Available Now! Second Chance Inn

I am pleased and happy to announce a new release! Allow me to apologize for the suddenness of this release, as it came together quite quickly after several delays due to the terrible loss of my father in December.

As Second Chance Inn is truly the book and series of my heart, it features a host of new characters set for their own happily ever afters. There's also an introduction to a familiar hero from the past, who first appeared in Quarterback Blitz and then later Ink Master, previously published with Ellora's Cave. Fear not! Phalen Maddox and his brothers will return in a re-imagined series of their own. More on that another day.

For now, here's a glimpse at Second Chance Inn 

Currently, it's available at Amazon and Kobo, but it will soon be available at Nook, iBooks, and more.  Plus, there will be a print version at Amazon, as well.
https://books2read.com/u/bo7WjA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NDZ9113

New Release! Pride, The Abcynians Book II

Greetings everyone! I know it's been way too long since I've had a new release, for that I apologize. But, as summer kicked into gear and my daughter prepares to enter high school, life is busy!

That said, yes, there's a new release!!!

I'm so proud of this book. Previously published with Ellora's Cave Blush/Cerridwen Press as Rhiannon's Pride, it's taken a little work to revise and revamp it, not only with a new title Pride, but with more detail, more action, more of a paranormal feel without losing the historical setting, the Italian Renaissance. Please note, that it's the second of a multi-book series. And, though four came out through Cerridwen Press/Blush, plans are in the works for several more stories.

As with Persuasion, available now at Amazon, Kobo, Nook B&N, iBooks, and Scribd, Pride is a historical and every attempt was made to be certain that proper address, detail, words, and fashion is correct, though because The Abcynians are an ancient race they tend to be more advanced than their human counterparts about Florence, England, and Europe.

Also, characters from Persuasion return in Pride. While Dante and Rhiannon's story unfolds, their romance is unique to them, but as a reader, you may find reading Book I helpful. Both are set at reasonable prices and easy to download to your favorite reading device.

Link to Pride, The Abcynians Book II
For Nook B&N, Kobo, iBooks, and Scribd follow an easy link: books2read.com/u/mVZ7AA
For Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744196VX

To learn more, take a look at the blurb and a short excerpt!

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race of were-panthers faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial evil.

Pride: The Abcynians, Book II

Plagued by headaches and memory loss after a life-threatening injury, Rhiannon has spent years confined behind the walls of a decrepit castle. When a loathsome earl attempts to earn her favor with an extravagant painting, she is inexplicably drawn to its depiction of an ancient, mythical race. Believing the Florentine artist could be the key to unlocking her past, she and her maid escape, hoping to enlist his aid. Upon reaching the Piazza della Signoria months later, she is unaware that the handsomest man amongst the lavish merchants is the one she seeks.

Dante Luciano is considered the most renowned artist of his time. His patrons are wealthy and powerful. His charm and prowess with women legendary. Yet, as the adopted son of the king of his kind, he must guard his secrets. For he possesses the heart and soul of a panthera prince, therefore, able to shift into a lion. Taken by the discovery of a rare Abcynian female nearby, he recognizes her as his destined mate. Discovering Rhiannon is stricken with debilitating pain, he takes her home, providing the remedies, protection, and knowledge she needs to survive.

While she heals, they fall in love, beginning to plan a future together. However, when her memory returns, imminent danger looms. It’ll take all of Dante’s abilities and the Abcynians to save Rhiannon from a vicious, beastly foe.

In the following excerpt, Dante meets Rhiannon for the first time! 

Dante Luciano searched the crowded piazza for Paolo Arrigo. Fortunately, he had already caught the boy’s scent.

Spotting his youngest apprentice hiding near a prosperous English merchant, he hurried through the crowd. “Paolo, there you are. It is good that I have found you,” he greeted in English so the man would not misunderstand his intent. “Why did you run?” 

“Master,” Paolo grumbled, looking away as Dante stared down at him. “I spilled blue powder. I did not mean to make you angry. I’d hoped to replace it.”

Dante placed his hand on Paolo’s stooped shoulder, guiding the boy away from the merchant, who’d taken notice of their conversation. 

“Accidents occur,” Dante said. “Next time do your best. It is all I require of you.”

“It was lapis lazuli, not azurite, Master Luciano,” Paolo confessed.

“The loss of powder matters less to me than the loss of an apprentice. You’ve great promise.”

“Are you certain? I will return home, if you wish.”

Studying Paolo’s tiny body, Dante could not let the boy come to harm. “There is a place for you in my workshop. I’d like you to stay.” He meant to say more, but something new and interesting caught his other half’s notice. Underneath his tunic, his skin warmed, responding to whatever it was that lay just beyond his reach.

Lifting his head, he looked about, inhaling a woman’s scent that was both different to him and familiar, hinting she may be one of his own kind. The piazza was filled with signori, merchants, and travelers seeking a glimpse at the artwork commissioned by Florence’s prominent leaders.

“Paolo, return to the workshop. I will speak with you later.”

The boy obeyed, allowing Dante to concentrate on searching the piazza. Trusting his superior sense of smell, he ignored the heavy perfumes and gum arabic Florentine women tended to use in their hair. This woman’s scent was appealing to the man and the panthera leo that he was. 

As he progressed toward the Palazzo Vecchio, his gaze raked the crowd, alighting upon the back of an Englishwoman. Her cassia and honeyed scent became stronger, drawing him to a sudden halt.

The mark etched upon his chest became as hot as embers, telling him much. She was so much more than an Englishwoman. Si, she was Abcynian. And, she well could be his.

Unlike Florentine women and servants who wore fabrics conveying their household’s status, she wore a faded brown dress with a linen apron. Her pale blonde hair was confined beneath a plain linen coif. How long would her tresses be, he wondered?

Incredibly, she was much taller than the other women in the courtyard. What worried him most right then was that she appeared too thin and he sensed she’d either been ill or she’d gone hungry too long.

Frowning, Dante moved close enough to pounce should she attempt to run, and far enough away to observe her without detection. As he watched, he realized why her scent, mannerisms, and movements were not the same as the Abcynian females he’d known in the past. 

She was the offspring of a converted panthera leo pair. Had she been full-blooded, he’d have sensed her the moment she stepped into the piazza. As she would’ve sensed him.

Drawing nearer, Dante found himself hesitating to introduce himself. If he spoke to her in the way of their kind, and she acknowledged him, he would claim her as his mate by right of Abcynian law.

Being mated meant he could no longer take another lover. Whether they were heavy or slight, tall or short, merchant or servant, he loved women. Their uniqueness and beauty touched his artist’s soul, making him long to become as masterful bedding them as he was with a paintbrush and chisel.

He’d lived two hundred and forty-two years. Forty-two of them as an Elder. Was it right to have one woman and ignore the rest?

With a start, his concerns became inconsequential when she turned. Lifting her chin, she revealed her face, reminding Dante of the first time he’d seen a woman naked. Back then he’d been unable do anything other than stare like a hapless youth.

This woman was neither naked nor pleasantly attired, but she was beautiful with skin the color of honey and pale blonde hair that he longed to uncover. Her face was blessed with the high cheekbones and elegant straight nose of a lioness, a firm though feminine chin, and a lush mouth that made him groan. Her lips were as ripe and plump as berries, begging for a man’s kiss. 

Yet, it wasn’t her beauty that caught his heart. It was her eyes. They were pure, haunting amber, hinting of a woman’s vulnerability, and a lioness’ curiosity. In that moment, all other women ceased to exist. 

Unwilling to delay further, Dante spoke to her with his mind. Bella, per favore viene.

Waiting, he watched her look over at an older English maid. “Mary, I think someone spoke to me,” she said.

Her voice hummed like the strings of a harpsicord, resonate, melodic, soothing his lion’s soul as nothing and no one ever had. Smiling, Dante walked toward her, continuing to speak in the way of Abcynian mates. Come si chiama, bella?

She looked about, searching the crowd. Her pretty scowl sent desire pooling low and deep in his groin. Surprised at how quickly he responded to her, he reminded himself to be patient. Right then, he realized she didn’t recognize another Abcynian.

Announcement! Please Do Not Buy My Ellora's Cave Titles

Happy New Year everyone! With 2016 in the History books, 2017 dawns with promise. As many readers and authors may know, my former publisher, Ellora's Cave, has closed its doors. While the rights to my titles that remained at EC reverted to me in October, and all but a few print books were removed from EC's website, it's taken a very long time for them to be pulled from 3rd party vendors.

While I have been frustrated by this, I elected not to make a big deal out of it or press those who remained at EC, primarily because I knew it wouldn't be until 2017 that I would be able to revamp, revise, re-cover, and possibly re-title all of the books that have reverted to me. Believe me, I want to get them back out to you all, however, I want them to be as I'd envisioned them from the start. Over the next year, and into 2018, I'll release them all as indie titles. I honestly can't wait to dive back into the world of hot, sexy football players, the Maddox brothers, and Dare, Nevada. Some of the series, such as Ink and Kink, will get new titles, and, while there will be crossover secondary characters, as they'd been with EC, I'm planning to write new books and create a series featuring the Alexandria Griffins football team and finish several books in the Dare series that I simply couldn't write or publish with Ellora's Cave.

