Alien Creation - Part One by Keri Kruspe

 

A reader asked me the other day how I came up with the ideas about the aliens I use in my novels. I have to admit the question surprised me. Creating an alien is natural to me. They just seem to pop up.

But that couldn’t be true… could it?

Well, I confess my background helped to “birth” these folks. I’ve been reading science fiction since I was in my early teens. Not to mention all the comic books and being inundated with various TV shows and movies with aliens all my life.

Nowadays there’s a glut of strange, “alien” hunks in the SciFi Romance genre. In the Top 20 of SciFi Romance in Amazon (as of the second week in August 2022) we have “Orcs”, “Minotaur”, “Lizardman”, “Naga” (snakes) and “Spiders” (check out Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts). I confess I like my aliens to be different, but to be honest, I prefer them to have more human features than not.

With these characteristics in mind, I created aliens that appeal to me (I know, selfish. But hey, I have to fall in love with my heroes before anyone else can!). When I began creating my first series, An Alien Exchange, I got to indulge in my fascination with captivating, alien hunk-men (yep, that’s my term and I’m sticking to it). In this first article, I’ll delve into a couple of those wonderful out-of-this world guys. So, sit back, take a sip of your favorite libation, and enjoy the ride of a crazy person creating a whole new species and the planets they come from.

The Planet Zerin

When I came up with this idea, it was in part because it seemed all the SciFi Romances I read had the same theme: aliens were short of females and resorted to kidnapping Earth women to prevent their species from becoming extinct. I fancied something different. Instead of snatching unwilling women, I wanted women to have a choice. Stay on Earth in their lonely life or take a chance to find a soulmate in space.

Thus, the planet Zerin was born. It’s a democratic society with a ruling monarchy that has the final say on the laws generated from their governing senate. This is the home planet for two of the four main characters in this series. The main foundation of their society is the family. All familial ties override everything and mean more to them than anything.

Zerin’s population is a balanced one with a healthy ratio of males to females, so they don’t have to kidnap human women. In fact, it’s illegal for a Zerin to take a human as a mate. An enterprising species, the Zerin’s set up an “Exchange” program with Earth women to help the other populations in the Milky Way Galaxy that were short of females.

For a small fee, of course.

A Zerin

Zerin’s live longer than humans, around 200 to 300 Earth years old. This is primarily due to medical advancements and the natural rotation of their planet.

The first hero is Commander Qayyum E’et (kway-yum ee-ee-too).

Age: 75—Zerin years, still considered quite young by his people, around 6’6” and 230 lbs.

Hair: Straight, black as midnight that reflects a dark blue. A braid starts at the right temple and crisscrosses on the top, framing his face and ends in a long rope just at his crotch. The rest of his hair is pulled back into a tail flowing down his spine.

Eyes:  Dark midnight eyebrows rise up and down like an upside down “v” over his almond-shaped eyes. Instead of black, his irises were a dark iridescent green, slightly oval shaped and surrounded by a ring of dual color. The first ring was a dark emerald, with the outer ring a contrasting shade of lighter green.

Ears: A bit larger than a human with a slight point on the top.

Mouth: He has full lips when parted, showing his small incisors; fangs that protruded where a human’s eye teeth would be in the upper and lower part of his mouth

Hands: He only had three fingers on each hand with thumbs short, like a human. 

Skin Tone: His skin color is a light russet brown with an overlay of iridescence, pearlescent sheen.

Sexual “Extra”: When sexually excited, a Zerin male will excrete an oil from his pours (especially the palms of his hands) much like a lubricant. It makes the skin on human women extra sensitive to stimulation. I got this idea from an old David Bowe Film “The Man Who Fell to Earth”.

TrueBond: A Zerin couple will instantly recognize their TrueBond by scent, tactile experience, and appearance. Mating oils seep from their palms and chests, which enhance and magnify their sexual pleasure with each other. A TrueBond couple solidifies their union after being together sexually… when the male ejaculates inside the female. After their first mating, they will physically take on characteristics of each other, i.e., blended hair, skin, and eye color. To complete the TrueBond, a tattoo call the MalDerVon scroll appears with the heir crystal nestled in their temple. During the TrueBond process, the two would have extra sensitivity if separated for any length of time from each other. Then they suffer physical and psychological pain.

Along with Qay in this series is his cousin, D’zia. D'zia is one of my favorites because he a bit of a smartass. If you look closely, you'll see a small spider-droid on his shoulder. That's JR10 (named after the author JR Ward), who gives D'zia a run for his money on being a snark-a-holic. 

This is Ki. He claims his Zerin heritage, but unknown to others he is a hybrid. His Crart ancestry comes with a secret that even his closest friends aren't aware of - he's a dragon shifter. 

I'm totally in love dragon shifters, so I was dying to make one of my heroes one. 

The last fellow in this series is not a Zerin. He is a Runihura male by the name of Aylzrunth (Eye-laz-run-ith). His planet is a matricidal society where males are second class and females’ rule.

Most Runihura males are massive, well over eight feet tall. His skin is obsidian, black as midnight, platinum hair, and neon blue eyes with silver blood. When they meet their mates, they place a silver crown on their heads and the male transfers his essence to the female until the both of them glow, binding them together. The circlets they have on their foreheads absorbed into their skin, completing an unbreakable union.

That It?

Nope. Not by a long shot. In my next article, I’ll introduce you to the other aliens in my Exchange universe. After that, I’ll highlight the aliens in my current series, Ancient Alien Descendants.

I’d love to hear any thoughts about my guys. Or, better yet, I’d love any suggestions you have for an alien in my new series I’ll be creating next year…

5 Most Popular Paranormal Creatures in Romance by Keri Kruspe

 

Okay, I confess. I’m a voracious reader who enjoys a good romantic romp full of extra, um, flair. Que in paranormal romances. While trends come and go in the romance genre overall, I’m happy to say that I don’t see any sign of the paranormal theme slowing down anytime soon. Which means I’m not the only one who loves the blend of two distinct genres—romance laced with fantasy or science fiction elements.

Why, you may ask, is this type of romance so popular? I adore the way Emily Sinclair Montage explained the type of folks who devore the genre in her article titled The Golden Age of Paranormal Romance Novels, “We're rule breakers. Rebels. The wild-haired and electric-eyed eccentrics of the Romance genre who won't accept society's stifling and conservative demands! We want sex, we want hot, superhuman beings to have it with, and we want a LOT of it.”

Not only that, but she also clarifies, “… all we're asking for is a supernaturally beautiful man who is powerful beyond mortal means and will protect and (consensually) ravish us to a degree no merely human man could conceive of.” 

*Sigh* I couldn't say it better myself.

Other Reasons to Love Paranormal Romances

Throughout human history, we’ve woven tales of gods seducing humans, who in turn seduce gods who in turn seduce anything in between. Sometimes when the protagonist hooks up with “otherworldly creatures”, they have a good chance of turning into that type of creature (vampires, werewolves, anyone?). Thus… dropping the boring mantel of mortal man and becoming something extraordinary! 

Some Perks in Reading This Type of Romance

• Escape from real life
• Unlimited imagination that introduces you to a new world
• Epic scop and scale that delves deeply into the human emotion of romance
• Legitimizes the subculture (fantasy is not just for children)

A List of the Most Attractive Paranormal Creatures

In no particular order, here are the five types of beings… species… creatures… I believe are the top paranormal creatures we love to ah, love:

Vampires

I get all shivery with whenever I read about these seductive creatures. In most romance novels, they are uncommonly beautiful, and you find yourself falling in love with them at one glance. Without lifting a finger (or eyebrow), they can thrall a human to their bidding. These are the classic “bad boys”, who break every rule and live outside society’s norms. Most of them have a troubled past — cursed, afflicted, striving to regain any part of their humanity they can.

Best of all, they’re never boring.

Shapeshifters

I know what you’re thinking. Why have a picture of a dragon when I talk about “Shapeshifters”? Shapeshifters nowadays encompass all sorts of forms—from mermaids to werewolves to bears, big cats and any type of mythological creature (gargoyle anyone?) you can think of.

A main attraction of the shifter culture is the whole dominating alpha looking for their ever-mate—the one female who completes them. The one mate that will hold the dark forces pulling them to inhabit their animal side and forfeit their humanity. There are so many diverse characters to choose from, it's hard to settle on just one!

