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Hi everyone,

I hope you're having a great week. I have a few new updates for you including an upcoming belated V-day sale for "War of the Twin Swords." It will be on sale starting the day after Valentine's Day because I may have forgotten to set it up on the proper day. Oops? Here's the link.

On the writing front, I'm now on Chapter 11 edits for Amy's Rebellion, so I thought I'd share another excerpt for you. This one centers on Naru, one of Amy's love interests, as she enlists her friend to help her find elemental mages.

A Spark-ling personality

"I just need your help. Please," Naru shouted as Ren scurried up the old oak tree next to his house. 

"No. The last time you came asking me for help, I got caught in the middle of a game of tug-o-war between a hell hound and a wolf shifter. I'm maxed out on my helpfulness quotient." 

Electricity sparked on Naru’s fingertips. "Alright you leave me no choice. I hope you like the electrocuted hairstyle." 

Ren gripped the tree with his nails and several branches wrapped around his wrist, rooting him to the spot.  "You wouldn't dare. This is my favorite tree, and I'm allergic to lightning."

Naru rolled her eyes. "Then get down from there and help me."

His lip quivered. "But you've seen how powerful Opal is. How are a few elementals going to make a difference against her? We can’t beat someone using Excalibur and Clarent."

Tears formed in Naru’s eyes, and her voice cracked when she spoke. "But if we don't do anything Amy...Amy will be."

His eyes widened. "She got Amy?"

Naru nodded and stuck out her lower lip. "Mhm."

He let out a sigh. “I know how you feel about Amy, but I also know your feelings have gotten you nowhere. And you can’t go charging into battle anytime she’s in trouble.”

Naru kicked the tree. “Well what do you suggest I do, let her die?”

"I'm sorry Naru...but I can't help you."

“Wrong answer.” Naru pointed at a small branch above Ren’s head and shot electricity at it, making it snap off and hit him. 

His mouth dropped open as he rubbed at his head. "I can't believe you did that."

"I can't believe you won't help me! You didn’t seem like the type of person to let someone die, but maybe I misjudged your character." Naru huffed and stomped away from the tree.

Branches rustled and a hand grabbed her wrist and she turned to see Ren’s dark brown eyes. "Wait. Is saving Amy really that important to you? I thought you were staying away from her after you know." He waved his hands.

Naru stared down at him.  "Yes, but if you aren't willing to help I’ll have to do it alone. Take a good long look because this may be the last time you ever see me."

Naru yanked her hand from his, but he grabbed her shoulder. "Wait. I'll help. I know a couple places where we can find some other mages in the area."

Naru shook his shoulder. “Why didn’t you just tell me that. Where are they?” 

“There’s an elemental hangout in a museum in Delray, but you’ll need me to get in.”

She cocked her head to one side. “Why is that?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “The hideout is kind of sort of...hidden with wood magic. You need wood magic to break the spell.”

“Can I hug you? I feel like this is a hugging moment.” 

He rolled his eyes. “Don’t go singing my praises just yet. We still have to get in, and I’m not sure how keen they’ll be on letting someone in when their primary element is fire.”

Naru bit her lip. “Fine. I’ll be on my best behavior. Now let’s go.”

Ren dragged his feet to the car. “Are you sure you can’t just let it go? We can find you someone else to pine after you know.” She pinched his shoulder, and he rubbed at the skin. “Ow. that wasn’t necessary.”

“Neither was your comment,” she sneered. 

“Just remember I’m the one driving us there and I can just as easily drop you off somewhere in the Everglades.”

She narrowed his eyes at him. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.” He got in the car, and she tugged on the handle. 

Instead of unlocking it, he rolled down the window. “What was it that I wouldn’t dare do again?”

“Ha. Ha. very funny. Now let me in.”

He cupped a hand to his ear. “What’s the magic word.”

“Fuck you,” she said through gritted teeth.

“No thanks. That’s not my thing. Try again.” 

Naru rubbed at her temples. “Please will you let me in?”

He batted his lashes. “See now was that so hard?”

END OF EXCERPT

Now, I have a question for you. 

What's your favorite fairytale retelling? Bonus points if it's an LGBTQ one.

So far I'm enjoying "Cinderella is Dead." Cinderella retelling with a Sapphic friends to lovers romance? Yes please. Although I also enjoyed "A Curse so Dark and Lonely."

That's all I've got for you today. Have a great day and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Julia

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