Rather than get into the logistics of what happened with my former publisher, I'm now asking readers not to buy any of the following titles that might be found on third party sites such as Amazon, iBooks, Google Books, etc: Quarterback Blitz, Field of Play, Ink Master, Playing Doctor, Cuff Master, Hazard's Dare, Switch Master, Menage-a-Dare, and Pleasure Trove.

It's possible that you might see print books on various sites. This is slightly different, but, it's my understanding that these are being sold by private persons and treated like used books. They're very expensive, so I would not recommend purchasing them through any vendor.

That said, I do have indie titles available at Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, and B&N/Nook, set at great prices and will continue to publish both new and re-released books through indie/self-publishing for a while. It's my sincere hope that you'll check them out, starting with UnMAsKed, Lipstick and Camouflage, and Persuasion: The Abcynians Book I (previously with EC). In the New Year, look for Pride: The Abcynians Book II, and the 2nd book in my Brandt's Dozen series. Between them, Quarterback Blitz will be revamped, re-titled, and re-released. As the books are ready for publication, I'll continue to make announcements, primarily here on my blog, and post the links on social media.

Thank you so much, and, if you do see a book of mine with an EC logo or cover, kindly let me know.

Again, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and plenty of awesome books to read in 2017!

Until Next Time,
Frances Stockton

Persuasion, The Abcynians Book I, is Available Now!

Greetings one and all! I'm so pleased and honored to announce the re-imagined world of The Abcynians with the release Persuasion!

Before I go any further, please note that Persuasion and three other books were previously published with Ellora's Cave for their Cerridwen Press/Blush lines under the series title Panthera. The rights have been returned to me, and with them, I not only intend to release the re-titled and retold series, I will be writing two new books featuring some of the more compelling characters introduced early in the series.

If you're a fan of sensual Paranormal Romance featuring hot, sexy historical heroes, and strong, courageous women, shifters, were-panthers, or stories set in the past, including Medieval, Renaissance, Golden Age of Piracy, Early and Late Georgian, Regency, and more, I hope you'll give The Abcynians a chance!

Now, let's have some fun! Here's a glimpse into Garrick and Aisley's story: Persuasion

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race of were-panthers faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial evil.

Persuasion: The Abcynians, Book I

As an Abcynian Elder, Garrick Forrester has survived wars, plagues, and arranged marriages. Nothing he’s experienced prepares him for the discovery of his mate living in his demesne, or for her resistance.

While aiding a child, Aisley Reeves is rescued by the Earl of Danford, whom a village healer should never dare approach without being summoned. At first, she is fascinated with the dark, mesmerizing lord who tempts her in a way no man has ever done. After he claims she’s to become his betrothed, she balks.

Already fearful her work and red hair might cause some to brand her as a witch, she believes it is best to keep her distance. When Aisley suffers a near mortal injury at the hands of his enemies, Garrick must gain her trust so that he can protect her. But can she trust her life to a man who is far more than…human?

Check out an excerpt!

“Come one, come all! Merchant and peasant, come one, come all!”

From within her small cottage, Aisley heard a stranger’s beckoning. Curious, she went to the door, opening it, listening. Something felt terribly wrong.

“For a coin, no more than a farthing or two, lend your ears to my traveling minstrel. Five pence will earn merriment with a jester trained amongst the best in London. Peruse the candles, spices and incense found in the most exotic lands. Come one, come all!”

Finding it odd a stranger had entered the village soon after a rainstorm, she grew more concerned. The gray sky was getting darker, the clouds obscuring the moon’s glow.

Leaving the safety of the doorway, she hesitated to look back at the woods separating her home from Danford Manor. The Earl had recently returned after spending years at war with France. It was his duty to protect the people living and serving on his land.

Alas, she did not know him other than by title. Few did, though she was certain he would send guards if the stranger meant anyone harm.

Years ago, her father had served Lord Danford as the physician to his household and tenants. She’d been so proud, often begging Papa to tell her of life inside the manor house. For unknown reasons, she’d always been curious about the lord that other villagers spoke of in whispers.

When she grew to marriageable age, Papa ceased telling her fanciful tales, reminding her to not to be petulant and mind her lessons. Yet, she’d often wondered about the Earl, saying her nightly prayers for his wellbeing and safe return.

Realizing she was spending too much time thinking about matters that were not her concern, she rushed onward to the village common.

“Come one, come all! For I have yet to reveal the best of all. A glimpse will cost each of you a penny. Full reveal will take a shilling.”

Finally, she spotted villagers circling around the caller a bit warily. Horse-drawn wagons rested in a straight line. Aisley spied unlit torches attached to the wagons. Did the stranger plan to stay when it was dark?

