fantasy Archives - Tena Stetler

Oct 13th A Witch’s Quandary – Sunday Snippet

Welcome to my Sunday Snippet. This week we take a look at A WITCH’S QUANDARY, the sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series. – A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice with a little blackmail mixed in. Can they weather the storm and find a future together?

A little about the inspiration for the book: I spent 18 years as paralegal for law firms. A paralegal is basically a playwright for the attorney. Most depend on the paralegal to do research, write up the pleadings and motions synopsize the case. Subsequently, when something goes wrong, guess who’s to blame? Not the person who has been working on his golf game, or schmoozing with higher ups to better his position in the law firm or political aspiration’s rather than over seeing the trial prep. You got it. This is not always the case, but…. So from that perspective I wrote a solicitor from Scotland that didn’t want to play the game, forced to make a choice that would negatively effect is personal life, but had magic on his side to boot.

Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about

Let’s check out what A WITCH’S QUANDARY is all about:

Gale’s engagement is off because she refuses to leave her thriving business in Ireland to follow Dillon to Scotland. Her family and friends are on the emerald isle. Yet, when Dillon returns with the whole story and asks for her help, she must follow her heart.

Becoming a Solicitor, then partner in the family law firm was never Dillon’s dream. Now it’s his nightmare. Called to Scotland, his father demands he take his rightful place in the firm or be disowned and disinherited. Something is terribly amiss in the firm and family.

During Gale and Dillon’s investigation, they discover the enforcer for the Demon Overlord is also delving into rumors the firm is acting illegally. Magic has been stolen, someone is being blackmailed, and a member of the Witch’s council is corrupt. If Gale and Dillon want a life together in Ireland, they have to unearth secrets threatening to destroy the firm and family in Scotland.

How about a peek between the pages of A WITCH’S QUANDARY:

“This is an outrage. It’s my firm.” Bram bellowed slamming his fist down on the table. Sparks flew in all directions creating a red-hot spider web of power crackling across the tabletop. Everyone at the table scrambled back or stood. Dillon caught the malevolent spark in his father’s eye a split-second after Gale. She had already brought her hands together, the room sizzled as she conjured a ball of fire and with a few words sent the witch fire and spell at him.

“What have you done?” Bram screeched as the fire and spell hit him center mass. “Witchfire too? Bitch.” He slid to the floor.

Iris ran to his side, tears spilling her cheeks, she wiped his sweat-soaked brow with a napkin. “You just couldn’t stop, could you? What did you do? Make a deal with the devil? We should have put a stop to it. To you. But…” She helped him into a chair. “I’m afraid you’ve messed with the wrong witch, this time. Brought this on yourself. You did. But I won’t let you take this family—the firm—down with you.” Giving his shoulders a little shake, she gazed into his shocked eyes. “What have you done?”

Bram slowly shook his head and murmured, “It’s my firm.” He raised his gaze and glared at Gale pointing a bony finger at her. “You’ll pay for this.” Then turned his attention to Dillon. “I told you nothing good would come from aligning yourself with this witch. Her blood is not pure. Diluted by the Fae power of her…” He broke off.

Dillon stood at Gale’s back his hands steady and supportive on her shoulders as she said nothing for several beats. Eventually, she turned her emerald green eyes to him and held his gaze. “I couldn’t let him divide the family with that dark magic. I tempered my deadly witch fire with the spell.” She tore her gaze from Dillon’s, touching her fingertips to the scorched marks radiating across the table stopping an inch from the edge all around. “If he’d succeeded, there’d been no turning back. If the tendrils of that spell had left the table and reached one of you…” She shook her head.

Appearing to gather his wits about him faster than the rest of his family, Sturgen surveyed the scene, wiped his brow with a monogrammed handkerchief, and sucked in a breath. “The firm is no longer yours.” He squeezed Olivia to him, starting for the door. “We’ve had enough for one night. Let’s adjourn until a full audit of the cases and firm can be conducted.”

****

Gale leaned against Dillon, his strength and calm flowed into her. “I felt your father’s intentions. The intentions he was able to disguise from his family. He planned to destroy all of you.”

“I know. I felt him…hmm…something evil. Only my reaction was a second too late. I’m glad yours wasn’t. How long will he be spellbound? That is what you did. Right?”

“Aye. Among other things. Indefinitely… I hope. He’s got a lot of power that isn’t his. I’ve no way to bind what I don’t know.”

Thank you for stopping by to check out my Sunday Snippet A Witch’s Quandary. Please join us next week when I’ll have another Sunday snippet for you.

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Demon's Witch Series, A Witch's Quandary, fantasy, Law Firm, magic, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.

Aug 18th Hidden Gypsy Magic – Sunday Snippet

Welcome to Sunday Snippets – award-winning Hidden Gypsy Magic. Each week I spotlight one of my books, tell you what’s special about it, and highlight an excerpt. Join me for this fun adventure.

This week is the award-winning Hidden Gypsy Magic part of A Witch’s Journey Series revolving around animal rescue, magic, second chances, and paying it forward. I’m sure you’ll love this feel good series! Let me tell you a little secret. I’ve always wanted to visit Salem, Massachusetts (this year my wish will come true), also own a cabin in Maine, and live in a lighthouse. I may see all these things in my trip to the East Coast. I’ll be sure and have pictures of the road trip to share. Sure enough I live out my fantasies in my books.

I love all my books, but Hidden Gypsy Magic is one of my favorites. A house and cabin that clean and fix dinner. What more could you want? Maybe wildlife rescue? Magic? A handsome veterinarian? AND it available in audiobook! Yep this book as it all, including time-travel. So what are you waiting for, grab a copy, and be swept into a fantasy you’ll never want to leave.

So lets take a peek into Hidden Gypsy Magic!

When a wildlife rehabilitor, and Brock a veterinarian, discover the consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic.

The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.

The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.

Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.

A peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:

Carefully, Gwen took the poppet and eased her hand into the painting. A vortex sucked her arm then her entire body into the painting swirls of red, blue, and yellow swam around her then she was falling. She gulped in air as her stomach flipped threatening to spill its contents into the void. Her throat hurt from screaming, yet there was no sound. Something hard hit her backside, then it was quiet, she blinked and rubbed her eyes. Finding herself sitting in a rocking chair that squeaked announcing her arrival, she straightened and several pairs of eyes peered at her with interest. The room was familiar— it was the living room of Brock’s soon-to-be house, only the furnishings were quite different. The dragon staircase…

Before she could grasp what was happening a swirling portal of colors opened up in the center of the room. With a whoosh Pepper unceremoniously landed in the middle of the hardwood floor with a thud.

Pepper jumped up and brushed herself and stared at Gwen. “Another fine mess you’ve gotten us into. I nearly didn’t catch a hold of your magic trail into the painting.” She paused and glanced around. “Where the hell are we?” Pepper switched her attention to the three women and two men observing them from wooden chairs scattered around the room. “Hey, this is Brock’s house…but it isn’t. Oh no…” Her hand flew to her mouth as she sidled over and positioned herself to the side of Gwen’s chair.

“What?”

“Judging by the clothes these people are wearing, and the decor, the painting seems to have sucked us back in time,” Pepper whispered eying the group sitting before them.

Next week, a new snippet! I look forward to our next visit!

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey Series, fantasy, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Time travel by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.

Aug 11th A Warlock’s Secrets – Sunday Snippet

Welcome to Sunday Snippet! Today we are talking about A WARLOCK’S SECRETS, the second book in the award-winning A Demon’s Witch Series.

A Warlock’s Secrets wasn’t a planned part of A Demon’s Witch Series. It came to fruition after several readers and a couple of reviewers asked or assumed Tristian’s story was next in the Demon’s Witch Series.

In truth, I’d never considered writing Tristian’s story. He was the Demon Overlords enforcer/assassin, for heaven’s sake. The hardest part of writing this book was wrapping my head around who Tristian really was and what he wanted out of life. He challenged me at every turn of the story. After delving into who he really is and what he wants, come to find out, he has a strong moral compass. He basically is the paranormal police for the Western Hemisphere. Enforcement is necessary to keep a balance between mortals and creatures which he learned young due to the death of his parents and having to raise his little sister. When love comes his way he is fiercely protective and everything Hannah is looking for in a forever relationship. A Warlock’s Secrets, second book in the Demon’s Witch Series. Join in the adventure and grab your copy today! Available worldwide at Amazon,Kobo, Barnes & Noble, itunes, and Walmart.com. If you’re in the United Kingdom, Amazon UK, or Australia, Amazon.AU. or Canada Amazon CA.

Often I’ve been asked why I write paranormal romance. Since I was old enough to read, I loved being swept away into a fantasy. Whether is was a trip to Mars, pretending I could wield magic with the characters in a book, or chasing a unicorn across the backyard only to find myself face to face with a vampire, my imagination ran wild with the written word. As I got older, if I didn’t like a part of the book or the way a story ended, I’d rewrite it. Oh what adventures Trixie Beldon and Nancy Drew had under my rewritten sections. LOL

Now I hope to encourage readers to leave your ordinary world behind for a few hours… be swept away into a magical romantic fantasy with a touch of mystery and suspense. It’s good for the soul and stress relieving to suspend reality for a while, whether you are reading or writing novels. <grin>

A little about A WARLOCK’S SECRETS – Years ago, a sacred ceremony at the Dragon’s Moon Coven turned deadly. Son of the high priestess, Tristian Shandie’s life changed forever. With a price on his head and revenge in his heart, he has no choice but to follow in his father’s footsteps to a profession shrouded in secrets. Now his skills as an enforcer for the Demon Overlord are second to none. But dangerous secrets he harbors are a liability he can no longer afford.

A chance meeting with a woman he finds irresistible flips Tristian’s world upside down. Hannah is a cyber security specialist with secrets of her own. Bad boys never appealed to her until Tristian, who changes everything. In his darkest hours, she is dragged into his magical world.

If they survive, is she strong enough to heal his heart and tame the warlock? Or will their secrets destroy them?

