The Accidental Sereph Maci Aurora (Carran Hollow Fated Mate, #1) Publication date: June 25th 2024 Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
When Atlas Black, a bad boy with a reputation in Carran Hollow, walks into The Hole-in-the-Wall bar investigating a demon sighting, it’s mostly business as usual until he comes face-to-face with his calix—his fated-mate. Except Ivy Day, oblivious to the world of seraphs and demons, thinks she’s stranded in Carran Hollow because a stupid bus has broken down. She just needs a ride to get to the next bus in order to get to her sister across the country. While the guy in the bar hitting on her is hotter than any human has the right to be, unless he’ll give her a lift, she doesn’t have any patience for anything else. But little does she know, Atlas is about to take her on the ride of her life—that is, as long as they can get through the demons.
Cat gives this book 4 meows with a 5 purr heat index...
This is Book 1in the series, though at times it felt like a book 2. Only because of some comments about one of the brothers, nothing that really hurt this story.
There's nice explanation of what the brother’s are, and what Iris is or is becoming.
It's interesting with monsters and demons and toss in the Angels that are not what you'd think they are.
Now, there is a lot of sex and usually that's a turn off for me, but in this case it's almost like it's another character. It's a big part of the story.
I really enjoyed the book and can't wait for Tate and Hazel's story.
EXCERPT:
[Rome] pulls his phone from his pocket and glances at it. “Bus coming into the Hollow.”
Samson and I groan. Buses mean tourists. Obnoxious tourists drag in the demon riff-raff hiding among them, and they aren’t usually the organized kind, but rather the fledgling demons or the deserters attached to the taedae, unsighted humans.
“Not it,” Samson says.
“How’s that injury?” Rome asks me.
“Not an injury,” I repeat. “How many times do I have to say it?”
Rome looks me over, eyes narrowed, as if he can see beyond my skin and bones. “Fine,” he relents. “You go into town. Wait for the bus to roll in, see if any demons have hitched a ride.” He points at me. “But don’t engage, not without backup.”
I’m already walking over to the cabinet, pulling on my harness, sliding a sharpened dagger into a sheath, along with another into my boot. “Me? Engage?” I glance at my bow but leave it, knowing I probably won’t need it. Those off the bus are rarely difficult to dispatch. I glance at Rome with a smile. “Never.”
Samson laughs.
I shrug into my black leather jacket and grab my helmet before I’m out the door, headed for the heart of town. After driving past Lowry’s Gas and Sundries, where the bus stops, and seeing the hulking, metal can is already empty, I ride down Main. I park my bike, cross to the other side, and duck into The Hole in the Wall, a small bar sandwiched between a diner called The Getaway, and a witchy souvenir shop that sells Carran Hollow guidebooks. One of these three establishments is often the first stop for tourists, and thereby their parasitic demons, when they reach town.
My eyes adjust to the dark. There’s an older guy playing guitar near the door. The shiny wooden bar is on the left and runs the length of the room. There are a few people lined up along the counter, atop barstools. Booths—mostly empty—line the right wall, and in between is a stretch of space big enough to walk between the two. I’ve been here before. I have been in every single shop in Carran Hollow, every single home—though the owners haven’t known I was there. The Hollow is my town.
The locals glance at me then look away, giving me a wide berth. They might know me. They might know I’m a Black. If they don’t, they feel it—that sensation skittering across their skin telling them danger is near. That’s all that’s needed.
Romance author.
Lover of stories.
Maci Aurora has been writing stories since she was a child. When she was eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. In high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and from there, her writing journey was cemented in telling stories about love. Having already published many novels (all of which are threaded with romance as upper YA and New Adult titles) under the pen name, CL Walters, Maci Aurora wanted to write stories that offered the same attention to story and characters but with additional steam.
Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies.
After a disastrous high school game of spin the bottle, I gave up trying to get a boyfriend and spent my time studying instead. Now I’m twenty-four, and I’m not only a virgin, I haven’t even been kissed.
When I meet Danny, a handsome legal hotshot, he catches my eye. Right before I trip on flat ground. Ugh.
He’s got a massive … reputation. He’s the most popular guy in the club, a total playboy with a new conquest every night. There’s no way he’d be interested in me.
But one night after I imbibe too much, he winds up taking care of me. And when I ask for his help with my travesty of a social life, he agrees to teach me how to be less awkward with men … if I let him document my progress so he can win a bet with his best friend.
Even though he’s just my love tutor and I’m just his apprentice, this starts to feel like more.
Too bad it can’t be anything but a high-level seminar in how to seduce someone else.
Studious is a sweet and sexy contemporary opposites-attract m/m romance about a suave attorney who’s scared to love and the shy, nerdy bookkeeper he’s teaching how to be a player. Cue makeover montage and a smoldering first kiss. These heroes most definitely are not falling in love. (Okay, heartwarming HEA guaranteed.)
Cat gives this Audiobook 5 meows for the story
5 meows for the performance
5 meows overall
It's hot but sweet!
I loved this story. It grabs you and doesn't let go. But not only is the story good, the narration is great. I could listen forever to Declan's smooth voice. He brought emotion and interest to the story.
This is Book 2 in the IOU series but stands alone just fine. I loved all tge characters. Even Danny being a playboy he came across as likeable. He was honest from the get go. and watching him slowly evolve was fun.
The whole premise of the blog learning thing for Alden was cute. Watching him go from shy and awkward to more confident was enjoyable. All the office banter is fun too.
It's an overall enjoyable romance well worth the listen!
Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.
Scott Fitzgerald is looking for love. Both his flatmates have met their forever someones—when will his turn come?
Then things at work get hectic after a consignment of Pleasure Seekers’ finest toys goes missing. There’s a thief in their midst and Scott has to find out who it is.
Enter Prin Lau, the handsome IT technician who’s escaped Scott’s notice until now. When they’re thrown together, it’s not just the hunt for the villain that makes Scott’s heartrate rocket.
But Prin has fled to Brighton to escape family problems. When he decides it’s time to face them head-on once and for all, where will that leave a barely begun relationship?
With so much distraction, Scott must keep his eye on the prize—and come to understand what he’s really willing to fight for…
Cat gives this book 3 meows with a 4 purr heat index...
Here are a few things I liked about this story.
1: The characters. I found Prin adorable and I also loved all the secondary characters.
2: The mystery on their job that brought Scott and Prin together.
3. The pace of the relationship.
Now having said that, here's a few things I felt fell short.
1: Jeremy, Prin's neighbor, he felt just dropped in. Either he needed to cause some issues (I'd have liked the extra conflict) or taken out. He really didn't add anything to the book.
I'd also loved more of Colin. What happened to him? He was kind of a good friend, loveable funny, then kind of disappeared... heck even him being older I'd love his story or at least more involvement towards the end.
2. The mystery really held premise, it was funny. I mean, truckload of stolen sex toys? But that wrap up was resolved but not resolved? What happened to the culprit?
3. I liked the pace of the relationship and there were lots of hot love scenes. But there was a tiny bit of BDSM thrown in that really didn't fit or add to the story.
Having said that, I love this author. I did like the story it just didn't compare to the Two Tribes
Series.
If you like close friendships, sex toy businesses, computer needs, opposites attract, and a sweet romance with lots of heat and a bit of humor this is for you.
Excerpt
Prin had taken the table at the rear of the coffee shop. As it was early for a Friday, there weren’t many other customers other than a group of schoolkids and a couple of people on their own. The kids were more interested in being the loudest in the group than anything Prin was up to. As for the others, they were focused solely on their laptops.
Nervously, Prin sipped his hot chocolate.
The door opened and Scott walked in. Butterflies swarmed inside Prin. The whole thing had him on edge. Scott’s model looks didn’t help either.
Scott noticed him and came over. “Prin?”
“That’s right.”
Scott dropped his bag and sat down. Prin barely met his gaze.
Maybe this was a bad idea. It’s too bloody late now.
He shifted in his seat.
“Can I get you anything?”
“No thanks,” Scott replied. “I’ve got to go home and log on after this. How did you get out early without raising suspicion?”
“I often work from home so it wasn’t a big deal,” Prin replied.
Scott looked at him expectantly. For some reason, Prin had no idea how to begin.
“It’s probably nothing—”
“I hope not,” Scott interjected. “I’ve had a shit day. I’m banking on you making it a better one.”
Prin had been right. Scott was a self-absorbed queen. He should never have listened to bloody Colin.
“I…”
Scott held up his hands. “I’m sorry,” he said. “My stupid mouth. I didn’t mean to sound like an arsehole. The truth is, I have a humdinger of a hangover. But I have no right to take it out on you. Can we start over?”
Prin’s nanny always used to say to him that he shouldn’t judge other people’s actions until he had an idea of what they were going through. Perhaps Prin had Scott wrong after all.
“I’d like that. Are you sure I can’t order you a drink?”
“Go on then,” Scott said. “I’ll have a flat white. It’ll give me the final hit of caffeine to get me home.”
Prin caught the eye of the barista. “Flat white, please.”
“Sure thing.”
Prin turned to Scott.
Fuck he’s too handsome to concentrate.