Two older villagers, Howard Jones and his wife, inspected the wares and concoctions displayed on a market stand. A handful of coins were tossed to the ground and a small lad scuttled to pick them up.

In a thrice, a jester danced about the villagers. His antics induced a trickle of laughter from them but a chill of fear along her spine. At the same time, an eerie grumble emanated from the forest, lifting the tiny hairs on the back of her neck.

Frightened, she rushed for the safety of the crowd and it wasn’t long before she stood amongst them.

“Pay your tribute to Ruck, dear friends,” the stranger touted, swinging his right arm about as the jester continued to dance. Coins sprinkled the dirt almost as fast as the boy swiped them into a purse. “The finale is near. You have my word, one and all, Sedgewick Haywood will not fail your call.”

Aisley hesitated to admit she was intrigued by what was to be revealed. Pennies were spread on the ground at Haywood’s feet. How odd that the villagers would give up their coin.

“Wait!” Aisley called out, stepping forward. “What brings you to our village on such a night as this?”

“I mean no one harm,” Haywood promised. His smile was little more than a gap-toothed leer. Repulsed, she stepped back, only to have the rumbling sound she’d heard from the forest grow impossibly louder.

Looking back toward the trees, she tried to determine if an animal hovered nearby, hoping it wasn’t a pack of wolves. They were said to prey upon people, namely the weak and injured. Unable to see anything other than blackness, she turned back to the wagons.

“I have traveled far through the day’s rain in the hope of warding away your troubles for at least a night,” Haywood contended, leering at her. “Might I inquire as to whom quells my efforts?”

“Aisley, a healer, and I speak not for myself. This village has not gone unscathed by plague. I would not wish for the sickness to return.”

“Nor would I, fair lady.” Feigning elegance, the man bowed at the hips. The expense of his green and tan robe and the silk of his gypon made him appear a man of means. At the hem of his robe, Aisley caught a glimpse of a sword. “I am free of plague. You may inspect me for lesions if it would set your mind at ease.”

The rumbling she’d heard grew more prominent, frightening. It felt as if the beast was warning her against touching the man. Oddly, no one else seemed to hear it.

“I think it best if you leave,” she said.

Inspecting this man would require three areas, the armpit, neck and the inner thighs. Touching him was not something she relished, regardless of her vow to attend those in need.

“Aisley, do not rush him off. He promises to reveal the creature behind that curtain, and I, for one, have paid to see it,” Howard Jones argued.

It was difficult to avoid staring at the curtained stage resting behind the stranger. The jester had tumbled his way to one side of the wheeled contraption. The minstrel strolled toward the opposite.

“Throwing away coin can only lead to trouble,” Aisley warned.

“How is it that a woman speaks so bold?” Sedgewick Haywood demanded.

“It is common for Aisley to do so,” Andrew White answered. “Her father was the trusted physician for the Earl of Danford. She is valued amongst us.”

“Then why have you given what this man has asked for?” Aisley wondered aloud.

“Curiosity.”

“We want to see what he has to offer.”

“Worry not, Aisley. All will be well.”

The villagers relayed their wishes and Aisley stepped back. She could not deny them a few moments pleasure. More coins hit the ground as Sedgewick demanded. Apparently pleased with the villagers, the visitor bowed once again in acceptance.

“Ah, at last my performers will grant your due,” Haywood pronounced. Proudly, he moved to the side.

Both the minstrel and the jester beckoned to the crowd and the curtain before them. Whispers filled the air, but they could not mask the eerie sawing drawing ever closer to the village. Did no one else hear the beast? It sounded as if he boomed from a mountaintop.

“Is someone cutting branches in the forest?” she asked.

“I hear nothing of the sort, Aisley,” Howard said.

Cease, little one, only you can hear me. I am close. Do not provoke the strangers, I will protect you and my tenants, someone said, a man, with a deep, gruff voice spoken so close to her ear, she swore his breath brushed her ear.

Unbidden, the scent of cinnamon tickled her nose, the memory it triggered bittersweet. Her father had always favored it in his porridge, a rarity to be certain, as it’d been a gift from Lord Danford in return for his physician’s fealty.

You like cinnamon, I shall procure some from the kitchens for you by the morrow. Ease your worry, it will be all right. Again, that voice, so compelling, so distinct and male, reached her.

“Who spoke to me of cinnamon?” Aisley demanded, glancing about. The villagers stared back as though she’d gone mad.

“Your attention, healer,” Haywood insisted. “To one and all, I give you living proof of werewolves in England!”

“Werewolves…are you mad, Haywood?” Andrew asked.

“Nay, I tell you true, feast your eyes on a werewolf’s babe.” Sedgewick swept his right hand toward the jester, who sliced a rope and the curtain shushed to the ground.

If you'd like to read Persuasion, you can find it at Amazon, Nook, Kobo, iBooks, and Scribd! FYI: Scribd is a subscription service and they're having a trial offer for 14 days. Below, I'll include links to each vendor! 

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1134367874

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/persuasion-frances-stockton/1124098352;jsessionid=C8C9A5266DA39D8BF500C09904087F5C.prodny_store01-atgap02?ean=2940153338590

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/persuasion-214

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/318252879/Persuasion-The-Abcynians-1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IG0OW90#nav-subnav

Thank you for giving Garrick and Aisley and The Abcynians a chance! I'm on Facebook and Twitter, too! http://www.twitter.com/francesstockton and https://www.facebook.com/frances.stockton or my author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorFrancesStockton/

Coming Soon! The Abcynians and Persuasion

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a while since I've updated my website. I wanted to reassure you all that I am still here. Soon, I'll be relaunching a four-book series that'd formerly been with Ellora's Cave for their Cerridwen Press/Blush imprints, but had the rights reverted to me.

I'm pleased to let you know that I've revamped the books extensively, added scenes and content, re-imagining the series in a way I wish I could've done the first time. The books are going to have new titles, reflecting the story, as well as new covers, and I'm planning on completing two more books, which had been placed on hold.

The first book, Persuasion, is almost ready to go. In the meantime, I thought I'd share the awesome cover design, as well as a little insight into the world of the Abcynians. 

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial enemy.

Persuasion: The Abcynians, Book I

As an Elder of a diminishing race, Garrick Forrester has survived wars, plagues, and two arranged marriages. Nothing he’s experienced prepares him for the discovery of his mate living in his demesne, or for her resistance.

While aiding a child in the clutches of a dastardly man, Aisley Reeves is rescued by the Earl of Danford, whom a village healer should never dare approach without being summoned. At first, she is fascinated, especially when he grants permission to speak at will and seems wise beyond his years.

But when he claims she’s to become his betrothed, she balks. Already fearful her work and red hair might tempt some to brand her as a witch, she believes it is best to keep her distance from the dark, mesmerizing lord whose thoughts she can hear and reminds her of the black leopard guarding his earldom.

To protect her from an unimaginable evil, Garrick must persuade Aisley to trust him, a man who is far more than…human!

The Abcynians

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial enemy.

Glossary

Elder: The equivalent of the peerage, an Elder is a term of respect for an Abcynian capable of shifting into their alternate form.  

Sustenance: A mixture of herbs and spices from Abcynia, the former homeland of the Abcynians, added to food or drink, enabling them to adapt to their environments and heal if injured or ill.

Essence: Within each Abcynian is the soul of a panther, known as essence, which manifests itself as an iridescent mark on the skin. When converting, mating, or healing, it is given through a bite, providing nourishment, excitement, and increasing the mate’s arousal.

Abcynian Guard: Humans who have vowed fealty or loyalty to protecting the Abcynians from false accusations or misunderstandings.  

Duke: Primarily granted to those in the royal family.

Marcher Lord: In England, marcher lords were appointed by the King to guard the Welsh border. Eventually, they would become the second highest of the peerage, known as a marquess or marquis.

Earl: Highest of the English titles/peerage during the Middle Ages.

Baron: In England, one who held tenured land for the King. Before Parliament was formed, the Great Council could grant a writ or charter.

Healers/Midwives: While there were physicians, often healers tended those who were sick, injured, and those with child.

Palfrey: A riding horse.

Destrier: A battle-tested warhorse.

Sennight: A week or seven days.

Fortnight: Two weeks or fourteen days.

Ell: A measure of distance, about 4 feet.

Firkin: 50+ pounds.

Furlong: 220 yards.

Hand: 4 inches

Pace: 2 ½ feet.

Coins: Mark=12 shillings, Pound=20 shillings, Shilling=12 pence, Pence=penny, Noble=1/2 a mark.

Hurdy-gurdy: A stringed musical instrument, earliest form required 2 musicians to play, may have been an early predecessor to the violin.

Lute: A stringed instrument, resembled a pear-shaped guitar.

Great Hall: Usually where the lord held feasts or gathered guests for midday a feast or midday meal, which tended to be the most significant with multiple courses.

Livery: A small cupboard where a simple meal and wine or drink was kept for a lord or lady’s evening repast.

Supper: A simple meal, served later in the evening.

Solar: Private quarters or room for the lord or lady and guests to gather. Note: Garrick has a solar, which he keeps well away from his tower/area of his manor house, which is large enough to resemble a Norman castle.

Nursery: Room/area in a house or castle for children.

Squire: A boy training for knighthood.

Knight Errant: One who has attained knighthood, but may not have lands of his own and wanders.

Banneret: A man who is knighted, but leads other soldiers or knights under his own banner.

For further information or vocabulary custom to the Middle Ages, I highly recommend Sherrilyn Keynon’s Everyday Life in the Middle Ages. It’s an excellent source for readers, authors, and historians, alike.

Panthera Leo/Lions: It is important to introduce Lucien Montgomery and his family. As he is the oldest of their kind, Lucien is the Abcynian King, his sons and daughters considered princes and princesses. The location of his pride is known only to a few and never spoken of when they are assuming human identities.

Lucien and Catarina Montgomery=Abcynian King and Queen. In England, Lord and Lady Raybourne.

Valiant Montgomery = Crown Prince. In England, Squire training for knighthood

Adrian Montgomery= Prince, desires to become a sailor, explorer.

Dante Luciano=Raised, adopted, and protected by Lucien and Catarina.

Elena and Mercedes Montgomery-Princesses, reside beyond Europe.

Panthera Pardus/Leopards: Amongst Abcynians, the leopards are considered the best hunters, strategists, and warriors. Garrick Forrester is the second eldest of his kind, an English earl who has dedicated himself to the protection of England and his demesne.

Elder Garrick Forrester, Earl of Danford.

Aisley Forrester, Countess of Danford

Lady Angelica Forrester=Garrick and Aisley’s newly adopted daughter.

Elder Grayson Forrester, Baron Somerton, Garrick’s brother.

Elder Colton Forrester, Baron Wolcott, Garrick’s youngest brother.

Jillian Forrester, Baroness Wolcott, Colton’s wife.  

Panthera Tigris/Tigers: The most elusive of the Abcynians, the were-tigers prefer to cloak themselves with their human titles. Thus far only Lucien and Garrick know their identities, though if called upon, they will stand up and defend their panthera cousins.

Due to their need for secrecy, names and titles withheld until later in the series. 

The Abcynians: Lions, Tigers, and Leopards, Oh My!

I'm so very, very excited to make a big announcement today. I've already posted hints on various social media sites, but, I simply had to elaborate.

Many may know that there's been a lot of changes at Ellora's Cave Publishing. I'm not going to go into specifics, as it's been addressed previously on this blog and by others, however, I'm excited to let you all know that the first books published with EC under the Cerridwen Press/Blush imprints, known as the Panthera, has been reverted to me. The books, Seductive Persuasion, Rhiannon's Pride, Sea Captain's Ghost, and Arrington's Claim, are currently being revamped, re-imagined, the world of the Abcynians reborn into a bigger, better series, with at least two never-before-seen full length novels.

If you like PNR/Shapeshifters, and, are a history buff like me, it's my sincere hope that you'll welcome the Abcynians on your favorite reading devices or bookshelves. Set in my favorite time periods in history, Medieval, Renaissance, Golden Age of Piracy, Georgian, England, and, of course the Regency among them, an ancient race capable of shifting into their panthers' souls, face the trials and tribulations of defending mankind, taking on wars, plague, piracy, treachery, oftentimes facing scandal and betrayals from sanguinary rivals.

Currently, I'm working on Book One, Persuasion, and I'm truly enjoying the chance to return to favorite characters' stories that I'd thought had already been told. To those who read the old series, thank you! Hopefully, you'll enjoy the retelling of Garrick Forrester, Earl of Danford, and gifted healer, Aisley Reeves' story. Admittedly, changes have been made to the book, things I wished I'd have done from the very beginning, refining secondary characters whose stories need to be told, and expanding the sensuality and love scenes.

Incredibly, early on in the original series' release, I received many emails and messages asking about Valiant Montgomery, who first appeared in Seductive Persuasion as Garrick's squire, and each of the books that followed. My answer to those inquiries, yes! Yes, Valiant will have his due. In the meantime, I'll keep everyone updated on release dates, tease covers, blog tours, everything I can to reach readers.

The Abcynians are coming! Stay tuned!

Until next time,
Frances Stockton

Lipstick and Camouflage, Coming Soon!

Greetings one and all! First, let me thank everyone, and I mean everyone, for the support and comments on my last blog post. And, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy 2016! Wow, what a year 2015 was, and though this world has lost some of the greatest talents, artists, and musicians this month, they will not be forgotten, ever! IMO, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Natalie Cole, Lemmy, and, of course, so many others from jazz greats to drummers, must have formed a helluva band already.

Not to mention, Alan Rickman, who will always be Colonel Brandon to me, though should also be commended for his presence on the big screen and on stage.

But, I digress, I'm here today to share some awesome information. My latest Romantic Suspense, the first of a multi-book series titled Brandt's Dozen, is coming soon. I'm currently doing a final read-through and then it'll be ready to go. You'll be able to find Lipstick and Camouflage at most digital vendors, Amazon, B&N for Nook, Kobo, iBooks, etc, and if all the stars align, in print at a later date.

