Sneak Peek: Opening Image: Book 2 in the Animal Magic Series

The second book in my Animal Magic series is underway. It feels a little early to give a sneak peek, so this one is short. However, I’m excited to share the first bite from chapter 1. I hope you enjoy the light start to the novel and mild banter between Elodie and Talis.

“Is this the place?” Talis asked as he maneuvered his car into a parking spot under a streetlamp. The car was some kind of Mustang with racing stripes running through the center. Since the rest of the paint job was yellow, it reminded me of Bumblebee from the Transformers movies.

I re-read the instructions on my phone, keeping it low and shielding it with my childhood copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, so the glow wouldn’t draw attention our way. It’s not like the bright yellow car or overhead street lamp didn’t scream, look at us. This was supposed to be a surveillance mission.

I checked the street address and nodded, “1487 Murray Avenue.” I turned off my phone and tucked it under my book.

The windows of the former convenience store were boarded up, and a huge ‘For Sale’ sign loomed on the empty parking lot.

My fingers twitched on the door’s armrest while my other hand rested flat on my book. I bit my bottom lip, carefully considering my words. The thrum of my power coalesced through my contact with the book, and I whispered, “The car is black and unnoticed to anyone passing by.” A warm sensation melted through me and then flowed out. I could feel a mild residue around me as it dispersed into the car.

“El?” Talis’s brow lowered, and his eyes narrowed.

He was one of the few people who ever called me by the shortened form of my name, Elodie.

I removed my hand from the top of Harry Potter to break the connection with my power. “Bumblebee is a giveaway. I’m improving our stealth.”

Talis scoffed, but his lips perked upward. “Don’t knock the Bee,” he muttered.

I smiled. He didn’t like it when I called his pride and joy Bumblebee, but I think it was growing on him.

The vehicle was not the best for stakeouts or undercover work, but since Talis was driving, I was going with it. Besides, I didn’t have a say in the matter since I didn’t own a vehicle. Snow, the director of the Supernatural Response Team, had a few vans outfitted with tech gear. Most team members used their own vehicles and submitted receipts for reimbursement.

Talis and I were employees with the Supernatural Response Team and partners when on duty. His hero name was Cogsworth, since his power let him control time in short bursts. And my nickname was Belle since my power was channeled through books. One book, actually. I’d tried using other sources, and I never connected with them. There wasn’t anything special about my copy of Harry Potter. My power, for some unknown reason, resonated with the book. For this reason alone, the book was priceless.

Talis’s thumbs drummed on the steering wheel. “We should check it out.”

I side-eyed him. “This is surveillance only. We’re supposed to make sure Cruella is keeping the dogs here.”

Talis’s shoulders lifted. He swung his head in my direction with mischievously wiggling eyebrows and a grin. “Of course.”

I groaned and rested my head on the seat. “You’ll get us in trouble.”

“Come on.” He left the car, and I joined him on the sidewalk. Secretly, I supported Talis. Spending the night cooped up in the car and watching, hoping for something to happen, would be boring.

When the Real World and the Fantasy World Meet

Last week, I took a copy of my newest book, Superheroes and Bakeries, to the office. There’s a volunteer who loves my work, so she always wants to buy the next book. After passing the book off to her, I continued with my work, and she disappeared. She wasn’t volunteering, but had to be on site for a meeting. Anyway, a little while later, she peeks her head back into the office and says, ‘I got to page 37.’ While I had a good idea what she was referring to, I don’t actually know what’s on each page of the book. I responded with, ‘what’s on page 37?’ She said, ‘my name.’ She was quite pleased with the surprise.

This led to a big conversation about how my real world wiggles its way into my writing. And does it? The easy response is, yes. But truthfully, the answer is more complex. Are there other characters in Superheroes and Bakeries who are in my real life? Again, the easy response is, yes.

Names of people I know and experiences I’ve lived through find their way into my writing. However, the actual person is not the character, and the character is not the living individual. What do I mean?

