Check Out the New Release Blitz for Forbidden Bond by Lee Colgin (excerpt and giveaway)

Title: Forbidden Bond

Series: They Bite, Book One

Author: Lee Colgin

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: December 23, 2019

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 54100

Genre: Paranormal LGBT, vampire, werewolf, paranormal, supernatural, slow burn, alpha, college, interspecie

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Synopsis

Vampires and werewolves are historical enemies. When the Peace Accord that imposes an uncomfortable armistice between the species is threatened, the entire supernatural community must respond.

Young vampire heir Sinclair Davis successfully petitions the council for permission to attend a werewolf dominated university. Surrounded by a pack of unwelcoming wolves, Sinclair’s first meeting with their alpha doesn’t go well. The handsome wolf hates him.

Alpha wolf Mitchel Edgehill is furious when the university sends a vampire to be housed among his pack, even if he is cute. But there’s nothing he can do since the paperwork has been signed. They’ll have to find a way to coexist.

As tension rises within supernatural society and violence escalates between vampires and werewolves, an uneasy truce develops between Sinclair and Mitchel. The pair attend a peace conference in hopes of preventing war, but when a rogue group of humans attacks, Sinclair is kidnapped and held for ransom. Can the alpha wolf work with vampires to save Sinclair, or will war break out after all?

Excerpt

Forbidden Bond
Lee Colgin © 2019
All Rights Reserved

SINCLAIR

Sinclair stood outside his father’s door, collecting his thoughts. This wouldn’t be easy. To get what he wanted, he’d have to remain calm and focus on the part of his plan most likely to benefit the Vampire Council, over which his father, Luther Davis, presided. Sinclair could do this; he just had to stand his ground. One last deep breath, a polite knock, and he stepped inside.

“Hello, Dad.”

“Sinclair.” His father welcomed him with a nod. Seated behind a large desk cluttered with papers, he looked busy as usual. Having been Turned and preserved at the young age of twenty-two, the fair-haired, sharp-featured vampire could be mistaken for Sinclair’s younger brother, not his father. Sinclair was twenty-six, but only twenty-six. His father had centuries on him, not that you could tell by looking. “What brings you by this evening?”

Okay, here it goes. You can do this. “Dad, I’ve decided to attend Borson University for my PhD this semester,” he said in a rush. Slow down, Sinclair. “I know you weren’t expecting this, but Borson is the best school for Historical Supernatural Studies. I was accepted last fall and I’ve already registered. No other vampire in the council has this degree; I would be the first.”

Sinclair prepared to continue, but his father spoke first. “Son, that’s a werewolf school.” His golden brows drew together. “It’s too dangerous. What’s the degree even worth, coming from Borson?” His stern voice matched his expression.

“I understand your concern, but it’s safer than you realize. I’ll be part of an exchange program. It’ll be good for the council to have a delegate at Borson. It’s a quality academy with a fine reputation, werewolves notwithstanding.” Sinclair talked to fast when he felt nervous.

Luther stood. At nearly six feet, he stood taller than his son by several inches. “The answer is no, Sinclair.” His father approached. “You’ll attend Moore as planned, and I do not appreciate you addressing this at the last minute either. Did you think that by waiting until now, you’d stand a better chance?”

“Um, yes, actually,” Sinclair responded, a stubborn edge to his voice. “Dad, I’m an adult; I don’t need your permission. I need the council’s permission, and I think they’ll grant it. I told you first as a courtesy, the petition has already been submitted, so the discussion will happen at tonight’s meeting. Moore doesn’t offer the courses I require, and the council doesn’t need another finance major; it needs a historian.” His point made, some of the tension drained away.

With an irritated sigh, his father’s gaze drifted to the window. “You’d do this to your mother? You know she will worry. At least accept the transition first, so you won’t be vulnerable. Let us Turn you. You’ve delayed too long. There are no other Living vampires your age.”

Their eyes met. Sinclair felt both guilty and defensive. Guilty because he didn’t want to worry his mother. Defensive because he wasn’t ready to die for immortality. He liked his living, breathing body, eating food, and little things like not burning to ash in the sunlight. He’d hold on to it as long as he could, thank you very much. Being a Living vampire had its advantages, even if his father was too ancient to grasp them.

Sinclair ignored the tired issue. “I’ll keep in close touch with Mom, I promise. I won’t let her worry. Look, Dad, this is a rare opportunity. Vampires don’t get accepted to Borson. Think of how much I’ll learn. It would be impossible without the exchange program. Only four students are selected. It’s an honor.”

When his dad didn’t respond, he continued, “I have to go. I’ve already accepted. There’s no alternate to take my place, and it would be rude to refuse now.”

“So you have me in a corner then, don’t you?” His dad’s gaze settled on him. Sinclair fought not to flinch. His father was not a harsh man, but everyone had their limits, and the head of the Vampire Council didn’t tolerate werewolves lightly. “Why bother to ask at all?”

“I was hoping you’d come to a different conclusion. I thought maybe you’d be proud.” Sinclair’s gaze dropped to his feet.

His dad came closer and took Sinclair by the shoulders, giving him a small shake. “You frustrating boy, of course I’m proud, but this is an unnecessary risk. I wish you’d reconsider.”

“I’m going to go, and it’s going to be fine. I promise.” Sinclair accepted the cool embrace with relief.

“We’ll see what the council has to say,” his dad conceded and ruffled his hair.

Some hours later, the Vampire Council voted unanimously to let Sinclair attend Borson.

Sinclair knew that, in the end, this meant even his father approved. Ultimately, a Doctor of Philosophy in Historical Supernatural Studies would be beneficial to the species. In a society full of forward thinkers and finance managers, Sinclair alone would be studying the past. He’d learn what had brought them to war, what mistakes had been made, and he’d prevent them from repeating those blunders.

There were supernaturals, even now, whispering the beginnings of another war. Sinclair’s work among the werewolves would be crucial.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Meet the Author

Lee Colgin has loved vampires since she read Dracula on a hot sunny beach at 13 years old. She lives in North Carolina with lots of dogs and her husband. No, he’s not a vampire, but she loves him anyway. Lee likes to workout so she can eat the maximum amount of cookies with her pizza. Ask her how much she can bench press.

If you enjoyed this book, pick up Lee’s debut novel Slay My Love to find out what happens when you’re attracted to the very person who want to kill you an enemies to lovers 56,000k novel available now.

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Best of 2019 Lists Being Compiled and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Best of 2019 Lists Being Compiled  and Upcoming Announcements

 

Heading towards the holidays and the New Year, we here at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words are working to pull together our Best of Lists for 2019.  Those books that made our year, those characters that we still hold so close to our hearts.

I’m hoping that you all will have some of your own to contribute as well.

Also coming?  An announcement about our  revised review and tour policies, one we have waited to announce as we finished with our previously scheduled tours. Our readers may have noticed certain changes back at the first of November but we wanted to makes our announcement at the end of December in keeping going forward with the New Year.  This will pertain to our relationship or current lack of one with Dreamspinner Press,  specifically arcs and tours.  More on that to come in our official announcement next week.

So we are making our lists, checking them twice, wrapping presents, and as always reading and listening to some wonderful stories.

What’s happening over in your reading nook?  What is on your Best of List this year?

Jot them down and send them in.  Let’s see if we match up or if we have new stories to put on our TBR pile.

In the meantime, be safe, be happy, and happy reading and listening.

 

 

 

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

Sunday, December 15:

  • Best of 2019 To Come and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, December 16:

  • Release Blitz The Rise of Virginie by Katey Hawthorne
  • Blog Tour Starlight by Lisa Henry
  • Release Blitz Devil’s Hour by Aimee Nicole Walker
  • A MelanieM Review: Angels Sing (Daddy Dearest #2) by Eli Easton
  • A Lucy Review: Stealing Gifts by Mere Rain
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Starlight (Dark Space #3) by Lisa Henry

Tuesday, December 17:

  • Release Blitz – Inheritance (Deadly Curiosities #4) by Gail Z. Martin
  • Release Blitz – What Works For Us by Colette Davison
  • An Alisa Review: What Works For Us by Colette Davison
  • A Lucy Review: This Christmas by J.R. Hart
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Unveiled by Jaime Craig

Wednesday, December 18:

  • BLITZ Rialto (Unbreakable Bonds #8) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
  • Review Tour – A.E. Via – Prophesy II: The Bringer of Wrath (The King & Alpha Series)
  • Release Blitz – Roe Horvat – The Layover
  • A Stella Review  – A Boyfriend For Christmas by Jay Northcote
  • An Alisa Audio Review Review: Prophesy II: The Bringer of Wrath (The King & Alpha Series) by AE Via

Thursday, December 19:

  • AUDIO BLITZ – A.E. VIA – PROMISES: PART 1 (BOUNTY HUNTERS #1)
  • Release Blitz – Ruby Moone – Dances Long Forgotten
  • An Ashlez Review: Anyone But You by Brien Michaels
  • An Alisa Review: Angels Sing by Eli Easton
  • A MelanieM Review: Boys of Summer (Hot Off the Ice #5) by A.E. Wasp

Friday, December 20:

  • Release Blitz  – RJ Scott & V.L. Locey – Christmas Lights (An Owatonna U Novella)
  • RELEASE BLITZ Nicki’s Fight by Mellanie Rourke
  • An Alisa Review Forbidden Omega by Caitlin Ricci
  • A Chaps Moondrawn Review: Captivating (Elite Protection Services #2) by Onley James
  • A MelanieM Review: Score (Men of Hidden Creek – Season 1, #6) by A.E. Wasp

Saturday, December 21:

A MelanieM Audio Review:  Red Dirt Heart 3 by NR Walker and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

More Holiday Stories and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

More Holiday Stories and Recommendations

Heading into the second week of December, we still have reading lists full of holiday stories and we thought to add to yours.  H.B. chimed in with some recommendations for stories to read this holiday season.  Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is adding to our list right after H.B.’s.  Want to help add on to the Holiday Reading or Listening List?  Comment below!

 

🎄From HB:

I haven’t had a lot of time to read the last couple of months so I’ll share the holiday books I do plan to read.
Santas Little Helper by Quinn Ward
The Boss of Christmas Present by A.E. Ryecart
Defrosting Jack by Jocelynn Drake
The Christmas Bones by Richard Amos [probably less holiday like and more mystery]
Snowfall and Romance by Wendy Rathbone
Sugar Cookie Kisses by Jena Wade

 

🎄We will add those to the stories we have already mentioned:

Peter Cratchit’s Christmas Carol by Drew Marvin
Mr. Naughty List (Home for the Holidays #2) by Leta Blake
Mr. Right Now by Annabeth Albert

Home for Christmas (Texas #9) by R.J. Scott  and Narrated by: Sean Crisden.
The Christmas Deal  by Keira Andrews
The Christmas Oaks (Laurel Holidays #1) by V.L. Locey.

A Christmas Wedding by A E Ryecart
717 Miles Christmas by Sophia Soames (and the original story 717 Miles by Sophia Soames)
A Boyfriend For Christmas by Jay Northcote
Yuletide Treasure (Goddess-Blessed #3) by Eliot Grayson
Mr. Frosty Pants (Home for the Holidays #1) by Leta Blake and John Solo (Narrator)

And to be reviewed this week....

Stocking Stuffers, A Holiday Themed Romantic M/M  Anthology
Christmas Riches by H.L. Day
Red Popcorn Strings and Gumball Rings by Nell Iris

 

 

 

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, December 8:

  • More Holiday Stories and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, December 9:

  • Release Blitz – Sleigh Duty by L.M. Brown
  • Review Tour – V.L. Locey – The Christmas Oaks
  • BLITZ Grimmer Intentions by Jodi Hutchins
  • A MelanieM Review : The Christmas Oaks (Laurel Holidays #1) by V.L. Locey
  • An Alisa Review: A Timely Gift by Kris T. Bethke
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Mr. Frosty Pants (Home for the Holidays #1) by Leta Blake

Tuesday, December 10:

  • BLITZ Ablaze by Elvira Bell
  • Blog Tour Captivating by Onley James
  • An Alisa Review:  Hearts of Magic by Kay Doherty
  • A Stella Review: Christmas Riches by H.L. Day
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Unfettered by Kate Hawthorne

Wednesday, December 11:

  • “Back Door Into Purgatory” by Rory Ni Coileain Tour
  • Blog Tour – We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer
  • Review Tour for His Hart’s Command (Nothing Special #6) by A.E. Via
  • A MelanieM Review: We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer
  • A MelanieM Review: Back Door Into Purgatory (SoulShares Series Book 9) by Rory Ni Coileain
  • An Alisa Audio Review:His Hart’s Command (Nothing Special #6) by A.E. Via and Aiden Snow (Narrator)

Thursday, December 12:

  • TOUR ANYONE BUT YOU by Brien Michaels
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: On the Same Page by KC Wells
  • An Alisa Review: Awakening (Wild Oak #1) by J.J. Harper
  • A Lucy Review: Stocking Stuffers, A Holiday Themed Romantic M/M  Anthology
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Red Dirt Heart 3 by NR Walker and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Friday, December 13:

  • Release Blitz Signal – J. R. Lawrie – Let Your Heart Be Light
  • A Lucy Review:Tricks, Treats and a Spider (Winter Home Book 2) by Kassandra Lea
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Changes Coming Down (Changes #1) by Kaje Harper
  • A Lila Review: Red Popcorn Strings and Gumball Rings by Nell Iris
  • A MelanieM Review: Cowboy Seeks Husband by Leta Blake and Indra Vaughn

Saturday, December 14:

  • A MelanieM Review: I Buried a Witch (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #2) by Josh Lanyon

Into December and Our Holiday Stories. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Into December and Our Holiday Stories

It’s officially December and our holiday stories, in all formats, are here for our reading and listening pleasure!    While some of us may have returned to our comfort reads this holiday season, there are plenty of wonderful new stories out there to add to your reading festive list!

One of mine this year has been Mr. Right Now by Annabeth Albert!  How I loved that sweet contemporary fake boyfriend story!  If you are in the mood for audio?  Try this one, especially if you are already a fan of RJ Scott’s Texas series.  I loved listening to Home for Christmas (Texas #9) by R.J. Scott  and Narrated by: Sean Crisden.  Barb, our Zany Old Lady, just loved Mr. Naughty List (Home for the Holidays #2) by Leta Blake while I just finished the wonderful No Place Like Home by Annabeth Jacobs (which I will review this week) and The Christmas Oaks (Laurel Holidays #1) by V.L. Locey.

Peter Cratchit’s Christmas Carol by Drew Marvin was recommended by two of our reviewers!  Not to be left out?

A Christmas Wedding by A E Ryecart
717 Miles Christmas by Sophia Soames
A Boyfriend For Christmas by Jay Northcote
Yuletide Treasure (Goddess-Blessed #3) by Eliot Grayson
Mr. Frosty Pants (Home for the Holidays #1) by Leta Blake and John Solo (Narrator)

 

Some of these stories we have reviewed already, some will be reviewed this week.  And there will be more to come.  What stories have you read or listened to that you have loved or enjoyed this holiday season?  Ones that have made your   annual  Holiday List?  Comment and let us know!

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, December 1:

  • New Release Blitz with Excerpt for Starlight (Dark Space #3) by Lisa Henry
  • Into December and Our Holiday Stories. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, December 2:

  • Review Tour – Annabelle Jacobs – No Place Like Home
  • COVER REVEAL Rialto (Unbreakable Bonds #8) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
  • BLOG TOUR A Broken Winter by Kale Knight
  • A Lucy Review: Snowdrop in a Storm (Snow Globes #3) by Ava Kelly
  • A MelanieM Review : No Place Like Home by Annabelle Jacobs

Tuesday, December 3:

  • RELEASE BLITZ Stocking Stuffers, A Holiday Themed Romantic
  • Release Blitz – Eli Easton – Angels Sing
  • BLITZ Pattern for an Angel by CJane Elliott
  • An Alisa Review I’ve Got You (True-Blue #2) by Becca Seymour
  • A MelanieM Review: Boy Next Door (Hot Off the Ice #4) by A.E. Wasp

Wednesday, December 4 :

  • Release Blitz – Warrior’s Way by M.J. Calabrese
  • Release Blitz, for V.L. Locey – The Christmas Oaks
  • TOUR Becoming Us” by Becca Seymour
  • An Alisa Review Becoming Us (True-Blue #3) by Becca Seymour
  • A MelanieM Review: Boys of Summer (Hot Off the Ice #5) by A.E. Wasp

Thursday, December 5:

  • Release Blitz  – Awakening (Wild Oak, Book 1) by JJ Harper
  • Release Blitz – Waxing Poetic for Christmas by Mara Townsend
  • A Lila Review Peter Cratchit’s Christmas Carol by Drew Marvin
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Honour by A.F. Henley
  • A MelanieM Review: Skater Boy (Hot Off the Ice #3) by A.E. Wasp

Friday, December 6:

  • Cover Reveal – What Works For Us by Colette Davison
  • Review Tour – Jay Northcote – A Boyfriend For Christmas
  • An Alisa Review Rules for Santa (Davey’s Rules #3) by Susan Hawke
  • A Stella Review : A Boyfriend For Christmas by Jay Northcote
  • A Melanie Review The Wolf and the Sparrow by  Isabelle Adler

Saturday, December 7:

  • Release Blitz Request – Red Popcorn Strings & Gumball Rings – Nell Iris

 

An Alisa Review: Nuttin’ But Trouble (College of United Monsters #4) by C.B. Archer

Rating:  3 stars out of 5

What happens when you’re a prankster for hire who exchanges jobs for cat themed rewards without ever questioning why you’re doing those jobs in the first place? Troubling stuff. Troubling stuff happens. Look, it isn’t a sex pun this time— but we took care of that with the actual title this time.

The once elite College of United Monsters (C.U.M.) is not only having financial troubles but is now suffering from missing student problems. In order to stay afloat, it has been forced to allow humans to register; but the problem is that they keep vanishing mysteriously. Humans, in a monster school? Well, not for much longer if this keeps up! Also, humans are getting kidnapped and that was probably a bigger danger to the school than needing to tighten up the budget.

Porter Giese was once a ridiculous human, before he died in a tragic Pilates accident. Now he roams the halls of the school as the ultimate get-things-done-ghost. Whose obsession with cats borders on Lycanthropy. Being invisible, it turns out, is quite a boon to an intrepid prankster. Another boon would be questioning the motives of your employers, but Porter still is sorely lacking in that department. But, honestly—with a name like Porter Giese were you really expecting someone that doesn’t accidentally sell out everyone they know for an all-knowing cat of pure malice? Okay, you probably were not expecting that one this time, but good on you for at least pretending you did for a minute there.

It serves you right for thinking that having a punny name and attending monster college was the only joke going around in this series.

I enjoy the writing style of this series and how out there everything is.  Though this one didn’t have the romantic side the others have, though Porter doesn’t have a shortage of partners or options.  I love how Porter was such a slut for any sort of cat paraphernalia.  It was funny to see Porter going back and forth between the plots but look forward to the combined protagonist plot that is hinted for the next book.

The cover art is cute and I liked the visual of Porter and Bastet.

Sales Links: Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 61 pages

Published: September 5, 2019 by Deep Desires Press

Edition Language: English

Series: College of United Monsters #4

Scattered November Thoughts and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Scattered November Thoughts

November is a month of many things…to many people.  Some are busy writing away as it’s still NaNoWriMo and those words and stories won’t write themselves as the deadline nears.   For those of us in the US and expats abroad its Thanksgiving next week so travel plans are being made, menus being planned, and for those well organized individuals, early holiday shopping lists coming into play for the sales that will be launched right after Thanksgiving is over and the turkey leftovers are handed out.

For us Hockey fans, we are enjoying our teams games, at home and on the road, Ditto for all you football fans.  Tis the season for our sports teams to go forth and rise and fall and for us to cheer them on regardless.  And because I wallow in my boys on the ice, I’m diving back into STRW hockey recommendations and those stories I missed the first time around.  One of those is the Hot Off The Ice series by A.E. Wasp, which I am enjoying immensely.  Look for my reviews of some of those stories starting this week.  I have also returned to one of my all time comfort series, NR Walker’s Red Dirt Heart stories, this time in audio format.  Oh my Joel Leslie has that Aussie accent down perfect!  And yes, more holiday stories are coming your way from all our reviewers here, including from Sophia Soames, a author on my must read list.

At any rate, things are hectic here, schedule are full, I have one small dog who has gotten very good at dodging her pills, and there is still so much to plan for as Thanksgiving looms large.  And yes, we saw our first glimpses of snow too.  Tis the season for so many things and it seems so little time to take it all in.

So it’s brief today…but here is our schedule for the coming week.  Lovely books ahead and great tours too.  Something for everyone.  Happy reading and listening.  Now I have some lists to make.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, November 17:

  • November Thoughts and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
  • A Stella Review: In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie by Sophia Soames

Monday, November 18:

  • Review Tour – Across The Pond (Raptors #2) – RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • Release Blitz The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings by Lily Morton
  • A MelanieM Review : Across The Pond (Arizona Raptors #2) by RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • A Lucy Audio Review: Finders Keepers by N.R. Walker, Joel Leslie (Narrator)
  • An Alisa Review: Slow Birth (Heat of Love #2.5) by Leta Blake

Tuesday, November 19:

  • Release Blitz – A Christmas Wedding by A E Ryecart
  • A Stella Review The Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Red Dirt Heart 1 by NR Walker and Joel Leslie Narrator
  • A Free Dreamer Review: For Sam, times infinity by Suki Fleet
  • A Lucy Review: A Christmas Wedding: A snowy London love story (Rory & Jack #3) by A.E. Ryecart

Wednesday, November 20:

  • Review Tour – Nothing Special V – AE Via
  • A MelanieM Review: 717 miles Christmas Special by Sophia Soames
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Mr. Naughty List (Home for the Holidays #2) by Leta Blake
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Red Dirt Heart 2 by NR Walker and Joel Leslie Narrator
  • An Alisa Audio Review Nothing Special V (Nothing Special #5) by A.E. Via and Aiden Snow (Narrator)

Thursday, November 21:

  • Release Blitz Roxy’s Recovery by Kim Breyon
  • Release Blitz – Against All Odds (Eternal Soulmates, Book 2) by Elle W Silver
  • BLOG TOUR Soft Limits: A Deviations Novel by Jodi Payne
  • A MelanieM Review A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne
  • A Lucy Review Inn Love by Lucy Lennox

Friday, November 22:

  • COVER REVEAL Ablaze by Elvira Bell
  • Release Blitz – Promise (Single Dads #3) – RJ Scott
  • Release Blitz for Garrett Leigh – Hometown Christmas
  • A MelanieM Review: Country Boy (Hot Off the Ice #2) by A.E. Wasp
  • A Stella Review:  Twice Shy (A New Milton Novel) by  Sally Malcolm

Saturday, November 23:

  • A MelanieM Review: Boy Toys (Hot Off the Ice #2.5) by A.E. Wasp

A MelanieM Review: A History of Trouble (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #3.5) by S.J. Himes

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

A HISTORY OF TROUBLE
A Beacon Hill Sorcerer Collection

A collection of brand-new short stories, featuring characters from The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series by bestselling author SJ Himes.

Red Wine and Blood
The Blood Wars raged for centuries across Boston. Witness a brief glimpse into the brutal history of the Wars with Ignacio Salvatore and the vampire he loves, Ashwin Metcalfe, in 1897.

A History of Trouble
Angel was joking when he asked O’Malley if someone resurrected a mammoth. Little did he know that was exactly what someone did. Experience the untold story of what happened that unfortunate night at the Boston Public Museum.

A Dragon in the City
What happens when Eroch goes adventuring in Beacon Hill without Angel? Chaos, pure chaos.

Fae’s Gold
Daniel is helping the newly-resurrected fae Ruairi Brennan become accustomed to modern-day living. A boring trip to the bank quickly escalates, and Daniel calls Angel for help. The day goes downhill from there but ends in a comfy meal in a pub for an ancient fae warrior and a necromancer’s apprentice.

This is a collection, featuring vignettes and short stories from the universe of The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. For full enjoyment, the Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series Books 1 through 3 should be read before reading this collection.

Normally with a collection of short stories such as this one, you think that they might be snippets that cot ccut from the series stories or bits that danced in the author’s head but had no place to land until this collection (which may be the case).  Or nestled among a small dragon’s hoard of jewels, lies a clue to something that may, just may have a huge impact on the series arc as the saga continues.  And the author is giving us a hint.

Hmmmm.

Such are my thoughts about A History of Trouble (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #3.5) by S.J. Himes.  A collection of short stories featuring the characters from the Beacon Hills Sorcerers series, a saga full of mages, vampires, mysteries, and yes, even a dragon I quickly have become addicted to.  I quickly read through all the stories, cataloging them and their references to any stories already released.  Some were cute, clever, informative, and always entertaining.  Eroch’s especially.  And each adds more details to the universe Himes is building.  But are those details important ones?

Didn’t necessarily seem so…not so in the mammoths case.

And then I got to one story.  Nope, not saying which.  I liked it, it added to the history and the characters were fully fleshed out and believable.  Again, I read on.

Love this collection…..then I read the next story in this series.

I’m looking at you, SJ Himes!!!!

I’m never taking anything for granted, not even a collection of short stories! lol.  Nor should any fan or reader of this series.

Yes, pick it up.  Read them all carefully.  Enjoy them.  And then be prepared to return to them in the future.  Just saying.

Cover art is moody and perfect! Love it.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 96 pages
Published February 25th 2019 by SJ Himes
ASIN B07P541GLQ
Edition Language English

An Alisa Review Wishing and Hoping by Tinnean

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Ioan Mic, the half-blood grandson of the vampyree king, is eagerly awaiting his eighteenth birthday, when he’ll finally be able to be with Daniel Small, the American vampyree he’s loved for the past four years. Although vampyrees are notoriously promiscuous, Ioan’s refused sex with all who offered — he’s willing to wait. But when Daniel arrives at the party, he’s accompanied by a wife, leaving Ioan devastated.

Shandor, a wolf shifter — he refuses to call himself a werewolf — loves the young duke, but years before, he was given the task of keeping Ioan safe, so he tucks his feelings away.

Ioan’s twin decides the two need a push and encourages them to enroll in an online dating service. Unbeknownst to either man, he sees to it their responses make them perfect for each other. Because anyone can see they are.

The problem is will Ioan and Shandor ever see that?

Alright, this was a nice story and I was glad that Ioan and Shandr were able to figure out who and what they needed.  There was A LOT of back stabbing and underhanded stuff going on and it just took away from the story for me, I can’t stand when things like that happen in books.  What I wish was that the story would have had some more to it and see Ioan and Shandor actually building a life together, not them mating and then it being over.

The cover art by Written Ink Designs is nice but I didn’t feel the visuals of the characters connect with what I saw in my head.

Sales Links: JMS Books | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 17,229 words

Published: September 25, 2019 by JMS Books

ISBN: 9781646560813

Edition Language: English

November Tidings and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

 

November Tidings and Things Unexpected

 

So you know how you set out to do one thing but life gets in the way?  That’s how my Saturday started.  I was all set to sit down, get organized, write my Sunday blog, etc but I noticed that my smallest of furkids breathing was laboured as she trucked around the house.  Granted that everyone and their brother had their leaf blowers out and had small hurricanes of moldy leaves flying everywhere but no, something was off…more than the usual small health thing she has.   So I sat looked, listened, debated.

But not very long.  Trusted my instincts because damnit I knew what those sounds were.

Off to the vets after a hurried phone call we went.

I love my vets, they fit us right in early, the waiting room wasn’t too bad that morning, surprisingly.  Wow, I thought…we got lucky.  Our name got called and into a room we went …where we waited…and waited and waited…and  you start to wonder what’s taking so long.

Then come the conversations from the inner hallway….about the emergency that had just come in….surgeries….major punctures…skull…

I’m telling you…right there…knowing that someone’s beloved pet was fighting for their life and someone was there waiting…waiting..waiting..hoping…

It changes everything.

My vet remained in surgery, another came in to take over routine calls and my girl has bronchitis..probably from the new (and never again) mobile groomer we tried out 2 weeks ago. She’s dosed up and will be fine.  It was a long day but my thoughts continually go back to that other room, that other owner, that other pet.  I so hope with all my heart the news was good …..all went home eventually.

You just never know what a day will bring.

So tonight I’m crawling into bed with my furkids, my favorite comfort reads and my softest socks.  And maybe some hot chocolate. Or wine.  Definitely wine.  The clouds have started arriving but all the snow has stayed north so far.

Snuggles are definitely in order.

I will get organized later on.  I promise.  Today?  It’s all about perspective and hugs.  Lots of those.  And thinking about how quickly things can change.

 

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, November 10:

  • November Tidings and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, November 11:

  • Release Blitz Adore by Ella James
  • Release Blitz A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne
  • BLITZ Slashed and Mashed, Seven Gayly Subverted Stories by Andrew J. Peters
  • Blog Tour for The Shifter’s Shotgun Mating by Ardy Kelly
  • An Alisa Review Wishing and Hoping by Tinnean
  • An Alisa Review: The Shifter’s Shotgun Mating (Lone Wolves Ranch #2) by Ardy Kelly
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Master of Obsidian by Jaime Craig

Tuesday, November 12:

  • RELEASE BLITZ Soft Limits: A Deviations Novel by Jodi Payne
  • Release Blitz Signal – Across The Pond (Raptors #2) – RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • BLITZ Pulse of My Heart by Jessi Noelle
  • A MelanieM Review: Mastering the Flames (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #4) by SJ Himes
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Two Man Advantage (Point Shot #1) by V.L. Locey and Sean Crisden (Narrator)
  • A MelanieM Review: The King’s Honour by JL Merrow

Wednesday, November 13:

  • Review Tour – Sally Malcolm – Twice Shy (A New Milton Novel)
  • BLITZ The Sun Still Rises by Laura Bailo
  • BLITZ Holiday Gridlock by Gretchen Evans
  • A Lucy Review:  Twice Shy (A New Milton Novel) by Sally Malcolm
  • A MelanieM Review: Counter Culture by JL Merrow
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review:Two Divided by Zero (Zero Rising #2) by Jackie Keswick

Thursday, November 14:

  • Release Blitz Unbreakable (a Heaven and Hell Club prequel) by Colette Davison
  • Release Blitz – In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie by Sophia Soames
  • Mr. Right Now by Annabeth Albert Release Blitz,
  • A Stella Review:  In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie by Sophia Soames
  • An Alisa Review  Înflori by A.F. Henley
  • A MelanieM Review Unbreakable (a Heaven and Hell Club prequel) by Colette Davison

Friday, November 15:

  • Release Blitz – Suki Fleet – For Sam, times infinity
  • Blog Tour Rules for Santa by Susan Hawke
  • A Stella Review Yuletide Treasure (Goddess-Blessed #3) by Eliot Grayson
  • A Melanie Review Marked Yours by Elizabeth Noble
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Earnest Ink by Alex Hall

Saturday, November 16:

  • A MelanieM Audio Review:Red Dirt Heart (Red Dirt #1) by N.R. Walker, and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

A MelanieM Review: The Necromancer’s Reckoning (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #3) by S.J. Himes

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Every action has consequences.

For a decade, Angel Salvatore has been the most powerful sorcerer and only necromancer in all the Northeast. Never one to ask permission nor apologies, he has acted with near impunity for years.

Until now.

The High Council of Sorcery has come to Boston, and Angel is their target. Charged with numerous violations of practitioner laws, his freedom and family are placed in jeopardy.

If found guilty, Angel’s apprentice Daniel will be imprisoned to serve out the remaining years of his apprenticeship. Isaac, his brother, is too vulnerable to be left unguarded, and Angel fears for his sanity and health. And Simeon, Elder vampire and Angel’s mate, refuses to see Angel convicted under the laws of the Council and his actions to keep Angel free threaten to start a war that could destroy their world. And Angel faces the severest of punishments—the castration of his gifts.

The Council has never cared for the people of Boston, and Angel doubts their motives. They have come for some insidious reason, and it has nothing to do with upholding the law and everything to do with Angel.

Dealing with an impending trial, a wayward ghost, and a graverobbing ring of thieves leaves Angel on the edge. He thinks he may have a handle on things until violence erupts across the city, and a stranger comes to town…a stranger with his own dark powers of necromancy.

As The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series heads into the third story, Himes continues to layer the overall series themes and arc, deepening the complex interpersonal relationships that have been developing through books 1 and 2, and now enlarges to pull in the Council of Sorcery , a worldwide organization that enforced certain magical rules and restrictions.   Here its Angel that’s the object of the Council’s intense focus.  It’s not a good one as they intend to obtain Angel’s power, by any means possible, including a trial.

The Necromancer’s Reckoning (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #3) by S.J. Himes is a tremendous story, full of great relationships, an exciting plot, and new developments that, once again move the entire arc forward in an highly suspenseful and imaginative way.  Yes, that Council was plenty scary but Angel and crew was up to the task.

Or should I say family because as I mentioned in a previous review, Angel has been gathering a found family around himself and Isaac, his younger brother. It consists of Angel’s mate, Simeon, the vampire Elder (and those associated with him), Angel’s best friend Milly, Daniel and Rory (Angel’s apprentice and an ancient fae). And of course,Eroch, the dragon.    It’s hard to describe all the many relationships in play  here, all the various aspects to each relationship that makes each so different and interesting, and a story that reaches out and grabs you with the mystery and suspense that’s incredibly powerful and entertaining.

Even as Himes is setting us up for the next story in the series (which we need immediately) , we are still absorbed here in the present and the relationships and politics that created the mess that brought the Council to Boston and all the ensuing events.  Believe me, your mind will be full of people, romance, and thrilling possibilities for the future.

I love this series and can’t wait for all the next stories in the series.  It’s just a great saga and one that will continue and one I highly recommend.

Cover Art tells a part of the story and grabs your interest.  Great job.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 304 pages
Published May 28th 2018 by SJ Himes
ASINB07DCFM57S
Edition Language English
Series The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #3
setting Boston, Massachusetts (United States)

The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series – Goodreads links

The Necromancer’s Dance

The Necromancer’s Dilemma

The Necromancer’s Reckoning

A History of Trouble

Mastering the Flames

Untitled – Daniel’s Tale coming in 2020