Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Peek between the pages of Damned When I Didn't


Imagine waking up one day and finding out you’re a succubus. A female demon who feeds on human intimacy. And you’re a virgin. That’s the nightmare that Avery Williams faces in my YA paranormal romance, Damned When I Didn’t, a unique coming of age story about family, friendship, and living with the consequences of one’s choices.


Peek between the pages...

     It wasn’t the things I remembered that scared the crap out of me. It was the things I didn’t.

     Take that night, for instance. I knew I’d been at the same party as my fifteen-year-old sister. She’d been laughing at something her friend had said. Caleb Higgins, the guy I’d been crushing on senior year, had come over to talk to me. I remembered feeling panicked at some point during the party and hearing my friends’ heart-stopping screams. But my strongest memory—the one that haunts me even now as I run my hand over the smooth skin on my stomach—was of the sharp pain that had pierced my body just below my rib cage. I’d thought I’d died. Thought I’d glimpsed the Bright Light. But soon after, I wasn’t sure of anything. Like how I’d ended up at the hospital. There was no mistaking that’s where I was. I recognized the curved wooden reception desk in the waiting room from the time my sister had broken her arm.

     I stood near the closed double doors leading into the emergency room, wearing dirty jeans, baby-blue flip-flops, and a too-thin, pale-rose tank top, freezing my butt off. Why were hospitals always so cold? Seriously, there were sick people there. A little heat might have done them wonders.

     A disbelieving giggle bubbled up my throat. The temperature in the waiting room was the least of my worries.



I’m delighted with the feedback I’ve received.

Winner Best Paranormal Romance 2021

"Damned When I Didn’t is such a fun paranormal romance, I loved every minute of it. ... If you’re looking for a paranormal romance with a fresh take and snarky dialogue, pick up Damned When I Didn’t. Highly recommend!" - N.N. Light Book Heaven

"This novel serves up a unique story that brings many different characters together in a breathtaking read." - InD'Tale Magazine

"Damned If I Didn't is the perfect mix of romance, drama, and friendship. You won't be disappointed!" - Goodreads Reviewer


Damned When I Didn’t is a YA novel that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. It’s a story of love, friendship, and self-discovery that will keep you on the edge or your seat. If you’re looking for a fresh and fun paranormal romance, you won’t regret giving it a try. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite online bookstore. And if you do read it, please let me know what your think. I’d love to hear from you!


Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Happy 2024! 🎉



We made it to 2024. 🥳 I hope the new year is off to a wonderful start!

It's that time of year when we see so many people posting their accomplishments and exciting news. So, in case someone needs to hear this, it's okay if your big accomplishment is that you made it to 2024. 💕 

I'm starting my year by picking a word to inspire me. Last year, I chose Balance. For me, this meant making more time for the things I love. I read 38 books, played around with new book ideas, survived the various changes at the day job, and spent more time outdoors. This year, I'm choosing Joy. My goal is to do many, many things that bring happiness to others and to me.

How's the new year treating you? Did you pick a word of the year? Do you have any book recommendations?

Stay warm and safe!

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Happy Holiday!!




Hello, dear readers!

It’s that magical time of year. Whatever holiday you observe, I hope it’s filled with wonder, sparks of fun, cheer, and love. Maybe even a scrumptious Wishing Spritz cookie that will make your dreams come true, like the cookies in Merry Little Wishing Spritz. 😉

Happy holidays to you and yours! 🎄🎁🎉
Cherie


Curl up with my small town, enemies to lovers romance with a dash of magic. It’s about a modern-day witch who casts a well-intended spell meant to save her apartment and her job. But magic is unpredictable, especially when her friend casts a little charm of her own that has Cassie lusting after the man she desperately wants to despise. It’s a fun, festive, and flirty read that will make you laugh and swoon.

Grab your copy!

Looking for something new? Check out one of the books on my radar!


I'm excited to learn the backstory to the Bearsden Witch Series, a PWF Urban Fantasy. In the 1960s, three young witches from different backgrounds come together to perform a fertility spell. What could go wrong?


Practical Potions anthology promises a collection of fantasy stories from bubbling cauldron to something wicked this way comes.


Do you have a book recommendation for me? Drop it in the comments!

Stay safe!







Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Sweet Romance and Lovable Pups, Plus a Peek Between the Pages 💕🐶

 


Who doesn't love the cute pet that is there for us? All the books in this book fair have a lovable pup that is there for the protagonist, and I'm delighted to have my small town romance Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss included in this event. 

