Saturday, February 24, 2018

What is on the Reading Radar? #wishlist #TBR

What am I doing? Going through Constant one last time. Beta reading. Trying to figure out when I can spare some time updating the blog schedule. Regular stuff.

Reading-wise, I have been listening to a ton of audiobooks. Yay, library. Still dealing with back pain so finding comfort is still hard. I'll be so glad when it finally heals.

The Reading Radar for today is about dragons. LT3 has a huge line up of dragon releases and I went bonkers, buying them all because DRAGONS. Just saying. I'm also a sucker for those MF and poly alien dragons shifters in space... the reverse harem dragon shifters stories. I've had to learn to "get the sample, get the sample, get the sample" because my dragon addiction is already expensive. So just in case I haven't been clear, today is all about dragons. :)

Title: Forbidden Enchantment
Series:
Author(s): Bran Lindy Ayres
Length: 98 pages
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / Trans /

Notes:

Blurb: Sidhe cannot lie. Yet Cedric lies about everything from being happy to being human. Hiding his true appearance with glamor runes, he's managed to live quietly among humans for nearly fifty years. But as he journeys to the capital at the behest of the empress, a chance encounter with the first dragon to be seen in a thousand years threatens to reveal all his secrets.

Talfryn commits a taboo every time he leaves the mountains. Yet for an outcast, long banished from the dragons' last city, taboos are trifles. He's more interested in acquiring items for his hoard. Drawn by the scent of a rare enchantment, he'll risk everything, including his freedom, to find the source.


Title: Flamecaller
Series:
Author(s): Caitlin Ricci
Length: 10k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / 

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2018.

Blurb: When the emperor has his father killed, it's the breaking point for Haruo, who sets out from the island of dragon shifters where he lives in search of revenge. The tournament being held to marry off the emperor's son seems like a perfect opportunity—what better way to get close to the father than through the son, afterall.

Title: Contemporary Draconic Hoarding Practices
Series: 
Author(s): Dea Richards
Length: 42k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Urban Fantasy / Gay / For the Hoard /

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: While researching his thesis, Clayton's work leads him to Syralis the wise, a dragon and professor at the university where he studies. Syralis' hoard contains original manuscripts which are invaluable to Clayton's research. Clayton soon finds himself one of the few students to ever study under Syralis, and during their lessons Clayton learns not only about medieval art, but his own history and his unusual magical sensitivity as well.

Clayton also finds himself enamored of Syralis, but when that attraction proves mutual, not everybody is pleased...



Title: Cursed With Claws
Series:
Author(s): Asta Idonea
Length: 20k 
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Bisexual / Gay / Fantasy / For The Hoard /

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: A dragon dwells atop the mountain that overlooks Ode's village. Every year the surrounding villages gather to make an offering to keep the beast at bay: chests of gold and a human sacrifice.

When the wise men choose his beloved sister, Malle, as the latest sacrifice, Ode immediately offers to take her place. But instead of a dragon on the mountain ledge, he meets a mysterious young man.



Title: Evergreen
Series:
Author(s): Geneva Vand
Length: 45k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / Pansexual / For The Hoard /

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: When Gabriel's sister, Ashley, falls ill, he is sent to the forest wise one for help. But instead of the frightening dragon he expects, he is faced with a shape-shifting, magical creature named Kym who is both kind and beautiful.

Kym instructs Gabe to bring Ashley to his canyon hideaway so that he can watch over her properly. As the two care for her, they grow unexpectedly close. But once Ashley is well, Gabriel must leave with her, and Kym cannot leave his forest...



Title: Heart of the Dragon
Series:
Author(s): Jamie Sullivan
Length: 49k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / For The Hoard / Fantasy / Gay /

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: When the dragon Madfall steals a basket from the castle, he expects it to contain gold—not a baby.

Seventeen years later, Richard of Benfro expects to meet certain death when he sets out to slay the dragon—but instead he finds himself face to face with a cute boy.

When the two worlds collide, Oenyn is caught between the loving parent who raised him and the human world to which he rightfully belongs. Luckily, being raised by a dragon means he's plenty stubborn. He won't give up what he loves without a fight.



Title: Smoke Signals
Series:
Author(s): Meredith Katz
Length: 29k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / For The Hoard / Urban Fantasy / Bisexual / Gay / 

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: Mike St. George figured that working customer support during the Black Friday sale at SmokeSignals, a game distribution company, would just feature the usual sort of problem customers. He wasn't expecting an aristocratic, self-centered dragon to demand the company send someone to his house to install games in exchange for gold. And he definitely wasn't expecting that to somehow put him in charge of working with and protecting the digital side of the dragon's hoard of games.

But with a possible promotion in his future, Mike's ready to take on anything. And while the blue-blooded Zali'thurg might be egotistical and prideful, Mike's wrangled worse customers on a regular basis. At least this one's cute, albeit in an 'apex predator' sort of way.



Title: Havesskadi
Series:
Author(s): Ava Kelly
Length: 53k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / For The Hoard / Fantasy / Asexual / Panromantic / Pansexual /

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: Nevmis, the red dragon, is hunting her own. Up in the icy peaks of the northern mountains, Orsie spends his lonely days hiding from her, but eventually he is found and his dragon magic stolen. Cursed to wander the lands as a mortal unless he recovers his magic before twenty-four rising crescents have passed, Orsie embarks on an arduous journey. Spurred by the whispers in his mind, his quest takes him to a castle hidden deep in a forest.

Arkeva, a skilled archer, is trapped in an abandoned castle deep in the woods, his only company two companions—one kind, the other cruel. Then a stranger arrives, a young man who soon finds himself confined by heavy snowfalls—and in danger from what slumbers in the shadows of the castle.



Title: Dragon's Lair
Series:
Author(s): Daniela Jeffries
Length: 40k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / For The Hoard / Contemporary / Bisexual / Asexual / 

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: Newly divorced therapist Noir wasn't expecting to fall for criminal mastermind Dragon when he was assigned to weekly meetings with him in prison as part of his possible parole. But fall he did, and hard. 

Dragon, however, is no knight in shining armor. Like his namesake, he's a fiery beast that will do anything to protect his new treasure...



Title: Forward the Hunt
Series:
Author(s): Lotus Oakes
Length: 43k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / For The Hoard / Fantasy / Gay /

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2018.

Blurb: For as long as he can remember, Haruki has wanted to be part of the Great Hunt, the annual coming of age ceremony where the youth of Salfea are let loose to kill a dragon and bring it home as proof of adulthood. The larger and higher-ranked the dragon, the greater the reward. Held back for years by family obligation, Haruki has only ever been able to watch from afar until the opportunity finally comes to him. Desperate to prove himself, he's certain he'll do whatever it takes to have a successful hunt.

But on the first night of his Hunt, Haruki finds an injured dragon so highly-ranked that killing him could rocket Haruki all the way to the throne... if he can resist the dragon and his ways.



Title: Dragon Magic
Series:
Author(s): Megan Derr
Length: 97k
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Poly / Fantasy / Demisexual / Bisexual / Gay / Trans /

Notes: This title is available for preorder and will be available at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 27, 2018.

Blurb: Four strangers. A shared moment long forgotten. A bond forged in desperation.

On the first day of the Festival of Counting, the beginning of the royal census that takes place every ten years, the royal city is filled to overflowing. Everyone is happy, excited, and proud to be counted amongst those who live in the glorious kingdom of Orhanis.

Then a demon strikes, killing thousands in mere seconds and leveling the city. As the royal castle burns, only four men remain to drive the demon away—and in their desperation, accidentally bind themselves together in a legendary Oath, unable to part ways until they find and kill the demon once and for all.

Mahzan, the King's Jester, an orphan who clawed his way to the top and hides a fearsome magic... Sule, the notorious North Captain, who sacrificed everything to live as a strong, capable, highly respected man... Cemal, a priest who traveled the continent bent on revenge and now lives lost... and Binhadi, the mercurial shadow mage with a dark history and bloody ties to the throne...

Four men used to standing apart, standing alone, who must learn to stand together if they hope to save themselves and all of Orhanis.



Title: The Omega's Forbidden Child
Series: Dragon in the Wings
Author(s): Chris Savage
Length: 201 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Dragons / Mpreg / Gay / 

Notes: I read this book this week and really liked the story. I will be looking for more in the series. The title doesn't do the book justice. 

Blurb: Jacoby never trusted an oracle. They’re sneaky wenches, always speaking in riddles. So when a dragon king’s wise oracle prophesized that he was going to save the land, he wanted to laugh at them. How exactly would a half-breed with no dragon form accomplish this task?

As fate would have it, he’d cross paths with a prince. His life would never be the same.

Prince Azar wanted a break from the castle and its oppressive atmosphere, so he joined the Royal Guard. So when he meets Jacoby, he’s faced with a difficult decision.

A dragon determines his mate on sight. To Azar, it always seemed an unreliable system. What if your soulmate was elsewhere, and you never met.

Or worse…

What if your mate is a male, and an omega to boot?



Title: The Dragon's Heart
Series: Dragon's Blood MC, 2
Author(s): B.A. Stretke
Length: 173 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Motorcycle Club / Gay / 

Notes: I didn't realize this was book two in a series. The first book is Apex: The Dragon's Mate (Dragon's Blood M.C. Book 1)

Blurb: Dane has been searching in vain for his sister for five years. She vanished with a violent biker gang and now no matter what he does, he just can’t get close enough to find her. After a violent altercation with a gang of thugs hell bent on killing his friend Chance, Dane is at his wit's end, and he wonders if he will ever be able to piece his life back together. Everything changes when this large man literally charges into his life and saves him from certain death at the hands of the Night Whispers gang. He is swept into the strongest arms he’s ever known, and safety feels, for once, like more than just a daydream. Alrick Keith is an enigma to Dane. He’s a biker, Dane’s greatest fear, but he is also kind and brings Dane a sense of peace. Dane is still determined to find out what happened to his sister and he is willing to put himself in danger’s path to do it. Will Dane survive the same forces that have taken his sister or can Alrick get there in time and claim his forever love? 

Alrick Keith has been on a quest from his Dragon King, searching for his forever love. When Calum, his Chieftain, found his mate at a café in Laramie, Wyoming Alrick had hope that maybe his love wasn’t far behind. Finding his mate about to be devoured by a wolf shifter was not a part of the plan. Once the threat is dispatched, Alrick is loathe to let Dane out of his sight. Alrick must tread lightly, between the biker gang and his dragon secret he can’t risk overwhelming his already stressed mate. However, danger lurks, and a rogue gang is setting its sights on Laramie and Alrick’s mate. Can Alrick save his mate and have that real chance at forever?

The Dragon’s Heart can defy any odds.



Title: Rise of the Dragon
Series: Dragonstone Triology
Author(s): CK Gold
Length: 213 pages
Publisher: Lovelight Press

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Gangsters killed his family... and now the only man standing in the way of his revenge is the one who stole his heart years ago.

Over a decade of street fighting and brutal intrigue have left Fang, a gang enforcer, with few allies and even fewer friends. He has no time for love -- his loyalties are already complicated enough. His lone connection to a brighter past is Birch, the orphan he saved from the slums when they were boys. And when Fang lost his family, it was Birch who taught him how to survive.

Yet vengeance has its price. Fang let Birch, the best thing to ever happen to him, slip away in exchange for power. Now Fang is a lieutenant in the gang that murdered his family. All he has to do is wait for his chance. But a kiss that shouldn't have been, at a meeting that shouldn't have happened, forces Fang to decide what really matters.

Should he keep his cover or listen to his heart and join the man he loves?

When Fang's boss orders him to steal a magical stone from a royal ship, Birch demands Fang hand it over to him instead. The stone represents more than just wealth: it is the symbol of a people fighting back against the corruption running rampant through their nation. The poison that cost Fang his parents and Birch the only home he's ever known.

Fang is caught between the ultimate reward -- dueling his parent's murderer -- and his fiery passion for Birch. But the dragon stone has its own ideas. Its power recasts not just Fang's body, but his dilemma.

Will Fang choose power over love? Or will he leave behind the ghosts of the past and find love with Birch?

Warning: This adventure contains steamy sex scenes, fast-paced fights, naughty language, and a HEA! Read to the end for a preview of the next tale!


Title: The Sun Dragon's Mate
Series: (Dragon Sun + The Sun Dragon's Flight)
Author(s): Liv Rider
Length: 106 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Now available in one bundle – Dragon Sun and its companion short story The Sun Dragon’s Flight.

Dragon Sun:
Dragon shifter Griffith Rees finally meets the man who ignites his mating instinct—presumed human Noah Tine. But Noah has powers Griffith’s never seen, and Noah discovers he might not be so human after all. But is Griffith ready to open his heart to love? And does catching the man who killed his partner mean sacrificing Noah?

The Sun Dragon’s Flight:
When Griffith takes Noah to his family’s secluded lake house to learn how to shift for the first time, a flying lesson turns into a mating flight. But the Sun Dragon isn’t a force to play around with, and Noah may be deep over his head. Can he learn how to control his dragon with Griffith’s help?



Title: Dragonlinked
Series: (Dragonlinked Chronicles Book 1)
Author(s): Adolfo Garza Jr.
Length: 449 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Young Adult / LGBTIAQ MC / Fantasy /

Notes: 

Blurb: Many will be acceptable candidates, truth be told, and eventually, there will be hundreds, even thousands of dragonlinked. But there will be one who is first.

All fourteen-year-old Aeron wants to do is make his father proud, but the biggest bully in the Caer constantly torments him, he has yet to be allowed to practice his craft of choice, and he’s trying to ignore the increasing reports of deadly nahual attacks. When Aeron is finally invited to be an accepted in Magic Craft, things seem to be going his way.

His life is thrown into complete chaos, however, when he discovers an enormous egg, and unable to ignore its desperate cries, he helps the creature struggling within to hatch. Powerful magic bonds them together, mind and soul, and he wonders how he is going to care for her. Will he be able to do so and keep up with his Magic Craft lessons? And when she’s full-grown, how in Yrdra’s deepest hells will he keep a four-thousand pound dragon a secret?

Aeron’s search for answers in his now drastically changed world will lead to surprising discoveries and revelations, dangerous and distressingly close encounters with nahual, and the possibility of a greater, more fulfilling purpose for him—if he survives.

In DRAGONLINKED, volume one of Dragonlinked Chronicles, author Adolfo Garza Jr. introduces readers to the world of Lethera, where magic and a nascent Industrial Revolution will be the backdrop for several tales about dragons, their newly discovered roles, and the brave souls who are their bond-mates.

Note: Dragonlinked Chronicles is a young-adult fantasy series that is lgbt-friendly.



Title: Bride of the Dragons
Series:
Author(s): Selina Coffey
Length: 330 pages
Publisher: LT3 Press

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Menage / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Elokon and Siron have yet to find a mate. 

Elokon became the alpha of his tribe three months ago, and since then, the human towns nearby have sent a dozen women in tribute, and even the women of nearby dragon tribes have sought them out. Elokon’s tribe is powerful and any dragon would be pleased to bear a child of his bloodline.

But neither he nor Siron has seen a single woman that awakens the mating instinct. At long last, the High Dragon has passed down an edict: find a mate, or Elokon will be stripped of his power and banished. There is no place in the Dragonlands for an alpha who will not carry on the old bloodlines.

As the third daughter of an impoverished Earl, Adelina has no dowry and no prospects.

Desperate not to become a priestess, she makes a plan: when the High Dragon’s court comes for their historic meeting with the human king, she will be so alluring that she can steal the heart of one of the richest noblemen at court. She has worked late into the night, sewing herself a dress that will catch anyone’s eye.

During the festivities, she knows she can tempt someone into an indiscretion…

But much to her shock, that someone isn’t human. Furthermore, it’s not one someone, but two. And now that they’ve found their mate, Elokon and Siron aren’t planning to let her go.

Author's Note: This book contains mature language and themes, intended for adults only!

This is a standalone novel of 30,000 words with HEA.



Title: Dragon's Guard
Series: The Dragon Shifter's Mates, 1
Author(s): Eva Chase
Length: 218 pages
Publisher: Ink Spark Press (November 15, 2017)

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Reverse Harem / 

Notes: 

Blurb: The last of her kind. Four hot alpha mates. A legacy of bloodshed.

When Ren Landis goes looking for excitement on her 21st birthday, getting kidnapped is a little more than she bargained for. So is finding out that shifters exist—and that she’s one too. As the last of the dragon shifters, she’s got a role to fulfill: Take the alphas of the four shifter groups as her mates and unite all shifter kind. No pressure, right?

Too bad Ren’s fate isn’t as simple as getting it on with four scorching-hot guys. Someone is out for dragon shifter blood, intent on finishing the massacre they started years ago. If Ren can’t figure out how to kickstart her buried powers, her life’s about to go down in flames.

*This steamy new reverse harem paranormal romance series is intended for readers 18+. Expect sexy situations, intense action, ongoing storylines, and a quartet of alluring wolf, bear, jaguar, and eagle alpha shifters you’ll wish you could make your mates.*



Title: Riding Lightning
Series: (Starcrossed Dragons Book 1)
Author(s): Erin Bedford, JA Cipriano
Length: 324 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Paranormal / Reverse Harem /

Notes: 

Blurb: One woman. Three men. All Dragons.

A sexy, action-packed reverse harem that will make your toes curl!

Maya Rose has a problem. She's the last in her line of dragon shifters, and if she doesn't produce an heir soon, it could be disastrous for her kingdom.

In order to remedy this, her father, the king, has gathered the greatest heroes from across the lands, and set them on a quest to not only save the kingdom, but to win Maya's love.

Should they succeed, they will become her husband and rule by her side. Should they fail to win her love, death is the only answer.

But with so many dashing men willing to do anything to win her hand, how is a girl to choose?

Then again, no one ever said she had to pick just one.

After all, the fate of the realm is at stake, and maybe this time, more is merrier.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is NOT a love triangle. What you'll find inside is a reverse harem featuring hot sex, adult themes, dragons, cool weapons, action, adventure, a wise-cracking heroine, and much, MUCH more.



Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Thursday, February 22, 2018

#PactDays : L'Eema #ValespianPact


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

In Alpha Trine, Otho was introduced. He was the mechanic for the Oethra 7, later following Zeus back to Atlainticia. Otho's story doesn't stop there. How could it when he likes to make things explode? Enjoy!  


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: L'Eema
Planet: Galaspia
Other races on the planet:
Planetary Terrain: Rocky, forested
Capitol: Hydros
Country:
Patron Ryo Pardeep:

Description: Average Height is 1 to 3 feet (.9 meters), Primate species, bi-ped mammals, large eyes with no whites and colors ranging from amber-blue-violet-green, fur coloring is gold-copper-spotted-silver-black-striped, skin color is gold-silver-copper-black, four double jointed fingers & two opposable thumbs, flexible spines, prehensile tail

Highly intelligent. They domesticated all the predators on their homeworld. Reaches maturity in one year. Quick learning, insatiable curiosity. Tested by elders every 2 years. Once they reach a certain intellectual maturity, they are recalled to their planet and trained to be a Time Guard. Only the oldest, most intellectually competent are allowed access to time travel technology. One of the two races that holds the secret of time travel.

Intelligence is the key ranking factor in L'Eema society. The most brilliant are automatically delegated to leadership roles (whether or not they want them). The brightest are placed in community position of authority, tailored to the L'Eema's expertise. Refusal of post is considered shameful and results in stiff fines as well as banishment from the homeworld until the next testing period.

Functions well in tight spaces & great engineers

Distinctive trait – to destroy themselves at 20 yrs old. The urge can be over overcome but they are banished & viewed as a disgrace. Strong rituals & taboos that glorify the instinct of self-destruction – must be spectacular, and when they try to ignore the instinct or don't get home on time, they find other ways to self-destruct, sometimes without regard to others near them. Hurtling themselves into their sun is optimal

They can overcome the urge to destroy them, but they would then be banished and their family disgraced. It is taboo to even acknowledge one.

L'Eema who do not destroy themselves: The Broken Ones "not many live past the age of 20. There is no honor revisiting what comes naturally to them. It is a part of who and what they are. They go willingly into the next life. Those who refuse to follow instinct, or the ones who are wired wrong and do not feel the urge, are believed to be doomed to be born L'Eema again. They spend the rest of their lives living in dishonor. Dead to their family, unable to return home, and ignored by those who cross their path travelling the galaxy." They become nothing to the L'Eema. They are ghosts. Their eyes change to a deep maroon. The longer they resist, the more unstable they are believed to become (rumors). All L'Eemas are required to learn about the Broken Ones. Some believe looking into the reasons why the Broken Ones do not destroy themselves with break them by association alone, as if it is catching.

Common Occupation: engineer, life time students, teachers, counselors, scientist, Time Guard

Government Systems: The intelligent leads. 5 advisors, one of those will be the next leader.

Current Leader:

Council of Neighn of Member: Rubis Velis

Allies: Asani, Battion, Chi-Lin, Chtichlian, Dar Massaga, Gaziniti, GyrFalconi, Shia'Marr,

Star System: Ostara Star System

Other planets occupied by species:

Military Leader:

Cultural names and terms specific to species:


Noises: chirp, squeak, whistles like song birds, chitter

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Progress Report! Valespian Pact Book 3 #constant

I've been super busy this week, pushing to finish a book and didn't make time to set up the Reading Radar blog post. With Luck, tomorrow morning I'll have time to put that together. In the meantime I have a progress report I thought ya'll might like.

If you follow the blog, it's possible you have seen the posts about 2017 difficulties. It was a crap year and I struggled to write. What I did instead was edit because it didn't require me to create the story and I did some serious world building. 

About the time Molly went into hospice that January, I was 50k into Bespoken. Realizing the book wasn't going to be the 80k I had forecasted, I bumped up the word count a couple of times until I thought 150k could be the length. (I am still not sure. Any longer and I will have to figure out how to split it up.) I also realized I had holes in my world and in some of the character development. The Valsepian Pact is simply too complicated to partially write by the-seat-of-my-pants like I was trying to do.


As you know, I stalled out on Bespoken and the other four books I attempted to write last year. I turned my attention toward fixing the problems. I also decided that plotting would be crucial to ensure I didn't run into an issue later on, that upon fixing, meant extensive plot and/or character reorganization for the following books.

I got crazy detailed with the world building. I had a list of questions I searched for answers on. I wrote backgrounds for characters, built planetary cultures, and even taped a bunch of graft paper together so I could draw a star chart. This is how Thursday's Pact Day started. When I finished the list of species and races who were a part of the Valespian Pact, including  those who would be instrumental in the final bit of the plot arc, I had planned to update a page here on the blog. I had put up a short list up after I wrote Striker. The updated species/race list had over 25k words, so I decided a weekly reveal would be better. :)


I am really glad I had the time to plot out the rest of the series. Don't get me wrong, I had ideas of what the plots would be since I named the books and indicated which characters would be the leads. But when it came to the final book, Legends, I only had this vague, 'wrap up all the storylines', in the description. I wasn't sure how the peoples of the Valespian Pact were going to win the day. It was the same with the last book of Sumeria's Sons. I basically wrote in my notes, 'Big Fight. Tristan kicks ass... Brian and Ushna, too, for balance.' 

Yep. That was the total amount of plotting I did for the last book of Sumeria's Sons. It wasn't until I sat down to write Releasing Chaos that I realized I had screwed myself, not in a good way. That book took time and patience to write and a couple of trashed first drafts. 


So this time around, the last book of the Valepsian Pact was plotted. I had my evil moments, where I relished adding heart twisting moments, because hey, it's the last book of the series where the final battle takes place and there is a reason I titled it Legends. Big shit happens that will be remembered for a long time to come. 

While trying to be an evil mastermind, I decided I would incorporate a side love story for Mestor. I was asked by a friend to write a romance for Mestor and I'd said yes. Then I wondered how I was going to do it. So, I set the idea off to the side, figuring I would need to write a standalone novella that took place after the series closed. I was going to write a standalone for Canry in the same time period, so why not? But as I plotted, I realized I could insert it throughout the remaining books of the series. I really liked the idea and added Mestor and his beau's storyline into the mix.


The one issue was their story actually started right before the princeling twins leave to pick up Zeus at the space station. I thought I could write two or three flash fictions for Prince Mestor and Warlord Sohm'lan, covering the beginning of their romance. But after I wrote and posted the third or fourth flash fiction, I understood their story could be a novella, about 35k. I decided to make it an official part of the series and concentrated on writing the novella. 

On December 31st, I finished writing Constant, making it the only story I completed in 2017. Then I took a two week vacation! LOL! That was a good move because while I was on downtime I had several ideas. When I came off vacation I jumped back into the book. Scenes were added while others were completely rewritten. This week I was pushing to get it finished. Last night, I remembered I needed to insert one last scene near the beginning, then the epilogue. After that, Constant, the third book of the Valespian Pact, will be finished. I'm calling it, 'the book I didn't know needed to be written.' I still need to do another editing pass since I added so much material. The book went from the 35k novella to a 57k novel. It will probably be over 60k after the scene and epilogue are added. (Dear god, someone give me some fireworks!) (Thank you, Lexy!)


I cannot say enough how excited I am to be this close to finishing a book. It feels so good to have that part of me back, you know?

For those who have the question, "When will it be released?" I will have beta readers look at this before I submit it to the publisher. If it is accepted, then the release will be based on their schedule and I won't know until they tell me. 

In the meantime, I need to write a 500 word summary and figure out what I would like to see on the cover. That last one is hard because the majority of the book takes place in space. I need to think of something that will fall in line with the covers of Alpha Trine and Striker.

And that's it! Constant is almost done, and I will be getting it ready to submit. Bespoken is back on the writing block. I will continue to write weekly chapters of the blog story, Assassin's Retirement. And I'm plotting out the next books in the I.O.N. series. 

Being busy feels terribly good.




Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

#PactDays : Kracciam #ValespianPact


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

The Kracciam hasn't been introduced yet, so there isn't a character that I can talk about. They are large, sentient dolphinlike race who has a symbiotic relationship (not host related) with the Otaria. Enjoy!


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: Kracciam [krak-see-am]
Planet: Hhrota (means Mother)
Other races on the planet: Otaria
Planetary Terrain: 92% water, rocky land
Capitol: Hoiyama
Country:
Patron Ryo Pardeep:

Description: Average height between 5 feet and 9 feet. Telekinetic. Resemble oversized dolphins. They are paired with another being that can live on both land and water. The Otaria speaks for the Kracciam.

Tribes are centered around an elderly female who in most cases is the mother of most the females within the tribes. There are no territorial boundaries. Tribes are nomadic, migrating were they will, meeting and interacting with other tribes for breeding or tooling. Their young are born in litters of one or two family/tribal units consisting of two to six females and their cubs as well as numerous unattached males.

The Kracciam is not physically fearsome. They have the highest level of telekinetic ability of any known species. They use it when dealing with their hostile environment. In battle, they have pulled objects off the ocean floor and hurtle it 300 mph. They can manipulate up to 10x their body weight/mass through telekinesis. Can create unique and individualized tools. Can telekinetically retool ores in groups. The devices they create cannot be replaced because each one, no matter how complex, is always made of a single piece. Tooling is considered a great social event. Several tribes will gather close to the shoreline to work

They have no use for money or material goods. Their services cannot be bought by Terrens. They bestow these devices as gifts at their digression. The tools are extremely valued.

They communicate in shrill whistles and chirps. Mildly telepathic. The Otaria communicate for them when offworld or when dignitaries visit the planet.

They are excellent navigators and serve on many of the most prestigious starliners.

Some leave their homeworld to satisfy curiosity.

Little to no material culture.

They bond in sexual pairs, but the relationship is not lifelong. A typical adult will bond 20-30 times in the course of their life.

Devices they have created:
Healers: Healing devices of unknown capabilities.
Pushers: starship drives the size of a basketball
Weapons of all kinds

Help the Giantes with special projects.

Common Occupation: Miner (Chemistry, Crystallography, geology, Invention, Jeweler, Mason, Mining), Navigator (Computer operator, computer programing, math, mechanical operations, quantum physics, read/write, astronavigation, astronomy), and Teacher (anthropology/sociology, biology, bluff/bribe, chemistry, dancing, diplomacy, etiquette, historian, interrogation, lore, math, memorize, psychology, sage, knowledge, imitation/mimicry, storytelling)

Government Systems: Matriarchal and Matrilineal "Wise Mother"

Current Leader:

Council of Neighn of Member:

Allies: Alpha-Zetamite, Giante, Numina, Ophion, Orion, Asani, Gaziniti, GyrFalconi,

Star System: Vela Zephyrus System

Other planets occupied by species:

Military Leader:

Cultural names and terms specific to species:


Tooling: the making of devices to be given to alien individuals deemed worthy.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Saturday, February 10, 2018

What is on the Reading Radar? #wishlist #TBR

What am I doing? Nothing unusual. Still recovering from injuring my back last week. (seriously, that sucks) Reading mythology encyclopedias. Working on Constant (The Valespian Pact, 3). Also working (struggling with) on another chapter of Assassin's Retirement. Fleshing out some world building and character backgrounds for I.O.N. 3. So, yeah, nothing out of the ordinary. I do wish it would snow a foot or so. *dodges the thrown shoe* LOL!

Here's what's on the Reading Radar!


Title: Blood Dance
Series: Alien Blood Wars, 1
Author(s): Samantha Cayto
Length: 287 pages
Publisher: Pride Publishing (February 13, 2018)

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Gay / 

Notes:

Blurb: Book one in the Alien Blood Wars series

What lurks in the dark is not always a monster. Sometimes it’s your deepest desire.

A thousand years ago, Alex captained an alien ship that crashed on Earth. Stranded, he has tried to keep his men together while forging a new life. He’s locked into a never-ending war with mutinous crewmembers that makes unsuspecting humans collateral damage. That humans mistake them as vampires is all to the good. Humans are still not ready to learn aliens live among them. Alex has finally found some peace running a private club, but the memories of a human, loved and lost, keeps him alone.

Quinn Cooper was kicked out of his family when he came out as gay. Having travelled to Boston, he takes a job in Alex’s club. His boss and the men around him are large, scary and hard to ignore—as is his instant attraction to Alex. Becoming involved with the boss is always tricky. There’s something about Alex, however, that’s too sexy and compelling to ignore.

Knowing that seducing the vulnerable and virginal Quinn is a bad idea, Alex tries to keep his distance. He’s also trying to protect the boy and everyone else when the traitorous crew once more stirs up trouble. Alex’s and Quinn’s growing attraction leads Quinn closer to the frightening truth of whose bed he shares, while putting him in unfathomable harm’s way. Alex has to find a path forward to end the alien war for good or risk losing another love.




Title: A Tiger's Tale
Series: (Arrowtown Book 1)
Author(s): Lisa Oliver
Length: 484 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: Seth Carmichael never did anything wrong, but instead of working at the local library, he was running for his life. His herd was hunting him and with few resources, Seth's options were fading fast. Until, that is, he heard the rumble of a motorcycle. Peeking through the tree he was hiding in, he couldn't believe his eyes. Had salvation come in the form of a badass biker?

Ra (no last name and proud of it) was a tiger on a mission. He'd scented his mate and then the little rabbit ran away before his teeth could engage. Ra heard the gossip around Arrowtown; he knew his mate was a hunted man. But if the sweet man was on the run, he needed someone to look after him; Ra figured he was the right man for the job.

A meeting, a mating and yet another meeting. What should have been a straight forward relationship turned into so much more on their very first outing as a mated couple. Now Ra has to count on the strength of his mate and the help of his friends, if he and Seth are ever to have the HEA they'd planned for. And what was with all these Fae turning up out of the blue?

Warning: Contains a tiger who keeps putting his foot in it; a tiny lop-eared rabbit who is stronger than he looks and a bunch of friends who’ll hide a body, no questions asked.




Title: Dead Speak
Series: (Cold Case Psychic Book 1)
Author(s): Pandora Pine
Length: 214 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Mystery / Paranormal / Gay /

Notes: this has trigger warnings

Blurb: Demoted to the cold case squad after shooting a suspect in the line of duty, Detective Ronan O’Mara knows that his career with the Boston Police Department is hanging by a thread. His first assignment is the case of Michael Frye, a five-year-old boy who has been missing for seven years. With no new leads or witnesses to interview, Ronan has to start from scratch to solve this mystery. When he sees a handsome local psychic on television, Ronan figures he’s got nothing to lose in enlisting the man’s help to find Michael. 

Psychic Tennyson Grimm is riding high after helping South Shore cops find a missing child. He’s even being courted by the Reality Show Network about a program showcasing his abilities. He has no idea that his midday appointment with a customer, who instead turns out to be a police detective, is going to change the course of his life and his career.

With the blessing of the BPD, which badly needs an image make-over, Ronan is allowed to bring Tennyson in to assist with the Frye case. Being thrown together in front of cameras is never easy, but add in an emotional missing person’s investigation, a tight-lipped spirit, and a cop who’s a skeptic, and it definitely puts a strain on both men and their working relationship. 


When the child’s body is found, the work to identify his killer begins. As Ronan and Tennyson get closer to solving the case, the initial attraction they feel for one another explodes into a passion neither man can contain.

Will working together to bring Michael’s killer to justice seal their fledgling bond, or will unexpected revelations in the case tear them apart forever?

Please be aware this book deals with the topic of child abuse, specifically, sexual abuse.




Title: Huntsmen
Series: (The Better to Kiss You With Book 2)
Author(s): Michelle Osgood
Length: 218 pages
Publisher: Interlude Press (April 13, 2017)
Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Lesbian /

Notes:

Blurb: Months after saving Jamie and Deanna from crywolf, Kiara and her brother Cole have moved into the city. While clubbing one night, Kiara is stunned to see her ex, Taryn, onstage. But before she can react, Jamie notices a distinctive tattoo in the crowd: an axe rumored to be the mark of the Huntsmen, a group of werewolf-tracking humans. The girls need to leave immediately—and since Taryn is also a werewolf, they need to take her with them.

The Huntsmen are more than a myth, and they’re scouring the city for lone wolves just like Taryn. Until the General North American Assembly of Werewolves lends a plan of action, Kiara’s small pack is on lockdown in a friend’s apartment, where she and Taryn must face the differences that drove them apart. Furthermore, the longer the group waits, the more it seems the Huntsmen haven’t been acting entirely on their own.




Title: Before Luck Runs Out
Series:  The Chanmyr Chronicles, 2
Author(s): TJ Muir
Length: 312 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Non-romantic / Fantasy / Gay / Coming of Age / Sword & Sorcery /

Notes:

Blurb: Orphan. Homeless. Half-breed. 

Jedda’s nimble fingers keep him fed and alive in the shadowy alleyways of Tatak Rhe. Until the day he gets caught holding the coin purse of Karrahk, one of the city’s most powerful rulers.

Jedda braces himself to be imprisoned, or worse. But Karrahk sees his hidden heritage, a potential Jedda isn’t even aware of, so he takes the thief under his wing.

With some careful grooming and polish, it doesn’t take long for Jedda to work his way into the most influential circles of the city, gaining trust and uncovering useful secrets. But he never imagined he’d begin to care for some of these rich, frivolous, fools. And when his magic finally awakens, revealing the motives behind each player’s façade, Jedda must confront the fact that Karrahk just might be the biggest player of all.

Can Jedda extract himself from the lies and deceit before his luck runs out, or is it just too late to make things right?




Title: Visioner
Series: (The Shifter War Book 2)
Author(s): KK Ness
Length: 214 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Magic / Gay / 

Notes:

Blurb: Sequel to Messenger, Book One of The Shifter War

As the first ever human custodian, Danil is sworn to protect the strange new magic threading across the deadlands. But the armies of Roldaer are stirring, and when an assassin nearly takes his life, Danil sets out to win the aid of the Amasian High Council.

With Hafryn by his side, Danil discovers that allies are rarely what they seem. Intrigue and betrayal haunt their steps, and soon Danil and Hafryn must use all their wits to stay alive. Meanwhile, a fearsome magic that has not been unleashed since the blackest days of the Great War is reawakened.

Using such magic could see Danil save the deadlands, or destroy it.




Title: The Alpha's Master
Series: (Venetian Hills Book 1)
Author(s): Ezra Dawn
Length: 83 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Shifter / Paranormal / Gay /

Notes: I didn't realize I had to read another series in order to comprehend some parts of this one when I grabbed the cover. I'll have to look them up, I guess.

Blurb: (This story ties directly into the Asphalt Bay Series and it is recommended that you at least read books 1-4 before starting this one.)

Joel McCray is the Alpha of the newly formed Venetian Hills Pack. After being forced from his old territory because of issues with another pack and a coven in the area he’s brought the pack back to the area he came from. When new issues arise it’s going to take the help of his ex-boyfriend and the local coven to get them sorted.

Alistair Vonderheide is the Master of the Venetian Hills Coven and an extremely old vampire although he doesn’t look it. He’s spent centuries waiting for his beloved so when he catches the man’s scent he’s more than excited. Until his second in command crushes that happiness with a single sentence. Refusing to be ‘that guy’ Alistair resigns himself to starvation.

Will Joel be able to solve his problems in time? Will Alistair die without ever knowing the love of a fated mate? Or will Fate decide to intervene before it’s too late?

(Warning: Contains sexual content, Man on Man action, and explicit language. Not recommended for those under the age of 18.)




Title: Rook
Series: 
Author(s): T. Stranger
Length: 218 pages
Publisher: Less Than Three Press, LLC (February 6, 2018)

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: For killing his husband, Rook is sent to B-226—an alien planet populated by deadly creatures, where the average life expectancy for a prisoner is three weeks. Rook is relieved by the sentence—all he wants is to die and rejoin his husband.

Upon arrival on B-226, Rook is partnered with Stevie, who has beaten the odds and survived for several months. Rook is drawn to Stevie in a way he didn't expect in the aftermath of losing his husband. Before Rook can untangle the mess of his emotions, the already deadly situation on B-226 worsens, plunging Rook and Stevie into an even more desperate struggle to survive.




Title: Hearts Under Fire
Series: New Amsterdam, 1
Author(s): Kelly Wyre
Length: 233 pages
Publisher: Less Than Three Press, LLC (January 25, 2018)

Genre: Erotic Romance / BDSM / Contemporary / Gay / 

Notes:

Blurb: Ten years ago, Clark thought he would spend his life as a military man. But his world turned into a nightmare when a suicide bomber destroyed his career. It's been a long road to recovery, but Clark has finally found peace. His bar, Glow, is the place to be in New Amsterdam; the son of the mayor employs Clark as a confidential information man; and the BDSM club he part-owns is a profitable release. Clark's life is a good one, so long as no one gets too close.

Then Daniel walks into Glow, and what Clark expects to be just another handsome face proves instead to be the kind of challenge he's been avoiding—but he just can't seem to walk away.




Title: A Fiercer Heat
Series: (Assured Elites Book 1)
Author(s): Parker Avrille
Length: 243 pages
Publisher: Paris April Press (January 10, 2018)

Genre: Romance / Contemporary / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: A new matchmaking service lands in the Big Apple, and no hot gay celebrity will go unpaired...

Rising singer Drew and former child star Traven have one thing in common― a desperate need for publicity to lift their careers to the next level.

“Actor dates singer” is the oldest publicity stunt in the book. If they pretend to be boyfriends, the tabloid press is guaranteed to report breathlessly on their every move. All they have to do is be all kissy face for the camera in public and all hands-off professionals in private.

Easy, right? Except for one thing. Assured Elites fake boyfriends have a way of becoming the real deal.

It isn't long until Drew and Traven find themselves struggling with the “hands-off in private” part.

This 60,000-word full-length steamy gay romance novel features fake boyfriends, a menace from the past, and two men who learn how to make beautiful music together. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and always a Happily Ever After.

This is the first novel in the Assured Elites trilogy. Each book follows a different couple, so they can be read in any order.




Title: Riding Lightning
Series: Starcrossed Dragons, 1
Author(s): Erin Bedford, JA Cipriano
Length: 324 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Urban Fantasy / Paranormal / Dragon / Poly / Psychics / Vampires / Magic /

Notes:

Blurb: One woman. Three men. All Dragons.

A sexy, action-packed reverse harem that will make your toes curl!

Maya Rose has a problem. She's the last in her line of dragon shifters, and if she doesn't produce an heir soon, it could be disastrous for her kingdom.

In order to remedy this, her father, the king, has gathered the greatest heroes from across the lands, and set them on a quest to not only save the kingdom, but to win Maya's love.

Should they succeed, they will become her husband and rule by her side. Should they fail to win her love, death is the only answer.

But with so many dashing men willing to do anything to win her hand, how is a girl to choose?

Then again, no one ever said she had to pick just one.

After all, the fate of the realm is at stake, and maybe this time, more is merrier.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is NOT a love triangle. What you'll find inside is a reverse harem featuring hot sex, adult themes, dragons, cool weapons, action, adventure, a wise-cracking heroine, and much, MUCH more.



Title: Blackwelder 2164
Series: 
Author(s): Christopher DJ
Length: 185 pages
Publisher: NineStar Press (January 1, 2018)

Genre: Romance / Science Fiction / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: When it comes to hitting his target, Spencer Blackwelder can’t miss. But when it comes to hitting the mark in other areas of his life, his aim is way off, which is definitely a problem when you’re a military sharp shooter preparing for war with an alien species.

As penance for past mistakes in friendship and in love, Blackwelder makes the bold choice to relocate to Fort Felix, a military base on Neptune’s moon, a decision that could end up costing him his life. Once there, he meets: Juan Miguel Arías, to whom he takes an immediate liking; Vernita Burton, a true friend; and the men and women of Brant Squad, a group of lovable losers that he eventually takes under his wing.

Blackwelder is surprised to discover he has something to live for again, but all of that is threatened when war finally arrives on Fort Felix’s doorstep. Can Blackwelder find the hero within in time to save his squad, his planet, and the man he loves?




Title: Ghoulish
Series: 
Author(s): Kat Bellamy
Length: 314 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Urban Fantasy / Paranormal / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: Colt Jager never knew what happened to the parents who abandoned him, and he never cared--until he inherited their ghoulish secret.

Raised as a human who had no idea he was anything but a blue-collar construction worker until the night of his 25th birthday, Colt finds it hard to adjust to life in the Kinship, a hidden world woven discreetly into human society.

After a grisly encounter with his true nature, Colt meets a family of human-friendly ghouls who teach him that there's a way to be inhuman without being inhumane. But things get complicated when he realizes that the "wolf attack" responsible for killing his boyfriend's brother was actually committed by a ghoul on the hunt.

When an elite family of especially monstrous ghouls called Alphas threatens the man he loves, Colt will have to lie to Jason to keep him safe. Can a predator ever truly be a hero, or will the man he loves become his prey?



Title: The Alien's Mail-order Bride
Series: 
Author(s): Ruby Dixon
Length: 84 pages
Publisher: 

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / 

Notes:

Blurb: Though still carrying the scars of his past as an intergalactic soldier, Emvor doesn’t mind the quiet of his chosen life as a farmer. He doesn’t even mind that most nights are lonely on remote Cassa, but he does need help around his farm. A mail-order bride from his homeworld seems like the perfect solution. She’ll be a tall, sturdy female to help with the chores and bear his children.

Unfortunately, the person that arrives is Nicola. She’s small, delicate…and human. She also knows nothing about farming, and she's lied and deceived her way across the galaxy to get to Cassa so she can hide from those that would capture her. She's a problem, and also the most enticing thing he's ever seen.

Now Emvor has to decide…can he keep the woman who’s nothing like what he asked for but is everything he needs?




Thank you for stopping by and reading!!