Today,  I have a paranormal romance in our preorder spotlight. Check out The Dark Side and learn about the authors. 

LGBTQ+, BDSM, Paranormal Romance

Date Published: May 16, 2025

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.

Welcome to The Dark Side, where the line between love and lust blurs with dangerous passions.

The Dark One by Angela Knight

Matia of Ruza is one of the legendary Battlemaids -- a woman warrior who has taken an oath of celibacy in service of the Maid of Light. Kaska intends to make Matia the centerpiece in a sizzling erotic ritual in honor of his god.

Chain of Thorns by Will Okati

Riven finds himself trapped and enslaved by a powerfully seductive alien. Where is the line between fantasy and reality -- slavery and love?

BloodWolf by Sierra Dafoe

Centuries ago an ancient evil turned Baudouin Delacor into a beast for which there had never before been a name -- the BloodWolf. Delacor has only one hope left: that by destroying the succubus, he can free himself of its curse.

About the Authors & Publisher

Angela Knight:

New York Times best-selling author Angela Knight has written and published more than sixty novels, novellas, and ebooks, including the Mageverse and Merlin’s Legacy series. With a career spanning more than two decades, Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine has awarded her their Career Achievement award in Paranormal Romance, as well as two Reviewers’ Choice awards for Best Erotic Romance and Best Werewolf Romance.

Sierra Dafoe:

An award-winning author who received three CAPA nominations in her first year of publishing, Sierra Dafoe has gone on to receive numerous awards and recommended reads for her work. Check her website for free stories, a link to her readers' group, sneak peeks, and all her latest news. Sign up for her newsletter to be entered in her monthly contest, and reach out through the "contact" page -- she loves hearing from her readers!

Will Okati:

Will Okati (formerly known as Willa) has lived through a few Interesting Times, but come out the other side a little grayer, a little wiser, and ready to get writing. Still as passionate about coffee, cats, and crafts as ever, but knowing that to your own self you must be true. Also still one of the quiet ones to watch out for, but life -- like storytelling -- is always a work in progress.

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Pre-Order the Book

Pre-Order Today

This morning, I have a paranormal romance novel in our book release spotlight! Check out Bound to Happen and learn about author Annie R. McEwen!

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 02/04/2025

Publisher: Harbor Lane Books, LLC

The women in her family have a history of falling in love with ghosts. Aoife's positive she's the exception to the rule.

She's wrong.

Aoife 'Fee' Gowdie is exploring a derelict London music hall when she discovers a seventeenth century theatre below. The problem? It's got a seventeenth century ghost in it. And he has a pet-Fee's mouse, the one she buried that morning.

Gilbert 'Gil' Sorley-orphan, thief, actor, playwright-was born in 1613 and died... The jury's still out on that. He remembers the moment. The fight, the blade, the blood. It's been a gray wasteland since then. Until the miracle of her. And the mouse.

The old theatre has protected Gil for centuries, but now it's slated for demolition. To stop time and death, Fee and Gil have nothing except desperate, impossible love. Is it enough?

BOUND TO HAPPEN by Annie R McEwen is perfect for fans of Discovery of Witches and Practical Magic, the A Stitch in Time books, Ghost, and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

 Buy the Book

Purchase Today

Buy the Series 

About the Author

Find out the good stuff, get free, cracking good short fiction, book release dates, an outrageously interesting blog, and a monthly funny paper just by going to my website and tapping SUBSCRIBE on the Contact page.

Here's the bio: A career historian, Annie R McEwen has lived in six countries and under every roof from a canvas tent to a Georgian Era manor house, all of which helps her create award-winning romance set in faraway times and places. Annie has novels and series available on every major sales platform. Her publishers are Harbor Lane Books (US), Bloodhound Books (UK), Rowan Prose Publishing, and The Wild Rose Press. When she’s not in her 1920s bungalow in Florida, Annie writes, blogs, and explores castles in Wales, which is just about the most magical place on the planet.

Winner of the 2022 Page Turners Award, Genre (Romance) Category, Annie also garnered both First and Second Place 2022 RTTAs (Romance Through Ages Awards from Romance Writers of America), the 2023 MAGGIE Award, and the 2023 Daphne du Maurier Award. A Finalist for the 2024 Page Turners Writing Award, she was Shortlisted for a Writing Mentorship Award. Her short fiction appears in multiple anthologies.

