I’m working on an interesting mini-series called Bewere of Faeries. At first, I thought it was going to be a werewolf piece, but as I started writing it began evolving into something else entirely. Are there werewolves? Of course! And they play a large part, but they aren’t the only supernatural characters in the stories. Love faeries? They’re in there too! Have a thing for angels? I even threw in an angel. How does all of that fit together you might wonder? Well, you’ll have to read the series to figure it all out. At the moment, I’m wrapping up the final story in the series and then I’ll work on finding a publisher. I have one in mind and I hope they accept it, but we’ll see. Hopefully Bewere of Faeries will be released late this year or early next year. Stay tuned for more information!
Category Archives: Paranormal Romance
To Tame a Werewolf
The 2nd book in the Otherworldly series, To Tame a Werewolf, comes out Spring 2011. The first, The Demon’s Princess, released fall 2010 with Wild Horse Press. In this follow-up novel, Dominic Richards, the Earl of Leamont, is visiting America in order to find a bride. At the young age of twenty, he feels it’s too soon to be trapped into a loveless marriage, but he will do what he must to protect his title. But then he meets Lila, a vivacious seventeen year old on the run. Her age poses a problem, until her eighteenth birthday, but regardless, Dominic finds himself smitten. Too bad Lila is set against being his wife-to-be. When she escapes and does everything in her power to stay away from him, he still tracks her relentlessly. There are perks to being a werewolf, after all. However, the last place he expects to find her is at the demon’s house. In the end, will Lila choose to be with him, or will she keep pushing him away? And will Dominic take no for an answer, or will his wolfy side win out, demanding that he claim her for his own?
The Demon’s Princess
A New Paranormal series will take flight this fall!
My upcoming YA (young adult), The Demon’s Princess, is the first in a four part series (under the author name Jessie Colter). It will be released this October by Wild Horse Press in e-book format and in trade paperback format in November, available at a retailer near you.
About the Book –
Trapped in what she at first deems a nightmare, Lucinda Hayworth finds herself living day to day life in Atlanta, in a distant cousin’s body – in 1896. Deciding to blend in while she tries to find a way back to her time, she goes through life as Lucinda Caden… a wealthy debutante. At a ball, she meets Alexander, a prince visiting from a small unknown kingdom in the Atlantic. While Lucinda Caden may be from an influential family, she doesn’t feel worthy of Alex’s attention – especially knowing that she’s really just a modern girl of middle class status trapped in another time.
Alexander Astarot is precisely what his name implies — the son of a demon. Not just any demon, but the Prince of Demons. While he may be known as Prince Alexander Asterot, no one knows where his home truly lies. His father rules part of the underworld, but Alex rules the small island of Carpus, a gateway between earth and hell. His dark looks appeal to most young women, but there is only one who draws his attention — Lucinda. Or so she thinks…
When Lucinda discovers Alex is more than what he says, she still wants to be with him. Her parents, however, have other ideas. Shoving her in the direction of a long-term family friend, Jonathan, they forbid her from seeing the prince. In an attempt to escape the unwanted attentions of Jonathan Statton, she meets the Earl of Leamont, Benton Richards. While she will always love Alex, Lucinda must decide if she will wait for him forever, or if she will give herself a chance at happiness with someone else.
Circumstances will force Lucinda to choose – the demon prince who holds her heart, or the man who treats her like a princess.
Demons, werewolves, time travel, and a love triangle make this a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next!
Excerpt –
“Miss Caden, I’m afraid we haven’t been properly introduced, but I was hoping you might take a turn with me,” he nodded toward the dance floor.
“Oh, but the song…”
“Has already started, yes, but I find that I’m intrigued to see how well you dance.”
His soft, clipped tones sounded faintly English and I found I couldn’t tell him no. Perhaps dancing would take my mind off Alexander, distracting me from my morose thoughts for at least a little while. If nothing else, it would save me from being a wallflower and feeling sorry for myself.
Slipping my gloved hand into his, I allowed him to escort me out onto the floor. As his hand settled at my waist and his other gently gripped my fingers, he twirled me in time with the music.
“I’m afraid I’m not a good dancer,” I admitted.
He smiled again, his eyes dancing with blue fire. “I beg to disagree. You’re light on your feet and easy to lead.”
I smiled my thanks. I was feeling a little better already.
“You mentioned we hadn’t been introduced and yet you know who I am.”
“I made it my business to know. Anyone who has the attention of Alexander Asterot has my full attention as well.”
His words puzzled me. Was that his only reason for dancing with me? And how did he know Alexander?
“I’m afraid I don’t understand. Do you know the prince?”
“You could say that. We met once long ago.”
I smiled up at him. “It couldn’t have been that long ago. You may be older than I am, but I’d wager not by much.”
“In human years, I am twenty-three.”
I lifted a brow. “And in non-human years?”
He chuckled. “I’m much, much older.”
I sighed and gave myself up to the dance, not speaking again until it ended. It seemed I’d attracted yet another otherworldly male. When the music ended, he bowed over my hand and I curtsied.
“Thank you for the dance, Mr…”
“Benton. Lord Benton Richards, the Earl of Leamont.”
“First a prince and now an earl,” I muttered, knowing I was being rude, yet unable to stop myself. My mouth was running away from me, a sure sign I was comfortable with him. That probably should have worried me.
He laughed and escorted me off the dance floor. “You are certainly refreshing. And if you know anything about Alexander, then you do well with the unusual.”
“Yes, I know who and what he is.”
Benton nodded. “I figured as much. It’s obvious to see he cares about you, which means you’ve met his father.”
I stared at him in open-mouthed shock. How did he know I’d met Alexander’s father? I hadn’t told a soul about my trip to hell, for fear they would think I was crazy and would haul me off to an asylum.
His lips quirked. “I’ve known Alexander for about fifty years. Anytime he becomes interested in a potential bride, his father interferes.”
“Fifty years? Are you…”
He shook his head. “No, I’m something different. Unlike Alexander I won’t live forever, just longer than most.”
“In your position, isn’t that difficult to hide?”
“Thankfully my father lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and fifty. I didn’t become the earl until recently.”
I looked at my surroundings in surprise. Somehow, he had managed to whisk me out of the ballroom, onto the balcony, and down into the garden. It was disconcerting to say the least.
“Why did you ask me to dance?” I asked bravely.
He boldly caressed my cheek. “Because you fascinate me, and not just because of Alexander, although that does add to the intrigue. You’re beautiful, graceful, and refreshingly honest.”
I blushed. “I’m not beautiful,” I muttered. What was it with these men? It’s not like the other debutantes were ugly. In fact, several were far more beautiful than I was.
“Yes, you are.”
Firmly, he gripped the back of my head and lowered his lips to mine. I stifled a gasp as his tongue swept into my mouth. The audacity of him irked me, but he tasted spicy and sweet at the same time, and it would be dishonest to say his kisses did not move me. I knew I shouldn’t be, and I knew that kissing three men in such a short time made me the worst sort of young lady. Then again, Benton hadn’t exactly asked permission or given me any warning. He was simply taking what he wanted.
Werewolves and Wolves Fiction and Facts by T.L. Mitchell
Over the years there have been many paranormal romances and thrillers written containing werewolves. In past years, the term werewolves struck fear into the heart of anyone who heard the term. However, lately werewolves are used in another form as friendly and loveable. So how do we term the evil creatures from the good creatures? What is the difference?
In our discovery, let’s start with understanding some facts about wolves. Wolves have been very badly misunderstood animals over the last decade. They are important creatures to our eco system. Many farmers and live stock owners disagree, claiming they are a nuisance and should be destroyed. Truth is wolves are just as important to our world as the air we breathe.
Wolves are the largest member of the canine family, with a height from 26-32 inches. They weight from 55-130 lbs and have a life span of approximately 7-8 years. Some wolves have been known to live 10 years or more. The diet of wolves consists of large hoofed mammals, such as dear, elk, moose and caribou. I think you see why live stock owners would consider wolves a problem. In Alaska, there are an estimated 7000 to 11,200 wolves and more than 5,000 in the lower 48 states. In earlier times, there were estimated populations of up to 2 million wolves, where now there are only estimated 200,000 in 57 countries.
In the mid 1930s, wolves were once common creatures in North America and killed in most areas. Today their range has been reduced to minimal areas throughout the US and Canada.
The behaviors of wolves are mainly pack-like. They live, travel and hunt in packs of 4-7 animals. The packs include the mother and father, their pups and several other young wolves. The alpha female and male are the pack leaders that track and hunt prey. These leaders choose den sites and establish the pack’s territory. Wolves develop close relationships with one another and strong social bonds. They demonstrate deep affection for their family and may even sacrifice themselves to protect the family unit.
Werewolves are considered wolf-shape shifters by many. The name werewolf comes from the “wer” Old English term for man. Man-wolf. Legends around the world speak of men and women who could turn into wolves and back into human form. In their animal form, the werewolves were bloodthirsty creatures that devoured humans.
The werewolf legends occur in all parts of the world. Some scholars have suggested that these transformation legends are no more than echoes of ancient ceremonies where people wore animal skins.
An interesting note, European werewolf tales date back from ancient times. A Greek king named Lycaon was turned into a wolf as punishment for serving human flesh to the gods. The Greek word lukos(wolf) and anthropos(man) comes the term lycanthropy.
Now let’s discuss the difference between werewolves and Lycans. We know they pretty much mean the same thing- a man (or woman) who can turn into a wolf. Truthfully, they do not need the light of the full moon to change. They can change at will. So where do we form the opinions of bad and good werewolves? In Europe, the werewolf folklore is not just a simple myth or legend. There was a time where werewolf legends were rich and varied in stories. These stories were interesting as we begin to see tales about hero werewolves and a variety of species. So in fact, the werewolves in the older, darker days were considered blood-thirsty beasts. Which is probably where we come up with the evil looking, more scary creatures in the movies.
Another folklore, I would not want to pass up is the one I use in my Dark of kNight Series. My wolf- shape shifters are termed Lycans and they hunt evil werewolves. The background history on their characters is from the Native Indian’s folklore. Some facts about where the Native Indians came up with their legends were said to be based on early settlers. The early settlers brought with them their European beliefs and either retold old tales or created new ones. This statement or fact, I disagree with. The Native Indians are rich in their folklore, legends and beliefs. It is my belief that the Native Indians already had stories about wolf spirits, eagle spirits and shape-shifting long before the European settlers arrived.
If we would take the true nature of a wolf as a Lycan, then we would see a family who has a strong relationship, loving and would die for one another. The parents would be the forefront leaders of the pack and the children would learn from examples and discipline. Does this sound like an evil creature? Not really. This sounds more or less what we find in our paranormal romances or shape shifter novels. I think any woman who reads a story about a strong male, determined and confident wouldn’t swoon in his arms…werewolf or not.
Be sure to check out T. L. Mitchell’s new release Fall of kNight, coming May 18th!
You can pre-order your ecopy today at All Romance Ebooks!
Available in Trade Paperback Summer 2010
from Wild Horse Press
Publisher Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary
Wild Horse Press is celebrating their one year anniversary this month. As part of the celebration, they are offering 30% off all titles listed at All Romance Ebooks and giving away a tote bag filled with goodies, including autographed paperbacks. For more details, please visit their website at http://www.the-wild-horse-press.com!
WHP has published all of my titles thus far:
Whispering Lake (prequel to the Ashton Grove Werewolves series)
Moonlight Protector (Book 1, Ashton Grove Werewolves)
Moonlight Hero (Book 2, Ashton Grove Werewolves)
Moonlight Guardian (Book 3, Ashton Grove Werewolves)
Magnolia Magick
Vicus Luna
Christmas Wishes Come True
and various free short stories….
They have also published T. L. Mitchell’s Dark of kNight, Blood Dance by J. L. Oiler, and Angel’s Fire, Demon’s Blood by Tamela Quijas. If you enjoy YA titles, you should definitely check out Storm Swept and Jaguar Moon by Linda Palmer, who was previously a Silhouette author.
If you’re interested in winning the tote bag, simply email wildhorsepress@gmail.com with the subject NEW YEAR DRAWING or ANNIVERSARY DRAWING… the winner will be contacted by email on January 15th.
Jaguar Moon by Linda Palmer
I recently read Jaguar Moon by Linda Palmer and I must say I was drawn in from page one. Livvie Merrick and Alex Sawyer were electrifying characters that leapt off the pages. I was immediately immersed in the story, unable to pull away until I had read every word. Livvie’s psychic talents cause her no end of trouble, yet Alex doesn’t seem to mind them despite the fact that he doesn’t believe in his own family curse. However, when strange things begin to happen to him, he has no choice but to believe in the impossible.
Ms. Palmer has created a tale of paranormal delight with a hint of romance and a dash of suspense. Curl up this Halloween with Jaguar Moon and allow Ms. Palmer to thrill you, chill you, and leave you begging for more.
Sneak Peek at Ashton Grove Werewolves Book 3…
Would you like a sneak peek into the 3rd Ashton Grove Werewolves book? Moonlight Guardian is due out October 27th and while there are a few excerpts floating around here and there, and it’s available for pre-sale at All Romance Ebooks, I’d like to give you a little more insight into the book…
Chloe is a very strong woman. She’s used to standing on her own two legs. Needless to say, after having a brief affair with Michael – which she thought of as more – she finds herself pregnant and alone. After losing her job, her car, and her apartment, she’s at her wits end. After much soul searching, she feels she has no other option but to tell Michael about the baby and hope that he’ll lend her a helping hand. Going to him for help goes against everything she believes in as an independent woman, but there are times when you just have to admit defeat.
Michael is surprise to say the least to find out Chloe is pregnant. A cold dose of reality is what he needed to realize his life is lacking something important – a mate and a family of his own. Convincing Chloe to stay by his side isn’t going to be easy, but he knows he has to give it a shot. What he doesn’t count on is a little competition for her affection.
When Kiera and Gabriel throw a party inviting the entire pack to meet Chloe, Ramsey takes the opportunity to get to know the spunky redhead. She might be carrying another werewolf’s child, but she hasn’t been claimed as a mate – yet. Deciding to give Michael a run for his money, Ramsey sets out to win Chloe for himself.
With two men trying to win her heart, Chloe feels more confused than ever. She’d like to believe that Michael has changed, but can she risk her heart and her baby? Ramsey claims to care for her and can offer her and her baby a stable home life. Will that be enough or should she hold out for the all-consuming love that she sees in the couples around her?
Moonlight Guardian
Book 3, Ashton Grove Werewolves
Release Date: October 27th
Wild Horse Press
Recent book review…
I recently reviewed Haunted Destiny by Kelly Abell, a YA paranormal romance, for The Novel Blog.
“The characters of Destiny, Jake, and Grams Rose were likeable. And of course what would a teen story be without the super popular girl we all love to hate? While Amy’s character comes across as snobby and cruel, there are times you can’t help but feel sorry for her. The characters were all well developed, even the secondary ones. You could tell the author put some thought into the storyline.”
For the entire review, visit The Novel Blog today!
Whispering Lake
Whispering Lake gets a new publisher and a new cover… but it doesn’t stop there! It’s also getting some never before seen/read scenes!
As of July 2009, Whispering Lake is not available for purchase in it’s previous format. It has been discontinued through Hearts on Fire Books and is now being offered through Wild Horse Press.
However, it isn’t the same tale as before. With fresh new scenes, Whispering Lake has been revitalized! I won’t give away the details for those of you who may not have read it yet, but it has added magick and suspense!
Visit All Romance Ebooks for a sneak peek… you can also pre-purchase a copy through their site prior to the release date (August 25, 2009) for $5.98 e-book.
Trade paperback will be available in September 2009 through Amazon.com and Target.com websites.
Satin & Lace Reviews
The author weaves an amazing and riveting tale of love and desire, hope and fear with a little bit of wicked fun thrown in the mix. This book will stir your senses with the combination of fantasy and reality leaving you wanting more from this amazing new author. This is a must read story.
Red Roses for Authors
Werewolves, witches and ghosts oh, my. This one has all that and suspense that will keep you guessing just where this one will end up.
Long & Short Reviews
Whispering Lake does have a great story line with interesting characters. I loved all the paranormal elements in the book. The romance itself was worth a higher rating with some great love scenes.
ScribD … good or bad?
ScribD has several listings of books on their site. People can upload content, anywhere from a few pages to entire novels. I’ve noticed a few authors using it to upload a chapter or two of their latest work. I decided to see if this marketing technique would work and uploaded the first 2 chapters of Moonlight Hero, Moonlight Protector, and Magnolia Magick to the ScribD database. We’ll see if sales increase any from the extra exposure. I made sure the files were available in PDF only and included links to sites where the full novel could be purchased.
In addition, it seems that Authors and Publishers can use the ScribD store to sell their books directly on ScribD, less 20% commission the site charges. So if sales are slow and you’re looking for a new site to try, you might check them out.