Mellie's Books

Maybe you’ve heard of Gambler’s Folly. And maybe you’ve wondered where the idea came from. So sit back, with a cup of something relaxing while I tell you the story.

Way back when, in the age of the dinosaurs, there was a song done by the Kingston Trio called South Coast. In the song, a man wins his wife in a card game. My husband being a Kinston Trio fan had been listening to some of their music one day, and the thought occurred to me that it would be difficult for that to happen in this day and age.

Wouldn’t it?

So the idea was settled into my brain and I couldn’t get it out. What if it was on another world, where there was a strong criminal syndicate, which could bend the rules to fit the situation?

Once I sat down to start writing, the story evolved from Karianna’s husband losing a card game in one of Gambler’s Folly’s casinos and betting his wife against his debt.

Which he lost.

The second book, Dante’s Angel, I wrote because I liked Dante’s character in the first book and wanted to explore his life and personality. Since he was one of Damiano’s right hand men, he would most certainly go with him to Earth for the church wedding. And perhaps he could meet a love of his own.

The Russian, Book 3, I wrote after seeing a photo of someone who just looked like a character who would fit right in to the rest of the bunch on Gambler’s Folly. A Russian rapper, he looked like the perfect match for a wolf shifter, to go along with Damiano’s leopard.

How about a little excerpt from Dante’s Angel?

Dante had waited as long as he could before he left for the shuttle. He’d never been off-planet before and was homesick before they even left. The rest of the party was already on board and enjoying the amenities before he even got to customs.

On top of it, the whole reason for the trip was the wedding, yet another reminder that he was single and had no prospects. And here was Damiano, with everything in the world going for him, going to Earth to marry his mate, his bond-mate. It just wasn’t fair.

What was wrong with him? He glanced at his reflection in one of the large plate windows. All right, he wasn’t as tall as Damiano, Marco, or Paulo, but he wasn’t a midget. He was six feet tall and around one hundred eighty-five pounds, with no fat to spare. Dark hair and dark eyes completely the look, from his Mediterranean heritage.

He’d been told he could be mistaken for Damiano’s younger brother, but it didn’t seem to do him much good. He was awkward in crowds and women tied his tongue in knots before he even started talking. He hadn’t had a date in over a month, and now he was going to a wedding on a planet he’d never seen.

Sighing deeply, he answered the questions at the customs desk, handed over his papers, jumped through all the hoops, and finally boarded the shuttle.

“May I help you?” the older man asked.

“Yes. I’m trying to find my berth,” Dante said.

“Ah! Take the lift to the fourth level, turn right, and it will be on your right.”

“Thanks.”

Trudging to the lift, he followed the instructions, used his pass card on the door, and took a look around.

His suite was nearly as big as his apartment. He’d have to thank Damiano for his generosity. Of course, they would be on the shuttle for a week. At least he wouldn’t go stir crazy. He stowed his luggage in the wardrobe and checked the time.

Pushing the button on his communicator, he checked in with Marco.

“Did you have any trouble, Dante?”

“No, sir. Just huge crowds of people. But I’m in my room now, so everything is good.”

“All our rooms are across the hall from yours. Damiano suggested we all get together for dinner, around seven this evening. But until then, relax and enjoy the trip.”

“When do we lift off?” Dante asked.

“In about an hour. They’ll make an announcement. Follow the instructions and you’ll be fine. It’s much like flying, but the take-off is a little stronger. Don’t worry, amico. I’ve done it several times.”

With nothing else to do, a nap sounded like a good idea. Slipping out of his shoes and jacket, he dropped onto the bed and closed his eyes. Maybe he could at least dream of happy times.

So if you like paranormal fantasy romance, with big handsome shifters, check out the Gambler’s Folly series. Meet Damiano and Karianna in Book 1.

Dante and Angela in Book 2

And Dmitri and Danni in Book 3.

Yes, there will be more coming along. The next book will feature a bear shifter billionaire and a woman he knew years before when they were both at university–Old Flame.

All the books are available from Amazon, Smashwords, or most major book sellers.

Ciao for now. Have a great weekend.

And Don’t Forget—

—to Share the Romance….