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Posts Tagged ‘Shifters’

Yes, I know. We’ve talked about Gambler’s Folly before. But today I want to talk about something specific. Something that keeps popping up here and there that I don’t quite understand. Come with me for a moment!

From my point of view, Speranza, the capital city of the world Gambler’s Folly, is a metropolis. Think Las Vegas or Monte Carlo. Lights, crowds, restaurants, casinos, and luxury hotels to pamper you during your visit. Outside the city proper, the beaches are filled with vacationers, many of them wealthy. The dazzling white sand and the blue-violet water are a definite hit.

This world has been settled for quite a while. Long enough to be as advanced as any city on Earth. I mean, look at the USA. How long have Europeans been here? And look what all we’ve built in 250 years.

And yet, when people talk about Gambler’s Folly romances, they tend to speak in terms of “small town romance.”

Excuse me!

Would you consider Las Vegas a small town? Or Monte Carlo? I’m not sure where this comes from. Any city large enough to have a space port for those traveling to the planet could not be a small town.

What am I missing here?

Most of the books in the series begin in Speranza, as that is where visitors come in to Gambler’s Folly. Just like everywhere else, they have to pass through customs and immigration, pick up luggage, and catch transportation to their hotels. From there the stories diverge. Dam and Kari say in Speranza for the most part, though they take a trip down to Black Sands and out to the ski resorts.

Dante and Angela meet on Earth.

Dmitri and Danni meet at the Interpol offices in Speranza. After their wedding, they drive up into the mountains, where Dmitri has a cabin, while they finish bonding as fated mates.

Again, Kort and Elizabeth meet on the way to Gambler’s Folly. Both are staying at the same hotel in Speranza until Fate chooses to make them fated mates. During their bonding they drive up to his lake house.

Everything revolves around Speranza, as a capital city. The first glimpse of the planet people see when visiting is the capital city.

So, how can this be a small town? And if you have thought of it as small, please drop me a comment and tell me why. It can be difficult, as the author of a book, to see the story from an outside point of view.

Haven’t read any of the series? Go on over to Amazon and choose your adventure. While the books are part of a series, they can be read alone, so pick the one that suits your mood.

Happy reading everyone!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Coming soon, with a little luck–Scotch and Soulmates!

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A promotional image for the 'Esperance' fantasy book series, featuring four book covers: 'Jareth - First Lord', 'Viviane - First Lady', 'Morgan - The Pixie and the Green Man', and 'Too Many Talents'. The background is green with golden text advertising the series and a QR code linking to Amazon.
Promotional image for 'Gambler's Folly' series by Mellie Miller, featuring four book covers and a QR code. The text emphasizes the paranormal romance theme and mentions availability on Amazon.

How about a Russian wolf shifter who is over 500 years old? Who lost is soulmate 200 years ago and is afraid of relationships?

THE RUSSIAN, Book 3 in the Gambler’s Folly series. A definite age gap here. He was on planet for work, as part of Interpol’s Special Division. She worked in the back office. In her mid twenties, she was balancing her work with taking care of her mother. She didn’t have time for a relationship.

But this is Gambler’s Folly, and you know how Fate likes to play with the lives of the shifters there. Come read Dmitri and Danni’s story. A fated mate, love at first sight romance, with old secret deals coming to light and threatening to take away this new soulmate of Dmitri’s.

And on the other hand, we have Too Many Talents. Viviane had trouble with her training, ever since she nearly killed her brother at his trial. She had never wanted psychic or paranormal abilities, but couldn’t find a way to get rid of them.

Her young nephew, Connell, had is own problems back in her home clan. Since her brother had been cast out, Connell had been chosen to train as heir to the clan in his place. He didn’t understand why the Talents were necessary. He hated the headaches. And he just wanted to return to a settled, uncomplicated life.

Come with me to Esperance as these two strive to master abilities that seem to have a mind of their own at times. We’ll laugh at some of their mishaps, cry with them at others, and there’s a surprise for Viviane at the end. Something she’s hoped for since she came to Clan Brannach.

Sale begins today–Monday, Sept. 14 and lasts through Saturday, Sept. 19. Get The Russian or Too Many Talents for only 99 Cents each!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Cover of 'The Russian: Gambler's Folly Book 3' by Mellie Miller, featuring a silhouetted couple kissing in a sunlit forest with a wolf's face subtly in the background.
Book cover for 'Too Many Talents' featuring a woman holding a glowing orange orb, with a sunset and mountains in the background.
A wolf standing in the snow with its head raised, surrounded by falling snowflakes. Superimposed text reflects themes of passion and longing, attributed to 'The Russian'.
Cover of the book 'Too Many Talents' featuring a woman with a glowing orb in her hands, surrounded by a colorful background.

