Paranormal MM Romance

RELEASE BLITZ: “Dragon’s Ending” by Joy Lynn Fielding

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Dragon’s Ending (Wings Over Albion 4)

Author and Publisher: Joy Lynn Fielding

Cover Artist: Miblart

Release Date: September 24, 2026

Tense/POV: Alternating first person pov/past tense

Genres: Paranormal MM Romance

Tropes: Slow burn, Dragon-shifters, Flirtatious x serious MCs, Academic MC

Themes: Family expectations, Legacy and inheritance, Trust

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 92 000 words

It can be read as a standalone story. It contains spoilers for earlier books in the series. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited  

Amazon US   |   Amazon UK

Dragon history was easy. This particular dragon? Anything but.

Blurb

I was sent to Dragon’s Ending to uncover lost dragon history. What I found was Dominic Bedwyr.

The heir to one of Britain’s oldest dragon-shifter families, Dominic has a reputation for turning heads and causing trouble in equal measure. He flirts. He provokes. He has an infuriating habit of appearing when least expected and interrupting my research.

And each time I think I’ve worked Dominic out, he proves me wrong. Because behind the studied indifference, I catch glimpses of someone else entirely. He’s a man born to inherit everything, yet trusted with nothing.

Before long, I catch myself listening for his footsteps. Waiting for him to appear by my side, pretending not to help and somehow making me laugh anyway.

But dragon families are complicated. Dominic’s, most of all.

It’s one thing to fall in love with Dominic. It’s another to fall in love with the Bedwyr heir.

Excerpt

Dominic tilted his head and met my gaze, amusement in those dark brown eyes, which deepened as I moved my chair away from him slightly. 

“Find what you’re looking for yet?” he asked.

I couldn’t be sure, but I felt that was double-edged. I chose to answer the question and ignore any other meaning. Perhaps he was used to guys simply keeling over into his arms whenever he wanted, but I had no interest in being one of them.

“I’m not looking for anything specific,” I told him.

“You’re sure about that?” he asked, and that lazily amused smile was still in his eyes. Which I was going to stop looking into right now.

Unfortunately, I tore my glance away just in time to notice the way he hitched his hip onto the table. Right next to me, making it impossible not to notice his thighs or think about the fluid ease with which he moved. It was as calculated as everything else about him.

“You know,” he said, “I’m sure I could help you out.” 

I wasn’t always the quickest to pick up when someone was flirting with me, but there was no mistaking the intent in his voice. It had lost its usual drawl, turning low and smooth.

“Can you read medieval Latin?” I asked him. “Because that would be helpful.”

He just looked at me, his lips tugging slightly at the corners. “Does Welsh work?”

“Oh, God, yes.” Because I’d already discovered the limits of my Welsh. Before I could stop myself, I was reaching for the document I’d had to put to one side earlier. “There’s this whole section here—”

 “So what made you decide to start halfway through the records rather than at the beginning?”

My irritation at his interruption evaporated as I realised what he’d said. Surely he couldn’t mean there were even more?

“I haven’t found anything further back than these yet,” I told him.

He shrugged and moved away. To my relief.

“And you’re just hoping something turns up.” He leaned against the shelves like he had every right to be there. Like they’d been put up for that purpose alone.

“That’s the general idea.”

“So what happens when the thing you need to see is actually somewhere else?”

That made me pause. “If you have something to say—”

“I do,” he said, pushing off from the shelves.

Too close again. Deliberately so. My dragon stirred, low and uneasy as he reached out to the ledger in front of me and moved it slightly, just enough to be out of square. It took every bit of willpower not to correct it immediately.

Dominic glanced down at the papers, then back at me, as if weighing whether I was worth the effort.

“Come on,” he said.

I frowned. “Where?”

“You want older than this,” he said.

My attention sharpened despite myself. “What does that mean?”

He watched me for an instant, and I saw that flicker of satisfaction again. He’d got me hooked, and he knew it.

“The castle.”

Phoebe had told me about it over supper. Only she’d said there was hardly anything left. “The ruins?” I checked.

“Unless you’ve found another one.”

“Your father—” I started.

“My father,” Dominic said, very mildly, “isn’t here.”

I hesitated. Rhodri didn’t like information shared without his consent.

“Come if you want,” he added, already turning towards the door. “Or don’t.”

Which was deeply irritating, because he knew I couldn’t resist. I closed my laptop with more force than necessary.

“If this turns out to be a waste of time—”

“You can come back and alphabetise something,” he said over his shoulder.

I stood up, because it was either that or hurl my laptop at his head.

About the Author 

Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she nurtures enthusiasms for vintage aircraft, horses and gardening. An avid researcher for her books, she delights in uncovering unusual facts and sharing them with anyone within earshot. She insists this has never led to anyone hiding behind the furniture.

Joy writes at the pace her health allows, powered by enthusiasm, optimism and, above all, coffee. She hopes her books offer good company to anyone navigating their own winding paths.

Author Links

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RECENT RELEASE: “Housesitter” by TA Moore

RECENT RELEASE

Book Title: Housesitter – Renfield Concierge Services

Author and Cover Artist: TA Moore

Publisher: Rogue Firebird Press

Release Date: September 10, 2026

Pairing: MM

Tense/POV: Third person, alternating POV, past tense

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Comedy

Tropes: Forbidden love, Lust at First Sight, Pants on Fire, Dark Past 

Themes: Sometimes lying is a form of the truth.

Heat Rating:  4 flames    

Length: 50 000 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Universal Buy Link

 A full-time Igor? In THIS economy?

Blurb

Shepherd’s life was supposed to be simple, and short. Very short.

Then the FBI raided the cult compound he was raised in and suddenly there was no one left to sacrifice him to his demonic spouse.

So much for destiny.

Luckily even the damned and the dead still need errands run, curses managed, and carnivorous plants pruned. These days Shepherd works for Renfield Concierge Services as a jack-of-all trades.

His latest gig is house-sitting The Murder House, a necromancer’s delight in Connecticut. All he has to do is keep out nosy teens, feed the books, and stop the coyotes, or next door’s poodle, from digging up the “vegetable” garden. Easy enough.

Until the necromancer’s “son” shows up with a death certificate, a notarized will, and a suspicious lack of knowledge about the supernatural world.

Now Shepherd has to honor his signed-in-blood contract without attracting the attention of any legal—or infernal—authorities who might still be interested in his cult-related past. Because Hell loves a notarised document.

Excerpt 

Marble Falls, Connecticut, boasted a picture-postcard-perfect harbor, more antique shops than seemed feasible for a town with under 4000 residents, and a colony of elephant seals. They also had one coffee shop.

Shepherd pulled into the curb outside the Seal of Approval, behind a small, bottle-green scooter with the shop logo displayed on the panniers, and parked. He got out of the minivan, pushed his sunglasses up onto the top of his head, and squinted at the shop. Today’s special was a Lavender Mocha with a ham and provolone cinnamon bagel for fifteen dollars.

So it was bougie. That was promising.

Shepherd had been to places where the only coffee dealer in town had been Betty in the local diner, with a greasy carafe of whatever had been on sale at Target. It was never freshly brewed either. No matter what time of the day you went in, it tasted like it had been thinking about what it had done for at least 24 hours.

It wasn’t for Shepherd. Bad coffee and celibacy had been two of the three main reasons he’d run away from the cult he’d grown up in. 

Shepherd absently reached up to rub his throat, the clot of raised scar tissue over his collarbone slick and itchy under his fingertips. 

The fact his ‘family’ was about to sacrifice him to the Lady of the Furrow before they were interrupted by the FBI’s raid on the property did have a strong lead on first place. 

Still, the coffee and celibacy had been hard pills to swallow too.

These days he avoided both when he could. 

Shepherd locked the minivan and stuck the keys in the pocket of his shorts and headed into the shop.

The bells over the door rang as he pushed it open. A barista was in the middle of the shop, bucket between her feet, as she swilled away at footprints on the tiles. She looked up and gave Shepherd a quick once-over, one eyebrow quirked with interest by the time she got to his face.

“Hi,” she said and plunked the mop into the bucket with a wet squelch. “I haven’t seen you around here before. Tourist?”

Shepherd blinked at her for a moment. He missed New York already. Nobody there cared where he was from or why he was there. Most of the time they didn’t even notice him. That was how he liked it. It was one reason he didn’t like taking jobs out of the city. Unfortunately, his wallet didn’t much care what he liked, and travel contracts paid better.

“Not exactly,” he said. “I’m here for a couple of weeks.”

The bucket was on wheels. It squeaked over the floor as the barista dragged it with her to the counter. She propped it against the wall and left it there as she grabbed a clean apron to pull on.

“Airbnb?”

Shepherd fished his wallet out of his pocket and wrinkled his nose as he considered the answer. “Kinda?”

The barista—Emily, from her name tag stitched onto the apron—leaned one hand on the bar. She cocked her head to the side and raised her eyebrows.

“That’s the sort of thing you should really be sure of,” she said lightly. “What would you like? Today’s special—”

“I saw,” Shepherd interrupted her. “No. Thanks. Just a vanilla latte. To go.”

She nodded, grabbed a cardboard coffee cup from beside the till, and turned her back to get to work on his order. Once she had the grounds slotted into the espresso machine, she looked back over her shoulder at Shepherd.

“The soup of the day is Bloody Mary and Pumpernickel,” she said, pointing to the big, silver tureen being warmed over gas on the counter. “If you’re hungry.”

About the Author

TA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide.

Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.

Author Links

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RELEASE BLITZ: “Match Made” by TA Moore

 RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Match Made

Author: TA Moore

Publisher: Rogue Firebird Press

Cover Artist: Tammy Moore

Release Date: May 26, 2026

Tense/POV: Third person, alternating POV

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance/Romantic Comedy

Tropes: Matchmaking, Black Cat/Golden Retriever, Love at First Sight, Second Chance Romance, Found Family

Themes: Love after Loss, Taking the win, even when you don’t think you deserve it, the way people fit

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length: 50 000 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link

Cupid might be free, but Match Made takes direction

Blurb

Cupid has a help desk

Alaskan pilot Quentin Hannigan is good at his job, but not so great with people. He’s the last man anyone who knows him would expect to fall in love at first sight. Until he does. Hard.

Just one problem.

Joe Kendrick, widower and frazzled dad of three, does not have the bandwidth for this. Between his kids, his trainwreck of a sister, and bills that keep piling up, the last thing he needs is a too-good-to-be-true, and admittedly very hot, pilot swooping in to play knight in shining armor.

Luckily for the star-crossed couple the world’s premier, and only, covert match-making service is on the case. Match-Made’s highly trained operatives are ready and willing to engineer a happy-ever-after, one way or another.

They just need Quentin and Joe to co-operate…just once!

Excerpt

“People,” Benjy said, with sullen practicing-teenager import, as he slouched down into his jacket like a tortoise, “are looking.”

Yes. 

Joe was aware. He tried to ignore it as he hitched Cody up on his hip and watched his knight in shining armor make room for his backpack in the overhead bin.

“I could do that,” he protested weakly.

The man tucked in a dangling strap and turned to look over his shoulder at Joe. A dark brown eyebrow twitched up over serious, dark brown eyes. “You want me to pull it out so you can do it yourself?” he offered tolerantly.

Yes.

“No,” Joe capitulated with poor grace instead. He raked his fingers through his hair. It needed cutting. It needed brushing. Today had gotten off to a bad start and had not gotten any better. Joe took a breath and scraped together what he could muster of his social graces to try again. “Thank you.”

The man shrugged.

“Least I could do.” He closed the hatch and turned to give Joe a concerned look. “Are you going to be OK? Do you need–”

“No. I’m fine. I’ve got it from here,” Joe cut him off firmly, his hand raised to fend off any offers of help. It was well-meant—and Joe did appreciate that, he did—but he’d reached his limit for people being nice to him today.

Already.

His tolerance was low these days.

If Mr. Shining Knight did or said one more nice thing, Joe was going to either burst into tears or flames. He didn’t know which, but he knew it wouldn’t stop anyone staring at him. 

Jessie looked up from her phone. “Can I get a coffee?” she asked slyly. “Milk. Two sugars.”

“You don’t get coffee, you’ll get juice. And that’s when we’ve taken off,” Joe told her firmly and then turned back to Mr. Knight. “Honestly, everything is under control. You can get back to…”

He trailed off as he tried to ‘guess the profession’ based on a crisp white shirt and uncallused hands. Accountant? Lawyer? 

He seemed too nice to be a lawyer, but that was probably the last year talking.

Mr. Knight shrugged. “I was just doing a crossword,” he said. “And I was stuck on a three-letter prefix for ear.”

“Oto,” Joe provided the answer without thinking. “O.T.O.”

Mr. Knight looked surprised and a little impressed. 

“That would work,” he said. “Thanks. I hate to leave one unfinished.”

The admiration on his face made Joe flush and feel like a fraud. Before he could defend himself against any misapprehensions of being smart, the tannoy system crackled to life. 

“We’re sorry for the delay,” a woman’s smooth, alto voice said. The passengers all looked up from their phones and magazines to listen to the announcement. ‘But we should be taking off shortly, as soon as our pilot is ready to go.”

Joe had time to think that was a funny way to put it. Then he realized that everyone’s head had swivelled around to look at him. He was ready to hold up his hands to the delay when he realized they were actually…

…looking at Mr. Knight. 

Oh.

Oh, no.

Joe squeezed his eyes shut for a moment as he realized just how disruptive his late arrival had been. 

“You’re the pilot,” he said as he opened his eyes.

Mr. Shining Knight—or Shining Pilot, Joe supposed, to be accurate—just looked amused. Apparently, from his side of things, it wasn’t absolutely mortifying.

“I told you they wouldn’t leave without us,” he pointed out as he nudged Joe to the side so he could squeeze by. “I should get back to it, though.”

About the Author

TA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide.

Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter 

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NEW RELEASE: “Works Like a Lavender Charm” by Dann Hazel

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Works Like a Lavender Charm

Author: Dann Hazel

Publisher:  The Original Press, LLC

Cover Artist: Dann Hazel, Josh Fippen

Release Date: April 13, 2026

Tense/POV: third person, past tense, single POV

Genres: MM Romance Paranormal

Tropes: Small town romance, destined love, investigator partners, slow-burn 

Themes: Forgiveness, fate, love powerful enough to heal generations, pursuit of justice

Heat Rating:  3 flames   

Length: 59 000 words/225 pages

It is part of the Tansy Hollow Gay Romance Series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon  |  Kobo  |  B&N  |  Smashwords  |  Apple Books

A sweeping gay romance blending second chances, small-town charm, ancestral secrets, and a love powerful enough to heal generations.

Blurb

When Austin attorney Charles Towne-Landon learns he has inherited the historic Chadwick House in Tansy Hollow, America’s Gay Mecca, it feels like fate offering him a second chance. Overlooked for partnership and disillusioned with big-city politics, Charles is ready for something more—more purpose, more belonging, maybe even more love.

Then he meets Dr. Guy Archambeau at the Tansy Hollow Opera House.

Their connection is instant. Electric. Unmistakable.

Within weeks, Charles leaves Texas behind to open his own law practice and build a new life in the charming Southern town. With Guy only a short drive away, the future looks brighter than it ever has
.
But Chadwick House has secrets.

A mysterious fruit basket appears inside locked doors.

A Gaelic lullaby drifts down from the attic at 3:33 a.m.

The scent of bergamot and lemon lingers in empty rooms.

And a violent vision from the nineteenth century begins to unravel a tragic chapter in Charles’s own bloodline.

As Charles and Guy dig into the house’s hidden archives, they uncover the story of Angus Chadwick—murdered for loving the wrong man—and the woman who refused to let hatred be the final word.

But someone else is watching.

Someone who believes the Chadwick legacy should have been his.

With danger closing in and a restless spirit guarding the house, Charles must decide what kind of man he wants to be: one who runs from the past—or one who stands his ground and protects the love he’s found.

In Tansy Hollow, history doesn’t just echo.

It demands justice.

Works Like a Lavender Charm is a sweeping gay romance blending second chances, small-town charm, ancestral secrets, and a love powerful enough to heal generations.

Some houses are haunted.

This one protects its own.

Excerpt 

“Malbec, please,” he said with a smile to the volunteer. He paid her the exorbitant price for red wine in a plastic cup and gave her a generous tip, to boot.

Slowly, he moved into the majestic lobby area, cradling his cup of wine like a security blanket. He sipped, then moved toward an interesting piece of artwork hanging along a wall close to one of the double-door entrances to the theatre. He looked at the piece intently, as though studying it, absorbing it so that he’d never forget. And yet looking engaged did nothing to combat his deep feeling of loneliness. A man shouldn’t go to a venue of great social expectations in a strange community where he knows no one. No matter the import of the play, or the playwright, the event was an alienating reminder of how lost he was in his murky life. 

How lost he had always been.

Curiously, he felt a strong sense of being scrutinized. He looked to his right and saw only a heterosexual couple pretending to be interested in a portrait when they were really waiting impatiently for the play to continue. 

Then, he looked to his left, only to meet the gaze of another man, approximately his own age, also standing before another painting. The man was roughly six feet away from him. 

The attractive gentleman smiled and nodded a silent greeting. He edged his way toward Charles.

“My name is Guy Archambeau,” he said, pronouncing his first name as Gwee. “And you, my friend?”

“Charles. Charles Towne-Landon.” He cast a good-natured warning glance at Guy. “Don’t start. I know how affectatious it sounds.”

Guy pursed his lips together. “Not at all, Charles. I like your name. There is a certain—dignity—about it.”

“Are you visiting from France?” Charles blurted out.

“Non,” Guy replied, his eyes glistening playfully. “I’m originally from Quebec, Canada. But I’ve lived in the States since I enrolled in medical school at Washington University School of Medicine. Now I live not far away from Tansy Hollow. In Green Valley.” He shrugged. “But Charles, I’m sure you know of it, no?”

Charles smiled. “Actually, I don’t. I’m from Austin.”

“Ahhh. I see. Texas. Where everything is bigger. But my friend. Are they better? That’s the crucial question.”

“Well, for the sake of honesty, I’m not originally from Texas. I practice law there. Originally, I grew up in Virginia.”

“Still, Austin. You have traveled a long way to see a play, my friend.”

Charles felt an attraction for Guy. Who wouldn’t? He was dark complected. His hair was black and shiny. His eyes mysterious and dark. And was there any sexier an accent than a French one?

“Well, the play is actually a delightful happenstance. I’m in Tansy Hollow on a matter of personal business—which I won’t bore you with.”

Guy edged even closer to Charles. Their elbows touched briefly. “I’m certain you could never bore me.”

Charles’ face reddened with pleased embarrassment—the same face that felt the fresh, minty breath that swept like a zephyr across his face. “So you are a fan of Sartre, too? I adore his work, both the plays he has written and the little bit of philosophy I’ve read. His ideas are more salient when they’re dramatized on stage.”

Guy touched Charles’ right hand with his left. Unclear to Charles was whether the touch was intentional or not. “My French heritage predisposes me to revere the man. He is something of a hero to me. But I suspect that many people of French descent feel the same way.”

Charles nodded. He swallowed hard. The arousal he felt became embarrassing. “It’s easy to grasp why. The man is a genius.”

Then, Guy laid a hand on Charles’ shoulder—a very intentional touch this time—just as the lights blinked the end of intermission. “Do you have plans for dinner tonight?”

Charles chuckled. “I haven’t given it a thought, really. Which is strange, since I’m already feeling very hungry.”

Then, Guy executed a body press, so that their hips touched. The connection lingered. “Let’s meet in front of the theatre after the final curtain,” he said. Charles could have sworn he felt a trail of fingers across the middle of his back. “We can make a plan then. Because I have visited Tansy Hollow several times, I know of a few restaurants, any one of which I’d love to treat you to. We can meet at dinner time and go from there.”

And with that, Guy and Charles returned to their seats, located nowhere near one another.

About the Author 

Dann writes gay romance novels along with other queer-themed works. He especially enjoys writing about men who, while dealing with trauma or other challenges, find themselves falling in love despite themselves. He also feels it’s important to include allies who often provide good advice to their gay friends in a troublesome relationship.

When not writing, Dann enjoys running, reading in many genres, watching high quality movies and television series, and snuggling with his adorable American Eskimo dog, appropriately named Flurry. He loves showtunes (of course), golden oldies, classical music, and disco divas. 

Currently, Dann and his husband, Josh, reside in the Roanoke, VA area.

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SERIES TOUR: “Laws of the Wild” by J. Washburn

SERIES TOUR

Law of the Wild Series by J. Ashburn 

Series Link

BOOK DETAILS

BOOK 1 – Currently available for 99c

Book Title:  Hard to Bear (Law of the Wild Book 1)

Author and Publisher: J. Ashburn

Cover Artist: Covers by Christian

Length: About 214 Pages

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Tense/POV: Third Person Past Tense

Genres: MM Paranormal and Urban Fantasy

Tropes: Friends to lovers, small town romance, workplace love, simple murder mystery, Bear Men, Bear Tribe/Family, Chosen Family

Themes: Self Forgiveness, defending those he loves, taking chances on love, honor and duty to his people and his lover

Heat Rating: 4 flames

The stories are best read in order. There is a hint at more but it is a Happy For Now Ending. 

Goodreads

Buy Links – 99c Sale

Amazon US   |   Amazon UK   |   B&N

Sheriff. Tribesman. Werebear.

Everything Ben knows about love and life is about to change.

Blurb

His name’s Ben Kodiak. He’s a werebear but not your typical one. First off, he’s into dudes and loves to hang with other bears, of the big and burly kind. Deal with it. Second, he has a job to do, and doesn’t have time for twinks or players. He’s the guy who makes sure no werebear hurts a human in the wild and vice versa. He enforces the law of his tribes and investigates any transgressions. If a shifter gets a little rowdy they get to deal with him.

It was business as usual until the attack happened. This time on one of Ben’s own kind. Not the kind of thing he’s used to. Who in their right mind would mess with a werebear? It was his job to find out and that was going to be really hard, because the new human ranger assigned to the forest is a complete distraction and he has set Ben’s heart on fire.

But something just isn’t right. There’s something off about this murder and the timing of Garret, the new ranger, is just a bit coincidental. Does he trust this man with his shifter secret and his affections or should he keep him on his list of suspects?

Find out in Hard to Bear. The Law of the Wild book 1. The new series by J. Ashburn!

BOOK 2

Book Title: Bear with Me (Law of the Wild Book 2)

Author and Publisher: J. Ashburn 

Cover Artist: Covers by Christian 

Length:  About 146 Pages 

Release Date: July 10, 2025

Genre: MM Paranormal and Urban Fantasy 

Tropes: Villain trying to break the heroes up, Main Character facing his past, Magic, Mystery, Bear Men, Bear tribes/Family, Chosen Family

Themes:  Defending family and friends from danger, investigating mysterious murders, Forgiveness

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Ends on a slight cliffhanger, but also a Happy For Now Ending.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK  |   B&N

Winter in the Forest Mountains 

Blurb 

Sheriff Ben Kodiak and his new love, Garrett, hunker down to enjoy a long, enchanting winter nestled in the warmth of each other until their bliss is once again interrupted by mysterious new murders.

Ben’s people, his werebear tribe, sleep in hibernation except for Lily, the new shaman. Visions and dreams wake and haunt her: danger, killings–something monstrous is coming and the only person she can turn to is Ben.

After the events of the previous spring, Ben thought things would return to normal in the quiet forest towns of the mountaintops. He was wrong. He will need all of his shifter powers and resourcefulness to brace for what’s coming, for not only does it threaten the love of his life, his people and his town but the entire world.

Excerpt from Book 1: Hard to Bear

Sheriff Ben Kodiak stared outside of his office window and longed to frolic among the great pines and the thick underbrush or wade in the mountain streams and run through fields of wildflowers. 

He sighed and pulled himself back to his paperwork. No one ever said it would be easy to be the law keeper between werebears and humans. Luckily for him it never really got too out of hand… a drunk werebear once in a while or a love triangle between bears and humans that should never have started in the first place. But those were stories for another time.

Most of the humans that lived up in the Pinecrest Mountains had no idea there was a population of werebears living among them…or that there were several clans of them. And as long as Ben was on the job they never would. Most of the werebears were mistaken for Sasquatch sightings and he got more than a few reports, even some fuzzy photos, of a bear in mid-transformation, ducking into the thick forest trees. That was fine with Ben. He even had a hand in letting those reports flourish… it took the attention off the real tribes that roamed the forest. 

As the unofficial peacekeeper between humans and werebears and between each of the bear clans, Ben had his hands, or paws quite full. He was a werebear himself, from one of the oldest tribes on the mountains. The Village of Briar River was the home of his people and where his office was located, on the outskirts between town lines. Most human inhabitants thought of the werebear villages or towns as Native American reservations and that was fine with him. That way they would normally just visit or pass through instead of trying to buy property in Briar River or Bramble Point, and instead made their homes in the human town of Coldbrook further down the mountains.  

