? Do you need a ride home?” “Yes…I’m…” Gods, his hand was so warm. Losing his train of thought, Ryo closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. “I don’t even know your name.” “Andre.” He brushed his thumb over Ryo’s cheek, just below his eye. “Andre Vasso.” Ryo’s eyes flew open, and he jerked his head up, searching the demon’s face for any signs of deception. He found none, not in his expression or his scent. This really was the owner of The Underground. “Not what you were expecting?” Andre asked, his lips curved into a crooked grin. “I’m just a little surprised, that’s all.” Honestly, he was doing his best not to completely lose his shit. It didn’t seem logical or realistic that fate would pair him with one of the most eligible bachelors in Nocturne Bay. “You’re a hot topic around here.”  Recently, an author friend found out that I do not have a reader group on Facebook. To say she was appalled would be an understatement. I just kind of laughed her off and went about my day. Then, I had a reader contact me asking if I had a group. Then another. And another. Why don't I have a reader group? It's not laziness. It's not a lack of knowhow. It's not that I don't want to connect with readers, because that's one of my favorite things about being an author! I just honestly didn't think that anyone would want to join. So, is that something anyone would be interested in? If you could please take a moment to fill out the survey, my little Type A heart would really appreciate it! As promised, here is the pre-order info for the Nocturne Bay series!! M/M Paranormal Romance 30k-40k Words Release Date: November 14th **NOTE: The books in the series are standalone and can be read in any order. Enjoy! Catnip by Arden Steele Ryo Castle’s only goal in life is to be invisible. He’s spent years perfecting the art, never doing anything to draw attention to himself, and he’s grown quite content with being alone. So, he’s not entirely sure how he let himself be talked into attending a masquerade party for the opening of the new nightclub in town. It’ll probably be fine, though. After all, what’s the worst that can happen? With more than three hundred years to amass a considerable fortune, Andre Vasso lives a life of luxury and indulgence. Yet he’s always felt that something was missing, some vital piece that would make his world complete. He just didn’t know what that was until a gorgeous mouse shifter with big green eyes literally falls at his feet. Ryo comes with more baggage than an airport carousel, but Andre doesn’t mind. No matter how long and winding the road, he’s determined to give his mate the life he deserves. But first, he’ll have to convince Ryo that the only thing standing in the way of their happily-ever-after is his own insecurities. A task that might prove easier said than done. Prince Charming NOT! by Aja Foxx Prince Charming he was not, even if his name was Chester Charming. As a fainting rabbit, he was cursed with fainting in his human form when startled or afraid. Finding three vampires being attacked by a group of wolves should have had him flat out on the ground, but the overwhelming need to save one of those vampires kept him on his feet and rushing to the rescue. Little did Chester know that his idiotic choice to run into danger would lead him to his mate. Prince Alaric Xavier D'aureville had lived more than seven hundred years. He'd met different species from all over the world, rubbed elbows with royalty and the dregs of society, and seen history pass him by. He never expected to find his beloved in a sexy rabbit shifter right in his own hometown. Once he claimed him, though, he wasn't going to let anyone take Chester away from him, not even some idiot intent on taking all of his money any way he could. Prince Charming belonged to him. Party Nuts by Dani Gray Sammy Love was the owner of a lingerie store called Oh Là Là Chéri, a store geared mainly towards men. He was a squirrel shifter from a large family and loved life with his three best friends. He loved being able to dress people up and make them feel their absolute best. He felt it was his calling in life to show people how to be true to themselves, no matter what others told them they had to be. Quentin Everett was a cougar shifter who’d been kicked out of his home at a young age by an uncaring mother. He had been raised by an older brother, until that brother was kicked out, then he became the oldest, raising his younger sibling until it was his turn to be banished. He never knew his father, just like the rest of his siblings. When he got older, he managed to put himself through school on scholarships and became a park ranger. He loved the freedom it gave his cougar and himself. Getting tickets to the event of the year at The Underground, a costume party was something that everyone wanted. Sammy was dressed as a bandit, and even though he’d helped his besties with their costumes (much to their annoyance) everyone was dressed fabulous, when some skanky fairy came along and tried to steal his booty of nuts! Mayhem ensued as Sammy tried to collect his lost booty of nuts from the floor, as chaos with mates began. I SHould've Stayed Home by Lisa Oliver Hedgehog shifter, Irwin Chance was not the type to go out to parties, of any kind. A self-confessed introvert with anxiety disorders, he was happy to stay at home, work on his YouTube channel and counsel people from the safety of his home. But Irwin had friends, three of them to be exact, and one of them had gotten him a ticket to the biggest party of the year. Irwin told himself it would be okay - he could livestream the event for his viewers and give them tips along the way. But then Sammy said he'd arrange Irwin's costume... things went downhill from there.
