A WItch’s Quandary
Welcome to my Sunday Snippet. This week we take a look at A WITCH’S QUANDARY, the sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series. – A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice with a little blackmail mixed in. Can they weather the storm and find a future together?
A little about the inspiration for the book: I spent 18 years as paralegal for law firms. A paralegal is basically a playwright for the attorney. Most depend on the paralegal to do research, write up the pleadings and motions synopsize the case. Subsequently, when something goes wrong, guess who’s to blame? Not the person who has been working on his golf game, or schmoozing with higher ups to better his position in the law firm or political aspiration’s rather than over seeing the trial prep. You got it. So from that perspective I wrote a solicitor from Scotland that didn’t want to play the game, forced to make a choice that would negatively effect is personal life, but had magic on his side to boot.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about
Let’s check out what A WITCH’S QUANDARY is all about:
Gale’s engagement is off because she refuses to leave her thriving business in Ireland to follow Dillon to Scotland. Her family and friends are on the emerald isle. Yet, when Dillon returns with the whole story and asks for her help, she must follow her heart.
Becoming a Solicitor, then partner in the family law firm was never Dillon’s dream. Now it’s his nightmare. Called to Scotland, his father demands he take his rightful place in the firm or be disowned and disinherited. Something is terribly amiss in the firm and family.
During Gale and Dillon’s investigation, they discover the enforcer for the Demon Overlord is also delving into rumors the firm is acting illegally. Magic has been stolen, someone is being blackmailed, and a member of the Witch’s council is corrupt. If Gale and Dillon want a life together in Ireland, they have to unearth secrets threatening to destroy the firm and family in Scotland.
How about a peek between the pages of A WITCH’S QUANDARY:
“This is an outrage. It’s my firm.” Bram bellowed slamming his fist down on the table. Sparks flew in all directions creating a red-hot spider web of power crackling across the tabletop. Everyone at the table scrambled back or stood. Dillon caught the malevolent spark in his father’s eye a split-second after Gale. She had already brought her hands together, the room sizzled as she conjured a ball of fire and with a few words sent the witch fire and spell at him.
“What have you done?” Bram screeched as the fire and spell hit him center mass. “Witchfire too? Bitch.” He slid to the floor.
Iris ran to his side, tears spilling her cheeks, she wiped his sweat-soaked brow with a napkin. “You just couldn’t stop, could you? What did you do? Make a deal with the devil? We should have put a stop to it. To you. But…” She helped him into a chair. “I’m afraid you’ve messed with the wrong witch, this time. Brought this on yourself. You did. But I won’t let you take this family—the firm—down with you.” Giving his shoulders a little shake, she gazed into his shocked eyes. “What have you done?”
Bram slowly shook his head and murmured, “It’s my firm.” He raised his gaze and glared at Gale pointing a bony finger at her. “You’ll pay for this.” Then turned his attention to Dillon. “I told you nothing good would come from aligning yourself with this witch. Her blood is not pure. Diluted by the Fae power of her…” He broke off.
Dillon stood at Gale’s back his hands steady and supportive on her shoulders as she said nothing for several beats. Eventually, she turned her emerald green eyes to him and held his gaze. “I couldn’t let him divide the family with that dark magic. I tempered my deadly witch fire with the spell.” She tore her gaze from Dillon’s, touching her fingertips to the scorched marks radiating across the table stopping an inch from the edge all around. “If he’d succeeded, there’d been no turning back. If the tendrils of that spell had left the table and reached one of you…” She shook her head.
Appearing to gather his wits about him faster than the rest of his family, Sturgen surveyed the scene, wiped his brow with a monogrammed handkerchief, and sucked in a breath. “The firm is no longer yours.” He squeezed Olivia to him, starting for the door. “We’ve had enough for one night. Let’s adjourn until a full audit of the cases and firm can be conducted.”
****
Gale leaned against Dillon, his strength and calm flowed into her. “I felt your father’s intentions. The intentions he was able to disguise from his family. He planned to destroy all of you.”
“I know. I felt him…hmm…something evil. Only my reaction was a second too late. I’m glad yours wasn’t. How long will he be spellbound? That is what you did. Right?”
“Aye. Among other things. Indefinitely… I hope. He’s got a lot of power that isn’t his. I’ve no way to bind what I don’t know.”
Thank you for stopping by to check out my Sunday Snippet A Witch’s Quandary. Please join us next week when I’ll have another Sunday snippet for you.
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Posted in Uncategorized by Tena Stetler with no comments yet.
