E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 29

Indie Spotlight on Romance: 2018 Round Up

It has been a great year for reading. So many wonderful romances in all sub-genres produced by Indie authors. For the last post of 2018, my selected favorites.

First up, my personal favorite: Science Fiction Romance (SFR). SFR comes in many flavors; military, settlers, cyborgs, alien-heroes, alien-villians, even alien-shifters. Carol Van Natta's Central Galactic Concordance series falls mostly into the military trope, but adds in a bit of cyborg, and in Pet Trade: A Central Galactic Concordance Novella, some settler-romance and a wonderful menagerie of genetically engineered pets.

It's a deadly adventure—with pets—in the fringes of space.

$2.99 Purchase Links:
Amazon * Nook * Kobo * Apple

For those who enjoy more light-hearted romances, romantic comedy remains one of the most popular sub-genres. In Bella Love's Outside the Lines, accountants can be sexy. As a premise it gave me pause -- in execution it was fast, fun, and steamy.

Occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, the plot weaves in mystery and suspense while Ms. Love delivers a desirable alpha-hero with a military background.

Working Hard...And Working Late...Has Never Been So Sexy.

$3.99 purchase link: Amazon

Urban Fantasy is the latest genre to be pulled into romancelandia. In alternate realities where magic is real, witches and warlocks protect the humans, demons are dangerous, and the fae are unpredictable, love takes on a new dimension. Add in sizzling attraction between the MCs and some hot smexy times and you haveVeronica Del Rosa's Enforcers and Coterie series.

The first in the series can be a little heavy on the world-building and information dumps, but it is more than redeemed by the fast-paced action, plot twists, and explosive chemistry between the main characters.

$3.99 Purchase links
Amazon * Nook * Kobo * Apple

The rebellious, dangerous, sometimes deadly anti-hero is a regular figure in romance. Something about forbidden fruit, about knowing the heroine should run the other way just makes the romance more exciting. What is it about the 'Bad Boy', the anti-hero? Bikers, mafia, and other assorted dangerous, deadly types that smart women avoid?  author:Tess Oliver|4178161] excels at making the bad boys oh, so good. Whether from the wrong side of the tracks, or entrepreneurs with attitude, her heroes are rough and dangerous when they need to be, decent and caring when they want to be.

Freebie Links:
Amazon * Nook * Kobo * Apple

For those who prefer their heroes to be heroic, historical romance is tried and true. Suzan Tisdale is a USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, who writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways. 

Ian's Rose is the first is series, The Mackintoshes & the McLarens.They should never have stolen his wife.

Freebie links:
Amazon * Nook * Kobo * Apple

No year is complete without an offering from my Twelve Systems Chronicles -- epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller.

For some of the very best in science fiction action and romance, Serengeti Valor and the apprentice series stand undefeated!"  InD'tale March 2018

Where honor is revered and love is a dangerous luxury, a woman in peril and a ruthless warrior enter into a dangerous contract. To stay alive, Lilian vows to give Lucius her complete obedience. To achieve his ambitions, Lucius vows to keep her alive. To be forsworn, is to loose everything.

$4.99 Purchase links:
Amazon * Nook * Apple *Kobo

Nightingale Pre-order!

A distant world. A woman in peril. A ruthless warrior.  A celebration turns deadly.

Pre-order Bargain Price: $3.99! * Post release price: $4.99

With only a season and half left to her bond, Lilian's enemies are becoming desperate, and those who would see her fail seek any infraction, no matter how minor, to cause her downfall.  Haunted by the memory of the Serengeti fallen and her actions in eradicating the Despoilers, Lilian struggles to retain her discipline for the final five months of her apprenticeship. With her valor and loyalty beyond doubt, only the honor proof remains – adherence to the rigid and complex Apprentice Protocol. Although few within Serengeti will challenge her bond proof, throughout the Twelve Systems, those who wagered against her will stop at nothing to keep her from surviving

With Damocles and Despoilers defeated, Lucius' power with Serengeti and the Third System is uncontested. Determined to advance his ambitions, Lucius lays plans for a triumphant launch of his revolutionary stellar exploration vehicle, theNightingale. As he prepares to depart for Fortuna, a new threat appears in the form of a charismatic prelate who rouses the populace against Bright Star and Lilian’s role the venture. The prelate will prove but the first among many determined to thwart him through any means, including his notorious apprentice.

When thousands gather on Fortuna for the historical launch of theNightingale into orbit, Lilian finds herself treading a blade’s edge as she attempts to adhere to the Apprentice Protocol among adversaries who are increasingly desperate and bold.

