Tuesday, December 30, 2014

New Year's Blog Hop and New Beginnings


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the New Year's Eve Blog Hop. This has been a crazy difficult year for a lot of people, so why not send it out with a kick in the ass and some wonderful goodies.

Did you get an ereader of one kind or another for Christmas this year? Or is your current ereader feeling sad and lonely with no new books? You're in luck! My new release came out just before the holidays and it's all about new beginnings. It's called Take the Reins and you can find it everywhere ebooks are sold.

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…


But this week I have a special treat, a companion story to Take the Reins, entitled A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M romance about two soldiers wishing for their hearts' desires. Good thing the Goddess is listening, yes?

Ronin had never been so glad to see his erstwhile soldier in his life. Sedgewick Icetrotter had been one of the worst soldiers he'd ever trained, but he'd shown determination and persistence despite his setbacks. When he'd dislocated his left arm trying to string a bow, Ronin had seen the defeat in the younger centaur's face along with the pain. Ronin's heart ached for him, but he'd kept his words to himself.
Now Sedgewick stepped forward, arm in a sling, with more confidence Ronin had ever seen him display, and some of his tension melted away. By the Goddess, let him be able to do this. Ronin rarely prayed, but he wanted the best for Sedgewick. The man had a gentleness and beauty Ronin had never seen in any other centaur and some part of him wanted to preserve that. It would be ruined by fighting and war.
"What do we do, Sedgewick?" Bethany fixed her green-brown gaze on the buckskin stallion. "Do you know what caused the welts?"
"Yes, Master Bethany. They're called Winter Lace Stars and they have a bad toxin that shuts down the organs if there are enough of them." Sedgewick ran his hands lightly over the welts on Navarro's arm and the man groaned. "We're going to have to lance each one and smooth an antidotal salve over them."
"Do you know what goes into the salve?"
"Yes. My granddam taught me." He grimaced and wouldn't meet Ronin's gaze. "The problem is I can't make it with only one arm."
"I'll help you. Just tell me what you need done and I can be your extra hands."
Both Bethany and Sedgewick gaped at Ronin for a moment. Hellfire, he'd surprised himself with the outburst, but he wouldn't go back on his offer. His men needed him and he'd do anything he could. And if you're really honest with yourself, you'd admit you want to spend a little time with Sedgewick.
Bethany was the first to recover. "Thank you, Corporal. That will be very helpful." She nodded to the injured men. "First, I'll need you to to get these men stripped so we can see the extent of the damage."
Ronin stuffed his disappointment behind a sharp nod. "Will do."
"Good. Sedgewick, please show me what you need and let's get started."
While Ronin helped Navarro and Colver undress, he kept Sedgewick in sight as the buckskin directed Bethany in a soft but sure voice. The men moaned when he lifted their shirts and armor, and he cringed in sympathy. Great, swollen welts spread across their backs from skull to tail, disfiguring them in red sores.
Medicinal scents accompanied the grind of a pestle against a mortar bowl, and Ronin turned just as Bethany called for him.
"Can you please grind this while I prepare the salve base, Corporal?"
"Yes, of course, Master Healer."
Ronin took the pestle as the human woman gave him a friendly smile and he tried to smile back, but Sedgewick's presence beside him made it difficult. Oh, for the love of Epona, I should be able to do one simple task. He bent to it, putting his strength and focus into the action of grinding the medicinal herbs. He almost jumped when someone laid a hand on his forearm.
"Firmly, but gently, Corporal. Marble isn't as good as the herbs for healing." Sedgewick's voice held amusement as well as warmth.
Heat blossomed across Ronin's cheeks and chest. "Forgive me, Sedgewick. My concern is with my men."
Sedgewick lost his smile and nodded, releasing Ronin. Ronin regretted his words immediately and cursed himself for a nervous fool.
"Of course, Corporal. But if you grind them too much, they lose potency." Sedgewick nodded to the mortar. "I think they're ready. Bring them to the fire, please."
Ronin dutifully followed his former soldier and brushed the crushed herbs into a pot of boiling water. Sedgewick nodded and stirred them with a soothing rhythm, his good arm flexing in ways that set Ronin's heart galloping. Sweet Goddess, what I'd give to feel his arms around me.
Ronin mentally balked at the uncharacteristically tender thoughts and shook his head. "Must you keep stirring?" The question came out harsh, but Sedgewick smiled.
"Yes. It's necessary to boil them down to their essences." He shrugged. "Long work, but worth the effort."
They stood side by side, watching Sedgewick stir the pot of herbs in a companionable silence. His motions added a level of comfort to Ronin's world, an unusual sensation, and one he'd sorely missed. It reminded him of times spent with his dam while just a wee colt, when she'd ruffled his hair and told him he'd someday find a mare of his own to stable.
Ronin mentally shook his head. Despite his mother's prediction, he'd never been interested in mares or mating. His focus had been on the military life with his brothers-in-arms. He'd striven to be the best soldier and leader to those who depended on him. It had been all he needed.
Until now.
Ronin's gaze rested on the bunching muscles of Sedgewick's arm and an unbidden desire for touch welled up in his chest. Ronin wanted Sedgewick by his side and in his barn, sharing the military life with him. Even if he does make a terrible soldier. He took a breath to say something, but an uncharacteristic fear closed his throat. Fear that Sedgewick would find his interest unwelcome. The buckskin stallion had never shown a proclivity for male-male interaction.
Please, Goddess, give me this one chance.


