First Brush Strokes on the Canvas by Carolina Valdez

I love what I do. In fact, I retired to devote more time to it. Still, like a terrified artist facing a blank canvas, I begin new stories afraid readers might not enjoy the new one. Will my characters capture hearts, will the setting fit them, and will readers keep turning the page as their romance unfolds? Those are always the challenges.

My latest assignment was for a werewolf fantasy but, although I wasn’t ready to let go of the Navy SEALs after Make Mine A Bad Boy, you can’t write a fantasy sequel to a contemporary story.

In the US, if you enter the Armed Forces at eighteen, you can retire at thirty-eight. Then what do you do?  I mentioned possibilities in the above story, and when Blaze Canis came to me for Awaking The Alpha, he had retired and was using SEAL-developed skills in a new job.  

An author can place werewolves anywhere, but in my head Blaze needed to be near a forest. I chose an incredible national park and town I’ve vacationed in. I’ve ridden half a sixty-five-mile round trip bike tour offered there. My group rode from West Yellowstone to the Old Faithful geyser, toured on our bikes with a biking ranger, then, happily exhausted, were bused back to town. You’ll recognize in my story much of what I learned and saw on this trip.  

I’m part Cherokee, and Native lore interests me. As I researched the history of the park, it was a natural thing that an American Native would become Blaze’s lover. Logan isn’t Cherokee, he’s from a tribe with deep roots in The Yellowstone.

As a romance writer, I know a connection between your lovers has to come fast in a shorter work. In the case of Logan and Blaze, I hope I’ve squelched criticisms I’ve seen of stories by other authors that “you can’t fall in love that fast.”  

Happy reading!
Carolina Valdez
http://www.CarolinaValdez
http://www.twitter.com/carolina_valdez
http://fingerstothekeys.wordpress.com

If you enjoy Awaking The Alpha, I invite you to write a brief review and post it to Amazon, Goodreads, and Amber Quill Press.

THE STORY

As a shooting range instructor just outside Yellowstone National Park, former Navy SEAL sniper Blaze is still handling the firearms he loves. When Shoshoni native Logan Rider walks into his class one morning, the attraction each feels for the other is sudden, almost mystical. In the twenty years he was in the navy, Blaze’s teammates had never known he was gay or a werewolf, and he’s confident in hiding his wolf nature from Logan, too.

Will keeping this secret work…or will it blow up in his face as his relationship with Logan deepens?

*_*_*_*

Coming soon from Amber Allure - The Siberian by Carolina Valdez

A shapeshifter fantasy set in Siberia, in the forest where tigers are endangered.

*_*_*_*

Awaking the Alpha by Carolina Valdez is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

LATEST PAX RELEASE - Growl

Visit the links to take advantage of our

Growl An AmberPax™ Collection of Werewolf Romance by Various Authors  Genre: Gay (M/M) Werewolf Romance  Cover Copyright ©2012 by Trace Edward Zaber

Included in this collection of erotic romance...
(For more information on each title, or to purchase separately, click on the book covers below!)

Awaking the Alpha by Carolina Valdez Extended Novella (Gay)

Boundless by Vivien Dean Novella (Gay)

Crouching Vegan, Hidden Werewolf by Sean Michael Extended Amber Kiss (Gay)

My Fate, My Destiny by Darcy Abriel Extended Amber Kiss (Gay)

Temptation Eyes by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly Extended Novella (Gay)

  In conjunction with our newest release, we will be having a giveaway! Any comment made from today throughout the week (1/19-1/24) will be eligible to win the entire pax collection. A winner will be picked at random on Saturday from all comments received.

Temptation Eyes by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly

Owen was born into a Were family, and like those before him, he is expected to turn on the full moon of his twenty-first birthday. And there are especially high expectations concerning Owen’s shift from boy to wolf, given that his birthday falls on the night of the full moon itself.

But when the full moon rises on that fated night, nothing happens. While others around him change, he stays the same, forced to run for his life from the angry pack. Needless to say, Owen is a disappointment to his family.

But then a mysterious and sexy stranger with wickedly tempting eyes comes to stay at Owen’s mother’s boardinghouse, a stranger regarded as suspicious by the clan, who apparently knows that there is far more to Owen than his failure to shift... 

