Sometimes the things that go bump in the night are there to protect the innocent....

Four-hundred years ago, Tristain St. Blaise worked as an apprentice for alchemist, Benito Achilles. When an experiment went terribly wrong, it fused an entity to Tristain's soul, turning him from an enlightened man of reason to one of dark passions. He takes on the mantle of a hired killer in order to protect innocents and rid the world of men like Achilles, and find some measure of redemption. 

Angelia Lightheart has worked hard trying to purge her life of unhealthy relationships. One night in a dark Manhattan alley, she is saved from a would-be rapist by a man who seems able to look into her very soul to the weary heart she hides from the world.

            Now, as Angelia and Tristain fall in love, his work as a contract killer brings him face to face with the one responsible for his immortal state and endangers not only their love, but Angelia's life. 

excerpt:

For over twenty years the planet of Cimirion has experienced devastating climatic changes that have turned it from a planet of four seasons to one of perpetual winter. The Cimirion High Command has sent an advance team of Runners to the duel-sun planet of Solarion to scout for possible relocation.

Kara Zaire's talents as a Visionary—a psychic who can hear energy patterns as musical notes— have placed her on the advance team to determine how well Cimirions will adapt to the constant summer heat of Solarion. That task would be accomplished easier if only Team Leader Jonah Cash would quit treating her like an unwanted commodity. But sometimes there is a heat behind his gaze that makes her feel as if he could burn her as sure as any sun.

Jonah Cash has led many missions for the Runners, but none as desperate as that of Solarion. He's leery of the Visionary's talent, especially when a strange force field blocks her from reading the planet's energy. He's willing to put up with her hocus-pocus talent if it means a successful relocation. He just never expected for the mystic to cause him to see visions of his own and her beauty to heat his blood to the boiling point.

**** Excerpt***

"Quit hugging trees and get your ass moving."

Kara ground her back teeth together, causing her injured cheek to smart. She picked up her pace. The man had about as much tact as a rampaging glacial bear. "Yes, sir."

The team stood at the base of a small hill in a semi-circle. They all looked over at her as if she were some loathsome tagalong on their vacation getaway. She'd been on many missions as a visionary, but she'd never come across such clear contempt from those she worked with. Of course they were all hand selected by Cash so most likely were his regular crew. She, being the outsider, had to prove her worth, and so far the planet couldn't or wouldn't cooperate with her.

If Cash continued to undermine her legitimacy for being on the team, she'd file a formal complaint with the HC. This mission meant the survival of their people, and having a team leader who thwarted her efforts to find a suitable planet for relocation could not be tolerated on any level.

"We're going to split up into three two-person teams." Cash pointed to the northern end of the plains. "Lowe and Dylan. Head north. Christo and Ramsey. East. Visionary, you're with me." He adjusted the volume on his earpiece. "Keep in constant radio contact. If you find anything of interest flag it and we'll investigate at length tomorrow. We meet at the ship before the second sun sets."

The rest of the team dispersed in their designated directions. Kara watched while Cash pulled out his canteen and took a quick mouthful of water. He swished it around his cheeks before swallowing.

"What have you found so far?" He replaced the canteen in the strap on his belt and rested his hands on his hips as if in preemptive challenge to what her answer might be.

"If I were blindfolded and brought to this planet, I would think it had died a long time ago."

A deep frown pulled his dark brows into a V. His startling blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of wraparound sunshades that did nothing but reflect Kara's image back to her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I can't hear anything. The only reason I know the suns are shining is because I can feel their heat. But they're as silent as space itself."

He let out a string of creative expletives and turned away. "Why didn't you tell me this before I sent the others off into the plains?"

"Why didn't you ask for my professional assessment before making that decision, sir?"

He shook his head and picked up the pace. "Doesn't make much difference, I guess. This is a fool's errand."

Reluctantly, Kara had to agree with that assessment. The thought of relocating to a planet she couldn't hear disturbed her more than she wanted to admit. But one thing was for certain: their civilization could no longer continue to survive on Cimirion.

Worldwide climatic changes had covered the planet in an icy crust in only a few short decades. Scientists couldn't pinpoint the exact reason for the sudden shift in mean temperatures, but all agreed it appeared to be getting worse every season.

Seasons. They'd had nothing but perpetual winter for the past twenty years. Kara could barely remember the springs and summers of her childhood. Looking around her, she wondered what the HC had been thinking to want to take an entire population from a world of arctic blasts and hypothermia to one of perpetual summer and heat stroke.

Kara lengthened her stride as she caught up to Cash. She hung back a few steps just to admire the view. She might not like him as a team leader, but all that arrogance sure came in a tight, hard package. Briefly an image of spreading protective oil over his entire body flooded her mind and brought her up short. Just how long had she been without a man?

The heat had to be getting to her. Normally, the tall, dark and arrogant type didn't thrill her in the least. However, Cash hid something, she was almost sure of it. In addition to discovering why the planet hadn't spoken to her yet, she also wanted to uncover some of her sexy and untouchable team leader's secrets. The prospect of which would be truly fascinating.