Arresting Alan by Amber Daulton
Give a warm welcome to Amber Daulton, author of Arresting Alan, released today April 9, 2024!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Amber and Arresting Alan!
How about the Inspiration and Development of Arresting Alan?
Arresting Alan is one of the books I’ve longed to write for years. Some of my story ideas come from dreams, but this one, I did it the old-fashioned way. I created a few new characters, further developed older ones introduced in prior books, and plotted for days with pen and paper and my handy colored pencils and highlighters at the ready. I ripped out chunks, added new stuff, ripped out more, and fine-tuned the plot until it sang. Since Alan is a computer technician with secret hacking skills, my own techy husband, Greg, and I spent countless hours talking about hacking stuff to help me get the details right. All-in-all, that was a busy few weeks.
When I first came up with the idea for the Arresting Onyx series back in 2014-15, I knew I was going to save Alan Harding for the finale. He’s the quiet, reserved brother of the hotheaded hero from book one, Arresting Mason, and I wanted to bookend the series between the Harding brothers. Both men look a lot alike (tall, gorgeous, built brunets with piercing green eyes), but they’re as different as night and day. At least that’s what everyone thinks. Alan has a dark secret no one saw coming—not even me for the longest time—but I should’ve known he was going to give me trouble. Men are always trouble.
No spoilers here, but Alan did something very bad for a very good reason. He loves hard, and when the people he calls family are in trouble, he’s the guy with the rescue plan and follows through with it to the end—no matter how much it darkens his own soul.
Once I figured out how deep Alan was going to fall, I needed to plot his road to redemption. Luckily, his ladylove DEA Special Agent Hannah Adler helped with that.
I’m so relieved I chose Hannah for the role of heroine. A few other ladies were in the running (new characters that obviously didn’t make it into the final book), but Hannah first showed up in a minor role in book 2 and then again in book 3.5. Hannah had her own story to tell, so she was all gung ho about getting her own book. (FYI: Sometimes, my characters speak to me and refuse to shut up until I give them what they want. I’ve learned to live with it.) Anyway, Hannah was the perfect match for Alan and made my job easier.
Even though I always wanted Arresting Alan to be the last book in the series, I wrote another book featuring Alan’s friend, Bristol. Of all my heroes, Bristol is the most demanding, and he desperately wanted a HEA. I couldn’t deny him. So I finished that one, but it didn’t fit well with the rest of the series. I couldn’t keep it, but there was no way I was going to discard it. I was stuck with only one real option available—create a spin-off, the Lozano Cartel, with Bristol’s book as the first in the series. I’m super excited about it.
Back to Alan…this book means a great deal to me. At times, I thought I’d never get it published simply because it took so long to get the earlier books released. (The final manuscript has been gathering digital dust on my computer for a while.) I’m so happy to finally release it and bring my series to a close. It’s hard to say goodbye to beloved characters that I’ve been working with for about a decade, but I’m eager to move on with the spin-off.
I hope you enjoy Arresting Alan as much as I do. Well, Amber, I have to say, I did enjoy Arresting Alan very much! Which brings me to my review of the book:
Arresting Alan is the fourth and final installment in the Arresting Onyx series. I’ve read each book in the characters’ quest to take down the Onyx syndicate. Alan is Mason’s brother (a character from another book whom I enjoyed) But Alan has his own set of problems revolving around an impossible challenge, his adorable little boy, and Hannah, his sexy as sin undercover bodyguard. Which makes the situation even worse. It becomes a race against time after his son is kidnapped. He must save the boy while attempting to bring a criminal organization to its knees.
No spoilers here. However, the characters and the scenarios are so well described that you’ll feel like you are battling right beside them. I found myself holding my breath hoping Alan would not get caught in a certain scenario. Whew! <wipes brow> This book brought the series full circle in a extremely satisfying way. I highly recommend Arresting Alan. The book can be read as a standalone. I did read them out of order, but I recommend reading them in order if you have a chance.
A little more about Arresting Alan.
A hacker, a federal agent, and a crime boss. The time has come to fight.
Computer technician Alan Harding is no saint, but his squeaky-clean image is unshakable in the eyes of his family and especially his young son. After he agrees to assist a drug lord-turned-snitch and hack into a criminal database, he’s faced with an impossible challenge—keeping his hands and heart away from his sexy as sin bodyguard, DEA Special Agent Hannah Adler.
Hannah would rather go hand-to-hand with an assailant than go undercover as Alan’s girlfriend, but she’s determined to keep him safe and his illegal activities on the down-low. The handsome man and his adorable child, however, are more than she bargained for.