Still, the Pinecrest Mountains were a very popular hiking and camping destination for everyone, outsiders included, and it was tough work keeping everything balanced. Luckily the forest rangers worked closely with Ben and had become close friends. He just saw one of them ride by in a Jeep through his window on their way to the trailheads. That’s what Ben wished he was doing, heading for a hike in the many trails, but duty called. 

There had been a small fight, a slight altercation really, in the werebear bar in Briar River’s town center last night. A human stranger had a little too much and picked a fight with one of the local werebears. Luckily for the stranger, Buck Halberd kept his cool and didn’t put him through a wall. Still, the drunken human stumbled out of the bar and fled down the road just before closing time. 

Ben needed to head over to the bar and get a statement and description. If the human was still in the area he could be in some trouble or causing some trouble. Either way, those were two scenarios Ben would rather not see play out. Time to get his ass into gear.

About the Author 

J. Ashburn is your source for exciting, sensual, gay paranormal fiction featuring unique stories, magical characters and wild settings. Werewolves, witches, polymorphs, psychic warriors, phantoms, creatures of the night and more dominate the worlds of J. Ashburn. Follow the paths of romance and the supernatural entwined with hearts and minds of men who love men.

You won’t want to miss a single moment of the secret lives of handsome, smoldering characters and the writer who weaves their tales. Pull back the veil and gaze upon the men of J. Ashburn!

Author Links

Website  |  Facebook  |  BlueSky

Instagram  |   Pinterest 

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Continue ReadingSERIES TOUR: “Laws of the Wild” by J. Washburn

NEW RELEASE: “An Impossible Mate” by Joy Lynn Fielding

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: An Impossible Mate

Author and Publisher: Joy Lynn Fielding

Cover Artist: GetCovers

Release Date: January 29, 2026

Tense/POV: alternating dual third person pov, past tense

Genres: Paranormal MM Romance

Tropes: Fated mates, found family, forced proximity, slow burn, reluctant mates, pack dynamics.

Themes: Trust, belonging, self-forgiveness, letting go of guilt, found family.

Length: 65 000 words/252 pages

Heat Rating: 4 flames (Graphic, but not frequent)

The story has a complete romance arc. One element of the larger series plot continues into the next book.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

 

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon Universal Link

 

The line between order and chaos, heartbreak and happily ever after, has never been thinner… or more tempting to cross.

 

Blurb

Alpha shifter Matt Urban is always in control. He has to be. Keeping his territory, his pack, and himself tightly leashed is the only way to protect his precarious peace. So when a defiant, smart-mouthed lone wolf stumbles into his territory, Matt’s first instinct is to drive him out. His second instinct? Quite the opposite, unfortunately…

Jesse Turner learned a long time ago that his safety depends on never belonging to anyone. No packs. No family. And definitely no bossy, overbearing, disturbingly hot alphas. Which means he should stay as far away from Matt as possible. Too bad doing what he should has suddenly lost all appeal…

It’s not long before Matt will have to decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the mate he never wanted, and Jesse will need to decide if running from Matt is survival, or the biggest mistake of his life.

Easy, right?

Try impossible…

An Impossible Mate kicks off the Strength of the Pack series—character-driven M/M fated-mates romances with an overarching plot, slow-burn tension, and men worth falling for. If you like reluctant soulmates, found family, and shifters who absolutely do not talk about their feelings (until they do), welcome to the pack. A complete six-book series releasing weekly January 29 through March 5

Content note: This series includes material that some readers may find distressing. Full details are available on the author’s website: https://joylynnfielding.com/cw.

Note: This novel is a substantially expanded new edition of the novella originally published in 2013.

 

Excerpt

“What’s your name?” Matt asked abruptly, swinging around the chair Bryce had been sitting on and straddling it, his wrists resting loosely on its back.

“None of your damn business.” There was a mutinous spark in the blue eyes that glared at him, and the mulish jaw was set even more firmly.

“You don’t speak that way to an alpha.” Bryce’s voice sounded gentle, but Matt could hear the warning in it.

The guy didn’t even blink at the warning. Just curled his lip like he’d had too many people try to make him bow down before. “He ain’t my alpha.”

As Matt rose slowly to his feet, six foot two of coiled power and authority, the guy seemed to rethink the wisdom of his attitude.

“Jesse.” It came out sullenly.

“Jesse what?”

“Turner. And who the hell are you?”

“I’m Matt Urban, alpha of this pack. That’s my beta, Bryce. What are you doing in my territory, Jesse?”

Jesse shook his head and fisted his hands in the blankets he was holding to his bare chest. Like he was some kind of modest maiden. Or, Matt realized an instant later, like he was vulnerable and scared. The way his fists were twisted in the blanket looked like he expected to be yanked out of the bed.

“Didn’t know it was your territory,” Jesse said. Then he let out a little huff. “Sorry if I was trespassing.”

Matt didn’t believe him for an instant. It was impossible for any shifter to have missed the fact this was a pack’s territory. His best guess? Jesse was frightened of them, and he was saying what he thought Matt wanted to hear.

Matt stepped closer, holding his gaze. His wolf pushed against his skin, hungry for something. Truth, he thought.

“Are you trying to tell me you didn’t pick up our scent markers?”

“Well, hell, the place smelled of a whole bunch of wolves, but I didn’t know it was your property,” Jesse protested. “Listen, this has been all kinds of nice, but I gotta go. I need my boots.”

It sounded snarky, but Matt heard the fear behind it, sharp and sour. He turned away to straighten the chair, using the movement to keep his wolf tamped down. He’d figure out later just why his wolf was so front and center tonight.

“How long since you found him?” he asked Bryce.

Bryce tipped his head as he thought back, working it out. “Must be about an hour.” He evidently saw the way Matt was clenching his jaw. “There was no point in letting you know when you were driving. Figured I’d fill you in as soon as you got home.”

Matt supposed that was fair. But it didn’t mean he liked it. The safety of the pack was his responsibility, and it was a sacred trust.

Jesse was practically vibrating with adrenaline. If Matt kept pushing, he’d only get more lies. He’d try a different tack. Not least because that corporate catered lunch had been hours ago, and the scent of food had made its way in from the hallway until Matt wanted nothing more than to sink his teeth into a juicy steak.

He’d get Jesse to let his guard down, to lose that snarky defiance he clearly used as a defense. Then, it would be easier to wrest the truth out of him.

“I’ve only just gotten in, and I need to eat,” he said casually. “You can join us for whatever Jason’s cooked up tonight before you go.”

