E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 36

March 26, 2017

FORMING NOW! BLADE & SHIELD, The Twelves Systems Chronicles' Street Team



















What is a street team? The short version – a group of volunteers who help create buzz for the books. This intrepid group helps promote The Twelve Systems Chronicles and contributes ideas on everything from blurbs to book covers.

If you enjoy The Twelve Systems Chronicles,, and are willing to spend a little time each week pimping them on social media, please join the street team. There will be swag. Maybe even t-shirts. For now, a signed copy of The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1 is the welcome gift for those brave enough to join Blade & Shield.

To sign-up, please email 12Systems@buniac.com
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Published on March 26, 2017 10:47

March 16, 2017

Indie Spotlight Romance: Fantasy Regency Romance

*Reposted from Some Like it Hot group's Indie Spotlight thread.

Fantasy or Regency Romance? A bit of both. In Emily Larkin's Baleful Godmother series, the heroines are given one wish to change their fortunes. Unlike traditional Fairy Godmothers, this faery godmother is more tricksie than benevolent. So choose wisely.

In the first volume of the series, Unmasking Miss Appleby, being an intelligent woman of her time, Charlotte Appleby wishes for the ability to change shape and promptly turns into a man to get a decent job. Enter the hot alpha male nobleman with a mysterious past and we're off into a truly gothic romance with nice thread of steam.

On her 25th birthday, Charlotte Appleby receives a most unusual gift from the Faerie godmother she never knew she had: the ability to change shape.

Penniless and orphaned, she sets off for London to make her fortune as a man. But a position as secretary to Lord Cosgrove proves unexpectedly challenging. Someone is trying to destroy Cosgrove and his life is increasingly in jeopardy.

As Charlotte plunges into London’s backstreets and brothels at Cosgrove’s side, hunting his persecutor, she finds herself fighting for her life—and falling in love...







This first volume is free!

Freebie Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-Apple...

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unmas...

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unma...

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/unma...
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Published on March 16, 2017 07:55

March 9, 2017

March 2, 2017

One week until the Fortuna Release!

**Final versions of the e-book loaded to Amazon, Kobo, ipad, and Nook? Check.

**Product page live on my website? Check.

**Goodreads listing updated?Check

** Physical book formatted for Amazon and proof in the mail? Check.


Proof in the mail? Yes. I spring for a physical copy before going live. With Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3, I discovered the hard way that the image in the digital proofer may vary substantially from the printed version. It wasn't a problem with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1 or Bright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2. The printed copies were identical to those in the digital proofer.

Not so with Transgressions. The copies I ordered for giveaways came with covers that were almost black. Createspace admitted the printing was out of spec, but couldn't correct the problem. Jim O'Connor, my gallant cover photographer, went three rounds with photo manipulation until we found a version where the printed version looked like the e-book cover. So this time, we're not taking any chances. The proof is on its way.

If the proof is off - no worries. The e-book will release as scheduled. Physical copies may take a little longer.

Fortuna: The Apprentice, Volume 4 is coming!

Hopefully, it will be greeted with more enthusiasm than winter. :D
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Published on March 02, 2017 05:31

February 25, 2017

INTERVIEW WITH LUCIUS MERCIO

As part of the Kiss & Tell Group's February K&T Con event, they have published an interview with Lucius Mercio that occurred about a sevenday before Lilian entered The Cartel.

Enjoy!

*** Interview Transcript ****

"Hi Rachel, Welcome to the Twelve Systems, Metricelli Prime, and Crevasse City, home to Serengeti headquarters."

The author, E.G. Manetti, guides me toward the entrance of one of the city's towering skyscapers.

"I’m going to walk you in and give you a little background," she explains. "Lucius Mercio is the preeminence of the Serengeti Group, making him one of the richest and most powerful warriors in a society of 50 billion. Not all of those people are warriors, of course. Only 10% of the population can trace their genetic line to one of the Five Warriors that founded their society a millennium ago. And Lucius is in the top two dozen."

Nodding absentmindly as I follow her through the opulent lobby, we head past the front desk to an elevator.

"Not only is he super rich and powerful. He’s also clever, ambitious, and dangerous. He was thirty-eight when he took over Serengeti six years ago after his father died. Which is young in this galaxy where life expectancy is 110-120. At the time, Serengeti and large sections of the Twelve Systems were being raided by pirates. The Twelve Systems hadn’t known serious war in nearly eight hundred years. It’s not a peaceful or pacifist society. They have crime, some civil unrest, and an occasional skirmish between cartels when competition escalates, but nothing on the scale of years of violent conflict between nations. Of course, they don’t have nations. The cartels pretty much run everything."

The elevator doors open without a sound and we step inside.

"Getting back to my story," Ms. Manetti continues and steadies me when we head up at a speed I wasn't expecting. "When Lucius took over, between the pirates running rampant along the major supply routes and Serengeti competitors grabbing whatever they could in the confusion, the cartel was in trouble. Everyone thought Lucius' biggest rival, the wily and experienced Monsignor Sebastian Mehta would stage a coup. Turns out, he underestimated Lucius. Lucius gathered an army, wiped out the pirates, and negotiated a reward from the governing council that gave him the leverage to consolidate his control and restore Serengeti. In fact, he’s been so successful that it’s rumored he sold his soul to the Shade of the First Warrior, Socraide Omsted."

"Wow," I manage to utter while trying to keep down my last meal on the trip to one of the uppermost floors.

The author smiles. "Not that I believe that for a minute. Here we are, his office suite is through those big onyx doors. Did I mention he’s tall and muscular. The paparazzi like the word ‘virile.’ Those black eyes don’t miss much. He’ll know if you lie. They say he can read minds, but I think he’s just really good at reading people. He’s had to be. He may have inherited his position, but the only way he has kept it was through ruthlessness and cunning."

"Here we are."

“Welcome, Mistress Rachel,” Lucius rises from behind his desk to greet his guest. “Let us sit by the windows. Would you like tea? Water?”

Dark and deliciously intimidating, I stare at him for far longer than socially appropriate and give Ms. Manetti an awkward wave as she takes her leave.

Taking a seat opposite me, Lucius relaxes into the plush chair, legs extended, fingers steepled. “Whenever it pleases you."

"Right, yes. So sorry." I follow his lead and accept a glass of water. "Ms. Manetti advised me earlier that I should address you as Monsignor Lucius? That here it's customary for only close friends and family to use given names?"

He nods slowly, and I can't shake the impression he's reading my every word and move.

"Let's uh, let's just get right to it then?" I push my bangs behind an ear and pull out my notepad.

"Which is your wish that is not yet fulfilled?"

Lucius sits back, completely at ease in his office. "I believe it’s well known in the Twelve Systems. I wish to see Serengeti advance from fourth to third among the cartels. Not only for the sake of my family, but because as one of the three, we will be able to influence the course of the Twelve Systems, bringing new opportunity to all its inhabitants, not only those of warrior descent. If we learned one thing from the pirate actions, it is that the Twelve Systems has become complacent. We have lost the drive and passion that brought order out the anarchy of war. I wish to see Serengeti lead a renaissance in warrior values and virtues."

Power practically resonates from this man. I take a drink of water in an effort to cool off.

"If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?"

"There is not an event in modern times I cannot attend, if I will it. Past or present? That is more difficult. If the Five Warriors will it, I will live to see my great grandchildren win their warrior blades. For the past, I wish what we all wish. To have been there the day the Five Warriors ratified the Code of Engagement and ended three centuries of stellar warfare."

My mind spins at his answer, unfamiliar with the ways of his world. "If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?" I ask.

"Fly," he replies with a smile. "I have always wanted to pilot a flyer in the annual moon races. When I was young, my father would not hear of it. Not the danger--he thought it frivolous. Now, even if I could find the time to learn, I’m well past the thirty-five-year limit on eligibility."

