What is on the Reading Radar? #TBR #wishlist

What am I doing? Constant rewrites continue and I've come up with a couple of scenes that I need to add. I thought Constant would be a breezy 35k to work through... It just might come out closer to 50k and I'm perfectly all right with that. 

I'm also working on Chapter Ten of Assassin's Retirement. A poly romance with this many love interests is daunting, mainly because I have never attempted to write one like it before. I was thinking over last weekend that it's going to take a long time for a romance to develop between Zane and the others, which means more than one book or a really huge plot. (*laughs at myself because do I write small plots?*)  The thought stumped me for a second. I'm by writing the blog story by the seat of my pants, and thinking about a second book just makes my mind go blank. No joke. (For me) Pantsing a story doesn't lend itself well to thinking further in the further than the next two or three chapters. So I keep my thoughts in the now with the blog story. 

In the meantime, what is on the wish list and TBR.

Title: Queen Takes Queen
Series: (Their Vampire Queen Book 3)
Author(s): Joely Sue Burkhart
Length:
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Poly / Bisexual / Paranormal / Vampires / Mythology /

Notes: Just give it to me right now. I've been waiting all month for this to come out. *grabby hands*

Blurb: The Triune's attention is a deadly thing to attract. The world's oldest and most powerful vampire queens devise a plan to ensure the fledgling Isador queen is eliminated before she can call enough Blood to protect her.

But Shara has already drawn formidable and famously powerful Blood to her side: Leviathan, king of the depths. Guillaume de Payne, the headless Templar knight. Wu Tien Xin, the silent invisible assassin. Nevarre, the Morrigan's own Shadow. And of course, her first two Blood, Alrik and Daire, inexperienced—but extremely powerful in their own right.

Though well fed on queen’s blood and well loved, six Blood are not enough to stand against the mighty Triune. Shara needs more.

She needs more Blood. She needs allies.

What she really needs is a queen of her own.

Title: The Isle of Eternal Happiness
Series: Landlocked Heart, 4
Author(s): Kay Berrisford
Length: 35k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Gay / Urban Fantasy / Fantasy /

Notes: Jumped the gun on this a bit. It doesn't release until March but it can be pre-ordered.

Blurb: After several months of wedded life, Ben is feeling the pressure. Not only has he a job and marriage to worry about, he has to sustain Lyle's waning magical powers and see through the destiny of the Dragon Rider and save Lyle's merfolk family in their hour of need. 

Lyle's concerned that Ben is changing for the worse, acting secretively and strangely. With Ben rapidly developing powers of his own, Lyle suspects Ben is being corrupted by the sinister legacy of Prince Clewell, whose magic sword Ben has inherited. If not, their marriage is failing.

Ben tries to pacify Lyle by whisking him off on a belated honeymoon. But Ben's true purpose is to seek a hidden fairy sanctuary, "The Isle of Eternal Happiness," and to fulfil the Dragon Rider prophecy. He's even invited Lyle's dragon-shifting sister, Cully, to help him in Lyle's stead. Lyle finally snaps. Ben's mission might be a noble one, but magic is turning him into a monster. And Lyle is still a force to be reckoned, even with his health and powers deteriorating.

Title: Blackbird in the Reeds
Series: (The Rowan Harbor Cycle Book 1)
Author(s): Sam Burns
Length: 188 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Gay / Paranormal / Mystery /

Notes:

Blurb: Devon Murphy has never believed that there were fairies at the bottom of the garden, but when he’s in an accident on his way to his grandmother’s house and comes face to face with the biggest, baddest wolf he’s ever seen, he’s forced to reconsider.

When his grandmother asks him to look into a string of suspicious accidents, he finds a much bigger mystery to unravel. From his childhood best friend to the too-attractive Deputy Wade Hunter, everyone in Rowan Harbor seems to have something to hide. Devon has to get to the bottom of it all before the accidents turn deadly.

This novel is intended for adult audiences, and contains swearing and sex scenes.

It is the first of nine books in The Rowan Harbor Cycle, not a standalone. Devon and Wade will return in book four to continue their story, so this book contains a HFN, not their HEA.

Title: Adrian's Bodyguard
Series: Vampires of Vadin
Author(s): Shelby Rhodes
Length:
Publisher: Siren Publishing

Genre: Romance / Gay / Paranormal / Vampire / Shifter / 

Notes:

Blurb: Vampire King Adrian Bloodhart has faced many challenges in the thousands of years he's been reigning. However, he had thought he'd moved past the stage of his life that was littered with assassination attempts. And, as if the attacks weren't irritating enough, he finds himself saddled with a personal bodyguard he doesn't feel he needs or even wants. When Xavier Dayden had agreed to guard King Adrian, he had expected to be guarding a mature adult, but what he got was a petulant child. Adrian is odd as hell and too sexy for Xavier's peace of mind. When Xavier finds his control slipping, he's conflicted. Giving in could lead to so much more than a one night stand, but was it worth the possible heartbreak? The choice is made when tragedy strikes where it is least expected and, as Adrian's walls crack and fall, Xavier is there to pick up the pieces. Through the heartache, love is finally in their grasps.

Title: Fox Shifter & Forbidden Love
Series: (Kobolds of Tamlen Book 1)
Author(s): Gen Summercolt
Length: 69 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Gay / Paranormal / Shifter / 

Notes:

Blurb: Fox shapeshifter Melrose just wants a little time away from his noisy, bossy family. So he picks the perfect spot to dig a new den and take a little vacation. Unfortunately, a human—champion of the kingdom, thundering braggart, renowned ladies' man, and all around living legend Alderic Matthiasen—gets there first. Mel decides to use fox tricks to take the swaggering blowhard down a notch. But the better he gets to know Alderic, the more he likes him. Though he has a huge ego, the man is also fearless and kindhearted. Love between shapeshifters and human beings is forbidden. But Melrose has never been one for following the rules...

Title: Heart Held Hostage
Series: Chronicles of the Serei, 1
Author(s): Jo Tannah
Length: 143 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Erotic Romance / Gay / Sci-Fi / Mpreg /  

Notes:

Blurb: The Serai have won the galactic war. Tasked to take charge of the human assimilation into their herd, Prince Jytrerd never thought to find a mate among the human slaves. He learns that the human Captain Ian McCaskey is his potential breeder and saves his life. Because they are sterile, the Serai need the genetic materials their captives give to father their younglings. But Ian resists, and it doesn’t take long for Jytrerd to realize that for their relationship to flourish, the two of them must connect on a deeper level. It is now up to Jytrerd to make Ian understand that he is valued above all others.

Title: Lonesome Theta
Series: (The Lonestar Chronicles Book 2)
Author(s): Rachel Ravenheart
Length: 169 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay /

Notes: I have not read the first book in the series. I've looked at it from time to time but I can never catch myself in a High-Schooler mood. But I'm not adverse to jumping books or even into the middle of a series. 

Blurb: Alex has been chosen to form alliances with other packs in the region, and to find his fated mate. On this journey, he will meet prejudice, jealousy and corruption. His own mother disowns him for being gay. And there are those who still want his gay Alpha's dead. Will he find the temerity to confront the all powerful Alpha's of these other packs? Will he find his fated mate?

Title: Stealing Mercury
Series: (Arena Dogs Book 1)
Author(s): Charlee Allden
Length: 304 Pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Science Fiction / Saving Reversal / Poly / MFM / 

Notes:

Blurb: Born a slave, Mercury is an Arena Dog, genetically engineered to fight and die in the Arena for the entertainment of others. In their violent world, where men must form alliances and share what little bounty they have to survive, his only goal has been to keep his men alive. But he’s already lost two of them and the rest are slated for death. Worse, their demise will leave a woman Mercury has sworn to protect alone and vulnerable. And then there’s Samantha—a courageous human he has no right to claim. But she is his. He feels it deep in his soul and with an ache in his body that he can’t deny.

Samantha Devlin has lost everything, her ship, her crew, and her father. When an old friend hires her as an emergency replacement to pilot a cargo carrier for the Roma Company, she is shocked to discover her cargo is three, living, breathing, and dangerously sexy Arena Dogs and that she’s taking the men to their deaths. Is she willing to risk everything for a man whose customs require that he share her with one of his men and that he return to Roma to protect another woman? Her heart tells her Mercury is worth any cost, but her head sees nothing ahead but disaster.

Caution: features two scorching hot heroes and one impossibly impulsive woman. Their story may just make you want to steal an Arena Dog or two of your own. (Stealing Mercury is a mfm (male-female-male) romance.

Title: Trigger
Series: (Origin Book 1)
Author(s): Scarlett Dawn
Length: 218 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Urban Fantasy / 

Notes:

Blurb: New York Times bestselling author, Scarlett Dawn, has created a fresh and magical new adventure for romance and paranormal lovers alike. 

Shifters rule the world through corporations after the humans all but destroyed Earth. It's too bad humans are still oblivious. They have no clue terrifying beasts run their broken world.

And then along came a human. A beautiful and klutzy human.

She's the trigger the shifters have been waiting for...
But beware of the soul-sucking darkness soon to follow.

*This is a standalone novel within the Origin series*
*This book is intended for readers 18+*

Title: Once Upon a Wolf
Series: Wayward Wolves: Book One
Author(s): Rhys Ford
Length: 96 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Genre: Romance / paranormal / Shifters / Gay / 

Notes: Not due to release until February 16th

Blurb: Gibson Keller’s days are fairly routine: wake up early, get some work done, drink lots of coffee, and take care of Ellis, his older brother, stuck in wolf form after coming home from the war. It’s a simple life made up of long runs on two legs—or four—and quiet evenings…. Until Ellis chases a handsome man off a cliff and into the frozen waters beside their cabin, changing Gibson’s life forever.

For Zach Thomas, buying an old B&B is a new start. Leaving behind his city life, he longs to find peace and quiet, and hiking the trails behind his property seems safe enough—right up to the moment an enormous black wolf chases him into a lake, nearly drowning him. Discovering werewolves are real astounds him, but not as much as the man who rescues him from the icy water, then walks into Zach’s heart as if he owns it.

Loving a werewolf—loving Gibson with all his secrets—has its challenges, but Zach believes their love is worth fighting for, especially since his heart knows the big bad wolf is really a prince in disguise.

Title: How to Love a Monster
Series: (Wish City Book 1)
Author(s): Lyssa Dering
Length: 164 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Dark? Romance / Paranormal / Alternate Dimension / Superhumans / Horror Elements / 

Notes:

Blurb: Dying at the hands of government goons was always going to happen. Waking up in a dark and twisted afterlife? Not the plan.

Seraphim has the superhuman ability to control his own brain. Or at least, he used to, before his government-mandated brain surgery. The surgery killed him, but life isn’t over yet. He’s just woken up, shivering and alone, in the rain-soaked alleyway of a city he doesn't recognize.

Fiend is a childhood monster. Dreamed up by Seraphim's friend Wish, he was imprisoned in Wish's subconscious until the birth of Wish City, a place for people with superhuman abilities to take refuge after death. Now Fiend is free—and in charge—and he's on the hunt for anyone with abilities once they cross over.

Eager to play with his new toy, Fiend quickly makes contact with Seraphim. Lost and injured, Seraphim lets Fiend slither into his heart. But under the aching pleasure the two find with each other is a hunger that can't be denied, and lurking in the shadows of the neon city are truths neither man nor monster is ready to face.

How to Love a Monster is a gay erotic horror romance featuring twisted and kinky M/M sex, a diabolical love interest, and an HEA ending.

Word count: 50,000

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

#PactDays : Ice Trans #ValepsianPact

Welcome to Thursday's Pact Days! Today, we have the Ice Trans.

In Alpha Trine, the director of the space station Zeus lived on was an Ice Trans by the name of Autocthan.  

A couple of side notes: For a list of species that have been posted so far, see the The People of Valespia page. I'm placing these in alphabetical order so I won't unintentionally place importance on any specie. I will leave off information on the species that will spoil future books. My standard sheet has the same categories for all species. So there will be blank categories just because that species didn't need them.


Species: Ice Trans
Planet: Maritimus
Other races on the planet:
Planetary Terrain: Heavily Iced Planet
Capitol: Nanuuk
Country:
Patron Ryo Pardeep:

Description: lives in temperatures ranging from -15 degrees to -100 degrees Celsius. Broad and well-muscled but not as strong as they appear because their bones are hollow. Translucent windwings that attach from their wrist, along the back of their arms to the shoulder blades. Large triangular ears, slit eyes, and short thick fur. They are a cross between a feline and wolf in appearance. The bottom of their feet used to act as ice skates, allowing them to move over the icy surfaces by windskating. (The wind can achieve velocities of up to 300 kilometers per hour.) But with the advancement of their society after moving into cities closer to the warmlands, the majority of their people have developed softer feet, but they have specially designed boots that work well in the icy regions. The tribes in the rural areas still have the hardened feet.

The -100 degrees Celsius are at the poles. Their world has vast frozen oceans accept around the equator. Half the planet's population is in the island cities in the icelands and floating citadels closer to the equator.

They are omnivores with both flat and pointed teeth.

Off planet they take a special serum that keeps them from being overheated. It causes their wings to shrink.

Average height is 2 meters.

Common Occupation: negotiators, ambassadors, peacemakers

Government Systems: Elders consult on a council

Current Leader:

Council of Neighn of Member: Lupis Laskos

Allies: Gaziniti, Asani, Battion, Chtichlian, Dar Massaga, GyrFalconi,

Star System: Kentauri System

Other planets occupied by species:

Military Leader:

Cultural names and terms specific to species:

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

What's on the Reading Radar? #wishlist #TBR

What am I doing? I'm back after a two week vacation that probably wasn't a vacation since I worked my butt off. I'm getting back into the swing of things in my new office space *happy wiggles* and the days are flying by. 

I sent Devil's Heart out to be beta read. I'm going through the second draft of Constant (The Valespian Pact, 3). While on vacation I thought of some things that I needed to change or add, so there are several places where I need to do some rewriting. With luck, I could have this subbed to LT3 Press by mid-February. Y'all just don't know how awesome that is. :) 

Title: Cloaked in Shadow
Series: (The Dragori Series Book 1)
Author: Ben Alderson
Length: 330 pages
Publisher: Oftomes Publishing; 1 edition (December 5, 2017)
Genre: Epic Fantasy / Dragons / Elves / Royalty / Romantic Tension / LGBTIAQ characters / 

Notes: I cannot remember if I posted this one. It's been a couple of weeks since I worked on a Reading Radar so my memory is a bit fuzzy on what I've already done. :)

Blurb: Dragon Shifters. Magick. Elven Royalty.

Zacriah Trovirn is concerned with two things in life: hunting and dodging Petrer, the boy who broke his heart.

Heartbreak becomes a distant concern when Zacriah is taken to the Elven capital of Thessolina, where he is forced into King Dalior’s new legion of shapeshifters. But Zacriah isn’t a shapeshifter. In truth, he doesn't know what he is.

Zacriah joins forces with new friends and they soon find themselves embroiled in a clash between the three Elven continents. With war on the horizon, Zacriah must learn to use his latent magick to fight and protect those he loves before they are destroyed.

“Romantic tension, heartwarming friendships, thrilling pacing, all wrapped in the fantasy world of elves you’ve been waiting for. Alderson deftly paints a world that’s rich in intriguing magicks and peoples. Once Zachariah’s story pulls you in, you will not be able to put this down!” - Elise Kova, USA TODAY Bestselling author of Air Awakens.

Title: Messenger
Series: (The Shifter War Book 1)
Author: KK Ness
Length: 150 pages / 41,000 words
Publisher: 

Genre: New Adult / Fantasy / Action / Adventure / Paranormal / Gay / Romantic Elements /

Notes: 

Blurb: For centuries, the deadlands have separated the kingdoms of Roldaer and Amas, enforcing an uneasy truce. But the deadlands hold their own secrets.

Danil is a deadlands scavenger, his days spent scouring a barren land for ancient battlefield relics and mage-crystals. When the brutal magi of Roldaer take over his village, Danil becomes the key to unleashing a powerful enemy set on plunging both kingdoms into war.

Desperate and on the run, he finds unexpected aid from the Amasian shapeshifters. Among them is Hafryn, an irreverent shifter who fights the magi with sword, tooth and claw. But safety with the shifters cannot last. As the magi set their plans into motion, Danil will have to embark on a terrifying mission to a broken citadel where an ancient enemy awaits. Failure to stop the magi may cost him far more than his life, and Danil discovers that courage and determination may not be enough…

Title: The Dragon Sword
Series: (The Usurpers Saga Book 1)
Author: John R. Phythyon, Jr.
Length: 242 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Epic Fanatsy / Gay / Dragons / Magic / 

Notes: 

Blurb: A murdered mage. A legendary sword. A chilling destiny.

Calibot thought he’d escaped his domineering sorcerer father. Now a poet in the court of an influential duke, he finally has everything he ever wanted – comfort, approval, and the love of the perfect man. But when his father is murdered, Calibot’s idyllic life is shattered. He must retrieve the body from a distant city and lay it to rest. If only it were that simple.

Everyone wanted his father dead, and now they’re after Calibot. His only defense is the legendary dragon sword, Wyrmblade, his lone bequest for a miserable childhood. Enchanted within the sword’s steel are the secrets to unlock even greater power, perhaps even mastery of The Known World itself. But using its magic could cost Calibot his soul. Worse, this may have been his father’s intention all along.

As he struggles to complete the mad last wishes of the father he loathes, everyone with a stake in The Known World’s future will try to stop him – his power-hungry uncle, the murderer, even an earth fairy bent on revenge. If Calibot fails, he dies. If he succeeds, he’ll lose everything he’s ever loved . . . including himself.

The Dragon Sword is the first book in John R. Phythyon, Jr.’s sweeping epic fantasy series, The Usurpers Saga. Packed with unique characters, insidious intrigue, and plentiful magic, The Dragon Sword is perfect for fans of A Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, and Forgotten Realms. Buy it today to discover your next epic fantasy obsession.

Originally published as The Sword and the Sorcerer

Title: Knightsgift
Series: 
Author: J. Hebpburn
Length: 66 pages
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Lesbian / Trans / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Three knights, each bearing the Knightsgift that gives them power and life, ride to the aid of a small village where people are disappearing in the forest. One knight seeks the aid of a herbalist, a sharp-witted, strong-willed woman, who can tell him what the Sheriff will not...

Title: All is Fair in Love and War
Series: (Forbidden Loves Book 1)
Author: Ezra Dawn
Length: 41 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Gay / Vampires / Paranormal /

Notes: 

Blurb: (This is kind of a paranormal retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a twist. It's also a standalone story within a series of stories that have a recurring theme of classic paranormal feuds.)

Vlad Dracul the Third comes from a long line of noble vampires. The name Dracul stems from the original Dracula. The first of all vampires. Vlad is the heir to the throne, set to lead the next generation.

Title: Broken Pieces
Series: 
Author: Deja Black
Length: 257 pages
Publisher: eXtasy Books (December 8, 2017)

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay / Magic /

Notes: 

Blurb: Remi Devereaux is a Louisiana born detective working murder cases in Louisville, Kentucky. While shopping for game-day with the guys, he spots the most amazing person he has ever seen. Peter is a man Remi wants with his whole being, a man he just can’t let go.

Peter Romanoff is a photographer who possesses the spirit of two creatures. Two beings that are slowly tearing him apart. He needs a Supruga, a mate, to help give him balance. When he meets Remi, there is a magnetic pull he can’t deny.

The next in line to lead a powerful coven, Peter is hunted, and the people he knows and loves are being killed. It will take Remi’s love and Peter’s skills to combat the enemy after them. Can Remi be the balance Peter needs before the coven destroys them both?

Title: Runebinder
Series: 
Author: Alex R. Kahler
Length: 400 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (November 1, 2017)

Genre: Fantasy / Alternate world / Young Adult / Gay / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Magic is risen.

When magic returned to the world, it could have saved humanity, but greed and thirst for power caused mankind’s downfall instead. Now once-human monsters called Howls prowl abandoned streets, their hunger guided by corrupt necromancers and the all-powerful Kin. Only Hunters have the power to fight back in the unending war, using the same magic that ended civilization in the first place.

But they are losing.

Tenn is a Hunter, resigned to fight even though hope is nearly lost. When he is singled out by a seductive Kin named Tom‡s and the enigmatic Hunter Jarrett, Tenn realizes he’s become a pawn in a bigger game. One that could turn the tides of war. But if his mutinous magic and wayward heart get in the way, his power might not be used in favor of mankind.

If Tenn fails to play his part, it could cost him his friends, his life…and the entire world.

Title: Zercy
Series: The Nira Chronicles, 2
Author: Kora Knight
Length: 672 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Erotic Romance / Sci-Fi / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Emergency landing. Uncharted planet. Erotic captivity of epic proportions. Right when Captain Alec Hamlin thinks it can’t get any crazier, his team is sold to their captors’ mighty sovereign. King Zercy of the Kríe. Ruler of the planet’s most formidable species. Man, is he imposing. So regal and larger than life. And way too savagely handsome for Alec’s liking. From the first moment he laid eyes on him, he knew the Kríe was trouble, knew he needed to steer clear of him at all costs. But when Zercy chooses Alec to be his personal pet, all plans to dodge the male fall by the wayside. Alec is forced to spend each evening in the alluring king’s company, each night bound to the seductive king’s bed. Wholly at his mercy. Utterly defenseless, in his own mind and most especially his restless body. His struggle is real. Because the more Alec gets to know Zercy, the more he realizes two things. The Kríe king is damaged—unstable, not right, making him unpredictable and highly dangerous. But he is also innately kind beneath the raging storm that torments him. Kind and genuine, with a sad but beautiful soul. Something Alec fights with all he is, not to acknowledge. He can’t fall for Zercy. Zercy is the enemy. The captor of both Alec and his team. Which means Alec needs to get them out of there, before it’s too late. Before emotions overthrow logic and take control of the wheel. If only his body didn’t crave Zercy so fiercely, and his heart didn’t want him just as badly. 

With Search and Rescue due any day, and Alec’s team getting antsy, Alec is forced to make a decision. He can’t have it both ways. Is he the captain of his men, bound to obligation, or is he a man in love with a Kríe? 

Warning: Contains explicitly scorching gay sex with exotic and shamelessly kinky males of otherworldly descent.

Title: Swarm
Series: 
Author: Raven de Hart
Length: 172 pages
Publisher:  Loose Id LLC (December 11, 2017)

Genre: Romance / Dystopia / Gay / Paranormal /

Notes: 

Blurb: Zayne's life is hell. Cursed with the Swarm, a murderous, sociopathic spirit, he lives under constant abuse and threats. Even in his sleep, the Swarm stings away at the edges of his soul. Now he's crossed the ocean for a new life, a chance to disappear in the endless streets of Sorngard. But can he hold out against the demands of the Swarm, or will a new city and new, fresh victims be too much?

Isaiah's always hungered for peace. His spirit told him as much as a child. But with his parents dead and Sorngard in the throes of a years-long civil war, someone had to step up. All Isaiah wants now is an end to this conflict and harmony back in his city. When word of the Swarm comes to him, he sees the end available. All he needs to do is convince the Swarm to fight. Can Isaiah see past the weapon and the reputation and find the man, or will he too be caught up in the Swarm?

Title: Minotaur's Secret
Series: (Claiming the Crown Series Book 1)
Author: Shiloh Saddler
Length: 50 pages
Publisher: MLR Press (September 8, 2017)

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Theseus travels to Crete to stab the Minotaur's heart only to have the half-bull shifter lay claim to his heart instead.

After King Minos' death, Theseus travels to Crete to slay the Minotaur and end the Athenian tribute to the monster. His plans are cut short when he meets Asterion and finds out that he is not the monster everyone claims the Minotaur to be but a wronged, demi-god bull shifter.

Asterion was cursed by Poseidon because of his parents' offenses. Trapped in the labyrinth when he was sixteen by his step-father, he's waited three years for his freedom. When Theseus enters the maze, he sees his chance for a normal life.

But can a demi-god live a normal life with the Athenian prince?

Title: Velvet Claw
Series: 
Author: LJ Hamlin
Length: 160 pages
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Gay / Paranormal / Urban Fantasy / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Evan Kidd journeys to a small town to solve the mystery of what's making children sick—but only cat people are allowed in the town without permission, and Evan's permission is granted on the condition he be constantly escorted by a guard.

Rene is assigned to be Evan's guard, and he doesn't like humans, and he especially doesn't like doctors. But Rene is also lonely, and despite his best efforts, hating Evan is not as easy he'd assumed it would be.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

#PactDays : GyrFalconi #ValespianPact

Welcome to Thursday's Pact Days! Today, we have the GyrFalconi.

From both Alpha Trine and Striker, Axis de la Rynch is the navigator of the Oethra 7. Chosen is the book after Bespoken and will be about Axis and the Chimera triplets. (no, the triplets don't have sex with each other) I'm looking forward to writing Chosen. Adventure, suspense, and love. :)  

A couple of side notes: For a list of species that have been posted so far, see the The People of Valespia page. I'm placing these in alphabetical order so I won't unintentionally place importance on any specie. I will leave off information on the species that will spoil future books. My standard sheet has the same categories for all species. So there will be blank categories just because that species didn't need them.


Species: GyrFalconi
Planet: Aries 7
Other races on the planet:
Planetary Terrain: Rocky, Mountainous
Capitol: Skyfall (can only be reached by flying)
Country:
Patron Ryo Pardeep:


Description: Average height between 5'5" – 7' (feet) (Axis is 2.3 meters)

Bi-ped, humanoid, brightly feathered plumage instead of hair, Eye color: black ringed with yellow, brown, or green – great eye sight, especially for long distances.

Skin: brown. Four-toed feet – 3 at front, one rear. Most will go barefoot planetside. For those who go offworld have specially made boots that give them the flexibility they are used to. Both hands and feet have strong sharp nails. Nose covered with a hard, wide bony plate that makes them appear almost flat-faced. Immune to psi-attacks, sensing & probes.

Naturally sense, on a galactic scale, where they know where they are at all times in relation to their home planet. Fiercely independent with the exception of the Nesting Males.

Three sexual identities: breeding females, breeding males, and nesting males. Females who don't want to breed hold office or leave the planet. The nesting males bond with a breeding female and will keep the nest/home, raising the hatchlings from their bonded female. Breeding males are only interested in breeding. When they grow old, they will join non-breeding females in government or become spirit trackers.

Nesting males are never breeding males. They don't have the drive to procreate. They have no desire for sex and don't care that the female's egg is fertilized by another. They often help the female choose her breeding partner. The nesting male makes and keeps the nest. They are paired with a female by their parents. The female and nester will form a bond while young, growing up together. Then they build a nest/home together. When the female is ready to lay her egg. She will line up with the male and pass the egg from her cloaca to the nester's cloaca. He will hold the egg within his body where it will incubate until it is ready to hatch, at which point he will lay the egg. Once the chick hatches, the hatchling is his responsibility. The female provides for the nest but doesn't contribute to the rearing of the chicks. The chicks are very close to their nesting parent, and that closeness never dims.

When the nester matures and is able to successfully hold an egg in his cloaca, he molts all of his feathers. The new ones that grow in are brilliant and colorful like a peacock's. Of the three, the nesters are stunning, the most beautiful. Nesters will stay in their parent's nest the longest because they take longer to mature.

Culture and Faith: Old breeding males who don't go into government will become spirit trackers, finding lost souls. The cultural leaders are philosophers and physical adepts. If a person dies off world their spirit will return and the "Ovaload" (Divine Egg) will be reborn in another body. If the spirit is lost or trapped, a spirit tracker is dispensed to find the lost. Speaking to the spirits before they enter the Ovaload is considered normal, and much information about the universe is garnered. If a GyrFalconi is murdered, the spirit notifies its kinfolk so the death will be avenged.

GyrFalconi believe that if they die anywhere in the universe their sprite will return to Aries 7. Spirit Trackers can find lost souls to ensure this happens.

Society: to get anywhere, GyrFalconi have to fly. Their cities and population centers are on locations that are high and cannot be reached on foot.

Deep hatred of humans– considering them weak minded, destructive & inferior. When asked they say humans have little regard for themselves and of their environment, things the GyrFalconi treat with profound respect.

History leading up to the invasion of Aries 7 and the Twenty Year War:

Year 160-170 – Terren markets slump, dangerously so. The companies force their people into labor camps to fill the positions abandoned by the escaped A.I. (Feteine). There are grumblings of unrest that the companies put down ruthlessly. People are dependent on the government for food, healthcare, and housing. Two of those fall through (healthcare and food) and many starve to death. There isn't enough labor or resources to provide more than meager baseline healthcare to the richest.

The 4 companies search for a solution to their money problems after subduing the riots and uprising. The people are forced to work in the mines, fields, and other jobs that were handled by the robots. One of the last surveys done by the Feteine for the Terrens was of Aries 7 which showed a wealth of M'Cathaian Crystals that were in high demand in the Andromeda Galaxy. They attack the world intent on claiming the crystals.

Year 171 – 174 – (3 years) They take over Aries 7 and force the GyrFalconi to work the mines. The Terrens attempt to keep their actions quiet. Word finally reaches the GP and they send ambassadors to the 4 companies, requesting the humans leave the planet immediately. The Terren leaders refuse and kill the ambassadors on live TV.

Year 175 – 200 – the 20 year war happens. The Terrens end up surrendering and calling for a truce.

Year 200 – 200 – Axis was captured in De-winged six months before the end of the war. He was 20 years old at the time.

After the invasion had a foothold on the planet, the GyrFalconi nabbed by the Terrens had their wings clipped so they couldn't escape. Later, the Terrens surgically removed the wings so they could be put to work into the mines. But the captives didn't last long in the mines, dying because they weren't meant to be underground. With their wings gone, they despaired of returning to the skies. When Galactic Patrol freed them from Terren suppression, those who survived were shunned, not allowed in the sky cities. Since so many were displaced, the Galactic Patrol helped to build modern cities on the ground, making sure the compensation the GyrFalconi received went to those affected the most by the invasion. Schools were set up and many who graduated joined Galactic Patrol as starship navigators and pilots just so they could fly again.

What were the Terrens wanting from Aries 7? M'Cathaian Crystals that are used by Psionic and Ritual Weavers alike.

Complications due to human experiments: underdeveloped wings to those forced to procreate in captivity. No one is sure what the humans did to the eggs to cause the hatchlings to be born as such. With the new rift in GyrFalconi society, the winged and the wingless, the winged eventually rejected these hatchlings when they realized they couldn't be made whole. The wingless took in these orphans.

Common Occupation: navigator, spirit speaker, spirit tracker, pilots,

Government Systems: Matriarchal - Empress

Current Leader:

Council of Neighn of Member: Deked Cul

Allies: Gaziniti, Ice Trans, Asani, Battion, L'Eema, Wolfine, Mar'Sani, Kracciam, Ryden, Shia'Marr, Conti'Quan,

Before the Terren Occupation and the Twenty Year War, The GyrFalconi were not spacefaring and so didn't feel the need to cultivate alliances, content in their isolation. Afterwards, those who sent the GyrFalconi aid they forged alliances with.

Star System: Cymopoleia Star System

Other planets occupied by species:

Military Leader:

Cultural names and terms specific to species:

  Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

#PactDays : Giantes #ValespianPact

Welcome to Thursday's Pact Days! Today, we have the Giantes.

The info on the Giante is restricted because they pay a part in the next several Valespian Pact books.

A couple of side notes: For a list of species that have been posted so far, see the The People of Valespia page. I'm placing these in alphabetical order so I won't unintentionally place importance on any specie. I will leave off information on the species that will spoil future books. My standard sheet has the same categories for all species. So there will be blank categories just because that species didn't need them.

Species: Giante

Planet: Anatolia

Other races on the planet:

Planetary Terrain:

Capitol: Lycia

Country: Mycenea (Mycenaean people)

Patron Ryo Pardeep: 

Description: the minimum adult height is three meters. Most Giantes are around four meter tall. Dark brown skin. Single eye that sees not only substance but the energies of the aether.

Strong, quicker than they appear, stubborn, brute strength, and powerful. Formidable foes.

Master craftsmen of unusual weapons. If someone attempts to reverse engineer the devices without the master key, the device will self-destruct.

The fabled lion's gate are massive carved lions three time taller than the Giantes and so intricately carved the statues seem lifelike.

Giantes do not tolerate those who brought shame upon their families and people. They are disowned by the family and stripped of land and titles. If Giantes came upon such a person in space, they would abuse the individual.

Valuable items forged: Classically...

Silver Siege Rhyton – used for transportation of libation for sacred rites and rituals. Conical shaped and formed in the shape of an animal's head with an opening at the bottom.

Mask of Agamemnon – funeral mask made of gold

Cup of Nestor – golden missing cup belonging to the King of Pylos.

Research Notes: From the hill the palace sits on, one can see across Argolid to the Saronic Gulf. The military stronghold dominated South Greece. Neighbor of the kingdom of Morea.

Burial in pits or cist graves and stelea surmounted the mounds.

Common Occupation: metal workers, weapons engineers, stone masons

Government Systems: Monarchy

Current Leader: King Eurymedon the Great Hearted (has explosive anger)

Council of Neighn of Member: Polyphemus Belliand

Allies: Fal'Amoric, Minotauri, Gaziniti, L'Eema, Chi-Lin, Chtichlian, Keygan, Daimoni, Kracciam, Mar'Sani, Shia'Marr, Syrryn

Star System: Aquarii Star System

Other planets occupied by species:

Military Leader: Periboea the White
Mukene Lions – Elite Warriors
Mukene is plural of Mukanai
Uniform: skintight black uniform, royal blue breastplate with a stylized lion in gold

Cultural names and terms specific to species:
Amadore – means "gift of love"
Battle Cry – "Meet Mukene Mercy!"
When overcoming an enemy – "Death to your family line!"
Common saying, "Our word is out bond, stronger than any metal forged."

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Blog Tour: Bleeding Like Me by Riley Parks #giveaway

Welcome Riley Parks to the blog for their new release, Bleeding Like Me! We have an exclusive excerpt and make sure you scroll down to enter the giveaway!

Title: Bleeding Like Me
Author: Riley Parks
Release Date: November 21st 2017
Genre: MM Contemporary Dark Romance
Published by: Boroughs Publishing

BLURB

Being gay in their neighborhood is perilous. Being gay in a street gang is unheard of. Being gay and in love with a man in a rival gang is a death wish. Through drug addiction, brutality, and seemingly endless peril, they remain; finding stability within each other that shouldn’t exist in their volatile world.

BEAUTIFUL CONTRADICTION

He didn't paint people; the curves of their bodies and angles of their faces never interested him as much as cityscapes. The circumstances of his life had compelled him to create new worlds that he could get lost in rather than reflect the features of the people he ran from. He constructed buildings from their foundations, making them taller and stronger than he was. He adorned the edifices with countless windows, always left open or cracked so hope could pour in and fears could seep out. Tree lined streets reminded him how to breathe, pumping oxygen through the atmosphere, off the canvas, and into his lungs.

He didn't paint people until the day he no longer desired the anonymity of his cities. The streets didn't feel like his escape anymore, not like him. Cerulean skies gave way to pale blue eyes and bus routes to pink pouts. Evan didn't paint people until he painted Jackson.

Find Bleeding Like Me on Goodreads

Buy Links: Boroughs | Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

~EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT~

Two weeks ago, he never would have imagined that he’d be making out with some dude on the couch in the living room that he once shared with Tamara. He’d lived a dangerous life for most of his twenty-three years, but had never felt so alive as when he was in Evan’s arms.

“Think of me,” Evan whispered, pulling back far enough so Jack could look in his eyes. “I want you to.” Evan searched Jackson’s face, clearly looking for a positive response. It was crazy how different Evan looked when he was this close; the freckles brushed across his skin, making him appear innocent and pliant, when Jackson knew he was anything but.

“Good,” was the only reply he could muster, wanting to say a million more things but not allowing himself to go there, realizing that as treacherous as an aloof Evan was, an earnest Evan was far more perilous. The more the redhead softened, the quicker Jack felt himself falling, and he knew the end result could be catastrophic.

Still, the way that Evan was holding Jackson’s hands, as if he would float away, proved that he wasn’t the only one with his head stuck firmly in the clouds. Evan was a dream that could easily become a nightmare, and as vigilant as he wanted to remain, Jackson wasn’t afraid to close his eyes.

GIVEAWAY: Two prizes of $15 Boroughs Bucks

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About the Author

Riley has always loved to write, believing that life has the possibility to be its most beautiful when it’s portrayed on the pages of a book. Feeling the need to create and liberate in the midst of the political landscape, Riley writes novels that focus on LGBTQ protagonists, wanting to honor a community that deserves better representation depicting lives, loves and triumphs in all facets of fiction.

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