Within the sultry streets of New Orleans, a world of mystical magic lies hidden in plain sight. Detective Callum LeBlanc’s life takes a turn into the extraordinary when he meets Aeris, a captivating Fae from the mystical realm of Laric. With her unique abilities and ethereal beauty, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever known. But when Callum sees through Aeris’s Glamor, it’s not just her secrets that are unveiled.
In a world where Fae-Human unions are strictly forbidden, destiny comes into play. But their love is not the only thing brewing in the shadows.
As Callum and Aeris navigate their intense connection and the ensuing conflict, they must confront the question: Can fated love conquer all?
Set against a backdrop of mystique and allure, Touched is a steamy, spellbinding tale of forbidden love, destiny, and the elemental forces that guide us.
Join the journey in this first installment of a five-book series, where Elemental Passions take center stage, crafting a wonderous world where the line between myth and reality blurs.
One book written by 10 authors: Skye Turner, Sloane Nicole: Author, April D. Berry, Author, C.J. Pinard, Author, Danielle Jamie, Darlene Tallman, Julie Morgan – Author, Author – Livell James, Machelle Hanleigh, and Melissa MacKinnon!
10 authors. One voice. One Book. One continuous series!
You can add it to your collection just as easily by clicking here!
After years in the grueling California dating scene, Maggie Kelley has finally agreed to marry her Mr. Right Now. But there’s just one teensy problem…the county clerk lets her know that she’s technically still married to her Vegas fling: the best three days she ever had…and can’t actually remember. The moment she sees her very hot husband after eight years, with his works-well-with-his-hands attitude, she’s sure their wedding night must have been explosive.
The absolute last person Finnegan Garrity expected at his door is Maggie—his ultimate “one who got away.” Yet here she is in his small-town boat shop, looking just as adorable as ever…and wanting a divorce. Yeah, he has no intention of letting that happen. Now he’s got one week to convince Maggie that they’re still perfect for each other.
But he’s going to need more than just a do-over: he’s going to need a miracle.
Severus is the sweetest cat ever. Pay no attention to his name. I pulled him out of a Walmart dumpster in 2018 and he’s been by my side ever since.
He got me through a deep depression. He never left my side when I had cancer. He had my back with his healing purr box.
On Monday he had emergency surgery to repair a torn urethra. His kidneys were failing so he’s been sedated to give his body time to heal.
I have no idea how I’m going to pay for this but I owe it to him to try. I’ve always been active with helping when I can in the writing community and now I’m reaching out in hopes that those who can help my sweet boy can donate to his fund or even just share this blog post. Everything helps.
A friend started a gofundme for him. Donations can also be made directly to the vet at Bardstown Veterinary Clinic at 502-233-8111.
Thank you all for even just reading this post, passing it along, or giving his link a share on Facebook. It all helps. Thank you!!!!!
The Zon lost 1000+ of my preorders, but I won’t let them take this away from me. I was so close to making the best sellers list when 25% of my preorders poofed on release day. I’ve been working my butt off trying to get those back. If you’ve already preordered, can you check to see if yours went through?
If every single one of my readers can spare .99 cents, I can make my goal! I am behind on Barnes & Noble sales, and am still behind with Amazon.
I only have a few hours left to achieve my goal and I am so close! Be a part of this author’s dream to be a best selling author!
☆.•°•.☆ Realm of Darkness + Bonus Coloring Book! ☆.•°•.☆
Travel to distant realms full of romance, magic, mystery, and adventure. Fall under the spell of fae, werewolves, dragons, shapeshifters, vampires, gods, angels, demons, and more. With 30+ full-length novels ranging from sweet to spicy, the best-selling and award-winning authors of Realm of Darkness have woven tales to sate your every craving.
But one-click quickly—the sale on this epic collection ends soon!
After a very long year of writing, collaborating, and working hard to get the word out, our long awaited anthology has finally released BUT did you know…
As seems to happen more often than not, one of our platforms lost a huge chunk of our preorders (about 1/3)…
This is a giant setback and truly disheartening. Several readers have contacted me personally after seeing my post to let me know they had not received their preorder, which coincides with so many orders not going through.
If you preordered Rituals & Runes on Zon, please check to make sure you got it. This collection is available for #99pennies for a very limited time (through Saturday). We appreciate every order.
I just wanted to personally thank you for helping us achieve our goal. If you’re feeling extra helpful, go ahead and grab it on another platform to get me that one step closer to best seller!
If you have not yet, grab it here today for under a buck >>>>
Rituals & Runes anthology – 30 PNR & UF books on one set for just $0.99 RIGHT NOW!
CROWN OF CROWS is FINALLY here! I’m excited, are you? Have you grabbed your copy yet?
Why not? You won’t find a deal better than this. Thirty NEW books, only available for a limited time, and will disappear after this week? And all for under a buck? You’re missing out, kiddo!
Click this linky loo over here to get your copy, today! Instant gratification! And, if you read on multiple platforms, go ahead and grab those, too. You’re helping to feed a starving author!
I cannot believe that Best Seller is actually a possibility for me right now. I’m so close I can taste it.
It tastes like mocha coffee and sleep. See that orange banner?
Number One, Baby!!
While amazon sales are up there, I’m still falling short with the other retailers, like B&N, google, kobo, ibooks, etc.
If you want to help out a poor, starving artist, the best way to do that would be to pre-order my book on a different platform! Heck, all platforms! 🙂 I’d owe you like, a million sour gummy worms!
Here’s the link in case you need it. Much love to you ALL.
P.S. This book has like, 30 different books in it. It’s over 2000 pages. And all for .99c, that’s a steal. Take a chance and who knows, you might just find your new favorite author!
Looking for your next hot read? Look no further than Rituals & Runes, a limited-time anthology featuring the HOTTEST bestselling authors in paranormal romance, urban fantasy, reverse harem, and MORE!
ORDER HERE!!! Own this fantastic collection of books for only .99c!!!
And today, you can find out about one of the stories exclusive to Rituals and Runes Anthology. Let’s welcome author Melissa MacKinnon who will chat with us about Crown of Crows.
Author: Melissa MacKinnon
Book: Crown of Crows
R&R: This book cover is amazing. I’m getting Snow White vibes. Was that intentional? Can you tell us why or why not, and explain?
Melissa: My cover is seriously amazing. I gave her the story, and she came up with THAT. No, it wasn’t intentional, but I love writing kick-butt female characters.
Elowen is next in line to be the Queen of elves, but she’s hiding a secret. She was born with the old magic, particularly shadow magic. It comes in the shape of crows, and her shadows do her bidding, which isn’t always on the good side of things. Where Snow White might be pure, Elowen is quite the opposite. But, she is looking for her prince! She finds him in Balen, the human who saves her life.
R&R: Juicy! And at least we hit on the queen who might be a bit naughty vibe. Lol!
If you were in your story, what do you think you would do in the world and what role would you have in your world?
Melissa: Honestly, I’d probably just be trying to survive. The humans have been after Elven land for decades, and the wars just keep on raging. Being a human myself, surviving would be my greatest task. The Elven women are the greatest warriors in the land, and pretty much take what they want. I don’t think I’d live past my teens!
R&R: Wicked as in very cool and a bit evil, both of which we like.
Without sharing spoilers, tell us about the book’s conflict. What is your main character’s goal and what’s in their way?
Melissa: Elowen has been betrayed by her own eleven sisters. They are afraid of her, of her magic. She’s saved by an unlikely hero – a human, no less. While Elowen has been trying to negotiate a peace, her sisters have had other plans. Elowen has no choice but to form a wavering alliance with her human savior… In order to stay alive. And, now that her magic is out there, both sides- Elven and human-want her head.
Creator: Dennis Fröhlich
R&R: Wow. The description of this story gets worse and worse in a very intriguing and appealing way. Captivating!
How did you right-size the research you did for this book? Did you ever find yourself getting lost in the research or stopping too soon?
Melissa: I have ADHD, which means I get lost in the research quite often. My google search history is filled with searches like, “what color is elven blood”? And “how is leather armor reinforced”? But also… “at what angle is the best for a sword to enter between ribs”? I have to laugh. I love the fantasy world I’ve created, and I’ve tried to keep it as accurate as possible. And sometimes, that includes some pretty crazy research.
R&R: Being neurodiverse can sometimes be a challenge but also can open some fascinating doors. And you’re like, I swear, I’m an author, I can explain…lol!
How about your bookish experiences. Have you ever gone on a literary journey? Tell us about it.
Melissa: I decided to take a trip to Scotland in order to know the history and the people while writing a book. But, who am I kidding? The book was my excuse to get on a plane in the name of “research”. I fell in love with the country, its people, and its dangerous history of war, epic battles, and love stories for the ages. I spent almost a month traveling the countryside of the UK and I can’t wait to get back for inspiration.
R&R: Epic! Truly sounds incredible. We’re glad you did that.
What has been your favorite book to write to date?
Melissa: I’d have to say, my sweet romcom, THE DO-OVER, has been my favorite so far. I set it in my hometown in Maine, and also included some of my favorite people, my grandparents, and the absolutely hard-to-understand Maine accent. Ha! I put my heart and my childhood into that book. Some of the childhood memories of the hero, Finn, were taken straight from my own.
R&R: Swoony and fun!
What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology?
Melissa: So, so many! 2022 and 2023 are loaded with books from me! I have one I’m super excited to share with readers called STAR STRUCK and it’s about an up-and-coming country singer who falls in love with the waitress at his favorite hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. And of course, when he finally gets noticed and ends up the opening act for a famous singer, he forgets all about the woman who helped get him there. Can you say, “drama”?
I also have the second book in my Finding Home Series debuting! It’s the second book after The Do-Over, starring Finn’s sister, Tess. She’s had a hard life as a single mom, but when she meets Brody, an Army Veteran who gave his all-including his leg for his country, they heal each other in ways they couldn’t imagine. It’s also a sweet romcom that will have readers swooning!
R&R: We have such talented authors in this group who have so many wonderful books to offer, including you!
Would you rather know the history of objects you touched or talk to animals?
Melissa: Oh my gosh. You know me too well. I am a history ADDICT. I have an obsession with doors. When I was in Europe, I took more pictures of doors than I did my husband or kids. I love running my fingers along the worn wood, just imagining all the great people who have touched it before me. The same goes for stone walls in castles. I’ve stood in the same spot where Mary, Queen of Scots waited for her execution. It brought me to tears.
R&R: Honestly, we had no idea we would hit such a great note with that last question. So glad it hit home and that you connected with it.
We hope you connected with her interview. To find out more about Crown of Crows, read on!
Blurb:
A forbidden love. A kingdom inherited. Without him, she’ll burn it to the ground.
Magic hasn’t been seen in centuries. Once, it ruled the land along with the elven warriors, keeping the peace and the enemy at bay. Magic faded, and now there is nothing but war.
Elowen took her duty seriously. She is next in line to the elven throne, and she’s dedicated her life to the task. Reigning over a kingdom will be no small feat, especially when she finds a sword in her belly with elven sisters holding the hilt.
Balen was bred for war. He’s a number, until the fateful day he’s cut down on the battlefield. When he sees a beautiful elf ambushed by her own kind during battle, he acts without thinking—cutting the traitors down in a bout of honor. He is set to offer her a mercy killing, until she rips the blade from her belly and the gaping wound disappears under a glow of purple light. Unable to explain what he’s seen, Balen rushes into the protection of the forest.
With betrayal lingering in the mist and war raging around them, Elowen and Balen must join forces in order to stay alive. Elowen owes him her life, and there’s something about this handsome warrior she cannot place. She’s drawn to him like no other. He’s seen her magic that both, elf and human, want. There’s a reason she’s kept it a secret—she’s the weapon they need to win the war.
Excerpt:
The saddest part about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.
Elowen couldn’t decide which was worse: that her elven sisters-in-arms had so easily betrayed her, or the elven steel protruding from her gut. She pulled her palm back from the wound to assess it—but who was she trying to fool? If they wanted her dead enough to corner her amid a raging battle, they would find other ways to bring their future queen down if this steel didn’t take her first.
If she had any chance for survival, time was of the essence, but, by her calculations, her sisters were not going to leave her death up to fate. No, they would linger in the trees until she slowly bled out and death was imminent.
She moaned slightly while propping herself against the decaying log they’d backed her into—legs splayed before her and shoulders slumped forward slightly to ease her breathing.
Although her forest was thick and littered with snares, the humans continued to wage war on her kind. It was futile behavior, but Elowen chose to honor her mother’s wishes and continue to broach peace with treaties that never endured. Humans were habitually men of war and the desire to have what they couldn’t—power—always won. And so the battles raged, endless lives were cut short, and the cycle repeated itself each season. The humans would retreat, a peace would be struck, and the quiet would last only as long as the humans remained satiated. Elowen grew tired of it, honestly, just as tired as she was of the sword slowly killing her.
She couldn’t very well rip it out with her sisters still nearby. It would only fuel their desire to come for her again. But she couldn’t leave it in and allow herself to die, either. “Come and finish what you started!” She baited. Seeing no movement, she sighed, slouching a bit onto her side. “Cowards,” she muttered. Elowen closed her eyes to listen. Elves sliced through the forest, their only sounds being the displacement of air and the gurgling of the men whose lives they took. The whistle and thunk of arrows as they found their intended targets—the chests of men who did not stand a chance of surviving elven steel or black yew-wood in her forest.
Light footsteps fell close. Too close. The time had come when her sisters had lost their patience with her not dying. A bowstring was pulled. An arrow knocked.
Elowen opened her eyes.
Three of her sisters-in-arms scowled down at her; their blood-stained faces glowing in the fractured moonlight parting through the trees. Their silvery hair whipped around their faces as a wicked wind tunneled around them. Cala, the meeker of the three, stepped forward.
“I’m sorry it has to be this way,” she spoke softly against the wind.
Elowen’s mouth formed a tight line. “No lies, Cala.”
Cala’s fingers tightened on the bowstring. “Close your eyes.”
Elowen shook her head. “I will not. You will remember your treachery with every pair of elven eyes you see. You will see me in them.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d never feared death, exactly, nor the pain. Only the life she left behind, unfinished. There were plenty of the chosen few who would fall into her place as queen upon her death. She could only hope it would be swift, and the next queen would be just and worthy as her mother had been when called to rule.
Cala steadied her bow, bringing the string to her cheek.
Elowen met her eyes. “In the head, Cala.”
Cala hesitated.
“I’ve trained you better than that,” she growled. “Do it!”
Cala held her breath, focusing. Then, her jaw slackened and blood sputtered from her lips, rolling off her chin onto the ground. Her eyes became devoid of light and rolled behind heavy lids.
It took but a moment for Elowen to see the blade retreat from just below Cala’s breast before her lifeless body slumped to the grassy floor. Her other two sisters-in-arms—woefully unprepared and caught unaware—spun to face Cala’s attacker, but they, too, fell in a heap beside Cala.
She stared at them for a moment, attempting to process the three bodies lying at her feet but every conclusion her muddied mind came to didn’t explain the fact that she, Elowen, did not, in fact, kill them. She couldn’t have, not with her sword the only thing holding her guts in.
All right, then. Her sword. She reached for the grip, but her arms had gone numb and she’d lost control of her hands. Any attempt at moving made them flop around like fish on land. She chuckled briefly, before curses of the worst kind left her lips, and she dug her booted heels into the soft underearth in a feeble attempt to sit herself upright.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard such filthy words uttered by a woman before.” Dark, curious eyes raked over her.
She sucked in a breath. A hulking, beast of a human squatted beside her, rocking on his heels. He clutched a bloodied sword loosely in one hand. Hair so light she almost mistook it for the tell-tale elven silver strands, was tied back at the nape. He wore exquisitely made leather armor. Full lips—slightly parted—were framed by dark stubble covering his jawline.
He was the most beautiful creature she’d ever seen.
Her will to live suddenly peaked.
Author Bio:
Melissa spent her childhood exploring the coast of down east Maine without parental supervision and immersing herself in any book she could get her scrappy little hands on. Although she pursued a career in theater, the written word is her true calling. She leads a full life with her husband and six children traveling the country to wherever the Army sends them in her very large twelve-passenger van, in what she lovingly deems “organized chaos”. She finds time to write in her “spare time”, somewhere in between soccer practices and nap time with coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. She loves creating unforgettable romance, and enjoys writing and reading everything from sexy, sword-toting heroes to spit-out-your-coffee funny romantic comedies… as long as she doesn’t get the book wet. She leaves that up to the characters.
https://books2read.com/touchedelementalpassions/
