dragon

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Snippet Saturday: Dec 14

Today’s snippet comes from First Christmas which is currently FREE until Dec 17th!

Free FC

Move out of the way, dragon. She is ours, Drake ordered the man at my back.

“No, she is mine. If you try to harm her, I will kill you.”

My ears pricked at the sound of my mate’s deep, husky voice. I fought a shiver from the lethal edge that chilled the threat in his words. It even caused the dragons on my side of the fight to take a step back. Whoever my mate was, he was not a dragon to be taken lightly, and he hadn’t even thrown a punch or shifted yet.

You should move on, dragon. She isn’t yours. We found her first. Now, step aside. I took notice that Drake’s words were less confident.

The dragon on my left took a step closer, heading toward me, but my mate swung his head around to face him, pulling his top lip back in a feral human snarl. “My mate is not yours. Now, leave before I tear you to pieces. This is your final warning.”

mybook.to/FirstChristmas

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What is it Wednesday: Shifters

Before I get into my newly regular What is it Wednesday post, I’d like to explain this weekly (or so is the hope) post. In my books, I have a lot of different creatures, and they’re so fun to work with. Some of them are real (as in popular among the general public) and others I’ve completely made up. In my most recent series, there are so many different species of creatures that even my mom told me it was difficult to know what was real and what I’d invented. Hopefully these posts will be fun and informative at the same time! And let you know what’s real and what isn’t!

So, let’s start this off with Shifters!

painting mighty tiger and lion head on ornamental background and mystic woman face, computer collage.

Lately when explaining my books to people, I’ve found that quite a large majority have no idea what a shifter is when I tell them I write shifter novels. I then have to explain it. So, for those of you who have no idea what a shifter actually is, it’s a person who can shift into something, usually an animal of some kind, but it doesn’t have to be an animal. It’s kind of like the “Animorphs” series. And though it’s rare, I have seen where it’s an animal who can shift into a human (the biggest difference is that they started off as an animal but through magic or some sort of power became human and then have the ability to shift back and forth and must learn about their human side).

Silhouette of beautiful woman with shadow of wolf with crescent moon and stars isolated. Sticker, print or tattoo design vector illustration. Pagan totem, wiccan familiar spirit art

All of my books have shifters of some sort in them, whether it be tigers, dragons, polar bears, gargoyles, and let’s face it, the First Blood series is loaded with them (snow leopard, gorilla, fox, wolf, raccoon, etc). Why do I love writing shifters so much? Because there’s so much you can do with them! They have greater use of their senses. They’re not quite human or animal so anything is possible (like scenting emotion or hearing heartbeats). Their bodies might even be able to withstand more than a regular human and they could be stronger.

And who doesn’t love animals??? This allows me to write an animal-like character (such as when they’re in animal form) with a human intelligence. That’s fun. At least for me. It opens up so many possibilities!

What are some of your favorite shifters? Do you have characters from books that you absolutely love who can shift between forms?

More to come on my specific shifters in weeks to come!!

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It’s That Time of Year Again! #Christmasbook

If you’ve followed me for any length of time on social media, it’s probable that you already know this, but I’m a Christmas fanatic. Yes, I’m one of those people who not only has their tree up (Since Nov 2) but my apartment is also fully decorated for the season. We’ll skip the argument of whether this is skipping Thanksgiving and move on to the subject of this blog post: This year’s book is up for pre-order!!

If you haven’t read any of the other books in the Collection (this is #4), that’s perfectly all right. They’re written in a way that you don’t have to read them in any order. I try to do a good job of explaining who everyone is as they enter the new books. This was the first written in a guy’s point of view, and it was interesting. I’ve written in male POV’s before, but this one was just different. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to a Christmas fanatic as the leads for the Christmas books, and Flint is not. He likes Christmas, but he’s sooooo not on the elf level of Christmas loving.

So, why a Christmas book every year? Well, it started with wanting to write a Christmas book (Cause, you know, I like Christmas), and then I realized there was so much to this world that I couldn’t NOT explore it. Then readers began requesting certain elves’ stories (Holly and Jolly) so I wrote those. I’m loving these characters and what they have to offer. Plus, these books make me happy. I love the world they throw me into and to see what happens next. While not my most successful series, I’m never going to stop writing these Christmas books. They are too much a part of who I am at heart. So, with that being said, here’s more about SNOWBOUND CHRISTMAS!

Graphic 1

What’s worse than being friend zoned by your ultimate crush? To Flint, not much, especially now that his Alpha brother has found love for the second time. If that wasn’t hard enough to deal with, Santa wants a polar bear ambassador to join him in Christmas Village, and he’s requested Flint by name. Leaving another new home once again, and this time his pack as well, Flint’s only consolation is that he’ll know one person in Christmas Village.