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New sale coming up tomorrow, Monday Sept. 14!

Which books will be on sale this week?

Only one way to find out! Check back here tomorrow for this week’s sale!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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Dante’s Angel is Book 2 in the Gambler’s Folly series. I hadn’t originally planned for a series. It was going to be one stand alone book to play with the idea of a man winning his wife in a card game. But I ended up writing a shifters romance set on a resort world, complete with a dark underworld and Interpol… The characters took over and wrote their own story.

But one of the minor characters in Book 1 intrigued me a little. I liked Dante. He was a younger member of the team and always seemed to be over shadowed by the others. He got the job of watching over Kari’s meals when someone tried to poison her. His team mates left him out in the rain to guard the door, saying ti was fine. He was shifted and wouldn’t mind the weather…

But he seemed like a sweet guy, a little shy, and working his way up through the ranks in Interpol. Maybe I could just write a little bit about him. What would it hurt?

First, where did he come from? Most of the other members of the team were originally from Earth. But Gambler’s Folly had been settled for a few centuries at this point. Maybe he was a native. And he met the others through Interpol. Part of what he brought to the team was home world connections. He knew the ins and outs of the place like none of them ever could. It was great for local intel.

But what about a girlfriend? He was a shifter. And in the first book we explored the concept of fated mates. What if Dante found his mate? Dam and Kari were leaving to go to Earth for their formal wedding. Surely hey would bring their friends along for the wedding. And they could include Dante.

Wouldn’t it be fun if he met someone on Earth who was his fated mate?

More fun if she was one of Damiano’s relatives…

And once again, the characters took over the story, with all its twists and turns. And the story of Dante’s Angel was born. The title came from his fated mate’s name–Angela.

So Dante was developed, complete with a family background. Immigrants originally from Sicily, but Dante was born on Gambler’s Folly. A panther shifter like Dam, Marco and Paulo, he goes full angry cat when his fated mate is threatened.

Come along with me to Italy for the wedding! It’ll be fun!

And you can save money if you go this week… Dante’s Angel is on sale for only $0.99 through Saturday!

Happy reading to everyone!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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The month of September will be full of sales! And this week’s offering from Mellie Miller features a book from the Gambler’s Folly Series!

DANTE’S ANGEL!

Dante was a minor character in Gambler’s Folly Book 1. After I had finished the first book, I felt a little sorry that Dante hadn’t had more time. He seemed like a sweet guy, but maybe a little lost. So I decided to write his story.

As part of Damiano’s team, he was headed to Earth for Dam and Kari’s big church wedding for the family. To be honest, he was a little jealous of Dam’s good fortune. The guy seemed to have everything going for him and now he’d found his soulmate, his fated mate. Dante got anxious and tongue-tied around women. How was he ever going to find someone to love?

Be careful what you ask for! Once on Earth, at a family dinner, he meets Damiano’s cousin, Angela. Their first exchange is a bit confrontational. But when they accidentally meet in the olive grove later in the evening, they make a discovery that will throw all the wedding plans and their lives into complete chaos.

Join me in Italy for DANTE’S ANGEL. On sale Sept.7 through Sept. 12 for only $0.99!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend.

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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You know how it is. You go away for a week and it takes you two at least to get everything at home running smoothly again. But I think I’m about there. Maybe…

I’ve been working more on Scotch and Soulmates. I want to get it done as soon as I can so it can be ready for the holidays. No promises, but I’m hoping.

So what are you reading tonight? If you’re waiting for Paul and Sophia to make an appearance. have you read the rest of the books from Gambler’s Folly? How about a little preview of the series?

Gambler’s Folly is a futuristic world out in the galaxy. A pleasure center, it has everything you might want–mountain chalets, peaceful lake houses, white sandy–or black sandy–beaches with blue-violet water. Sunlight that is a little paler yellow than the sunlight on Earth. And in the capital city of Speranza, you will find luxury hotels, upscale casinos with formal dining rooms, dance floors, and 5-star cuisine.

Most of those who come to Gambler’s Folly are mundanes, non-shifters. But due to Interpol’s Special Division, quite a few of those in law enforcement are shifters of various sorts. The owner of the Stella d’Oro luxury hotel chain, Damiano Leone, is a leopard shifter, as is his wife and soulmate, Karianna. You’ll find them in most of the books, as their hotel dining room has become a meeting place for the MC’s in the series. And not only is Damiano part of the underworld syndicate, he is an agent with Interpol, a fact most don’t realize.

With all the shifters coming and going to Gambler’s Folly, it is inevitable that several have found their fated mates there, leading to the idea that on this world every love story is a gamble and Fate always deals the final hand.

