A Book Release, an Eye Surgery, and a Drawing

I tell ya what, it’s nice to be back with my PNRom peeps this month, and with a functioning eyeball. For those of you didn’t know, life dumped me unexpectedly (and rather rudely, I might add) into the ER for eye surgery...the night before my next series short-story released. Nothing Earth shattering, just a detached retina. 

Unfortunately, the doctor did not replace my failing eyeball with a bionic one, this time. I'm still working on him about that. Fortunately, Linda Nightingale kindly stepped up to fill my September blog slot, and for that I’m grateful.

This month my eye is better and I’m back to my usual shenanigans. Let’s start with the release I missed.

Space Ranger--the story of what really happened to Graig that brought him back to Simone--re-released on Sept. 24^th. This is a companion/fan-service story to my novel Prophecy. Companion, meaning while it can be read alone, it will flow smoother if read in sequence after Prophecy. Fan service, because so many readers wanted to know exactly what Alex did to help Graig see the light. Aaaand also because you all keep asking for more Alex and Gryf.

Oh, and "re-release"...well, this story was my contribution to the first ever Pets in Space anthology from a couple years ago.

Check it out:

Graig Roble, Matiran Senior Security Commander for the Guardian Fleet, is an expert weapons specialist and combat master. Protecting others is what he was born to do. So why has his focus wavered since returning to duty aboard the Atlantis? All he can think about is the enticingly brilliant human woman he walked away from.

Simone Campbell uses her experience as a botanist to help Terr recover from the devastating Anferthian invasion. Yet she can’t seem to immerse herself deep enough in her work to expunge the memory of one blue-skinned hunk-of-an-alien. What is it about Graig that keeps pulling her attention, and her heart, away from her job?

One thing’s for sure, their bond runs deeper than either of them realized—but can Graig convince Simone of this before he loses the best thing to ever happen to him?

(This is a revised edition and originally appeared in the first Pets in Space(R) anthology.)

There are two ways to get your copy of Space Ranger:

1) Subscribe to my newsletter and get a FREE complimentary copy**

2) Purchase it from your favorite online store

** If you already subscribe, go to your email and look at the September 2019’s version of Lea’s Letters from Space for the link to get your own copy.

In other news…

Tomorrow’s Halloween! What better way to celebrate than with a sexy vampire? And boy do I know the guy for you! Read on to find out how you could win a Kindle version of my vampire novel, Made for Her….

Racing against time to return a legendary dagger to the land of the Fae, Donnie McAllister must rely on a dangerously sexy vampire to navigate a world she never knew existed. If she doesn’t deliver, it’ll cost Donnie her life and leave the ancient weapon of untold power in the hands of her corrupt, venomous boss.

Mikhail Cherneski’s nemesis is after Donnie, the human woman whose blood calls to Mikhail like no other. When Mikhail comes face-to-face with his enemy, he must risk his immortal life or watch Donnie suffer the same fate as his family.

Another bewitching story from Magic, New Mexico

**THIS DRAWING HAS ENDED. THANK YOU!**

Here are the entry rules:

1) To win, you must have a Kindle/Kindle email address (no exceptions, sorry).

2) Winner will be drawn at noon PST November 6, 2019.

3) The author will contact winner via email; winner will have 24 hours to respond.

4) If winner does not respond in the requisite amount of time, or does not qualify, a new name will be drawn. 

5) With the winner’s consent, the author will post winner’s name in her November 30^th blog.

6) Your entry is your consent for the author to contact you, and your agreement with the author’s privacy policy.

Good luck, everyone, and have a safe and fun Halloween!

 ~Lea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

USA Today Bestselling Author, Lea Kirk, loves to transport her readers to other worlds with her sci-fi romances. 

When she’s not busy writing about the blue and green aliens of her Prophecy series, or reading about dragons, she’s hanging out with her hubby, five kids (the nerd herd), and spoiled Dobie mix puppy.

She is currently working on a novella and the fourth book in her series.

