I’m about to head to one of my favorite worlds–Esperance!
It all started with a dream that kept repeating ever night. A dream where a powerful ruler looked out across a crowd of women standing in a field, nervously waiting for him to make a choice. And when his eyes found those of a beautiful, raven haired young woman with sparkling blue eyes, he knew he’d found the woman he wanted to be his First Lady.
Esperance, a frontier type world which was nearly destroyed centuries ago when it lost contact with Earth. What brought it back from the brink of destruction was something peculiar to one segment of the population who had developed psychic abilities. They were able to exert enough influence to restore order once again and bring their people back into a civilized society, ruled by these multi-talented First Lords.
Over the years, others developed Talents in varying areas, which keeps things exciting. I mean, who couldn’t use a little bit of mental telepathy or telekinesis once in a while?
Jareth, First Lord, Book One of the series was born. After that the stories just seemed to flow. I had to tell Viviane’s story, once she’d begun to develop psychic abilities of her own. And in MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man, I explored Morgan’s back story. Why she came to Esperance and what happened once she had changed clans. The hesitant romance developing between her and James and all the intrigue which followed.
Of course, we had to delve into Viviane’s family, after her brother was exiled and a new heir chosen, in Too Many Talents.
Come meet these incredible people on one of my favorite worlds, Esperance! All books are right now at Smashwords
So if you’re like so many of us, and don’t have time to read every blog, you can listen instead. Find out what’s happening in my worlds, listen to my short stories, or sample excerpts from my books.
Can you believe it? September is here already, with all this month brings this year. So far, we have two weddings and a birthday in the family, along with all the other appointments and events taking place.
Whic his part of the reason I’ve been absent for a couple weeks.
Not to worry! I have done some writing on Unwilling Soulmates and I’ve been doing a read through of Lady Calloway so I can get started on the down and dirty process of editing the story. I’ll do my best to cut out the dross before handing it off to my editor, who will then do a slash and burn on it before we release it to the public.
Lady Calloway has been a long while in the writing. It has been one of those stories which was quite easy to start, but then I couldn’t quite figure out how to end the thing. There were too many possibilities to choose from. And I liked them all. But I finally got it sorted.
Now for the first read through of the entire book. We’ll see how it flows now that it is all written. Yes, there will be changes along the way. First drafts are notorious for being crap. Some worse than others. But that’s why there is editing, probably my least favorite part of writing.
Let me tell you a little about Lady Calloway.
First, I’m still trying to find the proper title for it. As the plot has turned and twisted, the working title has become inadequate.
In a world which isn’t quite the one we know, in a country which might have been England, Kerrick and Liora live in a town which just misses being Victorian London. In their version of the world, the church and state are two sides if the same coin. The secular laws are based entirely on the scriptures and the church has the final authority if there is a disagreement over interpretation of the law.
Kerrick and Liora have been married for three months, mostly unhappily. But it has taken three months for Kerrick–who is employed by the church–to find out the reason for their problem is based in a heretical belief Liora holds. As a church employee, it is his duty to report her to the church, but he loves her too much to subject her to the confessors. Instead, he plans a trip to a private seaside family home to reason with her and persuade her to accept the current teachings.
Who could have foreseen the events which unfold once they arrive?
This book will be a little while in the finishing, but stay in touch and you’ll be the first to know when it is released! This is a stand alone and will be under the pen name Sultonna Nadine.
Want to read more from Sultonna?
Go to Amazon and check out Master of the Fleet, a tale set in an alternate world of Northwestern America, where the United States is divided into kingdoms and magic is just a part of everyday life.
Want a snippet from Lady Calloway?
In a country that’s not quite England, and a town which just misses being Victorian Londre, Kerrick Calloway trudged wearily up the walkway to his home.
“Paradise preserve me,” Kerrick muttered, shaking his head and running his fingers through his sandy brown hair. Hadn’t today been aggravating enough already?
His wife greeted him with a kiss which barely grazed his cheek, irritating him even more.
“What’s wrong?” Liora, his wife asked, her gray eyes stormy and troubled. “Why are you angry?”
Shrugging her shoulders under her thick auburn hair, she began to turn away, as she waited for his answer. His arm shot toward her, his hand grasping her jaw firmly as he turned her to face him.
“Why? I just want to know why I can’t have a proper kiss from my wife. After working all day, it would be nice to feel my wife cares for me, instead of thinking she simply tolerates me.”
Releasing her with disgust, he started toward his study.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Liora replied. “Of course, I care for you. Every day I meet you at the door with a kiss.”
“You call that a kiss?” he shouted, turning back towards his wife. “That’s the sort of kiss you’d give to a brother or father, not the kiss a husband expects from his wife.”
“What’s the difference? I greet you each and every day to show you I love you. Does the kiss matter so much?”
“Yes, it does” he shouted in anger. “A man expects a few niceties when he gets home, and a proper kiss from his wife is one of them.”
“Why are you going on so much about a kiss? You know I love you.”
“Do I?” Kerrick asked, exasperated. “How am I supposed to know that? Your kisses are sisterly at best, unless I press the issue. And in our bed, half the time I feel I’m committing rape. You agree to sleep with me, but show no passion. Can you even feel passion?”
Suddenly wanting to know if she could show anything at all, he pulled her to him roughly, one arm firmly around her waist, the other twined in her hair turning her face to his. He kissed her savagely at first, his mouth hard on hers, demanding, before his kiss became more sensual. At first she tried to struggle free, and then, for a brief moment, he felt the beginnings of awakening arousal, before she stiffened into her usual stance—endurance.
“Don’t, Kerrick,” she pleaded with him as he released her. “Please, never do that again. I can’t bear it.”
“Can’t bear what? The thought you might feel something for me? You didn’t have to accept my proposal of marriage.”
If you liked Gambler’s Folly, you’ll certainly love The Russian. Book 3 in the series of books from Gambler’s Folly, this is the story of wolf-shifter, Dmitri Ivanovich Volkov, and his soul mate, Danni.
No one knows for sure how old Dmitri–known to his friends as Dima–actually is, but he’s been around over 500 years at least. His earlier years were spent in what had been known as Russia, but since then he has travelled all over the know universe, mainly as a mercenary.
A little over 200 years ago, he met his soulmate Ilyana and they were together for fifty years. When she died, she took his heart with her to the grave. Since then he has hunted alone, neither wanting nor needing any type of romantic relationship.
He currently works with the Special Unit of Interpol, alongside Damiano, Dante, and the bear shifter who is the chief. On a trip to Gambler’s Folly, he finds a young woman threatened by gang members and goes to her rescue.
Maybe Mother Nature is giving him a second chance at happiness.
The Russian is now available for pre-order at Smashwords for $0.99. Once it is released, the price will go up, so go on over and check it out.
How about an excerpt before we go?
If it hadn’t been for her scent, he would have been fine. Lilacs with honeyed-vanilla and white musk had wrapped around him softly. Hazel eyes under blonde curls had drawn him in. He’d thought, after all this time, he had control over his urges. What had possessed him to kiss her?
Her mouth now, there was a treat. Fresh raspberries and sweet white wine still teased his palette. Between her scent and her taste, he was one messed up wolf. He wanted to run through the forest, roll in the leaves, and howl to his pack mates about this delicious female he’d met.
No, he wouldn’t see her again. He didn’t need a relationship. Life around him was too uncertain. Besides, he’d had a mate long ago and, when she’d died, she’d taken his heart to her grave.
He was here for a job. He had no time for females.
It’s about that time this evening, but a good night meme I saw reminded me of a passage from Jareth, First Lord.
How about a little snippet from the first book in the Esperance Series?
Looking up into the sky through the branches, Viviane realized tonight wasn’t just another night. She called it to Jareth’s attention. As they watched, the two moons above were aligning. In a few moments, one would completely eclipse the other, and for a little while this evening, only one moon would grace the sky.
“‘In the heart of winter, the two become one, the past put to rest, the future begun,’” Jareth said, quoting the ancient legend. “Perhaps there is a reason we came here tonight,” he told her, his eyes staring intently into hers as if he could read her soul.
Set in an alternate timeline of North America, where the French had a much greater influence and the country was divided into various kingdoms rather than states, magic is part of everyday life.
Richard Lemarnier is a weather-shaper, commanding wind and water. As CEO and Master of the Fleet for the family company, he is in the upper echelons of society. And still single, he’s considered the most eligible bachelor on the Cote d’Or.
But he only has eyes for one–Anne_Marie…
Excerpt:
“I will not have any man dictate my actions,” she shouted, rising to her feet. “If I’d wanted a task master, I would have stayed under my father’s roof rather than cross half the continent to get away.”
The jewelled dagger flashed in her hand as she thrust it at him. A skilled swordsman, Richard easily parried the attempt as he rose to his feet. The dining area was too crowded to deal with the situation.
Backing away from the table, he suggested, “Anne-Marie, drop the dagger and sit down. You’re making a scene.”
She stalked after him, dagger in hand and in an absolute rage, as he retreated toward the dance floor. This was getting a bit sticky. With room to maneuver, Richard was ready when she lunged at him again. Grabbing her wrist with one hand, he slapped her with the other. As the dagger dropped, she tumbled to the floor and her glare was pure venom.
With the dagger tucked safely into his belt, Richard turned back toward the table. This should end the matter, and the relationship as well.
“I hate you,” Anne-Marie screamed, as she snatched a sword from a nearby table.
Swinging wildly, she came at him with murder in her eyes. Lord Richard drew his blade. While defending himself was not a problem, disarming her without harming anyone else might be. Anger rising, he waited for his opening. After the time and money he had spent on this trip, would she murder him in front of the high table?
His opening came and he threw her blade clear of the floor. With the point of his sword at her throat, Anne-Marie backed away, eyes wide, as anger became fear. Richard moved toward her, his blade never wavering as she retreated. Finally shrinking against the high table, Anne-Marie’s retreat was blocked. Sidestepping, he grabbed her hair to expose her throat fully to his blade.
In a room as silent as a tomb, every eye was focused on the frozen tableau before the baron’s table.
“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 travelled 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?”
“She begged me to travel to your kingdom for the harvest festival this year. Besides transportation and chaperones, I paid for passage and accommodations across two kingdoms to please her.”
The Baron’s frown deepened. “What has that to do with all of this?” he demanded.
“This evening, Your Excellency, I asked if she could spare me some of the attention she’s lavished on every other man in the room, acknowledge me as her escort, and grace me with an occasional word or smile. Heaven knows her eyes have promised more to every other man she’s met this evening.”
Pausing in his explanation, he heard the murmured agreement of others around the room.
“In her anger, she tried to cut my heart out with a dagger. When I took it from her, she snatched a sword from some poor soul and tried to kill me.”
The baron took a moment to ponder the question, glancing at the drop of blood trembling at the tip of Richard’s sword.
“Is this true, woman?” he asked Anne-Marie.
Not answering for a moment, she eventually replied, very carefully, “Unfortunately, it is, Your Excellency.”
“Given the circumstances and from what I have seen tonight, I pass judgment. Your life is forfeit, woman. Have you anything to say?”
With her eyes on Richard, she answered, “If you expect me to beg for my life, you will be disappointed. I will not. Look into your heart and do what you must. If you require my life, then take it. If you find mercy, I would be grateful, milord.”
The silence deepened, with everyone stunned at the scene playing out in front of the high table, while Richard pondered his options. Still holding her head with one hand, sword in the other, he forced her into the center of the floor. Releasing her with a shove he commanded, “Kneel, Anne-Marie. Your life is forfeit. I see no reason to prolong this farce.”
Taking a stance, he raised the sword and swung it down in an arc which would separate head from body. Gasps and a few screams echoed in the room before, he stopped a scarce half-inch away from her neck. Stepping in front of Anne-Marie, he lifted her chin with the tip of his sword, and studied her face. Her eyes were wide with fear, and silent tears streamed down her cheeks before staining the bodice of her gown.
“I have spared your life, which was forfeit. It is now mine to command. Does anyone disagree?” he challenged.
There were murmurs all around, but no disagreement. The baron shrugged his shoulders and sat down, quaffing a large quantity of wine.
Reversing his grip on the blade, Richard held it point down and perpendicular to the floor.
“Kiss the blade that spared your life and swear your loyalty to me.”
The hoarse whisper echoed to the farthest corners of the banquet hall. Trembling, Anne-Marie pressed her lips against the sword.
“On pain of death, I, Anne-Marie Desplaines, swear loyalty to Richard LeMarnier, until his death or until released from my vow. Repeat it to me,” he demanded.
As she did, the baron rose from his seat and cleared his throat.
“After the events of the evening, I will allow this to stand under one condition.”
“And what is the condition, Your Excellency?” Richard was careful to keep his tone respectful.
“An oath which will keep her safe and make you her protector,” the baron replied. “Draw your dagger.”
Richard did as commanded, as the baron circled the table.
“Make a small cut on your hand and on the woman’s.”
“A blood oath, Your Excellency?”
“You question me?”
“No, Your Excellency.”
With the tip of the dagger, Richard made a nick in his hand, and its twin in Anne-Marie’s. Droplets of blood beaded up in their palms.
“Clasp hands,” the baron instructed them.
Over their joined hands, the baron traced arcane symbols in the air. Tingling magic swirled around their hands to bind the oath.
“By the mingling of your blood, do you, Anne-Marie, swear absolute loyalty and obedience to Lord Sir Richard LeMarnier, on pain of death, for as long as you shall live?”
She was crying and shaking so hard Richard wasn’t sure how she was still upright.
“I do so swear,” she replied through the tears.
“And Lord Sir Richard LeMarnier, do you swear to spare her life and guard her, as her sworn protector, for as long as she lives?”
“I do so swear.”
“You will remain together, blood-bound, for as long as the oath shall stand, neither one leaving the other, nor causing harm, one to the other. Breaking the conditions set forth will bring forth the penalty. The oath can be revoked before death by the skills of a baron only. Take heed.”
It looks like winter is having one last fling. At least, I hope it is the last one. But it’s a perfect time to dig into that “to-be-read” stack. Right?
I’ve been re-reading some of Vonnie Davis‘ books, which are some of my absolute favorites.
Who doesn’t love a book sale? I know I sure do. And for all of you out there who have been thinking about looking at some of my novels, now’s your chance
All my books at Smashwords are FREE through Jan. 1!
Then you’re in luck! The next book in the series, The Russian, should be coming out in the spring! He’s a wolf-shifter and over 500 years old. After losing his soul mate 200 years ago, he refused to get involved with anyone, preferring to remain a lone wolf than suffer the heartbreak again.
But all that changes when he meets Danni on a dark street and rescues her from several gang members. There was something about her scent as it wrapped around him. And when he kissed her good night…
Watch for The Russian! and if you haven’t read Gambler’s Folly or Dante’s Angel, go over to Amazon or to Smashwords and check them out!
Hope your holiday was wonderful!
