I’ve been a bit quiet lately on the web because…we’re back to school.  Not only are my kids back to school, but so am I.  We’re into a schedule, and frankly, it takes me some time to adjust.  I’m teaching full time at the college now, and as usual, I jumped in with both feet.

But October is here!  That means that we’re in a schedule, life is smooth, and the nights are about to get longer.  Right?!?  I almost have myself convinced.  This is good because hey, it’s time for the goblins, vampires, and demons to show up. 

It’s also time to start talking about CLAIMED.  Dage and Emma’s story will be released on November 1^st, and I can’t wait.  As the vampire king, Dage is quite the Alpha hero,  and only an equally intelligent, driven, and spirited woman could be his mate.  Emma Paulsen is brilliant and hard-working—totally focused on curing the vampire virus that ends up threatening her sister.  While Dage may be an over-the-top Alpha, his mate is more than a match for him.

Here’s a very quick excerpt from CLAIMED:

Emma glanced to his side and fought to keep her mouth from hanging open.  Dage stood in the doorway dressed in a black tux—all powerful male animal.  The sharp angles of his face enhanced those amazing eyes.  Even in the civilized garb, something not quite tame emanated from him.

His gaze swept her head to toe.  “You’re wearing my colors, love.”  He stalked forward and leaned down to brush her cheek with a kiss.  “Soon you’ll be wearing me,” he whispered for her ears only.

Desire blasted into her even as she stepped back.  She liked things organized, nicely lined up in test tubes.  There was nothing nice about Dage, and she sure as hell couldn’t predict him.  And any outcome she’d envisioned ended with the king destroyed.  Because of her.  She shook her head.  “No.”  Damn but that sounded breathy and unsure.

His eyes hardened but he didn’t get a chance to respond because Janie threw herself into his arms.  “Uncle Dage.  Do you like my dress?”

An astonishing change came over the king.  His face softened, his eyes glowed as he caught the little girl and stood her on a cherry wood end table.  “You’re beautiful, Janie.”  His smile crinkled the corners of his mouth.

“Like a princess?”  The little girl breathed.

Dage held her tiny hand with a delicate touch Emma would have to be blind to miss.  “You are a princess, sweetheart.”

The smile bursting across her niece’s face reached Emma’s heart.  An odd relief eased her mind.  Janie’s safety wasn’t only on her shoulders anymore.  Dage and Talen were more than equipped to keep the little girl safe should the worst happen.  In case she failed to find a way to cheat death. 

So, thanks for dropping by today.  I have to ask: are you ready for October?  In my little part of the world, it means darker nights, colder days, and a hint of winter in the air.  What does it mean to you?