“Okay,” Scott said. “Let’s have it straight. I promise you it won’t go any further unless you want it to. I think I signed something when I joined that says you can sue me if I tell a soul other than a priest or a dog.”
Scott giggled to himself. Prin took a deep breath. This time he properly regarded the man across from him. His eyes were the most vivid blue Prin had ever experienced. Something radiated from him that gave Prin the trust he’d needed to attack this head on.
“My boss is Richard Brammin.”
“You have my sympathy.”
Prin smiled. “His son, Elliott, works in my team. You probably already know that.”
“Yeah. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with him. Thick and arrogant. The worst combination going.”
“Agreed,” Prin said, relaxing a little. “Well yesterday he was booking a holiday. I know there’s nothing wrong in that. I guess his manner caught my attention. I overheard his conversation. I wasn’t eavesdropping or anything.”
The barista placed a cup down in front of Scott and left them to it. Prin waited until he was out of earshot.
“He asked his friend to pay and he would give them the cash. He told them they had to do it now. I don’t know. Saying it out loud it sounds ridiculous, but he was definitely on edge. Oh yes and he did say that there’s plenty more where that came from.”
Scott sipped his drink and frowned. “Go on.”
“I happened to mention it to Richard and he got really stressed. He stormed off to speak to Elliott about this holiday.”
Prin worried Scott would lay into him for wasting his time.
“It’s not just that,” Prin continued. “Even before that, I mentioned to Richard about the theft and he told me, in no uncertain terms, that it hadn’t happened in IT. I wasn’t to bring trouble to his door.”
Scott frowned. “Richard Brammin is on more money than you and I combined. Why would he want to rob a load of dildos? It doesn’t make sense.”
Prin stared down at his cup. “I shouldn’t have bothered you. I’m sorry.”
“No,” Scott said. “That’s not what I’m saying. This is suspicious as fuck. Problem is, we need a damned sight more before I can take on Richard Brammin.”
“You believe me then?”
“Of course I do.”
Prin beamed. He had been so sure he was sticking his neck out only to get it chopped off. Now he’d unburdened himself, he felt so much lighter.
“What’s next?”
“Let me sleep on it,” Scott replied. “Don’t mention it to anyone. Have no fear, Prin. I will come up with a plan. I always do.”
Scott followed this up with a wink that went straight to Prin’s groin. Being thrown together with this gorgeous man could be very interesting indeed.
Pleasure Seekers is the online store for the nation’s naughty needs. It caters to all tastes from edible underwear to lube to things that are a little more niche.
Based in Brighton on the South Coast, Pleasure Seekers’ mission is to revolutionise Britain’s sex life.
But what kind of person works in a company like this?
Meet Tyler, Eddie and Scott. Three men who are about to have the summer of their lives.
Who says taking your work home with you is a bad thing?
About the Author
I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
My father’s best friend is totally off limits. Too bad the sexy firefighter is everything I ever wanted in a Daddy.
My friends and I get together once a month to drink wine and talk about our newest, hottest book boyfriends. And if it’s up to me to pick the book, that boyfriend will be a Daddy every single time.
But book boyfriends are safe, and I’m way too cautious to find a real-life Daddy. Besides, why would a strong, confident man like that want a geeky librarian like me?
Enter Keith, my father's best friend, who happens to be a super hot firefighter from Station 69. The same station my dad works at.
My father won’t like it. And unlike all those Daddies I read about, Keith is a real man who rushes into fires and risks injury. It’s stressful enough to make me wonder if I should just stick with my book boyfriends.
Keith is a firefighter at station 69. He works with his best friend Robert and loves his job. His father had been the chief until he retired and made the station accepting and a good place to work for everyone.
Caleb is Robert's son and works at the library. He just returned to town 3 years ago after college to try to work things out with his dad, Robert. He thinks he wants a Daddy but doesn't know where to start. He goes to a club on Daddy night and Keith saves him from some creeps. Keith worries about Caleb so he steps in to teach him how to be a boy and what he should look for in a Daddy.
Oh my, this book is so good. Don't we all want a Keith? A man that cooks, is caring and hot?
Caleb is such a sweetheart too. And then all the side characters. Keith's family, friends, the others at the station and Robert. Caleb's friends...just so many fabulous characters it's a character driven story lovers' dream come true. But wait, there are plots. Of course the Daddy story line, the romance, the best friends' son storyline and some firefighter action.
If you're not sure about the Daddy part, but been wondering if you'd like it, this is the perfect book to start with.
Jacki James has been saying she was going to write a book since she was sixteen and wrote fanfiction (before fanfiction had a name) about her favorite Rockstar. She is a believer in love of all kinds but MM romance is her favorite by far. She has a romantic heart and a dirty mind and likes to write stories that let both shine.
