Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Special Training

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. Corporal Ronin is trying to find a way to tell Sedgewick how he feels and spend more time with him. But he's finding his training lacking in the area of love.

Love wasn't something he'd trained for. His focus had been on warfare. But in the battle for his heart, he felt woefully inexperienced. Ronin shot a look at Sedgewick, but the private's expression remained shuttered and withdrawn. Ronin focused on trudging to the barracks. He had to come up with a plan of action, or he'd lose Sedgewick forever.

His dam's voice filtered through his memories. To love is to recognize yourself in another, Ronin. How would you like someone to approach you with declarations of affection?

He'd gotten no closer to an answer when they reached the barracks for the men. Sedgewick strode past the dark forms of sleeping stallions while Ronin waited by the door. What could he do? Before he realized he'd moved, Ronin's hooves carried him to Sedgewick's side and he grasped the buckskin stallion's arm.

"Grab your gear and come with me, Sedgewick."

"Sorry, sir?" Sedgewick frowned, his body tense.

"Grab your gear. You're not staying here tonight with that shoulder."

Sedgewick paused, but nodded slowly. "Yes, sir." He stuffed his belongings into his rucksack and followed Ronin back out into the snow.

Not my most affectionate invitation. Ronin swallowed a grimace and led the way to his own quarters. As an officer, he'd been allowed to build his own barn. It wasn't a large space, not like the barn for Captain Yarren Plainsrunner and his mares, but it retained a comfortable atmosphere and space requirements.

"Where are we going, sir?"

"You're going to stay with me until you report to Healer Bethany." Ronin had no idea where this all came from, but he wouldn't examine it until later. "I need to brief the sergeant on the location of those White Lace Stars and check on the men, but I will return. Please stoke the fire and I shall be there presently."

"You want me to stay with you, Corporal?" Sedgewick's eyes filled his face.

"Yes..." Ronin paused and softened his voice. "Please, Sedgewick. Stay with me until you report to the infirmary."

The buckskin stallion still hesitated. "Are you sure, sir?"

"Yes. Very sure." He stepped closer to Sedgewick, nothing but stars overhead. "I would very much like to share the next two nights with you."

Sedgewick blinked as he clutched his rucksack closer to his chest. "Really?"

Did Ronin hear some hope in the question? "Yes, really." He squeezed Sedgewick's arm gently before releasing him. "Please build up the fire and I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Yes, sir."

Ronin nodded and headed back out to the perimeter, not daring to look back. Sedgewick had sounded bewildered and uncertain, but something deep inside Ronin said he'd done the right thing. I sure hope so, or tonight's gonna get awkward.

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

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

Snippet Sunday - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Fortune Favors the Bold

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.

In this snippet, Sedgewick is explaining how he knows how to care for the injured men. He really wants to impress Ronin, but everything he says seems wrong.

None of the moments in training had been Sedgewick's best. He freely admitted he was only at his best when working with medicines and recovery therapy.

"I'm really grateful. Sedgewick is a treasure-trove of knowledge on centaur medicine." Bethany smiled as she stirred. "Let's add the numb spire and get these men treated."

"Corporal, can you squeeze the spire's pulp into the mixture? The Master Healer must keep stirring to distribute the gel evenly." Sedgewick handed him the arm of the plant and mimicked how to push out the juices. "Start at the top and slide your hand down."

A blush warmed his cheeks as the suggestive nature of his instructions hit his awareness. Holy Goddess, could I be more bold?

He might have to be bolder. ;) 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

Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Helping Hand

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. Corporal Ronin has brought in two injured men on Christmas Eve and Sedgewick knows how to help them. The problem is, Ronin doesn't know how to tell Sedgewick how much this means to him.

"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.

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...

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

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, Ma—Bethany." 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 mother—my 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...

**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! :)

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?

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.

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