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Nicki J. Markus Nicki J. Markus i(8400414 works by)
Also writes as: Asta Idonea
Born: Established: 1982
c
England,
c
c
United Kingdom (UK),
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Western Europe, Europe,
;
Gender: Female
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Works By

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1 y separately published work icon Blood Is Forever Asta Idonea , New Mexico : Ninestar Press , 2019 19778641 2019 single work novel fantasy romance

'As a fae-vampire hybrid, scorned by all, Holden’s life has never been easy. The one bright spot is his job testing blood at supernatural crime scenes. It’s routine work, until the day he finds a victim he can’t read.

'When one murder becomes two, and then three, it’s clear there’s a serial killer on the loose—one with a penchant for collecting hearts. Finding the bad guy could cement Holden’s career, but he’s drawing a blank. And it doesn’t help that the expert his boss calls in to assist him is the man Holden’s been crushing on for years.

'With lives hanging in the balance, Holden and Val must solve the case before the killer strikes again. But will they come out with their hearts still intact?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon A Stitch in Time Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2019 18518017 2019 single work novella romance

'When Connor’s friend signs him up for a crochet course, the last thing he expects is to find love. However, at the community center, he meets hunky Finn. There’s only one problem: Finn assumes Connor’s there for the boxing class, and Connor lets him believe it, worried Finn will ditch him if he knows Connor prefers crafting to upper cuts. Can they salvage the situation when the truth comes out?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Souls for Sale Asta Idonea , New Mexico : Ninestar Press , 2018 19778764 2018 single work novella fantasy romance

'When demon Saul persuades comic book artist Tom to sign over his soul in exchange for a night of passion, little does he know what lies in store. Demons can’t fall in love—or so he’s been told—but he finds himself smitten and attempts to destroy the contract, desperate to save Tom from an eternity of torture.

'With Saul and Tom forced to run, a showdown between Heaven and Hell ensues as the angels and demons argue over who owns Tom’s soul. But does either party have a stronger claim than Saul?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Beastly Businessmen and Guitar Gods Asta Idonea , New Mexico : Ninestar Press , 2018 19778722 2018 selected work short story

'They say magic doesn’t exist in our modern age. But is that really true?

'Without magic, how could a stolen guitar or a lost shoe lead to love?

'What could spark romance at a workplace assessment, or turn a mean-spirited monster into a man?

'Six fairytales and myths receive a contemporary MM twist in this collection of stories, which prove that sometimes the mundane can be magical too.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Barbies and Beaches Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2018 18517949 2018 single work novella romance

'For the first time ever, Shane is not looking forward to the annual Boxing Day barbeque at Matty’s house. He recently divorced, none of his friends know what to say to him now, and Shane is tired of the pity and awkwardness. Things take a turn, however, when he meets Matty’s English cousin. Neil is struggling with the Australian heat, having left the UK after a bad breakup. When Shane suggests the two of them head to a secluded beach to cool off, the growing intimacy between them might make both reassess their current situation.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Super for You, Bad for Me Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2018 18517883 2018 single work novel romance fantasy

'Life—and love—doesn’t follow a script.

'Struggling actor Oswell Outterridge thinks he’s hit the jackpot when he’s chosen to play a scene opposite his idol, Kane Teague, in a superhero movie. However, things take an unexpected turn when the slime he accidentally ingests gives him telekinetic powers. Then Kane asks him out, against all expectation, and it seems that life couldn’t get any better—aside from the little matter of keeping his identity secret from his celebrity boyfriend.

'Oswell goes from a nobody with little social life and few prospects for the future to dating the man of his dreams and using his superhuman abilities to defend innocents. Everything is perfect, and it seems he’s finally achieved a happily ever after worthy of the silver screen. But when a supervillain arrives, determined to defeat Oswell and win Kane’s affections, everything falls apart. In the ensuing conflict, Kane gets caught in the crossfire, and Oswell faces his toughest fight yet. Can he remain the hero he’s always imagined himself, or will a dark desire for vengeance change him forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Of Printers and Presents Asta Idonea , New Mexico : Ninestar Press , 2017 19778863 2017 single work novella romance

'Colleagues Ford and Vaughan have long admired each other from afar, but Vaughan’s shyness and Ford’s emotional hang-ups have meant that neither has made a move. That all changes when they draw each other’s name in the office Secret Santa.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Old Acquaintance Asta Idonea , New Mexico : Ninestar Press , 2017 19778817 2017 single work novella romance

'Damon is getting over a bad breakup. Ioan is painfully shy. Neither expects to enjoy the New Year’s Eve party to which their mutual friend, Katie, has dragged them. However, their unexpected reunion may make them change their minds by the time midnight strikes.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Wish You Were Here Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2017 18517810 2017 single work novella romance fantasy

'The death of Oakley’s sister has left his family broken and buried beneath their grief. In an attempt to get out from underneath their pain, they rent an isolated cottage in the Cotswolds. For Oakley, it’s an exercise in futility. He doesn’t see much hope for things to get back to the way they used to be, and he’s bored and restless as he waits out the time until he can return to the city and university. All of that changes when he meets local boy Bobby, and the connection between them is instant. Within a few days, Oakley is ready to walk away from everything to stay with Bobby. However, Bobby has problems of his own, and they might be more than the budding romance can survive. But they might also give Oakley a new perspective on his own situation.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Santa for Hire Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2016 18517732 2016 single work novella romance

'Dumped by his ex on Christmas Eve two years ago, Oxford Street department store manager Richard Barratt now hates the holidays. Things go from bad to worse when the store's usual Santa is too ill to reprise his role and the firm sends cocky but handsome Blaine Ryder to take his place. The attraction between the two is clear, but Blaine is an incorrigible player who reminds Richard of his ex. His idea of a relationship is a quick roll in the hay, and his advances have Richard running for the hills. It might take some special intervention for both of them to realize they can change enough to have a chance at a holiday romance.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Quiet as a Mouse Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2016 18517661 2016 single work novella fantasy romance

'Upon moving to a new town, shy shifter Paul is instantly smitten with local choirmaster Cale. Wanting to spend as much time with Cale as possible, he becomes the proverbial church mouse so he can enjoy Cale’s music without revealing his feelings. But when Cale sees him and traps are set, Paul faces a difficult choice. What does he want out of life, and does he have the courage to go after it? Will he be a man… or a mouse?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Fire Up My Heart Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2016 18517605 2016 single work novella science fiction romance

'London bartender Fane thinks he’s hit the jackpot when he finds a rare and expensive service Bot discarded in a dumpster, and he takes it home to get it working again. The Jo-E brings some much-needed companionship to Fane’s lonely life, but there’s something different about this Bot, as indicated by its odd behavior. Fane’s developing feelings toward Jo-E trouble him, and things go from bad to worse when a robotics engineer arrives on Fane’s doorstep, demanding the return of his property. Fane is forced to choose between a hefty reward and following his heart. Giving in to his forbidden desires might get him killed—or change his life forever.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon The Ragnarök Chronicles Nicki J. Markus , Newton : Nicola Markus , 2015 8400550 2015 single work novel fantasy

'For Ragnarök will be completed....

'Nothing marks Cassandra out - except her visions. She's only ever seen small, insignificant things. That is until the strange frost arrives.

'With her normal life turned upside down, Cassandra is plunged into an extraordinary and terrifying world of Norse gods and rampaging giants, ancient feuds and broken prophecies.

'A handsome stranger offers aid. But can Cassandra really trust him? More importantly, can she trust her own judgement when his slightest touch sets her heart and her body aflame?' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Time Keepers Nicki J. Markus , Newton : Nicola Markus , 2015 8400498 2015 single work novel fantasy

'In the not-so-distant future, Supernaturals have announced their presence to the world. But now a secret government agency is rounding them up, hoping to use them for its own purposes.

'With Supernaturals going missing every day, Nick has been careful to guard his own secret, never giving anyone reason to notice him. That is until Ellie comes careering into his life.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Northern Lights Asta Idonea , Tallahassee : Dreamspinner Press , 2015 18517498 2015 single work novella romance

'A dream romantic vacation to Iceland to see the Northern Lights turns into a nightmare when James’s workaholic boyfriend, Richard, again insists on putting his work first. After a call from Richard’s office, an argument ends with the couple splitting up for good. Not only has Richard left James, he’s left him abandoned to explore the park alone, where James quickly gets lost. But just when things seem darkest, the Solstice works its magic, and James finds the guiding light he needs. Or it finds him.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Day-Walker Nicki J. Markus , Newton : Nicola Markus , 2011 8400449 2011 single work novel fantasy

'When Darci meets a mysterious stranger, she is instantly smitten. Will is the perfect gentleman and seems to be everything she has been waiting for. But Will has a terrifying secret and soon Darci finds herself in grave peril. Will her love for him give her the strength she’ll need to prevail against overwhelming odds?

'Will is drawn to Darci from the moment she steps onto the stage. He knows he shouldn’t approach her, knows his secret could put her in danger if he gets too close. But he also realizes that he cannot live without her. When his enemies learn of Darci’s existence and emerge from the shadows, Will must fight to save the woman he loves… even though it may require the ultimate sacrifice.

'For creatures are stirring in the darkness; creatures that long to infiltrate the light.' (Publication summary)

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