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Well then, step right over and get your copy of  Dante’s Angel!

What is Dante’s Angel?

Dante is one of Damiano Leone’s co-workers on Gambler’s Folly. When Dam and his mate, Karianna, return to Earth for their church wedding, Dante, Marco, and Paulo go with them to be members of the wedding party.

But Dante has never been off of Gambler’s Folly, and is most decidedly single, a fact which is brought home more strongly by his friend’s wedding. He’s been told he could be Damiano’s little brother, but his looks don’t seem to do him much good. Besides, woman make him tongue-tied. He hasn’t even been on a date for a month.

But all this changes when he meets Angela, Damiano’s cousin. With her, his mouth seems to have developed a mind of its own. And while both of them find the other irritating at their first meeting, their first kiss later on in the evening sizzles.

How can they be soul mates when they’ve just met?

DANTE’S ANGELa Paranormal Fantasy Romance, sequel to award-winning Gambler’s Folly!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/738377

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073SJYN67/ref

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dantes-angel-mellie-miller/1126709987

Excerpt:

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 at the moment. 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 decided. 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.

****

“Marco, is everything all right with Dante?” Karianna asked.

“Sì, signora. He’s a little nervous about leaving Gambler’s Folly. He was born here and has no family on Earth. He’ll be fine once we’re underway.”

“If you’re sure,” she said reluctantly. The first time she’d left her home planet, she’d been lost on a bet, divorced from her husband, and married to the strongest of the underworld syndicate bosses—Damiano Leone.

“Should someone go check on him?” she asked.

“Cara mia, he’ll be fine. He’s probably taking a nap. We’ll see him for dinner this evening,” Damiano assured her.

It wasn’t long before the lift-off announcement was made. As far as Karianna was concerned, this was the worst part of the trip. Flying always affected her in the same way. Too much imagination.

At least it didn’t last long. Marco called to check on Dante after lift-off. He chuckled as he ended the call.

“So, how is he?” she asked.

“Dio! He’ll be fine. He swears he’s never doing it again, though how he plans to return to Gambler’s Folly without it, I don’t know.”

“I didn’t think it was that bad,” Karianna reflected. “The one from Earth to here was worse.”

“Don’t worry so much, cara,” Damiano told her. “Why don’t we send these guys on their way and see what there is to do?”

Knowing her mate, she had a good idea what he meant.

Their friends took their leave, so she was soon alone with her husband.

“So, cara, I think it’s time to enjoy this most comfortable bed, don’t you think? And from what I’ve heard about your last trip, I doubt you’ve ever been loved on an intergalactic flight.”

“Time for a first then, isn’t it?” she answered as his hands unzipped her dress, before they corrected the oversight.

Karianna showered after their lovemaking and decided on a nap before dinner. Later, when she tried to stretch, she was wrapped in Damiano’s embrace. Snuggling deeper into his arms, she drifted off once again.

“Karianna, cara. Time to dress for dinner,” she heard. The kiss did more to wake her up.

“I suppose we should go to dinner,” she said, as her stomach rumbled. “Unless you want to come back to bed.”

“Now, cara, you know we’re all meeting for dinner this evening. We can go back to bed later.”

“Promises, promises.”

“You want promises, cara?” Damiano asked her. “I promise you, before I finish with you later, you’ll be begging.”

“You’ve got rather a high opinion of yourself,” she teased.

A fierce kiss and swat on her bottom told her the night was going to be exciting.

“Now, come on. Put on some clothes before I change my mind.”

When they finally arrived in the dining room to meet the rest of their party, Karianna was still slightly flustered. Damiano’s friends had made an effort this evening. Even Dante was well dressed for dinner. Why he never seemed to have a girlfriend, Karianna couldn’t figure out. He was good-looking, intelligent, and had plenty of money.

“To the most beautiful woman in my world,” was Damiano’s toast to start off the evening. She’d finally gotten used to his flattery. Her first husband never made her feel pretty, let alone beautiful.

Dinner was tasty and the atmosphere around the table relaxed. These four men had worked together for a long time, through dangerous situations. But they had welcomed her into their circle and made her feel safe, even though “safe” could be a relative term around Damiano and his business.

“Dante, are you settling in all right?” she asked.

“Sì, Signora. The lift-off was sort of tense, but I’m fine now.”

“Are you ready for your first look at Earth?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t know what to expect. Everyone tells me it is special, but how can it be any better than Gambler’s Folly?”

“I think it’s the history of humanity there,” she explained. “I haven’t been back since I left nearly two years ago. I want to find out how I react to coming home again.”

“I’ve never been anywhere but Gambler’s Folly. Everyone else here has ties to Earth but me. I feel like an outsider, in a way. Everyone else is coming home, but I have no home to go to.”

“Dante,” Damiano said. “My home is yours. We’re all brothers here—except for Kari, of course. And once Mama meets you, you’ll have trouble leaving.”

“If you say, Damiano. If you say.”

 

 

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Well, it has been sent off to the publisher. Dante’s Angel, that is. Here’s hoping they love it and it will be a huge success.

Gambler’s Folly is a pleasure center in the galaxy. Whatever you want, you can find there, whether it’s gambling, beaches, mountains. Exciting times or relaxing times, you can find it on Gambler’s Folly.

But like anyplace else, there is a darker underside to this pleasure paradise–the syndicate. Many of the syndicate members function on the wrong side of the law, bringing in drugs and other illegal substances and practices.

One of the most dangerous players is Damiano Leone, owner of the Stella d’Oro and other enterprises on Gambler’s Folly. Only he isn’t quite what he seems. Or perhaps he’s even more. His wife and mate he won from her husband on one hand of cards. The man had run up a debt of over a million credits. This was his way out. If he won, he kept his wife, his debts were cleared, and he would leave on the next shuttle out.

But if he lost–which he did–though his debts were still cleared, his wife, Karianna,  became the possession of Damiano Leone.

Have you read Book 1, Gambler’s Folly? If not, head on over to Amazon or to Bookstrand and get your copy. Book 2 will be out later this summer.

http://amzn.com/1627405844

http://www.bookstrand.com/gamblers-folly

I’ll post updates on Dante’s Angel here and on Facebook.

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Dante’s AngelComing Soon!

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Yes, it’s about time we had another excerpt from Esperance. This is from Jareth, First Lord, Esperance Book 1

Excerpt:

“Have I changed my mind? Do I still want you? I have always wanted you Viviane, since I first saw you on the parade grounds in Belfort. If I ever change my mind, it will be because you have pushed me so far away I feel I can never return. I want you for my wife, Viviane. I want you so badly I can barely stand it. But have you ever felt even the faintest desire for me?”

Viviane looked up at him for a moment, while composing her thoughts.

“Jareth, I went riding today to think about you–about us. I’m not sure how you feel about me anymore. You’ve been a true friend during terrible times I’ve been through. I tried to be your friend as a start toward something more,” she continued, “and I feel more for you than I ever have.”

“Really, Viviane, or is this just some game you’re playing?”

She paused again, temper beginning to rise.

“I don’t play those sorts of games, Jareth! Yes, I have felt desire for you. During the Suitor’s Dance on the last evening of the Gather, the way you held me and looked at me made me feel things I’d never felt before. At the close of the evening, as you swept me off my feet and into the house, your whole attitude toward me was different. I felt whole and alive, like you were seeing me as a woman for the first time. You sometimes act like you’re afraid to show me your desire, for fear I’ll reject you, I assume.”

“Where do you suppose I’d get that idea?” he asked.

“I’m trying, Jareth, I really am! I want to know it again, to feel wanted and desired. For some reason, I can’t allow myself those feelings I want so very much. Don’t turn away from me, Jareth, please!”

Angry and frustrated, Jareth still felt he ought to reach out to Viviane, who was now as upset as he was. While he couldn’t bear the thought of letting her go, after this much work and a pool of tears, maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. As he thought about it, he decided, no. He wasn’t ready to give up yet.

Stepping away, he looked down at her. “Viviane,” he said quietly, “you said you had gone out to think about us today. May I ask what you decided?”

Staring at the floor, she began speaking, almost too softly for him to hear her.

“When I first came here, I intended to make a place for myself in the clan like the others, until I learned of your intentions. That scared me. I’d finally escaped one ruling house. Why would I want to get involved in another? So I decided to use the time to make plans of my own, away from you, to spare me the miseries of a ruling house all over again.”

“Oh, that’s great, Viviane! Lead me on and then dump me as soon as you can. I feel so much better now! Thank you.”

“Jareth, stop! Let me finish. You can’t understand now, unless you understand then.”