Annie's got more WIPs than kittens. Here's one: a romantic suspense novel about pirates on the Kentish coast in the late 1700s. In it, her third great-grandad, a 4th Light Dragoon, makes a cameo appearance.

This morning, we are joining the book sale blitz for paranormal romance novel Designed by Destiny by author Maya Tyler!  Check out the book, learn about the author, buy the book on sale for a limited time and enter the book tour giveaway too!

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 11-15-2022

Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. 

Bethany Clark is an architect intern, who swore off love to focus on her career, and Nicholas Grey is a playboy who needs a stable personal life to keep his job. Add in Faye Delmore, a fairy godmother who just happens to love playing matchmaker, and you get a future designed by destiny.

About the Author

Maya Tyler is a multi-published author of paranormal romance novels and blogger at Maya’s Musings. An avid reader, Maya writes the books she loves to read—romances! Her paranormal romances come with complex plot twists and happily-ever-afters.

When she’s not writing, you can find Maya enjoying her favourite things—hanging out with her family, reading, and drinking coffee (especially Starbucks French Roast)!

Connect with the Author

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Goodreads

Pinterest

Instagram

BookBub

Buy the Book

BOOK BIRTHDAY! ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME Nov 9-17 !

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iBooks

Smashwords

Publisher

 Enter the Giveaway

Today, I have a paranormal romance novel in our book spotlight.  Check out Reluctant Rogue and learn about author Allie McCormack.

Wishes & Dreams, book #5

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 08-08-2023

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. 

Naomi had grown up in a family of rogue shifters… women who stalked men, seduced them, then after a night of passion, Changed to their animal form and ripped the man to shreds. She’d always been taught that she was destined to be a killer, that one day men would be mere prey for her. She was determined never to become a Rogue… even if she had to do something desperate.

Liam, a Great Pyrenees shapeshifter, is the new veterinarian at the Country Vet Clinic. When he’s called to a nearby zoo to care for an ill clouded leopard, he discovers she is, in fact, another shifter. Even more, she's the niece of Beatrice, the rogue who had terrorized the shifter women in the area for the last year. But Naomi doesn't seem like a rogue to Liam, and the shifters rally to her support, freeing her from the zoo and embracing her into the community.

Naomi loves her new life in the Hudson Valley at a lovely bed and breakfast, but she has to fight her growing feelings for Liam. He has absolute confidence in her, that she will never turn Rogue. But she is afraid to trust that. How can she give in to the magnetic attraction between them, when it could mean very Liam’s life?

Despite the chill of the early November morning, Liam McConnell let down the window of his Jeep Compass. Grateful to be leaving behind the pollution of Manhattan, he took in deep breaths of the crisp, fresh air.

After spending the past year doing his internship in New York City, he was more than ready to get out of the city, into the semi-rural, heavily wooded areas of the Hudson Valley, an hour’s drive north.

All his worldly belongings were packed into the back of his Jeep. He’d been assured there was an inn nearby where he could stay until he found a place to live, so he’d just thrown everything in his vehicle and headed north. The meeting he had in half an hour wasn’t quite an interview, nor quite a first day at work. The North American Council for Shifters had arranged for him to do his residency at the Country Veterinary Clinic, so he had the job, but this was his first meeting with the partners of the practice.

All of them were human, but they knew about shifters.

He had to admit that curiosity rode him about those in the clinic, or associated with it. Two of the human partners were engaged to Others; one to a Djinn, of all things! And another was engaged to Katerina Kazakis, the fashion designer who was also granddaughter to the Warden of the Northeastern U.S. The entire, huge, Kazakis clan were Maine Coon cat shifters, everyone knew that. Katerina’s two siblings also lived nearby, and there was apparently a clowder of bobcat shifters in the area.

It was unusual for so many cat shifters to be congregated in one area, and he couldn’t help grinning. The grin faded, though, as he thought of the grim news he bore. The Warden, Maroulla Kazakis, hadn’t wanted to relay the news over the phone, so he was charged with delivering it in person.

