E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 20

InD'Tale Crowned Heart for Shield Bearer

Shield Bearer is the ninth book in the Twelve Systems Chronicles and the fifth to receive a coveted crowned-heart review from InD'tale magazine. I could not be more thrilled.

“Hold on to your hats readers, because this series is un-put-downable, and this installment produces nail-biting pleasure . . . the Twelve Systems is arguably one of the most intelligently written and undoubtedly riveting space operas out there.”

Read the full Review

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Aliens Love Women in Uniform

Aliens need brides is a popular Science Fiction Romance Trope. In a pleasant spin on the trope, Mina Carter's Warriors of Lathar attempt to claim trained military women as mates. It does not go as expected.

First contact isn’t quite what she expected… Nor was losing her heart.

When Cat Moore’s base is attacked by unknown aliens, she finds herself in the sights of their leader, Tarrick. An alien invasion means earth is in danger and the women of Sentinel Five are the only line of defence…

But it’s hard to remember what she’s fighting against when her sexy alien lover has a thing about making sure her every need is met… and has some very inventive ways of doing so. Until she gives him a bad case of mating marks and all bets are off.

Exploration yields an unexpected bounty… and a chance at love.

Tarrick's duty to the Latharian Empire means little time for himself. Thanks to a genetic plague, the lathar have no females of their own, so a base full of human women is a bounty he can't ignore. Nor can he ignore the little human who defies him at every step.

Then a dangerous rival challenges the K'Vass claim on Terran space and all its women. Tarrick can't afford to let any of the earth women be captured, especially not his little human, Cat.

When she is taken from him, he'll do anything to rescue her. Up to and including starting an intergalactic war...

US 99c Links
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*Prices reflect time of posting.

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Paranormal Rom-Com

Weddings are a staple back drop for romantic comedy or rom-com and, it in that setting, can be a bit predictable. Set it in a paranormal wedding planner company and throw in a more than a touch of suspense? There is nothing predictable about A.E. Jones' Paranormal Wedding Planners except the the HFN between the main characters.

Take 1 wedding. Add fangs, fur, and fairy dust… stir.

A wedding phobic in a family of wedding planners… Alex Bennett’s life is complicated enough, until she discovers their clients aren’t exactly human. Paranormals exist, and when weddings are sabotaged, Alex will stop at nothing to save the business — even partnering with a sexy investigator with secrets of his own.

A paranormal with no powers… Devin Cole is guilty until proven innocent. His powers have been placed in a supernatural time out until his upcoming trial. He doesn’t have time to investigate a runaway bride case. But the bride is a supermodel who also happens to be supernatural, so he has to handle damage control. His biggest concern — a tempting woman who insists on being part of the investigation.

Can a wedding phobic and a powerless paranormal work together to solve the case while finding their own fairy-tale… or faery-tale… happy ever after?

Freebie Links
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*Prices reflect time of posting.

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Historical Suspense

Lords and ladies are always so much fun. A dark anti-hero and noble heroine caught up in danger and suspense in pre-revolutionary Paris? Super fun.

Anne Stuart's first in the House of Rohan series has a delightfully decadent and unrepentant lord, Viscount Rohan, who is so well written, the heroine's fascination is understandable. Intrepid and self-sacrificing, Elinor could have been cloying, but she has enough flaws to be interesting. Throw in a a dark back story for both and dangerous adversaries in the present and it is thoroughly enjoyable escapism.

The steamy bits are few, but super steamy.

Viscount Rohan is a very bad man. Leader of the notorious Heavenly Host, he steers the dissolute and pleasure-seeking aristocracy in their revels. Content in his wickedness, he knows there is no room for a starchy, brave English spinster in his self-indulgent existence, but his body disagrees.

Elinor Harriman is so intent on protecting her baby sister and their dying mother that she doesn’t realize the danger she’s in. The notorious Viscount Rohan could have no interest in someone like her, thank God, and no idea that she melts with longing every time he touches her. She’s an intelligent, plain woman, and his tempting, his teasing has to be some kind of joke.

But Rohan takes his appetites very seriously, and sensible or not, he wants Elinor Harriman in his bed. There is only one problem with indulging himself–he’s starting to want her in his life as well. And that would destroy everything.
US 99c Purchase Links
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*Prices reflect time of posting.

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Creatures of the Night

With Halloween on the horizon its time to feature creatures of the night (good and bad), a strong dollop of romance, and some smexy.

Elle J. Rossi's Josie Hawk Chronicles fit the bill, perfectly. Josie is a kick-ass huntress defending Nashville from things that bump in the night with the help of her sexy vampire boyfriend and witch best friend.

First in the series is a short prequel of 69 pages.

Alabaster Nights
A Vampire with a soul. A Huntress with a knife. In Nashville, Blood equals Power.

Will one taste of Josie Hawk cost Keller everything?

US$1.99 Purchase Links
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For the bargain minded, I recommend the US$2.99 boxed set.

Alabaster Nights Above.
Indigo Dawn
Vampire Lust and Pixie Dust.
When an infamous pixie tricks Josie into a drug-induced nightmare, Josie envisions the death of her vampire lover, Keller O'Leary. Was the vision a threat ... maybe even a promise? But from whom?

Desperate to track down the source of the toxic psychedelic pixie dust, Josie kicks and punches her way toward the truth. But her efforts backfire, provoking a deadly attack at Wolfie’s—the bar Josie co-owns with her sister-in-arms, Sage.

Haunted by the threat to Keller, Josie scrambles to outwit her elusive opponent before the deadly game escalates and claims more lives. But in saving Nashville, will Josie lose those she loves?

Midnight Masque
Bar owner and paranormal ass-kicker, Josie Hawk, is dealing with the stress of how to introduce her vampire lover to her vampire-hunting father. Meanwhile, the streets are buzzing with excitement over the announcement of a masquerade themed celebration with the up-and-coming stars of country music.

Josie and Keller are forced to abandon their trip into the secret world of hunters when a mysterious crew of cloaked beings emerge from the shadows and threaten to crash the biggest party of the year.

With the supernatural activity escalating to code red, Josie must find a way to stop the insidious evil hidden behind the array of masks. If she doesn’t, the masquerade party could turn into a mass funeral.

US$2.99 or KU
Amazon

*Prices reflect time of posting.

SHIELD BEARER AVAILABLE NOW!

AMAZON * NOOK * KOBO * APPLE

Within days of being rescued from Desperation Crevasse, Lilian must return at Lucius’ side as his shield bearer. Together with their guild allies, they will confront the Despoilers and end their threat to Blooded Dagger and the cartel. In the savage battle, Lucius is injured leaving Lilian to protect him, Blooded Dagger, and the cartel.

Stranded on Desperation until he recovers, Lucius gathers his allies to protect his interests from rivals determined to exploit his weakness. With the aid of ancient guild lore, he and Lilian will seek to uncover the remaining Despoilers and penetrate the mystery of an ancient prophecy. Before he can return to Crevasse City and his center of power, one if his inner circle will challenge his preeminence and threaten Lilian’s survival. It will take all his cunning and Lilian’s courage to counter the betrayal before it endangers the Nightingale’s voyage to the Thirteenth System.

Across the Twelve Systems, from Desperation to Metricelli Prime, and Fortuna, Lilian and Lucius will battle to protect their love and forge a future for themselves, Blooded Dagger, Serengeti, and the Twelve Systems.

Author’s note: This is the ninth book in the Twelve Systems Chronicles and a continuation of the story that begins in The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1.

Twelve Systems Trio 99c sale!

I'm celebrating the October 20 release of Shield Bearer with a sale on the first three volumes of the Twelve Systems Chronicles.

AMAZON * APPLE * NOOK * KOBO

Life within the Serengeti Cartel is perilous, riddled with malice and intrigue that can threaten the mightiest of warriors. For Lilian – brilliant, despised, and one misstep away from execution for her father’s crimes – all that stands between her and destruction is the powerful warrior Lucius Mercio.

THE CARTEL: The Apprentice, Volume 1
Lucius Mercio commands one of the most powerful Cartels in the Twelve Systems. As clever and ambitious as he is ruthless, Lucius' wealth, influence, and power place him among the elite of the warrior caste. It is not enough. Lucius intends to take his Cartel to unimaginable heights with the aid of Lilian's brilliance. He faces only one obstacle. Lucius must keep Lilian alive.

BRIGHT STAR: The Apprentice, Volume 2
Lilian’s enemies are more determined than ever to see her destroyed. A visitor from her past will endanger her future and threaten to destroy Lucius’ slowly developing trust. To survive the next set of challenges Lilian will need to find new reserves of courage, wit, and determination.
When Lucius’ motivations and ambitions are revealed, they are far more extraordinary than Lilian imagined.

TRANSGRESSIONS: The Apprentice, Volume 3
Determined to raise Serengeti to the pinnacle of power in the Twelve Systems, Lucius has ruthlessly exploited Lilian’s brilliance to achieve his ambitions. Within seasons, he will lead Serengeti to new heights with the launch of Bright Star, the first stellar exploration venture in over two centuries. With each new success, Lucius’ rivals multiply while a traitor stalks the halls of Serengeti, determined to thwart Lucius by any means. As the viciousness of her enemies escalates, Lilian is forced to confront the past and choose between betraying her oath of loyalty to Lucius and protecting the deadly secrets of her father's dark acts.

Five-stars. The world building in this series is absolutely phenomenal. . . Lillian is brilliant. She is fierce and smart and vulnerable and endearing.
~ Melissa Brus, Paranormal Romance Guild, April 2019

With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!
~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018

Indie Spotlight: RONE Finalists ~ Fantasy

Witches and fae, dragons and magic, urban fantasy and alternate worlds.

The Whisperers of Evernow

When the King owns your words, who will own your heart?

Manipulated by a vicious King, Jeremiah is stripped of his identity and forced into a life of silent submission as a Whisperer. Allowed only to speak at the command of the King, one thousand Whisperers must line up in rows and chant their sadistic ruler's darkest desires. As each evil wish comes true, the King's power over his impoverished kingdom grows.

When Jeremiah's fears for the family he left behind are confirmed, he turns in desperation to the most unlikely person for help--the King's eldest daughter. But is Princess Rose as kind as she is beautiful, or will she lure him into a trap?

To save those dearest to him, Jeremiah has no choice but to put his trust in Rose, whose own life is threatened as her father prepares to clear the path to the throne for his newborn son. Together they embark on a bold plan to overthrow the King and set the Whisperers free.

As love blossoms in this most unlikely place, Jeremiah and Rose must discover how to use the power of the spoken word to conquer more than just the kingdom. They will need to conquer their hearts.

The first book in the spellbinding The Kingdoms of Evernow series, this is a must-read by award-winning author, Heidi Catherine.

US$2.99 or KU
Amazon

Tides of Time

A “good girl” witch hiding secrets from her family…

Cami wants a normal life. Or at least as normal as a life in a family of witches can be. She can’t tell her sisters about her violent ex. Or that she broke the first rule of magic to “harm none.” When her youngest sister asks for help unraveling the death of a 1930’s star abused by those she loved, Cami can’t say no.

A reformed bad boy who doesn’t know his own family’s secrets…

Sam lives for his restaurant and coveted screenplay expertise of Hollywood history. He avoids the entanglements of relationships since even his own parents didn’t want him. But when the enchanting Cami needs his help to crack an unsolved mystery, he can’t resist. The closer they come to finding a killer, the more they crave each other. But someone is determined to stop them.

Can they solve the mystery before history repeats itself?

US$3.99 or KU
Amazon

The Rogue King

Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who—and what—she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she’s treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can’t stop bursting into flames, and there’s a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her...

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he's waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that’s impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself…and take back his birthright.

US$3.99 Purchase Links
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A Hundred Breaths

1263, Scotland

Simon MacCoinneach’s vengeance runs deep. The blade is the only way to end the blood-thirsty Nordmen’s reign upon Scottish soil. His soul might be lost, but the mystical Healer he kidnaps from the isles could be the answer for his ailing mother…and his heart.

Isles-born Gwyn reluctantly agrees to a marriage alliance with this heathen Scot in return for the sanctuary of her younger brother from her abusive Norse father. Her brother’s condition is beyond the scope of her Ancient power, for larger healings steal breaths of life from her own body.

As Simon and Gwyn fight to outwit her madman father and a resentful Norse betrothed, Gwyn softens Simon’s heart with each merciful touch. Gwyn’s Seer sister foresees a bloody battle—and an end to the Nordmen—but Simon will also die. Will Gwyn save Simon on the battlefield even if it means losing her last breath?

US$5.99 Purchase Links
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Charmed Against All Odds

Loving her brings out the magic in him...

Wedding bells are ringing, but not for Roxie Golden. If she can survive another round of wedding plans, then her life can return to normal. She's perfectly happy running the bookstore and weaving helpful magical spells. Then one stormy day, her ex-fiance strolls back into her life with a gift neither of them wants.

Leo King wants to flee the small town for the big city. Forget about the shame he brought upon himself when he abused his magical powers. First, to satisfy his warlock father's final wish, he must deliver the mysterious box to Roxie's bookstore.

But when Roxie opens the box, revealing an enchanted bracelet and a quest spell, their plans and their lives are changed forever. Trapped in a reluctant partnership with the woman he once loved, he risks everything--including his heart--for a second chance.

US$3.99 Purchase Links
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Amber Ruin

Dahlia, Dean, and Patrick are attempting a political coup of the supernatural world. Gathering allies to upset the balance and throw off the shackles of the ancients won’t be easy. But to live alongside humans instead of in their shadow, they’ll have to overcome enemies at every turn; vampires, shifters, the fae, and humans.

Baba Yaga, the queen of the dark fae, has her own designs for Dahlia. Moving her chess pieces on the board, the ancient witch has set a trap to draw The Blushing Death back into her clutches. To possess Dahlia and the power of Fertiri magic for her own purposes, Baba Yaga will do almost anything—sacrifice anyone—to rise to power once more.

Racing to survive Baba Yaga’s traps and rescue two of her wolves, Dahlia enters Baba Yaga’s mountain understanding that she may never come out again.

US$3.99 or KU
Amazon

* Prices reflect time of posting.

Indie Romance Spotlight: 2020 RONE Finalists ~ Cops, Jocks, and Cowboys

Dangerous jobs, dangerous pastimes, dangerous men.

Nobody Else But You

A smoking hot stuntman. A fiery horse breeder. And a 220-acre ranch too small for both of them.

She’s avoided Hollywood for years…

When an arrogant Hollywood stuntman struts into Samantha McNeill’s breeding barn, sparks fly. She doesn’t care how mouthwateringly gorgeous he is, not when he assumes Pacific Vista Ranch’s resident horse breeding manager must be a man. Not to mention his job threatens to pull her family back into the paparazzi filled world they escaped from over a decade ago.

Now it’s at her door––wearing faded jeans and a wicked grin.

Holt Ericsson can tell the beautiful redhead hates him on sight and the feeling is becoming mutual. But he will call in a favor and convince Sam’s legendary director father that Pacific Vista Ranch is the only suitable place left in California to film an epic Western. Holt’s invested all his savings in the movie and his entire career is riding on it. No way will he allow one irritating, sexy woman to stand in his way.

Sam intends to fight him at every turn…if only her heart didn’t race when they’re together. Holt does his best to steer clear of her…except all he wants to do is hold her close. The sizzling attraction between them is either going to burn up the sheets or burn down the ranch…

US$4.99 or KU
Amazon

Game Changer

Up until two years ago, I was living large and my life’s priorities were anchored to three things – my NBA stardom, money and celebrity.

I was also a colossal dick.

Until one night turned my world upside down and I suffered unspeakable loss. That event changed the man I was and made me a widowed-single father.

Now I’m a desperate parent trying to raise my special needs son and find him a trustworthy live-in nanny.

Grad student Brooklyn Hayes may be the one, with her single-minded focus on caring for my son and finishing her Master’s degree. She’s the perfect fit for our needs.

Maybe too perfect… with her bright smile, nurturing kindness and gentle touch. Caleb isn’t the only one who’s fallen for her.

I don’t know when or how it happened, but she changed the game for me. Turning my losing streak into a winning second-half.

US$1.99 or KU
Amazon

The Waratah Inn

Wrested back to Cabarita Beach by her grandmother's sudden death, Kate Summer discovers a mystery buried in the past that changes everything.

Kate returns home to the sleepy hamlet of Cabarita Beach and the run-down Waratah Inn for her grandmother's funeral. She spent many happy childhood years at the inn, but all she wants to do now is sell the dilapidated boutique inn and head back to the city and her busy, professional life. But she and her two estranged sisters discover they've inherited the inn together. To sell, they need all three sisters to agree to the sale.

Soon, her carefully constructed life begins to unravel and Kate decides to stay in Cabarita Beach to renovate the elegant, old building. Despite her misgivings about reviving the crumbling structure, she quickly becomes consumed with crown molding, history and an attractive horse wrangler she can't seem to ignore.

When she discovers a clue to a mystery from the past in her grandmother's things, she'll be drawn down a path that raises more questions than answers. Piece-by-piece she and her sisters will uncover the secret former life of their beloved grandmother. A life of love, intrigue, and loss. A life they never knew she had.

An opportunity to sell the Inn pushes them to make a choice: commit to the Waratah Inn and family, or walk away from the Inn and each other, back to their separate and isolated lives.

US$4.99 Purchase Links
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Second Sight

Special Forces Sergeant Dax Holloway crawled out of the Taliban's clutches barely alive. His captors took more than his sight. They took his humanity.

Six years later, he’s carved out an existence back in Boston. One dependent on routines. On walking the same path. Day after day. Through darkness and pain. Always alone.

Second Sight is his only refuge. The most elite investigative firm in the country—built from the rubble of his former life—gives him purpose in a world he can no longer see.

Evianna Archer’s life makes sense. A brilliant coder, she’s poised to be the next darling of the tech world—heading up a project that will redefine home security. Until one moment changes everything.

Her life in chaos, she turns to Dax for protection. He's everything she shouldn’t want, shouldn’t need, shouldn’t trust. But she’s drawn to him.

When they uncover a shocking secret, Dax must make a choice. Stay broken? Or risk his heart—and his life—for the woman who chases all his dark shadows away?

US$4.99 Purchase Links
Amazon * Nook * Kobo * Apple

Prices reflect time of posting.

Shield Bearer Available for Preoder!

Amazon * Nook * Kobo * Apple



Within days of being rescued from Desperation Crevasse, Lilian must return at Lucius’ side as his shield bearer. Together with their guild allies, they will confront the Despoilers and end their threat to Blooded Dagger and the cartel.  In the savage battle, Lucius is injured leaving Lilian to protect him, Blooded Dagger, and the cartel.

Stranded on Desperation until he recovers, Lucius gathers his allies to protect his interests from rivals determined to exploit his weakness. With the aid of ancient guild lore, he and Lilian will seek to uncover the remaining Despoilers and penetrate the mystery of an ancient prophecy. Before he can return to Crevasse City and his center of power, one if his inner circle will challenge his preeminence and threaten Lilian’s survival.  It will take all his cunning and Lilian’s courage to counter the betrayal before it endangers the Nightingale’s voyage to the Thirteenth System.

Across the Twelve Systems, from Desperation to Metricelli Prime, and Fortuna, Lilian and Lucius will battle to protect their love and forge a future for themselves, Blooded Dagger, Serengeti, and the Twelve Systems.

Author's note: This is the ninth book in the Twelve Systems Chronicles and a continuation of the story that begins in The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1.


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