#ThursThreads - THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Winners

Week 156 of #ThursThreads #Year3 Anniversary had so many fantastic tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers come to tie a tale. And welcome all the new folks! Thank you for coming to tie your tales and for helping me celebrate these three years of flash. Here's to several more years. Great thanks to Cara Michaels for judging this week and for starting us off all those years ago. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

After the winners are notified and they have chosen their prizes, the folks who tweeted the hashtag #ThursThreads will be thrown into a drawing for the remaining prizes. I'll announce the winners here on the blog and on twitter. Thank you all for participating and coming back to write!

Entries:

• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
• Rafe Brox | @etcet
• Greg Nance | @acenance
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
• Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse
• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• David Shakes | @theshakes72
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan 
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Decadent Kane | @Decadent Kane
• Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
• Jason Lefthand | @jasonlefthand
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
• Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
• Chris Cantley
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Eric Martell | @drmagoo
• Lynn Peters | @RoryBrazen
• Nellie Batz | @solimond
• Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Cara says: Dang, you folks gave me some great reading (and tough decision making) this week. Thank you all for writing! After reading through a couple times, deliberating, then revisiting the dozen or so stories vying for honors, here are my choices:

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Nellie Batz | @solimond

Cara says: This story is a heartbreaker. As though her sense of losing her friends wasn’t hard enough, the transition to clarity regarding Violet’s true circumstances hit me right in the feels..

Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Cara says: The bones of this story idea intrigue me. Is the MC some sort of cyborg or mechanical man? The action is concise and doesn’t bog down the snippet. The final ‘framework’ exchange gave me a good laugh.

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Cara says: The whimsical nature of the story caught my attention, and this tale struck me as a poem or painting captured within a narrative. Lovely work.

Week 156 #Year3 Winner

Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse

Cara says: In 250 words, this story delivers a full-fledged world concept begging to be explored. If this was the excerpt behind the cover, this is a book I would take home. I would even take it to bed (because I want to keep reading, ya pervs). And damn, but I loved Ora’s, “Tell them I died here” line. She’s a hero after my own heart.

The cavern crawled with blue lightning. Pillars of stone shrugged dust into the dwindling air.

The company was closing the hyperspace shunt. Its pale oval flickered, a hundred meters high. The financial rulers of a planet light-years away had heard the cries of a thousand colonists and turned its face away in shame.

“Ora, we’re leaving.” Thain slung his rifle, glaring at the milling crowd on the wrong side of the portal. The marines had formed a perimeter to keep them in. No need; they huddled, terrified, wailing for all that was about to be lost.

Ora looked at her hands. Red with dirt. Dirty with blood. She knew too much of these people.

“If they stay, I stay.”

“To what end? You can’t help them.”

She tapped the glossy curve of the learning chip behind her ear. Worth more than this colony and everyone in it. The company would be furious -- and very far away. “With what I know? Yes, I can.”

He gripped her arm. “Ora, they’ll kill you. They’ll come to resent you and they’ll kill you for being one of us.”

“I want them to know we haven’t abandoned them to die here.”

“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” Thain whispered. “You can’t just give up--”

“Giving up is exactly what I’m not doing.” Ora unclipped her company badge and pressed it into his grubby palm. “Tell them I died here.”

She turned and walked away, listening for the final crack of the closing portal.

Congratulations Three Time Winner Daniel, Nellie, Ruth, and Josh! 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! :)

Mid Week Tease - A Walk in the Sand - Playing Games

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 Walk in the Sand, an action/adventure sci-fi/fantasy with romantic elements, and Book 1 in the The Ivory Road serial. Iliana Rory is just trying to have a vacation from her life as a Hollywood actress. She never intended on having to deal with her upcoming costar or stepping in to alternate universes. This is into the second chapter, to read a snippet earlier in the tale, click HERE.

“You're not going to stop playing, are you, Mr. Crowe?” Iliana shook her head. “Fine. Play your little game, but I’m done. I don't need this and I'm outta here.” She swung onto the gray horse and settled her weight in the stirrup-less saddle. She turned the animal’s head toward a gap in the trees and urged the horse into a trot.

“By all the Gods!” he shouted in frustration at her back.

“I told you women were faithless.”

Ahmad’s voice made her fury burn brighter, but she’d dealt with trolls in Hollywood. This guy was only a run-of-the-mill heckler. The gray horse lengthened its strides as they passed the edge of the oasis, and she did her best to ignore the corpse, still lying in the glaring sun. If it really is a dead body and not a dummy.

She stopped the horse and tried to decide which way to go. All directions looked pretty much the same. Well done, now you’re out here alone with no idea which direction is west. At least she now had a horse. Iliana glanced down to the sand below to try to determine which way their shadow pointed. She frowned. Had she gotten here in the morning or afternoon?

“I don’t think he’s accustomed to being spoken to like that.”

 She froze and looked around. No one stood near her. She sat alone on the horse.

The horse huffed an indignant sigh and turned his head to eye her.

Iliana swallowed hard. “Did you say something?”

“Yes, I said, I don't think he’s accustomed to being spoken to like that.”

The voice echoed in her ears, but the horse’s lips had remained still. That’s it. I’ve gotten sunstroke. “I’m going crazy.”

“That remains to be seen, but we’re still having this conversation anyway.” The gray snorted and tossed his head.

“Is this some sort of cosmic joke? Horses can’t talk.” She snapped her mouth shut and shook her head. “And now I’m arguing with an animal.”

 “Only because you can’t seem to accept I can speak, and well enough for you to understand, young lady.”

Iliana scrubbed her hands over her face. “No, no, no. This isn’t possible. There is no magic in the world except what Hollywood conjures. I must be dreaming this. I’m on a solo hike in New Mexico, minding my own business. This is just a dream from sun-stroke…” She glanced around uncertainly. “Except the sand is golden and Taggart Crowe has shown up.”

“The man you left behind is named Brandon Crowe and you’re in the Karobis Desert, which is in the country of Knalland.” The horse stretched a leg forward and rubbed the side of his muzzle against his knee. “The continent on which this desert stretches is called Absentia.”

A Walk in the Sand comes out February 23, 2015.

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

Snippet Sunday - A Walk in the Sand - Company Incoming and **COVER REVEAL**

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, The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand, a science-fiction/fantasy romance serial. Book 1 in the Ivory Road Serial. This new story will be released on Monday, February 23, 2015.

In this snippet, Iliana, a Hollywood actress, finds herself somewhere she doesn't expect. She's supposed to be hiking across the White Sands National Monument. The problem is the sand is golden now, her sunglasses are missing, and there are a whole lot more people than she expected to see in her neck of the dunes.

A low rumble across the sandy wastes caught her attention. She squinted against the glare and focused on a growing plume of dust. People on horseback raced toward her over the dunes, dressed in the same clothing style as her own costume. They whipped their horses into a full gallop even though it was the hottest part of the day.

“Oh, shit.”

None of the riders looked particularly friendly and their path would take them right over the top of her. Unless she got out of the way. There’s an idea.

Iliana spun and tripped over something at her feet. She landed hard in an undignified heap next to the large object on the ground. She scanned the yielding lump and her stomach sank. A body lay staring at the sky, the face still covered in black silk.

“Oh, my God!”

I don't think she's in New Mexico anymore. ;) 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.

**COVER REVEAL**

Here's the tentative blurb for The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand:

When it comes to finding love, Ivory is out of this world…

Iliana Vanessa Rory was just trying to find some peace before she had to start her next filming project. As one of Hollywood’s A-listed actors, Ivory doesn’t get much alone time. But when she steps across a dimensional boundary, she gets far more company than she intended in the form of a guy she swears is her upcoming costar, Mr. Crowe.

Turns out Brandon Crowe isn’t who she thinks he is, but on that they’re even. He needs her to show him the way across the desert and he’s a whole lot of trouble. Between an advancing army, ruthless creditors, and betrayal of trust, Brandon might be more than Iliana can handle. Fortunately, she has a talking horse to keep her company. But really, she just wants to make it to Australia to start filming on Monday.

A Walk in the Sand is the first story in a four part serial of Iliana’s journey.

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...

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...

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?

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

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.

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 - Take the Reins - Travel Plans

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 is leading the way to figure out what kind of doorway is at the archaeological site. Neither he nor his first sergeant understands what they're getting into.

Mack stepped onto the path and followed the footprints into the clearing. Their boots thumped on the paving stones as the moon crested the trees, throwing their shadows across the granite. The tingling increased in Mack’s nose and he rubbed it to keep from sneezing. Swirls of sparkles kicked up from their feet, glittering in the moonlight.

“Uh, Mack, I’m getting an increase in radiation fluctuations.” Bryant’s voice held caution.

The glittering light grew in brilliance until it drained into the grooves on the floor of the ruins and shot straight for them at the center of the site. The breeze stiffened, kicking up dust and debris as they closed on the center of the clearing. Mack put up a hand to save his eyes as Bryant shouted something, but the sound was lost in the rising wind.

“I think the doorway’s opening, stay with me, Bryant.” He raised his voice to carry over the wind, but he had no idea if she’d heard as the eye of the storm centered over them. Mack reached for Bryant, but the wind knocked him off balance and he stumbled backward across the center block of the site.

“Bryant!”

I don't think they're in Kentucky anymore. ;) 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

Mid Week Tease - Take the Reins - COUOs

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 her father is bringing in a special branch of the Army to find her. Major McMacken has accepted the job, but now he has to determine what he has to look forward to.

Mack leaned over the maps on the grand oak table in the library with First Sergeant Circe Bryant and scowled. They had to be close to two hundred years old with scrolling along the edges and calligraphy naming the different landmarks on the estate. Ornate drawings filled the compass rose and the corners of the maps, depicting the wind directions.

“This is the most recent map you have of the estate?”

“Yes. They haven’t needed to be updated because the estate hasn’t changed that much.” Coolidge pointed to what looked like a miniature compass rose in the middle of the map. “That’s the site where the strange energy signatures come from. Nothing electronic works near there now.”

“Now?” Bryant raised an elegant eyebrow. “Has that changed?”

Coolidge nodded. “The place has been a ruin. No one thought much about it until a Stealth pilot picked up some weird readings while doing a routine training run. We managed to shut down the scuttlebutt, but as soon as we could, we had folks out here to investigate.”

“But you didn’t tell Ms. Stanton.” Mack couldn’t hold back his derision.

“No, Major. Like I said, everyone avoided the place. There was no reason to tell anyone about it until we knew more.”

“I’m thinking you’re regretting that line of thought right about now.” Bryant shook her head as she dragged her finger over the map. “How are you planning on going in, Major? Do you think we’re going to be facing COUOs out there?”

“Coo-ohs?” Coolidge wrinkled his forehead, not the most attractive expression on a man with a large one.

“Creatures of Unusual Origins.” Mack fixed Coolidge with a hard stare. “Will we?”

Coolidge swallowed hard. “There’s an acronym for that?”

“Yep.” Bryant clenched her jaw and Mack suspected she bit her tongue to avoid saying more. She didn’t suffer fools. “So will we encounter anything odd out there?”

“No, Ms. Bryant. We haven’t seen anything.”

“It’s Staff Sergeant Bryant, and how often have you been out to the site?”

“My apologies, Sergeant.” Coolidge gave her a brief smile. “I’ve only been out there once.”

And this was the guy I’m supposed to drag with me on this mission?

Mack forced the growl out of his voice. “Where did your intel on this site come from?”

“From the grounds keepers. They haven’t reported anything unusual except their cell phones now won’t work out there.”

Mack shared a look with Bryant. “You verified we can’t get close with electronics?”

“Yes, sir. All our usual toys stopped being accurate within three hundred yards.”

Take the Reins, available everywhere now.

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 - Take the Reins - A Tiara and a Horse's Ass

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 she has more in common with the Lead Mare of the Forest Edge Herd than she originally thought. We're in Bethany's POV, but the Lead Mare is the first to speak.

"I suppose I should be properly reverent, but I’m finding it difficult to bow to such an insignificant creature.”

Bethany’s anger surged, but she gritted her teeth again and swallowed her words. At least I’m not wearing a horse’s ass. Not very politic and certainly wouldn’t improve her situation. Breathe and remember your political manners.

“Honey, if I wanted bowing and scraping, I would’ve worn my tiara.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t want your reverence, I just want to go home. Maybe you can convince the general that I’m not a threat to your people, and have no influence at all.”

The Lead Mare’s brows lowered and her frown returned. “I cannot even convince him to hear me out. How will I convince him of what you say?”

Bethany’s gut sank. “Oh.” She eyed the other woman thoughtfully. “So I’m supposed to change your mind to his way of thinking and get you to give up your demands of change?” She snorted and shook her head. “Boy, did he ask the wrong person to do that for him."

Perhaps they're more allies than opponents. ;) 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

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…

Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

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!