angels

Let’s Be Real Here

This topic comes up in just about every interview I’ve been in (whether as the interviewer or the interviewee)…

DO YOU UTILIZE REAL PEOPLE, REAL PLACES, REAL EVENTS IN YOUR WORKS OF FICTION?

Truth is there is always a figment or two (or three or four) of reality in fiction. Whether it be a location the author is familiar with, crafting a character similar to someone you know (it’s fun especially if you don’t like the person), or a message you hope to convey in your writings.

In REKINDLED PROPHECY, I’ll admit that is a lot more truth/reality than you would think in a story about guardian angels, angels, demons, shadow creatures, etc.

  1. I do believe in guardian angels, angels, demons, shadow creatures, ghosts, etc. For me as an author, my own types of characters are 100% real. While the story is a figment of my imagination, I still believe in the truth that these entities exist.

2. The locations in REKINDLED PROPHECY are all based on real places.

The country western bar in the beginning (while with a different name that I do not even remember) did really exist along the Arkansas/Tennessee border. I spent way too much time there during the early 1990s.

The Irish bed & breakfast in rural Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley 100% existed. How do I know? I was married there, underneath the same gazebo Kelly and Matthew were married under. The name was changed in the book since the inn was under foreclosure at the time and I could not get owner approval from the bank to use the name – they said to wait until the property sold and ask the new owners but that never happened.

There really was a koi pond made from a refurbished rectangular pool and the bull frogs were so loud that the innkeeper did leave ear plugs in guest rooms. Sadly, the inn is now closed and for sale if anyone is interested in retirement as an innkeeper.

Even the area of town in Washington, DC where Greylyn goes to find the psychic and battles a demon army – yep! 100% described based on real life knowledge of DC.

3. I may have based a few characters off my friends at the wedding party in the book. And yes, they were known as the “Sex and the City” girls as a joke. And of course, the lovely innkeeper was based off the innkeeper at the time of my own wedding (again, name and hair color changed). Seriously though, that sweet woman made the best eggs benedict!

4. Greylyn’s pride and joy – her 1968 British racing green Camaro? Well, I just so happen to own one. It’s currently being reconstructed from the inside out by my hubby and youngest son who hopes to one day claim it for his own. (Ain’t gonna happen, sweetie!)

Stock photo

5. The drink Greylyn prefers – the Godfather – is my hubby’s favorite cocktail and the only way I will drink scotch.


Ingredients
60 ml Whisky – Blended Scotch whisky
20 ml Amaretto liqueur

So you see, I like to include a lot of truth in my fiction stories.

For places I have not gone to, I research and even find native residents of the location to give me tidbits so I can describe the area accurately. While I have not gone to Ireland yet myself (it is at the top of my bucket list) but I was lucky enough to find a sweet lady originally from one of the areas in Book 3 of the series (which is mostly set in Ireland, and Hell but I haven’t met anyone from there yet). She spoke with me at length about Dun Laoghaire and sent me pictures of the local pier. She even suggested I add something about a 99 (which is Irish for soft serve ice cream and is sold on the pier at Teddy’s), which I did.

For me, there should always be a hint of authenticity in every piece of fiction. It makes it more interesting. So whether you are reading my guardian angel stories, or anything else by me, you can trust there will be glimmer of truth in every one.

The fun part is figuring out what’s truth and what is fantasy.

Thanks, dear friends! And I hope you have an amazing Autumn Equinox!

Character Introductions

REKINDLED PROPHECY is just the first book in the Greylyn the Guardian Angel series, but it is stacked with complex, and dare I say “SEXY”, characters (as depicted by my muses for each one noted above).

Now throughout the series some of the supporting cast will change, but these five are my staple characters, and my favorites.

Over the course of the next couple of months I will devote one blog per character so you have a chance to meet them, get to know them, grow to love them as much as I do (especially before the second book in the series is released so you will be so invested in them, you’ll have to rush out to pick up your own copy).

So just a quick “meet and greet” or “cute meet” as we like to say in writers’ land…

Greylyn MacLeod – guardian angel extraordinaire

Well, it is called the Greylyn the Guardian Angel series for a reason. Greylyn MacLeod has been a guardian angel for over 450 years. She looks amazing for her age, doesn’t she?

She’s a spitfire and fears nothing…okay, maybe one thing – her attraction to a certain dark guardian.

As a guardian angel, she travels the world helping humans fight their own inner demons and the more nefarious real demons. She’s a total kickass heroine!

She loves: classic muscle cars (drives a 1968 British racing green Camaro; french fries; Godfathers (the cocktail – equal parts scotch and amaretto; not the mafia); and hiking.

She dislikes: liars; demons; shadow creatures; and water (she can’t swim so no beach trips in her future if she can help it).

But I’m giving away too much too soon. Check back in a couple of weeks when I’ll give the full profiler writeup of Greylyn, the guardian angel.