Kolton with a K, was a tiger shifter who totally understood the only way to get anyone to respect him was to show he was powerful at all times. Going to the biggest party of the year was expected of him, although it would've helped if he could remember the name of his date. But when he catches a hint of the most amazing scent in the entire world, his tiger sprung to life and Kolton knew his mate was near. Or so he thought. Too bad, Kolton got the wrong guy. Insults fly, some introspection is required, and when a tiger mom gets in on the act, Kolton's the one wishing he'd stayed home. But the Fates don't like being ignored, and now all Kolton has to do is work out how to make things right with a certain hedgehog shifter... it would help if he'd stop putting his foot in his mouth. Whew! It's been a wild ride, and I'm so excited to announce that the Nocturne Bay Series, co-authored with Aja Foxx, Dani Gray, and Lisa Oliver will be releasing November 14th!!   Ryo Castle’s only goal in life is to be invisible. He’s spent years perfecting the art, never doing anything to draw attention to himself, and he’s grown quite content with being alone. So, he’s not entirely sure how he let himself be talked into attending a masquerade party for the opening of the new nightclub in town. It’ll probably be fine, though. After all, what’s the worst that can happen? With more than three hundred years to amass a considerable fortune, Andre Vasso lives a life of luxury and indulgence. Yet, he’s always felt that something was missing, some vital piece that would make his world complete. He just didn’t know what that was until a gorgeous mouse shifter with big green eyes literally falls at his feet. Ryo comes with more baggage than an airport carousel, but Andre doesn’t mind. No matter how long and winding the road, he’s determined to give his mate the life he deserves. But first, he’ll have to convince Ryo that the only thing standing in the way of their happily-ever-after is his own insecurities. A task that might prove easier said than done. I'm also ridiculously pleased to tell you that Dead Over Heels, the 6th book in the Blackhaven Manor series will be releasing on November 26th!  It’s been twelve years since the Awakening. Otherlings are out of the paranormal closet. The whole world knows that creatures like vampires, werewolves, and witches exist. So, seeing dead people barely even rates on the freaky scale. Right? Wrong. Fritz Tolliver figures he must have done something terrible in a previous life to be afflicted with such a curse. In fact, every bad thing that has ever happened to him can be traced back to his unwanted ability. So, when a stupidly hot werewolf who’s way out of his league claims to be his mate, he should be thrilled. And he probably would have been if he hadn’t gone and gotten himself haunted by a nasty spirit on the same day. When a human male strolls into the station asking for a job—and promptly spills an entire Americano on him—Sheriff Vander Hale has a feeling it’s going to be a bad day. Then, the door opens, the wind shifts, and suddenly, his whole world changes. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his mate, no battle he wouldn’t wage, even if his enemy is technically already dead. Unfortunately, there’s just one problem with his plan. He’d go to hell and back for Fritz, but how is he supposed to fight something he can’t see? Beauty and Bad Blood: Hunters Hollow, Book 2, will be up after that. I'm not 100% sure when that will release yet, but I'm tentatively shooting for mid-December. Finally, I'll be finishing up the year with a new Christmas story. A Merry Little Deja Vu will release on December 23rd and I'm pretty excited about this one!  And lastly, I hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween! We didn't get as many trick-or-treaters as usual this year, but we still had fun dressing up and taking silly pictures!
Now, on to Thanksgiving! |
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