I hope you enjoyed and this story will be available at the end of January 2015. But let's get to the good stuff - GIVEAWAYS! I'm offering a Siobhan Muir A Year's Worth of Romance 2015 wall calendar and a Siobhan Muir coffee mug to two separate winners. All you need to do to win is comment with an answer to this question: What new beginning are you going to try in 2015?


Leave your email address or Twitter handle (so I can contact you if you win) with your comment. The giveaway goes from December 31, 2014 to January 4, 2015 6:59 pm EST, and is open to U.S. and Canada only. You must be 18 yrs or older to win and please void where prohibited. Hopefully you came from Karen Michelle Nut's blog and if you click on the button below, you'll move on to the next blog and the next chance to win.

Happy reading!


Monday, December 29, 2014

Where's Siobhan? New Year, New Places


Good morning and Happy Monday...

Yeah, yeah, don't throw your empty coffee mugs at me. I can always hope.

Today I'm writing to let you all know that the rules for Facebook are changing and because of that, as an author, my posts are going to be scarce. Not because I want them to be, but because if the powers-that-be (PTBs for short) at Facebook decide I'm promoting my books by letting you know of a giveaway or blog hop happening, they will ghost my posts. Hehehe, that rhymes. :D Unless I pay big bucks in the hopes that you might see them in your feed.

The point is while I knew Facebook is all about the bottom line, money over people (ironic for a social network), I can't afford their brand of interaction and I'm disappointed with that choice. My opinion and I'm not looking for a discussion about "you shoulda known".

Here's my choice: I'm going dark on Facebook for a week from January 1, 2015 to January 7, 2015. It's more to find out if I can do it, and if I can still connect with my readers on other social sites. So for that week, I won't be posting on Facebook. But you can find me in a variety of places.

Google Plus has been a darn fine place to find me and find some of my more fun posts. You can talk to me and I'll talk back. Woot. I'm there most days and if you're part of the OpenSim community, that's a good place to find me.


Twitter is another good place to find me. I like to see what all you have going on, but also connect with you there. You'll find out about my books, where they are, and any new deals for them or giveaways or free reads.


Pinterest is a fun place and a great place to find my book covers, my Teddy Bear Thursday, Tattoo Tuesday, and Wicked Her Wednesday pictures (among others).


Tsu.co is a new social network that is a lot like Facebook was. The posts aren't filtered and they can reach all the friends and followers. I'll be there and can respond to you not only on the posts I share, but also in private messages. You can make money by sharing and connecting there, but it's not very much and it's not why I'm there. I'm there to connect with all of you and keep you appraised of what's going on with me.


You can also find me on my website and sign up for my newsletter that comes out once a month. Just add your name and email address to the sign up form and you're in like Flynn.

So there you have it. Those are the social places you'll find me. Again, I hope you all will come see me and will understand why I've chosen to stay away from Facebook. Thank you for being patient and for keeping up with me.

Happy Reading!

Siobhan

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Meeting the Lead Mare


Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense out now. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Bethany is meeting the Lead Mare of the centaur village. It's not going so well, for either of them.

The female centaur stepped closer, a frown creasing her brow. While her face remained unlined, crow’s feet at the edges of her eyes marked her experience. A circlet of gold rested in her hair portraying her status as lead mare to the general’s harem.
“To what do I owe the dubious honor of your presence, human? Have I angered the general so much he sends me a mythical beast?”
The smooth, feminine voice dripped with sarcasm, and a matching scowl conveyed her disdain. Lordy, now I have a bitch of a woman to deal with, bless her heart.
Bethany gritted her teeth. “Trust me, Lead Mare, if the idiots outside would let me, I’d be gone in a heartbeat.”
Okay, not the most diplomatic, but certainly honest.
“Do you insult us, human?” Her nostrils flared and she rested her hand on a wicked dagger belted to her human waist.
Deep breath, you’re on her turf.

Diplomacy can be hard to come by. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to Take the Reins, available everywhere now:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…


Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

A Christmas Poem for Christmas Eve

'Twas the day before Christmas
And all through my home
The children were stirring
In an unending drone.
The cat was tied up in
All the ribbons and bows
And the husband was constantly
Blowing his nose.

The dishes were done,
Thank God for that,
And the cider was boiling
In a great spicy vat.
The stockings were actually
Hung on the hearth
First time for everything,
We've made a good start.

The cards had been sent
and the gifts were all wrapped
With the holiday parties and
Gatherings on tap.
I'd paid all the bills
And solidified plans
To settle accounts and pay Uncle Sam.

2014 was almost all done
And looking around,
I declared we had won.
We'd dealt with the pitfalls,
The angst, and the fear.
We'd dealt with the troubles plaguing this year.
2015 approached like a teaser,
The promise of better things.
We could all use a breather.

So I sat down at my computer
To pound out some words,
That would bring joy and fun
To numbers unheard.

On Phinnius, and Kendra,
And their demon, too,
On Rimshot, and Bam-Bam, 
And the whole SEAL crew.
A new story had just started to gel,
Of a Hollywood Starlet and her warrior as well.
A serial would come out,
Full of adventure and fun,
With sword-fighting and high-jinks
All while on the run.

Add to that a succubus and a pair of werewolves,
A vampire menage,
And a dragon who moves.
Make room for an assassin
With a princess to match,
A Sword of God blademaster
And a Valkyrie, natch.
Dracula will make an appearance all right
And a coffee shop patron who stays for the night.
An incubus who's looking for one special lady,
And a water-folk pirate who's just a little bit shady.

The stories were calling
Likes wolves on the prowl,
Each wanting to be written
And finished right now.
But I cracked my knuckles
And grinned at the screen.
"Wait your turn," I said.
"Or I'm gonna get mean.
I'll leave cliff-hangers
Right out of the gate."
And the stories settled back
On the hard drive to wait.

So what lies ahead in the snowy New Year?
What characters get my attention so dear?
Looks like the Starlet and her warrior true,
And a Navy SEAL and his girlfriend, too.
I shall type as long as my fingers can work
And as long as the Muse isn't a jerk,
I'll bring you the best tales, of that have no fear.
So blessings and love for a happy New Year!

Siobhan


Sunday, December 21, 2014

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Double Headed Infinity Snake


Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense out now. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Mack has taken his team the the site on the senator's estate and they've found something interesting, something they've seen before.