One of my favorite stories I've ever written is now out!!! It blends sci-fi, steamy romance and space battles. I loved writing this story...well, more like Daria and Raven dictated the book to me. Once I came up with the concept, they really took care of the rest. The fact I sold this to Red Sage was simply awesome to me.

Here's a quick blurb to whet your appetite.

Duty and honor are concepts Princess Daria of Primon knows intimately. Not only is she the fifth daughter of the Primon royal house, but her rank of Eagle has her flying combat missions in some of the most dangerous sectors of the galaxy. Passionate and strong, she is no stranger to a lover's touch. But now, a political alliance with the planet of Jevic will place her under the dominion and in the bed of one Kristiano Raven, supreme military leader of the Jevic army. Even if his ruthless reputation hadn't made her wary of the match, the fact he is her late sister's betrothed most certainly does. That, however, has not eased the ache of desire she feels in his presence. ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Have fun and happy reading.

-Kat

What can I say...I'm a slug.

It's been weird this last couple of weeks. I had surgery on the 12th and the very same morning my cat died. My husband and I had her for 14 years. She was two when we got her, so she was kind of long in the tooth for a kitty. Very much loved though. So, on top of trying to heal and mend my owwies, I had to mourn a good friend who used to come in my office with me while I wrote and took up her post either on my feet or on the back of the recliner behind me. I swear I still see her running around the house and in the evenings I can hear the distinct sound of her grooming her paws. Living without her will be a huge adjustment for both Dave and I, but we've agreed to take a break from pets for a while. The pain is just too fresh to jump in anytime soon.

As you can see from my profile, I got the beautiful cover art for my Dragon Tamer story. It's so awesome. I'm very lucky. I'm still wondering what the concept for the anthology cover will look like, but I'm sure it will be wonderful. I think the same artist is scheduled to do that cover that did DT.

I'm gearing up to send something in to the Brava novella contest. I really have no idea one way or the other how my story will be received, but I'm going with my strengths while writing this and we'll see. Hopefully, I'll make a good showing. I just plan to write the best story I can and then wait to hear.

I also entered something in the Cobblestone Press Vampire Oracle contest. My wonderful crit partner and friend Antonia told me about it and I read the card descriptions and was very intrigued by the idea. Immediately upon reading the Tomb card, I had a story idea running through my head. I knew my heroine immediately and when you're hit with a bolt of inspiration lightning like that, well, you just gotta write the story. I don't think I'll hear on that one until the last few weeks of August. So, putting that on the calendar to start watching for around that time.

It's really difficult to write and plan while recouperating from surgery. Honestly, I thought I'd be 100% a lot sooner than I was. I'm still kind of pained, but at least I'm getting around well and not dizzy like I was at 5 days out. That anathesia really did a number on me. I'm just not used to not being able to push myself at the computer and sit for long hours writing. Ughhhhh...I got so behind. Hopefully I'll write myself out of this TBW (to be written) quagmire I've found myself in.

Well, I'm off. I have a date with the new Harry Potter book.

-Kat

What a week!!!

I've just returned from my first RT and it was awesome. I met and talked to so many people that I've only previously met online at my publishing loops and group that I felt surrounding by old friends.

Now that I'm home, I have to get cracking on my projects that should have been done before I left. Good thing I took an extra week off of work. I have some proposals to put together and send to an agent, as well as some to editors. It's really quite amazing the difference a few years and several publication will make.

Editors I've worked with previously are now introducing me to other editors they know. I've gotten a few requests for submissions on introductions alone. I guess it helps that those introductions are coming from editors who have worked with me in the past and know my work well, and how easy I am to work with. I try to be. I've learned your editor is your friend. It's in their best interest to put out the best product they can, so it ends up helping both you and them. But then again...I guess I love my books, but only up to a point. What I mean is...there is very little in them that would kill me to change if in the end it made a stronger book. For a long time I had a saying taped to my monitor. "Forget what's best for you, do what's best for the book." I try to live by that. It only makes sense. There are certain things I could be adamant over, but so far they are none of the things editors have wanted to change. Thank God!!! In that respect, I've been extremely lucky.

In addition to the contacts, I had a fabo time at the awards luncheon sponsored by Triskelion Publishing and a few of we authors. The best part was the fact I got to keep the huge poster of my book cover. (See yummy cover model for Immorati) and know why I was so jazzed. Hubby Dave thought it was pretty cool. Next time I go to a booksigning, I'll have a huge banner to put up behind me. I just have to find something to afix it to in order to get it to stand up. I'm sure if Dave and I put our heads together we'll come up with something.

But no matter how much fun I had...and believe me, I had ALOT of fun...it's always good to come home. I get stressed easily when I'm away and far from my hubby and regular routine. (I hate to admit this, but I'm one of those people who thrive on structure and routine. I try not to...but there ya' go.)

I'm looking forward to my next booksigning in June. On the 10th at the Barnes and Noble in Ledgewood, NJ. So, if you're around the area, stop by. After that I know for sure of the NJRW conference and another Barnes and Noble where I'll be speaking on Submissions in Nov. I'm going to contact the RT 2008 committee and see if I can get on a couple of panels next year. We'll see. I think it would be a hoot.

I'll keep you updated on what is happening with the submissions I'm sending out this week.

Keep your fingers crossed.

-Kat

Well, I sent off the next novel to the editor to start edits on. By A Silken Thread is my July release from Triskelion Publishing. I'll post a blurb and excerpt on that one soon.

I can't believe it's only 3 months or so away! You have to understand that I got the idea for BAST almost 15 years ago. It was the first novel I completed (though a really bad version of it.) So, I feel a real sense of triumph at it's release.

Though it's a paranormal, it has to do with NDE's and not any kind of supernatural beings. Oh, hell...here's the blurb anyhow.

On an ice-encrusted road in New Jersey, Tara Johanan loses control of her car and drives off an embankment.  At the same moment in Palmetto Springs, Florida, in an unwittnessed attack, Charlotte Durand is shot in the head and left for dead.

Both women die. Both return. But near-death experiences are not always straightforward, for now Tara has the voice and memories of a comatose woman in her head, and can remember a shooting she never witnessed.

Marcus Danforth is a detective with the Palmetto Springs Police Department, and Charlotte's stepbrother.  When he walked into Charlotte's hospital room and finds a beautiful stranger with his stepsister, he feels as if he's been poleaxed.  He doesn't understand why touching her hand makes him feel better than he has since Charlotte's shooting.  And yet, his training tells him that she is hiding something from him, and he's determined to discover Tara's secrets, even in the face of overwhelming desire.

I'll post a contest and exceprt closer to the release date.

-Kat

I can't believe it. The annoucements were made for the Samhain "I Dream of Dragons" anthology and I was informed last night that my novella, Dragon Tamer made the cut. I understand that the competition was pretty fierce, so that makes the fact I got a spot even more amazing. I'm still over the moon here. I think I committed the email notification to memory. I kept rereading it to be sure I read it right.

Here's the working blurb:

On the tropical island paradise of Cambry, the dragons are dying. A flesh and scale eating blight has ravaged the females and threatened the dragon population. Calusia settlement hatching ground director, Darion Archer, calls on the International Field Marshalls to investigate the outbreak. The dragons are his life, and he'll do anything to protect them and see an end to the blight. He isn't prepared, however, for the beautiful agent who comes to investigate, or his reaction to her.

            IFM agent, Serrah Gayle has no idea what her assignment entails. The only thing she knows is that she's been sent to Cambry, a land that holds the majority of the dragon population. When she meets the sexy settlement director and learns her case will bring her close to the legendary creatures, Agent Gayle must overcome a lifelong fear of the dragons to help solve the mystery of the blight, as she falls into a deep emotional bond with the director.

I think the Dragon Anthology is set to go to ebook in Sept. and will be in print form nex year. I'll keep you posted as more information becomes available.

-Kat

I have to admit, if this wasn't happening to me I wouldn't believe it. After coming off a totally awesome year, 2007 looks to be shaping up to be a great one too. I sold my novel, The Host: Shadows to Samhain Publishing.

Here's the blurb.

Four-hundred years ago, Tristain St. Blaise worked as an apprentice for alchemist, Benito Achilles.  When an experiment went terribly wrong, it fused an entity to Tristain's soul, turning him from an enlightened man of reason to one of dark passions. He takes on the mantle of a hired killer in order to protect innocents and rid the world of men like Achilles, and find some measure of redemption.   Angelia Lightheart has worked hard trying to purge her life of unhealthy relationships.  One night, in a dark Manhattan alley, she is saved from a would-be rapist by a man who seems able to look into her very soul to the weary heart she hides from the world.

I have a tentative release date of January '08, and I have to say, I'm so excited. I started work on the story about 7 years ago, but at the time I visualized it as a graphic novel and wrote it in a psuedo-screenplay format. I think, however, this format (novelization) works better because it's allowed me to get infinately closer to my characters and develop a sequel to the story. I may not have done that in the other format. Who knows. I have ideas coming at me from all over, so it's pretty hard to keep up.

Drop me a line and let me know what you're working on. Or just share your good news.

-Kat

So, I'm here on Myspace, meeting new friends and learning more about the online writing community. For someone who's been watching trends for years in the hopes of breaking into the world of writing, I had no idea that there were so many different online writers and reader groups. It's fantastic!! I've always loved books and reading, and especially romances, but sadly most of my friends read mysteries or suspense, some literary, but very few actually read romances. I had to join romance writer groups in order to actually meet other romance enthusiasts. Though I have been a long-time reader of RT magazine.

If you haven't done so yet, take a look at my excerpt of my March release, Immorati and tell me what you think. Also, available now in print, is my novella for Red Sage in Secrets Volume 17: Erotic Nights. The story is titled Fatal Error and under my pen name, Kathleen Scott.

See ya,

-Kat

This month marks the release of my new ebook with Triskelion Publishing titled, Immorati.

Here's a blurb and excerpt from the book. Don't worry, it's PG-13.

Blurb: