Antonia Aquilante
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Rainbow Snippets April 15-16

4/16/2023

1 Comment

 
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​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 switching over to sharing some snippets from The Artist's Masquerade this month. Cathal is cousin to the crown prince of Tournai and son of a royal duke, and is absolutely shocked when his father tells him he has arranged a marriage for him with a relative of the emperor of Ardunn, who has for some time wanted to add Tournai to his empire. A dutiful son, Cathal goes along with the betrothal despite his misgivings, but when his bride arrives, finds himself more interested in her companion, Flavia. What he doesn't know is that Flavia is really Flavian, an artist fleeing the empire in disguise as his friend's companion. He never expected to have to keep up the charade for so long, but complications keep getting in the way. Cathal and Flavian are pulled reluctantly closer and closer, tumbling into love and trust, but the situation—Cathal's betrothal, spies infiltrating Tournai, secrets and lies—is stacked against them. I've skipped ahead this week to Cathal and Flavian's first kiss—complicated by the fact that Cathal doesn't yet know who Flavian really is (though that's about to change) and is still supposed to marry someone else.
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​Flavian froze, his mind going utterly blank the instant Cathal’s lips 
touched his.

​
Because Cathal was kissing him.

Cathal was kissing him. Flavian never, ever, expected it to happen, or for it to be like this. A passionate, uninhibited kiss with Cathal’s firm body pressing against his, pushing him into the unyielding surface of the door. Who would have thought a man like Cathal would kiss like this?

And for an instant Flavian drowned in it
—the feel of Cathal’s smooth lips on his, the firm grip of his hands on Flavian’s waist--as Cathal devoured him.
But then reality came back in a flood. “We can’t do this.”

You can find more about The Artist's Masquerade here. Thanks for reading today!
1 Comment

Rainbow Snippets April 8-9

4/9/2023

2 Comments

 
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​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 switching over to sharing some snippets from The Artist's Masquerade this month. Cathal is cousin to the crown prince of Tournai and son of a royal duke, and is absolutely shocked when his father tells him he has arranged a marriage for him with a relative of the emperor of Ardunn, who has for some time wanted to add Tournai to his empire. A dutiful son, Cathal goes along with the betrothal despite his misgivings, but when his bride arrives, finds himself more interested in her companion, Flavia. What he doesn't know is that Flavia is really Flavian, an artist fleeing the empire in disguise as his friend's companion. He never expected to have to keep up the charade for so long, but complications keep getting in the way. Cathal and Flavian are pulled reluctantly closer and closer, tumbling into love and trust, but the situation—Cathal's betrothal, spies infiltrating Tournai, secrets and lies—is stacked against them. In an extremely late snippet last week, I shared Cathal and Flavian's first meeting from Flavian's perspective. This week's snippet is in Cathal's point of view but still during that first meeting.
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​He could have let someone else help Flavia into the carriage. He could have found some reason to step away after helping Velia in. He 
should have let someone else help her. But Cathal didn’t want to. He wanted to know if the heat of their first touch had been an anomaly or if it would happen again.

​
Flavia looked at the hand he held out to her as if she wasn’t sure why he was offering it, but an instant later, she shook her head and smiled, taking his hand. The smile was charming and unexpected; the feeling when they touched was the same as earlier. Something that might have been dismay darkened her eyes. It matched what he felt himself.

You can find more about The Artist's Masquerade here. Thanks for reading today!
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My March Reading

4/5/2023

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Happy April, my darlings! I hope March treated you well and brought you many books you loved. Here's what I read last month:

The Tarot Sequence and The Eidolon by KD Edwards (urban fantasy with m/m romance): This series has been on my radar for a while, and I finally binged through the three books that have been released in the main series plus the first book in the related Magnus Academy series in audio. And loved them. And now must wait as patiently as I can for the next book in the series because I need to know what happens. I don't read much urban fantasy—I'm always looking for more romance and more character development. While I would have loved more page time for the romance in this series (because it's wonderful), I adore the characters and their dynamic with each other and the found family they build through these books. As the series continued, the world building deepened and plot twists popped up, and very much need to know how certain things are going to be resolved!

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles (historical m/m romance): I cannot tell you how excited I was for a new KJ Charles book, and it absolutely lived up to all my expectations. Gareth and Joss had a brief affair in London, which left them both hurt and bitter. Just as it ends, the heartbreakingly lonely Gareth finds out his estranged (and frankly horrible) father has died and left him property and the title of baronet, so he goes out to Romney Marsh to claim it. He doesn't expect to meet Joss again there (and their reunion does not go so well!). Joss is an incredibly overworked smuggler and head of a smuggling family (sort of—everyone is afraid of his mother, who I could not stand, and who asserts her authority to incredibly poor results), who has nothing for himself alone. The romance between the two is lovely and sweet, and the shenanigans and mystery they find themselves involved in are absorbing and twisty.

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (cozy fantasy with f/f romance): I am very excited for this newish (or maybe new to me?) sub-genre of cozy fantasy—low stakes, cozy vibes, fantasy. (I think my The Merchant's Love would count as cozy fantasy, though I didn't know that's what I was writing five years ago!) Anyway, Viv is an orc who has decided to leave behind a life of fighting and adventuring to open the first coffee shop the city of Thune has ever had. And that's what happens. Along the way, she makes connections and creates a lovely found family (and there is a sweet slow burn romance going on mostly in the background) while dealing with some obstacles that pop up in her way. The characters are wonderful (Thimble must be protected at all costs!), and the descriptions of baked good will make you hungry. I adored this book.

Heart Haunt Havoc by Freydis Moon (horror/paranormal with trans m/nonbinary romance): If you know me, you know that horror is very much not my thing. This skirted right up to the line of what works for me and what would make me put the book in the freezer. An exorcist is hired by a witch to cleanse their haunted house of ghouls and ghosts. In the process, Colin uncovers secrets that Bishop, the owner of the house, would prefer remain hidden, and they stumble into a romance. There's a lot packed into this short novel. Examinations of love and grief, complicated relationships with religion. The descriptions were vivid and the writing atmospheric. The romance was almost gentle and soft, and gave the impression that the characters fit perfectly.

​What have you read and loved lately?
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An Extremely Late Rainbow Snippet

4/4/2023

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The weekend got away from me again, so I'm sharing a very late Rainbow Snippet!
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​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 switching over to sharing some snippets from The Artist's Masquerade this month. Cathal is cousin to the crown prince of Tournai and son of a royal duke, and is absolutely shocked when his father tells him he has arranged a marriage for him with a relative of the emperor of Ardunn, who has for some time wanted to add Tournai to his empire. A dutiful son, Cathal goes along with the betrothal despite his misgivings, but when his bride arrives, finds himself more interested in her companion, Flavia. What he doesn't know is that Flavia is really Flavian, an artist fleeing the empire in disguise as his friend's companion. He never expected to have to keep up the charade for so long, but complications keep getting in the way. Cathal and Flavian are pulled reluctantly closer and closer, tumbling into love and trust, but the situation—Cathal's betrothal, spies infiltrating Tournai, secrets and lies—is stacked against them. This snippet is from the beginning of the book when Cathal and Flavian first meet.
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​Flavian nearly jumped to find himself the focus of Lord Cathal’s 
unusual gold eyes. Flavian had been so engrossed in studying the man that he must have missed the formal introductions making it around to him.

​
“Lady Flavia.” Cathal’s voice was deep and smooth, and Flavian shivered just hearing it. But the shiver was nothing compared to the heat flaring inside him when Cathal took his hand to bow over it. The heat rushed through his body and left him biting back a gasp. No. Not good. He could not be attracted to Cathal of all men.

You can find more about The Artist's Masquerade here. Thanks for reading today!
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Rainbow Snippets March 25-26

3/26/2023

2 Comments

 
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​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.

This month, I'm posting snippets from The Prince's Consort, my first published novel and the first book in my Chronicles of Tournai series. This is a prince/commoner romance with lots of magic, secrets, and intrigue. Amory is a commoner with a frankly horrible father, who tries to use him to bargain for more time on a late commission for the Crown Prince. Prince Philip has nothing but disgust for Amory's father but is intrigued by Amory. The two become closer but someone will do anything, even kill, to keep them apart. I've skipped ahead a bit for this snippet. Amory and Philip and now married and on their way back from their short wedding trip. But someone is not happy that they're married.
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“Maybe we should have taken the carriage,” he said.

