 Paranormal romance and vampires are two of my favorite book genres. I fell in love with Laurell K. Hamilton's vamps from her Anita Blake series and then moved on to other vampire stories from Nancy Gideon to Maggie Shayne. The idea of someone being "meant" for you and waiting across the centuries is romantic to say the least. Having a person who has been around the block but finds you to be their true love, even after hundreds of years is a big dream. Who wouldn't want to be that person? that adored? Clara Winter has woven a series of books about vampires who find their one true love even after death or across time. The first book, Deepest Midnight gives you the first glimpse into her supernatural world. And hold onto your seats, you are going to be up reading all night! Blurb: True love never dies. At least, it doesn’t for Millicent, a once French noblewoman turned immortal vampire. The love of her life is murdered before she became immortal. Forever is a long time to live in despair. Two hundred forty years later, she locks eyes with an English actor, who happens to look exactly like her dead lover. Sadness turns to happiness as Millicent and Jack find passion in each other’s arms. Their fling quickly turns serious as Millicent finds happiness once again—and possibly her one true love. However, their relationship becomes complicated by her own uncertainty, Jack’s mortality, and the other man in Millicent’s life, Alexandre, her maker and companion. When Alexandre puts his foot down, Millicent must decide if she’s going to continue to be led by others or take the reins and drive the outcome of her life. Deepest Midnight is set in modern day Savannah, Ga with occasional glimpses back to 18th century France. This is the first book in The Immortal Kindred Series. Preorder Your Copy Today!  About the Author:
Amy Rugg grew up reading Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and Alice in Wonderland, while watching Buck Rogers, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Writing her own stories naturally ensued. She is a wife, mother, and former school counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Amy is from Colorado Springs, Co and currently resides in Mission Viejo, Ca. You can connect with her at: clarawinterbooks.com  There is something about the end of a series. It brings a little sadness but also excitement as the author wraps up the storyline. We say goodbye to our favorite characters but hopefully get to see how much they have grown since we met them. Ashely Pagano has taken us on a ride during the Reaper series. We have learned a great deal about Ryder and why she comes off so angst filled. We cheer for Chase as he falls in love with her and gains more information about his own abilities. And we hold our breath as we find out what might just happen to him in this final story. Hold onto your hats...the ride is bumpy! Blurb: She’s been to the other side and back again . . . But she’s never met anyone like him. He can see things no one else can . . . But he only sees her. From the moment he witnessed her do the impossible . . . he was obsessed. But he's not the only one. Thankfully, Carlsten is man enough to put his feelings aside in order to secure a friendship and partnership with Ryder and Chase. Because it is going to take all three of them to take down the Fallen and the Reaper. Ryder's extraordinary abilities and scythe are no match for true love. Chase's six sense and dagger, in no way, prepared him for this. Carlsten's expertise and impeccable aim may not be enough to take down the most powerful creature on Earth. It will take a miracle, and possibly the ultimate sacrifice. Will it end where it all began? In a world filled with darkness . . . can true love spark just enough light to save it? EXCERPT “I’m going to kill him first. As much as I hate to admit it, I need your and Carlsten’s help. I cannot do this alone. He may be too powerful. Nevertheless, he truly deserves to meet the end of my blade.” She extends her fingers until they crack, eagerly. I do not lift my eyes up to meet hers, instead I continue to glare at the warped, moss-covered planks beneath my feet. She comes over to me and raises her hands to tenderly stroke my face. But I restrain her wrists. “I’m so sorry that I hurt you. I was only trying to protect you from Focalor.” Her voice is taut and shaky.” After we take Focalor, you and I can focus on us. We could go on a real date or on a vacation, like a normal couple.” Eventually, I give in. I love her too much that she holds my heart prisoner, like fallen leaves stuck under a chilling frost. I don’t want to forgive her so easily, but I can’t help but want to hold and kiss her. “We’re far from normal.” I bashfully look up at her, reminding her of our uniqueness. Grab Your Copy Today   About the Author:
Ashley Pagano has always dreamed of being an artist both figuratively and literally. Her love of art was instilled by her mother who always inspired her to be creative either with a paintbrush or with a pen and paper. As far back as she can remember her life was always centered around introspection, storytelling, and imagination. Because she is so artistic, she took to the idea of creative writing very passionately. Her ability to describe a scene, person, or place, she compares to painting a picture, where she can describe every detail vividly in order to make the reader feel like they’re truly living in the story. Her works of writing usually center around a powerhouse female protagonist (which reflect her own personality), who progresses through many wild and extreme obstacles. Ashley loves to write stories that end with a cliffhanger, that have the reader begging for more and questioning what happens next. Her most recent novel sets the stage for the paranormal romance of the century and includes ghosts, poltergeists, and demons who just love to get in the way of true love. Ashley has won awards for her design, art, and writing. Ashley doesn’t believe in down time whatsoever and actually loves having a full “To-Do” list. Ashley is a wife to her wonderful husband, Eric and a mother to a beautiful baby girl named Dakota. She is also a Graphic Designer and a health and fitness coach. Her husband and daughter inspire her to be the best person she can be and encourage her to pursue any of her dreams (no matter how extravagant they may be). www.authorashleypagano.com https://www.facebook.com/neverfearthereaperseries/ https://instagram.com/authorashleypagano/  An AI who Loves While Colonel Lancaster was chatting with Captain Drake, the students and the scientist were getting Scarlett up. Scarlett is an Artificial Intelligence. While David created her basic technology, Victor gave her life and personality. In truth, he made her love him, which she now does. Unlike other AI’s, she is happy, loving, flirty, and thanks to David, technically superior to any AI ever created. She expresses the emotions of a human better than any AI before her. She not only can multi-task hundreds of problems at once, she can flirt and tease while doing so.  Arrival: Titan By Liza O’Connor Blurb Dangers continue even as the crew of soldiers, scientists, and brilliant teens quantum leap to space near Titan. Captain Drake has his own agenda, and it doesn’t include Colonel Lancaster, or the students being alive for much longer. Fortunately, the scientists and students are a formidable group to go against. The attempted takeover is stopped with only one death. When Scarlett lands the ship on the north pole near the methane lake, they discover several sentient life forms. They also learn that the moon, Pan, is actually a ship called the Death Star, mining minerals in the outer rings of Saturn. Even more shocking—Jupiter is not a planet, but a disguised ‘eye in the sky’ watching over the mining interests of a superior sentient planet. Excerpt Lancaster sighed. “Any chance Scarlett is up?” Scarlett appeared wearing a yellow frilly dress with a matching umbrella. “Yes, I am, honey bunch! And despite being a southern girl, I’m all for the North on this one. Once we make sufficient fuel, we can check out the south pole, but right now we need to be gliding gently to the North Pole at an angle of 13.7 degrees.” Lancaster was pleased to see Scarlet back in action, but clearly Drake was not happy in the least. “Thank you for your excellent input. We’ll disconnect the monitors for a moment, so we may discuss matters up here.” Drake disconnected the monitors then glared in fury. “Who the hell is Scarlet and how did she get on this ship?” “She’s an AI. She came over with the rest of the equipment. I’ve no idea how they got her up so quickly, but I’m very glad they did, because she has saved our lives more times than I can count. I expect her to do the same here.” Drake sighed heavily. “Sorry for the outburst.” “It was justified. I did sneak Amy on board.” “Yeah, and I don’t like being crossed twice. But since we have plenty of time to discuss the matter—” “First, did you place us in the glide angle that Scarlet suggested?” Drake’s brow furrowed. “No. I placed it in the angle I chose, which just happened to be the angle it suggested. Now to the AI. I’m very glad we have one; but does it have a second personality?” “I don’t believe so, but to be honest, she is so helpful, that you’ll soon forget her flirtatious ways and southern accent. For she might very well be the finest AI ever created.” “Where did you get her from?” “Dr. Victor Kiev and David Sarns built her.” “Ah, then she probably is the finest AI.” Drake paused and tilted his head. “Why would they make her so ditsy?” “She’s not ditsy; she’s flirtatious. I expect Victor wanted someone to truly love him, which she does.” “AI’s don’t have feelings.” Lancaster arched a brow. “Just talk to her a bit and she’ll grow on you.” Sales Links Destination: Titan AMAZON Arrival: Titan Amazon All books are free for KU subscribers About the Author Liza O’Connor lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. Social Networks FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIZA O'CONNOR Investigate these sites: Liza’s Multiverse Blog Liza's Blog and Website Facebook Twitter All the Many Books Liza has written   Now on their new planet and away from the people who were sabotaging them, the colonists of Titan should be safe, but new dangers await.
