Seal
Of Awakening
Seven
Seals Series, Book
Three
by Traci
Douglass
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban
Fantasy
Publisher: SpinTale Publishing
Date of Publication: October
28th, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-9897829-0-6
Number of pages: 261
Word Count: 70,000
Cover Artist: Kim Killion
Book Description:
Socially awkward geneticist Quinn
Strickland has willingly forgone the pleasures in life to reach her career
objectives. Alone and approaching thirty, she uses her independence to mitigate
any risk of a broken heart. Her strategy works until the day a handsome
stranger bursts into her lab and her orderly plans shoot straight to Hades. He
claims to be her personal divine protector, a powerful, ancient warrior sent to
defend a prophetic time bomb existing within her own genetic code.
The Scion’s alpha-geek Wyck is
offered the opportunity of his immortal lifetime as head of his own covert
operation. He arrives at a Colorado lab expecting starched white coats and
sterile surroundings—not a redheaded spitfire in charge of both his project and
his libido. His skills have carried him from the battlefields of ancient
England to the pits of Hell and he has no plans to be felled by one woman,
regardless of her shag-worthy charms. Divine duty requires him to protect the
apocalyptic Seal encrypted within Quinn’s DNA, but his heart has other ideas.
When his personal feelings interfere with his age-old vendetta, he’s forced to
decide between desire and retribution.
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/dAJ9tKiiUOQ
Short Excerpt:
For the band of
adopted heavenly brothers known collectively as the Scion, covert ops generally
fell into two categories, crashing bore or glorious adventure. And after more
than nine hundred years of divine missions, Wyck could tell the difference
before the first volley fired.
He
double-checked to make sure his ID badge was prominently displayed. Divinity had finally given him a second chance
as mission leader and he intended to make sure this operation fell squarely
into the epically awesome range despite his less than glamorous surroundings.
This time, he vowed, there’d be no messy diversions to waylay his goals, no
damsel in questionable distress to shred his heart to smithereens. Nope. This
time he was fully prepared and would see his mission through to a successful
end.
Wyck trudged up
the sidewalk toward the imposing glass and steel Eugenicorp Labs building,
craning his neck to see the top of the six-story structure. He was so engrossed
in his perusal he nearly squashed a bedraggled squirrel limping across the
pavement in front of him. Wyck glanced down and spotted a half-cracked acorn
near the toe of his boot. Poor bugger must’ve dropped it in his hasty retreat.
His first
inclination was to reach down and retrieve it, maybe place the nut near the
roots of the giant tree where the squirrel now hid. But now wasn’t the time to get sidetracked.
As his commander, Xander, had already warned him, such kindness had only added
to his past failures.
He kicked the
nut, watching as it hurtled through the open grassy area surrounding the
complex, then strode through the automatic doors and into the cavernous lobby.
Empty. Sterile. Utilitarian, covered in gleaming metal and glass. The décor -
neutral grays and bland beiges - screamed restraint.
Okay, he
amended. Maybe epic and awesome were pushing the envelope for this mission.
Best to start with solidly successful. He blinked several times in the early
morning sunshine and spotted the pinched, schoolmarm expression of a
receptionist across the expanse.
Brilliant.
In his
experience, mulish females appeared to be the rule in academia. Just one more
reason he steered clear of the smart ones and stuck to his technology.
Emotional evisceration was another, but he refused to dwell on that now.
Gadgets and science had always been his safe refuge. They trustworthy.
He proceeded
across the pristine white-tile floor and when the receptionist steadfastly ignored
him, Wyck coughed and summoned his most charming smile. “Hi, I’m Orson Parrot,
the new bloke.”
The woman
glanced up from her computer screen and ran a disdainful eye over him, her
glare burning a hole through his extended hand.
Her scowl increased as she snatched a clipboard from the desk’s
immaculate surface and skimmed a bony digit down the list. She tapped her finger twice beside one line
and stared back at him, her demeanor cold enough to freeze hydrogen, then
pointed toward a pair of glass doors across the lobby. “Through there.”
He leaned
forward to thank her only to be confronted by a strip of red fabric. Dangling
from the receptionist’s hand, it swung in crazy, lopsided circles to tap him
squarely on the chest. “You’ll need this,” she said, her tone a perfect match
for the Queen’s after a distasteful tabloid scandal.
Wyck caught the
twirling lanyard, with its attached security keycard, and placed it around his
neck. He couldn’t resist giving the
woman a wink and a grin on his way out, and was delighted when she stiffened
like rawhide. A fellow had to have some fun.
He headed toward
the double doors across the atrium, his mind ticking with details. This rare
shot at redemption, plus the added potential for delivering a digital smackdown
to his longtime enemies, the Nephilim, had him jumping at the chance to
infiltrate the Eugenicorp’s computer system. Getting back in the field again
would prove more enjoyable than his usual long hours of tedious research for
his brother’s quests. Not to mention turning down an assignment from Divinity
wasn’t really an option. She’d given the Scion many blessings, but freewill
over their assignments wasn’t one of them.
