Contaminated

by Amanda Milo

  I needed a curse to go along with my enchanted flower and my beasts. The curse over the castle became a genetic misfortune over a land of people. The real-life condition of the Genneӝt aliens' disorder is based on Spinocerebellar ataxia. There’s so much more information available online now than there was a few years ago and it’s wonderful to see there’s been progress in testing for the disorder. Spinocerebellar ataxia happens in both people and animals, and you never know who has the mutated gene for it until it doubles up and expresses itself on unsuspecting offspring. There isn’t yet a cure but in some cases where the ataxia has been impairing the body’s ability to utilize vitamins, high doses of vitamin E can improve a patient’s neurological condition OR stop disease progression if it’s administered early. Thankfully, in fiction—especially in a Beauty and the Beast retelling where there gets to be a magical break in the enchantment—we get to have recovery and happy endings for all affected <3. YAY!!!

  'Medusa head ataxia' kept coming up in articles during searches, and the name Medusa stuck out strong. Cue waaaay too long sessions of pointless (for this project) but entertaining research on Greek mythology. However, it wasn’t entirely fruitless: Dionysios Skytobrachion happened to be an author who penned details about the Medusa legend back when legends were being born. And that’s how Nancy got her alien name =D. (But it was almost, almost Audrey ala Little Shop of Horrors’—yes, the infamous carnivorous plant from the movie and plays. XD)

  Originally, Nancy’s name was Orri Bjarnardóttir. After Erreck proposed Skytobrachion, it was shortened to Skytorri. I liked it! But then a couple of wonderful readers began discussing the fact that they never see their names used for a romance story heroine lead.

  I was fascinated.

  I had never seen ‘Nancy’ as a heroine's name either, despite it being a common name now and throughout history. Huh! So, I snapped up that Name Challenge and grabbed Nancy! (Bye Orri! Maybe another time, another book, another hero!)

  Because combing facts about the condition involved a whole lot of latin, inspiry led to our flower getting its name origins from flos morsu, which in latin translates (um, so says Google) into bite flower. Therefore: Morsuflos! :D

  More word inspiry: Lʊʊnjaɠ originated from Jake Leg Syndrome. Sufferers of Jake Leg contracted this malady from drinking improperly distilled moonshine, and they stumbled or had severe difficulty walking due to the resulting paralysis. Jake Leg + Moonshine became Loonjake which became Lʊʊnjaɠ. FUN.

  Whew!

  Before I say goodbye, I want to shout out a special, heartfelt thanks for reading this book. To all you beautiful souls who rent and purchase my stories: you allow me to keep writing them with the lights on. I cannot, *cannot* express how much I appreciate you. If you get the chance to review: Thank You for this too. It helps so much!! I am so thankful you read my books and tell others to do the same!

  As always, I hope your next read is a wonderful one <3.

  Much love and many Rakhii hugs, ]:D

  Amanda ♥

  Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cR_CNf

  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amanda-milo

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16779020.Amanda_Milo

  https://AmandaMilo.com/

  Facebook.com/groups/325214527918396/

  Cosmic Fairy Tales

  In addition to the book recommendations I try to share at the end of each story, I’m going to give you links to the Cosmic Series. Contaminated is part of the Cosmic Fairy Tales collection, where a couple of authors got together to retell beloved tales with a sci fi twist. Each story is a standalone with an HEA and they can be read in any order. Enjoy your journey should you explore the other titles in the collection!

  Rampion by Susan Trombley

  https://amzn.to/32lOns4

  Escaping Wonderland by Tiffany Roberts

  https://amzn.to/35AVRJV

  The Frog Prince by Tracy Lauren

  https://amzn.to/2pl81Ga

  The Hunchback by Regine Abel

  https://amzn.to/2MfgiV0

  The Lion and the Mouse by Emmy Chandler

  https://amzn.to/2BeLdul

  The Ugly Dukeling by Bex McLynn

  https://amzn.to/2nPwS4D

  Jackie and the Giant by Honey Phillips

  https://amzn.to/33xJg8w

  I’ll add some “Cures for a Book Hangover!” Because how do you get over the last book that put you into a book-fog? YOU FIND ANOTHER GREAT STORY =D.

