Life Here In the Upper Peninsula

Hello, I'm Gemma K. Murray. I write urban fantasy/paranormal romance set in the U.P. of Michigan.

I get a lot of questions from people about what life is like in the U.P. I never know how to answer it. Life here is like life anywhere else. We work, play, pay bills, etc. just like everyone else.
Then, I really think about it. I've live in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, but I'm back in Michigan for a reason.

Life in the Upper Peninsula is unique. We are part of the state of Michigan, but it is like a whole other world here. I've crossed the Big Mac (Mackinac Bridge) more than once this last year and I can  honestly tell you that when I cross back into the U.P., I feel like home.
Home to me is a place where peace flows over you, a place where you are safe and no harm can come to you. 
I enjoy a laid back way of life. There is no rushing here, rushing there. Places close for the holidays. There is no running to Burger King late on Christmas Eve. Our little town rolls up the sidewalks fairly early. Unless it is a gas station, you don't find 24 hour stores.
We know our neighbors and they know us. Being a Yooper is a privilege and a responsiblity, something I take to heart.
The residents on the fictional town of Cedar River feel the same way. They may fuss, argue, and fight amongst themselves (shifters tend to do that), but in a time of crisis, they bond together tighter than anything.

This series started with a dream. I never expected to see it in print. I didn't think it would ever see the light of day.

Then, the second story began and I saw the endless possibilities. So, the Cedar River series continues. 

Cedar River, Michigan is a wonderful place to fall in love. Some people see change as a good thing, but there are a few others who can’t let go of the “old ways.” “Breeds should stay within their breeds,” they say.

Adam Thomas is the deputy sheriff in Cedar River. His black puma shifter side got him released from the military and sent back home. His demons followed, but they are nothing compared to the ones within his pride.

Luna McIntyre is the only daughter and shaman to the McIntyre pack. She is tired of being smothered and told what to do in regards to her life. She’s opened a sweet shop and moved forward with her life. However, the love of her teen years is back in town and her family is trying to rein her in again.

Someone in this small town is so set in their beliefs that they can’t see how love is sometimes simply love. Cats and canines may be natural born enemies, but love may be enough to get past the differences.

EXCERPT-

I’ll never forget the first look I got of Adam. He wore his bad attitude like a well-worn pair of jeans. Gods, I wanted to be the woman to tame his wild side. The anger radiated off him in waves, but I knew in my heart that he was simply hurting.

Every year since I could remember, the pack and the pride would lay aside their differences and would help with the clearing of downed trees in the woods between the two lands. Roman Pierce recruited Adam to help. He was a young and able body. His lanky muscles bunched and relaxed with each piece of wood he tossed into the waiting trailers. My mouth still waters at that memory. Then, Adam got arrested. My dad warned me to stay away from Adam, but there was something about that young man. I started to make excuses to go into town with my girlfriends in hopes of catching his eye.

“He’s nothing but bad news, Luna,” my friend, Maria, said.

“If that’s what bad news looks like, you can deliver it to me every day,” was my reply.

Adam’s black hair was always in his eyes, but when those piercing green eyes turned my way, I felt my insides melt. A mere glance from the Pierce Pride bad boy sent my heart racing. I would watch him in the halls at school and on the football field. His speed made him the best receiver on the Cedar River Miners. I’d watch him on the side lines palling around with “Bodacious” Bowie Golden. Those two together were enough to make a girl’s panties drop with a simple smile.

Available at Leap of Faith Publishing (in every format) or Amazon.

Here are the places you can find me online, I look forward to hearing from you:

Website: http://gemmakmurray.com

Blog: http://gemmakmurray.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GemmaKMurray

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/GemmaKMurray

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GemmaKMurray

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5781668.Gemma_K_Murray

Cedar River series FB page: http://www.facebook.com/CedarRiverSeries

Google+- https://plus.google.com/u/0/101718012277292346920/posts?tab=XX