Category Archives: Jessica Coulter Smith

Heart’s Desire (a YA paranormal romance)

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One touch. One look from Morgan’s hypnotic eyes and Skye can’t deny the magnetic pull.

High school senior, Morgan Raines was used to change, whether it was transferring to a new school or shifting into a were-jaguar under the full moon. Starting over didn’t bother him, but finding his mate pinned to her locker by her looser ex-boyfriend does.

Will turning furry during the full moon send her running scared or into his arms?

 

EXCERPT

As Skye put her books in her locker, Chris sneaked up behind her.  Turning, she looked up into his eyes.  If she was honest, she’d admit that she wasn’t surprised to see him.  Chris had been following her all over school for the past week.  It seemed that every time she turned around he was right in front of her, like a lost little puppy. Except puppies were cute.

“Hey babe, what’s up?  What do you say to you and me having lunch together today?” he asked with a cocky grin, seeming sure her answer would be yes.

“No thanks.  I have to go over some homework before I turn it in,” Skye told him, hoping the discussion was over. But she had a feeling it wouldn’t be that easy to get rid of him.

“Homework?  Ditch the homework and have some fun!  Sit with me,” Chris cajoled.

“I said no, Chris!” She wondered why he kept pestering her. Any girl in school would gladly go with him wherever he wanted. Any girl but her.

“Aw, come on!”

“No!” Skye replied adamantly.

“Okay, but if you won’t have lunch with me, at least give me a kiss.”

“Chris, why can’t you just leave me alone?” Skye asked, starting to get irritated.  When was he going to get the message?  How many times did she have to run him off before he finally understood she just wanted to be left alone?  He’d had his chance with her and blown it.

“Come on, you always liked kissing me!  What’s a little kiss between friends?” he asked with a smile that had once curled her toes.

“Nothing,” she replied.

“Well, there you go.  Come on, babe.  Please?” Chris continued relentlessly.  She doubted that he wanted her; it was more the challenge she presented. Ever since she’d pushed him aside, he’d hounded her every step.

“Who said that we were friends?  I remember telling you that I never wanted to see your face again. So, why are you in front of my locker?” she asked.  Why won’t he go away? Where’s a teacher when you need one? She glanced down the hall.

“Okay. I tried to be nice, but maybe you prefer guys who just take what they want.”

Chris advanced on Skye. He all but growled at her until her back was against the locker.  He put an arm on either side of her, pinning her in place. She had no way of escaping.  Just as he started to lean in to kiss her, someone tapped him on his shoulder. Skye, for one, was grateful for the interruption.

“What?” he asked, turning to face the interloper. He pierced the intruder with a glare.

“I believe she said no,” the new guy answered quietly.

“And just who the hell are you?” Chris sneered, eyeing the guy from head to toe. “In case you weren’t aware, Skye and I are an item.”

The boy grinned. “Are you sure about that?”

Skye used the distraction to slip under Chris’s arm. She quickly put some distance between them, moving to stand beside the new guy.  She didn’t know who he was, but he had excellent timing.  If he hadn’t come along right then, Chris would no doubt be pawing her at this very moment, more so than usual.

The boy reached out and took Skye’s hand, a current running through both of them.  If he was surprised, he hid it well.

“Come on, I’ll walk you to your class,” he said, giving her hand a gentle tug.

Skye smiled her thanks and walked off with him, leaving an angry Chris glaring after them.

* * *

 “Thanks… for what you did back there,” she said after they were a few feet away.

“No problem,” the boy murmured.

“I’m Skye by the way.  And the jerk back there was Chris,” she jabbered, trying to fill the silence.  Her body was hyper aware of the hot guy holding her hand, more so than it had ever been of a guy.

Glancing at him from the corner of her eye, she almost stopped breathing.  He was easily the most gorgeous boy she’d ever seen.  He topped her five-foot-one inches by over a foot.  He was tanned with sandy brown hair shot through with golden highlights.  His chiseled features made her mouth water. If he weren’t a high school student, she’d think he stepped off the cover of a magazine.

“I take it you used to date,” he commented.

Skye nodded, pulling her gaze from his face before she was caught staring. “Until I caught him making out with one of the cheerleaders.  I told him it was over, but he refuses to listen. He thinks he’s God’s gift, or something along those lines.”

He grunted in response.

“He wasn’t like that when we first started dating,” Skye said, trying to explain away Chris’s behavior.

He gave her a skeptical look.

“Where exactly are we going anyway?” he asked, looking around the hall.

“Oh, um, two doors down on the right.  I have English next,” Skye answered.

He grinned. “That makes two of us.”

He continued holding her hand all the way to the classroom.  As they approached the door, he dropped her hand and motioned for her to go in ahead of him. Following Skye into the classroom, he grabbed the empty seat next to her.  Setting his books down on the desk, he glanced her way and caught her watching him—again.  She was so embarrassed. It wasn’t like her to fawn over someone, especially someone she’d just met.