Genres: Gay/Dark Fantasy/Werewolf/Shapeshifter/

Heat Level: 3

Length: Extended Novella (30k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...“Don’t play games with me. I want to know why you brought me here. You’re a hunter…but you’re also a wolf, perhaps even an Alpha. How can that be?”

He lifted his broad shoulders once and let them fall.

“What am I? Am I the bait? You bring me here so that my pack will follow? Then what, you kill them all?” I waited, scarcely daring to breath.

He didn’t answer and all of a sudden the tone of his voice changed. He didn’t ask me to get into the bed. He told me to. “Enough, Owen! Get into the bed now.”

I inched toward the bed. “I’m not undressing.”

“A shame,” he said softly. His voice returned to being quite pleasant. “Do as you will. Please remove your shoes without fear. Feet are not normally sexually stimulating for me. I think I can control myself.”

I glared at him, tipped off one shoe, then the other and lay down on the bed, remaining in a stiff and unnatural position. I heard some noise and raised my head. November took off his long coat and something inside the long pockets clanged together.

“What is that?” I asked.

“Wanna see?” His voice sounded seductive but there was a definite threat attached.

“Never mind.”

I was surprised to hear him laugh.

When he walked around to my side of the bed and looked down at me, my breath caught as I looked into those eyes. Beautiful. He was heartbreakingly beautiful and I was suddenly paralyzed with fear and something else. Desire. It filled my mouth and woke up my cock. And I bitterly chastised my body for its betrayal. His hand came down on mine and he lifted it. For a moment I was sure he would kiss it. My chest heaved and my pulse raced and he leaned down over me, his mouth so close to mine and I heard something click like iron on iron. I suddenly realized my wrist was cuffed to the headboard.

“You…you…bastard!” I started to struggle and within seconds, my other wrist was caught as well.

“I can’t risk you trying to escape,” he said. “And I haven’t slept for days.”

I was spitting mad, calling him every name I could think of. He left the room. “Great, fine! Just walk out, leave me like this, November, you son of a…” I stopped as I heard the shower running. I sighed and closed my eyes. I stayed quiet until I heard him come back in. “And at least,” I began, “you could…” I stopped, blinked. November stood there stark naked, toweling himself off.

“Go on,” he said.

Pure muscle, hills and valleys and ye…Gods…he was one beautiful man. He pushed back his wet hair and wrapped the towel around his waist. Those eyes met mine and he came and perched on the bed. “I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable.”

I swallowed. “Can I have a drink of water please?”

He nodded and left the room. He was back shortly, standing over me. He lifted my head and put the glass to my lips. I drank. He put the glass on the table beside me. “Can’t you give me some answers?” I asked him, keeping my voice calm. “I deserve to know what game you’re playing and why I’m a part of this, don’t you think?”

He nodded again, then walked around to the other side of the bed. I sucked in some air when I felt his weight settle beside me. I turned my head and was a little startled to see his gaze turned toward me. “You called me an Alpha.”

“Yes. You…act like one…but you’re a hunter. How can you be both?”

“I can only be an Alpha in theory, without a pack, Owen.”

“Then you’re a…a lone wolf?”

“Not by choice...” 

My Fate, My Destiny by Darcy Abriel

Sequel to the Amber Allure best-seller My Soul He Seeks...

After their first introduction in Ternekill, and through the sharing of an amazingly emotional paranormal experience, Byron Shepley and Ravol Nova have remained lovers for two years. Finally, Byron has come to terms with his relationship with the mysterious Terne House and his unusual ability to connect with spirits of the past.

But circumstances change when Byron is abducted by Ravol’s fierce enemy, who will use Bryon to bring Ravol to his knees. On a night lit by a full moon, Byron may finally get his wish to witness Ravol transform from human to beast—but it may be his last wish, as two beasts clash in a life-or-death struggle. Byron may be in for more than one surprise before the night is over.

Yet, revelations may not just be about Ravol, but about Byron, too, as he comes face-to-face with what may be not only his fate, but his destiny. Can love save them, or will his fate destroy them both? 

Genres: Gay/Dark Fantasy/Werewolf/Shapeshifter/Gothic/The Arts/Paranormal/Ghosts/ Hauntings/BDSM (Light)/Series

Heat Level: 3

Length: Extended Amber Kiss (11k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...“Byron, are you awake?” Ravol’s voice is still growly and hoarse. It’s a remnant from his change, is what he tells me. “I’ve missed you—I need you now.”

The chains affixing me to the bed jangle as I roll onto my back, opening myself to him.

“I’m here, Ravol. I need you, too.”

His moist heat curls around me, coating me with his presence. I can smell his sweat. I worry about him when he goes out prowling on nights like this. If something did happen I’d be locked to the bed, and Ramon’s not going to interfere with Ravol’s order. I could never get to him fast enough if he needed me. Ravol says he’s simply making sure I’m safe. His enemies track him persistently. They’ll use me to get to him if they can. Ravol is always vigilant. He does some sort of spell around the house, some scent thing or other that he calls a Zhalazti safety net. Once a month he’s out there at the dark of the moon chanting, calling upon the Zhalazti goddess. I don’t understand it, but it’s apparently some charm thing that his tribe used to keep their wagons safe from marauders in olden times.

Beneath my shirt I even have to wear a bag of herbs that he puts together. He makes it stronger when he’s out of town. Heinrich can always tell when I’m wearing the stronger charm. He always jokes about me stinking up the place. I usually confine myself to my office when I have to wear that one. I hate answering questions about it and then needing to make up some story or other.

My attention is all on Ravol now. He comes over me, his body presses me deeper into the bed. His kiss, deep and hungry, transports me, sends the familiar zing of recognition throughout my body. As he lifts my hand, the gold cuff with the strange markings on my wrist rattles because the chain is still attached. He kisses my palm, nips at the heel with sharp teeth. His lips are slippery against mine. Blood of his prey?

“You could make me like you,” I say, just as I’ve said a hundred times before. “I’m ready. It would be easier.”

“No,” he answered sharply. “You will never be like me. You know what you would be. Just like that pelt that’s spread before the fireplace in the music room. Is that what you want?”

“But I’d be with you. You’d teach me to control the instincts. I’ve read the stories. There were some who survived and who controlled the madness.”

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” He leaned down and kissed me fiercely, stifling my words, and at the same time drawing blood as his sharp tooth razed my lower lip. Ravol licked it clean and then he grabbed the tube of lube from the nightstand and squirted the gel into my ass. This was about urgency, as I knew his blood was still running high and hot. His lust was always so intense when he returned to me. Ravol used his fingers to stretch me, to get me ready to take his big prick. Firm, long fingers that reached deep inside me. And then he was over me, dragging my legs wider, lifting me as though I weighed nothing at all. My arms dragged against the chains binding me. The gold cuffs scraped my wrists, the familiar tendrils of pain clawing up and into each digit of my finger, each hand wrapped around the length of chain binding me to the headboard.

And then my attention was diverted as Ravol pressed his big prick into me, stretching me even more. Pain screwed up my arms, shoulder joint to wrist, as I twisted and writhed beneath him. He stretched my ass as the head popped past the ring, fitting so sweet and familiar inside my channel. Coming home, and I couldn’t help smiling at the stupid thought... 

Crouching Vegan, Hidden Werewolf by Sean Michael

New to town, werewolf Dark can’t believe there’s a restaurant called The Vegan Werewolf. Even harder to swallow is the fact that the place smells amazing. The food, however, is easy to get down—it’s some of the best he’s ever had, and that’s saying a lot as it’s, unbelievably, vegan. What’s also not hard to swallow is Erik, the restaurant’s sweet chef, and Dark picks him up after the place closes.

Erik’s got a secret, though, one he keeps hidden deep down inside, and Dark threatens to bring all the things Erik has buried to the surface.

Can Dark convince Erik that there’s more to life than being a vegan? And that, just maybe, wolves mate for life? 

Genres: Gay/Dark Fantasy/Werewolf/Shapeshifter

Heat Level: 3

Length: Extended Amber Kiss (12k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...“So, what do you do, Dark?”

“Private security.” He could work anywhere, pick up and move whenever he wanted—like he’d just done. It left him open for anything and kept him from getting into too much trouble.

“Oh, I imagine that’s exciting.”

“It has its moments. None like this, mind you.” He licked his lips and grinned.

A corner of Erik’s lips quirked. “Flirt.”

Finally, he was doing it right. “So take me home.” He grinned even wider. “After all, you’ve already fed me dinner.”

“What if you’re an axe murderer?”

“No way an axe murderer would eat vegan.” Of course just a few hours ago he would have said no way a werewolf would eat vegan and yet here he was, stomach full of vegan food.

