Hi everyone. Today I am featuring "Half a Faerie," by: Toni Cabell. Check out Toni's guest post, sneak peek, book details, and a giveaway below. Happy reading :).
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I’ve had more than 25 jobs! If I tossed in my volunteer jobs, I might top 40! Here’s a random list of work I’ve been paid for: giftwrapping, babysitting, public relations, technical writing, instructional design, talent management, talent development, ear piercing, personal banker, wealth management advisor, business banker, realtor, newspaper columnist, editor, secretary, waitress, nurse’s assistant, kitchen help, postal service, teacher, retail sales, resume writing, consultant, project manager, youth director, and author.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
When I was around ten, my parents took me to the top orthodontist in Philadelphia; he taught at Temple University. The doctor took one look at my mouth (overbite, overcrowding, the whole works) and was absolutely thrilled to take me on as a new patient. Why? Because I was the most challenging, complicated orthodontic case he’d ever tackled! How’s that for an accomplishment?
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in New Jersey, went to college in Pennsylvania and Iowa, and met my husband in Chicago. I’ve lived in Illinois ever since!
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
When I wrote Half a Faerie, I really did visualize it as a quirky paranormal Hallmark-type movie but with more banter, kisses, and humor. One of my author buddies says it reminds her of a supernatural version of Gilmore Girls!
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
I’m torn between one of the naughty gargoyles from Half a Faerie, or the talking miniature griffin from Lady Apprentice. Since my daughter has bought me some very cool griffin jewelry, I think I’d have to go with a griffin. I like the fact they have an eagle’s face and the body of a lion; you need to be very versatile as a writer!
What can we expect from you in the future?
I plan to release three more books in the Faeries of Door County series in 2025. Each novel will be a standalone story set in the same interconnected world. Book 2, Return to Mooncrest Inn, will release in February 2025.
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
All the time! In fact, Jake and Mona, who are minor characters in Half a Faerie, are getting their own book! In my initial draft for Half a Faerie, I’d given Jake and Mona a swoony little romance that my editor loved. She encouraged me to give them their own novel, and that’s how Return to Mooncrest Inn (Book 2 in the Faeries of Door County series) was born.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Half a Faerie?
Will Rossi is a hunky, human rock star who’s down on his luck at the moment. His former partner has spread some unflattering stories about him, and he’s having trouble finding work. He’s been holed up in his Manhattan condo for months, keeping a low profile to avoid the obnoxious paparazzi, but his buddy is getting married, and Will is the best man. Despite his own problems, Will never lets down a friend. So he travels to Wisconsin to stand up at his friend’s wedding, and that’s when his luck begins to change. He meets the woman of his dreams, except she’s not what she seems… she’s half a faerie.
Cassia Tinker Bell Spellman is a single mom who works two jobs so she can support her seven-year-old daughter, Olivia. Cassia was badly hurt by her ex-husband, who left her so he could launch his career in Hollywood. Consequently, she’s distrustful of performers, even Will Rossi, who’s staying in town for a few weeks and keeps showing up at the café where she works. He’s cute, and she secretly crushed on him in high school, but Cassia isn’t interested in dating a rock star, not after what happened with her ex.
Besides, Will is definitely human, and Cassia is part faerie. They can’t have an actual future together without approval from the elder council, which protects the interests of all supers in Riddle Hill, WI. Cassia is certain the council would never sanction telling someone of Will’s notoriety that supernaturals are real, and that Cassia and Olivia are faeries. Unfortunately, after what happened in Salem, non-supers simply can’t be trusted with the truth.
Why can’t Rossi the Rocker just take a hint and go away?
When a hunky, human rock star stands up at his best friend’s wedding, he never expects to encounter vampires, werewolves, and the woman of his dreams. But she’s not what she seems… she’s half a faerie.
Half a Faerie
Faeries of Door County Book 1
By: Toni Cabell
Genre: Clean Paranormal Romantic Comedy
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“Here, allow me.” I send half a dozen snowballs whizzing after the boys’ retreating backs.
“Well done!” Cassia’s uncle chuckles. “They’ll be ready for hot cocoa soon enough.”
Cassia scoops up some snowballs and dashes after a couple of lads attempting an end-run around us. I chase after her, ostensibly to lend a hand with the snow fight, but mostly to stay near her. She tosses her snowballs at the two boys, hitting both in the back. Laughing, they quickly disperse.
Cassia pulls her arm back again, spins around, and lets loose another snowball that lands squarely in my face. She’s hit me on purpose! I’m momentarily stunned as icy water blurs my shades and drips into my eyes. I decide to milk this opportunity for all it’s worth.
“Foul ball!” I cry, clutching my face.
Cassia runs up to me. “Oh, Will, I’m so sorry! I was aiming for your chest. Are you okay?”
Shielding my face with one hand, I turn away, moaning. As Cassia tries to pull my hand away to inspect the damage, I bring my other hand up and shove a fistful of snow inside the back of her jacket.