“Fine. Pray continue.”

“I was still mourning Robert’s death and this was part of the problem. I loved Robert, yes, but I think I really married him to escape from a place I loathed. Seeing The Choosing as a possibility to start over, I was a little relieved when I was chosen. At least until I got here and discovered I’d jumped from the boiling pot into the fire.”

“And this is supposed to make me feel better—how?”

“Just listen. I figured, since I was here and had some time to recuperate, I might as well see what kind of man you were before I struck out on my own. And somehow along the way, I began to fall in love, albeit against my wishes.”

“Oh, I see,” Jareth said with a sneer. “And then you fell in love.”

“Jareth, this is difficult enough without your ego getting in the way! You wanted me to explain, so I’m trying.”

“Whatever. Go on.”

“I fought my feelings for the longest time, trying to see something about you to hate, but I couldn’t find anything. And then you refused to let me ride alone. Now, you were behaving just like my brother. Here was something I could cling to and get angry about.

“But it didn’t last. You were right and I saw that I was being a fool.”

“Some things never change, I guess,” Jareth muttered.

“Fine! Do you want me to explain or not, because if you don’t, I won’t waste my breath.”

“No, no! Please go on. It makes a fascinating tale.”

“Since you’re so obviously bored by the whole thing, suffice it to say that I decided to give it a fighting chance, which is what led to my decision at the Gather. Instead of what I’d intended, which was to wait and tell you it wouldn’t work out and try to let you down easily, I gave us a chance.”

“And was your decision only a wonderful story to keep me on the hook until you had some more time?”

“No, damn you! After all the time I’d spent with everyone here in the house and working on the Gather, I understood how different your household was. There’s very little formality wherever you go and no pages or attendants at every turn. You are respected and loved by your people without demanding all the nonsense my family thrives on. With them, it’s almost an addiction. I decided being First Lady of Brannach might not be as bad as I’d believed.”

“I suppose it might be considered a fate worse than death, to some,” Jareth interjected.

“Be that way then, but you will hear me out. The dance at the Gather was extraordinary. I felt alive in a way I didn’t know existed. Then it all faded and like the char girl in the fairy tale, it was as if it had all been a dream.”

“Poor little Princess.” Jareth added.

“Think what you will, Jareth, but today while I was riding—apparently without leaving word—I tried to decide what I wanted to do. I really have fallen for you, but there’s something in the way, some fear or doubt. There’s something I can’t name which keeps me from taking that one last step. Until it’s gone, I can’t move forward.”

“And what do you expect me to do, wait in attendance and hope you’ll make a decision sometime during my lifetime?”

“My time is not yet up Jareth. You gave me a year…”

“…and it’s been a damned long one!” Jareth finished for her.

“Maybe it has, but it isn’t finished yet. It may be only a few weeks, but there is time. Unless you decide we’re through, I have until the end of the year to see if I can get past this last hurdle.”

“So what do we do now, Viviane?” he asked finally. “I can’t continue on this way. To have you in my house, in my life, someone I want as much as I want you–I can’t do it! It’s more than a man can bear.”

“I know the love and desire I hope for will blossom. But if you’re no longer willing to wait, I’ll understand.”

Jareth looked at her for a moment, and then shook his head. More time, always more twice-damned time.

“Perhaps we both need to reassess how we feel. Go to your room Viviane. I’ll be in my chambers if you want anything.” He turned to the door and left.

****

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After writing Jareth, First Lord, I couldn’t get little Morgan out of my head. So quiet and retiring, I felt I had to write her story.

Morgan’s home life was abusive and she would do anything to get away. So when Jareth, First Lord of Clan Brannach came to her clan and demanded the Choosing, she volunteered to leave her clan.

Unfortunately, a few short months after her decision, she is attacked by a young man in her new clan. He’d approached her several times, but she’d refused to go out with him. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Saved from certain rape and possibly murder, the man is tried, found guilty, and executed. And Morgan is offered a new job at the local grocery. After her ordeal, added to her past life, she’s off men altogether. They can’t be trusted.

Until James walks into the store and into her life.

He’d been one of the men who came to her rescue and had been biding his time to let her recover. But he’d fallen had over heels in love with her when he’d first seen her.

Now, how can he win her heart if she won’t even walk across the square for a cup of tea?

And if he does win the heart  of this black-haired pixie, can she accept those things about him that make his family unique?

MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man. A story within a story. A romance with a happily-ever-after on a distant highland world known as Esperance.

Come with me and Share the Romance…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haven’t read the rest of the series?

ESPERANCE–The Series

 

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It hadn’t started out that way, but after three books published and at least three more to go, Jareth, First Lord has turned into Esperance, The Series.

JARETH, FIRST LORD Book 1

This is where it all started. Jareth, psychic ruler of his clan, lost his wife in childbirth. With no heir, he must seek a new partner, but after two years, isn’t sure he’s ready.

Viviane, youngest daughter of a neighboring first lord, is a widow, after her husband was killed in a fall. Struggling to survive on her own, she isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to open her heart to love again.

Traveling to the neighboring clan to settle a dispute, Jareth is drawn to the dark-haired beauty in the crowd. Choosing her as part of the spoils, he has no idea she is related to the ruling house.

Viviane is relieved to be chosen. Her other option was to move home, back to the clan seat. And that would never do. She wanted nothing to do with first families. Imagine her dismay when she learns Jareth hopes to make her his First Lady.

VIVIANE, FIRST LADY Book 2

After their marriage, Viviane struggles to control those psychic Talents brought out by the stresses of the previous year. On top of it all, she and Jareth will have to go to her brother’s trial, bringing even more stress to her life.

But if these Talents are frustrating during the day, they do make her evenings with Jareth more exciting…

MORGAN–THE PIXIE AND THE GREEN MAN Book 3

Morgan’s life has not been an easy one. Abused by her father and molested by an uncle, she is glad Jareth came to her clan and asked for volunteers for the Choosing.

But a few short months after moving to Clan Brannach, she is assaulted by one of the young men of the clan. Rescued from what was certainly going to be rape and possibly murder, she is completely off the idea of love and romance.

Until she meets James…

James Ferguson fell in love the first time he saw Morgan–which was when he helped rescue her. Having given her time to recover, he hopes to date her and make her his wife.

But how can he win her heart if she won’t even have a cup of tea with him?

What’s next?

TALENTS–THE STRUGGLE FOR CONTROL

This continues Viviane’s story, and brings in the story of her nephew, Connell, who will be the heir to Clan Belfort.

So go check out Esperance,  world of hopes and dreams, with psychically talented rulers, and women with minds of their own. A place where romance is in the air, from the lush forests to the majestic mountains.

Come share the Romance…

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MR4YOQL/

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I have several works in progress. One is for the Esperance Series–two books down the line from Morgan.  Another is for the Gambler’s Folly Series after Dante’s Angel. And there are a couple stand alones–one finished and ready for editing, and the other still in progress.

So, just for fun, I thought I’d share a little excerpt from the Esperance Series book–Gregor Thayne–Rowan’s Heir.

Enjoy!

Excerpt:

The best way to get Gregor out of his mood was to put him in another one. So she teased and pushed until she got him riled, then took off ahead of him. Knowing him, he would be feeling frisky by now, as well as put out, and that always led to a good time.

Ducking into the trees, she crouched down behind one of the boulders and watched for him. Soon, she saw him examining the path, looking for signs to follow. After a moment’s pause, he turned and followed her into the trees.

Damn, he was good at tracking. She should have taken more care, but since it had been a spur of the moment decision, she hadn’t had the time.

“Come on out, Caela. I know you’re in here. Make it easy for me, make it easy for yourself. If I have to hunt you down, it’ll go harder for you.”

Was that an intentional double-entendre, she wondered? Knowing him and his wit, it was. She was not about to give up yet, right when things were becoming exciting.

He had passed her boulder and was about twenty feet away now. Maybe, if she were careful, she could tiptoe back to the path and continue on toward the stables. Gregor was still facing away from her.

Rising carefully, she lifted her skirts to keep them from rustling in the fallen leaves. Moving slowly, she had nearly made it to the track when a hidden branch rolled out from under her foot. The noise it caused alerted Gregor to her movements.

Recovering her footing, she ran toward the track and nearly made it when she felt his fingers around her arm.

“I think not, my lady,” he said, with those mischievous green eyes laughing down at her. “It’s time I taught you a few things about playing in the woods.”

“And what might that be?”

“What happens when you get caught.”

As they moved back into the trees, he searched for something, but didn’t share his thoughts.

“Here we are. This should be sufficient.”

All Caela saw was a large fallen log.

“Sufficient for what?”

With one quick movement, he spun her around, sat down on the log and brought her face down across his lap.

“Sufficient for spanking your bottom, wench.”

“Wench? How dare you, Gregor Thayne?”

“Oh, I think you’d agree that I dare quite a lot.”

By this time her skirts were raised to her waist and he was chuckling at her predicament. And when things started off this way, they usually ended quite passionately.

He swatted her quite sharply as she struggled to get free.

“I will have you for this, Gregor,” she threatened.

“I’m sure you will, but I’ll have you first.”

She liked the sound of that.

When he’d added enough swats to make his point, and her behind was tender to the touch, he stood up with her. Face to face with Gregor, with her wrists held captive, she was slowly pushed backwards.

“Now you’ll get what’s coming to you,” he said in a low, pleased-with-himself voice.

Her behind met with a tree trunk, before she was pressed back to recline on a tree which leaned out to reach the light. Taken by surprise, she didn’t have time to respond before he’d secured her wrists together with a piece of vine and then bound them over her head.

Her feet barely touched the ground as she was stretched full length along the tree. He was in a mood, wasn’t he?

“Gregor, this is not amusing. Release me at once.”

“On the contrary. It’s most amusing, and I kind of like the look. Especially with your chin raised exposing your throat to me, and your eyes flashing. I’ve learned about the social structure in wolf packs. Tell me, does exposing your throat show submission in your case?”

“Not bloody likely.” She loved sparring with Gregor, physically, verbally, any way at all. She was already aroused and ready for him, but she knew he would take his own sweet time and make her wait.

Suddenly his mouth was on hers, demanding. With her arms framing her face, she couldn’t turn away, though she struggled to make him work for it.

His hand in her hair put an end to that and her willpower was nearly gone anyway.

Once he had her surrender, he stood up and let his eyes feast on her lying there, helpless. As she watched, strong fingers unbuttoned her blouse before one hand slipped around her waist. The other one teased her breast as his mouth came back to claim her lips again.

Skirt now unbuttoned, it and her panties were pulled down to pool around her ankles. His hand moved from around her waist to between her legs and brought her to a tortured state of arousal.

“If I were you, I’d be quiet. Unless you want anyone walking the track to know what’s going on in here.”

“Gregor, I don’t care what your mother says. You are a bastard.”

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          –to Share the Romance…

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Black and whiteThe series is doing well, thanks to all of you out there. Morgan is gaining in popularity. And she is one of my favorite characters in the series.

Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man is now available through Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million! So if you prefer to shop at one of these outlets online, click on the names below!

Morgan at Barnes and Noble

Morgan at Books-a-Million

And of course, the first two books in the series are also available.

Jareth, First Lord at Books-a-Million

Jareth, First Lord at Barnes and Noble

Viviane, First Lady at Books-a million.

Viviane, First Lady at Barnes and Noble

 

So, if you haven’t tried the Esperance Series, go check it out! All are also available through Amazon.

Happy reading everyone!

esperance-series-covers

 

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Black and whiteYes, Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man is now available through Amazon, in both Kindle and paperback! And if you are missing one of the other books, they are available as well.

Paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Pixie-Green-Man-Esperance/dp/1537770179/

For Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9Q9GB9/

Esperance, The Series:   amazon.com/dp/B01MR4YOQL

Morgan is resigned to living alone after her abusive father and a recent attempted rape in Clan Brannach. However, she hadn’t counted on James Ferguson’s green eyes, devil-may-care attitude, or his adorable dimples.

When he went to her rescue, James fell in love with this tiny young woman, with hair of midnight and eyes like the sea. Biding his time, he gave her a chance to heal before approaching her.

How can he win the heart of the woman he loves when she won’t even accept an invitation for tea? And if she does become interested, can she accept those things which set his family apart?

So come on in and join the party. And share the word!

For more news on the Esperance series:

https://www.facebook.com/esperanceseries

Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man!

esperance-series-coverspixie-and-the-green-man-front2

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Black and whiteLooking for something to read on these chilly nights? How about a little romance?

Check out the books in the Esperance Series. Fantasy romance on a distant highland world.

Jareth, First Lord

http://amzn.com/0989678644

Viviane, First Lady

http://amzn.com/0986100110

And don’t forget to Share the Romance…

Esperance2_web small

Jareth Cover art _web.small

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