Blog Archives

Featured - When You Believe by Mia Epsilon - Guest Post & Spotlight

12/15/2014

High time to feature my author friend Mia Epsilon again - especially when she's bringing such a gorgeous cover along. ;-) Read on to find out what inspired her to write her latest novel "When You Believe".

When You Believe by Mia Epsilon

Taking Inspiration for Novels from Real Life (Guest Post)

First off, let me say a HUGE THANK YOU to the lovely and talented Devika for allowing me to take up space on her blog. You're the shiniest star in the sky. :-)

Now, about taking inspiration for your story from real life events. It's been said, "Truth is odder than fiction" and it's true. Just watch the evening or morning news sometime and the story you hear will absolutely make your mind whirl. Real life is messy, and not convenient, and the weirdest things happen at the weirdest times. We often scoff at books which have a heroine whose husband/fiancé/boyfriend left her for her best friend/sister/cousin/mother but this happens all the time in real life.

Of course, there are also problems with using a real life event, such as claims of being 'too farfetched' or not making the event your own. I don't in any way advocate for taking a sensational news story and writing it word for word what the media claims in your book. Good lord, NO. Inspiration means (according to definitions.net): 1. an inspiring or animating action or influence; 2. something inspired, as an idea and so on. So put your own spin on it. For example, for my current release, 'When You Believe', two main events inspired this novella.

The first inspirational event began with my fellow author Monica Corwin who decided to have a 'write-a-thon', where authors would write for forty-eight hours. To inspire us more (see, there's that word, or the root of that word, again), Monica upped the stakes: For every one thousand words written, a donation would be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (short note: Never heard of this project? Visit the web site http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org). So not only were authors writing for bragging rights to say, 'Hey, I wrote 10,000 or 5,000 words in a weekend!' authors were writing for a cause, for a charity, and for something bigger than simply the joy of writing and storytelling. Inspiration for a cause is, to me, one of the best reasons to write. The main reason remains, to me, because you have to tell the story in your mind, heart, and soul but I digress.

The second inspirational event was a television show. I was watching the program 'Urban Legends' (okay, truthfully, I was procrastinating because I had writer's block, it was Saturday afternoon and I was stressed over failing the write-a-thon, having to admit I wrote no words, and disappointing my friend Monica—but no pressure, none at all). If you haven't heard of this show, it's a bit of 'reality TV' where 3-4 stories are shown and viewers have to guess which 1 story is real and which are completely legend or made up. There was a story in that episode about a church and how the choir members were all late one night for practice. I had heard this story before, so I immediately knew this wasn't a 'legend' it was the true one. It made me start thinking.

I can't reveal much more since I used this true story as a pivotal scene in 'When You Believe', or as River Song in Doctor Who would say, "Spoilers!". I did not take this story word for word. Nor did I even use the heart of it or any of the people featured. I took the bones of this real life event (people in danger) and made it my own. My characters began, finally, to talk to me and speak, yell, and sob out their stories. Viola! When You Believe was born.

I began to type furiously and wrote the main portion of When You Believe in the rest of that weekend. I earned 'bragging rights' to say I participated in the write-a-thon. I earned money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Best of all, I had a story I loved, believed in, and couldn't wait to submit to my editor (after much rewriting and self editing first). Now when you read When You Believe, you can see the 'real life' event which inspired me. And some slightly mouthy characters.

So when you need inspiration for your novel or short story or novella, try looking at real life. See what speak to you, what jumps out, or what softly whispers in your ear. You might be surprised where that inspiration will take you.

About the Book

Blurb

Dan and Monica's relationship gets a push from a handsome stranger, but will their love survive the test?

Monica has deep roots in the small town of Abbeville and manages the local coffee shop, which serves as the hub of town news. Deeply in love with Daniel, she still can't help but notice the gorgeous stranger, Micheal, who seemingly appears out of nowhere. When Dan begins to pull away from her, what's a girl to do? Tempted to sit home and cry, Monica is determined to push through the uncertainty. Does that mean exploring new options?

Daniel carries secrets he can't share with anyone, even Monica. He's a man with no past and no relatives, so he doesn't believe he deserves a bright future. Pulling away from Monica, his love and the closest thing he has to a family, he believes is the only way she can truly find happiness. But when tragedy strikes Abbeville will the man with no roots become its savior? Or will he discover Michael's true reason for appearing among them?

Buy Link

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=708

Take a Chance on Me by Mia Epsilon

About the Author

Author Bio

Mia Epsilon lives with her ever patient and tolerant soul mate hubby in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, USA. She's an avid reader of almost anything but particularly romance, with too many favorite authors to name. Mia is a huge Doctor Who fan, and isn't so certain about the writing in the new series but absolutely adores the new Doctor and his Scottish accent. She also happily suffers a chocolate addiction which causes her to visit her favorite chocolate store, The Chocolate Fetish an abnormally high number of times.
Mia can most often be found at her computer spinning new tales or in a quiet padded nook (a nook, she swears, not a padded room) with her e reader happily engrossed in a new story. She's currently hard at work on her series 'Weddings by C & C' and trying to build its reputation from 'just another wedding story' to 'OMG you have GOT to read this book!' She appreciates all reader input and comments on her Face Book, Twitter, Amazon and Good Reads pages. Her released titles include: 'Wedding Belle Blues', 'Take a Chance on Me', 'When You Believe', and 'That Night' along with a short story in The Wonderland Tales 'Leave Your Hat On'.

Connect with Mia - Links

Blog: Authors, Books & Chocolate: The True ABC's of Life miaepsilon.blogspot.com
Face Book: MiaEwrites (Mia Epsilon Author)
Twitter: @MiaEpsilon
Breathless Press home page: www.breathlesspress.com: Mia Epsilon
http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=582&zenid=21617d34fb685eb3713c0c23496255b3
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Epsilon/e/B00DQ61FRM
Good Reads: Mia Epsilon https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/14292463-mia-epsilon
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/mia-epsilon
All Romance ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com (search Mia Epsilon)

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Cover Reveal - Fight for Dawn by Komali da Silva

12/12/2014

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*****COVER REVEAL*****

Fight for Dawn by Komali da Silva

Release Date: January 8, 2015

Cover Designer: Kellie Dennis of Book Cover By Design

Publisher: Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing

Blurb:

The Eagerly awaited sequel to

Angels Dawn

She should've known better than to hope her life could be normal after losing her best friend Nate. It’s hard enough to deal with the loss but now she “sees” him everywhere. Add that to meeting Gabe, the new guy who sends her heart racing and Dawn is certainly spinning. It’s almost enough to make her forget the demons that lurk in the shadows.

Unfortunately the many distractions aren’t enough to purge Angelo from her broken heart. Her hopes of ever being with him again have been dashed. He’s moving farther away and there is nothing she can do to stop it. 

Soon the demons Dawn wanted to forget about will remind her of their presence and she’ll have to abandon everything else. Not only is her life in danger, but the lives of everyone around her as well.

Author Links:

FB: www.facebook.com/Komalis.book.wall

Twitter: @KomiDasilva

Website: www.komalidasilva.com

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Featured - The Treemakers by Christina L. Rozelle (Interview & Spotlight)

12/9/2014

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I just love it when I get the chance to feature author friends with their new releases. I'm particularly excited to have Christina L. Rozelle stop over today with her new book "The Treemakers". She graciously agreed to let me bug her with 10 questions, and she's brought lots of great teasers along with her. *inserts round of applause*

10 Questions with Christina L. Rozelle

1) What do you like most about being an author? What least?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a wild imagination. Through years of cultivating my craft, I’ve been able to develop my skills enough to write these imaginings into stories, places, and characters for others to enjoy as well. I love speculative fiction because I can let my imagination run rampant, and as I’m writing, I’m also discovering it, living it. The thing I love most is getting to know my characters as the story unfolds, and living it with them as it happens in each new world I create. I’m a “pantser”—meaning I write by the seat of my pants, without much planning of what the outcome will be. And though it seems to require rewriting later to smooth out plot and things, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I crave the surprises and excitement of not really knowing what’s going to happen next.

What do I like least? One word: Marketing.

2) As your book is titled “The Treemakers”, tell me whether you have a favourite tree or a favourite flower.

Though I’ve never seen them in person, the Redwoods in California, USA. I’m entirely dumbfounded and intrigued by their colossal size. Yes, I am a total tree-hugger, and plan on visiting them one day, just so I can give one a ginormous hug. Second on the list would be Willows. They’re just so dreamy and romantic.

3) What made you decide to write a YA book, and was there any challenge in it?

When my oldest daughter was eleven, “The Hunger Games” had just come out. She was super excited about it and at that point, I had never really read any YA. I wrote a lot of prose and non-fiction, read a lot of spiritual and self-help literature, and never in a million years thought I’d ever be a fiction writer. I have the attention span of a toddler in a candy store, really. But we started discussing plot ideas for a story and in a couple hours we had come up with winged humans (not angels, just humans with wings, yes), reptilian human antagonists, and . . . shadow animal people. Yeah. Needless to say, that idea didn’t stick. BUT! It did get my wheels spinning and I began brainstorming, kind of without meaning to. My mind just naturally began to play with ideas and scenarios, storylines and characters, and so that day I decided “what the heck,” and I began to write my first novel. It took me nine months to finish, was the biggest achievement of my life (because I don’t finish things), and though it was ultimately unpublishable, it set in stone what I knew I was put on this Earth to do. I haven’t looked back.

Sure, there are challenges. I’m a single mom of four children, one of whom is a toddler, so writing means sacrifice for me: sleep, a clean house, etc. I hardly ever wear make-up anymore. I’m a prize, A PRIZE I TELL YOU.

4) One morning, you wake up, look into the mirror and find out you have blue skin and a third eye. Your reaction?

“I’m gonna be rich!”

Second reaction: “I see you.”
(20 points for totally clever AVATAR reference)

5) Is there a question you have always hoped somebody would ask you? (Feel free to answer it, too.)

Yes. Observe.
*Clears throat, adjusts imaginary tie*
“Christina, out of the 33 million books on Amazon, what makes you stand out? Why should people choose your book instead of the next guy’s or girl’s?”

Ah, yes, I’m so glad you asked me that question.
*sips tea, adjusts invisible glasses*

Well you see, coming from a bleak past into the light where I am today has given me a unique viewpoint from which to tell a story. This is why I enjoy writing and reading fiction that shines a light in the dark, is fearless, honest, makes me feel, provokes thought, and pushes the limits. I pull very few punches, because I believe the punches are where the magic’s at. It’s when we are faced with life’s toughest trials that we are given the opportunity to rise above and shine brighter, and brighter, and brighter still. Yes, at times things get dark in my fictional worlds—as in reality—but there is always that inherent hope and light, urging, yearning, pushing onward. This is conveyed in everything I write.
*Curtsies*

6) Do you think there is a hidden message or a lesson in dystopian fiction? Have you included one in your science-fiction novel?

Most certainly. The message isn’t really hidden though, it’s actually rather blatant, IMO. If we don’t change certain things about our world, our children, and our children’s children, ad infinitum, are going to pay for our mistakes. This idea is presented in high-def in “The Treemakers.”

7) Are you a spring, summer, autumn or winter person?

I am a complete Autumn fanatic. My birthday is in October, and I’ve always loved the seasons changing at that time of year. There’s so much intrigue and mystery at that time, plus the trees (of course!) are remarkably beautiful when their leaves change colors.

Second fave is spring, because FLOWERS!

8) Do you have any writing rituals?

Yes, since I am a single mom of four, I keep my laptop in the living room at my desk in the corner. I work—a lot of times, with headphones on listening to inspiring wordless music—amidst the madness. I keep one eye on the screen, one eye on the kids, and try to get as much done between mommy-tasks as possible. I stay up late and get up early. And I never go a day without working on a project.

Also, things I must have at my desk at all times, in order for my brain to operate at optimum capacity: lipgloss, hand lotion, fuzzy slippers, something caffeinated and/or bubbly, and chocolate.

9) If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?

Flying, DUH. I’ve had amazing dreams about flying throughout my entire life and have been obsessed with the idea since childhood, when I tried to make wings from various backyard objects and fly from my fence. Luckily, I wasn’t hurt. But I was rather disappointed.

10) Please tell us more about your latest book(s) and plans for the future.

Speaking of flight, in my current work in progress, an Upper YA Futuristic/Sci-fi/Adventure with Romance elements titled, “South,” (out summer 2015), we will be flying like mad. I won’t tell you how, so as not to spoil anything, but I will say it’s going to be an exciting ride!
I also have an Upper MG Fantasy novelette titled “The Truth about Mud” releasing in a couple weeks, which will be my free holiday gift to the world (the ebook). Very excited about that one!
But for now, “The Treemakers,” an Upper YA Dystopian/Scifi with Biopunk and Romance elements, is on promo from December 9th through the 16th. Stop by Amazon and check it out! It would appeal to older adolescent and adult fans of “The Hunger Games,” “Divergent,” and “The Maze Runner,” which, not coincidentally, are three of my favorite series.

About the Book

Doomed to a life of building mechanical trees for the dying world of Bygonne, sixteen-year-old Joy Montgomery remains the only one left to care for over thirty orphaned children enslaved by the Superiors in the Tree Factory.

But the iron bonds of friendship and family, the discovery of magic in the dark, and love amidst devastation soon fuel her search for a way out. Aided by an unlikely ally who harbors a dangerous secret, Joy and the Treemakers embark on a quest for freedom, and for the truth about the existence of a forbidden paradise.

Link for “The Treemakers” on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Treemakers-Christina-L-Rozelle-ebook/dp/B00P49KVKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418067362&sr=1-1&keywords=the+treemakers

About the Author

Thank you so much, Devika, for letting me hangout here and talk to your friends for a while! And thank you, Devika’s friends, for listening! I hope you will all stop by for tea and chatting at one of my social media homes, listed below. Take care, and happy holidays. :-)

Christina on the Web:

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8186790.Christina_L_Rozelle

“A Spark in the Dark” (her blog for writers)- https://clrozelle.wordpress.com/

Fansite- http://christinalrozelle.com/

Facebook “Friend” Page- https://www.facebook.com/cl.rozelle

Facebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/clrozellesouth

Twitter- @CLRozelle

Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com/thetreemakers/

Spotify- https://play.spotify.com/user/christinalrozelle/playlist/4rtjP81rms5wJ9bjXf0TGf

Christina L. Rozelle, author of the Upper YA Dystopian/Biopunk/Sci-fi, "The Treemakers," is a mother of four, currently residing in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys fiction that shines a light in the dark, has verve, depth, and truth. She writes what she'd love to see available to read. Though her focus is currently YA speculative fiction, she dabbles in other genres as well, including adult speculative, fantasy, and addiction/recovery fiction. To find out more about her, as well as links to her plethora of social media outposts, please visit her fan-site: http://christinalrozelle.com/

To sign up for her mailing list, warmly referred to as 'The Rozelle Army,' follow this link: http://eepurl.com/68sS9

To read her latest blog post, follow this link: https://clrozelle.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/10-things-that-suck-and-rock-about-being-an-indie-author-part-1/

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Book Club Cover Reveal for Sundari Venkatraman's New Release

12/8/2014

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Cover Reveal:

MATCHES MADE IN HEAVEN

Romantic Short Stories by

Sundari Venkatraman

Sneak Peak

Swayamwar on TV reality show; Dating Clubs; Matchmaking websites; parents setting up their children with one another; friends getting married and more – there are many ways that couples get together for hopefully a “Happily Ever After” experience. MATCHES MADE IN HEAVEN explores the various premises in the form of short stories that one can relate to in everyday life. There is even one based on Gods falling in love. Shh! I am not going to say anything further. It’s for you to find out.

And there are thirteen of them. While many insist that “13” is an unlucky number, I am quite fascinated by it. I absolutely believe that it’s a lucky number for me. That’s why I decided to publish this anthology with 13 romantic stories.

About the author

Sundari Venkatraman has authored four novels and a short story anthology till now, Matches Made In Heaven (anthology) being the latest. The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom; Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set) and Matches Made In Heaven have all been self-published on Amazon under the banner of Flaming Sun. The three novels are regularly seen on Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers’ Contemporary Romances list. The Box Set and Anthology are bound to catch up soon.

A great fan of Mills & Boon romances over the past four decades, Sundari has always believed in ‘Happily Ever Afters’ and all her books promise happy endings.

Matches Made In Heaven is a compilation of thirteen short stories – all romantic – based on many situations anyone can come upon in their day-to-day lives. The stories revolve around the different ways a couple can get to meet and tie the knot in a culture rich country like India. Those reading the stories will definitely be able to connect realising that one of the situations has definitely been a part of their lives.

So here you go........

Book Launch by:

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Sneak Peek Sunday - Saved in Sri Lanka

12/6/2014

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Today I want to share an excerpt from my upcoming contemporary romance novel 'Saved in Sri Lanka'. I wrote it during NaNoWriMo and will release it in January or February 2015. Here's a Sneak Peek Sunday snippet that shines some light on the name I chose for the heroine.

“Follow me over there for a second.”
They walked over, and Sepalika could see him react the way she had expected it. Daniel lifted his head and took a deep breath. She smiled to herself and felt a thrill rush through her.
“Can you smell that?”
He nodded with wide eyes. “It’s such an intoxicating scent, so…I don’t know, intense and sweet, mysterious and confident.”
Now her eyes widened, and a shiver of pleasure ran down her spine.
“This is my namesake,” she said, and her voice was hardly more than a whisper.”
He turned to stare at her then back at the flower-laden tree exuding such potent magic.
“May I introduce you to the redolent sepalika flower, commonly called night jasmine or coral jasmine, and sometimes confused with Queen of the Night. This tree’s flowers bloom only after dark, enchanting throughout the night. Shortly after dawn they’ll start wilting, and by morning you’ll have a patch of earth decked out in fallen, faded flowers.”
Daniel walked over to the tree as if in trance. He plucked one of the small white flowers and inhaled its powerful but not overpowering scent.
“They’re not just beautiful,” she continued. “People believe they’ll help you sleep soundly and dream sweetly. They are dried and stuffed into pillows for that purpose. Experts in native medicine claim it can help children with constipation.”
“Fascinating,” he murmured and walked back to her, stopping right in front of her so she had to crane her neck to peer into his deep, now surprisingly dark eyes.
“You know, this flower isn’t always praised for its beauty. Some people aren’t too fond of it because it looks bare and barren, common and even sort of forlorn during daytime. They dub it the ‘tree of sorrow’, but every night the fragrant flowers cause even the most sorrowful people to smile and appreciate.”
“There’s a whole story and lesson lingering there,” Daniel said, whispering too. “Looks like they’re much more than fragrant…just like you’re much more than what meets the eye.”
He leaned in and lifted his hand as if he wanted to stick the flower into her hair.

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Featured - Second Nature by Marie Lavender

12/6/2014

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I'm very happy to spotlight a book I really loved and that satisfies my craving for good vampire fiction. Ladies and gents, give it up for awesome author Marie Lavender and her latest release with the fitting title "Second Nature".

Second Nature by Marie Lavender

About the Book

Blurb

She never expected it…

Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. It’s something right out of the story books she reads, or her worst nightmare. But, sometimes he’s not the monster he appears to be. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her, when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she finds out more about herself than she ever wanted to know.

She was unlike any other…

Alec has a problem. The animal in him wants Desiree. But, so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. But, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix that way. Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to make a choice. His life or hers.

Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late

Excerpt

Desiree had just shut off the faucet when the lights suddenly went out, shrouding the room in darkness. “Shit!” she muttered. She fumbled for the light switch, but nothing happened.
Now, where were the candles? Her hands groped the surface of the counter, catching things that spun to the floor. She tried to remember what direction she must walk. Right. She walked slowly along, and cursed when she stubbed her toe on a table leg. Her hands found the hard wood surface and then there was nothing, just air. She kept walking little by little, her arms outstretched until her palms met cold glass. The sliding glass doors to the patio.
She was startled by the light for a moment, a hazy purple glow. It dawned on her then. Her solar-powered lamps had come on. She froze suddenly as a thought dawned on her. Oh, God! They were motion-activated! Her mind raced with the implications of the invasion. Had someone been in the yard? Cut the power to the house? A claw danced up her spine at the thought. Goosebumps prickled her arms. Peering into the semi-darkness, she sucked in a breath as she saw a pale face on the other side of the glass. She screamed, stumbling back. With the dim light shining, she was able to locate the butcher knife off the block and raise it in the air. Her senses strained, she crept back towards the glass, but there was nothing there now.
She frowned. Had she imagined it, the ghostly figure from before? She wanted it to be just coincidence that her power was also out, but realistically she knew that she couldn’t be that lucky. Was this somehow related to the incident upstairs last week?
With her knife poised, the muscles in her arm now shaking with tension, she scanned the patio. Still nothing, but someone was there. She felt it. Hairs rose on the back of her neck. Time ticked by, too slowly for comfort. She felt a weird tingle in her skin, but she ignored it. Her eyes burned now from the effort of peering.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement. She swung, her heart pounding in her chest, and sought the source of the motion. Still nothing. She could hardly tell what the danger was over her loud heartbeat. But she still sensed it, like a deer that knew a predator was close by. She thought she would go mad with the waiting. Then she saw the dark figure at the end of the hall. On impulse, she turned, ran to the glass doors, slid one open and raced across the patio. She gripped the knife until her fingers felt numb.
Suddenly she was tackled to the ground, a heavy bulk falling on top of her. She sucked in a breath to scream, but a hand covered her mouth. She bit down hard, but there was no response. Her assailant grasped her hand and shook it wildly until her grip on the knife loosened and it fell away. He pressed into her, his arousal evident. Her eyes bulged in panic, her breath coming in short bursts. His teeth latched onto her neck, and she was shocked at the rush of desire, the heat low in her belly. She shook her head even as he bit her, clamping a hand down on the back of her neck to keep her in place. She bucked beneath him, did what she could to fight, but he was on her backside. He was too powerful.
He flipped her over, resuming his primal bite. She fought harder, trying to claw his face, his neck, anything she could. That was when she heard the voice inside her mind. It teased at her with a cool sensation across her forehead.
Stop fighting me, Desiree. I won’t hurt you.
She froze and he seemed to still as well. When he lifted his head, his face was in shadow, but she sensed his eyes on her.
She realized it wasn’t his command that had stopped her, but his voice. She suddenly came back to herself then. What on earth was she doing? She was beneath a man that had attacked her. She shook her head and opened her mouth.
Don’t scream, the voice came again. I won’t hurt you.

Buy Links

Amazon pre-order: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23622109-second-nature

Marie Lavender

About the Author

Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 19 other books. 2014 BTS Red Carpet Review Nominee. Finalist and Runner-up in the MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Marie has published twenty books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance/fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Lavender just released Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy, in December of 2014. She released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy, back in March. Upon Your Honor, released in late April, is her second historical romance. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

A list of her books and pen names are as follows

Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature

Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace

Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life

Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things

Author Links

http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://www.facebook.com/UponYourReturn
https://www.facebook.com/MagickMoonlight
https://www.facebook.com/UponYourHonor
https://www.facebook.com/WritingintheModernAge
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104926404745289477307/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00JTKTODG
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00IRKN5P2
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00I0D9LQ8
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos

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Featured - Naughty & Nice: A Holiday Collection

12/3/2014

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Naughty & Nice:

A Holiday Collection

Featuring: J. S. Scott, Ruth Cardello, Kathleen Brooks,
M Malone, Skye Jordan, Sawyer Bennett,
Lynda Chance, Melanie Shawn, Cali MacKay,
Jean Oram, & Evelyn Adams

Genre: Holiday Romance

Release Date: December 2, 2014

*** LIMITED EDITION ***
Brought to you by 11 NYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors

Grab it before it is gone.

Over 1000 estimated pages.

