BRING IT BACK(list) - Changeling Dawn by Dani Harper

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When you sit down to write a novel, especially one that's part of a series, you usually know who the hero is going to be. 

I was just getting started on Book 3 of my wolfen shapeshifter series, following up on the Macleod family from Changeling Moon and Changeling Dream. As I began to type, it felt as if everything was going according to plan:

Kenzie Macleod belongs to a long-lived family of Changelings who can turn into wolves at will. They were forced to leave Scotland when wolves were being exterminated there, and those terrible times have left her with a serious distrust of humans....

That’s as far as I got when up popped Josh Talarkoteen. I’m pretty used to it – many of my characters simply walk into my brain anytime they feel like it and start talking to me. But this guy was something completely new. Oh sure, I got his resume loud and clear – tall, handsome, wildlife expert, Afghanistan veteran, member of the Tahltan tribe – but it was the fact that he was 100% human that caught me off guard.

“I want in on your new book,” announced Josh. “I want a chance with Kenzie.”

I blinked. “I’m not sure that would work. You’re not a werewolf.”

“Your Changeling world has plenty of mixed couples.”

I can't believe I said it, but I did... “Yeah, but so far the humans have been women.”

Third in the Changeling Series, 
but this story can stand alone.

“Seriously?" The look he gave me made me want to smack myself in the head. "What difference does that make?" he continued. "The human women in your stories are strong and smart, and more than a match for the werewolf men,” he said. “So why not give a regular guy a chance with a shapeshifter gal?”

“Look, I admit that you’re great-looking, but isn’t it going to be tough to impress a woman who can turn into a wolf? I mean, how do you compete with that?”

“You mean the fact that she’s faster, stronger and can leap tall humans in a single bound?” Josh laughed. “So what? No hero worth his salt would be threatened by that. And besides, I’m looking to win her heart, not throw down with her in a cage fight!” 

He was totally right of course. I did a quick mental inventory of the books on my keeper shelf – and realized that there were more than a few heroes I loved who were not the magically-endowed half of the couple. I’d just never written about that situation before. 

So Josh got his chance in CHANGELING DAWN. He proved to be one determined man, and everything a hero should be.

As for me? I learned to never judge a man by his species.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Run…

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet, the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster–those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

Hunt…

Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

Mate…

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a shadowy research facility–as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own. . .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PURCHASE LINK -
https://www.amazon.com/Changeling-Dawn-Dani-Harper-ebook/dp/B005JSZOOA

See all of Dani Harper's books on her Amazon Author Page -
https://www.amazon.com/Dani-Harper/e/B004FD8RV2

Watch for the newest installment of the Grim Series, releasing January 9th!

Janni Nell Interviews Her New Heroine

Since I’ve just released the first book in a new cozy mystery series, I thought it would be fun to interview the heroine, small town witch, Madison Juniper Goodcharm.

Janni Nell: Welcome, Maddie. What was your life like growing up?

Maddie Goodcharm: I lived out of town on a few acres with my extended family. There were two houses. Mom, Dad and I lived in one of them. Grammy and Grandad, Mom’s parents, lived in the other. I wasn’t bothered that I was an only child. There were cousins who visited often and I spent a lot of time helping Grammy care for her animals.

JN: You run a shop of spells in the small town of Silver Moon Falls. Describe your shop.

MG: It’s on Main Street, between the Silver Moon Bakery and Kylie-Ann’s hairdressing salon. We sell all kinds of spells, which I make in the workroom at my house.

JN: Tell me about some of the spells.

MG: Green Thumb spells are better than the best fertilizer. A Happy Household spell will create a lovely soothing atmosphere for your home. And my Bubble Bath spell is like having the best massage of your entire life.  

JN: Do you have a motto or code you live by?

MG: I like to help people. If I can make someone feel better with one of my spells it’s a good day. I guess my motto would be: Do good, not harm.

JN: What is your major skill or talent?