Wizards/Magic Welders

What’s not to love about a man with an unlimited power that puts the “ab” in “abracadabra” (thanks Gavin Pitt)? They’re mysterious, aloof, and intelligent beyond belief. Because of their immense powers, they willingly put themselves in harm’s way for the greater good.

But a good wizard is not omnipotent. They have enough flaws to fill a cauldron. Most bite off more than they can chew and then have to pay for it. And who doesn’t want one to be the one to gain his love to uncover the struggling little boy he hides from everyone else?

Angels

The mere thought of a heavenly creature falling in love with a mortal woman is as old as time. One of the best things about angels is they’re universal. Almost every religion/mythology has some type of angel associated with it. They are divine supernatural creatures that watch over us, made to protect us from our own stupidity.

In other words… forbidden fruit.

Aliens

You didn’t think I’d leave these guys out… did ya?

Alien romances (aka SciFi Romance/Science Fiction Romance) have it all. You love supernatural creatures to fall in love with? Our aliens have that and more. From mostly human looking to some extremes that highlight we are different species. The world-building here is exciting and unique. I do promise you not all of these stories are the cookie-cutter of girl-gets-abducted-by-hunky-aliens-desperate-for-females-misunderstands-abound-everlasting-love-found. While that might have been true a couple of years ago (the main reason I wrote my An Alien Exchange series), now diversity has entered the trope. These stories are full of adventure, love, and dare I say it… luscious, sensual, hot sex. 

Recommendations

For your enjoyment I’ve included some of my favorite authors for each paranormal type. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my latest Alien Legacy series is a mesh of most of these tropes. 

In the comment section, list any a suggestion you feel should be added for everyone to enjoy!

Vampires: Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, I.T. Lucas

Shapeshifters: Lora Leigh, Lauranne Dohner, Ava Ross, Cara Bristol

Magic Welders/Wizards: Michelle M Pillow, Robin D Owens, K.F. Breene

Angels: Nalini Singh, Michelle Bardsley, Loki Renard, Merri Bright

Aliens: Tracy St. John, Evangeline Anderson, Susan Grant, S.E. Smith

Let's not forget the great authors listed on this blog. A virtual cornucopia to choose from!

Pink Dolphin, You Are the Father! by Marilyn Barr

 

Many believe the concept of animal shifters was first documented in The Hobbit when J.R.R. Tolkien wrote about bear shifters, but this is not the case. In ancient Amazon river mythology lives a pink dolphin by day and man by night – Boto Encantado. From the Portuguese word for “enchanted”, Boto Encantado was as sexy as the shirtless shifters on today’s paranormal romance novels. Here’s a snippet from my next paranormal romance release, Smoother Than Spumoni where Susie Larkin describes the legend of Encantado:

“Seagrass Island shifters need water like humans need air. Not just my family but almost every member of the Seagrass shifter pack can be traced back to one ancestor: Boto Encantado the Dolphin Shifter. Our pack’s greatest achievement is burying him in South American mythology with no records of his descendants. We are hidden in plain view.

Boto lived in the Amazon river basin as an outcast from a native tribe for his ability to shift into a dolphin. He had various lovers due to his irresistible looks and charm, one of which migrated to Seagrass Island Florida, birthing our pack. The shifter genes are dominant in every offspring so every pack member linked genetically to him can shift into a dolphin, including my family and Jean.”

(pre-order sale for $1.99 on Amazon and iTunes for release on 8/23/2021)

While the descendants in Smoother Than Spumoni have emigrated to Seagrass Island (modeled after Anna Maria Island FL) to live in saltwater Tampa Bay, the original Encantado myth describes an underwater kingdom of dolphin shifters. On certain nights, the male shifters would be in human form and join festivals, parties, or unsuspecting women on the riverbanks. Oozing charm, sensuality, and musical talent, their victims were easily seduced and impregnated. When the offspring reached maturity, they would be kidnapped by the shifters to be tested. If they had the magical abilities of an Encantado shifter, they were taken to live in the underground city. (by the gods dot net)

How was a woman to ensure her date wasn’t Encantado? Legend has it his blowhole was present in both forms. He is always shown wearing a hat to cover it. She must check under his hat before he suspects she’s onto him because telepathy and hypnosis are some of his magical powers. Yikes!

(Photo from Mermaid Wiki, Artist Unknown)

I know you are hoping I don’t show you a frightening cave drawing of a pink dolphin, but these river dolphins exist today. They not only live in the Amazon river but can also be found in its tributaries, flooded forests, and lakes of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Peru. They are unique because they bite and chew their food as we do. They are grey at birth and turn pinker as they mature. (US dot whales dot org)

(Photo from us.whales.org)

Since Boto Encantado’s descendants undergo at least a thousand year’s evolution before Smoother Than Spumoni, I blended the pink river dolphin with the bottle-nosed dolphins of Tampa Bay FL. In Smoother Than Spumoni, the dolphins hear by sensing waves with their jaws, check for other animals by sending electromagnetic pulses, survive in saltwater, and are a blush color of grey like the dolphins of Florida. However, they have telepathy abilities in dolphin form but only with each other as Susie finds out when she tries to link with Frank. Here’s another snippet from Smoother Than Spumoni:

“I send out pulses to check for predators. Relieved to find only the manatees and the singular hammerhead shark, I redirect my energy to connecting with Frank. I try to link our thoughts.

No signature.

I try again pushing my hardest to find his frequency.

Nothing.

I guess having two different origins makes us as different from each other as we are from humans. Perhaps we can connect if he shifts into his wolf form. Sure, I can teach him how to swim and drag him through the ocean as I am now, but you can either link minds or you cannot. Can I bond with someone who doesn’t have this capability, or will I feel incomplete?”

 Susie and Frank have more than their inability to speak in each other’s minds. A mysterious Red Tide is killing the wildlife and destroying the bay. Then there’s the pesky shifter smell test sending female members of the Seagrass pack into Frank’s path to be sniffed. Susie doesn’t want anything to do with either phenomenon, just a relaxing summer before she returns inland for graduate school. She has her whole life planned until a werewolf on the beach proves to be…Smoother Than Spumoni. 

Smoother Than Spumoni is on pre-order sale for $1.99 on Amazon and iTunes for release on 8/23/2021 as part of The Wild Rose Press’s One Scoop Or Two book series. ($3.99 on Barnes & noble)

Here’s the back of the Book Blurb:

Susie Larkin is a dolphin shifter and heir to the humble Larkin’s Dairy Dip on Seagrass Island, FL. Pedaling ice cream from bicycle carts on the beach is just a stepping-stone for this future CEO of a frozen confection empire—or so she hopes.

 Frank Paulino Jr. receives his first taste of freedom from Strawberry, KY in a summer internship at Bart’s Oyster bar. His pasta creations save the restaurant when red tide poisons the fresh fish of the bay, making him the most popular werewolf on Seagrass island.

 Frank and Susie uncover a conspiracy that threatens not only the wildlife of the area but also their lives. Can these two shifters put their ambitions aside long enough to give their relationship a chance, or will Frank pay the ultimate price to protect Susie and the island she loves?

8 Reasons You Should Read RORIK by Mary Morgan

Psst, did you hear the good news? Nae? Then let me share a few teasers why you should read RORIK, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2!

1.  The Vikings had their ancient laws, but you will also learn the Wolves of Clan Sutherland had their own called the Nine Noble Virtues of Wolf Lore.

2.  You’ll get to meet a powerful Seer and wise woman from the Orkneyjar Isles who does not get along with a certain wolf in the elite guard.

3. You learn several ways how Rorik can shift magically into a wolf—from swiftly and quietly, to uttering a chant and transforming into the animal. 

4.  You’ll have a chance to revisit characters from the first book, Magnar.

5.  Find out the other magical gift Rorik possesses. 

6.  Experience a Viking sporting game over a raging river. 

7.  Learn what happens when Rorik surrenders control to his inner wolf. 

8.  Dare to immerse yourself in Norse Mythology within the pages of this story, and Rorik and Ragna’s world.

The Dark Seducer is known throughout Scotland as a man who charms many women into his bed. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains information for his king. Yet Rorik MacNeil harbors one secret buried beneath his heart of steel. An unfulfilled conquest plagues both man and his inner wolf, and Rorik would rather suffer death’s sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.

