Happy Wednesday to all of C.L. Carhart's VIP readers! Some of you might know me already, but please allow me to introduce myself for those who are new.

I'm Verena Scheele, and I go by Vreni. That's "FRAY-nee" for you English-speakers out there. 💖 I've lived in Munich, Germany for most of my life, aside from the years I spent in foreign boarding schools. I love to dye my hair different colors, and I've played the viola since childhood.

My favorite classical piece is William Walton's Viola Concerto. I've yet to master it's final movement, but the expressive beginning enchants me every time. Check out a magnificent rendering of it here on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBzib0LyeP4

Despite my privileged background, a melancholy cloud hovers over my family due to unfortunate circumstances of the past. At the turn of the 20th century, my ancestors claimed Teuton blood and all of the elemental magic that comes with it. Sadly, during Hitler's tyrannical reign, my grandmothers were compelled to mate with outsiders, effectively nullifying their children's magic.

Neither my father nor my mother can invoke their elements. While I've sensed a connection with fire for many years, its mysticism remains beyond my reach.

Fire Smoldering In The Distance

Sometimes I like to muse about the five different colors of Teutonic fire. Blue, yellow, red, black, and natural orange. Which color whispers softly to my essence? What sort of flame would leap from my palm, if I discerned a way to invoke my sizzling element?

My girlfriend Swanie says there are two ways to awaken Teutonic magic for those who were born outsiders—or, like me, were born beneath the threshold of elemental control. One of those methods . . . well . . . let's just say it's a bit too "out there" for me. I like my arteries inside my body, thanks. 🩸

But if I find myself a Teuton mate . . . there may be hope for my fiery magic.

An Unexpected Attraction

I've been dating a guy named Stefan for about a month now. I met him at the Teutonic May Dances, when he proceeded to Force-choke a nasty bully who mocked my status as an outsider.

Yep, you read that right.

He Force-choked the guy. 😉

Last I checked, Teutonic magic stemmed from the elements, not from some spacey religious aura. But I watched the bully gasp for breath while Stefan stood there with a look of sultry amusement. Then he invited me to dance.

I'm really starting to like Stefan, but I don't know if my parents will approve of our relationship. I've had to sneak off for our dates thus far, but I know we can't keep this up indefinitely.

Curious to see where this goes?

So am I. 🤩

As one of its first-person narrators, I suggest you read Veiled Magic if you haven't done so yet. It's only seven chapters long, and by the end, you'll have a keen grasp on how my life intertwines with Stefan's and Swanie's. Download a free copy for yourself by clicking on the graphic above!

🪄 A Witchy Giveaway 🪄

C.L. Carhart asked me to tell you about an awesome giveaway for lovers of witches and magic. Subscribe to a group of indie authors for a chance to win print copies of House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland, Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, and The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, along with more witchy goodies! 🪄

It's such a great deal that I just signed up myself. You can do the same by clicking on the button below, or on the graphic above.

✨ Witchy Ways Giveaway ✨

Themes & Tropes—Final Reminder

Don't forget that C.L. Carhart's $10 gift card giveaway is still active, and will be until the end of this week. Want to let her know what sort of themes & tropes you'd like to see more of in paranormal romance & urban fantasy? This is your chance to be heard as a reader!

Here's the link to the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXZa2fNj1JO-d8D1_QtuJk30bCenUbyPaA0AwZjW28qLWkTw/viewform

*****

I need to sign out for now so I can scurry away to meet Stefan for lunch. 👩‍❤️‍👨 Don't forget to download a copy of Veiled Magic to learn whether I gain the happy ending I've longed for. With Stefan's help, will I awaken my fire?

We'll catch up later after I've found out for myself! 🔥

Sincerely,

Vreni Scheele

Download Veiled Magic for FREE here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jp1vp51i52

Check out the rest of C.L. Carhart's books: https://books2read.com/clcarhart

Enter the Witchy Ways giveaway: https://clcannon.net/giveaways/witchyways