Barring any holiday stories I decide to do at the last minute, Taken and Crowned should be my final release of 2018. This is my first sci-fi dark romance and I’m excited to bring it to you. It’s got a few taboos: dub-con, forced mating, forced marriage. There’s also my fave trope, enemies to lovers. 

I’m currently self-editing and will pass it on to my editor before the month ends. 

Release day is set for December 23rd!

Here’s the cover and blurb

Tagline: Ambrose’s family tradition destroys his plan to be a forever bachelor.

Although Ambrose doesn’t wish to be with anyone long term, he must find a spouse immediately. According to the rules, no one inherits the throne unless they’re married. Additionally, his father wishes for Ambrose to seek a human. Despite not being elated with the decision, Ambrose figures doing the necessary requirement of mating and impregnating will be enough.

Max, who identifies as non-binary, is tired of being shamed and manhandled. They wish to make a living off their “hobby” but it’s not in the cards. Relationships aren’t even on their list of things to strive for, and they don’t want to change. Unless the person is a certain Hollywood star they have a crush on, Max isn’t interested.

When Ambrose meets Max at their place of employment, Max refuses to give the alien king-in-waiting the time of day.

Little does Max know Ambrose’s calm exterior is a cover up for the monster willing to go great lengths to claim them for a partner.

This title is a standalone dark romance with forced mating, dub-con, MPreg, and smartass aliens who hate to be wrong. On page violence, rough sex, and knotting are included.

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Here is a small snippet (unedited)

“All who wish to inherit the throne, must be mated or they will not be king or queen.”

Sitting in the study, Ambrose read the text over and over, though it had been emblazoned on his brain since birth. Ambrose wouldn’t be king without a mate.

Why?

Ambrose’s family wouldn’t break tradition for him, would they? After all, Ambrose was special. He was the only offspring of Xeritronian royalty born from a human who had become a croc shifter through mating. That alone should afford him preferential treatment.

“Now, you know that won’t happen.”

Ambrose closed his eyes tightly and twisted his lips to the side. “Who told you to enter my thoughts?”

“I didn’t have to ask permission. They were written all over your face.” Geraldous, Ambrose’s friend and High Servant of Ambrose’s father, Tolian, ambled into the large library. Dressed in black slacks, along with the same color shirt and tie and a scarf draped over his shoulder, Geraldous was handsome, with his coarse hair flowing in braids down his back. Though he was attractive and overly suitable, he was not permitted to court anyone from the royal line. The rule book stated as much, and because of Geraldous loyalty to Tolian, he’d never go against Ambrose’s father’s wishes.

“Geraldous. Why can’t I break this age-old tradition?”

“Your father would never allow it. We’ve loved this way for centuries. Why stop now?”

“Because it’s a dated tradition.” Ambrose snapped and banged his hand on the arms of the chair in which he sat.

Geraldous hissed. “Do not lose your temper with me, child. I may be your friend, but I am significantly older than you. You cannot beat me.”

Ambrose’s heated gaze met the fearless blues belonging to his father’s servant. “Forgive me. I…” Ambrose leaned back in the golden chair and sighed heavily. “I just wish this weren’t such a complicated thing. I don’t wish to be mated with anyone. I’m happy fucking whomever I choose. If it weren’t against the rules, I’d have you too,” Ambrose smiled at Geraldous, trying to make things lighter.

Geraldous shook his head. “Even if I could, I wouldn’t. We are friends and it’s best to leave things as they are. Mating complicates things. Feelings are exchanged, and something will go wrong in the end.”

“Which is why I don’t wish to be bothered with that.” Ambrose rose from the chair and walked to the window on his right. Xeritron was a beautiful planet filled with water, trees, and stone. Looking over the expanse, Ambrose spotted the land he wished to rule someday, but it wouldn’t come to pass unless he followed through on this stupid rule.