A peek between the pages of A WARLOCK’S SECRETS:

Panic set in, her brain wouldn’t engage and her mouth took off on its own. “I..I didn’t mean to wwake you. Only wanted to apologize for whatever I said the other night that pissed you off,” she stammered.” God — Can I embarrass myself anymore? Her cheeks felt like they were on fire as she whirled away from him in an attempt to compose herself. When she turned around, he’d leaned one shoulder against the doorframe, crossed his arms over his sculptured chest, but his smoldering gaze over her body should have incinerated the clothes she was wearing.

Resting her hand on her hip she tilted her chin up, her gaze met his. “Like what you see?” Oh my god, where did that come from? Her hand flew to her mouth again. “Anyway, I’m sorry.” She turned and sprinted down the steps. By the time she reached her car, he was leaning nonchalantly against her driver’s side door. “How did you do that?”

“Practice.” He blinked at her. “Why don’t you come in and have a cup of coffee, obviously you are having caffeine withdrawals. I warmed up a couple of cinnamon rolls and apple fritters. Would you like one?” Not waiting for an answer, he sauntered up the steps.

Her knees went weak, she licked her lips.

“Coming?”

“No…. I have to go,” she stammered. “I was on my way home after a run. But thanks for the invitation.”

“Suit yourself.” He strolled through the doorway and paused turned back to peer at her. “Sure?”

Her stomach growled loudly. Traitorous organ. “Maybe just a bite and a big cup of coffee.” She plodded up the stairs and followed him into the kitchen filled with the aroma of warm cinnamon and apples.

I love to meet new readers and chat with them or other authors. So please check out my social media links below. Talk with you soon!

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Warlock's Secrets, fantasy, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Sunday Snippet, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.

Jul 14th Charm Me Again – Sunday Snippet

Welcome to Sunday Snippets. This week its the award-winning Charm Me Again sequel to Charm Me a fun and flirty tale. Join me each week for a fun adventure.

Charm Me Again is a bit darker than Charm Me. Two families long divided brought together through an adventure of a lifetime. Breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.

How about a little about the writing this book. Since I am a panster, my characters seem to hijack the story at every turn. Just about the time I think I have the reigns of the story—off they go in another direction. It’s frustrating at times, but I so enjoy the experience never knowing what will happen for sure. I seem to write chapters out of order, scenes out of order but in the end, everything seems to fall into place. So far. LOL

Take for instance in CHARM ME AGAIN, I had no idea how Daylan was going to make amends with his sister after their horrendous falling out. But as I listened to him tell his story, involvement with the Scottish ghost and his regrets thing begin to fall into place. Yet when he was told Josie was off limits…well…he couldn’t help himself and chaos reigned. Then along comes Josie, a yoga instructor in Summer’s studio, an innocent with a stalker problem. She was so much more than she seemed at first glance. I had trouble keeping up with her transformation. When I just about thought I had things in hand, I discovered that Josie came from a prestigious family of lawyers and her free spirit got her tossed out of the family.

One of the settings is Hanging Lake. It’s a favorite hike of mine in Colorado. It’s literally a lake caved into the side of a mountain.

I hope I’ve given you enough for you to want to take a peek at the book. I know you are going to love it. Especially if paranormal romance sprinkled with mystery is your thing. Living in fantasy is mine, the real world scares me to death. LOL

I love all my books, but Charm Me Again is one of my favorites. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever? AND it available in audiobook! Yep this book as it all. So lets take a peek into Charm Me Again!

For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.

As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.

Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?

A peek between the pages of Charm Me Again.

She swallowed hard and blinked.

Out of the mist, in full Scottish regalia, a ghost stood, his transparent red and green belted plaid blowing in the breeze.

She shook her head, closed her eyes, scrubbed her hands over her eyes, and blinked them open. “What the hell?” burst from her lips before she could control herself. “It’s some kind of bad dream. Right?” She rubbed her eyes again opening only one this time. “Shit, you’re all still here.” She dropped her arms to her sides and glared at Daylan then Summer. “Someone better tell me what’s going on—right now.” Her hands fisted and unfisted at her sides.

Daylan returned her scathing look. “Later.”

“We meet again Shay.” The ghost said. “What kind of attire are ye wearing?”

“Never mind. Ye are the cause of the problem, Daylan.” The leader glared at the ghost.

“Oh, no—not this time,” the ghost said.

Daylan stood straight. “No way. I’m not taking the blame for this.”

Shay grinned. “Oh, now things are falling in place.” He pointed a finger at Daylan. “You are his namesake and that is why Khellan has returned.” He flicked a finger at the ghost. “And you have attached to your namesake hoping he or his twin can break the curse. What a tangle.” Shifting his gaze to her, he continued. “This young lass is caught in the middle with naught power to protect herself.”

“For god sakes. She’s mortal. How can she be caught in the middle?” Daylan shouted. “She shouldn’t even be able to see what’s happening.”

“Yet she does. Something to think about.” Shay shrugged one shoulder. “She is besotted with you, as you are with her. The lass’s blood may be diluted, but it’s there. The cycle begins again.”