When she isn’t writing she is either creating beautiful pieces of glass art or reading. She is an animal lover and dreams of having a small hobby farm where she can raise goats, chickens and organic veggies. In the meantime, she lives in town with her two cats, awesome husband, and two college-aged kids.
Follow the blog facebook page HERE and check the giveaway tab for all the current promo posts with giveaways, thanks for stopping by y'all!
Nate Mortimer is hot, funny, and kissing him is like falling into the sun.
He’s also the last man I should ever be with.
He’s smooth, wealthy, and practically dragon royalty. But me? I’m just a dragon from the Cornish countryside. Or so I like people to think.
I’m investigating the Fortescues, one of the richest, most powerful dragon families in Britain. Problem is, I’m not the only one who’s undercover. Every time I turn around, Nate’s in my way.
Can I trust him? He has his own issues with the Fortescues. Those dragons are dangerous, and his plotting could draw me into a lethal power struggle. His emotional baggage and troublesome ex? Also problematic.
And none of that helps me keep my mind—or hands—off him.
If I’m not careful, falling for the wrong dragon-shifter could cost me so much more than just my heart…
Cat gives this book 3 meows with a 3 purr heat index...
I really enjoyed the setting and loved the characters. I liked Nate's personality, even though he is a wealthy banker he doesn't come across as pretentious, like the Fortescue family he has come to investigate. There was something about Alex I really loved, but I felt I needed a little more about him and his family line.
Even the secondary characters were interesting, especially Ella and Mr.Taylor. And, I really liked Charlie and would love a redemption story.
The plot had potential, but in the end became rushed and a bit flat. There seemed to be things I felt left unanswered.
The story was a bit slow at first making the book longer than it needed to be. If it was shortened just a little, some of the filler out of the front and some action (especially Dragon action) put in this story has a lot of potential. I mean, Dragon's? Yum!
If you're looking for a more relaxed and cozy read in modern times but a slight historical feel, this may be for you.
Excerpt
“Is there a reason you’re interested in an empty old theatre?” I asked Nate while Ella was busy taking off her coat.
“I’m researching for a book I intend to write.”
“One about making millions off the backs of others in a banking empire, I’m guessing,” I said, promptly wanting to kick myself as his eyebrows raised. I was supposed to be getting close to him, not letting him know what I thought about his lifestyle. “I mean, what’s it about?”
“Nate’s going to write a best-seller about Jane Austen’s torrid love affair with the actor Robert Elliston,” Ella said, sliding her arm through Nate’s to press her cheek against his shoulder.
“I didn’t know Jane Austen had an affair,” I said.
“She didn’t,” Nate said, then paused. “Well, she probably didn’t. Though I suppose it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility if she was extraordinarily discreet about it. For my purposes, all that matters is that she’s known to have relished Elliston’s performances. She was so impressed by him that she worried he might leave Bath when he inherited some money. Anyway, Ella—you know this place. Lead on.”
We spent the next hour or so wandering around, exploring thoroughly.
“Do you think Jane Austen was a theatre groupie?” I asked as we walked into one of the dressing rooms.
Nate’s face lit with humour. Ella’s, however, was full of scorn. “Don’t you know anything about her?”
I didn’t care what she thought of me. Nate was still grinning, and it was a good look on him.
“I’m going to have to put that in the book,” he said. “I should call it Greasepaint and Blowjobs: The Secret Life of Jane Austen.”
“Honestly.” Ella rolled her eyes and stomped off.
That gave me a chance to finally talk to Nate. “Sorry about last night,” I lied through my teeth. “It seemed the best thing to do in the heat of the moment.”
He smiled at me, a different sort of smile from his amused grin, and it sent all kinds of messages to my cock. “Are you really sorry?” he asked, and for the first time, I understood what people meant when they said someone purred when speaking. “I’m not.”
“Maybe we should try out something for your book,” I suggested. “Get some of the groupie logistics nailed down.”
“I hope it’s more than logistics that are going to be nailed,” he murmured, moving forward, an almost hypnotic sway to his stride.
“Nate!” Ella’s shout echoed down the corridor outside. “You need to look at this.”
The moment was well and truly broken, though my cock still hadn’t got the memo.
“Coming,” he yelled back, and then winced. “Or not,” he added, with a rueful sideways glance at me before heading out of the room.