He flashed her a grin and faced forward as the teacher stepped into the room.

 

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Jessie Colter is the pen name for romance author Jessica Coulter Smith. With over 50 published stories, she isn’t new to the writing game, and while Heart’s Desire was her first foray into the world of Young Adult stories, she has written a few more since then, all with a paranormal twist.

 

 

Moonlight Haunting (Ashton Grove Werewolves)

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One hot werewolf. One determined ghost. And a woman with a choice…

Cole is secretly a werewolf… will Cassie be able to handle the truth? Or will the fact that he turns furry turn her off…

More importantly, will Cole be able to handle Cassie’s psychic abilities? With ghosts popping up here and there, will they have a shot at a real romance?

Cassie has a choice to make. Will she choose the hottest werewolf of all, or the ghost of her dreams?

EXCERPT

Prologue

Cassie woke up in a cold sweat, heart pounding and gasping for breath.  The sheets were tangled around her legs and twisted in her sweat slicked palms. She’d been gifted with the sight—able to see ghosts, and occasionally she would get premonitions through her dreams.  This one had scared her more than most. She blinked the moisture out of her eyes as her vision adjusted to the darkness of the room around her.

“Shhh, it’s okay.  You just had a bad dream,” a deep masculine voice soothed, strong arms wrapping around her body.

Cassie looked up into Matt’s ruggedly handsome face.  How many nights had he helped her through horrifying dreams?  How many times had he been there for her when no one else was? Matt had been her rock ever since they met, and his presence always soothed her. He was her best friend and she wasn’t sure what she would have done without him.

“It seemed so real,” she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder, enjoying the comfort his strength lent her. It wasn’t often he held her like this, but when it happened she melted into his embrace.

“I’m sure it did, but you’re safe and sound in your bed at home.  Nothing is going to harm you,” he assured her, stroking her hair softly.

Cassie nodded her head, but wasn’t quite ready to go back to sleep, worried the dream would return.  Flickers of the gruesome scenes tormented her. A crime not yet committed, and one she wouldn’t be able to stop, just like all the others. Why was she plagued with the horrific visions if she couldn’t help? The people involved were often faceless entities. Sometimes she felt the helplessness of the victims and other times the surge of anger or lust from the perpetrator.

“Thank you for being here,” she murmured.

Matt chuckled softly in her ear. “Where else would I go?  I can think of no one else I’d rather haunt.”

Closing her eyes, Cassie laid back down with a slight smile on her face.  She was never quite sure if Matt preferred to haunt her over anyone else because she could see him, or if he truly enjoyed her company. Opening her eyes, she realized Matt had disappeared.  Sighing, she rolled to her side and tried to go back to sleep, ignoring the ache she felt inside whenever he was near.

Being in love with a ghost sucked.

Chapter One

Cassie woke the next morning to sunlight streaming through the window, the warm rays caressing her face.  It looked like it was going to be a beautiful autumn day, the orange and red leaves outside rustling in the breeze.  She stretched and glanced at the clock, a gasp escaping her lips as she noticed the time.  She’d overslept and was going to be late.  Jumping out of the bed, she ran into the bathroom, flicking the light on as she shut the door.

Cassie turned on the shower, letting the water warm while she brushed her teeth and untangled her hair. When she stepped into the watery paradise, she shut the shower curtain and just stood under the stream for a few minutes, letting the heat soak into her. She picked up her strawberry shampoo, squeezing a generous amount into her palm before working it through her long locks. As the suds washed down the drain, she thought about the day ahead.

Today was the beginning of an adventure.  She was going out of town with two of her best friends.  Whispering Lake, North Carolina seemed like the perfect get away vacation.  A girls’ only trip that Cassie hoped would include a hot guy or two. Preferably of the living variety. She might love Matt, but there could never be anything between them, nothing more than friendship.

Snatching her loofah off the hook on the wall, she poured her favorite body wash on it and began scrubbing herself from head to toe. When she was finished, she took a moment to shave before shutting off the water and getting out. The air was cool and goose bumps erupted across her skin as she wrapped her towel around her body. She grabbed another towel out from under the sink and wrapped it around her hair, squeezing the moisture from the tresses.

The mirror had fogged over and she swiped her hand across the surface, clearing a swatch of glass so that she could see herself. She smoothed moisturizer on her face, then picked up her body lotion and slathered the cream on her arms and legs. When she opened the bathroom door, a puff of steam billowed out into her bedroom. She dried off in a hurry and pulled on her favorite blue sweater and most comfortable pair of low-rise jeans. Slipping on a pair of low-heeled boots, she pulled her suitcase out from under the bed, tossing clothes in as she pulled them out of drawers and off of hangers.

Grabbing a small bag out of her closet, she gathered her bathroom essentials, cramming them in the case.  With her hands on her hips, she surveyed the room. Had she forgotten anything? Toothbrush? Check. Socks and undies? Check. Cassie nibbled her lower lip as she looked around, feeling as if something was missing, yet not able to find anything amiss.

Cassie caught her reflection in the mirror across the room and walked over to it.  Her hair was still soaked and she groaned as she realized she was going to be even later. Hurrying into the bathroom, she clicked on the hairdryer and began drying the long, chestnut tresses that hung nearly to her waist. With her green gaze fastened on her reflection, she made quick work of taming her wild hair. She turned off the hairdryer and ran a brush through the length, untangling the mass. When she was finished, she tossed her hairbrush into the small case on the bed and zipped it up.

Picking up both cases, she turned around and headed toward the bedroom door, pausing when she felt a chill in the air. She turned and smiled when she saw Matt sitting on the edge of her bed, gorgeous as always. Frozen forever at the age of twenty-seven, he would always look youthful and far too sexy for his own good. Or hers. It had been fifty years since he’d been murdered, but his arms still bulged with muscles, his waist was just as tapered as it had been the day he’d breathed his last. His sandy hair fell over his forehead, his blue eyes looked troubled.

“Leaving without saying goodbye?”

Cassie smiled. “It’s easier to say goodbye when you’re here.  I thought you had forgotten that I was leaving today.”

She put her bags down and walked over to Matt.  Sitting on his lap, she threw her arms around him in a big bear hug.  This was one of the times Cassie didn’t mind her gift so much.  While she had trouble speaking with most living guys, she was able to be herself with Matt and could talk to him about anything.  They had been best friends since the day they met six years before.

“I didn’t forget, but I had hoped you would change your mind.  I don’t like the idea of you being gone for a week,” Matt told her with a worried expression. “Anything could happen to you and I wouldn’t be able to stop it.”

“You’re just afraid that you’ll miss me and be lonely.” Cassie looked at him and grinned.

“I already know that I’ll miss you, but that isn’t why I wish you would stay here.  I just have a bad feeling about this trip of yours.” Matt sighed and buried his face in her neck.  “I wish that I could go with you, watch over you. Something feels off, like something bad is coming.”

Cassie sighed and snuggled closer to him. She would love nothing more than to have Matt with her over the next week, but they had both researched the matter extensively and hadn’t found a way for him to leave Ashton Grove.  Well, that wasn’t entirely true.  Cassie knew that she could bind Matt to her with magick, but she didn’t want to take away his free will.  What Cassie couldn’t figure out was what kept Matt in Ashton Grove.  He had told her on more than one occasion that he wasn’t from Ashton Grove and he hadn’t died in her small hometown.  If he had been able to leave the place of his death, why was he stuck in Ashton Grove now?  It didn’t make any sense.

“I wish you could come with me too, but we haven’t been able to find anything on the subject of ghosts traveling from one place to another.  I know there has to be a way, but we’re out of time.  My friends are leaving in less than two hours.”  Cassie kissed Matt on the cheek and stood up.  “I have to go.  I’ll miss you!”

“I’ll miss you, too.  If I find a way out of Ashton Grove, I’ll come and find you.”

 

 

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ebook from my backlist (excludes boxed sets).

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To Kiss a Lord — an excerpt

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Clarissa Townsend has given up on anyone ever wanting to marry her. It isn’t that she’s ugly, because she’s been told by many that she’s quite beautiful. It’s her blasted limp. A carriage accident when she was fifteen resulted in ugly scarring on her leg, and left her with a horrible limp that keeps her from dancing, and sometimes walking.

Lord Robert Cresthaven came to America in search of a bride, and the moment he sets eyes on Clarissa, he knows he’s found her. With her raven locks and pale complexion, she’s the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen. Her limp doesn’t detract from her beauty in his eyes and he’s determined to have her, at any cost.

A scandal. An unwanted marriage of convenience. And a damsel in need of rescue.

When Lord Cresthaven is caught kissing Clarissa at a ball, it’s all anyone can talk about. But things don’t go according to his plan. He had every intention of marrying her, until her parents locked her away and promised her to another. What’s a lord to do when the only woman he’s ever wanted to marry is kept out of his reach? Anything necessary.

 

EXCERPT

Clarissa backed into the corner, her leg throbbing in agony, the limb barely holding her weight. She’d seen that look in men’s eyes before, just never directed her way. Lust. Want. Need. Desire. They pulsed in the handsome lord’s eyes. Why he was paying her any attention she didn’t understand. He was part of a large group of visiting lords from England, none of them set to inherit, but they’d been on everyone’s invitation list it seemed.  This wasn’t the first time she’d seen Lord Cresthaven, but she was fairly certain it was the first time he’d noticed her.

“Please, my lord. I don’t want any trouble.” Her voice trembled and she wasn’t certain if it was from the fear of being caught alone with him in the library, or the warmth spreading through her at his nearness. She’d been around attractive men before, but none had ever affected her this way.

“Who said anything about trouble? I merely wish to get to know you better, Miss Townsend.”