“Yeah. Looks a lot like some of the midair rifts we found.” Bryant glanced at the flagging, a frown creasing her brow. “What I don’t get is why the readings are so much lower here.”
“I think it’s because it’s stable. Given the look of the place, I suspect this one has been here a long time.”
“That makes sense. Check this out.” Bryant led him through some of the underbrush to the southwest corner of the circular stone paving and pointed to a carving in the rock.
Mack crouched to get a closer look. “Is that the Aztec double headed infinity snake you saw carved in that pylon at the edge of Angel Falls in Venezuela?”
“Yes, sir. And in the Giant’s Graveyard on the Oregon coast.”
“How the hell did it get all the way out here in Kentucky?” He scanned the site again as he rose to his feet.
“Think someone from the west coast stepped through one there and came back out here, sir?”
Mack's stomach lurched. “Good question, Bryant. Here’s a couple more. If that’s the case, where do you go when you step through? Do they connect to each other or do they lead somewhere else entirely?”

The game is afoot! ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to Take the Reins, available everywhere now:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…


Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

Friday, December 19, 2014

#ThursThreads - Week 148 - Winners


Week 148 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Nicole Colville for judging this week. There will be NO #THURSTHREADS next week for the Christmas holiday, but we will be back on New Year's Day. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetShiel
  • Silver James | @SilverJames_
  • A.J. Walker | @zevonesque
  • Cate Durham | @Cate_Derham
  • Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
  • Anita S. | @anitaexplorer
  • Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
  • Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball 

Nicole says: This was such fun, the only problem I have is that they were all so good and I needed more of them. All of the following I could read full books about and that's why I chose them because I craved more. Everyone who took part has a great talent for description and creating a whole picture in such a short amount of words. I've never taken part in flash fiction before, but I think in the new year, I will be back to join in with you all.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
Nicole says: It's wonderfully dark and took on a whole new meaning for the prompt.
Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
Nicole says: I enjoyed the tease of plot in this one and wanted to continue reading to see what would happen and to find out all about the messy break up.

Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
Nicole says: Like Sandi's I want to read soooo much more about these two. They have an interesting story to tell. I'd like to see where they've come from and where they will end up. I liked the use of the prompt line in this one, so sweet and romantic.

Week 148 Winner


Nicole says: Her romantic friends to lovers, erm, married couple. :D I just loved the idea of this one. Two people who belong together but not seeing it until the final moment. It had humour and love and it caught my attention and held it.

"A few more hooks and they’d be done hanging.”
“Very funny, Kyle; but I don’t think Cecily will like her presents exposed to all on Christmas,” I commented, but what I really thought was it wouldn’t fit her, but maybe me.
“She’ll love my presents,” Kyle insisted.
“Yes, exactly, your presents!”
“But it’s red lingerie, you’ve hung like stockings.” I protested, “Do you have something else?”
“Yes, I did, Nancy.” Kyle answered soberly, “This.”
Kyle then pulled out the biggest diamond ring I’d ever seen. My heart dropped into my stomach. I’d lost him he’d never see me as the love of his life. I’d only ever be his friend
“Congratulations,” I answered trying to sound happy and then made excuses to leave.
Late that night Kyle dropped by my house. Cecily had refused him. We got drunk and the next thing I knew we woke up in bed together, me in that lingerie.
“Good morning,” Kyle said to me oddly seductive.
“Good morning,” I answered awkwardly then stared at my hand and gasped.
“What? You forgot we get married last night, wife?”
“But you gave this ring to Cecily,” I protested.
“You are my heart, my stars, and the love of my life; who has always been there. I finally saw that. That is why I married you. I love you Nancy Gregory.”
“I love you too but that’s Nancy Karl-Gregory buster.”
As Kyle took me in his arms, it was the best Christmas ever. 

Congratulations Winner Sheilagh, Miranda, and Sandi! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Thursday, December 18, 2014

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 148


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 148 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Just a short message: there will be NO #THURSTHREADS next week for the Christmas holiday, but there WILL BE #THURSTHREADS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY 2015. If you're able to join us, we'll be here. Want to keep up each week? You're welcome to join the FB #ThursThreads group where we'll do events and make announcements. Need the rules? Read on.