I followed, enjoying the sight of his arse once again. I didn’t know what to make of Nate Mortimer. My dick knew what it wanted to make of him, and that was a sweating, panting, ruined mess. But I hadn’t spent enough time with him yet to work out who he was. When Charlie had cornered him at the bar, he’d been…vulnerable? Something other than a smooth entitled banker, anyway. I’d warmed to him when we’d joked about Jane Austen giving blowjobs. He would be easy to like. And just now, he’d definitely been open to getting laid.
But he was a banker,so I had no interest in puzzling him out. I simply needed to get him talking so I could find out why one of the Mortimer family had been poking about in James Fortescue’s study.
About the Author
Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse riding and gardening (though not all at the same time).
She tends to talk a lot about the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully, she has a very patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.
Matty Carlson Playing House with Local Schoolteacher?
Toronto Fisher Cats enforcer, Matt Carlson, was recently spotted in the park with a hot mystery man and four children ranging in age from pre-teen to infant.
A close source indicates that the man is prep school English teacher, Antoni Bianchi, who has been spotted with Carlson in public recently.
Following the cozy park outing, Carlson was photographed with his arm around Bianchi as they returned to Carlson’s home, adding fuel to the speculation that the men are dating and, perhaps, living together.
Just friends or is something else heating up their late summer nights?
Since Carlson’s acrimonious divorce five years ago, he has not been romantically linked to anyone but rumors swirled of involvement with a man prior to the split.
Is the enforcer ready to “switch teams” for good?
When asked to comment on her ex’s sexuality, aspiring actress Courtney Quinn stated, “I don’t know why everyone is surprised. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s been with a man.”
Sour grapes from a jilted lover or secrets from his past revealed?
Check the JockGossip blog for all of the latest developments in this intriguing new chapter of Carlson’s life.
Trigger Warning: The story contains discussions about the death of background characters in a car accident, children being orphaned, and grieving.
Mentions of biphobia, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and violence against non-binary characters.
Cat gives this book 5 meows with a 3 purr heat index...
My favorite thing about this story is the realism.
I really loved Matty and Antoni both, but can I have a Matty please?
There is a bit of slow burn but when the two finally make that move it's so hot... and real. Matty makes a thought when they kiss after some intimacy it wasn't his favorite taste, realistic not the usual oh yummy how wonderful etc. That's only one example.
I loved all the guys from the team and Antoni's family, then there's the 4 kids.
There's a big twist at about 60 percent that really picks up the book too.
There's a lot going on, the romance is sweet tge story intriguing. I loved it!
Brigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time author. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
Her books range from short stories to novellas to novels. They explore gay, bisexual, lesbian, and polyamorous romance in contemporary settings.
For the past several years, Matthew’s life has been one challenge after another. Keeping his sister’s four orphaned kids fed, clothed, housed, and entertained has him run ragged. Now he’s losing the kids’ mentor and maybe his job, if the plant where he works as an electrician shuts down like the rumors say. When his car won’t start outside the hospital, it’s the last thing he needs. Matthew could use a hero… so of course that’s when Lucas Reardon shows up again.
A-list actor Lucas Reardon returned to his Michigan hometown to say goodbye to his father. The last person he expects to see is Matthew Wilson, the one who got away. Lucas helps Matthew out with the car, the kids, whatever he needs. But really, *he’s* the one who needs saving. Years of the fast-paced Hollywood life have worn him down to nothing, and a deranged stalker is making his life hell. Matthew becomes his refuge. But relationships need time to grow and bloom. With the paparazzi breathing down their necks and a deadline on Lucas’s return to LA, can they build a life worthy of the big screen?
This is a delightful emotional story with all the feels. It has everything... second chances, childhood sweethearts, movie stars, single dad, and some suspense.
I just loved both characters, Lucas and Mathew. Lucas is a famous movie star, but he isn't a stuck-up snob. He is just a man who loves his job, and his fans but is overworked and longs for someone he left behind to realize these dreams, now going home to say goodbye to his father he is faced with his past, but can he leave him behind a second time?
Mathew had dreams but was left in charge of his best friend's 4 children. now they are his life. however, he can't help but wonder what could have been when Lucas returns and they rekindle old flames.
There are so many awesome characters to love, and of course, cute kids.
If you love second chances, movie stars, single dads, suspense cute kids and off-page love scenes, you will love this one.
Andrew Grey is the author of over 100 works of Contemporary Gay Romantic fiction. After twenty-seven years in corporate America, he has now settled down in Central Pennsylvania with his husband, Dominic, and his laptop. An interesting ménage. Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world.
He is a recipient of the RWA Centennial Award, has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and now writes full-time. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Visit Andrew's web site at: www.andrewgreybooks.com
Follow the blog facebook page HERE and check the giveaway tab for all the current promo posts with giveaways, thanks for stopping by y'all!