If his hunches
were correct, his new logic bomb would blow the fucking cork right off the half-breeds’
schemes for a new world order. By utilizing their legitimate business arm in
the human realm, Tolbert International, the Nephilim had been quietly amassing
huge quantities of money for centuries, branching out into everything from
pharmaceuticals to produce. The Internet had been buzzing for months with
rumors of an eminent Tolbert takeover of a genetics research facility and
Divinity had sent him to Eugenicorp to make sure those takeover plans didn’t
include the Seal currently hosted by one head scientist or the top-secret
project she commandeered.
He used his new
keycard to enter a glass-lined walkway and caught sight of his reflection.
Christ Almighty. He’d done a wicked job of turning his normal hipster persona
into Orson Parrott—Super Brain Extraordinaire.
Attired in a
scholarly turtleneck and khakis, he couldn’t have been further from his normal
choice of t-shirt and jeans. Between his helmet hair and the tatty, empty
briefcase he carried, there was little sign of the tousled charmer who’d enticed
a cute barista to bed during his last reconnaissance mission here a few months
earlier.
Goodbye quick
tumbles. Hello brainy celibate.
Wyck passed from
the atrium into another adjoining lobby and glanced at the office number
scribbled across his palm in blue ballpoint ink. 5324. He pushed the button for
the next arriving elevator, whistling while he waited.
Sure, he’d
performed a teensy bit of cyber-fraud by uploading his own credentials and
employee demographics into the Eugenicorp HR files and he’d picked out a nice
cushy office with a window, close to his target and close to the vending
machines. Perfect.
Speaking of his
target, the buttoned-down woman wasn’t one he looked forward to meeting. From
everything he’d read about the third Seal’s unwitting host, she was smarter
than sin and as enticing as a good bout of bubonic plague. No thank you.
A determined
clack of heels echoed against the tile behind him and he swiveled toward the
noise, just in time to see a flash of bright red hair barge through the
gathering crowd and into the elevator. People stepped back, some headed for the
stairs, as if the woman now occupying the compartment might spontaneously
combust at any moment.
******************************
Seal
Of SurrenderSeven Seals Series, Book 2
by Traci
Douglass
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban
Fantasy
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Number of pages: approx. 270
Word Count: 72,000
Book Description:
Love, like War, will always find
a way…
War has shaped every aspect of
Irena Soldan’s life—her childhood, her work, her DNA. Unaware she is the
genetic host of the second Seal of the Apocalypse, Irena battles for those who
cannot fight for themselves. As a top human-rights operative for The Omega
Consortium, her company provides both the financial backing required to
undertake her task and a charismatic, publicity-loving boss to promote her
cause. Life proceeds on plan for Irena until a mysterious, sexy stranger
arrives claiming to be her guardian and Irena’s path takes a sudden,
inauspicious turn for both the erotic and the lethal.
Chago has always been the quiet
one amongst his warrior Scion brethren—the brooding, Spanish combat expert with
a hidden soft side. A member of
Divinity’s covert special forces, he’s protected humanity for more than a
millennium. Still, his greatest joy comes not from the battlefield, but from
tending the cattle herd on his remote Montana ranch.
Irena’s new assignment takes her
straight to the heart of a bloody civil conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa and
Chago’s mission demands he follow. Expecting a seething cauldron of female
whoop-ass, he instead discovers a harbinger of peace amidst a world of
ever-increasing violence. The explosively tense situation is further magnified
by the cunning Omega Consortium leader, his ambiguous personal agenda, and an ancient
foe whose audacious rise to power threatens the world’s very existence.
Despite the cataclysmic
circumstances, an undeniable attraction ignites between Chago and Irena.
Together, they must unravel the ancient puzzle of the Seals and discover her employer’s
ulterior plans before they both become casualties of War. Soon, both are forced
to choose between a past riddled with old torments or risk everything they
treasure on a love capable of defeating evil incarnate.
Buy Link: Amazon
Excerpt:
Chago
walked across the open Montana field toward the broken fence in the distance.
He lugged the heavy toolbox one-handed and glanced sideways to see his herd
while they grazed on the nearby plain. A small calf trotted in his direction
and nuzzled his hand, searching for its daily treat.
“Hola,
Ernie.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an apple. The calf chomped
his prize and cantered away. Chago shook his head at the tiny cow’s retreating
waddle and pushed the rim of his Stetson a tad higher before he continued on
his way. After a short trek, he reached the broken section of fence and knelt
to examine the damage. Hammer in hand, he squinted into the bright light of the
rising sun, placed the first spike, and pounded away.
Domesticated
wasn’t a word most people would use to describe him. Most said he possessed
more brawn than sophistication, more muscle than grace. Chago had learned long
ago to use his bodybuilder physique and unsettling manner to his advantage. Few
knew the true extent of his intelligence or the depths of his emotions and he
intended to keep his brawn-over-brains persona intact.
The
ranch’s open expanses and fresh air suited him in a way no other place had in
eons and reminded him of his human childhood in the Pyrenees. He planned to
retire here as soon as he could figure out a way to convince Divinity. A
millennia as the Scion combat expert had taken their toll.
Finished
with his repairs, he climbed through the slats to view the other side of the
fence and stopped short. A familiar burn ignited around the sigil on his lower
abdomen. Duty called. He glanced toward the sky with exasperation. “Really?”
One
second he was standing in the field, flies buzzing around his head. The next he
was the star attraction in a white marble room. The only other occupant of the
grand hall stood dead center. Her sharp gaze assessed him from top to toe.
“Chago.”
The older woman’s expression held a hint of humor before she hid it behind a
mask of calm.
“Divinity.”
He bowed in deference and caught a whiff of fresh cow patty.
Fantastic. He
spied a telltale clump on the side of his well-worn boots and an image of the
small calf flashed into his mind. Chago chuckled and raised his gaze to hers,
his wry smile accompanied by a small shrug.
“Doing
some farming?” She surveyed his overalls, her eyes bright with suppressed
laughter.
“Ranching,”
he corrected her.
“Hmmm.
I’m afraid your recreational activities will have to wait.” She stood in front
of him and craned her neck to meet his stare. “I have work for you.”
Dammit.
What now? They’d secured the first Seal only months before and stopped the
Apocalypse. Where was his much-deserved vacation? He looked away and sighed. No
point in arguing. “Yes, ma’am.”
******************************
Seal
Of Destiny
Seven
Seals Series Book One
by Traci Douglass
by Traci Douglass
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban
Fantasy
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Number of pages: 263
Word Count: 70,000
Book
Description:
Love conquers all… but can it stop the
Apocalypse?
Mira Herald is having the worst life
ever. Not only is she plagued by
horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a
power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her
destruction. To complicate matters
further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent
for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to
unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this
celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.
Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite
team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the
world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager
to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman
with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him
for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to
fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic
about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans
a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.
The rogue minion attacks—with the
backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end
to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival
now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The
battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire.
Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to
each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they
ever knew.
Will love save the day? The world’s fate
depends on the answer.
Buy Link: Amazon
Excerpt:
“Basta!” Kagan
grabbed her by the arm and twisted slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to
let her know he meant business as he directed her to a corner booth. He ignored
the half-full beverages and coats scattered on the seats and shoved Mira into
the confined space. When the booth’s original owners took issue with his
hostile takeover, Kagan dispatched them with a lethal glare. He wasn’t sure
where the girl had gotten the idea his mind was damaged, but he was damn sure
he didn’t like it. He moved in behind her to block her escape.
“Oh, hell, no!” After several unsuccessful strikes to his
muscled physique, Mira tried to slide out beneath the table. The angle proved
too awkward. Defeated, she shoved as far away as she could into the corner and
propped those killer boots on the seat in front of her in warning. “You better
let me out of here, asshole, before I call the cops! I caught you stalking me,
pervert!”
Kagan took a deep breath. He never lost his cool in battle, and
he wasn’t about to start now. “Pervert? You’re of age, si?”
Mira glared. Kagan ticked through their earlier
interactions, searching for a reason behind her intense hostility. His
preternatural instincts sensed her intention before her hand reached his
carotid. He blocked her quickly, locking her small hand within his and forcing
it to the table beneath his own. Her pulse raced against his palm. He took
another swig of beer then flashed his most endearing grin. “Let’s start over.”
He released his bottle and extended his hand. “I’m Kagan.”
Mira kicked him hard in the thigh.
“Merda!” Kagan grabbed his throbbing leg. “What’s in those
damn boots? Marble?”
“Let me out of here, jackass, before I sideline your baby-maker!”
Mira struggled within the tight confines of the booth. As she squirmed, the
spicy scent of her shampoo wafted, and he was overcome with the strangest urge
to plunge his hands into the riotous mass of her hair, to feel it curl around
his fingers. She tugged on the hand pinned beneath his, and his thumb traced
over her thudding veins. His heart pounding along with hers. The odd tingle
sped through his torso, and his mouth turned to cotton. Her gaze blazed up at
him, a swirling mix of green and golden brown. He noted the dark smudges below
and wondered what kept her from slumber.
Dolce Cristo! Kagan looked away, fought for control. This
was getting way out of hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bedded a
woman, but apparently it had been far too long.
******************************
About
the Author:
Traci is the author of paranormal
romance/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge,
including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling
alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart,
independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously
evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys
weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and
great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main
characters.
She is an active member of
Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and
Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a
Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University.
Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests,
including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012
Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of the first book in the Seven Seals Series,
Seal of Destiny, won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards
sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.
Other current projects include
upcoming books in the Seven Seals series, a new contemporary novella series due
out in early 2014, and a new futuristic suspense series with hints of the
paranormal and plenty of romance.
Website and blog: http://www.tracidouglass.net
FB Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/TraciDouglassAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Traci_Douglass
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/tracidouglass
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