Wishing I could hide away with a book and coffee . . .
Nothing so certain as taxes, right? I’m at least enjoying a coffee and some pretty sunny (if cold) Georgia weather while I do it. But yeah, it’s exhausting especially right after daylight savings time. But I’m focusing on the positive, right?
I think Memy has the right idea here, and I wish I could join her, right?
Heads Up
Today is the last day to get Uncursing Her Bears, Finding Their Mermaid, and Bloody Lucky in Kindle Unlimited. After that, everything will be available “wide” (at all retailers) including Amazon but not in the Kindle Unlimited program.
The only thing that currently will stay in Kindle Unlimited is Peppermint. Some of my upcoming books will begin in KU including Reckless, my contemporary rockstart reverse harem coming out in May.
Current Projects
I always have a million things I’m working on and not all of them see the light of day, but I thought I’d give you a glimpse into a little-just-for-fun project I’m writing now. Hopefully it will turn into a series of shortie monster romances, but no guarentees.
Unedited excerpt from Red Mountain Orcs #1:
Following the map, I soon find the animals. One of the cages holds a pretty red fox, and I head right to it, bending down to see it better.
“Don’t try to pet it,” a gruff voice says behind me. “He’s not very friendly.”
I turn to view a man standing in the center of the room. I’m used to being the smallest person at barely five feet, but he is enormous at least seven feet tall and built like a linebacker. A plain t-shirt that clings to his muscular frame, and his hands are tucked into the pockets of well-worn jeans. His dark hair is brushed back from his face, revealing almond shaped gray eyes. His face is angular, with a high brow and a square jaw and two tusks jut out of his lips. But the strangest thing is that his skin is a light olive green, like leaves in spring.
Despite his strange color skin and tusks, he is undeniably handsome, and I can’t help but stare as I stand. I’m suddenly flooded with warmth, and I raise a hand to my chest.
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, flashing an awkward smile. “Hello, I’m Talon.”
I blink, nearly unable to believe that this incredibly attractive man is my new coworker. I smile back, feeling my cheeks flush as I offer my hand. "I'm Jenna. It’s nice to meet you."
Talon shakes my hand firmly, his big hand enveloping mine. His skin is warm and rough like that of someone who works with his hands. I swear as we touch, a spark of electricity runs between us. I pull my hand back, my heart pounding in my chest.
“So,” Talon says, his voice light and easy as if he’s trying to put me at ease. “Have you ever worked with animals before?”
“No,” I reply, my mind still spinning from our brief contact. “I haven’t.”
“Well,” he says, moving easily into teacher mode. “This wildlife center is home to many different types of animals and we are dedicated to their care and protection."
This is the part I should be most excited about, but my libido is running away from me. I can’t help but shoot a glance at his tight jeans and wonder if everything about him is as big as his hands. Isn’t that what people say about hand size? Heat rises in my cheeks. I’ve never reacted to someone this quickly. In fact, I’d started to think my libido was broken with my ex, because I so rarely felt in the mood. But I was in the mood now, and we’d barely said a handful of words to each other.
"Your job will be to help with the day-to-day needs," Talon continues, walking closer to me.
He really is a giant. I have to tilt my head back to keep my eyes on his face. He must get his clothes specially ordered, because I’ve never seen that size in any store. I should be intimidated, but his tone is friendly.
“These include everything from feeding them to making sure their enclosures are clean. You will also be helping with basic medical work such as administering vaccinations and minor treatments."
“Sounds great,” I say. I rack my brain for good questions to ask, but all I”m getting back is big green man is hot. Finally, I glance at the map and see the list of activities for tourists.“Will I be responsible for any of the tourist things? Like the animal shows?”
“Not yet,” Talon says, his eyes studying me. “You may be called on to assist, but you won’t need to plan or lead them for a while.”
At this news, I nod. I’m relieved I’ll get a chance to get used to the place and the animals first, before I’ll need to perform.
“You’ll do fine, I’m sure,” Talon says, reading my expression pretty accurately.
“Thank you.”
“Do you have any other questions right now?” he asks.
My thoughts turn back to his strange appearance. “Are you…” I begin, but can’t seem to find the words. What is big and green and has tusks? I can’t even imagine.
Talon chuckles. “I’m an orc,” he says. “Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean I eat people.”
I wasn't sure what I'd been about to ask, but it hadn’t been that. But now I am wondering about a whole different kind of eating. My ex, Keith, hadn’t been into touching me like that, but I can imagine Talon’s tusks brushing against my sensitive bits and I shiver. I lick my lips, and force my mind away from that image.
I try to focus on the conversation instead. Orcs are real? I mean I’d heard the word, but nowhere outside of a fantasy novel. Where do they come from? I have so many questions, but I can’t think of any that would be polite to ask. All I end up with is a hesitant, “Oh . . .”
“It’s fine,” Talon says, his expression softening. “I understand why you were surprised. Not many people have met an orc before.”
"I'm not sure I even knew you were real . . ." I say, trailing off. My face flushes with embarrassment.
Talon smiles, his gray eyes twinkling with amusement. “I assure you, I am indeed real.”
I nod, unsure what else to say. We stand in awkward silence for a moment before Talon speaks again.
“It’s nice to meet you, Jenna,” he says. “Go ahead and get unpacked and settle in. When you’re ready, come and find me and I’ll help you get rolling.”
Hope you enjoyed it. Happy reading,
Cali