Hi everyone. It’s been a lovely week for writing. I knocked out 10k on the sequel to Cat Nip. In light of that, I’m sharing first lines from Hunter’s Pride, Jinx 2. (This is an unedited snippet and who knows where it might end up in final draft).
I dropped off some eggs at the El Diablo Saloon early this morning and visited Langdon Mars afterward. The bar owner’s condition is worse and though each individual healing temporarily replenishes him, the periods in between his need are shorter.
In the process of replacing the malignant energy inside Mars with positive, I harvested so much magical power I practically floated out of the building.
Leave it to Hunter to know when I’m most vulnerable to his questionable charm. My would-be suitor hadn’t been in town when I arrived because I would have sensed his presence; but when I walked out the back entrance of the building, he leaned on the hitching post where I’d left Clarence and my buggy.
“What are you doing here?” My question came out sounding rude, but Hunter’s presence always plucks at my nerves in a way I don’t quite understand.
“Waiting for you,” he growled, telling me nothing but the obvious as usual.
Hunter’s Pride, Jinx 2
© 2014 Gem Sivad LLC. All rights reserved.
Synopsis: Hunter’s Pride, Jinx 2
His name is Hunter. He’s traveled from a place of enchantment to a dusty arid land, battled others like himself, and changed the course of his destiny to claim his mate. But Jinx, the magically-challenged witch named Maggie Jenks, wants no part of a shape-changing jaguar.
While Hunter is nursing his hurt pride and contemplating his unmated state, Jinx needs his aid. Maggie’s uncovered an evil so great it will take both cat and man to help her keep the devil in hell.
Synopsis: Cat Nip, Jinx 1
They call her Jinx, an unlucky witch with a reputation for casting erratic spells. But there’s more to Maggie Jenks than meets the eye. She’s a vessel of unfulfilled potential, doing her best to sidestep evil as she uses her gifts for good.
Avoiding temptation gets trickier for the little witch who can heal others with her touch. A shap-changing predator has her in his sights, watching her days, protecting her nights, and stalking her dreams.
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Have a great week!
gem
Does Maggie know she likes him at this point? Or is that something you can tell right now?
Reluctant attraction–her response to him irritates her because it seems like one more thing she can’t control.
“In the process of replacing the malignant energy inside Mars with positive, I harvested so much magical power I practically floated out of the building.”
Great line. There’s a lot of people in this old world that could use a dose of that!
I love her reaction to him waiting for her and his response that seems to tick her off even more.
I love the way he “growled” his answer to her. He obviously gets under her skin and she obviously will try to deny why. Great snippet.
I love how she is so exasperated that him being here becomes all that really matters.
Great Snippet. I loved the delivery of the last line. It had impact following everything else. Definitely something I would enjoy reading.
Juneta at Writer’s Gambit
I’m looking forward to book 2 and the continuing story between Maggie and Hunter. I loved Cat Nip.
cool. They growl at each other, something makes me think that’s going to change … 😉
Interesting. Definitely looking forward to more. I got my copy of Cat Nip today and I’m looking forward to reading it. 🙂
Ask an obvious question…. Great snippet, Gem. Hopefully he can communicate his interest in protecting her so she can let go of some of her fear to get close to him. 🙂
Here’s an idea for your rough draft. Instead of saying, “My idea came out rude,” have the other character give a reaction to what is said that shows that and then have her get defensive. Just a thought. Great snippet. Looks some what polished to me.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2014/08/weekend-writing-warriors-82514.html
They’re attracted to each other and resentful about it—what an excellent set up for romance! 😀
Cat Nip is SO GOOD, Gem—can’t wait to read this one!
Fascinating eight. We’ve learned more about everyone and you’ve left us wondering what happens next. Always a great moment for an author.
I love the dynamic between these two. I sure hope she gets over her control issues and lets Hunter in. Soon.
Oh, when a woman fights the natural order things can only mean trouble…I can’t wait to see how/when she gives in.
I can feel her exasperation with him. Love it!
I liked everything about the snippet (and love that there’s going to be a sequel). The harvesting of the magic is a cool concept! Great 8!
Sounds like I’d better read Cat Nip. (It’s waiting on my iPad.)
I like your mingling between cat and human mating tendencies. She acts as if she has a choice. He acts as if it’s instinctive and he is driven toward it. Nicely done, Gem!
Why do they remind me of Shakespeare’s Beatrice and Benedict? Except Hunter has much less humor to him. 🙂 Sounds like another “gotta read.”
Such wonderful simmering tension between them. Love it!
I love him! The tension between them crackles.
Enjoyed their exchange and the reluctant attraction.
Loved this little interchange. Nicely done!
That’s great. It all unfolds so naturally. It’s easy for a reader to slip into your world.