The Commons Trilogy

Rih'venna Tegault, a royal of the powerful Kalen Empire, is desperate not to attract unwanted attention from her family while she fulfills her duties as an interplanetary law enforcement officer. Her life is stark and isolated, but she has survived the vicious royal court this long. Unlike many. Then the unthinkable happens, and she falls in love with Court MacAulay, a policeman from a human colony world. Such a relationship is utterly forbidden, but the ridiculous fantasy of a future together keeps her going through her grim, lonely days.

Court has quietly fallen in love with the stoic cop from another world. As they've worked together, he's seen past Venna's haunted eyes and recognizes her courage, her dedication and the shy trust she's placed in him. He also knows that as a royal of the formidable and deadly Kalen Empire, she's far beyond his reach. But when Venna and Court are forced into hiding to survive insurrection on his planet, the forbidden proves too tempting. And there will be no hiding her evident mating bond or the half-human child she carries.

When her terrifying grandmother, the empress, summons Venna and Court to the heart of the empire, they are thrust into the spotlight where they must deal with murderous relatives, conniving courtiers, prejudiced servants, the empress's hidden agenda, and the uncertain fate of Court's home world. Treading a thin line between obedience to the empire and treason, they must build upon their fragile trust for the three of them to survive.

Common Ground is the first book in the Commons trilogy, but can be read as a standalone.

Widowed far too young, Carmen Wilkinson does appreciate her quiet life on the human colony world of Shangri-La. Her sons are thriving, and her job is satisfying. The only thing missing is some male companionship, but pickings are slim in tiny Oceanview. Then Fate drops a very handsome, very broken, man in her lap. The kalen security specialist guards her brother in his role as human envoy to the planet Ardus, has even saved his life. Supervising his recovery from a serious car accident on her home planet is the least she can do.

Valdir Guyanne's career is protecting others. He had high hopes for opening a new branch of Guyanne Securities on Shangri-La, but now he's immobilized and vulnerable on a planet with more anti-kalen sentiment than he expected. Then, out of nowhere, this small woman comes to his rescue and takes him into her home. He's never met a woman like her, with her red hair and highly alluring yoga. But she is the sister of his biggest client and therefore out of bounds.

When Carmen takes Guyanne to Oceanview for the remainder of his recovery, the whispers of neighbors, the close quarters, the intimate care . . . and the yoga bring the tension between two lonely people from a simmer to a boil. But their wild chemistry isn't the only source of tension as Guyanne, Carmen and her children are unexpectedly forced to flee to Ardus. Now it's Carmen who is immersed in an alien society. Can their budding relationship survive? Can Guyanne deal with the shadows from the past that threaten not only all those he cares about but also the Kalen Empire itself?

Common Sense is the second book in the Commons Trilogy which begins with Common Ground.

Rih'mirani Tane, royal granddaughter of the empress of the Kalen Empire, struggles to be taken seriously, even after surviving a treasonous attack that should have killed her. Her reputation as an immature girl desperate for male attention has followed her into adulthood. If only royals were valued for more than their ability to produce a high-caste heir. But she must learn how to rule. She can't hide away in the little village of Selah-Alor for much longer. When she returns to the capital, she will change her image into a sophisticated royal to be reckoned with. A dutiful heir. Alas, she immediately veers off her path by falling for an unsuitable mate—the empress's low-caste former lover.

Ivers Mailaig has been having a bad orbit. Discarded by the empress, he is struggling to get back on his professional and personal feet. It is exactly the wrong time to notice just how lovely the former troublemaker Mirani is. Right now, he is the worst thing for her. He must convince her that doing her duty to the empire is more important than their personal happiness.

But hearts and headstrong women are hard to tell what to do. Can the two mismatched lovers find a way to meet their obligations to the empress and the Kalen Empire while battling dangerous conspirators who have already cost both of them so much? Will there ever be a time when they can live just for themselves?

Common Cause is the third book in the Commons Trilogy. The previous books are Common Ground and Common Sense.