MCD officially licensed merch: Vampire Unicorns, Phase 2

Vampire Unicorns has just launched phase two of their officially licensed adorable Dowser Series merch designs! [click here for a post about phase 1 and an explanation of what it means to license merch from an author/creative].

CLICK HERE TO SKIP AHEAD TO PURCHASE (AND SEE ALL THE DESIGNS)

A screenshot of the Dowser Series-inspired merch designs from Vampire Unicorns. Which now includes three teas!! Yes!

Teas! Plus three new T-shirt designs, including Vampire Unicorns’s take on the Attempted Murder T-shirt design (not pictured) (which I also offer through my t-shirts/merch, etc).

*Screenshot of the Dowser Series-inspired designs from Vampire Unicorns. I adore all the T-shirt designs, but the ‘I’ve Never Tasted Magic like Yours’ design is pretty freaking perfect.*

Can you guess my new favorite? Here’s a not-so-subtle hint. 😋

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE VIA VAMPIRE UNICORNS

Let me know what you’ve got your eye on! 😁

Mirth: Waterfell Castle

Waterfell Castle from the Mirth duology. Scenery illustration by Kateryna Vitkovska.

The early morning is dark, cloud shrouded, though a half moon intermittently shimmers through thinner patches of that cloud. Tiny flakes of snow filter down from the otherwise starless sky. Not even a hint of the pending sunrise tinges the horizon as I slip out a side door. I immediately dart across the short yard to half-jog down the narrow stone stairway that twists down from the cliff on which the towering edifice of Waterfell Castle is perched. Kilometers away, deep in a valley nestled between neighboring peaks, I glimpse the faint, sporadic lights that emanate from the nearest town, before the path at the bottom of the stairway abruptly changes direction.

The few castle guards, both mages and shifters, patrolling the various ramparts and posted in the towers above ignore me. Not that I look back.

My breath comes out in chilled puffs.

Tiny mage lights trigger as I descend, situated at ankle height so as not to compromise my sight. If I were a null without the ability to actively wield essence, I’d be stumbling around in the dark.

Despite my light sensitivity, I’ve never been much of a fan of the dark. Though curling up on a winter’s eve next to a fire with a book, sipping a hot chocolate, and reading by candlelight is a hazy memory …

Or possibly an unrequited dream.

Before that stupid kiss. Before he shoved me away with pure pain etched across his face, as if I … as if my touch was … is …

I resolve to shred that stupid list of names the moment I get back to my rooms. I wasn’t thinking … in fact, I’m still not certain I moved the pen of my own volition. I never would have rationally chosen to put his name down.

He belongs to Armin more than me, anyway.

Belonged.

Past tense.

I can’t remember the last time I managed to maintain any level of rationality, not even for a full day. Was it the day before I felt my chest crack open and my soul sunder? While I attended some fucking charity event, commenting on the pretty fucking flowers and smiling at children, even as I wondered why my chest was hurting and my texts were going unanswered. Assuming the entire time that Armin had gone on a bender or was romancing someone new for the weekend instead of checking in with me. A rare but occasional occurrence when he needed … when he needed to run …

Just as I now practically ran, tripping down the path, through the snowy early morning.

Had I still been rational as I raced to the mountain township to identify my brother? Before I found him so … empty, and still. So silent.

Armin. Armin was even more trapped than I am.

Or rather, more trapped than I used to be. But never as trapped as I am now.

Because my father never would have forced Armin to choose bond mates only six months after my death. Armin would have been granted more time.

– Grand Romantic Delusions and the Madness of Mirth, Part One [excerpt from Chapter Two]

RELEASE DATE: JULY 25, 2024

eBOOK

– LIMITED EDITION DIRECT FROM MCD –

– AMAZON – APPLE BOOKS – BARNES & NOBLE – KOBO – SMASHWORDS –

PAPERBACK

– AMAZON: AVAILABLE ON JULY 25 –

MCD’s Book Club update, plus other little bits of news

Hello, my lovelies! Just a quick update with a lot of links.

MCD’s Fav Things: Book Club

July: The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves 1) by Maria Vale.

