Category: Publications

Publications

Valentine’s Day story: Dandy’s Little Girl

McKay

Tomorrow (February 5), our first work of 2014 will be published! It’s a Valentine’s Day themed novella called “Dandy’s Little Girl”:

Five years after losing his partner, Noah Coleman lets Andy Lane into his life and the life of his daughter, Emily. Emily and Andy obviously adore one another, but can Noah handle it when his feelings of friendship for Andy become something more?

For this story, I wrote Andy, who is the manager of a toy store by day and a Bluegrass musician by night. His band, the Big Biscuit Bottoms, are hired to play an “Anti-Valentine’s Day” gig at a local bar, and I had way too much fun compiling the set list. Rather than go for songs about heartbreak and betrayal, I decided to use songs dealing with the end of a romance… via murder.

What amused me most is that I found so many, I had to narrow the final list down. Not all of the songs I chose involve murder, but they are all unconventional takes on love and romance. In case anyone is intrigued, I’ve compiled a list (with videos!) below.

Continue reading “Valentine’s Day story: Dandy’s Little Girl”

Publications

Holiday story: Last Leap of the First Foot

McKay

Our first holiday story of the season is now available! Last Leap of the First Foot is set in 19th century Scotland during Hogmanay, and it focuses on Iain and Bran, lifelong friends who are realizing they both want more.

Iain Donaldson and Bran MacRae have been best friends since childhood, despite Iain being part of the gentry and Bran a mere crofter’s son. Iain’s feelings of friendship have deepened over time, and he suspects Bran might share his inclinations—and Hogmanay may be the time to confess feelings. As the old year becomes the new, Iain keeps his promise to first-foot at the MacRae cottage, and Bran takes the opportunity to bare his heart—will it be enough to overcome the challenges to their budding relationship?

“Last Leap” is part of Dreamspinner’s Heartwarming holiday anthology, and it’s on sale now – 58 pages for $3.99!

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Publications

Halloween story now available!

McKay

Ghost of a Chance is now available from Torquere Press! 

74 pages / 22900 words 
Ebook zipped file contains – html, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, mobi, epub for $3.99

Dr. Mason Beaulieu thinks rival ghost hunter Haywood “Fort” Fortenberry is sexy but too credulous when it comes to the paranormal. Fort thinks Mason is attractive but too cynical. When they’re offered a chance to be locked up in reputedly haunted Wisteria Grove on Halloween night, however, both men jump at the chance.

Storms and mysterious sounds keep them busy during the night, and they discover a mutual respect for each other’s skills. As the investigation continues, Fort learns the truth behind Mason’s seemingly dismissive attitude, and Mason finds a new appreciation for Fort’s open-mindedness. But when an unexpected intruder derails the investigation, they learn that more than just hunting ghosts can offer them thrills and chills.

 

Wisteria Grove is loosely based on the Myrtles Plantation, which is considered one of the most haunted places in the US. Ari and I had both heard about the plantation-turned-B&B, and we both want to stay there overnight, although we’re in total agreement that we wouldn’t sleep a wink! Personally, I’d love to participate in a ghost hunt one day, but I’m not sure I’d want to start my ghost hunting career at The Myrtles. I’d probably need to work my way up to that! 

As we kick off the Halloween season, we hope “Ghost of a Chance” gives our readers a few chills and a few thrills. 😀

Publications

Heart of Stone pre-order

McKay

We’ve received a release date from Dreamspinner Press for our historical Western novel! Heart of Stone will be released on June 3, and it’s now available for pre-order in e-book and paperback format!

 

Stone Harrison never knew he had an aunt; he certainly never expected her to bequeath him one of the largest spreads in central Nevada. But something about Copper Lake Ranch and its foreman, Luke Reynolds, speaks to him, offering a chance for the home he’s never really had.

Luke wants Stone to succeed as a rancher and put the legacy of his shiftless father behind him, but he’d also like Stone to share his bed. Unfortunately, Stone is convinced that the world is a harsh place that will never accept two men sharing their lives. Much to Luke’s dismay, he refuses to risk Luke’s life despite the intense attraction they share.

The tension between them escalates when a series of calamities strikes Copper Lake. An unexpected and unwelcome visit from Stone’s dandified cousin, James, only makes things worse. Stone’s ability to run the ranch comes into question, but the threat of losing it means less to Stone than the threat to Luke’s life. Stone will do anything it takes to protect the man he loves—even if it makes him a murderer.