#Smores Who likes those white puffy things on a stick? #PietasFans #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Updated on 0909/1111/20242024 by Kayelle Allen

What is your favorite meal?

Fish, cooked over an open fire, and vegetables grilled beside it.

If any, what food do you refuse to eat?

I have quite literally starved to death before. There is no food I won't eat.

Tell us about a meal or food that says "home" to you.

Fish cooked around a campfire followed by those sweetish brown crackers. You put a white puffy thing on a stick and hold it over the fire until it starts to melt, and then you put that between the crackers and chocolate. I don't know what you call them, but I call them delicious. They are the perfect end to a campfire meal shared with friends.

When you find yourself with some type of unknown food on your plate, what do you do?

I ask questions, and poke at it a bit, but inevitably, I eat it.

Have you ever eaten military style rations, and if so, what was your favorite?

For more years than I care to count. Anything that comes in a box that heats itself is a winner.

If you cook, what kind of food do you like to prepare?

I am hopeless in the kitchen, but my staff sees that I never go hungry.

Favorite alcoholic beverage?

A flavorful wine, especially one grown in vineyards owned by friends.

Favorite non-alcoholic beverage?

Clean, fresh water.

What do you grab when there's no time for a regular meal?

Whatever holds still long enough for me to put it into my mouth.

Who are your favorite people to share meals with?

The people on the High Council, and other dear friends.

Tell us what your author eats or drinks while writing about you.

Kayelle guzzles water, but she also drinks a caffeine free sugar free Coke. And coffee with cream and chocolate. Hot herbal tea in the evening. Sweet tea in the morning. Hmmm. She drinks a lot, but I've only seen her drink alcohol or wine on rare occasions.

What do you feed your pet/s?

Tiklaus is a ginormous panther who rules our home and eats whatever is put within reach. I make sure it's healthy and fresh.

Tell me in the comments what you like to eat for dinner.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Posted in Books by Kayelle, Fallen Empires, Science Fiction Books | Tagged Immortal Heroes, MFRW, Origin of Pietas, Pietas, Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels |

Package Deal a single dad anthology by BBB Publishings – single dads who find love in unexpected places #Anthology #MFRWhooks

Updated on 0909/0606/20242024 by Kayelle Allen

In his office at home, Brinn set aside work on a project for his more advanced classes. He'd committed to having dinner with Kam instead. He went in search of Dresden and found her on a couch in the living area, reading.

"Dresden?" Brinn sat next to her. "I'm going on a date tonight. Do you know what a date is?"

She set down the ereader. "You mean like on the calendar? Or like you eat?"

"The kind of date where two people spend time doing something they both enjoy."

"Oh, you mean having sex." She picked up her ereader.

Brinn almost choked. Heat rose in his face. He pushed her ereader down a bit and leaned out so she could see him. "It can also mean they just have dinner. I'm going to have dinner with Mr. Kam."

"Okay." Dresden shrugged. "He likes you."

"Does he?"

"Uh huh. Every time you're around, he smells happy."

Good to know. "And how do I feel around him?"

She squinted at him, tilting her head. "Why? Don't you already know?"

Package Deal

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Divorced, widowed, adopted, blended or fostered -- each family has its own unique tale. Join these authors as they tell stories of amazing single dads who find love in unexpected places. Laugh, cry, get a little hot, and maybe even throw your phone. Don't say we didn't warn you.

https://books2read.com/PackageDealSingleDadAnthology

Join these amazing authors as they show off these amazing single dads! Featuring Stories by: Kayelle Allen, Rae Tina, Rhylie Matthews, L.P. Guleva, C. E. Lashua, Jenni Lynn, and Kaci Rose.

This is a multi-author anthology. Stories may come with a trigger warning and end on a cliff-hanger please be aware before reading.

