#TirgearrTuesday

Forbidden love... A union between a fairy and a wizard poses a threat to an ancient feud. But peace between fairies and wizards is possible. The child of a fairy and a wizard could reunite the factions of The Annunaki and end the unrest. However, the fairies don't want peace, putting Amelie and Niall's son in danger. Is love enough for Niall and Amelie to have a future, and will their son unite their people in peace?

Excerpt from A Magical's Gift

The heavy conversation hung in the air as thick as the humidity. Amelie understood the pain of losing a parent, but what could she say to comfort Niall? “I didn’t mean to intrude, Niall. Professional hazard? My subjects are usually less lively.”

 

He let out an unrestrained chuckle. “Amelie, you have a wonderful sense of humor.”

 

“I’ve been accused of many things, Niall. Having a sense of humor is not one of them.”

 

He smirked, communicating an entire conversation with the knowing look in his eyes.

 

She blushed under his direct perusal. “If you didn’t come with the high school tours, what brought you to the university today?”

 

He looked away as if trying to conceal his discomfort. When he turned to face her, he wore a hesitant look on his face, biting at his bottom lip in a way she just knew was out of character. “It’s foolish. I had a fight with my father. He wants me to join the family business. I don’t.”

 

Niall paused, but Amelie could see he wanted to confide in her, so she waited for him to continue.

 

“I parked at the edge of campus and wandered around for a bit. When I saw the large crowd outside the hall, I got curious.”

 

She muffled a giggle behind her hand. “I bet you were surprised you’d walked into an anthropology information session.”

 

“I won’t lie. It was the last thing I expected.”

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The Magicals Series:

A Vampire's Tale
A Wizard's Choice
A Fairy's Quest
A Fairy Godmother's Redemption
A Magical's Gift

#TirgearrTuesday

If only your dreams could come true with a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo…

Becoming the legal guardian for his half-sisters puts a wrench in Drew's college plans. Photo-shopped nudes of Seraphina threaten her promising singing career.

 

Sounds like a job for a Fairy Godmother.

Excerpt from A Fairy Godmother's Redemption

 

            “Just be yourself, man.” Ryan bopped him in the shoulder. “Go with the flow. You’re off to a decent start, letting her pick you up.”

            “What can I say?” Drew shrugged. “It’s the ’90s—almost a new millennium—and I’m a modern guy.”

            A knock came from the apartment’s exterior door. Ryan reached it first, swinging it open. “Come in, come in. You must be the talented Seraphina Jacobs. Of course, you are. I recognize you from MTV.” Ryan flashed a look of awe, coupled with desperation, at Drew. “I’m Drew’s friend, Ryan.”

            Drew watched Ryan fawn over Sera, holding back his laughter. This is priceless. He rolled his eyes and mouthed, “MTV?”

            Unaware of the second conversation happening between the guys, Sera extended her hand to Ryan. “Nice to meet you, Ryan.”

            “And what are your intentions toward our boy?”

            Drew shot Ryan a murderous look. “Ryan!” With a quick wave at the girls, he ushered Sera toward the door.

            “Don’t keep him out too late.” Ryan’s chuckle followed them out the door.

            Once outside, Drew felt a sudden bout of shyness. He’d talked to Sera on the phone every night since he’d asked her out, but having her here, seeing her in real life. Her inquisitive blue eyes held him captive.

            “You look beautiful.” Drew cringed at the clichéd phrase, even though it was absolutely true. Sera dressed casually—wearing an off-the-shoulder floral, rose blouse with bell sleeves, tan linen pants, and rose heels—but the overall look was stunning.

            She smiled, looking pleased. “Where are we going?”

            “The best pizza joint in the city.” He rhymed off directions as she pulled out of the parking lot.

            “Any preference for music?”

            Drew chuckled. “You mean you don’t play your tunes in the car?”

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The Magicals Series:

A Vampire's Tale
A Wizard's Choice
A Fairy's Quest
A Fairy Godmother's Redemption
A Magical's Gift

#TirgearrTuesday

Fairy princess Alina Lehrer sets out to reclaim the crown stolen from her family more than a century ago. In order to complete her quest, she must face her demons and win over the assassin Rylan Jackson assigned to eliminate her. Fate has placed Alina and Rylan on opposing sides, but fate is not set in stone.

Excerpt from A Fairy's Quest

I’m going to Paris, the city of love. Maybe I’ll even have a passionate love affair. 

“Bonsoir.”

Alina jerked her head up at the sound of the stranger’s lilting French accent. “Hello.” Hello, handsome. Did my imagination conjure this hunk?

 

“First trip to Paris?” His pronunciation of “pah-rhee” rolled off his tongue like honey.

 

“Yes.” Alina twisted in her seat to get a better look. Her perceptive eyes sized up her companion. He was a gorgeous specimen of a man. Dark brown, shaggy hair. Hypnotic brown eyes. Strong jawline. Just a hint of stubble, like he had shaved that morning. Stop staring. “What gave it away?”

 

“The guidebook in your tote?”

 

“Yeah. That’ll do it.”

 

“Business or pleasure?”

 

Alina flashed him a suspicious “you’re a stranger, I’m not telling you anything” look.

 

He threw his arms up in mock defeat. “I am Rylan Jackson.” He extended his hand.

 

“A—” Wait a minute. I don’t need to give him a real name. It’s a good time as any to try on a new persona. “Allie.” She picked an alias, not so different than her real name, before reaching out to shake his hand. His hand was warm, rough, like he used his hands to make a living. Touching him sent a buzz of awareness swirling through her body.

 

“Now, we are friends, oui?”

 

His sultry smile disarmed her objections to the friendly conversation. It can’t hurt to flirt a little while I wait for my flight. It’ll be good practice.

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The Magicals Series:

A Vampire's Tale
A Wizard's Choice
A Fairy's Quest
A Fairy Godmother's Redemption
A Magical's Gift

#TirgearrTuesday

I haven't felt much like a romance author this year. I published Designed by Destiny in November of 2022—hence the big birthday celebration this week—but for most of 2023, I've been MIA. Well, not exactly missing... but definitely out of the action. For 17 days in January, February, March, and May, I attended my Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) Hearing.

January 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31
February 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21
March 28
May 19

After eight years, I finally got my hearing. And it was tough. The toughest thing I've ever experienced, and I had two babies without drugs. << lol >> Even when the hearing was over, and it's been almost 6 months now, I couldn't write. I had this horrible stomach issue (which started during the hearing) which was later diagnosed in August as ulcerative colitis. I was really sick. I had to lie down almost all the time. I couldn't eat and lost a ton of weight—not the way I'd recommend going.

Then, I decided to get serious about my non-fiction—the memoir I'm writing about my ten-year ordeal, including the hearing. It's in progress, currently at about 80k. Working on my non-fiction is therapeutic in processing the trauma that was the hearing and the re-traumatization from participating in the hearing, but working on the non-fiction means I'm not writing romance. My hope was to finish at least the first draft of my non-fiction so I could get back to Fairy Godmothers, Incorporated, but the going is slower than I'd like—even writing about it is super stressful. Re-reading the transcripts is re-traumatizing. I have a lot of "that happened?!?" moments; it seems so unreal. How could this happen to me? How did something so simple end up getting so complicated? For those very reasons, I am writing my story.

In the meantime, I'll switch gears for a moment. First of all, to wish my book Designed by Destiny a Happy Book Birthday! Designed by Destiny is my 7th published book and the first in the Fairy Godmothers, Incorporated series (that I intend to be a trilogy). Secondly, Designed by Destiny is on sale, just 99c until November 17, and RABT Book Tours and PR is running a blitz and giveaway for me tomorrow.

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Now, I feel a bit more like a romance author. I wrote this book (Designed by Destiny), and it's on sale. It would make my day (my week, and my year—get the reference?) if you bought a copy. Stay tuned for the Book Blitz happening tomorrow... there's a $25 Amazon Gift Card up for grabs!

#TirgearrTuesday

Trauma inspired A Fairy's Quest.

For those of you not familiar with this title... A Fairy's Quest is Book 3 in The Magicals Series. It continues from where we left off in Kurtis Warde's story (A Wizard's Choice, Book 2). Kurtis had realized that although he should like Alina—she was the safer and politically savvy choice—his heart had a different opinion.

I never felt right about leaving Alina the way I did. Standing on the sidewalk. Alone. Brokenhearted. She deserved a happily-ever-after too.

Unfortunately, the path to happily-ever-after is not paved with well-marked road signs. In Book 2, Alina was attacked (and nearly murdered) and this has left her with scars not visible to the naked eye.

A Fairy's Quest

New York had Broadway. LA had Hollywood. Chicago had magic.

During the Golden Age of Magic, descendants of The Anunnaki sought refuge in the City of Magic.

Five years ago, fairy princess Alina Lehrer played the role of dutiful daughter until, in a single act of rebellion, she broke her arranged marriage agreement with David Laurent and destroyed a powerful alliance between their families. She fears her mother will hold it against her until she fulfils her familial duty—to reclaim the fairy crown that had been stolen from them more than a century ago.

Now, the usurper to the throne is dead, thus ending the fairy-wizard feud. It is time to reclaim the throne, and ultimately the stolen crown. But happily-ever-after seems as far away as ever for Alina. She is still heartbroken after the rejection of her first love and is still healing from a near-death trauma. She must push aside her personal feelings and find a way to confront her demons in order for her to complete her quest.

Rylan Jackson, codename Orion, has an impeccable record as a trained assassin for The Royal Court of Fairies. As The Court's most trusted asset, he always gets the job done. Until his target is Alina, the one woman he can’t resist.

Fate has placed Alina and Rylan on opposing sides in a world of deception and betrayal. Where truth is ambiguous. Where loyalties war with affection. Where there are no coincidences.

But Alina has the power to change her destiny and soon learns Fate is not set in stone.

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#TirgearrTuesday

I stepped away from regular church attendance about four years ago. I still consider myself a Christian, but I have mixed feelings about organized religion (part of the reason I took a step away). Religion is one of the big three you don't talk about—politics and finances being the other two. But here I go anyway because attending a live rock concert is akin to a religious experience.

I love the moment when you hear the beginning notes of the right song... and your skin prickles with goosebumps. This is the experience. You cannot replicate it at home. You need to be amongst other fans, feeling the beat pulsing through your veins.

I love music, especially rock. My coming-of-age year was 1994 (oops I just dated myself!). It was the year of Dookie (Green Day); Throwing Copper (Live); Purple (Stone Temple Pilots); Vitalogy (Pearl Jam); Wildflowers (Tom Petty); Weezer (Weezer); Smash (The Offspring)... and so many more. It was a great year for music!

My female lead from A Fairy Godmother's Redemption is a pop singer not a rocker, but her career was definitely inspired by my love of music.

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And the reverse Cinderella trope was inspired by my favorite Disney Princess—Cinderella.

Love music? Love Cinderella? This #TirgearrTuesday, give A Fairy Godmother's Redemption a try.

#TirgearrTuesday

Featuring A Wizard's Choice, The Magicals Series Book Two...

Kurtis Warde is a wizard apprentice who wants to leave the wizard guild and pursue vampiress Dee. When he is caught in the cross-fire of an ancient feud between wizards and fairies, he discovers his connection to The Annunaki is the key. Will he sacrifice his own happiness to ensure peace in the magical world?

Pre-order The Magicals Series Box Set now for $4.99.

Available September 27

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#TirgearrTuesday will return in September. Have a great summer!

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Now Available

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Every indie author out there: Buy my book! No, seriously, buy my book. Please buy my book. It's good. I like it.

Readers everywhere: :)

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#TirgearrTuesday

Excerpt from A Fairy Godmother's Redemption:

The sun woke him up the next morning. Oh… it’s too early. His brain abandoned its sleepy state when he remembered his mother was kicking them out today. He rolled out of bed, wearing yesterday’s wrinkled clothes.

His heart jumped in his chest. He heard the clang of pots and pans coming from the kitchen. Is Mom making breakfast? Maybe she changed her mind? He hopped down the stairs, taking two at a time. A surprising scene greeted him with Madison and Mackenzie making breakfast in the kitchen. There was no sign of his mother. He tried to hide his disappointment.

“We made breakfast.” Madison smiled, pride evident in her eyes. “We aren’t allowed to use the stove.

Mackenzie looked around the room, avoiding eye contact with Drew. “I hope you like cereal.”

“You used a lot of dishes—” He waved his hand around the messy kitchen. “—to make cereal.”

Madison's eyes filled with tears.

Damn. He hated the waterworks. “That's fine. I love cereal.”

Mackenzie grinned. “We made it special.”

Special? He took a bite of cereal, tasting a mix of at least three different kinds. “Mmm.”

Madison beamed while Mackenzie watched him suspiciously.

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 Excerpt from A Fairy Godmother's Redemption:

Drew stepped a little closer to Sera, standing awkwardly under the bright lights.

The crowd chanted, “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

Without warning, Sera grabbed Drew’s jacket lapels, tugging him even closer, before planting a gentle kiss on his lips. The attraction was undeniable. He wanted to drink her in. If they weren’t on stage… But they were. Drew pulled back.

Sera winked at him. “The crowd loves it.”

Will this ever end? He turned slightly, hoping to move off the stage without drawing any notice. But a twin spotlight moved over him.

Sera held the microphone in one hand, but she held him captive in her gaze. He was drawn to her intense eyes. The way she looked at him… It felt real, like she actually had feelings for him. He dismissed the ridiculous thought. This meant nothing to her. She was a performer, a talented actress. 

Sera started playing the intro on her guitar. “I was incomplete; I had a missing piece. Without you in my life. Just a princess without a prince; Then I found you.”

Drew watched her, completely captivated. Her voice was amazing as always, but this song… This song was powerful. There was no other word for it.

“You make me feel beautiful; Like I'm your whole world. Everything is brighter; I feel lighter. With you in my life. So, sing with me.”

Drew felt connected to her song, compelled to join in. “Sing with me.”

Sera looked startled for a moment, then continued with the song. “Complete me.”

Drew echoed. “Complete me.”

Sera leaned in, touching him under the chin. “Be my perfect complement. I need you, My Duet at Midnight.”

As the crowd cheered loudly, Drew echoed the lyrics. “Duet at Midnight.” Then, everything faded into the background until he was only aware of one thing. Sera. The lyrics from one of his songs came to mind: Never felt like this before; Something in me wants to soar.

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Excerpt from A Fairy Godmother's Redemption:

Today is a new day. This will blow over. And everything will go back to normal. Sera squared her shoulders. I can face anything as long as I get to sing. She took a deep breath. I’m not doing myself any favors, wallowing in my hotel room. She needed a change of scenery… and some fresh air wouldn’t hurt either. 

Enjoying the forceful stream from the showerhead pounding the tension from her neck and shoulders, she lingered under the heated spray. Escaping the steamy room, she donned her most inconspicuous outfit—a faded t-shirt and a pair of worn jeans—then tucked her long hair, still wet from the shower, under a ballcap. Finally, she grabbed her sunglasses and purse before slipping out of her room. 

As she passed Krista’s door, she felt a twinge of guilt. It’s not like I’m sneaking around. Even she didn’t believe her defensive statement. She knew she’d been avoiding Krista. After a quick walk, I’ll go see her.

The bright sun on this spring morning promised another sultry day. She tugged her ballcap a little lower and put on her sunglasses before pushing open the heavy revolving door. The rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee filled the air, a sharp contrast with its competing scents—malted barley and Mary Jane. She hit the sidewalk, heading toward the nearest coffee bar. It felt good to be out of her room. She dodged a group of camera-toting tourists, turning her face to the side as she passed. Pausing in front of a café that boasted “fair trade organic coffee” to read their sandwich board menu, she decided on a twelve-ounce cappuccino. Coffee in hand, she detoured toward the marina instead of heading straight back to the hotel. 

It’s a beautiful morning. She took a deep breath, appreciating the salty tang of the ocean. Neat rows of sailboats lined the piers of Mariners Bay. People bustled along the boardwalk, focused on their various places to go, leaving Sera unnoticed among the chaos. She enjoyed the anonymity. In her casual clothes, no one would mistake her for the musical sensation, Seraphina Jacobs. 