Once their enemies learn the truth and retaliate by kidnapping Alan’s son, they’ll have to race against the clock to save the boy and bring a dangerous empire to its knees.
Only 99 cents for a limited time!
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A peek between the pages of Arresting Alan.
She flexed her hands, determined to take the high road. “I’m sorry about this morning, flipping out on you and all. What happened last night was a mistake. It won’t happen again.”
“Bullshit. I know your job is tough. Your bitchy façade is what you want the world to see, but I’m not the world. Keep your apology and tell me what’s in your heart. It’s not the chunk of frozen coal you pretend it is. You burned like liquid fire when I touched you and clung to me as we slept. Don’t deny it. You owe us both better than that.”
She pursed her lips and dropped her gaze. The heart in question ached from his astute assessment.
“Forget it.” He turned back around and jabbed his fingers at the keyboard.
A long string of letters, numbers, and symbols popped up in the black window.
She cursed and seized the steps between them to gently squeeze his shoulder. “My heart’s not frozen, but you’re a temptation I can’t afford. I won’t deny what happened or how it made me feel, but don’t expect a repeat.”
He halted his tirade on the keys and stared straight ahead at the computer with glassy, unfocused eyes behind his black-rimmed glasses.
“Are you okay?” She swished her hand in front of his face and snapped her fingers.
His Adam’s apple bobbed like he swallowed a marble.
He half turned and grasped her hand so quickly that she jumped. Her stomach clenched from his suddenly sharp gaze on her face. Oh yes, she was in trouble. Alan had breached her defenses, pierced her soul, and reached her vulnerable side. That ended now.
She straightened, taking full advantage of her superior height with him in the chair. “Grow up, Alan, and forget about your little crush on me. Whatever you have going on in your head where I’m concerned is ridiculous.”
“Crush?” He feathered his thumb over her knuckles and tightened his grip when she tried to pull back. “Go ahead, fight the draw between us all you want. You won’t win. I said yesterday I’d wait for you. Now I’ve tasted you and felt you shatter in my arms. If I have to wait a lifetime to hold you again, fine. You’re worth the wait.”
A sob burned in her throat. She’d waited so long for a man she cared about to claim her. Now that it happened, she itched to run away. “Believe what you like, but nothing will come from it.” Again, her stomach twisted.
“We’ll see.” He released her and commenced typing with a much lighter touch. As she retreated across the room, he cleared his throat with a cough. “But know this, Hannah baby—I’m not giving you up without a fight. If you don’t want me, you’ll have to prove it.”
About the author:
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Social Media Links
Universal link – https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton
Exclusive Newsletter (free ebook to new subscribers) – https://amberdaulton.com/newsletter-signup/
Thank so much for stopping by I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek a Amber’s newest release, Arresting Alan.
Check back often for new releases or Sunday Snippets!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Amber Daulton, Arresting Alan, Arresting Onyx Series, romantic suspense by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
A Witch’s Journey-Sale $1.99 – Sunday Snippet
Yippee! Sunday Snippet is showcasing A Witch’s Journey. It’s on sale of $1.99. Former Navy Seal, Lathen Quartz helps Pepper McKay, a powerful witch, achieve her life-long dream of a wild life rescue, but can they save the McKay magic? This is the first book of the series by the same name.
Animal and wildlife rescue is close to my heart. I volunteer at a wolf rescue, donate to another and also support a parrot rescue. I feel that whatever we have tamed, we are responsible for taking care of forever.
A Little about A Witch’s Journey:
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
Snippet of A Witch’s Journey!
At dusk, the mist rolled in, but it didn’t dampen the revelers’ enthusiasm. Pepper and Lathen followed the crowd over to the harbor where several boats were lined up and decorated with different kinds of patriotic colored lights. A variety of bulbs burned steady, while others flashed, chased, and twinkled. One pleasure craft had a flag draped over the bow made up of red, white, and blue lights that blinked in time to “The Star Spangled Banner” playing in the background.
After casting votes for the best display, they returned to Lathen’s pickup and drove the short distance to the Sea Crest Inn, where everyone gathered for an ice cream social to benefit local charities. Local bands presented the entertainment for the evening. Music ranged from country to rock and roll, and even a group that did a respectable job on the 1812 Overture as the spectacular fireworks display exploded in the night sky. Then the unthinkable happened.
A cold shiver ran up her spine as goose bumps crept up her arms. Pepper reached down to untie her sweater from her waist, and someone grabbed her around the middle and covered her mouth with a hand. Excruciating pain exploded through her temples. Instinctively, she sank her front teeth into the palm of the hand covering her mouth. He cursed and shook his hand free. She screamed, stomped backward grinding her heel onto his foot, then whirled around, elbows out and connected with the bridge of his nose. A split second later, she shoved her knee up hard into his groin. Blood spurting from his nostrils, hands cupping the family jewels, he yelled a stream of curses as he hit the ground and curled into a fetal possession. A big burly man, pounced on the attacker, yanked his arms behind his back and pressed a knee to his ass as the attacker writhed in pain.
The burly man glanced up at Pepper. “You all right?”
Bent over at the waist, forearms resting on her thighs, palms together, she gulped in air and said haltingly, “I’m ok. Thanks.” As she battled to keep the magic furor at bay, her hands tingled, she shook them out and clasped them tight together. Can’t release magic among mortals.
Pepper’s scream brought Lathen bounding through the crowd, just as Pepper landed the final blow.
A Witch’s Journey Series – Tales of redemption, magic, wildlife rescue, true love and paying it forward will leave you breathless as you turn page after page. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out all my Paranormal Romances and Mysteries. Click here to be transported to my Magical Realm!
Thanks for stopping in to check out my Sunday Snippet. I hope you liked what you saw and will return next Sunday for a new snippet! Enjoy the spring flowers and sunshine. Happy Reading!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, A Witch's Journey Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with no comments yet.
Gardening in Colorado is Challenging to Say the Least
Gardening in Colorado is challenging! While tulips might be peeking out, the forecast predicts snow. I lived here all my life, and gardened as long as I can remember. Didn’t I say Gardening in Colorado is challenging! Yep, thought I did. From the short growing season to the huge hail storms. Still, we’ll soon be able to tackle April chores as our gardens emerge from winter’s sleep. Thanks to Kim Snowdon, Colorado Master Gardner, here are a few tips to get you going.
• Lawn care: Get lawns off to a good start by aerating and applying a light application of nitrogen fertilizer. Avoid broadcast pre-emergent herbicide; spot spray weeds if necessary. Check irrigation systems for leaks or broken heads. Water at a rate of an inch per week when weather is dry. Overseed thin or winter-damaged patches with appropriate grass seed. Yeah, well we gave up on the sloped front yard, installed artificial turf last year. Love it. But our dog refused the artificial turf idea for the back yard. Mystic wants real green grass to romp through.
• Trees, shrubs, and perennials: Once soil temperatures reach 55 degrees you can start planting trees, shrubs and hardy perennials. The cool soil will assist in establishment of transplants. This applies to plants you want to divide and transplant to different locations in your garden. Bare root (BR) roses should be soaked in water before planting. Fertilize BR roses with rose food or fertilizer with a high phosphorous content, such as 9-14-9 to promote blooms. Decomposed manure, bone meal or fish emulsion are good additions to the soil around newly planted roses.
• Spring pruning: Early blooming shrubs (forsythia, lilac, quince) flower on last year’s growth; prune after they finish flowering. Summer blooming shrubs (butterfly bush, blue mist spirea, other spirea species, mock orange, hydrangea) develop buds on new wood and can be pruned in early spring. Prune roses by 
cutting back winter-damaged canes, then remove canes that cross or grow inward for a more open structure. Healthy canes can be pruned back to 12-24 inches tall; cut 3 inches above an outward-facing bud.• Cool season annuals: Flowers such as pansies, alyssum, sweet peas and snapdragons tolerate light frost. Wait to plant more tender annuals until after Mother’s Day. Direct sow perennial seeds, collected or purchased, following the directions on the packet. Some seeds require stratification (exposure to cold) or scarification (breaking seed coating through abrasion).
• Spring weeds: Spring moisture encourages weeds. The roots of annual weeds are shallow and easy to pull. Early diligence pays off. Spread mulch 2-3 inches thick to reduce germination of annual weeds. Perennial weeds such as dandelions have a deep tap root but can also be removed by hand using specialized tools. Pollinators depend on some of these earliest of flowers, so pesticide application should be done carefully to minimize the impact on beneficial insects.
There you have it, tips for Gardening in Colorado. One last thing, hail. There is hail cloth or material in gardening shops to put over your garden that lets the sun and rain in but protects plants from that nasty four letter word HAIL. I saw it last year after hail devastated my tomato & veggie garden. You can bet I’ll get getting hail material this year. Be sure and check it out.
If you have more suggestions, please leave a comment below.
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged and perennials, Cool season annuals, Cool season veggies, Gardening in Colorado, hail, Lawn care, ornamental grasses, Short growing season, shrubs, Spring Pruning, Spring weeds, Trees by Tena Stetler with no comments yet.