Cassia yelps, “Cheater!” and gives me a push.
I topple backward into a snowbank. Cassia loses her footing and falls down on top of me. She’s so stunning in this moment, with snowflakes on her eyelashes and her cheeks flushed with cold, I’m rendered speechless.
I wrap my arms around her waist and hug her to myself. My pulse is pounding so hard I’m sure she must feel it through the layers of winter clothing. Our noses are nearly touching, and my breath becomes ragged. Her lips part, probably in surprise, as I tilt my head and gently kiss her.
The warmth of her mouth against mine ripples through me like a heat wave. As I lean in to deepen the kiss, a pile of wet snow lands on our heads.
Cassia breaks free of my arms and jumps up, shaking the snow out of her long, honey-colored hair. She points at someone behind my head, scoops up some snow, and shouts, “Jake! You’re gonna pay for that!”
Jake laughs. “Not if you can’t catch me.”
A low moan escapes from me as Cassia runs off, chasing after her brother, who clearly doesn’t want me chasing after his sister.
If Cassia doesn’t have a word with Jake soon and tell him to butt out, I will.
A short while later our team is declared the winner, and everyone troops back to the Sit for a Spell Café, stomping boots on the mats near the entrance and pulling off sodden mittens and caps.
I pause to take a sniff. Mingled with the delicious aroma of chocolate, cinnamon, and butter, I detect the not-so-pleasant odor of damp dog fur. I quickly scan the café but find no huge sled dogs on the premises. I see the gargoyles have changed positions though; now they’re leaning forward, their noses wrinkled, as if they, too, detect wet canines close at hand.
I notice Jake, who scratches his neck as he nods in my direction. I set my jaw and give him a curt nod in return. Jake may be the mayor of Riddle Hill, but there’s nothing he can say or do that’ll dissuade me from pursuing Cassia Spellman.
BLURB:
When a hunky, human rock star stands up at his best friend’s wedding, he never expects to encounter vampires, werewolves, and the woman of his dreams. But she’s not what she seems… she’s half a faerie.
Will Rossi was the male half of the hottest singing-songwriting team in the country, until his ex-partner split up their act and left a trail of unflattering stories in her wake. With paparazzi hounding him and creditors harassing him, Will desperately needs a change of luck.
Traveling to the Midwest for his buddy’s wedding isn’t the lucky break Will had in mind—until he meets the wedding planner—and now he can’t stop thinking about Cassia Spellman. Whatever it takes, Will must see her again, but first he’s getting his eyes examined—because everyone in her quirky town appears to have fur, fangs, or wings.
Single mom Cassia has her hands full raising her faerie daughter and planning weddings for Door County’s supernatural population. The last thing she needs is Will Rossi in her life, with his velvety brown eyes and stubbled jawline.
Besides, she can’t fall for him anyway—he’s human, she’s half faerie—and the elder council would never approve. Since Cassia and Will could never be together, she’s determined to stop thinking about him.
Why can’t Rossi the Rocker just take a hint and go away?
If you’re looking for sweet, slow-burn romance with swoony kisses, second chances, and funny, heartwarming characters, don’t miss the Faeries of Door County, a clean paranormal romance series for fans of K. M. Shea and Dusty Rose. Set in the same interconnected world, each book is a happily-ever-after standalone story that can be read in any order.
Praise for Half a Faerie:
"The perfect blend of Hallmark Christmas movie with small town fantasy... If you enjoy supernatural characters, small town charm (think Gilmore Girls) and a romance as sweet as the first sip of hot chocolate on Christmas morning, then you need to treat yourself to this book!" (Cynthia, Goodreads Review)
“From the very first line, I wanted a plush blanket and some hot chocolate while I escaped into this world! The vibes are sweet and cozy and I absolutely adored it… Have snacks on hand when you read because the meals Toni described in this book had me drooling!” (Beth, Goodreads Review)
“This story was filled with swoony moments, holiday cheer, magical creatures, delicious food, and lots of happy weddings. The characters were so relatable and the added moments of humor was so much fun! I cannot wait to read book 2!” (Sarah, Amazon Review)
“A fun Christmas read with plenty of weddings, second chances, and a town full of supernatural creatures. It was sweet with just the right amount of angst and some interesting thoughts on how to move on from a relationship that feels like it stole everything from you.” (Abigail, Amazon Review)
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Toni Cabell
Toni is a closed door author. She writes clean fantasy and sweet paranormal romance stories featuring sassy women, swoony heroes, twisty plots, and happy endings.
Her novels have won multiple awards, including six B.R.A.G. Medallions, Silver & Bronze Medals in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and two Gold Medals in the Global Book Awards.
She makes her home in a small village along the shores of Lake Michigan with her handsome husband.
All Toni's books are appropriate for teens and adults.
Follow Toni at the Following Links:
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