Hi Everyone! Today marks that day we've all been waiting for! The release of the first book of Cameron Allie's Clayridge Chronicles series, Love Spells, Full Moons and Silver Bullets!
It is a fantastic read! I hereby dare all of my followers and readers to get a copy of it. It's only available in ebook format right now, but Cameron hopes to have it available in paperback in time.
Lucifer, the cat, is my favorite character. I hope to see him in future books!
Please take a few minutes and read all about this amazing story.
Handing it over to you, Cameron.
1. Do you write in other genres? Why or why not?
Short answer, yes, as long as it’s romance.
Longer answer: I write romance, but I have
branched out across multiple subgenres. The bulk of my current stories are
contemporary romance that tend to have higher heat levels. I have a few M/M
stories. And I’m just beginning to venture into fantasy and PNR. Next year I
hope to also have some sci-fi RH to release.
2. Complete this sentence: “When one of my books is released, I…”
Obsessively check for ranking and reviews. I know I shouldn’t. A watched pot and all that, but it’s hard not to. You put a lot of work, and sometimes a lot of money into a release, it’s hard not to watch the numbers.
With this book, I’m self-publishing it, so
I’ve invested a lot of money into the production. I’ve been working on the book
for over a year, and it’s setting up a whole universe. This book has the
potential to link to at least a dozen more stories. It’s a huge deal for me,
and honestly, this release has me terrified, excited and anxious. I feel like
the quarterback before the big game. So many butterflies. So many nerves.
3. What inspired Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets?
I brought up the idea of a joint story collection/series to a few author friends of mine. We had discussed the idea of each writing our own story that connects somehow. We ended up deciding that while each story would be totally independent from the rest, each one would have a corn maze, a creepy scarecrow type figure at the entrance of said corn maze, and within each maze would be a portal that would push our stories into the PNR genre.
As with most things in life, our plans got a little derailed, but each of us has produced a story with those elements and we’re working as a team to celebrate each release and help the others succeed.
I ended up separating from our original publication and release plan for a few reasons. 1. I couldn’t complete my story in time for the publisher’s deadline and 2. My story morphed into a full length novel (rather than the agreed upon novella), and has launched an entire series based in the paranormal realm I’ve created.
The other authors and stories, if you’d like to check them out, released last fall: VJ Allison’s Eternity’s Gamble, Maggie Blackbird’s Born for This, and D.S. Dehel’s Nine for a Kiss.
4. Is there anything special you would like people to know about Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets?
As I mentioned above, Love Spells, Full Moons and Silver Bullets is my first self-published story. So that means that rather than finish the story and hand it over to the publisher who then arranged for editing, cover art, proofing, formatting, and uploading, I have to do all that myself.
I’ve hired professional editors and found a wonderful Canadian graphic artist and another wonderful Canadian proofer/formatter to help me make this book shine. I sent it to more beta readers than I have in the past. It’s been a tremendous amount of work and I’ve had to invest my own money into this project, and pray that I not only breakeven but can maybe turn a profit and finally start working toward this being a career.
This book is also special to me because it’s a new genre. I started out telling people it’s PNR, but I think it’s really a blend of PNR and fantasy. It’s got a bit of graphic violence which is new for me, and it’s a slow burn, another new element for me. It’s got a rich cast of characters and so much set up and Easter eggs for future books. I’m really looking forward to reader’s responses to not only this book, but the series as well.
5. As a writer, did the pandemic of 2020 and the subsequent isolation work to your benefit or detriment?
A bit of both. When the pandemic originally hit in 2020, my husband’s work didn’t have the necessary PPE when the first lockdown in Ontario happened. He didn’t feel safe at work, so he opted to stay home until that first lockdown eased up and his work started to implement some safety measures. While he was off we managed to get into a groove which allowed me to write a bit in the evening. At that point we had a 2 year old and a 6 month old.