Kael, dark guardian and anti-hero

Oh, Kael! You bad boy! Just as sexy as my muse for the character, Jensen Ackles.

What exactly is a dark guardian? I explain in this video from a Facebook Live I did a few months ago. https://www.facebook.com/410672026358806/videos/4114480448624267

In a nutshell, a dark guardian is the exact opposite of a guardian angel.

Kael has one obsession – a certain raven-haired guardian angel, but what chance does he have with her? After all, they are eternal enemies. She works for Heaven. He works for Hell.

Kael’s likes: Greylyn; playing around in politics; and photography.

Kael’s dislikes: Jasper

Jasper, guardian angel and Greylyn’s mentor and best friend

Jasper takes sexy to an entirely new level with his jet-black hair, glacial eyes, and smoking hot body. Why would Greylyn need to look else where for love? What’s wrong with the girl? (we’ll address that later in another post)

He’s been around for centuries. Hero with a heart of gold but bod for sin. He’s not above enjoying the finer things, more sensual things of life. He’s a dapper dresser but insists on wearing his shiny black cowboy boots with everything.

Jasper’s likes: Flirting; motorcycles; more flirting

Jasper’s dislikes: Kael

Thomas, human sidekick and scholar

If you’ve read REKINDLED PROPHECY already, you know we don’t find out too much about the sexy Aussie in the first book. Actually, we only get a phone in (kinda like dating in the age of COVID via Skype, Zoom, etc). But trust me, we will see lots more of Thomas in the next two books in the series. He comes out of the shadows and takes his place as a main character in this saga.

Thomas is from Australia; former rugby player until he injured his knee ending his career; and a parapsychology/occult professor at a small college in South Carolina. He used to work in the Ivy League schools, but they didn’t take too kindly to his theories on the occult and all things supernatural. Greylyn saved him from literally drowning his sorrows in whiskey and pills. Since then he’s been her loyal go-to guy. But there’s more to this mild mannered, sexy-accent talking professor. You’ll just have to dive into the rest of the series to find out what makes this hunk tick.

Olivier, the bad guy

Normally I would not consider Chris Hemsworth as a villain, but in this picture, he does fit the description. Since he’s actually from Australia, maybe we could switch him out for Thomas with shorter hair, but in my mind’s eye, he is Olivier.

Olivier is a fallen arch angel, surprisingly much more dangerous than his brother, Lucifer. It is rumored he is the one who whispered rebellion into Lucifer’s ear. Not much is known about him because he likes to operate behind the scenes, stealthily as a predator should be.

He’s the only one who wants this prophecy to come to fruition. And he’ll make Greylyn fight heaven and hell to make it happen.

Olivier’s likes: designer suits; the opera; toying with his prey

Olivier’s dislikes: anyone who crosses him

And that’s all you’ll get out of me…for now anyway.

I hope you’re intrigued enough to check out these fun characters and their antics in REKINDLED PROPHECY – Book 1 of the Greylyn the Guardian Angel series which you can find here:

***TOP SECRET***

You can get the ebook of REKINDLED PROPHECY from the publisher’s website for just $3 now! Get yours now while it lasts.

Rekindled Prophecy (eBook)

Until next time! Love & virtual hugs to all!

Paperback Release TOMORROW 2/18/2020 for Rekindled Prophecy

book cover FB promo

Rekindled Prophecy is the first book in my fantasy/paranormal series, Greylyn the Guardian Angel. It came out in hardcover and ebook last November 2019 and will release in paperback format tomorrow, 2/18/2020!

I am so excited about the paperback release for many reasons:

  1. Hardcover books are sometimes too bulky to carry around in your purse, even if you use a drawstring athletic bag as a purse like me. (***Note to self: Buy a real purse one day!***)
  2. A LOT of people (and I do mean A LOT) prefer a physical book over ebooks despite the digital version being much more portable. There are a number of reasons for this preference. Some love the paper smell of books. Some have not transitioned to ebooks and never will (my own mom for one).
  3. An author can’t sign an ebook.
  4. Book shelves don’t get stacked with ebooks. You need hardcover or paperbacks for that. So if you love seeing your bookshelves nearly toppling over with books, ebooks will not do the trick. you need hardcover and paperback.
  5. Paperback books are generally cheaper than the hardcovers. So if you buy books in bulk to add to your TBR pile, paperback is the more economical option.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore my Kindle too. It’s the easiest to transport. Since I do most of my reading sitting at swim meets, wrestling tournaments, and in the car rider line at my daughter’s school, throwing the Kindle in the drawstring bag I utilize for a purse is the fastest, most convenient option.

