Embracing Polyamory: Love, Relationships, and the Evolving Social Landscape

In the ever-changing landscape of relationships and societal norms, love takes on various forms that challenge traditional conventions.

The Redcliffe Novels series by Catherine Green introduces us to Jessica Stone, a character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, ultimately finding herself in a polyamorous relationship with vampire Jack Mason, werewolf Danny Mason, and vampire Marcus Scott. 

Jessica's story highlights the complexities and challenges of polyamory while also reflecting the shifting social views of 21st century Britain and the wider world.
 

1.     Breaking Free from Conventional Relationships

 

Jessica Stone's journey begins as a regular heterosexual woman in Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), where she encounters Jack Mason and is drawn into the supernatural world. As the series progresses, she develops deep connections with both Jack and his twin brother, Danny, and later with Marcus Scott. This unconventional love triangle challenges the idea of monogamy and introduces the concept of polyamory.

 

2.     Embracing Polyamory: The Struggles

 

Jessica's acceptance of a polyamorous relationship is not an easy one. She faces internal conflicts, societal judgments, and emotional struggles. The process of understanding and accepting polyamory requires introspection, communication, and a re-evaluation of traditional beliefs about love and relationships. Jessica's story demonstrates the difficulties of navigating multiple romantic connections while maintaining open and honest communication with all parties involved.

 

3.     Evolving Social Views

 

Polyamory, once considered taboo or fringe, is gradually gaining recognition and acceptance in the 21st century. As society becomes more diverse and inclusive, alternative relationship structures are being acknowledged and respected. The Redcliffe Novels series provides a fictional lens through which readers can explore the changing attitudes towards love and relationships in contemporary Britain and the wider world.

 

4.     Challenges and Rewards of Polyamory

 

Polyamorous relationships require a high level of emotional maturity, open communication, and trust among all participants. Jessica's journey showcases the challenges of managing multiple relationships, jealousy, and societal judgment. However, it also highlights the rewards of polyamory, including the potential for deeper emotional connections, personal growth, and a sense of belonging in a chosen family.

 

5.     Polyamory and Personal Freedom

 

Jessica's story ultimately celebrates personal freedom and choice in matters of love and relationships. It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, authenticity, and finding happiness outside societal expectations. By exploring polyamory, Jessica breaks free from the confines of traditional relationship structures, highlighting the value of individual agency and the power of love in all its diverse forms.

 

Evolving social views in Britain

 

The Redcliffe Novels series by Catherine Green, through the character of Jessica Stone, offers a thought-provoking exploration of polyamory and its challenges. Jessica's journey reflects the evolving social views on relationships in 21st century Britain and the wider world. As society becomes more accepting and diverse, alternative relationship structures such as polyamory gain visibility and recognition. While polyamory may not be for everyone, understanding and respecting its existence contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate society. Ultimately, Jessica's story encourages us to question societal norms, embrace personal freedom, and celebrate love in all its beautiful and complex manifestations.

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

 

“AI, Write a Story about a Demon”

I recently discovered the power of AI and introduced my daughter to it. She asked it to write a story about a demon. Read the story and tell me your thoughts.

AI Story about a Demon

There once was a powerful demon named Azazel, who had roamed the earth for centuries. He had been summoned by humans throughout history to do their bidding, and he had grown tired of the constant cycle of servitude. Azazel longed for something more, something that would make him truly feel alive.

One day, he heard whispers of a powerful artifact that had been hidden away for centuries. The artifact was said to grant the one who possessed it immense power, and Azazel knew that he had to have it.

He searched for years, using his demonic powers to track down the artifact's location. Finally, he found it hidden deep within a mountain range, guarded by powerful magic.

Azazel knew that he could not take the artifact by force, so he hatched a plan. He would disguise himself as a human and infiltrate the nearby village. There, he would gain the trust of the villagers and learn more about the artifact's location.

It took months of careful planning, but Azazel eventually gained the trust of the village's elders. They revealed the artifact's location to him, and Azazel set out to retrieve it.

When he arrived at the mountain's entrance, Azazel was confronted by the guardians of the artifact. They were fierce warriors, armed with enchanted weapons and powerful spells.

