Tag Archives: Romance
The Adventures of a Wayward Author
Not sure if the fairies have landed yet, never mind the muses. Will they ever come back and let me write a decent story again or is my life situation still a bit much for them. They sure as hell don’t like Covid. No idea where they’ve locked themselves up. Maybe it’s not me who’s wayward, more likely it’s the darn muses having a laugh at my expense.
“Hey look at her trying to write,” one nudges the other.
“I know, right. Can’t do it without us,” they giggle.
I’ll show them. I already published a story, ‘Soul Man,’ though it’s an old one so doesn’t really count. This story was released in parts in Ghostly Rites Anthologies by Plaisted Publishing. I decided it was time the full story stood on it’s own.
Description
The moon shone down eerily on the green-grey waves, glancing on the body guiding it to the shore. Gently, the waves propelled him towards the sandy beach. His body rolling over as it hit the sands; his empty eyes staring blankly up towards the wan moon as his body finally settled on the sand. His long black hair swirled in the seawater, each time the waves rushed over his body leaving seaweed and sand on his semi naked body.
I need new material and do I have heaps of that after my life since 2017. Oh. My. God. No wonder the muses won’t come home. Not sure I would either if I had a choice, except New Zealand is amazing compared to where I was. This is where my heart is and my adorable man.
Anyway…
I have an idea for a new type of romance. At the moment I’m calling it ‘The Book of Love.’ It’s a sexy hot tale of a frustrated woman who want’s what those erotic author write about… in her life. Sadly she is invisible to most people around her, including her family who ignore her.
What can she do to set her life in the direction she wants? Reading erotic books and a vibrator is all she has right now. Breda want’s something real. A gentleman, a romantic and some glorious orgasms to make her scream. Instead of her dull shabby life she had.
Will her dreams come true? How will she find her man. She adores Snyden from her latest book. He’s gorgeous, muscular and knows how to make a woman scream, after all he makes Lisa, his girlfriend in the book, scream all the time.
Unbeknown to Breda, the characters noticed Breda’s sad, lonely life and decided to do something for her. Hang on, they’re characters in a book Breda’s reading! How could they help, they weren’t real people! The decision belonged to Snyden and Lisa. Would they pull Breda into the book and give her a good time, or would they escape the pages and turn up in her real life.
Oh the possibilities… This is why I love fiction. Be warned, this story is for adults only!!
A New Cousin and Book Two of Enchantments
I’m glad you enjoyed the last sample from a story…I am still writing. It will be called ‘Love Reunited.’ Though it is a love story with a HEA, it is also a murder mystery story which I hope you’ll enjoy. The little girl is unharmed and you even get a lesson in Family History Research (another of my hobbies and jobs). I may let you see more of the story, however this post is about a new contact who is a cousin and happened to read one of my books called ‘Enchantments – The Beginning.’
Enchantments is a fast-paced YA fantasy book introducing you to eight characters, their animals and trainers. I wrote this back in 2016 and published it in 2017. Each character has an animal which gives them energy boosts to help save the human world from the Shadows. Seven of the eight are Bul’ith, which is revealed to them in their 18th year. When they turn 21, they meet their animal and train. The animals are: Wolf, Cheetah, Falcon, Komodo Dragon, Bear, Anaconda and a Wild Boar. The 8th Bul’ith is missing, and a human takes his place without an animal.
The new cousin enjoyed the read, she asked for more. I convinced my muse to give it a go and we now have nearly 4k of a new story. I’ve put a bit below and a picture of Briar, one of the Bul’ith.
Mending Briar – Draft
Far from the battle in the city of Chantari, the young Destinies were training for the ultimate battle.
Kendrall appeared at the edge of the training square, his eyes anxiously watching the combatants engage with swords, daggers and pure animal strength. Twisting and turning, they laughed jubilantly when they outdid their betrothed.
Qwaun appeared at his side, his arms crossed over his chest.
“They’re doing well.”
“Aye, though we will need to intensify the training,” sighed Kendrall.
“Why?”
“The Shadows attacked several hours ago.”
“How the hell did…”
“Possible it’s something to do with the small amount of animal power they got from Briar. We’re yet to find out.”
