Going to start this morning with an apology. I know some of you were getting ready for a Zoom event with us and Grace Draven hosted by Ashland Library in conjunction with Bank Square Books, but there was an unexpected development in our schedule. We have to postpone it for a bit.
It’s not cancelled. Only postponed.
We apologize. We offer a very small snippet as a tiny bribe. They won’t let us give you large snippets at this stage.
Bern had bags under his eyes, and they weren’t clutches, they were totes. He was chugging a Red Bull and staring at his laptop. Next to him, Runa nursed an iced coffee, her expression grim. Halle, her sister, slumped in the chair next to her, with her face on the table. Past Halle, Ragnar had the pinched look and wide eyes of someone who was trying his absolute best to stay awake.
The door swung open, and Cornelius entered, his expression grave. Matilda was next, her long dark hair gathered into a ponytail. She was carrying a fluffy Himalayan cat, whose full name was Go Mi Nam and who usually answered to “kitty.” Patricia Taft was the last to enter, carrying a trashcan. Some people had a stronger reaction to nightbloom than others.
Matilda walked over to Ragnar and deposited the cat on his lap. Ragnar blinked at her, startled.
“Comfort,” Matilda explained.
Go Mi Nam dutifully purred like a runaway bulldozer.
“Do I not get comfort?” Leon asked sadly.
Matilda walked around the table, hugged him gently, and petted his hair as if he were a dog. “It will be okay. You can shoot people next time.”
Thank you – totally made my night!
Lol! I just adore Matilda!! She’s so cute!!
Thank you for the snippet and I hope everything is ok with the family!!
Nam Go Mi is the purr-master 3000 we all need. Poor Leon, having to wait to shoot someone.
Mission accomplished; I was completely distracted and my book appetite has whetted. Well done! ????????
Love this snippet and the extended House Baylor family! Go, Leon!
Matilda is so sweet. Sometimes that’s all I need to hear too.
Lol i love this series so damn much! Thank you!
Aww this snippet was so sweet ????
Thank you!
Love Matilda!
You Are Beautiful~!!!!!
I really hope everything is well soon. The snippet was perfect!
Ooh whetting our appetites!!! Thanks for the snippets and I can’t wait for RF to be out!
Beautiful snippet. Hope you’re all ok.
I’m looking forward to next time ????
Loved the snippet! I remember the time Matilda brought Ragnar a much, much larger kitty to purr at him!
I am being slowly driven insane by these snippets. First the innkeeper thing n now this.
Keep it up! Sanity is over- rated.
Puuurrrrrrrfect!
I know, I know, I just had to do it! ????
Matilda is so sweet. 😀
I absolutly love it! Does anyone remember how old Matilda should be at this stage?
Around 9/10 ???? (very loosely, official word on timeline will ofc be the book when it’s published)
Rogan commented his powers manifested when he was 5 or 6. Matilida apparently has powers that manifested earlier. Not only can she control animals, but it appears she can tell when people need some assistance. Can she control people as well animals? That power can be more than frightening.
Henry,
We meet Matilda when she is already 5 years old ????. We are not told that she manifested at a younger age, but each person with magic is different. Matilda is a Prime animal mage and there have been fan suppositions that she inherited a dual minor talent from her Empath mother.
The Animal mages make pacts with their animals, they bond and the relationship is a give and take ????, not one of coercion.
In short, no, she does not control people’s minds ????.
Thank you.
I laughed out loud at the “totes” comment!!
Thank you <3
Fabulous! So much love for the Baylors and their extending family. Extending because I’m sure they will gather more on the journey.
Thank you so much. Can’t wait for this book.
Thank you!!!! Any snippets are greatly appreciated! Another piece of the puzzle! You guys rock!
OMG I Love Matilda!
D’awwww!
I love it! Matilda is so wise.
Preorder for Ruby Fever ebook is now available from Barnes & Noble’s Nook. Glade you finally solved the problem. This snippet shows the family growing nicely with love.????
I do enjoy Leon.
Surprise teeny snippet! Matilda! Thanks!
OMG…. I LOVED THIS!!!! I keep re-reading and re-listening to these books (I also have the audiobooks), and I never get bored of them! I mean… I love ALL of the books House Andrews writes, but these are just so damn entertaining to listen to!
Matilda has a truly stunning grasp on the essentials of comfort