Saturday, January 31, 2015

Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Gentleness and Beauty


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, A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a companion tale to Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy romance and was released on Monday, January 26, 2015.

It's time to introduce you to Ronin. In this snippet, Ronin has brought in two injured men and Sedgewick says he knows what to do for them. Ronin is more than just relieved.

Ronin had never been so glad to see his injured soldier in his life. Sedgewick Icetrotter constituted 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 shoulder 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. No need to compound his shame.
Now Sedgewick stepped forward, arm in a sling, with more confidence Ronin than 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?"

Confidence is key in most cases. ;) 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 A Centaur's Solstice Wish, Book 2 in the Rifts series:

When making wishes on the Hunter’s star...
It will take more than wishes to improve Sedgewick Icetrotter’s Solstice. After being sent to the infirmary, again, for dislocating his shoulder while stringing his bow, he figures he’s got a snowball’s chance in hell to impress the centaur he loves. Until Corporal Ronin Creekjumper brings in two injured centaurs suffering from unusual insect bites, and Sedgewick knows how to treat them.

Ronin can’t believe his good luck when Sedgewick saves his men. It also gives him a chance to do more than light candles for his injured friend. Ronin takes the chance and invites Sedgewick to spend the Solistice holiday together. Just the two of them.

And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?

Available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Friday, January 30, 2015

#ThursThreads - Week 153 - Winners


Week 153 of #ThursThreads had some great 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 and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Sonya Weiss for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:
  • Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (prose)
  • Silver James | @SilverJames_
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (poem)
  • Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
  • Charley Emma | @lindorfan
  • Cynthia Hudson Keane | @AuthorCAKeane
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
  • Eden Connor | @EdenConnor
  • Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
  • Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
Sonya says: This was a lot of fun and I loved the entries. I read the pieces as they came in throughout the day and it was hard to narrow them down. It's easy to tell that these writers aren't beginners.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
Sonya says: Because Tina was interesting due to the way the scene was set up. His descriptions were excellent. His ending line gave an image of a character dealing with exhaustion, determination, and strength.

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
Sonya says: Because her piece had a solid opening hook in the second sentence. “Do you sleep better this way now that your wife is dead,” asked the prosecutor.” Opening hooks and chapter ending hooks along with characters to root for are something that editors and agents like to see. I thought it was a quirky way to start a scene.

Silver James | @SilverJames_
Sonya says: Because this, “He wanted to wake her, to gather her into his arms, kiss and shower her with words of love. That wasn’t his way. He was a solider. A hard man living an even harder life. But she made him want to be soft, tender” is a good way to present insight into the core of a character. Gave me a mental picture of a great hero.

Week 153 Winner


Sonya says: I picked David A. Ludwig’s piece as the winning entry because of the way he handled the characterization. With this part, “In his time Lenin Blackwell had been a hero, then a drifter and a drinker. By the time I met him he was just a drinker, but that didn’t stop him from saving Chris and I”, he was able to portray a great description. He made Lenin come alive on the page.

Insectile clacking rippled the plains unlike anything I had known. The dark haired drifter on the porch didn’t notice it at all. His stony gaze extended out to stars the other side of the sun’s languid descent. Something about the man was more disquieting than the unseen grass bugs.

In his time Lenin Blackwell had been a hero, then a drifter and a drinker. By the time I met him he was just a drinker, but that didn’t stop him from saving Chris and I. Fumes from his breath dispersed lazily through stifled air. Risking second hand intoxication, I resolved myself to join him on the porch.

Our stubble faced host proffered his flask to me without a sideways glance. Sitting down next to him, I waved off the gracious gesture.

“That stuff will keep you up, you know?”

Hawking a great wad of phlegm back in his throat, Lenin sent it sailing over the rails toward the setting sun. Then he took a long pull from the flask.

“I sleep much better this way.”

In the silence that followed I massaged my legs. My injuries no longer precluded travel.

“I suppose I’ll be heading out tomorrow.” I ventured. “I’ll send doctors back for Chris as soon as I reach town.”

“Doctors can’t do anything I ain’t already doing.” Lenin scratched his chin. “Besides, what happened’s my responsibility.”

I tilted my head, “How do you figure?”

“It’s my fault the bastard was alive to jump you in the first place.”

Congratulations Two Time Winner David, Josh, Sheilagh, and Silver! 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Thursday, January 29, 2015

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 153


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 152 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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 153:

Ghost writer and contemporary romance author, Sonya Weiss.



And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"I sleep much better this way.”

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, January 28, 2015

Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Backup


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

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 A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series. Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve and Bethany, from Take the Reins, is talking to Sedgewick about friendship and backup.

"Hey, Sedgewick. How are you feeling tonight?"
Bethany stopped beside his window and gave him a warm smile.
"I'm feeling better tonight, Master Healer. Thank you."
"Oh, you can call me Bethany. It's Christmas Eve. No need to stand on ceremony tonight." She tilted her head with a small frown. "Are you having trouble sleeping? Is the pain bothering you?"
"No, MaBethany." He grimaced at his slip. "I heard you singing."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it had been that loud. I just get into the spirit of the season and lose track of where I am." She shook her head. "I should remember to be quieter."
"No, no, it was beautiful. Peaceful and yet wistful. Are the songs from your home?"
"The Christmas tunes? Yes. Things we used to sing as kids. We'd go caroling from house to house when my mothermy dam was alive." The Master Healer smiled as she set a lit candle down on the windowsill. "It was damn cold, but the singing kept us warm and there was always hot cider or cocoa waiting for us when we got home."
"That sounds like a pleasant memory." He grimaced as his shoulder twinged. "Full of magic."
"It's a magical time of year."
Sedgewick snorted and shook his head. "Not magical, just harder. Colder. Darker."
"That's why we have candles and cheery fires, and after the solstice, the days get longer again." Bethany gave him an understanding smile. "But it can be a lonely time without loved ones." She sighed a little. "I miss my brother most of all."
Sedgewick heard the sorrow in her voice. "Has your brother returned to the Goddess?"
"What? Oh, no. At least, not that I've heard." She shook her head. "I just don't get to see him much, and now, not at all."
"Why is that, Master Healer?"
"He's a soldier, a fairly elite one, and he's always off saving the world. It's impossible to know if he'll be home for Christmas, and most of the time he's deployed somewhere exotic." She snorted with amusement. "The lucky jerk usually gets to go somewhere warm in the southern hemisphere.” But her smile fell away. “Unfortunately, he doesn't get to have fun there. He's a sniper." She paused. "Do you know what a sniper is?"
Sedgewick frowned and shook his head. "I'm not familiar with the term."
Bethany bit her bottom lip in thought. "He's really sneaky and quiet, and usually takes the enemy out by long range...bow shots. He's too far away for them to see him."
"That doesn't seem like an honorable way to fight."
Bethany nodded. "No, but it's a good way to keep his team safe and to facilitate rescue operations. He's their backup." She smiled a little. "Still, I send prayers up each year to keep him safe. I'm his backup."


Available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

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

Monday, January 26, 2015

**RELEASE DAY** - A Centaur's Solstice Wish


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the release of A Centaur's Solstice Wish, book 2 in the Rifts series. I'm so thrilled with the release of this tale because it came out of nowhere and insisted it be written. I don't normally write Christmas/Holiday tales, but Sedgewick and Ronin marched into my world and hung out until I could get their story down. Here's the blurb:

When making wishes on the Hunter’s star...

It will take more than wishes to improve Sedgewick Icetrotter’s Solstice. After being sent to the infirmary, again, for dislocating his shoulder while stringing his bow, he figures he’s got a snowball’s chance in hell to impress the centaur he loves. Until Corporal Ronin Creekjumper brings in two injured centaurs suffering from unusual insect bites, and Sedgewick knows how to treat them.

Ronin can’t believe his good luck when Sedgewick saves his men. It also gives him a chance to do more than light candles for his injured friend. Ronin takes the chance and invites Sedgewick to spend the Solistice holiday together. Just the two of them.

And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?

A Centaur's Solstice Wish is available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords
And should be on Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Books soon. Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite for more:

Ronin had never been so glad to see his injured soldier in his life. Sedgewick Icetrotter constituted 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 shoulder 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. No need to compound his shame.

Now Sedgewick stepped forward, arm in a sling, with more confidence Ronin than 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 make an antidotal salve and smooth it over each of 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."
 Ronin gripped Sedgewick's shoulder. "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 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 the other soldiers to undress Navarro and Colver, he kept Sedgewick in sight as the buckskin directed Bethany in a soft but sure voice. The men moaned when they 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. "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 regretted his words immediately and cursed himself for a nervous fool, but dutifully followed the buckskin soldier and swept 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."
He stood beside Sedgewick, watching him 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.

A Centaur’s Solstice Wish
Copyright © 2015 Siobhan Muir
All Rights Reserved

In case you're wondering, this is a sweet male/male fantasy romance, fantasy because it involves centaurs. Can't get more fantasy than that, although they'd argue we're the mythical beasts. If you're looking for male/female romance, the first book in this series, Take the Reins, is on sale this week for only a dollar at Smashwords (Code: XE38G) and All Romance eBooks.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - When you Wish Upon a Star


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, A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a companion tale to Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy romance and will be released on Monday, January 26, 2015.

In this snippet, Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve, nursing a dislocated shoulder. Bethany has suggested he send up his wishes and prayers since the magic is strong at this time of year.

He sighed and straightened his shoulders as he faced the window, mentally shaking his head at his whimsy, but still incapable of not trying.
Sweetest Epona, Goddess of all the Herds, please hear my prayer. Please let me find my heart's desire tonight. He paused, trying to visualize what that would be. He closed his eyes, imagining himself working on something with great skill and proficiency, enough to garner admiration for his abilities from the community. At the last second as his mind's eyes swung around the crowd, Ronin appeared beside him and wrapped a burly arm around Sedgewick's shoulders, squeezing in a proprietary manner. Oh, yes, please.
He opened his eyes and the Hunter's Point winked at him. At least he thought it did, though stars sparkled all the time. I'm just imagining things.

When you wish upon a star... ;) 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 A Centaur's Solstice Wish, Book 2 in the Rifts series:

When making wishes on the Hunter’s star...

It will take more than wishes to improve Sedgewick Icetrotter’s Solstice. After being sent to the infirmary, again, for dislocating his shoulder while stringing his bow, he figures he’s got a snowball’s chance in hell to impress the centaur he loves. Until Corporal Ronin Creekjumper brings in two injured centaurs suffering from unusual insect bites, and Sedgewick knows how to treat them.

Ronin can’t believe his good luck when Sedgewick saves his men. It also gives him a chance to do more than light candles for his injured friend. Ronin takes the chance and invites Sedgewick to spend the Solistice holiday together. Just the two of them.

And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?

Friday, January 23, 2015

#ThursThreads - Week 152 - Winners


Week 152 of #ThursThreads had some great 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 and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to F.C. Etier for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:
  • Silver James | @SilverJames_
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • Charley Emma | @lindorfan
  • Anne | @TwiAddictAnne
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
  • A.J. Walker | @zevonesque
  • Nellie Batz | @solimond
F.C. says: Here's my criteria: 1. include prompt 2. first sentence must grab my attention 3. first paragraph must give me reason to continue reading 4. story must be coherent 5. presentation, ie: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil

Anne | @TwiAddictAnne

Week 152 Winner


F.C. says: A.J. Walker edged it out with the most creative use of the prompt.

The Zipper Man Blues

“Hey, Keith Richards, here you go.” Callie said, as she passed over the beer to Sands.

“Hardly,” sad Sands, pushing the green leather clad guitar case around the table. “Just a bit of a strummer. And not a very good one at that.”