“Tis a pity we can’t get Briar’s gem back.”
“None have survived entering the shadow realm,” he winced, seeing Ruben hit the stony ground hard, rolling to the side, so the sword missed his stomach. His right hand reached out, yanking Briar’s foot off the ground. She moved into a tumble, arching over Ruben and standing up on the other side with a huge smile.
“They are good together, though the bruising can be quite bad for both of them.”
“Tis a pity we can’t do…” he trailed off. “I’m going to the library,” Kendrall disappeared.
“What the…”
Joz found Kendrall with his head buried in a pile of old scroll, muttering as his finger moved through a list.
“What are you doing, Kendrall,” she touched his shoulder making him jump.
“Argh. Searching for strong small mammals.”
“Whatever for? Aren’t you meant to be…”
“It may help,” he muttered.
“Help what?”
“Win the war,” he glanced at her with a smile. “I’ll let you know when I know.”
“Don’t forget to talk to Mistress before you do anything…”
“You know I will, Joz. Stop worrying.”
“The trouble you get into,” she murmured, walking away.
Kendrall wasn’t listening, he’d gone back to studying the list writing down names of different mammals and a couple of insects.
“So many creatures,” he sighed.
“What are you looking for, Kendrall,” said Mistress.
“I suppose Joz told you I was up to no good,” he scowled.
“Not at all. I always know when you are in Chantari,” she laughed. “Remember, I do rule here. Now tell me your idea and what it is you want. I may be able to help.”
“Briar,” he sat up, indicating his boss to sit down. “I know she can’t have energy from Dulcie due to the missing gem and her now being human. The pain would be to much for her to handle.”
“Correct, along with the scaring which could damage her strength.”
“What if we can find a small mammal or insect who has an abundance of energy and strength who could do the same job as the falcon but with less danger and scarring?”
“She can’t keep the energy inside her without the gem.”
“What if she can keep…” he bit his lip.
“Keep?”
“An insect inside her to boost her energy.”
“Eww. I can’t see her accepting, let alone getting it to work. Let me talk to the Soul Keeper and see what he says.”
“I’ll keep looking. I’m sure there must have been more than one instance when the Shadows got lucky.”
“Talk to Joz, you know she has inherited knowledge and a deep understanding of our history. Get past your pain and be honourable to her, Kendrall. It’s time to live again. Way past time,” she shimmered from view, leaving Kendrall gaping at where she’d stood wondering what she knew.
“I know you…” her voice whispered.
“I’m not ready,” he muttered.
“You never will be unless you take your life in your hands and free yourself from your mistakes.”
“Fine,” he grumbled. Standing up he went in search of Joz—the love of his life.
Joz was writing on a scroll, her scripture perfect as she caught the history of this generation’s training and battle. Hearing footsteps, she looked over her shoulder and smiled at Kendrall’s glowering face.
“I do hope you’re going to cheer up, Kendrall.”
He swooped her into his arms, kissing her hard, making her gasp when he released her. Eyes wide, her hand trembling, touching her lips.
“W-what was…”
“I love you, Joz. Will you be mine?”
“Will you stop messing about, Kendrall. It’s not fair how you blow hot and cold all the time,” she glared.
Kendrall looked down at the marble floor, biting his bottom lip. “I’m sorry for what I’ve done. I really do want you to be mine,” he muttered, slowly lifting his face until they were looking at each other. “I had things I needed to sort out. The way things are going they’ll never get sorted. I need you to be mine.”
“I’ll think about it!” she replied. “What else did you want?”
“Mistress said you could assist with some history of our battles and the humans who’ve fought with us.”
“We’ve only had one,” she frowned.
“Can you dig deeper. Mistress is sure there are more.”
“Did you find what you were looking for earlier?”
“I’m trying to find a way to give Briar more power without weakening her with scarring. I thought a small creature with a lot of power might help.”
“She would still need a gem.”
“That’s what the Mistress said. She’s gone to talk with the Soul Keeper to see if anything can be done, if we find anything.”
“Come with me. I have a list of trainees from the last thousand years. Perhaps we can see any changes.”