Even the dragon clan in Christmas Village doesn’t know much about Lizzette. Being a private person, she only has a few close friends, and her newest one is a polar bear shifter. Once they land in Christmas Village, pounding snowstorms land with them, raging through the North Pole one after another. With Christmas already on the line, can this unlikely pair find a way to help the elves dig out while discovering the relationship neither had anticipated?

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZZKVG4R

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZZKVG4R

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#Indiebooklist Monday: Week 20

Week 20

Week 20: Karen Tomlinson

Book: A Bond Of Venom And Magic

I don’t remember how I “met” Karen, but it was on Facebook somewhere. Maybe a release party, or something like that. All I know is that I’m glad it happened! She is one of the sweetest, most supportive people I’ve ever met. And hard working. I don’t know how she juggles so much in her life, but she makes it happen. Karen is definitely on my list of authors that I want to meet in my life! And not only is she a spectacular person, but oh my gosh, if you love romantic epic fantasy, look no further than this read. You guys, Hugo is most definitely on my Top Ten Book Boyfriends list. Pretty sure he’s never going to slip off of it either. Diamond is amazing, don’t get me wrong, but Hugo…well, if you like the dark, broody males, he’s right up your alley! This book (and the rest of the series) are not books that you’ll be able to pick up and just set down. Trust me. Actually, it’s about time I reread this series!

Website: https://karentomlinson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ktomlinson.author/

Magic awakens. Darkness stirs. The Wraith Lord hunts.
The war raging in the South seems a remote danger for seventeen-year-old Diamond Gillon until her home is brutally attacked.
Catapulted into a terrifying new existence where legendary beasts arise, magic is condemned, and half-blood fae like her have no rights, Diamond is inexplicably drawn to Commander Hugo Casimir. But he is a ruthless elite guard owned by a cruel, immortal fae queen who murders her own people for magic.
A prisoner in Hugo’s world, Diamond’s circumstances become ever more perilous; for the Queen covets more than just magic. Diamond must escape—before her fate, and that of The Eight Kingdoms, is sealed in shadow and chaos.
When her life hangs in the balance, will Hugo prove to be her friend and ally, or an enemy unworthy of her trust?

A Bond Of Venom And Magic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J92LEAE/

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Snippet Saturday: April 27

Phoenix Ebook FinalI’ve been failing at remembering to do this on the certain Saturday’s I had listed…so, I’m going to be doing them on whatever Saturday I remember! Or post ahead and schedule when I remember during the week.

This week’s snippet comes from Phoenix Awakened, my newest release! Be on the lookout for snippets of my upcoming pre-order as well.

 

Snippet:

Stepping out of the bathroom, I found Phoenix standing in a nice pair of khakis with a long sleeved button up under a cardigan. In my head, dinner was casual, so I’d changed back into my jeans and shirt from this morning. Embarrassed by my misunderstanding, I stuttered over a plausible excuse for the way I looked while trying to think if I actually packed clothes that would be suitable to match his.

“Sorry, I forgot my clothes out here and wasn’t going to come out here in a towel, no matter how much you’d enjoy it.” I dug through my suitcase, hands shaking as Phoenix took my shoulders and turned me to face him.

“You look beautiful. I don’t mind if you wear that.”

“I look like a slob. Let me change and I’ll be right out.”

“May I kiss you?”

The question popped out of his mouth so fast I wasn’t sure I’d heard him right, but the nonwavering expression that held mine told me for a fact I’d heard correctly. If this was his way of distracting me, he was succeeding. My gaze flew to his lips, remembering our last, and first, kiss.

“I don’t know if that would be a great idea,” I murmured, trying to make my feet back up, but that was useless since a bed stood right behind me. Then again, sidestepping away would be better. There wasn’t a bed in that direction.

Phoenix’s shoulders slumped. “One little kiss.”

“You’re very pushy, you know that don’t you?”

“I do, yes, but persistence is everything.”

Closing my eyes, I sighed. He was persistent, that was for sure, and that was how he was going to win me over. Patience and persistence. And his gentleness and kindness.

Warm lips brushed mine as stiff bristles rubbed against the sensitive skin around my mouth. Unlike last time, there was no burning desire or unbridled passion behind the kiss, only a gentle sweetness that was Phoenix. After a few seconds, he leaned back and I opened my eyes.

“I didn’t say yes.”

“But you didn’t say no.” He grinned. “Next time I’ll wait for an answer.”

mybook.to/PhoenixAwakened

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Snippet Saturday: March 16

Are you ready for another snippet from Phoenix Awakened? It’s less than a month away from releasing now! I can’t wait for you to be able to read it. It’s also still available for only $.99!

Phoenix Teaser 4

“Good, they’re here,” my companion murmured, eyeing the other car.

A hotel room door to the right opened and a tan skinned man with wavy black hair and a beard nearly identical to Phoenix’s stepped out and nodded before heading back inside. He shut the door, leaving it cracked so we could enter but the brisk morning air couldn’t sweep inside at full force.

“Let’s go and get this over with.”

Phoenix unbuckled and climbed from the car and I mimicked his actions, peering up at the now cloudless sky. Nothing fluttered above, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t someone up there, or following in a car. Forcing myself to turn away, I followed my large companion as he led the way to the hotel room. He held the door for me and closed it behind us, activating every lock the door had. There weren’t enough in my opinion.

“Phoenix, you said this was urgent,” a tall, thin woman announced, striding from the bathroom after we were securely inside. Her accent was thick, but I’d never heard anything like it. It was almost a voice that was out of this world, or maybe just from a part of the world I’d never ventured: the water. “What’s wrong?”

His lips were pressed into a thin line when he pointed toward my tracking bracelet. “We need that removed. You’re the only person I know who might be able to take it off.”

The woman eyed me, her dark curls shimmering in the room’s dim light. “I see. And who is this exactly?”

“Louisa, Chet, this is Sparks,” Phoenix introduced. “She’s a fire dragon. Sparks, this is Louisa, the undine I mentioned, and her husband, Chet.”

Louisa’s eyes narrowed as Chet’s eyes widened. Obviously he was still growing used to the world of the supernatural. Or he was surprised that a fire dragon existed since even Phoenix had thought we were extinct. The undine didn’t appear the least bit shocked. If anything she seemed perturbed.

“Why would I help a fire dragon?” Louisa asked, crossing her arms over her chest to glare at her cousin, or at least Phoenix had said this was his cousin…of sorts.

“I need her help,” he replied, his eyes spilling a desperation he tried to keep out of his voice. “I think…I think she’s my link.”

His link? I had no idea what that was, but by the shocked, raised eyebrows on Louisa’s face and her suddenly wide eyes, she knew exactly what that meant. It wouldn’t do me any good to ask about it yet since I doubted Phoenix would explain, at least until the tracker was removed.

“I see. You’re sure?” Louisa once again studied me, this time in a far less aggressive way, but still intense.

“No, but I felt the draw, and I’m hoping by removing the bracelet we’ll find the mark.”

And now I was done being patient.

 

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NMNCF34

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NMNCF34

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Snippet Saturday: March 2

Today’s Snippet is from Phoenix Awakened, my upcoming release! Available for pre-order. Releasing April 13th.

The closer the car came, the more the headlights blinded me. When the car pulled up beside me, I was able to make out the outline of a large jeep, which likely had four-wheel drive and could navigate in this slush better than my bald-tired car. Instead of rolling the driver’s window down like I thought would happen, the driver opened the door and hopped out. Since my eyesight was still clear, I was able to make out his ginger colored hair that I assumed had once been styled so the longer hair on top was slicked back, but at the moment, a long day of mussing with it had the strands falling out of place to cover the shorter trimmed sides. A thick, short beard helped shield his face from the wind, and a thick coat that hugged his body shielded a manly torso.
Phoenix Teaser 6However, it was his height that stalled my footsteps as he approached, and I tried to keep my anxiety in check. This man was well over six feet tall, rivalling a male dragon. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe they would come from the other direction, and maybe they wouldn’t want to end me quickly, but take their time beating me to a pulp.
It took the man until he was on top of me to notice my tense stance and wary glare. When he did, he stepped closer and reached out to me, like I was a deer ready to flee. I retreated as he stepped closer, but he was well within range of my senses.
Taking a deep breath, I scented the air for the scent of dragon. None reached me. Human, then. Still, that didn’t mean he wasn’t a threat. At this point, everyone was considered a threat to my existence.
“I didn’t mean to startle you,” he murmured in a rough baritone voice, stepping closer.
Sure he didn’t. I moved into a defensive position, keeping my hands in front of my face just like my father taught me. If he came any closer, I’d kick him in the family jewels, which I learned from my mother. My parents had both made sure I knew how to protect myself. Since he was human, I’d have to be gentler so I wouldn’t permanently damage him since dragons were far stronger than his kind. That didn’t mean I’d have to take it easy on him, though. I’d bring him to the ground without hesitation and remorse. Then I would run.

 

Phoenix Awakened:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NMNCF34

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NMNCF34

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Snippet Saturday: Feb 16

I can’t believe it’s already time for another Snippet Saturday! This week I had the chance to do a cover reveal for my upcoming release, Phoenix Awakened. Today’s snippet comes from the opening scene of that book. If you like it, the book is only $.99 on pre-order!