Eying his physique, I seriously doubt he'd be anything but phenomenal at any form of physical activity. I clear my throat and ask my next question.

"Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best?"

"To me? Naught that I am willing to discuss. I can say that I have turned difficult challenges to my advantage. This past month, the woman I waited two years to take as my protégé was nearly sentenced to death. The loss of her talents could have delayed some of my plans. As it is, I have succeeded in negotiating a trial by ordeal and will take her as my apprentice. I will have her talents and a great deal more control than I would if she were protégé."

I narrow my gaze, just by a fraction.

"You look skeptical," he asserts correctly. "I realize many consider an apprentice a warrior’s plaything, and not an asset. I assure you, I have acquired Lilian for her intellectual accomplishments. That she is comely is naught but a bonus."

I scribble some notes and continue the interview. "If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?"

"I would be present for my grandsire’s passing. We knew Jonah was reaching his end of days. My father refused to allow me leave from my protégé posting on Socraide Prime for a final visit. Had I to do it again, I would defy him and attend my grandsire."

"Any religious views?"

"I am Lord Patron of the First Warrior’s sect. It is my duty and privilege to ensure that his shrines are well maintained and funded. Without the guidance of the canons and warrior honor do we have any hope of maintaining order and resisting the return of warfare and anarchy?"

My head cants to the side, a slight motion I wouldn't have ever thought he'd even notice.

"I have surprised you."

"Perhaps a bit," I admit.

"I assure you, I am not superstitious. I do not share the commoner belief that the Five Warriors interfere in our daily lives, only that the spirit and the wisdom of their canons provide the guidance we need to continue to thrive and advance as a society."

"I understand. What has been your biggest challenge?"

"You expect me to answer 'waging war on the pirates'. That was difficult and violent. The bigger challenge was persuading the governing council to join its forces with the Serengeti Militia to create an armada sufficient to defeat the pirates."
"And your biggest success up until now?"

"Success?" he asks. "Triumphs are fleeting. I prefer to recognize my greatest honor--ascending to Preeminence of Serengeti."

Lucius' pride shows on the hard planes of his face and I suppress a smile before moving on. "What is the most evil thing you have ever done?"

"Evil? Do you question my honor? I have made difficult decisions. Sent honorable militia to die in the pirate actions. It was not pleasant, but it was necessary to restore order."

"Sacrifices must be made for the greater good, I realize that of course. Believe me Monsignor Lucius, the last thing I'd do would be to question your honor."

He nods again, a measured tilt of his head, and gestures that I go on.

"Why did you choose your profession?"

"I was born to it."

"I see. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?"

"I can travel anywhere in the world. Or the Twelve Systems, for that matter. When I can I manage it, I enjoy my citrus plantations near the sea on the southern continent. The plantations have endured nearly a millennia and the sea is ageless."

"That sounds quite beautiful. Last question, and thank you kindly for agreeing to this panel. What do you look for in a potential lover?"

"The usual," he answers, his dark eyes almost unnerving. "Charm, intelligence, wit, and a reasonable amount of physical appeal."
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Published on February 25, 2017 06:47

February 23, 2017

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Serials and Shorts

*reposted from Some Like Hot group Indie Spotlight thread

As a general rule, I'm not a fan of short fiction. I get frustrated when the story ends just as I'm getting to know the characters. Similarly, I'm not a fan of serials, finding that the cost of the installments exceeds what I would pay for a complete volume of similar length.

That said, author Mina Carter's shorts are fun and fairly priced at 99c (those that aren't free). The freebies are teasers running ~25 pages, but they are complete stories without cliffhangers. The longer works don't exceed 90 pages, and a few do price out at $2.99. But for the budget constrained, there is plenty to enjoy at the 99c price.

Of the three I have read, all have been well written, intriguing riffs on common tropes and steamy enough for those who like their romances with adult content.




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?

https://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Santa-...



