Virtual Vs. In-Person Conventions

 

Tina Moss and Marianne Morea are talking all about book conferences on this week's episode of Bound by Books.

 

Click below to listen, or go to www.boundbybookspodcast.com to find out more about all the hosts of the show.

    ...

 

The Hosts 

Amazon

 

Amazon

It Was A Graveyard Smash!

 

Halloween is right around the corner, which means its the perfect its the perfect time to talk paranormal romance. On this week's episode of Bound by Books, Danielle Bannister and Marianne Morea are talking witches, ghosts, vampires, shifters, and more.

Click below to listen, or go to www.boundbybookspodcast.com to find out more about all the hosts of the show.

...

The Hosts 

 

Amazon

Amazon

Do Writers Ever Grow Up?

 

Hannah Byron and Marianne Morea are talking about finding balance when life throws you curve balls and how they approach the writing process on this week's Bound by Books Podcast.

Click below to listen, or go to www.boundbybookspodcast.com to find out more about all the hosts of the show. 

I'm Too Sexy

 

 

This week's podcast is all about covers. Listen as Tina Moss and Marianne Morea talk about why covers are so important, choosing covers when writing multiple genres, and why having man chest on the cover is so popular in a variety of romance genres.

 

Holding Out For A Hero

 

 

Marianne Morea and I chatted about fictional heroes this week on the Bound by Books Podcast. We share what we love in a romantic hero and what turns us off as readers.

 

Creating Something Out Of Nothing

 

 

On this week's episode of Bound by Books, Hannah Byron and Tina Moss talking about the joys and challenges that come with being a writer.

 

Listen To the Full Podcast Here

Ready To Get Addicted To Kindle Vella?

 

 

On this week's episode of Bound by Books, Danielle Bannister and Marianne Morea are talking about Kindle Vella, the new serialized fiction option from Amazon. They each have a story for Kindle Vella and are sharing the first chapter with listeners.

 

Listen To The Full Episode!

 

Spotify | Soundcloud | | Apple | Google | Blogtalkradio

Fangs, Fur, and Fae #BoundbyBooks

 This week's episode of the Bound by Books podcast is hosted by paranormal romance authors Tina Moss and Marianne Morea and they are talking vampires, shifters, witches, and more.

 

 

 

Click on one of the links below to listen.

Spotify

Soundcloud

Blogtalkradio

What I'm Currently Reading #FridayReads

 

I'm stretching out of my comfort zone this week with Code Black by Tina Moss. This is a paranormal shifter romance surrounding a government agency similar to the FBI, but for non humans.

 

Gossip mag reporter Sera Benenati knows a thing or two about unearthing secrets...and burying them.

As an unregistered supernatural, her freedom depends on keeping her fire-wielding abilities contained.

Yet the threat of a little flame isn’t enough to snuff out her journalistic pursuits. She’s determined to claw her way to the top and land a spot with a real paper.

When she tracks a lead on a string of gruesome paranormal murders to the small town of Buckhorn, Arizona, she’s certain she’s landed the perfect scoop. But as the crime scene reveals victims with bite marks, torn flesh, and battered bodies, Sera may have smoked out more than she can burn.

As the investigation grows hot and Sera winds up in the crosshairs, she’ll need the help of a sexy shifter, special agent Talon Rede, to unmask the murderers before she becomes the next victim.

 

 Amazon

Announcing A New Podcast

 

 

 

Check out the debut episode of a brand new podcast.

 

Bound by Books is hosted by 5 authors who write in multiple genres. Each week two of the five authors will chat about writing, reading, and all things book related. Get a sneak peak of what we're working on, and a behind the scenes look at what goes into being an a author.

 

In this week's episode, I'm chatting with author Danielle Bannister. She writes a variety of genres from YA to steamy contemporary to paranormal. Find out how each of us started writing and the connection we never knew we had. 

Episodes go LIVE every Monday at noon Eastern Standard Time (New York, NY). 

 

Click HERE to listen to this week's episode of Bound by Books!

 

 

Next On My To Be Read List - Condemned by Marianne Morea #FridayReads

 It's been a slow reading week for me. I finished up The First 100 Kisses by Danielle Bannister (click HERE to read that review), and then live got busy.

 

I've been looking for some new authors to read lately, and a friend recommended Marianne Morea to me. A lot of her books are shifter romances, which are not generally my cup of tea. But, I do love me a good vampire romance and when I saw Condemned I knew I had to give it a try.

 

Condemned to a life alone.

Born to darkness in a time when crusades raged between battling faiths, Dominic De’Lessep is taken prisoner of the blood. Cursed for spurning his maker for delivering him to an existence devoid of light, she condemns him to a life alone, where anyone he dared love, dies.

A millennium later, revenge is all he wants, that is until he meets Belinda Force, a fiery student of antiquities who knows him for what he is and what he plans to do.

Can love break a thousand year old curse?

Perilously drawn to this mysterious stranger, Belinda ignores the danger in his eyes and the icy touch that makes her body burn. She cannot deny her deep connection to the man and his quest or his raging need for her...even if it kills her. Can true love break the curse that’s held him for a thousand years?

 

 

Amazon

 

 

If you've read Condemned by Marianne Morea, leave me a comment below with what you thought of it.

#Review of Stay With Me (Prophecy of Love Book 1) by Kelsey Browning

Title: Stay With Me

Author: Kelsey Browning
Rating: 4 stars

When I read the blurb for this book, I had no idea the direction it would go in. Not to say this is a bad thing exactly, but this book had paranormal elements and I didn't get that vibe from the blurb at all.

Cal was a good guy, always trying to do the right thing. His devotion to his family was admirable. Even the few times when I wanted to yell at him, I understood his motivations.

Delaney was a bit of a different story. Although, she and Cal had amazing chemistry, I wasn't understanding why she always felt she had to leave until almost the end of the story. I wish we would have gotten some of the why earlier, even from her perspective, rather than her just always wanting to bolt. That was perhaps one of the biggest downsides of the story for me.

The story had good pacing. It didn't move to quickly and allowed things to develop naturally. I like that in a a book. The paranormal element of this story is a bit cheesy, especially the end, but it did wrap the story up quite nicely.

If you're looking for a cute story set in a small town with paranormal elements, this I would recommend checking out this book.

Amazon

B&N

Author Bio

Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.

Website

Cover Reveal: Alpha Shifters After Dark

Alpha Shifters After Dark: Werewolf, Werecat, Werebear, Dragon Shifter Paranormal Romance and More!

Action, passion, danger, and true love: alpha shifters rule the night in this red-hot collection of ***NEW*** stories by your favorite Amazon, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors.

 

Join us for 12 sizzling stories of seductive shifters ready to battle any foe to claim their fated mates.

Featuring werewolves, bears, cougars, coyotes, and scorching-hot dragons in never-before-seen stories guaranteed to keep temperatures high and the pages turning.

Limited time deal so grab it while you can!

Anna Lowe - Cara Wylde - Phoenix Johnson - Lori King - Crystal Dawn - Kiki Howell - Rachael Slate - M. Corchis - Angelica Dawson - Ariana Hawkes - Ann Gimpel - Amber Ella Monroe - Gina Kincade

AmazonUS - AmazonUK - AmazonCAN - AmazonAUS - All Romance Ebooks - Nook - iBooks - Kobo - NNP - Smashwords - Goodreads

Inclusions:

Strangers in the Night (Desert Wolf 2)

by Anna Lowe

Nothing has ever scared this big, bad alpha as much as his mate’s pregnancy, especially when their quiet weekend getaway doesn't go exactly according to plan. A whimsical and sexy tale of hope, fear, and undying love, featuring wolves you'll love and a whole new shifter species that bursts onto the scene.

*************************************

Carpathian Wolf (Shift Your Fate, Book 0.5) by Cara Wylde

Rebecca Gilbert is a sexy, curvy, and confident woman who knows what she wants. She’s a successful and respected chartered accountant in New York and seems to have her life figured out. The only problem is she can’t find the right guy to share it with.

Sick and tired of the dating scene, stressed because of her demanding job, Rebecca needs a new perspective. That’s why she takes her friend’s advice and goes to see Kassandra, who is well-known for her abilities as an…empath. The old woman doesn’t only feel what Rebecca feels, but also knows exactly how to help her. However, when she tells her to pack her bags and board a plane to Europe first thing in the morning, Becca thinks she’s insane. On the other hand, she does need a vacation.

A new country, a strange language, a small medieval fortified city in the heart of the mountains… It’s safe to say Rebecca is forced to step out of her comfort zone. The empath told her she’d find her destiny here. She doesn’t know much about destiny, but she knows the tourist guide, Emil Severin, is one of the hottest men she’s ever seen. Green eyes, dirty blond hair, a wicked smile, and an adorable, panty-melting accent–yes, he’s exactly what she needs. Emil seems to want her too. In fact, he can’t keep his hands off her. Then why is he holding back? There’s something he doesn’t want to tell her, something that prevents him from taking her hard and fast. Well, tough luck, because Becca is determined to find out what it is. If Emil is, indeed, her destiny, then she’s not letting him go without a fight.

*************************************

Once Bitten Twice Shy

by Phoenix Johnson

In the days following their kidnapping, Krissy and Derek’s rest comes to an abrupt end with one phone call. Derek’s ex-girlfriend has just arrived from England, and she wants her man back.

Aubree is not a woman who gives up easily, and it doesn’t take long for her to play dirty. The tables are turned, however, when the wolf takes offense.

Can Derek stop his canine self from hurting his former flame? Who is the mysterious stranger on his way to Derek’s apartment? Will Krissy and Derek ever get to lead a normal life?

*************************************

Nixed

by Lori King

Annabelle Raven has grown up with Nix Whiteoak as her family’s deadly enemy, while he has spent years defending his family from her pack’s killer forces. Both sides have lost in this feud as they find themselves dying off with only a legend to guide them. They’d both do anything to protect and care for their families, even if that means marrying the enemy. Face to face with destiny the two find themselves caught in a whirlwind of lust and raw emotions. Is it possible that fate has played the dirtiest trick of all on them both? Could they really be fated mates?

*************************************

Secret Desire (Erotic Fantasies Series Book 2)

by Crystal Dawn

Kimmie is twenty-eight and the youngest of the group of white wolf cousins that have agreed to keep their distance from the werewolf world. She’s a lighthearted party girl but that just hides her sorrow at having to stay away from Paul just because he’s a wolf. Sometimes she wonders if it’s worth all her misery, just to stay human.

*************************************

The Vampire's Witch (At War in the Willows Book 1)

by Kiki Howell

The Willows is a resort town run by vampires, werewolves and witches. Here, their true identities are kept secret from humans, and intimate relations between the individual clans are strictly forbidden.

When it becomes known that the vampire Amberlyn has fallen in love with the werewolf Kane, the tedious line of their co-existence has been crossed. Caught in the crossfire of this revelation, Drake, the vampire clan leader and Amberlyn’s maker, is killed along with an innocent witch. These deaths spark a series of horrific events leading to an all out War In The Willows.

Unexpected close encounters, bodies ripe with need, and situations beyond their control lead to forbidden relationships. Now three vampires, a witch, a werewolf and a human must ride along the edges of the rules. They will attempt once unthinkable romantic entanglements despite all those who oppose their relationships, while fighting for their lives as well.

With the Willows full of violence and bloodshed, meetings and magic amiss, will the clans ever be able to find peace among them again? Or, will this war destroy the Willows?

In Book 1, Amberlyn’s vampire brother, Isaac, always one to kick ass first and deal with the consequences later, kidnaps a witch, Winter. He intends to find out what type of retaliation the witch clan is planning against the vampires and werewolves. In doing so, he finds so much more then he bargained for.

*************************************

Matching Dragons by Rachael Slate

Nothing—and no one—will stand in her way. Kadence Thorne will do anything to save her sister, even risk the fury of her seductive new Lotus League partner, Lok. But she didn’t join the secret league of assassins to become a Lotus, and failing the entry test was only the beginning. As punishment, they’re sent to the island of the Eight Immortal, Han Xiangzi. Only through offering the Immortal a trade he can’t resist can she find a cure for her sister. And Lok? Well, he’ll just have to tag along for the ride. An outcast in one world, a fugitive in the other. Amongst his dragon kin, Lok of the Shenlong Dragons is an azure-scaled beast, capable of manipulating the skies to his every whim. In the human realm, he is Lok Smith, a powerless human who must conceal his true identity at all costs. Falsely accused of murdering his den-mates, Lok has spent the past century searching for their killer—and a way to clear his name. When the Matchmaker offers him her aid in exchange for joining her Lotus League, it’s a chance Lok can’t refuse. Even if it means being paired with a woman as intoxicating as she is infuriating. Pushed to the edge of passion… Kadence’s search brings Lok dangerously close to exposure. Even worse, there’s a treasure hidden inside Kadence, one that he—and every other dragon—will do anything to possess. When Kadence’s schemes throw his plans off-balance, Lok will have to straddle both worlds and pray they don’t collide.

*************************************

Rebel Howl

by M. Corchis

Rebel Howl rule the record charts and all the benefits that go with being Rock Gods are in endless supply for the five-man band. Booze, sex and women are always ready and available. Lincoln Cruz is the lead singer and Alpha to his small pack. He’s crude, possessive, arrogant, demanding, cocky and sexy as hell—the Ultimate Alpha Male. Life on the road leaves little time for their wolves to run free. On this fateful night, once the band finishes a concert in Detroit, they cross the border into Windsor, Ontario and head out to Malden Park. As the pack lets lose, a child sidetracks Lincoln. Her scent is enthralling and her tears pull at his heartstrings. When Lincoln comes face to face he with the girl’s mom, he realizes she is his One True Mate. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know who he is and has no desire to. Lincoln must prove himself worthy of Savannah, protect both mother and child and gain the little girl’s trust in order to help her survive. In return he just might find salvation.

*************************************

Woman's Best Friend

by Angelica Dawson

Loren has kept his full moons a secret since a wild dog bit him. When he instinctively obeys a dog trainer, he realizes the dog may be more than an occasional part of him. Judy can tell him to sit and stay, as long as she doesn’t ask him to go.

*************************************

Once Bitten Twice Smitten

by Ariana Hawkes

When curvy roller derby chick Aspen Richardson was a kid, two werewolf pups chased her in the forest and one of them marked her. Years later, and on the cusp of her first shift, she’s tracked down by the two alphas, both desperate to claim her as their own. Aspen hasn’t been lucky in love so far, and when cool, laid back Brad and hot-headed, impetuous Chase go crazy for her dangerous curves, it’s beyond her wildest dreams.

*************************************

Gabrielle's Cauldron

by Ann Gimpel

Hybrids and full bloods became sworn enemies millennia ago. A hybrid witch, a full blood warg, and a fairy make unlikely companions, but maybe that’s what it takes to save the world. Gabrielle McCallaghan sucked it up and quit a job she hated to spare her uncle the embarrassment of firing her. With her bond fairy on her shoulder, she strides through a crowded neighborhood contemplating her options. Out of nowhere, a striking, full blood magic wielder appears and makes a beeline right for her. Gabby’s hybrid witch magic is no match for his, so she tries to evade him. The fairy does her best to help, but the contest is laughable. Even in his human form, the wolf-man is far stronger than she—or the fairy—ever dreamed of being. With sex as a lure, Gabby is drawn into a deadly game of intrigue that started over a thousand years before. The stakes are high and the timing abysmal, but she falls in love in spite of herself. Can she and her full blood lover make a life for themselves? Or will the long-running battle between full bloods and hybrids pound the fragile bond between them to dust?

*************************************

Shifter Unleashed by Amber Ella Monroe

Brock Justice is a wolf outlaw and active in the movement for shifter equality. His current mission is to stop the proceedings that would revert shifter-owned lands to the State using eminent domain laws. The outlaw and his band of brothers cultivate a plan to raid the governor’s possessions, take anything of value, and leave a ransom note. In a twist of events, Brock ends up kidnapping the governor’s daughter. But how can he be a true mercenary when the woman he’s supposed to hate unleashes his mating urge?

Box Set Compiled and Organized by Gina Kincade

Enter to win a $50, one of 2 $10, or a $5 Amazon Gift Card

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Alpha Shifters After Dark Facebook Page for more info and sneak peeks!

Baoule Spirit Lovers - Guest Post by Christy Gissendaner

                The Baoule people of Africa’s Ivory Coast believe a parallel universe, called the Blolo, exists where the spirits of newborns waiting to be born and the deceased co-exist with the real world. Every spirit has a mate in the Blolo, who can be enlisted to save their mate’s problems while in our world. Interesting? I certainly thought so. Enough to write a Christmas novella centered on the Baoule culture.

                Romantic problems, infertility, and general unhappiness in the real world can be cured by commissioning figurines of spirit mates. Blolo bian (males) and Blolo bla (females) are generally carved from wood and are created to the specifications found most desirable in a spirit mate. Food, money, and attention can be given to the spirit mate to keep them appeased, thus allowing a person to find happiness in the real world.

                Active relationships are maintained between spirit mates, particularly in a dream state. It is believed that nocturnal visits from a spirit mate will initiate healthy interaction between a person and his or her physical mate.

                Much detail is given to these figurines - plump bottoms, elegant necks, thick legs. All the attributes desirable in a proper Baoule mate. Social status and individuality is acquired by use of adornment, costume, and hairstyle. Even skin tone is considered when commissioning a spirit mate statue.

                This very primitive…yet romantic...practice provided the inspiration for Christmas Spirits, a holiday themed novella set in modern-day Georgia. A chance reading in an old encyclopedia and Tedros, the “spirit” of Christmas Spirits, was born! The story is meant to portray the reality of spirit lovers, and I took a very atypical approach to most romance novels.

                Keep reading to learn more about Kia’s quest for happiness and just what role Tedros plays in her search for happiness.  

Coming Soon

Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary, African American, holiday romance

Publisher: Christy Gissendaner

Number of pages: 90

Word Count: 20,000

Kia Mays has little time for anything as her lifelong dream of being a fashion designer comes to fruition. For Christmas, she takes time out of her busy schedule to visit her family in Georgia where her beloved grandmother, Naya, reveals a secret of her Baoule heritage.

In Baoule, located on the Ivory Coast of Africa, the people believe in spirit lovers, which you are separated from at birth. Tedros, Kia’s lover from the spirit world, appears to her and reveals that he is there to assist her in finding a mortal lover. 

Elliot Melton, the brother of Kia's new sister in law, is also invited to share the season with the family. With the help of a meddling grandmother and an otherworldly spirit, Elliot and Kia soon find out that Christmas is the best time to fall in love.

Amazon

About The Author

Christy Gissendaner is a paranormal and contemporary romance author who believes laughter and love should go hand in hand.

Christy lives in Alabama with her husband and three sons. She’s always hard at work on her next novel, but in her spare time she loves blackjack, karaoke, and anything resembling a vacation!

To find out more, please visit http://christygissendaner.webs.com

http://www.twitter.com/christygis

http://www.facebook.com/christygis

http://www.goodreads.com/christygissendaner

#TeaserTuesday Get the MORE Box Set For Only 99 cents

For the first time, T.M. Franklin's action-packed MORE Trilogy will soon be available as ONE combined volume. And for a limited time, you can grab ALL THREE books for only $.99! Pre-order today!

Read on for a little teaser from MORE, the first book in the Trilogy.

Ava Michaels used to think she was special.

As a child, she fantasized about having magical powers . . . making things happen. But Ava grew up and eventually accepted the fact that her childish dreams were just that, and maybe a normal life wasn't so bad after all.

Now a young college student, Ava meets Caleb Foster, a brilliant and mysterious man who's supposed to help her pass physics, but in reality has another mission in mind. What he shows Ava challenges her view of the world, shaking it to its very core.

Because Caleb isn't quite what he seems. In fact, he's not entirely human, and he's not the only one.

Together, the duo faces a threat from an ancient race bound to protect humans, but only after protecting their own secrets--secrets they fear Ava may expose. Fighting to survive, Ava soon learns she's not actually normal . . . she's not even just special.

She's a little bit more.

The Complete Young Adult Fantasy Adventure - For One Low Price!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia

Was that . . . ?
Were those footsteps?
Ava’s heartbeat quickened, her palms growing moist even in the brisk cold. She flipped the safety off the pepper spray, her thumb poised over the button. As she neared the bridge marking the halfway point to her dorm, she glanced over her shoulder quickly. Seeing nothing, she hurried over the bridge, cursing the burned-out bulb that left it in darkness.
Suddenly, a stifling feeling overcame her—like a dark blanket had been thrown over her head to suffocate her—and she whirled around, her backpack clattering to the ground as she whipped the pepper spray out of her pocket and held it at arm’s length. Ava gulped for air, eyes frantically darting about, and the trembling hand holding the pepper spray flailing as wildly as her gaze. She was sure someone was there. She swore she could feel them. She stood frozen with fear, waiting . . . watching.
After a few long moments, she shook her head, glad nobody had witnessed her desperate panic. With a heavy sigh, she pocketed her pepper spray, embarrassed at her own ridiculousness. She had to stop this nonsense. She was driving herself crazy. It was just a dream making her jumpy, nothing else.
Just a crazy, scary dream.
Ava bent to pick up her backpack, sliding it onto her shoulder as she scanned the horizon one more time. With a self-deprecating chuckle, she turned around to continue home.
Only to stop short in terror.
A man—a huge man—stood before her, mouth twisted in rage. He towered over her, at least six and a half feet tall, his shoulders wide, and arms banded with muscle. Shaved close to his head, his dark hair shadowed his skull, and his intimidating appearance was only enhanced by the jagged scar running down the right side of his face, from forehead to chin. He didn’t wear a coat, only a tight, black shirt and fatigues, black boots on his feet, and a wide leather belt with a mean-looking gun holstered at his hip.
It couldn’t be. But it was.
It was him. The man from her nightmares.
Ava scrambled back, but he reached out in a flash, gripping her upper arms and lifting her up so her toes barely brushed the ground. One hand slid to her throat, and he held her easily, pulling her closer to his frightening face.
“Please,” she begged, the word catching as she fought to breathe.
The man’s glare tightened, and Ava stared in morbid fascination at his mismatched eyes—blue and green—odd and vividly terrifying. She struggled, reaching for her pepper spray, only to have it slip from her fingers as she kicked out at the man.
He responded by laughing humorlessly, flipping her around and banding one arm around her torso. His grip was like iron, and she could barely breathe.
“Please,” she said again, dizziness closing in. “I can’t,” she gasped.
A press of metal to her temple transformed her fearful trembles into horrified shudders. She had no doubt. She was going to die. Her eyelids fluttered shut in defeat as he cocked the gun, the loud click echoing off the trees.
Then, a flash of black, a gust of wind, and suddenly she could breathe again. The man’s grip loosened, but he didn’t release her.
“Damn you,” he growled. “Stay out of this!”
Ava pushed him, her efforts in vain, as he hitched her up in response, tucking her under his arm like a bag of groceries. She kicked her legs, flailing desperately as the man spun about, pointing his gun into the darkness.
“Show yourself, you coward!”
The same flash of black, another blast of wind, and Ava fell to the ground, her head cracking on the concrete. She curled onto her side, moaning, lifting a hand to the back of her head, and squinting in shock at the blood that came away, streaking across her trembling palm.
Low grunts and the crack of bone on flesh floated on the air toward her, muzzy with her disorientation. She tried to focus, but could only make out two dark figures exchanging blows. Ava tried to sit up, but collapsed back onto the icy ground, overcome by a shock of dizziness and nausea.
Suddenly, the two dark beings seemed to meld into one, and in the next moment, she felt herself floating. She blinked; a face took form above her briefly, the features cast in shadow.
“Do I . . . do I know you?” she mumbled, fighting for consciousness.
“I’ve got you,” a low voice replied, and Ava nodded as a cool palm stroked her forehead, and the darkness consumed her.
-MORE, Chapter 4

T.M. Franklin writes stories of adventure, romance, & a little magic. A former TV news producer, she decided making stuff up was more fun than reporting the facts. Her first published novel, MORE, was born during National Novel Writing month, a challenge to write a novel in thirty days. MORE was well-received, being selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, as well as winning the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader's Choice Awards. She's since written three additional novels and several best-selling short stories...and there's always more on the way.

Connect with T.M. Franklin
Web Site | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon | Google+ | Goodreads

#Review Breaking The Nexus by Lindsay Avalon #ParanormalRomance

Title: Breaking The Nexus

Author: Lindsay Avalon
Rating: 4 stars

First of all, let me say that I don't read much in the way of paranormal/fantasy. I ran into this author last year at Lori Foster's RAGT in West Chester, Ohio. She gave me a copy of her book, and in return I promised her a review. It's a little late in coming, but better late than never, right?

As I said, I don't read very many paranormal or fantasy books. When I went into this I had no idea what to except or if I'd remotely like the story. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. 

It was easy to get sucked in to Sha and Connor's story. There was a lot going on, but their connection was at the heart of it all. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and how the author showed the depth of their connection. Their story is a trilogy and I'm looking forward to see how the rest of their story unfolds.

There were a few issues. Some were minor...a missed word here and there, or an extra word that should have been deleted, but wasn't. But aside from that there were some awkward sentences, especially at the beginning of the story. It interrupted the flow of the narrative. If not for these issues, I would have given this book 5 stars. The story arc itself was that good. 

Even with these issues, it was an amazing read. The characters were fun and believable. I had trouble putting the book down when real life called.  

I recommend this story for those who like paranormal romances and readers who are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.

Amazon
B&N

Author Bio

I am a wife, a programmer, and now an author. I have an adorable mini Schnauzer and more books than I have room for. I love reading romance because no matter what may be happening in my life, I can always count on my books to end happily ever after. The day I met my husband was the day I truly began believing in happily ever after. After hearing me complain a few too many times that I had “nothing” to read despite the hundreds of paperbacks scattered around the house, my husband began suggesting I write my own stories. When I finally took his advice I discovered that although I enjoy my day job as a software engineer, my true calling is to be an author. 

My sister drilled into me an appreciation for fantasy and mythology, something I try to bring to my books. My debut novel, Breaking the Nexus started as a book written for NaNoWriMo and has grown to so much more. It was the conduit that introduced me to a fantastic group of independent authors who have changed my life in unimaginable ways. 

When I’m not writing, I’ve found a passion for blogging and interviewing fellow authors. I also love reading (of course!), baking, crochet, sewing sock monkeys, playing video games, and all sorts of random crafts. I have an incurable love of rubber duckies and stuffed animals, and I believe nobody should have to grow up if they don’t want.

Website

Blind Date With a Book - Week 1 #Giveaway

Four weeks of GiveAways!!!

Enter this week to win one of the following titles in eBook.

Week 1

Wellesley Wives, Suzy Duffy, Chick Lit

Popsy Power, a Boston society-wife, and her best friend Sandra seem to have it all with billionaire husbands and beautiful daughters. But things change . . .

From Bollinger to minimum wage, it’s a rollercoaster for the ladies who lunch. When the daughters land in a heap of trouble, too, it’s hardly surprising that their mother should worry about the next generation of Wellesley Wives.

Life can’t always be fun in the sun, but that’s why there’s fur!

Newton Neighbors, Suzy Duffy, Chick Lit

Newton Neighbors is a romantic comedy about the colorful residents of Crystal Lake. They’re all chasing their dreams. Maria’s chasing her lost youth and hot Puerto Rican body. Cathi is chasing a house in Newton’s most desirable neighborhood, and Jessica is chasing her firefighter. That’s not all—Noreen is chasing her randy Bulldog.  Ely’s chasing her business empire, and Ricky’s chasing his sitter.

It’s fast, furious, and funny. Can you keep up with Newton Neighbors?

Lincoln Ladies, Suzy Duffy, Chick Lit

Kate Kavanagh, an empty nester, and Madeline Stein, recently fired, find themselves leaving Lincoln and heading to Italy, all in the name of adventure. Kate’s daughter also needs to flee New York when she discovers the Big Apple bites back. With more ups and downs than a Florentine fairground, the ladies survive love, loss, and fresh pasta by laughing at life and using a doggie bag. Come enjoy the ride with the lovely Lincoln Ladies.

For Authentication Purposes, Amber L. Johnson, Romance/Erotica

They say you should write what you know, but aspiring romance writer, Dawn Sims doesn't have much experience with romance, much less The Big O.

Warner Green knows a thing or two or a hundred about pleasing a woman. So when he reads Dawn's latest work in progress he thinks she may be a lost cause.

The deal is simple: provide the hands-on experience that Dawn needs to be a romance writer. No strings attached.

After all, it's only for authentication purposes.

Passion & Propriety, Elise de Sallier, Romance/Historical

There is absolutely nothing improper about Hannah Foster, the vicar of Hartley’s eldest daughter, nursing the badly wounded Viscount Blackthorn back to health. At twenty-seven, she is two years the man’s senior and a confirmed spinster. Not only is Lord Blackthorn determined to break the curse that has plagued his family for generations by letting his bloodline die out, a man of his calibre would never be interested in a woman like Hannah . . . would he?

Innocence, Elise de Sallier, Romance/Historical

Forced to flee her father's brutal heir, Miss Anneliese Barlow masquerades as Lisa Brown, a servant, at Worthington Hall. Captivated by the beautiful maid, the duke's heir, Lord Marsden, offers her his protection. With her reputation ruined, Lisa surrenders her virtue, finding unexpected passion in Nathaniel's arms. Facing danger at every turn, she must keep her identity hidden . . . or Lisa's innocence won't be the only thing that's lost.

Under These Restless Skies, Lissa Bryan, Romance/Historical

Will Somers has always thought himself unlovable until he discovers Emma, a selkie; one of the immortal fae-folk of the sea. He seizes the chance to have a wife and family of his own and unexpectedly finds love. But Will is headed for the glittering, dangerous court of Henry VIII, where a careless word can lead to the scaffold. Can he protect his newfound love from the thunder that rolls around the throne?

Eire's Captive Moon, Sandi Layne, Historical Fiction

Éire’s Captive Moon, the first book of Sandi Layne’s Éire’s Viking Trilogy, brings you to the unsettled era of the early Viking raids along the coast of Éire – today’s Ireland.

Red-striped sails make their first appearance on the shores near the village of Ragor and the peaceful life of the villagers is obliterated in one deadly raid. Agnarr Halvardson and his overlord, Tuirgeis, have come to Éire for treasure, honor, and slaves.

White Trash, Alexandra Allred, Humourous

White Trash is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud book that serves as a bitter social commentary on American hypocrisies and prejudices.  As a small police department works the biggest whodunit in Granby history, a startling underworld of domestic abuse, gunrunning, drug use, illicit sex, and child molestation is revealed.  It’s a story that neatly summarizes the reality of every American small town peopled with neighbors you can’t get away from, you can’t stop talking about, and you may not want to leave.

Damaged Goods, Alexandra Allred, Drama

When Joanna Lucas moves to a small town to escape a scandal and a scoundrel, she finds herself in trouble again when she befriends a stripper-turned-Mormon, a one-legged woman thanks to a loose tiger, and a dirty-minded troublemaker with a love of inane questions, and they take on an industrial town. Erin Brockovich has nothing on these ladies!

Prepare to laugh out loud and cheer them on as they set out to right a terrible wrong . . . no matter how outlandish things get.

She Cries, Alexandra Allred, Romance/Suspense

Kali Jorgensen runs a dude ranch with her family in Horse Canyon, Utah, heading up cattle drives for celebrities and CEOs.  It’s a way to escape unbearable memories, but her solitude is broken when unwanted attention suddenly shines a spotlight on Rainwash Ranch.

Looking for a distraction from recent legal woes, a popular athlete decides her ranch is his best diversion. His presence is a concern for Kali and her daughters, but she soon learns that it’s Connors’ fans and his team of lawyers who may prove to be the most dangerous.

Roadkill, Alexandra Allred, Mystery/Detective

When dead prostitutes begin to appear along the rural roads of Ohio, Allie Lindell cannot stay away despite the odds—the odds being her badge-toting sister; her partner, who only wants Allie to stay home and out of harm’s way; and two little girls in full potty-training and tantrum-throwing modes. But when an old friend from The Columbus Dispatch calls with an intriguing job opportunity, Allie can’t turn her away, Allie breaks all kinds of promises to track the killer, heat up a cold case, and discover what happened to a fallen police officer. As she navigates the backstreets of Columbus, following pimps, prostitutes, sullen teenagers, and seedy gamblers, the only thing more complicated is remembering all her aliases.

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