Whispers from the Bayou Series by Sandra R. Neeley

Carnage Whispers From the Bayou Book 1 Raised by a father who curses the day she was born, Carolena finds herself in the swamps of south Louisiana under the guise of overseeing her father’s investments. In truth, she is making every attempt to avoid forced marriage to any of the men he would have her shipped off to. She’s always believed that her husband would love her, would give his very life just to hold her; not be a man who would marry her to claim her father’s wealth... moreCarnage Whispers From the Bayou Book 1 Raised by a father who curses the day she was born, Carolena finds herself in the swamps of south Louisiana under the guise of overseeing her father’s investments. In truth, she is making every attempt to avoid forced marriage to any of the men he would have her shipped off to. She’s always believed that her husband would love her, would give his very life just to hold her; not be a man who would marry her to claim her father’s wealth. When she arrives in the deep-south, she catches the eye of a local backwoods family of brothers. The eldest, Bobby, decides that he is deserving of a step-up in life, takes her against her will to his hovel of a home at the edge of the swamps to be shared between himself and his brothers. Carolena — not the shrinking flower they think her to be, flees into the deepest, darkest, wildest portion of the swamps in an effort to escape the brothers and their plans for her. Death at the hands of the creatures in these wetlands is a better option, in her mind. Little does she know, she’s also caught the eye of the most dangerous creature there, one of legend — of nightmares. He’s watching her every move, admiring her bravery — and he’s decided he’s keeping her. Carnage is a Gargoyle. He’s also volatile, dangerous, unpredictable, and lonely. One evening minding his own business at the edge of the sanctuary he calls home, he spies a female. A human female, and she’s running headlong into his swamps, with no regard for her own safety. Then he sees the reason; three men, and they’re hot on her trail, torches in hand, hell bent on catching her before she can get away. He watches as they get closer and closer to her, easily following her trail. Carnage makes a snap decision that changes both their lives forever; he drops out of a tree right behind her, slaps one clawed hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming, wraps her in his huge arms and goes right back to the treetops. He shelters her while the men traverse the ground below, unable to determine why her trail disappeared. Carnage admires this little female — she was brave to run into the swamps alone. There are many creatures lying in wait for just such a meal. But she no longer has to worry about that, because now she’s his. He only hopes that she doesn’t fear him too much once she gets a good look at his blue-grey skin, his fangs and his horns. Because regardless of what she thinks, or the rules of his community — he’s not giving her up. less

Destroy is beautiful, strong, charismatic and charming. He is also selfish, shallow, petty and jealous — or is he? One misunderstanding centuries ago resulted in his being labeled as not good enough, untrustworthy, self-serving. To hell with them, he knew who he really was! A strong, dependable, good male of strong character who was very pleasant to be around and even more pleasant to look at. If only he had a female or even friends to notice those things... moreDestroy is beautiful, strong, charismatic and charming. He is also selfish, shallow, petty and jealous — or is he? One misunderstanding centuries ago resulted in his being labeled as not good enough, untrustworthy, self-serving. To hell with them, he knew who he really was! A strong, dependable, good male of strong character who was very pleasant to be around and even more pleasant to look at. If only he had a female or even friends to notice those things. He’d been alone for so long the bitterness had begun to seep in. Why did no one give him the credit he deserved? Why could no one see him, the real him? Other males had friends, other males had found their females — why not him? It was maddening to watch it and not be able to experience it. Then suddenly, out of the blue, there she was — all he had to do was be himself, allow her to see his magnificence and convince her that she’s not evil. Her gifts are of no consequence to him. Yes, he feels her gift — her radiance, the light pouring from her. But that’s not why he’s drawn to her. It’s because she’s his, his very heart, his soul. Now if he can manage to keep her alive long enough to love him back, while he’s also trying to prove that he’s a male of value to his community, he may have a shot at this mate thing. Rowan is a young woman plagued since birth with a power so strong it’s uncontrollable. Some would call it a gift — a gift? Hmpf, some gift… her entire family was ostracized from their kumpaniia because of this gift. Most of that kumpaniia struck down, their lives taken from them by this gift. Her own family unable to settle, forced to leave their beloved Romania, constantly moving from one place to another in order to evade those that still hunt her — because of this gift. It’s not a gift, it’s a curse; it’s evil, and it draws evil to her. One day it will end with the destruction of all she would have loved if she’d had the chance. She keeps that part of her locked down tight, refusing to allow the magics that seep from her very pores out into the world. She can’t let anyone in, can’t allow anyone to get close. Not even the oh-so-sexy Gargoyle who fixates on her and declares that she’s his. He just doesn’t understand that it’s not her he’s drawn to, it’s the evil that lives inside her. She’ll have to run far and fast to keep those hunting her from finding her Goyle and the sanctuary he calls home. If giving her life for his is what she’s called on to do, she will, without a second thought. She loves him, even if he’s drawn to her under false pretenses. A power as old as time, so strong it’s killed to protect the small child it flows from. Locked down for decades, never allowed to ebb and flow as naturally as the elements it’s made from — it simmers on a slow boil, waiting for a chance to be released again. Its very essence draws all manner of creature to the woman the child has grown into — Windigos looking for redemption, Humans warped to the point of insanity hell bent on revenge… Will her refusal to see her gifts as they truly are result in her running headlong into her own blazing death? Or will those who love her be strong enough to save her in spite of herself and force her to accept who she really is? It’s time to stop running from herself. It’s time to put on her big girl panties, take a stand and accept her birthright. less

