Gambler’s Folly. A fantasy world in the galaxy. A cornucopia of pleasure. On Gambler’s Folly you can find anything you want, from lively clubs and casinos, to placid lakes; skiing in the mountains and sandy beaches.
And who watches over all this?
If it’s interplanetary, especially if it’s dealing with contraband, it is Interpol. And the new Interpol has a special division for dealing with contraband.
A whole team of shifters to sniff out and track down those who are trafficking illegal substances through the galaxy.
And let’s not forget romance.
Beginning with Book 1, Gambler’s Folly, our MC finds his soulmate in a rather unusual fashion.
Book 2, Dante’s Angel, takes us back to Earth for a wedding, where Dante Bonfiglio discovers his soulmate in Damiano’s cousin, Angela.
And Book 3, The Russian. He’s 500 years old and has been alone since his soulmate died 200 years ago. But Mother Nature chooses to give him another chance, with a petite blond wolf shifter named Danni.
What else is coming up? We have bear shifters, more wolf shifters, leopards, and eventually, tigers. So stay tuned!
Or for information on all my writing, check out my author’s page, Meleigh’sCreations!
And you can always follow me on YouTube to see the trailers for my books and my worlds.
So come with me to Gambler’s Folly! I’ll introduce you to all my friends. Maybe Damiano will get them all together for us in the formal dining room of his hotel/casino, the Stella d’Oro.
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.
At least, that’s what the calendar says. Mother Nature is still trying to make up her mind. But at least the storms have stopped for this week, even if the temperatures are a bit chilly again.
If this is your first visit, let me introduce myself and my worlds.
I write paranormal fantasy romance.
What is that?
My worlds are fantasy worlds, on other planets, or alternate timelines of this one. Some contain elements of psychic abilities, like mental telepathy, telekinesis, and other Talents. This is the main theme in the Esperance Series.
Some are stories about shifters. The Gambler’s Folly Serieshas shifters of all sorts–leopards, panthers, wolves, bears. And more to come!
Some have characters with magical abilities. In Master of the Fleet, our MC, Richard, has command over the elements wind and water. Others can control earth, fire, wind or spirit. Most of these are published under my pen name, Sultonna Nadine.
The next magical book to come out will be Whisky Jug Genie. One of our characters dabbles in white magic. And of course, there is the genie, wielding his own form of magic.
And there is always an element of romance. Some spicier than others, granted, but romance of some sort. The shifter series is a little spicier than the Esperance series is, though it does have its moments.
The Book Sale over at Smashwords is almost over. But don’t worry. There ‘s still time to go shopping. The sale ends tomorrow, March 12.
So, what do I have on discount there this week?
Everything!
The first two books in each series are FREE.
The rest of the books, including Master of the Fleet written as Sultonna Nadine, are $0.99.
But the sale is just about to wrap up, so don’t wait too long.
I’ve been working on taxes all week, so I’m about done in. But I’m going to try to take a walk with The Bear here in a bit. It seems winter is still not finished here in the Southeast, but I’m about done with winter…
Anyway, have a great weekend. Don’t forget the sale! I’m going to work on Gregor Thayne after my walk. Wish me luck!
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!
Yes, it’s that time again. The Read an EBook Week Book Sale!
What is it?
For one week this March, many Smashwords authors will have their books discounted during this week. Some will be 75% off, some will be FREE! It all depends on the author’s choice.
Yes, all of my books will be on sale during this week. The first book in each of my series will be FREE. The rest will be $0.99 each. You can’t even buy a coffee for that these days.
So mark your calendars for March 6–12 and head on over to the sale.
So don’t miss the sale. Now is the time to try new authors, finish a series you started, or just have fun and buy books at random! Okay, maybe not that. But go have fun! Buy books. Escape this reality for a while and go somewhere exciting, or peaceful, or weird.
But whatever you do, don’t miss the sale!
For paranormal fantasy romance, go to my profile! Meet Jareth and Viviane, Damianno and Karianna, Richard and AnnMarie, and host of others.
Yes, here it is the last Friday of February. Wasn’t it just the first of February a few days ago?
Of course, I’m sure the crazy weather around here hasn’t helped much. Just last week we had one night where the temperatures dipped down into the 20’s. Last night? Mid-60’s. My body can’t adjust to this.
But enough of the weather. Let’s talk books!
Here’s something to put on your calendar!
Read an eBook Week is coming to Smashwords March 6! And that means a whole lot of books will be on sale!
What’s not to like about that?
But it only lasts for a week, so make sure to head over there early.
