An Interview with Grace Draven, author of Phoenix Unbound and Radiance

Tonight I'm sitting down with my long time friend, Grace Draven. Grace is the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance, and the upcoming romantic fantasy novel Phoenix Unbound, book one in her new Fallen Empire series.

Thank you for agreeing to do this interview, Grace. I’m so excited about your forthcoming book, Phoenix Unbound.

Can you tell readers what was the genesis for your novel?

The music and lyrics to the song “The Royal We” by The Silversun Pickups lit the initial spark for this story in my brain.  I kept imagining the siege of a walled city and the clash of cataphracts in opposing armies.  It was the foundation on which I built the book, moving back and forth on the manuscript’s timeline.  I’m not a linear writer, so I can easily hop from one scene to another at various points in the tale.

The setting is so lush and visual, it seemed so real. Did you loosely base your world’s geography or culture on places readers would know in our world?

Yes, absolutely. The Krael Empire is loosely based on the last days of the Roman and Babylonian empires.  The culture of the Savatar people is based on those that existed in the Pontic Steppe during the classical period--mainly the Sarmatians, but also the Scythians, and in some cases the Parthians and the Mongols.

As I read your book, I also felt ancient history come alive. Could you speak to that? Why gladiators, and how did you make something fantastical feel so real?

This is strictly my personal opinion, but I believe humanity is a warlike species when you get right down to brass tacks.  The gladiatorial games of Rome were just one aspect of ritualized combat for the entertainment of the masses, in which the winners live another day and the losers don’t.  The popular Incan game of tlachtli, in which the losing team was sacrificed to the gods, was hugely popular in Mesoamerican civilizations, so the Romans weren’t the only ones who enjoyed that kind of high-stakes entertainment.  

I think these types of games/ritual combats shone a spotlight on human behavior at its best and its worst.  In terms of fiction writing, it’s a gem of a trope to explore when building both characterization and plot arc.

Making a far away moment in time feel real is grounded in recognizing that history repeats itself because humanity, as a whole, doesn’t change much.  The worries, cares, and fears we had centuries, or even millennia ago, are reflected today (with modern tweaks based on technological advances and conveniences).  We still love, we still hope, we still fear, we still hate, we still grieve, we still die.  Only the settings in which we experience those emotions change. 

Phoenix Unbound is also a sweeping romance that takes readers on an incredible journey of discovery and growth for your main characters. There is also a bigger than life theme behind it all. I’m curious. Why this particular theme for this series?

It evolved as I wrote it, so the theme sort of blossomed out of the chapters as I put them down.  Strength comes in many forms, and often it’s not so much a birthright as it’s a skillset learned through trial by fire.  Bad things happen to good people all the time, and in a world like the one in Phoenix Unbound, which I’d like to think reflects actual history in many ways, life was nasty, brutal, short.  What got you through it was will and hope, the two elements I think on which the concept of strength are built.

I admit I had a few tears rolling down my cheeks while I wrapped myself in the love story playing out between Gilene and Azarion. It’s compelling with incredible emotional depth. The brilliant moments of poignancy touched my heart and soul. Just how many tissues did you go through writing this story? I know I stopped counting after five.

This will probably sound cold-blooded, but I’ve only had my eyes water from writing one small scene for a book that’s barely in the beginning stages and won’t be released for another couple of years.  That being said, if what I wrote moved you to tears, then I did something right.

Will readers see returning characters from Phoenix Unbound in future books?

Yes.  This is a trilogy in which each book focuses on a different couple within the same world, dealing with interconnected problems, and common enemies.  Characters in each book make appearances in the other books in the trilogy.

I know novel writing is a massive undertaking that demands more than just time in the chair. Is there any part of the process you enjoy more than others?

Writing THE END.  There is no greater joy than that.  Everything afterwards, such as revisions, etc. is just cake.  Research comes in a very close second, but I also recognize that if I’m not careful, I will let research become the rabbit hole I fall into and don’t come out of until hours or days later.  Not always time efficiently spent.

And now for the silly fun stuff…
If you had to pick a book boyfriend from any of your stories, whom would you pick and what book is he from?

Hard to choose, but it’s probably toss-up between Brishen from RADIANCE and Ballard from ENTREAT ME.  Both men have personality traits I find very attractive in my husband, so I’m definitely partial to those personality types.

I’d like to thank Grace Draven for sharing her time to talk with us about her latest book, Phoenix Unbound, which drops September 25, but is available for pre-order now! I’m calling this one an instant classic, ya’ll.

A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

Links to pre-order:

AMZ: https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Unbound-Fallen-Empire-Draven-ebook/dp/B078QTNK41

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phoenix-unbound-grace-draven/1127751104?ean=9780451489753

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/phoenix-unbound/id1330331353?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/phoenix-unbound


Visit Grace's website at: www.gracedraven.com

“Grace Draven's exciting romantic fantasy features characters who are fresh and original. Their problems and triumphs will keep you reading into the night.”—Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author.