Vampires are often irresistibly sexy, powerful and misunderstood. Enthrall is all of those, and more. Being the leader of Whispers — a community of paranormals hidden deep within the south Louisiana swamps — is a difficult and lonely existence. He’s waited centuries to find his love, his mate. Then finally, when he’s all but given up, she’s there. Intelligent, beautiful and independent, she’s all he ever dreamed she’d be... moreVampires are often irresistibly sexy, powerful and misunderstood. Enthrall is all of those, and more. Being the leader of Whispers — a community of paranormals hidden deep within the south Louisiana swamps — is a difficult and lonely existence. He’s waited centuries to find his love, his mate. Then finally, when he’s all but given up, she’s there. Intelligent, beautiful and independent, she’s all he ever dreamed she’d be. He’s determined to sway her plans for the future, ensure that he’s the focus. There are just a couple of small problems. She has no idea he’s not human. And she’s dying, but she doesn’t even know it.Felicity is an attorney at the top of her game. She’s fought her way to the top of a male-dominated profession and is proud to have finally achieved all her dreams. Along with that comes an executorship over Clara’s House — a shelter for women in need. She shares that position with the most alluring man she’s ever met. Despite her attempts to focus on her career, he haunts her dreams, steals her attention from anything other than himself. She’s decided she can have both. Until one evening she watches him from afar as he disappears before her eyes. He’s got secrets, and now she’s determined to find out what they are.Felicity and Enthrall are undeniably drawn to one another. But still Enthrall hesitates to reveal himself to the tall, blonde beauty that holds his heart in the palm of her hands. His own humanity was stolen from him long ago, and he refuses to subject his mate to the same brutality. He must win her over, be sure that she loves him before he reveals himself to her and offers her forever at his side. The problem is, he’s running out of time. If he doesn't claim her soon, it may be too late. Little does he know, forces are at work against them. All choices, and any chance at a future may be taken away from them. Can they survive the threats that surface unexpectedly from the shadows? Will forgiveness heal or resentment taint what could be the only thing either of them ever truly needed?Warning: Intended for mature audiences. This book contains explicit love scenes, some violence, and possibly some abuse both real and inferred that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book. less

Lore is an Ancient and is just what his name describes - Lore. The lore of a thousand peoples and places, their magics and their beliefs all evolved over the passage of time and now walking the Earth as this male — Lore. He’s wandered this realm and the next for eons in search of his beloved mate. She was taken from him as punishment for his deviant behavior, and as retribution for betraying his own brother... moreLore is an Ancient and is just what his name describes - Lore. The lore of a thousand peoples and places, their magics and their beliefs all evolved over the passage of time and now walking the Earth as this male — Lore. He’s wandered this realm and the next for eons in search of his beloved mate. She was taken from him as punishment for his deviant behavior, and as retribution for betraying his own brother. He’s searched for so long he is near insanity — some even think he has crossed that line. Evangeline is a true innocent, lured from the safety of her brethren by a beautiful, sensual male filled with promises and magics as old as time. She’s locked away from everything she loves. She has no idea why — she has no memories. They’ve all been stolen from her. All she does know is that she has to remain hidden. Those who tend her tell her that her love wants to kill her, and they keep her imprisoned for her own good. Now if she could only remember her love, maybe she’d know who she should be hiding from. Lore refuses to cease his search for the female that holds not only his heart, but his soul. He’s long ago stopped believing that she’ll ever love him again — she doesn’t even remember him. But she’s locked away, treated as a prisoner in a place no innocent should ever be held, simply because she once loved him, she trusted him. And for that she suffers. He won’t stop until she can dance in the sunshine to her heart’s content, and he can hear her musical laughter on the winds. If it costs him his very existence, he’s willing to give it. Will he be able to find her this time, before his brother spirits her away from him again? He’s tired. He’s ready to give in to the insanity and nothingness that berate his mind on a daily basis. This is his last chance at saving her. Warning: Intended for mature audiences. This book contains intimate love scenes, some violence, and possibly some abuse both real and inferred that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book. less

Murder is the last of the gargoyles in Whispers to find his mate. Or so he thinks… A fateful mission into Hell to rescue his best friend’s stolen mate leads Murder to a female he can’t look away from. As he hangs helpless from the chains holding him secure in the Dark One’s torture cell, a quiet female with midnight-blue eyes tends his wounds and nurses him the best she can despite his snarls and warnings to leave him alone. He doesn’t understand why he’s soothed by her presence... moreMurder is the last of the gargoyles in Whispers to find his mate. Or so he thinks… A fateful mission into Hell to rescue his best friend’s stolen mate leads Murder to a female he can’t look away from. As he hangs helpless from the chains holding him secure in the Dark One’s torture cell, a quiet female with midnight-blue eyes tends his wounds and nurses him the best she can despite his snarls and warnings to leave him alone. He doesn’t understand why he’s soothed by her presence. Before he can figure it out, he’s rescued and whisked back to the place he calls home. But he finds he has only one desire… and he’s got to go back to Hell to retrieve it.Lucitari is an ancient. All her life she’s believed a mate is nothing more than a liability — someone to be used against you. It’s a weakness she cannot afford Which is why eons ago, she selflessly gave away the part of herself that calls to a mate. It was an impulsive, yet sensible decision — until now. Now she’s found her mate, but he’s claimed another. Her heart is breaking, yet even so, she wishes him well. She’s doing her best to put on a brave face, though it’s hard to do when he makes her so angry she struggles to control her temper. But she’s determined to be happy for him. A little. Maybe. The fates are never clear with their intent for the future. And life can be downright confusing. Like why a soothing pair of beautiful, mid-night blue eyes suddenly turn brown. Why the pull you feel for a mate is no longer a pull at all, and why an ancient who’s lived on the outskirts of your life for years suddenly seems to be all you can think about. For Murder it’s become a race against time to put all the pieces together before his real mate falls through his grasp forever. She’s hidden herself away from the pain he’s caused. If he can’t locate her in time, she’ll be lost, not only to him, but to all — forever. Warning: Intended for mature audiences. This book contains intimate love scenes, some violence, and possibly some abuse both real and inferred that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book. less

Centuries past, Amilanu made a foolish, spur of the moment decision. He’s been paying for it ever since. Sharing his body with The Dark One locked away in Hell has been punishment enough, but now that he’s managed to find his way to freedom it’s even worse. He’s found his mate, the one woman who holds his soul in her hands. But he can’t claim her, can’t love her, can’t even spend more than a few fleeting moments with her from time to time... moreCenturies past, Amilanu made a foolish, spur of the moment decision. He’s been paying for it ever since. Sharing his body with The Dark One locked away in Hell has been punishment enough, but now that he’s managed to find his way to freedom it’s even worse. He’s found his mate, the one woman who holds his soul in her hands. But he can’t claim her, can’t love her, can’t even spend more than a few fleeting moments with her from time to time. Every time he tries, The Dark One surges back to the forefront and regains control, threatening his woman and causing her nothing but heartache. He’s decided it’s best for her and the world in general if he simply destroys himself and, hopefully, The Dark One in the process. But then he hears his Aubreigne’s desperate pleas for help and has no choice but to go to her at once.Aubreigne has resigned herself to living the remainder of her life alone. She’s convinced herself she’s okay with that, but can’t stop her thoughts from lingering on the mysterious male who visits her home during the night, leaving her beautiful, painfully realistic sketches. It’s as though he’s trying to tell her something. She’d thought it was The Dark One for a time, but all he does when he’s near her is lash out cruelly, so surely it can’t be him. Yet it is — and just as she’s convinced herself she wants no part of the drawings or the male who’s left them, he’s back and he’s suffering. Seeing him hurting and so helpless, leaves her unable to do anything other than assist him. The last words from his mouth before he collapsed were a plea for her forgiveness. She doesn’t even know if she can save him, but she’s got to try.An unexpected threat stalks Aubreigne and those she loves. She finds out too late that the person representing that threat is more dangerous than any gave him credit for. Will Aubreigne move quickly enough to save those she loves most? Will Amilanu hear her call before he deals himself the final blow. All hinges on fate coming together and twining their lives in just the right way. One tiny misstep will destroy all Aubreigne holds dear.Warning: Intended for mature audiences. This book contains violence, abuse both real and inferred, and sexual situations that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book. less

“What fool believes that any Demon would choose happiness and forgiveness?! Obviously, I am the one Demon in all of creation who is that ridiculously foolish!”Odin has spent his entire adult life hiding himself away. Not from any one being, he has never feared anyone. He hides from memories. Those memories lay at the very core of all the bitterness that made him who he is. Well, memories and the fact that he is an Ice Demon... more“What fool believes that any Demon would choose happiness and forgiveness?! Obviously, I am the one Demon in all of creation who is that ridiculously foolish!”Odin has spent his entire adult life hiding himself away. Not from any one being, he has never feared anyone. He hides from memories. Those memories lay at the very core of all the bitterness that made him who he is. Well, memories and the fact that he is an Ice Demon. An Ice Demon who was long ago betrayed by a young girl he’d once considered the most important individual in the world. She’d shown him without a doubt how very little he was worth. She’d confirmed with her actions that he would never be more than a terrifying creature of the dark — and he’d been crushed. Oh, she wasn’t the first to hurt him, but she was certainly the last. He’d rushed away from her, bearing the humiliation of her rejection as he swore to himself that no other being would ever be given the chance to get the better of him in any way. And they hadn’t. He’d thought of her over the years, but not once had he lain eyes on her again. He remembered her in only one light... the destroyer of all trust.Why then, had the urgings of those on the outer edges of his life begun to irritate him like a nagging parasite nibbling at the edge of a festering wound? Their words kept him up at night. He could hear the words the ancient, Lily, had spoken to him, as she chided him. “You should go to her, Odin. You think she’s gone on with her life and forgotten all about you. You couldn’t be more wrong. You’re her last hope.” The more he thought of it, the angrier it made it him. He snarled as his thoughts were angrily voiced. “If I’m her last hope, she is pitifully mistaken if she believes that I would ever offer her a hand of protection!” As he shoved Lily’s words of warning away from his psyche, the softly worded suggestions of a friend’s new mate nudged at the edge of his consciousness with their sickly, sweet intent. “You should find her. Tell her why you disappeared so that you can have forgiveness and choose happiness.” “What fool believes that any Demon would choose happiness and forgiveness?!” Odin bellowed. Stomping noisily through the dense undergrowth and musty, damp carpet of decomposing leaves quickly taking on a sheen of ice beneath his feet, he became more and more disgusted with himself as he realized where his path was leading - away from Whispers. “Obviously, I am the one Demon in all of creation who is that ridiculously foolish!” He lifted his face to the darkened sky and let out a heart-stopping scream, then searched within himself for the fragile end of the microscopic thread of connection he’d intentionally allowed to languish all his life. Seizing on it buried deep inside, he followed it to its other end, and the female it had always, despite every effort to the contrary on his part, been connected to. Soon he’d see for himself why he was being urged to go to her. He’d let her know he was there, then he'd walk away. Or would he? Maybe he’d leave her to suffer. Maybe he’d stay and watch her suffer. Or maybe, just maybe, his heart would thaw just enough for him to rescue the female who’d once been the reason his heart had shattered in the first place.This book is ninth in the Whispers From the Bayou series, and is best enjoyed after familiarizing yourself with the rest of the series first.This book is a work of fiction. less