“I don’t recall any. I’ve been training Bul’ith for a few thousand years now.”
“This is why we will look at the scrolls. Nobody can expect you to remember every trainee, Kendrall.”
“You remember…”
“Which is why I’m the librarian,” she smiled. “Even then, I don’t always have full recall. Remember, I only took over seven hundred years ago.”
“So young,” he chuckled, making her blush.
“I maybe young compared to you, Kendrall, however, I have more knowledge than you,” she tapped her head.
They headed down a brightly lit hallway. The marble floor changed to wood; the hallway became gloomy the further they walked. Joz stopped outside a large carved wooden door with an intricate lock. Pressing her finger against the lock, the cogs and wheels began to move until the lock clicked open.
“Wow.”
“You need to stay here. Do not enter or you may regret it,” she said. “I’ll be back shortly.”
“Why?”
“You’re not a librarian. To much knowledge can kill those who aren’t trained in the process of storage.”
Kendrall leant back against the wall opposite the open doors watching Joz enter and disappear. He raised his right eyebrow in surprise, crossing his arms and ankles he waited and waited… It seemed like an eternity was passing when Joz stepped out again, locking the doors behind her.
“Did you find what I need?”
“Fingers crossed this will answer your questions.” She cradled a thick scroll and set off back for the reading area where the light was bright. “Come on. I thought you were in a hurry!”
The Dark Valley with Electric Eclectic
The Dark Valley is a fantasy story. It was originally I just enjoyed writing this story, originally for Gems of Strength Anthology, which is about strong women. It is can be described as a dark fairy tale with some not very likeable creatures called Trolls who run mines to source precious gems.
The Crones are witch-like characters who want what every older woman want—to be young and pretty. The Crones have magical powers and they take the soul of the young people to help them achieve this. That is until along came Clarissa who finally breaks the curse on their valley.
I hope you enjoy the story, written in British English, and if you do, why not seek out some of my other work, too?
Bonfire Heart by Audrina Lane
Description:
Description Sebastian Winter is a loner with a lot on his mind. His only escape is his photography and enjoying the peace and solitude that sailing off the coast of New Zealand brings. Lena Cavendish is the town’s rich girl who wants to break free and follow her heart.
Her father wants university and a career for his daughter, she wants to write romances. She is looking for her ‘Happily Ever After’. Falling in love can be simple but will Sebastian’s anxiety and depression push her away, just when he needs her the most?
Find out in this coming of age story set on the North Island of New Zealand.
Excerpt
He looked down her long legs to her toes busy burying into the warm sand. Seb silently took a deep breath and placed his hand next to hers in the small gap that separated them.
“So how did you find this place?” She asked, letting her little finger hook over his. A million tiny fireflies started to flutter under his skin like they were trying to escape.
“My Dad taught me to sail and we found it on one of our adventures.”
“A family tradition then, I like it.”
“You mean it” his voice faltered.
“Yes, I hope you’ll bring me here again on our next date.”
The fireflies were now escaping into the heat on his cheeks as he felt her hand squeeze his “That’s if we’re going to be dating?”
He blinked and in the instance, his eyes were shut he felt her lips touch his cheek. Taking this as a sign he pulled her tight into him and found her lips with his. A closed mouth to start as he revelled in the velvet feel and the salty taste. A tiny, tentative start to their fledgeling relationship as he grew bolder and let his lips push hers open so that their tongues could meet. He heard a tiny sigh escape and rush across his skin as she responded, letting her hand run down his spine. She was everything he’d imagined and more. Like eating your favourite sweets all at once. When they parted each was breathless and in awe of the power between them, tugging at their hearts like the undercurrents of the ocean.
Book Teasers:
Author Bio:
Audrina lives in Herefordshire with her partner Steve and her 3 Black Labradors called Rael, Lily & Milo.
She is the author of the fabulous “Heart Trilogy Series” made up of the novels “Where did your Heart go?” “Un-break my Heart” and “Closer to the Heart”. She has also completed the first two books in the Bloodstained Heart Trilogy. These are connected to The Heart Trilogy series in that they feature the full story of Felicity.
