We are only a week away from the campaign wrapping up and we've got some big news!

First, we've hit our next stretch goal of $5,000 which means EVERYONE gets a FREE copy of The Crystalline Gate. I really had fun writing this story and giving some backstory and tidbits to develop in my Guardians of Camelot series. I hope you'll all enjoy it.

This also means it is time for a new poll! Make sure you vote on which story you want to unlock next!

We have also added a couple of new digital and physical add-ons for you to check out. While Captivity may have been Molly and my first foray into joint authorship, it is by no means the end. We wrote a twisty four-book angel academy series featuring the daughters of the Archangel Michael and Lucifer. It's got enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, a unique twist on angels and demons, mystery and drama.  Plus, both the e-book and the hardcover features additional art by Therena Carlin. She did an amazing job bringing our two heroines to life!

I challenge all of you to share this campaign with two people you know enjoy fantasy and specialty books by September 22nd. I think if we do that, we can absolutely unlock the next stretch goal!

I'll be frank, romance is not my strong suit. I much prefer action and mysteries to just building relationships. But when Molly and I set out to write Captivity, we'd intended that Aiden and Lorlei would find their way back to each other after horrible circumstance ripped them apart. It was supposed to take time. Aiden wasn't the man Lorelei fell in love with. In fact he had no memory of their time together at all. It would have been a bumpy road that ultimately ended up in happiness for the pair.

That didn't exactly work out.

While I won't spoil the ending for you, I will say that within the first four or five chapters, Douglas and Xander showed up and it became very obvious that our plan to reunite our two main characters was about to go off the rails. Douglas and Lorelei had a history of their own that preceded the start of our tale. And Xander was just so charismatic that Aiden couldn't help but be drawn to him.

And thus, the characters dictated that the plot undergo a significant narrative change. And who were we to argue? (Fun side note: I've only ever written one other book where the characters completely derailed my carefully laid plans). So this is not something that happens often for us. But in the log run, this shift in focus allowed us to tell a better story. One of redefining what it means to have a second chance at happiness. To embrace change and see the world through a different lens.

Part of what made this world so rich to us was that it was populated by so many different creatures who all shared the common goal to make the world a better place. I like to think a lot of us are just trying to do that.

So, if that type of story calls to you, come join the Magical Creature Underground and claim your copy today.

And if you can help spread the word, I know that we'll smash through our current goal and get a chance to rise even higher!

Well, the people have spoken and the first short story we will unlock when we hit $5,000 is The Crystalline Gate. The prequel to my Guardians of Camelot series, it is a century-spanning look at one pivotal character's life.

Right now, we are less than $600 away from adding this story to everyone's bag of goodies. Let's keep this backer train chugging along. Please share with any friends you know who might enjoy some fun fantasy reads! I think we can smash through this goal by Friday September 13th! Let's make that day extra lucky.

Today, I also wanted to share a couple of other Booktopia campaigns with you that I think you'll enjoy.

Fairy godmothers aren’t supposed to fall in love. This romantasy is perfect for fans of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas. This gorgeous limited-edition hardback with beautiful edges and interior art is not to be missed.

Fifteen delicious cocktail recipes. Fifteen darkly humorous short stories. One beautifully illustrated collection. And they're less than $300 away from unlocking additional illustrations!