  This first recommendation is one I haven’t read yet, but I’m looking forward to it because a beloved reader said this:

  I love the exoskeleton idea. I mentioned the "Winter Market" story - and the female lead in that story had a real exoskeleton (she couldn't move normally without it due to a congenital defect and lots of drug abuse).

  Sounds neat!! It’s a short sci-fi story in an anthology titled Burning Chrome by William Gibson. https://amzn.to/2Mg1OV6

  As mentioned earlier, if you’re looking for a cute gag gift for someone who suffered facehugger horror in their nightmares after watching ALIEN movies, I recommend therapeutic viewing/laughing as a healing tool with AN ALIEN NEXT DOOR: IN SPACE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU CLEAN by Joey Spiotto, https://amzn.to/2B7BFkX

  Another spoof gift: Jonesy: Nine Lives on the Nostromo by Rory Lucey, https://amzn.to/35BjIJw

  LIES by Kylie Scott. Oh my land, spies and humor and OTTERS were mentioned—I LOVED it!! https://amzn.to/2VHLjEn

  Speaking of Kylie Scott, somehow I missed Repeat. What? How? I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s now on my ereader. https://amzn.to/2nNjUUR

  If you’re looking for more Beauty and the Beast, check out Marina Simcoe’s To Love a Monster, https://amzn.to/2IUyiSJ

  Penny Reid’s Kissing Galileo made me happy. https://amzn.to/33woJRI

  But I loved Motion https://amzn.to/2OTegM3, Space https://amzn.to/2IU5bij and Time https://amzn.to/2ppdX0G by Penny Reid even more.

  Dear Kristen Ashley, I’m sincerely looking forward to Lahn’s twin getting his own book. But until then, I grabbed Fast Lane https://amzn.to/2MN2gt3. So help me, if this is the beginning of a series, I’m soooo gonna stalk you. You know… harder than I already do.

  Books & Audiobooks by Amanda…

  Want to check out what else I’ve written? YOU’RE SO SUPER ♥. *Heart Eyes*

  Arokh and Angie’s story ebook: https://amzn.to/2A6sH9T

  This book is also available in Audio, narrated by the talented Nick Cracknell: https://adbl.co/2N7WXHF

  Zadeon and Callie’s story ebook: http://amzn.to/2EZEitg

  Audiobook voiced by Nick Cracknell: https://adbl.co/2Nx8WxR

  (WARNING: This one has some Dark times. This couple’s love is beautiful though, and they get their Happily Ever After.)

  Brax, Tara, and Tac’Mot’s story is here: http://amzn.to/2FeuFGl

  Audiobook narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Callie Dalton: https://amzn.to/2zUkHWu

  (If you had to classify this one, it’s almost Reverse Harem. This is an MFM book, which means there are two (alien) guys and one woman but it’s not *quite* menage, because Brax is a Rakhii, and you know this means he doesn’t share his female. Slight problem: his female is bonded to Tac’Mot.)

  Dohrein and Gracie’s story: https://amzn.to/2Qn4lwo

  Audiobook voiced by Nick Cracknell: https://adbl.co/2s6gN96

  Blind Fall, the standalone story that answers the question you’ve all been asking me: “Is the guide dog okay?”

  Spoiler: She’s MORE than okay. ♥ This is Breslin and Sanna’s story. If you read this one, I hope you have fun.

  https://amzn.to/2PvoaAm

  Audiobook narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Callie Dalton: https://amzn.to/2WImX17

  Beth’s Stable, a reverse harem romance for movie-lovers. Just trust me. ;)

  https://amzn.to/2ZFxyLx

  A fun side project *Not* related to the Stolen series:

  Valos of Sonhadra Series

  Alluvial, Book 1: https://amzn.to/2
OhfX33

  Tempest, Book 2, written by Poppy Rhys: https://amzn.to/2uPfihv

  Galvanizing Sol, Book 3, by Amanda Milo & Poppy Rhys: https://amzn.to/2AgxDZE

  And Simmi’s book, CONTAGION: https://amzn.to/2VO5IaP

  And a random coloring book that I drew for fun: https://amzn.to/2MSk3Pu

  ♥ The I’m Gonna Kick Myself Later List ♥

  Pssst! I want to thank as many of you as I can--but right up front, know that I forget Very Important Friends EACH AND EVERY TIME that I try. How? HOW? I don’t know! So if you don’t find your name, I apologize in advance, and if we ever get to visit, I’ll try to buy you ice cream. (Unless you’re lactose intolerant. How do you feel about your very own Na’rith pirate then?) To Susan Clarke for sharing the quotes that moved you and made you FEEL--it’s been so cool to see!! <3 Thank You!!! To Ronika Williams because you’re dearly loved, as are you Megan Chandler, and Hayley Benitez (cinnamon. Toast.), and Deborah Marble!! DeAnn Holt Gurley (you are SO getting abducted! ...Don’t be scared.), Jennifer Ballam! Larisa Crawford, Patty O'Brien, Clare De Krey, Tasha DiCoio, Candice Cartwright, Pam Chilton Meadows, Tera Griffin, Lori Baker Swenson, Iris Wilkinson, Randi Canter, Sandra Velázquez, Stephanie Baum, Jessica Lewis, Nienna Weeper, Jaime Oden Herrera, Heather McMillen, Andrea Bergman, my audiobook soulmate! Roslyn Stuart, Sarah Nuckols, Brigitte Beschorner, Twilla Love-Thiam, Yashika Bailey, Marissa Olesen!!, Lee Allen Was Kimber, Ana Paula Fernandes, Courtney Green, Morgan Hatfield-Tafoya, Androulla Michael, Teresita Reynolds, Sara Pearson, Alex Terpstra, Linda Russell, Mireya Romero, Amber Burns, Lori Sophia Ann, Kim Malone, Janet Seavey, Sara Vermillion, Amanda Murphy, Laura Davis with your beautiful sense of humor, Amanda Swick, Sherri Sterling, Iolanda Toyne, Ciera Parr, Sharon Marshall, Åimee Graham, Kathryn Schilling, Dravon Walker, Taryn Richardson, Melissa Taylor (who buys Duct Tape for abduction days--you have to love a woman who stays prepared!! :D), Jenn Freeman, Victoria Kubasta, Caitlyn Carraher, Serena Akeroyd, Georgia Milionis-Peets, Alyssa Higley Fogg, Janete S. Lawson, Julie Desormeaux, Serena Buffaloe, Yui Phitchaya Monsintorn, Amanda Heroman, Rachel Smith, Lisette Williams, Sara Beth Carter, Kaila Brieann, Becky Cannon Snaith, Marlena O, Eileen Mary La Chaussee, Janete Lawson, Karen Douglas, Tracy Madden-Nichols, Book Pauper, Melissa McGuire, Emily McKay, Katje, Shana Smith, Katie Spence, Kat Quinn, Elizabeth Zafiris, Cindy Sherwood, Karen O’Connor, Becky Snaith, Catherine Woodgate, Gerri McCann, Nicole Upshaw, Michaela Osei, Barbie Hamilton, Becky Matthews-Pease (you are SO cool!), Katie S, Ellen Gibson Morris, Heather North, Kelly Barber McCormack, JoAnna Mercer, Lori Bibliolatry, Jamie Torbert, Dana Chapman Wood, Tina Entzian, Samantha K Bookey, Tatiana Joyce, Joy Starr, Tammy Cavin, Della Bankert, Melody Diaz, Tiffany Trumm Jorgenson, Lisa MarieTree (Thank You for hilarious memes!), Hattie True (SAME!), Susan Graham, Julia Wright, Christiane Gordon, Erica Watts, Rachel Selby, Sue Handshoe Bec, Kayla Lopez Stone (and Baby Milo Lopez Stone♥), Gaby McQuillan, Jessica Dawn Stevens, Jo-Anne Granger-Murray, Hope Janes, Kylie Romney, Joyce Sebo, Christy Gardner, Katherine Rose Spence, Audrey Sellers, Jane Loyless, Melissa Smith, Ann Barrington, Katherine Burger Eftink, Andie Luton, Pam Gardner, Lizandra Navarro, Deborah Elliston, Susan Hudson, Julie Bailey, Allison Barnes, Susan Deahl, Cassandra Neves, Heather Bennett, Marian C., Chloe Gross, Jeannie Berry Harwell, Melissa Martinez-Miraglia, Christina Ihara, Ann Hupe, Diana Jerkins, Victoria Galyon, Petra Ruck, Jen Winters, Niki Boyle, Brandie DeRosia-Zuber, Amor Pagsanjan, Nancy Reibis, Joyce Paige, Christina Miles, Elizabeth Nitzsche, Melody Brown Steeger, Nancy Port, Sarah Spiegel, Elizabeth Greene Boros, Lindsey McBride, Sue Mitchell, Amy Wright, Lisa Peterson, Vicky Moya, Trena Hoskins, Christie Howell, Christine Chomout, Katie P, Theresa Lewis, Clare McGauran, Becly, Romy Villegas, Sammie Jarrell, Amy Mathis Green, April Harding, for always cheering in my corner and shouting from the rooftops when there’s good things to share, Scott Harding, because you’re up for anything (and I mean anything) and you do it all with such good humor!, Brenna Ford, Rachel Ric, Rebecca Wheeler, Brittany Jobe, Esther Zeigler Burns, Kelly Clark-Huey, Dear_Lizzy, Laura Gail Walker, and to Erin Mahoney, who shouted “Jacklegs!” at traffic and made her teenager question her sanity. HA HA HA! This made my DAY--I’m so happy you enjoyed Beth’s Stable and adopted a pirate curse :D.

  To Jeanette Lynn, Naomi, Kelsey, Tiffany, Poppy, Marina, Bex, Regine, JM and the rest of the ladies and gents who share, support, and amuse.

  To the sweet and funny and wonderful Nancy Van Winkle Palmer at VanSpunky Reads!

  To the ever-generous & bright Ripley Proserpina and Reviews After Dark!

  To Kim Aziz who pulls triple duty silently and ceaselessly in every group she steers--your book love shines bright ♥

  To Jo Bubbles at The Book Pimp Blog =D “Here goes: I sped, I followed too closely, I ran a stop sign, I almost hit a chevy, I sped some more, I failed to yield at a crosswalk, I changed lanes in the intersection, I changed lanes without signaling--all while running a red light, and speeding!!! ...Be gentle.”

  To Cyndi at Audiobook Romance for promoting Won by an Alien and Blind Fall. <3

  To Under the Covers Book Blog!

  To The Jealous/Possessive Hero book group!!

  To Reverse Harem Readers: SO MANY THANKS!!!!

  To Kate Botting at Romance with Aliens, who is a champion for books!!! (And Garrus <3)

  THANKS FOR SHARING!!! ♥

  Beta-reading heroes:

  To Lyda--I hope you got to take a day and go fishing. <3 May you enjoy happy memories every time you hop on the dock.

  To Kitty for your willingness to drop everything and read a raw book. You’re like a cowgirl who breaks in the green horses and turns them out as fine parade horses. Or barrel racers. Champion, big-belt-buckle-winning barrel racers. (With hot cowboys on top, mmm… ;)

  To Hayley, who practically catches piranha with her bare hands. Mother of three and error-catcher extraordinaire.

  To Dawn, for your sharp wit, lovely insight, your cheerleading-with-a-riot-sweater, and absolutely perfect movie quotes.

  To Ronika for loving Levi, Tac’mot, and troublemaking Rakhii. And for being such a badass at catching & corrections.

  To Tammy; tortoise-keeper, volunteer otter-wrangler, and at the top of my list to call if R doesn’t bail me out of jail for rescuing river-cat-snakes from the wild.

  Farewell for now, Reader. Thanks for joining me on this adventure.♥

  About the Author

  Amanda Milo is a collector of the randomest trivia. Did you know that Kiwi fruit plants have separate genders? You need both in order to make Kiwi fruits happen. Isn’t that cool??

  She’s concerned about river otter bite pressure—she hasn’t had a chance to test this out, but frankly, this is the part that’s holding her back from appropriating and testing the relocation (aka wildlife theft) of a small family of adorable river otters.

  ...To the bathtub. (They’re basically like slick-furred rubber duckies, but with lots of teeth, right? Right.)

  Extended contemplation of this plan has led to the permission to adopt more ferrets, which makes her very happy. So does her extensive, wacky-patterned, thigh-high sock collection—though ferrets, it must be noted, do not play well with pretty socks. The crazy, clawed thieves!

  She invites you to hang out with her in the Amanda Milo’s Minions Facebook group. (She didn’t name the group! XD Readers have great senses of humor!)

  And thanks for spending time with her story. She hopes you had a lovely time. ♥