🐶 💕  Visit the event  💕 🐶



Peek between the pages of Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss

Jinx happily jumped to the ground. She paused, head tilted and ears perked. Off in the distance, a voice sang a lovely melody, like secrets on the wind. It was the song from my premonitions.

The spark circled me, bringing my attention back to the spell. It zigged left around my car and then zagged over the boardwalk. Jinx frolicked along behind it.

“Jinx, wait!” I grabbed my purse, locked the doors, and jogged to catch up. A warm breeze lifted my hair, bringing with it the delicious aroma of barbecue and charbroiled meats. My stomach growled, but there was no time to check out the restaurants. Not with my puppy prancing through the pale sand.

“Jinx!” I hopped off the wood walkway and onto the sand. Ahead of me, Jinx scampered between a couple relaxing on a sherbet-colored blanket and then through a little girl’s sandcastle.

“Sorry.” I skirted the couple. “Sorry,” I said to the girl. With a flick of a finger, I repaired some of the damage to her castle. The loose sand under my sandal- clad feet made it difficult to run. “Jinx, slow down!”

Jinx and the spark stopped at the end of a long pier lined with boats of varying sizes. We were alone. I clutched a stitch in my side. The spark bobbed a couple of times above the clear blue water before plopping soundlessly beneath the surface. Jinx barked.

“No, Jinx. We’re not going to jump.” I hoped the spark somehow heard me and reappeared. It couldn’t possibly think I was going to follow it into the ocean.

I glanced around, hoping to spot the gray-haired man or the boy from my vision. The hauntingly beautiful song blended with the waves splashing against the pier. I breathed in, enjoying the sounds of nature and savoring the crisp scent of the sea. Both were inviting. Maybe that was why they called this place Siren’s Cove. It beckoned people to stay.



Happy reading, everyone!!

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Books, books, and more books 📚




Hi!

I’m thrilled to share with you a wonderful review of Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss, a cozy, small town, witchy romance that will warm your heart. The reviewer said:

‘Loved this charming, second chance, witch romance. I was addicted from the beginning, the author will have you enchanted with the storyline! Peyton and Roman has bumps and rough patches to overcome… but added with Jinx and Travis and enduring small town charm and friends to help out its a journey with mystery and intrigue!!😉 Grab a cozy drink and a comfortable seat and spent an afternoon reading a delightful book!’ - Rhonda

These kind words brought a smile to my face. 


🍂🍁 Book News 🍁🍂

💫 Free for a limited time 💫


Isaac and the Prince of Fae
YA Paranormal

Isaac will burn down the faerie realm to protect his family and friends from the dangerous faerie threatening them. That is if the faerie doesn’t kill him first.


📚 Books on my radar 📚


Whistler's Night by H.M. Shander's promises to be a fun, lighthearted holiday romance, and the cover is so cute!



Witch Under Pressure by Karen McSpade promises humor, hints of romance, family drama, and magical spells gone hilariously wrong.


Do you leave reviews? Have you read either of these books? Do you have a book recommendation for me? Drop me a note in the comments. 🙂







Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The Spooky Season is Almost Here. Cue the music!



Hi! I'm so glad you stopped by! With the spooky season fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to share the soundtrack for Atticus Everheart, Fifth Grade Tutor and Monster Hunter?! This is a collection of songs that popped into my head when I was writing this humous middle-grade novelThese songs also make a great playlist to listen to while reading the book. Enjoy!! 

 1)  Monster Mash 



2)  Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon. 



3)  The Skeleton Dance


4)  Superstition by Stevie Wonder 

 
5)  Funeral March of the Marionette by Charles Gounod 


6)  Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival 



7)  The Monsters Hop 



8)  Theme from ‘the Munsters’



8)  Season of the Witch by Donovan




🦇 About the book 🦇


Title: Atticus Everheart, Fifth Grade Tutor and Monster Hunter?

Author: C.L. Colyer

Cover artist: Diana Carlile

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Genres: Middle grade, fantasy


Sometimes it takes an ordinary ten-year-old to save the day.

 

Book Blurb:

Nothing frightens Atticus Everheart more than monsters, thanks to his older brothers, who often threaten to feed him to the beastly creatures.

Fearing that’s what they will do if he doesn’t replace the book he accidentally ruined, he takes a job tutoring a boy in his neighborhood.

 

Although nervous about the job, Atticus soon discovers there’s a lot more in store for him than teaching. Never in a trillion years would he have imagined he’d be hiding from monsters, working with ghosts, or searching for werewolves and witches. He’s not brave, and he has no plans to change.

 

Until he’s forced to.


🦇 What readers have to say 🦇


5+-stars  “If you love quirky fantasy adventures, you’ll want to read this book.” – N.N. Light Book Heaven

 

5-stars. “Atticus Everheart, Fifth Grade Tutor, and Monster Hunter? was a spooky and delightful read.” – Long and Short Reviews. 

 

5-stars.  “The atmosphere of this book is wonderful. I really loved discovering the world created by C.L.Colyer.” – A Blue Box Full of Books Goodreads



Read Atticus Everheart’s story today!

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Apple ~ Other Retailers

Goodreads ~ Bookbub



I'd love to hear from you. Do you like this time of year? What's your favorite spooky song, movie, or book?

Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Happy Spooky Season!




Hello, dear readers!

Fall is here, and that means it’s time for some spooky and magical reads. I love this season of ghosts and witches, demons and monsters. That’s why I’ve been busy decorating my house with pumpkins and cobwebs, munching on delicious taffy apples, and curling up with some cozy fantasies.

One of the books I recently enjoyed was The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, a lighthearted and cozy fantasy about a lonely witch who would love to find someone she can trust with her secret. The book, by Sangu Mandanna, is a sweet read with a fun and witty twist. If you enjoy books about witches, check it out!

If you’re looking for a book with witches or demons, I hope you’ll check out some of mine:

  • Isaac and the Prince of Fae, Free on KU: A paranormal adventure about a battle between witch and fae in which there can be only one winner.
  • Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss: An enchanting, second-change romance about a witch who gets more than she bargained for when she follows a vision to a small town in Maine.
  • Damned When I Didn't: A YA paranormal romance about an 18-year-old virgin who finds herself Hell's newest succubus. (Read an excerpt below.)
  • Challenging Destiny: A YA paranormal romance/thriller about a brother and sister Chosen to be pawns in a battle between Heaven and Hell. (Also available on Audible.)

    🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁


If you're looking to discover new authors and new books, check out this Kindle Unlimited Book Fair!


🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁


Have you read any of the books above? Do you have any book recommendations for me? I would love to hear from you. Hit reply and share your thoughts.

Happy reading! Cherie

Thursday, September 21, 2023

💋 Sweet Romance Book Fair 💋

Books, books, and more books for the romance lover! These sweet romances are perfect cozy reads. 



Two of my titles are featured!


SALTED CARAMEL BLISS WITH A WEDDING KISS
A kiss to remember... if only she could.


MERRY LITTLE WISHING SPRITZ
A well-intended spell has this witch lusty after the ma

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

🧚‍♀️ Kindle Unlimited Fantasy Book Fair 🧚‍♀️

 


Now's a great time to find your next fantasy on Kindle Unlimited. There's over sixty books to choose from, including my YA novella, ISAAC AND THE PRINCE OF FAE!



Hi! 

Did you hear? ISAAC AND THE PRINCE OF FAE is now available on Kindle Unlimited. We head back to Gloucester, MA, and the paranormal world of magic and witchcraft to fight the Prince of Fae in this Embrace prequel. I hope you'll check it out!


Title: Isaac and the Prince of Fae
Genre: YA Fantasy, Adventure
Book length: Novella

Tagline: Fire meets ice in a battle between witch and fae. Only the strongest will survive.

Blurb:
Isaac knows the importance of fueling his magical powers with positive emotions. It’s been the simplest of rules to follow until now.

When Heather, a fellow witch, begs Isaac to help her reverse a spell that brought a vindictive faerie into the human realm, Isaac has no choice but to assist. He’s sure there’s a peaceful compromise to her prince of a problem. Only Heather hasn’t been entirely truthful about why this dangerous faerie refuses to leave. He’s even more powerful than Isaac. That is, if Isaac doesn’t tap into dark magic. When the faerie threatens to harm the people Isaac cares about, he abandons civility. He’ll burn down the faerie realm to protect his loved ones—if the faerie doesn’t kill him first.


Be the first to leave a review


I'd love to hear from you! What's the last fantasy book you read? Or, what's your favorite genre?

I'm currently reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna.  This fantasy has a T.J. Klune vibe with quirky characters that are easy to love. It's good so far!


Tuesday, September 12, 2023

What Lurks in the Dark on Wayward Lane?



Hi!

Today I have a bonus scene from my middle-grade action/adventure Friends to the End written from Morgan's POV. This scene shares with you what she found related to Grimace Grove Cemetery and Wayward Lane. 

Happy reading!


FRIENDS TO THE END

by C.L. Colyer

Bonus scene from Morgan’s POV

 


Morgan grabbed a can of soda and headed to her dad’s study to use his laptop. If her brothers wouldn’t tell her more about the vanishing house, she’d search the internet. She sat in the big leather chair, pulled her auburn curls into a low ponytail, and typed ‘vanishing house + Wayward Lane’ into the browser. The top result led to a real estate company, but others caught her eye. She clicked on one of them. A post from a popular ghost-hunting TV show filled the screen. The opening hiss of the soda can pierced the silence in the study. Morgan took a sip before leaning forward to read the article.
 

What Lurks in the Dark on Wayward Lane?

 

About an hour outside of Chicago, tucked between the homes along Wayward Lane, is Grimace Grove Cemetery, one of Illinois’s most haunted graveyards. Visit one day and you may see white lights floating between the tombstones, while on another, hazy human-like figures standing by the fence. Listen closely and you may hear the whispers of people long dead. But the strange phenomenon doesn’t stop at the graveyard. Visitors to the area have reported other bizarre sightings, none of which can be explained by experts. Who and what might be the cause of these unexplained events? We took a closer look at the town's sordid past and recorded it below—you be the judge. 
 
The gangsters who visited the town for rest and relaxation during prohibition were known to cause trouble—illegal trouble. Is the shadowy cigar-smoking man who has been spotted in the middle of the street one of the former gangsters? Witnesses describe him as a stout guy, wearing a suit and a bowler hat like the ones worn back in the 1920s. A woman even claims he called her the “bee’s knees” as his spectral form blinked in and out of view. Is he the ghost of Franky—on the lam—Hood? You tell me.
 
Equally as disturbing as the ghost of a gangster are the reports of a phantom Model A roadster that barrels past oncoming traffic, leaving in its wake the roar of men’s laughter and machine gunfire. My money is on these men being more of the mobsters who used to frequent the neighborhood. 

 

Reports of a young woman dressed in fringe and pearls, dancing the Charleston in the middle of the road are common. Drivers who stopped to tell her to get off the road swear that she vanished into thin air when they rolled down their windows. Eyewitnesses later matched her image to photos of Mary Porter, a nineteen-year-old flapper who died in a car accident on that exact stretch of the road in April 1923. She had been on her way home from a popular speakeasy, where she worked as a flapper.
 
But perhaps the most intriguing of the legends surrounding Wayward Lane is that of the disappearing house. This ghost hunter hasn’t found proof that the house, which is often described as an old Victorian-styled home with a long front porch, ever existed on the physical plain. But locals insist this home, known for having housed a venerated Civil War hero, burned down in the 1870s and that it, along with his wife, refuse to let go.

 
The mystery surrounding the house and its occupants may never be solved. Are the locals correct in saying that this house is occupied by the ghost of its last resident? Did her unwavering belief that her husband would return from the war and her determination to be there when he did trap her and the house in a time loop? Romantic? Yes. True? I’ll let you be the judge.

 
No wonder Morgan’s brothers refused to talk about the house and why her parents had forbidden her to search for it. Clearly, they believed the stories––maybe even thought she’d be kidnapped or swept away by the ghosts that lived there. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Adults can be so gullible sometimes.
 
She clicked back to the search results. The next blog post had similar information about Wayward Lane and Grimace Grove Cemetery. A chill went through her. It also confirmed what her brothers had warned her happened to anyone inside of the house when it vanished: 
 

Rumors of people disappearing along with the house date back to the Civil War, when a soldier was last spotted entering that home and was never seen again. Others are believed to have met the same grim fate when they went to investigate decades later.  

 
Every article, post, and newsletter Morgan read had a slightly different version of the legend, but the result was always the same. Wayward Lane was haunted. Decade after decade, dozens of people had witnessed things they couldn’t explain. Morgan let out a low whistle. Ghosts existed, and she lived within biking distance of the second most haunted location in Illinois. 

 

She couldn’t wait to tell Zach the exciting news.


📚 📚 📚

2021 Best Middle-Grade Finalist – N.N. Light Book Awards

 

“A compelling, gripping nail-biting page-turner. You’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting...dreading?... what happens next. I know you won’t be able to put the book down (I couldn’t).” ~ Allan Woodrow, bestselling author of over 30 books for children

 

“Friends to the End is a wonderful middle-grade paranormal mystery from start to finish ~ N.N. Light Book Heaven



Read FRIENDS TO THE END today

Amazon | Apple | Barnes & Noble | More Locations

Add to Goodreads



The inspiration behind Grimace Grove Cemetery is loosely based on stories surrounding White Cemetery that I had heard as a teenager. Friends to the End is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of my imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.