It’s time for Snippet Sunday. 2020 was an interesting year in terms of my writing. I didn’t write as much as usual and yet I did start/complete quite a few stories. Most of them will be coming out this year, spaced somewhat evenly throughout, though I can’t tell you when the first will be out yet.
But today I’m showcasing an older book (came out in 2017) as I’m working on the sequel that should be out in June. It’s part of an unusual anthology that I can’t spill on just yet, but my tale will be a sequel to WILDFIRE’S HEART, Book 1 in the Elemental Hearts series. We’re in Saif al Nar’s POV and he’s and Ifrit, a fire Djinn, as well as a wildland firefighter. He’s just come in from a fire and has already dealt with white racism because of his heritage. But then he meets someone new.
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“Buy the steelhead, it’s better this time around.” A new voice intruded on Saif’s awareness and he focused his attention on the owner. “And thank you so much for saving the town and the forest. I appreciate it.”
Fire licked up his arms and legs to pool in the center of his chest around his heart as he took in the glorious vision standing beside him. Rich, dark hair bordering on black flowed down the woman’s back in a thick tail. Emerald green eyes looked out over a hooked nose and elegant lips. She wore a dry-wicking field shirt and olive green cargo pants, but he could see the lush curves and nipped-in waist through them.
“You’re welcome. The team is grateful for the support.” Saif smiled at his female companion. “Thank you for the suggestion on the trout. My name’s Saif al Nar.” He held out his hand.
“Raihana Nejem. Nice to meet you.” She grasped his hand and the world tilted.
Pleasure and excitement built into a crescendo as light and fire exploded inside him. A triumphant roar ricocheted inside his head and he wanted to give into the inferno and dance. Instead he locked his knees and held on, hoping he wouldn’t crush her hand in the meantime.
What in the ninth hell is going on? He hadn’t experienced such a surge of internal power since he first reached his Ifrit majority well over a millennium ago. His eyes widened as he took in the essence of the woman he touched. Instead of field clothing, she wore a choli and a pair of gauzy harem pants with slits from ankles to hip. Magnificent waves of her hair flowed and danced in unseen winds, only held back from her face by a jeweled headband holding a large fire opal cabochon.
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There’s still magic in the world, and even Ifrits can be surprised. 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Jessica Subject, Kathy Griffith Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel.
Here’s the blurb for WILDFIRE’S HEART:
Available everywhere now!
When you wish upon a wildfire…
Hot Shot Saif al Nar is a natural when it comes to fighting fires. As an Ifrit—a fire djinn—there’s no one better. But he doesn’t anticipate the local residents being suspicious and afraid of his ethnicity when his crew comes into town from the fire line for some R&R. Add some unexpected backup in the form of a lovely djinn and Saif is ready to set the town on fire.
A djinn might get burned…
Raihana Nejem retired from being a genie in a lamp centuries ago and now works for the U.S. Forest Service. Fires are devastating her field area, but the sexy firefighter djinn might just be more dangerous. Her people believe Ifrits to be evil demons and Raihana can’t be sure Saif isn’t responsible for the arson fires cropping up in town.
Or they could set the night on fire…
Is Saif behind the arson or is something darker and more dangerous going on? With hearts and lives on the line, Raihana must decide if she can stand the heat that comes with loving a man like Saif.
A fiery meeting with great descriptions.
Great set up. Really enjoyed the snippet.
Loved the snippet – I enjoyed this book. I’m so glad there’s to be a sequel!
A very intense meeting.
Love the descriptions.