excerpt

** A Snippet from FIRE, a Fiery #pnr by Lisa Carlisle **

Fire

“I don’t want to spoil the story but let me say this… you NEED to go and read this, NOW!” ~ 5 Candles from Satin Sheets Romance.

FIREMaya Winters, a firefighter, heads out on Halloween to dance at her favorite club. A man with haunting eyes watches her from the back of the club. He’s just her type–a dark, brooding bad boy. She feels their connection, but thinks it’s merely physical attraction.

Despite being the new owner, Tristan Stone avoids people in the underground goth club due to his curse. But when he spots a woman dancing alone surrounded by an unusual glow, he must discover who she is and what gives her the radiating power.

While they work together to understand their connection, passion ignites, leading to danger. And the heat could send their world up in flames.

Fire is book 2  in the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Step into Vamps, a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.

DOWNLOAD NOW from Amazon!

Tristan

One figure on the dance floor caught my eye. She glowed with a light around her unlike any I’d encountered before. Her bright spirit overwhelmed the darkness that surrounded the others. I watched as she danced, oblivious to those around her. Her light mesmerized me. For the first time I’d been around people other than my family, I wasn’t overwhelmed by darkness.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her. What was it she had?

Then she stopped and looked at me. Even though the club was dark, her light revealed her eyes were a brilliant blue.

When our eyes met, I saw her more clearly. A sadness buried deep within this bright spirit. Whereas others’ pain usually repelled me, her pain filled me with compassion. What was hiding there so deeply within this light? What hurt her? Suddenly I wanted to protect her from any pain.

Her light was magnetic; it drew me in. Now that her captivating eyes were staring back at me as well, I became unnerved.

I turned away and disappeared down the back stairwell. Safely in my lab, I sat in my leather chair in the corner I dubbed the library and thought.

What was she?

What would explain the light?

DOWNLOAD NOW from Amazon!

Sneak Peak of When Darkness Whispers #pnr #romanticsuspense

Here’s a sneak peak of my new paranormal / military romance, When Darkness Whispers. In this first scene, Eva is on a murder investigation when she runs into a man from her past, which jars lost memories.

 

When Darkness Whispers

Some memories are better left forgotten…

Haunted by an unclear past, biologically enhanced Marine, Eva Montreaux, can’t be distracted from her mission. With American troops being brutally murdered on the island of Okinawa, it’s more than priority. It’s critical. But when her investigation brings her face to face with Marcos Delacruz, it triggers memories. Ones she lost. Memories that somehow include him.

Marcos Delacruz has tried to forget the woman who left him with nothing but empty promises. Even now, three years later, Eva doesn’t seem to express any guilt over breaking his heart. In truth, she seems to barely recognize him. This deployment has been challenging enough with too many restless spirits haunting the island. But when his own investigation forces him to cross paths with her once more, Marcos discovers there may be a deeper truth.

With the number of murders climbing rapidly and the rising need to track the murderer across the tropical island, Eva struggles to reclaim what she lost. But the island holds darker elements–a serial killer. One that doesn’t appear to be human.

Thrust into a world she can’t escape, Eva must discover a way to stop a murderer from destroying anyone else’s future, but how can she succeed if she can’t even remember what role Marcos played in her past?

      When Darkness Whispers is a unique blend of paranormal and military romance you won’t want to put down! If you like haunting mystery, spine-tingling suspense, and Japanese mythology, you will love When Darkness Whispers!

Buy now at a special intro price.

 


Excerpt

“So how ‘bout a drink?” Sergeant Hunter asked Eva. “We’ll catch up on our war stories.”

Stories she’d forgotten. A time of war and deaths before the radical transformation. One that had required numerous waivers in a secret bunker outside of Quantico, Virginia.

“Can’t. I’m working.”

“Doing what?” He scanned her outfit—fitted black jeans, a black top, and boots. “You’re not in uniform.”

She experienced a warmer reaction from locals when she dressed like a civilian, but she wasn’t about to explain her assignment to him.

“It’s the Fourth of July,” Hunter added. “You should be celebrating, not working.”

Independence Day celebrations back in the U.S. were big, but something about being an American in another country brought out a different kind of patriotism. Especially in troops deployed so far from the country they’d promised to defend.

A tall man strode forward with Martinez. His broad stature stood out not only among the locals, but also the Marines around him. He fixed his gaze on her, making her brain sizzle. She couldn’t look away. His presence was palpable, and something about him was so familiar. She rubbed her fingers along her pants seam as she tried to remember. When the recognition hit her, she gasped, turning her head quickly in the hopes no one noticed.

She’d dreamed about him. His face was blurry, but the eyes were unmistakable, matching the ones staring back at her now. Her cheeks flushed as mixed emotions surged for dominance—anxiety about who he was and how she knew him, fear of her mission being compromised, and most of all, an unexpected thrill at seeing a man in the flesh, that she’d dreamed about.

Was he friend or foe?

His pale green eyes contrasted against his caramel skin, an alluring combination. In her dreams, the green of his eyes changed colors according to his moods, like the shades of camouflage. She caught herself gaping at the Marine they called Gunny Delacruz when she noticed Hunter watching her, waiting for an answer. She raised her chin to project a sense of calm despite the chaos brewing inside.

“I’ve got to get back to base,” she lied. “Have one for me, okay?”

Hunter touched her shoulder in a protective manner. “You know, you shouldn’t be out here all alone.” He leaned in to whisper and she smelled the beer wafting off him, again. “There’s a killer out there. Targeting Americans. Probably some fuckstick playing God or Buddha or whatever they worship over here.”

So much for the military keeping the situation hushed. They’d labeled the first two murders possible accidents, but after two more deaths, troops had asked more questions. The only thing the military had admitted was they were investigating suspicious deaths of Americans on Okinawa in cooperation with the Japanese authorities. Rumors spread quickly that there was a serial killer on the loose.

“Don’t worry, I’m with another Marine.” Eva wriggled out of his hold. “She’ll be back in a sec.”

Her gaze locked on the Gunny approaching as if in slow motion. He’d balled his hands into fists, but his face was stony—unreadable—spiking her already heightened anxiety. Her brain still sizzled searching for answers. Who was he?

“Staff Sergeant Montreaux.” He’d dropped the r in sergeant in a distinct Bostonian accent. He nodded without smiling, his eyes still fixed on hers. “Small damn world.” His greeting revealed nothing, but his cold expression raised her guard.

God, he smelled good. Her heightened sense of smell typically picked up bad odors, but his was a delicious mix of soap, aftershave, and male musk.

“Especially in the Marine Corps,” she replied in an even tone. “How are you, Gunny Delacruz?”

Hunter interrupted, “We’ll let you guys catch up.”

He sported a knowing smile. She’d forgotten he was there while fixated on the Gunny.

“Good to see you, Staff Sergeant,” he added.

Martinez said, “See ya around.”

Although distracted by her mission and her lost memories, she pushed a smile through.

Once the others moved on, Gunny Delacruz unclenched his fists and ran one hand through his closely cropped hair. She interpreted his actions as a concerted effort to calm some kind of powerful emotion.

“How long has it been—three years?”

The flat tone indicated he knew exactly how long. “I think so.” She’d stick to small talk. Small talk was safe.

He locked his eyes on her with unsettling scrutiny. “What have you been up to?”

More flashes of a hurried exit out of the desert in a Black Hawk helicopter came back to her and flooded her with guilt. What had happened? She gazed at his face, matching the features to the blurry parts from her memory. He must have meant something to her to reappear in her dreams. People came and went all the time in the military. After living and working with someone for months if not years, they’d be shipped away. Maybe forgotten. It was one big dysfunctional family. But he’d left quite an impression on her subconscious.

“Training,” she answered, staying under a broad umbrella. Even if she could tell him, he wouldn’t believe it.

“For what?”

Her mind blanked. For a tough-ass warrior, her legs were far too unsteady.

Remember the cover.

She raised her chin and replied, “An engagement mission.” She’d served as part of a FET, or female engagement team, in Afghanistan, which had been part of the reason she’d been pulled onto this unique team in Okinawa. Stick to the official mission. Change the subject quickly. Redirect to him. “What about you, Gunny?”

“Routine deployment. Ready to mobilize if there’s trouble in the Pacific.”

Eva nodded slowly before answering, noting his reply was just as guarded. “There’s trouble everywhere these days, isn’t there?”

Gunny Delacruz stared, saying nothing as if he could see everything she tried to hide. Her heart raced, but she refused to turn away. Those damn eyes affected her, sending heated sensations through her body.

When her phone vibrated, she was relieved for the distraction. Eva seized the moment to regain her bearing. “Excuse me.”

She walked out of earshot. “Corporal Radek.”

“I’m here down near Shadow Row. Near Kadena Air Force Base.”

“Yes, I know where it is,” Eva cut her off. The seedy area was notorious for prostitutes whispering to potential clients from decrepit buildings. “What’s going on?”

“We were tracking signs of non-human activity here, things that a human investigation team would miss. And we found something.”

“What?”

“We traced the scent of blood down to another alley. Rather nasty. Needles and used condoms on the ground. The trail led us to a dumpster. We found a body in there.”

“No.”

“Appears to be an American. Military. Fresh blood. A recent kill.”

Not again. “Male?”

“Yes.”

“How was he killed?”

Radek paused. “The body isn’t intact.”

“What do you mean?”

“Dismembered.”

“You’re shitting me.”

“I wish I was, Staff Sergeant. I don’t have a freakin’ clue what could do this.”

“I’ll be right there.”

A sense of urgency took over. She hung up the phone and searched for a taxi. Rushing to the main road, she flagged one down.

“Where are you going, Eva?” Gunny Delacruz approached her.

She froze momentarily. He addressed her by her first name. Whatever their relationship was, it had been close enough for a first name basis in the military.

“I have to go,” she said, rushing over as a cab pulled over.

“I thought we could get a drink.” His voice lowered an octave, to a deep rich tone. “Talk about what happened.”

“Some other time.”

“You’re just going to leave?” His voice took on an icy edge. He grabbed her wrist, and his guarded expression dropped. His eyes darkened, flashing anger. “Without any explanation about what happened?”

She yanked her arm back. “Don’t touch me like that, Marcos,” she warned. A flash of surprise hit as she heard herself call him by his first name, which was quickly replaced by fury. Who the hell was he to grab her that way?

Fire burned through her warning glare as she backed toward the cab. Her fury was mirrored in his stance—he balled his hands into fists and a vein throbbed in his neck. But he didn’t pursue her. She climbed in and heard him swear in what sounded like Portuguese as she slammed the door. Her heart raced from the unexpected interaction.

How did I know his name? And what am I supposed to explain?

After telling the driver her destination, she took a deep breath to relax her muscles. It was the first time the killer had struck since she’d arrived in Okinawa over a week ago, and she had to stay sharp. Willing the cab to go faster, she leaned forward to glance at the speedometer as her leg began to twitch.

When she turned back, Marcos had disappeared.

Who the hell was he?

She’d been content to leave memories of Afghanistan clouded, since wartime deployments were not the happiest of experiences. Something jarred in her mind, unleashing flashes of what she’d lost—which included him.

Why had she forgotten them?

 

Read now!