​
Amory glanced at him, his expression quizzical. “I thought you wanted to take advantage of the sunshine. Aren’t you enjoying yourself?” “I am, but I realized we could be enjoying ourselves quite a bit more alone in the carriage.”

Amory stared at him and then laughed, even as a faint blush tinted his cheeks a rosier shade of pink. “You’re terrible.”

“You love it. And this is our wedding trip, for a while longer anyway. 
We should make the most of it.” He let his smile become wicked and winked at Amory.

Amory shook his head fondly. “I think that’s what we’ve been doing since our wedding night, but I suppose we could slow down and wait for the carriage. We didn’t pass it very long ago. There might be enough time to—”

Amory broke off with a shout and a jerk of his shoulder.

“Amory? What—”

Star made a high sound that could only have been caused by pain and reared, dumping Amory, who had been struggling one-handed with the reins, onto the road. Fear coursed through Philip, turning his insides to ice, when Amory fell from his horse--that was before the arrow hit the road next to Amory.


​You can find out more about The Prince's Consort here. Thanks for reading today!
2 Comments

Rainbow Snippets March 18-19

3/19/2023

2 Comments

 
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​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.

This month, I'm posting snippets from The Prince's Consort, my first published novel and the first book in my Chronicles of Tournai series. This is a prince/commoner romance with lots of magic, secrets, and intrigue. Amory is a commoner with a frankly horrible father, who tries to use him to bargain for more time on a late commission for the Crown Prince. Prince Philip has nothing but disgust for Amory's father but is intrigued by Amory. The two become closer but someone will do anything, even kill, to keep them apart. In this snippet, Philip shares a secret with Amory. There is a legend in Tournai that states that huge magical cats once saved Tournai from being conquered and will return if the country is ever in danger, but no one knows it's based in truth. Tournai's royal family has magic that they've kept secret for generations—their ability to change into huge cats. Philip decides to trust Amory with the secret, and then show him.
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​Amory gasped. Philip hadn’t lied when he said he turned into 
a big cat, and he was like no cat Amory had seen before. His head would probably come up to Amory’s waist. His body was sleek and looked powerful; his fur a shimmering blue-black. But Amory wasn’t afraid. Philip’s unique eyes looked at him out of the cat’s face, and they still were brimming with worry.

“Is that you in there?”

The cat nodded.

Amory let out a long breath. “You’re gorgeous.”

Philip hesitated and then walked slowly toward Amory. When Amory didn’t move, Philip came right up to him and rubbed his head against Amory’s stomach. Amory let out a half laugh and lifted a hand to Philip’s head. His fur was silky soft, like Philip’s hair. Amory stroked both hands over Philip’s head and neck. The rumbled purr was similar to the sound Philip made when Amory stroked his hair, only louder.

You can find more about The Prince's Consort here. Thanks for reading today, and I hope you're staying safe and well!
2 Comments

Rainbow Snippets March 11-12

3/12/2023

3 Comments

 
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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.

This month, I'm posting snippets from The Prince's Consort, my first published novel and the first book in my Chronicles of Tournai series. This is a prince/commoner romance with lots of magic, secrets, and intrigue. Amory is a commoner with a frankly horrible father, who tries to use him to bargain for more time on a late commission for the Crown Prince. Prince Philip has nothing but disgust for Amory's father but is intrigued by Amory. The two become closer but someone will do anything, even kill, to keep them apart. Here's a snippet of a conversation between Amory and his sister Adeline after Amory has been with Philip for a little while. Adeline may see something that Amory isn't ready to acknowledge. 
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​She nodded. “You want to understand so you can know him, so you 
can make his life easier whenever possible. It’s what you do for the people you love.”

​
He stopped walking and gaped at her. “I didn’t say I love Philip. I haven’t known him long enough for love.”

She tilted her head and looked at him in the knowing way he found so irritating. “Fine, because it’s what you do for the people you care about.”

“Fine.” He accepted her correction and pushed all thoughts of love aside.

You can find more about The Prince's Consort here. Thanks for reading today!
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Another Belated Rainbow Snippet

3/6/2023

0 Comments

 
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This weekend got away from me again and I didn't get a chance to post a Rainbow Snippet, so you're getting a belated one!

​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.

This month, I'm posting snippets from The Prince's Consort, my first published novel and the first book in my Chronicles of Tournai series. This is a prince/commoner romance with lots of magic, secrets, and intrigue. Amory is a commoner with a frankly horrible father, who tries to use him to bargain for more time on a late commission for the Crown Prince. Prince Philip has nothing but disgust for Amory's father but is intrigued by Amory. The two become closer but someone will do anything, even kill, to keep them apart. For this week's snippet, I'm sharing a first kiss.
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​The prince’s smile lit the room, like the su
n appearing, and Amory reeled, dazzled just looking at him. When he stood and held out a hand, Amory didn’t hesitate to take it and let himself be drawn to his feet. They were close together, so close Amory could feel the heat of the prince’s body. The prince leaned down the few inches separating them and brushed his lips over Amory’s.

​
The kiss was light and quick, but utterly stunning. Amory knew his eyes were wide as he stared at the prince, his breath coming faster, a tingle of warmth shimmering over his entire body. All from one chaste kiss. He wondered what would happen when they really kissed.

The prince’s eyes were wide as well as he watched Amory. Had it felt the same to him? It had barely been a kiss, but it felt like a start. Maybe even a promise.

You can find more about The Prince's Consort here. Also, The Prince's Consort and my other books are 50% off through March 11th at Smashwords—don't miss a great sale! Thanks for reading today!
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Read an Ebook Week Sale

3/5/2023

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All of my books are 50% off at Smashwords this week in their Read an Ebook Week Sale. Now is a great time to grab yourself some fantasy romance cheap!
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My February Reading

3/3/2023

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February flew by in the haze of writing and revising that was the JeRoWriMo challenge, and while I'm still shocked that it's March already, I'm really happy with the progress I made on the To Love the Dragon King. But that also seems to mean that I started a lot of books but didn't finish many. My brain just couldn't get into most of them, even though I'm excited to read them and will go back to them at some point. Most of what I did read was in audiobook while cooking, cleaning, or exercising. 

Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark (fantasy with F/F romance): This alt-historical fantasy is set in 1912 in an Egypt that has become a world power with the help of the djinn and their magic. The world building is fantastic and compelling, as is the plot. Murder, magic, and intrigue twine through the novel, and Agent Fatma (with her incredible suits) of the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities has to solve the mystery and save the world with the help of her girlfriend Siti and her fellow agents. I read a couple of novellas in the series last year, and now I'm going to eagerly await more books about Fatma, Siti, and their friends solving magical mysteries.

Conduit Crisis by Louisa Masters (M/M paranormal romance): This is the much-awaited (for me at least!) third book in the Ghostly Guardians series. It continues the series arc revolving around the historic hotel and its ghosts and gateway to the demon realm, so you should read the first two books to get the most out of this one. For all the demonic threat looming in the background, the romance is extremely low angst—with some fake dating, friends to lovers fun. Daniel and Skye have been friends for a long time. Skye has known he's in love with Daniel; Daniel just took a while to catch up. As with the other books, the found family is wonderful and the estate's ghosts are hilarious. Now, I'm impatiently waiting for book 4, after this book's cliffhanger.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (M/F paranormal romance): This book is gorgeous. Cozy and comforting and witchy with a beautiful message, so many found family vibes, and a lovely, quiet romance between lonely witch Mika and grumpy, protective librarian Jamie. In the world of this book, witches are always orphans and are meant to stay separated from each other and hide their magic from the world. Mika receives a mysterious message asking her to come to an isolated house and be a tutor to three witch children. There, she finds an odd assortment of people who have built a strong, loving family for these three little girls, a family Mika soon becomes part of too. This book made me laugh and cry and smile. I'm sure I'll be rereading.

​What have you read and loved lately?
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    Antonia is a writer and a reader and a copy editor/proofreader. She loves books, travel, art, photography, baking, pasta, and shoes.

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