18+ Only

Mine For Christmas by J. S. Scott:
Will the emotional distance between a married couple with an infant daughter tear the two lovers apart? Or will a precious gift from Santa help them heal their misunderstandings and have the merriest Christmas they’ve ever had?

Twelve Days Of Temptation by Ruth Cardello:
Kate Hale is about to find out what happens when you ask Santa Claus to put you on his naughty list. Brock Foster has wanted Kate for a long time and is not above using deception to fulfill her steamy Christmas wish.

Secret Santa by Kathleen Brooks:
It wouldn't be Christmas in Keeneston without a party! Everyone's invited, even Santa…
Kenna's court docket is full, Dani's hiding from her in-laws, Paige and Annie are about to burst from pregnancy, and Marshall is breaking up fights at the PTA Christmas Concert. The sweet potato casserole is made, the ham and biscuits are on the table, and men are losing their shirts - and not because of bets placed with the Rose Sisters! All the while, the entire town is wondering one thing: who is the Secret Santa that showed up with special gifts for everyone?

Christmas With The Alexanders by M. Malone:
Kaylee Wilhelm knows what she wants for Christmas—for Elliott Alexander to notice her. Unfortunately, he doesn’t like her much, so she’s spending the holidays with her disapproving parents. When Kay’s car skids out of control on Christmas Eve, she’s forced to reach out to the only man she trusts to save her.

Rumor by Skye Jordan:
A year ago, former Navy SEAL Josh Marx fell for his teammate's ex, and his strict moral code demanded he get as far away from her as possible. But when he finds out she's in trouble, that same code pushes him to change his Christmas plans and check in on Grace Ashby—uncovering feelings they both thought they'd buried....

Off Season by Sawyer Bennett:
Irish lass, Cady Dunne, wasn’t looking to fall for professional hockey player, Zane Kavanaugh during a visit to the States. But she did… and now an ocean stands between them. Can a Christmas miracle bring them back together?

Staking His Claim by Lynda Chance:
When twenty-one year old Elaina Ruiz meets Raul Vega, she recognizes his ruthless intensity and chooses not to correct him when he mistakes her for a teenager. The moment Raul sees Elaina, he knows he will have her, even if it means waiting for her to grow up.

My Love by Melanie Shawn:
A surprise twist on their spur-of-the-moment holiday trip will leave Bobby and Sophie Sloan's lives forever changed. Sexy weekend getaways don't get much better than this.

A Mermaid Isle Christmas by Cali MacKay:
Aidan Nordson just wants to be left alone to live his life and deal with his demons, but when a Christmas blizzard strands Chloe Madison at his door, the gorgeous and feisty brunette stirs feelings in him he’s not ready to deal with. Forced together by fate and circumstance, can Aidan let go of the past that haunts him so he can learn to love again, or will the storm in his heart swallow him in its darkness?

Eggnog and Candy Canes: A Blueberry Springs Christmas Novella by Jean Oram:
From enemies to lovers. Nurse Katie Reiter’s nemesis, Dr. Nash Leham is back in Blueberry Springs and he came for one thing—Katie. Will their battles turn to stolen kisses in the midst of a Christmas storm or will Katie find her happily ever after in the arms of another?

Wrapped by Evelyn Adams:
Julie Blake thought she’d gotten over her first love, but when a business deal gone wrong brings her to his restaurant on Christmas Eve, she falls right back into his arms. Celebrity chef Eric Auxtres may have seduced the only woman he's ever loved into his bed again, but can he find a way into her heart or will she walk out of his life as unexpectedly as she walked in?

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J.S. Scott
J.S. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary steamy romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way!

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Ruth Cardello
Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York--then came full circle and moved back to Rhode Island. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.

She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she's not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm, riding her horses, or connecting with her readers online.

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Kathleen Brooks
Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass Series and follow-up Bluegrass Brothers Series feature small town charm with quirky characters that have captured the hearts of readers around the world.

Kathleen is an animal lover who supports rescue organizations and other non-profit organizations, such as Friends and Vets Helping Pets, whose goals are to protect and save our four-legged family members.

Kathleen has a new bestselling series out called Women of Power. This series follows the lives of successful businesswomen as they fight off dangers to their lives and careers while searching for true love. After all, behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her!

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M. Malone
NYT & USA Today Bestselling author M. Malone lives in the Washington, DC metro area with her three favorite guys, her husband and their two sons. She holds a Master's degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she's using her expensive education.

She's now a full-time writer and spends 99.8% of her time in her pajamas.

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Skye Jordan
Sometimes fun. Sometimes naughty. Always romantic.

I am a New York Times Bestselling Author writing under the pseudonym Skye Jordan for my more ... sexually heated ... works.

My Skye Jordan novels are all about enjoying that little wild streak we all have, but probably don't let out often enough. About those fantasies we usually don't get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, playing naughty and maybe even acting a little wicked. They're about escape and fun and pleasure and romance.

And, yes, even love. Because even as Skye Jordan I'm just a happily ever after kinda gal.

Thanks for reading!

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Sawyer Bennett
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, Cold Fury Hockey series and the Last Call Series.

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Lynda Chance
Lynda Chance lives in Galveston County, Texas with her husband. When she's not writing, she's reading, even though she should be cleaning.

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Melanie Shawn
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn is the writing team of sister duo Melanie and Shawna. Originally from Northern California, they both migrated south and now call So Cal their home.
Growing up, Melanie constantly had her head in a book and was always working on short stories, manuscripts, plays and poetry.

Shawna always loved romance in any form - movie, song or literary. If it was a love story with a happy ending, Shawna was all about it! She proudly acknowledges that she is a romanceaholic.

They have joined forces to create a world where true love and happily ever after always has a sexy twist!

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Cali MacCay
Cali MacKay is a NY Times bestselling author who lives in New England with her husband, two girls and their crazy mutt. When not tapping away on her laptop and getting her characters into trouble, she can be found playing around on Photoshop, wrangling her girls, and splicing DNA. She's also a decent potter, adventurous cook, and horrible gardener. For more information, please go to http://calimackay.com.

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Jean Oram
Jean Oram grew up in a small town that inspired several of the characters (especially the schnapps drinking ones) in her Blueberry Springs romance series. While she grew up in an old schoolhouse on a bee farm, so far none of her characters have. Eggnog and Candy Canes (her giveaway prize) is the fourth book in the Blueberry Springs series and can be read as a standalone romance. She lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, and two pets where she likes to pretend she's an Olympic downhill ski racer. You can give Jean some small town love on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jeanoramauthor, stalk her on Twitter (she likes that) www.twitter.com/jeanoram or stop by her website to see what she's giving away today: www.jeanoram.com.

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Evelyn Adams
Evelyn Adams lives in her own little Garden of Eden with her three children, a handful of God's creatures and the man of her dreams. If she's not writing steamy romances, she's chasing kids, gardening or reading other authors' steamy stories.

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Teaser Tuesday - In Deep Water

12/1/2014

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I used NaNoWriMo to write the contemporary romance novel "Saved in Sri Lanka". Now I want to focus on Book 2 of the 4 Elements of Love series again, "In Deep Water". I have about 5 chapters written and at least another 5 to go. Here's a snippet from my WIP for #TeaseMeTuesday.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come down with you?” Calder asked, his voice laced with an emotion she couldn’t place. Worry?
Wendy looked up from her place in the boat where she was putting her flippers on, realizing with a jolt that he was standing right in front of her and staring at her with a serious face and a searching gaze. She felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny, and as usual it made her react too harshly.
“I’m not a baby, I’m a goddamn marine biologist. Don’t you worry your stubborn head off, I’ll be perfectly fine.”
Not the least bit nettled by her biting remark, he squatted down to study her even harder, his face inches away from hers, his gaze as piercing as if he had opted against the contact lenses.
“The thing is, you never look perfectly fine when you surface from your dives. There’s always an air of wariness and confusion surrounding you, and you sound as if you’re hiding something from me when you answer my questions.”
Her breathing sped up at his words. Why had he be such a good observer? Why did he care? Because it was his job to make sure she didn’t hide anything?

You can read another excerpt here.

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