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Holidays and Unclean Critters

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What makes it a holiday novella? Is there like a type?”

Kelly

Believe it or not, there are some unofficial criteria for a holiday novella. You won’t find it spelled out anywhere, but if you say “holiday novella,” most commercial authors will immediately know what you mean.

It’s a short work of between 20,000-39,000. At 40,000 it technically becomes a short novel. The holiday novella usually has a holiday in it, for US, typically Christmas or Thanksgiving, and has themes of reconnecting with friends and family. It’s often sentimental and it packs an emotional punch, but it’s ultimately designed to be uplifting. You should feel better after reading it.

I had proposed a different holiday novella prior to us writing the Sweep With Me. I was told by both Gordon and Jeaniene Frost that child murder was not an appropriate topic for the holiday novella.

By the way, did you know that Jeaniene Frost has a book coming out in 12 days?

No?

I am so glad I told you.

Anyway, I was like, dark gods and murder, and they were like you lost your mind. In retrospect, they were right. Here is the start of the never to be failed holiday novella for your enjoyment.

The endless steppe stretched in front of him under a moonlit sky. Tall dark stalks of kovyl, the feather grass, reached to his thighs. In the distance, black clouds churned, lying low on the grass, a supernatural darkness, cold and alive.  It had no eyes, but it stared at him all the same, impatient.

 A gust of wind came. The kovyl bent, the silvery feathers of its flowers and leaves shivering in the wind.  Waves rolled across the grass ocean.

He picked up his black robe and walked through grasses to the darkness… 

“Roman?”

A woman’s voice fought through his dream.  Someone shook his shoulder. 

“Roman!”

His eyes snapped open.  A woman leaned into his view, her big blue eyes open wide.  Her red hair, put away into a slick bun the night before, stuck out around her head in lose curves.  He rather liked it messy, he decided. 

“Someone’s in the house,” she hissed.  “I heard a noise.”

His head hurt.  Getting out of the soft, warm blanket and looking for the source of the noise was absolutely the last thing he wanted to do right this second. 

“Let them be,” Roman muttered, sinking back into the drowsiness.

“Roman!”

“Okay, okay.”  He sat up and swung his legs out of the blanket. Cold bit at his naked flesh and he shivered.  The magic was up, which meant the furnace had no power.  He’d left a fire burning in the fireplace, but it must’ve died down during the night.  One of the drawbacks of the magic waves among many.  Oh, so many.

Something banged in the kitchen.

Behind him Layla gasped.

He crossed the bedroom to the doorway.  He didn’t bother with feylanterns.  There was no need.   His vision was as good in darkness as it was in daylight, and even if it hadn’t been, he’d memorized the contours of the house a long time ago.  He could walk around his home blindfolded and never bump a single thing.

Another noise, a ceramic clink of one plate on another.

A cold draft iced his back, and he jerked in response, shivered, and walked into the kitchen. Moon shone through the window, sending gauzy light at the U-shaped arrangement of cabinets. He never understood the need to fill each horizontal surface, and the black granite countertops gleamed slightly in the moonlight, mostly bare.  The dirty dishes in the sink were an eye sore.  He would’ve washed them last night, but Layla had interesting ideas about the rest of the evening, and he’d decided they were worth exploring.

A dry staccato of claws clicked on the wood.  He spun right, following the sound.  A small dark shape darted to the left.

Behind him the window banged, and a fresh gust of icy wind lashed his bare back. Well, that explained it.

He sighed, closed the window, and latched it shut.

Claws scurried behind him.  A cabinet door thudded.

He’d had a hard week. All he wanted was a quiet weekend, a good meal, sex, and ten hours of sleep to catch up on all the downtime he’d been missing. He would’ve settled for eight hours.  Hell, even six.

He pulled a little bowl out of a cabinet, opened the refrigerator, took out a jug of milk, and poured some into the bowl.

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Comments

  2. Oooh. It was a dark and stormy night – that was my first thought when you said dark gods and murder. For the amount of short stories I have read I never really made the connection that they were mostly happy ones.

    Thank you for the snippet!

  8. Oh oh, now you’ve done it. The BDH will now be baying for the new story, especially if it features Roman. You know what happened when you teased us with Hugh’s story of redemption and what are you committed to because ot that? A trilogy, that’s what!

    Anne in Virginia

  9. Please tell us that this means there will be a Roman story in the future!?! It doesn’t have to be a holiday novella, but if you have your heart set on it as a holiday novella, maybe it can be a Halloween novella! Dark gods and murder definitely work for Halloween. ????????

  10. Hi, Roman! Nice to see you!

    Well, now you’ve teased us! I’m pretty sure you could still write it and make it a normal short story. We’d read it! BTW, my newest grandson’s name is Roman!

  12. To be honest, I’m ready to pre-order a story about Roman . . .even if it isn’t written! I love him as a character and want to know more about him. Forgive me for being a pushy member of the BDH!

  13. O-M-G. ROMAN.

    I love ROMAN. I NEED more ROMAN.

    I WANT THIS PRECIOUS! That would have been the perfect holiday gift for me.

    Oh cruel fate, doom mistress. How you tease!

  14. Oooohhhh… I’m sooo for it! *__*

    (just got the print of Sweep with Me – after devouring the ebook for the second time in as many days… ^^)

  16. YES!!! A Roman story!!! I have always liked his character!!! And I would love to read more about his god and pantheon…grin

  25. This could still be a holiday novella just do it for let’s say Halloween?? It’s Roman nobody would be disappointed!!

  26. I short circuited at “Roman”- too much excitement!
    The BDH could take a dead child plot at Christmas, I feel but thank you so much for Sweep with Me and for this snippet! ????????

  27. It will definitely be worth reading. Just don’t ever refer to it as a ‘holiday novella’ and no one will be upset that it contains murder. This is a Roman novella.

    Bring it on!!!!

  28. Oh, now! I feel spoilt. Roman and Sweep with Me. House Andrews does it again….
    Many Thanks from a happy member of BDH.

  30. A Roman novella would be fantastic. He was always amusing in the Kate Daniels books. Could always be a Halloween holiday novella?

  32. ROMAN!!! OMG! It could be a *not* holiday story. OMG!! Sorry, I know you have a lot to do but I’m afraid teasing us with a ROMAN story is gonna get a lot of attention.

  33. As for child murder… There are moments when grounding them for life seems inadequate. Sometimes these moments occur during the holidays. You could lock yourself in a quiet room with a pot of tea and a book, or your knitting. My mother would go out to lunch for a couple of hours. She referred to this as “running away from home .” Actual child murder, never. Contemplating it … may have happened.

  34. Laughing at myself because I shrieked at Roman’s name. Dark gods and murder can be uplifting if it means we get a Roman story.
    Sweep With Me is a fun story and will be reread numerous times. Now I also get to look forward to more Roman eventually.
    The Emerald Blaze chapter was also an exciting read, made more fun by the research blog post about cell phone cameras.
    Thank you thank you thank you!

  35. Oh come on! That’s a holiday novella I could totally sink my teeth into. ???? During the holiday season I get burnt out on Hallmark movies and that type of book and start looking for the darkest reads I can find. Hope maybe someday that’ll be released anyways.
    P.S. Who doesn’t want a naked Roman at Christmas???

  37. I mean…Halloween is technically a holiday and what’s Halloween without a little mayham and murder?

  39. Okay, so Jeaniene is your friend for a reason. No child murder in a holiday story…let’s call it a life rule. ???? And yes, I did know that
    JEANIENE FROST HAS A BOOK COMING OUT VERY SOON!
    Sorry about that. Shouting it from the rooftop is kind of a habit of mine. Very excited! You probably guessed that, right?

  42. Uh-oh. Left dirty dishes in the sink – did Roman anger his Domovoi?

    (Yes. I googled Russian mythology and milk. 🙂 )

  43. Roman?! I’d love a holiday novella (any novella… Or series) featuring Roman! Dark gods and murder are acceptable. 😉

  44. As soon as I saw the name “Roman” I knew this wouldn’t be a great holiday story. BUT I love Roman with all my heart and I very much like to read this! You taunt me with this delicious tidbit!!!

  45. Uh-oh. Left the dirty dishes in the sink. Did Roman anger his Domovoi?

    (Yes. I googled Russian mythology and milk. 🙂 All hail the google.)

