Category: The Spymaster's Secret

Rainbow Snippet February 22-23

2/22/2020

They lingered over kisses--long, luxurious kisses that spiraled out around Alexander, leaving him almost dizzy with them. He had no idea how long they kissed and lazily touched, holding each other close and reveling in the feel of skin on skin, but it was long enough for Alexander to feel heavy and drugged on the pleasure of those kisses. Finally they slowed, then stopped, and Marcus settled at Alexander’s side, gently gathering him close and tugging the blankets up over them.

The care in the gestures had Alexander’s chest going tight. He wasn’t used to it in his affairs, but he didn’t care to examine that tonight. What he wanted to do was snuggle in even closer and let sleep pull him under, warm and safe in Marcus’s arms.

You can find out more about The Spymaster's Secret here. Thanks for reading today!

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Rainbow Snippet February 1-2

2/1/2020

2 Comments

It's weekend, and time for more Rainbow Snippets. The Rainbow Snippets group on Facebook asks its members to share six sentence snippets from their work each weekend. Check out the group's Facebook page to read all the snippets and add lots of great books to your TBR. You'll find all sorts of books with the common thread that the main character identifies as LGBTQ+

Does anyone else feel as if January lasted six months yet also flew by in about ten seconds? Just me? All right. It's February 1st (finally or already), and I'm diving into the New Jersey Romance Writers' JeRoWriMo challenge today, trying to write 30k words this month and hopefully jump start my writing on a new book. It's also the first Rainbow Snippet of the month. Today I have a snippet from The Spymaster's Secret for you.

Alexander was beautiful and vibrant--he drew other people to him, and Marcus wasn’t immune—but it didn’t mean every man he was with was a lover or potential lover. And really, Marcus had no right to be jealous or possessive now. He and Alexander had shared a few kisses, although the description paled in comparison to what they’d actually felt like, and were going to have dinner. Which, well, Marcus was almost positive would end with them in bed together. But he had no claim on Alexander, and he shouldn’t want one. His life was not conducive to having a lover, especially one like Alexander. He shouldn’t even be looking at the young royal.

Knowing that didn’t stop him from anticipating their dinner.

You can find more about The Spymaster's Secret here. Thanks for reading today!

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Rainbow Snippet November 30-December 1

11/30/2019

7 Comments

It's weekend, and time for more Rainbow Snippets. The Rainbow Snippets group on Facebook asks its members to share six sentence snippets from their work each weekend. Check out the group's Facebook page to read all the snippets and add lots of great books to your TBR. You'll find all sorts of books with the common thread that the main character identifies as LGBTQ+.

I'm going to back to The Spymaster's Secret for a snippet this weekend before I switch off to other things. This follows directly after my snippet from two weeks ago in which Alexander and his twin, Faelen, are getting ready for a masked ball and dressing alike. (I went a little over the sentence limit—sorry!)

Their clothing was identical down to the smallest detail of the rich, emerald-green velvet jacket and pants, the gold embroidered shoes. Alexander had insisted they put their hair up, securing it with gold combs, to disguise the slight difference between them. Their masks were exactly the same as well--intricate gold and green half masks with green- dyed feathers and a single white silk rose on the right side. They were secured with glossy green ribbons. Yes, Alexander was pleased with the effect. They looked wonderful, and no one would be able to tell them apart.

“Why is it the point?”

“Don’t be so serious! Just think of people’s faces when they don’t know who they’ve seen or how one of us can be in two places at once.” Alexander grinned. “You know it’s going to be fun.”

Faelen shook his head, but he was laughing. Trying to stifle it, but laughing. “Only you would decide this would be the most amusing way to spend a ball.”

“Well, I also plan to dance quite a bit. Perhaps flirt some.” Marcus’s face floated up in Alexander’s mind but he blinked the image away.Marcus would be at the ball--his name was on the guest list anyway, and unless something catastrophic happened, it was an assurance he’d attend.

“With anyone in particular?” Faelen fixed him with an arch look.

You can read more about The Spymaster's Secret here. And through Monday December 2nd, The Spymaster's Secret and my others books are all 40% off at NineStar Press with code BLACKCYBER.

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Rainbow Snippet November 16-17

11/16/2019

5 Comments

It's weekend, and time for more Rainbow Snippets. The Rainbow Snippets group on Facebook asks its members to share six sentence snippets from their work each weekend. Check out the group's Facebook page to read all the snippets and add lots of great books to your TBR. You'll find all sorts of books with the common thread that the main character identifies as LGBTQ+.