Phoenix Ebook Final

The keys clattered against the scarred and beat up desk where I tossed them the moment I strode through the apartment door. It had been yet another hellish day on the job and already tomorrow didn’t look much better. Sure, my promotion, if that’s what it could be called, now limited how many times a day I was yelled at, cussed at, and smacked around, but that didn’t mean it never happened. It meant it happened less often.
Kurt, my new boss, was better than most. He didn’t yank my ponytail until I was in tears or slap me. Nope, he gave me a pay cut. A large one. All because I’d lost some minorly important paperwork. I still wasn’t certain that the lady who I’d replaced hadn’t lost it, but I hadn’t found it yet either, so my argument was null and void. Not that I would argue with Kurt. None of us did.
With my thoughts on Kurt and my new, almost nonexistent budget, I flipped off the light I’d turned on when entering my apartment and settled for dinner in the dark. Thankfully my shifter eyesight made searching through cupboards for a valid excuse for a meal possible. However, it didn’t help fill the near empty shelves. There wasn’t much left to eat or in the bank.
“Looks like another night of dry cereal,” I grumbled to the darkness, setting a bowl on the counter as I weighed the almost empty box in my hand. Too light. Much too light.
Pouring half of what remained in the box into the bowl, I scowled at it before tucking the flaps closed and setting the container aside. All it took was three short steps to cross the studio apartment to sit on my rickety twin size bed. The metal frame screeched when I sat my weight on it and every spring in the mattress pushed against me.
The first chomp of cereal made me cringe. It wasn’t nearly as delicious as it would be with milk, and that was out of the question since I’d run out a week ago and couldn’t afford anymore yet. If I could consult the dragon within me, she’d tell me to bite into a juicy steak, but that was beyond hopeful. It would take a serious miracle.
A hard knock alerted me to company. My sharp hearing should have warned me I had a visitor, but I was too focused on my misery to pay attention. People died that way, and I refused to be one of them.
Setting the bowl aside, I reached under my mattress for the knife I hid there. Yes, I could shift into one of my two dragon forms, but that was illegal and I’d rather have blood on the carpet than have to fix walls or go to prison. It was cheaper to clean the floor and the landlord would be none the wiser. Well, once I hid the body anyway.
Step after cautious step, I moved toward the door, keeping the blade ready. I’d stupidly only locked the door’s handle instead of the deadbolt and chain. Not that those would stop a determined dragon, but at least it would show I did my best to keep the intruder out.

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NMNCF34

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NMNCF34

 

 

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Valentine’s Day present to myself: A cover reveal!

Last November, I participated in NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, along with many other authors. The goal: write a 50k word novel in the month of November. Well, mine reached 50k by halfway through the month, so I decided to see if I could pull off 100k since my novel wasn’t even close to being finished. If you were keeping up with me, you know that I reached my goal and finished the novel, writing over 104k words in one month. It was crazy!

Well, I’m happy to report that this book is now available for  pre-order, for a special pre-order price of $.99! It releases April 13th, and I can’t wait! But for now: the cover reveal!

Phoenix Ebook Final

Fire Dragons, the most powerful dragon race on Earth.

Until the war left them as shadows of the race they once were.

Little more than slaves to the water dragons, they’re kept in line through destitute conditions and tracking devices. Sparks has known both lives, the prosperous and the starving, so when the opportunity arises for a little indulgence, she jumps at the chance, setting into motion a chain of events from which there is no turning back. With her fire power and dragon acting out, Sparks has no choice but to attempt escape, or face the consequences of her actions.

On the run, Sparks’s countdown begins. If she can’t remove the tracker, she’s dead. So when a gorgeous stranger shows up offering his help in exchange for hers, she has little choice but to accept. It isn’t long before Sparks discovers that Phoenix may be more than he seems, and that their lives are tied together in ways neither expected. Time is of the essence, but will they have enough to save both Sparks and her people from the water dragons?

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NMNCF34

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NMNCF34

 

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It’s #Christmas time, which means it’s time for a Christmas #Sale!

You read that right! It’s time for my annual Christmas sale on all of my Christmas books! Currently there are three, with plans to add a new one to the line up every year. Next year’s book is already underway (what better time to write a Christmas book than at Christmas time?).

Christmas Sale Graphic

This Christmas Collection was never planned. The first book, First Christmas, was planned, but I never intended to write more than that one book in this world, but by popular demand, I’ve given two more of the characters books. Now that I’ve started, so many other characters have decided that they want their own books as well, and who am I to say no? After you finish Evergreen Christmas, you’ll have to take a guess at who’s next!

In each of these books I try to leave a piece of Christmas magic behind with a bit of a message for the season. It’s my favorite time of year. It always has been. I’d say it’s hereditary actually. Most people don’t know me long before they realize how much of a Christmas addict/fanatic I am.

That being said, I hope you take the time to read these books and find the messages within, as well as enjoy the adventures along the way. Like my other books, these are paranormal romances, and they feature ice dragon shifters, elves, polar bear shifters, and more!

You can access them here, at my Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Karn/e/B01JCXJLCI