Here's how it works:
  • The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
  • The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
  • This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
  • Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
  • Post your story in the comments section of this post
  • Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
  • Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
  • The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time
  • The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up.
How it benefits you:
  • You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
  • You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
  • Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 148:

Sexy Brit, mother, and m/m romance author, Nicole Colville.



And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"A few more hooks and they’d be done hanging.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Mid Week Tease - Take the Reins - Something Abnormal


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino. It will release on Friday this week!!

Authors: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. Readers: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.

Today I'm offering snippets from my new release Take the Reins, a fantasy romance, and Book 1 in the Rifts series. Bethany Stanton is missing and her father is bringing in a special branch of the Army to find her. Except he'll have to convince Major McMacken that it's really worth his time and his team.

Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken stood at parade rest while he stared at the man behind a large mahogany desk. “I’m sorry, sir. Can you repeat that?”
“I want you and your team to investigate the disappearance of my daughter, Bethany.” Senator James William Stanton of Kentucky met Mack’s gaze with utter conviction. His lackey, John Coolidge, stood to one side and nodded vigorously.
“Isn’t this a job for the FBI rather than the Army, sir?”
The senator didn’t quite sneer, but his lip twitched and his chin rose. “If I had any confidence in the FBI or their ability to tackle this problem, Major, I’d have called them. But the uniqueness of this event necessitates the use of a far more capable force.”
Mack digested the enigmatic statement and tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his gut. As part of the Army’s Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit or SNAIFU, it was his job to investigate the weird events encountered by the military. And one damn letter off from SNAFU which is where we find ourselves most of the time.
“Are you saying there’s something abnormal going on with your daughter, Senator?”
“I wouldn’t say abnormal—”
“Yes.” Stanton didn’t flinch as he cut off his protégé’s hedging response.
Coolidge could be the poster child for Yes Men International. He reeked of smarmy charm and weaselly support. Mack kept his expression from curling into a scowl from sheer willpower.
“I see. Why do you think that, sir?”
Stanton opened his mouth to say more when someone knocked at the door and pushed it open.
“Excuse me, sir.” An older woman hesitated on the threshold, her expression troubled.
Senator Stanton glared at his secretary. “What is it, Rosalie? Can’t you see I’m in the middle of a debriefing?”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir.” She held up a creamy note folded in half. “But it’s something I thought you needed to see immediately.”
Stanton gestured for the note impatiently, but turned his attention back to Mack. “Recent discoveries on my estate suggest there’s more going on than a simple case of Bethany running away. Originally, I thought she’d left the estate by conventional means, but my security guards had no record of her leaving by the front gate.” Stanton paused, nodded, and waved at the secretary. “Thank you, Rosalie. That will be all.”
“Yes, sir.” The secretary scurried out of the office and closed the door behind her. The senator didn’t even watch her leave.
“It’s been nearly three days, and since she didn’t run crying to any of her less appropriate friends, I assume something else has happened. It wasn’t until this morning I was informed she’d taken her horse as she is known to do when in a fit of distemper.” He glanced at his smarmy protégé. “She and John are to be married this year before the election and it’s vital she’s home in time.”
Damn, can this guy be any more of an asshole?

Take the Reins, available everywhere now.


Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Domestic Solutions


Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense out now. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Bethany finds out what General Warrick wants her to do to earn her keep in the village

“I see.” Warrick crossed his arms over his chest and dropped his chin. “So you know military men, horses, and, being female, how to talk to other females, yes?”
Warning bells went off in the back of her head, but she nodded slowly. “Yes, I guess.”
“Let’s do this, you shall speak to my Lead Mare about her recent recalcitrance, and that of the other mares in my harem, and I shall allow you to live unfettered in the village with our people.”
“Wait, what?” Bethany gaped. “I don’t understand. I have to talk to whom about what?”
“My Lead Mare, Idrissa Plainsrunner, the mother of my son, and the most stubborn female ever to gallop across the grasslands.” Affection underlay his irritation. “She has been unhappy and I cannot find what it is to change this, so you shall do it for me.”

So the other shoe has dropped. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to Take the Reins, available everywhere now:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…


Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. :)

#ThursThreads - Week 147 - Winners


Week 147 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Michele Sieniarecki for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:
  • Jason McKinney | @jason_mckinney
  • Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetShiel
  • Silver James | @SilverJames_
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball 
  • Charley Emma | @lindorfan
  • Mary Decker | @mishmhem
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
Michele says: Many thanks for inviting me to judge.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Silver James | @SilverJames_
Michele says: This felt like a good tease to a story I wanted to read more about. Who were these people? What was their history? Why was this woman always in the company of drug lords? The dialogue was a nice break from mostly narrative entries, and the writer managed to establish three distinct personalities in a short number of words.

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
Michele says: Despite the potentially distressing content (thanks for the advance trigger warning,) this had loads of tension and suspense. Ultimately, it didn’t have enough of a beginning, middle and end—it seemed more like reading a page over someone’s shoulder on the bus then never finding out what book they were reading.

Mary Decker | @mishmhem
Michele says: It took me a couple of readings to suss out what was going on, but once I did—BOOM! There were so many unanswered questions, though. I spent way more time than is probably wise to admit trying to puzzle out the answers in the words given, but ended up tying my brain in knots and coming up with still MORE questions! If there was a “Made Me Think” badge, this would win it.

Week 146 Winner


Michele says: This was the total package--a perfect, self-contained moment in time that combined atmosphere, emotion and a personal triumph to win me over—with two words to spare! Despite being a self-proclaimed “Happily Married Woman,” she nailed the warring emotions experienced by the newly-divorced, the desire to please her kids (while one-upping her ex, if possible) and the torture of learning skills one never thought they’d have to acquire—and all of that in the rain.

Water blinded Susie, and she wiped the rain from her eyes, and used her palm as a makeshift visor. She peered upward at the dangling Christmas lights. A few more hooks and they’d be done hanging.

Why did the threatening storm have to hit now? The task seemed unfathomable. She couldn’t do it. It was impossible.

Feet sticking in the mucky mud, she dragged the ladder over a few steps, and tested its sturdiness. Up she went, a cross between cursing her lousy ex and praying for her own safety under her breath. The wood wobbled, and she froze –

Steady, Susie finished the last two steps and reached, tip-toes, leaning, stretching and hooked the next loop. A gust of wind blew, slanting the rain against the backs of her jeans. She shivered, teeth chattering.

After hearing Janie gush about the “Lights up at Dad’s house,” Susie had to do it.

Down, and over, and up, all the while the fury built. Blood pounded in her head while Mother Nature pelted her on the outside. She wasn’t cut out for this work. She should have hired someone.

One last hook. Down, and over, and up. She stretched, tossing the strand around the hook Mike had put up last year, and missed. Tears comingled with the rain.

She could do this. It was easy. She reached, flipped and success!

Down one last time, she shut the ladder and stood back – sparkling blue, red, green winked – and rejoiced.

Yes, she could.  

Congratulations Three Time Winner Louisa, Silver, Kelly, and Mary! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Friday, December 12, 2014

**RELEASE DAY** Take the Reins, Fantasy Romance


Woohoo! Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the release of Take the Reins, a fantasy romance. It's not as hot as my earlier titles, but it's packed full of adventure and action.

Here's the blurb:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…

Right now, Take the Reins is available on Amazon, Smashwords and All Romance eBooks.
Coming soon to Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Books.

Excerpt:

The lilting notes of a flute pulled Bethany’s head up and she scanned the world around her. Something moved from the trees behind her and her jaw dropped as she stared, abashed. A satyr, a real benighted satyr skipped into the clearing before her, playing a reed pipe. Great curling horns of a Dall’s sheep sprouted from his head and a thick pelt of dark hair covered his legs as he danced. The music wove a haunting melody around her and some of her concerns faded into the background.
“Why so sad, dear lady?” He paused before her and offered her a coaxing smile. “Perhaps I can play your sorrows away.”
Bethany wondered if she’d been worrying too much. What were her problems, anyway? She couldn’t quite remember and the music in the satyr’s voice lulled away her stress. A thick, warm balm flooded over her and she sighed with relief. His smile broadened.
“Come with me. I shall grant you all that you desire.”
What did she desire, again? Peace, pleasure, and relaxation. She found herself nodding and leaned toward him, reaching for the hand he offered. The smile darkened with sensual promise.
Before she could touch his fingers, a loud report broke the silence and the satyr jerked his hand back with a snarl. Blood dripped from a ragged wound in his palm and his face warped into a nasty sneer with sharp teeth protruding through his lips. Bethany gasped and scrambled backwards behind the log, panic surging through her. The satyr bolted away into the trees with a bleating complaint.
Dear God, that sounded like a gun shot.
Bethany shook her head, trying to clear the fog drenching her thoughts. She searched the woods around her, her heart thudding in her throat. A voice told her she should run back toward the centaur camp, but given the satyr, running blind anywhere seemed just as stupid as sitting still. At least she’d see what came at her in the clearing.
Bethany waited and listened hard, letting her eyes unfocus to catch any movement from the forest. Nothing came to her senses. The satyr’s passage had faded into the distance and only the wind through the trees broke the tense silence.
Then the shrubs to her left stood up.
Bethany yelped and lurched to her feet, backing away from the odd creature. Bipedal and binocular, it towered over her by a good eight inches and wore all black. She scanned the body cataloging all the items she recognized.
Combat boots laced up to the shins. Black canvas cargo pants with millions of pockets. Batman-like utility belt with odd implements, including a gun holster complete with protruding pistol butt. A black vest resembling Kevlar covered the broad chest and black and brown face paint obscured the skin around piercing blue eyes the color of a Kentucky summer sky.
Those eyes took in her appearance with the same frank appraisal she’d offered then scanned the forest behind her. She swore the creature looked human, male, and from her own world as he stepped closer.
“Bethany Stanton?”
Bethany blinked. That sounds like American English.
“Yes?”
“I’m Major Stephen McMacken, US Army. I’m here to take you home.”
“What?”
The eyes snapped to her face. “Major Stephen McMacken, US Army.”
“Yeah, I got that part. What are you doing here?”
Frustration tightened the lips in the blackened face. “I’m here to rescue you.”
Bethany gaped. “Where did you come from? How did you get here?”
“We came from Kentucky. Your father sent us.”
“Us?”
“Do you think we could leave the twenty questions until after we get out of here?” The eyes flicked toward the trees again as a low rumble hit their ears. No doubt the centaurs had heard the gun shot clearly in the still morning air. While they weren’t close, sound carried easily across the grasslands and they’d soon have centaurian company.
Bethany stared at the tense man and tried to make up her mind. He said he’d come to take her home, but he’d also said her father had sent him. Guess it’s time to make my decision, like it or not. But she hesitated. How the hell had Major McMacken gotten here? Was the doorway between the worlds still open?
“Wait, how did you get here, exactly, Major? Is the rift still open?”
“I came through the archaeological site two nights ago.” He took a step toward her. “As far as I know it’s still open. So let’s get going before it closes, shall we?”
“That’s impossible. I have it on good authority it closed. Three weeks ago.”
“Don’t know what to tell you other than I came through two days ago and it’s time we get back home. So let’s go.”
Bethany sat on the log and crossed her arms over her chest. “I think you should relax a little. You said my father sent you?”
“Let’s go, Ms. Stanton. I’ll explain on the way.” The major reached for her, but she scooted out of reach.
“No.”
“What?” The blue gaze zeroed in on her.
“No, I’m not going back with you. Tell my father you didn’t find me or you found pieces of my body, I don’t really care. But at the moment, I’m not going back to Kentucky. And most likely, neither are you.”
“Dammit, Ms. Stanton, I don’t have time for this.”
Bethany snorted. “Honey, I suspect you have more time than you know. Looks like you’re stuck here like I am.”


Again, Take the Reins is available on, Amazon, Smashwords and All Romance eBooks. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)