Shifters and Halloween! Oh my! @meganslayer #shifters #gay #gayromance #catshifters #sanctuaryseries #halloween

It's that time of year to be scary and have a spooky time. I love this time of year because I have a thing for cats. Okay, shifters, to be exact. I love the idea of cats, dogs, big cats, etc switching forms and becoming people. I've always thought my cats and dogs could really be people. They've got so much personality. What do you think? Is it too far-fetched? Let me know.

Speaking of shifters, give my Sanctuary series a try!

Embracing His Roar by Megan Slayer

Sanctuary, Book 11

Gay Paranormal Erotic Romance

Novella

From SuperNova Indie Publishing

A bobcat who doesn’t think he belongs and a lion who believes he is unlovable…can they make a relationship work?

Avan has made his share of mistakes, but those are in the past. Moving forward means forgiving himself and having a life at the Sanctuary. He wants just one shifter—Oscar. The bobcat shifter soothes his soul and seems to see the best in Avan. But will he want to be with Avan, even after everything Avan’s done?

Oscar’s lusted after Avan since he first saw him. He doesn’t care what Avan’s done because he believes everyone deserves a second chance. But Oscar’s got a past, too. He’d never felt like he belongs, even at the Sanctuary. The one place he feels safe is with Avan.

The odds a bobcat and lion should be together are low, but the passion between them sizzles. Can they find common ground and embrace their roar or will their differences destroy the blossoming relationship? 

Available at

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/  

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3nY8GR

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embracing-his-roar-megan-slayer/1128628195?ean=2940162013747

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/embracing-his-roar

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Megan_Slayer_Embracing_His_Roar?id=CCpaDwAAQBAJ

In Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623441269/  

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/

https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/

EXCERPT:

©MeganSlayer, 2019, All Rights Reserved

He left his seat. “I’m going out. I need some air.” He walked out of the library and collided with a solid wall of man. “What the hell?” He knew the scent wafting around him. Oscar? He met the gaze of the person he’d run into. “Oscar.”

“Hi.” Oscar blushed. “I meant to find you.”

“You did.” He wanted to run his hands all over Oscar. The lion knew the bobcat was there, and he wanted to keep him. The lion yearned to rub his scent all over Oscar. He held back, despite the cat shredding him from the inside.

Oscar opened his mouth three times before he said anything. “Are you going to leave?”

No way in hell. Oscar was there, and he’d take advantage of the situation. “With Markas? Or those two?” He gestured to the library.

Oscar edged his shoulder up in a tiny shrug. “Either.”

Was he trying to be coy? Was that hunger in Oscar’s eyes? Desire? Well, fuck him, yes, it sure looked like desire. Avan nodded to the doorway then brushed past Oscar. The lion hated Avan for making it wait.

“Let’s go to the porch.” His voice cracked. Damn. He didn’t care if Oscar knew he was nervous, but he didn’t want the truth to be so obvious.

“Yeah.” Oscar followed Avan outside. “Phew. It got hot in there. Did they have the heat on? It’s May. Isn’t it too warm out for the heat inside?”

“I doubt they turned on the furnace.” But it was nice to know Oscar was affected, too. Avan had thought he was the only one with a fever. He needed the change in temperature to clear his thoughts. “Here.” He pointed to the swing. “Join me?”

“The guys won’t make fun?” Oscar sat with him. “I’m not exactly popular with them. Ryder even jokes about me, and he’s supposed to be a friend.”

“Why?” Once Avan found out why Ryder had said anything to upset Oscar, he’d give Ryder a new asshole.

“I stuck up for you.” His blush deepened. “He’s a jerk.”

“He is.” He paused. Oscar intrigued him. He hadn’t thought Oscar cared—not enough to say anything. “I’m glad.”

“You’re happy he’s a jerk?” Oscar frowned. “I wish he’d lay off.” He stared at Avan. “Ryder told me I’m attracted to you, and everyone knows. I didn’t know.” He froze, and the color bled from his face. “Shit.”

“What?” He didn’t care who saw them. “Do you like me?” He and his lion wanted the attraction to be mutual. “Oscar?”

“I don’t know.” Oscar sagged in his seat. “Avan.”

Avan faced Oscar and tipped up Oscar’s chin, forcing Oscar to meet his gaze. “I get the feeling you do like me.” He wanted to look into those green eyes forever—especially when he sank deep into Oscar. “But I understand you’re not ready to admit it, and that’s cool.”

“It is?”

Literary Devices by L. A. Kelley

What is a Literary Device?

It isn’t pen, paper or a thesaurus. Literary devices are specific writing techniques used to add depth to a story. They can create atmosphere, convey information about persons, places, or things or provide in-depth psychological insight to a character’s motivation or ethical dilemmas. Literary devices also can work on a deeper intellectual level or merely aid the flow and pacing of a story.

Understanding the proper use of literary devices can helpful to an author. With proper use, a writer can emphasis a particular point or give clarity to a scene or help the reader relate to the author's choices.

Common Literary Devices in Fantasy and Science Fiction

Allegory is a narrative that uses characters and plot to exemplify abstract ideas and themes, such as racism, patriotism or illustrate a moral or spiritual truth. Events and characters are more than they appear on the surface.

Examples:

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a commentary on the events leading to Stalin's rise and the formation of the Soviet Union. The pigs represent figures such as Stalin, Trotsky, and Molotov.

Although Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss is a children’s story about a turtle who yearns for too much power, on a deeper level it’s a reference to Adolf Hitler and the evils of totalitarianism.

Anthropomorphism comes from combination of the Greek words for “human” and “form” and attributes human emotions and qualities to non-human elements. They can be characters like animals or objects like the weather. It's a common device in fantasy and science fiction.

Examples:

Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Artoo-detoo. Anthropomorphism can also be used as a descriptive element such as calling the relationship between two countries a friendship or saying a storm had a “raging” wind.

Irony is used to convey an opposite meaning

than the one expressed. Irony is often used in a humorous context and sorry, Alanis Morissette, rain on your wedding day isn’t ironic. It’s merely bad luck. There are three types of irony in literature:

Verbal irony: Words spoken with a hidden meaning. It’s similar to sarcasm, but not as mean. An example is using the phase “clear as mud” to describe confusion. In the movie, Annie, the orphans insist “We love you Miss Hannigan” when they obviously don’t.

Situational irony: An action occurs that's the opposite of what was expected or intended. It’s a surprise to the reader. At the end of The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her friends find out they had the power to attain their hearts’ desires all along.

Dramatic irony: The reader is aware of the true intentions or outcomes, while the characters are not. As a result, certain actions and/or events take on different meanings. This was a common tool for Shakespeare. Macbeth appears to be loyal to Duncan, but is actually plotting his murder. Romeo believes Juliet is dead but, being a dork, doesn’t bother to check her pulse before downing poison.

Foreshadowing is an excellent device to add tension to a narrative. It involves indirect hints to future action in the story through the use of dialogue, description, or characters’ actions. Often the foreshadowing event seems inconsequential, but in retrospect is a clue to what is to come.

Examples:

The prologue of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton alludes to a settlement relating to a genetic crisis caused by a company called InGen that occurred off the coast of Costa Rica.

In the Lord of the Rings Frodo tells Gandalf it’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill Gollum when he had the chance. Gandalf responds pity stayed his hand. “Many that die deserve life, and some that live deserve death.”

Symbolism is a way for an author to represent abstract concepts and ideas in

 stories. Symbols are typically objects or characters and often appear multiple times throughout a text, sometimes changing in meaning as the plot progresses.

Examples:

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis is actually a Christian allegory with the symbolic use of Aslan as Jesus Christ and Edmund as Judas. Yeah, I know. That one blew my mind, too.

The first time Dark Vader strides on camera in Star Wars, no one can miss that he is a symbol for all that is evil in the empire, but his symbolic sacrifice at the end of the trilogy frees his son and his soul.

L. A. Kelley writes science fiction and fantasy adventures with humor, romance, and a touch of sass. The Great San Fransico Earthquake is also an allegory for her lovelife.

TOO MUCH TIME ON MY HANDS by Nancy Gideon

Retirement. The Golden Years. That carrot dangling just out of reach as you trudge your way through decades of 9-to-5 employment dreaming of what you’ll do when that promised day arrives.

Surprise! For me it came years ahead of schedule when I realized I just couldn’t keep up the pace anymore. The stress, the pressure, the layer upon layer of frantic multitasking trying to make the impossible possible by 5:00. Retirement . . . take me away!

I was skeptical. I didn’t have the $250K nest egg tucked into an IRA with a pension on the side to feather the loss of weekly income. I was 6 months shy of Medicare. But, what the heck, might as well do the research . . . just in case. After 53 minutes on hold just to get an SSA operator to be told I couldn’t make an appointment unless filing at that moment, I showed up at their office, got in faster than I ever did at a doctor’s or DMV office, and after twenty minutes with Shane and sheets of promising figures in my hand, I headed home trying to digest the fact that . . . it could work! Even without putting in the allotted hours per year of additional income, I could effectively retire as of November 1! Breath held, I went on-line, filled in the form and bam – application filed.

While I wait for that final okeedokee and dollar amount, I’ve been trying to piece together how I’ll spend my “leisure” time (this, including a household to run with ‘adult’ family and animals expecting to be fed). But dreams of sitting at the keyboard for hours on end cranking out those pages the way I did while my kids were in school and I was a child of 30-40-some years myself, didn’t materialize the way I anticipated. Every day was a trip to the store, the mall, a restaurant, the couch to watch network TV or binge watch series I never had the time to enjoy on my computer. Starting my 3rd week of “ME” time, I realized it wasn’t much different than “9-to-5” time if I didn’t use it wisely. Time to put my OCD to the task of regimenting all those flittered away hours. Here’s what I came up with:

• Sleep in until 6:00 am (OMG, what a sloth after half my life getting up at 4:30!). Then get dressed. No scuffling around in pjs all day.
• Coffee and breakfast over social media until the caffeine wrestles my ADD into submission.
• Write! Right now! At least until the household wakes up. That’s 3-4 HOURS of uninterrupted time! The Motherlode! This WIP I’ve been slogging through for a YEAR is mine now.
• Get the heck out of the house! It’s too easy to sink into couch cushions and let Netflix take me away. So, I joined Planet Fitness – just me, for me! Open 24 hours 7 days a week and 3 of those are going to be mine. Had my orientation and tanning session (No lectures, I’m going to New Orleans next month with tanned, toned calves!) and can’t wait to try out more classes or just groove to tunes while I do the machines amongst half the city’s seniors (and some tasty eye candy).
• Put away the chip feedbag and baggie those portable raw vegetables! Get back onto a meal plan so endless grazing doesn’t lead back to the couch pasture.
• Hang with friends! Writer friends, the best kind! Now I can do those midweek NaNothingees, can attend events in the evening becuz . . . I don’t have to get up at 4:30 a.m.!

Retirement, I finally realized, isn’t lying around doing mindless nothings. It’s doing those things you never could find time to do while working full time. Things like . . . Reading – during the day! Taking a circuit training class. Dragging the dog (and the sister) out for a walk. Going to cheap flicks while it’s still daylight! Scheduling appointments for the car or the self at a decent hour without having to rush anywhere afterwards. Going on a lengthy vacay to another country without worrying if I had the time accumulated! And, if I decide to work, I can do it on my schedule, part time, not prime time.

I think I’m going to like this retirement gig. I’ll keep you posted. Any of you have secrets to retirement success to share?

Now, back to Chapter 21 . . .

