Now In Print - Handcuffs and Lace Vol. 2

I've been waiting for this one :) Now in print - Handcuffs and Lace Vol. 2 from Resplendence Publishing.

Included in this book is my story Primed Suspect.

Here's a rundown on the stories you'll find inside Handcuffs and Lace Volume 2, available now:



Handcuffs and Lies by Bronwyn Green: Undercover cop, Michael Tanner, promised his dying partner that he’d take care of the man’s sister. Tori Spinelli wants nothing to do with Michael—or any other cop. Forced in protective custody, she falls in love with Michael, but how can she trust a man who lies for a living?

Photo Finish by Kris Norris: Photo journalist, Paige Sommers, is determined to get digital proof and put Jason Tate—longtime arms dealer and her fiancé’s murderer—away for good. But when her zoom lens reveals a familiar face, she’ll have to decide who to trust in a job that’s guaranteed to be a photo finish.

Cat and Mouse by Justine Elyot: For Layla, it’s a game. Scaling the highest buildings in her patch of East London so she can tag them with her signature takes her mind off the grim realities of her life. For police officer Adam, it’s an obsession. Ever since their first encounter ended in an unexpected kiss, he has burned to pursue and capture the light-footed Layla. But she knows her territory very well, and the chase proves both exhilarating and frustrating—until the game turns deadly serious, and Layla is forced to realize that she can’t rely on her own resources forever. Will Adam persuade her to step out of the shadows and take a chance on love with the man she has seen for so long as her nemesis.

And my story, Primed Suspect: Cassidy Valance is one part woman, one part Kitsune—a rare shape-shifting fox. She finds solace inside an estate, away from the hunters who have invaded her home in the forest. Officer Ian Valenti is assigned to investigate an abandoned estate after reports of unusual activity are called into the station. When he goes to inspect the house, he finds the suspect inside, naked and alluring. Ian’s instincts and years serving on the force tell him to cuff Cassidy and haul her in for breaking and entering. But she would rather he cuff her and treat her like the submissive she longs to be. With her restrained and primed, Ian brings Cassidy’s fantasies of a Master to life. And willingly lets down the guard around his heart.

Handcuffs and Lace Volume 2 is available at Amazon.

~Ann Cory

Creature Corner Kitsune, Nogitsunes, and Primed Suspect

Today I’m going to share some facts about a very special kind of fox that has incredible paranormal powers. They are called Kitsunes or Nogitsunes. While the legends and myths of these creatures are most prominent in Japan and China, they are also written about in many other countries including India. Typically a kitsune is depicted as a woman. Often times as a seducer, able to get into the heads of the men they choose, and have her way with them. They are known to be wise and live a long, long life.

A kitsune is not as powerful in their mortal form, but they have far more chances to experience pleasure as a human. They are likened to the Western concept of the succubus – beautiful, seductive, and able to draw life force out of their chosen victim. In some myths they are considered evil, while others depict them as good. Either way they are most noted as tricksters.

Their fox form differs from that of a regular fox in the amount of tails they have. The most powerful, the Nogitsune, can have up to nine tails. They are able to light a fire to see their way in the dark by rubbing their tails together. Other powers include breathing fire and creating illusions. It is said that while in their human form, the women’s faces still take on that of a fox, more often with their cheekbones, narrowed structure and the slant of their eyes.

There are many myths and legends found on the website depicting different types of kitsune. It can make for many hours of reading, which I found while researching about these unique foxes for my story Primed Suspect. Shape-shifters of any kind are always a catapult for my imagination and often keep me up late at night.