“Then I guess you’re safe from me, too.” Erik’s laugh warmed and one toe nudged his foot.

He chuckled, played footsie with Erik.

Erik relaxed, beginning to flirt back. “So, be honest, why did you come to the restaurant tonight?”

“The food smelled incredible.” He could be honest.

The look he got from Erik proved that it was the perfect thing to say. “Thank you.”

“It lived up to the smell, too. Even if it was vegan.” He winked at the chef.

“Veganism is the way to go. It’s a whole lifestyle. I’ve been vegan for ten years.” The words were so fucking self-righteous, but the tone wasn’t, the expression wasn’t.

“I need meat.” He was a werewolf, after all. He leaned in, gave Erik another smile, deliberately letting his teeth show a little in this one. “I want your meat.”

The air crackled with electricity again, buzzing and burning between them.

Making the first move, Dark stood, staring at Erik the entire time. He could smell the need between them, hot and heavy and all fucking male. Erik followed him, gaze caught, watching closely.

They got out onto the street and Dark wasn’t quite sure how they’d managed not to leave the coffee shop burned to a crisp behind them.

“Take me home.” The words growled out of him, part order, part plea.

“I’m just up the street.” Erik started moving and Dark followed that tight little ass like he was attached to it by a leash.

It was nighttime, but that didn’t bother him. He could deal with anything that might bother them on the street. It was all he could do to keep from pouncing Erik here and now, though. Just a little farther, he kept telling himself.

They made it to a small apartment building with a courtyard. Erik jogged up the stairs, giving Dark a look at that fine ass.

Mine. The thought was sure, pure, and right there... 

Boundless by Vivien Dean

Helping people is what Denny Patton does. Most of the time, it’s through his duties as a cop in San Francisco, but every once in a while, he steps in and aids his brother in an underground battle for those without any rights under the law—werewolves. Their latest mission is to rescue a group of wolves held captive and forced to do the unspeakable. The task will put Denny’s career at risk, but in his heart, he believes it’s the right thing to do.

Especially when one of the wolves turns out to be Elijah Garber, the man who disappeared from Denny’s life seven years ago.

Elijah and Denny were high school sweethearts until Elijah disappeared from the Bay Area the summer after they graduated. The note he left behind told Denny and his family to move on without him, but Denny has never forgotten his first love. Now, he wants answers as to why Elijah left all those years earlier. But more importantly, he wants the future they were always meant to have...

NOTE: This book is part of the Bay Wolves series. 

Genres: Gay/Dark Fantasy/Werewolf/Shapeshifter/Suspense/Thriller/Series

Heat Level: 3

Length: Novella (19k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...“How much time do you think we have?”

“They’re not due back for at least another three hours. More than enough time to get everyone out and cover up your scents once you’ve gone.” She stopped in front of the last stall on the right. Her hand rested on the door’s latch, but she hesitated instead of opening it. “Like I said, this one’s a fighter. Has been from the moment they brought him in. But I don’t want you to think it’s because he’s the monster they all claim he is. None of these people asked to be what they are.”

“Then why did he attack someone this morning?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Did that brother of yours explain what you’re getting these people away from?”

“No.” It hadn’t mattered. People plus cages was wrong, no matter who they were.

“They rent them out to anyone willing to pay. For fighting, for sex, for sport…you name it. This one’s been here for almost six years, and they still haven’t been able to break him. He fought back this morning because that’s what he does.”

“But you’re sure he won’t fight back against me. How is he going to know I’m not one of them?”

“He’s still wolf. He’ll be able to smell it.”

She thumbed the latch and stepped out of the way when she swung it open. I waited for her to go in first, but when seconds passed and she didn’t move, I realized she meant for me to go in after him instead.

My stomach churned. I didn’t want to be nervous, but I was. A hurt werewolf? Asking for trouble under any other circumstances.

She cocked a brow. Her opinion of how ridiculous I was being was obvious.

If she wasn’t afraid, I wouldn’t be either.

I had to duck to enter the stall. The floor inside was packed dirt, with a bucket in the corner that was obviously meant to be used as a toilet. Though the cell was clean, the lingering scent of shit and piss hit the back of my nose strong enough to make me wonder how a creature with a super-sensitive nose managed to survive in it. A pile of blankets along the outside wall served as a bed, but its owner wasn’t on it. He was curled up in the corner, his back to the door. His head was tucked into his arms, but the shaggy ends of his dirty blond hair fell over his thin neck. The threadbare T-shirt he wore was ripped over his shoulder blades, like someone had tried to grab onto him and he’d wrenched away. Through the tears, burn marks in varying healing stages peeked through the gray fabric.

