New Release: Field of Play

Greetings! Apologies for being absent recently, it’s for a very good reason, me and my family have moved and it’s taken time to get settled and feel at home, as you can imagine.

The good news is, I’ve a New Release! That’s right. Field of Play, Alexandria Griffins Book 2, is Available Now at Amazon, B&N Nook, Apple Books, Kobo, Smashwords, and More! Links to be added shortly!

If you’re a reader, you may be familiar with Quarterback Blitz, featuring QB Kyran Black and Anna James, the mascot for the Alexandria Griffins, which launched the Alexandria Griffins series. Field of Play, features star wideout/wide receiver Dallas McKay who hires PI Grace Daniels to help him find his birth parents. It’s a hot, contemporary romance with a dash of suspense and, as always, a Happily Ever After ending!

Here’s a Blurb:

When PI Grace Daniels meets swoon-worthy football star Dallas McKay, she wouldn’t mind engaging in a little consensual unnecessary roughness with him! But this is a job, and she will remain professional no matter how much McKay’s charming grin threatens to draw her offsides.
A career-ending attack on a teammate has Dallas searching for answers about his past and birth family. When a snowed-in weekend puts him and Grace in an unexpected timeout, they share secrets, desires…and realize they have far more in common than meets the eye.
Except once the snow thaws and Grace’s investigation begins in earnest, conspiratorial outsiders threaten to turn the field of play into a dangerous game. Can Grace and Dallas unravel and expose their opponents before time runs out?

Excerpt:

On a third and long with one last shot at the endzone, QB Ricky Weathers lasered the football to wideout Dallas McKay, who caught it in stride and ran into the endzone, scoring the game-winning TD as the clock struck zero!

“They did it, Anna, the Griffins pulled off a miracle comeback,” Grace shouted to her friend, both of them on their feet as rock music blasted throughout the stadium, the players rushed the field, and crowd positively electric.

Caught up in moment, Grace whipped off her glove, tucked two fingers between her lips, and blew a two-fingered whistle, miraculously seeming to draw Dallas away from his teammates only to remove his helmet and stare—at her! 

“Oh my god, Grace, you better sit down, Dallas just chose to celebrate that TD with you,” Anna Black warned a heartbeat before he sprinted toward them, scaled a ramp, then hopped over a railing to stand right in front of her just as she reclaimed her seat.

“Hi, you must be Grace,” he said, surprising her further by offering the football still in his hand. “Think you could hold this for me until we meet up later?”

“Um, sure,” she answered, reaching for the ball just as he suddenly slipped on something and ended up in her lap! “Oh, my god, I’m so sorry.”

“No apologies, beautiful. Are you hurt?” he asked, the warmth of his body combined with the deep resonance with a hint of a southern drawl in his voice heating her up far better than the puffy coat, gloves, and hiking boots with little warming packs inside.

“Not at all, Mr. McKay,” she assured, glancing over at Anna, who was beaming at the interaction.

“Name’s Dallas. As to the ball, it’s for a kid who couldn’t make it tonight and I’d like to make sure nothing happens to it.”

“In that case, I’ll keep it safe. Promise,” she said, being certain to put her glove back on before accepting the ball.

“Thanks. Please, forgive me for the botched introduction,” he said, his compelling dark brown eyes drawing her attention to his incredibly handsome face that must’ve been chiseled by fallen angels.

“I don’t know, having Dallas McKay on my lap is icing on the cake after that TD,” she countered, blinking when snowflakes peppered his straight shoulder-length raven-black hair. My god, he was sex in a football uniform and cleats.

“Congrats on that TD, Dallas, you and Ricky have honed the two-minute drill to perfection,” Anna said from the seat next to her.

Dallas looked over at Anna, smiled, then got to his feet. His height was otherworldly. Exactly how tall Grace didn’t know, but at six-two, it was rare for her to feel petite.

“Hey, Anna, thanks for the props. God, tell me I didn’t hurt you or the babies when I slipped,” he asked when she got to her feet to hug him then stepped back. 

“I’m good, don’t you worry. Before you go back to your teammates, allow me to make the introduction official. Dallas McKay, this is Grace Daniels.” 

“Kinda figured that out when I heard her whistle. Hi, Grace, nice to meet you,” he said, accepting her offer for a handshake, his touch giving her butterflies despite the gloves, his gentle pull drawing her to her feet. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too,” she replied, grinning. “Matter of fact, I’m thinking it’s time to retire my collection of baseball jerseys for one of yours.” 

“What’s this? You don’t have a Dallas McKay jersey?” he teased, releasing her hand to rest his own over his heart, making her laugh.

“Sorry, no, but in my defense, I grew up playing baseball and softball, the latter of which got me into Maryland on a scholarship.”

“Nothing wrong with that. What position?”

“Catcher. Tended to be a line drive hitter, racked up RBIs.”

“Nice. Would love to learn more about it. Do you have a stadium pass?” he asked, making a gesture in midair and Anna handed him a Sharpie.

“I do,” Grace said, jostling the football long enough to dig into the pocket of her winter coat and withdrawing a lanyard with a plastic card attached that would afford her access to the interwoven network behind the scenes of the stadium.

“This should get you through security quickly. Any problems, Anna will know what to do,” he assured, scrawling VIP and his name across the card in indelible marker.

“Appreciate it,” she replied, willing herself not to let the cameras catch her appreciating his fantastic ass as he turned toward someone on the field shouting his name.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me tonight.” Giving her his full attention again, something in his gaze shifted, the heat reflected stoking her awareness of him in a way that had nothing to do with the reason they were meeting in the first place. “Of course, already looking forward to it,” she agreed, retaining the football and her pass as he withdrew, navigating the wall as easily as he’d scaled it the first time. 

Buy Links: https://books2read.com/u/bopW5p

Second Chance Inn, Available Now!

Wanted to share with my readers that a previously released Contemporary Romance with Suspense Elements is available now exclusively at Amazon for Kindle or the Kindle App. Even better, it’s available free for a limited time. After the special deal ends, it’ll also be available at Kindle Unlimited, and remain at a low price if you don’t have a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Here’s a little background on Second Chance Inn, which is the start of a series featuring characters in need of a second chance, in some cases, it could be a second chance at love. In others, a second career.

Welcome to the Second Chance Inn! If you’re in need of a cold beer, pub grub, rock and roll, a game of poker, or a place to hang your hat, come on in and stay awhile. Be sure to ask about our B&B and Happy Hour Specials!

In need of a new start, Bostonian accountant Mackenzie Chance arrives in Hawthorn, South Dakota determined to restore the rustic inn she’s inherited from her grandfather. She never expects world renowned rocker Ace Blackburn, her unrequited first love, to turn up at the door just as a blizzard begins. Much less the irresistible attraction they share when she welcomes him inside.

While the snow piles up, they bare their souls, soon becoming lovers as they plan to turn the Second Chance Inn into a place where employees, customers, and tourists can renew or reinvent themselves.
But when the storm ends, will they see their plans come to fruition, or lose everything when the past she’s left behind returns with a vengeance?

Scandalous and Valiance, The Abcynians Books Four and Five, available at Amazon for a Kindle Countdown Deal!

Hi everyone! I hope you’re enjoying the start of fall, maybe pumpkin spice goodies, coffee, and treats as we approach October and November. Soon enough, the Holidays will arrive. First, let’s stick with Autumn, my favorite season.

Because Fall is my favorite season, I’m happy to say that the final two books in my Abcynians series are available for only $.99 cents each! That’s right. This magical, mystical series began in the Middle Ages with Persuasion, evolved into the Renaissance with Pride, sailed the oceans with Redemption, and challenged the lords and ladies of Georgian England, then crossed the Atlantic to the Wild West!

Here’s a peek into Scandalous, Abcynians Book IV:

The Royal Advisor to the King of the Abcynians, Nicholas, Duke of Arrington, is inscrutable, lofty, and elusive. A widower with two grown sons and no intention of remarrying, he never expects to meet Miss Regan Saunders while walking through Parade Gardens. Aware that she’s his destined mate, he’s fascinated. For not only is she prepared to push the boundaries of society’s expectations of a gentlewoman to become a doctor, she’s an Abcynian Guard, therefore, capable of protecting his and his family’s secrets.

Due to horrific betrayal by his first duchess, he believes it’s best to court her with the utmost discretion to avoid a scandal that could lead to her ruination. Nevertheless, when Regan becomes the target of a macabre killer, Nicholas will stop at nothing to protect her, including marriage.

Despite the rushed circumstances, it isn’t long before they open their hearts, falling in love, neither aware that an assassin has been plotting with an ancient adversary to destroy the Abcynians for centuries. To expose the truth, they’ll risk everything they hold dear to stop a predator before it’s too late.

Valiance, Abcynians Book V, the finale:

Cast into the belly of an enemy’s ship to die, Valiant Montgomery seeks absolution for failing to keep his promise to Mary Ainsworth, his fated queen. Needing a miracle, he prays she is somewhere safe with a family of her own. He never expects his prayer to be answered, much less to be rescued by a crew of Abcynians. When he discovers the Saturians used his marquisate to stage the slaughter of his species and left his father for dead, he questions if he is worthy of his beloved.

Gunslinger Gabriel Blakemore returned to privateering to search for his sister’s lost prince. Aware that the heir to the Abcynian throne has a long row to hoe, he invites Valiant to put down roots in Dare, Arizona. In truth, however, he can’t stop thinking about his feisty neighbor Izzy Patterson and worries that his nightmarish past might frighten her away.

During the voyage to America, Valiant and Gabriel vow to reunite with the women they love while a new ally with the heart of a jaguar promises to heal Lucien Montgomery’s shattered soul. Once home, Valiant and Mary fulfill their fate and Gabriel wins Izzy’s heart.

All the while, a malevolent foe threatens to unleash unimaginable losses upon their families and the townsfolk of Dare. To save them, the destined King and Crown Prince must lead the Abcynians into a showdown between good and evil…or humanity itself will become extinct.

Pride, The Abcynians Book Two, Available Free!

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope your weekend was good and the first touches of fall have leaves beginning to change.

Some news to share! Pride, Abcynians Book 2, is available free for a limited time at Amazon for Kindle. As with Persuasion, Book 1, Redemption, Book 3, Scandalous, Book 4, and the finale, Valiance, it’s also available at Kindle Unlimited. If you like reading on a Kindle or Kindle app, check Pride for free!

A little about Pride, featuring Dante Luciano, the adopted son of the Abcynian king, and Rhiannon, the oldest daughter of Sir Brandon and Judith Matthews, who has been missing and presumed dead for years:

Pride: The Abcynians, Book II
Plagued by headaches and memory loss after a life-threatening injury, Rhiannon has spent years confined behind the walls of a decrepit castle. When a loathsome earl attempts to earn her favor with an extravagant painting, she is inexplicably drawn to its depiction of an ancient, mythical race. Believing the Florentine artist could be the key to unlocking her past, she and her maid escape, hoping to enlist his aid. Upon reaching the Piazza della Signoria months later, she is unaware that the handsomest man amongst the lavish merchants is the one she seeks.
Dante Luciano is considered the most renowned artist of his time. His patrons are wealthy and powerful. His charm and prowess with women legendary. Yet, as the adopted son of the king of his kind, he must guard his secrets. For he possesses the heart and soul of a panthera prince, therefore, able to shift into a lion. Taken by the discovery of a rare Abcynian female nearby, he recognizes her as his destined mate. Discovering Rhiannon is stricken with debilitating pain, he takes her home, providing the remedies, protection, and knowledge she needs to survive.
While she heals, they fall in love, beginning to plan a future together. However, when her memory returns, imminent danger looms. It’ll take all of Dante’s abilities and the Abcynians to save Rhiannon from a vicious, beastly foe.

The Abcynians: Books 1-5

Good morning everyone! I hope you had a great weekend and if you watched the Olympics like I did, hope you had fun.

In the spirit of a New Release: Valiance, The Abcynians Book V, I’d thought I’d share the links and cover blurbs for Books 1-5, in addition to the links, which are also available on Amazon, Nook, Apple Books, Kobo, and so much more!

Persuasion, The Abcynians Book I

As an Abcynian Elder, Garrick Forrester has survived wars, plagues, and arranged marriages. Nothing he’s experienced prepares him for the discovery of his mate living in his demesne, or for her resistance.
While aiding a child, Aisley Reeves is rescued by the Earl of Danford, whom a village healer should never dare approach without being summoned. At first, she is fascinated with the dark, mesmerizing lord who tempts her in a way no man has ever done. After he claims she’s to become his betrothed, she balks.
Already fearful her work and red hair might cause some to brand her as a witch, she believes it is best to keep her distance. When Aisley suffers a near mortal injury at the hands of his enemies, Garrick must gain her trust so that he can protect her. But can she trust her life to a man who is far more than…human?https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?preview=inline&linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_54NR3rll2Jg6Uv&asin=B01IG0OW90&tag=kpembed-20

Pride, The Abcynians Book II

Plagued by headaches and memory loss after a life-threatening injury, Rhiannon has spent years confined behind the walls of a decrepit castle. When a loathsome earl attempts to earn her favor with an extravagant painting, she is inexplicably drawn to its depiction of an ancient, mythical race. Believing the Florentine artist could be the key to unlocking her past, she and her maid escape, hoping to enlist his aid. Upon reaching the Piazza della Signoria months later, she is unaware that the handsomest man amongst the lavish merchants is the one she seeks.
Dante Luciano is considered the most renowned artist of his time. His patrons are wealthy and powerful. His charm and prowess with women legendary. Yet, as the adopted son of the king of his kind, he must guard his secrets. For he possesses the heart and soul of a panthera prince, therefore, able to shift into a lion. Taken by the discovery of a rare Abcynian female nearby, he recognizes her as his destined mate. Discovering Rhiannon is stricken with debilitating pain, he takes her home, providing the remedies, protection, and knowledge she needs to survive.
While she heals, they fall in love, beginning to plan a future together. However, when her memory returns, imminent danger looms. It’ll take all of Dante’s abilities and the Abcynians to save Rhiannon from a vicious, beastly foe.https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?preview=inline&linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_aoZK8Ma3ExdniI&asin=B0744196VX&tag=kpembed-20

Redemption, The Abcynians Book III

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race of were-panthers faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial evil.
Redemption: The Abcynians, Book III
Her ship overtaken by pirates, Jocelyn Kincaid is rescued by Captain Don Adriano de Montoya. Initially afraid of the privateer sailors call El Fantasma, she discovers he is not the ghost some have portrayed him to be. He claims to be part of a mythical race—and her mate! Fascinated, she’s brokenhearted when he makes plans to sail her home to Boston.
Haunted by the memory of his murdered family, Adriano has sworn to ruin the man he holds responsible for their deaths. When he unexpectedly finds his mate aboard an enemy ship, he saves her life. Despite their unprecedented attraction, he keeps his distance until he learns a secret about Jocelyn that could potentially endanger her and Abcynian kind.
Determined to keep the woman he loves safe, his mission changes. But when she discovers the truth he’s guarding, will she forgive him, or set him on a path of destruction?https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?preview=inline&linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_nSrFNpeCd4E8dI&asin=B07CB1F9ML&tag=kpembed-20

Scandalous, The Abcynians Book IV

The Royal Advisor to the King of the Abcynians, Nicholas, Duke of Arrington, is inscrutable, lofty, and elusive. A widower with two grown sons and no intention of remarrying, he never expects to meet Miss Regan Saunders while walking through Parade Gardens. Aware that she’s his destined mate, he’s fascinated. For not only is she prepared to push the boundaries of society’s expectations of a gentlewoman to become a doctor, she’s an Abcynian Guard, therefore, capable of protecting his and his family’s secrets.

Due to horrific betrayal by his first duchess, he believes it’s best to court her with the utmost discretion to avoid a scandal that could lead to her ruination. Nevertheless, when Regan becomes the target of a macabre killer, Nicholas will stop at nothing to protect her, including marriage.

Despite the rushed circumstances, it isn’t long before they open their hearts, falling in love, neither aware that an assassin has been plotting with an ancient adversary to destroy the Abcynians for centuries. To expose the truth, they’ll risk everything they hold dear to stop a predator before it’s too late.https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?preview=inline&linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_L0UMSiVihMjl6i&asin=B08H183BDG&tag=kpembed-20

Valiance, The Abcynians Book V

Cast into the belly of an enemy’s ship to die, Valiant Montgomery seeks absolution for failing to keep his promise to Mary Ainsworth, his fated queen. Needing a miracle, he prays she is somewhere safe with a family of her own. He never expects his prayer to be answered, much less to be rescued by a crew of Abcynians. When he discovers the Saturians used his marquisate to stage the slaughter of his species and left his father for dead, he questions if he is worthy of his beloved.

Gunslinger Gabriel Blakemore returned to privateering to search for his sister’s lost prince. Aware that the heir to the Abcynian throne has a long row to hoe, he invites Valiant to put down roots in Dare, Arizona. In truth, however, he can’t stop thinking about his feisty neighbor Izzy Patterson and worries that his nightmarish past might frighten her away.

During the voyage to America, Valiant and Gabriel vow to reunite with the women they love while a new ally with the heart of a jaguar promises to heal Lucien Montgomery’s shattered soul. Once home, Valiant and Mary fulfill their fate and Gabriel wins Izzy’s heart.

All the while, a malevolent foe threatens to unleash unimaginable losses upon their families and the townsfolk of Dare. To save them, the destined King and Crown Prince must lead the Abcynians into a showdown between good and evil…or humanity itself will become extinct.

Persuasion, The Abcynians Book I, Available Free!

That’s right! Persuasion, the first book in the Abcynians series is available free for a limited time! This was the first book that had been accepted and published by Ellora’s Cave. It has been significantly revised, revisited, reimagined, and some characters/situations have changed from its original version.

Find out more about my big cat shifters by taking a chance on the Abcynians. The entire series is available on Kindle Unlimited, but as there are five books, I highly recommend starting with Book I, as characters introduced play key roles throughout the series, including Garrick and Aisley Forrester.

Available Now from Amazon: Lions, Tigers, Leopards & More! The Abcynians

Welcome back! I’m pleased to announce that I’ve enrolled Persuasion, The Abcynians Book I, Pride, The Abcynians Book II, Redemption, The Abcynians Book III, Scandalous, The Abcynians Book IV, and the series finale, Valiance, The Abcynians Book V, at Amazon for KDP Select. More so, starting Monday August 30, 2021 Persuasion will be available for free for a limited time! Likewise, if you’ve subscribed to Kindle Unlimited, each book is available to read. Enjoy!

Even better, if you’ve got a Kindle or a Kindle app on your favorite tablet or iPad, you can enroll in Kindle Unlimited and each and very book in the Abcynians series is available. It’s my sincere hope that you’ll check them out.

First, let me introduce you to Garrick and Aisley Forrester!

As an Abcynian Elder, Garrick Forrester has survived wars, plagues, and arranged marriages. Nothing he’s experienced prepares him for the discovery of his mate living in his demesne, or for her resistance.
While aiding a child, Aisley Reeves is rescued by the Earl of Danford, whom a village healer should never dare approach without being summoned. At first, she is fascinated with the dark, mesmerizing lord who tempts her in a way no man has ever done. After he claims she’s to become his betrothed, she balks.
Already fearful her work and red hair might cause some to brand her as a witch, she believes it is best to keep her distance. When Aisley suffers a near mortal injury at the hands of his enemies, Garrick must gain her trust so that he can protect her. But can she trust her life to a man who is far more than…human?

The Abcynians: Books 1-5

Good morning everyone! I hope you had a great weekend and if you watched the Olympics like I did, hope you had fun.

In the spirit of a New Release: Valiance, The Abcynians Book V, I’d thought I’d share the links and cover blurbs for Books 1-5, in addition to the links, which are also available on Amazon, Nook, Apple Books, Kobo, and so much more!

Persuasion, The Abcynians Book I

As an Abcynian Elder, Garrick Forrester has survived wars, plagues, and arranged marriages. Nothing he’s experienced prepares him for the discovery of his mate living in his demesne, or for her resistance.
While aiding a child, Aisley Reeves is rescued by the Earl of Danford, whom a village healer should never dare approach without being summoned. At first, she is fascinated with the dark, mesmerizing lord who tempts her in a way no man has ever done. After he claims she’s to become his betrothed, she balks.
Already fearful her work and red hair might cause some to brand her as a witch, she believes it is best to keep her distance. When Aisley suffers a near mortal injury at the hands of his enemies, Garrick must gain her trust so that he can protect her. But can she trust her life to a man who is far more than…human?

Pride, The Abcynians Book II

Plagued by headaches and memory loss after a life-threatening injury, Rhiannon has spent years confined behind the walls of a decrepit castle. When a loathsome earl attempts to earn her favor with an extravagant painting, she is inexplicably drawn to its depiction of an ancient, mythical race. Believing the Florentine artist could be the key to unlocking her past, she and her maid escape, hoping to enlist his aid. Upon reaching the Piazza della Signoria months later, she is unaware that the handsomest man amongst the lavish merchants is the one she seeks.
Dante Luciano is considered the most renowned artist of his time. His patrons are wealthy and powerful. His charm and prowess with women legendary. Yet, as the adopted son of the king of his kind, he must guard his secrets. For he possesses the heart and soul of a panthera prince, therefore, able to shift into a lion. Taken by the discovery of a rare Abcynian female nearby, he recognizes her as his destined mate. Discovering Rhiannon is stricken with debilitating pain, he takes her home, providing the remedies, protection, and knowledge she needs to survive.
While she heals, they fall in love, beginning to plan a future together. However, when her memory returns, imminent danger looms. It’ll take all of Dante’s abilities and the Abcynians to save Rhiannon from a vicious, beastly foe.

Redemption, The Abcynians Book III

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race of were-panthers faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial evil.
Redemption: The Abcynians, Book III
Her ship overtaken by pirates, Jocelyn Kincaid is rescued by Captain Don Adriano de Montoya. Initially afraid of the privateer sailors call El Fantasma, she discovers he is not the ghost some have portrayed him to be. He claims to be part of a mythical race—and her mate! Fascinated, she’s brokenhearted when he makes plans to sail her home to Boston.
Haunted by the memory of his murdered family, Adriano has sworn to ruin the man he holds responsible for their deaths. When he unexpectedly finds his mate aboard an enemy ship, he saves her life. Despite their unprecedented attraction, he keeps his distance until he learns a secret about Jocelyn that could potentially endanger her and Abcynian kind.
Determined to keep the woman he loves safe, his mission changes. But when she discovers the truth he’s guarding, will she forgive him, or set him on a path of destruction?

Scandalous, The Abcynians Book IV

The Royal Advisor to the King of the Abcynians, Nicholas, Duke of Arrington, is inscrutable, lofty, and elusive. A widower with two grown sons and no intention of remarrying, he never expects to meet Miss Regan Saunders while walking through Parade Gardens. Aware that she’s his destined mate, he’s fascinated. For not only is she prepared to push the boundaries of society’s expectations of a gentlewoman to become a doctor, she’s an Abcynian Guard, therefore, capable of protecting his and his family’s secrets.

Due to horrific betrayal by his first duchess, he believes it’s best to court her with the utmost discretion to avoid a scandal that could lead to her ruination. Nevertheless, when Regan becomes the target of a macabre killer, Nicholas will stop at nothing to protect her, including marriage.

Despite the rushed circumstances, it isn’t long before they open their hearts, falling in love, neither aware that an assassin has been plotting with an ancient adversary to destroy the Abcynians for centuries. To expose the truth, they’ll risk everything they hold dear to stop a predator before it’s too late.

Valiance, The Abcynians Book V

Cast into the belly of an enemy’s ship to die, Valiant Montgomery seeks absolution for failing to keep his promise to Mary Ainsworth, his fated queen. Needing a miracle, he prays she is somewhere safe with a family of her own. He never expects his prayer to be answered, much less to be rescued by a crew of Abcynians. When he discovers the Saturians used his marquisate to stage the slaughter of his species and left his father for dead, he questions if he is worthy of his beloved.

Gunslinger Gabriel Blakemore returned to privateering to search for his sister’s lost prince. Aware that the heir to the Abcynian throne has a long row to hoe, he invites Valiant to put down roots in Dare, Arizona. In truth, however, he can’t stop thinking about his feisty neighbor Izzy Patterson and worries that his nightmarish past might frighten her away.

During the voyage to America, Valiant and Gabriel vow to reunite with the women they love while a new ally with the heart of a jaguar promises to heal Lucien Montgomery’s shattered soul. Once home, Valiant and Mary fulfill their fate and Gabriel wins Izzy’s heart.

All the while, a malevolent foe threatens to unleash unimaginable losses upon their families and the townsfolk of Dare. To save them, the destined King and Crown Prince must lead the Abcynians into a showdown between good and evil…or humanity itself will become extinct.

Valiance, The Abcynians Book V is Available Now!

Thrilled to announce that Valiance, the fifth and final book of the Abcynians series, is available now at Amazon, Nook, Apple Books, Kobo, and several digital book libraries and subscription services.

Hailed as demigods from a fallen realm, Abcynians and their panthera guardians evolved into shifters to protect ancient civilizations from their malevolent adversaries. Centuries later, war between the Abcynians and Saturians has crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Cast into the belly of an enemy’s ship to die, Valiant Montgomery seeks absolution for failing to keep his promise to Mary Ainsworth, his fated queen. Needing a miracle, he prays she is somewhere safe with a family of her own. He never expects his prayer to be answered, much less to be rescued by a crew of Abcynians. When he discovers the Saturians used his marquisate to stage the slaughter of his species and left his father for dead, he questions if he is worthy of his beloved.

Gunslinger Gabriel Blakemore returned to privateering to search for his sister’s lost prince. Aware that the heir to the Abcynian throne has a long row to hoe, he invites Valiant to put down roots in Dare, Arizona. In truth, however, he can’t stop thinking about his feisty neighbor Izzy Patterson and worries that his nightmarish past might frighten her away.

During the voyage to America, Valiant and Gabriel vow to reunite with the women they love and rely on a new ally with the heart of a jaguar to heal Lucien Montgomery’s shattered soul. Once home, Valiant and Mary fulfill their fate and Gabriel wins Izzy’s heart. All the while, a malevolent foe threatens to unleash unimaginable losses upon their families and the townsfolk of Dare.

Sneak Peek

“You picked a great horse for Valiant, by the way. Tall enough for an Abcynian male but requires an experienced rider.”

“Figured someone who’d once ridden war horses could handle Gulliver, even though Cynric Forrester sent word that Valiant and Gabriel bought horses from him,” Michael replied, jumping down to the ground.

“It’s a wonderful gift, Michael. He’ll love it,” Mary assured as a scent she’d not detected in ninety-five years drew her attention westward.

Stilling, she turned in her seat, discovering Valiant astride a huge chestnut horse. In truth, it wasn’t the magnificence of a well-bred stallion that caught her eye, it was the former marquess wearing a cotton shirt, denims, boots, and a black Stetson. Beside him, Gabriel rode a tall black horse with a white star on its forehead.

“Go be with Valiant, Mary, I’ll look after Izzy,” Gabriel insisted, breaking away from Valiant to accept the reins of his favorite buckskin from Caleb, only to ride toward town.

As soon as Gabriel disappeared, Mary got down from the wagon at the same time as Valiant jumped to the ground. Goodness, no wonder he’d bought such a big horse! He was enormous, muscled, with tawny hair running down to his back in thick waves.

Uncommonly handsome, his eyes were like liquid amber, his nose patrician, his jaw squared, his teeth white, the presence of slightly extended canines fascinating. His unique scent—sandalwood and something deeper, spicier—reached her.

And then she realized Valiant was close enough to touch, his hands extended. If she were still sixteen, she might have flushed and looked away. Instead, she launched herself at him, catching him off-guard. He caught her all the same.

“Mary, I am sorry, so very sorry,” he apologized, for what, she didn’t know.

“Don’t say anything more until you kiss me, Valiant Montgomery. After all, I’ve been waiting all my life for you to do so.”

Aware that they had witnesses, she didn’t care about anything other than having his big hand cup the side of her face that’d once been scarred. Today, it was nothing but a faint crescent-shaped line that he caressed with his thumb before brushing her glasses to the top of her head and bending forward to press his mouth to hers. On a sigh, her lips parted, his tongue delving deep, tangling with hers in an intimate dance she’d never experienced before.

If she’d been standing, her knees would’ve given out, for surely the earth shook from the impact of her first genuine, heart-pounding kiss with the man she loved. And, still they kissed, clinging to one another, his taste as sweet as molasses.

Mary, we keep this up, Michael’s gonna geld me.

He’d have to go through me first. Oh, Valiant, I am so relieved to know that you’re well, but please forgive me for my moments of doubt that you’d be found.

You owe me no apologies. I broke the promise I’d made to you the day I left Regan and Nicholas’ wedding breakfast.

Valiant! You didn’t break it. You came home.

I’m not the same man anymore, Mary. Much as I wish otherwise, I am not.

Nor am I the same girl, my love.

Easing up, he lifted his head. As her vision had improved since her conversion, she didn’t need her glasses to appreciate the regal beauty of his features. Then she saw him, the face of the Crown Prince etched upon his countenance, the lion’s head bowed, as if in shame.

“Kahari is sad,” she said.

“What?”

“The Crown Prince, that’s his name, right?” she asked, as it’d come to her as surely as he stood there.

“It is.”

“He’s ashamed for not detecting that you were in danger long before you’d reached Calais.”

“It wasn’t Kahari’s fault. I’d become so high on the instep that I failed to realize my own valet led me into a trap.”

“Might I speak to the lion?”

“If I can hear you, he can.”

“Thank you, Kahari, thank you for protecting Valiant, for bringing him home to his family, to our kind, to me,” she whispered to the lion, touching her hand to Valiant’s face, stroking the lion’s countenance reflected upon his skin.

“Mary, I feel him, I feel the return of his pride simply because you are near.” 

“Thank the Creator. I had a vision of you once, in a mirror,” she confessed.

“Tell me of it.”

“I was tasked to say the name of the man I loved. You came to me. You were hung from some sort of contraption, beaten, bloody, your back shredded. Your hair gone. Your inner strength to endure had been tested due to punishment you’d wrongly believed you deserved, and I worried you were just going to let it all go.”

“The only reason I didn’t end my life was you, for it was your face that I kept in my mind, your name in my heart.”

“Are you saying you still love me, Valiant?”

“I have loved you from the moment we met, though I pray your vision of me in prison then didn’t frighten you overly much,” he said, looking sheepish.

“The punishment was real?”

“One of many, I suspect, though it was likely when I’d tried to escape an opium den that’d been overrun by vampires. After I’d been punished, I was placed on a prison ship, where I was put in the hold with the other prisoners and forced into hard labor until they all died, save for me.”

“Goodness, that must’ve been terrible.”

“The yellow-bellied Saturians wanted me to subsist on the bodies. I couldn’t, for as many sins as I’d committed, I would not, could not do such a thing.”

Smiling, Mary imagined Gabriel had taught Valiant a thing or two about the West during their voyage home. “Been spending the last few months with my brother, haven’t you?”

“He’s my best friend. Without him, I might not have survived the nightmares, though I should warn you that they remain.”

“I’m glad Gabriel was there for you, as I will be should you wake to such horrors.”

“Thank you. May I kiss you again? You taste of ambrosia and sunshine.”

“I’d rather kiss you,” she answered, using her great strength to lever herself up and take his face between her palms. “Welcome home, Valiant, welcome home.” Pressing her mouth to his, she brushed her lips back and forth, experimenting, learning, tasting. 

“Mary, Valiant, I don’t want to interrupt, but if we’re to stop Gabriel from killing a couple of men, we need to go, now,” Michael urged, compelling her to ease back.

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