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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I've been waiting until I have something concrete to share before posting another update, but unfortunately, I'm still kind of in limbo right now. By this point, a lot of you have probably heard about the Nocturne Bay series I'm writing with Aja Foxx, Lisa Oliver, and Dani Gray. I had planned to make my "official" announcement today, but I think the word has kind of spread by now. LOL! We don't have a release date yet, but I can tell you that all books in the series will release on the same day and they will be coming very soon! As for Dead Over Heels...I fucked up. That's all I really know to say at this point. The muse just stopped talking to me for a while. It happens, and it's frustrating. Then, I had to put it aside to work on some other stuff, which was fun and exciting, but not conducive to getting Dead Over Heels finished. Once I got my groove back, the characters kind of hijacked the story, and this book is definitely going to be longer than I had planned. So, where does that leave us? Late. That's where. I'm stupidly behind, and I'm sorry. I promise I'm working as hard as I can, though, and I'm hoping to have Dead Over Heels out within the next couple of weeks. The next book in the Hunters Hollow series is still coming, but obviously, it's going to have to be pushed back a little. I'm thinking closer to middle of December rather than end of November. With any luck, I will have some definitive news and dates to share by the end of the week. Fingers crossed. Until then, I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween, and remember, calories from Halloween candy don't count. :-P Yep, it's time for another update! As we head into fall here in Texas, I just want to say that I hope everyone had an amazing summer! Mine was, in a word, chaotic, but I'm so glad I got to spend some quality time with my family. Especially since my oldest just moved halfway across the country to start his grownup life. I miss him like crazy, and the house is so quiet without him, but I'm also excited for him to start this new adventure! So, once upon a time, I said that Prince Orrin Nightstar would be getting his book next in the Blackhaven Manor series. Well, that was true...until this clumsy, neurotic mess stumbled into my head and demanded a book of his own. Right. Freaking. Now. Meet Frederick. He prefers to be called Fritz. Not Fred. Not Freddy. Just Fritz, and it's pretty fitting since his brain always seems to be on the fritz. He worries a lot. He can barely walk and breathe at the same time. And he has a pretty big secret. One that his mate, Sheriff Vander Hale, doesn't quiet know what to do with. Dead Over Heels will be releasing soon. Right now, I'm tentatively shooting for October 7th, but I'll be sure to post again if that changes. After that, I have something really fun planned for Halloween!! It's kind of a secret at the moment, but look for more information coming very soon! A lot of you have asked about the next Hunters Hollow book. Braeden's best friend, Dylan, is up next in Beauty and Bad Blood. I don't have a release date for you yet, but I'm shooting for the end of November. I have a couple of other projects that I hope to fit in before the end of the year, but I think this is enough to be getting on with, so I'll save that for the next update! IT'S ALLLLIIIIVE! Angels and Anarchy: Hunters Hollow, Book One is finally live on Amazon and free to read with your Kindle Unlimited Subscription! Slinging drinks in New Orleans' French Quarter isn’t the most glamorous job, but Braeden Burke loves the lights, the music, and the excitement. As a long-time believer—even before Otherlings had waltzed out of the paranormal closet—spending his nights flirting with gorgeous werewolves and smooth-talking vampires isn’t exactly a chore. His life is easy, colorful, and for the most part, free of drama. Until fate throws him a curveball. It was supposed to be his day off. Instead, Zarrik Cox is called in to investigate the murder of a high-ranking member of the Ministry of Otherling Affairs. Tracking down the only witness to the crime is easy. Discovering the vulnerable human is his mate is a complication he wasn’t expecting. He might be a nephilim, but he’s no angel, and he’s damn sure no one’s savior. But with a killer on the loose, and Braeden caught in the crosshairs, there's no limit to how far he'll go to keep his new mate safe. EXCERPTGods, he was in rough shape, but despite the bruising and swelling, he was even lovelier up close. The smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks made him look incredibly innocent, as did the way his bottom lip protruded into an adorable pout, even in sleep.