“Fierce and captivating, Phoenix Unbound is the story of a gladiator and a fire witch fighting for their freedom against an empire that wants them enslaved.  With impossible odds, breathtaking battles, terrifying magic, and an unlikely love, this book is a must read. Grace Draven is a master of romantic heroic fantasy.”—Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“With exquisitely drawn characters and superb worldbuilding, Phoenix Unbound once again proves Grace Draven's mastery of fantasy romance. This is exactly the kind of sweepingly romantic adventure story that I've been yearning for—and I can't wait for more.”—Meljean Brook, New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Seas Series

“Stunning! This book entices and mesmerizes to an astonishing degree. Like an intoxicating elixir, the more I read, the more I craved.”—Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author

“When it comes to fantasy romance, Draven is in a class by herself....A phenomenal start to what is sure to be an amazing series.”—RT Book Reviews

Privacy Policy

As ya'll may know, I haven't been blogging much as my health has deteriorated quite a bit over the last few years, but this new wrinkle appeared and I'm late to the game, trying to update everything for the GDPR rules I just learned of, so I'm not even sure if I need this for my blog, but since I whipped up one for my website using a generator I found online, I figured I better slap it up here, since my blog isn't a WordPress blog, but still here on Blogger.  If I don't need it, then oh well, but if I do, then here it is. lol

http://cassandracurtis.blogspot.com/p/privacy-policy.html

Love all ya'll readers and sorry I haven't been very active. But for now, I'm still alive and sorta kickin' and not givin' up or givin' in just yet. Just call me stubborn. :)

Wanted: Western Historical American Romance

WANTED: OUTLAW MAIL ORDER WIFE; BY PROXY (THE OUTLAW'S OF STONEY CREEK Book 2)

by Cia Leah

Kassidy Dillon didn't hesitate to take the next job Governor Robert Crandon needed her for. When he wired her about his nephew, Alex, and asked if she would become Alex's mail order bride by proxy, she accepted wholeheartedly. Alex needed a wife who could protect him from a neighboring rancher obsessed with getting his hands on Alex's land by marrying up with Red of the Redlace outlaw gang.



Alex Crandon was an educated man and not a gunslinger. He hated violence, but it seemed that Chandler Bradford and his wife Red were willing to kill him to get his land. When his Uncle Bob arranged a marriage for him to Kassidy Dillon, a pardoned outlaw, he accepted since Chandler blinded him in his left eye. He needed help and hoped that Kassidy, her brother Heath, and their gang didn't die protecting him and his land. 

AMZ: https://amzn.to/2HOSNO5

https://www.books2read.com/u/b5M9Nk

Amazon Prime Early Bird Deals Tonight!

Most of ya'll probably have heard about Amazon Prime Day, but did you know that some deals start tonight at 9 p.m. eastern time? If you are a subscription member to Amazon's Prime, you may want to bookmark a few of these so that when it goes LIVE tonight, you can find them fast.


One of the best deals that starts tonight is on the Echo Speaker.  At only $89.00 (Regularly $179.00) it's a top deal Amazon Prime members shouldn't miss.

Echo Speaker: http://amzn.to/2u1korr

Already have an Amazon Echo? Check out these sweet voice only deals that will be rotating through July 17th starting tonight at 7p.m.!

Tell Alexa to order and save on:

$50 off a Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker III - http://amzn.to/2u1wocD

$100 off NETGEAR's Orbi Home WiFi System: AC2200 Tri 
Band Home Network - Router & Satellite Extender for up to 4000sqft of WiFi coverage (RBK40) Works with Amazon Alexa

http://amzn.to/2ubqdmL

Amazon is also offering these cool discount deals!

Audible memberships - 40% off (6 months for as low as $8.95 per month)
http://amzn.to/2tATAgI

Amazon Music Unlimited - (Amazon's streaming music service - get 4 months for only .99¢; this usually costs $7.99 a month to current Prime and streaming music members).
http://amzn.to/2sIOz2P

Amazon Video - Select titles for $4.99, and .99 video rentals!
http://amzn.to/2sJaneR


Want more cool deals for Prime Day? Check out these suggested books!

Warrior Goddess Training: Become the Woman You Are Meant to Be by HeatherAsh Amara (paperback)

http://amzn.to/2sYhFQ6

Make Star Quilts: 11 Stellar Projects to Sew by Alex Anderson and other contributors (paperback) http://amzn.to/2u6Hkp3

Game of Thrones versus History: Written in Blood edited by Brian A. Pavlac http://amzn.to/2tBSbXr

What? You can't take advantage of these deals because you don't have Prime? Click the linkie below to try Amazon Prime for a 30 days free trial and start grabbing Prime Day deals.

http://amzn.to/2v5mDHs


Happy Shopping!

Coming Attractions...Sebastian's Spell

Many years ago I wrote a little short story about witches and spellcraft entitled I Put A Spell On You. I wrote it to fit a Pax anthology for my (now defunct) publisher Amber Quill Press.

I loved the idea of second chances, the boy or girl next door romantic trope, and of the natural magic in everyday life—instead of the fictional fantasy take on witchcraft.

No one is magically tossed across a room, or has super power abilities. Nope. This little story was down to earth, closer to Mother Nature, and true magic. Using herbs, candles, and the art of spellcraft to manifest your desires. To call upon and harness the inherent energy of the universe, of the seen and unseen, to aid you in making transformative changes, both big and small.

From besoms (brooms) to mugwort, from magically enhanced cupcakes to candle magic, and of course spellcraft, the story and the others with it in the Pax finaled in a major epublisher convention's award that year.

To say the story is close to my heart is putting it lightly. So I am happy to announce the story, retitled Sebastian's Spell, will be out this July!

It'll be my first release of any kind since Bear's stroke. Readers of I Put A Spell On You may note a few changes I made to this latest version, but for the most part, I wanted to keep that same vibe the original had.

Also no change to one of readers' favorite secondary characters, Pendragon. After all, what is a witch without her cat? :wink:

I hope readers both new and old will enjoy my witchy tale of love.

~ Cass

PNR: Sexy Werewolves for Pre-Order: The Wolf Who Came In From The Cold and more...

Good friend and fellow author Sela Carsen has a boxed set of wolfies, also book four in her series (Wolves of Fenrir) The Wolf Who Came In From The Cold, available separately for pre-order!

Rig sidUlfr wants peace on Earth.
Literally.

As the general in command of the Fenrir troops on Earth, his mission is to maintain the security of the planet in the aftermath of an intergalactic war. And if alien Axis terrorists would quit putting his new, distractingly attractive interpreter in the line of fire, that would be great.

Mirea Randolph may speak half a dozen languages, but words won't be enough to keep her and Rig safe. It seems like every time she gets her red lipstick on him, another attack occurs. With constant attempts to derail the fragile peace process, she ends up involved in layers of deception she won't be able to talk her way out of in any language.

This story was previously published in the "Vikings Wild" anthology.

Get your pre-ordered copy of The Wolf Who Came In From The Cold from Amazon 
https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Came-Cold-Wolves-Fenrir-ebook/dp/B06XJT19XQ/

By the year 2225, humans have come a long way. Broadening Earth’s frontiers into the galaxy means taking a crash course in inter-alien relations, and humans are – mostly – embracing their new allies.

The Fenrir are Viking descendants of the Great Wolf of Norse myth – heroes and heroines from across the galaxy who have returned to Earth to help keep our planet safe.

A physicist and an assassin, a spy and a mechanic, an old soldier and a weaver, a general and an interpreter – fall in love and run into danger with all of them as they face down an enemy threat that could plunge the Earth back into a war to end everything.

A Wolf to Watch Over Me

Lauren Ivers should be home, reading and eating take-out. Or in her lab, working on new ideas in post-quantum theory. Instead, she’s on the run with the bodyguard she didn’t know she had in a desperate bid to get off-planet before she becomes a casualty in an intergalactic war. She’s sure it’s just the adrenaline that has her reacting to her oversized protector with smart-mouthed replies and a full-bodied zing she wills herself to ignore.

Hakon sidUlfr, a wolf-shifter from another world, and Lauren’s covert bodyguard, is determined to keep her safe from the Axis aliens hunting her. Not because she’s a duty, but because there’s something about her that calls to all his primitive and protective instincts. It’s a distraction he can’t afford as he works to sneak a single, small human across unfamiliar terrain.

When Hakon is injured, Lauren realizes that while he was protecting her body, she should have been protecting her heart.

A Most Wanted Wolf
 
You can’t trust a spy. That’s the nature of their job. As a warrior, Ule tärEinar prefers direct action to sneaking around. Yet when she meets Andrew Wyatt, she can’t deny that sparks fly.

Andrew’s assignment is to steal back the human scientist who was about to become a Fenrir mate. He doesn’t count on the woman who meets him eye to eye, challenging everything he ever knew about alien relations.

As the cold war between their two cultures heats up, Ule is going to have to learn how to trust the man who could destroy her world with just one lie.

Silver Wolf Rising

Dagny tärEinar is on her way to Earth to start her new life. Not that she knows what that’ll be like – a long-time widow with grown children, she hardly knows who she is anymore.
Being forced into retirement is turning him bitter. Niall sidKalvr knows it, but he can’t help it, either. He’s ending his long career in the Fenrir Army to become a farmer, of all things.

Neither of them expect to be saviors, the leaders of a small rebellion. But when enemy soldiers invade their pack ship, Niall and Dagny are forced to work together to protect and care for their shipmates and themselves, despite the distracting life-scent trying to draw them together. A scent that indicates they’re meant to be together for the rest of their lives.

However long – or short – that may be.


The Wolf Who Came In From the Cold

Rig sidUlfr wants peace on Earth.
Literally.

As the general in command of the Fenrir troops on Earth, his mission is to maintain the security of the planet in the aftermath of an intergalactic war. And if alien Axis terrorists would quit putting his new, distractingly attractive interpreter in the line of fire, that would be great.

Mirea Randolph may speak half a dozen languages, but words won't be enough to keep her and Rig safe. It seems like every time she gets her red lipstick on him, another attack occurs. With constant attempts to derail the fragile peace process, she ends up involved in layers of deception she won't be able to talk her way out of in any language.

Their attraction burns laser hot as they work to keep Earth safe from a new wave of enemy invasions. But once the job is done, will Rig have to go back into the cold alone, or will Mirea keep him warm?

All of these stories have been previously published and are also available as single titles.

Get the entire Wolves of Fenrir boxed set on pre-order at Amazon now!
https://www.amazon.com/Wolves-Fenrir-Box-Set-ebook/dp/B06XJ9XZBK/

The Colour in Woman by Diane King

The Colour In Woman

Flora spends her days happily wandering her endless labyrinth of a house, breathing with childhood memories and pulsing with dreams. She is plagued, however, by an elusive yearning to capture the security anchors of her childhood - her dad who’s passed away, and the book whose title she can’t remember.

Only a few miles away, and yet worlds apart, two very different women are on their quest for identity and expression. Invisible threads of a long forgotten bond bind Flora to the local loner in town.

Brigit - the ‘Red Woman’ – finally has the freedom to drink herself into a creative fervour, and only becomes more enthused by the arrival of a portent in her flat.



This ‘White Woman’ is the final strand in the braid that weaves these women together. As the boundaries between dream and reality become increasingly blurred, a mesmerizing search for identity just may require a sacrifice. Before it can become complete, something - or someone - has to give.

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D154606011&field-keywords=the+colour+in+woman+diane+king

Amazon paperback https://www.amazon.com/dp/152020549X?ref_=pe_870760_150889320

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-colour-in-woman

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-color-in-woman-diane-king/1125377422;jsessionid=C4B9F526E2C303A0E94E5324CBE7DBCD.prodny_store01-atgap05?ean=2940154210376

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1189327185

Interra http://www.inktera.com/store/title/0b0b5554-3d19-41ed-ad2d-e0df3cf4a7f1

24symbols https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=1845403

Scribd https://www.scribd.com/book/334888281/The-Colour-In-Woman

Merry Yuletide!

Wishing Everyone A Merry Yuletide!

Brightest Blessings this holiday season 

and a Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving and Best Friends: Happy Birthday Wishes to a much loved friend

Well, here we are, November is almost through and soon it'll be December. This has been a rough year for my little family and to be honest, I'll be glad to see it go bye bye. But before I rush into New Year celebrations, I wanna talk turkey. Thanksgiving turkey that is, and say how grateful I am to everyone who has helped me get through this tumultuous year. All ya'll are added to my Thanksgiving prayers. I seriously love each and every one of you and you know who you are. Blessings.  Wishing all my friends and readers a very happy Thanksgiving Day with your loved ones. ((hugs))
(Scroll down for turkey leftover recipes you'll enjoy).

I want to give a shout out to one of my long time best friends N.J. Walters.

Today is N.J.'s birthday and try as I might, I couldn't get this pic to upload onto Facebook. So here it is, girl—Happy Birthday, N.J. You are an incredibly sweet, wonderful person and a damn awesome writer! Wishing you the very best and all the rest of good things life has to offer.

Dear readers, if you love romance on the paranormal side, you need to check out N.J.'s upcoming book. It releases December 5th! (I seriously cannot wait. Weee! Dragon hawtness, ya'll!)

Darius Varkas is a drakon. He's neither human nor dragon.

He's both. He's also the target of an ancient order who want to capture all drakons for their blood. When fresh, a drakon's blood can cure any illness and prolong a human's life, and the Knights will stop at nothing to get it.

When librarian Sarah Anderson stumbles across a rare book belonging to the Knights of the Dragon, she's quickly thrust into a dangerous world of secrets and shifters and things she never would have believed possible. When the Knights realize Sarah has a secret of her own, she becomes just as much a target as Darius. Her scary dragon shifter just might be her best chance at survival.

Catch it December 5th from Entangled Publishing, and on Amazon and All Romance eBooks.


Ever wonder what to do with all your leftover turkey? Well, I got ya covered. Try out some of these yummy dishes that are sure to please!


http://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/5-to-try/thanksgiving-turkey-leftover-recipes

The Beauty and The Beast Trope in Romance

 

 

Anyone who hasn’t read Beauty and the Beast or a rendition of it, raise your hand.  Anyone?  I thought so.  If you’re hanging out here at my blog or on my FB author page, it’s probably a good guess you like this tale in its many forms as much as I do. 

Basic premise of the story—hot girl falls for an anger management reject, ugly monster of a guy who isn’t really ugly. He’s just in disguise via a curse.  Love him enough and he changes back to his handsome self.  We end up with hot girl in love with hot prince of a guy. Happy ending for everyone.

Now let’s get to the blood and guts of the idea.  I have a bit of a problem with that short summation.  Why?  Well, let’s look at the origin of the curse. 

The story as told by Villeneuve and de Beaumont vary in some details from each other, but I think most of us remember it as the Prince basically being an asshole to a poor old lady and not offering her shelter in story when she begged him.  If the idea of loving the beast who was actually a man didn’t hammer home the idea that looks can be deceiving, then you weren’t paying attention to this first volley.  The old lady isn’t just the average crone in rags.  A few choice words from her, some bad juju, and the prince is no longer God’s gift to the fairer (and ~cough~ superior  ~cough~) sex.  Lesson? Be careful who you piss off.

I’m good with this part.  It’s the not so subtle part of the story that says “Don’t be a dick.”  Now let’s get into the more tangled bit of it.  With time, maturity and bucket-loads of angst (love this stuff) the Beast/prince becomes a gentler, more empathetic being, possessing an internal beauty matched by the outer handsomeness he once had and lost due his cruelty and narcissism.  The reward for his redemption—and for Beauty’s exceptional discernment—is to change back to his handsome self.

Hey, I’d be the last person to say I can’t appreciate the physical beauty of anyone, man or woman.  I’d love to be a hot babe myself.  Still, after years of torment, of isolation and soul-searching, doesn’t being turned back into your hard body self seem a shallow reward for all that effort?  Or…is this really the prince’s reward?  Maybe it’s Beauty’s reward for seeing beyond the grotesque to the beauty within?  Personally, I think she gets the short end of the stick with this.  I’d be a little freaked out myself at having fallen in love with the ugly guy and suddenly be presented with some stranger before me, no matter how much of a babe he might be. I have more ideas about this, but I’m curious as to yours.  Care to share?

What if the Beast doesn’t change at the end (a la Shrek)?  Does the story lose its essence?  Its redemptive quality?  If so, how?  If not, why? 

Last but not least, why do you think this tale has such huge appeal?  Its romanticism?  Its morality?  Its hope and acknowledgement that we can all find it within ourselves to be the Beast redeemed or Beauty with her gracious, far-seeing soul? 

If you like the Beauty and the Beast romantic trope and have some book suggestions for me, please leave them in the comments. I’m going to be shoring up my TBR pile next week. 

As always, In love and light...

Cass

Midnight Readers: New Releases in Anthologies

Hey ya'll, I have some really awesome new releases to talk about. I personally love anthologies. Each story is a nice sized bite, just enough to see if you like the writing style and voice of each author. I have personally found a bunch of "new to me" authors I love this way. So I hope you'll give these nifty anthologies a chance and maybe you'll find your newest auto-buy author.


First up is Teeth, Long and Sharp: A Collection of Tales Sharp And Pointed.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones - Eleanor resents the afternoons sacrificed to piano lessons and a disagreeable teacher who gloats over her failures and humiliations. Today, it’s Mrs. Lundemann’s turn for a sacrifice of a very different nature…

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven - Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator possessing a taste for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day save a world. 
 
THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

In the forest, a Thing prowls, picking off members of young Raven’s tribe. If they flee their home, they face starvation. If only Raven can answer the question of what kind of fur makes that noise.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey - A merchant and a poet come to the City, seeking justice for the murder of a relative, and if justice cannot be found, they will have revenge. They collude with vampires, negotiate with mermaids, share ale and meat pies with gargoyles and navigate the prisons, waterways and court system of a city ruled by a Master possessing long life and even longer teeth.

The City will make you a fortune, or it will kill you, but it will always change you.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - Living the simple life in small town Indiana, Mrs. H has everything she could possibly ever want: a cozy house, peace and quiet, and a garden that is the envy of Mulberry Street. But when sinister outsiders disrupt the tranquility of her neighborhood, it might be time for her to come out of retirement and take up tools more deadly than pruning shears and a trowel.

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - Biologist Charles Napier doesn’t mind getting lost in a Florida swamp—it’s part of a scientist’s job. Logic and training will get him out safely. Except lurking in this swamp, there’s a monster Napier’s science can’t explain...a lonely, exquisite, desperate monster.

~Foreword by Ilona Andrews~ 

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2dSU8Wo


Next I have this delectable offering for all ya'll LOLCatz lovers... Meow wow!


The Crazy Cat Lady boxed set lets 9 new purr-fectly wild romance stories out of the bag. We hope you enjoy these paw-some tails from New York Times, USA Today, & other authors.

The Vet & the Geek, Sidney Bristol
When veterinarian Raul is reunited with his long lost cat he gets a lot more than he bargained for in Miranda, the curvy, sassy woman who can wipe the floor with his subpar gaming skills. But Miranda doesn’t know if Raul is flirting with her, or if he’s the stalker she’s lived in fear of for years. Is he the crazy cat guy of her dreams, or is he the man who wants her—dead or alive?

Mr. November, Melanie Ting
Marty Devonshire is the feared tough guy of the Vancouver Vice hockey team, yet he’s afraid to make a move on petite Elaine Salang. It will be up to the entire team—& Knightley the cat—to convince Marty to take a chance on love.

Cat Scratch Fever, L.C. Alleyne
Inspector Rafael Montigue detects the scent of a potential mate during a delegate meeting. Kristin Wallin is working undercover to bring down the Brazilian Minister’s drug ring. When terrorists attack, Rafe exposes his panther shifter identity in order to protect Kristin, but she surprises him with secrets of her own that make him look like an innocent kitty cat.

Decker & Joy: A North Pole Unlimited Romance, Elle Rush
Jaded P.I. Decker Harkness must track down a missing Christmas prototype if he wants a shot at a corporate security contract. Sexy cat shelter manager Joy McCall needs help figuring out who broke into Kitten Caboodle and made off with her foster kittens. If they work together, everyone may get a happily-ever-after.

Cats in the Cradle, Jerri Drennen
Being accused of murder by red-haired beauty Beatrice Dailey, a woman known to be the crazy cat lady in the neighborhood, somehow kick-starts Sam Littman's floundering career. Soon he finds himself writing her as the main character in his novel—but as fact & fiction start to blur, Sam & Beatrice tumble headfirst into something most unexpected.

Forgive Me, Lori Whyte
When a neighbor's cat deposits a severed finger on Rachel Connor's doorstep, the last thing she expects is that it'll bring Grady Randall back into her life. He shattered her heart when they were teenagers, but she finds herself turning to him when a menacing stranger shows up at her door. Can their reunion & reignited attraction survive the night or will the murderer strike again?

Sanctuary, Sukie Chapin
When Indiana finds her life is in shambles & her exotic cat sanctuary on the verge of bankruptcy, her only hope rests in the capable hands of a tall, dark, & bearded stranger. Jake’s on the hunt for the only good thing left in his life, his lost lion Loki, but he never expected his search to lead him to beautiful, anguished Indy & her dilapidated refuge. As their attraction grows fiercer than the lions they love, Indy & Jake must decide if they can overcome old wounds & fears to find sanctuary in each other’s arms.

Mr. Hot Stuff, Abby Cheshire
After eight awful & all too memorable blind dates in a row, all Lily wants is to stay home with a good book & her five cats. But when her latest rescue cat Captain Kitt goes klepto & steals a set of keys that belong to the hunky fireman in the neighborhood - Lily may be closer to a perfect match than she ever imagined.

Dress Blues, Lisa Carlisle
When Vivi Parker volunteers at a fundraiser for a cat shelter, she’s stunned to run into Jack Conroy, the one man she couldn’t have, but never forgot. While they served in the Marines, any relationship between them was off-limits. Years later in Boston, the rules have changed. But so have they.


AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2daapUy
iBooks - http://bit.ly/CCLiBooks
Nook - http://bit.ly/CCLNook
Kobo - http://bit.ly/CCLKobo

 

Midnight Reads: Choose Me by Natasha Moore Releases Today!

Eve Corcoran hates being a cliché, but after her husband leaves her for a younger woman, she’s surprised how much she enjoys being on her own. When the empty nester hires the contractor next door to renovate her new apartment, her surprising feelings for him threaten to turn her new life upside down.

After Rick Best lost his wife, he never expected to fall in love again, especially not with the mother of his daughter’s best friend. He’s gone on enough rescue calls with the volunteer fire department to know life can change forever in an instant, and he can’t understand why Eve resists grabbing a second chance at happiness.  

Rick wants her to choose a life with him, but Eve is holding on tight to her newly-found independence. As she keeps pushing Rick away, however, being on her own starts to feel a whole lot like being lonely.

Time to grab a second chance at love. Book #1 in a new series Choose Me by @natashamoore http://amzn.to/2cNH56I

Midnight Reading New Release: Silver Wolf Rising by Sela Carsen

Fate couldn't have picked a worse moment to bring two lonely souls together.

Berserker warrior and drill sergeant Niall is being forced to retire from the Fenrir Army he's faithfully served for most of his life. Miserable and bitter, he's on the pack ship, waiting for a transport back to his home planet to be a farmer. Until trouble steps right on his prosthetic foot just as all Hel breaks loose. 

Widowed Dagny is on the pack ship waiting for a transport down to Earth, searching for a new purpose in this next phase of her life -- one that isn't centered around her grown children. But her new plans definitely don't involve following a cranky old soldier into the dark to survive.

When enemy Axis powers invade the ship, blasting up the heat on a cold war, Niall and Dagny have to team up to save themselves and their shipmates, and to explore the lifescent that is drawing them together. 

Together for now, but will fate be enough to keep them that way after the battle is over?

ONLY .99¢

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2caB7kk

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cEEYW0

Apple: http://apple.co/2cHNAwk

BN: http://bit.ly/2cndFMJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cEGDLs

Midnight Spotlight: The Honesty Of Tigers by David Bridger

Living his life again. Same person, same fishing village, same years. But this time the world shows him a different face.

Ken Jackson builds traditional boats in a small Cornish fishing town, where everyone might not have heard everything about everyone else, but if they haven’t, it isn’t for the want of listening. Which complicates matters for Ken, because he has a secret: he’s living his life all over again.

It sounds like a dream come true. He’s got the chance to make things right for his loved ones, and to avoid all his old regrets. But the past is never that simple. Ken’s second life opens his eyes to different sides of people and places, and what’s a man to do when his hopes and dreams and carefully laid plans are ripped apart?


THE HONESTY OF TIGERS is available from Amazon.com, Amazon UK, Kobo, iBooks and B&N.

A much needed update...

For those unaware or who don't follow me on Facebook, I've been undergoing several life changes and have had to readjust my writing schedule to fit my new circumstances. Both my health and my husband Bear's health have had setbacks this year, but in true CeCe fashion, I am taking it in stride and dealing with whatever comes my way, both the bad and the good. 

But I am officially shouting out to the universe, good is better and I want more of that, please! :)

Also, with the closing of my former publisher, I've been doing rewrites and edits, trying to get those books back out on the shelves as it is my biggest backlist. I hope to add to that backlist with new stories coming out as well. BTW, Thank you to my readers for being so kind and patient with me as life progresses. ((hugs))

Until next time,
Cass

*photo is of the lovely hand blown glass flowers in one of Bear's doctor's office. 

Cassandra's 2016 Birthday Party Winner

The winner of my birthday party contest is...

Sarah Glenn!

Congratulations, Sarah! 

Bear picked your name out of the magical birthday hat as my winner. 

Check your messages for more on how to collect your prize!

Thanks to everyone for dropping by and wishing me a happy birthday!

Cassandra's Birthday Party Fun!

Hi ya'll. Celebrating another year and hoping ya'll will bring the margaritas. lol I'll be checking in a bit later, but wanted to let you know about my birthday contest.

Leave a comment on this or another of my birthday posts today and you're automatically entered for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Friends will be dropping by to offer up free ebooks for readers and fans, plus other neat stuff, so scroll around and find all the birthday posts for today.

All contests* end today at midnight, so enter now and enter often!

*Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. It is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and contact Cassandra Curtis.com in order to claim the prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail.

Cassandra's Birthday Celebration - Guest Author Christa Maurice

Hey ya'll! Welcome to my birthday party! My friends and I will be posting more later today, so check back and see what new fun we've got going.

Friend and author Christa Maurice is here now to share a little music with everyone and a free ebook! Read more to find out how you can get her book VICTIM OF LOVE for free today!

~ ~ ~

Christa in Venice

Everybody’s life has a sound track. (Doesn’t it? Tell me it’s not just me.)

I have this amazing ability to get lost. Seriously, wildly, awkwardly lost. When I went to Venice, I didn’t stay in Venice (my first mistake) I stayed in a town called Mestre, just a short bus ride from Venice.

Should you ever plan to go to Venice, I suggest three things. One, stay in Venice. Two, condition for the trip because you will be doing a lot of walking and a lot of stairs. Three, waterproof shoes.

On the first day I got on the bus no problem and when I arrived in Venice I noted the bus number and parking spot and then went off to enjoy Venice. I walked and walked and walked in inadequate shoes. At one point I was headed down a sidewalk and either didn’t notice the water or didn’t think it was a big deal. It was the tide. I ended up wet to the knees in my inadequate shoes. Did I mention it was March? Cold, wet, inadequate shoes.

At the end of the day I went to catch my bus. Which bus was it? Bus two in space six! I hopped on the bus and rode back toward Mestre. Except nothing looked at all familiar. The longer I was on the bus, the less familiar the scenery got. I asked people on the bus, showing them the post card the hotel had given me with the address and a map of the neighborhood, but I was in an Italian city and the only language I speak fluently is English. The other riders were able to communicate that I was on the wrong bus and nowhere near where I needed to be. The bus driver had enough English to tell me which bus to catch after he left me off. When I got on the second bus, the driver had even less English, but he looked at my map and pointed to a spot on the floor right next to him. Then, when we got to the stop nearest my hotel on his route, he used hand gestures and the map to explain to me how to make my way back to my hotel. I was never so happy to see a hotel in my life.

And what song do you supposed was running through my head that long day as I walked around Venice and Mestre on my numb, wet feet wearing jeans that were still wet and stiff to the knees with sea water? The Proclaimers, “I Could Walk 500 Miles” because, what else would be stuck in my head? (Want to sing along? Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84CPo4bVkMk)

What song is the story of your life?

Want to read the first book in the Rock And Roll State Of Mind series, VICTIM OF LOVE, for free? Sign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/4VZuD and receive a free copy of VICTIM OF LOVE.

Website: christamaurice.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristaMauriceWriter/
Twitter: @christamaurice
Email: christabellemaurice@gmail.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

Feeling very blessed this Valentine's Day, because the one man I love more than life is still alive. He's a grumbly, grouchy bear, but he's my Bear and I almost lost him. It's still difficult to believe, I meant the year just started, and already 2016 is shaping up as a very scary time. The last few weeks have been such a blur, I can't even recall when it happened, but it was one of the last handful of days this recent January. I was happily munching on a cheeseburger and doing edits on one of my stories, when I heard a loud thump coming from the short hallway that connects the kitchen and living room.

I poked my head out of my room and looked down the hallway, only to see Bear on the floor, slumped to one side and unable to get up. It was the beginning of a nightmare, but at the time I thought he'd maybe slipped or tripped and fallen. So I went to him and tried to help him up.

After much convincing, I finally got him to go to the Immediate Care Center, where they determined his blood pressure was dangerously high and they said he needed to go to the E.R. We were both very shaken at the news and went to the hospital. Some ten hours later, after numerous tests, we had a diagnosis—Bear had a stroke.  He was admitted for observation and more tests.

I pretty much lived up at the hospital the entire week, going home only once for a change of clothes and to check snail mail, then drove right back. I kept watch, listened to the doctors and nurses, slept beside Bear (in one of the most uncomfortable chairs imaginable), and saw every painful movement he made as he tried to regain what was lost in a blink of an eye. It hurt to see my strong, proud man struggle to stand, to walk, to hold a cup, or sign his name.

When they finally released him, I got him home, put him to bed, and once I knew he was asleep, I went into my writing room and sat here feeling the rush of all that had happened hit me in the chest and I sobbed.

I've spent the last week and a half changing his diet, (super low sodium, few carbs, limiting fats, and no sugar added foods) and taking him to doctor appointments.

I know we are looking down a long road, he still has to have a heart cath (they found he had an enlarged heart with limited capacity during one of his tests), and there may be other problems to face, but we'll face them together.

So I don't need chocolates, a heart shaped card, or a fancy dinner out to celebrate today.

All I need and want for St. Valentine's Day is right here in front of me. My very own teddy bear of a man. Fates willing, I will get to keep him for a long, long time.

In love, eternally.

Hug your man tight and show him how special he is to you. Because we are not guaranteed anything in this life, and when the fates are kind, wipe your tears away and embrace love.

Happy Valentine's Day,
Cass

Super Bowl - That's football right?

I admit it. I'm not into the whole Super Bowl thing. I'd rather go out to a movie or curl up with a book. But some of my friends are crazy when it comes to Super Bowl, even if their team isn't one of the teams playing. 

And when it comes to romance books, these same friends have a passion for the game—and hot gridiron heroes. ;)

If your passions run to sexy heroes on or off the playing field, check out the Santa Fe Bobcats series by Jeanette Murray for a touchdown!

One Night with a Quarterback (Santa Fe Bobcats #1)
Jeanette Murray

A one-night stand shouldn’t go into overtime…

She’s daddy’s little girl…or she would have been, had he known she existed. Cassie Wainwright thought her father—head coach of the Santa Fe Bobcats—ignored her purposefully. Come to find out, he had no clue she’d ever been born.

Now Cassie is determined to meet the man who’s always been missing from her life. Her mother warns her, being the long-lost daughter of a well-known NFL coach won’t be easy, but Cassie’s determined to stick it out. And before her life turns upside down, she wants one more night of fun.

Starting quarterback for the Santa Fe Bobcats, Trey Owens is tired of being in the limelight. Lucky for him, the beautiful brunette he meets at the club isn’t a local. She has no idea who he is…and she’s down to party.

Tomorrow, Cassie will think about her father. Tomorrow, she’ll think about her future. But tonight is for herself and the hottie she found on dance floor. It’s a matchup made in heaven—if only for a night…



AMZ: http://amzn.to/1SvYgMg
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-night-with-a-quarterback-jeanette-murray/1118017699
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-night-with-a-quarterback/id767590467
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/one-night-with-a-quarterback

Loving Him Off the Field (Santa Fe Bobcats #2)
Jeanette Murray

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense…



Aileen is a sports reporter trying to make a name for herself without relying on her looks, and what better way to do that than to break a scandal about one of the fastest rising stars on the Santa Fe Bobcats? Killian seems too good to be true, so she knows he must be hiding something…
.


It’s hard enough breaking into the NFL—even more so when you’re a single dad. Killian isn’t proud that he’s keeping his son a secret, but his ex has a reputation that could tarnish his squeaky clean image for good. So when Aileen starts sniffing around, Killian decides to distract her by any means necessary.



But Aileen is more than capable of giving as good as she gets…

AMZ:  http://amzn.to/1UOKsdc
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-him-off-the-field-jeanette-murray/1119570272
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/loving-him-off-the-field/id767601614
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/loving-him-off-the-field