She has enjoyed writing her first collaboration with Rita Ames on the ‘Need for Speed’ Racing series. These are romances set at various motor racing venues, with the first book ’24Hrs to Love’ available and set at Le Mans. She has recently released her first Poetry and Short Story Anthology called ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’.
When she is not tapping away on the PC, she enjoys walking her 3 black Labradors, listening to eighties music and barefoot dancing. She also loves cars, from old classics to modern-day supercars and is a total fan of Formula 1.
Social Media Links:
Find all of Audrina’s novels on Amazon and all are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audrina-Lane/e/B00E263F96/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
https://www.amazon.com/Audrina-Lane/e/B00E263F96/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
https://www.instagram.com/audrinalane/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ZISOU53eaoLHOCNJNggCA?view_as=subscriber
https://twitter.com/AudrinaLane
https://www.facebook.com/audrina.lane
https://www.facebook.com/AudrinasPlace/
https://www.facebook.com/RaceRomance/
Other Books by Author
The Heart Trilogy
Where did your Heart go?
Unbreak my Heart
Close to the Heart
The Bloodstained Heart Trilogy
Bloodstained Heart. Part 1 – Passion
Bloodstained Heart. Part 2 – Revenge
Bloodstained Heart. Part 3 – Redemption
Need for Speed series with co-author Rita Ames
24Hrs to Love
Short Story & Poetry Anthology
Whiter Shade of Pale
Electric Eclectic Novelettes
Bonfire Heart
Please join the Electric Eclectic Facebook page: https://facebook.com/ElectricEclecticBooks/
Visit our website for some more great books: https://paulsnewpostbox.wixsite.com/eebooks
Ghostly Romance Anthology – Volume One
DESCRIPTION
Have you lost a loved one? Do you see or hear them? This Anthology gives you a selection of Short Stories plus two poems about the ghosts who can’t move on, be it due to love or hate.
From the Highlands of Scotland to Wales, England, the USA & Canada, you will find something which suits you.
Thanks to participants the world over. M J Mallon, Cathy-Lee Chopping, Mara Reitsma, Karen J Mossman, C A Keith, C L Williams, Claire Plaisted, Dan McAteer & Michael Lynes
STORIES & POETRY
A short story about the cover – Claire Plaisted
Ode to Love – A poem by M J Mallon
A Good Son by Karen Mossman
A Highland Haunting by Dan McAteer
Dream Threads by C A Keith
Frost of Heart by Michael Lynes
Reunited at Last by C L Williams
Winged Secrets by Mara Reitsma
Pride and Witchery by Cathy-Lee Chopping
Ed’s Shadow Poetry – A poem by M J Mallon
SALE LINKS
https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/ebook/ghostly-romance-anthology-volume-one
https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Romance-Anthology-One-Writers-ebook/dp/B07XDLKFLV
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/jp/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/fr/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/br/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/de/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/nl/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/es/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/mx/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/it/book/id1479666559
https://itunes.apple.com/uk/book/id1479666559
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghostly-romance-anthology-volume-one-ghostly-writers/1133459783
TEASERS
AUTHOR LINKS
M J Mallon – https://mjmallon.com
Karen J Mossman – http://www.karenmossman.weebly.com
Cathy-Lee Chopping – https://www.facebook.com/cathyleechopping/
C.A. Keith – https://www.facebook.com/ca.keithwebstories/
Michael Lynes – https://mikelynes.wixsite.com/mlynesauthor/blog
C L Williams – www.facebook.com/writer434
Mara Reitsma – https://itybityqt.wixsite.com/marareitsma
Claire Plaisted – https://www.claireplaisted.wordpress.com
Love in the Sixties
It is time for the cover reveal for “Only One Woman.” This is a story set in 1968, flower power days, romance, free love. You get the gist.
This story is about two young women and a love in their lives. A young man called Scott. Two different meetings, two different romances. What will happen? Keep your eyes peeled for this wonderful up and coming book by Christina Jones & Jane Risdon.
Two women, one love story.
June 1968. Renza falls head over heels for heartthrob guitarist Scott. But after a romantic summer together they are torn apart when Renza’s family moves away.
