Dragon fire can be hidden, but never extinguished.
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Three years later, Ava is hiding more than a broken heart. She’s raising a fire-breathing daughter while hiding from everyone, including the dragon slayers who murdered her father and want her next. Dalton’s discovery that he has a child changes everything—and he’s determined to protect what’s his, no matter the cost.
With enemies closing in and passion rekindling, Ava and Dalton are forced back together in a deadly game of magic, loyalty, and desire. Forged in Flame is a sizzling paranormal romance of dragonfire, second chances, and a love powerful enough to change destiny.
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Catalog-4x5-1-scaled.jpg25602048Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2026-06-11 08:00:472026-06-15 11:10:50Painting in a New Old Way
I’m on the countdown to book 2 – Forged in Flame – of my contracted 4 from Varus Publishing. And if that seems fast to you, well, I agree. But it is what I signed up for. But the publishing schedule for four books in one year does mean that while one is getting published, I’m working at least one book in advance. And that also means that my side projects have become sidetracked.
Main Track
I’m contracted with Varus Publishing for a four-book paranormal romance series – Heart’s Curse, Forged in Flame, Curse Locked, and Fated Fortune – under my pen name Sirena Corbeau. Each book is a stand-alone, binge-worthy romance, sparked by the meddling of Dante Montanari, a 400-year-old dragon shifter. So, I’ve been busily bringing characters together, setting a few things on fire, and putting a very neat happily ever after on each of my stories. Because if there isn’t a happily ever after, then what are we even here for? I’m now THISSSSSSS close to wrapping up book four which means I’ll get a little bit of a reprieve to work on a few of the side projects.
Side Track 1
My first side track was, is, and always will be, art. As a graphic designer, I have always done other art, but for the first time in over ten years, I recently submitted some paintings to an art show and got in! Yay! But uh… crap… that’s time and attention going down that track.
Like a lot of my bright ideas, I see an opportunity, throw something at it, and only later realize that if I get said opportunity, I will have to do the work. And then invariably my friends ask what I thought would happen, and I always say the same thing – I wasn’t supposed to actually get it!
However, if I have learned anything from life is that people who attempt something are the people who get things. In fact, attempting things is almost a “life hack.” Are you mostly qualified for a job you want? Put that resume in. Have you been practicing that one hobby for years? Submit to that contest. Turns out that sometimes you get the things you try for.
I’m looking forward to this summer when I’ll get a chance to do more painting and hopefully submit to a few more art shows.
Side Track 2
Mysteries! Yes, I know I always say there is mystery in every genre (and if there’s not, there should be), but I’m now at the point where I have ideas for an actual mystery novel, and at least one short story, and I would like to write them. But how can I kill people off if I’m too busy making love connections? And then there’s the fact, that I’m currently Treasurer of the Mystery Writer’s of America Northwest Chapter. Surely, I should be writing at least one mystery. That seems like practically part of the job description. So yes, I’m looking forward to taking a brief pause on the paranormal to create a some dead bodies, see my Noir at the Bar friends, and solve a few mysteries.
Your Side Track
What about you? What project is dangling tantalizingly out of reach for you? Can you move it to the main track? Or do you have to clear some road blocks to get to it?
Forged in Flame – Book 2 of the Montanari Universe
Ava Flynn grew up unaware of her dragon heritage, raised by her human mother and stepfather. That changes when Dante Montanari’s nephew, billionaire dragon Dalton Rosetti, arrives—and sparks ignite. Their one night of passion leaves Ava with a secret baby and a future she must face alone. But when deadly enemies close in, Ava and her child are thrust back into Dalton’s world. To survive, she must decide: can she trust a bond forged in flame?
In a time where AI can make a lot of things appear to be real, I’ve come to value the real life photo that may or may not have the best lighting and might just have some goober tourist in the background. So recently, when a friend of mine traveled to Vegas and took my book with her, I was thrilled to get pics of my book traveling up and down the Vegas strip.
Traveling Homeward
Heart’s Curse (under my new paranormal romance pen name Sirena Corbeau) takes place in Vegas at the Lucky Heart Hotel & Casino. Newly acquired by the Montanari Corporation, and given to Lucas Kane to run, the Lucky Heart has one teeny, tiny, not that big of a deal problem… It’s cursed. Which means that this is a story about love, and romance, and also ghosts, blood pouring from the faucets, and—whoopsies—that darn curse that’s turning everyone into psychotic zombies which might not be that big of a problem if the hotel didn’t employ mobsters, vampires, and shifters. I thought it was the perfect vacation book and was happy to know she was taking it with her.
However, as I’m sure anyone who has tried to take attractive book pictures for Instagram has discovered, it’s not easy to get books to look exciting, not reflect anything weird in the cover, and also get an interesting background. My own efforts resulted in me discovering a newfound respect for product photographers. How is my shadow ALWAYS in the way? How is the book this shiny? Why does my hand look so weird!? So the fact that she took the time to not only take, but send me pics, absolutely made my day. The palm trees and blue, blue, blue Vegas sky make it absolute perfection. And also, can we take a moment to appreciate my friends perfectly contrasting nails? I love knowing that my book traveled to the land of it’s birth and hope to see many such snapshots in the future.
What about you? Would you take a picture of your beach read and send it to the author? (Or tag them on social media?)
Heart’s Curse
Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray has always been told she’s nothing special—just the magicless daughter of a powerful witch family. But when a disastrous spring break lands her in Las Vegas, she stumbles into the path of Lucas Kane, a dangerously magnetic casino boss with secrets of his own. Lucas is juggling mob ties, a cursed hotel, and powers he can never reveal. What he doesn’t need is a heartbroken college girl counting cards at his tables… or kissing him in front of her cheating ex. But when blood rains from the showers and guests descend into madness, Charlie proves she sees what no one else can—the curse that haunts the Lucky Heart’s Casino. To break it, she’ll have to embrace her hidden magic and trust Lucas with her heart. Because in Vegas, the stakes aren’t just money—they’re life, love, and destiny.
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SG-Traveling-Book-11-11.jpg10811081Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2026-05-25 11:59:342026-05-06 15:42:52Traveling the World with Books
Book covers in publishing can be fraught for authors. And by fraught I mean panic inducing. What a publisher thinks and what an author thinks a cover should be are very frequently not the same. And usually, an author is only allowed minimal input on a cover. While this is frustrating as an author, as a graphic designer, I do understand it. Authors get very exacting about their book and want to put every little detail into the cover, which can quickly become fussy and overwrought. Also, an author may not like the graphic trend that is currently selling in their genre. In short, authors are not always the best marketers of their own books. But from the author’s point of view, publishers or the designers may not grasp what the book is about and give it a weirdly off-tone look. Which is why you’ll find authors waiting for their covers to be revealed in nail-biting anticipation. And it’s also why I saw this cover and thought… Oh, thank goodness! The designer completely got my Hawaii Gothic theme. I can’t wait to get this into the hands of readers!
Authors rarely get much input into covers. Sometimes we’ll get only a “right of refusal.” Which means that we only get yes or no—no adjustments. And sometimes that can be used as a threat—if you say no, your book will be delayed. (If you thought publishing wasn’t a cutthroat business, think again.) But working with Varus Publishing has been lovely. They’re very willing to hear feedback and do their best to make adjustments. Getting the right vibe of a book to readers is as important to them as it is to the authors and they have a pretty extensive “discovery” process to attempt to get all the little nuggets of book thoughts, tropes, and vibes from the author to the designer. Which is why I feel that this cover is such a success.
So without further ado, please admire the brand new and fiery Forged in Flame cover!
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Three years later, Ava is hiding more than a broken heart. She’s raising a fire-breathing daughter while hiding from everyone, including the dragon slayers who murdered her father and want her next. Dalton’s discovery that he has a child changes everything—and he’s determined to protect what’s his, no matter the cost.
With enemies closing in and passion rekindling, Ava and Dalton are forced back together in a deadly game of magic, loyalty, and desire. Forged in Flame is a sizzling paranormal romance of dragonfire, second chances, and a love powerful enough to change destiny.
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/FiF_insta_Cover-Reveal.jpg10801080Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2026-05-16 13:52:182026-05-16 13:57:20Forged in Flame Cover Reveal!
Forged for Release!
/in General Writing, New Release, Paranormal Romance, Sirena Corbeaubook 2 of the Montanari Universe series!
BUY FORGED IN FLAME NOW: CLICK HERE
Dragon fire can be hidden, but never extinguished.
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Three years later, Ava is hiding more than a broken heart. She’s raising a fire-breathing daughter while hiding from everyone, including the dragon slayers who murdered her father and want her next. Dalton’s discovery that he has a child changes everything—and he’s determined to protect what’s his, no matter the cost.
With enemies closing in and passion rekindling, Ava and Dalton are forced back together in a deadly game of magic, loyalty, and desire. Forged in Flame is a sizzling paranormal romance of dragonfire, second chances, and a love powerful enough to change destiny.
What You’ll Find Inside Forged in Flame:
LEARN MORE: bethanymaines.com/catalog/sirena-corbeau/
BUY FORGED IN FLAME NOW: CLICK HERE
Painting in a New Old Way
/in General Writing, LifeSide Track to Success
/in General Writing, Life, The Stiletto GangCountdown!
I’m on the countdown to book 2 – Forged in Flame – of my contracted 4 from Varus Publishing. And if that seems fast to you, well, I agree. But it is what I signed up for. But the publishing schedule for four books in one year does mean that while one is getting published, I’m working at least one book in advance. And that also means that my side projects have become sidetracked.
Main Track
I’m contracted with Varus Publishing for a four-book paranormal romance series – Heart’s Curse, Forged in Flame, Curse Locked, and Fated Fortune – under my pen name Sirena Corbeau. Each book is a stand-alone, binge-worthy romance, sparked by the meddling of Dante Montanari, a 400-year-old dragon shifter. So, I’ve been busily bringing characters together, setting a few things on fire, and putting a very neat happily ever after on each of my stories. Because if there isn’t a happily ever after, then what are we even here for? I’m now THISSSSSSS close to wrapping up book four which means I’ll get a little bit of a reprieve to work on a few of the side projects.
My first side track was, is, and always will be, art. As a graphic designer, I have always done other art, but for the first time in over ten years, I recently submitted some paintings to an art show and got in! Yay! But uh… crap… that’s time and attention going down that track.
Like a lot of my bright ideas, I see an opportunity, throw something at it, and only later realize that if I get said opportunity, I will have to do the work. And then invariably my friends ask what I thought would happen, and I always say the same thing – I wasn’t supposed to actually get it!
However, if I have learned anything from life is that people who attempt something are the people who get things. In fact, attempting things is almost a “life hack.” Are you mostly qualified for a job you want? Put that resume in. Have you been practicing that one hobby for years? Submit to that contest. Turns out that sometimes you get the things you try for.
I’m looking forward to this summer when I’ll get a chance to do more painting and hopefully submit to a few more art shows.
Side Track 2
Mysteries! Yes, I know I always say there is mystery in every genre (and if there’s not, there should be), but I’m now at the point where I have ideas for an actual mystery novel, and at least one short story, and I would like to write them. But how can I kill people off if I’m too busy making love connections? And then there’s the fact, that I’m currently Treasurer of the Mystery Writer’s of America Northwest Chapter. Surely, I should be writing at least one mystery. That seems like practically part of the job description. So yes, I’m looking forward to taking a brief pause on the paranormal to create a some dead bodies, see my Noir at the Bar friends, and solve a few mysteries.
Your Side Track
What about you? What project is dangling tantalizingly out of reach for you? Can you move it to the main track? Or do you have to clear some road blocks to get to it?
Ava Flynn grew up unaware of her dragon heritage, raised by her human mother and stepfather. That changes when Dante Montanari’s nephew, billionaire dragon Dalton Rosetti, arrives—and sparks ignite. Their one night of passion leaves Ava with a secret baby and a future she must face alone. But when deadly enemies close in, Ava and her child are thrust back into Dalton’s world. To survive, she must decide: can she trust a bond forged in flame?
Release Date: June 30
PREORDER FORGED IN FLAME – CLICK HERE
Traveling the World with Books
/in General Writing, Life, The Stiletto GangIn a time where AI can make a lot of things appear to be real, I’ve come to value the real life photo that may or may not have the best lighting and might just have some goober tourist in the background. So recently, when a friend of mine traveled to Vegas and took my book with her, I was thrilled to get pics of my book traveling up and down the Vegas strip.
Traveling Homeward
Heart’s Curse (under my new paranormal romance pen name Sirena Corbeau) takes place in Vegas at the Lucky Heart Hotel & Casino. Newly acquired by the Montanari Corporation, and given to Lucas Kane to run, the Lucky Heart has one teeny, tiny, not that big of a deal problem… It’s cursed. Which means that this is a story about love, and romance, and also ghosts, blood pouring from the faucets, and—whoopsies—that darn curse that’s turning everyone into psychotic zombies which might not be that big of a problem if the hotel didn’t employ mobsters, vampires, and shifters. I thought it was the perfect vacation book and was happy to know she was taking it with her.
However, as I’m sure anyone who has tried to take attractive book pictures for Instagram has discovered, it’s not easy to get books to look exciting, not reflect anything weird in the cover, and also get an interesting background. My own efforts resulted in me discovering a newfound respect for product photographers. How is my shadow ALWAYS in the way? How is the book this shiny? Why does my hand look so weird!? So the fact that she took the time to not only take, but send me pics, absolutely made my day. The palm trees and blue, blue, blue Vegas sky make it absolute perfection. And also, can we take a moment to appreciate my friends perfectly contrasting nails? I love knowing that my book traveled to the land of it’s birth and hope to see many such snapshots in the future.
What about you? Would you take a picture of your beach read and send it to the author? (Or tag them on social media?)
Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray has always been told she’s nothing special—just the magicless daughter of a powerful witch family. But when a disastrous spring break lands her in Las Vegas, she stumbles into the path of Lucas Kane, a dangerously magnetic casino boss with secrets of his own. Lucas is juggling mob ties, a cursed hotel, and powers he can never reveal. What he doesn’t need is a heartbroken college girl counting cards at his tables… or kissing him in front of her cheating ex. But when blood rains from the showers and guests descend into madness, Charlie proves she sees what no one else can—the curse that haunts the Lucky Heart’s Casino. To break it, she’ll have to embrace her hidden magic and trust Lucas with her heart. Because in Vegas, the stakes aren’t just money—they’re life, love, and destiny.
BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/49fdeli
Forged in Flame Cover Reveal!
/in Paranormal Romance, Romance, Sirena CorbeauNew Cover Revealed!
Book covers in publishing can be fraught for authors. And by fraught I mean panic inducing. What a publisher thinks and what an author thinks a cover should be are very frequently not the same. And usually, an author is only allowed minimal input on a cover. While this is frustrating as an author, as a graphic designer, I do understand it. Authors get very exacting about their book and want to put every little detail into the cover, which can quickly become fussy and overwrought. Also, an author may not like the graphic trend that is currently selling in their genre. In short, authors are not always the best marketers of their own books. But from the author’s point of view, publishers or the designers may not grasp what the book is about and give it a weirdly off-tone look. Which is why you’ll find authors waiting for their covers to be revealed in nail-biting anticipation. And it’s also why I saw this cover and thought… Oh, thank goodness! The designer completely got my Hawaii Gothic theme. I can’t wait to get this into the hands of readers!
Authors rarely get much input into covers. Sometimes we’ll get only a “right of refusal.” Which means that we only get yes or no—no adjustments. And sometimes that can be used as a threat—if you say no, your book will be delayed. (If you thought publishing wasn’t a cutthroat business, think again.) But working with Varus Publishing has been lovely. They’re very willing to hear feedback and do their best to make adjustments. Getting the right vibe of a book to readers is as important to them as it is to the authors and they have a pretty extensive “discovery” process to attempt to get all the little nuggets of book thoughts, tropes, and vibes from the author to the designer. Which is why I feel that this cover is such a success.
So without further ado, please admire the brand new and fiery Forged in Flame cover!
Forged in Flame Cover!
PRE-ORDER: https://amzn.to/3RJYJk3
RELEASE DATE: June 30th
SIGN UP TO BE AN ADVANCE READER: ARC Form
Forged in Flame:
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Three years later, Ava is hiding more than a broken heart. She’s raising a fire-breathing daughter while hiding from everyone, including the dragon slayers who murdered her father and want her next. Dalton’s discovery that he has a child changes everything—and he’s determined to protect what’s his, no matter the cost.
With enemies closing in and passion rekindling, Ava and Dalton are forced back together in a deadly game of magic, loyalty, and desire. Forged in Flame is a sizzling paranormal romance of dragonfire, second chances, and a love powerful enough to change destiny.