She swallowed hard, knowing exactly how he wanted to get to know her. It wouldn’t be the first time a man had propositioned her, saying they would be doing her a favor, since it was clearly obvious no one would want a lame wife. They seemed to think she would be good enough to dally with, but not marry. It hurt, their rejection, and embarrassed her that the men in her world thought so little of her.

At the age of twenty-three, her parents were becoming discouraged. There had been a talk just the other morning, at breakfast, about finding her a shopkeeper for a husband. It was a perfectly respectable position, even if it would put him beneath her socially. Not that she cared one bit. As long as the man was kind to her, could she really argue the matter? Of course, it wouldn’t hurt if he was to be handsome as well as kind.

Not that Clarissa had ever seen anyone as handsome as Lord Cresthaven, an earl’s fifth son, if she’d heard correctly. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he was a stark contrast to her black locks and gray eyes. When her friend, Vanessa, had seen the direction of Clarissa’s gaze earlier, she’d tittered and claimed that Clarissa and Lord Cresthaven would make a striking pair. Not that Clarissa held out any hope that he thought of her as anything other than something to play with. There was heat in his gaze, but if he were marriage minded, surely he wouldn’t dishonor her by undressing her with his eyes the way he currently was.

“My mother is probably looking for me,” she stammered. “We’ll be missed.”

“What’s the worst that could happen should we get caught?”

“I’d be ruined,” she said softly. “Please, my lord. Don’t do this.”

It seemed to give him pause for a moment, but just for a moment. He prowled closer, his legs brushing the hem of her dress. He was close enough now that she could smell him, whatever divine scent he’d splashed on and the scent of cigars. Clarissa’s heart hammered against her ribs and she clenched her hands at her sides to keep from reaching for him. She’d never before wanted to feel a man’s arms around her, not like she did right that moment.

He didn’t disappoint her. Cresthaven drew nearer, bracing one hand on the wall beside her head and placing his other at her waist. He leaned closer still, his breath fanning her lips. Clarissa felt her breath catch in her throat as she wondered whether or not he would kiss her.

“Miss Townsend, do you know why I followed you in here?” he asked, his voice a deep purr.

“N-No, my lord.”

“Because I can’t remember the last time I saw such a tempting morsel. I’ve watched you. If you can’t dance, why do you attend the balls? It must be miserable to sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else.”

“My mother makes me,” she said in a near whisper, embarrassment burning through her at her inability to dance like the other women.

“You’re older than the other debutantes. How many seasons have you been out?”

She felt her cheeks flush. “We don’t exactly have a season like they do in London, my lord, but to answer your question, too many. This is to be my last ball.”

His eyebrows arched. “Last ball? As in ever?”

“Possibly. My family name is a good one in the community. Someone will wish to marry me for that alone.”

“You mean to marry beneath you then?”

She looked away, her gaze dropping to the carpet. Why didn’t the insufferable man just leave? Did he have to break open all her wounds and make her bleed? It was embarrassing enough knowing that no one wanted you, but to have it pointed out by a man who was damn near perfect? It was intolerable. Clarissa tried to wriggle away from him, but his hand tightened on her waist.

“I’m not done with you yet, pet.”

Her gaze lifted to his, but she couldn’t decipher the emotions in his eyes. He was a master at disguising his thoughts.

“Please, let me go, my lord.”

“Robert.”

Her lips parted. “What?”

“My name. It’s Robert. As opposed to you ‘my lording’ me to death.”

Clarissa felt the fire build in her cheeks again. “That’s too familiar, my lord. We don’t know one another well enough to use our Christian names. We’ve never been formally introduced at all.”

“Maybe not,” he muttered, “but it didn’t stop me from asking about you. Will you really deny me the only thing I’ve asked of you? What possible harm will befall you if you call me Robert when we’re alone?”

“I suppose it would be all right.”

His lips tipped up on one corner. “Good. Now to the other matter.”

“Other matter?” Her brow furrowed.

“The matter of the kiss I’ve been dying to bestow upon your rather distracting lips since the first moment I saw you.”

“My lord. Robert.”

“I like my name falling from your lips,” he said as his nose brushed hers.

“You’re going to ruin me. Just let me go.”

“I can’t.”

“Can’t? Or won’t?”

He pressed his cheek to hers, his breath teasing her ear. “Maybe a little of both. I’ve wanted you for weeks now, and now that I have you in my arms, I find that I cannot release you.”

“You’re toying with me. We both know what you want from me, and it isn’t marriage.”

“And what do I want from you?” He pulled back to look into her eyes once more. “What do you know of my desires and wants? The need that burns inside of me every time you’re near?”

“Y-you want t-to b-bed me,” she stuttered.

The look in his eyes warmed and a smile stretched across his handsome face. “Oh, I definitely want that, my delectable Clarissa, but I want so much more than a simple tumble.”

 

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An Ashton Grove Thanksiving is available for Pre-Order!

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An Ashton Grove Thanksgiving

Ashton Grove Werewolves

Can a brokenhearted wolf find love a second time?

Autumn O’Roarke joined the Ashton Grove pack in an effort to change her destiny. After being mated to abusive wolf, she isn’t sure another mate is in her future, but she does want a place where she can be happy and made to feel welcome. But when she’s sent to the alpha’s house, things take a turn she hadn’t anticipated.

Gabriel Andrews has shut himself away in the old Victorian since the death of his mate and child. Having turned the pack over to his cousin Connor, he’s surprised when Connor’s mate sends a woman to his door with a problem. One sniff tells Gabriel there is something unique about the human woman standing in front of him, and the secrets she will reveal are enough to bring him to his knees. Determined to do the right thing, he swears to watch over her and protect her.

Two broken souls, Autumn and Gabriel face more than their own fears. A darkness surrounds Autumn as she faces a threat she can only overcome through love. Her love for Gabriel. But having been battered and bruised by her previous mate, can she learn to trust again?

Available for Pre-Order!

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Excerpt

Autumn stared at the man in front of her. She’d heard the whispers in the pack and knew he’d gotten the scars on his face and arms from the demon attack several months before. The Ashton Grove pack had reached out to other packs seeking both men and women to grow their numbers after losing so many. Having lost her mate to a drunk driver, Autumn had taken the chance for a new start.

“Do you know why you’re here?” Gabriel asked.

“Aislinn told me to come here,” she answered softly.

“She seems to think you have a problem. If that’s true, why didn’t you go to Connor with the issue?”

“I don’t have a problem. I pay my rent on time and attend the pack functions. I promise I haven’t caused any trouble.”

His gaze softened. “No one said you were troublesome. They just think something is wrong. Have you had problems with anyone in the pack? Maybe a male who’s being too persistent?”

She shook her head.

“Perhaps one of the females has taken issue with you?”

She shook her head again.

Gabriel sighed. “Well, something has to be going on. Aislinn wouldn’t have sent you here if she didn’t have a reason.”

“I don’t want to cause any problems. I’ll pack my things tonight.” Autumn fought back tears, but one slipped down her cheek.

“Hey,” Gabriel said softly. “Easy, Autumn. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

He placed his hands on her shoulders, but she needed more comfort than that. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had touched her so gently. With a broken sob, she melted against him, wrapping her arms around his waist. At first, his arms held her loosely, as if he didn’t know what to do with her. But after a moment, he tightened his embrace and held her close. A hand stroked her hair.

Autumn knew she needed to pull herself together. It wasn’t the alpha’s fault she was crying. Living with her mate had broken her in some way. She’d thought his death would free her, but she couldn’t have been more wrong.

With a sniffle, she eased her arms from around him and took a step back, wiping the tears from her cheeks. Gabriel reached out and caught a stray tear as it dropped from her eyelashes.

“Better now?” he asked.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” She didn’t even know how to finish that thought. She didn’t mean to be so weak? To cry all over him? To disturb the solitude she knew he wanted? Maybe she was apologizing for all of it.

“It’s okay. Sometimes you just need to let it all out.”

Moonlight Drifter (Ashton Grove Werewolves)

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A new bonus novella is available in the Ashton Grove Werewolves series!

Allie Jenson has drifted from one pack to another, ever since her family died. She thinks she might have finally found a home with the Ashton Grove pack, but her life is not easy. She has a job she hates, and none of the males want her for more than sex – not that she’s giving it up. When were-tiger Cain Boudreaux takes it upon himself to “save” her from a handsy customer, by claiming her in front of their packmates no less, things get a little out of hand. He’s rude, chauvinistic, and totally not her type. Well, maybe he’s not completely not her type. He does have that tall, dark, and sexy thing going on. And that Cajun accent slides across her skin like warm silk. But what in the heck is she going to do with a man who thinks her place is barefoot and in the kitchen?

Buy Links:

Amazon US – http://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-Drifter-Ashton-Werewolves-novella-ebook/dp/B00ME04DYI

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moonlight-Drifter-Ashton-Werewolves-novella-ebook/dp/B00ME04DYI

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonlight-drifter-jessica-coulter-smith/1120052758?ean=2940149648245

All Romance eBooks – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moonlightdrifteranashtongrovewerewolvesbonusstory-1587641-140.html

To fully appreciate the story, you should read the series in order:

Moonlight Protector

Moonilght Hero

Moonlight Guardian

Moonlight Champion

Moonlight Savior

Moonlight Warrior

Moonlight Angel

Moonlight Drifter

About the Author:

Jessica lives in a world where warlocks, shapeshifters and fairies exist, and everyone deserves a happy ending — from tragic vampires finally finding love after centuries of being alone, to super hunky womanizing werewolves finding their destined mate –- it’s all in a day’s work.

Unable to find a werewolf of her very own, she decided to marry someone who thinks he’s one -– minus howling at the full moon, fleas, and a rousing game of chase-the-mailman. Okay, so he sometimes howls at the full moon.

