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

Important News! Ellora's Cave Publishing

Good morning everyone! I've important news to share with readers. As you may know from previous blog posts (not my own), social media, and various other forums, my former publisher, Ellora's Cave Publishing has announced they will be closing at the end of December 2016. Fortunately, I'd received notification a couple of weeks ago that all of my remaining titles (I'd previously received 5) would revert to me as of October 12, 2016! While I am relieved and excited about the opportunity to re-release every title, and more that were planned but never came to be due to the stress and circumstances beyond my control since 2014, I am also very saddened by this news. I've never wished ill will toward anyone at EC, ever. In all honesty, I am grateful to the staff, editors, cover designers, and Jaid Black for creating a venue for authors to write as hot as they wanted and not feel ashamed or hide. Along the way, I've been fortunate to meet the most amazing, incredible authors, my editor, cover artists, models, and readers at RomantiCon and RT conventions, and lately, Wild Wicked Weekend. They were a blast! With thanks to Facebook and Twitter, etc, those relationships have continued, and I will be at WWW, which is always a fun time.

Currently on my to-be-released schedule is Pride, The Abcynians Book II, and the second of my Brandt's Dozen series, featuring Kristian Rodriquez. Soon after, I will begin revising, revamping, and in some cases re-titling, all of the books previously published by EC, the first of which will be Quarterback Blitz. While characters will remain the same, I intend to update the books so that they're more current, for example phones/technology/computers/social media, and the series formerly known as 'Ink and Kink', that included 6 titles, will be divided into two different series, the Alexandria Griffins and Maddox Ink  though characters such as Phalen Maddox or Alexander Grant will crossover. Likewise, the 'Dare' books will be reworked and re-titled, with two additional stories to complete the series! In other words, there are going to be a lot of books next year. Between the re-releases, Brandt's Dozen and The Abcynians will continue to thrive.

While I intend to write more for the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), it could be a while before a new one comes out, as I'll be a very busy writer in 2017 and 2018! Stay tuned for release dates, news, and up-to-date information. To my readers, thank YOU for standing by Kyran and Anna, Dallas and Grace, Phalen and Cassie, Alex and Ryan, Ethan and Morgan, Avery and Hazard, Taran and Samantha, Eve, Jaxon, and Remy, and a standalone, Pleasure Trove's, Callie and Maksim/Julian. They will all return in the future!

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. 

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