His GPS chirped at him to exit the Parkway, and he flicked on his turn signal. Ten minutes later, following the directions from his GPS, he turned into the driveway of the clinic. It was a long, low brick building with cheerfully painted shutters. Approaching the clinic, the driveway split left and right to parking lots on either side, while a sign post sent dog owners to

the left, and cat owners to the right. O-kaaay, separate entrances for dogs and cats. Good idea, and one he hadn’t seen before. Amused, he turned to the left, and parked outside a door that bore a large sign announcing,

“DOGS.”

Entering the clinic, he noted with approval the cleanliness of the wide, well-lit hallway leading to a cheerful reception desk where three ladies were stationed, one on the phones and two immersed in patient charts.

“Liam McConnall,” he told the pretty redhead who greeted him. “I’ve an appointment at nine.”

“Oh yes!” She put down the stack of folders she’d been putting into some kind of order, and came out from behind the counter. “They’re expecting you. Let me take you back… is it Dr. Shelton’s office?” She broke off to ask one of the other women, shook her head.

“No, they decided on Dr. McCandliss’ office. It’s bigger.”

“No it’s not,” the third woman put in. “It’s just emptier.”

All three women laughed.

“That’s because Dr. McCandliss has another office in the barn out back, and that’s what he uses,” the red-head explained, leading him down another hallway where rooms branched off left and right. “He sees horses and livestock, usually. I’m Tamera Austen, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Opening a door at the end of the corridor, she ushered him in.

“Dr. McConnell is here,” she told them. Then, giving him an encouraging smile, she turned and headed back to reception.

Liam blinked a bit, not having expected quite so many people. It took a moment to realize that his first impression of a crowd was erroneous; there were only four people rising to their feet as he entered. It only seemed crowded in the small office that contained only a table and some chairs. The table, however, contained a large carafe from which the enticing aroma of coffee arose, and a tray with cream and sugar, cups and stir straws, as well as a bakery box of pastries.

He was greeted first by a young woman with short, sleek black hair, and the wide golden eyes that marked her as a Kazakis.

“You must be Katerina,” he told her. “Your grandmother would have looked just like you when she was your age.”

She smiled, but seemed puzzled, staring at him in what appeared to be confusion. Then she shook her head, and turned to the others.

“Yes, I’m Katerina.” She turned and gestured to the others. “And this is Troy Shelton, Suzanne MacPherson, two of the partners here, and Suzanne’s husband, Mac.”

“Please, help yourself to some coffee and pastry if you like,” the big vet, Troy, said to him, but Katerina was still staring at him oddly.

“You’re an intern?” she finally blurted out in astonished tones.

Liam laughed. “I get that a lot. I felt like an old dude when I was in vet school, compared to the others. But I wanted to finish medical school first.”

Suzanne looked as bewildered as Katerina felt. “Medical school?”

Liam stared at them, and they stared back. He shook his head with a humorous quirk of his lips.

“I’m guessing Maroulla didn’t forward you my resume?”

They all looked at each other.

“I didn’t even think to ask,” Troy admitted.

“Oh, my God, this is so unprofessional of us,” Suzanne dropped her head in her hands.

Katerina noted that Liam was looking more amused than offended.

“In our defense,” Troy told Liam, “We’re all still reeling a bit from finding out that there is such a thing as shapeshifters.”

“Are such things as,” Katerina corrected helpfully.

“Let’s try this again.” Troy stood up, holding out his hand. “Troy Shelton.

They shook hands and Suzanne followed suit. “Suzanne MacPherson, and this is my husband, Mac. Douglas McCandliss, our other partner, planned to be here, but he had an emergency call.”

“He’s the equine vet, isn’t he?” Liam asked.

Troy nodded. “He has to go to most of his patients, rather than them come to us.”

Mac held out his hand. “I work at another clinic, so I’m not here in any official capacity.”

“You’re totally here out of curiosity,” Suzanne told her husband, and he laughed, not bothering to deny the allegation.

Allie McCormack is  a disabled U.S. military veteran, now pursuing her life-long dream of being a writer. Allie has traveled quite a bit and lived many places all over the U.S., as well as a year in Cairo, Egypt as an exchange student, and a year in Saudi Arabia under contract to a hospital in Riyadh. Allie now lives in wine country in beautiful southern California with her family and two rescue cats.

Allie says: "A writer is who and what I am... a romance writer. I write what I know, and what I know is romance. Dozens of story lines and literally hundreds of characters live and breathe within the not-so-narrow confines of my imagination, and it is my joy and privilege to bring them to life, to share them with others by writing their stories."

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Goodreads

TikTok

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iBooks

Smashwords

Google Play

This morning, I have a paranormal, motorcycle club romance in our book teaser spotlight.  Check out Alan, Book 3 in the Devoted Guardians MC romance series, read an excerpt & learn about authors Harley Wylde and Jessica Coulter Smith.

(Devoted Guardians MC 3)

A Dixie Reapers Shifter MC Romance

Paranormal / MC Romance

Date Published: ‎ March 24, 2023

Publisher: ‎ Changeling Press LLC

Jolene – My life wasn’t perfect, but I didn’t have any real complaints -- until something went horribly wrong and one of my potions blew up, killing my husband. Raising our son on my own hasn’t been easy. Grief and guilt keep getting in my way. But a certain biker keeps stopping by to lend a helping hand. Is it wrong I wish he’d do more than fix my porch steps?

Alan – I knew Jolene was mine, even when she belonged to someone else. Now that she’s single, I might have a chance. I can’t rush this, though. Not after what she’s been through. Not till I’m sure she's ready. I’ll take my time, build a friendship with her, then lay all my cards on the table. Only one problem. I didn’t count on traffickers hitting our little town. Everything’s gone sideways. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my new family safe, even if I have to get my hands dirty.

WARNING: This is a Dixie Reapers Shifter MC story and contains bad language, violence, and adult situations. Recommended for adult readers 18+.

Read An Excerpt

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2023 Harley Wylde & Jessica Coulter Smith

I clutched Rhett’s hand and stared at Alan. “Are you sure about this? I don’t really know anyone there. What if they don’t want us around?”

“I asked the Pres, and he said it was fine.” Alan shoved his hands into his pockets. I’d noticed he did it a lot, and wondered if it was a nervous habit or something else. “But if you don’t want to go…”

“No! We want to,” I assured him. “I didn’t want them thinking we were trying to intrude. We aren’t part of the club, and it seems like it’s just the Devoted Guardians and their families.”

“It’s fine, Jolene. Come on. I brought the truck.”

We followed him out to the driveway, and I stood back and watched as he buckled Rhett into his car seat. Alan came around so much these days, he’d bought one for his truck. I didn’t know many men who would do something like that. Not when it wasn’t their own child. All the little things he did for us made me like him even more.

I still remembered when I’d thought he was a decade older than me. Knowing he was over one hundred still blew my mind. Then again, shifters lived a long time, like witches. Compared to him, I was still a baby at only twenty-six. My little Rhett was only six. As far as I knew, Alan didn’t have children, and hadn’t ever had a mate. Of course, none of it mattered. Our relationship wasn’t the romantic sort -- something I reminded myself of every single day. It didn’t stop my heart from racing every time he came near, or wishing there could be more between us.

Alan helped me into the truck, then reached over for the seatbelt and buckled me in. He’s just being nice. If I said it enough times, maybe I could make myself believe it. Not even Robby had done such a thing for me. I’d never met anyone like Alan before. Sure, I’d interacted with shifters, but none had taken care of us the way he did. He made me feel special, and I knew Rhett adored him. He constantly asked when we’d see Alan.

With Wolf Creek being so small, it didn’t take long to reach the park. I noticed the motorcycles right away, and Alan pulled into a spot nearby. He helped us from the truck, and Rhett took off. He might not have played with the other kids before, but it didn’t make him hesitate even a little. My hands trembled as I smoothed my clothes. Had I made the right decision? What if the women didn’t want me here? Just because Axe said it was okay didn’t mean I was actually welcome.

“Come on,” Alan said, holding out his hand. I took it and let him lead me over to the group. He released my hand near the women and went to join the other men in his club. He always referred to them as his brothers, even though he wasn’t related to any of them. I’d asked a few questions the last couple of months, wanting to know more about him and the Devoted Guardians, but I still didn’t understand everything.