Death’s big business. For Laney Larson, it’s a full time job.

The latest in a long line of Reapers, Laney hits Liberty, Oakwood expecting the usual ‘reap and run’ type of job. However the small town holds far more secrets than she expects, including a sexy cop who blindsides her reaper instincts - big time.

Liberty. It used to be a nice town until the things that go bump in the night moved in.

Detective Troy Regan moved to Liberty to claw back a little of his soul after working homicide in the big city. But the sleepy little town has problems of the paranormal kind and its police department has gone from calls about lost cats to Boggarts in the basement. Then the seriously nasty stuff moved in.

Troy’s not sure exactly what flavour of paranormal Laney is, but he doesn’t care. She’s tiny, delicate and gorgeous. When he finds a Lycan looming over her in an alley, all his protective instincts flare up. He needs to get her home, keep her safe… in his bed. But is she the answer he’s been looking for to fill the empty spot in his heart, or the most dangerous creature he’s ever met?

https://www.amazon.com/Reaper-Cop-Par...
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Published on February 23, 2017 08:21

February 17, 2017

February 13, 2017

PRE-ORDER FORTUNA

Fortuna The Apprentice, Volume 4 (The Twelve Systems Chronicles, #4) by E.G. Manetti is available for preorder!

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W9F36KD
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06W9F36KD
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06W9F36KD
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fort...
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fort...

Sorry Nook fans, B&N doesn't offer a pre-order option for indie publishers. But no worries - it will be there on 3/9!

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Published on February 13, 2017 13:38

February 10, 2017

FORTUNA Cover Reveal!

Available March 9, 2017

Amazon * B&N * Apple * Kobo



For a year and a half, Lilian has endured the hostility, spite, and deadly violence of those who despise her for her father’s crimes. If not for the protection of the powerful warrior Lucius Mercio, Lilian might not have survived. Without Lilian’s courage and brilliance, Lucius might have lost Serengeti Cartel to a vicious traitor. Instead, Lucius is has total control his cartel, and few within Serengeti will risk his wrath to torment his apprentice.

Determined to advance his ambitions and reward Lilian for her role in his success, Lucius prepares for the voyage Fortuna in the Fourth System. There, they will oversee the next phase of the first interstellar space exploration in two centuries. Lilian’s anticipation soon turns to dread as dark dreams haunt her nights, increasing in frequency and force as they journey to Fortuna. On the distant world, cut off from her few friends, Lilian will face dangerous intrigues and her nightmares will take form.
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Published on February 10, 2017 05:14

February 2, 2017

Indie Spotlight: Romantic Comedy

*Reposted from Some Like It Hot Group's Indie Spotlight thread.

Romantic Comedy -- Rom-Com -- is the light-hearted facet of romance novels. Very little angst and lots of silliness.

Indie Author Sam Cheever is a highly successful indie with titles that have made the USA Today bestseller's list. For the most part, I'm not big on rom-com - it tends to be a little thin on plot for my tastes. Of course, Ms. Cheever doesn't classify her novels as rom-com. In her words, they are "romantic paranormal/fantasy and mystery/suspense" with "great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories."

All true, but any series that features a clan of studly males with names like Alistair Honeybun, Alfric Honeybun, Godric Honeybun, etc. is going to include a lot of 'made me smile' if not 'laugh out loud' moments. Perfect for the dark days of deep winter.


Surprised into hiding in a men's room stall at work, Angie Peterson, owner of the Dunk and Run Coffee Shoppe, overhears two men talking about killing someone named Alastair Honeybun. Picturing a frail, helpless old Englishman, Angie rushes to warn him. There's only one, small problem, Alastair Honeybun is six foot two inches of yummy man, who's perfectly capable of taking care of himself. But when the thugs show up while Angie's still there, they soon figure out they'll need to take care of each other.









Currently free.

Freebie links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-hon...
Apple:https://itun.es/us/sFrC-.l
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Published on February 02, 2017 05:20