“That case is a beauty. Most the lads coming in here use those floppy faux plastic bags. A bit lighter and easier to store though.” Callie said.

“A damn site cheaper too, I know. But I just can’t do zips anymore,” said Sands, looking to the floor.

“Really? Nothing with a zipper?” said Callie.

“Not since the accident.” said Sands, wincing a little then overtly checking his buttoned fly.

Callie looked across the empty bar, struggling not to ask a follow up question.

Sands filled the silence. “Zips are for the brave or stupid. I mean, basically why take the risk? I sleep much better this way.”

“Velcro, it’s the future.” said Callie, as she walked back down the bar. She couldn’t suppress an embarrassed smile.

Sands crossed his legs and took a deep slug out of the bottle remembering times when he had more fastening options.

Congratulations Two Time Winner A.J., Louisa, Sheilagh, and Anne! 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Thursday, January 22, 2015

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 152


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 152 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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 152:

Weekend Writing Warrior, Photographer, and Suspense author, F. C. Etier.



And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"Nothing with a zipper?”

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, January 21, 2015

Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Stranger in a Familiar Land


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

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 upcoming release A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series. The book will be out on Jan. 26, 2015! Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve and Bethany, from Take the Reins, is singing.

Sedgewick rolled to his hooves and rearranged the sling holding his left arm. The shoulder still ached like he'd been stabbed, but at least standing up and walking no longer hurt. He stretched gingerly, extending each hind leg then each foreleg before walking into the community hall. Mare Bethany McMacken, the Master Healer of the Cedarfell herd moved from window to window, stringing garlands of pine boughs. She tied them to each post with red ribbons, singing more about snow and holidays.
Sedgewick stopped and watched her progress, his heart swelling with both joy and sorrow at her singing. She'd found her mate, her love, and her calling despite the disadvantage of being human. Until she'd come through the rift in the dryad lands, he'd never seen a human and always thought them fictional creatures. But she'd not only proved real, she managed to become one of their best healers and a valued member of the herd in spite of her strangeness.
He envied her. I'm still strange even though I'm a centaur.
He wanted to find his mate, his love, and his purpose, but he couldn't seem to make anything work. He made a lousy warrior, had very little skill at weapon maintenance, and the one person he loved appeared well beyond his reach. So far out he may as well be in a different world. But therein lay the problem. While he hadn't made any overtures toward anyone, he'd never found any mares who caught his eye. A mare would be far easier.
He leaned against the windowsill with his good arm and stared out at the wintery night and the softly falling snow. The other members of the original cohort were out there on patrol, shivering their tails off. He liked mares, thought of them as good friends and members of the community, but none of them had ever made him burn with need.
Not like Ronin.
Corporal Ronin Creekjumper with his dark skin, fierce blue eyes, and his dark auburn hair worn long in a thick braid down his back. Sedgewick shivered. The man epitomized beauty with broad shoulders framing a heavily-muscled hairy chest and belly. Sedgewick had often fantasized about Ronin while bathing or tending his herb garden, often getting lost in the daydream to the detriment of his time management. He'd tried to emulate the corporal with his easy strength and agility, but he possessed no soldiering skills, hence why he'd dislocated his shoulder when stringing a bow.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...
My list got screwed up to so to find the other blogs today, stop by Sandra Bunino's blog for the full list.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Magical Time of Year


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, A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a companion tale to Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series. This new story is a sweet male/male fantasy romance and will be released on January 26, 2015.

In this snippet, Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve, nursing a dislocated shoulder. Bethany from Take the Reins is the Master Healer of the herd and shares her wisdom about the holidays.

"It's good to have brothers-in-arms, or sisters as the case may be, who have your back." Sedgewick turned his gaze out to the snowy night. "I often wish to have such companions."
Bethany raised an eyebrow. "You don't have that now in your cohort?"
Sedgewick shook his head and glowered. "No, I'm a terrible soldier and the other men know it. This injury just confirms it. So I'll just have to go on wishing."
"Where I grew up there's this belief that at this time of year, magic really happens for those who don't have any." She waved the hand glowing with her healing magic. "I didn't always have this ability, so I don't count. But the saying goes if you make a Christmas wish, the magic of the season makes it come true."
Sedgewick snorted. "You think the Goddess Epona will grant my wishes just because it's snowing outside?"
Bethany gave him a secret smile and shrugged. "I don't know, Sedgewick, but the energy at this time of year is different, more magical and mysterious."

Everyone needs a little holiday magic. ;) 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.

The cover is coming soon, but here's the blurb to Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series, 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

Friday, January 16, 2015

#ThursThreads - Week 151 - Winners


Week 151 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories, especially on a holiday. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Margo Bond Collins for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:
  • Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster 
  • Ailsa Abraham | @ailsaabraham
  • Ray Morris | @iwrites
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Anne | @TwiAddictAnne
  • Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Bokerah Brumley | @msbbrumley
  • Mictoria Coolidge | @mictoria
  • Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
  • Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Bokerah Brumley | @msbbrumley
Margo says: I love the way this story uses details to characterize the two participants in the discussion and give the setting--every action and description, every single word, is significant. Nicely done!

Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
Margo says: This story does a great job of setting up the characters' backgrounds with only a few deft strokes. Bonus points for the use of the two -phobia words!

Anne | @TwiAddictAnne
Margo says: I love this sweet story because it packs such a perfectly complete romance into just a few words. 

Week 151 Winner


Margo says: I loved the way this story subverted reader expectations! It starts off as a fairly standard, sexy story--albeit one with excellent descriptions and details, as well as effective dialogue--but ends with a twist that made me want to read even more.

Ending on a High Note.

The girl held the bodice up by a strap. It was a lacy number, black and sheer. Her face told him everything.

“You’re supposed to wear it,” Shiloh said, hiding his smile.

She held it against her body. It contrasted nicely with her white t-shirt. Shiloh wondered if her skin was just as white. Red-heads were usually pale.

“Nothing with a zipper?” She plucked at the thin ribbon-like ties crisscrossing up the back of the bodice.

“No, sorry.”

She sighed and looked up at him, her bright green eyes watery. She wasn’t on the verge of tears—must just be nerves.

“It’s alright, Sivi.” He cupped her chin and rubbed a thumb along the smooth line of her jaw. A flush crept into her cheeks, accentuating the spray of freckles dancing across the bridge of her nose.

“Will they like me?” She whispered

“They will love you, darling.” Shiloh smiled and helped her off the sofa, tugging at her t-shirt. She already wore the matching skirt, if it could be called that.

He helped lace up the bodice, careful to pull it tight enough so that the mounds of her small breasts pushed up prettily above the cups.

Lastly he knelt by her stocking-covered thighs and lifted up the skirt. The gun was strapped securely, and was already charged. No warming up to give her away at the last minute.

“Kill as many as you can. And when they take you and change you, I’ll take care of it, darling.”

Congratulations Winner Ray, Bokerah, 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Thursday, January 15, 2015

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 151


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 151 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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 151:

College English professor, daydreamer, and Urban Fantasy author, Margo Bond Collins.

 
 
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"You’re supposed to wear it.”

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, January 14, 2015

Mid Week Tease - Take the Reins - Eye on the Sky


Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

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 Major McMacken has accepted the job, but now that he's crossed into this new world, there are a whole new set of dangers he has to prepare for.