Amazon * Nook * Kobo * Apple

Twelve Systems Bundle: 99c until 12/21

Amazon * Nook
Kobo * Apple

A distant world. A woman in peril. A ruthless warrior. A dangerous contract.

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

THE CARTEL: The Apprentice, Volume 1
Raised to wealth and privilege, Lilian’s future was shattered when her father was convicted of terrible crimes. By law and custom, she should have followed him into death to redeem her corrupt genetics. Desperate to avoid execution for crimes not her own, Lilian accepts an indenture contract with a powerful warrior. For three years, he will have total control of her body, will, and intellect.

Lucius Mercio commands one of the most powerful Cartels in the Twelve Systems. Clever, ambitious, and ruthless, 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
Despite the odds, Lilian has survived her first two seasons as Lucius Mercio’s apprentice, proving her loyalty to her new master. When his motivations and ambitions are revealed, they are far more extraordinary than Lilian imagined. Before Lilian can begin to meet this newest challenge, a ghost from her past will 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. To advance his ambitions, Lucius must be more ruthless and devious than ever before. To succeed, Lucius requires Lilian’s brilliance. To make use of it, he must keep her alive. It is going to prove more difficult than he anticipated.

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Indie Spotlight on Romance: Holiday Happily Ever Afters

Christmas romances cover every subgenre from Urban Fantasy to Romantic Comedy and arrive in droves with December 1st. In honor of the upcoming holiday, a few of my favorites from Indie Authors.

Historical Romance with good relationship development: 1-flame

The Earl of Chadbourn loves nothing better than to care for his fields, his flocks, and the people who earn their living from the land. Trapped by his brother-in-law’s death into responsibility for his traumatized nephew, grieving sister, and an estate gone to ruin, loneliness overwhelms him. The first-rate husbandry of a neighboring farm and the woman who runs it draw him like a moth to flame. With Christmas coming, can he repair the damaged estate and far more damaged family? Dare he hope for love in the bargain?

Catherine Wheatly is content to manage Songbird Cottage and care for her father and brothers. She has long since accepted that marriage and a home of her own are not in her future. She is content—until an interfering earl descends on Songbird determined to unearth their secrets and upend her world.
Freebie links
AMAZON * NOOK * KOBO * APPLE

Romantic Comedy with a PNR Twist: 3 Flames

A woman determined to spread the Christmas spirit...

Former socialite turned community centre worker Candice Kane loves Christmas. In the run down area she works in, economics and rising unemployment mean that there isn't a lot of Christmas spirit to go around. Determined to do something about it, for the last couple of years she's arranged a Christmas Party, complete with a visit from Santa for the neighbourhood kids. This year though, a break in and damage from vandals means the party could be cancelled...

A Santa who hates Christmas...

Rhod is... was a Santa. For years he joined the other men in his family delivering presents, until the attitude and ungratefulness of the rich children he delivered to made him hang up his red suit. Working for the Paranormal Protection Agency, he's convinced himself that he's happier without being the big guy anymore.

When he and his partner rescue Candy from an attack in a deserted alley, all Rhod's decisions are put to the test. Can he hold out against a woman with Christmas spirit in her heart, or will he lose his own in the process?
99c purchase links
AMAZON * NOOK

Contemporary Cowboy/Firefighter: 4 Flames

Cowboy firefighter, Cole Hatcher, is determined to do what’s right and take his fiancé with him to his mother’s annual holiday dinner party. After all, the two most important ladies in his life need to learn to get along and the sooner the better. Besides, the rest of the family will be there.

Lacey Winters can’t forgive her future mother-in-law for keeping them apart for eight years. While she loves Cole’s family, including the five they are living with, “Racy Lacey” wants to spend Christmas alone with Cole, preferably in her sexy Christmas present for him.

But there are worse things brewing than family drama. This Christmas day, nothing goes as planned…for anyone.
freebie links
AMAZON * NOOK * KOBO * APPLE

Urban fantasy with a dash of paganism: 3-flames

Holidays are worse than a full moon for making people crazy. In Harborsmouth, where many of the residents are bloodsucking vampires or monstrous fae, the combination may prove deadly.

Ivy Granger, psychic private investigator, returns to the streets of Harborsmouth in this addition to the bestselling urban fantasy series.

Holidays are Hell, a point driven home when a certain demon attorney returns with information regarding a series of bloody murders. Five Harborsmouth residents have been killed and every victim has one thing in common—they are fae. Whoever is killing faeries must be stopped, but they only leave one clue behind—a piece of mistletoe floating in a pool of the victim's blood.