How about an introduction to Travis and Cassidy's story?

Lipstick and Camouflage
Brandt’s Dozen: Book One

Security specialist Travis Blake’s undercover assignment should be easy. The former Navy SEAL has to protect Cassidy O'Neal from an elusive assassin. Yet, nothing about this case is simple.

For Cassidy, it’s easier to believe in ghosts than to think she’s in danger. Despite a series of unusual happenings around her apartment, she never suspects why she’s felt so uneasy, or that her hot new neighbor is far more than he seems.

What starts off as simple flirtation quickly turns passionate. But, as the danger intensifies, more than just their hearts are on the line. Travis must do whatever it takes to protect Cassidy, including revealing who he really is.  

Now that you've gotten a look at the blurb, here's a fun excerpt!

Federal Hill—Fletcher Street Apartments

The whir and tumble of an old dryer accompanied Cassidy’s reading choice of the afternoon, The Count of Monte Cristo. Having been an avid reader as long as she could remember, she enjoyed the chance to get lost reading about a French sailor’s false imprisonment only to emerge as and reinvent himself as a nobleman to exact revenge on those who’d wronged him.

Hmm, at least Edmond, the hero, had a love life, albeit a complicated one. Today, in this cramped old laundry room that served the apartments upstairs, Cass had nothing but a book, a mound of laundry, and her headphones to keep her company.

She wished she could remember the last time she’d had a real date, much less an orgasm with someone other than herself and her imaginary book boyfriend of the night. Yeah, sad, but even though her brother’s roommate had asked her out on a date, she didn’t have it in her to be a cougar.

Maybe Justin was the reason she was so jumpy lately. He’d not exactly left that night with a smile and she’d wondered if he’d come back and try again.

Or, maybe it was something else, something unexplained. Ever since she’d gone to Salem and took Mike Smith’s place as the lead cameraman in a ghost hunt, something had been off kilter about her apartment and the building itself. Granted, they’d caught some amazing EVPs that night, but the experienced investigators in her group, Jerome and Sam, concluded what they’d caught on audio was residual and non-threatening.

If it wasn’t Justin Myers or a ghost, maybe it was that surveyor who’d staked out the neighborhood. He’d claimed to be doing a favor for a friend looking to move into the area and open a new business. She hadn’t believed him. That man had an aura about him that was mysterious and dark, maybe dangerous. She’d run him off, and as far as she knew, he’d not returned.

Frustrated, she snapped her book closed and set it aside, going over to check the last load of laundry for the day. Being Friday, she’d worked a half day and had plans to do laundry, eat rocky road ice cream for dinner, and continue reading Edmond’s tale of revenge, justice, and romance until he skewed his best friend with a sword.

Okay, she’d read the book a couple of times. Next week, she’d open up The Three Musketeers and have four book boyfriends, though her personal favorite was Aramis.

Yeah, like anything that exciting would happen to her, but one could dream a tale of fiction even if her day job wasn’t exactly the same as a French sailor’s false imprisonment or Musketeers saving a king from a treacherous cardinal.

Taking a moment to switch up her music, she chose her classic rock playlist and increased the volume, singing, well, mostly humming until her favorite line, “We were making it,” came out loud and clear.

As if it mattered how badly she was singing while pulling bras and panties out of the dryer and tossing them into the hip-hugging basket on the floor beneath the machine.

Slamming the dryer door home and picking up her basket, she turned to go back to where she’d been sitting when movement caught her eye. Whipping around, she saw a tall, impressively built man standing in the doorway, as if he’d stepped right out of the pages of one of her novel.

A heartbeat later, he came toward her, proving he was no figment of her active imagination and seeming to get bigger with every step. Unsure what to do, Cassidy threw her basket at him and rushed for the door, getting less than two feet before her bare foot caught his boot and she went tumbling.

Certain she’d break something when she hit the stone floor, she tried to brace herself for the impact…only she never hit. The man caught her, shifting her momentum so that she landed right on top of him.

Breath caught, her headphones clattering to the floor, she would’ve scrambled to her feet if it wasn’t for the fact that she could not move. Good God Almighty, he looked a lot like Joe M. No, of course it wasn’t possible that an actor who made women everywhere drool over werewolves and male strippers could be in a laundry room with her.

If that was the case, maybe she had knocked herself out and was dreaming about her current book boyfriend, Edmond. His hands were incredibly big. She knew because they were braced right on her ass. His chest was broad, muscles beneath his black tee shirt strong as steel.

The beard that so reminded her of Joe’s, trimmed, defining a face that was incredibly good looking and sexy, tempted her to trail a finger along his jaw to see if it was scratchy or soft. His piercing amber eyes fitting to a lion’s captivated her. He was looking right up at her, unapologetic, his grip strong, maybe there was even concern in his eyes.

The only problem she could see at the moment was the bra on his head that skewed her ability to make out the length of his shaggy sable-brown hair.

Wait! That leopard-print bra was hers!

“Darlin’, it doesn’t matter who Joe and Edmond are right now, if you keep grinding your hips like that, I’m gonna make sure you forget anyone else’s name but mine, Travis.”

His hands on her ass tightened, bringing her into better alignment with his hips. No, not his hips! Jeez, he was real, she was wide awake, and still on top of him, between his spread thighs. His hard as stone fly brushed her exactly where she needed it most. Her clit woke up, she was soaking wet, preparing…for what, sex with a stranger on the laundry room floor?

“Please tell me I didn’t talk out loud,” she grumbled, dropping her head to his chest and didn’t feel the least bit ready to move.

What the hell was wrong with her? Something about him warned her that he could be as dangerous as that surveyor, yet she was not afraid of him.

“All I know is that you called me Joe and compared me to Edmond, your book boyfriend, whatever that means,” he answered, the timber in his voice so deep, his drawl southern, everything in her that was a woman was screaming ‘how do you do’ and ‘where have you been all my life’?

“And, the longer you stay here, the less likely I am to ask your name. But, take your time. There are all kinds of advantages to having you on top.”

Snapping her head back up, she growled, “Stop talking like that!” Although she wouldn’t mind having him talk to her for hours, days, however long he wanted, so long as that deep drawl of his whispered sweet nothings in her ear.

“Sorry, couldn’t help teasing,” he countered. “I sure didn’t mean to scare you. What do you say? Think we can get back on equal footing?”

Realizing that this was actually happening, common sense returned and Cassidy got to her knees, hindered in her efforts by his hands. “Let go of my ass, cowboy. As it is, I think your fingers left marks. I bruise easy.”

“Dammit, don’t say that. Now I’m gonna want to check that out,” he warned, showing absolutely no compunction to let go, not that she really wanted him to. As big as his hands were, he cupped, not injured.

In the end, he let go and she scrambled to her feet. Considering her knees were all wobbly and her legs felt as if they’d turned to jelly, it was nothing short of a miracle that she didn’t fall over him or stomp on his balls in her efforts. Would’ve served him right for being an unrepentant, cocky bastard, though he was a really, really hot cocky bastard.

And, that didn’t help anything, neither did her bra.

“Easy, I’m not going to hurt you,” he said, getting back on his feet with nimbleness that no ordinary man should possess. It was catlike, or maybe a lion.

“Okay, who are you and where the hell did you come from?” she demanded, ignoring her embarrassment by punching her fists to her hips, hoping to look more formidable.

The guy was big, like Superman or Thor, big, tall, and muscular. He should be slow as molasses going uphill in winter. How tall was this guy anyway? She was a hair under 6’ and felt tiny compared to him.

“My name’s Travis Blake, moved into apartment 2 B a couple hours ago. Came down to do laundry and found you rocking out, wanted to alert you that I was there. Never meant to scare you, I’m sorry. I’ve ID on me, if you need to take a look,” he said, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket and flipping it open.

Taking a glance at his ID, she saw he had a Virginia license, but the photo was accurate. Finally, she nodded and stepped back, assessing him with the benefit of distance. Okay, it wasn’t that much of a distance since the laundry room was only big enough for three coin-operated washer and dryer units, a couple of plastic chairs, a mini-vending machine for detergent and fabric softener, a rack for hanging clothes, and the counter where her clean clothes were neatly arranged.

“Hey, you still with me, darlin’?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, no, I’m fine. I’m Cassidy O’Neal, tenants here call me Cass, take your pick. We’re neighbors, Mr. Blake.” Vaguely, she recalled the building manager putting notices on everyone’s doors about a new tenant fitting Travis’ description moving in today.

“Mr. Blake’s my dad, nice guy. When he visits sometime, maybe you’ll like him.”

“I’m sure I would,” she replied, her eyes drawn to his head. “Can I, ah, have that back?”

“What?” he asked, as if he wasn’t aware that her bra was on his head. He acted as if he didn’t care, cool as cucumber.

“My bra, although I’m not sure why you’re wearing it,” she said, gesturing to his head.

“Got to admit, never had a woman throw her clothes at me, but, damn, you stopped me in my tracks,” he replied as if she’d earned his respect.

Stay tuned for more, excerpts, links for where to find Lipstick and Camouflage, and any related information.

Until next time,
Frances Stockton