Excerpt!
Kate
The aroma of herbs filled the shop, mingling with the sound of fire crackling in the background. The arrival of autumn was sudden and fierce, like a train barreling through our small town of Denny Bay.
I watched Cassie work her magic. She has improved a great deal since we started brewing together. I’d helped her hone her skills, and she had helped me with my newfound powers of channeling nature. “You forgot one ingredient.” I laughed while reaching for a jar of shimmering moon dust on the top shelf. As I sprinkled it into the bubbling cauldron, the potion let out a soft hum and bubbled with a shimmering sheen.
“Oh, flying broomsticks! I always forget the moon dust.” She frowned as she shook her head. Cassie’s blonde, wavy hair sparkled in the warm glow of the fire. “I’ll remember next time.”
"Don’t worry about it, Cass. We all have those moments," I reassured her with a grin, knowing that her overabundance of excitement for everything she did could lead her to overlook the finer details. Cassie was always moving faster than everyone else. Her wit outmatched most, and her ability to care for nature had always been something I admired.
"It smells perfect," Cassie said, taking a deep breath in through her nose. She had been brewing the potion for a few months now, perfecting the recipe as we gained a reputation as the go-to place for anyone in need of a little extra joy in their life.
She carefully poured the potion into small vials, labeling them with neat handwriting. Each one was unique, tailored to the individual who had requested it. Some were for heartache, others for anxiety or stress. Whatever the ailment, we had a potion for it.
Working with Cassie had become more than just brewing potions with my bestie. We had a true partnership. We blended our unique talents to create something truly magical for the supernatural folk of Denny Bay and beyond. I was just so thrilled. She was happy, and I was happy, and now we could grow the business together like Gram would have wanted.
“This should last the rest of the week. Maybe you should take some time off. I can’t imagine your new husband loves being alone most days.”
“Wilder knows I’m committed to the shop and to Monster Match,” Cassie said with a smile. “But he does ask me to come home as soon as I can before I even step off the castle’s grounds.”
“That sounds about right. I think you should take the rest of the week off. This is our slow time.”
“It won’t be that slow. Our busiest week is coming up,” Cassie said with an excited grin.
“It’s over a month away. If it’s Halloween you’re talking about.” I laughed.
“You know it’s my favorite time of year. I can’t help but love all the decorations, the pumpkin spice muffins, and let’s not forget Mabel’s famous pumpkin pie, which will be on display at the fair in only a few weeks.”
“Oh, Cass, you crack me up. Take the week off. It’s only September. We have plenty of time for all of that.”
Cassie paused to consider my suggestion, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Maybe it wouldn't hurt to take a little break," she finally conceded, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I could use some quality time with Wilder, and maybe even plan a little surprise for him."
I chuckled at her obvious eagerness. "Oh, I can only imagine what kind of surprise you have in mind. Just promise me it won't involve any love potions this time."
Cassie feigned innocence, batting her eyelashes playfully. "Who, me? Use a love potion on my own husband? Perish the thought! Lesson learned." Her face reddened as her mind likely drifted off to an embarrassing moment. One that I hoped she didn’t share.
Kate always had a soft spot for the misunderstood and the lonely. As the founder of Monster Match, the premiere matchmaking service for creatures of the night, she took pride in helping vampires, werewolves, sasquatches, and ghosts find their mates. But her latest client would be her most challenging yet.
Grug the troll was a 7-foot, awkward yet gentle giant who loved poetry, daisies, and long walks through the cemetery. After centuries alone under his bridge, he was ready to find love. But female trolls were notoriously picky. Kate would have to dig deep and think outside the crypt to find Grug's perfect match.
Things take a dark turn when Kate discovers that several female trolls who used Monster Match have gone missing. As she investigates, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous underworld of troll politics, ancient curses, and deadly secrets. With Grug's help, Kate must solve the mystery before more lady trolls disappear. Will Kate find Grug a match before he gives up on love forever?
Check it out on Goodreads!
Buy your copy from Amazon
Author bio:
Step into the supernatural world crafted by Rose Kent, me, the daring alter ego of a passionate science teacher, devoted mom, and proud pet owner. Within my paranormal, fantasy romance stories you will find a fiery mix of lust, love, and magic. I work hard to weave vivid tales of forbidden love, uncomfortable angst, pulse-pounding action, and otherworldly creatures that will keep you hooked from the very first page. Come join me on a wild ride through the realm of the supernatural, where passion and the unknown collide to create a truly magical reading experience.
Sounds really interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete