QSFer Alexis Woods has a new MM paranormal holiday romance book out (bi, gay), Chosen Angels book 2: Hammer’s Thief.
Eight nights to fall in love.
Running away from his foster home at eighteen, Locke struggles to survive the brutal winter streets in Atlantic City. Trust is a fickle thing, and Locke hasn’t had much of it. He’s worked hard for everything he has. When a helpful security guard takes him in during a Code Blue, Locke discovers that some things are more than they seem. His fantasy becomes reality, but sometimes reality is too good to be true.
Graced by God, Judah Maccabee has dwelt in Yahweh’s kingdom for nigh on two thousand years, rising through His ranks to become a leader among the warrior angels. A blessing bestowed, Yahweh has found the one for him. Now Judah has only the eight nights of Chanukah to fall in love with the one who will complete him. The only catch – his other half must love him in return if he is to stay earthbound. But expecting Locke to fall just as hard and fast as he does rebounds in a devastating way.
When egos rule and demons lurk, can these two men pull together, trust in family and faith, and earn love? And can they do it in a single week?
Get It At Amazon
Excerpt
Prologue
“Come on, Nate. I’m sure you can beat me if you really try,” Judah cajoled, egging the youngest of his four siblings on. Nate repositioned his sword, set his feet, and raised his shield. Judah could almost see the strategies running thru Nate’s head, so he wasn’t surprised when his brother tossed the shield to the side.
Judah laughed at the audacity. “That’s how you want this to go down? All right, little bro.” He tossed his own shield away and took up a two-handed grip on his longer weapon. “Bring it.”
A slow, sly smile formed on Nate’s lips as he drew a second shorter sword from his belt and moved into position.
Judah grimaced. Fighting with two swords was his preferred form, but he’d opted for the sword and shield to even things up, and now he was stuck with just a single blade. Figures the darn sneak would try to one-up me.
He eyed Nate cautiously. With barely a chance of them hurting each other but both wanting to win this round, Judah sized up Nate’s attributes and weighed his odds. He considered Nate’s stature, broad, muscular shoulders, and sturdy thighs, and his skills with a sword weren’t bad either. Jonathan—or Nate as they affectionately called him—was quite the angel to behold.
Then again, so am I. Judah snickered, drawing Nate’s ire. His brother’s pupils dilated as he shifted his stance, his fluttering wings aiding his balance.
Judah straightened as he stepped backward. He spun his sword lazily, trying to affect a false sense of indifference. “Lay on, brother mine,” he prodded, resting his weapon on his shoulder and retreating another step. He watched warily for Nate’s tell, waiting to see his brother’s muscles tense.
All movement ceased when the air pressure increased around them. It pushed on Judah’s shoulders as if commanding he drop to his knees. He held firm, though, even as Nate fell.
A bright, golden light filled the room. “Y’hudhah.”
Judah bowed his head and slowly took a knee as He approached.
“I need you to return.”
“Return where, Yahweh?” Judah wished to gaze upon his king, but he kept his sight focused on the floor.
“To Atlantic City.”
“Now? Why?” A rush of adrenaline surged through him. Almost two years ago, Judah had assisted their previous Commander—his predecessor—on his final mission. He fisted his hands, remembering how he and his brothers had helped Ari destroy a band of demons intent on harming an innocent teenager. Then Ari had been granted the gift they all dreamed of. The match for his soul. “Does Ari need our help again?”
Feather-like strokes caressed the top of Judah’s head, instantly easing his worries. The strokes traveled across his nape and out over his right shoulder. “Such insolence,” Yahweh muttered, but He spoke with tenderness instead of sternness. Fingertips traced the top of Judah’s wing, and he shuddered with the pulse of warmth it sent coursing along his nerves, calming them. It wasn’t often He touched any of them, each one a blessing in itself.
“There is someone there who needs you.”
Judah bit his tongue this time, desperate to ask, “Who?” Who could need him? Who couldn’t be helped by those of his brethren already there? Ari, Leo, and Malachi, and all their other halves. Oh.
Yahweh chuckled. “Come, Y’hudhah. Your time is limited.”
“How much time do I have?” Judah asked, rising.
“Eight nights.”
Judah grinned. “A gift? For me?”
Yahweh’s responding laughter warmed Judah to his core, the pressure in the room lifting. His brother wore a broad smile, Nate’s gaze full of warm hope for him. Judah’s heart sped in anticipation, his cheeks aching from the grin he couldn’t seem to stop growing.
“Yes, Y’hudhah, it’s time to meet your gift.” Yahweh lifted a hand and light brighter than Judah had ever experienced filled the room, forcing him to cover his eyes.
Judah knew without a doubt when he opened his eyes, he’d no longer be in Heaven. Earth and his other half waited for his arrival.
Author Bio
An avid reader and colorful dreamer, it was only a matter of time before taking pen to paper, literally. Notebooks and computer documents are piling up. Alexis sings under her breath, off-tune, taps her toes, and swings her hips, much to the delight of her family, coworkers, and friends. A firm believer in every song tells a story, and every story has a song, all of her stories have a song or theme, oftentimes both, behind them. She freely admits that becoming a romance author is the best mid-life crisis a girl could ever have.
Fan FB group: “All In” with Alexis Woods – where there’s coffee “inspiration” every weekday morning and a touch of laughter every afternoon – https://www.facebook.com/groups/alexiswoods
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