♚♚♚♚♚

Nancy Gideon on the Web

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Follow @NancyGideon

GUEST: Cassandra Chandler and Pets in Space 4 #NewRelease #sfr

Paranormal Romantics Guest Post

by

Cassandra Chandler

I love reading many different genres, but most enjoy stories that take me to another world. The key factor for me is getting lost in someone’s imagination — whether it’s fairies and magic, aliens and spaceships, or a mix of both! The same holds true in my own writing.

Sometimes, I want to get lost in one of my worlds where magic is part of the fabric of reality and a wrong turn could land you in a fairy rath (Forbidden Knights). Other times, when I tune in to my brain, I want to see werewolves riding hoverbikes (The Blades of Janus). Lately, I’ve been having a blast watching the aliens from my Department of Homeworld Security series try to wrap their heads around our strange Earthling ways.

Though all of my stories hold humor, I find that my paranormal romances tend to be heavier and more grim, while the straight-up science fiction romances are much more light-hearted. When I think of the future, I want to be optimistic about it!

Because of this, writing my short, steamy, sci-fi stories for the Department of Homeworld Security is a delight. I get to look at our world through the eyes of different aliens, and wonder how they would react to it. What if the stern leader of an alien fleet fell in love with a whimsical sci-fi nerdgirl from Earth? What if a shape-shifting assassin was trapped in an Earthling’s form...and realized he kinda liked it?

It’s been great exploring our world and theirs while writing The Department of Homeworld Security. I’m all the way up to number 11, Import Quarantine, and am eager to see what’s next for this world and the characters living in it that I’ve come to love. Import Quarantine is even more special than usual because it’s part of the Pets in Space® 4 anthology that came out on October 8, 2019! Check it out:

Pets in Space® 4 features 13 original, never-before-released stories from today’s leading Science-Fiction Romance authors. Available for a limited time, help us support Hero-Dogs.org, a non-profit charity that helps our service veterans and first responders! Grab your copy before it is gone!

I’m thrilled to be part of this anthology and to help such a wonderful cause. I hope my piece lightens your hearts as you read it. Here’s an excerpt!

EXCERPT

“Why are we walking into the desert?” she asked.

“My skimmer is nearby,” he said.

“What’s a skimmer?”

“A small transport vessel. Your dwelling is far removed from other settlements, which is fortunate. We also have a bit of darkness left to cover our departure.”

“O…kay,” Caitlin said. “So, are you with the military?”

“Yes.”

“Are they going to let me on board your ship? I mean, don’t I need a security clearance?”

“They will do as I say.”

“That’s very alpha of you,” she murmured.

“I don’t know what alpha means.”

“It means in charge, I guess.”

“That is apt. I’m their Commander.”

“Wow. Cool.” They walked a bit farther in silence, then Caitlin said, “And Brigid is working with you?”

“She is. She’s now part of the Department of Homeworld Security.”

“No wonder she’s been so secretive. Wait, did you say Homeworld?”

“I did.”

“Homeworld.”

“Yes.”

Caitlin halted. “If this is some kind of joke, I am not amused.”

PETS IN SPACE® 4 ANTHOLOGY BLURB

For a limited time only! Pets in Space® 4 is proud to present 13 amazing, original new stories! Join the adventures as today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors take you on a journey to another world. Pets in Space® proudly supports Hero-Dogs.org, a non-profit charity that provides service animals to veterans and first responders in need. Join New York Times, USA TODAY and Award-winning Bestselling authors S.E. Smith, Anna Hackett, Tiffany Roberts, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie A. Green, Donna McDonald, Regine Abel, Alexis Glynn Latner, JC Hay, E.D. Walker, Kyndra Hatch, and Cassandra Chandler for another exciting Pets in Space® anthology. Get the stories before they are gone!

Proud supporters of Hero-Dogs.org, Pets in Space® authors have donated over $7,100 in the past three years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders. 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space® 4 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space® 4 today so together we can continue to assist this worthy charity!