As the Seer for the Orkneyjar Isles, Ragna Maddadsson confronts an unknown destiny when she travels across the North Sea to Scotland. In her quest to deliver a message from a powerful vision, she fears the warrior will not listen. If Rorik ignores her warning, Ragna must find a way to forestall his impending death. If unsuccessful, she risks having her heart cleaved in two.  

To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.

Universal Buy Link 

A sneak preview from RORIK ~

“Have you been eating the fresh berries in the meadow, Ragna?” asked the male voice behind her. The man rolled her name off his tongue, sending shivers down her back. She knew him well, often staring at him while she traveled into the nearby village of Kirkjuvágr. 

Doing her best to compose herself, she wiped the palms of her hands down the front of her gown and turned around. “I have yet to find any. Why do you ask?” 

Rorik stepped forth from the shadow of a tree. His smile came slowly as he approached her. 

She tried to control the fierce beating of her heart as the man loomed over her with a dark and hungry gaze. 

“Your lips are as red as the berries that grow in abundance in the meadow,” he stated softly.

“’Tis only an apple I have been eating.” Unable to move away, Ragna studied the man’s features—from his deep green eyes to the dimple hidden within the dark facial hair covering his chin. To suppress the urge of twining her fingers into his long ebony hair, she dug her fingers into her gown. She thought the warrior had to be chiseled from the Gods. 

Rorik lifted his hand and gently pressed his thumb against her bottom lip. “Beauty.” 

An ache grew within Ragna. His nearness made her weak and without breath. When his hand slipped around her waist, she collapsed into his embrace, placing her palms against his broad chest. “What are you doing?” 

“I want to taste your lips, Ragna. I have thought of nothing else these long summer days.”

She tried to breathe, finding it difficult within his strong embrace. “Why me?” she blurted out on a gasp.

He lowered his head near her ear. “Why not you?”

 

Meet The Wolves of Clan Sutherland by Mary Morgan

 

I’m excited to share my upcoming new release, Rorik, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2! Before we take a peek at the Dark Seducer’s story, I want to introduce you to the Norse and Scottish men who are rumored to be part wolf. They are the elite guard for King William of Scotland. Their bloodline flows with the magic from both countries, giving them unique and powerful qualities.

 

Meet the Wolves of Clan Sutherland!

Magnar ~ The Barbarian. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Magnar is a fierce ruler for those under his command. Beware if you should become his enemy, since his motto is to strike first and ask questions later.

 

Rorik ~ The Dark Seducer. His smooth charm and power of persuasion has enticed many women to his bedchamber. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains secrets for the king. Love is simply a weakness. Rorik’s heart is as frozen as the steel of his blade.

 

Steinar ~ The Pirate. Known for his exceptional battles fought at sea, this man seeks the ultimate treasure for Scotland. A prize valued by both—Norse Gods and Kings.  

 

Gunnar ~ The Thief. His highly praised skill in retrieving any object required by the king has left this one believer of Christ seeking penance at every holy shrine he encounters. He is the sole wolf who also refuses to acknowledge the Norse God Odin.

 

Bjorn ~ The Mercenary. As he secretly takes coin from another king to kill this king’s enemy, Bjorn’s ruse is to help those who have fallen under the trap of the King of England and bring them home to Scotland. 

 

Ivar ~ The Rogue. His loyalty is questionable at times. If given a choice between obeying his leader, the king, or his wolf, this rogue would choose his beast.

 

Thorfinn ~ The Traitor. Given away to another family shortly after his birth, he has despised his twin, Magnar most of his life. His enemy is the King of Scotland, and the Wolves of Clan Sutherland. 

The Dark Seducer is known throughout Scotland as a man who charms many women into his bed. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains information for his king. Yet Rorik MacNeil harbors one secret buried beneath his heart of steel. An unfulfilled conquest plagues both man and his inner wolf, and Rorik would rather suffer death’s sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.

As the Seer for the Orkneyjar Isles, Ragna Maddadsson confronts an unknown destiny when she travels across the North Sea to Scotland. In her quest to deliver a message from a powerful vision, she fears the warrior will not listen. If Rorik ignores her warning, Ragna must find a way to forestall his impending death. If unsuccessful, she risks having her heart cleaved in two.  

