Claws Clause Series by Jessica Lynch

Paranormals exist. When the community finally came forward, finally announced that they’d been there all along, it wasn’t exactly a surprise. Centuries of stories, rumors, myths… deep down, humans knew they were out there. But, thanks to the modern era and technology’s rule, paranormals had no choice but to reveal themselves to the rest of the world. After the shock wore off, the humans reacted... moreParanormals exist. When the community finally came forward, finally announced that they’d been there all along, it wasn’t exactly a surprise. Centuries of stories, rumors, myths… deep down, humans knew they were out there. But, thanks to the modern era and technology’s rule, paranormals had no choice but to reveal themselves to the rest of the world. After the shock wore off, the humans reacted. While some were afraid, most accepted that witches, shifters, vampires, and ghosts firmly existed now—and the humans did so because of Ordinance 7304, a set of laws hurriedly put in place that the Paras had to follow. When the alternative was being thrown in a magic-free prison, there really was no choice. And, besides, Paras had lived side by side with humans for years. Now the humans just knew what their neighbors got up to at night. More than fifty years later, Ordinance 7304—also known as the Claws Clause—keeps the Paras in line, and gives the human population an illusion of safety. And why not? With the power of the entire government behind the laws, even an alpha wolf loses some of his strength. Because one of the biggies? When a shifter finds his fated mate, it doesn’t matter what his nose—or his body—says. His instincts might scream mine, but that doesn’t mean he can run off with his woman and claim her. To the humans, that’s kidnapping, and it’s a big no-no. Maddox Wolfe understood that… until the day he stumbled upon Evangeline and knew in an instant that this was the woman he’d spent twenty-six years waiting for. And while his wolf says take her, he knows he can’t woo his mate from inside of the Cage. She’s human, so he has to think like a human. Act like a human. Pretend he’s a human. That is, if he wants to make her his mate. less

In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance #7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…I remember—Three years ago, Maddox Wolfe lost his mate... moreIn a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance #7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…I remember—Three years ago, Maddox Wolfe lost his mate. Since there’s nothing more dangerous than a bonded shifter on his own, Ordinance #7304 gave him three choices: voluntary incarceration until he’s no longer deemed a threat; a lobotomy-like procedure performed by government-employed witches that would dissolve his bond; or, most final, a state-sanctioned execution so that he could be with his mate again. And while death held a certain appeal in the hazy days following the tragedy, Maddox had his family and his pack to live for. So, refusing to give up his memories of his sweet Evangeline, he chose to spend the rest of his days in the Cage.I forget—There's a hole in Evangeline Lewis's memory. The doctors tell her that it's normal, that she'll recover fully in time. After all, it's only been three years since the accident that nearly killed her. They never thought she'd wake up; a nagging, annoying sensation that something's wrong is the least of her worries. Especially since she has so much going on: a new apartment, a new job, her mother's well-meaning attempts at match-making... but tell that to her wayward psyche. By day, she can't shake the feeling that something's missing. And, by night, she can't escape the dreams of a shadow man with glowing golden eyes…It's entirely by chance when Maddox's brother follows that familiar scent to the beautiful brunette with the haunted smile. But Colt knows immediately what he's found: Maddox's mate, alive if not altogether well. Once he learns the truth, Maddox will stop at nothing to get her back, even if it he has to follow every twisted, convoluted letter of the ridiculous Claws Clause to do it.Hungry like a Wolf is the first full-length novel in a steamy paranormal romance series, featuring a determined alpha wolf shifter and the woman who cheated death to find her way back to him! less

In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance #7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…I remember—Three years ago, Maddox Wolfe lost his mate... moreIn a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance #7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…I remember—Three years ago, Maddox Wolfe lost his mate. Since there’s nothing more dangerous than a bonded shifter on his own, Ordinance #7304 gave him three choices: voluntary incarceration until he’s no longer deemed a threat; a lobotomy-like procedure performed by government-employed witches that would dissolve his bond; or, most final, a state-sanctioned execution so that he could be with his mate again. And while death held a certain appeal in the hazy days following the tragedy, Maddox had his family and his pack to live for. So, refusing to give up his memories of his sweet Evangeline, he chose to spend the rest of his days in the Cage.I forget—There's a hole in Evangeline Lewis's memory. The doctors tell her that it's normal, that she'll recover fully in time. After all, it's only been three years since the accident that nearly killed her. They never thought she'd wake up; a nagging, annoying sensation that something's wrong is the least of her worries. Especially since she has so much going on: a new apartment, a new job, her mother's well-meaning attempts at match-making... but tell that to her wayward psyche. By day, she can't shake the feeling that something's missing. And, by night, she can't escape the dreams of a shadow man with glowing golden eyes…It's entirely by chance when Maddox's brother follows that familiar scent to the beautiful brunette with the haunted smile. But Colt knows immediately what he's found: Maddox's mate, alive if not altogether well. Once he learns the truth, Maddox will stop at nothing to get her back, even if it he has to follow every twisted, convoluted letter of the ridiculous Claws Clause to do it.Hungry like a Wolf is the first full-length novel in a steamy paranormal romance series, featuring a determined alpha wolf shifter and the woman who cheated death to find her way back to him! less

Christmas is a time for togetherness. Of mistletoe, memories, and mating.​At least, it should be.With Priscilla still on the loose and the Nightwalker threat growing closer, Maddox uses their first as bonded mates to whisk Evangeline away from Wolf’s Creek and back to that secluded cabin on pack land.He thought the hardest part would be getting her there... moreChristmas is a time for togetherness. Of mistletoe, memories, and mating.​At least, it should be.With Priscilla still on the loose and the Nightwalker threat growing closer, Maddox uses their first as bonded mates to whisk Evangeline away from Wolf’s Creek and back to that secluded cabin on pack land.He thought the hardest part would be getting her there. Except, with the holiday growing closer and closer, it seems as if his mate is drifting further away—and it’s driving Maddox and his wolf absolutely crazy.Still suffering with regret for the three years they lost, Maddox decides this Christmas he’ll make it up to her with a secret gift that will bring the two of them together again.Evangeline, on the other hand, really doesn’t like secrets. There have been too many recently, and while her family, friends, and, most importantly, her beloved husband and mate all had their own reasons to protect her with their silence, the pain is still raw.Christmas in the cabin seemed like the perfect idea—until Maddox started to act strange. Long walks at night without her, disappearing during the afternoon, barely finding the time to touch her.Right after he claimed her, he couldn’t keep his paws off of her. Now? Nothing.And she can’t help but wonder if this one last secret will break her—or change her world forever...Of Mistletoe and Mating is a holiday short story (~17k words) that is set between/during Hungry Like a Wolf and Season of the WItch. It is a steamy Christmas tale, with some profanity, and is intended for adult readers only. less

He never wanted a mate. Until he found her—and now she's all he wants. In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized.  Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place... moreHe never wanted a mate. Until he found her—and now she's all he wants. In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized.  Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved… I won't— Colton Wolfe has never liked witches. There’s something about their magic. With a snap of a finger, a witch can cancel out his brute strength, razor-sharp claws, and inch-long fangs. It just isn’t natural. The Para-proof wards constructed by witches always made his fur itch, and it has bothered him for years how they betrayed all paranormals by selling their services to the highest bidders. Then a witch nearly killed him and his dislike turned into full-blown hate. His brother thinks his anger is unhealthy. Following his brush with near-death, Colt refuses to even talk to any packmates. Dodge, a ghost and his best friend, can’t even get through to him. Colt keeps himself confined to his workshop, shutting every one out. His wolf is just about rabid and he keeps his beast locked up tight. His wolf wants its mate. Colt won’t admit it, but he does, too. Only Shea is a witch. And Colt hates all witches— Doesn’t he? I can't— Shea Moonshadow is a healer first, a witch second. Considering her magic has a way of backfiring on her whenever she tries the simplest of spells, she sticks with what she knows will work. Her herbs and her poultices have never failed her before. Now if she could only say the same about her brother. Hudson is a Donor, a blood junkie who gives blood to vampires in exchange for a high only a dangerous Nightwalker can give. When he gets in over his head, he does what he’s always done: runs to Shea for help. She can’t say no. She’s never been able to say no. Not to Hudson. Not to anyone. And that’s how she finds herself pledged to a blood-bonding with an obsessed vampire. When a dangerous group of Paras move in on Colt’s territory, going after humans and paranormals alike, the Grayson Police Department recruit him to take on the vicious Nightwalkers. If it’s bad enough that Colt gets saddled with an old enemy, it’s even worse when he discovers that his almost-mate is in it up to her adorable purple eyes.  He might’ve put off claiming his mate. But no way in hell is Colt—or his wolf—going to let some Nightwalker scum take Shea away from him. * Season of the Witch is the second full-length novel in the Claws Clause series. It’s the story of a grumpy wolf shifter hero and the sassy witch who has cast a spell over him. With danger, intrigue, and heart, watch as Colton submits to the one woman meant for him. less

Adam's dead... but his new life is just beginning.Adam Wright is a Nightwalker. A turned human who is the worst kind of paranormal.And he hates it.He didn’t want to be a Para. He was proud to be a human, serving his community as a Grayson police officer. Sure, he lost the love of his life to a shifter, but he wasn’t a fan of Paras even before that.And now he is one.Only one problem... moreAdam's dead... but his new life is just beginning.Adam Wright is a Nightwalker. A turned human who is the worst kind of paranormal.And he hates it.He didn’t want to be a Para. He was proud to be a human, serving his community as a Grayson police officer. Sure, he lost the love of his life to a shifter, but he wasn’t a fan of Paras even before that.And now he is one.Only one problem. As a former Ant, and with a seething hatred for the type of vamp that did this to him, Adam doesn’t have any clue how to be a Nightwalker. Between the unbearable thirst, the newfound strength, and a rage that has him seeing red, he’s teetering on the edge of staying grounded and going rogue.Until he discovers that there’s a way for him to do both.Slayers are the bogeyman of the Para world. With some grit, determination, and an enchanted dagger, Adam dedicates his new life to hunting down killers… even if it means he becomes one.Rogue is a novella (~20k words) that is set a month after the second Claws Clause book, Season of the Witch, and is considered a prequel to the third title, Sunglasses at Night. It features the first meeting between Adam and Tabby, as well as his initial reaction to being turned into a vampire. less

He didn't want to be a Para. But she just might make it worth it.In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place... moreHe didn't want to be a Para. But she just might make it worth it.In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…** Full blurb to be posted later to avoid future spoilers ** less

He spent a hundred years waiting for her. She hated him in a heartbeat.In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place... moreHe spent a hundred years waiting for her. She hated him in a heartbeat.In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…I exist—Dodge McCoy is dead. Died more than a century ago, one of countless who never made it out of his New York City slum. And while a bullet might've ended his life, his afterlife was only just beginning.He's a ghost. A phantom. A spirit.And he’s just about gone.Without his fated mate—without his “key”—Dodge will experience his second (and final) death. For years, he put off searching, mainly because he still harbors scars over the betrayal that led to his first death. In his eyes, it would be better to fade away than let another woman tear his heart to shreds.Too bad it isn’t as easy as that. Turns out there’s a catch that no one’s ever mentioned to him before: when he dies again, so does his key.Which would be fine—if Dodge didn’t know who his key was. Since he does, and he’s been avoiding her for more than a decade, it doesn’t seem right to take the talented beauty with him when he goes.So, using the last of his energy, he leaves the Bumptown behind in search of the one woman who could save him…I escape—Laurel Kane is a star.America’s sweetheart since she was a teen, she stepped away from the limelight a few years ago. Rumors swirled, gossip bloggers coming up with the most outrageous reasons why she walked away from her high-profile career. Laurel heard it all and said nothing.What could she say?That she saw dead people?She always knew that Paras were out there. In Hollywood, nearly everyone had some kind of power—there just wasn’t anyone like her.Afraid she was losing her mind, she sought help and treatment, whatever it would take to stop the visions. But, ust when she thought she had, right on the cusp of her comeback, he shows up.Brash. Cocky. Arrogant. A relic from the past, the century-old ghost bumps into her and, to her surprise, she actually feels it.And that’s when she realizes her new sitcom might just have to be put on hold…With time running out and Death literally at their back, these two will have to get along long enough to break the curse tying them together—or else Dodge won’t be the only ghost.* Ghost of Jealousy is the fourth full-length novel in the Claws Clause series. It’s the story of a ghostly hero from another time and the secretive starlet who holds his life—and his heart—in her hands. less

He never thought he'd find the other half of his soul inside of a witch who's convinced she's soulless...In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place... moreHe never thought he'd find the other half of his soul inside of a witch who's convinced she's soulless...In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized. Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…***I chase—Azrael is an angel of death. These days, he’s the angel of death, at least on this side of the celestial planes. Though he’s not a reaper, Paras all know when they see the black wings, the flaming sword, and the scowl that he’s Death come for them.It’s all part of the deal he made. Formerly one of the Fallen, he had two paths to ascension: doing good deeds, earning points, and getting his halo—or passing a trial that made him a true angel with a job.He took the job, knowing there’s no quitting until he’s done.But that’s okay. Track down one hundred Para souls, escort them to the other side when it was their time to cross over, and then he’d be free to live as an ascended angel with all its powers, none of its pressures.Dodge McCoy was lucky number ninety-nine, and though he got a second chance at life, Az’s superiors decided that he counted. Which means that he has only one more to go.But when Az’s boss sends down the next name, Death goes cold. Because this soul? He already knows it. In fact, his soul has always known it, in this life and in previous incarnations.It’s Luciana, his soul’s mate.***I choose—Luciana la Sorcière is top witch.For the last sixty years, she’s been the CCO of Coventry—the Chief Casting Officer—and she always expected to be in charge for at least another fifty.And then Priscilla Winters went rogue.Cilla still wants to make the Alpha her bonded mate. Her latest plan? Take over Coventry—which means, first, taking out Luce.When an unexpected attack has Luce seconds away from dying, Death appears in the form of the most attractive male she’s ever seen before in her long, long life. But instead of sending her to the other side, he inadvertently triggers a bond between them.Witches don’t have fated mates. Luce in particular has never wanted a partner. A powerful loner with secrets of her own, she doesn’t know what to do with the bond.But Az does. He wants to keep it.And maybe she overdosed on some of her potions because, Goddess help her, she’s thinking about it.***Az and Luce are running on borrowed time. Their new bond has put a target on both of their backs, and if they don’t do something about it, it won’t be just Cilla who comes after them. The celestial auditors would like to have a word or two with Az about a missing soul…**Broken Wings is the fifth novel in the Claws Clause series. It’s the story of the lonely angel of death and the guarded witch who disregards everyone’s emotions—especially her own. less

His hold on his jaguar's leash is iron tight—until he discovers that his mate is in danger.In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized.Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place... moreHis hold on his jaguar's leash is iron tight—until he discovers that his mate is in danger.In a world where paranormals live side by side with humans, everybody knows about Ordinance 7304: the Bond Laws. Or, as the Paras snidely whisper to each other, the Claws Clause—a long and detailed set of laws that bonded couples must obey if they want their union to be recognized.Because it wasn’t already damn near impossible to find a fated mate in the first place. Now the government just has to get involved…I shudder—Bradley Fenton has never felt comfortable in his skin. As an alpha jaguar shifter, he struggled knowing that he was second-born, but far more dominant than his older brother, Travis.For years he’s been trying to tame his wild jaguar. Finally, after a routine spat with another packmate turned him nearly feral, he realizes that something has to change. So he put his jaguar on a leash, banished himself to the outskirts of pack territory, and devoted his protective nature to the Beta and his witch mate, Shea.When Colt decides that Brad is ready to return to the pack, he rejects the offer. Instead, he asks for another way to prove himself.And he gets it, when Maddox Wolfe announces that the Eastern Pack is making an alliance with the Dayborns—and Bradley is tasked with keeping their precious princess safe.A princess who just so happens to be this rough-and-tumble shifter’s fated mate…I shine—Rose Ryhill is a Dayborn. Born into the race instead of changed like a brutal Nightwalker, she can walk in the sun, sip blood like it’s the finest wine, and spin fanciful tales so long as they’re true.She’s also the heir to the Blood Throne, the sole daughter of the former queen of the Dayborns.Having grown up in the royal family, she’s used to the finer things in life. Suffice to say, her mother’s murder has opened her eyes to how cruel the new world can be. And the mysterious murderer who killed Queen Colette won’t stop until ever last drop of Ryhill blood is spilled.When a betrayal reveals that not even her closest allies can be trusted, Rose’s cousin turns to the Alpha of the Eastern Pack for help.Bradley was only supposed to keep her safe. But behind that tightly controlled facade is a male as wild as his beast—and Rose is discovering there is much the coddled princess of the vampires could learn from him…The whole Dayborn community would never accept that a shifter is a worthy enough mate for their precious princess. Deep down, he agrees, and he puts his own needs aside for the moment, taking the job instead of claiming his mate. On the plus side, protecting someone important to him does help calm his jaguar and, now that he knows Rose is his mate, there isn’t a single soul more important to him than she is.She needs a bodyguard? He’ll take the job to keep her safe—and when she is taken, he’ll use his claws and fangs to tear the world apart to bring her back to him.* Uptown Girl is the seventh full-length novel in the Claws Clause series. It’s the story of an obsessed alpha jaguar, a protected vampire princess, and a kidnapping plot that will change the world as the Paras and the Ants know it. less