“Jesus,” I muttered.

At the sound of my voice, his muscles visibly hitched, like he’d caught his breath. Was he awake? Alert? In the long run, did it matter?

“Hey,” I said softly, testing the water. I inched forward, keeping it slow, just in case he turned and lashed out. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

A sound that was undoubtedly a whimper emanated from the man. The only word to describe it was pathetic.

My heart broke a little. “I know you must be in pain.” Crouching down, I closed more of the distance, more confident than I’d been when I’d entered. “I’m here to make sure that stops.” I paused. I was within reach of him now, but I wasn’t sure if it was safe to touch him yet. Though he was conscious, he was too accustomed to punishment. I didn’t want to scare him further. “I’m Denny, by the way. What’s your name?”

I heard his exhalation, and his shoulders sagged. A pale hand braced against the floor, the nails caked with dirt, the cuticles filled with dried blood. The muscles in his forearm trembled as he tried to lift himself up.

My instincts took over. I slid an arm around his chest to give him more leverage.

“It’s okay.” I wondered if saying it actually made a difference. It did to me, but my well being didn’t matter here. “I’ve got you.”

Another whimper vibrated through his frame. He was whipcord thin, but displayed surprising strength as he finally lifted his head.

The hair fell away to reveal a familiar set of blue eyes. I hadn’t seen them in over seven years, except in dreams, and those paled in the face of the real thing.

It was my turn to be afraid to breathe.

“Oh, my God. Elijah...” 

Awaking the Alpha by Carolina Valdez

Can men who each bridge two worlds make a life together?

Blaze Canis is doing what he loves best. As a shooting range instructor just outside Yellowstone National Park, the former Navy SEAL sniper is still handling firearms. When Shoshoni native Logan Rider walks into his class one morning, the attraction each man feels for the other is sudden, almost mystical. Since Blaze’s teammates never knew he was gay, let alone a werewolf, he’s confident in hiding his wolf nature from Logan, too.

But will keeping his secret work, or will it blow up in Blaze’s face as his relationship with the American native deepens? 

Genres: Gay/Dark Fantasy/Werewolf/Shapeshifter/Action/Adventure/Interracial/Multicultural/ Exhibitionism/Public Places

Heat Level: 3

Length: Extended Novella (31k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...Blaze arrived for work dressed in a green muscle shirt because of the day’s warmth. His Wranglers weren’t quite as faded as those he’d worn for the class where he’d met Logan, but he wore the same boots because they were broken in and comfortable. His black leather belt was one of several he’d won in rifle competitions. His gold-plated buckle with a rifle embossed on it indicated he was an expert sharpshooter.

Blaze had always looked forward to the competitions or requalifying in the Navy. You shot at pop-up targets, first prone with your rifle supported, prone without support, kneeling and standing. In twenty years, his scores hadn’t changed much. A marksman score barely qualified you as a rifleman. Sharpshooter scores were next, and expert sharpshooters scored highest. The saying was that a marksman brushed an enemy, sharpshooters injured them, but the experts killed them.

In the SEALs, those experts were called snipers. He’d been one of them.

He was at the counter chatting with Gary Johansen, the young man working the front desk, when Logan arrived in the late afternoon. One look at him and Blaze’s wolf swirled and pranced in his chest. He looked good to Blaze…too good. He wanted in the worst way to touch him in a far more significant way than a handshake.

God, what if he isn’t gay?

Logan had dressed more casually today in jeans, boots, and a tight, short sleeve shirt imprinted with a black-on-white drawing of a Native warrior on horseback. His broad chest and firm abs allowed the shirt design to display completely. He’d pulled his hair back again, but this afternoon it ended in a single braid following the line of his neck and spine. Despite his normal clothing, his appearance screamed Native all the way. His shirt suited him.

He was tall, he was big, and a man through and through. This was the way Blaze liked his lovers.

Blaze straightened and smiled at Logan. “Glad you could make it.” They shook hands, and the anticipation of something great spread through him at their touch.

He avoided looking directly in Logan’s eyes. He wasn’t ready for another glimpse of his heart. Please, not yet. It was too unnerving...