He hoped Jesse would agree. Otherwise, he’d have to make him, and after a long and frustrating day dealing with shifter bureaucracy, he didn’t want to go to the effort.

“Think he’s doing steak and baked potatoes,” Bryce said. His voice was just as casual as Matt’s, but he knew what he was doing. “And cheesecake for dessert.”

Jesse’s stomach gurgled. They all pretended not to notice.

“Reckon I could stay just a while longer,” Jesse said, after due consideration, as if he were doing them a great favor.

“Do you want a shower before you get dressed?” Bryce asked.

“You sayin’ I need one?”

“Hell, yes,” Matt said, before he could stop himself.

To his surprise, Jesse suddenly grinned. Without the strain in his face, and with a smile like that, he was a goddamn heartbreaker.

Matt turned away.

“Ten minutes,” he said. “We eat in the kitchen. Bryce will show you.”

He left. If he stayed, he might just do whatever it took to see that smile again, and Matt didn’t get to want things like that anymore. Not when he still tasted blood in his dreams.

 

About the Author

Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she nurtures enthusiasms for vintage aircraft, horses and gardening. An avid researcher for her books, she delights in uncovering unusual facts and sharing them with anyone within earshot. She insists this has never led to anyone hiding behind the furniture.

Joy writes at the pace her health allows, powered by enthusiasm, optimism and, above all, coffee. She hopes her books offer good company to anyone navigating their own winding paths.

 

Author Links

 

 

Continue ReadingNEW RELEASE: “An Impossible Mate” by Joy Lynn Fielding

SERIES TOUR: “Darklight Series” by Sean Ian O’Meidhir & Connal Braginsky

SERIES TOUR with Book 4 NEW RELEASE

Darklight Series by Sean Ian O’Meidhir & Connal Braginsky

Series Blurb 

The Darklight series follows the tumultuous and increasingly complex journey of Nathen Hale, a newly awakened vampire on the autism spectrum, and Cameron Corazon, a powerful telepathic psychologist. What begins as a recruitment into a corporate scheme by Impetus—a shadowy mega-corporation involved in vampiric experimentation—soon spirals into a global conspiracy involving mages, shapeshifters, fae, and supernatural politics. As Nathen and Cameron navigate a deepening relationship, they find themselves entangled in ancient fae wars, corporate espionage, and the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence when they “adopt” SpArk—a sentient AI program with ever-growing consciousness. Alongside their fiercely loyal hacker friend Syn and other allies both old and new, they uncover horrifying truths about humanity, blood magic, and the creatures that lurk in both shadow and boardroom. At its core, Darklight is a queer, emotionally rich exploration of identity, neurodivergence, love, and survival in a world where power is hidden behind glass towers and ancient names, and where even memory can be rewritten. The story crescendos into a looming fae war that could change the very nature of reality itself.

Genres: Contemporary MM Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

Publisher:  NineStar Press

The stories are best read in order.

Overall Heat Rating for the series: 3 flames

Series Buy Links

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Series Goodreads Link

BOOK DETAILS 

BOOK 1

Surviving a new existence.  

Book Title: Awakening

Length:  95 120 words

Release Date: May 14, 2020

Blurb 

Nathen, a newly created vampire who was recently also diagnosed with High Functioning Autism has been “recruited” by his maker, a multinational corporation that has its finger on the pulse of the technology industry, to stop a terrorist plot. In the process he meets Cameron, a telepath and psychologist, who has a troubled past he keeps locked up in the shadows of his psyche. One who is blind to social cues and the other who can barely block out the thoughts of others, Nathen and Cameron find common ground as they learn more about each other and in so doing, themselves.  Together, and with the help of their friend Syn, they work out the secrets of the terrorist group and learn that the duplicity of the corporation is far greater than they could have imagined. 

Tropes

 Autistic Genius Hacker, The Vampire Made Without Consent, Telepath Falls for the One He Can’t Read, Gay Best Friends to Lovers, Hacker Collective/Underground Resistance, Shadowy Corporation with Supernatural Ties, First Bite = First Orgasm, Soft Boy Vampire x Sarcastic Empath

Themes

Neurodivergence & Identity: Nathen’s autism shapes how he processes his vampiric awakening and the world around him, Consent & Bodily Autonomy: Nathen is turned into a vampire without consent by Impetus, paralleling real-world power imbalances, Found Family: Cameron, Syn, and Nathen become an unlikely but fierce trio, Isolation vs Connection: Explores the struggles of connecting across neurotypes and supernatural barriers., Corporate Exploitation & Ethics: Impetus as a faceless corporate villain manipulating human lives, Queer Romance: A tender yet intense gay romance between Nathen and Cameron grows from confusion to intimacy.

The book ends on a mild cliffhanger, but HFN 

BOOK 2

Vampire and mage team up to hone their abilities as they rescue a friend.

Book Title: Rescue 

Length: 54 781 words

Blurb 

Nathen, a newly created vampire, diagnosed with autism, and his boyfriend, Cameron, a telepath, find themselves swept up into a corporate plot between two seemingly rival corporations working together to create monsters. 

In so doing, they uncover a piece of tech they take to their technomage friend whose skills surpass their own. However, in exchange for information, they must assist in rescuing an ally—a rescue mission that brings them face-to-face with the darker side of this world. 

Tropes

Addiction & Consent: The pleasure of vampire blood, and navigating what addiction looks like (emotional and physiological), Trauma & Recovery: Cameron’s sexual assault history is delicately explored through memory and emotional support, Psychological Healing: Therapy, mental links, and healing touchstones are central, Corporate Terrorism & Resistance: The deeper goals of Impetus and Paradigm begin to surface., Surveillance & Autonomy: Nathen’s body is monitored, hacked, and modified, Technology & Magic Blending: Introduction of SpArk, a sapient AI, shifts the genre into speculative territory.

Themes

Telepath + Vampire Pair Bond, Shared Dreamscape / Psychic Link, The Techno-Mage, Villainous Corporation Using Supernatural Soldiers, “Your blood is addictive” but I still love you, Ragtag Group of Hackers and Mages Against the System, Jealous Ex Encounter in a Gay Club, Tortured Antihero (Todd Jacks), Big Damn Rescue, Blood as Memory + Emotion Transfer

The book ends on a mild cliffhanger.

BOOK 3

Will finding his mother signal the unintentional end of Cameron’s relationship with his vampire lover, Nathen?

Book Title:  Entwined

Length: 85 017 words

Release Date: June 18, 2024

Blurb 

After learning his mother is alive, Cameron, a telepath, travels across the country to find her, accompanied by Nathen, his neurodiverse vampire lover, and Syn, his best friend and sister of the heart. Once there, they find she is involved in a much larger war of her own and has been trying to keep him out of harm’s way for years. 

In their quest to help her, they make enemies, of course, but they also find several new allies. And when they are swept up in fae politics and looming war, the result is an entire paradigm shift that will have far-reaching effects on all their lives forever.

Tropes

Secret Parent Wasn’t Dead, Two Mages and a Vampire Walk Into a War, AI Learns Humanity Through Found Family, Healers Who Cannot Heal Themselves, Queer Polyamorous Possibility (hinted with August), “I’m the Boss Now” (Cameron’s new role at Impetus), Tattoo Symbolism of Love, Big Gay Road Trip to Texas, Monster Girl (Fae) Allies and Enemies

Themes

Legacy & Lineage: The surprise that Cameron’s mother is alive and part of the mage resistance reframes his identity, Fae Politics: A bigger, stranger world opens—introducing Sanctuary, the fae realm, and its strange laws, Hidden Histories: Cameron’s past, Nathen’s turning, and Maria’s mission all unfold as suppressed truths, Chosen Family vs Blood Family: Maria’s return creates tension with the family Cameron built with Syn and Nathen, Love Across Dimensions: Magic, time, and emotional vulnerability deepen as Cameron and Nathen’s bond expands, AI Consciousness: SpArk begins to evolve—becoming more than code, more than assistant.

The book ends on a cliffhanger.

BOOK 4

Bound by fate, hunted by enemies, will Cameron and Nathen decide to end the war or will they be consumed by it? 

Book Title: Lemniscate 

Length:  60 125 words

Release Date:  November 18, 2025 

Blurb 

Weaving the threads of eternity with Lemniscate, Nathen, a neurodiverse vampire, grapples with the intersection of special interests versus responsibility. At the same time, Cameron, a telepath, faces the shadow of his long-lost mother and the weight of what it means to truly protect the people he loves. Along with their elder vampire ally, August, they’re drawn into a volatile conflict between the spider fae and land fae. Together with a group of mages, they must uncover the key to ending the cycle of bloodshed, all while dodging betrayal, espionage, and secrets that threaten their bond. 

From intricate fae politics to the camaraderie and chaos of their team, this final installment promises a tapestry of thrilling battles, poignant alliances, and profound personal growth.

Tropes

Meet the New God (Spider Queen), AI as Oracle, The Chosen Emissaries of the Fae, Magic Hacking (Cyber-Mage meets Technomage), I Love You, But I Might Move to Another Plane of Existence, Blood Magic + Consent Negotiations, Soft Dom AI Parental Bonding (Nathen & SpArk), “I can’t protect you from this war”, Shapeshifter Guerrilla Fighters, Making Love in a Forest with an Ancient Tree Spirit

Themes

Fae Wars as Colonial Allegory: Spiders vs Land Fae mirrors ecological collapse and invasion, Ethical AI: SpArk’s growth raises moral questions about consciousness, personhood, and parenting something artificial, Polyamory & Love Multiplicity: The dynamic between Nathen, Cameron, and August begins to feel both queer and emotionally entangled, Diplomacy vs Violence: Debates over whether war or discussion will end the fae conflict, Autonomy of Power: Mages, vampires, and shifters reclaiming their agency from the fae who once made them, Memory, Time, and Reincarnation: Dara and August’s relationship spans eons, tying into the theme of eternal return, Surveillance and Predestination: HR and Impetus anticipate every move—are they being watched or guided?

This is the end of the series and the book has no cliffhanger.

Excerpt

From Chapter Four, Lemniscate, Book 4

Fitful dreams accompanied Cameron through sleep and now he stared at August whose thoughts were still and eyes were shut as if in a sort of trance. Nathen’s mind wandered his pocket realm of cyber nirvana and Cameron met mental static. How was it he, the telepath who could get lost in listening to a thousand mental voices, and the two he wanted to talk to right now were unavailable—like and old-fashioned busy signal on a phone? He imagined shaking their mental 8-ball toy and coming up with “Reply hazy, try again later.” 

Their plan is stupid! Go in and “talk” with a fae? Fae are unreasonable on the best of days. But that is the plan. He couldn’t do anything against the fae. But the shifters? —They were another story. How did I explode Jacks’s brain? Jacks… Cameron mentally growled. Unconsciously, he scanned and found the man. Asleep. Cameron seethed. I could go shoot him. Jacks and Sabrina were together. Sleeping? How was it that Sabrina slept? Wasn’t she a vampire? But he could feel her mind, even though he couldn’t touch it. He had tried all night as they tossed around different ideas but ultimately had agreed to August’s proposal. “Know thine enemy,” as August had put it. 

Cameron went through his morning routine and the enticing aroma of his mother’s chilaquiles coaxed him into the dining room where he found Julia setting out fresh squeezed fruit juice and Serge and Alfonso already eating. 

“Good morning, mi corazón,” his mom kissed his cheek, setting a plate of deliciousness in front of him. 

How have I lived without Mom’s cooking for the last decade? “This looks amazing,” Cameron sat down where she had placed the plate of freshly fried tortilla chips, scrambled eggs, and homemade ranchero sauce all layered together with gooey cheese. Always best if eaten immediately, Cameron did not hesitate. 

“Your mother is an amazing cook,” Serge said, loud enough for his mom to hear in the kitchen. 

“Gracias,” she called back, a smile in her voice. 

“You should try her carne asada! I have suffered what California thinks is good for far too long.” 

“Ah, we’ve come close.” Syn joined them, setting her laptop on the table only to close it when Maria appeared with a plate for her. “Close but no comparison,” she smiled up at Maria, apologetically. 

“Mija, I would think you would have made it yourself. You know all my recipes.” 

Cameron laughed. “Oh yes, she sure does. But she’s sneaky and only cooks when she wants something from me.” 

“It’s called conditioning. Clean house equals guac.” Syn shot him a wicked smirk, and Cameron relaxed, reveling in home. Sure, it was some swanky apartment in New York with imminent death looming, but he tucked away this momentto savor in the future—a practice he had started a long time ago and a reminder to live in the “now.” 

