Hello, and welcome to the extras cupboard!
Each Violet Cross book has a free bonus scene that fills the gap before the next one. Pick the book you’ve just read, pop in your email, and the scene lands in your inbox. You’ll also join my newsletter (early access to ARCs, bonus content and personal updates), and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
Between Books 1 and 2
Violet in Italy
“Buongiorno,” I say to a squat, pot-bellied Italian man wearing tattered sliders and balancing a cigarette between his lips. He’s leaning up against a thin metal frame displaying goggles, sunglasses, and caps on the outer edge of a beachside market.
He tilts his head at me, his eyes as blank as a scorched field.
“Buongiorno,” I try again, forcing a smile and drilling eye contact.
He steps forward and holds out a hand to me, the tips of his fingers pressed together in true Italian gesticulation. “Bwon-JOR-no,” he says loudly, his cigarette smoke drifting lazily into my face.
I take a deliberate step back. What in Sandos was I saying then?
“Boun-gior-NO,” I say again, enunciating each syllable like he did.
The man plucks his cigarette out of his mouth and shakes his head, blowing out the grey plume as he walks away.
Want to see how it ends? Sign up and the full scene lands in your inbox.
Between Books 2 and 3
Violet & Rose’s First Date
Spoiler warning: this scene gives away a key romantic beat of Crows at Dawn. Please read the book first!
“You look amazing,” I breathe, as Rose steps out of the taxi onto the gravel path. I step forward to hold her hand and stumble on a loose rock.
I arrived at Maria’s an hour ago – I wanted a catch-up before Rose arrived – and ended up having some human alcohol.
Not something I normally do.
Compared to the enchanted drinks we have in the magical world, alcohol feels like a poison rather than a tonic. My head feels heavy and the world is blurred at the edges, but wine will do that to you.
Normally I politely decline when I come to Maria’s, but I felt nervous today, and it seemed like a good idea.
After glass two it seemed like a great idea.
After glass three I realised my mistake.
Want to see how the date goes? Sign up and the full scene lands in your inbox.
More scenes will land here as the series grows. New to Sandos? Start with the Violet Cross series page →
