E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 14
April 12, 2022
Elemental Fire: Sneak Peak
The work-in-progress is pushing forward toward a late summer release. Until then, a glimpse into the story.
Working Blurb: Sin Marston is one of the rare humans who can see through glamor. When the hidden came out of the veil with the treaty of 2010, the magical visitors flowed into the Terran realm, both the good and the bad. Through her private security firm, Sin helps law enforcement with hidden problems and hidden visitors who wish to avoid falling afoul of confusing Terran law and custom. Business is booming, and she has almost paid off her student loans when a chance encounter with a stunning fire elemental reveals the daring art heist she thwarted was something very different.
********************
I peer over the lip of my glass, mesmerized by the tiny flames dancing on Rad’s fingertips. But then, I’ve spent the last hour mesmerized by every aspect of Rad. I’ve become accustomed to the gentle resonance of his power, finding it fades at arm’s distance and intensifies with contact.
I’ve heard of elementals, but he’s the first one I’ve met. Half turned on the loveseat to face him, I lean forward for a better look. His glossy black hair catches the light from the dozen candles that augment the light streaming onto the balcony from the living room windows.
“Can you send fire away as well as summon it?”
He chuckles and the dancing flames disappear.
“I mean, one you didn’t summon to start with?”
Three of the candles lighting the balcony go out and I laugh in surprise and delight. The power of his presence coupled with his playful attitude is pushing all my buttons in the best way possible.
He mirrors my position, our knees touching, intensifying my awareness of both his power and his maleness. “I would know about Sin Marston. Your ability to penetrate glamour suggests Hidden ancestry. Do you know the species?”
When the Elder Council revealed hidden realms, the school authorities stopped trying to medicate me against my ‘delusions’ and had me checked for Hidden DNA. It turns out that psychics, among others, are Hidden descendants. “I was tested at seventeen and they found nothing.”
His fingers trace my kneecap. “Odd. Are there many like you?”
“A few.” HRAC claims to have a dozen, but I only met two. As his fingers dance close to my skirt hem, I realize I should come clean about my affiliation. “I met two during the five years I worked at the HRAC.”
His lips tighten. “You said you weren’t with H-rac.”
“I’m not. Almost six years now. They recruited me out of college, but it wasn’t a place I could make a career. Now I'm freelance. Private security and investigations. About half of my clients are Terran companies and law enforcement agencies who suspect Hidden of criminal behavior. The other half are Hidden visiting Terra wishing to avoid behavior that will bring them into contact with law enforcement. Next week I’m escorting a group of goblins on a tour of Salem.”
His eyes widen and he barks a laugh. “How did you encounter goblins?”
“A referral from some djinns I escorted to New Orleans for Mardi Gras one year.”
He slides closer. One knee nudges between mine, his hands finding my waist. “And law enforcement? What do you do for them?”
Even through his leather pants, his knee is hot against my exposed skin. Delicious ripples of pleasure expand from the point of contact. His lips are so close. Another inch and I can brush them with mine. “Today, I caught the imp behind the medieval gold thefts.”
His head jerks back. Ruby flares in his eyes. “You did what?”
“Caught an art thief?”
“How long ago?” Those are definitely flames in his eyes. “Where is the imp? Does H-rac have her?”
“How did you know it’s a her?”
His hands tighten, fangs visible as the deadly predator emerges from the charming diplomat. “The elders will not be pleased.”
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Working Blurb: Sin Marston is one of the rare humans who can see through glamor. When the hidden came out of the veil with the treaty of 2010, the magical visitors flowed into the Terran realm, both the good and the bad. Through her private security firm, Sin helps law enforcement with hidden problems and hidden visitors who wish to avoid falling afoul of confusing Terran law and custom. Business is booming, and she has almost paid off her student loans when a chance encounter with a stunning fire elemental reveals the daring art heist she thwarted was something very different.
********************
I peer over the lip of my glass, mesmerized by the tiny flames dancing on Rad’s fingertips. But then, I’ve spent the last hour mesmerized by every aspect of Rad. I’ve become accustomed to the gentle resonance of his power, finding it fades at arm’s distance and intensifies with contact.
I’ve heard of elementals, but he’s the first one I’ve met. Half turned on the loveseat to face him, I lean forward for a better look. His glossy black hair catches the light from the dozen candles that augment the light streaming onto the balcony from the living room windows.
“Can you send fire away as well as summon it?”
He chuckles and the dancing flames disappear.
“I mean, one you didn’t summon to start with?”
Three of the candles lighting the balcony go out and I laugh in surprise and delight. The power of his presence coupled with his playful attitude is pushing all my buttons in the best way possible.
He mirrors my position, our knees touching, intensifying my awareness of both his power and his maleness. “I would know about Sin Marston. Your ability to penetrate glamour suggests Hidden ancestry. Do you know the species?”
When the Elder Council revealed hidden realms, the school authorities stopped trying to medicate me against my ‘delusions’ and had me checked for Hidden DNA. It turns out that psychics, among others, are Hidden descendants. “I was tested at seventeen and they found nothing.”
His fingers trace my kneecap. “Odd. Are there many like you?”
“A few.” HRAC claims to have a dozen, but I only met two. As his fingers dance close to my skirt hem, I realize I should come clean about my affiliation. “I met two during the five years I worked at the HRAC.”
His lips tighten. “You said you weren’t with H-rac.”
“I’m not. Almost six years now. They recruited me out of college, but it wasn’t a place I could make a career. Now I'm freelance. Private security and investigations. About half of my clients are Terran companies and law enforcement agencies who suspect Hidden of criminal behavior. The other half are Hidden visiting Terra wishing to avoid behavior that will bring them into contact with law enforcement. Next week I’m escorting a group of goblins on a tour of Salem.”
His eyes widen and he barks a laugh. “How did you encounter goblins?”
“A referral from some djinns I escorted to New Orleans for Mardi Gras one year.”
He slides closer. One knee nudges between mine, his hands finding my waist. “And law enforcement? What do you do for them?”
Even through his leather pants, his knee is hot against my exposed skin. Delicious ripples of pleasure expand from the point of contact. His lips are so close. Another inch and I can brush them with mine. “Today, I caught the imp behind the medieval gold thefts.”
His head jerks back. Ruby flares in his eyes. “You did what?”
“Caught an art thief?”
“How long ago?” Those are definitely flames in his eyes. “Where is the imp? Does H-rac have her?”
“How did you know it’s a her?”
His hands tighten, fangs visible as the deadly predator emerges from the charming diplomat. “The elders will not be pleased.”
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April 6, 2022
Indie Spotlight on Romance: Small Towns and SEALs
Romantic suspense is among my favorite go-to subgenres of romance with the main characters finding love amidst the chaos. The first volume in Riley Edwards Gemini Group series has the requisite deadly military hero and intelligent, indomitable heroine.
In a nice change of pace, the heroine is also 'single parenting' younger half-siblings and a work from home computer analyst in a small town. The suspense threads in from two directions, local small town politics and the hero's start-up business as security contractor. As is common in the first in series, the reader is also introduced to the hero's friends and partners who are destined for their own volumes.
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In a nice change of pace, the heroine is also 'single parenting' younger half-siblings and a work from home computer analyst in a small town. The suspense threads in from two directions, local small town politics and the hero's start-up business as security contractor. As is common in the first in series, the reader is also introduced to the hero's friends and partners who are destined for their own volumes.
Former Navy SEAL Nixon Swagger is home. After twelve years of service and twice as many deployments, all Nix wanted was quiet. He’d sought the solace of the land he’d grown up on and found the peace he needed to silence the noise and figure out his next move. Nixon’s stay was supposed to be temporary. He wasn’t supposed to meet a feisty, head-strong woman who made his pulse race and set his body on fire. Falling in love hadn’t been part of his plan. Taking a government contract to stop a homegrown terrorist group hadn’t been either, but when the organization threatens to attack Philadelphia, he had no choice but to accept.
McKenna Wilson was living. Every day was the same. Raising her two teenage siblings didn’t leave time for much else. Most days, she was okay with that. Then she bumped into the sexy war hero and, in an instant, her world changed. She had no idea falling for Nixon would be so dangerous. Now she was going head-to-head with the small-town’s dirty sheriff who was hell-bent on ruining Nixon and avenging a fifteen-year-old grudge. She’d lost her heart, but losing her life wasn’t part of the plan.
Nixon Swagger had learned a few things as a Navy SEAL—adapt, improvise, and overcome were among the many. In the middle of an inferno, so ominous even Dante wouldn’t buy a ticket, Nixon must adapt to his new surroundings and overcome multiple threats before he loses the woman he loves.
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April 3, 2022
Thorn Bearer Nominated for 2022 RONE!
Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3, and the concluding volume of The Twelve Systems Chronicles has been nominated for an InD’tale 2022 RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) award. Of the hundreds of novels InD’tale reviews every year, only a handful are nominated. It’s a huge honor to make the list once. Six of the ten Twelve Systems Chronicles have been nominated over the years; Transgressions, Fortuna Serengeti Valor, Bond Proof, Shield Bearer, and now Thorn Bearer. Four have reached the finals; Transgressions, Serengeti Valor, Bond Proof, and Shield Bearer. Last year’s entry, Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2, received a 2021 award.
To reach the finals and the judges, Thorn Bearer will need reader votes. IN what has been almost an annual event for the last few years, on April 25th, the shameless vote begging will begin.
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March 21, 2022
Indie Spotlight on Romance: Enhanced Space Soldiers
Enhanced soldiers keeping the galaxy safe is a staple of sci-fi and sci-fi romance. In a creative change-up, Sandy Williams' Anomaly series casts the heroine, Ash, as the enhanced human with extreme tech and military skills, while the hero, RIP, is the one trying to keep up.
Non-stop action and dramatic tension from page one, the narrative seamlessly blends first rate world building with action/adventure.
Ash is everything I look for in an action heroine; tough, determined, confident in her skills without arrogance, and driven by honor and compassion. RIP is perfect as her forbidden love interest. A soldier's soldier with a commitment to duty as unwavering as his sense of honor.
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Non-stop action and dramatic tension from page one, the narrative seamlessly blends first rate world building with action/adventure.
Ash is everything I look for in an action heroine; tough, determined, confident in her skills without arrogance, and driven by honor and compassion. RIP is perfect as her forbidden love interest. A soldier's soldier with a commitment to duty as unwavering as his sense of honor.
Ash would have given her life to save her teammates. Instead, they gave their lives to save hers.
Lieutenant Ramie Ashdyn is an anomaly, a person whose genetic makeup makes her stronger and smarter than the average human. She’s pledged her life to protect the Coalition, an alliance of thirteen planetary systems, but when a top secret operation turns bloody, she’s charged with treason and the brutal executions of her teammates.
The Coalition needs the information Ash’s team stole on their last mission, so they send in Commander Rhys “Rest in Peace” Rykus to get it. He’s the man who’s responsible for turning Ash into an elite soldier… and he’s a man who isn’t, never was, and never will be in love with the woman he trained. Or so he tells himself.
Ash wants nothing more than to clear her name and be the woman her former instructor wants her to be, but the enemy who killed her teammates did more than frame her for treason and murder: they telepathically silenced her mind, preventing her from saying anything that might point to the truth about what happened.
Now Ash is trapped and set to be executed, the truth dying with her. Unless she can prove her innocence. But taking that path could destroy the Coalition she’s sworn to preserve and protect.
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March 2, 2022
Indie Spotlight on Romance: Gothic
Gothic romance is a subset of historical romance that includes paranormal elements. Dark and ominous mansions or castles are a must, as are brooding heroes.
Erica Ridley's Gothic Love Stories meet those criteria with the exceptional character development that makes the author so popular. I did find that the first two books in the series drag at the start, but bolt through the second half.
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Erica Ridley's Gothic Love Stories meet those criteria with the exceptional character development that makes the author so popular. I did find that the first two books in the series drag at the start, but bolt through the second half.
HIS TOUCH HOLDS HER CAPTIVE
From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait…
TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIRE
Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have killed in cold blood. Initially, his towering presence and brusque manner instill fear… until his seductive attentions and unexpected vulnerability conquer her resistance.
But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?
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March 1, 2022
Nightingale & The Twelve Systems Chronicles Take Silver
Nightingale, and The Twelve Systems Chronicles received second place awards in the annual Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards.
This is the third year in a row that one of the Twelve Systems Chronicles has been recognized by the Paranormal Romance Guild, and the second award for the series as whole.
A huge thank you to everyone who voted!
****
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February 15, 2022
Work-In-Progress Update
After a decade devoted to The Twelve Systems Chronicles, I’m trying something new: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Romance.
Working Title: Elemental Fire
Working Blurb: Sin Marchant is one of the rare humans who can see through glamor. When the hidden came out of the veil with the treaty of 2010, the magical visitors flowed into the Terran realm, both the good and the bad. Through her private security firm, Sin helps law enforcement with hidden problems and hidden visitors who wish to avoid falling afoul of confusing Terran law and custom. Business is booming, and she has almost paid off her student loans when a chance encounter with a stunning fire elemental reveals the daring art heist she thwarted was something very different.
Estimated Publication: August 2022
For those eager for news of The Twelve Systems, I’ll be starting on Chrys’ story after Elemental Fire is done.
***Excerpt (not edited) ***
Sipping my drink, I scan the costume party. A figure in a horned helmet, sleeveless vest, and snug leather pants catches my attention. Or more accurately, sets my hormones roaring. “Who’s the Viking?”
“My next-door neighbor. He is kind of hot in a Ryan Gosling sort of way.”
I snort single malt.
Serena rubs my back. “Spill it, Sin. What do you see?”
“The only thing he has in common with Ryan Gosling is that they are both six feet tall. Your neighbor is crimson, with black eyes, fangs, and a cut body that would shame Henry Cavill at his Witcher best.”
“A demon? My next-door neighbor is a demon?”
“Not a demon. The hidden aren’t of heaven or hell. Half of them don’t believe in either.”
“Tell that to the Human Protection Society.”
“My Uncle Gus is card-carrying member of the HPS, which tells you how much I value their opinions.” Ever since the hidden came out of the veil, there have been humans convinced they are all satanic minions. It doesn’t help that in negotiating The Veil Treaty, the elders defined their populace as creatures of the hidden realms. I take another sip. “He’s not an elf. Handsome but rugged, not pretty like the elves. I’m not sure what he is. How long has he been your neighbor?”
Serena taps the side of her glass with one perfect fingernail. “August? Before Labor Day but after the Fourth of July. Quiet. Polite.”
“Introduce me.”
I get the side-eye. “I thought you liked the clean-cut Captain America type.”
I thought I did, too, but given my reaction to tall, red, and sexy, I was mistaken. Crap. Have my family’s expectations screwed me up more than I realized? I’ll work that out later. “I’m curious. I’ve never seen anything like him.”
****
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Working Title: Elemental Fire
Working Blurb: Sin Marchant is one of the rare humans who can see through glamor. When the hidden came out of the veil with the treaty of 2010, the magical visitors flowed into the Terran realm, both the good and the bad. Through her private security firm, Sin helps law enforcement with hidden problems and hidden visitors who wish to avoid falling afoul of confusing Terran law and custom. Business is booming, and she has almost paid off her student loans when a chance encounter with a stunning fire elemental reveals the daring art heist she thwarted was something very different.
Estimated Publication: August 2022
For those eager for news of The Twelve Systems, I’ll be starting on Chrys’ story after Elemental Fire is done.
***Excerpt (not edited) ***
Sipping my drink, I scan the costume party. A figure in a horned helmet, sleeveless vest, and snug leather pants catches my attention. Or more accurately, sets my hormones roaring. “Who’s the Viking?”
“My next-door neighbor. He is kind of hot in a Ryan Gosling sort of way.”
I snort single malt.
Serena rubs my back. “Spill it, Sin. What do you see?”
“The only thing he has in common with Ryan Gosling is that they are both six feet tall. Your neighbor is crimson, with black eyes, fangs, and a cut body that would shame Henry Cavill at his Witcher best.”
“A demon? My next-door neighbor is a demon?”
“Not a demon. The hidden aren’t of heaven or hell. Half of them don’t believe in either.”
“Tell that to the Human Protection Society.”
“My Uncle Gus is card-carrying member of the HPS, which tells you how much I value their opinions.” Ever since the hidden came out of the veil, there have been humans convinced they are all satanic minions. It doesn’t help that in negotiating The Veil Treaty, the elders defined their populace as creatures of the hidden realms. I take another sip. “He’s not an elf. Handsome but rugged, not pretty like the elves. I’m not sure what he is. How long has he been your neighbor?”
Serena taps the side of her glass with one perfect fingernail. “August? Before Labor Day but after the Fourth of July. Quiet. Polite.”
“Introduce me.”
I get the side-eye. “I thought you liked the clean-cut Captain America type.”
I thought I did, too, but given my reaction to tall, red, and sexy, I was mistaken. Crap. Have my family’s expectations screwed me up more than I realized? I’ll work that out later. “I’m curious. I’ve never seen anything like him.”
****
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February 13, 2022
Indie Spotlight on Romance: Mobster Mystery
A fan of Pauline Baird Jones' Project Enterprise sci-fi series, I was curious about her contemporary mystery series set in New Orleans, The Big Uneasy .
As with the sci-fi books, I found this first volume to be imaginative, well-crafted, and the romance well developed relative to the overall story.
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As with the sci-fi books, I found this first volume to be imaginative, well-crafted, and the romance well developed relative to the overall story.
Crime solving is a family affair-and a Family affair-in the Big Uneasy.
Nell Whitby is starting over in New Orleans, getting a publisher for her children's book, sketching tourists in the French Quarter, and leaving the tragic death of her parents behind. When a handsome detective asks her for a date, her fresh start seems perfect...until a dangerous family secret bubbles up from the past and puts her life in jeopardy.
The oldest of thirteen children, detective Alex Baker has two goals in life: solve murders and avoid anyone under the age of ten. That is, until the day the quirky children's book author foils a carjacking, becomes a target for the mob, and makes his libido sit up and reconsider the whole no-kids thing. If he doesn't protect her, she'll be the next body to turn up in his homicide investigation.
As bullets start to fly, Nell can't resist her sexy bodyguard or ignore her past, and Alex must protect the irresistible kid-magnet who has them both in the crosshairs.
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February 5, 2022
Nightingale Needs Votes!
Super thrilled to have Nightingale and The Twelve Systems Chronicles nominated for Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Votes are needed to receive the award. Please follow the link. There are two places to vote: once for the series and once for the book. Just look for the Nightingale cover.
Thank you!
VOTE HERE
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January 27, 2022
Indie Spotlight on Romance: Aliens-Need-Brides Duo
The popular aliens-need-brides trope has a wide variety of approaches and heart-throb aliens. Authors Sue Mercury and Skye MacKinnon both use the intergalactic dating agency device but to very different results.
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An alien mercenary in Scotland.
Thorrn only travelled to Earth to find women compatible with his species, even though he expects to stay alone for the rest of his cursed life. Broken inside and out, he's sure no female could ever want him. But that all changes when he sets his eyes on a sassy Earth woman with fiery red hair and a temper to match. With his mating instincts running wild, he will have to decide whether to claim her or return her to his planet to be studied by scientists.
A human businesswoman in search of love.
Jenny has finally managed to leave her abusive boyfriend and is ready to start a new life. Promoting a new dating agency seems like just the project to distract herself with. While meeting an alien who looks like a hot Highlander wasn't part of her plan, when he offers to protect her from her crazy ex, she's tempted to take him up on his offer. Besides, she really needs to know what he hides beneath his kilt.
But when she finds out that his people intent to study her like a lab rat, can she trust him any more than her ex?
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The otherworldly stranger is the biggest, fiercest looking alien warrior she's ever seen... and she's already agreed to become his mate.
Nadia knows if she stays on Earth, her mob boss ex-husband's goons will eventually find her. When the opportunity to become a Vaxxlian Mail Order Bride arises, she can't sign up fast enough. She's soon matched with a huge, fierce-looking alien warrior named Rozar who wants to mate with her upon their very first meeting. Whoa there. Slow down. She's desperate to escape Earth, but she also wants to be sure Rozar is a kind, decent alien before she commits to spending her life with him. She rushed into her first marriage and look what that got her--a one-way ticket into the Witness Protection Program. But the clock is ticking. The ship that brought Rozar to Earth departs in two weeks. Should she take a chance on the handsome otherworldly stranger whose kisses make her melt? Or should she rush back to her hideaway and hope for the best?
One glance at the little human called Nadia and Rozar knows she's the female meant to become his. Her bottomless blue eyes mesmerize him and her sweet demeanor calls up his protective side. He wants nothing more than to claim her and bring her back to New Vaxx. But the dark-haired beauty is reluctant to mate with him, despite his promises to always keep her safe and provide for her and their future offspring. Before he can convince her of his devotion, the little human disappears without a trace. Word of her dangerous past reaches him and he's more determined than ever to protect her, even if vanquishing her enemies means she no longer has a need to leave Earth. But he's just as determined to claim her as his, and Rozar will do whatever it takes to convince Nadia she's meant to be his female for all time.
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