July is here, and that means the third quarter has started! I've got lots of fun stuff to share with you today, from news on my goals for the second quarter—did I meet half of them or not??? 🫣—to limited-time book sales and freebies. Plus a photo of a really massive waterfall I visited during the 4th of July weekend.

Are you ready for some bookish goodies and woodsy adventures?

You know this author doesn't like beating around the bush! Let's dive in.

Goals For The 2nd Quarter

If you've been hanging out in my group of Teutonic witchy weirdness for a while, you might remember that I set a list of 15 quarterly goals to try to keep myself on track with writing, business, and personal stuff. I might seem to "have it all together" when you look in from the outside, but trust me. I don't.

One of my biggest faults is my tendency to succumb to procrastination. I think I'll struggle against that lure for the rest of my life. But I refuse to let procrastination hold too much power over my hopes & dreams, and that's why I've laid out a list of public goals to keep me on task! Because if I don't meet at least half of them (8 out of 15) every quarter, you get to point and laugh. 🤪

Or commiserate. Or think to yourself, "Good grief, no wonder C.L. Carhart doesn't publish a new book every month, LOL. Lazy bum." 🙃

So how'd I do in the second quarter? Let's find out....

Writing goals:

• write, edit, and publish Gift of Darkness—DONE!
• write, edit, and publish secret Elemental Bloodlines novella—DONE! You can find Gift of Light right now in the Dukes of Magic anthology
• write, edit, and publish Gift of Darkness bonus novella—ummmm, nope
• expand Winter Flame to 10 chapters—also nope
• write 10 chapters of Elemental Bloodlines Book 4—heh...nope 😔

Business goals:

• set up paperbacks on my book shop—nope
• set up email flows in Klaviyo (my shop newsletter)—nope...is this a trend?
• update links in backlist books—DONE!
• publish Veiled Magic on the retailers—DONE!
• apply for BookBub Featured Deals—DONE, and I've got one coming up this Friday! Both nervous & excited about that....
• complete business-related online course—DONE!

Personal goals:

• plan & take a vacation—DONE! Colonial Williamsburg is awesome. ✨
• visit 5 waterfalls—nope, only managed 2
• walk the neighborhood 3x per week—nope, laziness won out
• plant & tend herbs & veggies—DONE! Lots of herbs enjoyed in the Carhart household this spring. 🌿

That means I just managed to complete 8 out of my 15 goals. So as Jenna Moreci would say, "I won the quarter!" 🎉 Barely. Going to try to crush more than 8 goals next quarter. Next week I'll share my 3rd quarter goals with you.

Gift of Fire's Got A BookBub!

And that means the eBook version of Gabi & Lukas' romance is sitting at 99¢ on all the retailers and at my book shop. If you didn't get a chance to snag the first book in my Elemental Bloodlines series way back in December when it first came out, now is your chance to get it on the cheap. Here's a quick peak at a scene from Gift of Fire to whet your appetite.

***

When the time came to prepare myself for the party the following Friday, I was out of sorts. Bianca had called me in tears during my lunch break, for she and Oliver just learned their first attempt at IVF had failed. Two embryos implanted, but her body had rejected both. I offered to meet her at Zum Weißen Hirsch as soon as I got off work, the penthouse party be damned. But she said she would spend the evening seeking solace with her husband, so I promised to stop by their apartment on Saturday afternoon.

I planned to run by the library and the bakery first to retrieve a feel-good movie and some coconut macaroons, but that would have to wait until tomorrow. At work that afternoon, I could hardly concentrate on my current audit, my emotions shifting from sorrow on Bianca’s behalf to fury at the prospect of meeting Nicole at the party tonight. Hopefully, I could convince Lukas we should stay away from her and her arrogant husband.

I ended up throwing on a basic black dress with a scoop neck and a skirt that fell just above my knees, adding a single splash of red for my fire’s sake—a garnet pendant on a silver chain, one of my late grandmother’s creations. The affluent guests may consider me far beneath them, but I was too melancholy to expend much effort on my appearance. Gathering my brown hair back, I secured it away from my face with a black clip, then put on a touch of black eyeliner and lipstick that matched the garnet necklace. I completed the outfit with a pair of black tights and heels that added a handbreadth to my height.