When she isn’t writing, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, reading (mostly romance), or going to the beach. She’s especially fond of bookstores and Starbucks! 

Come Chat with Me!

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I’m over at Bitten by Books this afternoon and evening. Come on by and ask me a question, strike up a conversation about shapeshifters, or whatever you’d like. Learn more about my Ashton Grove Werewolves series, and enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card or a complete set of the Ashton Grove Werewolves (what there is of it so far).

 

COME CHAT WITH ME!

Witch Way to Love – Now Available!

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When Breena McCall goes to find her wayward wand, the last thing she expects to find is the man destined to be hers. Instant attraction only goes so far, especially when her chosen one acts like someone pissed in his kibble.

Wolf Shifter Cade Milcom doesn’t understand the sudden urge to bend the witch over and take her every way imaginable. She’s sassy, sarcastic, and gets on his nerves from the beginning. And yet, he finds himself answering the distress call when she gets herself into trouble.

An accidental mating and a demon bent on blackmail make for an interesting few days, but it’s nothing Breena can’t handle. Maybe.

 

EXCERPT

 

Lightning skittered across the sky, the brilliant flashes lighting up everything around her. Thunder boomed overhead, shaking the earth beneath her feet. The high-powered winds whipped her long, red hair around her head and made her fight for purchase on the pavement. It was a bad night out, for witches and mortals alike. If only she hadn’t lost her damn wand! What was a witch without her wand? Damn near mortal, that’s what. The heavens were going to open up at any moment and she would be drenched. Taking a witch’s wand was as good as stealing her powers. No, she didn’t need the wand to create magick, but if it wasn’t in her possession, her powers sort of…fizzled and died out.

Her high-heeled sandals were a poor choice of footwear at the moment, as she tottered down the sidewalk, following the beacon of light in the distance. She’d cast a locator spell in hopes of finding her wayward wand. She wasn’t certain if it had been appropriated by someone, or had merely wandered off, kind of like her broom had done the month before. Anyone who thought a wand was an inanimate object was a fool. It had a life force of its own. Otherwise, it would just be a piece of wood with pretty carvings.

The beam of light shooting into the sky started to flicker, and she worried it would sputter out completely. She could tell it was in the area the residents of Mayfair Heights called “the jungle.” Only shape-shifters lived in that part of town. Despite the ominous clouds in the sky, she knew there was a full moon tonight. She just had to hope whoever had taken the wand, or the lucky person her wand had chosen as its guardian, was in residence. It would be just her luck that the furball would be out on a run, even if the weather did leave a lot to be desired.

With the wind buffeting her small body, she felt like she was fighting an uphill battle, and wondered if she’d ever reach her destination. If her powers weren’t on the fritz, she could just translocate to wherever she needed to go. But, of course, on the worst night they’d had in months, she was stuck traveling on foot. She couldn’t even use her broom until she was at full power again. The damn thing refused to work. She completely blamed the tree sprite, the one who had gifted her with the branch used to carve the broom handle. It had obviously imbued some of its stubbornness into her broom.

Breena rounded another corner and sighed in relief. The home she sought was half a block away and lit up like the fourth of July, thanks to her little spell. She thanked the goddess that it had worked so well, or at all, for that matter. She couldn’t imagine having to find her wand the old-fashioned way, or having to hire someone else to cast the spell for her. How embarrassing! It was bad enough that things like this kept happening to her, but if the spell-casters guild caught wind of it, they’d pull her license to practice for sure.

As she neared the home, she took in the little details, like the gargoyles standing guard at the edges of the roof. She had no doubt they were the real thing and gave them a little wave. The red door stood out in stark contrast against the gray and black home, beckoning her closer. She stepped under the portico just as the rain began to beat down, a deluge really, and she thanked the goddess she hadn’t been standing out in the open just then.

She lifted her fist and knocked on the door, listening for any sounds of life within. No answer. She banged again, this time a little harder. The light from her spell spluttered and blinked out, leaving her standing in the dark. The fact that there were no lights on in the home, nor on the porch, told her that her query was probably out running wild, but she refused to give up.

Breena’s tiny fist pounded on the door for the third time. Grumbling under her breath, she gave the wood a good, hard kick, wincing as her toes met the unforgiving surface. She had just turned, and was about to leave, when the door flew open.

“Do you have any idea what time it is?” growled a deep voice, a voice that zinged through her and made all of her lady parts take notice.

She spun around with a snappy retort on the tip of her tongue, but it died the moment she was faced with six-foot-six of yummy goodness. A button-down shirt hung open, leaving his scrumptious muscular chest in full view. Her gaze dipped down over six pack abs and she licked her lips, wanting to run her tongue over each and every inch of him.

“I’m, uh, looking for my wand,” she stuttered lamely, her brain having been fried by his hotness.

He smirked. “Oh, I have a wand for you all right, but I don’t think it’s the one you came looking for.”

 

Buy Links

ARe – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-witchwaytolove-1557640-140.html

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Way-Love-Spell-Book-ebook/dp/B00LB8ZFD2

Evernight Publishing – http://www.evernightpublishing.com/witch-way-to-love-by-jessica-coulter-smith/

Moonlight Angel, an Ashton Grove novella

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The angel Adriel has faced hard decisions before, but deciding to give up his wings for the smallest shifter in the Ashton Grove pack was a no-brainer. All right, so maybe he shouldn’t have rushed things. Maybe he should have waited until they actually met, but after keeping tabs on her from Heaven for the past month, he knows she’s exactly what he wants.

Kinley Taylor, Aussie transplant and only sugar glider in the Ashton Grove pack, decided long ago she didn’t believe in mates. Well, not for her anyway. People are pairing up all around her, falling in love, binding themselves to one another, but she’s holding out for something more. No ordinary wolf or shifter is going to hold her attention, of that she’s certain. Imagine her confusion when she’s attracted to someone new in town – and he’s human! What would her dearly departed parents think of such a match?

Adriel is determined to show Kinley that he’s everything she’s ever wanted, and more than she’ll ever need. If he can’t persuade her with words, he’ll just have to keep his mouth occupied with other delights – like kissing her senseless.

*NOTE: If you read this before reading Moonlight Warrior, you’re going to be very confused

EXCERPT

Adriel stood before the Archangel Gabriel, hoping he wasn’t making a huge mistake. In his heart, it was the right thing to do, but so many things could easily go wrong with his plan. His fellow angels couldn’t believe what he was going to do, had in fact tried to talk him out of it, but Adriel wouldn’t be swayed.

He’d seen her once, across the battlefield during the demon war in Ashton Grove. The moment he’d laid eyes on her, something inside of him had shifted, warmed, and he’d felt a certain rightness as he gazed upon her. She’d fought valiantly, attacking the demons who chose to pick on her for petite size with gusto, her long blonde hair cascading down her back in a ponytail that whipped around with her movement.

Fighting the demons that came his way, he’d kept an eye on her, making sure no one dealt a deadly blow. When he saw two other packmates join her, he was relieved. The three women worked together, protecting themselves, hacking and slashing at anything that came their way. When the last demon fell, and all that could be heard were the painful moans and cries of the injured, Adriel’s gaze had sought her out once more, grateful she seemed to be okay.

He’d wanted to walk up to her, introduce himself, maybe even touch her sun-kissed skin that looked silky smooth. But he’d felt the pull of Heaven and knew that his time on Earth was at an end. With a heavy heart, he’d ascended into the Heavens, taking his place beside his brothers and sisters once more, left with nothing to do but observe those down below.

It had been a month now, and every day he watched the woman he’d learned was named  Kinley Taylor. He had watched over her, guided her actions, and made sure no harm came her way. And if he deterred an amorous male or two in the process, well, no one was the wiser. She deserved better than the horny wolves sniffing around her skirts.

Gabriel cleared his throat, bringing him back from his memories, his cheeks warming in embarrassment. One did not wander off, mentally or otherwise, when facing one of the archangels. They were God’s generals and oversaw the running of Heaven.

“Are you sure about this, Adriel? There’s no coming back from this.” Gabriel’s blue gaze drilled into him.

“I’m certain.”

“You would give it all up, for a human you don’t even know? What if she turns you away? Did you stop to think that maybe you aren’t her destined mate? Perhaps there’s a shifter out there, maybe even a wolf in the pack, who has been biding his  time to claim her.”

He felt a growl rumble out of him before he could think better of it. “No one will touch her! Kinley is mine!”

“If you go through with this,” Gabriel said, “your only way back into Heaven is to live a life without sin. I can read your thoughts, Adriel. You’ve already sinned over and over in your mind. If you do this, you may never see Heaven again. Are you willing to take that chance?”

He stiffened his spine, lifted his chin, and stared Gabriel right in the eyes. “Yes. I’d rather have one lifetime with Kinley, than an eternity without her.”

Gabriel sighed. “Very well.”

Adriel held still as Gabriel reached out and placed his fingers against his forehead. There was a warmth that suffused him from head to toe; then, the world tilted. Heaven fell away, and Adriel was free-falling to Earth, his wish having been granted. Pointing his feet toward the ground, he landed with a thud that vibrated through his whole body. There was a slight indention in the ground as he moved toward the road in front of him.

To the left, lay an open two-lane highway with nothing but trees and hills. To the right, the most beautiful thing he’d seen yet today–Welcome to Ashton Grove. He smiled at the sign and began walking toward town. Now that he was here, he didn’t have a plan. He couldn’t very well walk up to Kinley, declare himself her mate, and cart her off to the nearest bedroom, much as he’d love to. It just didn’t work that way.

As he meandered the streets of Ashton Grove, he found himself on the doorstep of none other than Colin Tierney. He shouldn’t be surprised, really. He’d gotten to know Colin rather well when they prepared for the war. Maybe the wolf would have some idea as to what he should do. Adriel had nothing – no clothes, no money, no job. Heck, he didn’t even know where he was going to sleep tonight. Perhaps this hadn’t been the best laid out plan ever, but he was here now, and he wasn’t leaving anytime soon. Not unless the pack forbade him from seeing Kinley. He hadn’t thought of that before.

