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Apparently my pandemic personality type is "restless evening energy." Long story short, I felt the need to do something, so I decided to go back to some of my short stories that never found a home, make a cover for them, and put them up on Kindle Unlimited for free. (Or $0.99 if you're not a KU person.)
Or! If you want some free reading material to keep you busy for half an hour or so and you're not a member of KU, contact me either via the contact page or thea at thealanden dot com, and I'll send you a PDF. I'm being absolutely serious right now. This is not about money or royalties or profits right now.
To quote from the little forward I wrote for this, I’m definitely not going to pretend I’m saving the world by releasing this short story, but it’s something. Just a little bit of something, but something nonetheless, you know? Whether you need a lighthearted escape to a better world or just one more thing to help pass the long hours at home, I hope I can help, even just for a little while.
Anyhoo! You know the drill by now—make way for an incoming blurb, excerpt, and buy link!
Blurb:
Sienna seems to have it all: a lavish home on an upscale space station, a lucrative job waiting for her at her father’s company, and a wealthy bachelor chasing after her. Just because she has an enviable life, however, doesn’t mean she’s satisfied with her place in the universe. When she meets Ace, a teleporter repairman by day and enterprising criminal by night, she spots an opportunity to make some much-needed changes and quench her desire for excitement. Together, they plot to steal a priceless sapphire from the man Sienna’s parents want her to marry. Will their interplanetary jewel heist succeed, or will their attraction to each other get in the way?
Excerpt:
Ace drove down to Spectrum’s docks, our vehicle picking up speed as we left the space station. “Do you have everything we’ll need?” I asked.
“I hope so.”
We left orbit with an explosive burst and flew toward Titan. Ace didn’t say much while he maneuvered through the skies, and I wasn’t sure if he was interested in conversation or not. After all, I had pretty much blackmailed him into this little excursion.
Titan grew larger before us and I started having second thoughts. “You know, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” I stammered. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t want.”
“I thought we had a deal.”
“We did. I mean, we do. It’s just….”
His alluring chuckle rumbled throughout the spacecar. “The first time’s the worst,” he said. “But, like many other things, stealing gets easier the more you do it.”
Warmth spread over my face and neck. “Is that so?”
“Yep.” Ace glanced at me and one side of his mouth curled up in a smile. “Who knows. We might wind up making a career criminal out of you.”
Well, that would be a change from someday taking over my father’s company. “Let’s focus on getting through tonight,” I said.
“Good plan.”
We arrived at Titan, slowing down as we neared the capital city. Ace eased back on the controls and the spacecar straightened out to hover above the streets. He drove to a multi-story garage and parked on one of the upper levels.
“What are we doing here?” I asked. “Brooks’s apartment is halfway across town.”
“Exactly.” He reached behind the seat to grab a satchel and slung it over his shoulder when he exited the car. “We don’t want to leave an obvious trail.”
“Oh. Right.”
“Also, I have it on good authority that half the security cameras in this place don’t work anymore. For most people who visit here late at night, their presence is enough of a deterrent.”
He’d know more about these things than I would. “Fair enough.”
He came around to open the door for me and helped me out. Once I stood up, he didn’t let go of my hand. “Unless this is all some big ruse to get me in trouble, you need to trust me,” he said. “Follow my lead, and don’t do anything unless I give you permission.”
My mouth grew dry as I gazed up at him, my fingers enveloped by his. I swallowed and tried not to lose myself in the depths of his cobalt eyes. “Okay.”
Available Now at Amazon.com
(Completely unintentional that this cover/theme matches the blog's new theme, but it's fun nonetheless!)
I had so much fun with the Disintegration prequels, I decided to self-pub some more shorts here and there and release them for free. Fresh off the e-presses, here's Departure!
It was my first time making my own cover (using stock photography, which was credited appropriately in the front matter, and I notified the artist as requested like a good girl). I like it. I don't really want to spend any money on these little ventures; while Boobulon did some awesome work on the prequels cover and I didn't mind throwing some compensation his way at all, I do have my own finances to worry about. (Luckily, I have some very good friends who will proofread for free!) I downloaded Paint.NET, which did all I needed it to do and then some. I don't think I'll ever be a graphic artist, but it's enough to get by!
Anyhoo, here's the blurb!
Earth is dying, and humans need to find a new home before the planet becomes unable to sustain life. Among the Reverie project’s top researchers is Dr. John Verona, a brilliant scientist who tinkers with artificial intelligence in his spare time. While he works on the plans to evacuate his fellow citizens, his girlfriend, nurse Clio Lawrence, contemplates her role in his life. Despite Earth’s inevitable demise, she’s desperate for a family of her own, and wonders if the path to her goals lies with John and his two android “daughters”. Will he be able to meet her intimate needs while ensuring a future for the rest of humanity?
Smashwords link
Here is is, the last of the Disintegration prequels. This one focuses on Ro, who's become one of my favorite characters. This one's a bit longer than the other two, but with more plot comes more naughty activities!
I'm going to try to have the e-book collection out by the end of this week, if PDFs aren't your thing. Until then, enjoy!
Disclaimer: This content is intended for readers over the age of 18 (21 in some areas).
III. Palavia: Ro
Happy Monday! (An oxymoron, I know.) If your weekend was as dreary as mine and if the coffee just isn't cutting it for you today, then I think we can all use a little pick-me-up. The release date of Disintegration is getting closer and closer; let's have another free prequel!
I'll be honest - this one is my favorite of the three. While #1 was a bit of a smooshy romance (and hey! there's nothing wrong with that), this one's a little darker and, well, a smidge more kinky. It also reveals more information and plot points that are directly related to some of the happenings in the book. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This content is intended for readers over the age of 18 (21 in some areas).
II. Charytar: Tanith
2013 is off to a super start! I loved reading about all the new things you're going to try this year. (Some of you are far more adventurous than I am!) This blog hop was a blast - big thanks to everyone who participated, and especially to Carrie Ann for coordinating everything.
Time to announce some winners! Celina and Shadow get a sneak peek at Disintegration today, plus an e-copy sent to them when it's released next month! If you're disappointed at not seeing your name here, that's okay, because the first of the Disintegration prequels is available for your downloading pleasure! (emphasis on the "pleasure"...ahem.)
Clicking the link will open up the Google Drive window, and the download button (shaped like an arrow) is in the upper left-hand corner, so you can take your free story with you wherever you go. And if you're not a fan of PDFs, the bundle of all three stories will be available in any e-format your heart desires next month!
Three countries, three women, three stories: Set between five and ten years before the events in Disintegration, this collection focuses on the past experiences of the novel’s female characters before circumstances bring them together. Each is of a different age and background. They have a variety of goals and dreams, ranging from living a quiet, stable life to achieving respect in the bureaucratic power structure. Despite the contrast in their beliefs, they share similarities in their strength and passion. Will they find all they desire, even as war threatens to tear their homes apart?
Disclaimer: This content is intended for readers over the age of 18 (21 in some areas).
I. Tektan: Meyta