BUY LINKS

All Buy Links: https://www.petsinspaceantho.com/books/pets-in-space-4/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCQF358/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WCQF358/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07WCQF358/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07WCQF358/

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/pets-in-space-4

Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/pets-in-space-4/id1476281234

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pets-in-space-4-s-e-smith/1132911108?ean=2940163094325

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/S_E_Smith_Pets_in_Space_4?id=jXuoDwAAQBAJ

AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS

Cassandra Chandler uses her vivid imagination to make the world more interesting, spawning the ideas she turns into her whimsical Science Fiction romcoms and darkly evocative Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Romances. Fast-paced and funny, lighthearted or dark, her stories will introduce you to characters you want to be friends with and worlds where you’d like to build a vacation home.

Website: https://cassandra-chandler.com/

Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/boZm9j  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassChandlerAuthor/

Facebook Reader Group “Welcome to Cassland”: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562856810451659/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cassandra-chandler

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassChandler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casschandlerauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/casschandler/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Chandler/e/B00V5713T4

Halloween Decorating Obsession

So, after maxing out the way I decorate for Christmas, I've moved on to my other favorite holiday, Halloween. I'm a paranormal romance author, y'all. Are you really that surprised?

I LOVE the colors, and the themes, and the funny signs, and all the different things you can do to decorate for Halloween. I don't tend to go for spooky. More colorful. But I thought I'd share some of my best Halloween interior decorating tips.

Biggest Bang for the Buck
Glittery cheap boas from grocery stores. I have ones with pumpkins, one with ghosts, and one with witches. They take up a space so nicely. You can see parts of this one behind other decorations on the mantle. They're also good for long tables, entertainment hutches, and wrapping around banisters.

Wall Signs

The biggest impact to holiday decorations I've found (for every holiday) are wall signs. Something about taking down the usual stuff to put up something seasonal and unique really stands out.

Combine Smaller Items on a Larger Item
I love to put some of my smaller items together on a runner or tablecloth.

Trees Aren't Just for Christmas

Hey, they were pagan for the jolly holiday to begin with. I find that a Halloween version adds some sparkle. Thinking of doing a life sized kind.

Table Clothes Are My Jam

Tablecloths decorate a very large/long space quickly and easily. I love this tablecloth (and finding fun ones for each holiday actually. I also loved finding the pieces to make the centerpiece!

Things That Light Up

A must at Halloween. After all, the actual celebration is held in the dark.

What about you? Are you a Halloween decorating nut like me? What are some of your favorite holiday decorating tricks?

A Few Fun Ideas for Halloween by Elizabeth Alsobrooks

Don't know what to be for Halloween?  Here's some fun ideas I've gathered from around the web...thank goodness for Amazon Prime, right?

Here's an interesting take on Poe's Raven...or perhaps a new twist on witchy.

Not up to the whole fluffy feather thing?  How about some creative makeup?

Maybe just a new hairdo?

And I'm sure you're just dying to try something like this!

Go Goth!

You can spend a little or spend a lot on your holiday spook fest, but don't forget about decorating your residence.  Here's a couple of quick tips to help you get your ghoul on.

crafts by courtney

How about some mummified luminaries? What could be easier?

Crafts by Amanda

EASY! fabric pumpkins!

Don't want the mess of carving?

              

Paint! Pumpkins will last longer, too! 

Like to make visiting goblins feel welcome?

Like I said, a little or a lot...I actually have this dog sitting in my living room right now! I picked him up at the grocery store where he apparently begged for food until he starved to death. He still howls at the moon in anger.

So whether you throw or attend a party, or just have fun handing out candy to the little monsters from down the street, don't forget to take a few minutes to have some fun with this my ever favorite holiday!

Happy Halloween!

Pets by Diane Burton

Do you have a pet? Have you ever had one? Growing up, I always wanted a dog. With seven kids, the last thing my mom wanted was something else to look after. Dad bought a pure-bred boxer puppy. Dumb as a post. And a runner. Whatever dog food she ate came right back up. Just what Mom wanted to do—clean up puke. One day, the dog ran off. At least, that’s what Mom said. I hope she found a good home.

As an adult, I still wanted a dog. We’ve had three. One was a cuddler, the next a runner. You can’t imagine the number of times I chased after him around the neighborhood. The last was the most well-behaved. A sweet dog who originally belonged to our son. Right now, we’re between dogs. And I miss the sound of nails on wood floor as our pet raced to the door to greet me.

In two of my science fiction series, I worked in dog-like pets. Did they resemble dogs here on Earth? Sure. Why not? One belonged to an elderly character (The Chameleon) that helped track a kidnapped victim. In my first sci-fi romance (Switched), the caninus belonged to the hero’s uncle. If I were a cat-lover, I imagine I would include a feline in my stories.

There are two reasons I thought of pets. My son and his family just adopted a Great Dane puppy. He is so cute . . . and growing like crazy every week. The other reason is the latest Pets in Space anthology (number 4). I love this series. In this new release, the pets in each story (by 13 authors) have special qualities. One is a little dog-like character who reminded me of my sister’s dog. Another is a snake, and there’s even a burrowing animal that saved a crashed starship crew from starving.

I haven’t finished the book yet. So many terrific stories—each about the length of a novella. Cassandra Chandler was on my blog last Wednesday and shared a bit about each of the stories. She will be here next Tuesday to share more about this book. Then on November 2^nd, our friend and former contributor Veronica Scott will tell us even more. 

I have no monkey in that circus. I just liked the series and wanted you to know about it.

Have fun reading, no matter what you enjoy.

Do you include pets in your stories?

Beautiful Charleston, South Carolina & Sinners' Opera

Sinners’ Opera is set in Charleston, South Carolina, one of my favorite cities in the world (that I’ve visited).  It’s beautiful and on the ocean—two requirements of being a favorite. I’d simply love to live in one of the Antebellum mansions along the Battery. If you ever visit Charleston, take a buggy ride around the historic sights.

Charles Towne was founded in 1670, during the reign of Charles II of England.  This is important in the book because Morgan (the hero) became a vampire in 1659, and in 1670, the King sent him to the new colony to inspect its progress. Later, he returns to watch over a baby girl (the heroine) as she grows to womanhood.

Charleston boasts cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel Antebellum houses, particularly in the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park both overlook Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter, a federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War were fire, lies across the water.

Two beaches, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms, are near Charleston. Another requirement for a favorite of mine.

In nearby Mt. Pleasant, you can visit Boone Hall plantation. Some of the tours they offer are, "Exploring The Gullah Culture", House Tours, Plantation Coach Tour, Black History In America Exhibit, Slave Street and History Presentation, Garden Tour, and a Butterfly Pavilion.

My personal favorite is the Dock Street Theater, America’s first theater. On February 12, 1736, the Dock Street opened with The Recruiting Officer. Flora, the first opera performed in America took place at the Dock Street. Now, the Dock Street is owned and managed by the City of Charleston. I was enthralled by it when I went for a concert. The Dock Street looks like a 17^th century playhouse with rows of wooden benches in the orchestra seating. The boxes overlooking the floor are draped in dark green, almost black velvet. The stage backdrop is an antique tapestry of Charleston Harbor. Photo Credit:  By Frances Benjamin Johnston.

The Battery is a street along the seawall on the Atlantic Ocean. The pastel and colorful Antebellum mansions cost in the millions. When I was writing Sinners’ Opera, I drove up and down the Battery until the residents must have thought I lived there…or was a stalker. I finally chose a house for my hero. It’s Roper House, a brick structure with green shutters and a Greek portico to the left. A beautiful house, but because the main attraction, the portico, is on the side, it looks like the house has its shoulder to the sea.  A house with secrets.

I’ve driven those cobblestone streets in my little red Miata, eaten at some good downtown restaurants (never made Magnolias for shrimp and grits), and have gone to the Dock Street for a piano concert.  Morgan is a concert pianist, an English lord, and a vampire.

If I haven’t yet inspired you to visit Charleston on your next vacation, what can I say?  Real movie stars are moving to Charleston, and it is one of the most concentrated centers of wealth in this country. It’s also famous for art (Spoleto), culture, and history—and entertainment galore.

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Buy Link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X3RSRXQ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

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Sinners’ Opera

From The Wild Rose Press

Cover Artist:  Debbie Taylor

Editor: Callie Lynn Wolfe

Release Date:  October 7, 2019

Digital Price: 

Rating: Spicy

Buy Link:       

Book Video   https://youtu.be/hSsuAW7-UPE

Blurb:

Morgan D'Arcy is an English lord, a classical pianist, and a vampire. He has everything except what he desires most—Isabeau. As the Angel Gabriel he’s steered her life and career choice, preparing her to become Lady D'Arcy. Many forces oppose Morgan's daring plan—not the least of which is Vampyre law.

Isabeau Gervase is a brilliant geneticist Though she no longer believes in angels, she sees a ticket to a Nobel Prize in Gabriel's secrets—secrets that have led her to a startling conclusion. Gabriel isn't human, and she fully intends to identify the species she named the Angel Genome. Morgan is ready to come back into Isabeau's life, but this time as a man not an angel. Will he outsmart his enemies, protect his beloved and escape death himself? For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking.

Excerpt:

Chapter 27 – Confrontations

Do not speak ill of society, Algie.

Only people who can't get in do that.

Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest

As she strolled to the bathroom, she flung over her shoulder, “I had a visitor today.”

My attention snapped to matters other than her dynamite figure.  I pictured John Payne daring to enter my home.  Fury and indignation ping-ponged in my head.  “Who?”

“Kirsty,” she called.  “We need to talk.”

Four words that strike terror in the heart of every man.  I fled to the window, opened the curtains, the UV proofing and the shutters to listen to night song.  A sea-scented breeze cooled my cheeks. Mortal thoughts and voices washed over me.  Idly, I eavesdropped on young lovers strolling by the sea.  A white horse and buggy rolled down the Battery.  On the horizon, ship lights twinkled.  The scene was peaceful.  I felt I belonged with them, a part of the simple beauty of everyday life.  I’d never been as content...and happy at long last.

The patter of the shower lured me to the bath.  Steam billowed from the brass and glass enclosure.  I’d had the glass etched with the St. Averil griffin.  The black granite and gold fixtures were new.  While the outside kitchen was transformed into Issie’s lab, I’d had the master bath renovated to remind me of my London Mews house.  Feeling languorous, I joined Isabeau under the warm spray.

“Wash my back.”  She rotated her shoulders.  “Kirsty was angry with me for disappearing.  She accused you of putting me under a spell.  Little does she know you actually can.”  The back I was soaping turned to stone.  “Did you?  Am I enthralled?”

I bent to kiss her neck, and she wriggled back against me.  “I’ll never force you to do anything against your will.  You’re not under any vampire enchantment of my making.”

“Oh, you are enchanting.”  She turned, slid her arms around my waist and kissed me, water sluicing over our faces.  “I believe you.  I trust you.  But my friend turning against me hurt.”

“I’m sure it did.”  I ran the back of my hand down her cheek.

About Linda:

After 14 years in Texas, Linda just returned home to her roots. She has seven published novels, four of which are available from Audible.com in audio. For many years, she bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses. So, she’s seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer. Our local author has won several writing awards, including the Georgia Romance Writers’ Magnolia Award and the SARA Merritt.  She retired from a career as a legal assistant at MD Anderson Cancer Center to write full time.

She has 2 wonderful sons—one in Texas; one in England—and 4 equally marvelous grandchildren.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LNightingale

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LindaNightingaleAuthor

Web Site:  http://www.lindanightingale.com – Visit and look around. There’s a free continuing vampire story.

Blog:  https://lindanightingale.wordpress.com/ - Lots of interesting guests & prizes

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Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Nightingale/e/B005OSOJ0U

Book Bub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/linda-nightingale

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Happy week, everyone!

Linda