Earlier that week, I had helped Lukas settle on blue topaz earrings set in white gold for his mother’s birthday present. Her element was snow, so she wore and decorated with creams, silvers, and blues. That meant I would have to stay sober tonight so I would not spill anything on her white carpeted floors. Thank goodness Lukas thought to warn me about that, because I had a strong urge to binge on hard liquor as an ode to Bianca.

I met him at the curb in front of my parents’ driveway just before seven p.m. Lukas insisted upon walking around the front of his Mercedes to open the passenger door for me, an ocean-scented cologne seeming to merge with his misty essence when he took in my outfit. “No jacket?”

He wore the black trench coat I remembered from our dinner date. “My fire will keep me warm enough tonight,” I answered with a careless wave of my hand. “The party’s taking place indoors, after all.”

Lukas chuckled and shut the passenger door behind me. I laid my purse in my lap and reached back for the seatbelt, surprised when my companion took his place beside me and said, “My mother’s penthouse has an expansive patio with a magnificent view of the city. And a heated pool that extends into the suite.”

I blinked at my boss as his car carried us toward the city center. “A heated pool that extends into the suite. Really. Totally didn’t think to stuff a bikini into my purse.”

“Don’t worry about it. We can enjoy the food and dancing and mingling among my mother’s contacts without bothering with the pool. Or the Jacuzzi.” A wicked grin spread across Lukas’ face.

“I am not ready to ‘mingle with the rich,’” I complained, using air quotes. “The punch bowl is calling me, especially if it’s strongly spiked. And we need to avoid your bitchy sister if at all humanly possible.”

Lukas held his peace for a moment and braked for a red light. After shifting his car into neutral, he turned to look me in the eye. “What’s wrong, Gabi? Please don’t tell me it’s nothing. You’ve looked heartbroken since this afternoon.”

I sighed, not wanting to share Bianca’s situation with a man I still barely knew. “One of my close friends got bad news today. I almost decided not to attend this party, but I figured it’d be a good distraction.”

Lukas moved the gearshift back into first gear and hit the gas the moment the light turned green. “I’m sorry. If you want to just get drunk tonight, I promise I’ll get you home safely. And I’ll make sure none of my mother’s acquaintances try to hurt you.”

“Thanks.” I directed a half-smile at Lukas and said, “I don’t really want to spend all night throwing up or greet the morning with a pounding headache, so I won’t go overboard. But don’t expect me to hold intellectual conversations with a bunch of swaggering executives.”

“I can do all the talking, and we’ll do our best to give Nicole the slip. Jan, too. I’m not sure how many Teutons my mother invited, but there’ll likely be a few priests in attendance.”

“Ugh. Let’s just gorge and drink and ignore everyone.” I leaned my head against the headrest and closed my eyes to concentrate on breathing steadily and deeply. My element’s warmth flowed through my blood in soothing fashion.

“Fine by me. I might talk to some of my mother’s colleagues about job-related stuff, though.” I acknowledged this with a nod, basking in the darkness’ peace. He probably needed to talk up Werndl Accounting again, so we could secure more auditing clients for next year.

Apparently Lukas had access to a reserved garage under the skyscraper that held his mother’s penthouse. He parked his Mercedes between a sky blue Rolls Royce and a white Maserati convertible. “Your mother has expensive tastes,” I remarked as I stepped out of his car, not waiting for him to get my door.

“She uses the convertible whenever she’s looking to impress a new partner,” Lukas noted, his expression one of tolerant acceptance. He offered me his arm and led me to what appeared to be a private elevator. Two heartleaf philodendrons curled upward from round marble planters on either side of its copper-hued doors.

This is definitely going to be an experience, I thought as we stepped into the lift together. Frau Felder is a multi-millionaire in her own right, and I’m about to waltz into her penthouse dressed like someone Lukas picked up at a pub. I should have gotten her a birthday present, too. Will she and her guests notice that I have nothing but her son’s reputation to endorse me?