The initial radiance that surrounded him had faded, but it was no less alluring in its subtlety. Instead, it settled around him now, soft and pale, lustrous like starlight. “Oh, tarro.” He sighed, wanting nothing more at that moment than to wrap Braeden in his arms and protect him from the whole damn world. “It’s going to be okay.” Easing down on the edge of the mattress, he brushed Braeden’s hair back from his brow, then cradled his mate’s face gently between his palms. Calling forth the power he usually tried to bury, he let it wash over him, through him, until it filled every inch of his being. His pulse doubled. His canines lengthened again. The skin between his shoulder blades tightened, the muscles knotted and aching. Bright, golden light rippled through his veins as the magic surged and built to a crescendo. When it crested, he refocused and redirected, sending the energy flowing out through his fingertips and into his mate. Like thin rays of healing sunshine, the light flooded into Braeden’s cheeks, then traveled down his neck, dispersing as it searched out his injuries to mend them one by one. After several minutes that felt like a lifetime, his power began to ebb, and the light that coursed between them dimmed and faded. Dizzy and exhausted from the strain that kind of magic put on his body, he brushed his thumbs over Braeden’s cheeks before reluctantly pulling his hands away. It wasn’t dramatic like the movies. Braeden’s eyes didn’t pop open immediately. He didn’t suddenly jerk upright and gasp for breath. Instead, he came awake gradually, and at first, the only indication that anything had changed was the steady strengthening of his pulse on the monitor. Then, he started to move. Little things at first, like his fingers and his lips. As the minutes ticked past, he became more restless, sawing his legs together and rolling his head from side to side on the pillow. Eventually, his eyelids began to flutter more rapidly, and when they finally opened, Zarrik found himself lost in a pair of dazzling hazel eyes. “Hi,” Braeden said, his voice low and raspy. He looked a little dazed, and he wore the sappiest smile on his lips. Zarrik grinned in return. “Hello, Braeden.” “You’re really pretty.” Huffing out a surprised laugh, Zarrik shook his head. The poor guy was going to be a little punch-drunk until the effects of the healing wore off, but he had to admit, it was cute as hell. “Am I dead?” “Oh, no, tarro.” He took the hand not attached to the IV and cradled it between both of his own. “You are very much alive.” “Mm,” Braeden hummed. “That’s good. Being dead sounds like kind of a bummer. I’d much rather be here with you.” Zarrik stifled another chuckle. “My name is Zarrik Cox. I’m—” “I know who you are,” Braeden interrupted confidently. “You do?” “Mm hmm,” he hummed, his eyelids drooping again. “I know these things.” “Is that right?” He wasn’t making any sense, of course, but Zarrik humored him anyway. “What kind of things do you know?” “I know all ’bout you.” He cracked one eye open and giggled. “I know who you are,” he repeated. “You’re my guardian angel.” I just wanted to drop in with anther quick update.
Unfortunately, I'm still a little behind. I really thought I would be finished with Angels and Anarchy by now, but this book ended up being much longer than I had originally anticipated. On the bright side, a longer book means more story! Yay! The bad news is that the book won't be releasing on the 15th (today, I guess) like I had said in my previous post. I really am sorry about that. The good news is that I'm currently working on edits, so it's not a huge delay. Another week at most, and I promise I'll post the Amazon link the second I have it. Until Next Time XoXo ~ Arden Hey everyone, I just wanted to drop a quick update. It's been a rough month for me. Life has been a bit chaotic, and my mental health hasn't been the best. I'm feeling much better now, but I had to take some time away from writing, so of course, I'm a little behind. Don't worry. We're not talking months or anything. Just a couple of weeks. Angel and Anarchy, the first book in the new spin-off to the Blackhaven Manor series, will now release on or around June 15th. (Just depends on how long Amazon takes to review it.) While the Hunters Hollow series does share the same world as Blackhaven Manor, and some previous characters from that series will make an appearance, you can read these series completely independently of each other. There will be no crossover storylines. No plots that start in one series and pick up in another. So, I think that's it for now, but more updates coming soon! Until Next Time, XoXo - Arden Slinging drinks in New Orleans' French Quarter isn’t the most glamorous job, but Braeden Burke loves the lights, the music, and the excitement. As a long-time believer—even before Otherlings had waltzed out of the paranormal closet—spending his nights flirting with gorgeous werewolves and smooth-talking vampires isn’t exactly a chore. His life is easy, colorful, and for the most part, free of drama.
Until fate throws him a curveball. It was supposed to be his day off. Instead, Zarrik Cox is called in to investigate the murder of a high-ranking member of the Ministry of Otherling Affairs. Tracking down the only witness to the crime is easy. Discovering the vulnerable human is his mate is a complication he wasn’t expecting. He might be a nephilim, but he’s no angel, and he’s damn sure no one’s savior. But with a killer on the loose, and Braeden caught in the crosshairs, there's no limit to how far he'll go to keep his new mate safe. The 5th Blackhaven Manor book is now available on Amazon and free to read with your KU subscription! I've loved Emrys since he was first introduced in Purrfect Harmony, and Cyrus is the perfect mate for him. Fair warning: this hellhound is growly, sexy, and he says fuck A. LOT. I tried to rein him in, I really did, but he's impossible. ;-) PIXIE LITTLE LIAR: BLACKHAVEN MANOR, BOOK 5There’s a heaviness to the air, the kind that makes the hairs on the back of Emrys Whitehill’s neck stand on end. Something is going to happen. Something big. Something that will change him forever. Despite his powers of precognition, however, a hellhound walking into the hotel to arrest him for a crime he didn’t commit is the one scenario he never saw coming. As a seasoned bounty hunter, Cyrus Rathborne thought he had experienced it all, but realizing his most recent target is his mate throws him completely off his game. While he can’t deny the connection, Emrys is wanted for the murder of a royal, and he won’t let those big innocent eyes deter him from doing what is right. Yet, the more he gets to know the sweet pixie, the harder it is to shake the feeling that the guy might actually be telling the truth. He should have trusted his instincts. It soon becomes clear that someone is determined to make Emrys disappear—permanently—and the only thing standing in their way is him. Transforming from hunter to protector, Cyrus will risk everything to keep his mate safe, because what started as just another job is now the one mission he can’t afford to fail. EXCERPT“Enough.” Emrys didn’t speak loudly, but everyone present turned to stare at him. Once he had their attention, he pushed his chin-length hair back from his face and nodded a couple of times. “I appreciate that you want to protect me, but let’s be real for a second. Nothing you say is going to change anything.” His gaze flickered to Cyrus, his resolve manifesting piece by visual piece. “I’m assuming there’s evidence against me, and you didn’t just pull my name out of a hat.”
Fuck, Cyrus hated this, but his mate was right. Nothing anyone said would change the facts. “There is evidence.” Emrys regarded him for another moment, then nodded again. “I’ll go with you.” “What?” Kol shouted. “Em, that’s a really bad idea.” “You didn’t do anything wrong,” the other male—Simon—added. “You don’t have to go,” Skye said, still calm and collected. Emrys gave her a sad smile. “Thanks, but I think I do. I know I didn’t kill anyone, and the best way to prove that is to just cooperate.” With only the smallest amount of hesitancy, he strode around the counter, coming to a stop mere inches from Cyrus. “Besides, my mate won’t let anything happen to me.” It was naïve, far too trusting, and also absolutely fucking correct. No one would lay a hand on his mate, except for maybe him. Preferably both hands. Without any barriers between them like those preppy white chinos that hugged Emrys’ ass like a second skin. Cyrus bit back a groan. Gods, he was so screwed. “Okay.” Emrys bobbed his head a couple of times, then pushed his wrists together before offering his hands up to him. “Do you, uh, need to restrain me or something?” That really shouldn’t have been as sexy as it was, but his cock apparently hadn’t gotten the message. Down boy. “No, I’m not going to restrain you.” Gently, he curled his fingers around Emrys’ wrists and pushed his hands back down to his sides. “Oh, okay.” An adorable frown pulled at his lips. “Sorry. I’ve never been a suspect before. I don’t really know how this works.” He held his hands up again. “Are you sure you don’t want to tie me up?” Fuuuck. Cyrus bit back another groan when his dick jerked against his zipper. Gods, it was going to be a long drive back to New Orleans. 7 M/M Paranormal Romance books featuring Bunny Shifters! Did I mention they're all FREE?? HEART, BUNNY, AND SOULM/M Paranormal Romance Approximately 15k Words **This is a short story that I have no plans to expand or publish. It will always remain a free read.** ![]() When Nate Reed dropped by the new bookstore in town, he’d been hoping to find an escape in the form of a paperback. He never thought that the love story he craved would end up being his own, but from the moment he locks eyes with the sexy owner, he can’t deny the fire that burns between them. Leaving the city for the small coastal town of Fate Harbor, Zach Thompson hadn’t expected much. In fact, he’d actively hoped for a quiet life free of complications. Then, a gorgeous man with a smile like the sun walks into his shop, and all those well-constructed plans go right out the window. While he knows the sweet bunny deserves better than some damaged werewolf with emotional baggage, he just can’t seem to let him go. Because the only thing that scares him more than commitment is the idea of losing Nate forever. Grin and Bear It: Blackhaven Manor, Book 4 is live a little early on Amazon! As always, it's available to read with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. Happy Reading! ![]() Thorne McIver is no ordinary bear shifter. He’s the monster whispered about in the dark, the beast feared in battles, and for hundreds of years, he’s used his formidable gifts to protect the royal families of the paranormal world. So, when he’s tasked with escorting the elven prince to a council meeting at Blackhaven Manor, he figures it’s just another assignment. Until he meets a stunning human who fills in all the pieces he didn’t know were missing. When he’d first started working at the hotel, Wren Covey had been a mess. He’d known almost nothing about Otherlings, their culture or rules, and everything had terrified him. Barely a year later, there’s not much he hasn’t seen, and hardly anything fazes him. Or so he thought, because nothing could have prepared him for being the mate to a genuine living legend. When an attack on the hotel tests his already divided loyalties, Thorne finds himself torn between love and duty. Though honor-bound to protect the prince, his instincts will always be to put his mate first. Now, he’ll have to find middle ground and figure out how to do both, or his happy ending will be over before it even begins. ExcerptTired from the journey, annoyed about his argument with Orrin, and frustrated over the situation with Wren, he grunted when he heard the knock at the door. Shutting off the water, he exited the shower, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist as he stomped out of the bathroom. Ten feet from the door, his steps slowed, and his anger at being disturbed abated when a bright, earthy scent hit him like a wrecking ball. It reminded him of rain in early spring, when the days were still slightly chilled, and the winds gusted, sweeping away the last remnants of winter. There was only one being on earth who carried such an alluring fragrance, and he was the last person Thorne expected to be standing outside his room. He took a deep breath, groaning quietly as the scent invaded his nose and made his head swim. Then, he arranged his expression into a mask of indifference before opening the door. “Can I help you?” Wren stared up at him, his mouth slightly open, and his eyes so big they dominated his round face. The tip of his tongue darted out to wet his lips, and he looked down, only to jerk his head back up to meet Thorne’s gaze again. Though it looked like he might several times, he didn’t speak, but his shoulders rose and fell with every shallow breath. His heart pounded frantically, the sound loud enough that Thorne probably could have heard it even without supernatural senses. A thin sheen of perspiration coated his brow, and the scent of anxiety soured his natural scent until it was the only thing Thorne could smell. Putting it all together, he mentally sighed. His mate was absolutely terrified of him. Abandoning all hope of remaining neutral, he softened his expression and let his lips curl into a subtle grin. “Wren, right?” He spoke quietly, trying to be as unintimidating as he possibly knew how. “What can I do for you?” “I, uh…” He swallowed hard, his gaze raking over Thorne’s bare chest, all the way to his hips before snapping back to his face. “I’m…supposed to…” When he trailed off and made the same trek with his eyes again, Thorne had to fight back a chuckle. “Would you like to come in?” “No!” Wren practically shouted at him. Once he realized what he’d done, his eyes grew impossibly bigger, and the look of abject horror on his face was borderline comical. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I—” “So, you do want to come in?” “Yes.” He shook his head. “I mean, no.” He stopped again, frowning. “Can you please put some clothes on?” Thorne couldn’t stop himself that time. He laughed. “All the indecent parts are covered.” It was an interesting development. While his mate still wreaked of nervousness, Thorne also detected subtle notes of desire. “Please, come in, then you can tell me whatever you were sent here to tell me.” When Wren didn’t move, he reached out, keeping his movements slow and unthreatening. Placing his palm against the back of his mate’s shoulder, he applied a gentle pressure, encouraging rather than forcing him across the threshold. “There,” he said, closing the door to prying eyes, “that’s better, right?” Wren huffed. “Not really.” Ex-Boyfriend Material: +One, Book 2It was a long time coming, but the second +One book is here. If you missed the first one, no worries. The books in this series can be read as standalones. Ex-Boyfriend Material is a light, sweet, friends-to-lovers romance. Patrick and Evan were so much fun to write, and I hope you enjoy getting to know them! ![]() Evan Lewis doesn’t get people. It’s like everyone is talking in riddles, and no one ever says what they really mean. He’s tired of being alone but navigating the nuances of the dating scene is nothing more than an exercise in frustration. Luckily, he knows just the person to turn to for help. The first time Evan walked through the door of his café, Patrick Donovan should have staked his claim then and there. At the time, though, the guy had needed a friend a lot more than he’d needed a date. He never regretted the decision, at least, not until Evan asks for his help in pursing someone else. Now, it’s time to put up or shut up. There’s just one problem. He’s good at temporary, but he has no idea how to be in a committed relationship. Worse, he has one week to figure it out if he wants to prove to Evan that he can be more than just ex-boyfriend material. Excerpt~ PATRICK ~ I’d just started three fresh pots of coffee when the front door opened, ushering in a gust of wind…and my favorite customer.
“Hey, Evan.” The rain had slowed to a drizzle, but water droplets still clung to his ebony hair and darkened the shoulders of his gray polo. “What can I get you?” “Hey,” he echoed, his smile making his eyes sparkle. “I’d like a chicken club panini and a mango green tea, please.” I grabbed one of the to-go cups and scribbled his name across it. “You got it. Anything else?” “That’s it.” He settled quietly onto his usual barstool at the counter and folded his hands together in his lap. It had been more than a year since Evan Lewis had moved to our little community, but I could still remember the first time he’d walked into my shop. It had been raining then, too, and he’d been soaked from crown to sole when he’d stepped through the door. He’d apologized profusely for tracking water across the floor, even though every other customer had done the same all day. I’d given him a towel, a cup of coffee on the house, and we had talked until closing. From the moment I’d seen him, I’d been enamored. Tall and lean with big, green eyes framed by thick lashes and set into an angelic face, he was breathtaking. Sure, he was a little strange, and so literal it hurt sometimes, but I’d quickly and easily learned to navigate his idiosyncrasies. In fact, I found the way he just blurted out whatever he was thinking kind of charming. I’d had every intention of asking him out that first night, especially after I had learned that he liked men. The more we had talked, though, the more obvious it had become that what he had really needed was a friend. Thus, I had checked my libido and taken a step back, letting his actions guide my own. He’d been so shy back then, so reserved, it had taken months to really get to know him, but not once had I ever regretted my decision. “So,” Evan said, “I met this guy today.” Until now. |
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