But Azazel was a demon, and he was not easily defeated. He fought his way through the guardians, using his powers to vanquish them one by one.

Finally, he reached the artifact, and he felt its power coursing through his veins. He knew that he had become something more than just a demon. With the artifact's power, he was unstoppable.

For years, Azazel ruled over the earth with an iron fist. He was feared by all, and his power was unmatched. But as the centuries passed, Azazel began to feel the weight of his actions. He had become a monster, a creature of pure evil.

In the end, Azazel realized that he could not continue down this path. He knew that he had to give up the artifact and atone for his sins. With great effort, he returned the artifact to its resting place and vanished from the earth.

Azazel's story lived on, a cautionary tale of the dangers of power and the corrupting influence of evil. And even though he was gone, his legend lived on, a testament to the enduring power of the demon who had once ruled over the world.

What the author thinks of it

I was impressed that AI could create a decent story, but then I wasn’t surprised. It makes for a light read and if I had written this type of story, there would be more violence and probably some sex. Hey, I like to write it spicy! The AI program will come in useful for writing blurbs and social media posts anyway, leaving me more time to write the good stories.

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

 

Beltane Blessings and Happy May Day! 🌺🔥🌿

Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival that has been celebrated for thousands of years. It marks the beginning of summer and the season of growth and fertility. The festival is traditionally held on May 1st and is a time for honouring the beauty and power of nature, and for connecting with the energies of growth, abundance, and renewal.

Beltane has been celebrated in many different ways throughout history, but some of the most common practices include lighting bonfires, dancing, and performing rituals to bless the crops and livestock. The bonfires were seen as a symbol of the sun's power and were believed to have protective and purifying properties.

During Beltane, people would also participate in rituals to promote fertility and prosperity. This was a time for celebrating new beginnings, as the earth began to awaken from its winter slumber and new life began to sprout from the soil.

Today, Beltane is still celebrated by many people around the world, particularly those who follow pagan or Wiccan traditions. While the festival may have changed over time, its core values remain the same: a celebration of the cycles of life, the beauty of nature, and the power of growth and renewal.

To celebrate Beltane, people may choose to plant new seeds, take a nature walk, or perform rituals that honour the energies of the season. Some may also choose to hold a bonfire or participate in group dances or ceremonies.

Beltane is a reminder that we are all connected to the natural world and that our own growth and renewal is tied to the cycles of the earth. It is a time to honour the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future with open hearts and minds.

In a world that often feels disconnected from nature, Beltane is a reminder of the power and beauty of the earth and our own place within it. As we move forward into the season of growth and abundance, let us remember the lessons of Beltane and embrace the energies of creativity, renewal, and transformation.

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

The Vampire of Blackpool Tells Her Story

Are you planning a holiday to Blackpool this year? You had better watch out for the resident vampire and her companions. Here’s an excerpt from Vampire of Blackpool:

 

Excerpt

Leaping into the air, I struggled to ascend at first. My balance was unsteady, and my body felt like a lead weight. Gritting my teeth, I forced my mind to focus, and I managed a swift if unstable flight to the hospital. Fortunately, it was only a short distance away, but by the time I alighted behind a brick store shed in the grounds of my destination, I almost collapsed. I was starving. I was weak. I managed to walk slowly across the road and towards the double doors that led into the waiting room for the casualty department. There were ambulances and vehicles coming and going, but the pavement was strangely empty of people. All the busy life was contained within the building.

Staggering through the automatic doors, I gasped as a wave of sheer exhaustion poured over me. I was descending into bloodlust. I very nearly attacked the first person I set eyes on, but at the last moment managed to control myself. I was surrounded by beating hearts and succulent bodies. I needed blood. As I leaned against the wall, my breath rasping, my eyes wild with hunger and pain, I became aware of voices approaching as two nurses hurried to my aid.

“Here,” one woman shouted, “Let us help you.”

What happens next? Read the book to find out! Click here to get your copy and meet the vampires that lurk in my part of the world.

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

#BookReview Without You (The Real Thing #2) by Felicity Rose

Having read The Real Thing (Book #1) by Felicity Rose previously, I was excited to read the sequel, Without You. Here is my review.  

 

My Review

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I was excited to see what happened after a dramatic end previously. It played out pretty much as I would expect but that is a good thing because it is also pretty much how I would behave, or how I would expect other people to behave in similar circumstances. Again, I liked the sex scenes and the visits to "the club." It is nice to see reference to interests that don't fit society's norm, and to have them included in a healthy, mature manner rather than as titillation or something criminal. There had to be a nice, vanilla end to the story of course!

The book could do with some more editing to tighten the grammar, and I could see where readers from other social/cultural circles might find the writing style a bit clumsy. I understood it because the author wrote in the same style as she would speak, which I recognised. Still, I recommend that you focus on the story, not on the writing, and support indie authors.

About the Book

Everything in Saskia Matthew's world changed in an instant when the love of her life, Jim, left to take care of his son.

Broken hearted and hurting, his memory haunts her every move.

The desperate need to release the exhibitionist inside her now plagues Saskia's mind, making her crave the life Jim acquainted her with.

But can she do it without him?

On the other side of the world, Jim's life has also been turned upside down.

In a heart-breaking position, Jim is ready to do everything he can to put the pieces back together and make the best life for him and his son, even if that means taking him away from the only home he has ever known.

But will it be too late?

Buy the book: Amazon.

 

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How to Survive when you hold the Heart of the Vampire

 It is almost Halloween in Redcliffe, Cornwall, and Jessica Stone is not the woman she used to be. Her summer was hijacked by werewolves, she fell in love with a vampire, and now she is learning how to be a witch, and what it means to celebrate Samhain with her new coven. Her vampire boyfriend, Jack Mason, is busy at work as a police detective, and his identical twin brother Danny, the werewolf alpha, refuses to let go of the woman he has chosen to protect his pack.

Jessica must learn about control, power, and the love that she truly feels for her vampire boyfriend and his brother.

Excerpt

“You have to feed, Jack,” I insisted, “And you cannot use me. We tried that before and you almost killed me, remember?”

“You found a way to survive,” my vampire replied gruffly.

I laughed, but it was not amusement that brought such a reaction.

“I survived,” I said, emphasising the word, “because of your brother. Danny saved me. He sacrificed his wolves so that I could claw back some human strength. Maybe that’s what caused this…” I gestured to the empty space on the bed behind me, “thing with Suri.”

“Perhaps,” Jack replied quietly, “But the point is, you survived.”

#TheRedcliffeNovels

The Redcliffe novels series follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she meets a man and falls in love, only to discover the hidden werewolf secrets of her close friends. That includes Simon Bunce, manager of the Ship Inn, who turns out to be lieutenant to the Redcliffe werewolf pack, and lover to the wolf alpha Danny Mason. He fights to protect his master from the ethereal animal familiar who threatens to claim their pack. Who knew the Cornish coast could be so deadly?

Buy links: Smashwords; Apple Books

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

#BookReview: Verity by Colleen Hoover

 I am determined to keep up with my local book club this year, and today I share my review for Verity by Colleen Hoover.

 

My Review

This was my first Colleen Hoover novel and I read it for my local book club. Yes, I enjoyed it! The book deals with the dark side of the human mind and the nature of obsession and love, but you never quite know what is "real" and what is not. It kept me hooked but I didn't get too emotionally involved. Perhaps as a writer I managed to stay detached, knowing that the protagonists were also writers (apart from Jeremy, and I still can't decide what to think about him). Still, it was an entertaining read, and it gave me something new to think about.

About the Book

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

Buy the book: Amazon; Waterstones; WH Smith.

 Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (A Redcliffe Short Story) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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International Women’s Day #IWD2023

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s celebrate the work of female authors, especially those like me who work alone, from home, with very little outside support for our business.

I am still doggedly pursuing my dream of literary fame and fortune, and still it evades me. But I am comforted in the knowledge that every day my work gets a little bit better, every day I learn something new that I can put into my craft, and every day I might be one step closer to truly fulfilling my childhood dream of being a famous author. When I was a child I never thought I could possibly write a novel, let alone publish one, and now I have several published novels that are widely available around the world. That is an achievement!

 

 

What are the inspirational female authors that influence your life in some way? Maybe they wrote something that struck a chord with your life experience. Perhaps they helped you to feel part of a community or eased your loneliness. Or maybe they gave you a good story to read that took you away from the stress of life, that made you laugh, that made you smile, and that made you feel better.

 

 

My writing is influenced by Laurell K Hamilton, Anne Rice, L.J. Smith and lots of female authors whose work I have enjoyed throughout my life. Now I strive to become another strong female writer that can help inspire a new generation of readers. My daughters are desperate to read my books, but they are not old enough yet and I’m not sure I want them to. They would never look at me in the same way again! Who are your favourite female writers?

 

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (A Redcliffe Short Story) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

✨Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Do you enjoy a good fairy tale? I do! I was inspired to write a contemporary short story about a werewolf and a fairy. Tell me what you think of it!

 🖤The Wolf and the Fairy - English Gothic horror story

 She is a werewolf hunter, descended from ancient fairies, destined to fulfill her role in the family business. He is a lone wolf, his family brutally torn away, revenge his motivation for existence.

 The fairy and the wolf come together in a violent union as this modern, adult fairy tale gives us an alternative account of life in ancient Britain, and how it has evolved in the present day.

 Get the book now.

 

Excerpt

“Where is you lair?” she demanded, pointing her sword at the wolf.

            The woman stared up at her with a face streaked with tears and blood. She shook her head.

            “I will not give up my pack to you,” she spat, “Kill me if you want. It makes no difference now.”

            Tania nodded, and shoved the sword through the woman’s body, from her back straight through her chest. She screamed, cried, and slumped down across her mate’s body. Tania sank onto her knees on the wet grass. It was still raining. She was soaked, but she barely felt the water seeping through  her jeans. She felt numb, empty.  Killing werewolves was such a normal activity for her, that she had almost forgotten what it felt like to be guilty or remorseful.

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (A Redcliffe Short Story) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

#BookTalk: Abstract Narrative Poetry Books by Jazalyn

With millions of impressions, half million engagements and 30,000 followers in social media, Jazalyn is among the most-promising newcomers of authors-poets. Here are some of her recent poetry books for you to explore.

 
Hollow: A Love Like a Life by Jazalyn
 
A ghost spirit of dark's universe falls in love with a ghost spirit of light's universe, and while They cannot meet, for They wander around separate realms and spacetimes, They live Their love through a secret and sacred interaction.
 
They are light years APART.
But there is INVISIBLE possession.
A precious NEED bridges the range.
A SECRET LANGUAGE.
A SACRED ENERGY.
A distant BOND is created.
An EVOLUTION of the SOULS.
Will they ever MEET for REAL?
And in what FORM?
 
A supernatural paranormal romance poetic novel of mystical and spiritual time travel, epitome of confessional metaphysical and existential love that is seen in space opera.
 
Buy the book here.
 
vViIrRuUsS: I Never Forget by Jazalyn
 
Three robotic viruses are released from unknown forces and compete with each other exposing crimes, with humanity’s scale of existence oscillating between total destruction and reinventing recovery.
 
A REVELATION of the THOUGHTS.
An AWAKENING for the HIDDEN reality.
A MADNESS pandemic.
A WAR of ESPIONAGE.
Whose VIRUS is which?
Is it too late for reinstating?
The PANIC button pushed.
An attempt to erase the MEMORIES.
Can an EVIL virus SAVE the world?
 
A post-apocalyptic techno thriller poetic novel that emulates psychological reactions of a serious medical and technological global emergency and provides philosophical insights on the world's best direction.
 
Buy the book here.
 
Rose: Future Heart by Jazalyn
A socially underprivileged rose witnesses unpleasant events and behaviors that threaten Her inner peace and is determined to set life and love aside in order to find Her true, pure and moral parts of character.
 
30 petals of MOOD and STATUS.
A society full of INJUSTICES and UNFAIRNESS.
A ROLE She doesn't want to play.
A RAGE. A RAVE.
A PAST that leads to HATE.
A RARE SOUL.
A wishful CHANGE of HEART.
She AROSE and She ROSE.
From IGNORANCE to STRENGTH.
A FUTURE that should lead to LOVE.
But can there be LOVE?
 
A dark fantasy magical realism poetic novel that endures urban social issues and inequality, and challenges self-esteem, self-help, self-improvement, self-development, healing.
 
Buy the book here.

 
 

About the Author
 
Jazalyn attracts all cultures and traditions with an audience from all walks and stages of life as a consequence of the universal atmosphere that encircles her themes.
 
Her innovative and versatile writing style stemming from abstraction and absurdness captivates mystery and suspense with words swimming in surrealism and magical realism.
Her imaginative and inventive narration unites the philosophical with the psychological and the scientific elements of both fantasy and fiction that create and solve riddles and puzzles.
In what results as a contemporary genre of cinematic (epic) poetry in slice of life-vignette expression which provokes thinking and eyes new horizons.
 
Jazalyn's art is purposely colorful, geometrical and fashionable in its totality to match the aesthetics of a qualitative artfulness which expands the consciousness of an enlightenment painted in a kind of mysticism and spirituality that knows no boundaries.
 
Follow Jazalyn on Goodreads; Twitter; Instagram.  

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (A Redcliffe Short Story) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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International Book Giving Day

Happy International Book Giving Day! If you are looking for free books, they are available from lots of places. Read on for a list of places to get free books, including both digital and physical books.

 

1. Borrow books for free from your local library. Our libraries struggle along in the 21^st century but they offer so much knowledge, entertainment, and a place to go for safety when you need it. Visit your local library today.

2. Get free books to download on Amazon. Explore millions of books, thousands of audiobooks and selected magazine subscriptions on any device. Click here for details.

3. Discover new authors online. Check out free book giveaways from independent authors (including me) at Prolific Works. You can find all genres, new stories, retelling of old stories and lots more.  

4. Get free books for Valentine’s Day. Check out Finding Gina by Lizzie Chantree (an author I personally recommend).

5. Check out another personal recommendation and get your free book from Louise Murchie. She writes fantastic second-chance romance novels and I absolutely love her Tango Down Duology set in Scotland. I am excited to read her new novel Time After Time.

 

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (A Redcliffe Short Story) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Imbolc Blessings!

Imbolc Blessings, my pagan kin!

Those wolves are stirring in Redcliffe ready for the full moon. They are excited for the change of season as the weather grows warmer, the days grow longer, and they can hunt in the forest.

Jessica has learned a lot about living with werewolves and vampires since she embraced her witchcraft. She seems to be enjoying it! You can read about her story and her adventures in the Redcliffe Novels series, beginning with Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) Book 1. There are 5 published so far and book 6 is in the editing phase.

You can read some slightly more erotic paranormal adventures in My Vampire Boyfriend (The Redcliffe Novels), an anthology of short stories inspired by the creatures in my fictional Cornish town.

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (A Redcliffe Short Story) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Happy New Year from Paranormal Author Catherine Green

Happy New Year my bookish friends! How is 2023 looking so far?

My return to writing was slow last year, mainly due to unexpected health challenges. Then there was the usual phase where I wallowed in self-pity and decided I was going to give it all up because nobody cared about my books. We writers are a sensitive bunch, even if you don’t see it from the outside. 

Somehow I returned to an old online course via a webinar. There is a lot of new content on the website, with updated training for indie marketing and business building. I suppose this is a sign that I shouldn’t give up yet. My published novels are brilliant, I know that. I just need to persuade the rest of the world to recognise my genius. It’s a hard task, but I am still not giving up. I am nothing if not stubborn, as my husband will attest to.

I am currently writing a new vampire hunter novel that I’ve been working on for several years and only recently decided to rewrite from a different perspective, so the first draft is still in progress. I am struggling to connect with the story and yet I feel I must persevere. I have the sequel to Vampire of Blackpool in progress, and the sequel to my as-yet unpublished novel Hunting the Hunted. I have submitted the manuscript for Hunting the Hunted to various publishers and agents without success, but I refuse to give up.

And so, this year for me will be about writing. I need to go back to basics and do what makes me happy. What will you do this year?

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (A Redcliffe Short Story) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here.