I would have to stay close to Lukas the entire time, even if I needed to use the restroom.

When the elevator stopped at the top floor, we entered a vestibule where a suave doorman waited to take Lukas’ coat and my purse. Alluring scents of steamy food beckoned us further inside, and Lukas grinned at me as he held his arm out once more. “Pretty sure the good stuff is this way,” he said, steering me into a spacious chamber.

The white carpet he had mentioned before squished beneath my shoes, and I cut a quick glance at my companion. I stood nearly as tall as him thanks to my heels, but his chest and shoulders were almost twice as broad as mine. Lukas wore a long-sleeved royal blue polo shirt with the Ralph Lauren insignia, his black jeans and thick leather belt granting him a relaxed appearance. I did my best to copy his confident stance even though the chamber’s furnishings were way over my pay grade. Silver filigree ornamented the baseboards and crown molding, and I counted three types of philodendrons stretching forth from planters situated at each corner and beside the floor-to-ceiling windows along the far wall.

I walked beside Lukas in a daze, overwhelmed by the classiness of both the penthouse and its current occupants. At least a dozen men and women gathered around a long mahogany table near the windows, filling plates with food. Some of the men wore three-piece suits and ties, while others had dressed casually like Lukas. Form-hugging dresses seemed the norm among the women. I congratulated myself on the instinct that told me to choose my black dress over a pair of jeans.

Lukas spoke greetings to several others on our way to the buffet table but kept moving, thankfully. My stomach had begun to protest its emptiness, and the dishes on that table smelled heavenly. When we reached the stack of plates at one end, I noticed a young man with long brown hair tied back in a ponytail, casting his gaze over the hors d’oeuvres with a bemused expression.

My fire chose that moment to contract into my spirit, leaving me blind to the other Teutonic magic hovering in the chamber. But I recognized the Keyholder right away and a portion of my insecurity evaporated. “Henning? Frau Felder invited you to her birthday celebration?”

He turned to face me and I beamed at him, letting go of Lukas’ arm so he could retrieve plates for us. Henning’s blue eyes brightened in recognition. “Hey, Gabi! She invited me along with three of the other priests on the council, so I guess she’s not as conceited as her situation implies.”

Lukas gave a single snort and handed me a weighty plate with golden leaf designs lining its edges. “Be careful. She might try to lure you into her bed.”

My eyes widened at Lukas’ frankness. He laid a pair of artichoke puffs onto his plate, while Henning gaped at him, stricken. “Seriously?”

“My mother esteems those with power and influence. Like Teuton priests. Especially Keyholders.”

I looked up from the shrimp bundles I was laying onto my plate in time to watch Henning’s cheeks turn beet red. “I’m planning on saving myself for my Lady, actually. I’ll point your mother to my colleagues if she expresses an interest.” The young man cleared his throat and moved further down the table, obviously trying to put distance between himself and Lukas.

“You just mortified the Keyholder. Way to go,” I chided Lukas, smirking as I added a sausage-stuffed mushroom to my plate.

“How do you know him? You called him by his first name.”

I detected a trace of jealousy in his tone, so I laid it on thick. “His great-grandmother’s trying to set me up with him. Not sure whether Erlanga’s soul will go for it, but at least Henning’s cute and respectful. I could do worse.”

“Cute.” Lukas sounded vexed now, and I had to turn away to hide my grin. Henning had made it to the side dishes, unaware of our conversation.

***

Ready for more? Get the entirety of Gabi's story right now for only 99¢

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It's Waterfall Time

After I managed to NOT hike to 5 waterfalls in the 2nd quarter, I ended up hiking to three. In two days. Because my husband had a long weekend in honor of the July 4th holiday, so we decided it was time to get away from the hustle and bustle of humanity. Both of us are introverts, so we'd rather spend time in the great outdoors than visit crowded places.

Quite a few of the most spectacular waterfalls in western North Carolina (our usual hiking grounds) are incredibly popular, which means if you'd rather see them aloooooone, you need to start your hike early. So on Monday, my husband and I woke up at 5:30 to take a 2 hour drive into the mountains, where we got to enjoy this 125 ft (38 meters) waterfall all to ourselves! 😍

You can find Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park (free entry) in western North Carolina. The hike isn't for the faint of heart, because there's a lot of elevation change along with some steep stairs. But the experience is well worth it.