December 1968. On the night she believes to be her last, Stella meets Scott at a local dance. He’s the most beautiful boy she’s ever seen and if this one night is all they have, she’ll take it.
As the final colourful year of the sixties dawns, the question is: can there be only one woman for Scott?
Order yoru copy today and watch out for teasers, book trailers and much more.
Meet Sweet, Sexy Mirage
My latest teaser for Hidden Secrets
Come and meet sweet, sexy Mirage with her long purple hair, lush curves and killer heels not forgetting her phoenix tattoo.
Malachy’s Journey
Malachy Garrett was first introduced to you all in 2014. Not many knew about him due to me still learning the trade as an author and later as a publisher. In fact I’m still learning – it is what life is all about.
I thought Malachy might like to tell you a bit about his history and how his story came about. I can tell you he was named by a genealogist friend in Ireland. Annie gave me a list of several good Irish names and Malachy leapt out at me. His surname, however, was a different matter. This appeared for the first time part way through the book.
“Good day to you Malachy.”
“Great to be back, it’s nice to know you’ve updated my story in Hidden Secrets, though I do wish you’d push my romance with Anastasia a bit more. It’s been over two years now.”
“Stop grumbling Mal. The muse will do what she wishes, so you’ll have to wait a bit long. Meanwhile tell us how have you been?”
He ran his fingers through his gorgeous bronze hair, his eyes twinkling, lifting his right leg and placing it over his left and shrugged.
“What can I say? The investigations keep coming in, my employees break cases and we occasionally lose an agent or security guard. We are still praying Tallon will recover. You don’t happen to know do you?”
“No sorry. You know the muse has been missing in action or book 6 would be out by now.”
“Yeah. Why the hell are they dragging their feet. Eilish is miffed as hell.”
“She’ll get over it.”
“You don’t have to live with her.”
“You know damn well she keeps charging into my office at least once a week,” I muttered. “This is meant to be an interview about you, not Eilish or the others. They can wait their turn.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” he chuckled.
“Are you still the boss?”
“Technically I will always be the boss, though Ana and Duggan still try to take control at times. Mind they are excellent at their jobs.”
“What is Ana doing at present?”
“In Europe trying to find her favourite security guard…You already know this so why are you asking me.”
“Mal, I’m trying to catch up to date for all your readers…Some have already read your last interview from two years ago. It’s time to update them.”
“I can’t say much has changed, Claire. Other than knowing who we are and where we are going. Life has calmed down a little…his phone buzzed…”damn” he muttered pulling it from his pocket and swiping the screen. “I’ve got to go, somethings come up. We’ll have to finish this another time.”
Sighing he stood, and left me staring at his delicious…well never mind… Chuckling I wondered where my muse would take him next.
New Author Page on Facebook
What’s this…I hear you say… “She’s finally made an Author Page on Facebook. About damn time too. I wonder if she’ll do a Street Team page as well.”
Yes I admit it. I’ve finally decided to put all my twenty-six plus books under one page. All the books are in the banner below. Many were written as I was learning the writing trade and need updating. However. One step at a time. The page is now live and I will be posting and sharing items on a daily basis, be them videos, book trailers, about the books I write or an interview with another indie author.
I will be starting with Garrett Investigation Bureau Series, the first book is called Hidden Secrets and you can get your own copy HERE.
Malachy Garrett never wanted to be the boss. He’d always prefered to work as a Field Agent. Now with his father’s death his time spent behind a desk he detested was beginning to irritate him, especially with the delectable Anastasia Belaruski around.
Anastasia Belaruski is the top agent for Garrett Investigations. With many hidden talents and skills she always got what was needed. Until now! Suddenly things were going wrong and life was about to change.
Feeling for each other will tantalise the reader. Will they or won’t they get involved. Why were they under attack? Who was the traitor? What were those Hidden Secrets.
Grab your copy today and find out the truth in this fast paced story.
We are all going to have a blast while I start to build my author brand and get some promotions out to the world. I do hope you will visit my page. You can find me HERE.
Claire Plaisted - Multi-Genre Author 