MG: Since I’m a witch by trade, it would be creating new spells.

JN: What is your favorite food?

MG: Cinnamon buns from the Silver Moon Bakery, which is conveniently located right next door to my own shop.

JN: Who do you love?

MG: My family. Well, except for my cousin, Denzel, who dabbles on the darker side of witchcraft.

JN: What’s the best thing you’ve ever done?

MG: Hiring my assistant, Autumn. She arrived in town with nothing but a backpack and the desire to change her life. I gave her a job and a place to live. We had a few problems in the beginning, but now it’s working out fine.

JN: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?

MG: I accidentally harmed someone with a spell. It was carelessness on my part, and the person may never be the same again.

JN: Who inspires you?

MG: My family.

JN: Other than your family, who inspires you?

MG: Aberdeen Zabala, who is one of the greatest living witches. I almost won a mentorship with her a few years ago, but it didn’t quite work out.

JN: You run Maddie’s Little Shop of Spells. If you had to pick another career, what would it be?

MG: That’s a tough question. I love my job. But, I guess, if I had to change, maybe I’d become an investigator. I’ve had some success solving murder mysteries. Although, honestly, we’ve had enough murders in Silver Moon Falls to last a lifetime.

JN: Your uncle, Leo Bluestone, is the local sheriff. How does he feel about you solving murders?

MG: He doesn’t like it when I put myself in danger. Basically, he thinks I should stick to making spells for my shop. On the other hand, he fights crime, so locking up a murderer, even with my help, is a win for him.

JN: What are your future plans?

MG: All I can tell you right now is that they involve Jason.

JN: Thanks for letting us take a peek into your life.

MG: My pleasure. And if you’re ever in Silver Moon Falls drop by. We’re a friendly town. The hiking trails and falls are awesome.

Secrets, Spells & Murder is now available at:
Amazon          

Kobo          

Google Play     

Janni Nell is the author of fun paranormal mysteries. Before she became a writer, she worked as a personal assistant, receptionist and sales clerk. Now she is happy to spend every day creating stories. When she isn’t writing, you can find her at dance class, Pilates or walking the dog. She is hard at work on her next book.

Witch Books for Halloween?

It's never too early to get your reading plans sorted, so I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations. Do you have any fairly light-hearted witch or supernatural books you're either looking to read for Halloween (while you eat the "leftover" candy) or that you think others will enjoy?

I'll kick off with some of my favourites.

Mercedes Lackey wrote an intriguing series with the heroine Diana Tregarde, a practising witch. And if you're reading Mercedes Lackey, don't miss Sacred Ground for its respectful, fascinating weaving in of Native American beliefs.

A whole lot of cozy mysteries feature witches. Amanda M Lee writes one of the very successful series available in Kindle Unlimited. It starts with Any Witch Way You Can. For a Welsh take on things, What the Cat Dragged In by Molly Milligan was fun.

I absolutely recommend the trilogy, The Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic, by Helen Harper. The three books are among the best upbeat, original and intriguing paranormal romances I've read recently.

In outer space there is The Witches of Karres by James H Schmitz. Also in outer space, I have a shaman heroine in Her Robot Wolf.

I could keep talking about books forever, but I want your suggestions! Comments, please!

And for everyone who won't be reading and eating candy, but instead celebrating Samhain, I hope you have a lovely night.

Writing in the Midst of a Storm

On Thursday, August 24th, I uploaded my newest book, Predator of the Pines, Subwoofers #4, (which coincidentally has a hurricane scenario much like what occurred the next 7 days). Normally when I finish one book, I give myself a few days' grace before starting my next book.

On Friday the 25th, Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas gulf coast and came directly over my town. Electricity went out. Water dried up. We were hunkered down as the brunt of the storm hovered over us, and we did the best we could to ride it out.

But I'm a writer. And, wouldn't you know it, my muse wouldn't leave me alone.