Let’s take a look at The English Teacher’s Magic. This series is highly reflective of my first career in teaching English to international students. A lot of Matea’s, or Tea (TAY-ah), experiences were inspired by my own. While living abroad, I found that most places were not that different from Canada. (Much like Tea doesn’t find a lot of difference with the Fae Realm.) However, the differences I did experience were subtle. A person’s ethnic origin means they are socialized into a different set of behaviors. The things we learn at home are reinforced by society around us and are perceived as natural or ‘right’. As a result, we interpret meanings behind actions based on our socialization. (This is a bit of a deep dive into my undergraduate and graduate studies.)

All this explanation means my main character’s struggles had a lot to do with cultural foundations. Tea didn’t understand Lothair, one of the love interests. She had a hard time understanding her boss, Rose. And the students were another challenge. The idea of, ‘I’m doing right but it’s wrong’ was a common theme. It was also how I felt a lot of the time while living and working with other cultures. The statement means: I’m doing what I know is right based on my culture. What I’m doing is wrong for the adopted or foster culture. During my teaching career, most students resonated with this statement as they navigated their lives in Canada.

In previous blogs, I mentioned how Lothair’s and Tea’s love story was highly inspired by two of my students. (An arranged marriage of two students from Saudi Arabia.) Jacklyn was a character readers have a love-hate relationship with. I admit that too often, I’ve met teachers like Jacklyn. They are good at heart, and amazing teachers. They’ve also had a lot of bad experiences. Through Jacklyn, the book touched on a systemic issue. The issue happens when students and their families manipulate the administration, and a teacher is blamed. That said, there are many good and supportive administrators out there.

The volunteer mentioned earlier, commented on how much working at my present place of employment has impacted my writing. I suppose it’s true. I never would have met Marcy and Luca. Luca Becomes a Therapy Dog is a children’s book that was completely unplanned. As mentioned in a previous blog, Marcy provided real stories of Luca’s puppyhood that are in the book. However, the book itself never would have been written if I hadn’t met Marcy and Luca.

So does the real world seep into writing? The easy answer is, yes! The real world does indeed inspire the fantasy world.

Book Review: Waifs and Strays -Helen Harper

Are you a fan of Urban Fantasy? Do you like cats and werewolves? I came across Helen Harper’s Waifs and Strays at some point last year and added it to my wish list. A few weeks ago, I finally picked it up, and I’m loving it. So much so that I’m already on the third book. The fourth book isn’t available until the end of May, so I’m a bit disappointed about that.

What makes the series so good? It’s entertaining. There is a nice balance of pacing, conflict, and stakes that keeps a reader hooked. The book didn’t get boring. Each book is a mixture of cozy fantasy and cozy mystery. In the first book, there isn’t a death, but a kidnapping that creates the mystery. The second does have a death, and the third book has supernaturals who’ve lost their power.

A second enjoyable element was the characters. They were likable. Kit, the main character, is a Cat Sith. This means she takes a bit of fur from one of her cats. Once swallowed, she transforms into the cat’s double. The interactions between Kit and her felines were fun. As Kit wove through each story, something happened in each scene. This kept me guessing and interested. I wanted to know how she’d solve the problem or get herself out of the situation she was in. Kit is an engaging character. Each character she interacts with in the story world is engaging and interesting. The relationships didn’t feel contrived. While some characters were a bit much, the exaggeration was part of Harper’s writing’s charm.

The third captivating aspect of Harper’s series is the world-building. There is a lot that’s familiar about the supernatural creatures, people, and elements. Harper created unique inhabitants in the magical city of Coldstream, who have become hers.

At times, some of the details were confusing. At one point, I had totally misjudged a character as much older than she really was. In the first book, I had the impression that the character was probably in her seventies. In the second book, however, I learn she’s much younger. This did create some mild confusion. The characters do swear a bit more than I like in books. For me it is distracting and feels overdone or unnecessary. But this is probably more of a personal preference.

Overall, the books are very enjoyable, and I highly recommend delving into them. I’d easily give them a rating of 4 or 5 on Amazon and Goodreads. so if you’re looking for something to read, head over to Amazon and check the series.

Sneak Peek -Short Story from the Animal Magic series

As I’m busy working on the next book in the Animal Magic series, I wanted to share a short story. I wrote it in the summer and has a few mild similarities to the magic system used in Magic Denied.

This story is set in the same story world as Superheroes and Bakeries, but the characters are completely different. If you’re wondering if this is part of the next release, my answer is no. However, this scene might find its way into a future book.

Enjoy this short story as Rapunzel tries to take down the Villain Dame Gothel.

Rapunzel cringed and tossed her braid over her shoulder. The end of it thumped against her calf. Since her superpower was tied to the length of her hair, she wasn’t planning on cutting it any time soon. She took another step and winced when the pebbled apartment rooftop crunched under her. She’d risked coming up here at night to try and spot Dame Gothel.

There’d been a string of attacks against supernaturals resulting in the loss of their powers during the last month. The Supernatural Response Team started tracking the attacks after the first supernatural sought medical attention at Mercy Hospital. A hospital with specially trained medical professionals who understood super-naturals. The attacker was nicknamed Dame Gothel because it was believed she siphoned the power from super-naturals.

Rapunzel’s partner, Goldilocks, who could multiply herself into three fighting machines, was the most recent victim. She was recovering in the med ward at headquarters. Rapunzel took the attack personally. She had to catch the elusive villain and stop her.

Rapunzel crept along the rooftop, stepping lightly to avoid making a noise. She wasn’t sure why she felt she’d get a better view from up here, especially with the cover of night, but she’d seen nothing on the streets. Sometimes a different perspective was helpful.

A scuffle below alerted Rapunzel. She peered over the edge at the darkened alley. There were two people, but they appeared as dark shadows in the dim lighting. One figure’s head was covered in a hood and a cloak flowed down over their slight frame. Rapunzel guessed the small build belonged to a female. The other figure was… Prince Charming. She’d almost whispered. Most of the guys on the team were called Prince Charming since the females opted for code names of fairy tale heroines.

Rapunzel’s real name was Cressida, but she’d chosen Rapunzel as her superhero name since her power was tied to her hair.

The cloaked figure extended her hands towards Prince Charming, who backed up, planting his foot in a cardboard box. Momentarily distracted, the cloak figure curled her long fingers around his arm.

Prince Charming was strong. That was his ability, and he should have been able to easily slough off the cloaked figure’s hold. Instead, his body sagged.

Rapunzel wasn’t sure if the cloaked figure was the villain, Dame Gothel, but Prince Charming needed help. She loosened the end of her braid, so her hair was divided into numerous tiny braids. Taking one, she tied it around a large vent and tugged to make sure the knot would hold. Her power would work regardless. Rapunzel tossed her loose braids down the side of the building.

“Rapunzel, let your hair down,” she whispered, using the small braid as a repelling line. The power she channeled through her long locks strengthened the braid, holding her weight. Another neat feature of the super ability is that she didn’t feel the pull of the braid.

Prince Charming cried out. Rapunzel risked a glance over her shoulder as he fell to the ground. There were only a few feet to go. She jumped to the ground, and the braid still holding the vent on the roof loosened.

“Let him go.” Rapunzel added steel to her command.

The cloaked figure chuckled. “Almost done. You can be next.”

Rapunzel made a quick loop with one of her braids and sent it out like a lasso. It fell over the cloaked figure’s shoulders, and Rapunzel tightened the loop.

The cloaked figure stiffened and released her hold on Prince Charming. She turned and lifted her head.

Rapunzel couldn’t see the cloaked figure’s face, but her lips curved upwards. A slight weakness rushed through Rapunzel. Her knees crumpled, and she staggered. Planting a hand on the wall to steady herself, Rapunzel shook her head, but the weakness didn’t pass.

“Such power.” The woman’s voice sounded old and creaky, but delight coated it.

Rapunzel understood. “Dame Gothel!” The supervillain had weakened supernaturals because she’d siphoned their powers. It had been a guess, but now Rapunzel knew it for certain.  She grabbed a pair of shears and cut through the braid lassoing the villain.

“Dame Gothel? Is that what you’re calling me?” The woman chuckled. The voice sounded a little less creaky and younger. “I suppose it’s appropriate.”

Rapunzel sucked in a long breath as her power stabilized. The power increased with the length of her hair, but since her super ability manifested in her hair, Rapunzel was a bit perplexed about how to take down Dame Gothel. All she needed to do was get close enough to slap a pair of power shielding cuffs on the woman and take her in. But if the villain could siphon power by mere touch, how could Rapunzel do that?

Dame Gothel turned back to Prince Charming. “I’ll be with you when I’m done here.” She stretched out her long fingers.

Rapunzel’s braid, the one she’d cut off, lay on the ground. She gathered it up, knowing it no longer channeled her power, and made another loop with it. “I don’t think so.” She swung the braid overhead and tossed the loop, so it landed around Dame Gothel’s shoulders. Then, I pulled it tight.

Dame Gothel shook her head. “Haven’t you learned anything?” The woman’s eyes darted to the ground and then to the end of the braid in Rapunzel’s hand. “I see.”

Dame Gothel yanked on the braid, and since it was no longer attached to Rapunzel or Rapunzel’s power, it easily loosened. Once the villain was free, she turned from Prince Charming and faced Rapunzel.

“Don’t bother following me, but we will meet again.” Dame Gothel spun and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Rapunzel wasn’t sure if the smoke was dark grey or black. The back alley was shrouded in night with a trickle of streetlight from a block away. It was the only source of illumination save the stars and the moon above.

Dame Gothel was gone. Rapunzel let out a slow leak of air as her adrenaline settled. Gathering her cut braid, she went to her friend and knelt beside him. She felt for his pulse and was thankful he still breathed. It’d take him time to recover and restore his powers like the others.

Dame Gothel still ran free and had promised they’d meet again. Rapunzel had learned she can’t use her hair, her best weapon, against the old woman. But she’d brainstorm with the others and come up with a plan. For now, she had to call this in, get Prince Charming back to headquarters, and write a report. She grimaced. She hated writing reports.

Year in Review and New Year’s Sale on Urban Fantasy Books

Happy New Year! And a huge welcome to 2026! I realize this blog post is about 10 days late for a ‘year in review’ post. However, there’s a link to a huge Urban Fantasy ebook giveaway taking place today! January 10th. You’ll find the link at the end of the post. 

2025 saw a number of exciting releases, and a few of them were completely unexpected! In August, I published Magic Denied, a Rapunzel inspired story. I’ll be honest with you, I really went back and forth about releasing this book. As an author, sometimes I write something, and it’s for me. Usually when this happens, the book is more about me working through an idea or developing my craft. I like Magic Denied, and the more I considered it, the more I felt I should release it. It is a unique and fun spin on Rapunzel. I love the magic system in the book and the sweet romance.

At the start of 2025, I started writing Superheroes and Bakeries. I had begun the year with a personal commitment to write 1000 words a day. This goal was part of my motivation, but Keira’s journey easily wove together. And then came revisions and edits. By fall, the book was ready and posted for pre-sale, and went live on December 19th.

Both of these books have done amazingly well! So if you’re looking for a book to start off your 2026, then check them out! 

In previous blog posts, I’ve mentioned that Superheroes and Bakeries is a series, so you can expect more books! At present, I cannot provide a specific release date for the next book. I do hope to release one or two books this year, though. I’ll keep you updated here, along with some early chapter segments.

There were also two very unexpected releases in 2025. Luca Becomes a Therapy Dog is a children’s book that was a complete surprise. At work, we have a few different therapy dogs who visit, and I found Luca inspiring. I asked his owner if I could write a story about him, and she agreed. It was just a simple short story. She loved it and offered to do the pictures as she’s an artist. And before I knew it, the book was released. This book is also available on Amazon for purchase. Marcy and I are also working on additional books. 

The second unexpected release was the audiobook version of Realm of Magic and Terror. It is still available for .99cents/£ in the US and UK! I’m sorry to readers in other countries. Audible sets the sales, so I have very little to do with the deals or pricing. The recording for the second book in the series, Realm of Choice and Life, is underway. I hope to get started on the third book, Realm of Power and Unity, later this year! 

What else can be expected in 2026? I may have another audiobook release. In the fall of 2025, I looked at renting time in a recording studio. I am considering being the vocal artist for one of my books. Though I probably won’t get started on this project until the spring. Expect more news on this release later this year. As I’m the recording artist, I’ll be able to provide a few sneak peeks! 

And then there are a few other side thoughts that are percolating. I don’t quite feel ready to share these extra projects just yet. 

Wow! all that sounds like a lot. But as it’s timed out throughout the year, it won’t feel so overwhelming.

Okay, and for the special giveaway: Urban Fantasy Free For All All ebooks are free today, January 10th.

Wishing you all the best for 2026!
Have a wonderful day,
K.M. Wray

Book Review: Contracts and Cats by Toni Binns

The book, Contracts and Cats, kept popping up on my Instagram feed, so I downloaded it recently and dug in.

The story is set in a bookstore. The main character, Sable, arrives for a job interview and accepts the position. As a newly graduated university student with loans to pay back, she’s thrilled. But once she moves in, she finds out she can’t leave until her contract expires and her replacement is hired. It was a great beginning and had me hooked.

The story then went through each day with Sable making various kinds of coffee in the morning. Yes, the author did go into detail regarding the process of making coffee. Not too much detail, but repetitive. Though there are readers who love this kind of detailing.

Each day, the bookshop transformed for its expected customer(s). Some who were magical. Some who were non-magical humans. The shop itself was magical, and Sable was mentored by a talking cat who ran the shop.

Mostly, the story was entertaining and the characters were easy to like. The pacing was moderate and each new day held a little adventure as Sable met with the variety of customers. But that was the extent of the story.

There were hints of the cat’s real identity. There were hints of something more, and so I kept reading. In the final 2% of the book, we are given a huge reveal, followed by a cliffhanger. Because of this, I finished the book with mixed feelings. Overall, I loved the story and the characters. I am curious to read the next book. But I also feel disappointed. The story didn’t end in a proper conclusion. There was no growth (character arc) for the main character. She didn’t change, and throughout the story, I didn’t know what she wanted. There were lots of hints, though, that she and her family have magic. Essentially, the book felt like an entertaining introduction to a greater story.

Do I recommend reading it? Sure, the appearance of so many magical societies was appealing, and the world-building was rich. The characters were varied, and each gave a lot of life to the story.

I do plan on reading book two when it comes out. I sincerely hope the story progresses and more happens. I have a lot of questions, which I anticipate the author will answer. I also have high expectations for the various story threads the author introduced in book 1. My sincere hope is that Toni Binns fulfills her promises and ties everything up nicely!

What’s Next After Superheroes and Bakeries

Superheroes and Bakeries was released a week ago on December 19th, and it is off to a great start! I hope you’ve gotten your copy.

The book is urban fantasy with a touch of sweet romance and cozy feels. It is set in Victory Harbour, B.C. Canada. (NOTE: In Canada, we like the ‘ou’ instead of just an ‘o’ in some words.) Victory Harbour is not a real place, but is inspired by Victoria on Vancouver Island. I’ve had many opportunities to visit Victoria as I have family there, and the city is lovely.

So, to answer the burning question: will there be more? The best answer is, Yes! On the cover, it says, Book 1: Animal Magic Series. This is a big clue that more will be coming in the series. I mean, we have to find out what happens to Nico. Will his curse be lifted? And what about Snow? I’m a little curious about how she started the Supernatural Response Team. And will the Evil Queen create more havoc?

Will Keira and Chase’s story continue? Yes. I’ve set up this series as episodic. Some story ideas will have different main characters, but Keira and Chase will be a part of those stories. (Just between you and me, there may be a story or two more percolating for this couple.)

Honestly, having a very mild tie to beloved fairy tales presents endless ideas and spin-off opportunities. For now, my hope is for 2-3 more books in the coming year. The exact release dates are unknown at this time. The earliest may be August, but you can definitely expect something by the fall of 2026.

Are you working on other projects? Yes! I hope to finish the audiobook versions for The English Teacher’s Magic series. The first book, Realm of Magic and Terror, was released on December 4th and is doing great.

In the new year, Marcy and I are planning another children’s book (or two). Our first book, Luca Becomes a Therapy Dog, has been a huge hit locally. Luca is a real therapy dog who visits patients in hospitals and works with reading programs. He’s also been part of programs that help people who are displaced by fire or flooding. Marcy, Luca’s mom, and Luca are an amazing team. Our hope is to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales to two different charities. One is our local humane society, where Luca helps with the reading program, and I foster. The second is the Volunteer Guild at the hospital where Luca regularly visits.

Phew, that feels like a lot, but it’s all a pleasure. And just thinking of it all brings joy! Wishing you warmth and peace this holiday season and all the best in 2026.

Book Review: A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement by Julia Huni and Lia Huni

Before starting my murder mystery advent book (just finished it yesterday), I read A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement. This book popped up in an advertisement on social media. It sounded interesting and it ended up on my TBR pile.

It’s an interesting story and certainly held my attention. The pacing is moderate, so it was a steady, gentle read. It has cozy vibes. The story is set in a small, idyllic town called Safe Haven. It is a neutral zone between two warring nations and is protected by powerful elf magic.

The story is told from two points of view. William Ordell is a retired dragon rider who has been rejected by the new king of his nation. He finds refuge in Safe Haven in a run down lighthouse, which he begins restoring. He discovers water dragons nesting near his home and, with a group of friends, sets out to tame them. He plans to form a fire brigade with the dragons.

Calantha Stormbringer is the second point-of-view character. She started her life in Safe Haven, but developed magic. She was sent away to train, but now her magic is fading, so she’s returned home to retire. She’s inherited a bookstore that’s been closed for a few years. She spends her time preparing it for reopening while helping her new friends.

These two characters fought in opposing nations, so they initially didn’t like each other. Some of the conflict between the two at the start of the book feels contrived. However, as the story develops and the two interact more, a sweet love story develops between them.

Overall, I liked the book and am satisfied with the ending. There is a second book in the series, which I’ll probably read in the new year. If you’re looking for a light reading, then check out A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement on Amazon.

New Release: Superheroes and Bakeries

December 19th! When I chose that day as the release for Superheroes and Bakeries, it felt like such a long time. But now it is less than one week away. And I’m so excited for you to read it. It’s available on Amazon for pre-sale, so take a moment to check out the blurb.

Throughout this year, I’ve shared a few posts on the writing process. Some included the story world, the characters, and even a few sample chapters. Here are the links to the excerpts if you’d like to get caught up:

Superheroes and Bakeries is written like an episodic T.V. show. It is a completed story that is a part of a series. Each book in the series will continue the story lines, with some characters getting more than one book. I’ve compared the book to Supergirl and Once (Upon a Time). What does this look like? The book (and series) features female superheroes with regular day jobs and has very loose connections to beloved fairy tales.

This is an Urban Fantasy book with cozy fantasy vibes and a ‘found family’ trope. The romance is low spice/sweet (mild kissing) with a ‘stuck-together/bodyguard’ trope.

Thank you for taking the time to check out Superheroes and Bakeries.

Exploring Advent Calendar Books: A Unique Idea

I’m not sure why, but lately, advent calendars have been popping up wherever I look. Growing up, I remember the ones with chocolate. I think my brother and I had to share one. This meant he got the chocolate on the odd days, and I got it on the even days. I’ll be honest, sharing the chocolate kind of spoiled the fun. But there is something about receiving a surprise gift each day.

I was browsing on Amazon in November and discovered a vast variety of advent calendars! (Who knew??? Did you? My local Walmart still only sells the chocolate one. They have upped their game to include a variety of more specialty chocolates.) While visiting Amazon, I bought a few calendars as gifts for others. My aunt, who loves to puzzle, loved hers and couldn’t wait for December 1st.

In my search on Amazon, I came across advent calendar books. I did not know this was a thing, but of course it is. So I added a few to my Kindle and am presently working through one. It’s a murder mystery, which is not my go-to genre. The story structure is very Agatha Christie, so probably not the best one for me to try. The blurb sounded interesting. And a Christmas mystery sounded like a perfect way to try out the whole advent-book experience. I confess that, due to being busy, I’ve just started chapter two, so I’m behind. The story, however, is off to a great start and is not disappointing.

True advent books are meant to have ‘locked’ chapters that open each day. If it’s a physical book, I believe the chapters are wrapped, like an envelope, and open daily.

Anyway, I love the game idea attached to a book. What are your thoughts? Have you tried advent calendar books? Or a non-chocolate advent calendar? If you have, I loved to hear your thoughts and experience.