 

Excerpt of Knights of Stone: Calum — Book 5 in Highland Gargoyles Series

When a short-term mission turns into a battle between love and duty…

Calum lives for thrills both on and off stage as lead singer of the Knights of Stone. During a night flight, he witnesses a dragon chasing a pegasus and his gargoyle instincts kick in. When the rescued pegasus turns out to be a beautiful shifter named Arielle, he sets off on a dangerous mission to help her.

Arielle never should have wandered from her pegasi herd. Not only did she attract the attention of a dragon who wants to steal her magic, but they’ve ended up lost in another realm. If she even makes it through the night, how will she ever return home?

Preorder Now at a special intro price!

https://books2read.com/calum

More etailers to come!

 

Excerpt

Calum needed to fly, to escape the claustrophobic confines of the pub in Inverness. Only flight could provide relief from the stuffiness closing in around him. The stale stench of beer and perspiration tingled his nostrils. The din of voices around him reverberated in his head. The Knights of Stone, the band he and his brothers had created, had played until midnight. Although the lassies surrounded him after their set, as they often did, he avoided their attention to head for the exit.

“You’re not leaving again, are you?” his older brother, Gavin, asked.

“I need air.”

“It’s the third time in a fortnight. Something’s definitely off with you lately.”

Maybe Gavin was right. Calum’s usual restlessness had shifted recently. Instead of chasing the lasses after the rush onstage as front man of their band, he’d been escaping to the wide-open space of the night skies.

He searched the shadowy area behind the brick building for a hidden spot where he could shift to his winged form. Humans were out this evening, but none were attracted to the dark alley.

Calum cloaked himself before shifting. He flew away from the club up toward the crescent moon, which was clouded by a swirl of mist. Nothing like soaring through the night to invigorate him. Flight calmed him, as it did for most gargoyles. While he spent much of the day restoring his energy in stone form under the sun, at night he came alive. He’d then pursue one of his three favorite activities — flying, performing, or—entertaining. He smirked. He and Gavin relished the female attention, especially after their three brothers had found mates. Since their brothers had placed bets on who’d be next to find a mate, both Calum and Gavin pushed to the extreme to avoid it.

Although Calum still burned from the rush on stage, something was missing. He had everything he thought he’d wanted with the band and living with his brothers in their small clan on the Isle of Stone, yet he sought solitude in flight more often.

Why he did plagued his mind as he sought the clarity during the flight. A short break had turned into a longer flight, full of introspection. Calum soared farther than he’d planned, along Loch Ness and then inland. The shadowed mountain peaks ahead framed a foreboding entryway under the lingering fog that clouded the night.

He paused, hovering in the air. His gargoyle instincts flared. Something was off. He engaged all his senses, listening for a sign of distress, anything to identify the source of his unease. He flew deeper inland, the rolling fields darker than emeralds under the stars, and the disturbing sensation heightened.

Preorder Today!


Get started with the other books in the series today! 

* Excerpt from Tempted by the Gargoyle by Lisa Carlisle *

Tempted by the Gargoyle

Tempted by the Gargoyle

Meet your perfect match this Saturday night–or your perfect match for the night.

The eclipse of the red Supermoon sends crowds into Boston for an evening hyped up for a night of passion, one not to be missed. Boston police officer Larissa Riley wants nothing to do with the media-driven event, but her friend convinces her they need a night out after all they’ve gone through. They visit a new gothic-themed club where Larissa is disturbed by the attractive stranger eying her.

Roman, a gargoyle shifter and commander of the Stone Sentries, patrols from the rooftop of a club on the night of the eclipse. The Supermoon bodes danger and he puts all his sentries on watch. When a blast of dark magic soars past him, he searches for its origin and fixes on a brunette. Something about her is different, demanding all senses be on high alert. Is she dangerous? Or is she in danger?

Deciding a night with a hot stranger would be good for her, Larissa invites Roman back to her hotel, unaware he is surveilling her. The night takes a dark turn as secrets are uncovered and danger moves in. Her beloved city is under attack. Larissa must decide who to trust before all is lost, including the fate of her closest friend.

Excerpt

While surveying the city from above, a dark-haired woman on the roof caught Roman’s attention. She stood ramrod-straight and she fidgeted with her glass. Something about her discomfort triggered his gargoyle instincts, making him observe her more closely.

When he scanned her from head to toe, he didn’t gain any insight other than how attractive she was. Her hair was rich and lush, flowing in loose waves over her shoulders. It had a burgundy tone from the various lighting fixtures around the deck. Her wide eyes searched her surroundings. What was she looking for? His gaze traveled down her body, studying how well it was encased in a form-fitting black dress. He lingered on her killer curves, fueling his imagination with sordid fantasies of what it would be like to touch them.

He snapped his eyes away. He was supposed to be gauging what had set off his senses.

Seconds later, his gaze returned to her, despite his admonition to himself. Her expression turned troubled. A strong reaction rose within him, one he couldn’t read. He rubbed the back of his neck. Something about her put all his senses on edge; he had to keep an eye on her, although he had no indication why.

She spoke to a blonde woman next to her, and he turned his head to focus on their conversation. With all the chatter in the room, he couldn’t catch it, despite his acute sense of hearing.

What troubled the brunette? An instinct to protect her kicked in. The pull toward her was compelling, a sensual onslaught that overpowered him.

Remember why you’re here.

He stepped back, both mentally and physically separating himself from the woman, and shielded himself behind the bar. That compulsion was one he’d never experienced, and not knowing what it meant bothered him all the more. All the uncertainty about tonight had him on edge.

Turning away, he gulped in the cool night air. It invigorated him for only a moment. What hit him next almost knocked him off his feet—a sudden whoosh of energy. It blasted past him with immense force and power, indicative of dark magic.

A gut feeling made him turn to locate the brunette, and he scrutinized her. He sensed something unusual about her than the other humans on the roof. Was she the source of that dark magic? He opened a mental link to communicate with Arto.

There’s a woman on the roof I’m going to keep an eye on.

Is she in danger? Or is she dangerous? Arto asked.

Good question. That’s what I plan on finding out. I sensed dark magic and will investigate further.

His triggers were now on full alert. Whoever she was, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight. Not until he figured out who—or what—she was.

And why she had that effect on him.

 

Read Now!

Excerpt from Dark Pursuit, a Paranormal Christmas Story

Dark Pursuit

Dark PursuitIt’s Christmastime at the Chateau.

Waiting for his lover to return is torment, but the sculptor, Antoine, plans to exploit Savannah’s return to the art colony to the fullest, acting out his fantasies each night. Savannah has spent much time in Boston while she finishes her degree, but they will have weeks together to make up for lost time.

When Savannah doesn’t disembark the ferry, Antoine fears the worst. Something must have happened to her, something terrible. He’s made recent enemies after wolf shifters had come to the island and battles ensued.

Antoine’s plans drastically change as he goes to find Savannah, caught in a Dark Pursuit.

Meet Antoine, the gargoyle shifter turned vampire, and his poet lover, Savannah, in this short story in the Chateau Seductions series.

Add to Goodreads

 

Excerpt

It would be their first Christmas together. Antoine decorated the castle in preparation for Savannah’s return from her university.

“In the ten years I’ve known you, not once have I seen you hang a bulb on the tree,” Cameron remarked.

Cameron was the manager of the Les Beaux Art at the Chateau DeRoche and Antoine’s loyal friend. Cameron took care of the daily operations of the art colony while Antoine was forced to seek cover from the sunlight.

“Haven’t had anyone to share it with,” he replied.

When had Antoine last enjoyed celebrating the holiday with anyone? Likely not since he’d been a young gargoyle shifter with his family, before he’d been forced to turn over a century ago. Cameron gave him a slow nod. “I know what you mean.” Although human, he’d mated to a wolf shifter named Nadya this summer.

Savannah would have a month off in between college semesters. A month that he planned to exploit to the fullest each night, acting out all his fantasies. She stayed in Boston during the week to attend graduate classes and returned to the island on weekends. Earning her degree was important to her, so he tried not to express how he missed her too often. The bed was too cold, too big. The light all but gone in the chateau. Once she earned her Master’s degree in June, he’d have her all to himself.

He wouldn’t be able to attend her graduation, which would take place outside during the day. But after she graduated, she’d return to the island and they’d continue the discussion that had been plaguing them. The last time they’d tried to talk about it, it had ended in a heated argument before she’d returned to school. She didn’t understand the sacrifices involved. Already, she’d given up so much to be his lover.

He would show her how much she meant to him when she returned. He’d learned patience over the decades, only it seemed more difficult when it came to Savannah. She visited family and was taking care of a few things before she returned to the island. Only two more nights. Just in time for Christmas. The hours trudged past until finally it was time for her arrival.

Although the December nights were colder, they were also longer, which gave him more time outdoors. With the sun setting so early, he was able to trek over to the dock on the other side of DeRoche Island on the evening of the twenty-third to greet Savannah when her ferry arrived. He’d brought a single red rose with him and a barrette so she could pin it into her hair. Maybe it would be considered old fashioned for this era, but Savannah appreciated his romantic gestures, no matter how small. With the way she favored the old Hollywood styles, he thought it would look perfect in her dark hair.

The evening ferry arrived. He paced in front of the dock while his heart pounded with anticipation. He couldn’t wait to rush her back to the chateau, show her how they’d decorated it—probably to excess.

He searched for her among the crowd. One by one, the passengers disembarked. Until the boat emptied.

She hadn’t made it back on this ferry.

Dark tendrils of fear crawled up and wrapped around him. What had happened?

He rushed up the gangway, in search of someone who could help him.

When he found one of the ferry workers, he said, “I’m looking for a woman. She was supposed to be on this ferry. Can you check to make sure she’s not on board?”

“No one’s on the decks.” The man turned to shout at another behind him. “Check the bathrooms. See if anyone’s still in there.”

While he waited, Antoine tried to still his quickened breathing.

“Nope. No one,” came the reply.

“She must have missed it,” the man said. “Maybe she’ll catch the first one in the morning.”

The colors of the seaside village around him swirled. Something was wrong. Very wrong. He could sense it vibrating along his bones. He dropped the rose.

Thank the gods Cameron had convinced him to get a smart phone. He’d only convinced him by demonstrating the ways he could communicate with Savannah while she was away. No notification from her with an explanation. He called and texted her.

After receiving no response, he called Cameron. “She’s not here!” Antoine heard the frantic edge in his own tone. He was frantic. “Have you heard from her?”

“No.” Cameron replied. “Stay calm, Antoine. She was probably delayed with school or something like that and missed the ferry.”

“She would have contacted me. Something’s wrong. I’m going to find her.”

 

Buy Now!


Chateau series


Excerpt of Knights of Stone: Lachlan #shifters #pnr #excerpt

As I’m going through edits for Knights of Stone: Bryce, part 3 in the Highland Gargoyles series, I thought I’d share an excerpt from Lachlan’s book.

Knights of Stone: Lachlan

Knights of Stone LachlanAs the new alpha of his gargoyle clan, Lachlan takes on a leadership role at the historic peace talks between the wolf shifters and tree witches. Cooperation is crucial to their survival. The magical veil over the Isle of Stone is weakening. But unity is hard to achieve when tensions are running high. So is Lachlan’s concentration when a sexy wolf shifter rushes to the talks. Her wild beauty is mesmerizing.

