Monday, November 13, 2023

As destiny ties them together, not even the dark fae will destroy their newfound happiness. #TeaserTuesday on the #romance writer blog with soon to be released #PNR #shifter Bewitched by the Bear @changelingpress

 

 

A Paranormal Women's Fiction / Shifter Romance Novella

Date to be Published: November 17, 2023

Publisher: Changeling Press


 

 

Discover the power of true love in this spellbinding tale of magic and adventure.

All Amara wants is to live a life of adventure, without being tied down. With the dark fae relentlessly pursuing her, she needs a place to hide. Her gram’s cottage seems like the perfect spot, but the old witch’s words leave Amara unsettled -- What you seek is in Cutter’s Creek.

Alpha bear shifter Hale is determined to safeguard those closest to him. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with a captivating witch. Enchanted by her very presence, he’s unable to banish her from his thoughts.

As destiny ties them together, not even the dark fae will destroy their newfound happiness.

Uncover the magic in this fast-paced story that’s sure to warm your heart.

 

Publisher’s Note: Bewitched by the Bear is based on the previously published short story Ruby and the Bear. Bewitched has been expanded and is now twice the length of the original story, complete with a new ending and steamier scenes. No cheating and a guaranteed happily ever after!

 


 

 

Excerpt


Lunar Cycle’s dance floor cleared the moment the wolf and the bear began circling one another. Hale Klein watched as his cousin, Duncan Hunt, flexed his claws in his partially shifted wolf state. It took a hell of a lot of anger to hold a partial shift, and Hale figured Duncan had to be running on pure rage. He had to admit, he had it coming. Hale didn’t know what had come over him since losing his father, but something inside him had twisted. He’d taken a lucrative business of being a security consultant and warped it. For years, he’d been a gun for hire, for the right price, regardless of whether he was fighting on the side of good or bad. But as his cousin faced him, fighting for the place of alpha within the pack, he realized perhaps he’d gone too far. His hold, at first, had been tenuous, as the adopted son of the rightful alpha.

This fight wasn’t pointless, exactly, but Hale could think of better things to fight over -- no woman was worth bloodshed. Not that’d he’d wanted Marissa. It was more that Duncan had wanted her, and suddenly she’d become the most attractive of women to Hale. He loved rubbing his cousin’s nose in his alpha status, but this time, he’d overstepped. Even he could admit it to himself at any rate. Tricking Marissa into his bed and then tossing her aside like yesterday’s garbage might not have been the best of plans. In his defense, she’d been eager enough. If she’d truly loved Duncan, she would have never strayed.

Looking back, Hale had to say that he wasn’t proud of himself. As he’d gotten to know Marissa, he’d realized what a sweet girl she was, and she truly hadn’t deserved what Hale had done to her. Even still, her heart hadn’t completely belonged to Duncan. Hale had to wonder if she’d only accepted his cousin because of his status in the pack. Either way, was it really Hale’s fault she’d run away? Duncan seemed to think so.

“Your reign over the Silver Crescent Pack is at an end,” Duncan growled through his shifted snout. “It’s time for justice to come to our lands.”

And you think you’re the wolf for the job? Hale taunted telepathically. No one had been able to beat him in the seventy years he’d been on this earth -- what wolf could beat a bear? -- and definitely not in the twenty years he’d held the position of alpha. What made his cousin think today would be any different?

“It’s time for a wolf to rule the wolves.” Duncan snapped his jaws.

Bring it!

Duncan lunged at him, arms opening wide, claws brandished like the weapons they were. Hale was bulky in his current form, but he also had power the wolf couldn’t hope to match. Rising to his hind feet, Hale towered over his cousin. Swiping out with a paw, he caught Duncan right across the cheek, his claws sliding into the wolf’s skin like butter, leaving three perfect slashes.

The wolf howled in outrage, twisting to come at Hale once more. Before the bear could scramble out of the way, the wolf’s claws embedded in his sides, leaving gouges in his tough hide. Hale snarled and broke free, spinning to immediately launch another attack at his cousin. As his massive bear paws arced through the air, his cousin charged.

Hale braced himself for the impact, claws aimed right for his cousin’s flanks, their razor-sharp points digging into meat and muscle. Duncan howled in outrage again, this time falling to his knees before the bear. Hale didn’t want to kill his cousin. He only wanted to prove a point. Opening his jaws wide, he fitted his mouth around Duncan’s neck, forcing the other shifter to his hands and knees in supplication. Hale growled long and low, not stopping until Duncan whimpered in defeat.

Backing away from his whipped cousin, Hale shifted back to his human form. Towering over the shifter now covered in wounds, Hale flexed his muscles, ignoring the twinge in his sides from his open wounds, and kept his gaze steady as he stared down at Duncan.

“Are we done?” he asked.

Duncan changed back to his fully human form and nodded. “We’re done.”

“I’m sorry Marissa ran away, Duncan, and I’m sorry for taking her from you. But there is no way that woman was your mate. If she was, she wouldn’t have fallen into bed with me so easily. She would have fought to be by your side, not caring whether or not the alpha was interested in her. All she wanted was power, despite her sweet nature. Females are all the same. They want the strongest in the pack, unless they find their true-mate. Then no other male will do.”

“You don’t know that she wasn’t --”

“Yes, I do. And if you think about it, you’ll realize it too. Since you’re worse off than I am, I’ll let you see the healer first. Get your wounds tended and go home.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Shaking his head in disgust, Hale turned, grabbed his shredded clothes off the floor, and made his way through the crowd and outside the club. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d driven home naked, and he doubted it would be the last. There would always be someone wanting to challenge him, someone thinking they were bigger, tougher. It hurt that his cousin had been the one to instigate a fight with him. They’d fought over the years, but it had always been more like sibling rivalry, not a to-the-death fight over being alpha.

Hale dug his keys out of his pants pocket and slid into the large truck in the parking lot. As the door slammed shut, he tossed his clothing on the passenger’s seat and put his key into the ignition. The engine turned over and he backed out of the space, then pulled out of the lot. He knew he should just head home, to the alpha’s house in town, and call it a night, but he wanted solitude, time to think, time to regroup. Being the alpha meant he had an open-door policy, ensuring his pack could come to him for whatever they needed regardless of the time. Change was coming. He could feel it in the air, and he wasn’t certain if it was the good kind or the bad kind.


About the Author

Jessica Coulter Smith is an acclaimed romance writer with a passion for storytelling. Her works showcase the power of love and its ability to transcend boundaries, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. With a unique writing style and perspective, Jessica continues to inspire and entertain readers from all walks of life.


Author on Facebook

Author on Instagram


Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress


Pre-Order Today



RABT Book Tours & PR

Friday, November 10, 2023

Curl up with your next favorite #rockstar #romance and meet these two hot lovers… #newrelease #giveaway #bookblitz A. G. Billing

 

 

Book 1 in My Life on Tender series

 

Rockstar Romance/Contemporary Romance

Date Published:  11/11/2023

 

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

 

Curl up with your next favorite rockstar romance and meet these two hot lovers…


A gipsy fortuneteller predicted I had three years to find true love in a foreign land, away from home. But not in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d end up falling in love with a smoking hot rockstar from Southern California…

I’ve always had a thing for tall, dark-eyed, handsome guitar players. Now, I’m dating one. Cal is a famous rock star from Southern California, and I accidentally matched with him on Tender. When he passionately explores my naked body and makes love to me, he takes me to paradise. However, when he flirts with his cute neighbor or forbids me to touch his ugly, I’m in agony and fear I have made the wrong choice.

Cal’s unpredictable nature keeps me on my toes. He showers me with gifts and love on one day, but on the next, he acts as if I’m his worst enemy and turns cold. As if his dark past and emotional scars won’t let him open his heart again and love a woman. As if he is a complex riddle that I cannot solve.

The quartz crystal gifted to me by the gypsy fortuneteller seems to agree with it. It’s supposed to turn pink when I find true love, but it stays white. That is the reason why Tender is still installed on my phone, and I keep on swiping left and right. Tender is my trusted friend, my accomplice, and a contingency plan if Cal and I fail.

However, this is not an option. I’ll make things work between us. I’ll make him adore me. Beg me to become the second Mrs. Hudson and stay with him in California. I’ll keep my promise to myself to never again squander another birthday, drowning in my own tears.


Arina and Cal is a rockstar romance novel and the first book in My Life on Tender Trilogy. If you enjoy spicy scenes, unexpected plot twists, an unconventional female protagonist, and surprise endings this novel is for you. The book is also packed with your favorite tropes: one of us is famous, grumpy sunshine, blind to love, and emotional scars.

Get cozy in your reading corner and dive into this steamy romance book. Let the warmth of the love story chase away the chill of the season.


About the Author

A.G. Billig (her friends call her Andreea) is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, motivational speaker, and founder of The Project Love. A life explorer, she delights in writing novels for the romantic in you and non-fiction books that will inspire you to fully open your heart to love.

Celebrated for her unparalleled ability in writing characters that resonate with readers and painting scenes that come alive, she delights in fashioning courageous women protagonists who will risk it all for love. While navigating through a bumpy ride of unforeseen challenges, they unveil their raw, authentic selves as the ultimate prize on their quest to a happy ending.

A.G.’s love for writing blossomed at 8, and she wrote her first novel at 15. As a child prodigy, she won several national literary awards in Romania, her country of birth. Her academic qualifications include a BA in Foreign Languages and Literatures and an MA in PR and Communications.

Over the years, she experimented with different roles to explore her creativity and interests. She was a TV host, a radio host, an editor-in-chief, a PR consultant, and a self-publishing coach. She even won a bronze medal in ballroom dancing. Ultimately, she came to the realization that writing is where her true happiness lies.

She is currently a proud (and grateful) resident of the magical place called Sedona, Arizona.


Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram

BookBub

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

RABT Book Tours & PR

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

We meet an ancient, elegant #vampire on the #romance writers’ blog today, in a #teaser as Sascha rescues the girl who will become the love of his life from the threat of another vampire’s hunger. #paranormalromance #shifter #romance #steamy @elodieparkes The Black Lion

 

When Melissa fleetingly meets Sascha in The Black Lion nightclub, she hopes he will approach her.

Sascha has secrets and it’s a long time since there was a woman in his life. He hesitates, even though he’s drawn to her until...

When she is threatened, he acts. When he is hungry, she hunts.

Unknown to both of them someone watches jealously.

Will this jealousy stop the budding romance between two people who both have something to hide?

A sizzling, paranormal romance, full of surprises.


Read the excerpt: Edited by the author from the 18+ original in the book to PG for this blog


Sascha gazed at the young woman, whose name, Melissa, he’d stored away like a precious jewel. He memorized the heart shaped face, the big green eyes, the dimple in her right cheek. He moistened his top lip with the tip of his tongue as he considered her mouth. I’d love to hold her close, just feel her warmth against me. I’d like more … I bet her hair feels like silk. He sighed as his gaze traced the length of her glossy chestnut hair. It fell around her shoulders and down her back. Sascha longed to grasp a handful, pull her close, and kiss her. He imagined it. He recalled her look in the mirror at the bar. She was interested in him. It was obvious, and his own ineptitude was why he stood staring down at her, instead of grasping her to his form. I could have compelled her. I could give her so much love…

A low voice to his left suddenly invaded his thoughts.

“She’s not for you, brother. I see your scrutiny. I saw her first.”

Sascha prickled with anger at the voice and himself for not hearing the approach, nor scenting this man who leaned casually against the barrier. His fury burned in his chest and he whispered dangerously. “Who the hell are you?”

The man stood straight and so did Sascha.

They faced each other.

Sascha caught the vague smell of vampire heavily disguised by a mix of sandalwood, cedar, rosemary. How could I have missed a vampire in the club? He must have just arrived.

“I’ll ask you again. Who are you? I know what you are.”

The man before him sighed and waved a hand elegantly. “Fonteyn. Pleased to meet you, brother.”

Sascha bristled. “I’m not your brother.”

“Come now, it’s just a greeting, between two of the same kind. I’ve seen you here before. You’re not very careful or perhaps you’re more daring than I am. I thought to make a friend after many years without meeting another … vampire.” His low voice dropped to a conspiring whisper. He mouthed the last word and then grinned.

Sascha ached to slaughter this threat to his happiness. He was far from desirous of a friend. He’d never experienced anything but rivalry from other vampires and didn’t trust any of them, although he stopped short at violence toward them. His life in the early days had been harsh and he knew it could be a difficult life. “You disguise yourself well. I’ve never seen you here.” Sascha decided on a friendlier approach.

“Practice, herbs, and the truth is I’ve only been here a few times before tonight.” Fonteyn glanced away from Sascha’s face and down at the table where the young woman now sat alone watching her friends gyrate on the dance floor a few yards away.

Sascha’s instinct was to back off—pretend he had no more interest in the girl to make sure she wouldn’t be in any danger from this other vampire. “I didn’t realize she was with you, Fonteyn. How long have you known her?” He coated his voice with acceptance, resignation.

Fonteyn looked back at him. His black eyes full of suspicion, and then he changed. His expression told Sascha this vampire Fonteyn believed he was no longer interested in the girl.

“I followed her here. Her fragrant blood drew me like a moth to a flame. The sway of her hips, the shimmer of her hair as she passed me on the corner of the street were like a magnet for me. I fell in love. What a morsel. What a tasty, rare treat she will be when I eat later.”

Sascha was as tall as Fonteyn, but more muscular and healthy. Turned in the early prime of his life, Sascha retained his youthful looks, his beauty enhanced by vampirism. He radiated masculinity, sex. Ancient, his life experience made him gentle.

Fonteyn was older when turned. Still, he was handsome, Sascha reflected. His black hair traced with only a few strands of silver. His black eyes fringed with dark lashes, he had an exotic air.

Sascha gave the slightest nod of his head. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Fonteyn’s dismay at Sascha’s intention to go was apparent on his face.

“Going so soon, brother? Maybe I’ll see you again here.” He almost bowed. It was a weird, old-fashioned movement, and caused Sascha to question what era Fonteyn hailed from.

Sascha shook his head. “I’ve tired of the place. I dropped by tonight out of habit. I doubt I’ll be back.” His lie left a bitter taste in his mouth. He turned and left the place via the balcony. He only stopped shaking with anger when his feet touched the ground below.

Sascha burned with fear for Melissa. He groaned in pain at the thought of her becoming Fonteyn’s meal. A huge shudder went through him. He tore into the nightclub not even a blur to the doorman nor the patrons. His presence like a breeze, moved the frilly cuffs of Goth shirts, ruffled tendrils of long hair, put ripples in satin evening dresses, and he picked the young woman up. He flew with her so fast her hair streamed out behind her, her cry of surprise and fear was lost in the night. The small evening bag on its gilt chain draped across her body, bounced against her hip.

Sascha stopped running only when he was halfway home. He settled on a rooftop and looked around. He held Melissa close to his chest. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m saving you from someone who meant to harm you.” He raised his head and breathed in the night. Identifying smells and sifting through sounds in search of Fonteyn. There was no sign that he’d followed … no sign at all. Sascha placed the trembling woman on the felt membrane of the flat roof. They stood behind a sign. Huge letters cut from wood were anchored to the edge of the roof. Sascha could tell it read, Happy Inn.

“Melissa, please don’t be afraid. I had to do this. My name is Sascha.”

Her eyes wide, she stared at him.

He picked her up and looked around. The next roof had a small table and chairs on it. Strings of tiny, colored fairy lights blinked around a door in a wall. Someone lived over the top of the neighboring business. He leapt to the next roof. Strode to the table and chairs, sat on one and brought Melissa onto his knee. He cradled her there against his chest.

Sascha felt her shaking. His arm tightened around her and with the other hand, he stroked her hair, her cheek. “Shush … shush … you’re safe with me. Safe…” He whispered the words. Even though his breath caught in his throat, as he fought down the need to kiss her—to devastate her with kisses. He swallowed the scent of her now. He sensed only a little fear in her. Something else made her shake. She wasn’t easy to read, unless his heightened emotions were in the way. He rocked her gently. His hand slipped through her hair and he held her head to his chest. “Melissa, I had to do this, please … I’ll explain, but it will be scary. What I tell you will be shocking.” A fleeting thought furrowed his brow, if being carried at enormous speed isn’t shocking enough.

He rocked her.

She put a hand on his chest to push away from him. “Tell me. It’s okay. I’m not afraid.”

Sascha’s eyes closed for a few seconds. A rush of desire tightened his stomach at the sound of her voice and touch of her hand.

“You’re shaking.”

She shook her head. “Not with fear.”

Copyright Elodie Parkes, Hot Ink Press, a division of Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing

 

Buy the Book

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Lion-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B00LU918A6

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Lion-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B00LU918A6

https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Lion-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B00LU918A6

Available to read free on Kindle Unlimited

5 stars on Good Reads 


“From the minute I met out hero Sascha, I was intrigued and a bit in love. He has an old world quality that endears you, and when you discover his secret… you understand why. Melissa has her own mysteries. Independent and feisty, she has an instant connection with Sascha. They come together in a dazzling display of lust, possibility, and emotion. Their bond deepens swiftly, and as the story goes on, we begin to really understand why.

Black lion is a fantastic short. Sexy, inventive, and charming, it’s the perfect novella to cuddle up with when you’re looking for a paranormal romp in fantasy land. I highly recommend it.”

4 stars, reviewed by Natasha Jackson for a Readers’ Favorite

 

“When The Black Lion begins we know that a man, who we later learn is called Sascha, is on the hunt. For sex or something else, we aren’t quite sure until he spots a beautiful woman from whom he can feed. But when he spots, well ... smells, Melissa he has a lot more than food on his mind. Melissa is enthralled, but Sascha is gone before he can make a move and so begins Elodie Parkes’ new paranormal tale of love and lust.

When Sascha intercedes to save her from another of “his kind,” Melissa isn’t shocked because she has her own secrets. But before secrets are revealed, the attraction between Sascha and Melissa must be acted upon before the jealous person looming in the shadows can make their move.

From the moment they meet at the The Black Lion club there is a strong connection pulling Melissa and Sascha together, or is it something else? This short story from Elodie Parkes is a perfect fantasy combining love, secrets, and a hidden enemy in just a few short pages. And the love scenes are as hot as I’ve come to expect of Parkes; they are just descriptive enough to make you blush and understand how a couple could so quickly succumb to their emotions. The Black Lion is short but it is well written and the author has a frank voice that cuts to the chase, because why should supernatural beings waste so much time being poetic when they've been talking for centuries? This genre is an acquired taste but Elodie Parkes gets the job done every time.”