HERE BE NEWS for January 27, 2020

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Monday, January 20 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.

Tuesday, January 21 -
“MAP MAKING” – Author Shona Husk has discovered a new creative outlet by designing fantasy maps.  

Friday, January 24 -
"2020 CHINESE NEW YEAR - HAPPY YEAR OF THE RAT!" - Author Dani Harper explores the ancient animal zodiac and its astrological forecast.

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map making

Toward the end of last year I'd been looking for something writing related to do. While a lot of writers edit or do covers they aren't my skills sets (I'm sure I could learn how to do covers if I wanted, but I want to get off the computer).

I'd also been promising myself I'd do more drawing--I've made that promise more times than I can count.

This time I think I've found something that will stick. Fantasy map making!

I spent 20 years as a civil design draftsperson so manual and CAD drafting were my job (I have designed and drawn so many roundabouts, drainage systems and sewerage systems...), but drawing a map of a fantasy world was something new, and I was keen to get back to paper and ink and be creative.

I did a few test maps until I was happy with a couple of different styles then did a map for a friend's fantasy novel--which was super fun.

Now I have a little Etsy store where I'll be putting up pre-made maps and doing custom maps for authors and gamers.

You can find me at FrayedInkling

HERE BE NEWS for November 11, 2019

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Monday, November 4 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic, including the winners from our October Scary Movies Contest.

Tuesday, November 5 -
“NANOWRIMO REBEL” – Author Nicole Luiken is taking part in National Novel Writing Month – but being a rebel means choosing your own goals! 

Thursday, November 7 -
"PLANNING FOR 2020" - Every author needs a crystal ball to help decide what ideas will become stories and when. Author Shona Husk has decided to kick off 2020 with cryptids and romance. 

Sweet Contemporary Romance from Linda Mooney

Excerpt and buy link here:
https://lindamooney.com/WhentheHeart.htm

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Planning for 2020

New sci fi romance

It's November, so while I'm trying to finish up this year's projects, I'm also planning next year's work. January is usually editing month, cleaning up anything that was written in last 3 month month and getting them out the door (some of them are due in February so they will get done first).

I also have a list of stories that I want to write (it's a long list) but I have to decide which ones are going to be most marketable. If I write X will I be able to sell it to a publisher? If I self publish does it hit any hot tropes? Can I come up with something more interesting and more saleable?

At the moment I'm tossing up between a few ideas for next year, both are novella series.

What I need is a crystal ball to tell me what will be the most fun and profitable.

Alas, no one seems to have one of them.

What I do now is that 2020 will start with crypitds and romantic suspense on January 4th.

Close to the Truth

Is the truth worth dying for?

coming January 2020

TV biologist, Jasmine Heydon, escaped Bitterwood once. She was 16 and run out of town by the cops for the crime of being born on the wrong side of the tracks. Ten years later, she's changed a lot but Bitterwood hasn't. The town's only claim to fame is the legend of the River Man, a murderous creature who first killed a century ago. Back in town to film a show about the River Man, Jasmine plans to put the mystery to rest once and for all.

Bitterwood's favourite son, Gil Easton, has never forgotten Jasmine, and he's never forgiven his father, the chief of police, for running her off. But now Jasmine is back, stirring things up. This time, Gil is determined to stand by her even when the locals want her silenced.

As Gil works to unearth the truth, Jasmine tries to understand her own childhood sighting of the monster. As the threats escalate, the search for the truth grows dangerous ... because the River Man is killing again.

HERE BE NEWS for Sept 16, 2019

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Monday, September 9 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.

Tuesday, September 10 -
“WHAT I'VE BEEN READING” – Looking for ideas on what to read next? Author Shona Husk shares her latest list on Here Be Magic.

Wednesday, September 11 -
“THE HIGHLANDER'S ENGLISH WOMAN” – Author Ruth Casie shares an excerpt from one of her historical swashbuckling action-adventures. 

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What I've been reading

This month I thought I'd share some of what I've been reading. I read all over the place and this list reflects that.


I know I'm late to the party (in my excuse I bought the book about 2 years ago but hadn't gotten around to reading it), but I've been enjoying The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up by Marie Kondo.



If you like romantic suspense Undaunted (set in Perth, Australia) by Leah Ashton was great fun.



I'm an Obsidian Rim author, but it's always fun to see what other's do when playing in the same sand pit. catalyst by Jodi Wallace was no exception--read if you love cats!


Finally, I also enjoyed Lust and other Drugs by TJ Nichols, which is urban fantasy filled with mythological creatures and crime.


All the Annwyn books are out now, and available in print as well as ebooks, starting with The Outcast Prince.

HERE BE NEWS for August 12, 2019

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Monday, August 5 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.

Thursday, August 8 -
“ANNWYN REVISITED” – Author Shona Husk has re-released her Annwyn series with shiny new covers!  

Saturday, August 10 -
This week's Bring It Back(list) feature is “DEEP”, a sensuous sci-fi romance by Linda Mooney - and it's on sale! Scroll below for all the details...

Sunday, August 11 -

“ROAD TRIP!!” – Author Ruth Casie reminisces about her favorite family travels and compares them to present day adventures. 

DEEP
a sensuous 
sci-fi romance
by Linda Mooney

Word Count: 38.9K

$0.99 ebook this month only 
$9.99 paperback

As one of Earth’s Galactic Enforcers, Lawn Bascomb is assigned to Area R6Y6 for the duration of one year. Her only companion in this desolate section of space is Deep, her sentient Vogt ship.

The Vogt line is an experimental breed of unique vessels, each with its own artificially enhanced intelligence, created specifically for use at the deep space guard posts. Able to project himself in holographic form, Deep is not only Lawn’s sole fellow crew member, but he is also her confidant and friend. It isn't long before he becomes her lover.

But their tenuous arrangement is suddenly and fatally shattered when their post is threatened by an unknown and perhaps alien force. Lawn and Deep soon face the realization that, in order to save Earth, one—or both of them—must die.


Warning:  Contains ship sex, governmental cover-ups, an orgasmic indoctrination, temperamental buoys, self-sacrifice, alien invasion, and doing the 9-to-5 in the buff.

EXCERPT & BUY LINKS: https://lindamooney.com/Deep.htm 

Until August 31st, you can get the ebook for just 99 cents! (Available at this price only on Amazon and Linda's website. Note: Click BUY EBOOK to get the Nook or PDF version.)

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HERE BE NEWS for June 17, 2019

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Monday, June 10 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.

Tuesday, June 11 -
“THE MAGIC OF CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE” – Author Ruth A. Casie reveals the fascinating history of the very real castle featured in her novel, “The Highlander's English Woman”. 

Wednesday, June 12 -
“WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO” – Author Shona Husk gives us a glimpse at what she’s working on.

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Now Available as an Audio Book!

E-reptile Dysfunction
Humorous Paranormal Romance
by Linda Mooney
Writing as Carolyn Gregg

Word Count: 12.8K
$1.99 e / $6.99 p / $6.95 a

Narrated by D. Paul Faulkner
Length: 1 hr, 10 min
Hear a Sample

WANT A COPY? EMAIL ME!

Kreg Regius has been having a little trouble lately. The kind of trouble every male fears, no matter what species. Despite the dangers of people finding out how different he is, Kreg is desperate for relief and finds himself seeking professional help.

With nothing to do but wait, his brother prescribes a night out. When that proves to be fruitless, he makes his escape, and his night takes an interesting turn. The shapely brunette he shares a cab with could be just what the doctor ordered.

Immediately, things for Kreg start looking up. In more ways than one.

Excerpt and Buy Links

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Award of Merit for STORM CROSSED

As an official finalist for the 2019 HOLT Medallion, Storm Crossed received an Award of Merit this week. The full-length standalone novel is Book 4 in the Grim Series.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Heir to a noble fae house, Trahern is forced to watch helplessly as his twin brother is cruelly changed into a grim—a death dog—as punishment for falling in love with the wrong person. Trahern doesn’t believe love exists, but he will do anything to keep his brother alive—even join the Wild Hunt and ride the night skies of the human world.

Lissy Santiago-Callahan believes in love but has no time for it. She’s busy juggling her career as an academic and her home life as a single mom to a young son with Asperger’s. Her hectic life in sleepy Eastern Washington is made even more chaotic with the sudden arrival of a demanding fae and his unusual “dog.”

Mortal and immortal have nothing in common, and the attraction between Lissy and Trahern surprises them both. But when their desire places Lissy and her child in the path of a deadly faery feud, will the connection last, or will their separate worlds prove too great a divide?

Purchase STORM CROSSED on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073TTTGZD

Authors at Here Be Magic may host their own giveaways or take part in larger events with other authors in the genre.
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SUMMER FUN ROMANCE GIVEAWAY 
Hurry! Ends June 20, 2019

Night Owl Romance is hosting another one of their amazing scavenger hunts. Easy peasy to enter --- just read romance book blurbs and fill in the missing word! You could discover new stories and new authors. Or you could WIN one of many Amazon gift cards (open to international entries). 