Gambler’s Folly, the first book in the series, sets the scene and the tone of the series. Brought to life after I heard a song about a man winning his wife in a card game, I tried to figure out how that could happen in the modern world. And Damiano and Karianna were born. She and her first husband came to this world to work on their marriage, only he had a gambling problem. Offered a choice to get out from under his debt at the Stella d’Oro, he takes the offer. One hand of cards. Win or lose, his debt with them is cleared and he has passage back to Earth. But if he loses, he signs divorce papers and Karianna becomes Damiano’s property. When his hand is a queen high straight, he thought he had it made. But when the other hand is a royal flush, he signs papers and says goodbye, only to be murdered on his way to the space port.

Damiano is furious. He had nothing to do with the murder, but convincing his new wife of this fact is proving difficult. And she is not used to being out in the limelight. As the owner of the Stella d’Oro and one of the most powerful members of the syndicate, he is used to it. And then they discover they are Fated Mates. Let the games begin.

All the MCs in the series are shifters. Dante’s Angel is once again leopards, as Dam and Kari head to Earth for the family’s formal wedding for them. Dante, who works with Damiano, is in the wedding party, but he’s a little nervous. He’s never been off his home world and he’s kind of shy around women. This all changes when he meets Damiano’s cousin, Angela. How could anyone know a jealous ex would show up or that Dante would have to fight a duel before the wedding?

Next we have The Russian, Dmitri Ivanovich Volkov, and Danni. He’s a dire wolf shifter and over 500 years old. He lost his soulmate 200 years ago and has avoided relationships ever since. But he hadn’t reckoned on Gambler’s Folly. Danni is in her early twenty’s, works for Interpol in the office, and is trying to make ends meet while taking care of her mother, who has been ill. There is also a jealous not-quite-ex of hers who has the idea she is his to claim. She has no time for relationships. Fate disagrees. Talk about an age gap…

What’s next? Old Flame! Elizabeth has been a widow for four years and lives alone with her cat, Puzzle. She has her Reiki clients to talk to, but otherwise, she stays home, taking her time to heal. She doubts she’ll ever seek another relationship. While she had been married for thirty years or so, there had always been something missing. Kort is a billionaire and a bear shifter. Twice divorced and a string of gold diggers later, he has given up on ever finding true love. Elizabeth’s family gifts her a vacation package to Gambler’s Folly, which she can’t comfortably refuse. On the way there, she runs into Kort, who she had known in university and hadn’t seen since. Fate is already dealing the hand and setting up their second chance for romance.

So if you’re ready for a shifter romance, on a futuristic world, with oh so much more–intrigue, jealous exes, underworld mob connections, emotional healing–come to Gambler’s Folly! Come on… You need a vacation.

Have a wonderful weekend and watch for sales starting in September!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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It’s Friday! And my little get away is almost over. It has been fun taking a break, but it’s time to get back home and get things sorted once again. I have been able to get some editing done on the next Gambler’s Folly book, so there’s something.

What book is up next?

Scotch and Soulmates!

Give me a bit to finish editing, but I’m sure you’ll love Paul and Sophia. They are a lively couple.

Paul is from the English nobility, has a doctorate in forensic psychology, and works for Interpol as a profiler. He and his father also share an interest in Scotch and are considered experts as far as verifying the authenticity of high end whiskey.

Sophia is originally from the Bronx, but now lives on Gambler’s Folly and works for the Interpol Special Division. They are tracking counterfeit Scotch traveling from he British Isles, to the USA,and then on to Gambler’s Folly. Paul and Nagi–another agent featured in several books–will be joining them on their hunt.

All wolf shifters, things get out of hand when Fate joins the party and chooses Paul and Sophia to be fated mates.

Sophia is a fiercely independent woman with feminist tendencies and doesn’t appreciate even the slightest bow to social graces between men and women. Holding doors or holding her chair at the table annoy her. If you wouldn’t do it for a male colleague, then don’t treat her any differently. She is not some frail flower who needs a man to help her with every little thing.

Paul, having been brought up under the standards of polite society, is confused by her out of proportion annoyance. As his wolf nature comes more to the fore in response, the tension between them builds as Fate works to push them together.

How about a brief excerpt?

“I had assumed we’d wait and discuss things together,” he heard behind him.

“Just tossing around some ideas until you arrived. Get some coffee while it’s fresh.”

With a toss of her head, she put her things on the table and stormed over to the coffee maker. When she returned, Paul stood to hold her chair, out of habit

“As I’ve told you before, I’m quite capable of seating myself.”

“Of course you are,” Paul answered. “Such a pity you’re incapable of being a lady.”

Had he said that out loud? Must be the headache speaking.