Posted in Anthology, Books by Kayelle | Tagged Brinn Halin, Dresden Fasra, Gay Romance, Hacking Planet Fun, Hahlibeth Suixel, Kam Zavala, MM Romance, Package Deal, Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels, Thieves' Guild, Thieves' Guild Academy |

This would win the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest #ChristmasRomance #UglyChristmasSweater #MFRWhooks

Updated on 0909/0606/20242024 by Kayelle Allen

The Christmas Sweater / Shirt

In his old room, Scott stripped out of his uniform and put on sweatpants and slippers. On his bed was the loose T-shirt with a blond-haired elf on the front that his mother had given him the year before. The elf was shirtless, wearing red boxer shorts with holly on them, and he was licking a candy cane while dangling a round ornament on one finger of his other hand. Some people got an ugly Christmas sweater. His mom gave him the T-shirt version he could wear all year. Yay. Lucky him.

Upon seeing the shirt when Scott unwrapped it, a cousin had started singing, "Don we now our gay apparel..." and had broken into riotous laughter. That didn't stop the family from insisting he wear it. He was sure he'd asked Mary to give it to Goodwill, so how it had shown up again this year he couldn't explain. Yet, there it was. It could only have come from one person.

"The things we do for our mothers." Scott slipped it on over his head and headed for the kitchen.

He leaned against the door jamb, enjoying the sight. His mother was chopping things for the stuffing and adding them to her biggest bowl. His dad sat at the end of the counter, reading a Popular Science magazine. Neither seemed to pay attention to the other, but while his mother was cooking, Dad always kept her company. She'd crochet in a wooden rocker in the garage while he worked on the boat he was building. As if they couldn't bear to be parted from one another, even though they didn't talk much. Maybe they didn't need words.

Scott had thought he and his wife would be the same, but he and Mary had shared a different lifestyle. Both were often busy, and sometimes saw each other only in passing. He'd worked nights, and she'd worked days. She'd had a downtown office, working as an architect for government housing. Time spent outdoors had given her a great tan, but exposed her to hazardous toxins no one had known were in the old buildings being demolished. When she fainted at work, the company sent her in for a check up. After the diagnosis, the project had been shut down immediately, but cancer took a quick toll. Mary was gone in six months. A government investigation into the cause was still ongoing.

Scott now had sole custody of a four-year old daughter and a job that took him into danger every day. He'd shifted to the downtown beat and day shift because it seemed safer, and he could still do what he loved doing: Helping people.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Posted in Books by Kayelle | Tagged A Romance for Christmas, Blog Hop, Kayelle Allen, Sweet Romance Book |

Chestnuts aren’t the only things getting roasted #Excerpt A Romance for Christmas #MFRWhooks #ChristmasRomance

Updated on 0909/0606/20242024 by Kayelle Allen

Excerpt

In his old room, Scott stripped out of his police uniform and put on sweatpants and slippers. On his bed was the loose T-shirt with a blond-haired elf on the front that his mother had given him the year before. The elf was shirtless, wearing red boxer shorts with holly on them, and he was licking a candy cane while dangling a round ornament on one finger of his other hand.

Upon seeing the shirt when Scott unwrapped it, a cousin had started singing, "Don we now our gay apparel..." and had broken into riotous laughter. That didn't stop the family from insisting he wear it. He was sure he'd asked Mary to give it to Goodwill, so how it had shown up again this year he couldn't explain. Yet, there it was. It could only have come from one person.

"The things we do for our mothers." Scott slipped it on over his head and headed for the kitchen.

He leaned against the door jamb, enjoying the sight. His mother was chopping things for the stuffing and adding them to her biggest bowl. His dad sat at the end of the counter, reading a Popular Science magazine. Neither seemed to pay attention to the other, but while his mother was cooking, Dad always kept her company. She'd crochet in a wooden rocker in the garage while he worked on the boat he was building. As if they couldn't bear to be parted from one another, even though they didn't talk much. Maybe they didn't need words.

Scott had thought he and his wife would be the same, but he and Mary had shared a different lifestyle. Both were often busy, and sometimes saw each other only in passing. He'd worked nights, and she'd worked days. She'd had a downtown office, working as an architect for government housing. Time spent outdoors had given her a great tan, but exposed her to hazardous toxins no one had known were in the old buildings being demolished. When she fainted at work, the company sent her in for a check up. After the diagnosis, the project had been shut down immediately, but cancer took a quick toll. Mary was gone in six months. A government investigation into the cause was still ongoing.

Scott now had sole custody of a four-year old daughter and a job that took him into danger every day. He'd shifted to the downtown beat and day shift because it seemed safer, and he could still do what he loved doing: Helping people.

"Well," his dad said, not looking up from his magazine, "Are you going to help your mother or stand there in that dumb elf shirt?"

His mother braced both hands on the counter. "That shirt cost more money than any three pairs of your pants."

"Did not. I paid a pretty penny for these pants."

"Pants were cheaper back in 1982."

His dad snorted, and went back to his reading.

Image credits: In my honest opinion, this elf is the cutest thing ever!
Created by author/artist Janet E Jones

GIVEAWAYS

Thank you for popping in today. Here's the link to the free Christmas cookbook and the free peek inside the book. Both are in Adobe Reader (PDF).

This is not a contest -- everyone who wants one may download it. No sign ups required.
Download a free Christmas Cookbook: https://kayelleallen.com/media/christmas-cookbook-from-kayelle-allen-by-rachel-paxton.pdf
Download Peek Inside A Romance for Christmas: http://bit.ly/rom4cmaspeek
Sign up for my newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Posted in Books by Kayelle | Tagged A Romance for Christmas, Blog Hop, Fun Stuff to Do, Giveaway, Kayelle Allen Characters |

Scruffy, Grumpy and Oh So Lovable. A Stolen Heart #SciFi #MFRWhooks #MFRWorg

Updated on 0909/0606/20242024 by Kayelle Allen

Flea and Gnat are in their seventies. Being immortal, Luc has been reborn and is in his mid-forties in this lifetime. Although this pair has recognized him as their former mentor, they have never questioned him regarding it.

Scruffy

Flea and Gnat glanced at one another, gave a single nod. "One thing that's true," Flea told Luc. "We were born to rear and train Deshai. It's what we do. Of course we'll care for this boy."

"Agreed." Gnat wrapped one arm around Flea. "Hon, give him our number."

"Our number?" Flea gave his partner a cold stare. "You had a proper meltdown when I wanted a mobile and refused to speak to me for two days once I got it, but now, you want something so it's our number."

Gnat sat there a moment, shrugged, and then gave his partner a blazing smile.

Shaking his head, Flea looked over at Luc. "We have a way to be reached now. Since Gnat's heart attack."

"Since I fainted," Gnat corrected. When Flea glared at him, the man sighed. "Okay, okay. Since my cardiac event. Are you happy now?"

Chuckling, Luc held up a hand. "No need, guys. My idBot liaison gave it to me this afternoon."

"You see?" Gnat threw up his hands. "You get a mobile and the government can trace you. I told you it was a mistake."

"Gnat," Flea said, with his usual patience, "Luc owns idBot. Not the government."

"Maybe, but you mark my words, one day it'll be in the hands of the Empress."

Flea looked over at Luc. "You see what I put up with on a daily basis?"

"I do." A scruffy, grumpy version of Pietas. "Believe me. I can relate."

---
Be sure to scroll down and visit other authors in this hop!

After rescuing a half-alien / half-human child who's running for his life, warrior-turned-entrepreneur Luc Saint-Cyr stumbles onto a conspiracy at the highest levels of the powerful Thieves' Guild. Complicating matters, Luc's immortal ex might be involved.

Now Luc must deal with his ex, find a home for the child, squelch the flames of conspiracy and eradicate its perpetrators. As if that's not enough, an unseen enemy is undoing every good thing Luc accomplishes.

But when it comes time to give up the child to a family who can care for him, how will Luc bear to part with the adorable little boy who has stolen his heart...

Posted in Books by Kayelle, Thieves' Guild Academy | Tagged Antonello Brothers, Blog Hop, Immortal Heroes, Kayelle Allen Characters, Luc Saint-Cyr, MFRW, Sempervians, Tarthian Empire |

Review A Stolen Heart, please? A heart-warming and humorous space opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #MFRWhooks

Updated on 0909/0606/20242024 by Kayelle Allen

The version available for review on Story Origin is self-edited and will be sent out for its final edit next week. I'd be happy to get questions if you have any, or if you were confused by anything. An early review would be a great help.

Download the early review copy on Story Origin

A Stolen Heart

He saved a half-human child from a big bad monster, but now, who is rescuing whom?

After rescuing a half-alien / half-human child who's running for his life, warrior-turned-entrepreneur Luc Saint-Cyr stumbles onto a conspiracy at the highest levels of the powerful Thieves' Guild.

Complicating matters, Luc's immortal ex might be involved.

Now Luc must deal with his ex, find a home for the child, squelch the flames of conspiracy and eradicate its perpetrators.

As if that's not enough, an unseen enemy is undoing every good thing Luc accomplishes.

But when it comes time to give up the child to a family who can care for him, how will Luc bear to part with the adorable little boy who has stolen his heart...

Posted in Books by Kayelle, Thieves' Guild Academy | Tagged A Stolen Heart, Antonello Brothers, Immortal Heroes, Kayelle Allen Characters, Luc Saint-Cyr, Pietas, Senth Antonello |

Excerpt: Door slam, halfway to good-riddance and don’t-come-back #SciFi #WriteLGBTQ #MFRWhooks

Updated on 0909/0606/20242024 by Kayelle Allen

A Divided Heart

In a school filled with hackers and thieves, how do you trust your heart?

The Thieves' Guild Academy teaches three things. Honor above profit. Skill above chance. Family above all. So when the Academy decides to turn away an alien child who's too unruly to train, Professor Brinn Halin intercedes. Despite the warnings of his handsome ex, the Headmaster, he fosters the precocious four-year-old girl.

Academy Headmaster Kam Zavala oversees a school full of trainee thieves and hackers, and he's used to their tricks. This latest student, a headstrong but brilliant little girl, has gone beyond a simple hack. Her work threatens to implode the ancient Academy itself. As a disaster of epic proportions unfurls, Kam must take action.

But when the child's breach uncovers a deeper, more insidious hack, the two master thieves must work together. They have a second chance to save the child, the Academy, and restore their newfound love. The question is, will they trust their well-honed instincts, or follow their long-divided hearts...

An MM second chance sci-fi romance set in the Thieves' Guild Academy

In this scene, Kam had gone to Brinn's household to inform him of a meeting Brinn had missed, but he was also checking up on the little girl Brinn is fostering. Each man has feelings for the other, but neither will bend enough to be honest about his feelings. I'll let this excerpt speak for itself.

Brinn glared. "Is this an official inspection?"

"The Academy does require a check-in, and since I wanted to tell you about the board meeting, I said I'd handle it."

"As you can see, we have things under control." Brinn jammed his arms across his chest.

The tension in Brinn's posture had eased when he'd been interacting with Dresden about the mowt, but now it returned, full force.

"She seems really sweet." Kam adjusted his collar. "I'm glad for her. And for you."

"Why would you be glad for me?"

"Because you need to get back to work. I think helping this little girl might do it for you."

"Just what do you mean by that?"

Why was he so touchy about everything? And what had Kam said now?

"Look," Brinn headed for the door, and Kam followed. "Thanks for telling me about the meeting. Don't worry. We'll take care of your mowt. Send a text when you're back and we'll bring him to you." Brinn opened the door.

"Thanks." He stuck out his hand, and Brinn shook it. "See you in a couple days."

Kam hadn't even gotten off the front steps before the door slammed. Okay, maybe not a full slam, but more than a quiet close. The kind of close when unwanted company finally left. Halfway between good-riddance and don't-come-back.

Could Brinn not let down his guard for one minute? No matter how many times or how many ways Kam found to be in the man's circle, Brinn remained indifferent.

Shutting Kam out. Kam was probably reading more into Brinn's actions than he needed to.

But, knowing Brinn, maybe not.

***

Brinn caught the door before it slammed. He might be irritated, but he didn't want Kam picking up on it. Still, it closed hard.

What was he worrying about? Kam was clueless anyway.

Or maybe he wasn't. With that constant stony-faced expression of his, who could tell? Maybe there was more going on beneath the surface.

Why should he even think about the man? It wasn't like they had anything going on. They'd had a few nights together after completing a huge project. That was it. They'd each been too wrapped up in other projects to continue the relationship. Hadn't they?

So why did his heart race every time he and Kam were in the same room? It wasn't like Kam had any interest. The man found every tiny reason to be in Brinn's business. Questioning his motives. Asking him questions. Finding fault with his answers.

Like coming all the way out here to tell him about a meeting. Come on. No, Kam was checking up on him. Of all the nerve.

Okay, maybe Brinn was reading more into it than it was worth.

But, knowing Kam, maybe not.

Ways to hear about a new book

1) Sign up for my newsletter. You'll get a free book and other exclusive perks. You can unsubscribe at any time.

2) Follow my Amazon Author Page and get one alert from Amazon when a new story is available.

3) Follow me on BookBub and you'll get one notice when a new book is out.

4) Sign up for AuthorAlarms and the app will send you one email when I release a book. (You can add and remove authors on this cool little app.)

5) Follow me on my Books2Read Author Page and get one alert when a new story is available.

6) Join my review team and not only will you hear about a new book—you can read it for free.

Nab an autograph for any of my ebooks by requesting it on Authorgraph (you can get other author autographs as well).

Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Posted in Books by Kayelle, MM Romance, Thieves' Guild Academy | Tagged A Divided Heart, Brinn Halin, Gay Romance, Kam Zavala, MM Romance, Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels, Thieves' Guild Academy |

5 times the romance: the Antonello Brothers Complete Set #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Posted on 0606/0707/20222022 by Kayelle Allen

Snuggle up with the Antonello Brothers. This boxed set contains one novella and four exciting books in the science fiction romance series, plus links to three bonus stories.

♥ A Stolen Heart - This child can steal anything. Including a warrior-pirate's heart...

♥ Bro - He can be invisible, but he can't hide from the truth...

♥ At the Mercy of Her Pleasure - She's addictive. He can't touch her. But what if he kissed her just once...

♥ For Women Only - His secret truth is her people's darkest lie...

♥ Crystal Clear Truth - How can you trust when your own truth is a lie...

Three brothers. One missing mother. Not raised together, none of the brothers know about the others. That is, until fate brings the youngest into the life of a former warrior-pirate. From the moment Luc decides to intervene and save a frightened child, nothing in Luc's life will ever be the same.

If you like science fiction romance on the sweeter side, have an ache for wounded heroes, and admire heroines who don't wait around to be rescued... The Antonello Brothers series is for you.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Posted in Books by Kayelle | Tagged A Stolen Heart, Antonello Brothers, At the Mercy of Her Pleasure, Blog Hop, Bro, Crystal Clear Truth, Darq Antonello, For Women Only, Fun Stuff to Do, Immortal Heroes, Izzorah Ceeow, Joe Townsend, Kayelle Allen Characters, Luc Saint-Cyr, meh, Mehfawni Ruh, MFRW, NarrAy Jorlan, Pietas, Senth Antonello, Shohn Lexius |

Snuggle up with the Antonello Brothers SciFi Romance on the sweeter side #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Posted on 0505/0303/20222022 by Kayelle Allen

When a glorified space pirate turned entrepreneur rescues a vulnerable orphan, a chain of events sets chaos in motion. At war with his compassion for the toddler, loyalty to the king, duty to the Guild, and the bright lure of freedom he's coveted for centuries, Luc seeks the right path.

A hard choice for any man. For an immortal whose inner monster can destroy on sight? Impossible.

A pirate with a monstrous past can never be trusted with an innocent child.

Luc must ensure the child is protected, safe, nowhere near danger. Nowhere near him.

Even if this little boy has already stolen his heart...

Reviews for A Stolen Heart

"It's about personal growth, and self-sacrifice, and finding your own way in the world…most of all, it's about figuring out how to love yourself, warts and all, even when you've done something so horrible you have nightmares about it many years after the fact." - Barb Caffrey

"If you're into science fiction with hefty servings of cuteness; then I think this is going to be your next read." ElleAmore

"The story as it develops brings out a depth of its characters, and the magic of falling head over heels for them begins with the entry of the little HalfKin Senthys. The characters bloom into something more fun and relatable from there on and are determined to steal hearts..." - Blog of a Forbidden Dreamer

"A Stolen Heart...shows the softness in this hard, monster of a man and I absolutely loved it. Everything about this story is great. The characters are amazing, and you can’t help but fall in love with all of them. The storyline is compelling and keeps you pulled in, (because little baby Senthys is so adorable)..." - Cathy Brockman

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Posted in Books by Kayelle | Tagged A Stolen Heart, Antonello Brothers, Fun Stuff to Do, Luc Saint-Cyr, Senth Antonello |

Don’t make me freeze you solid #SciFi #Excerpt A Stolen Heart #MFRWhooks

Posted on 0202/0202/20222022 by Kayelle Allen

"Remember life when you and Dessy were that age? Genius children. Intelligence off the charts. Abilities no one had ever seen. Yet your father routinely beat and starved you both and for sixteen years kept you in isolation. Dessy for twenty. Is that harm?"

Pietas crossed his arms over his chest. "My father..." He shuddered.

"Mahikos is a brutal, bloodthirsty monster."

Pietas looked at him, naked pain in his eyes.

"You can admit what your father did to you, especially to me. More than anyone, you know what it's like to be isolated and abused. Yet that's the environment you subjected this girl to."

"Have a care, Cyken." Pietas straightened and turned aside. "Do not say that. I didn't know."

"If you'd known, would you have cared that you put a child in harm's way to get what you wanted? No, I think not. Not if you got your way."

"That's not true. I'm warning you." The air chilled. Unlike Luc's gift of Pyro, Pietas created ice, not fire. "You're pushing me."

"Pushing you? If I don't, who will? Yes, I'm pushing you, and why shouldn't I? You put that girl into an abusive situation to get what you wanted." The room's temperature dropped so fast Luc saw his own breath.

"Stop!"

"Why? Because it's cold?" When would Pietas ever see the truth? "If you don't like what you're feeling, then stop. Only you can control yourself. I'm not responsible for how you react."

"That's not true. My father made me this way."

"That's childish and you know it. You're thousands of years old, Pietas. When are you going to grow up?"

"You will not speak to me like that."

"No, I'll talk to you this way because no one else will tell you the truth. You can't face what you are. That's why you don't control yourself. Go ahead. Lose control. I'm not afraid of you. I will not back down. I refuse to allow you to misuse a child. If you aren't man enough to accept the truth, go ahead and freeze me." Luc leaned closer. "I dare you."

Face contorted, Pietas trembled. Frost coated everything within reach. "Cyken, please!"

"Go ahead! Blame your father." He threw up his hands. "That's what you do, isn't it? Condemn Mahikos for creating you with this ability, but you're the one who's ruthless. You demonize your father when it's you who's bloodthirsty."

"Stop." The wineglasses shattered. "Please."

"No! Do it!" Fists balled, Luc took two steps and planted himself in front of Pietas. "Freeze me solid. I don't care. Nothing I say or do will ever reach you, will it? No. Because you"-- He punctuated his words with a finger jab into Pietas's chest --"are just like your father."

Ice crackled over Luc's skin and frigid air leeched every vestige of heat from his lungs.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Posted in Books by Kayelle | Tagged A Stolen Heart, Antonello Brothers, Gay Romance, Immortal Heroes, Luc Saint-Cyr, Pietas, Sempervians |

Category: Books by Kayelle

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1

Welcome to Book Hooks!

Package Deal

The Ugly Christmas Sweater... Shirt.

The Christmas Sweater / Shirt

Love Contemporary Romance?

Welcome to Book Hooks!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

Excerpt

A Romance for Christmas

GIVEAWAYS

Scruffy: a scene from A Stolen Heart

Scruffy

A Stolen Heart

The Antonello Brothers Series

Want to review A Stolen Heart?

A Stolen Heart

The Antonello Brothers Series

A Divided Heart

Ways to hear about a new book

Antonello Brothers

Reviews for A Stolen Heart

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers

Crystal Clear Truth is out April 25, 2022

Bringer of Chaos
Bundle 1