Fast forward, and now we’re two years into this whole mess, and it’s been up and down. I get time when the girls finally decide to sleep well, but my kids hate sleeping so it’s been 4 years of sleep deprivation, which doesn’t make for a conductive atmosphere for creativity. At times, because of COVID, child care was hard to come by, which also limited my writing time, so my output has been much slower in the past two years, in part due to COVID, in part because we started a family and young kids take a lot of time and energy.
6. Do you adhere to tropes when writing romance? Which ones do you enjoy writing? Are there any tropes that make you squirm?
In my contemporary I’ve sort of jumped around a bit. I’ve done a few BDSM, a few friends to lovers, but I tend to write a lot of forbidden love stories (a.k.a. the older brother’s hot best friend, the employee/employer relationship). I’ve done one military, and I’ve done one single mom. Now that I have kids I have plans for a series down the road that will center on single moms, but it’s on the back burner right now, until I get some of the PNR/fantasy stories out of my head.
One trope you probably won’t see from me is the Daddy Dom trope. It’s not one I gravitate to. Age gap, sure, but likely nothing too far down that Daddy Dom path.
7. If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?
Definitely. I love writing. I’ve worked hard at improving my skills, and I’ve worked hard at trying to understand the business side of the job as well. I can’t give up on the characters in my head, and there are just SO many of them that I’ll likely never get all of them written. I tend to write in series, and that means lots of stories.
The Clayridge Chronicles series is my new
obsession. I’ve left Easter eggs all over that book and I can’t wait to see how
readers react as we get further into that world.
Connect with Cameron:
Cameron's
Covey (FB Reader Group)
Contest
To celebrate the release of Love Spells, Full Moons, and
Silver Bullets I will be giving away a moon pendant with chakra gemstones. To
enter follow the Rafflecopter link. A winner will be drawn on March 18th
2022.
The necklace was handmade by author Sean Kerr of KerrCards.
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About Cameron
I grew up in a small town north of Toronto, and don’t live
far from there now. I have two little girls that take up all my time and keep
me from writing, sleeping, eating, pretty much everything, but that’s the way
of the toddler lifestyle, particularly during COVID. We have a cat named Darcy
that my husband and I received at a wedding present. I’d tell you about my hobbies
and interests but right now mostly I just watch Paw Patrol, eat Goldfish
crackers and obsess over whether I’m doing a good job parenting, and when I’ll
get more time to write.
Blurb:
What do you do when your
ex’s werewolf boss wants to feast on the mortal you’ve sworn to protect?
Quinn was unaware of the love potion her
meddling cat dumped into her tea, so when Ian Hannigan ends up injured on her
property, she thinks she’s dealing with another mortal, not the man who can
help mend her heart. Her life becomes a balancing act as she attempts to keep
him safe, while hiding secrets better left buried with the dead.
In a realm filled with things that go bump in
the night, Ian didn’t expect to find security and happiness in the arms of a
green skinned witch, yet for the first time since his parents tragic car crash,
he’s found some measure of peace. The rumors he hears in Clayridge aren’t
pleasant, but Ian knows there’s more to Quinn than what people would have him
believe. If he’s placed his trust in the wrong hands he’ll be paying with more
than just his heart. He’ll pay with his life.
Get your copy of Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets
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Excerpt
Ian raced off as fast as he could,
but she was faster. Of course, she was
faster; she was a fucking vampire.
When she blocked off his retreat,
he turned and started in another direction. Her laughter followed him. Like a
cat with a mouse, she toyed with him. Mocking him, taunting him, and foiling
each escape. He was under no false assumptions. She was playing with him.
“Little human, come with me,” she
whispered. “I’d love to take you home for dinner.”
This time, when she spoke, no haze
encircled him, just fear and dread. Her laugh was cut short when a wolf howled
in the distance. Seeming on alert, her posture changed, and she lunged for him,
all her teasing gone. He braced himself for her attack, sheltering his face as
best he could, but her weight never hit him.
Mid-jump, something tackled her to
the ground.