I have a little more from The Spymaster's Secret for you this weekend, though soon I may start sharing snippets from other books again. I've skipped ahead a little in the story a bit for this snippet. It's Alexander and his twin brother, Faelen, getting ready for a masked ball (I've wanted to write a masked ball for ages). Mischievous Alexander has convinced Faelen to go along with him in a bit of a scheme... (Sorry I went over the sentence limit!)

“I can't believe I let you talk me into this.”

“What? We look wonderful.” Alexander stepped over to stand beside Faelen in front of the full-length mirror in his dressing room.

“We look identical.”

So they did, except for the little frown pulling at Faelen’s lips.

“That was the point.” Alexander bumped his shoulder into Faelen’s, watching as one of the figures in the mirror did the same.

It was always a bit surreal when they dressed alike, which wasn’t often anymore. Mother had preferred to dress them identically when they were children, but Father had decided it needed to stop as they got older. Afterward, they sometimes did it to switch places, almost alwaysat Alexander’s urging. He was just so amused to see if people would figureout which of them was which. Hardly anyone ever did, and they could getaway with so much. They hadn’t done it in a long time, which Alexander did understand--they were adults now.

Tonight was a masked ball though. Everyone would be in disguise.They would dress in finery and cover their faces with fanciful masks and dance the night away. Why shouldn’t he and Faelen have a little fun?

You can find more about The Spymaster's Secret here. Thanks for reading today!

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Rainbow Snippet November 9-10

11/9/2019

5 Comments

“You need to watch where you’re going, Lord Alexander. You could’ve gotten yourself killed.” Marcus’s cool tone with its hints of condescension irked Alexander far too much after what he’d seen.

“I can hardly control young idiots on horseback.” Alexander brought his chin up slightly, let his lips curve at the edges just a little in a hint of a teasing smile. “But I thank you for your rescue, Lord Marcus, and your advice. If I could have my hand back now?”

“Oh, of course.” Marcus let go immediately.

Alexander didn’t let his satisfaction at the hint of fluster in Marcus show. He had himself back under control—he’d kick himself later for ever losing it. For now, he nodded and took a step back himself, making the motion regal. For the most part, he left off the obvious trappings of royalty, since he was so far from the throne, but he knew quite well how and when to use them.

You can find more about The Spymaster's Secret here. Thanks for reading today!

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Rainbow Snippet November 2-3

11/2/2019

7 Comments

It wouldn’t take much for him to be in Marcus’s arms. So little space separated them, and if Marcus pulled just a little on Alexander’s wrist, he would move with the cue, allowing himself to be drawn into Marcus’sarms, into a kiss.

Marcus’s eyes darkened. Did he see what Alexander was thinking?Did he want it too?

Alexander took a chance, swaying closer. Marcus seemed to lean toward him for an instant, but then he frowned. His eyes went blank, all traces of the desire there a moment ago gone as if they’d never been, andhe drew back. Alexander felt the cold of the wind again, and he forced his own expression back under control, forced away anything that wouldmake him too vulnerable, if it wasn’t already too late.

Find out more about The Spymaster's Secret here. Thanks for reading today!

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Rainbow Snippet October 26-27

10/26/2019

6 Comments

He tore his gaze away from the compelling sight of Marcus’s hand on him and sent it up to Marcus’s face. His expression gave nothing away, which disappointed Alexander terribly and left him somewhat worriedhe’d put himself at a disadvantage. He couldn’t imagine his own face had remained impassive despite years of practice in doing just that.

Then he looked into Marcus’s eyes. They were a beautiful honeyed brown, and something moved in their depths, something hot, echoing the desire raging through Alexander. He stared into them, surprise and delight warring with desire. He loved that Marcus wanted him, maybe as much as Alexander wanted him, if that was possible

You can find out more about The Spymaster's Secret here. Thanks for reading today!

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Rainbow Snippet October 19-20

10/19/2019

6 Comments

Marcus’s hand was large and warm, his fingers wrapping around Alexander’s slender wrist, the gold of his skin stark against Alexander’sporcelain pale flesh. He watched the point of contact, not even breathing, for a long moment, fascinated and yearning suddenly.

He wanted this man’s hands on him everywhere.

The realization left him gasping. He’d been intrigued by Marcus since the first moment he’d seen him—the man’s competence and confidence, his calm presence in the face of crisis and royalty, had set his curiosity alight. And now he wanted far more.

You can find more about The Spymaster's Secret here. Thanks for reading today!

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The Spymaster's Secret Is Out Now!

10/14/2019

0 Comments

Happy book birthday to The Spymaster's Secret! I'm so excited this book is out in the world now for you to read and get to know Alexander and Marcus better. If you've read other books in the series, you might have met these two before (though you can certainly jump in right here if you haven't—all the books in the series stand alone). Marcus's first appearance was way back in the second book of the series, The Artist's Masquerade, and at the time, I didn't plan on writing a book for him. But, as I kept writing, Marcus kept popping up here and there, and then in The Dragon's Devotion, he and Alexander were in one scene together. They didn't even talk to each other, but Alexander was intrigued by Marcus—curious about what he does and drawn to him by his confidence and competence—and I knew I'd be writing their story soon.

They were such a fun couple to write—I seem to like writing opposites attract! Alexander is a royal cousin who is younger, flirtatious, and seemingly entirely frivolous, but he has hidden depths that few ever see, mostly because he doesn't let them. He is also endlessly curious (I tried to refrain from too many "curiosity killed the cat" references, considering the magical Talent of the royal family to change into cats!). Marcus is a serious, older widower with children...and the princes' spymaster. He's been alone since his wife died and has no intention of ever falling in love again. He never expected Alexander or the attraction they'd feel for each other. Still, they have to learn to open up, to trust both themselves and each other, if they're going to find love that lasts. And of course, there's magic and spies and intrigue along the way.

I hope you enjoy reading their story as much as I did writing it!

About The Spymaster's Secret:

Alexander is doing his best to settle into life in Tournai’s royal palace after years living outside the country due to his father’s diplomatic work. The sense of belonging and home he feels is overwhelming, but none of his plans are going as he imagined. Many see him as only a lovely, charming adornment of the royal court and underestimate both his intelligence and abilities. His attraction to Marcus, a mysterious older man who does work for the prince, Alexander’s cousin, is unexpected but not unwelcome…if Marcus could possibly see who Alexander really is.

Lord Marcus is the second son of a minor noble family, a widower raising two children…and the prince’s spymaster. He knows his work is necessary for the security of the kingdom and its royal family, but he also knows it can be distasteful and dangerous to him and those around him. Marcus has vowed never to fall in love again, never to put anyone else at risk—a promise threatened for the first time by the vibrant, flirtatious Alexander. The attraction is unwelcome and entirely undeniable. He can’t believe someone like Alexander would want someone like him, but he also can’t stay away.

As they become ever more entangled, Marcus is investigating rumors of spies at work in Tournai’s university. As he gets closer to uncovering their plot, Alexander is drawn deeper into danger. Can their love survive when Alexander is put in peril by the very spies Marcus is hunting for?

Add to your Goodreads shelf.

Buy The Spymaster's Secret:
NineStar Press
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Apple
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Smashwords

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Rainbow Snippet October 12-13

10/12/2019

6 Comments

The icy wind whipped around Alexander as he stepped out of thestables, and he barely bit back a gasp. He’d ridden to the university and back today, but it hadn’t felt so cold until clouds moved in and the wind picked up in the last few minutes. He rushed across the courtyard, intent on getting inside the palace as soon as possible.

The clatter of hooves alerted him to the galloping horse, but he was almost too late to get out of the way. Someone behind him was yelling, and Alexander jumped back, his foot slipping.

A hand grabbed for Alexander before he could even blink, before he could shout, righting him and pulling him out of the way just as the rider galloped past. And then suddenly Alexander had no words to say. Marcus’s ungloved hand had found the bare skin of his wrist between his glove and the lace edging his shirt cuff. It was as if lightning arced through him, and his heart pounded even harder.

You can find out more about The Spymaster's Secret here, and if you didn't see it, I also recently posted an update about what's going on with my Dreamspinner titles, which you can find here. Thanks for reading today!

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Rainbow Snippet February 22-23

Rainbow Snippet February 1-2

Rainbow Snippet November 30-December 1

Rainbow Snippet November 16-17

Rainbow Snippet November 9-10

Rainbow Snippet November 2-3

Rainbow Snippet October 26-27

Rainbow Snippet October 19-20

The Spymaster's Secret Is Out Now!

About The Spymaster's Secret:

Rainbow Snippet October 12-13

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