Magic Burning – my story in the Carnival of Mysteries – is now available.
- snarky matchmaking familiar
- closeted firefighter dodging his big family
- elementary teacher and sorcerer, of sorts
- fire elemental on the loose
- a Carnival where all things are possible
Check out Magic Burning on Amazon (sorry folks, not wide until the series contract us up in about 9 months, but paper is available on Amazon) – [Buy on Amazon US]
excerpt:
Chapter 3 – Alan
…
Jason picked up his menu. “So, are we going for the known goodness of chicken, or having an adventure?”
“Adventure, definitely.” I scanned mine. “Shrimp fettuccini, then.” The seafood wouldn’t be Bellingham-just-caught, like my mother insisted on, but should still be fresh.
“Steak for me.”
“That’s an adventure?”
His lips twitched. “Could be, depending how hard they cook it.”
I was struck by the shape of his face, less angular and more square-looking without the shadow of stubble. “You shaved. I like it, although I like the rugged look too. Or you could rock a close-cut beard. Have you ever tried one?”
“Can’t do it. The mask of our breathing apparatus might not seal right over a beard, and I’m kinda fond of oxygen.”
A sudden arrow struck me under the ribs, the realization that he sometimes wore that mask to keep from dying in the middle of a fire. What am I getting myself into?
Just sex, hopefully. I calmed myself and focused on the bulge of his biceps under the T-shirt sleeves and the width of his chest. Hot sex. “A pity. I like a beard on my thighs.” That got me another flush across his fair skin. “Just to be clear, I’m gay, hoping you’re some form of gay-bi-pan. I’m definitely hoping you’re interested in exploring our horizontal, and vertical, options.” There, get this on the correct solid footing, no emotional mess.
…
This story was great fun to write, and the first two books out show how the common Carnival element can be played with in different ways. Magic Burning stands alone, but expect a few Necromancer cameos, despite the 60 year jump forward in time. 🙂
I hope readers will enjoy this one. I think it’s going to be one of my own favorites.