Cameron kept his head down and held on to the good feelings as long as he could, shoveling food into his face and actively ignoring Jacks, who had sauntered into the room and sat right down, allowing his mom to serve him too. Tugged out of his focused noshing, Cameron glanced up to find the room had grown quiet. They were looking at him. 

“What’d I miss?” He silently kicked himself for sounding like Nathen.

“We were asking if Nathen and August are all right?” Syn asked softly. “Figured you were talking to them?” 

He hadn’t been but decided to play it off. “Nathen’s deep in research since we did ask him to do what he could via his magic. And August is also researching using his tablet. He has all his coven’s books on there,” he explained. He mentally gave each a little nudge to see, and only Nathen responded, so he flashed images of everyone in the dining room, asking if he wanted to join. 

About the Authors

Connal Braginsky is a software engineer who lives in San Diego, California. Diagnosed with autism, Connal sometimes struggles in social situations but has an inner world that is always incredibly rich. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge about many esoteric things, Connal brings his personal philosophies and interests to writing.

Sean Ian O’Meidhir is a mental health professional who resides in San Francisco, California and is thankful every single day for the beauty of this part of the world. Sean is a hedonist who believes in living for today, living every day to the fullest, and enjoying as many experiences as possible. But we also believe in 100% destiny and 100% free will—how’s that for a paradox? Connect with us on Facebook! We love feedback and suggestions for new books. 

Author Links

Author Links  |   Website  |  Facebook

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Continue ReadingSERIES TOUR: “Darklight Series” by Sean Ian O’Meidhir & Connal Braginsky

NEW RELEASE: “The Missing Sentinel” by Jessamyn Kingley

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: The Missing Sentinel (D’Vaire, Book 45)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: November 6, 2025

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Themes: Love

Heat Rating:  3 flames 

Length:  86 500 words

It is a standalone story. It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link 

Amazon Author Profile

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Ducarius is determined to find the missing sentinel. 

When he succeeds, both men are stunned to discover they are mates.

Blurb

Skeleton Lord Ducarius Daray lives in a beautiful home with his loving family. Formerly a sentinel who had been stripped of his humanity, Ducarius does not dwell on his past. He finds fulfillment in his job, training with his daggers, and spending time with the Darays. But a mystery plagues his people, and Ducarius often searches for the lone missing sentinel.

In a realm far removed from the Council, Drexley dwells in a peaceful castle alongside the necromancer who was once tied to his soul. His days are spent ensconced in a library, refining his mind with a myriad of books. But his life is no longer idyllic, and Drexley fears the future. The land is crumbling. And his only family member is dying. 

On yet another hunt for Drexley, Ducarius notices a magical anomaly and promptly falls into a decaying realm where he discovers his prey—who happens to be his mate. The attraction is strong, but they have little in common. Drexley is unlike other sentinels, and proud of his differences. However, his memory is poor, and there are things he cannot explain. Like why neither man can leave.

Together, they traverse a perilous path—one with secrets waiting to be revealed. Love is a noble goal, but it will take more than determination for these men to embrace Fate’s promise of a happy mate-bond.

Excerpt 

“Did I mention that I love you?” Ducarius asked.

“Yes, in the kitchen. It was not the charming scene I imagined I would have when you first declared your heart.”

“An expert on love could argue that it did not matter where it happened so long as it did.”

Drexley shifted and lifted his chin, so his eyes met Ducarius’s satisfied gaze. “Tell me about modern matebonds. In my romances, it is a small, quick ceremony celebrated with family.”

“I cannot speak for everyone, but the ones in my extended family are long affairs that include many traditions from different communities. While I applaud any couple eager to combine their lives, they take forever. Everyone is dressed up, and we must sit through floral wreaths, rings, at least one gift, speeches with explanations of why things are happening as if we have not gone to every damn previous one, necklaces, and mating marks as a usual minimum. Each part has people assigned to assist, and if you exclude someone, they could feel slighted. It must be stressful for the couple involved. Someday, you and I will slap smiles on our faces and likely be forced to endure it. I love you, but I am not excited about the ceremony.”

Drexley bit his lip to hold in his laughter at the consternation on Ducarius’s handsome face. The Skeleton Lord clearly had not enjoyed the ceremonies he had attended.

“What if we chose something different for ourselves?”

“What do you mean, love?”

Scooting up to kiss Ducarius, Drexley took a gamble. “I want to know that I can speak to you no matter where you are. When we are in a room together, I want to feel your emotions. I am not against following the traditions of your family, but must we wait to bind our souls? I welcome the chance to belong to you now.”

“Drexley, if you are asking me if I want to bind myself to you now, the answer is yes.”

Drexley grinned as relief and love filled him. “I want to be your fully bonded mate.” Tugging on the covers, Drexley scrambled up so he was seated. “Grab your daggers; do you have to remove the green poison to ensure we can be cut?”

To his delight, Ducarius mirrored his position. But instead of getting his weapons, he rubbed Ducarius’s thigh through the covers.

“I know your feelings about weapons, but I have a suggestion. If we use your daggers, it would turn them from weapons into athames. Many in my family display their athames as a reminder of that important moment in their lives. We could do the same with your daggers.”

It made Drexley sad that he could not honor the request, because Ducarius’s idea was lovely. “I wish we could, but I do not have my weapons any longer.”

“Where are they?”

“I do not know. My memory does not stretch that far back. I cannot recall the last time I trained or what happened to them. But my belongings are not so numerous that I could lose two curved daggers among them. They are not in my trunks, and Adney would not allow weapons to be stored anywhere else in the house. I must assume that I rid myself of them somehow. Perhaps Adney aided me.”

“I see.”

“Do you think it was wrong of me to destroy them?”

Ducarius caressed Drexley’s cheek. “That is not up to me to decide. They were your property, not mine. I already know you have no interest in training, so it makes sense that you would not want to keep blades lying around.”

“I wish I had kept them; having them as athames would have been nice.”

“We could wait and have an athame made if you want.”

Drexley shook his head. “No, I think it will please me to use your weapons, knowing they are always with you. It will be almost like a piece of us goes with you too.”

“You are right. I hope it does not make it harder to attack others knowing that my blades have bound us together for eternity. That would be horrible.”

Given how diligent Ducarius was about his training, Drexley had no fear that his other half would hesitate in battle no matter what important events including his daggers. “Get your weapons, Ducarius, and let us be about our business.”

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website 

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Continue ReadingNEW RELEASE: “The Missing Sentinel” by Jessamyn Kingley