Initially, I'd thought about trying to record a few chapters on my phone, but that action used up too much juice. So I reverted back to my old tried-and-true method of grabbing a spiral and jotting it by hand.

As a result, I discovered a couple of things along the way. I was also able to do my edits, so that by the time I could transfer it to the computer, it was pristine (or as close as it could be.) I also realized I still have crappy handwriting, so it took some effort to 1. write as legibly as I could so I could decipher it later, and 2. understand that the old way is much slower.  Muuuuuch sloooooower than it would have taken using the computer (or a non-electric typewriter). BUT I was writing! And it helped to pass the time while we prayed for the hurricane to move on, and waited for the electricity and water to be restored.

Oh, and thank goodness for PRINT books!

* * *

New!

SKY TITANS
Deities, Book 1
Contemporary Fantasy/Apocalyptic Romance
Word Count: 34.8K
$2.99 e

It's time for the earth to be cleansed.

Released after eons of being imprisoned and tortured, Aeron and his three brothers are ordered by the remaining old gods to bring the Apocalypse upon the world. Humanity has failed them too many times, and the Reckoning is overdue.

As the deity of the air and sky, it's Aeron's duty to bring about massive storms to wipe out civilization. Tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning - all are at his bidding, and Aeron is more than willing to do whatever he is requested to do. He will mete out the worst he can conjure, as long as it means he'll no longer be bound within the hot, dark confines deep within the bowels of the Earth.

Ceris Shahan is terrified of flying. But when the president of the company demands she be at the summit conference clear across the continent the next day, she has no choice but to take the next plane out. If her phobia wasn't debilitating enough, they run into turbulence that doesn't end. Tossed about, bruised and injured amid the ugly black clouds that continue to engulf them, she and the other passengers soon realize they will not survive.

When Ceris spots a figure outside the window, a man who appears to be standing amid the thunderheads and is surrounded by an aura of light, she starts to doubt her own sanity. Yet, when the man turns to find her staring at him, the look of stunned disbelief on his face is undeniable.

She shouldn't be able to see him, but she can. Realizing what this could mean, Aeron decides to risk everything, even his freedom, to rescue and protect the woman from the annihilation of all mankind.

Warning! Contains scenes of mass destruction, two apples, the plane ride from hell, stainless steel, extreme arrogance, an odd utility tool, and two people hoping for a future, any kind of future, as long as they can share it together.

Excerpt and buy links.

When is it Okay to Go Normal?

I don't always write paranormal books. Mostly, I do, to some degree or another, either utter fantasy or steampunk, or a little touch of a ghost or ESP. Sometimes the stories though--the magic is just there in the characters and situation. They don't need that paranormal nudger to help spark their Happy Ever After.

When I do write a story thatt's either straight-up contemporary or historical, though, I always kind of feel like I'm letting my readers down. Is it a branding thing? Should I put out my non-paranormals under a different name? I never have.

Mt recent re-release, Unawakened (formerly published as an erotic romance called Awakening Augusta) is historical romance, now just a little on the steamy side, as I'd always felt the erotic element in that particular story was also a touch forced. The re-release is part of an end-of-summer collection, Summer Nights of Delight.

So what do you think? When you see an author's name on a book or story, do you want to know that it's going to be a specific genre? Or are you content to jump around with a voice you can trust? Would you rather have an author who tries new ideas, or someone who puts their all into one specific type of work? I'll send a free backlist e-book of your choice to one random commenter. Happy autumn, everyone! Thanks for reading!

****

Unawakened 

by Cindy Spencer Pape

In the Summer Nights of Delight anthology.

Sensuous, Historical Romance 

(formerly published in a slightly different form as Awakening Augusta)

Regency Scotland can be a lonely place, but Augusta MacLeish has four mischievous younger siblings for company; now if she only had money to feed them! Colin Fordyce has recently inherited an earldom, along with five wards in a remote Scottish castle. When he travels up there, he discovers his predecessor was skimming their funds. He also learns the oldest Miss MacLeish is absolutely stunning. A knock to his head leaves him seeing two of the buxom beauty, just as one kiss from her tempting lips leaves him longing for more.