The holidays just got interesting. Too bad this case may drive Ivy mad before the New Year. Heck, she'll be lucky to survive Christmas.
$2.99 purchase links
AMAZON * NOOK * KOBO

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Mafia Bad Boys

Mafia themed romance is always on the darker side in keeping with the reality that the male main character is a criminal and often a killer. Because it is romance, the Mafia bad boy only kills other criminals and has a code of honor, even if it is a bit skewed.

Indie Author Josephine Jade does a nice job with this trope, the relationships as edgy as the BDSM sex and the violence abundant if not as graphic. The first volume, Roman: A Triple Threat Novel has a few false notes that dropped it a star in my rating, but is overall, and enjoyable and steamy read.

Her brother stole from my family. For members of La Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian Mob here in The Big Easy, that’s a death sentence.

It’s not just about the money.
It’s about the respect.

The deal is practically done, when his sister stumbles into my office, pleading for her brother's life. Sarah. Sweet, trembling, innocent Sarah. A damned kindergarten teacher.

She promises to pay her brother's debt. How? With her savings and her teacher's pension. I find her loyalty touching. But her meager savings aren't nearly enough. And now, there's something I want more than money, more than revenge…

I want Sarah. She'll be my plaything for one month, catering to my whims. All of them. When I make the offer –with very clear detail of how she will pay the debt– she's frightened, but heat sparks in her beautiful eyes.

She wants it too.

I will debase her. And she will beg me for it.

$2.99 or KU
AMAZON

Romance that goes bump in the night

One of the most wonderful aspects of the independent publishing revolution are books that don't fit the traditional publishing mold. Enjoy reading paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction? Want it mixed with romance, suspense, action, plot twists, and steamy times? Once, such genre mashups were about as common as unicorns. Today, there are so many options, it can be hard to choose. In honor of Halloween and all things that go bump in the night, here is a trio of indie published urban fantasy and paranormal romance authored by my friends Marie Johnston,  Rachel Chanticleer, and  Veronica Del Rosa.

Another wonderful aspect of the indie revolution; free and cheap e-books.  The one's in this trio range  from $0.0 to $3.99 (Less than a Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte).

Read more ... https://egmanetti.com/2018/10/31/roma...

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Enemies to Lovers

October 5th, I moderated a fantastic panel discussion on writing adult content that is steamy not stinky at InD'Scribe Con & Book Festival. This is the last in my series profiling the works of my fellow panelists. Sawyer Stone writes romance with Andrea K. Stein that features mystery "equal to a game of Clue, keeping the reader on their toes as to whodunit-mystery and fantasy."~InD'Tale.

Way Too Deep

Captain Lindsay Fisher has committed the unthinkable in the tight little world of super yachting. She takes chances, she's a little too abrasive, and oh yeah, she's taken swearing like a sailor to a whole new level. Celebrity Chef Alton Maura earned the acclaimed "Kitchen God" title and basked int he international limelight for years until his affairs with his kitchen staff landed him in a poisonous stew. When Lindsay and Alton are thrown together on an uneasy cruise through the Grenadines, sparks fly. She doesn't like his shoes, or his attitude. He can't believe a woman who looks that good in a captain's uniform can be such a hard ass. This is their last chance to prove themselves, but the worst thing you can do when trying to save your career is to fall in love...WAY TOO DEEP.
Purchase $2.99 or KU
AMAZON

Sneak Peek - Nightingale: The Apprentice, Volume 6

Breaking volume 6 of the Twelve Systems Chronicle into two full-length novels for release in early 2019 has proved even more challenging than imagined. Nonetheless, both The Nightingale: The Apprentice, Volume 6, and Bond Proof: The Apprentice Volume 7 are on track. There is still much to be done, but in the meantime, a brief excerpt from The Nightingale.

***
The rumble of the propulsion systems softens as the vessel reaches the maximum velocity allowed for intrasystem transit. As the transport passes the second moon, Metricelli Prime is naught but a small green ball.

Milord’s fingers close on Lilian’s. “When did you last review the odds managers’ positions on you?”

Read more ...

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Mystery and Magic

October 5th, I moderated a fantastic panel discussion on writing adult content that is steamy not stinky at InD'Scribe Con & Book Festival. It was a great discussion where the panelists demonstrated both insight and humor. Panelist, Marc Sanderson authors romance that features mystery and fantasy.

Undercover in Jenns Cove: A Jenns Cove Eco-romance

Jake Weston is on a mission. He needs to find a project site for the ECOSYSTEM SERVICES INSTITUTE before it loses its funding. When his friend from the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Unit asks him to go undercover in a small Northern California coastal town called Jenns Cove to investigate a corrupt corporation, Jake sees the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. He can find his site and possibly bring a big polluter to justice. What he doesn’t expect is to meet Maggie Gallagher, a local attorney, single mother and possibly the woman of his dreams.

Only one problem: Jake can’t tell her who he really is or why he’s come to Jenns Cove. Anyone in the small town could be involved in environmental crimes, even the local hotshot attorney, and his investigation is strictly confidential.

When Maggie meets Jake, she can’t believe her bad luck! The first man she’s been interested in for a very long time, and he’s only in Jenns Cove for a short time. She’s not the type of person to indulge in a fling, but that might be all she and Jake can have. He lives three hours away in San Francisco and her life is in Jenns Cove. When her friends and even her family encourage her to go for it, Maggie decides to live in the moment—just this once—and go with her heart. She only hopes that Jake isn’t too good to be true.
99c purchase links
AMAZON
NOOK
APPLE
KOBO

The Emerald Wiccan

The Emerald Wiccan, the first novel in the Crystal Wiccans series, follows Sarah De Guerin, a wiccan-cop, part of whose job is to find young earthborn wiccans before the Shadow Servants can and take them to Terra Magica, the wiccan world. This time, instead of the kid she expects, she finds Alexander Denmann, a handsome college professor who is mysteriously coming into magical powers years later than he should.

After dodging murderous Shadow Servants and convincing Alex to make a magical leap of faith and travel to the wiccan world, Sarah finds herself irresistibly drawn to her earthborn. As she introduces Alex to the wonders of a world where magic is the norm, she is forced to battle society’s prejudices and her family’s expectations.

As Sarah and Alex are drawn ever closer together, wiccan society is coming apart at the seams. Their newfound love must struggle to survive amidst the political intrigues of Sarah’s powerful family, the violence of the Shadow Servants, and the rise of the vicious New Order.
99c Links
AMAZON
NOOK
APPLE
KOBO

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Highlanders

October 5th I will be at the InD'Scribe Con & Book Festival leading a panel discussion on writing steamy passages. Fellow panelist Suzan Tisdale is a USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, who writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.

Since December, 2011 when she published her first novel, Laiden's Daughter, she has published fifteen titles, with two more being released in the spring of 2017. To date, she has sold more than 350,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into four foreign languages (Italian, French, German, and Spanish.) You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.

With such a wealth of material, I recommend exploiting one that is currently free, and awarded 5-stars by InD'Tale ezine.

Ian's Rose

They should never have stolen his wife.
Ian Mackintosh and his bride, Rose, return to McLaren Lands to rebuild all that was destroyed by the previous laird. Believing bad times and evil men are behind them, they've let their guard down. Ian's world is turned upside down one cold winter's night when Rose is kidnapped.
Desperate, he is willing to make a deal with the devil himself in order to ensure her safe return. And he may have done just that when he agrees to work with the brother of the man responsible for tearing his world apart.

Freebie Link (Amazon) 99c all others
AMAZON
NOOK
APPLE
KOBO

And for those who must start a series at the beginning, Ian's Rose is the first of the Mackintoshes & the McLarens, a follow on series to the Clan Graham set; Rowan's Lady and Frederick's Queen.

Rowan's Lady

He built impenetrable walls around his heart....
The Black Death showed no mercy when it took Rowan Graham's beautiful, young wife. With his clan nearly decimated, his heart torn to shreds, he is left to raise his newborn daughter alone. Rowan tries to keep the promises he made to Kate on her deathbed, save for one: He is unable to give his heart to another.

She has built walls around her own... Lady Arline is forced into yet another arranged marriage -- loveless and lonely. Behind Garrick Blackthorn's good looks lies a cruel, vindictive man. She wants nothing more than her marriage to end so that she might gain the freedom she has longed for. Fate will bring those walls tumbling down....

Just before her marriage comes to a bitter and ugly end, her cruel husband kidnaps a sweet, innocent child. Arline does not realize the child belongs to a man from her past, a man who has haunted her dreams for more than seven years, until the night he comes to rescue his daughter.

Rowan Graham is surprised to learn that his enemy's wife is a woman he met but for a few short moments seven years earlier when dark times had fallen across Scotland. The same woman who had helped insure the freedom of his foster father and brother has been risking her life to care for his daughter. Fate brings them together...but others are determined to pull them apart.
$4.99 Purchase Links
AMAZON
NOOK
APPLE
KOBO

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