A beast, something definitely from
a horror flick, rose up over her. It stood at least seven feet tall on its hind
legs. Brown fur covered most of its body. It had a wide chest and wolf-like
features but walked on two feet. Saliva fell from its mouth, dangling from its
teeth like some rabid dog. Its attention turned to him but flickered back to
the woman when she attacked it, kicking at its legs before launching
nails-first toward the creature’s throat.
Movement behind him caused Ian to
turn. More wolf-like creatures were barreling toward them, snapping tree limbs
and leaving claw marks in the earth.
Abandoning the skirmish, Ian ran
once more.
At one point, he’d been in fine
shape, his body toned, his cardio excellent, but in the last year, he’d let
physical exercise lapse, and now he felt the repercussions. His lungs burned,
his legs ached. He wouldn’t be able to keep up this pace for long. He needed to
find help or shelter. Somewhere to hide.
He didn’t bother to look back when
he heard something, or more correctly, somethings,
from the sound of it, in pursuit of him. He simply pushed on. Nightmare or not,
it was his only chance. Praying he’d wake up, he tried running in a zig-zag
pattern, but something threw him to the ground, and a second later, pain sliced
across his back. Harsh, unforgiving, and deep, claws sunk into his skin.
He screamed in anguish, tears
rushing to his eyes. Not a dream. So not
a dream.
He was done for. This was the end.
Unexpectedly, the weight above him
was removed. Ian pushed up a bit and watched as the vampire woman from before
fought against the brown wolf creature.
Pushing to his knees, Ian felt
blood dripping down his back. His shirt hung off his body, shredded by the
wolf-man’s claws.
He staggered a bit, trying to get
to his feet. That’s when he felt hot breath against his cheek. Twisting his
head, he came face to face with another wolf-man. This one seemed bigger, its
eyes black as night, as it stared at him, spittle hanging from its jowls.
Ian swallowed.
The creature opened its mouth and
released a horrific roar.
Spit hit Ian’s face. The power
behind that fierce sound moved Ian’s entire body, pushing him backward, like a
fat pig blown from its straw house by the big bad wolf.
The creature stalked toward him,
and once more, Ian’s legs propelled him forward. A few hundred yards, and he
dove behind a pile of brush. He cowered there, knowing it was only a matter of
time before they nabbed him.
With one hand, he reached back to
assess the damage. The wound was deep. Three, maybe even four slashes across
his skin. He’d need stitches or staples, and if he didn’t get help soon, likely
a blood transfusion.
A low growl drew his attention. He
peeked around the pile of twigs and leaves and spotted the two wolves pacing
along what seemed to be an invisible line on the ground. Standing against a
tree trunk further back was a woman.
“Why aren’t they attacking?” He
wondered out loud as he used his sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow.
“Because they aren’t allowed to
hunt on my territory.”
Ian’s gaze swung to the newest
voice. This new being was just as shocking as the rest, with a purple and black
dress that draped from her body, cut high in the front, revealing shapely
thighs covered in torn stockings. Brown hair hung in ringlets around her
shoulders, tumbling out from beneath a wide-brimmed pointed black hat. One hand
was propped on her hip, and the other was wrapped around a corn broom handle. A
heavy metal talisman hung around her neck. The green hue of her skin made her
look as though she’d walked off the pages of a comic book and left absolutely
zero question as to what she was.
A witch. Now there’s was a witch.
The vampire had been breathtaking,
in a drugging sort of way, but this woman was stunning. Her beauty was raw and
real. Or maybe that was just his loopy brain trying to make sense of this crazy
world he’d stumbled into.
“Your territory?”
“Yes.” Her gaze dropped to him,
and her mouth turned upward in a kind smile. “This is my land, and you are safe
here.”
“You can’t keep him there forever,
Quinn,” a deep voice spoke from behind the pile of forest rubble.
Ian took another look around the
brush. Two men, both naked, one with raven hair and the other with sandy brown,
paced that invisible line. “He won’t be leaving tonight, Draven. Go home.”
A snarl came from the brown-haired
man. “I’ve tasted his blood, his flesh. Give him to me.”
The vampire, presently fixing her
wild hair, sighed. “I’m going to find a new quarry. Enjoy your mortal, Quinn.
You know where to find me if you want rid of him.”
Ian watched the exchange with
interest. In fact, he was quite invested, as it seemed his life was being
negotiated.
Faster than he could see, the
vampire disappeared between the trees, but the men remained.
“I want him, Quinn. Give him
back.”
“You’re wasting your breath,
Draven. Leave now, or I will turn away all business that comes from your pack.”
Draven, the man who had taken a
pound of flesh from Ian’s back, growled. “This isn’t over.” Then as Ian
watched, he transformed back into a wolf creature and fled, leaving the
raven-haired man behind.
He exhaled rather loudly. “I hope
you aren’t making a mistake, Quinn.”
Ian glanced to the witch, whose
eyes narrowed. “Think carefully about what side you’re on, Alec, and about what
your conscience can live with.”
“The pack comes first. Always.”
“And you don’t ever let me forget
it,” the witch—Quinn—said.
The raven-haired man looked as
though he wanted to say more, but he merely shook his head, turned, and shifted
into wolf form before following in the direction Draven had taken.
Blinking, Ian tried to make sense
of any part of what had happened. One minute he was fighting with Priscilla,
and now he was face-to-face with a witch.
He glanced up at her, wondering if
he should start running again, but when he tried to move, his body gave up,
collapsing in pain.
The broom dropped to the ground as Quinn came closer, tsking softly. “And just what sort of mess have you gotten yourself into?”
Character Spotlight: Lucifer
1. Is your family big or small? Who does it consist of? Do you have siblings?
Pretty small. No siblings. For a while it was just me and Quinn. That was after her grandmother passed, but now Ian’s around. He’s pretty cool, for a mortal, I guess, just don’t tell him I said so.
2. How well would you handle a long-distance relationship?
Quite well, I think, considering. I’m not admitting to anything, but I might see Rowan’s familiar from time to time. Okay, maybe more frequently than that.
3. What exactly is a familiar?
A familiar is an animal who has bonded with a witch. The bond creates a unique, strong friendship. The familiar is in tune with the witch’s feelings and our lifespan is connected to the witch’s, meaning we have long lives, hundreds maybe even thousands of years. We, the familiars, also have nine lives, regardless of species, it’s not just a cat thing.
Any type of animal can become a familiar, but not all animals can become one, it’s something you’re born with. Basically, if an animal can talk it can bond with a witch, though generally it’s cats and birds and small rodents or reptiles.
We’re here to provide guidance to the witch, which maybe isn’t a good thing for poor Quinn, since she’s stuck with me.
4. Can you lie easily?
Are you more likely to ask for permission or forgiveness?
Definitely forgiveness. If you ask permission they’ll just say no. If I know I’m right, then I go for it. Even if they get a little angry about it, once it all works out for the best they’ll see I was right.
7. What’s your favourite book?
Everard and Daphne. It’s a star-crossed lover’s tale. But it’s not some sappy love story. Nope. It’s got tons of action and fighting and ruthlessness, and did I mention fighting. It’s way more than just a kissing book, though there’s plenty of that as well.
8. How do you respond to a threat?
Eliminate it immediately. Getting out ahead of problems, threats and problematic people is the only way to survive in this world.
9. What living person do you most despise?
Right now, Draven is pretty high up on the list. He’s the alpha of the local werewolf pack and seems to have it out for Quinn.
10. Have you ever had your heart broken?
No. Well, yes. I suppose there’s more than
one way a heart can break. So, yes. For example watching Quinn mourn for her
grandmother, feeling her pain as though it was my own, that was heart break. Romantically
though, no. No one has ever broken my heart.
A corn maze on one of the spookiest nights
of the year sounds like fun, right?
But once you get inside those tall stalks
there’s no breeze. The air gets thick and heavy, despite the fall weather. And
be sure to watch your footing. Those big fat rain drops might turn that path
your on into a slick mud slide. But that’s all okay, too, right? One hour to
get out of this maze, and the last one out buys the beer for the rest of the
night. All you have to do is NOT be the last one out.
But what if you don’t come out at all?
Hidden deep within this corn maze is a
magical portal and on the other side? A realm full of creatures of myth and
legend and campfire stories. If you’re lucky you’ll make it through the forest
and into the city.
Let me be the first to welcome you to
Clayridge, with this informative, albeit, unnerving guide.
A
mortal’s guide to surviving in Clayridge:
Clayridge: Generally a safe place, protected by a large stone wall,
enchantments, and the Guard. Wander outside of this city and you could find
yourself in peril quite quickly.
Witches: Generally helpful, good for purchasing spells and enchantments to
keep you safe. They can also read your fortune via cards, runes, tea leaves or
a palm reading, though they tend to think that sort of thing is for the
tourists.
Familiars: A talking animal that is bonded to a witch. They have nine lives,
and can live as long as the witch. Tend to have a know-it-all attitude.
Werewolves: Don’t be in the forest after nightfall or these beasts will surly
find you. They walk on two legs, transform at will (so long as the moon is in
the sky), and enjoy hunting.
Vampires: Beware of these seductive creatures, they can lure you in with a
Blood Lust spell and spend days, months, or even years keeping you as their pet
and pleasure snack. Dangerous creatures. Be wary.
Sirens: Okay, so you may want to keep a safe distance from the fountain in
the center of town. Those half-fish, half-woman creatures that live inside it
will lull you in with their song. They’ve been known to break up marriages,
ruin relationships, and cause all kinds of trouble. If you value your
relationships heed the warning signs and avoid these hormone driven creatures.
You’ll likely become addicted.
Dwarfs: Small in stature, great skill at building weapons, toys, and pretty
much anything. They make great drinking buddies too.
Harpies: If you see one of these half-bird, half-woman creatures, well,
you’re likely already dead.
Demons: Their appearance depends on their sub-species. Winged, horned,
black mist. Does it look dark, dangerous and deadly? Then it probably is. Also,
they generally work for vamps, and are often up to no good.
Gargoyles: These guys are cool AF. Stone through the day, flesh and blood
after dusk. Generally they work as nighttime labourers around the town,
particularly at the theater, but don’t be fooled, they possess wicked warrior
skills.
Elves: Tall. Pointed ears. Elegant. Tend to think they’re better than
everyone else.
Fairies: Cute. Helpful. Playful. Strong work ethic.
Pixies: About as fun as a nest full of hornets. You don’t want these pests
in your home. They’re difficult to get rid of without the aid of Pixie
Repellant. You can pick up a bottle at The Broomstick.
The
Mortal Embassy: Likely the first place you’ll want
to visit when you arrive in Clayridge. They have all kinds of important
information, and can help you find a job, since ill advised to try and make it
back to your own realm.
Tina’s
Treats: Run by a mortal, this bake shop makes some
of the tastiest treats in town, definitely worth a trip across town for one of
their jelly filled donuts.
The
Broomstick: A quaint little shop full of witchy
things. It’s run by a mortal but stocked by the local potions master.
Selkie
Music Cove: Looking to download the latest Jugular
Junkies single? Selkie Music Cove is the best spot for all your music related
needs.
Oak’s
Hollow: A nasty town full of undesirable creatures.
Vamps, demons and werewolves are commonly found here. For a steep price you can
purchase your very own mortal, for whatever wicked purposes you might devise.
The
Guard: Hellhounds make up the guard, serving as
peacekeepers and law enforcers. They’ll protect the people of Clayridge with
any means necessary. Huge hounds with matted black fur, ghostly tails and
glowing eyes, they look scary AF, but that’s only because they are. Dangerous?
Only if you’ve don’t something wrong.
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