Yes, all my books will be in the sale, from Gambler’s Folly, Esperance, and Master of the Fleet! If you haven’t tried my books yet, or if you need to add to one of the series, now would be a good time.
I’ll remind you and post a link to the sale as soon as it is available, so keep an eye out for it. I don’t know about you, but I love book sales.
This book began as a dream which kept repeating, night after night. Not the beginning, but partway through what became the second chapter. Just the one scene. And every time I would wake up and go back to sleep, it would come back.
Finally, to get it out of my head, I sat down and wrote out the scene that was on repeat in my brain, only to have it pick another scene with the same cast of characters, at some other point in the book.
In order to get a little sleep, I sat down and tried to piece together how these characters came to be where they were in the first scene. Why would they find themselves in this situation? And where would they go from there?
And Jareth, First Lord was born, followed by the continuation of the story in Viviane, First Lady.
The third book in the series is inset into the story flow. Morgan is a character introduced in the first book. I loved her character and wanted to explore who she was and why she had come to Clan Brannach.
The story will continue in the fourth book of the series, which will be out later this year–Too Many Talents.
But what started the whole thing? Let me give you an excerpt!
In the gray light of dawn one week after the postings, the women for The Choosing gathered on the parade grounds of the Belfort estate, nervous and frightened. Striding up to the podium, First Lord Jareth addressed the crowd. “Custom dictates older daughters marry first. With this in mind, I will accept volunteers. Some of you who are younger, with long waits ahead, may wish to try your chances in Clan Brannach. Once the volunteers are accepted, we will choose from those left to make up the tithe.”
While his men recorded the names of the girls who came forward, Jareth once again felt the strange spider on his brain which he’d sensed in the village. Searching the group before him, he was drawn to cascades of black curls shimmering in the soft morning light. About twenty feet away, she was comforting others with a touch or quick hug. Her concern impressed him. As she turned to face him, her dazzling blue eyes captivated his heart.
Regaining his senses, he threaded his way through the crowd. As he drew closer her eyes sparkled like the blue waters of a mountain stream in the sun. Lush dark lashes framed them in perfect contrast to her smooth, creamy skin. Her mouth was a small rosebud begging to be kissed. She appeared to him as a fairy princess come to life. Expecting fear or anger as he approached, all he saw was inner strength shining through sadness. He cultivated his imposing presence, but she rose tall and met his gaze.
For several years, I was a member of the SCA–Society for Creative Anachronism. It was fun recreating life from the middle ages, learning new skills, learning about how people lived during those times.
And music! As a musician, I loved learning songs and compositions from this time period. As part of a recorder consort, we got plenty of practice on music from different countries, some of which have come down into more modern times.
I remember playing the song Flow Gently Sweet Afton for my father, only to hear him say his mother had sung the song to him when he was young.
So what has this to do with Master of the Fleet?
One song most people know from around the Middle Ages–though it may be a little later–is Greensleeves. If you’re not familiar with the lyrics, you can find them online. The theme of the song is about a man who has gifted his love with everything imaginable, from jewels to fine linens, only to be cast aside.
Now, my writer’s mind began to wonder what would have happened if things had gone a bit differently.
And then my SCA mind began to create a scene, albeit the scene would have been part of a play put on for the delight of the guests at a feast.
So, putting the two together, I created the sketch for the feast–an argument breaking out between a man and woman, which gets out of hand, and ending with drawn blades.
In the sketch, this would have ended with him binding her to him as a sworn servant.
In the story, which is set in an alternate timeline where magic is real, Master of the Fleet, it goes far beyond that.
How far?
Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?
To read Master of the Fleet, go over to Smashwords this weekend. The ebook is on sale for only $0.99. The ebook is available in several different formats to fit your reader.
It’s available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover!
So, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful, magical weekend.
And Don’t Forget…
…to Share the Romance…
How about an excerpt?
“My good man, were you planning a human sacrifice on the high table? Who are you and what is the meaning of this?” the baron demanded.
A large man, with dark hair turning gray at the temples, and neatly trimmed beard, his presence commanded the attention of the room.
“Your Excellency, I am Lord Sir Richard LeMarnier, from Côte d’Or. The lady and I have traveled for more than a week to attend the festival here in her homeland. At least she claims it as such. After courting her for over a year and asking for her hand in marriage, I dance on her leash while she toys with my affections. Though she hasn’t refused my offer, she has yet to accept it.”
“What do you do?”
“I am in shipping, Your Excellency, with access to goods up and down the coast and from overseas. I have brought her gifts from every part of the world, given her everything she’s asked for, and more. She’s been blessed with everything within my power to give.”
“We’ll agree you’re a generous man. Why are you here?”
