Crystal Donahue Writes: March 2014

It's been a while since I've updated much about what's going on writing-wise. For those that managed to miss it, 'ABOVE PAR', released in e-book form this past December. I'm told by the powers that be it's slated to release in paperback in May. I'll be sure to let you all know more when I do!

I also managed to finish the first draft of my next book. 'FULL PURSUIT' (I'm not sure about that name so it might change) is the story of Nicole Greyson, a girl that gets stuck planning her twin sister's wedding and Chase Crawford, the sexy cop that ends up being a thorn in her side....oh, and he's also the best man. I'm working on revisions now as I decide where to submit it for publication.

Up next will be a contemporary novella, 'FOUND AT SEA', that's inspired by my most recent cruise to the Caribbean. It will be marked off in days rather than chapters and be told in dual POV's. Chloe and Adam meet by chance, but outside influences push them together in this story of healing and overcoming fears.

After that will be another New Adult novel but this one's told from the male perspective (tentatively called 'CHARITY CASE'). It's about a guy that supported his mother and brother right out of high school and now has the chance to go to college but there's one small problem, the school lost his housing application. By the time the mistake is caught, there are no rooms left. An old friend introduces him to Jade, a pre-med student that takes him into her house. He's both fascinated and confused by the mystery that surrounds her and the people that frequent her third floor bedroom.

I'm also kicking around a follow up to, 'ABOVE PAR'. This book, told from Piper's perspective two years later, will be called 'TALK TO ME' and starts when she goes away to college (also at Western). A freshman with an undecided major, Piper, bumps into someone from her past she'd prefer never to see again. Of course, things never work out that way! And for those fans of the first book you'll be happy to know that since Drew works at the university, she'll have a few cameos too!

Well, I hope that gives you guys enough to salivate over for now. Work has been hectic (too many mandatory meetings and not enough days off) so my writing has slowed as a result. I look for that to change soon as we get more people hired.

Congratulations to fellow Etopia Press author, Ally Shields, on her latest release! FIRE STORM is the fifth book in the Guardian Witch Series. If you're a fan of paranormal romance you definitely want to add these books to your TBR List right away!

Don't you LOVE this cover? Gorgeous! Read the excerpt, watch the trailer, and click the links to get your copy today. You won't be disappointed!

Title: Fire Storm (Guardian Witch #5)
Author: Ally Shields
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Heat Level: PG-13

Book Description:
Sometimes you just need to stay alive to fight another day.

Six months ago Ari moved in with the vampire prince Andreas. They defied the vampire elders in Europe, killed their enforcer, and have waited for retaliation that never came.

Until now.

On a trip to Italy, Andreas is captured by the vampire rulers, the notorious O-Seven, and taken in chains to their stronghold in Germany. Ari goes after him, even though it’s against the orders of her Magic Council. She is fired for her actions, losing her special Guardian powers at a time she needs them most.

But the vampire rulers are not through with her or with those who attempt to help her. They launch attacks in Europe and at home in Riverdale. Ari is forced to fight them on several fronts, and victory grows increasingly uncertain.

Her last chance to rescue Andreas is a daring plan that places her in the hands of the O-Seven and relies on untested witch magic, the final hope for their survival.

BUY LINKS: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Ari dragged her feet as she climbed the front steps of the Victorian home she shared with Andreas. They’d talked twice during the day. He’d called right after he first awoke, concerned when their magical link telegraphed her unsettled mood. She’d brushed him off, saying it was nothing important, but he hadn’t believed her. There were definite drawbacks to having a strong psychic connection to someone. It made it impossible to lie with impunity.

He’d called again, later in the evening when she was beginning patrol, but she’d delayed the discussion again until she got home. Well, she was home now and not looking forward to the coming rehash of her meeting with the wizard.

She keyed in the front door code, raising a brow when Andreas pulled it open. “Hi, I figured you’d at the club.”

A slow smile parted his lips, and his dark eyes gleamed. “No, you did not. You knew very well I would be waiting.” His magic reached out to brush against her skin, a warm, soothing sensation.

She sighed. “OK, so I figured you’d be home, but not manning the front door.”

“I wanted to give you these.” He pulled a bouquet of daffodils, her favorite flower, from behind his back. “You sounded like you could use a little TLC. Consider this my first contribution to that end.”

She tipped her head and took a long look at him. The black wavy hair, the sexy dark eyes with those incredible long lashes. His black Armani jeans and the bluish-silver silk shirt unbuttoned at the throat couldn’t have fit him better. Long, lean, muscled. And he shared his life with her. Ari smiled and leaned forward, resting her head against his chest. Did he know what one look, one gesture from him could do? And how much she’d come to count on it?

She turned her head to bury her nose in the fresh, delicate scent of the bouquet. “I won’t even ask where you found them at this time of year. But thanks, I guess I needed this.” She raised her head and brushed her lips across his. “You’re too good to me.”

He wound an arm around her waist. “Always glad to help, but dinner awaits, and we can talk afterward.”

Andreas steered her toward the study, his favorite room. She was delighted but not surprised to see a candlelit table and bottles of wine. This wasn’t the first time he’d arranged intimate dinners brought in from Club Dintero, his fancy supper club. Nor was the dinner menu a surprise when he pulled the silver cover off her plate to reveal chicken marsala. It was her favorite fancy dish. Well, fancy when compared with the sandwiches, chips or fries that she often grabbed on the run.

As he pulled out her chair, his fingers brushed her neck. Her breath quickened, and he responded with a deep chuckle. She smiled up at him, and an understanding passed between them. They’d been together long enough that the unspoken promises were comfortably tucked away for later.