From the amazing mind of Liza O'Connor, Arrival Titan carries on the story of a group of brilliant teenagers and outstanding scientists who must not only survive on a new planet but reproduce in order to keep the human race alive. Filled with humor and action, Ms. O'Connor tells the story of guts and determination, in the face of insurmountable odds. The colonists are what is best in the human race. I just wish we had more of them here on Earth today to help with our own problems. For fans of science fiction and amazing storytelling, Arrival Titan will keep you up reading into the wee hours. It's a must.  While Football season is over with, Inkspell Publishing still has an amazing quarterback to share. This quarterback not only is charming but he does well with the ladies, all except one special lady- the girl who is tutoring him. She can't stand him. Well, opposites attract! Blurb: Luke Caldwell has three abhorrent qualities to him: 1) He’s a pig-headed jock. 2) He’s a grade A asshole with the biggest, overbearing ego. 3) He’s a manwhore. These three qualities alone should’ve had me running for the hills. I tried to steer clear of him, I really did, but it was an impossible feat. Luke Caldwell was nothing if not persistent, and the way he bulldozed through my life, not taking no for an answer is proof of it. I tried to stay away from him. I wanted to hate him. But I couldn’t. Luke was nothing like the idiot jock I pegged him out to be. He became a friend, a confidant, and after one unforgettable night, he became so much more. Whatever this is between us, it’s impossible to ignore. I just hope when all is said and done, I won’t be burned by the college bad boy. EXCERPT: He leans in ever so slightly and raises his hand toward my face, I stop breathing the second the rough pad of his thumb glides beneath my eye, catching the lone tear that has fallen. “If it’s any consolation, I think your dad is a fucking idiot.” My lips twitch. “You don’t need his approval or a pat on the back, Natalia. If he can’t see how amazing his own daughter is, there’s no hope for him. He’s not worth wasting your hopes or energy on.” I sniff past the pressure in my nose and smile, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. Time slows as we gaze into each other’s eyes. Luke’s stares at me, unblinking, with his arm over the back of the couch. His muscular body is on full display, and his white t-shirt does nothing to hide the body beneath those clothes. Jesus, it’s getting hot in here. Or is it just me? Tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear, I clear my throat loudly. “You do realize that you came over here to study, and instead we’ve been watching TV the whole time.” “It was worth it. Plus,”—he looks down at his black watch—“it’s only a quarter till midnight. We can still get some work done tonight.” I fight the urge to yawn in his face. I hate to admit it to myself, but I’m super tired. Although, the idea of spending a few more hours hanging out with Luke is enough to damp down my sleepiness. Anyway, sleep is for the dead, right? Praise for the book: “This book is a page turner for all the college romance lovers out there, I read this book in one sitting and would highly suggest it. S.M Soto brings the perfect amount of angst with sweet.” - USA Today Best Selling Author T.L Smith “The best sports romance I've read this past year!" - Holly S. Roberts author of the USA TODAY Best-Selling novel "Play" “OMG This book was absolutely amazing I loved it. Luke and Natalia are a perfect pair. Their witty banter back and forth and the angst. I could not put it down. Devoured this book in one night.” - Once Upon A Romance Blog “It doesn’t happen very often that I read a book cover to cover until three a.m., Scoring the Quarterback had me on my freaking knees! Kudos to you S.M. Soto!” – Zellie Geustyn (Beta Reader/Reviewer) Now Available! |
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About the Author:
There really wasn’t any other path. Grea Warner knew from a young age that she wanted to write. She was born to write. First it was in diaries with little metal keys and in written tales that she slipped to friends in study hall. School newspapers, a college television drama, and internships in the soap opera world were next. After producing and writing a local show, she decided to delve into the world of the novelist. When her fingers aren’t tapping out her latest book filled with angst and romance, Grea can be found hiking the trails or jamming to her favorite country artists on the radio.
Website: www.greawarner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grea.warner.7
Twitter:@grea_warner
There really wasn’t any other path. Grea Warner knew from a young age that she wanted to write. She was born to write. First it was in diaries with little metal keys and in written tales that she slipped to friends in study hall. School newspapers, a college television drama, and internships in the soap opera world were next. After producing and writing a local show, she decided to delve into the world of the novelist. When her fingers aren’t tapping out her latest book filled with angst and romance, Grea can be found hiking the trails or jamming to her favorite country artists on the radio.
Website: www.greawarner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grea.warner.7
Twitter:@grea_warner
Wil Wheaton posted his speech from the NAMI Ohio conference titled “My Name is Wil Wheaton. I live with Chronic Depression and I am not ashamed.” (http://wilwheaton.net/2018/05/my-name-is-wil-wheaton-i-live-with-chronic-depression-and-i-am-not-ashamed/)
His words hit home with me, especially the pieces about the anxiety. I have anxiety, as well as depression. For me, the anxiety manifests itself in fears and OCD behaviors. I would have to touch certain things in order to protect myself because of fears that something bad would happen. I’d grown up planning how to survive if I lost my eyesight, use of my hands or any other number of strange unknowns. I didn’t realize I was different as a child. It was simply the way I handled my fears.
I shared a room with my sister (the other ones shared another room) and often at night we would come together in one room and tell stories. When we couldn’t sleep, we would crawl into bed with each other and talk until we fell asleep. Again, I believed this was normal.
His words hit home with me, especially the pieces about the anxiety. I have anxiety, as well as depression. For me, the anxiety manifests itself in fears and OCD behaviors. I would have to touch certain things in order to protect myself because of fears that something bad would happen. I’d grown up planning how to survive if I lost my eyesight, use of my hands or any other number of strange unknowns. I didn’t realize I was different as a child. It was simply the way I handled my fears.
I shared a room with my sister (the other ones shared another room) and often at night we would come together in one room and tell stories. When we couldn’t sleep, we would crawl into bed with each other and talk until we fell asleep. Again, I believed this was normal.
As I got older, the “what if” fears became quiet as the “negative loop” became louder. My anxiety would tell me how I was ugly, unwanted, not good enough, and many other things. I believed it and built a wall around my feelings. After all, if I was ugly, I was going to be as snarky as possible putting the “truth” out there before someone could say it to me. I’d fully admit to people I was ugly and that their friendships didn’t matter, but it was only a coping mechanism. A way of pushing people away before they left me.
The depression would tag team with the anxiety. The “negative loop” fed my feelings of worthlessness and told me no one would care if I was gone. With my emotions locked down inside me, I found dangerous behaviors in order to feel alive. By the grace of God, I didn’t do anything permanent to myself.
As I aged, anxiety became more vicious, telling me things about my loved ones—how I wasn’t important, I wasn’t good enough for them, and in turn I fed the anxiety by asking over and over, needing reassurances in order to get through the day. It was challenging living with me. In fact, my husband at the time, used to call it JWS-Jealous Wife Syndrome which made my anxiety worse.
The depression would tag team with the anxiety. The “negative loop” fed my feelings of worthlessness and told me no one would care if I was gone. With my emotions locked down inside me, I found dangerous behaviors in order to feel alive. By the grace of God, I didn’t do anything permanent to myself.
As I aged, anxiety became more vicious, telling me things about my loved ones—how I wasn’t important, I wasn’t good enough for them, and in turn I fed the anxiety by asking over and over, needing reassurances in order to get through the day. It was challenging living with me. In fact, my husband at the time, used to call it JWS-Jealous Wife Syndrome which made my anxiety worse.
Finally, I sought help and am on medication. But it’s a daily challenge, much like the one alcoholics deal with. My “what if” fears are back in full force. When I can’t answer a call, I worry it’s someone calling with important news. If I can’t reach my husband, I worry he’s hurt at home alone. The cabinets and drawers in the kitchen must be closed and I have certain ways of doing things. New situations like subbing in a new school, adds to the anxiety and don’t get me started on peopling… like parties or meeting friends. Each day, I have to remind myself that the voice of my anxiety doesn’t rule me. His words aren’t real.
You may be wondering why I’m sharing all this personal things with you…I want to assure you, you aren’t alone. If you have anxiety or depression, there are others out there dealing with similar issues. While each person’s symptoms are different, it does help to know people continue to push forward through the muck every day, which I consider a win!
I have anxiety and depression and I’m not ashamed. I share my experiences with others and have even found out my sister has dealt with the “what if” fears. I make sure to give my son as much support as he faces similar issues. I'm also very lucky that my husband deals with similar OCD and depression. He gets me. And of course, puts up with my zaniness. Sometimes sharing the fears, makes them lessen.
You may be wondering why I’m sharing all this personal things with you…I want to assure you, you aren’t alone. If you have anxiety or depression, there are others out there dealing with similar issues. While each person’s symptoms are different, it does help to know people continue to push forward through the muck every day, which I consider a win!
I have anxiety and depression and I’m not ashamed. I share my experiences with others and have even found out my sister has dealt with the “what if” fears. I make sure to give my son as much support as he faces similar issues. I'm also very lucky that my husband deals with similar OCD and depression. He gets me. And of course, puts up with my zaniness. Sometimes sharing the fears, makes them lessen.
And in case you haven't heard it today…You are beautiful, you are special, you are important, you are smart and you are loved.
PS. If you ever need to talk, I'm always here. <3
PS. If you ever need to talk, I'm always here. <3
Melissa Keir
Musings from Michigan
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