Raina has her hands full with pack problems, from pack mates succumbing to blood lust to animosity toward her species. The source of her problems is clear-the gargoyles. If they hadn’t lured the humans to the island with their unconventional rock concerts, she wouldn’t have to deal with the fallout. She wants nothing to do with them, especially their alpha. His not-so-surreptitious glances are hard to miss. Nope. Not the kind of attention she needs. She’s heard rumors of the rebellious, attention-seeking rockers–and of their endless string of females.

But when humans come to investigate the wolf attacks, Lachlan and Raina must work together to coerce them off the island. And time spent together sparks a forbidden attraction. If unexpected love were their only problem, they’d be able to deal with it. It’s not. Time is running out, for them and their island.

Excerpt

Raina’s skin burned under someone’s gaze. When she glanced up, she caught Lachlan staring at her. She’d heard of the gargoyle brothers, but had never seen any of them until now. They appeared more wild and rugged than what she’d envisioned for glamorous rock stars. He didn’t shift his eyes when she’d caught him, but continued to watch her; his posture straight and sturdy as the oaks behind him. She propped her hands on her hips and glared back to show her displeasure, however the shade of his eyes distracted her—a blend of green and brown, reflecting the colors of the island’s forests.

He winked and flashed a cocky grin. Och. How arrogant. What did he think she was, one of those impressionable human females who’d fall over themselves to get closer to one of the band mates? Not going to happen.

The rumors about the reckless gargoyle brothers were now easy to believe. They were notorious on the island for rebelling against their clan. Instead of keeping their identity from humans, they’d played music for them. Entertained them. Encouraged them to return to the island.

She turned away with disgust. Damn him. The gargoyles were the main reason they were all in this mess right now. If they didn’t keep the humans coming back with their unconventional rock concerts, the humans may have left the isle alone. But no, the gargoyles’ wee antics kept them coming back, drawing more humans each time. Her father spoke, snapping her out of her thoughts about the brash gargoyle.

“Our pack is committed to working with all of you to restore the veil.”

The only upside to the horrendous incident was it forced the islands natives to come together in these peace talks. After all, her father had been the one to appeal to a gargoyle and tree witch who’d been meeting in the moors. The veil was essential. Not only did it keep the island undetected by humans, it also provided a shield against the potent effect of the moon on wolves. Young wolf shifters were especially prone to the moon’s power.

Raina shuddered as she remembered the way it had been for her. In her teens, the moon had driven her half mad and with a longing for blood, and she’d ravenously torn into many deer on the island to sate the blind need. With the veil having thinned even more in the last five years, the young wolves struggled to maintain self-control.

In recent weeks, her stirrings had returned, different than the bloodlust of her youth, yet one that left her restless and prowling in search of something. The problem was, she didn’t know what her wolf wanted. Confusion and frustration often followed.

Her pack mates teased her saying she was getting ready to mate. Och, she couldn’t even think of that. She and Seth already bickered like an old couple, and they hadn’t even mated, yet. Today he’d made her late for the peace talk. He’d tried to convince her he should be the one to return, although they’d decided the day before they’d each have a turn at the momentous event, which would affect the future of the pack on the Isle of Stone. It was her chance to make a difference, take on more of a leadership role; she couldn’t let him take it from her.

Lachlan responded to her father, recapturing her attention. “We need to organize these ideas into a plan.”

His brogue was deep and gravelly; he spoke with a commanding yet reasonable tone. Despite her objection to him and his cocksure attitude, she caught herself sneaking another glance. After all, she’d heard so much about this mysterious species they shared the island with.

All negative.

Still her gaze traveled over him, somewhat transfixed. His long black hair gleamed under the sun’s rays, falling over defined shoulders and halfway down his back. He’d assumed a confident stance that fit his powerful body. Wolf shifters were naturally strong, but gargoyle shifters transformed from stone. Every ripple and contour of his bare torso reflected that aspect. The overall package was enticing, making the lure for human females understandable.

She wasn’t a human female and knew better. How foolish they were to fall for womanizing bad boys in a wee, appetizing parcel wrapped in blue tartan.

Och, wee wasn’t the term to describe the massive gargoyle.

“Man do I love these gargoyles! They are hot and Rock Stars and, and…I just love them! I loved rough and tumble Lachlan’s story..”

~ 5 Stars from Read our Thoughts Book Blog!


“I started reading this book and in what seemed like minutes I was hooked. I could not put this book down. It was funny, sexy, and fascinating.”

“If you like shifter books, romance, and hot alpha men, you have to read this series. These magical creatures will bring a smile to your face and maybe put you in a happy place.”
~ 5 Stars from Alpha Book Club!
“This is a fantastic story about three different types of beings… the ending is quite beautiful!”
~ 2 girls who love books blog

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
BN
Google Play
All Romance Ebooks
Excitica


Read more about the Knights of Stone on the Highland Gargoyles series page.


 

New Release Excerpt: Knights of Stone: Lachlan by Lisa Carlisle #shifters

What a fantastic week it’s been for the release of Lachlan’s story. Reviews are fantastic! I’m so happy readers have enjoyed the second part of the series. Read on for an excerpt.

Knights of Stone: Lachlan

Knights of Stone LachlanAs the new alpha of his gargoyle clan, Lachlan takes on a leadership role at the historic peace talks between the wolf shifters and tree witches. Cooperation is crucial to their survival. The magical veil over the Isle of Stone is weakening. But unity is hard to achieve when tensions are running high. So is Lachlan’s concentration when a sexy wolf shifter rushes to the talks. Her wild beauty is mesmerizing.

Raina has her hands full with pack problems, from pack mates succumbing to blood lust to animosity toward her species. The source of her problems is clear-the gargoyles. If they hadn’t lured the humans to the island with their unconventional rock concerts, she wouldn’t have to deal with the fallout. She wants nothing to do with them, especially their alpha. His not-so-surreptitious glances are hard to miss. Nope. Not the kind of attention she needs. She’s heard rumors of the rebellious, attention-seeking rockers–and of their endless string of females.

But when humans come to investigate the wolf attacks, Lachlan and Raina must work together to coerce them off the island. And time spent together sparks a forbidden attraction. If unexpected love were their only problem, they’d be able to deal with it. It’s not. Time is running out, for them and their island.

Excerpt

He inhaled to clear his harried mind, taking in the fragrance of wildflowers and heather as he gazed over the rolling slopes of the moors. The land exuded a sense of tranquility and hope under the soft light of the morning sun. The peace between the Isle of Stone’s natives, however, had lasted only minutes before the cacophony began with ceaseless bickering. Agreeing to work together might have been a mistake.

Not that he had much of an alternative.

When Matilda stopped to take a breath during her speech, Lachlan seized the moment to interrupt her. “We all know of the injustices done to each of us, which led to the division of the island. Time to move beyond the past and address the current situation.”

“Part of what led to the schism is poor communication,” Ian added. “By meeting together to discuss the future of the island, we can avoid making the same mistakes our predecessors did.”

“Predecessors!” Matilda said. “It was only twenty-five years ago. I was there and remember it well.”

“My apologies,” Ian said, bending forward. “With your experience, you’ll be valuable in ensuring we don’t make those same errors in judgment.”

Lachlan had been a young gargoyle during the battles, but he remembered fragments with vivid recall. Battles with magic and bloodshed. Countless deaths. A senseless tragedy.

The sound of movement through the tall grasses made him turn. A female ran toward them, dark hair blowing behind her like the mane of a wild filly. Her red dress blazed like a siren, but he didn’t notice the pattern until she’d slowed her pace—similar to the one on Ian’s kilt.

“What the—” Bryce said at his side, adopting a defensive stance.

“It’s all right,” Ian said. “She’s my daughter.”

Lachlan didn’t recognize her, but that wasn’t a surprise. The wolves had kept to their territory on the isle for over two decades. Around what he’d guess her age to be as he scanned her nubile body with soft, supple curves.

A wolf shifter. With storm blue eyes like the ocean at dusk.

And the daughter of the alpha wolf.

Damn.

“Sorry, I’m late,” she said through quickened breaths, drawing his attention to her parted lips.

She dropped her hands to her knees as she panted from the run, and her hair fell forward in tempting disarray. Her movement offered him a glimpse of her cleavage, breasts rising and falling with each deep breath.

“I was held up by—” She glanced at her father before adding, “pack matters.”

“You haven’t missed much,” Ian replied before addressing the crowd. “This is Raina. Second-in-command in our pack.” He then introduced the others to his daughter.

Lachlan widened his stance and narrowed his eyes at Ian. “You introduced your beta last night.” That wolf shifter’s pride had bordered on arrogance; nothing like his alpha, Ian.

“Aye,” Ian acknowledged. “Seth and Raina share duties.”

The tree witches exchanged glances. Claire, the younger of the two, whispered, “Inconsistency.”

Raina assessed him through inquisitive eyes, making Lachlan forget what he was about to say.

Straightening to his full height, he forged ahead. “We all need to be in human form when they come.”

 

“Man do I love these gargoyles! They are hot and Rock Stars and, and…I just love them! I loved rough and tumble Lachlan’s story..”
~ 5 Stars from Read our Thoughts Book Blog!


“I started reading this book and in what seemed like minutes I was hooked. I could not put this book down. It was funny, sexy, and fascinating.”

“If you like shifter books, romance, and hot alpha men, you have to read this series. These magical creatures will bring a smile to your face and maybe put you in a happy place.”
~ 5 Stars from Alpha Book Club!
“This is a fantastic story about three different types of beings… the ending is quite beautiful!”
~ 2 girls who love books blog

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
BN
Google Play
All Romance Ebooks
Excitica


Read more about the Knights of Stone on the Highland Gargoyles series page.

Excerpt of Knights of Stone: Mason for My Sexy Saturday #mysexysaturday #MSS124

This week at My Sexy Saturday, our theme is One Sexy Girl. I’m posting seven paragraphs from Knights of Stone: Mason, my Highland shifter novella. Mason spots Kayla from the stage after he transforms from stone.

Excerpt

Murmurs of astonishment burst from the crowd as the transformation began. Their cries of fervor grew louder as the monstrous statues transformed into taller, slimmer figures with the bronzed skin of warriors who battled under the midday sun. The tartan fabric fell over their thighs as they stood erect, covering their nudity.

Kayla barely blinked, mesmerized as always, as the statue before her stood to full height, taking on the form of a human male, but with beautiful raven wings. Hair just as black snaked rebelliously past his chin. The stony eyes flickered with animation, turning to a mossy green. His deep gaze seared the audience, seeming to burn anything in the path. When he found Kayla, he stopped. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity in his unblinking eyes made her swallow. She froze under the scrutiny as if hypnotized, unable to break eye contact. Her stomach lurched, heart pounded, and every muscle in her body tightened, fueled with blood now scorching through her veins. His penetrating appraisal affected her so. When his eyes took on a smoldering glint, her skin tingled and a red-hot awareness grew between her thighs.

He broke the stare and continued to assess the audience. She gasped, not realizing she had been holding her breath, and panted while she tried to breathe at a normal rate.

He turned on robust legs and strode to a guitar stand. She tore her eyes from him to note the other gargoyles. They, too, had shifted into the form of striking males. One had black hair draped further down his back, one had long blond hair, and two had reddish-brown hair—one wavy and shaggy, the other straight. They took their place at other instruments. She sought the guitarist again and caught the first sound of the pick striking the strings. On hearing the guitar projected through the amp, the crowd roared again, pressing Kayla forward.