Also, I LOVE hard cover books! I keep the book cover jackets on them too and line them up on my bookshelves with adoration and love! I have a full collection of hardcover Stephen King and Anne Rice books. When I was a struggling twenty-something, I switched to paperbacks and I proudly display them too on my shelves. (***Side note: All books have been stowed away in boxes while we renovate my office, including built-in book cases! Secretly I believe my hubby wants to keep the books in the boxes as he fails to see the necessity in keeping all my books, and keeping them all displayed for me to lovingly gaze it while I daydream when I should be writing or editing, but he will NOT win this one!)

So if you a bookaholic like myself, and you prefer physical books over the ebooks, and you love fantasy/paranormal with a steaming shot of romance thrown in, please check out Rekindled Prophecy starting tomorrow (it’s available for pre-order now, too).

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BOOK BLURB:

Guardian angel, Greylyn saves innocent humans from their own inner demons or the more nefarious real ones. She’s overdue for some rest and relaxation, but upon finding her archenemy already entrenched at an authentic Irish bed and breakfast, she knows her vacation is over before it ever starts.

Enemies for over four centuries, Greylyn has fought the dark guardian, Kael; and fought her desire for him. This time, however, she must work with the dashing dark guardian to protect innocent lives. It’s a deadly gamble. One she has no choice but to take.

But the situation is far more treacherous than she realizes as a notorious fallen archangel holds the lives of a mother and her unborn child over Greylyn’s head to force her to consummate a dormant, but deadly prophecy. One so deadly that Heaven didn’t even write it down.

Rekindled Prophecy: Greylyn the Guardian Angel is a fantasy/paranormal novel with strong undertones of romance and sex appeal between two enemies – one working for Heaven, the other working for Hell.

 

https://books2read.com/u/bzoaBE

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Teaser:

Greylyn gulped in air. She wasn’t dead, not yet. Renewed energy pulsated through her body and gave her strength to push herself up on shaky arms. She stared, turning to look at each man as they circled each other. Both men with deadly intent etched on their faces. In between getting hit, and throwing jabs of his own, the stranger muttered, “Had to be you! It just had to be you!” One final uppercut to Jasper’s jaw, and the guardian angel fell back.

Her mouth opened to scream for him to leave Jasper alone, but no words came out. He turned to her, his face bloodied, but with a sad smile. “Until next time, love.” Seconds later, he vanished down the alleyway.

Suddenly able to move again, Greylyn jumped up and ran over to Jasper. “Who the hell was that?”

“Oh, I’m fine, by the way.” With the indignant look he flashed her, she knew Jasper was far from being fine. Physically, yes, he was alright. But his icy-blue eyes spoke volumes of fury she could not under-stand.

“I’m so sorry …” She checked him for injuries, hands roved over his body. His clothes were spatter-ed with blood. Other than his pride, and a black eye that would fade in an hour or two, he was in perfect shape.

Greylyn knew she looked a mess. Hell, she should be dead. Instead, the blood had already dried and the sizzle of her bones mending underneath her skin comforted her.

I’m not going to die. At least not tonight.

Jasper cupped her chin. “Yes, I know. It’s my fault. It was too soon to send you out on your own like that. I realized my mistake and came to find you, in case you needed assistance.” A nerve twitched in his jaw. “And, I find I was correct. You certainly needed help.”

“Oh, no! Edward? Did he escape? I came out here looking for him, but these guys,” she waved her hand toward the corpses littering the alley, “were after him and …”

“Yes, yes. I get it. You ran into the bad guys and as a bonus, you got a bloody dark guardian your first time on your own.”

“A what?”

“A dark guardian. The exact opposite of us, darling. You are just lucky I came along when I did. That one would’ve carved you up like a porterhouse steak.” He pushed himself off the ground. At his full height of well over six feet tall, he towered above her.

“Does this dark guardian have a name?” She didn’t know why it mattered that she find out his name.

Jasper narrowed his eyes at her in obvious disapproval. “That one in particular is Kael,” Jasper spat. “Truly nasty piece of work. Avoid him at all costs. Hopefully, you will never have to see that creature again.”

He turned toward her and grabbed her by the upper arms, leaning forward so they were nose to nose. An aroma of whiskey and tobacco wafted into her face. “Greylyn, promise me that you will stay away from Kael. If he ever crosses your path, either annihilate him completely with your dagger through his heart and then rip it out of his body while it’s still beating; or run. Just run.”

******

A quick note before I sign off, if you live in (or in driving distance from) Charleston, SC, I will be at the Penned Charleston book signing event on 2/29/2020. Please come by and say “Hi!” I’ll have paperbacks of Rekindled Prophecy to sell and to sign, along with some book swag.

And if you live in Charlotte, NC (or nearby, or within driving distance), please come out to the Queen City Book Fair on 5/23/2020 to see me and many other fabulous authors. I’ll have more paperbacks to sign, and hope to have a pre-order link set up soon.

Queen City Book Fair flyer

I’ll send out updates for future book signings and events as I schedule them.

Thanks and I hope everyone has a beautiful week!

 

Love always,

KC