CANADA: https://amzn.to/4cmuhlC
USA: https://amzn.to/4cjCPtp
UK: https://amzn.to/4bpdFZg

Genre: Paranormal Romance. Series (5 books) Complete (POV shifts).

A Conversation and a Hot Chocolate with Maria Vale: July 27, 2024 at 2pm PT. Join the guest list for the live zoom: https://forms.gle/4vEeH2TqLC2D8Upd6 (instructions and link will be emailed three days ahead)(also these lists don’t roll over, you must sign up every month, pretty please).

Join the discussion in MCD’s Adepts Discord.

Giveaway (see paperback above): drop a question in the discord (there is a thread under July) or in the chat during the live zoom event to enter to win the autographed paperback and bookmark.

A Conversation and a Hot Chocolate with Hailey Edwards – video now available!

Follow me on YouTube if you don’t want to miss any other videos (though I will try to post here as well). This is an edited version of the live Zoom event, with fewer puppy interruptions, disarray, amusing tangents, and much less cackling.

June Giveaway: Kat won the autographed paperback of How To Live and Undead Life!

Other news (in brief):

By request, I just updated this post about ‘Vancouver according to the Adept Universe’ to include a bunch of my current favs (scroll down):

A guide to Vancouver, BC according to the Adept Universe

Mirth, Part One: update

I’m awaiting the six character portraits from Nicole Deal for the limited edition eBook, but otherwise, the main book is all formatted and ready to go! The paperback will be available on release day as well (and the cover is sooo pretty!!). I’m implementing my social media blackout protocols and devoting next week to finishing the novelette that will be included in the limited edition eBook.

PREORDER MIRTH, PART ONE: eBOOK: LIMITED EDITION DIRECT FROM MCD – AMAZON – APPLE BOOKS – BARNES & NOBLE – KOBO – SMASHWORDS –

R&R Tours is handling the Release Day Blitz. If you’re an influencer or booksgrammer, please contact Shannon (and/or sign up to be a tour host). And just to avoid confusion, this isn’t about reviews (thank you in advance to all my lovely readers who take the time to leave them for me!!) it’s about having an active booksgram or tiktok, etc, that is focused on books/reading.

Okay … I’m sure there is more … there is always more … LOL … but I can’t think of anything else right now …

I hope you are all well!!

Preorder: Mirth, Part 1: limited edition eBook

Hello, my lovely readers!

I’ve moved up my timeline for the release of Mirth, Part 1 by two weeks, so there is going to be a flurry of activity this week, specifically, the ‘official’ cover reveal via my newsletter on Thursday, June 27 and the preorders going live all week.

Release day is July 25, 2024!

For this book release, the preorder includes a limited edition eBook that you can purchase directly through me. Yay!

I’m pricing the LE eBook at $10 CDN (so approx $7.30 USA/$6.80 EURO). The regular eBook is $5.99 (CDN/UK/USA/ETC) on all retailers. Please check out with the email you use for BookFunnel or if you haven’t used BookFunnel before please use the email you want to associate with your account. It is all automated (yay!)

PREORDER MIRTH PART 1: LIMITED EDITION eBOOK

The limited edition ebook includes:

An early draft of the novelette Mirth 0.5*. Approx 10-12k.
All art and illustrations (colour or B&W depending on your eReader display).
Digital signature
Delivered via BookFunnel (but can be transferred to your fav eReader app).
release date: July 25, 2024

NOTES OF INTEREST:

INTERIOR ART includes six character portraits: Mirth, Bolan, Sully, Elias, Rian, and Christoph, from Nicole Deal. An illustration of Waterfell Castle by Kateryna Vitkovska. And page breaks by Eternal Geekery.

*MIRTH 0.5 info: I’m currently writing the first draft of this prequel novelette, and I will include an early draft of it in the limited edition of Mirth, Part 1. BUT I DON’T WANT YOU TO READ IT AHEAD OF TIME. 😜 Please read Mirth 1 first, then Mirth 0.5. This novelette will be edited and published in a collection of shorter Conduit World stories sometime in 2025 or 2026. Ordering the limited edition will be the only way to get it before then.

Let me know if you have any questions! You can find the book page, and the retailer links (as soon as the preorders go live), for Mirth, Part One here. But the page is full of spoilers so please proceed with caution!!

I’M SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS BOOK WITH YOU!!

MCD’s Fav Things: Book Club

I officially ‘launched’ my book club via my newsletter at the end of May but I want a post I can link to and keep updated, hence the doubled info.

How will the book club work? MCD will select a fav book/fav author to read and discuss each month, culminating in a live Zoom event on the last Saturday of every month: A Conversation and a Hot Chocolate with [insert featured author name].

The main discussion will take place in MCD’s Adepts Discord (< link), where readers can chat and submit questions for the live event.

If you’re on Discord scroll down to see the chat threads under the corresponding months (though sometimes they disappear and you have to click the month, i.e June, to find them).

A Conversation and a Hot Chocolate [insert featured author]. On the last Saturday of each month, MCD (with Ashton moderating and running the event) will chat with the featured author about their fav things, including the featured book/series. The zoom chat will be recorded and posted on MCD’s YouTube (< link) for readers who can’t make the event. A new Google Doc link for the guest list will be provided each month (here, on the Discord, and via MCD’s newsletter). Then detailed instructions will be emailed to those guests three days before the event.

Book Club Giveaway. Specific details will be announced monthly but the ‘prize’ will usually be an autographed paperback. Submit a question to enter; either on MCD’s Adepts Discord or during the live Zoom event. The winner will be selected by a random number generator. Open internationally.

If you are so inclined, please repost or share or invite friends! You can tag me @MeghanCianaDoidge on most social media platforms (and hopefully I’ll see it).

MCD’S BOOK CLUB SCHEDULE & CONFIRMED AUTHORS

Note: the affiliate links provided lead to Amazon stores but some of these series are available on all platforms (at least in audiobook and paperback, if not in eBook). Kindle Unlimited (KU) noted.

CURRENTLY READING

The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves 1) by Maria Vale

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series (5 books) Complete (POV shifts).

CANADA: https://amzn.to/4cmuhlC
USA: https://amzn.to/4cjCPtp
UK: https://amzn.to/4bpdFZg

A Conversation and a Hot Chocolate with Maria Vale: July 27, 2024

JOIN THE GUEST LIST: GOOGLE DOC

Ask a question in MCD’s Adepts Discord (or during the live Zoom event) to enter to win this autographed copy of The Last Wolf!

UPCOMING READS

August: Dark Wizard (Bonds of Magic 1) by Jeffe Kennedy
Genre: Fantasy Romance (aka Romantasy)
Trilogy Complete. Universe ongoing.

A Conversation and a Hot Chocolate with Jeffe Kennedy: August 31, 2024

September: Only Bad Options (Galatic Bonds 1) by Jennifer Estep
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Series ongoing (book 4 releases in October)

A Conversation and a Hot Chocolate with Jennifer Estep: September 28, 2024

A sneak peek at some of the POSSIBLE upcoming books – depending on the author’s interest/schedules.

Let me know if you have any questions about the book club! I’ll keep this post updated.

Dowser 1: L.E. eBOOK

Hello, my lovelies!

This likely doesn’t apply to many of you, but – as we approach the ‘official’ release of Dowser 9.5 – for anyone who missed out on the Kickstarter limited edition eBook for Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1), I’ve now made a heavily edited* version available to purchase directly from my store.

This is the same Dowser 1 eBook that can be downloaded for free on all retailers, just with art, character/world bible, recipes, etc. Some of that art in the new limited edition was included in the tenth anniversary Dowser 1 Kickstarter version. But it doesn’t include ALL of the extras, or obviously, all of the stretch goals (Dowser 9.5, the three audiobooks, etc) that came with the Kickstarter versions.

PLEASE DOUBLE-CHECK THAT YOU DON’T ALREADY OWN THE KICKSTARTER VERSION BEFORE PURCHASING. THERE IS NOTHING NEW IN THIS VERSION.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE the L.E. EBOOK OF DOWSER 1

If you’ve purchased an audiobook directly from me before (here is the list of currently available audiobooks), purchasing this eBook works exactly the same way. It is delivered by BookFunnel (you click a link or input a code into the app). Then you can transfer the eBook to your preferred reading device (say, if you like to keep all your books in the same place). Please see more info/instructions on the product page.

*Note: all of the Kickstarter limited editions were exclusive to the Kickstarter. i.e. never to be sold elsewhere (not even directly from me). So certain things have been stripped from this version, including the autographed, stamped title page, author’s note, and some of the other extras. The book cover aligns with the current Dowser covers available through all retailers – so the eBooks match in your app/eReader. The interior formatting is completely redesigned. But it does include Memo’s sketches (which can also be downloaded for free under extras and freebies) and Nicole Deal’s illustrations (which weren’t perpetually exclusive to the Kickstarter).

I hope this is clear! This is more for new readers who might want some art and some of the recipes collected together in one book. 😁

Dowser Series: 10th Anniversary T-shirt release

On reader request, I’ve uploaded the tenth-anniversary cupcake/knife design from the exclusive Kickstarter editions of Dowser 1 as T-shirts via Amazon Merch. I think (?) this is just enough time to grab one before Soulmates, Doorways, and Other Unruly Magic (Dowser 9.5) officially releases on June 13.

Caveats (as with all my other T-shirts): these T-shirts only ship to the USA or UK (see specific links below). As with my other designs/logos, I’ve offered a PNG download version for my fellow Canadians or other international readers. FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. NO COMMERCIAL PRINTING.

Also! Please, please check the sizing chart, and ignore the gender designations. Especially with the premium T-shirts (USA only). The fit is fantastic but very small.

I’ve ordered mine from a local printer so I have it for release day as well – and don’t have my hands on it yet – so I only have screenshots to share right now:

Here are all the links:

T-shirts, etc via Amazon Merch – ships to the USA:

T-shirts, etc via Amazon Merch – ships to the UK:

Or click here to purchase a PNG download of the GOLD CUPCAKE/KNIFE LOGO

Also … if you’re interested in a different Dowser Series T-shirt you can find them all listed under T-shirts & Other Deadly Merch (< < link) including Cake in a Cup, Attempted Murder, and more!

Some unfortunate news …

Hello, my lovely readers,

I’m sad to announce that Brittany needs to step away from being my author PA due to ongoing health issues. Please join me in sending her wishes of love and healing as she moves forward through this difficult period.

What does this mean?

I’m unfortunately canceling the Baking with MCD we had planned for tomorrow in MCD’s Adepts Discord as this was mostly Britt’s domain. The Discord will continue to be quite quiet until I have the time to devote to sorting out how it all works, specifically live events, etc. But I still plan to ‘launch’ my book club this summer and believe that the MCD’s Adepts Discord will be the best place for more in-depth discussions, etc.

I will still be doing the tenth-anniversary Kickstarter for the Oracle trilogy in October. I will just keep it a bit ‘smaller’ than the Dowser Kickstarter. And make Michael help me with the packing/shipping. 😂

I wish Britt well. I’m actively sending her healing vibes and lots of good thoughts.

Sunshine & Lollipops,

Meghan

MCD’s fav reads of early 2024 and more to come!

[Links and more info for my April 25 newsletter]

Note: affiliate links lead to Amazon stores but some of these series are available on all platforms (at least in audiobook and paperback, if not in eBook). Kindle Unlimited (KU) noted.

Three of my best reads of 2024 (so far):

Her Feral Beasts by E.P Bali. This is the first book in Her Vicious Beasts series. Start with the novella, Her Vicious Beasts (linked below), then gobble up the next two books and join me in desperately needing the third! Why Choose, Paranormal Romance. These love interests are a nasty, entitled, utterly vicious bunch. But don’t worry Aurelia is more than their match! Addictive. In KU. Start here:

USA: https://amzn.to/3wjMh05

CANADA: https://amzn.to/44iVoKY

UK: https://amzn.to/4de7zgk

Red Fang Royal by Lola Rock. This is a companion omegaverse novel set in the world of Pack Darling (so start with book 1), With so many current ‘romantasy’ novels/series dominated by enemies to lovers and ‘bully’ romances, it is delightful that these ‘alphas’ are all in – all in – just as soon as Marisol can learn to trust them again. In KU. Series page:

CANADA: https://amzn.to/4dbs6lN

USA: https://amzn.to/3vXQl6k

UK: https://amzn.to/44iKJQB

Bride by Ali Hazelwood. A standalone (you’re welcome) paranormal romance with hints of omegaverse (but not really). Arranged marriage between mortal enemies. Misery (the FMC) has been an outcast among her own people (vampires!) for her father’s political gain. Lowe (MMC) is just trying to make his people (werewolves!) safe. Love isn’t supposed to be a factor. Enjoy!

CANADA: https://amzn.to/3UBolil

USA: https://amzn.to/4aNmGM4

UK (paperback): https://amzn.to/4aQQhUO

Three recent releases on my TBR (I just need to set time aside to read these fav authors!):

Fair Market Value by Hailey Edwards. A brand new series from my author BFF – squee!! This is the first book in The Body Shop series. In KU.

CANADA: https://amzn.to/3Ug2kEb

USA: https://amzn.to/3JAS30l

UK: https://amzn.to/3UiIJU0

Archangel’s Lineage (Guild Hunter 16) by Nalini Singh. Here’s where I admit I bounced off (and I tried twice) the previous release in the Guild Hunter universe (Archangel’s Resurrection) and never finished it, but I’m seriously looking forward to getting back to Elena and Raphael. Start with Angel’s Blood (Guild Hunter 1). Series page:

CANADA: https://amzn.to/3QgsJk4

USA: https://amzn.to/3JBUKPo

UK: https://amzn.to/3QiJprc

Trials of Conviction (Firebird 5) by T.A. White. This is the fifth book in one of my fav space opera series. Start with Rules of Redemption. Tons of action, slow burn. Found family. Intrigue. Powerful ‘older’ main character prone to self-sacrifice. Series page:

CANADA: https://amzn.to/4bavY4K

USA: https://amzn.to/4b71lgm

UK: https://amzn.to/49Vd4O0

Three 2024 preorders (I’m desperately waiting for)(and yes, I have more than three books currently preordered):

The Throne of Honor and Blood by J Bree. This is the second book in the Mortal Fates Series (Crown of Oaths and Curses). The Mortal Fates is J Bree’s first foray into Fantasy Romance. Enemies to lovers. The first third of book 1 is slightly slow (you know, for my level of attention deficit) but the rest of book 1 is a page-turner. Witches vs. Fae. The ending is exceptional. Series page:

USA: https://amzn.to/3QlGo9E

CANADA: https://amzn.to/3y0Rg6i

UK: https://amzn.to/4bezgDN

The House at Watch Hill (Watch Hill Trilogy) by Karen Marie Moning. This preorder is exceptionally expensive and I hope that price reduces between now and the release in October. Honestly, I bounced – hard – off the Fever Series in the opening pages of book 7 and never tried again. But! I’m looking forward to experiencing a new world from Moning’s pen. A pocket universe? An inheritance? Hidden powers? It’s seriously right up my alley.

CANADA: https://amzn.to/44eJwJY

USA: https://amzn.to/44dAmO5

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CW3BB957

Winter Lost (Mercy Thompson 14) by Patricia Briggs. An absolutely fav series by an absolutely fav author! Werewolves, plus all sorts of magical creatures. Fourteen books are intimidating (start with Moon Called) but I might have to make time for a full re-read before Winter Lost releases in June! Series page:

CANADA: https://amzn.to/44x9uZH

USA: https://amzn.to/49Th81h

UK: https://amzn.to/3WgMXhj

What are your fav reads of 2024 so far? And what books are you most anticipating?

Conduit Series: Maps

The map of Cascadia (by Amanda at Eternal Geekery) appears at the beginning of Awry (Conduit 1) but (for now) the map of North America only appears in the back of the limited edition. I’m posting both here so I can add the link to the Extra and Freebies page. 😁