The freak show was about to begin.

Spotlights flooded the musicians, powered by solar panels near a massive amplifier. The guitarist continued playing and the others joined in, playing a raucous crossover between hard rock and heavy metal. The one with long blond hair grabbed hold of the microphone and belted out a shattering cry that sounded like a call to battle. The crowd went pin drop silent to listen and then cheered in unison as the band played on. The front man sang piercing growls and low croons about the Knights in Stone, the protectors of the ancient forests, battling against the evil tree witches.

Kayla’s coven.

 

Knights of Stone: Mason

Knights of Stone - MasonGargoyles, tree witches, and wolf shifters have divided the Isle of Stone after a great battle twenty-five years ago. When Kayla, a tree witch, hears about the unconventional rock concerts in the gargoyle’s territory, she sneaks from her coven and into their territory to see for herself. Night after night, she returns to see one in particular shift into human form and play guitar at these unconventional shows.

For several nights, Mason has kept watch for the pixie-like female. He plans to seduce her, thinking she’s a visitor from another island. When he discovers she’s one of the tree witches, he retreats, attempting to keep his distance. The temptation is strong, but forbidden.

Kayla and Mason attempt to meet in secret, but other elements on the isle command their attention. A magical cloak created by the three clans on the island is thinning, leading to repercussions for all the clans. Kayla and Mason are caught in the middle of it, and their actions may change the fate for all.

This novella was originally released as part of the USA Today bestselling Highland Shifters paranormal romance boxed set.

“Kayla and Mason fall in love despite their differences, despite being different. It is a new way of telling Romeo and Juliet. You cannot be with them because of something their ancestors did, and the kids saying I do not care about that, I want to be with them regardless. A lesson many of us need to learn. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting something a little different from their normal.”
~ 5* from Books and Beyond Fifty Shades

I love a paranormal book that has multiple beings, in this book there are Gargoyles, witches and  wolf shifters. The plot has twists and turns taking you through such a unique and mysterious world… Great story, great characters… Very unique!” 
~ Up All Night, Read All Day Book Reviews

Add to Goodreads

Buy now:

Amazon (pb and Kindle)
Createspace (pb) 
B&N
iBooks
Google Play
Kobo

All Romance EBooks

Book #Excerpt of Knights of Stone: Mason – Book 1 in Highland Gargoyles Series

Knights of Stone: Mason

Few have dared to cross the boundaries.

Until now…

With a quarter century of burning hatred between the inhabitants of the Isle of Stone, Kayla knows it’s forbidden to cross boundaries. But that doesn’t keep her from being sorely tempted.

Drawn to discover the secrets beyond the tree witches’ forest, Kayla is intrigued by the talk of unconventional rock concerts in gargoyle territory.

But when she risks everything to sneak away from the coven, she never expects to return night after night. And not just for the music–but for one gargoyle shifter who captured her heart with his guitar.

Nor did she expect that her attention had not gone unnoticed…

With plans to seduce the pixie-like female, Mason spent several nights keeping a watchful eye on his prize. When he discovers she’s a tree witch, an enemy to his kind, Mason knows she’s off limits. No matter how strong the temptation…

But other elements command their attention.

Something much more dangerous haunts the wolf shifters of the isle….

With the magical veil thinning, there will be blood.
And the full moon is coming…

Knights of Stone: Mason is the first book in a shifter paranormal romance series with a Highland touch and a hard hit of rock romance. If you like men in kilts, dark paranormal thrills, and forbidden love, then you’ll be hooked by the Highland Gargoyles Series!

Don’t miss this Romance Reviews Top Pick!

Read Now!

 

Excerpt

Murmurs of astonishment burst from the crowd as the transformation began. Their cries of fervor grew louder as the monstrous statues transformed into taller, slimmer figures with the bronzed skin of warriors who battled under the midday sun. The tartan fabric fell over their thighs as they stood erect, covering their nudity.

Kayla barely blinked, mesmerized as always, as the statue before her stood to full height, taking on the form of a human male, but with beautiful raven wings. Hair just as black snaked rebelliously past his chin. The stony eyes flickered with animation, turning to a mossy green. His deep gaze seared the audience, seeming to burn anything in the path. When he found Kayla, he stopped. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity in his unblinking eyes made her swallow. She froze under the scrutiny as if hypnotized, unable to break eye contact. Her stomach lurched, heart pounded, and every muscle in her body tightened, fueled with blood now scorching through her veins. His penetrating appraisal affected her so. When his eyes took on a smoldering glint, her skin tingled and a red-hot awareness grew between her thighs.

He broke the stare and continued to assess the audience. She gasped, not realizing she had been holding her breath, and panted while she tried to breathe at a normal rate.

He turned on robust legs and strode to a guitar stand. She tore her eyes from him to note the other gargoyles. They, too, had shifted into the form of striking males. One had black hair draped further down his back, one had long blond hair, and two had reddish-brown hair—one wavy and shaggy, the other straight. They took their place at other instruments. She sought the guitarist again and caught the first sound of the pick striking the strings. On hearing the guitar projected through the amp, the crowd roared again, pressing Kayla forward.

The freak show was about to begin.

Spotlights flooded the musicians, powered by solar panels near a massive amplifier. The guitarist continued playing and the others joined in, playing a raucous crossover between hard rock and heavy metal. The one with long blond hair grabbed hold of the microphone and belted out a shattering cry that sounded like a call to battle. The crowd went pin drop silent to listen and then cheered in unison as the band played on. The front man sang piercing growls and low croons about the Knights in Stone, the protectors of the ancient forests, battling against the evil tree witches.

Kayla’s coven.

***

“Kayla and Mason fall in love despite their differences, despite being different. It is a new way of telling Romeo and Juliet. You cannot be with them because of something their ancestors did, and the kids saying I do not care about that, I want to be with them regardless. A lesson many of us need to learn. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting something a little different from their normal.”

~ 5* from Books and Beyond Fifty Shades

I love a paranormal book that has multiple beings, in this book there are Gargoyles, witches and  wolf shifters. The plot has twists and turns taking you through such a unique and mysterious world… Great story, great characters… Very unique!” 
~ Up All Night, Read All Day Book Reviews

Read Now! 

https://books2read.com/mason1

Hot for Fridays – Cameron and Nadya in Dark Stranger #pnr #romance #shifters

Welcome to Hot for Fridays, part of the Book Boyfriends Cafe weekly blog hop. This week I’m sharing a short excerpt of my new release, Dark Stranger, part 3 in the Chateau Seductions trilogy. It just received a five star review from Books and Beyond Fifty Shades!

promo

A winged being flew down from atop the castle and pulled Douglas back outside. His skin was gray and appeared to be the texture of leather, not soft and pliant like human skin. Black feathered wings spread wide, giving him the appearance that he was twice as large. His face was marked by exaggerated features. A distinguishing scent. Gargoyle.

Another being flew out from behind a castle wall and forced Viktor outside the castle. Mouth open and fangs exposed. Pale skin and the unmistakable scent of the undead. Vampire.

No doubt these were the two who had breached Oakes Island, the ones caught spying. While Viktor fought the vampire, the gargoyle pinned Douglas down. Nadya quickly assessed the situation before jumping into action. The human pulled out a gun, aiming at the scuffling figures before him.

“No!” Nadya jumped onto him, knocking the gun loose as he fell back through the doorway onto the castle floor.

She struggled with him, and they rolled on the hard stone floor. He was remarkably strong for a human, so much so that she inhaled his scent quickly to verify what she was up against. Definitely human. With a delicious male smell beyond the wilderness she’d scented before, stirring an unfamiliar reaction within.

While she was distracted, he got the upper hand, pinning her down with his body and holding her by the wrists. She tried to wriggle out of his grasp, a natural instinct to fight back. As she writhed beneath him, a sudden awareness of his body took over. The way his hard chest pressed down on hers, how his strong thighs straddled her own, and how his rugged face lay only inches from hers wasn’t something she should notice while in such a vulnerable position. His eyes were a captivating blend of brown and green, lulling her with an almost magnetic hold. For a moment, she stopped fighting him, caught up in the intimate way their bodies touched. Her breaths came out in pants from the struggle. And something more. Some kind of primal reaction she couldn’t explain.

The realization hit her with as much shock as an unexpected slap to the face. Hell no. Not now. Not ever! She must be misreading the signs. She forced it away, compartmentalizing it to deal with it another time.

 

Chateau Seductions series

Dark Stranger

Chateau Seductions Part 3

DarkStrangerWolf shifters come to Chateau seeking a missing pack member. During an altercation, Cameron Stevens, the manager of the art colony, is separated from the others. He ends up alone with Nadya, one of the female shifters.

Together, in the forests of DeRoche Island, they struggle against conflicting feelings. In addition to battling each other as well as their mistrust, they fight a powerful, inexplicable attraction to one another—one that leaves them irrevocably entwined.

They’re mates? Cameron can’t comprehend or accept such a thing is possible. They’re two different species and their worlds don’t mesh. He can’t fight the heated desire burning between them and her touch is impossible to resist. His heart and mind aren’t on the same page where she’s concerned. One thing is certain—Nadya is stamped on both.

Paranormal, Erotic Romance
Shifters, vampires, gargoyles

Add to GoodReads

Buy Now!
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
iBooks
All Romance Ebooks

Dark Muse

Chateau Seductions Part 2

Dark-MuseIt takes time before Gina Meiro warms up to people and her shyness is often misunderstood. She hasn’t had to worry about meeting new people at a remote art colony until a new resident arrives—a rock guitarist more suited for a billboard. Her carefree days of painting at the medieval-styled castle on a remote New England island are shattered when she stumbles right into his welcome gathering.

After a falling out with his band, Dante Riani wants nothing more at Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island than solitude to work on new songs. When a shy young painter asks to paint him at sunset, he’s tempted by the opportunity to be alone with her.

Someone at the colony claims to know what Dante is and asks for his help. Dante fears his plans are coming undone, especially as grows more drawn to Gina. Her scent and vulnerability are too difficult to resist. But he must stay away from her—she would never understand his secret.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Now

Amazon
B&N
iBooks
Kobo
All Romance Ebooks

Dark Velvet

Chateau Seductions Part 1

darkvelvetGrad student Savannah Evans is thrilled to be accepted as a resident to a prestigious art colony. Where else would she be able to focus on her craft of writing poetry in a setting like that of the medieval-styled castle? The remote New England island is a respite from her hectic city life. When she meets her benefactor, a mysterious French sculptor, her expectations for carefree days writing near the ocean are distracted by unprofessional fantasies about her sponsor.

Antoine Chevalier built Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island to bring purpose back to an existence that has lost meaning. He’s wandered the earth for decades and finds solace in returning to art. When Savannah applies for a residency, something about her words touches him. After her arrival, a physical attraction grows between them, which he struggles against.  She deserves more than someone of his kind.

Antoine proposes they become lovers during her stay. But the situation turns complicated when Savannah discovers his secret. She had suspicions about his identity, but finds the truth overwhelming. Consumed by her desire for Antoine and faced with a tough decision, she is blind to the danger that has arrived at DeRoche Island.

A New Adult Erotic Romance
Paranormal / gargoyle / vampire / shapeshifter

Add to Goodreads

Buy Now:
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
iBooks
AllRomanceEbooks

Read more about the series here

Visit the other sites in this week’s hop