I glanced at the women and gave them a smile. “Hi! I’m Jolene.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Emma,” one of them said, holding out her hand. I shook it and retreated, still not feeling comfortable.

“I’m Raya,” the other said.

“I’m so glad Alan invited us. Rhett can always use more friends,” I said. “Since Cody and Tanner are older, they aren’t in the same class at school. I know they’ve seen each other around town, but this is the first time they’ve been able to play.”

“How do you know Alan?” Emma asked.

“He helped us not too long ago. Actually, he’s been really great. Things have been hard the last few years. Alan seems to know what we need even before I do. He’s fixed my porch steps, replaced an outlet that no longer worked, and done so much more.” I smiled softly as I looked at the man in question. “And he’s so sweet to Rhett.”

“Has he asked you out on a date?” Emma asked.

“Oh, it’s not like that. I’m so much younger than him.”

“Axe is over one hundred fifty years old, and I’m only twenty-six,” Emma said. “It can’t be worse than that, can it?”

“No, it’s not,” I said. “Maybe it would work. I’m a little scared to find out. What if I’m wrong? Rhett already loves Alan so much. If we dated, then everything went wrong, it would devastate my little boy.”

Part of me wanted to hold back and not open up to these women so much. They were strangers, yet I started to feel at ease around them. Alan had told me about Axe and Emma, and I knew their relationship was still new. He hadn’t said much about Raya, other than Henry had recently found her. At least they hadn’t been with their men for years. We were all rather new when it came to the Devoted Guardians. Of course, they were actually with someone in the club. Alan and I were only friends.

“Henry hated me on sight,” Raya said. “He thought I was a dark mage. Then we had a chance to talk. He listened to what I’d been through, and when he bit me later that night, it felt… right. Sounds crazy, right?”

Emma shook her head. “Part of you sensed it. The same happened with me and Axe. Although, he was sweet from the beginning. From the moment we met, I felt drawn to him. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and quite honestly, I found it a little scary. Not Axe but my reaction to him.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “That’s how it feels when Alan is around. I want to get closer to him, and when I catch his scent, my body lights up and I want to crawl into his lap. Instead, I end up putting more space between us.”

“Maybe you’re his mate,” Emma said. “Axe said I was destined to be his. I heard it was the same with Henry. Once he got past the smell of black magick, he realized Raya was his.”

Raya nodded.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to it,” I said. “I’m not sure he really feels like that about me though. He’s never flirted with me or asked me out. I think he just feels sorry for us and is such a sweet man he can’t help but try and ease our burden a little.”

Emma snorted. “Keep telling yourself that. I have a feeling you’ll be eating those words soon enough.”

About the Authors

Harley Wylde is the International Bestselling Author of the Dixie Reapers MC, Devil's Boneyard MC, and Hades Abyss MC series. When Harley's writing, her motto is the hotter the better -- off-the-charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can't deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you've come to the right place. She doesn't shy away from the dangers and nastiness in the world, bringing those realities to the pages of her books, but always gives her characters a happily-ever-after and makes sure the bad guys get what they deserve.

Award-winning author Jessica Coulter Smith has been in love with the written word since she was a child writing her first stories in crayon. Today she's a multi-published author of over seventy-five novellas and novels. Romance is an integral part of her world and she firmly believes that love will find you at the right time, even if Mr. Right is literally out of this world.

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter: @changelingpress

Harley Wylde on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

Pre-Order the Book 

Pre-Order Today

Today, I have a paranormal romance collection in our Teaser Tuesday spotlight!  Check out Beastly Tales and read an excerpt!

Paranormal Romance

Date to be Published: February 21, 2023

Publisher: Dragon Soul Press

  Monsters deserve love too…

From werewolves, vampires, and even Bigfoot, these beasts manage to find love. Whether they are able to sink their claws into that love and keep it is another story. When it comes down to it, don’t judge a book by its cover. This anthology brings a mixture of what ifs and happily ever afters.

Featuring stories from T.C. Mill, A.K. Moss, Toni Mobley, Barend Nieuwstraten III, Ashley L. Hunt, Charles Kyffhausen, Lil Deville, Kelly Piner, Jess Monica, and Karen Bayly.

Graphic sexual content is included within this anthology.

The Beasts of Hank's Wood by Lil DeVille

Joe Schola III is the eighteen-year-old son of Joseph Schola Junior, a fire-and-brimstone preaching Fundamentalist televangelist. While young Joe is far less homophobic than his father, he is struggling to come to terms with his own sexual orientation. Will Joe dare accept the invitation to become part of a clan of shapeshifters, and will he accept the love being offered to him by the handsome fox shifter Lovell Azarola?

Excerpt from The Beasts of Hank’s Wood

Reverend Jed didn’t miss what was happening between me and her gorgeous friend. Taking my hands in hers, she smiled.

“There’s nothing wrong with letting nature take its course,” she advised. "Then again, you don't want to dive into deep waters too soon. I've known Lovell all his life. He's not the casual and fleeting kind."

“I’m not either,” I reassured her. "The truth is, I've never been in a relationship. Because I don't know a thing about letting someone know I'm interested in them or establishing if they're interested in me, I don't want to make a mistake. Straight people have it hard too, but I think it's even harder when you're not straight. If a straight guy hits on a girl who's not interested, he probably won't get his backside handed to him, unless she has a jealous boyfriend he doesn't know about."

"The thing is, I wouldn't have said anything if I hadn't seen what was happening between you and Lovell. He definitely noticed you."

“Um…Forest didn’t, you know, notice Vic, did he? ‘Cause Vic’s straight. Vic won't kick his butt, but I wouldn't want Forest to waste his time on a straight guy."

Reverend Jed burst out laughing.

“Forest is straight too. He simply sensed a kindred spirit in Vic.”

“I guess my gay-dar is broken,” I said. “’Cause he looked me up and down and I kind of thought he might be checking me out.”

“He was checking to see if you were safe for his brother. The boys are very protective of each other.”

“Well, I’m safe,” I reassured Reverend Jed. “But maybe a fine guy like Lovell isn’t going to be too keen on an inexperienced dude like me.”

“He’s keen,” Reverend Jed said. “It’s up to you if you want to encourage his interest.”

buy the book

Preorder for $1.99

Amazon

Today, I have a paranormal romance novel in our book teaser spotlight!  Check out Marissa Unbound, the 5th book in the Unbound series by Rebecca York!  Check out the book, read an excerpt and learn about the author!

Unbound, Book 5

Paranormal Romance, Suspense, Dark Fantasy

Release Date: January 20, 2023

Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC

When Marissa learns her abusive husband, Arfon Hanson, plans to murder her so he can take another wife, Marissa flees. She hopes to find sanctuary at the convent where she was educated, but fate intervenes when Steffan Gwinett rescues her from the henchmen Arfon sent to bring her back.

Years ago, Marissa and Steffan had been in love, but her father broke off their relationship, sending her away. Their chance meeting rekindles all their old feelings for each other. After they make love, Steffan vows to expose Arfon for a would-be murderer.

Marissa won’t let Steffan take on the dangerous job alone. She disguises herself as a boy, and they begin an investigation of Arfon. They get more than they bargained for when they discover her husband is the leader of a demon-worshiping cult -- and is making plans to offer a local boy as a sacrifice. Can they rescue the victim and find a happy ever after for themselves?

read an excerpt

Copyright ©2023 Rebecca York

Steffan Gwinett rode past the darkened house and dismounted in the pasture where Darias, his horse, could graze as he would. The moon was almost full, and the sky danced with stars, the heavens giving him enough light to guide his steps. He stood for a moment looking toward the spot where the bee boxes had stood. He could see no sign of them now.

“I’ll be back soon,” he said to his steed, before turning toward the cottage.

It was not an imposing dwelling. The main room had a packed dirt floor. When he’d lived there, the only furnishings had been a large fireplace for warmth and cooking and a table and chairs for sitting and eating. Up above, on the opposite side from the fireplace, was a narrow loft where he had slept. Beyond the main room lay another, barely large enough for a mattress, where his parents had slept until his mother had died. Then it was only Steffan and his grizzled old father -- until his father, too, had succumbed to years of hard labor.

Steffan’s father had been a farmer whose fortunes rose and fell with the vagaries of the weather. When the crops were good they ate well, with extra coin for buying necessities they could not make themselves. Sometimes they could even afford a few luxuries, like sturdy fabric for his mother to sew into clothing.

Steffan had known that hardscrabble life was not for him. He’d dreamed of running off with the girl he loved, though that had only been a foolish fancy.

After reality had crashed over him, he had gone off to join King Norwen’s troops. That had not worked out either. Three years of enforcing the king’s draconian edicts had been enough for him. He’d declined his next enlistment and taken the coin he’d managed to save during his time of service.

Now here he was, having another look at this land, wondering if he could make it work for him in a way his father had never considered.

He was almost to the front door when he stopped short. Since childhood he’d enjoyed a talent other people did not possess. He had no name for it, yet somehow he always knew when he was not alone.

That sixth sense had saved his life more than once when he’d been a member of the royal troops -- like the time they’d been ordered to clear a town of troublemakers. One of the ruffians had been waiting with a heavy club at the intersection of two streets. Sensing him, Steffan had stopped in his tracks and turned the tables on the would-be assailant.

That same ability slowed his steps now as he approached the cottage. Stopping short of the entrance, he drew his knife and reached for the knob, easing the door inward a few inches. At the same time, he stepped to the side so that he would not be an immediate target. With the door cracked, he stood in the cool night air -- listening. He could hear nothing. The house looked as though it was abandoned, yet his instincts told him that was not true. Pushing the door open a bit farther, he peered into the darkness, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the shadowy interior. When he could take in details, he scanned the room. The table and chairs were gone, as was all the cooking equipment near the fireplace.

He tipped his head up, directing his attention to the loft. Someone could be up there in the shadows, waiting to leap down on anyone who entered. A quick glance told him the access ladder was also missing. Unless an intruder had pulled it up after himself, there was no way to reach the sleeping platform.

Who would be in here? From the squalid looks of the interior, obviously not someone who had made a home in this empty cottage. Perhaps it was a ruffian using it as a temporary hideout.

With the main room cleared, his next target was the bedroom. Quietly he crossed the packed dirt and listened at the ripped curtain that still hung there.

Steffan detected nothing -- until the curtain flew open and a dark figure leaped out at him, the only thing clearly visible the glint of moonlight on steel.

Only Steffan’s instincts and his hours in the practice yard saved him from a serious knife wound. He twisted away from the assailant and thrust out his foot, sending the knave sprawling and their blade skittering away.

The man was hardly an experienced fighter, Steffan noted as he followed the attacker down, trapping him against the packed earth floor.

The man? No, it must be a youth. In their frantic struggle he detected little meat on the assailant’s arms, and little muscle mass. This boy had no idea how to fight off a warrior -- luckily for Steffan. “Stop struggling before you get hurt,” he growled.

Probably realizing that further combat was dangerous, the assailant took his advice -- which gave Steffan time to evaluate the body that lay beneath his. He had expected a shallow chest to go with the spindly arms. The reality was quite different. Instead of a boy’s upper trunk, he felt the swell of nicely rounded breasts. Confusion grabbed him as he stared down into glaring green eyes. Familiar eyes -- eyes that took him back to another time and place.

He gasped, feeling as though he had taken a hard blow to the gut in a jousting match. For heartbeats he was frozen in place -- as was the girl who glared up at him.

Finally he was able to choke out, “Marissa Dumfries.”

buy the book

Pre-Order Now

 Buy the Full Unbound Series on Amazon!

about the author

New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author Rebecca York began her career as a journalist writing articles for newspapers and magazines, but after several years decided to try writing fiction. She's a highly successful author of over 50 romantic suspense and paranormal novels and is the head of the Columbia Writers Workshop. Her many awards include two Rita finalist books. She has two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times: for Series Romantic Suspense and for Series Romantic Mystery. Her Peregrine Connection series won a Lifetime Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense Series. She collects rocks, and enjoys cooking, walking, reading, gardening, travel, and Mozart operas.

connect with the author

Rebecca York on Facebook

Rebecca York on Twitter

Publisher’s Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @changelingpress