Y’all. It’s back. As you see, today we have Jax Cassidy in the house. She joining us for a Teaser Tuesday (TT) post, and *koffs* shorted us about 200 words, but she’s also the person who made the header (which for whatever reason never shows when I link the site on FB T_T), so we’ll let it slide. This once. 😛
As you see, we have an exclusive excerpt of The Mermaid Catches Her Mate, so enjoy!
Luna Matsya is a local celebrity as a trendsetting hairstylist, but she’d prefer to spread her fin in a nice body of water rather than make a big splash around town. She’s starting to believe that her ability to live and walk among mortals is more of a curse rather than a blessing. Especially now that the flashy tent from a touring magic show is blocking her lake. Where’s a mermaid to swim when the slightest mistake can put her in the spotlight?
Ace Conall is infamous for his daring tricks and he plans to make history with an epic illusion before taking a lengthy hiatus. This is a chance for him to finally feel at home after harboring a secret that may be the greatest magic act never revealed. What he hadn’t expected was falling for a smart-mouthed siren tangled up in his plans.
Luna laughed until her stomach hurt as they slowed their pace now that they were a safe distance from the bar. Ace made no move to release her hand as they strolled down the sidewalk. She’d always shied away from public displays of affection, yet for some reason, this act felt so natural. Everything about tonight was magical. She was beginning to think he cast a spell on her since she wasn’t her usual unsocial self.
The round moon glowed brightly above as if she were in agreement with Luna’s thoughts. There was a decent crowd making their way around, exploring the town and filling the shops and eateries. They continued with a steady pace without any plans or direction.
Funny how she never appreciated what Nocturne Falls had to offer until tonight. She’d taken so much for granted, simply having her blinders on without seeing the world around her. Maybe she didn’t want to know for fear she’d want to stay. She’d missed so much by having her walls up and not fully embracing this quirky place she now called home. Why did she not see it?
They passed the supernaturals in their elaborate attire, entertaining onlookers as they played their roles perfectly. The tourists happily ate it up since they had no idea this wasn’t an act for the residents of the town. Her smile widened. Nothing could compare to the thrill of acknowledging this kind of high energy, and this happened almost every single night!
She felt a tug on her hand and her attention was pulled back to her companion.
Ace stopped and turned to her. “How about we go there? Looks mighty enticing.” He pointed in the distance at the Gargoyle fountain at the center of all the activity.
“It does appear enchanting.” She nodded and followed him to the landmark that delighted adults and children alike.
She inhaled the fragrance of surrounding flowers and admired her surroundings. Small white skull lights were strewn across the streetlamps and around the parameters, resembling softly glowing fireflies casting a dreamy effect. The magnificent creature atop the fountain wasn’t just a monument, but a live supernatural on guard. He made the area seem protected with a sense of privacy even if tourists were wandering nearby.
Ace finally released her hand and eyed the Gargoyle. “He seems a mite bored.” Tilting his head from one side to the other for a closer view.
“Wouldn’t anyone, if that’s what they did all day?” She let out a nervous laugh. “But since he’s a statue it shouldn’t matter.”
“I suppose you’re right.” He turned to face her. “I’ve heard something peculiar about this spot. I’m curious if it’s true.”
Luna grinned in understanding. “That’s right. If you throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish, it’s supposed to come true.”
He rubbed his stubbled jaw. “Is that so?” Ace reached into his pants pocket and pulled out two coins, handing her one. “Let’s test that theory, shall we?”
“I never thought about what I’d wish for,” she whispered.
PLOP! The sound made her head jerk up.
Luna stated, “You have to make a wish—”
She didn’t get a chance to finish when Ace stepped in, looped his arm around her waist and pulled her body toward him. He dipped his head and his mouth closed over hers. The kiss sent her mermaid tail in a spin! It was a toe-curling, high velocity kiss that made her temperature rise to almost boiling point from the heat.
Ace reluctantly withdrew his lips. He lifted his head and gazed deep into her eyes. “I guess it came true.”
Luna was too stunned to speak. Her heart beat in a rhythm that rivaled a bullet train. She shifted her gaze to refocus and the Gargoyle’s eyes lit up as he winked his approval.
Reality set in at what had occurred. This wasn’t some daydream she walked into, but a mistake she shouldn’t have let happen. Was it really a mistake?
She swallowed hard, licking her suddenly dry lips.
“Please don’t do that.” He gave her an anguished expression. “I think you make me want to take actions that I don’t think we’d want witnesses for.” Ace chuckled. “Unless you’re into that sorta thing…”
Clarity rocked her and she pushed away from him. She needed to allow an appropriate breathing distance to sort out what just transpired. Her head buzzed frantically with thoughts, desires, and it scared the starfish out of her. This was not supposed to happen. Luna wasn’t supposed to have this kind of attraction…with this man!
His expression changed to one of concern. “What’s wrong?”
“I…I’m sorry, Ace. I don’t think this was a good idea.” Luna backed away and did the one thing she knew how to do well.
She ran.
You can read another excerpt (Chapter One) here or buy a copy here.
About the Author: USA Today Bestselling Author Jax Cassidy followed her dreams to Paris, then Hollywood to pursue a film career but managed to fall in love with penning sexy romances and happy endings. She writes contemporary and paranormal romances and is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, and award winning writer’s website and discussion forum. Jax is also known as one-half of the retired writing team of Cassidy Kent. She is represented by Roberta Brown of the Brown Literary Agency.
What’d you think? 😀 Not only did we have an exclusive excerpt, it’s release day! So if you’d like, let [us] know what you think and wish Jax a happy new book release day! 🙂
Thanks for the love! You are AWESOMESAUCE <3
*blushes* You could have told me to add 200 words! I would've done it for you!!!!
I told you in the email 😛
Also I just like razzing you. *angelface*