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The Cool Aunt

Arabella Baylor, Blog POST A COMMENT by

Today is the day everyone gets access to The Cool Aunt, a very short bonus story of Connor and Nevada’s baby being born. The honor system didn’t work very well, so the next time we will likely do a password wall. But there were over 1,000 printed copies sold, so you guys really helped the book stores during a very tough time. They are grateful.

Click here for the access to The Cool Aunt. The link to this story has been added under Arabella section of the website. Please use the comments of this thread for spoilery discussions, speculation, and wild theories.

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Comments

  2. Awesome little story. I was wondering what happened at rhe hospital!

    I’ve now read Emerald blaze 2x and would just ask for one little thing if possible… can we redeem Albert Ravenscroft? I mean the poor kid. I even felt worse for him the second time around!

  3. Thanks for the short! It’s been a rough week so I’m glad to escape into this world again.

    (Also, I apologize: I count as one of those accidental views. I didn’t know about the “buy the book at these stores and get the short story” promotion and I was so anxious after the end of “Emerald Blaze” I scoured comment threads for reassurance. When learned about “Cool Aunt” I searched for it right away and didn’t see the “please don’t read” post until afterwards. I’m sorry!)

  5. That was cute. Thank you.

    I’m sorry there were jerks. They really don’t deserve your work.

    Happy you got a vacation, so your art can keep supporting those of us who don’t. Rest well, stay safe.

  7. Omg I love it! But who’s the grandfather? Why is he just showing up now? Why has he been hiding behind the scenes? Is this some huge master plan?! I need more.

  9. Ohhh … You all are just awesome! After Blaze ended that way, I have to admit I had a little anxiety. Nobody should even mess with babies/kids.

    Cool aunt has it taken care of! Whew!

  10. I think “that depends entirely on you” is a threat. Arabella has leverage now and Victoria is a threat. If Rogan or Nevada find out that grandpa conspired with grandma– the woman who threatened their child the Scourge of Mexico will declare a feud and kill them both. With all the Baylors and allies joining in. Including Runa. He’ll nuke them both. And Arabella knows it. And she now has leverage to keep them BOTH in line.

    • Thinking about this some more…

      If Arabella can prove that Grandpa is Ceasar– if she uses this knowledge to go hunting for the truth about Grandpa’s background and his shenanigans she can have Catalina petition the rest of the Assembly to strip him of his status.

      And if I had to put Victoria and a Stripped-of-his-Position Linus up against The Scourge of Mexico, The Beast of Cologne, A Siren Prime and elevated to Warden Catalina, A Truthseeker Prime MOTHER protecting her child, And the most powerful Anastasi Prime on the planet, who can neutralize Victoria. Not mention their allies (if they can prove that they were impacted in the House Feud and they could with Cornelius) Beastmaster Prime and Significant. And two Prime Poisonmasters (not sure they could show a nexus), my money is on House Rogan and allies for the win.

      And it’s even worse if all the houses affected by the “Ceasar” conspiracy join Rogan.

      So, Arabella may have just neutralized some of Victoria’s threat. Smart girl.

      Smart Authors. THANK YOU FOR THE STORY.

  20. Totally Linus!!! He HAS to be grandpa. But it kind of doesn’t make sense in regard to the magic passed down with Catalina. But does explain why Linus always has such an interest in her specifically. What will Arabella do?

  22. OK, I’ve changed my mind after re-reading Emerald Blaze and this short story. I think Linus is the grandfather. Dual Hephestus/Siren mage? I do hope, though, that he is not Cesar as well…

  23. Ok, I will admit I only read about 3/4 of the comments but I did not see what appears to me as a plot thickener. Has anyone else thought about the Osiris serum in regards to the creation of the Baylors through there father?

  26. Thank you so much! I’m glad that scene at the end of EB wasn’t something awful like I was afraid.

  27. I know that Arabella is crushing on the cool aquakenetic guy, but does anyone else want to see her pair up with the gangsteresqe tatoo guy from book 3?

  28. Victoria had to use in vitro to get her baby. A Prime from House Molpe (House name changed later) who was a Siren but didn’t like to use his powers and a surrogate (Beast of Cologne). So unless Linus is also a Siren from House Molpe who was excised at the time and needed the money to agree to be Victoria’s donor…. Linus mentioned he met with Victoria shortly after she gave birth. Who knows? It might be Linus or someone from his family. There is a resemblance to Catalina according to Alessandro who was going to say something but Linus shook his head. And Linus is always described as charming. He also knew to make Catalina speak after the incident at the Pit. I can’t wait to find out.

  30. Thank you so much for this story!! I was so worried at the end of emerald blaze that something horrible would happen to the baby because his parents weren’t there to protect him. I’m so relieved that his Aunty was there! Go Arabella!

  31. Holy crap the ending of the book scared me fierce. Thank you so much for posting this. All the love that was awesome.

  32. I feel like grandfather can’t be Linus – why would he need to sneak in to see the baby? He would see the baby at some point in the future anyway since he is a family friend. I feel like Linus has some history with Grandma Frida. Victoria also wouldn’t have needed his help to see the baby since she has her own wiles.

    • Thank you for the short story!! Made me laugh out loud several times. I also feel like grandfather can’t be Linus – why would he need to sneak in to see the baby? He would see the baby at some point in the future anyway since he is a family friend. I feel like Linus has some history with Grandma Frida. Victoria also wouldn’t have needed his help to see the baby since she has her own wiles.

  34. Awww. ???? I needed that. Just finished Catalina’s big book with the cliffhanger. My heart is settled. Some. Thank you as always for the treats. Stay safe.

  35. I’d love to suggest a post for your blog.

    For context: I’m in the middle of re-reading Emerald Blaze for the….I’m not sure how many times it is now….and I’m at the scene where you are describing Catalina’s rooftop hideaway. I work in theater, specifically with props and set dressing….and I got curious. What might this really look like? What kind of couch is it? (Important because….sex….and Alessandro isn’t a small guy)…the fire pit….where does it sit? How big is it? Tabletop or freestanding?Lighting configuration…you get the drift.
    One of the lovely things about books is they leave so much room for our (the readers’) imaginations/interpretation. But (being a lover of behind the scenes peeks), I think it would be interesting to get a glimpse of what YOU might have pictured.

    So my question/suggestion is this: I’m guessing you have done quite a bit of visual, as well as oral and written research for all of your books. Have you considered sharing a photo or two of the research imagery that inspired you for location looks or considered challenging yourself to build the look of any of those locations in a video game or modeling program for shits and giggles?

    Also, thank you for the gift of your writing. Your books have been my constant companions and bright spots throughout the entire Covid-19 struggle bus season; I adore them. I won’t say they saved me from drowning, but they have certainly been a significant part of the literary element of the raft that has been keeping my spirits buoyant. (As is true, I am sure, for many of my fellow readers.) All of the time, discipline, blood, sweat, tears, laughter….it is loved and appreciated.

    Warmly,

    Curious

  36. I love, love, LOVE Emerald Blaze and The cool aunt! Also, glad you had such a good time on your vacation and especially that you kept yourselves safe! Unfortunately too many self I important, entitled jerks refuse to take the precautions that would probably end this health crisis. Stay safe and healthy and know that your readers both adore you and truly appreciate all you do!

  37. Next time could you give us a place to donate instead of having us buy hard copy books? I don’t have space for paper books but I would happily chip in to support our community. Thank you!

  39. Has anyone considered that Linus might be the Baylor’s grandfather on their mother’s side? Grandma Frida has a history with him.

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