It took him a few heartbeats to realize it wasn’t the wind making the sound. Mack jerked his gaze into the brilliant blue sky just in time to see a meteor heading straight for him.
Aw, shit, that’s nice. What’re the odds?
He tried to calculate where the meteor would hit and bolted perpendicular to it to escape. Oddly, the meteor seemed to follow him and he spun just as it crashed into the turf no more than thirty yards behind him. The impact threw him to the ground just as heat and flame shot over his head. Mack rolled to keep the flames from catching his clothes and scrambled to his feet to escape the brush fire.
He only had to run a few feet before the flames appeared to stop in a perfect circle around the impact. Mack paused and cautiously glanced over his shoulder. The meteor thrashed on the ground as if experiencing death throes.
What the hell?
Shrieking filled the air and a flailing mass churned in the center of the impact site. Flames licked in concentric circles around the thrashing creature, pulsing in time with flashes of light. A hum rose, the frequency growing louder and louder until another explosion rocked the grasslands.
Again, Mack was knocked off his feet as heat and light emblazoned the world. He threw his hands up over his eyes as debris rained down over him, bits of ash and grass smelling a lot like burnt feathers. He sat up and scanned the smoldering field, ducking when something grazed his head. He caught it and held up a brilliant orange feather that glinted gold when he turned it.
Little sparks seemed to trail behind it as he moved it through the air, but they didn’t worry him half as much as the flames encroaching on his position in the grass.  Mack scrambled up and tried to gauge which direction would get him out of the flames fastest. The ashes in the crater stirred as if the wind kicked them up, but the air around him lay still. He frowned and shifted closer, his curiosity overriding his preservation instinct.
What the hell is that?
Something pushed its way out of the soft gray flakes at the bottom of the impact crater. A head remarkably similar to a bird rose, followed by a long neck and bare shoulders. As he watched, the body sprouted what looked like feathers, similar in color to the one he held. The beak opened and a plaintive shriek rent the air. Mack slapped his hands to his ears as the creature extended its scaly arms and awkwardly flapped a few times, feathers growing like magic.
Magic.
He glanced at the feather in his fingers. It matched the plumage of the creature whistling and flapping on the ground. Sparks shot from the ends of its growing feathers and little flames licked along its crest and tail. The body enlarged as it flapped its wings harder and it met Mack’s gaze with a glowing red eye.
Aw, shit.

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...

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Book Spotlight: Saints United by Rhiannon Ayers


Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a Book Spotlight. Today Rhiannon Ayers stops by with a new release in her Love of Authority series. This is a MMF contemporary romance series, focused on the BDSM lifestyle. If that's not your cup of tea, please duck out now. :)


Andre "AJ" Johannes fell in love with his college roommate---he just didn't realize it until it was too late. After spending one unforgettable night in Ryder St. Claire's arms, fate forced them apart. But Ryder still haunts his dreams, and AJ's always wondered what might have been.

Eight years later, AJ is starting over. New job, new city, new life—and all of it without his wife and son. Marian divorced him and took sole custody, leaving AJ to wonder if the rest of his life will end up as useless as his shattered marriage.

Little does AJ know he's got a couple of Saints looking out for him. Ryder St. Claire married Lyss three years ago, and the two of them have been searching for their third--- the man who will offer his submission and give them everything they cannot give each other. But can they overcome years of emotional abuse to convince AJ he deserves to be happy?

