Re-engaging with characters from days past.

As a writer, I have to say that my brain is pretty active every waking hour of every day. No matter what I'm doing, chances are that in my head are running through ideas about so many stories that I have yet to find the time to write down. While it is amazing thinking up new story lines (and how I'm going to fit in writing them down!), sometimes it is really nice to sit back and not only think about characters of existing stories, but also read those books.

Over the past week I've indulged myself in re-reading the first three books of my Forbidden Conflicts series. Wow, I love the boys of the Stonewarden family. In addition to that, I even am very partial to Philip, the oldest of the Leadbetter family. What really got me when I was reading through these books though was the way the stories developed in the third book. In Diamond of War, the two crime families are in the same place at the same time, and during that time, one of the characters loses his life. He's young and it's definitely well before his time should have been up. If only he'd made a different decision ... but he didn't.

So where does the Forbidden Conflicts series go from here? I am sooo excited to be moving on with book #4 - Sapphire of Prejudice. In this you'll see the continuing love story of Max and Christy, the turbulent development of Sasha Leadbetter and her interaction with James Stonewarden .. and you'll find out what has happened to Greg and Rhett since that night of horror for both families. They haven't been seen since. Where are they?

If you haven't already indulged in reading any of the stories of the Forbidden Conflicts series, give Amethyst of Youth a go. It's the first one and as far as the series goes, this one is rather clean as far as steaminess goes (warning - the rest of the series is NOT necessarily clean!). It's a great starter, and introduces you to the youngest Stonewarden, Charlie. There's only one word to describe her - awesome!

Hey, enjoy your week. Here in NZ I won't lie - it's been rather chilly this past week, after such a mild winter. But the sun is shining today... one of the most simple miracles to enjoy.

:)

'Christian' now available in paperback format!

It's always a lovely thing to get to the end of a novel and feel the satisfaction of having stayed with characters right till the end. Getting to know them is always an adventure and sometimes saying goodbye to them feels like a true form of grief. In some instances, though, there are more stories to be told about a certain character. Christian is one of these. He's a good person, he's been through a lot, and he's definitely someone you might want as a friend.

The first book in the Freedom of Flight series, 'Christian' has now finally made it to paperback format. For me, paperback release has always been another stage in the completion of a story. Receiving a copy of one's own words, in paper format, in one's hands, produces the most amazing feeling. I know we all love the convenience of reading stories on digital devices. Certainly as someone who loves travelling, it's much more preferable to carry lots of stories on my Kindle, than carrying around hard copy books! Still, there is something magical about picking up a book in paperback format, and turning the actual pages.

If you agree, you might enjoy reading Christian in paper format. I hope so. He's a very special man... waiting for you to learn all about him.

Check out Christian, in paperback or kindle format, here:

Amazon

Final week of anticipation of a new release.

This time next week my newest story, 'Hoonigan' will be released. Thank you so much to all who have already pre-ordered it! As a relatively new author, it really means so much that readers are so supportive in reading my words. Hoonigan isn't like previous stories I've written, although there certainly is an aspect of romance within it. It is one step closer to writing suspense and crime, and this aligns well with another story that will be released before Christmas. Oh, but, that's a secret for now!

If you are like me and prefer reading from paper rather than digitally, Hoonigan is going to be available as a paperback, as well as on Kindle. I am also releasing this as part of Amazon's Matchbook service, which means that if you purchase the paperback, you can claim the Kindle version as well at no additional charge. I've found this super handy whenever I've purchased hard copy books from Amazon. It's nice to have the paper version at home, but equally nice to have the digital version, especially when travelling. Books are great to read on holiday, but not so much fun to carry!

It's always exciting, the last few days before a new book is released. With it comes the sense of achievement and, although I really love my characters, also a sense of closure. It opens up time and space for new adventures to be embarked upon...

By the way, the release of Hoonigan coincides with the first day of spring, here in New Zealand! The days are getting longer and mornings are lighter. Now, how do I find the energy to get out in my garden...

Hey, have a great week and thank you so much for your support. It means so much to me!

Ann M Pratley