GRAND PRIZE: Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite (USA only) - $129.99 Value!

Check it out at: 

https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Pages/Articles/Scavenger-Hunt

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HERE BE NEWS for April 15, 2019

In Case You Missed It:

Monday, April 8 - 

"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the gang at Here Be Magic.

Tuesday, April 9 -

“HELLHOUNDS, WITCHES AND A MISBEHAVING GODDESS” – 

Like books with suspense and danger? Shona Husk talks about her Coven of the Raven series.  

Saturday, April 13 - 

This week's Bring It Back(list) feature is “STORM WARRIOR”, Book 1 of the Grim Series by Dani Harper – and all ebooks in the series are currently on sale for 99¢. Scroll down for details.

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New Release:

EMBODIED
(Coven of the Raven 3)

by Shona Husk

A love potion gone wrong leads to a goddess hijacking Alexis’s body. Now Alexis will do anything to catch her boss's eye. It’s unfortunate that he starts to notice her for all the wrong reasons. Such as the army of cats following her around.

Peyton Kilpatrick has always kept his relationship with Alexis professional despite the simmering interest. But something has changed, she crackles with magic and she wants more from him than he’s able to give. As a witch and a lawyer his life is complicated enough, throw in a hell hound bite that causes all kinds of side effects around the full moon and he really isn’t boyfriend material.

When Alexis finally gets Peyton in bed, things get hairy. Peyton reveals what he is and convinces her to give up her new-found power. If she doesn’t get rid of the goddess inhabiting her body, she’ll die.

Buy links: books2read.com/

https://books2read.com/u/4AJp1J

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New Release:

THANN

by Linda Mooney

Paranormal Romance

#horseshifter

Word Count: 42.2K

$3.99 e / $9.99 p

It started with a winning lottery ticket, and could end with her death.

What would you do with $597 million? 

Despite her estranged fiancé raving that it’s a waste of money, Maren Padgett decides to try her luck and buys a lottery ticket with the last few bucks in her wallet. What could it hurt? What Burke Shavet wasn’t expecting was for Maren to actually win. With dollar signs in his eyes, he starts making big plans for the big winnings, contrary to Maren begging him to slow down. She’s uncomfortable with how fast he’s moving, with good reason. 

She should’ve trusted her instincts. Pushing a spur of the moment trip to the Grand Canyon, Burke had it all planned out… 

Maren owes her life to the people living at the bottom of the canyon. Especially to the mysterious black-haired man named Thann who rescued her. The problem is she doesn’t remember why her life was in danger to begin with. She can’t remember anything actually. But slowly, her memories are returning, and no one is happy with what she’s recalling.

Warning!  Contains lumpy soap, a shopping spree, a heavy load, an Oscar-worthy performance, five hundred million reasons, white water, petroglyphs, and a devastating act that brings two people together seeking justice...and love.

Excerpt and Buy Links

http://lindamooney.com/THANN.htm
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Bring It Back(list):

STORM WARRIOR

by Dani Harper

Book 1 of the Grim Series

Kindle versions in the series currently on sale for 99¢

Two thousand years ago, Rhys was the fierce Celtic warrior branded by the Romans as “the Bringer of Death.” Mortally wounded in battle, he was captured by the Fair Ones, cunning and powerful masters of the Welsh faery realm. They spared his life…but for a price. As a grim, he has roamed the earth as a messenger of death—until a single act of kindness breaks the ancient enchantment and delivers him into a strange new world…

As a child, Morgan Edwards marveled at the faery tales spun by her beloved grandmother, stories of the magical beings hidden in the heart of ancient Wales. But now Morgan is all grown up, a veterinarian who believes only in what science can prove—until the night a massive black dog saves her from a vicious attack, and life as she knows it changes forever. Suddenly a stranger stands before her, the man of her dreams made flesh and blood not by science, but by a magic that could bring them their hearts’ desires ... or cost them everything they have.

Excerpt and buy links

http://herebemagic.blogspot.com/2019/04/what-to-do-with-naked-man-in-your-front.html

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Hell hounds, witches and a misbehaving goddess

Coven of the Raven series

I'm a plotter, but quite often my brain will throw in some random one liners which at the time don't mean much but end up becoming very important. One of those throw away lines in Cursed (book 1) was that Petyon had been bitten by a hell hound. 

I knew the heroine of Embodied was going to be hijacked by a goddess, but it wasn't until I was plotting the story in more detail that I realised what a problem the hell hound bite was going to be. It causes him to have a crisis of faith in his goddess and he has to decide if he even wants to be a witch. I may have written a witchy inspirational...

In Embodied I also got to have the fun of turning Peyton, a very respectable lawyer, into a hell hound following his baser instincts and then follow it up with waking up naked in an unexpected place :)

If you like witches and interfering goddesses, suspense and danger you might like the Coven of the Raven series. 

~~~ 

A love potion gone wrong leads to a goddess hijacking Alexis’s body. Now Alexis will do anything to catch her boss's eye. It’s unfortunate that he starts to notice her for all the wrong reasons. Such as the army of cats following her around.

Peyton Kilpatrick has always kept his relationship with Alexis professional despite the simmering interest. But something has changed, she crackles with magic and she wants more from him than he’s able to give. As a witch and a lawyer his life is complicated enough, throw in a hell hound bite that causes all kinds of side effects around the full moon and he really isn’t boyfriend material.

When Alexis finally gets Peyton in bed, things get hairy. Peyton reveals what he is and convinces her to give up her new-found power. If she doesn’t get rid of the goddess inhabiting her body, she’ll die.

Buy Links

HERE BE NEWS for February 25, 2019

All the latest
from the authors at 

Here Be Magic

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In Case You Missed It:

Monday, February 18 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the authors at Here Be Magic.

Wednesday, February 20 -
“ALIENS, MENAGES AND WINGED WOMAN...” – Author Shona Husk has a sexy new SciFi MMF Romance. “SEVERED” comes out today, Feb. 25th. Scroll down for details!

Friday, February 22 -

"A TALE OF TWO COVERS" - Every author knows the challenges of finding just the right model for a bookcover. Author Linda Mooney talks about her sci-fi romance, JEXX.

Saturday, February 23 - 
This week's Bring It Back(list) feature:  
"CHANGELING DREAM by Dani Harper + a Giveaway" - Dani Harper found a surprise when cleaning out her office... Scroll down for details!

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New Release: 


SEVERED
by Shona Husk

Halle Ish, one of Velli’s elite police Arrows, is shot down during a Precinct One riot. Wounded and unable to fly, she tries to hide and avoid capture, knowing that if she is found by the razor gangs or Clipper Sect they will sever her wings. She needs to get out of Precinct One.

Avin Lent was once a promising medical student, but he started sniffing Mumble to beat the stress and is now the doctor to one of the biggest gangs in Precinct One—while not part of the Clipper Sect, they are just as dangerous. He knows he is only as useful as his next surgery and they would have no qualms about killing him. Only Jarro is keeping him safe.

Jarro Coblic is deep under cover and has been for a year. Immersed in the gang, he suspects his hands will never be clean again. When he finds the wounded Arrow, he knows he can’t turn her over even though everyone is looking for her. With his lover’s help, they hide her and heal her wing. All the while, falling for her. He prays Avin will not crumble and reveal their secret as Jarro tries to figure out a way to get them all out of Precinct One before the Sect and the gangs bring the full wrath of Velli on Precinct One. Tearing the place down can’t come soon enough, but there will be blood before the slate can be washed clean.

Buy Now

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Bring It Back(list) Feature:

DANI:  I’ve been working on cleaning out my office since the beginning of the year and just before I called in the heavy equipment, I discovered a box of TWELVE Changeling Dream paperbacks! (Only I could lose an entire box of books…) 

But wait! My disorganization could be your gain. Enter through the Rafflecopter in the Here Be Magic post, and you could be one of a dozen readers to win a SIGNED paperback copy (plus a set of my bookcover postcards and a couple of bookmarks). Open to USA residents only.

Read all about this shapeshifter romance and ENTER THE CONTEST here:
https://herebemagic.blogspot.com/2019/02/bring-it-backlist-changeling-dream-by.html 

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Aliens, menages and winged woman...

It feels like ages since I had a SFR release (checks notes...it has been ages). This release is also an MMF romance (and it's been a long time since I released one of them).  

The Precinct One series is set in a fun world where the women have wings and the men don't. I got to re-imagine society--how would it be different and how would it be similar? 

Menages became the norm for relationships and cities are stratified with men on the lower levels and women on the upper and everyone meeting in the middle for...er...a good time ;) 

There are no humans as it takes place entirely on an alien planet, so if you want to escape Earth for a bit you might like the politics of Velli for a change. You can pre-order HERE and get it 3 days early (22 Feb instead of 25 Feb) 

Severed

Halle Ish, one of Velli’s elite police Arrows, is shot down during a Precinct One riot. Wounded and unable to fly, she tries to hide and avoid capture, knowing that if she is found by the razor gangs or Clipper Sect they will sever her wings. She needs to get out of Precinct One.

Avin Lent was once a promising medical student, but he started sniffing Mumble to beat the stress and is now the doctor to one of the biggest gangs in Precinct One—while not part of the Clipper Sect, they are just as dangerous. He knows he is only as useful as his next surgery and they would have no qualms about killing him. Only Jarro is keeping him safe.

Jarro Coblic is deep under cover and has been for a year. Immersed in the gang, he suspects his hands will never be clean again. When he finds the wounded Arrow, he knows he can’t turn her over even though everyone is looking for her. With his lover’s help, they hide her and heal her wing. All the while, falling for her. He prays Avin will not crumble and reveal their secret as Jarro tries to figure out a way to get them all out of Precinct One before the Sect and the gangs bring the full wrath of Velli on Precinct One. Tearing the place down can’t come soon enough, but there will be blood before the slate can be washed clean.

HERE BE NEWS for December 17, 2018

All the latest 

from the authors at 

Here Be Magic

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In Case You Missed It:

Monday, December 10 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the authors at Here Be Magic.

Tuesday, December 11 -
"WHAT TO BUY THIS HOLIDAY FOR THE BOOK LOVER ON YOUR LIST" - Author Ruth A. Casie comes to the rescue of gift-givers with over 40 timely suggestions!

Wednesday, December 12 -
"MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2018" - Author Nicole Luiken has read 267 stories so far this year! Today she shares her Top Picks on HERE BE MAGIC.

Friday, December 14 -
"HOLIDAY MEMORIES" - The Here Be Magic gang are sharing some of their favorite memories of holidays past, and invite you to share yours in the comments! Plus, we've followed up with a list of holiday-themed stories written by some of our fantasy authors. Enjoy!

http://herebemagic.blogspot.com/2018/12/holiday-memories-from-authors-at-here.html

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New Release: 

HUNTED
Coven of the Raven, Book 2
by Shona Husk

Ebook $3.99

People coming to the Uncommon Raven Agency for protection, are at the end of the line. 

Noah Kelly takes the cases no other bodyguard will, the ones where demons are hunting the victim. Trouble is, he’s never managed to stop a demon from killing. Not even to save the girlfriend whose murder he was acquitted of four years ago. Since then he’s been determinedly single as he tries to find a way to stop demons and ease his guilt. 

Rachel Jarrett knew she was in trouble when the divorce lawyer she’d been dealing with is found dead—his limbs torn off. She runs, desperate to flee her husband, and finds herself at the Uncommon Raven Agency in the hands of a man with his own secrets. When she tells Noah what she’s seen he doesn’t laugh. He talks about possession. 

For Noah, falling into bed with a client was always going to be bad news, but when her ex is a demon it could be fatal.

BUY LINKS: https://www.books2read.com/u/38rKJ7 

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Sales, Contests and Events:

Our authors often take part in hosted giveaways and events, or sponsor their own.
Here's the latest! 
...

Link to enter!

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EBOOKS ON SALE UNTIL DEC. 31st.

December Ebook Sale

THE GRIM SERIES

Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

by DANI HARPER

The fae are cunning, powerful and often cruel.

The most beautiful among them are often the most deadly. Hidden far beneath the mortal world, the timeless faery realm plays by its own rules—and those rules can change on a whim. Now and again, the unpredictable residents of that mystical land cross the supernatural threshold…

In this enchanting romance series from Dani Harper, the ancient fae come face-to-face with modern-day humans and discover something far more potent than their strongest magic: love.

Book 1 STORM WARRIOR is now $1.99 

plus just 99¢ each for 

STORM BOUND, STORM WARNED, 

and STORM CROSSED

Sale runs until December 31st, 2018

https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00XM2L6XS

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TALSON'S WAIT is FREE for a limited time! 

Enjoy your holidays!

😍 Marie

To get your free Amazon download, link here:

TALSON'S WAIT

Domineering, dangerous and downright huge, Roarke Talson owns Jamie Kendrik for the next three years. It’s 2139, and the government has found a way to deal with the national debt—indentured service. She might have been duped into debt, but she’s not stupid. Jamie made sure to put a no-sex clause in her contract. There’s just one problem. She can’t stop thinking about her boss. 

When Jamie does the wrong thing for the right reason, she assumes Talson will throw her in jail and not think twice. In an effort to escape, she ambushes him and flees. She hadn’t counted on him getting free so quickly, that he might be half alien, or that he’d hunt her down with more than vengeance on his mind.