Finding an empty bench with a great view of the harbor, she settled down, cradling her coffee in both hands. She embraced the peaceful feeling that something so simple—sitting down with coffee—created within her. In a flash of inspiration, she dug out a notepad and pen from her purse. She scrawled Everything is brighter; I feel lighter on the page. Staring at the words, she realized their truth. Sitting there in the sunshine, things did seem brighter. Far removed from the worries of her reality. She gulped the last sip of coffee, knowing she’d run out of ways to stall her return to the hotel. Her reprieve was over. Time to face the music. She cringed at her unintentional pun, then she grinned as another occurred to her. It’s showtime.

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#TirgearrTuesday

Excerpt from A Fairy Godmother's Redemption:

“Faye hooked us up with a limo ride to the concert.” 

Madison gasped. “Wow!” 

Mackenzie assessed Drew critically. “If we’re going in a limo, you’re gonna need fancier digs.”

“Already covered. Faye included a suit rental.”

Madison sighed. “It’s just like in Cinderella.”

“What?”

“You know when Cinderella goes to the ball… Her fairy godmother gives her a new dress and turns a pumpkin into a fancy carriage…” She smiled dreamily. “You know what that means? Faye is your Fairy Godmother.”

He paused at Madison’s words, thinking about everything Faye did this week. With a new job, new apartment, and now a suit and a limo… It did seem like a fairy tale, but he didn’t want the girls getting any unrealistic ideas. “Don’t be silly, Madison. Fairy tales aren’t real.”

Mackenzie’s chin jutted out stubbornly. “Says who?”

Too tired from working all day, he didn’t have the energy for this argument. “Fine, fairy tales can be real. Now get ready for bed.” He caught Madison and Mackenzie sharing a smug smile.

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#TirgearrTuesday

If only your dreams could come true with a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo…

#TirgearrTuesday

Fate has placed Alina and Rylan on opposing sides, but Fate is not set in stone.

#TirgearrTuesday

Q: What is your ideal Valentine's Day date?

A: A floor picnic on a rainy day.

***

Drew and the girls met Sera at Faye’s Cafe and ordered one picnic hamper to go.

“Welcome to our humble abode.” Drew opened the door for Sera. “Madison, grab a quilt from the linen closet.”

The girls made short work of their sandwiches, but Drew became suspicious when they turned down dessert—their favorite part of any meal—and disappeared into their bedroom. 

He shared a conspiratory look with Sera. “I think we have two matchmakers at work.” 

“You mean you didn’t put them up to it?” 

“No.” His face turned bright red. “Uh—” 

“You look adorable when you blush.” She stroked the side of his face. “Today’s been a lot of fun.

“But?” 

Sera frowned. “But I gotta go.” 

“Right now?” Drew leaned toward her, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. When he pulled away, Sera had a slightly dazed look on her face. 

“Maybe I can stay a little longer.” She licked her lips as she swayed toward him. 

“Yeah?” With a knowing smile, Drew caressed the side of her face. “I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times. And, I swear, it’s not a line. You’re beautiful.” 

Sera gazed back at him, the same wonder he felt mirrored in her eyes. “People throw around words, like, all the time, and they’re completely meaningless. You tell me I’m beautiful, and I can believe it’s true.” 

“I’ve never met anyone like you.” 

Sera arched an eyebrow. “You mean, famous?” 

“No.” Drew shook his head slightly. “Without pretense. High school is just a bunch of posturing kids, pretending to be someone else.” He shrugged. “Even me. And, you— You could be the biggest fake of them all, and you’re not. You’re real.” 

“Stop, Drew. You’ll make me blush.” 

“Yeah?” He leaned in, grazing the edge of her ear with his teeth. “I can make you blush.” 

She shivered in response to his insinuation, shying out of his reach. “I’m sure you can.”

***

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#TirgearrTuesday

If only your dreams could come true with a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo…

Becoming the legal guardian for his half-sisters puts a wrench in Drew's college plans. Photo-shopped nudes of Seraphina threaten her promising singing career.

 

Sounds like a job for a Fairy Godmother.

Buy Now

#TirgearrTuesday

Fairy princess Alina Lehrer sets out to reclaim the crown stolen from her family more than a century ago. In order to complete her quest, she must face her demons and win over the assassin Rylan Jackson assigned to eliminate her. Fate has placed Alina and Rylan on opposing sides, but fate is not set in stone.

Buy Now