He rang the bell and waited patiently. When the door opened, a tousled Colin answered, and he winced, realizing he’d probably interrupted a rather delicate time for the couple. It was nightfall, after all.

“Adriel,” Colin asked, his brow furrowed, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m not exactly certain. I just started walking, and this is where my feet led me.”

“Walking?”

“A lot has changed since  we last saw one another.”

Colin shoved the door open further. “I think you should come in. Kendall will be happy to see you.”

Adriel wiped his feet on the mat and brushed past the wolf. The last time he’d been in their home, it hadn’t been under the best of circumstances. Now, he took the time to look around, taking in his surroundings. The furnishings were comfortable; their home, inviting. He could see Kendall’s subtle touches here and there, in a vase of flowers or set of knick knacks–things only a woman would think to add.

“Why don’t you have a seat?” Colin gestured.  “I’ll go get Kendall.”

Adriel obligingly made himself comfortable on the sofa, . He was starting to wonder how he was going to pull this off. When he’d asked to be made human, he hadn’t thought about his daily needs. Having been created an angel, he’d never had to eat or drink, never had to worry about a roof over his head, or a change of clothes. What could one of God’s soldiers possibly do here on Earth? He no longer had any of his heavenly powers or connections. He was human, with all that that entailed.

Kendall stepped into the room, giving him a warm, welcoming smile.

“Adriel, it’s so nice to see you.”

He rose and gave her a hug. “It’s good to see you, too. I’m sorry to just show up on your doorstep like this, uninvited and unannounced.”

“You’re always welcome in our home,” she responded.

“What brings you back to Ashton Grove?” Colin asked. “There aren’t more demons coming, are there?”

“No. Nothing like that. At least, not that I know of.”

Colin laughed. “And here I thought you knew everything.”

Adriel rubbed the back of his neck. “Not anymore. I’ve sort of been expelled from Heaven.”

Kendall’s eyes widened. “Expelled? But… what did you do?”

“I asked to be made human, so I could be with someone special.”

Colin smiled broadly. “You’re in love? How splendid! Who’s the lucky lady? Anyone we know?”

“Yes. Well… about that. She doesn’t know me, has never met me. Not officially, anyway. I’m sure she knows of me, but…” He sighed. “I’m in love with a woman who doesn’t know I exist.”

“You gave up Heaven for someone you don’t even know?” Kendall asked. “Adriel, how could you do such a thing? What happens if she never returns your love?”

“Then, I’ll have given it all up for nothing,” he said softly. “But I have to try. The moment I saw her, I knew she was special, that I wanted to be with her. Angels have been left to roam the world for far less than falling in love. At least I had a good reason to become human.”

 

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Do you plot?

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As I’ve gotten to know various authors over the past six years, I’ve come realize that we all approach writing a little differently. Some plot, some don’t. A few even do a partial plot, then let creativity take over. If you write, what approach do you use?

Personally, I don’t plot. Not because I can’t, but… well, it doesn’t do me any good. I’ve tried to plot before. Really, I have. I had a terrific plot one time, had the whole book lined out chapter by chapter, even had a detailed list of what happened within each chapter (complete with quotes!). It was pretty. But somewhere in the midst of writing chapter one, something happened. My characters didn’t behave the way they were supposed to behave. The heroine didn’t fall in love with the hero, in fact, she couldn’t stand him! As her personality began to develop, it became quite obvious I’d paired her with the wrong brother.

As I ripped out those sheets of notebook paper, with my beautiful outline on them, and tossed them into the trash, I actually felt a sense of relief. I no longer had to worry about whether or not X,Y, Z was going to be accomplished in chapter two, or if everything was going to be on track for the events coming up in chapter three. No, instead, I just let the words flow. My characters took on lives of their own, whispering to me as I wrote, telling me their stories as I rushed to get them on paper. I wasn’t focused on the end result anymore and just let the story happen. It wasn’t a goal, a job, it was a form of creative expression and an emotional release.

Now, while I love to write this way, because there is a certain rush to it when everything is falling into place so nicely, there is also a downside. What happens when the characters aren’t speaking to you? Well… you hit a dead end until someone starts talking again. I’ve gone days without writing, but then an idea will pop in my head, or someone will whisper something to me that lights me on fire again and off I go.

While I do track how many words I write per day (I have a pretty spreadsheet just for my writing!), and I do set daily goals, I try to go with the flow. If I don’t write one day, so what. Maybe my brain needed a break that day and I just didn’t realize it. Yes, there are deadlines to meet, but I’ve found that if you force the words out, the end result isn’t nearly as pretty as when they just happen. Or at least, that’s the case with me.

So… do you plot? Or do you write by the seat of your pants?