  49. I now would like more of my favorite dark molovich (was that right?) 😀 i loved him since Andreas book *-*

  50. Oh, wow. I love Roman! He’s such fun, warm, conundrum of a character. He totally deserves his own story someday!

  51. The Eeyore clad pj, flirt with Andrea, marrying Kate and Curran, and doesn’t want to get in the middle of his parents fighting Roman????? Sign me up. 😀

    You’ve done it now, Ilona. The BDH won’t rest until this story is released.

  52. I’m just going to say that child murder is officially part of the holidays, due to Herod’s slaughter of the innocents. It’s a legitimate part of the Christmas narrative…and I totally want to read this novella 🙂

    • Yep, my mind went there too. It’s not the most festive theme, though. Bring on Roman at another time of year?

    • Yes, similarly Easter is both a dark and light holiday — with the darkest hours revolving around the death of a child too — Bunnies and chocolates aside. And Easter is a couple months away …. lol, the BDH is not demanding, no we are not! But Roman…..

  54. I love Roman and have wanted his story since the scene with the Eyore pajamas. I would definitely buy a Roman book or short story.

    • Isn’t it funny how so many of us remember the Eeyore pajamas from a snippet that was changed in the final book. Probably because it says so much about Roman’s character.

      • After reading about Roman’s black robe with silver embroidery with black jeans on underneath, his black hair shaved like a horse’s mane, his staff, and just general bad-ass description, those pjs were unexpected. It was like a boomerang hit and it just stuck in our collective minds. 😀

  55. I think we, your faithful and avid readers, really and truly need this to become a book. Our basic existence depends on it! Did that work?

  56. evil evil evil tease, I agree we are now all going to be bugging you to get this one done and done, I love love love Roman and if this is truly happening don’t do a novella do full on book or trilogy of all the siblings…..

  57. And now everyone will want to know about the feline critter. In the immortal words of Julia Sugarbaker, “You only have yourself to thank.”

  58. Interesting, though I would have liked finding out what was in the cabinet. Lol!
    Why don’t you write more short stories? I’ve loved the few you guys published. It seems they would be a good distraction when you take your characters to the dark side or put them through hell. Or is that when you play games?

  59. thank you for the snippet! Roman!!! I <3 Roman – his my fav character from the Kate Daniels books. Oh, and who is Layla?

  61. This and “Technomancer” forever filed away to nothing…..sigh…..how cruel and how wonderful. Thanks

  62. ooh A Roman novella? If it isn’t meant to be perhaps a Roman novel???? 😉
    (BDH always greedy for more)

  64. You had me and “Roman?”

    I think Roman deserves his own series— Huge has one, why not Roman and his crazy family.

  65. Depending on your family, child murder may be an appropriate way to improve your holiday. (I’m kidding. I love my brother, my cousins, and their various spawn).

    Ummm is there truly a possibility of a forthcoming Roman story? ‘Cause I would be cool with that.
    So many stories, so little time…

  68. Yea Roman!!
    Now you have to finish this story. I guess Valentines Day and child murder doesn’t work either .
    ????
    Unless the child is from the Omen or Chucky ??
    Thanks for the snippet.
    And yes, Wicked bites is on my wishlist . Just love the name Veritas, so cool

  70. Have to say it is an uplifting feeling whenever I see your name in the emails – no matter what you are writing about! And I definitely agree with the others: you have gone and done it now! Would love a novella on Roman.
    Thank you of the little spot of added joy to the day. Gave me a small break from baking for the Boy Scout bake sale. 🙂

  71. You remember what happened with the Hugh April Fool’s joke? You’ve done it again!! LOL.

  72. Oh, PLEASE, PLEASE, write this story. I don’t care if it’s a novella, short story or a full novel (I’d love a full book about Roman).

    You had said a long time ago that you guys had plans and/or wanted to write a Roman book. I BEG you, please do!

    I miss the Kate Daniels world SO VERY MUCH!!! The Kate Daniels series is my favorite book series ever and it helped and still helps me deal with my depression and the death of my whole family. The Kate novels are like Prozac to me. I’m in need of a fix! 😉

    You also said that you guys planned on writing a novella/epilogue type of thing from Barabas POV to let us know how our beloved characters are after the last book. Is that still something you guys will write?

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE all your other series and/or ANY book you guys write. I’d read your grocery list. BUT, Kate Daniels will always hold a VERY special place in my heart. Kinda like the TV Show Buffy, which was my Prozac for my depression from 1997 to 2003. I’m curious if you ever watched Buffy, because I remember a blog post in which you said you guys were starting to watch it. Did you ever finished watching Buffy? If so, did you like it?

    I remember when I first read Magic Bites that it reminded me of Buffy, mostly the humour, but also the depth and quality of the work. Plus, both Kate and Buffy are the ultimate Girl Power dream. Strong warriors and heroines. Major badass women. Great female characters that kick ass, take names and taunt the bad guys. As a feminist, I thank you and Gordon and Joss Whedon.

    Happy New Year to you all!!! I wish you all the best for 2020. I really hope it’s a much better year for you guys than 2019.

  73. How about a valentines day novella? Please please please? Valentines day sucks anyways and is a made up holiday. What better way to Celebrate than with a murder story!

    • Ooooo… I like this idea. Valentine’s Day… Massacre. yes, a Roman novella would fit…

  75. Ilona trolling for acceptance. The BDH, being the enablers we are, completely and totally in.

    Take our money and give us the damn Roman book already! You know you want to.

    As many have already said: Halloween is already a holiday, therefore it’s not even a stretch.

    Plus, Connor is going to be pushing 3-4 by now. Hyjinks (sp.) must commence.

  77. OMG the possibilities are amazing! I love any and all options! ????????. Thank you for sharing this snippet. Suddenly I NEED more of this story. Pretty please!?! If you write it I will buy it? ???? I hope you all are safe and well with all this weather craziness.

  79. Roman is one of my favorite characters. I love that there is so much more to him then meets the eye. I would love to see a novel or short story about him.

  82. Ok, this one can be a spring fling/break novella. Roman is such an interesting character. Actually, I much prefer him to Hugh, though I enjoyed Hugh’s novel. Roman is complex, multifaceted, flexible, and has good inclinations.

    More please.

  84. Squeeeeeeeee! More more more. I have a serious book-crush on Roman anyhow – major family issues, good sense of humor, service to a dark god…

  85. You are a very smart woman, Ilona ???? Gordon and Janine said no, and now you publish a snippet of a never-to-be-released (*cough*) story featuring a fan favorite? Yeah, I see a Hugh 2.0 situation happening here. ‘what, Gordon? We can’t say no now, they are practically begging us to do it’ *bats eyes*

    Sneaky sneaky ????

  86. Well… I’ll start with thank you for Sweep with me and that you started year with this book! It’s awesome, it’s definitely holiday, and feel great book! I just finished rereading it, and feel like I liked it even more this time around lol. And thank you for this little snippet, it caught my interest, as anything you would wright, and if you feel like and have time, please explore Romans future. I think, a lot of us would love to know more about that dark and handsome Russian more.

  87. Ah, the Roman story we have all been waiting for…Wait! What!? Not to be published? Say it ain’t so!
    Happy to see it ain’t all dark and lonely days and nights for the Black Vohlv.

  88. I waited to add my ditto because all of the above were ditto worthy. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MORE…….Also the dark red, blue, and purple those are my favorite . ????

  90. Thank you for introducing me to JF. Can’t wait for the next Ian book.
    This was such a tease. Poor Roman has to serve a dark god. . . He deserves a HEA! I would love a cameo from Aunt Erra. Can he team up with Elara? Make Hugh a little jealous?

  91. Roman? *fangirl mode activated*

    But really, murder isn’t really that far off from being part of holidays, ‘cuz isn’t Easter also a holiday? And then Christians celebrate Jesus coming back form the dead…coming back from the dead – murder, almost the same thing 😀

    Ah, while I do most appreciate the snippet, I agree with what Patricia Schlorke said, the BDH horde now had a taste and it won’t rest XD
    I hope we won’t be too vexing to you guys ’till the novella is done ^^

  95. In the UK at leasr, ghost stories are an official Christmas thing. A Christmas Eve thing, really. Very Victorian, but probably older. Classics from Dickens! Jerome K Jerome! MR James!

    I mean, don’t get me wrong, I adored the Treaty Stay. Adored it. Thank you.

    But Romaaaaaaan *big eyes*

  97. Dear Lawd ROMAN!!!!! My favorite side character ever. Y’all did such a great job with him. I miss him so much! Would gladly eat up his book if y’all ever consider writing! Thank you for the snippet!!

  98. Would be perfect for a holiday novella if the holiday was Halloween. Always wanted Halloween novellas.

  99. A Roman book would be awesome and hilarious with his mom and dad issues! The things you could write about!

  101. You guys know that meme with the guys screaming in excitement and his hands are near his face?!! Thats me on the inside! Im at work and cant scream like I want too.
    ROMAN!!!!!!! My dark hero!! When do we get more? Will we get more?
    Can I ask for more? I am definitely having a crazy fangirl moment.
    You guys are awesome!
    PLEEEEEEEASEEE

    • Oh my merciful God… I juuuust finished rereading “Magic Triumphs” and I had a hankering for another of KD World bite… Tysvvm for granting my wish
      ????????????????????????????
      I wish to see Kate, Conlan ,Curran, Julie, Derek,Erra, Yu Fong, Ascanio, Raphael,Andi, Dali,Jim,Hugh,Elena,Nick, Luther,Ghastek,Rowena, Roman,Sienna,Evdokia, the clerk, Barabas,Christofer, Teddy Jo, even Roland, Dysandra, her kids, the wolves ,the bears … Oh you have sooo many characters all “shiny “( in Conlan speak)..
      And oh my how cute is Conlan????
      I simply love your writing..your words transport us to amazing worlds and make us friends with amazing characters.. so thankful that you write and how you write… Thank you so very much ????

      • I think this sounds like a wonderful start to a novella or a novel. Valentine’s day is a holiday that could use a story, right?

  105. I always wondered about Roman (he was one of my favorites – black coffee and dry brisket) – maybe one day a story will coming our way (?)

    Thank you again for sharing!

    • It may have been a failed concept as a holiday novella, but it could be a different kind of novella. You know we all want it now! Maybe that was even your plan in releasing it?

  106. And a Roman holiday novel, too?!?!?! OMG. I love you two…you are so thoughtful about letting us get to know some of our favorite sidekick characters better.

    Maybe only a ‘failed’ holiday novel for now… “)

    Thxs for the snippets

  109. Ooo, what a promising start! And Roman!!

    I would totally buy it, whether the classification, just sayin’ 🙂

  110. First Sweep With Me is most excelent. Secondly, it sounds like Roman would be perfect for a different holiday, say Halloween?

  111. Oh my, look what you started! Halloween is a holiday too and think of the refreshing break it would be after Emerald is turned in and before the next Iron book and when you need a brain break during that book. We will help you justify that!

  112. “Here is the start of the never to be failed holiday novella for your enjoyment.” Uh oh. Now the book devouring horde will never stop asking for it. They will NEVER stop. (Do you hear the crazed, maniacal laughing?)

  113. #1 who is Layla?
    #2 what are her “interesting ideas”?
    #3 will we be blessed with reading them someday??
    #4 Thank you. Thank you for this beautiful tidbit.
    #4 who/what do those claws belong to?

  116. Just going to add my ‘OMG ROMAN!’ comment to the pile, because … OMG ROMAN! I freaking love him. Love love love. Roman as a main character? Holy hell, yes please! 😉

  117. I really love Sweep with Me. But this snippet, with Roman? Squeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
    This would be an amazing book- for any holiday as the BDH argued in the comments above, and I totally agree. Pretty Please?

  119. Thanks for Sweep with Me. Hidden Legacy want more, more Innkeeper series, more Hugh series, and now Roman more please. Lol truthfully just want more love your work. Will happily tear into any you feel like writing, you didn’t call us BDH, for nothing. THANK YOU BOTH.

  122. I love the way your writing evokes feelings. Regardless of gender or situation, I can imagine myself standing right there with the characters. This is too good to let linger as merely a snippet.

  123. Would definitely love it as a regular novella at some point in a yet to be determined future.

    Roman… (follows dreamy sigh)

  125. I don’t know who this Layla is. How do we know she can be trusted with Roman? She has not been thoroughly vetted.

  126. Aaaaahhhh. ????????????????????????????❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

  127. Here’s the thingy, and yes I do mean to harp …. i I mean Roman, the definitive tall dark handsome and the answer to all snark….

    Upfront living his life paced to his 24/7 sans obligations and interruptions of the life we met him at! ROMAN, the epitome of a dark god ‘but I don’t have to be evil’ bonhomie chic, Roman

    Ooohh, sigh, Roman
    WHAT IS IN THE CUPBOARD, mon ange!
    We don’t need no stinking (fresh smell) excuse! Holiday we don’t care …. publishers …. sellers need those hooks. We, us just like to know you had a thought especially on the impromptu tip.

    Treat time, I’m sitting up. Should I beg, do tricks, goyl gyrl honey ???? chile Roman

    RSVP wit time place and kill count to enter

  130. Ok – I really loved the Roman snippet. But ….“Here is the start of the never to be failed holiday novella for your enjoyment.” You have an evil, mean side don’t you? (Bwaaahhaaa)
    Yes, like all the others I would buy even a “Dark Holiday Novella” from you. (I know the BDH are kinda pathetic – the same as in the old commercial the gal said “open, open, open” with her face pressed up against the store window.)

  131. OHHHH. I love Roman. Any story about him in the works? Have we met Layla before?
    Thank you for the though snippett.

  132. Halloween is a very popular holiday in the US. And woefully underrepresented in the holiday novella category.

  135. Yay, Roman! I’m happy for any novel/novella/blog post you write, but I got an extra big smile when I saw his name.

    Christine Feehan has a holiday novella in her Drake sisters series that is pretty dark. Ancient crypts, possessions, and eerie prophecies, oh my!

    The Widdershins series by Jordan L. Hawke is meant to be creepy, so Christmas carols like “Blood on the Altar” and “Let Us Meet in the Woods” can be off-putting at first but apparently really grow on the listener =)

  137. Please refresh my memory. I read all the Kate Daniels books, but I’m having a
    senior moment (week). Is he the teenaged hainia? And Who is Layla?

    • Black Volhv. Russian druid, worshipper of Chernobog, Slavic God of “Everything Bad and Evil” as Kate once put it, Son of Evdokia.

  138. Am I supposed to remember Layla? I don’t remember her! Aggh. But Roman! YES!!! And CONGRATULATIONS on your nomination for an award from the Australian Romance Writers Association for the Hidden Legacy series. Well earned.

  139. So crafty and full of incredible delicious words. To give one fantastic story and then dangle the morsel of vetoed dreams. Sigh… maybe a future joy?

    You guys are too good. Everything is yummy. Thank you for nourishing my psyche. You are really a blessing, not just in fiction but in sharing sincerely and realistically. Thank you again.

    I think it is dinner time.

  140. I loved Sweep with Me but . . . Roman is such an interesting character. I know you said “never to be completed” but I for one would love it if you changed your mind.

    That is the double edged sword you have – everything you write we love and want more of – just like spoiled kids I guess.

    Thank you for this tantalizing beginning.

  142. I don’t know about this…..
    Is this Layla is a good fit with Roman? One would think he would lean towards a stronger, more fearless type of woman. Her needing to wake him up because of a noise, instead of checking it out herself, just doesn’t work for me, especially considering the women he has been associated with – especially his mother. Between his mother, and knowing and/or working along side Kate, Andrea and Rowena, one would think he would be more attracted to a braver woman. Hopefully they are just having a fling, or she will develop into a more powerful personality.

    • Please, someone, senior moment (as I said about 7 comments above at Chris)
      Who is Roman and who is Layla❓❓⁉️

      • Roman is in the Kate Daniels series and he’s the priest for an evil Russian god, but he isn’t a bad guy. His mom is one of the witch Oracles and his dad is the high black priest. I think of him as kind of a druid, but that’s probably way off base. I don’t remember the girl, if she’s been in the books before. Somebody else may say who she is and then I’ll remember. Roman also performed the marriage ceremony for Kate and Curran.

        • Oh ROMAN ! of course!!! Super senior moment. He was only in Umpteen books.
          I am sooo embarrassed.
          Thanks, so much, Breann..
          HE HAS TOHAVE HIS OWN BOOK NOW, OR YESTERDAY.
          I’m wondering if Layla was the young witch?

  144. Must admit – I’m a wee bit jealous of Layla: she has red hair AND Roman!!
    Well, since he seems to be taken, are there any single guys on Wilmos’ crew of werewolves? Or is Arland’s uncle available? ????????

  145. Okay, I just have to say… That dark story you describe is EXACTLY what I binge on during holidays. I’m not alone in this, either, though I do believe we’re enough of a minority that Idk if that would be worthwhile to finish from a business perspective.

    I certainly hope you do at some point, though.

  146. You are so good to us. First Sweep with Me then a Roman snippet. It must still be Christmas, there is so much magic in the air.

    • *Ahem*
      I would like to be clear that my previous comment was in response to the weird spam about some sort of miracle doctor.
      I really enjoyed the excerpt.
      My apologies for the language.

  148. Oh my god!!! It will make my whole year if there is a Roman story of any kind in the works!!! He is my favorite character in all of your worlds❤️

  150. OK, so, yes, child murder is not really a great theme for a holiday novella. But, yes, I would like to hear more about Roman. I liked him. Give him a book. Add in some more of the Kate people. We wonder how they are doing. And, besides, you are the people who made me like Hugh (sort of).

    • Roman from Kate Daniels, black volhv, priest of Chernobog (Slavic god of darkness), beloved of all things evil, and all-around good guy. Layla is apparently his honey, and good for her. Get it, girl!

  153. Well, you’ve done it now. We’re all slavering for the “never to be finished” Roman novella and will probably pester you to finish it endlessly. That said, thank you for sharing it with us. I started reading Sweep with Me and the first chapter of Emerald Blaze as soon as it downloaded after midnight and stayed up until I finished it. Then I was bummed because there’s nothing else scheduled to come out until late August, a whole 8 months away. Can you say addicted? But I don’t want to be cured. Maybe when you need a break from the contracted work you can think about Roman’s story? Yep, the pestering has started already. Sorry!

  154. I can’t help but picture a sea of fans, gazing up at you from the comments section with wide open eyes, quivering slightly with agonizing hope.. while thousands of bottom lips start to pout. 🙂
    Please Sir/Ma’am, we’d like some more!

  156. Do Roman’s Eeyore pyjama pants make an appearance in this story? Inquiring minds want to know…

  159. Roman? From the KD universe? That can be the only Roman who experiences the magic being up. You’ve got me hooked like a junkie, please tell us you’re working on another Kate & Curran. Or maybe Hugh and Elara . . .

    • Yes!!!!! Perfect for that kind of “holiday novella” – Plus it gives you half a year or so to scrape out time to write it in all that free time you don’t have. Why do I get the feeling Roman’s wistfulness for a decent night’s sleep is autobiographical (can we make authorbiographical a word)? Thank you for the snippet!

      • I would love to see a halloween story from this – if someone comes sniffing for Halloween anthologies, perhaps this story can fill the niche and satisfy the BDH all at once? *hopeful*

        • +1 on make it a Halloween novella! When you get the chance, of course! And also:

          More Roman, pretty please with gorgeous yarn on top!

        • +1 for the Halloween novella; satisfying the BDH, and -if included in a collection- may also generate some income for the authorlords! Win / win!

  161. Hahaha. I would call this “Stirring the Pot” and thanks for that. Roman is one of the most interesting sorts!

  162. Who is Layla?

    I’m absolutely ready for a Roman Novella, that accidentally becomes a Novel. I don’t care if it’s not holiday themed, if it comes a little bit earlier, we can call it Halloween themed. In fact, you can call it whatever you want so long as we get a Roman book. pretty please????????? ????

  164. Now you’ve gone and done it! Either you write Roman a book or there will be an uprising it seems like!

  165. Like so many of your characters, Roman is much beloved. Thank you for that treat, I hope there will be more.

  166. How about a “HallowsDay” novella? 😉

    As usual, your prose takes me out of my crazy world. Thanks for the snippet of what-may-never-be.

    • You know what’s weird? I was just opening my chrome app to check the release date for Wicked Bite and saw this blog post. So I checked it out first and there you have it, my question answered and a Roman excerpt. It’s like a serendipitous hallmark movie moment ????

    • Easter is about resurrection, not death. We celebrate not death, but everlasting life. The Friday before Easter – usually known as “Good Friday”, which blows my mind because what’s good about killing someone? – is about death.

  169. If you aren’t feeling Halloween, how about Korochun? ???? If that isn’t right, then I blame the Google. ????

  170. That was great. I saw “Roman” and just broke out in a huge smile. Definitely sign me up! Thank you!!

    • Or maybe “Here puppy, puppy, puppy” since kitties don’t make a lot of noise when they walk around.

      • You have clearly not met enough kitties – 2 of my current 3 have back claws that click while walking on hard surfaces, even when trimmed. It has to do with the shape of the back claw on those two cats. It might be because of their early life usage (both are barncats, while the third cat was an urban stray) or genetics – either way, instead of a classic hook shape, their back claws are more straight and thicker/taller, so live nail contacts the floor when they walk.

  178. Roman… child murder…. mmmm sounds intriguing… He is such lovable complex character with his amazingly dysfunctional family. Thank you for the tit bit!

  179. So keen to read more… it could be a ‘roman holiday’ perhaps? Just thinking aloud…

  180. that’s sort of mean, really…..you know, like when your big brother teases you by holding the last cookie out of your reach and then eating it before you can snatch it. just saying…

    (Roman was always one of my favorites)

  181. Roman, oh gods yes, more Roman! This certainly made my day 😀 Thank you!
    And I loved Sweep with me, certainly lifted my mood – read it during a 6 hour train ride, and perhaps the other people on the train thought I was slightly deranged when I was was laughing all the time, but who cares. So good to get a group hug from the Inn.
    Thank you so much for all your books, they save my sanity so many times.

  182. I would very much like a Roman story, novel, novella, book or whatever you feel like doing. But when you have time and when it is fun. Sooo, thank you for this it was marvelous, I’ve missed him more than I realized. A grusome murder is always good, coming from you, no matter the time of year, just so you know 😉

  183. That’s kind of cruel but you know I would not mind the occasional this is not a story vignettes of Roman. It’s just knowing that a novella was proposed makes me wonder and want to know the story. If this was billed as a snippet of the life of Roman I would be thrilled but now I feel like I missed something. Boo. Anyhow I have decided this was posted as a glimpse of Roman as a bonus and no one tell me otherwise I misread the original post. La La La fingers in my ears.

  184. This is gold.
    I always like Roman and his hair cut choices.

    and also some Barabas/Christopher.
    and also some Nick/Alpha wolf, mother of twin monsters.

  185. I think you could pretty much write about anything and I’d at least give it a shot. I loved the Sweep with Me Novella and I’m pretty sure I’d love this one too! Thanks for all your work!

  188. I love Roman, one of my favourite KD characters. He totally deserves his own story – he’s too good a character not to 🙂

    • From the bottom of my heart, thank you…….Now I must begin my yearly reread of the Kate/Curren series 2 months early.

  194. Well, isn’t it fortunate for us that the ‘sentimental type’ holidays are over. Let Roman romp. I always did feel sorry that he had no chance with Andrea. Perhaps Layla will ease his disappointment. Besides, although we love the snippet, you now have your product test. Perhaps for next Halloween??? An eminently suitable holiday for a Roman novella.

  195. Roman!!! I hope this happens at some point! Maybe as a Halloween novella like someone else mentioned. Or maybe it will make it to the book (assuming that’s still happening, though probably not for a while)

  196. Oh please a Roman story . Was kinda hoping after Erra’s comment about him being good looking that with her being alive again perhaps he and her would hook ? The chaos of the two of them navigating a relationship and their family and friends putting in their 2 cents ( ie thinking it was a really bad idea).This has soo much fun to play with . So to follow the rest of my fellow readers , More please Madam Ilona.

  197. Yes! I have this image of Roman and a smartmouthed cat (not unlike Pounce in the Beka Cooper series or Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch). I then would like the cat and Grendel to be well aquainted! I’m going to go daydream wild adventures now.

    Thank you! Even the snippet is lovely!

  198. You always have such fabulous ideas. I would think after the April Fool’s Hugh thing you’d know better than flaunt them in front of the crowd … 🙂

  199. oooh thank you for the peek at Roman and his eyore pj’s which are probably still in the wardrobe given his hopes for the night! I’m doing my taxes here in the UK and it was much needed happy boost even with murder and mayhem on the horizon.

    I confess I will be part of the almost inevitable BDH slavering for more Roman as I admit we’re greedy and demanding (c.f., April Fool Hugh) but only in the hope that it might get fitted round other contract stuff, and if you have energy, time and inclination etc etc 🙂

  200. Thank you for your hard work, determination, creativity and imagination. Your books make every day brighter and better for the BDH.

    This snippet made my morning!

  201. Roman Holiday is a classic movie. This Roman Holiday novella would have been a classic as well. Adding 4000 more “yes please!”es to the list.

    And yay on the messy bun, fun loving companion!

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