Space, Shifters, Romance and Sales

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about any single book or series. Well, let’s be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve posted a lot of anything. But since life with a new baby in the house is starting to settle down, and since I’m again finding a daily groove, I think it’s well past time to once again begin posting about books. So…

Last year I saw an ad for a sci-fi/fantasy book about space travelling dragon shapeshifters. At the time, I thought “what the heck, let’s give it a try?” and I bought Abducting Abby by S.E. Smith. The story of Abby Tanner and dragonshifter Zoran Reykill, leader of the Valdier, kicks off the Dragon Lords of Valdier series. From there it branches off with the related series: Curizan Warriors, Sarafin Warriors and Marastin Dow, and the Dragonlings of Valdier – a second generation series from the other series I just listed. When I started reading I had no idea what I was getting myself into. However, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

As I followed Abby, Cara, Trisha, Ariel, Carmen and the other women from Earth as they met and fell in love with the various warriors who claim them, I was happily entranced with the stories. For someone like myself who firmly believes that there is life “out there” the imaginative possibilities presented by S.E. Smith was like giving an unlimited supply of candy to a kid. And what’s even better, is that these books are interesting enough that I can re-read them over and over.

But you know what’s really great?

Right now – September 1-3, 2017 – all of Smith’s e-books are on sale for just 99 cents. So right now is a really great time to stock up… and read! Explore the titles of all S.E. Smith's series here.

S.E. Smith Facebook

S.E. Smith Twitter

S.E. Smith G+

And you can find even more ways to fan-stalk Smith, in all the good ways I mean, on her website!

S.E. Smith Website

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This Reader Recommends...

I don't know about anyone else but I am always looking for the next book to read. Whether it's something new, new-to-me, or an old favorite, I am constantly scrolling through reading lists, recommended new releases and looking through my own digital and hard-copy libraries…  So this week, to get myself back into a book blogging mindset after a couple months of hard times (wondering WTF? See here.) I’m sharing with you some of my reading recommendations. Some will be books that I’ve read and loved for years – my all-time favorites. Others will be ones that I’ve read, loved, and/or reviewed in more recent times. And finally some will be new and (possibly) up-coming releases that I’ve heard wonderful things about.

Here we go…

Searching for Weekend Reads?

Are you looking for something to read this weekend?? Well search no further!  Here we've got 4 excellent suggestions for you...

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Exposed: Laid Bare by S.R. Grey
(Laid Bare #1)
Publication date: April 5th 2015
Genres: Erotica, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis:

A sexy novella where things are not always as they appear. Enter the Laid Bare world only if you dare.

There’s something about Lucien Chambers. Something beyond his amazing success, his good looks, and his uncanny ability to turn everything he touches to gold.

In the eyes of the world, Lucien is a sexy and savvy business man. But when a naïve photographer, Dahlia Vaughn, is hired to take pictures of the hot entrepreneur, she discovers Mr. Chambers may be much more than what he seems.

Volume 1 of the Laid Bare novellas

Goodreads: 

Add Exposed: Laid Bare (Laid Bare #1):  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23492027-exposed
Add Unveiled: Laid Bare (Laid Bare #2): (coming in June!) http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24911665-unveiled

 

Purchase:

Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/1xWW2w0
Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/1N4mWct
Currently a Kindle Unlimited selection; FREE for those subscribers

 

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Vampire’s Bane by Suzannah Daniels
(Vampire’s Bane, #1)
Publication date: April 14th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:

VAMPIRE’S BANE is a mature young adult paranormal fantasy/romance/action & adventure/post-apocalyptic story.  Now available for pre-order on Amazon…will be released on Amazon on April 14, 2015.
 
A lethal sword.
 
A dangerous mission.
 
A seventeen-year-old girl finding her way in a world that is nothing like she remembered.
 
When Maylin Kavanagh’s parents surrendered her to The Program, they swore it was for her protection. After being confined in a small underground cell for nearly two years, she is finally released.
 
But the world has changed.
 
Most of the populace has been wiped out by a deadly disease, and the rules of society have regressed. But that’s not the worst of it. When her group is kidnapped by a band of rogue vampires, Maylin realizes the decline of the human population has brought other races to the forefront—races she never knew existed. And now they’re all battling for survival and power.
 
In his father’s absence, Thane Warwick must lead his people. He has two priorities: find his father and find humans who can supply blood to his tribe. Immediately intrigued by his latest captive, he becomes interested in Maylin for more than just her blood, but he soon discovers that he must make a choice between his father and her.
 
Despite their attraction, Maylin and Thane each have an agenda, and only one can be the victor.
 
VAMPIRE’S BANE is the first book in the VAMPIRE’S BANE series. While it does end at a natural turning point in the heroine’s journey, it is an ongoing story, and not all questions will be answered. You will need to read this series in order.
 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23499821-vampire-s-bane?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Bane-Book-ebook/dp/B00UPPRZ30/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428673266&sr=8-1&keywords=Vampire%27s+Bane

 

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Mastered 2: Ten Tales of Sensual Surrender
Authors: Avery Aster, Cynthia Sax, Emily Ryan-Davis, Evangeline Anderson, Jennifer Leeland, Karen Fenech, Madelynne Ellis, Opal Carew, Portia Da Costa, Ruby Foxx, Saskia Walker, T.J. Michaels
Publication date: April 21st 2015
Genres: Erotica, Romance

 

Synopsis:

On the heels of the wildly popular New York Times and USA Today bestseller, MASTERED, we bring you MASTERED 2, ten more tales of sensual surrender, plus a bonus short story!
 
“11 AMAZING NEW EROTIC ROMANCE STORIES YOU’VE NEVER READ!”

 

These scorching erotic romance books, plus a bonus short story, are all brand-spanking new and never-before-released, until now! One-click this anthology today at a low pre-sale price of only 99 cents. This won’t last long!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23293238-mastered-2?ac=1

 

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mastered-Ten-Tales-Sensual-Surrender-ebook/dp/B00NUUO7G0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429294740&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=+Mastered+2%3A+Ten+Tales+of+Sensual+Surrender+%28Black+Halo%29

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mastered-2-opal-carew/1121445319?ean=2940046630497

 

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Meet Me In The Dark (A Dark Suspense) by J.A. Huss
Publication date: April 15th 2015

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

He’s empty, inhuman, dishonest, and cruel. She’s never wanted anyone more.

Sydney has lived in fear for eight years after freelance assassin, Merc, failed to rescue her from a cult-like militia group. Left in the hands of a sadistic man, she did whatever it took to survive. But Merc’s last words gave her hope. Hope he’d be back to finish the job.

 

After Merc is betrayed by her father, Sydney becomes his target. He wields sex, drugs, lies, and love like weapons. Merc knows just what to do with a fearful girl like Sydney. He’s in control. He’s always in control. 

But Sydney Channing is not what she appears. And Merc’s only redeeming act—the very one that made Sydney’s life a living hell—might just be his worst mistake yet. 

WARNING: Meet Me In The Dark is a STANDALONE, non-traditional, DARK ,CAPTIVE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. It is not intended for sensitive readers.

MEET ME IN THE DARK IS A STANDALONE, romantic suspense novel ON SALE NOW:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25179280-meet-me-in-the-dark?ac=1

 

Purchase Meet Me In The Dark:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/meetmercnow
B&N: http://bit.ly/1OBXUi1
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1DNcLml

Another EXCERPT for You!

Here's another little sneak peek into RELUCTANT PRINCE by Dani-Lyn Alexander.  And don't forget that you can enter here on Ups, Downs, Ins and Outs to win an e-book copy of this book!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading and Good Luck!!

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Oh, man. He was in trouble. He pushed away from the wall.

Images of his target taunted him.

He shoved a chair aside and tore through the pictures scattered across the table in a desperate search for salvation. There. He pulled the shot from the mess but found only condemnation. The long blond hair flowing behind her in the snapshot had not been visible to him, but there was no mistaking the deep blue of her eyes.

The pounding of a fist against the heavy wood door released him from whatever spell she’d cast.

“Jackson.” Another loud thud punctuated his name.

He struggled to get his bearings, tried to slow the racing of his heart. “Yeah, one minute.”

“Now. Your father wants to see you, immediately.”

Kai, his father’s most trusted warrior. He was in more trouble than he’d originally thought. Was it possible the king would sentence him to death for ignoring a direct order? Surely not without offering him a fair trial, or at least granting him the opportunity to explain. But what could he say? What explanation could there be for failing to deliver the girl? None.

“I won’t knock again.” The warrior would soon break down the door and drag him before the throne.

He crumpled the offending photo, the evidence of his disgrace, into a ball. Instead of tossing it in the trash as he’d intended, he shoved it into the small leather satchel he wore at his waist. With a deep breath, he released the latch and pulled open the door.

“Come.” Kai turned his back on him and strode purposefully down the corridor, their footfalls echoing through the silence of accusation.

Reluctant Prince - Inspiration and Music

Have you ever wondered about how an author writes a book, the process, or how he/she maintains inspiration during what can sometime be a very difficult process?  I can honestly tell you that, like with so many other things in life, the process of getting a story out of your head and on to paper, er, the screen is different for every author. 

Some authors have sudden bursts of inspiration from dreams, from life, from the food they eat, even from a specific shade of a sunset sky.  When writing some require absolute silence and solitude, while others will have a TV droning in the background, music playing, or will sit surround by people living their own lives - either in public places, or in their own homes.  Some days it's one way and some days it'll be another. 

Author Dani-Lyn Alexander shares with fans the music playlist that she attributes to her book RELUCTANT PRINCE with the following Spotify playlist!! Enjoy :-)

And don't forget that you can enter the Dani-Lyn's GIVEAWAY by

entering below for an Amazon Giftcard!!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Can Win!! EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY

It's time for another giveaway here on Ups, Downs, Ins and Outs!  This time around we're giving away an e-book copy of RELUCTANT PRINCE by Dani-Lyn Alexander... This giveaway will run from now until April 26th, 2015 - all you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter link below!!  Goodluck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now to wet your appetite for the Prince and his young Lady, here is an excerpt from RELUCTANT PRINCE by Dani-Lyn Alexander.

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Ryleigh stood. This couldn’t be happening. With only a few months left until graduation, she didn’t want to be forced to drop out, but what else could she do? “Look, Mr. Jacobs, can’t you just—” Vertigo assailed her. The room rocked, and she grabbed the desk.

Mr. Jacobs grabbed the back of his chair. His eyes mirrored her panic. Books flew from the shelves. Glass shattered.

She had to get to Mia.

She turned to run. The building bucked, and she toppled, slamming her knee into the hard wood floor. Pain shot up her leg. She grabbed the chair to pull herself up, but the next wave threw her back down. She tried to regain her footing, but someone yanked her to the ground.

“Stay down.” Mr. Jacobs shoved her forward. He crawled beside her, half pushing, half dragging her toward the door.

Debris pelted her back, shoulders, and head. How could she have left Mia? Tears blurred her vision.

“If it’s an earthquake, it should stop any minute. Just keep crawling toward the door.”

Desperately wishing she could cover her ears to block the screaming, she clawed forward. Her knee dragged behind her, pain pulsing with each movement. Falling apart wouldn’t help matters. She had to get to Mia.

Ryleigh crawled through the doorway, into utter chaos. People trying to push through the mess, others huddled in corners shielding their heads. An injured woman cried as she rocked back and forth clutching her arm. A man crouched over her.

Fear and disorientation held Ryleigh immobile.

About a Girl and a Prince

Reluctant Prince by Dani-Lyn Alexander
(Kingdom of Cymmera #1)
Published by: Lyrical Press
Publication date: November 3rd 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

 

A Story About...

Betrayal lies cloaked in shadow.



Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they’ll push her for answers she can’t afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.

Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he’s forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23263567-reluctant-prince?ac=1

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Dani-Lyn Alexander lives on Long Island with her husband, three kids and three dogs. She loves spending time with her family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In her spare time, which is rare, she enjoys reading and shopping—especially in book stores.

 

Some of her favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. She’s an incurable insomniac and has an addiction to chocolate.

 

Author links:

http://danilynalexander.com/

https://www.facebook.com/danilyn.alexander.1

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5779758.Dani_Lyn_Alexander

https://twitter.com/DaniLynAlexande

 

You can win an Amazon Gift Card from the Author!! Enter below:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Paranormal, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reading This October

This October, seeing as how it’s the month of ghouls, goblins, witches, vampires and all things scary and out of the ordinary, I decided that I’d focus my reading on stories of fantasy, sci-fi and, of course, the paranormal.  And so the first half of October saw me reading some old favorites – catching up with old friends – and finding some truly wonderful new material.  So take a look at my list and tell me what you think!

Jacquelyn Frank

          Seduce Me in Dreams

          Seduce Me in Flames

Gena Showalter

          Lord of the Vampires

Jill Monroe

          Lord of Rage

Sherrilyn Kenyon

          Born of Night

          Born of Fire

          Born of Shadows

          Born of Ice

          Fire and Ice

The Three Worlds novels by Jacquelyn Frank (both titles listed above) are amazing stories.  Like her Nightwalkers, Shadowdwellers, and Gatherers series, these stories feature strong alpha-type hero’s and women with the power, beauty and confidence to perfectly match them.  Her stories are always worth the cost, time and effort to read and for those of you who decide to pick up one of her books, no matter what the title or series that it comes from, you will not be disappointed.

It’s a very rare day that I pick up a Sherrilyn Kenyon novel and not like the story.  The League series, of which all the aforementioned SK titles belong to, is one that I particularly enjoy because it’s completely different from the other stories that she’s written, (at least so far as I’ve read thus far!) and yet they still manages to capture a reader’s attention and interest almost immediately.  Unlike her Dark-Hunters, Dream-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick, Brotherhood of the Sword, and Lords of Avalon series, The League is completely fantasy based with no ‘Earth’ link, which is something that I don’t often find in the genre’s that I read but that I always seem to like just for the awesome alternatives that it offers.  The next book in this series is Born of Silence, featuring ‘Darling Cruel’ the beloved and quirky character that we’ve seen in almost every other League story, and is slated to come out in April 2012.

The other two books listed – by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe – are the first two books in the Royal House of Shadows series being published by Harlequin this fall.  Books three and four, by Jessica Andersen and Nalini Singh respectively, will be available in November (#3) and December (#4) and like the first two are highly anticipated by readers, fans and critics alike.  Based on the first two books I would say that the series, when complete, is going to be a very cool accomplishment and set of works by some of paranormal romances best authors.  (A full review of these books and the series will come in December, once all the books have been released… and read by Moi!)

Check out this video trailer for the entire series – originally from the Paranormal Romance Blog’s source page for this series… I promise, it is awesome as it looks!