Sage Nestler's Blog, page 24
March 8, 2018
Countdown to B2BCyCon: J.J. Devine
Happy Thursday!
Today I am featuring J.J. Devine – paranormal and historical romance author! She is one of our featured authors at the Brain to Books Cyber Convention, and I am so excited for you to meet her.
Enjoy!
Ashley
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Reading and writing have been J.J.’s passion her whole life. Starting out with being the poet, everyone came to in high school to get that “perfect” poem for his or her boyfriend/girlfriend. She spent her weekends locked away in her room, curled up on her bed, writing short stories for only a selected few readers.
She has been happily married for 32 years to her trucker husband. She is a mother of three, grandmother of four and one angel; a lover of dogs, cats, birds, and fish.
J.J. started to pen historical romance as a hobby when her youngest child was a year old. She got serious about her writing career joining Romance Writers of America and Indiana Romance Writers of America. She penned her first paranormal romance, Into the Darkness, in 25 days, taking herself beyond her comfort zone and just giving the characters free reign of their story. Now she is a published author both in historical and paranormal romance as well as four anthologies.
Connect
Email: jjdevineauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JJDevineAuthor/?ref=settings&qsefr=1
Website: http://definingjjdevine.weebly.com
Blog: http://definingjjdevine.weebly.com/ramblings-of-a-writer
Twitter: @JjDevine2010
March 7, 2018
Book Review: Letters to Strabo by David Smith
Author: Dr. David Smith Ph.D
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Set in the late 1970s, Letters to Strabo is the fictional autobiography of Adam Finnegan Black, or Finn’, an innocent young American who is insatiably curious about life. His ambition is to be a travel writer, like his heroes; Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and the ancient Greek father of geography’, Strabo.
Short Review
Letters to Strabo is an educated and exciting read that appeals to authors and aspiring authors everywhere.
Long Review
I have to admit that I was blown away by Letters to Strabo. I haven’t been blown away by a book in quite some time, and it was much needed. Once I found out that David Smith has a Ph.D., his writing style made so much sense. His wording is educated, and his descriptions flow flawlessly. Those who love classic authors such as Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway will get a kick out of this gorgeous novel.
Letters to Strabo follows Finn, a boy who wants to be a writer and travel the globe. Smith references Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway throughout the book, as well as Strabo, the Greek father of geography. Each chapter presents a different destination, and the book is written like a suspenseful autobiography. While reading Finn’s story, I felt like I was traveling with him. With each page, the book felt like a true escape. Smith’s accurate details of each destination astounded me, and despite Finn’s story being fictional, I watched it come to life. Rarely do I find books that make me forget where I am when reading them, and Letters to Strabo does just that.
Travelers and wannabe travelers alike will fall in love with Finn and his story. David Smith’s clear and educated writing is much needed in today’s cluttered literary market. I can’t praise his elegant work enough. If you enjoy snarky protagonists and pages filled with adventure and sightseeing, then Letters to Strabo will be a hit with you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this beauty!
Countdown to B2BCyCon: Cherry Seniel
Happy Wednesday!
Today I am featuring Cherry Seniel – a wonderful paranormal romance author! She is a featured authors at the Brain to Book Cyber Convention, and I am so excited for you to meet her. Enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
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CHERRY SENIEL is a paranormal romance writer who believes that all of the best love stories have one thing in common—one must go against the odds to get there. Her novel tells about that. By day, she applies her skills as a Computer Engineer and leads a team. She pursued her IT career in Singapore for a couple of years and then she went back to her homeland. She loves the Entrepreneur world as well. She finished her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Cagayan University in the Philippines.
At night, she writes her novels and talks to her characters. Her passion for writing is so massive that she cannot disregard its call. She took various courses online to develop her skills and to learn more in the field of literature. Writing about her characters and introduce them to the world is her deepest wish.
Connect
Twitter Page: https://www.twitter.com/cherryseniel
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cherryseniel.author/
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Seniel/e/B01HXJSUDO/
Website: https://cherryseniel.wordpress.com/
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The Chief of Aplon is dead. The entire village rejoices. His death serves as a reminder to everyone. Never defy the law of the land or succumb to the consequences. Loving a Samardian is against the rule. Did the spirit forbid it or is it a law mandated by man? No one gets immunity—not even the Chief.
Ingrid—the woman he loves. She can’t escape the wrath of the people, including the life she carries. But she will take her chances. Her baby will survive and rule Aplon one day to correct these idiosyncrasies. She will protect this claim even it will cost her life. It shall be done. This is her vow.
Elijah sees nothing but darkness the first time he opens his eyes while in the care of his newfound family. But thanks to his crystal, he pictures the world in black and white. He wants to believe he is normal, but his heart tells otherwise. And with his fatal touch—he knew he isn’t ordinary. He must conceal this secret. It’s the only way not to hurt anyone. But with Hayleya, the world he knew becomes the opposite. He can look into her eyes and feel her touch without fear. And she holds his heart captive the first time their gaze met. If only he can swap his reality with that kind of world he knew in his dream. He would stay in that place where there is no fear and darkness, but love and freedom. Their love is real. The story repeats itself. He fell in love with a Samardian—just like his father. But this time, he will fight for it and he must succeed. The life of Hayleya and the discovery of his true identity hang by a thread. There’s no room for failure. Saving Hayleya means unleashing the words written by a powerful Samardian—his mother.
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Two living souls who wish to rekindle a love—born from the past and reborn in the present. It was a love of a lifetime tested by time and age. But fate was elusive. The long days of waiting consumed her peace—it leads to a dark plan. Another soul can spark their flame of love in exchange for something she can never take back—her life. Death is not the end, in the name of love.
Mila opens her eyes and feels her heartbeat again. Thanks to her mysterious donor. Caught between life and death, a dream becomes her key. She knew that a lady gave her a second chance to live. But in return, she made her promise one thing—to find a guy she doesn’t know. The secret of the past is her only clue, but how to find him—she remains oblivious.
The dream can mean nothing—she starts to believe that until fate made its way to unveil the answers to her questions. Joshua’s penetrating gaze awakens a feeling that is new to her. Is it really a new spark? Or is it an old feeling, rooted deeply, waiting to be rekindled? She needs to lead her fate—to embrace the love from the past or to welcome Luke’s love in the present?
March 6, 2018
Book Review: When Life Gets in the Way by Ines Vieira
Author: Ines Vieira
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
A wise man once said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.
Determined seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mackenzie has her whole life planned out to the very last detail. Nothing and no one will stop her from getting what she wants, and that is out of her hometown. Her life would finally begin once she moves from the quiet streets of Plymouth, Massachusetts to the sunny hills’ of San Francisco to attend her dream college, Berkeley.
However, life has a way of pulling the rug from under your feet. Her family is falling apart, and she’s powerless to stop it.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only fallback to her carefully laid out plans. If cocky Isaac Silva gets his way, the future she so meticulously set out for herself will crumble at her feet.
But Isaac has secrets of his own. Dark and twisted secrets.
Their attempts to break from their tortured reality result in strengthening their unlikely friendship and awakening feelings each one isn’t prepared to face.
So when crossing that line means more heartache and pain, will they be strong enough to pick up the pieces after all is said and done? Or will love be their ruin in the end?
“When Life Gets in the Way” is a story about overcoming diversity and the grueling challenges that illness and violence can cause. However, it is also a story of experiencing that one feeling that surrounds us all.
Love
It can either make you or break you.
Short Review
When Life Gets in the Way by Ines Vieira is a heartbreaking YA/NA romance that reaches into the souls of readers of all ages.
Long Review
Heartbreaking and gritty romances are my cup of tea, and I jumped on When Life Gets in the Way as soon as I discovered it. Sometimes I find that YA/NA novels can be even more emotional than adult novels, and this one sure packed a punch.
When Lifes Gets in the Way is an excellent look at how love can be traumatizing to some teenagers, but how that same love can open feelings within them that they haven’t experienced before. First love is always a bittersweet event in someone’s life, and Ines Vieira captured the pain and brilliance that first love brings through her beautiful language. Even though she switched point of views throughout the story, the plot moved seamlessly. The more I read, the more connected I felt to Cassandra and Issac. The diversity that Vieira presented in the novel brought the characters to life, and I couldn’t help but empathize with them.
Bittersweet romances are some of the finest elements in literature, and Cassandra and Issac’s story is on the top of my list. I was astounded by Vieira’s seamless writing, and how quickly I became engaged in her story. When Life Gets in the Way is not for the faint of heart, but it will leave you changed if you decide to pursue it. The book has a minimum reading age of 18, but I found that it connects to older generations as well. Vieira’s writing is timeless, and I highly suggest her work if you like to read realistic, painful love stories.
Countdown to B2BCyCon: Fiona Riplee
Happy Tuesday!
Today I would like to introduce to you romance author Fiona Riplee, one of our featured authors at the Brain to Books Cyber Convention! Fiona is a Paranormal Romance and Science Fiction-Fantasy Romance author – which happen to be two of my favorite genres. Check out her wonderful work below!
Much love,
Ashley
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SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY AND PARANORMAL ROMANCE AUTHOR
I have always been an avid reader of romance and science fiction. I decided to merge my two reading passions together and create my own version of paranormal/science fiction romance. I love creating new worlds where there are endless possibilities for finding love. I grew up in a small town in rural Pennsylvania and I am currently living in Indiana with my hopelessly romantic husband (who would never admit it under torture), the cutest and craziest toddler I’ve ever seen, and two mischievous dogs. While I haven’t sailed around the world I have been to Jamaica where I was married beside the ocean and in a previous career traveled to Germany and Switzerland.
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CIRCLE OF LIES
ALIEN PROPHECIES BOOK 1
Raz Donovan
Raz is a former M83 soldier for a secret alien military organization and distrusts all humans and most Sixxers. Betrayed, he leaves his comrades behind to protect his small circle from human Chasers determined to harness their Sixxer power. Hiding among the human population keeps Raz’s people safe. The small town he moves to appears the perfect place to live out his life in peace, and he meets an irresistible human female, Sandra, who breaks away the armor around his soul. She opens his heart. He begins to trust her. Unfortunately, there is nowhere to hide from Chasers. The town is a hotbed of Chaser activity and Raz has to leave or risk capture. He battles Chasers and his love for Sandra knowing he must leave her forever. Until the Chasers target her.
Sandra Robins
Sandra’s personal life and career are in the toilet. Her cheating ex brings an end to her dreams of a family. His connections at the university destroy her reputation in the biology department, and she scrambles to find research time. Wary around the mysterious man who cares for her sick friend, Sandra doesn’t want another relationship,. She can’t resist Raz. He is otherworldly, exciting and … sexy as hell. She’s thrown into situations where she can’t tell the truth from the lies. The energy Sixxers naturally posses is frightening and exhilarating. When she discovers her ex is responsible for the virus sickening Sixxers and possibly herself, she works tirelessly on a cure. As supernatural events unfold, she’ll be thrown into a world beyond imagination. There will be no turning back to her ordinary life when her heart convinces her to fall in love again.
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FINDING LOVE’S LIGHT
Senza Cavanaugh and Trevor Gate
are left alone in a world that no longer makes sense. As they uncover the roots of their mysterious power, Trevor discovers their alien ancestry. Is the light part of their DNA or something evil? Their power is uncontrollable and dangerous. With no one to help them, they search for a way to hold onto each other before the light destroys them.
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CIRCLE OF FANTASIES
ALIEN PROPHECIES BOOK 2
COMING SUMMER 2018!
Mia Wendel
After learning the man who raised Mia isn’t her father, she sets out to find the man responsible for half her DNA. She lands a high profile job at the biotech company her real father owns. Mia is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy regarding experimentation her biological father is accused of doing. She’s assigned to a project promising to reveal the truth, but she’s partnered with sexy nanotechnologist, Daniel Anderson. He gets under her skin, and inside her dreams. She has no room for Daniel’s form of romance when the stakes are so high. Yet, as they dig deeper into the company’s business, they both discover Mia’s DNA is part alien. By then, her passion for Daniel can’t be denied.
Daniel Anderson
Daniel crushes on Mia Wendel the first day he meets her. He doesn’t believe in love at first sight until she’s a part of his life. She needs his clearance levels to dig for information on her emerging psychic ability. She holds herself back from the slightest hint of their budding relationship. As his clearance levels decrease and their relationship changes, Daniel can’t hide he’s falling for her. There’s a pull between them that crosses the boundaries of the mind and filters into their thoughts and dreams. Daniel’s research becomes a catalyst used against them with Mia’s half brother and father targeting her for experiments. Their love forms an impenetrable bond as they fight for their freedom and the truth.
March 5, 2018
Countdown to B2BCyCon: Cybill Cain
Hello, Everyone!
As the host of the romance genre for Brain to Books Cyber Convention, I am holding a countdown to con by featuring some of our lovely romance authors! Today’s feature is on Cybill Cain. Enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
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*Sometimes changing one thing can change everything.*
Max Alexander, Hollywood’s king of the silver screen, has made hearts flutter all over the world. He’s just wrapped his latest blockbuster, and is planning to visit on old college friend in Switzerland when his plans unexpectedly change. To make it up to him, Thomas Meenan, right hand man of his old friend, offers him a stay at Escape, a remote North Carolina B&B on the Atlantic coast. Unsure of the offer, but unwilling to offend his long term friend, he agrees to check it out. When he arrives there at four in the morning he finds something he never expected, but soon realizes is exactly what he needed.
Annie Clemons has lived her entire life at Escape, painting in her attic studio, and walking on the beach. Not long ago she almost lost it to the bank before Thomas Meenan and the Chimera Group invested in the B&B in exchange for occasional use of the property for their special private events. Now, with Meenan as her partner, her home is secure and her financial troubles are behind her. She can’t imagine life getting any better until Max Alexander shows up in the middle of the night, and announces his plan to spend a month there alone with her.
When Max and Annie meet hearts pound, and fantasies bloom, but as they grow closer someone else is watching their romance unfold, someone who
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Cybill Cain, Amazon Top 100 selling author of sweet filthy romances to tuck you in at night.
She specializes in big strong handsome men who listen, and know their way around in the bedroom. Her heroines are filled with sass and brains. Her stories are filled with insta-love and wild memorable rides that start the second their eyes meet, and end in sweet glorious cheesy love filled HEA’s, like pastries for the mind.
The Chimera Club Stories are stand alone steamy romances that you can read in any order. Some characters will pop up from time to time, but these books are designed to be something you could just relax into, and not worry about where you were in the set.
Grab a blanket, put the cat out, put the phone on silent and let Cybill tuck you in tonight.
Follow her and never miss a bedtime story! Instagram @cybillcainauthor FB: @cybillcain
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March 4, 2018
UPDATE: I am now the Romance Genre Host
Exciting news! I have been changed to the romance genre host for the Brain to Books Cyber Convention. Due to a lack of authors for the Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic/Zombie genre, it has been canceled. 
March 3, 2018
Book Review: A Garden Fed by Lightning by Marshall Moore
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Title: A Garden Fed by Lightning
Author: Marshall Moore
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Marshall Moore’s short fiction is propelled by a scathing wit and a dark imagination, and he does not shy away from taking readers down roads that are less traveled and rarely even mapped. In the title story, a con man cons a beguiling con artist… or does he? In “Grape Night,” a new arrival in Hong Kong enjoys the pleasures and terrors of a wine-tasting party with visiting gods from the Greek pantheon. In “Underground,” the minotaurs who secretly control urban life welcome a new member of their bloodthirsty elite. And in “Cambodia,” a country’s genocidal past and its cosmopolitan present collide atop a ruined temple. In A Garden Fed by Lightning, as in his two previous short-story collections, Moore spans multiple genres of fiction and subverts them all.
Short Review
A Garden Fed by Lightning is a collection of eclectic short stories that shouldn’t work…but do!
Full Review
I am a big fan of short story collections, and A Garden Fed by Lightning was just my type of book. A book full of bizarre stories in various genres? Sign me up! The short story is an art that only a few authors can master, and I went into Marshall Moore’s work with a hopeful and open- mind. Based on the synopsis, I knew I was in for a treat, and Moore did not disappoint.
Sometimes multi-genre short story collections aren’t cohesive, but the placement of each short story in Moore’s work transitioned smoothly. Moore delved into the darker side of literature with his stories, but I found them comical nonetheless. Dark humor is just my cup of tea, and Moore has mastered it. Each of his stories reminded me of The Twilight Zone with a fantastical twist, and my emotions were all over the place. I haven’t had an author move such a variety of emotions within me like Moore has. He challenges the reader to look into a deeper part of themselves as they read his work, and the sensation is almost unsettling.
A Garden Fed By Lightning is a hodgepodge of stories that span the eclectic genres of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi with contemporary elements. The only reason I didn’t give it 5/5 stars is because Moore’s writing could be longwinded at times. However, Moore’s work is broad, and his work is sure to touch just about any reader. If you love The Twilight Zone, or dark sci-fi/fantasy, then you are sure to get a kick out of A Garden Fed By Lightning. I know I did!
March 1, 2018
Calling All Indie Authors
I am in need of indie authors who write fairytale retellings or fairytale style novels. I am looking for a novel in this category to feature in our April Literary Vacation Club box, and I want to feature YOU!
If you have written a novel in this genre that is currently published or will be published by April 2018, PLEASE fill out our interest form below.
Thank you so much!
Ashley
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February 28, 2018
Cover Reveal: Nite Fire: Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
One of my all-time favorite authors, C.L. Schneider, has just released the cover for her newest novel Nite Fire: Chain Reaction! I adore her fantasy work, and her Nite Fire series is just remarkable. Please help me celebrate her cover reveal by checking out the blurb and cover below! Congratulations C.L. Schneider!
Much love,
Ashley
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A Note From C.L. Schneider
It’s almost here! Chain Reaction, the second book in my urban fantasy series, Nite Fire, will be releasing soon. In the meantime, I’m super excited to share the cover with you. Inspired by a compilation of several scenes within the book, the cover features empathic shapeshifter, Dahlia Nite, in her (mostly) human form. The artwork was created by my amazing cover artist, Alan Dingman.
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If anyone can tell the difference between monsters and humans, it’s Dahlia Nite. For nearly a century, she’s hunted one to protect the other; safeguarding humanity from the creatures that slip through the torn veil between the worlds—creatures like her. But the lines are blurring. As people begin mutating and combusting on the streets, Dahlia realizes a strange affliction has descended upon Sentinel City. The mysterious ailment strikes all walks of life, from the posh, high-end nightclub district to the homeless community. Its victims, driven to random acts of savagery, are drawing attention too fast to cover up.
Assigned to the case, Dahlia and her human partner, Detective Alex Creed, investigate the deaths. But all they have is questions and bodies, and a public on the verge of panic. Working behind the scenes with her self-appointed sidekick, Casey Evans, Dahlia struggles to discover what, or who, is behind the alarming transformations. As the violence spreads and the mystery unfolds, she wonders: are the victims still human? Were they ever?
Chain Reaction is the second book in the Nite Fire Series.
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About the Author
C.L. Schneider is an award-winning independent author of adult epic and urban fantasy. Born in a small Kansas town, she currently resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. Her published works include the epic trilogy, The Crown of Stones, and Flash Point, the first book in her urban fantasy series, Nite Fire. Book two, Chain Reaction, will be released in early 2018.
Learn more about C.L. Schneider, and the worlds she creates, at clschneiderauthor.com where you can read reviews, excerpts and sneak peeks, join her Street Team, and subscribe to her newsletter. An active part of the indie author online community, you can connect with her on social media, where she is often found chatting about the daily ups and downs of a writer’s life.
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Published Works
All titles available in paperback or for Kindle. Read free with Kindle Unlimited.
Nite Fire: Flash Point (Bk 1)
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price (also available on Audible)
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne
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Connect
Twitter https://twitter.com/cl_schneider
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CLS.Author
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clschneiderauthor/
Google+ https://www.google.com/+CLSchneider
