Sorry to have been absent the past week. Summer is a busy time for our family. Kids demanding to be entertained and all. Plus my oldest moved out of state with the baby, making for an emotional weekend. On the plus side my mom came to visit and we went to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. I thought I'd share some of the nice pictures I took. Enjoy!

Just a little teaser from a chapter of Monsoon Reign

*Warning: This excerpt contains language and violence.*

“I remember it,” she rushed on. “The memory is vague but... Oh, you were there too, weren’t you?”  Recognition made her eyes go wide.

     He looked down at her accusing finger pointed at him as his anger reached a boiling point. Kaid stood up behind her and patted her shoulder while giving Nicholai a smirk. “How wonderful, my little girl is getting her memories back. I can’t wait to hear what else she remembers.” With a tip of his hat he chuckled and let himself out.

     Nicholai locked the door to ensure they wouldn’t be interrupted before he addressed her. Her face was still lit up with a stupid grin, making him despise her more. He would beat the memories out of her if he must. The sooner she realized there was no happiness in this life the better off he’d be.

     “How dare you barge in here and interrupt my meeting!” He stepped closer and looked down at her. Her recoil and wavering smile gave him some satisfaction.

     “I… I was excited and wanted to share my news.” Her fingers twisted together in front of her. “Besides it was only my father, why shouldn’t I be able to see him?”

     He knew better than to believe the bluff. She held no more feelings for Kaid then he did for her. What a conniving little bitch.

     He grabbed her by the font of her neck and slammed her into the wall. “You will never enter my study unless I summon you here.” 

     Her eyes flashed with anger at him for the first time, taking him by surprise. “You know what I think,” she croaked.

     He loosened his grip on her throat, curious to what she had to say. “What do you think?”

     “I think you were there when I almost drowned and I tried to kill myself so I wouldn’t have to marry such an asshole. Too bad I survived.”

     He laughed and allowed a small measure of respect for her. “Too late to grow a spine now, my dear.” He released her neck before striking her face with the back of his hand. “I have no need of a smart ass wife. You’re duty is to lie on your back and let me fuck you until you carry my child. Perhaps after you give birth I’ll let you retire.”

     Boldness drained away, quickly replaced with fear. “That’s better, wife. Now let’s do something about those memories.” 

Just a quick note to share my excitement of having my first review! You can read it here.

Angie made some good points and I'll have to think about the issue with time lapses. I may go back and do something for the chapter headings to fix that.

Also a reminder that the last day to get Monsoon Reign free will be tomorrow.

I have been frozen with fear.

I don’t mean in the convenient, pretty little metaphor.

I have actually experienced the paralyzing effects of the irrational (Oh it is irrational) fear of panic attacks.

There’s no rhyme or reason. It just comes on with a sudden rush of adrenalin, starting at the top of my head and flashing down into my fingertips and toes. It’s painful too, like millions of hot and cold pinpricks jabbing into every nerve of my body. This is a crippling thing as well. Walking across the room becomes a chore as my body would rather curl up into a ball and let my mind have ultimate rule.

I never believed in mind over matter until this happened to me. I found out quick how powerful and ruthless my mind can be.

But I believe what doesn’t kill you, (and believe me folks, it makes you think it will kill you) makes you stronger. I also believe God allows things to happen for a reason and a lot has happened to me. Now I am one tough cookie.

I’ve been panic free for a while now. Upon recent reflection I recalled an earlier form of panic I experienced in my teens. It would hit, not with fear but a sense of unreality. I had to keep telling myself I was awake and this was REALLY happening. Funny how it started off like that and grew larger with my age.

Hmmm, I feel a story coming on. Can’t wait to meet this new character!

Monsoon Reign kindle edition will be free again 06/14-06/16 on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Monsoon-Reign-Cierstos-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CR14RNG/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1371169546&sr=8-1&keywords=monsoon+reign

I also updated the book description to give a little better idea of the contents.

Kathair wanted answers to her lost memories. Instead of answers she found herself magically bound to the very man her nightmares warned her against.

In a dark world torn apart by war, Fayodale rebuilt itself into a feudalistic society full of religious and political corruption.

Public executions are performed as entertainment and families pay tribute for a goddess to provide them with children birthed through a mysterious pool.

So when the wife of a prominent politician becomes pregnant, the kingdom is thrown into chaos. Using his powers and influence, the Duke will stop at nothing to take the throne and Kathair must decide whether to accept her fate or attempt to flee as her world crashes down around her.

Monsoon Reign is a dark, romantic fantasy that contains violence, language and sexual situations.

I’ve found a new opportunity for silent, uninterrupted writing. The allergist. Alright so mostly uninterrupted. But come on, they come into the room once every thirty minutes, give me two shots and then leave me in a silent exam room with my laptop. What could be better?

What has my life come to when I am excited by 2+ hour appointments for allergy shots because I won’t have kids climbing me and a bird perched on my head while I try to write. Yes, you read that right. My bird perches on my head and it drives me crazy. He gets his little talons all twisted in my hair and then screams at me like it’s my fault.

Ok well, I’m already two cycles of shots in. I’ve only got another hour of this solitude, so back to work.

Monsoon Reign is still on sale for $0.99 until Monday. Get it now before the price goes back up.

http://www.amazon.com/Monsoon-Reign-Cierstos-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CR14RNG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369444804&sr=8-1&keywords=monsoon+reign