A night spent together forces Colin and Augusta to marry, leaving them all the opportunity in the world to explore the sexual hunger between them. Colin delights in teaching Augusta all the pleasures of the flesh, awakening the wanton lover beneath her ladylike veneer. From Scotland to London, the flames burning between them refuse to be doused, and oh, how they will set the Ton on fire.

****

Cindy Spencer Pape firmly believes in happily-ever-after. Multiple award-winning author of the best-selling Gaslight Chronicles, she has released almost sixty novels and stories, which blend fantasy, adventure, science fiction, suspense, history and romance.

Cindy lives in southeast Michigan with her husband and a bunch of spoiled dogs. When not hard at work writing she can be found restoring her 1870 house, dressing up for steampunk parties and Renaissance fairs, or with her nose buried in a book.

Website: http://www.cindyspencerpape.com

Blogs: http://herebemagic.blogspot.com/ , http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com

Newsletter group: http://yhoo.it/ni7PHo  

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CindySPape

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/cindyspencerpape

Here Be News

New Releases:

Secrets, Spells, & Murder
(Little Shop of Spells, Book 1)
paranormal cozy mystery
by Janni Nell
$2.99 e

Small-town witch, Maddie Goodcharm, is in trouble. Someone is hexing the inhabitants of Silver Moon Falls and Maddie is the main—make that only—suspect. When one of the townspeople dies in suspicious circumstances, Maddie is accused of murder.

With the help of her friend, Autumn, Maddie struggles to clear her name. But facing a murder charge isn’t her only problem. Sometimes spells go wrong and Maddie has accidentally bespelled a hiker. Jason’s not in a good place, literally, and Maddie has to come up with a reversal spell ASAP. Which she can’t do if she’s in prison. The only way out of her dilemma is to find the real murderer.

Now Maddie is on the trail of a killer and magic may be the only thing that will save her.

Available now

Amazon

Google Play
Kobo

SKY TITANS
Deities, Book 1
Contemporary Fantasy/Apocalyptic Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 34.8K
$2.99 e

           
 It's time for the earth to be cleansed.

Released after eons of being imprisoned and tortured, Aeron and his three brothers are ordered by the remaining old gods to bring the Apocalypse upon the world. Humanity has failed them too many times, and the Reckoning is overdue.

As the deity of the air and sky, it's Aeron's duty to bring about massive storms to wipe out civilization. Tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning - all are at his bidding, and Aeron is more than willing to do whatever he is requested to do. He will mete out the worst he can conjure, as long as it means he'll no longer be bound within the hot, dark confines deep within the bowels of the Earth.

Ceris Shahan is terrified of flying. But when the president of the company demands she be at the summit conference clear across the continent the next day, she has no choice but to take the next plane out. If her phobia wasn't debilitating enough, they run into turbulence that doesn't end. Tossed about, bruised and injured amid the ugly black clouds that continue to engulf them, she and the other passengers soon realize they will not survive.

When Ceris spots a figure outside the window, a man who appears to be standing amid the thunderheads and is surrounded by an aura of light, she starts to doubt her own sanity. Yet, when the man turns to find her staring at him, the look of stunned disbelief on his face is undeniable.

She shouldn't be able to see him, but she can. Realizing what this could mean, Aeron decides to risk everything, even his freedom, to rescue and protect the woman from the annihilation of all mankind.

Warning! Contains scenes of mass destruction, two apples, the plane ride from hell, stainless steel, extreme arrogance, an odd utility tool, and two people hoping for a future, any kind of future, as long as they can share it together.

Excerpt and buy links.

SILVER BOUND
by Jody Wallace

A heroine burned by magic…a hero who burns only for her.

Nadia Silver’s escape from indenture in the world of Tarakona leads her through a portal to Magic, New Mexico. A rare silver dragon shifter, she hopes to find a place where she will be safe from the wizards who would exploit her gifts.

Barnabas Courtier, a wizard without a dragon of his own, joined the Dragon Liberation Front when he heard of the seizure of a magnificent silver dragon – a dragon who has the power to turn the tide for the DLF. He has made freeing her his personal mission. Barnabas is shocked when he discovers not only has the silver dragon freed herself, but she has disappeared from the Tarakonan dimension. Determined to ensure her safety, his quest leads him to the world of Earth and the town of Magic.

Once in Magic, nothing goes according to Barnabas’s careful plans. Nadia isn’t the beautiful innocent of his dreams. She’s strong, passionate, and determined to resist everything he offers her – even love. How can a wizard convince a silver dragon to return to a world where she’s hunted when she’s found a place where she fits right in? And can he protect her from those who would enslave her once again?

Buy it at Amazon and then check out the next in the series, SILVER UNLEASHED, in which Nadia's brother Aiden meets a woman who doesn't believe in magic...but he *is* magic!

***

Other News:

Veronica Scott and the other authors in Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 are giving away one unique signed copy of the paperback! SE Smith, MK Eidem and more! Here's the link to enter: http://www.petsinspaceantho.com/giveaways/signed-one-kind-embrace-romance-paperback/

The book releases October 10th!

Bring It Back(list) Feature:
Grandma Must Die by Maureen Bonatch

Bring It Back(List) – Grandma Must Die by Maureen L. Bonatch

Everyone loves a Grandma. 

Unless, of course, she's infected with a deadly contagious spell.

On Sale for .99 cents for a limited time

She's a witch hunting a spell. He's hunting witches and falling for her.

Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.

Magic bounty hunter Dylan has scoured libraries of banned magic paraphernalia seeking a method to distinguish genuine witches from impersonators. He suspects unorthodox librarian Carman might hold this information tighter than the hair he’s dying to unleash from her bun. With a past as hidden as his sleeve of tattoos, Dylan discovers he’s been used to gain Carman’s trust and their passion risks more than mixing mortals and magic.

        Buy Links:        Amazon                The Wild Rose Press

Excerpt

…once she’d started Carman couldn’t stop,

the book beckoned. Pressing its spine against her palm, begging her to search within the pages to find the answers she’d unconsciously sought her entire life. As she lifted the book, her scalp tingled and her hair elevated like a halo.

“Whoa.” Dylan shielded himself with his hands. “Put it back, slowly, because this is reminding me too much of the incident with the chest. Having my apartment blown up from magic isn’t covered in my rent.”

The plastic evaporated in a puff of smoke in Carman’s hands and the book unsealed with a sigh. She smiled, the welcoming warmth emanating from within its pages against her palms. Why had Mother kept her from this? This is what she’d been waiting for.

As curiosity overtook his common sense, she detected Dylan’s cautious approach. He stood close enough to peer over her shoulder into her book, but far enough away to avoid touching her.

After the shockwave the last time their skin met, he probably worried he’d ruin another pair of pants. Carman closed her eyes, absorbing the power from the book. The delicious feeling evoked a sensation like melting chocolate, sweet and satisfying.

“I remember hearing about her, Esmeralda Wrath. I wonder if this was her book?” Dylan’s warm breath caressed her shoulder.

Carman opened her eyes and examined the page. To stare right at a photo of the most powerful witch of all time…her grandmother.

On Sale for .99 cents for a Limited Time 

Fun Facts about Grandma Must Die:

•  The inspiration for the church/library and the town in the story are located along a bike path the author frequents.
• The church that now operates as a bar the author has visited inspired the interior of the church/library in the story. 
• The heroine, Carman, is obsessed with sexy, stilettos. 
• No real Grandmas were harmed in the making of this fictional story. In real life everyone loves Grandmas (unless, of course, they’ve been infected with a nasty spell).

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter