Did you ever just look at someone and say, “He looks like a wolf, or bear, or a big cat?”
Maybe it’s just me. I know. I’m weird. Nothing new there.
But that’s how The Russian began, from seeing someone who instantly reminded me of a wolf. Of course my mind then took hold of the idea and began to wonder what sort of person he would be as a wolf shifter. And so it began.
Dmitri Ivanovich Volkov, a wolf shifter, was born in Russia a long, long time before Gambler’s Folly was settled. He’s lived over 500 years. How long exactly? Even he can’t tell you. He has spent most of his life in the military or as a mercenary across Earth, and later, across the galaxy.
He was finally approached by Interpol and has been working with the special division–all shifters–for several years. Though mainly based on Earth, he gets to Gambler’s Folly frequently chasing contraband.
A little over two hundred years ago, his soulmate died and left him adrift in the world. Deciding never to get close to anyone again, he has avoided long-term relationships. One thing he has learned in his life is that everyone he meets will eventually be taken from him.
But Mother Nature has other plans for him on Gambler’s Folly, in the form of a petite blonde who’s scent is reminiscent of vanilla and lilacs. Sensing something wrong while on a walk, he finds her surrounded by gang members intent on doing her harm. Using one of his unusual abilities, he sends them away and walks the girl home.
For the first time in a long time, he is drawn to her. The need to protect her, to be with her, is nearly overwhelming. And before he even knows her name, he leans down to kiss her, before apologizing and taking his leave.
How could he have known she also worked for the Special Department? Or that she would be in the office the very next morning?
And who could have predicted they would be soulmates?
All from a picture of someone who reminded me of a wolf.
With the weather we’ve been having, I’m not too sure. A few days ago it was nearly 80 degrees when the Bear and I went walking. Yesterday’s highs were in the 60’s, and it got down to 38 degrees this morning. Glad I didn’t plant anything yet.
Anyway, how is everyone else out there? And more importantly, what are you reading?
I’ve been into cozy mysteries lately, and reading theKnitorious Murder Mystery series, by Reagan Davis. As a knitter, I love the way she weaves the skill into her stories.
But if you’re looking for something more along the lines of fantasy romance, with a little paranormal or magic thrown in, check out my book, MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man.
In the first book of the Esperance series, Morgan is introduced as a secondary character. When Jareth went to Clan Belfort to demand repayment of stolen goods, part of the penalty for ignoring his previous communications was The Choosing–a tithe of marriageable women to take back to his clan.
Morgan volunteered to go with him in order to get away from an abusive family situation. But shortly after arriving in her new home, she is assaulted by a young man who’s invitations she had declined. Two men passing the area came to her rescue and when she’s recovered, she testifies at the young man’s trial, but she is even more hesitant around the male of the species.
We don’t hear too much more from Morgan after this, but her story intrigued me. I decided to give her a book of her own, and help her find her happily-ever-after.
“Morgan? Is something wrong?” Mrs. Kennoway asked. “No, I was talking with James Ferguson. He came in for some fruit. I think I need more sleep.” “Did you have breakfast this morning?” “Yes. Coffee, and toast with jam. It’s what I usually have.” “It’s time you had some lunch, young lady. Take yourself into the back room and take your break.” Morgan slowly ate the lunch she’d brought. It wasn’t much—she didn’t usually eat much—just an apple, some cheese, and some bread. After finishing her meal, she made a cup of tea before going back to work. “You look a little better,” Mrs. Kennoway told her. “Did James say something to upset you? He’s usually such a polite boy.” This “polite boy” had to be a little older than she was Morgan thought, and she was twenty-five. “No, he was nice enough,” she answered, looking down at her hands on the counter. “Well, then why won’t you look up and tell me about it?” the older woman asked. Meeting her gaze, Morgan flushed. How could she tell this sweet lady that the idea of going anywhere with a guy scared her to death? “He asked me out for lunch,” she said, embarrassed and exasperated all at once. “And what did you say?” “I told him I would be busy all afternoon.” “You needn’t stay in here all day. A break for lunch might have done you some good.” “I can’t. I just can’t,” said, nearly in tears. “You poor girl. You’ll have to take the first step sometime. I know his father and mother. James is a good boy. He’d do you no harm.” “I know. I’ll think about it, if he asks again.” A few days later, James came back to the market. It was earlier in the day, but his excuse was the same. Could she suggest something for a snack? What was good today? He chose some pears and a little cheese before he walked back to pay for his items. “Could I coax you out of here for lunch today?” he asked. How could his eyes have so much sparkle? And that smile was so warm and inviting. “I don’t know, James. I’m not particularly social. Maybe another time.” Not to be deterred, he asked, “What about dinner after work? You have to eat sometime. We could go to the little place across the square. It’s small and not crowded, but the food is good.” “Maybe not today, but thank you for asking.” He seemed really nice, but she was terrified. “Are you sure? They have roast chicken worth killing for.” “Isn’t that normally worth dying for?” she asked. “Yes, but I’m not planning to die any time soon.”
So if you’re looking for a sweet little romance, with a bit of spice and magic, check out MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man.
The Smashwords Read an eBook Week book sale began today and will run through March 12!
What can you find there?
EBooks of all kinds! Pick your genre and start shopping!
I write paranormal fantasy romance, with a little magic thrown in once in a while. And all of my books are included in the sale! The first book of each series is FREE. The rest are $0.99 each. A perfect way to try a new author or finish buying a series you like.
Looking for my books? Click Here to go to my author/publisher page. Just scroll down. All my books are listed by series.
So go on over, check out the sale, grab a cuppa, and gt comfortable!
I swear, Mother Nature needs to get back on her meds or something. Maybe see a shrink. She seems stuck in bitch mode. Yesterday was a little chilly and rainy, but not really cold. I think it was in the mid-50’s And during the night the temperatures slowly climbed until it was around 60 degrees this morning.
Of course, since then, the temperatures have been dropping, with an expected low in the 20’s tonight. From spring to winter in one overnight jump. Our animals can’t figure out what to do. Should we grow fur and feathers or begin shedding again?
What am I saying? I can’t figure out what to do either. I have winter clothes out, summer clothes out, clothes everywhere. And I’m still not comfortable. I’m either too hot or too cold, but never quite comfortable.
In the meantime, I’m working on the next book in the Esperance Series. No, not the next one for you, but the next one in the series I’m writing. The next one for you, Too Many Talents, is in its final edit. And after that will be Ben of Blackstone’s Forge. Finally we’ll get to the one I’m working on now, Gregor Thayne.
Yes, I do have new books planned, but they take a little while for me to get them out to you.
But if you haven’t read the first books in the series, this would be a good weekend to give them a try.
Why?
All the Esperance books are on sale this weekend over at Smashwords. Take your pick, or pick all three. They’re only $0.99 each through Sunday evening.
Come on. You can’t even buy a cup of coffee for that any more. And at Smashwords, you can choose which format ebook you need for your reader.
So keep warm. Or cool. Or whatever it is you need today. Maybe Mother Nature will get her act together soon.
But before I go, how about a small excerpt from Too Many Talents?
Too Many Talents
Excerpt from Chapter 2–Connell
“But Mom, why do I have to go live with Grandpa? I want to stay here with you,” Connell complained for the hundredth time.
“You know why, young man,” his mother scolded. “And as soon as your father and I can take care of everything here, we’ll join you.”
“But how long will that be?” he asked, rolling his blue eyes at her. “I don’t know why we have to go anyway. I don’t want to be First Lord.”
“Now that is enough. We don’t have time for this. You’re ten years old and you know better.”
“I’m almost eleven,” he countered.
“Then start acting like it,” his mother snapped, exasperation beginning to show.
“But what about all my friends? I won’t have any friends there,” he continued.
“I’m sure you’ll make new friends.”
“But I like my old ones.”
“Connell, find something to do besides complain, or I’ll find something for you to do.”
“Fine!”
The little boy of almost eleven spun on his heel and ran out the door. Arriving at his favorite spot by the stream, he dropped down onto a large gray boulder and fought back the tears. No, he would not cry. Selecting a flat stone from the bank, he skipped it expertly across the water.
He wasn’t sure how long he’d been there before he heard someone behind him.
“Connell? Can I sit with you?”
Great! The voice could only be little Nell. She was all right for a girl, but, well, she was a girl. And she was always trying to help him with whatever he was doing. Two years younger than he was, they’d grown up together in the village, and he’d always liked her, even though she could be annoying.
“I guess. Sure,” he answered with a sigh.
He turned to give the little blonde, blue-eyed girl a hand so she wouldn’t slip on the bank. Once seated on the rock bench, she smoothed her flowered frock down over her knees.
“What are you doing down here? I thought you guys were moving.”
“Mom’s mad and told me to find something to do. So I came down to skip stones.”
“I could never do that. Can you show me?”
Even if she was a girl, Nell took his mind away from his problems. They skipped stones until the light began to fade.
“We should probably go back, Nell,” he told the little girl. “Mom was mad before I came down here. If I’m too late getting back, it won’t help anything.”
“Will I see you before you go, Connell?” she asked.
“I guess. We’ll be here a few days yet, and anyway, I’ll come back sometimes.”
“Can I still be your friend when you’re First Lord?”
“Of course. Why couldn’t you?”
“I don’t know. I just wondered. Thanks, Connell.”
About a week later, over the weekend, his father got the cart ready for the trip to Belfort Manor. Connell had determined ahead of time not to cry, no matter what, at least until they were out of town.
Though his mother said she was fine, he saw a few tears threatening to fall before he looked away. He so wished his parents could come with him right now. The idea of living with his grandfather, the First Lord, was intimidating
Of course, Nell had been there, tearful, and sure she’d never see him again. The pretty little bouquet of wildflowers was a sweet gesture, and after a quick hug, she buried her face in her mother’s skirt with a big sob.
“He’s not going away forever, Nell,” his mother had said. “He’s going to train his skills so he’ll be a good First Lord.”
Does anyone else have trouble believing the summer is almost gone? Here we are in August already. Where has the time gone?
I’ve been working on a couple WIPs. One for each of my series. They’re going well, though I’m not sure where we’ll all end up. My characters tend to have ideas of their own and take off without informing me beforehand. So I try to keep and sort it out to a happy ending. Trevor and Theresa, on Gambler’s Folly, are no exception.
Do you prefer e-books or paperback?
My personal preference is for paperbacks, but these days they can cost quite a bit. And if we’re traveling, I can take a whole library with me in e-book form. But there’s something about the feel of the pages in a physical book, the smell of the ink, or the scent from an old book which has seen a lot of the world.
What is the oldest book you own?
I have a book I bought when I was in high school at a Goodwill store. It was priced at twenty-five cents and I loved it. It has travelled with me for years and about once a year, I retrieve it from the bookcase and read it one more time.
Copyrighted in 1909 by Arthur Hornblow, By Right of Conquest is a turn of the century romance. While it is pretty tame for today’s readers, it nonetheless gives us an insight into the written word as it was over 100 years ago, as well as life in society at the time.
So share your books with me in the comments below.
While I doubt any of my books will last as long as By Right of Conquest, I have fun writing and sharing them with you.
Check them out at Amazon, Smashwords, or any major bookseller. The first two books from the Esperance series are available from Audible as well.
All of us fromEsperance–Jareth, and Viviane, James and Morgan, and all the folks you have yet to meet-; from Gambler’s Folly— Damiano and Karianna, Dante and Angela, Dmitri and Danni, and all their friends; and Lord Sir Richard and Anne-Marie from Cote d’Or–wish you a very Happy Holiday.
She appeared for the first time in Jareth, First Lord, as one of the girls brought back from Clan Belfort. As the series progressed, I became intrigued by her story and decided to see where she’d come from and what Clan Brannach held in store for her.
She’d had a hard life before she moved to Clan Brannach and after she arrived, she was assaulted while making deliveries for her boss. She escaped being raped only because of two young men who came to her rescue.
Sure she’ll never find a happily-ever-after, she’s given up trying.
Until she meets James, who has also given up on love. But when he first sees Morgan, muddy, battered, and bloody though she was, it was love at first sight.
But his family has secrets of its own, which has scared off most of the women in his life. One woman he was dating took off running and was nearly trampled to death in the street when he gave her a glimpse of his Talent.
Can he win Morgan’s heart? And can she accept his unique gift as well?
“Jamie, you’re up early this morning,” his dad called out as he strode down the path. “Got plans with a dark-haired pixie?”
“Sort of. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
Leaning on the rail fence in front of his parents’ house, he told his father what had happened the previous evening.
“I don’t see how you could have done differently, son,” his father said. “If you’re serious about her, she’ll have to know sooner or later.”
“But how can I know when to bring it up? I thought Gwen…”
“Don’t look back, James,” his father said seriously. “I was never sure about Gwen. I know you loved her and hoped things would work out, but that is all in the past.”
“I’m trying to look forward, Dad. But I couldn’t live with myself if I chased Morgan away.”
“Where are you going today?” his father asked.
“For a hike up the stream. It’s a nice warm day and it should be beautiful.”
“The stream isn’t far from the forest. Take her over and introduce her. See what the forest has to say.”
Once Morgan and James become serious, he shows her a little of what he can do. As a result, her nickname for him becomes the Green Man.
Who says the Green Man is a myth? Maybe over the centuries the stories have become distorted. Perhaps the Green Man is just a guy with some unique abilities. And just maybe there is more than one…
So what does one with “a way with wood” do? Let’s take a look at one aspect of the Talent.
Here is James showing Morgan a little bit about what he could do.
“Now, you wanted to know a little bit about the Fergusons, he stated. “Watch.”
For a moment, his eyes seemed unfocused, as he reached his working level. It was similar to what Morgan did when she worked with inlay. Holding the branch with both hands, he put his thumb and index finger on either side of it, about halfway down its length, and slid them down the branch.
As she watched, the branch changed shape. Now, instead of round, it had flattened into a strip a little wider than the original and a little longer. The prickling feeling which crept up her arm was similar to what she felt when working with metal. Soon, her whole body tingled from the energy of his work.
With the other hand, he did the same thing to the other half of the branch, with the same result. Morgan watched, fascinated, as he began to shape it into something else.
From the flattened branch, his fingers began to shape little semi-circular bits, like petals, which stood up in bas-relief from the original. As she watched, they became flowers. In between, he pulled bits away from the main branch to become leaves.
Morgan held her breath, afraid of interrupting his work. Once the flowers and leaves were finished, he glanced up at her briefly before continuing.
With his fingers on either side of the branch, he began to curl the branch into a spiral, which made the flowers stand out even more. With one complete circle in the middle and two partials on either end, he pushed the coils together to shorten the overall length. When he was finished, she saw a free-form bracelet, about three inches in width.
Morgan was transfixed by the sight. It was so beautiful she was nearly in tears as he held it out to her. She gently reached out a finger to touch the little petals, still warm from the energy of the shaping.
There were no signs of breaking from the work. It was as if the branch had grown that way on the tree. The bark was even intact, its silvery color making the flowers seem to shine in the soft evening light.
“Morgan?” she heard. “Are you all right?”
“Oh, James. It is so lovely and the little flowers so dainty and beautiful.”
Now that The Russian is live on Amazon and Smashwords as an ebook, it’s time to get it and a couple others ready for paperback. What with my husband’s knee surgery in January, things have been a little busy to deal with the aggravation of formatting.
And then?
I think I’ll spend some time to finish a couple other books I have nearly finished, but set aside to get The Russian published and out to the world.
There is Whiskey Jug Genie, my 2019 NanNoWriMo project, which is nearly finished–as far as a first draft. In thisSultonna Nadine book, a London herbalist tours the American Southeast and buys an old whiskey jug, not realizing it was inhabited. When he releases the genie in his living room, the fun begins.
Then there is Lady Calloway, another Sultonna Nadine offering, set in an alternate timeline of Victorian England. She’s a small town girl from up North. He works for the church down in London and comes from a family of confessors–psychically gifted people who can bring any sinner to confession, no matter the cost.
And then there is Protector of the Red Dragon, from Sultonna Nadine. A fantasy set partially in modern times and partially in the 16th century, it combines fantasy, romance, and a touch of magic to usher in an era of peace and prosperity involving twin sisters, a magical sword, and a dragon.
While that’s all happening, Mistaken Identity is with my editor going through the initial edits. This is another stand alone from Sultonna Nadine. Captured in a brief military strike against her world from their sister planet, Krista is mistaken for someone she’s not. By the time her captors are convinced of the truth, the commander of the facility has hatched a plan with her at its core. Can she learn enough fast enough to help bring off a plan which will benefit both worlds, without losing her life, or heart, in the process?
And then there are the other books in the Esperance and Gambler’s FollySeries to finish editing. A couple need finishing as well. And some are waiting to be written, with a new idea popping up earlier this morning.
So it looks like it will be a busy year here on the farm. The Monster and Miss Kitty have settled in to give me a hand, so we’re all set.
Have a marvelous week, and if you haven’t checked out The Russian, to over and take a peek. He’s one of my favorite characters, and his mate is a feisty little she-wolf you’ll adore.
Mellie's Books 