“If you’re talking about those simpering little, hand-wringing, wilting flowers, who need a man to lean on, count me out, “ she snarled.

“No. I’m talking about an intelligent woman, with a strong personality, who has a good sense of self and focus, who has enough confidence to accept social courtesies with ease and grace, without jumping to erroneous conclusions about the intentions of her colleagues.”

Good god, it was going to be a day. In his current state of mind, his wolf was stronger than usual. He’d certainly put his foot in it this time.

And this is only the beginning!

So have a great weekend, find a good book, and settle in for an adventure. If you haven’t read the Gambler’s Folly series, why don’t you catch up on the series while I work on Scotch and Soulmates?

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

...to Share the Romance…

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If you need a vacation, don’t forget that crazy world, Gambler’s Folly. You know, the world where every love story is a gamble and Fate always deals the final hand.

GAMBLER’S FOLLY
A book.
A series.
A fantasy world…
…full of shifters in law enforcement, double lives, fated mates, intrigue, and romance.
Join me!

A world where luxury is the norm, nature has its own unique signatures, and you can enjoy everything from the blue-violet waters and white sandy beaches to private mountain retreats.

But there is an underside to this world as well, which is why our team of shifters are present. They keep an eye out for contraband moving between worlds, some from Earth’s side of things, others from Gambler’s Folly. And some with secet lives.

Of course, Fate loves to get in on the action by bringing fated mates together and spreading chaos through the ranks. But they’re getting used to it in Speranza.

Come join me for a long relaxing holiday. You deserve it!

And while you plan your trip…

As always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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I’m not sure how the garden is going to do this year. The weather has been so crazy, I’m sure the garden can’t keep up with the changes. When I planted the tomatoes, it was up near 90 degrees and had been pretty dry. A week later, it was back down in the 60’s and raining. And it has been doing this whole seesaw thing for a month. And today, once again, the temperatures peaked in the high 60’s after last week’s 90 degree weather.

Someone find Mother Nature and send her back to Gambler’s Folly with Fate. Maybe they can find another couple of shifters to torture.

So, I’m still editing Scotch and Soulmates. They are a fun couple, our Paul and Sophia. He’s an English lord, doctorate in psychology, and works as a profiler in the London office of Interpol. He’s also an expert on expensive Scotch, which is the reason he’s on Gambler’s Folly.

Sophia is from the Bronx and had a tough time growing up. She’s an agent with Interpol’s Spaggia Sole’s office on Gambler’s Folly and is known as the she-wolf. Having to fight her way up in a world of alpha males, she is radically feminist. And she takes exception to Paul’s high-brow upbringing.

How about a little excerpt?

Morning came early after a few too many drinks the night before. Paul wouldn’t have been as tempted by the Scotch if it hadn’t been for thoughts of Sophia. She was a beautiful woman, especially with her auburn hair down and caressing her shoulders. The green gown–chiffon over some satiny material–smoothed enticingly over her curves. Some men might have found her a little overly curvaceous, but not Paul. He preferred substantial women, especially in bed.

“Dream on,” he told the reflection in the mirror. “Get the job done and get back to London. Plenty of appreciative women there.”

Nagi was at the office when he arrived, so after grabbing some coffee, they sat down to discuss the case.

“I had assumed we’d wait and discuss things together,” he heard behind him.

“Just tossing around some ideas until you arrived. Get some coffee while it’s fresh.”

With a toss of her head, she put her things on the table and went over to the coffee maker. When she returned, Paul stood to hold her chair, out of habit.

“As I’ve told you before, I’m quite capable of seating myself.”

“Of course you are,” Paul answered. “Such a pity you’re incapable of being a lady.”

Had he said that out loud? Must be the headache speaking.

“If you’re talking about those simpering little, hand-wringing, wilting flowers, who need a man to lean on, count me out, “ she snarled.

“No. I’m talking about an intelligent woman, with a strong personality, who has a good sense of self and focus, who has enough confidence to accept social courtesies with ease and grace, without jumping to erroneous conclusions about the intentions of her colleagues.”

So, which one will tame the other? You’ll have to wait and find out! I know… I’m working on it!

Have fun, stay dry, and I’ll write more later.

As always,

Don’t Forget…\

…to Share the Romance…

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I don’t know about you, but a lot of times I read to escape from the world around me. All that hectic stuff that drives me to drink–coffee mostly… Though I wouldn’t say no to a nice sauvignon blanc.

If escape is your quest, come on over to my page and find something to take you away, whether it is a fantasy world with hunky shifters, A world full of psychic powers, mischief, and romance, or alternate reality with elemental magic.

We’ve got you covered!

Come sit for a spell and find your next favorite book!

Whether you go with Mellie Miller or Sultonna Nadine, we won’t let you down.

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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