To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.  

Release Date: 6.30.21

Universal Buy Link

 

A Writer’s Quirky Habits by Mary Morgan

 

One of the many questions I’ve been asked in interviews is to share any quirky writing habits I have with their readers. I have too many to list here, so I won’t bore you. Yet there are a couple that make me smile and set the mood when I descend into my writing cave. It’s almost like entering another world for me—full of brave, stubborn warriors, and strong, feisty women. In addition, a few magical dragons, an occasional evil druid and or seer, and lots of wolves.

I don’t consider this one a quirky habit, but rather a tradition—a leather journal. It’s one that has to be purchased before the start of each story or series. I have to find the right one that feels right in my hands. This is where I put all the pertinent information for the world of my story. My collection started with my first purchase at a Renaissance Faire years ago. Now, I’m able to find really lovely leather journals at Barnes & Noble.

The photo of the journal below is for my current series The Wolves of Clan Sutherland.

 

Though some might argue it’s odd and suggest any random notepad or writer’s computer program will do the job more easily, I cannot. For this writer, it’s leather journals all the way! Also, I believe each writer is unique and has their own special technique that works for them.

Another quirky habit is to hold one of my crystals in my hand and take three deep cleansing breaths before I start writing. I’ve found when I’m in a hurry to get into the story and don’t do this ritual, I’m not as focused.

So my writer friends, what quirky habits do you have? Do share!  

Available at AMAZON. 

Herbivore Shifters and Vegan Lifestyles by Marilyn Barr

Dietary restrictions are a common theme in new year’s resolutions. Many are cutting out gluten, dairy, meat, or sugar for health, monetary, or environmental reasons. Being a vegetarian from my days in the highchair, I was ecstatic when Meatless Mondays became popular. Bloggers shared inventive vegetarian recipes in every style of cuisine. Our household enjoyed a Lacto-vegan existence for years until my son was diagnosed with a severe allergy to milk at age 3.

We were suddenly vegan and many of my childhood dishes were off the menu. I grew up in an Italian family who made or ordered pizza every Friday night, rolled pasta for tortellini alfredo every Saturday, and had cheesy ziti for every Sunday dinner. How could I share our food culture with my son without giving him hives? I started on an adventure of vegan cheese alternatives and grew to love cashews.

In the Strawberry shifters book series, I wanted to go beyond the typical shifters and my vegan surprise became a blessing. The residents cannot control which power animal in their DNA is chosen by the parasite’s mutant polymerase. The werewolves may own the pizzeria, but a giraffe runs the gas station. A tiny girly girl transforms into a rhinoceros while a tough guy harbors a rodent. With these characters, I wanted their human existence to be as accurate to their power animal as possible. This left me with a plethora of herbivores, including some who will die if they eat meat. Among the vegans is the toughest, grouchiest shifter in Strawberry, James.

What is his power animal? In Book 1: Bear with Me, he flat out refused to shift. Which herbivore is fiercely loyal, committed to family above all else, but runs when the going gets tough? As James finds his way to happiness in Book 2: Round of Applause, readers step into the shoes of a vegan…one trapped in a Sluagh fortress. Here’s a vegan-friendly snippet from Strawberry Shifters Book 2: Round of Applause – 

Are you cutting dairy or joining the vegan lifestyle for a New Year’s Resolution? Then I have a gift for you!

Rosie Paulino’s Vegan Cashew Cream Sauce

8-12 ounces fettuccine noodles (when I don’t make my own, I use Le Veneziane GF pasta)

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

6-8 cloves of garlic, finely minced

4 Tbsp All-purpose flour (I use Pamela’s GF Flour)

1.75-2 cups Unsweetened Cashew or Almond Milk

4-6 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast (I use Parma Zaan Sprinkles by The Vegetarian Express)

1 tsp garlic salt

0.25 cup Vegan Parmesan (I use Daiya Parmesan)

0.5 cup Cashew Ricotta Cheese

1 tsp Alison’s Green Stuff (50:50 mix minced fresh oregano and basil)

Optional Red Pepper Flakes for Kick

Instructions:

1. Add pasta to a pot of boiling water and cook to package instructions. Start sauce when pasta is dropped so pasta is drained when the sauce is reducing.

2. Heat Olive Oil and Garlic on medium heat in a large skillet until garlic is translucent.

3. Reduce heat and add flour, stirring gently.

4. Cook for 1 minute or until flour is melted into oil.

5. Add milk 0.25 cup at a time, whisking briskly to prevent lumps.

6. Add cashew ricotta and stir on the stove for 2 minutes.

7. Transfer skillet contents to a blender.

8. Add nutritional yeast, garlic salt, vegan parmesan to the blender.

9. Blend on high until mixture is uniform and creamy, scraping the sides as needed.

10. Return to skillet and cook on medium heat until bubbling, stirring constantly.

11. Reduce heat to low.

12. Add green stuff, optional red pepper flakes, and taste. Add garlic salt or parmesan as needed.

13. Heat and stir until sauce thickens. If it gets too thick, add more milk. If it stays too thin, add cashew ricotta. Taste and adjust seasonings if more ingredients are added.

14. When pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the sauce skillet and toss to coat.

15. Cook for additional 1-2 minutes and serve hot.

Top 10 Reasons to Love a Shifter

There’s just something about a shifter. Is it the muscles? The attitude? The protectiveness? I mean, let’s be honest, alpha shifters can be demanding, possessive, pushy, bossy, and even alpha-holey (totally made up that word). So, what keeps readers (and their mates) coming back?

Just for fun (my husband is sitting here rolling his eyes as I giggle away) here are my top 10 reasons to love a shifter (in no particular order).

Tall & Muscle-y

It’s tough to picture a pudgy wolf or a puny dragon (although I’m giving myself ideas for characters now). Shifters tend to be super tall and built. Which means they can help you reach things off the top shelf. (Hey, I’m 5’2”. This is important.)

Fun Way to Travel

Not sure a wolf could carry a human. But a dragon shifter definitely can. As a former competitive skydiver, dragon flight (as long as I can do something with my hair, and something to stay warm) sounds pretty dang awesome.

Edge of Danger

Like wild animals, there’s the possibility that a shifter could snap at any moment. I married a good guy (and I’m dang lucky to have caught him), but something about those bad boys…

Means Well--Sometimes Just Needs a Firm Hand

The best shifters (like humans, I’m not saying they’re all good)—the ones we root for—always have their heart in the right place. Our heroines might need to work on those egos as well as deal with some possessiveness and outright bossiness. But my heroines, at least, have no problem with that.

Brings Home the Bacon (Literally)

I imagine shifters of all kinds have to be pretty good hunters—the predatory ones at least. And if it’s a bird shifter, or maybe a squirrel, then you’ve got yourself nuts and berries for the winner. So, you’ll never run out of food.

Fate is Totally Handy

Don’t you sometimes wish fate gave you a helping hand in relationships? I love the books that have some kind of destined mating system set up. Not that it takes the decision out of your hands (ever), because everyone likes choices. But it sure is nice to have that whole “rest of our lives” thing confirmed by the supernatural. 😊

Puts His Life on the Line

While the ready to rumble is out their fighting skills, even better is the fact that a shifter, for the right person (be it a lover, a brother, a mate, a child, etc.), would not hesitate to put himself (or herself, because our heroines rock) in harm's way to protect that person. As this world gets scarier, don’t we need more heroes like that? Even in fiction.

Great at Parties

Could you imagine shifting as a party trick? My dragon shifters might have trouble as they’re kinda large (40 feet tall). But a wolf shifter. Get a camera ready because the reactions would be priceless!

He’s Got the Moves

Have you ever seen a predator move? Especially when they’ve locked their sights on their target. Now picture that in our shifters, and they’re looking at the heroine that way. (Or vice versa, because our shifter ladies are just as prowly and delicious.) Best that translates to the dance floor…and other places. 😉

No One Puts Baby in a Corner

Once a shifter has a woman in his heart, nothing comes before her. She is the most important thing in his world and vice versa. Kids get added in, but that’s a different thing. I think everyone would love to be the center of the universe for someone.

What about you? What is it that you love about a shifter? Maybe you’d love to meet the heroes in my dragon shifter series--Fallon, Finn, Aidan, Brand, and soon Drake and Ladon!

**All images linked directly from giphy.com