EXCERPT

“Beautiful?” Ryder called as he closed and locked the door behind them. “We’re here.”
“Yeehaw!” said a joyful voice from the back of the apartment. “I’m just getting changed. Dinner’s on the stove. Right with you, boys.”
A.J. blinked, looking at Ryder questioningly. Ryder snorted. “She’s from Georgia,” he explained, eyes twinkling. “Country girl all the way.”
That explained the accent. Texans were known for that honeyed Southern drawl, but A.J. had never heard an accent as thick as the one Lyss had. If someone tried to spell out the words the way she said them, it probably wouldn’t even look like English. It sounded like she said, “Eye-yam jayast gittin’ chayn-gid. Deenir’s own th’ stow-ve. Reyet wit’ ye, bow-ees.” Kind of funny, actually. And sexy as fuck. There was a deep throatiness to her voice, that sensual timbre you’d expect from a nine-hundred number call girl. He’d noticed it when he listened to Ryder talk to her on the phone earlier, but had assumed he’d misheard because his brain was still swimming in lust from that kiss.
Apparently not. Curious now, wondering what kind of woman went with that kind of voice, A.J. turned toward the hallway across the living room and waited.
And felt all the breath leave his lungs in a silent whoosh when Lyss finally appeared.
Holy God, she was incredible. More striking than pretty, she had high cheekbones, full lips, and a slightly up-turned nose. Long bangs framed a high, aristocratic forehead while mile after mile of wavy, dark-brown hair spilled across her shoulders and down her back. Her shoulders were bared by an emerald-green tank top, while her thighs were lovingly molded by a pair of dark-blue jeans. She wasn’t one of those tiny stick women, either. Lyss had meat on her bones, and she had to be at least five-foot-seven. Luscious curves met his gaze everywhere he looked, from full, high breasts to rounded hips. She wasn’t overweight, though. Just full-figured. And hot damn, what a gorgeous figure it was.
While A.J. just stared, Lyss gave him an obvious once-over, then met his eyes with a dazzling smile that took his breath away all over again. There was so much character in her face, so much life, it was almost painful to look at her. She was entrancing.
No wonder Ryder loved her. No wonder Ryder married her. Holy hell, it was taking everything A.J. had not to drop to his knees in open worship. This woman embodied every single one of his fantasies about women, from her height to her weight to the sheer vivacity in her eyes. She must have men drooling over her everywhere she went.
Guess I still like women, after all. And here I thought my problem was I’d fallen in love with Ryder all those years ago. But that wasn’t what killed my desire for Marian, was it? She just…wasn’t my type. Holy hell, how did I not see that sooner?
His mind going in a million different directions at once, A.J. missed seeing Lyss cross the living room. Next thing he knew, she was standing less than a foot away, looking up into his face with clear hazel eyes that pierced right through every wall he’d erected around his soul, seeing all of him—instantly. He’d never felt so bare in front of another person, and yet he didn’t feel threatened. On the contrary, Lyss made him feel…safe.
Which made no sense. At all.
“I’m so excited I finally get to meet you,” Lyss said softly. A.J. could do nothing but stare dumbly as she reached up and slid her index finger along his jawline. Electricity zapped from that one point of contact straight through his spine, setting off little shivers he had no hope of hiding. Lyss smirked knowingly and caressed him again. “I’ve been waiting for this, A.J. I’m so very, very glad you’re here right now.”
A.J. swallowed hard. “I’m happy to meet you, too, Lyss. Ryder has a lot of great things to say about you.”
She grinned at him, making A.J.’s heart do a funny little dance. “Is that right? Well, did he also tell you I make a mean chicken and dumplings? ‘Cause that’s what I’ve got for ya’ll tonight. You hungry?”
Not for food. But he nodded anyway. “Sure.”
Ryder, who had been silent throughout their meeting, suddenly came up behind A.J., pressing A.J.’s shoulder blades against that hard chest as he lightly circled A.J.’s waist with both hands. That deep, rumbly voice sounded right by A.J.’s ear. “I’m going to go change. You guys get acquainted. I’ll be right back.”
A.J. couldn’t think, let alone respond. Not when they were standing on either side of him, caging him between them. Ryder’s heat blanketed his back, his body a wall of solid muscle strong enough to hold A.J. up no matter how weak he got. Lyss’s inviting curves so tantalizingly close, her hand still caressing his jaw and neck, provided a temptation unlike anything A.J. had ever experienced before. Between the two of them, his mind just…stopped.
His mouth, unfortunately, didn’t.
“I kissed your husband,” A.J. gasped.
Mortified, he cringed, waiting for their anger.
But Lyss surprised him with a laugh. “I know,” she said with a cheeky little grin.
Ryder snorted. “He means today.”
A.J. sucked in a breath as Lyss glanced at Ryder over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised. “Oh?”
Ryder’s shoulders moved up and down in what must have been a shrug. “He was talking nonsense. It was the only way I could think of to shut him up.”

Saints United is available at Bookstrand in all digital formats. Happy reading.