🎄 Christmas In July 🎄

Yep, it's time for all the Christmas In July book fairs to start, in case you need some fresh reads to keep you occupied on the beach or at the lake this summer. Or while you're wrapped up by the fire for those in the southern hemisphere. Check out all these limited time deals by your favorite romance authors! Act fast, because this book fair ends on July 6th.

✨ Show Me The Books! ✨

Other Books You Might Like

Got three enchanting tales to share with you today, while my fellow authors are spreading the word of Gift of Fire to all of their readers. Make sure to check out C.D. Gorri's book, because I just noticed it's free on Smashwords. Aaaaand I'll be adding that one to my collection today.

Cora Tesouro is an account specialist for Merlin Banking Solutions, the most well-known supernaturally run bank in the world. When she's promoted to a job that takes her overseas, she is finally able to breathe a bit of fresh air. Not to mention, revel in her other form as an Iberian Lynx Shifter. It's been far too long since she last stretched her paws!

Rei Dorado is a Dragon Shifter, King of the Golden Flame, to be exact. He's recently awakened from a very long nap to find the world has seriously changed. He contacts his bankers for an assistant in getting his accounts up to date and helping him through this adjustment period.

When Cora shows up at his door, Rei's Dragon pushes at his skin, demanding he get closer to the sexy Lynx Shifter. One sentiment echoes throughout his brain even as she seems determined to keep him at bay. Es Meus.

She may run, but she can't hide from her desires. Ready or not, this Dragon King has every intention of staking his claim!

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I fought my best friend to challenge him for Alpha of the Billionaire Wolves of Miami pack run by his family for millennia. The same prince of the pack who befriended me when we were pups because others taunted me for being the lowest ranking member.

So, no, I don’t give a damn about others. I’ve had to put myself first my entire life. And now, I’m a lone wolf. I use my brawn—and my wolf senses—to win in underground fight clubs. Nothing and no one make me weak. Until her. Sasha Volkov. The jagged scar on her face can’t mar this beauty.

I’m a waitress in a nondescript diner in New York City. A place I hide from my pack. The Alpha and his followers profit when they force unclaimed she-wolves to breed, then sell the pups on the underground market. And I was next.

I thought I’d escaped others of my kind. Then a beast of a male Dylan Vang walks into the diner, and my wolf leaps for joy. But I can’t let anyone find me, not even my fated mate.

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Centuries ago, Mya was saved from death by Erik, who turned her into a vampire and became her guardian. For 300 years, Mya and Erik forged a secret love as forbidden as it was infinite—until sinister betrayals tore them apart.

Mya believed Erik was dead, but what if their enemies deceived them both? What if Erik has been alive and held captive whole time?

The past is awakening and its vengeance knows no mercy. As ancient evils close in, Mya races to reclaim the man who still holds her heart. After centuries surviving apart, can their love triumph over their dark foes or will it be destroyed once and for all?

✨ All Retailers ✨

I hope all those smoking hot book deals will keep your reader heart happy while I crawl back into my writing cave to work on the sequel to Gift of Darkness. If you read Doro & Amira's story, you might remember that one of their witchy friends came across a rather striking professor who likes to hike the Alps during the summer holidays.

And it's about time I tell their story. Pretty sure there might be a mysterious undead priest involved, along with his American wife. 🫢

Ready to find out more? I know I am. So it's time I beat the procrastination monster into submission and craft the next full-length novel in Elemental Bloodlines. I hope you're ready for a wild ride, hiking included!

Don't forget to nab your copy of Gift of Fire while it's on sale at the first link below.

Talk to you soon,

C.L. Carhart

Get Gift of Fire for 99¢:

https://books2read.com/ebgiftoffire

Get Dukes of Magic for free:

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7yzvslyqb9

Get the series prequel for free:

https://bf.clcarhart.com/6w57qgfhc9

Christmas In July book fair:

https://www.kissingsprings.com/bookfair