Novellas

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    Spider and Frost set for Sept. 26 . . .

    Spider and Frost, anĀ Elemental Assassin andĀ Mythos Academy crossover novella, will be released Sept. 26. Woot!

    Spider and Frost is a 28,000-word crossover novella that features the first-person points of view of Gin Blanco and Gwen Frost. Readers have been asking me for crossover stories for years, and this was a lot of fun for me to write. šŸ˜ŽĀ 

    Spider and Frost cover artGET THE EBOOK:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    ABOUT THE PRINT BOOK:

    There will not be an individual print book for Spider and Frost, given its short length. However, the novella will be included in the print books of Stings and Stones, the Elemental Assassin short story collection that will be out on Nov. 28:

    Stings and Stones cover art with woman holding knives standing in front of a Ferris wheelGET THE STINGS AND STONES PRINT BOOK:

    Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop.org

    Booksellers and librarians can order print copies through IngramSpark

    ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOKS:

    At this point, I do not think that Spider and Frost will be available as an audiobook, so if you want to read the novella as soon as it comes out, you will have to get the ebook. If an audiobook becomes available, I will let everyone know. Thanks for reading!

    SPIDER AND FROST DESCRIPTION:

    New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep delivers an epic team-up featuring beloved characters from her Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and her Mythos Academy young adult series. This crossover novella, Spider and Frost, mixes magic and mythology in an action-packed adventure. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Rick Riordan.

    WHEN AN ASSASSIN . . .
    My name is Gin Blanco, and Iā€™m on vacation. Sort of. As the assassin the Spider, itā€™s hard for me to completely relax, but Iā€™m determined to enjoy a scenic train ride and a nice, quiet lunch before heading back home to Ashland.

    My plans change when Gwen Frost boards the train. The girl says sheā€™s heading back to Mythos Academy, the fancy private boarding school, but I canā€™t shake the feeling that Gwen is hiding somethingā€”and is in far more trouble than she realizes.

    . . . MEETS A CHAMPION
    My name is Gwen Frost. I might have saved the world from Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos, but Iā€™m still chasing down Reaper villains. Itā€™s all part of being the Champion of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

    Iā€™ve been assigned to protect some mythological artifacts that are being transported via train to Mythos Academy, but some Reapers are hot on my trail, and theyā€™ll do anything to recover the artifactsā€”and kill me.

    Also on the train is Gin Blanco, who claims to be the owner of the Pork Pit barbecue restaurant. My psychometry magic keeps whispering that thereā€™s more to her than meets the eye, although I canā€™t tell if Gin is a friend, an enemy, or something else entirely.

    Note: Spider and Frostis a 28,000-word crossover novella between the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and the Mythos Academy young adult series. It is told from the points of view of Gin Blanco and Gwen Frost.

    Spider and Frost takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin series.
  • · · ·

    Stings and Stones Elemental Assassin short story collection set for Nov. 28 …

    I’m pleased to announce that I will be publishing Stings and Stones on Nov. 28. Woot!

    Here is the cover art by the awesome Tony Mauro. I love how kick-butt Gin looks, the colors, and especially the spider rune in the Ferris wheel lights. šŸ˜ŽĀ 

    Stings and Stones is a 67,000-word collection of Elemental Assassin short stories. Some of the stories previously appeared here on my website, while others have been published in anthologies.

    I have a lot of pages on my website, and I feel like many folks just didn’t see/find/read the short stories when they were first posted on my website back in the early 2010s. (The stories are no longer available on my website due to a variety of reasons).

    Over the years, I’ve also gotten a lot of requests to bundle as many of the Elemental Assassin stories together as possible, so those are some of the reasons I am releasing the Stings and Stones short story collection. I hope everyone enjoys reading (or re-reading) the stories.

    GET THE EBOOK:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    GET THE PRINT BOOK:

    Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop.org

    Booksellers and librarians can order print copies through IngramSpark

    Note: The print books of Stings and Stones will include Spider and Frost, the Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy crossover novella, for readers who want a print version of that story.

    ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK:

    At this point, I don’t think that Stings and Stones will be available as an audiobook, so if you want to read it as soon as it comes out, you will have to order the ebook/print book. If/when Stings and Stones becomes available as an audiobook, I will share that info online. Thank you for reading.

    STINGS AND STONES DESCRIPTION:

    New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up an Elemental Assassin short story collection featuring danger, magic, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs, and Faith Hunter.

    Flash back to one of Gin Blancoā€™s many missions as the assassin the Spider. Learn more about Ginā€™s relationships with her mentor, Fletcher Lane, and her foster brother, Finnegan Lane, and see what trouble the other characters get themselves into when Ginā€™s not around. From a ghostā€™s lost love to a villainā€™s origin story, this action-packed collection has something for every urban fantasy and paranormal romance fan.

    The Stings and Stones collection features ten short stories told by various characters:

    ā€œSpiderā€™s Bargainā€ ā€” Gin Blanco
    ā€œWeb of Deathā€ ā€” Gin Blanco
    ā€œWeb of Deceitā€ ā€” Fletcher Lane
    ā€œPoisonā€ ā€” Finnegan Lane
    ā€œWastedā€ ā€” Finnegan Lane
    ā€œTangled Dreamsā€ ā€” Jo-Jo and Sophia Deveraux
    ā€œTangled Schemesā€ ā€” Bria Coolidge
    ā€œSpiderā€™s Nemesisā€ ā€” Mab Monroe
    ā€œHaints and Hobwebsā€ ā€” Gin Blanco
    ā€œParlor Tricksā€ ā€” Gin Blanco

    Note: Stings and Stones is a 67,000-word collection of Elemental Assassin short stories. Some of the stories previously appeared on Jennifer Estepā€™s website, while others have been featured in anthologies.

  • · · ·

    Only Hard Problems set for Feb. 20 …

    MONDAY MORNING MAILBAG
    Ā 
    Question: What is next for your Galactic Bonds series?
    Ā 
    Answer: Only Good Enemies, book #2, came out in July. Up next will be Only Hard Problems, which will be out on Feb. 20, 2024.
    WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD. If you havenā€™t read Only Good Enemies yet, you might want to skip reading this post for now.
    Ā 
    Only Hard Problems is a 47,000-word book from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. If youā€™ve read Only Good Enemies, you know that Zane got some pretty shocking news at the end of the book. šŸ˜‰Ā 
    Ā 
    In fact, Zaneā€™s chapter/epilogue in Only Good Enemies was one of my favorite parts of the entire book to write. Why? I really liked the idea of having his character act like a villain through the whole book ā€“ and then letting the reader see what Zane was *really* doing the whole time. (insert evil author laughter here)
    Ā 
    When I was thinking about what I wanted to write next, I thought it would be interesting to dig into Zaneā€™s character and get his thoughts on Vesper, Kyrion, Asterin Armas, Callus Holloway, and everything else thatā€™s going on in my Galactic Bonds world.
    Ā 
    In the first two books, Zane comes across as arrogant and insufferable, and I wanted to show some of the reasoning behind his actions. Plus, it was really fun for me to write a character who is as confident and unapologetic as Zane. I wish I had his swagger in real life. LOL.
    Ā 
    I hope everyone enjoys the novella when it comes out.
    Ā 
    ABOUT THE PRINT/AUDIOBOOKS:
    There will be print and audiobooks for Only Hard Problems, and those links will go online later this year, after I finish the novella and get everything formatted.
    Ā 
    In the meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying Only Good Enemies. Thank you for reading.Ā 
    Ā 

    Only Good Enemies cover artGET THE EBOOK:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    GET THE AUDIOBOOK:

    Amazon audio Audible

    GET THE PRINT BOOK:

    Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop.org and IndieBound

    Booksellers and librarians can order through IngramSpark

    ONLY GOOD ENEMIES DESCRIPTION:

    New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed adventure that blends science fiction, fantasy, and historical romance. This rollicking space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates, slow burn, and enemies-to-lovers story. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

    A WOMAN ON A MISSION . . .

    My name is Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to my seer magic and my own ingenuity, Iā€™m now a Regal lady and the head of a successful corporation.

    My mission? To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous group that has stolen my designs and plans to weaponize them against the Imperium. But when my mission takes an unexpected turn, Iā€™m once again surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

    Further complicating matters is Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord whose fate is bound to mine. Kyrion doesnā€™t realize the two of us still have an unwanted connection that puts us both in grave danger . . . or does he?

    A MAN SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES . . .

    My name is Kyrion Caldaren. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperiumā€™s elite fighting force, Iā€™ve been tasked with tracking down and destroying the Techwave before they seize control of the Archipelago Galaxy.

    My other mission? Find a way to assassinate Lord Callus Holloway, the Imperium ruler who wants to take my psion power for his own. Holloway is also a threat to Vesper Quill, who haunts my thoughts, despite the broken bond and distance between us.

    When I realize Vesper is in danger, my priorities change, and I vow to use all my telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities to help her. I will save Vesper from her enemies and mineā€”even if I have to burn down the whole bloody galaxy.

  • · · ·

    Only Hard Problems set for Feb. 20, 2024 . . .

    Only Hard Problems, Galactic Bonds novella #2.5, will be released Feb. 20, 2024. Woot! šŸ˜ŽĀ 

    Only Hard Problems is a 46,000-word novella from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. The arrogant Arrow is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters to write about in my Galactic Bonds world. Here’s a look at the cover art by the awesome Tony Mauro.

    GET THE EBOOK:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    ABOUT THE PRINT AND AUDIOBOOKS:
    There will be print and audiobooks for Only Hard Problems. Those links will probably go online in the fall as I finish the novella and get everything formatted.

    Note: I tried to write the novella description below to avoid spoiling anything from Only Good Enemies, book #2, but if you don’t want to know anything, you might want to skip reading the description for now. Thank you for reading.

    ONLY HARD PROBLEMS DESCRIPTION:

    ā€œThis is space opera at its finest.ā€ā€”Ilona Andrew, #1 New York Times bestselling author on Only Bad Options

    New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed novella that blends science-fiction technology and magical fantasy elements with a touch of historical romance. This rollicking space opera focuses on a fan-favorite secondary character who’s part hero, part villain, and all arrogance. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

    PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .

    My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. Iā€™m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperiumā€™s elite fighting force.

    But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.

    The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything Iā€™ve sworn to protect.

    Iā€™m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, Iā€™m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, Iā€™ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problemsā€”and just might end up being the death of me . . .

    Note: Only Hard Problems is a 46,000-word novella from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. It takes place after Only Good Enemies, book 2 in the Galactic Bonds science-fiction fantasy series.

  • · · ·

    Galactic Bonds books and reading order …

    MONDAY MORNING MAILBAG

    Question: How many books will be in your Galactic Bonds series?

    Answer: As of right now, I am planning to write at least three books in my Galactic Bonds series.

    Only Good Enemies, book #2, will be out on July 18, so after this book, there will be at least one more book about Vesper Quill and Kyrion Caldaren. Iā€™m also planning to write Only Hard Problems, a novella from Zane Zimmerā€™s point of view that takes place after Only Good Enemies.

    Here is the Galactic Bonds series reading order (as of right now):

    Iā€™m really enjoying writing in my Galactic Bonds sci-fi fantasy world, and if the series continues to sell well, then I will probably write some more books. I already have an idea for another/new couple that I would love to write about. If youā€™ve read Only Bad Options, you can probably guess who that will be, but no spoilers from me. šŸ˜‰Ā 

    I appreciate all the nice comments about Only Bad Options, and I hope you all love Only Good Enemies as much as I do. Thank you for reading.

    ONLY GOOD ENEMIES EBOOK:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    ONLY GOOD ENEMIES PRINT BOOK:

    Amazon Barnes & Noble

    Bookshop.orgIndieBound

    Booksellers and librarians can order through IngramSpark

    ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOKS:

    Only Good Enemies will be available as an audiobook, but I donā€™t have a release date for it yet. Iā€™m hoping that the audiobook will be available on July 18, but it depends on the narratorsā€™ schedules and some other factors. As soon as I have the audiobook release date, I will share it online. Thank you for reading.

    ONLY GOOD ENEMIES DESCRIPTION:

    New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed adventure that blends science fiction, fantasy, and historical romance. This rollicking space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates, slow burn, and enemies-to-lovers story. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

    A WOMAN ON A MISSION . . .

    My name is Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to my seer magic and my own ingenuity, Iā€™m now a Regal lady and the head of a successful corporation.

    My mission? To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous group that has stolen my designs and plans to weaponize them against the Imperium. But when my mission takes an unexpected turn, Iā€™m once again surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

    Further complicating matters is Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord whose fate is bound to mine. Kyrion doesnā€™t realize the two of us still have an unwanted connection that puts us both in grave danger . . . or does he?

    A MAN SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES . . .

    My name is Kyrion Caldaren. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperiumā€™s elite fighting force, Iā€™ve been tasked with tracking down and destroying the Techwave before they seize control of the Archipelago Galaxy.

    My other mission? Find a way to assassinate Lord Callus Holloway, the Imperium ruler who wants to take my psion power for his own. Holloway is also a threat to Vesper Quill, who haunts my thoughts, despite the broken bond and distance between us.

    When I realize Vesper is in danger, my priorities change, and I vow to use all my telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities to help her. I will save Vesper from her enemies and mineā€”even if I have to burn down the whole bloody galaxy.

    PRAISE FOR ONLY BAD OPTIONS, GALACTIC BONDS #1:

    ā€œThis is space opera at its finest.ā€ā€”Ilona Andrew, #1 New York Times bestselling author

    ā€œMixing sci-fi and fantasy, this space opera romance is an absolute delight.ā€ā€”BookBub

    ā€œI absolutely love it! This is 429 pages of reading joy.ā€ā€”Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

    ā€œA rocketship ride of star-crossed soulmates, Only Bad Options delighted me from start to finish! I highly recommend this romantic, action-packed space opera to all lovers of science fiction, fantasy, and romance!ā€ā€”Jeffe Kennedy, award-winning and best-selling author of Dark Wizard and The Pages of the Mind

    ā€œThe Galactic Bonds series has everything I craveā€”a delicious slow-burn romance, space opera intrigue and action, tension, danger, unlikely partnerships, and sci-fi fantasy elements that keep you guessing from start to finish. I highly recommend!ā€ā€”Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles