Review: Only Human by J.D. Estrada

Purchase Only Human: Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Author: J.D. Estrada
Publisher:  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Released: April 16,2013

Official Synopsis:
Nathaniel Runnels isn’t a fan of life. He isn’t a fan of the news, which is a bust because he’s a reporter. He’s lost faith in journalism, in the truth, in civilization and in himself. So it’s quite the surprise when he gets swept up in a quest to save the world. Perception and reality collide as one man faces one question, would you sacrifice your humanity to save mankind? Only Human is a tale where the truth is revealed about vampires, about therians (make sure you don’t call them werewolves), about angels, about demons, the photogeni plant people and humanity as we supposedly know it. This isn’t your typical book, these aren’t your typical vampires and what has been said is fiction, may actually be truer than the history you’ve been sold.

My Review: 
When I first found out that J.D. Estrada was going to have a book of his published I was overjoyed as I have been privileged to read a lot of his work over the years.  When I was told about what the book was about, I was instantly in love - vampires!  Who does not love vampires?  Anyhow, once I got the book and started reading it, it became apparent to me that the book, Only Human, was not just about vampires.  The book is about so much more than that!  The book in composes many different entities: angels, demons, vampires, therians, photogeni plant people, as well as humans.

The book is very detailed, but has an even and smooth flow. The book begins with an abduction of a human named Nathaniel Runnels who is bored with life.  He is given two choices: help or die.  Naturally, anyone with those choices would choose to live, as Nathaniel did.  Nathaniel plays a huge role in the book and essentially (SPOILER ALERT): becomes the hero.  I will not divulge how he becomes the hero or of what he is the hero of, but just know when you are reading the book and you are trying to figure out everyone's role that Nathaniel's is big!

You will encounter some unexpected references in this book.  They are by no means out of place and fit well into the story and what is currently happening.  References include: Pearl Jam lyrics, other book references, and 80s and 90s pop-culture.

As I said I was drawn in when I found out the book was about vampires, but J.D.'s writing makes you NOT want to put the book down.  This book is part of a series and personally, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!  I want to see where the author takes the characters and learn more about them. This book is highly recommend to anyone - get yourself a copy today, you will not be disappointed!

About the Author:

After years working in advertising, J.D. Estrada decided there were better ways to write fiction. Born on August 13th, he shares birthdays with Alfred Hitchcock and Fidel Castro... an interesting coincidence since his mom is Cuban and he loves a good story.

Truth be told, he always dreamt about being an inventor, he just didn't know he'd end up doing it using words. Where some people choose to invent new products, he has chosen to invent worlds through words.

In college, he studied psychology for 3 years before he realized that if he finished, he'd need a psychologist for himself. Not being too enticed by the whole full circle nature of that trajectory, he switched to Marketing, Advertising... and Psychology. He just couldn't let it go.

An avid reader of Science Fiction and Fantasy, throughout his life, he's always loved writing and connecting with people. Mind you, although he loves those genres, his reading tastes are as eclectic as his musical passions. So from rock to salsa to classical music, he also reads and writes in a variety of genres and is just as satisfied writing a review or a poem as he is in writing his next novel. One of his blogs is called For Writing out Loud and on this blog he's been able to connect to hundreds of fellow readers who share the passions of writing and connecting.

This obsession with the human aspect of who we are is deeply embedded in all his work and his first book is no exception. Though still starting its journey towards the top 100 Amazon books, Only Human is the first link within the Human Cycle, a three book exploration of humanity through fiction.

He is currently working on the second installment of the Human Cycle; a young adult adventure; a compilation of essays, poetry and short stories and consistently puts out free material on his blog (jdestradawriter.blogspot.com) and rants with zest on Twitter via @jdestradawriter. He also has instagram if you want to see what he's getting up to or what delicious beer he may recommend.

His favorite band is Pearl Jam, he was born in Puerto Rico, he bodyboards and to him, playing a guitar is as therapeutic as a notebook. So by all means, visit, say hi and connect.

He hopes you are doing well and that you enjoy your visit to any of the literary planets he has lovingly crafted.

I give this book:  ★★★★★

Remember to support your indie writers!!

Release Blitz: Astaroth

Available Now

Genre: New Adult Erotic Contemporary Romance, Suspense (Not Paranormal)

Length: 93,000 words (Standalone Novel)

Synopsis:

Astaroth. Motorcycle club president’s daughter. Virgin. Occultist.
Hunter. Outlaw biker. Loves a challenge. Ex-Christian.

Hunter knew he was in deep shit when a patch-over went sideways, ending up with his prez dead, and him and his cousin becoming live-in hostages at the Coffin Nails MC clubhouse. What he didn’t know though, was that the girl he fucked just a few days before was the Coffin Nails club president’s daughter, set on having nothing to do with him after a creepy one-night stand in an abandoned church. Tough luck, because Hunter is not a quitter, even if getting involved with the prez's hot daughter could get him killed.

Astaroth is devastated after losing the two people closest to her. Unable to connect with her grieving father, she believes that a ritual described in her late mother’s notes might hold the key to bringing back the balance in her family. During the ceremony, she needs to get pregnant by the demon she summons, but why does he have to appear in the form of a handsome, long-haired, asshole of a biker, who just doesn’t know when to give up? She never intended to see him again, but there he is, a new member of her dad’s club.
And worst of all, the other man who appeared that fateful night, Hunter’s cousin, is also up for seconds.

Astaroth was supposed to die in nine months, but instead, she is only beginning to feel truly alive for the first time. But no matter what she feels for the man who crashed into her life so unexpectedly, if she ever wants her family to be whole again, she needs to finish what she started.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: Outlaw motorcycle club, criminal activity, forbidden love, overprotective father, secret baby, revenge, occult
WARNING: 

Adult content. Explicit sexual content, strong language, violence, and topics that might be considered taboo. Reader discretion advised.

Add to Goodreads TBR 
Buy Links:

Will Send When Avail

Get Books 1-6 in the Series:
Books 1-5
Book 6

Miss Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are mistaken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat's the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitation to kick Agnes' ass when she's slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalog, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing 30, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.

They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there's one thing you can be sure of - it will be full of surprises.

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Review: Last Light Falling - Into The Darkness - Book II by J.E. Plemons

Purchase this book on Amazon

Author: J. E. Plemons
Series: The Covenant  
Published By: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Released: July 16, 2015

Official Synopsis: 
Arena has left the nation’s administration with a dead president and a weakened military, and while the tragic memories continue to scar her, the government struggles to regroup without its leader. For the people who still remain in hiding, its evident the country is all but lost, and with Russian operatives taking over, the nation’s hope of recovering is grim.

After months in hiding, Arena and her brother, Gabriel, fight to survive the aftermath while they trudge through unkindly terrain across the country to rejoin their friends, but what they soon discover may staunch their journey. The government’s failed attempt to rebirth a broken nation has caused civil unrest like no other.

After reuniting with their friends, Arena’s decision to stay changes when she discovers the secrets of a refugee camp behind a clandestine group of rebels, known as the Southern Resistance. With an opportunity to escape to a permanent safe haven, Arena risks her life to lead the new fellowship. But the darkest days are upon them, and with a new war brewing, Arena’s path will take a dark turn as her survival is in jeopardy.

Into The Darkness captures the cruel truth behind our darkest secrets which may often cause us to question our faith. In this graphic second installment of the LAST LIGHT FALLING series, J.E. Plemons continues the grim story of Arena Power’s fate, testing her faith while she and her brother search for an answer to their survival in a brooding world filled with chaos.

My Review:
I read and reviewed the first book of Last Light Falling back in February of 2015 and fell in love with the book, the characters, and the storyline.  When I heard that book two was released I could not wait to read and review it! I did not think that the author could out do book one, but I was definitely wrong!  J.E. Plemons did not disappoint!

The book begins with a quote from C.S. Lewis and then picks right back up from where book one had ended with the struggles, growth, and strength of Arena and her brother Gabe.  The book is intense; it pulls you in from the beginning and takes you on a ride that you are sure to not forget.  Arena and Gabe's journey leads them back to their friends and changes everything they know all over again.  

Much like book one, book two is full of betrayal, war, survival, and death. These actions and scenarios are what pulls you in, gets you thinking, and also makes you wonder how far from the truth this all could possibly be.  The second book is just as detailed as the first so you can put yourself in the shoes of the characters, but is not so detailed that it bores the reader. 

J.E. Plemons out did himself on this book.  I cannot wait to see what else he has to bring in this series!  I honestly think the best part of this series so far is the growth that the characters make through the books.  They overcome so much - their faith may waver, but they never give up!

About the Author: 

Jay has a BS in Music business with emphasis in publishing and copyright law, an English degree that he never intended getting, and a music education degree to which he will forever embrace.

Jay spent a year studying for the LSAT, then decided to attend culinary school, hoping to become an aspiring chef in a five star restaurant, but didn't care for the fourteen hour days in a kitchen. So what did he do? Met his wife in college, got married, and after hearing the news of their first child, decided to skip the idea of attending law school. It was the best choice he ever made.

Jay spent his years in Nashville working in the music industry for companies like RCA, Sony, Zomba, and Dreamworks, all of which gave him a bitter taste in his mouth. Aside from working directly with many famous artists, his conclusion of the industry was a tainted cesspool of filth. From Austin, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee, Jay worked a small time in the film industry, as a PA, extra in a few films, and a various of other uninspiring, uneventful jobs. He dedicated his carpentry skills for a while creating custom fine furniture, manned a press for a print shop, was a studio musician, played drums for a few famous artists, taught high school band for a year, giving IT support for the Texas Legislature, and now an aspiring author. He has no claim to fame, nor does he want any.

Jay has been fortunate enough to experience many things in his life, some of which were humbling, others fulfilling, and because of that, he's grown to be patient and content. He's willing to struggle, fail, sacrifice, and fall before he learns to move on from those experiences. He's not afraid to die, but willing to live as long as he's able. Even though he'd like to see his kids grow old, Jay understands that every day is precious, yet uncertain. He live with the best intentions that everything is going to be okay until it isn't, and when that happens, He's free to just let go.

I give this book: ★★★★★ 

Would you like to see the review of J.E. Plemons first book? Click here to read about Last Light Falling - The Covenant - Book I

Review: Learning to Live by Kira Adams

Author: Kira Adams
Series: Infinite Love
Published By: Kira Adams
Released: January 11,2015
Buy Link: Learning to Live 

Official Synopsis:
Ciera Nelson wants what any other outcast wants, invisibility. If she can just make it through the rest of her year with minor incidents and a head held low she will be able to put the hell hole they call school in her rear-view. Unfortunately, life has different plans for her.

Topher Carlson is one of the biggest jocks on campus. All the guys want to be him, all the girls want to claim him. When secrets are uncovered, Topher’s life spins wildly out of control.

They are far from friends when the school year begins, but each will impact the other’s life in ways they never dreamed possible. Can Ciera help Topher realize that popularity and status mean nothing in the real world? Can Topher help Ciera learn the true meaning of living?

Sometimes you have to let go to really live. Sometimes being alive means taking risks. 

Learning to Live is the first book in the Infinite Love series.

Review: 
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Learning to Live opens with an overview of who the book is going to be about in the perspective of each person.  In other words it is an alternating first person perspective stand alone that does not end in a cliff hangers.  Now, I know above I have listed the series the book is in, but this book does not necessarily have to be read before the second book, My Forever.  However, it is suggested as it gives you more insight to the main characters of book two.

The main point of views for this book are Ciera Nelson and Topher Carlson.  Ciera is your average, low income girl, who does not have a lot things, money, or friends, and is constantly bullied in school by the popular kids because of her looks and "weirdness".   However, Topher is her complete opposite.  He is your hands down, drop dead gorgeous, football player that every girl in school wants to be with who just happens to be dating a cheerleader that every guy wants to be with.  Topher seems to have it all and have it all together, but his home life is something that he hides from everyone.  Ciera and Topher have nothing in common or so they think!

My favorite lines from the book:
"I love how romance authors can make you feel every emotion in their books, that you feel invested in the characters. By the end of the story, you feel as if you know them on some kind of level, and you mourn the loss of them when it's over." -Kira Adams 

These lines play very true to this book. In fact the best thing about Kira Adams and her writing is that she pulls you right in from the start (I read the book in ONE sitting it was that good)!  Kira definitely makes you fall in love with some characters while she builds a love/hate feeling towards other characters.  You will absolutely love Ciera and her innocence from the start.  You will feel sorry for her, feel every emotion she feels, and end up hating those who bully her and treat her wrong.

Topher, well that is another story.  You will hate him and his group of friends...at first.  As the story plays out, Topher changes and turns over a new leaf.  His home life and his relationship with his father improves.  He breakups with his cheerleader girlfriend and gets to know Ciera.  All of this will leave you wondering why he did not make these decisions sooner.

To me, this book is an example of how some kids have to deal with bullying everyday and how these kids are afraid to speak up.  In some cases these kids never make it out of the situation; whether it be ending their lives or whatever, but in other cases, much like the situation in the book, the ones being bullied changes those who bully them.  Life gets better and everyone moves on.

This book is definitely an "ugly-cry" type of book with all the feelings, love, and lose. You will most certainly want to read this when you have a few hours to yourself as you will not want to put the book down

I give this book: 5 out of 5 stars!

Promo: Autumn Jones Lake

ROAD TO ROYALTY (LOST KINGS MC SERIES BOX SET)

by Autumn Jones Lake

INCLUDES:

SLOW BURN (LOST KINGS MC #1)

CORRUPTING CINDERELLA (LOST KINGS MC #2)

STRENGTH FROM LOYALTY (LOST KINGS MC #3)

BONUS CONTENT: CHARACTER INTERVIEWS, GLOSSARY, BONUS SCENES, PREVIEW OF TATTERED ON MY SLEEVE (LOST KINGS MC #4)

by Autumn Jones Lake

© Copyright 2015

Amazon Pre-Order: http://amzn.to/1NB5uYU

Kobo:

Nook:

iTunes:

Pre-Order Price Until Release Day - $2.99

After: $6.99

Off Sale July 31, 2015

SLOW BURN (Lost Kings MC, Book #1)

Original publication date: October 14, 2014

Forced to represent an outlaw biker, a married attorney must come to terms with her feelings for her client while avoiding the danger he brings into her sedate life.

CORRUPTING CINDERELLA (Lost Kings MC, Book #2)

Original publication date: December 2, 2014

Although attorney Hope Kendall cares deeply for President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan "Rock" North, the truth is they come from completely different worlds. Add to that the fact that they are also both headstrong people, and they have a very rough road ahead of them.

STRENGTH FROM LOYALTY (Lost Kings MC, Book #3)

Original publication date: March 17, 2015

As a dark cloud descends over Hope and Rock’s already precarious future, will a long-hidden secret push them both past the point of no return?

BONUS CONTENT: Glossary, Character Interviews, Two BRAND NEW, NEVER RELEASED BONUS SCENES, Preview of TATTERED ON MY SLEEVE (LOST KINGS MC #4)

Also includes excerpts from three other HOT MC Romance authors: Bink Cummings, Phoenyx Slaughter, and Sapphire Knight.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

Three Kings, One Night (Lost Kings MC #2.5) – a collection of three short holiday stories set in the Lost Kings MC world.

US:  http://bit.ly/3K1N_LKMC

AU: http://bit.ly/LKMC_AU

CA: http://bit.ly/TK1N_CA

UK: http://bit.ly/LKMC_UK

Nook: . http://bit.ly/3K1N_NOOK

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3K1N_KOBO

Tattered on My Sleeve (Lost Kings MC #4)

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/LKMC4_WRATH

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/LKMC4_Wrath_AU

Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/LKMC_Wrath_CA

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/LKMC4_Wrath_UK

NOOK: http://bit.ly/1JCFP3M

iBooks: http://apple.co/1IAtzAN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MzBzjX

*Wrath and Trinity’s story can be read FIRST in the series.

As an only child, Autumn kept herself entertained by making up all sorts of stories. For a long time, life and school dimmed her enthusiasm for creative writing. But as soon as she rediscovered her love of storytelling, she put her fingers to the keyboard and hasn’t looked back.

Her favorite books to read are mystery, thrillers, horror, romance, erotica and urban fantasy.

Her favorite thing to write is romance. All of her stories have to include a hunky hero and an optimistic ending.

When she’s not writing, Autumn spends time listening to music, going to concerts, and driving her family nuts. She enjoys reading, gardening, acting, and collecting nail polish. (Her husband says she shouldn’t be allowed to include gardening in her list of hobbies, because she makes him do all the work, but that’s not relevant.)

Autumn lives in Upstate New York with her husband and their three rescue dogs. She is actively involved with several dog rescue groups and her local RWA chapter.

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Sale: Dark Phoenix by Elise Faber: 99cent

☆.•**•.☆ Sale 99cents ☆.•**•.☆

“Get your clothes on.”
Cody obliged, albeit slowly. Her eyes kept drifting to his partially covered body, the way the muscles of his arms, his back rippled as he dressed.
 “Stop looking at me like that.”
Daughtry bit her lip as she took in the way his jeans cupped his butt.
“Because if you don’t stop.” He stepped into his boots then closed the distance between them. “I’ll have you naked and propped on that shelf in two seconds flat.
Her gut clenched — in a good way, in the best way.
“Oh.”
She wanted that too. They couldn’t. Wait, they already had. But not again. Not right now.
A gleam entered his eyes.
“Cody—“
“Shh.”
He eliminated the last few inches between them.
“I-uh-“
He pressed his chest against hers, pushed her against a rack of shelves—
Click.
The floor opened up beneath them.
They fell.

--Dark Phoenix only 99cents now through July 14th

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1APSfyI
B&N: http://bit.ly/1zW1WhJ
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Phoenix Rising (book 1) → http://amzn.to/1LNkl0s
From Ashes (special pre-order price of only 99cents) → https://amzn.com/B01073WG6A

Interview: Author Sabrina Archer

There are a ton of good books out today!  Many books are advertised on television, turned into television shows or even turned into movies and there is nothing wrong with that; in fact kudos to those authors!  However, what about the Indie Authors we know and love.  Have we forgotten about them?  Have we forgotten what it is like for them to write books for us and still manage their lives, jobs, families, and households?  I have a special author I would LOVE for you all to try! 

Who is this author?  Her name is:

Sabrina Archer

Moonlight Lost: Moonlight Series Book one

Synopsis:

Jayde is just a normal girl who is about to embark on her senior year of high school and all the things that come with it. She dreams about prom, school dances, and spending time with her best friend Scarlet. 

All those dreams change when her father abruptly passes away, and her mother unexpectedly uproots her life in Salem to return to their southern roots. But once there a series of events are unleashed, and Jayde discovers an extremely powerful witch is hunting her to usurp her power, a power Jayde didn't even know she possessed. 

Then Bentley enters the picture, sweet, handsome, drop dead gorgeous Bentley, a witch who can easily recount the centuries he has lived and Jayde begins falling in love, a love that is deep and reflective, that touches her very soul with a connection Jayde has never felt with anyone. She must learn to control her heart, her emotions, and the love that she feels while mastering her newfound powers. 

Can Jayde embrace the witch she was meant to be and master the power sleeping inside her to protect not only the mortal world but also the immortal world from the one who desires to destroy it?

Teasers:

Moonlight Fade: A Paranormal Young Adult Romance

Synopsis: 

With all darkness there is light.
Sometimes you have to look really deep within yourself to see it because if you don't....the darkness will consume you.
Scarlet Coxs world has been turned upside down.
Her best friends birth mother has taken away everything from her and in a chaotic turn of events she meets someone she has seen in her vision. This man with his bright hazel eyes and dark auburn hair turns out to be much more than she anticipated.
The darkness in her soul grows stronger with each passing day. With Madeline and Ravens help her curse is broken, but not entirely. The darkness lingers....
With a blooming romance and a fear of what she has seen, Scarlet must make the ultimate decision before the darkness becomes all consuming.
Can she stay and risk becoming the weak link or must she go to ensure the survival of those she now calls family?

Teasers:

Buy Links:

 Moonlight Lost: Moonlight Series Book one

 Moonlight Fade: A Paranormal Young Adult Romance

 

Release Blitz: Bound by Cathy Jackson

RELEASE EVENT FOR BOUND:

https://www.facebook.com/events/857951687622197/

$2.99 Pre Order:

Amazon US ► http://amzn.to/1GP1T5m

Amazon UK ► http://amzn.to/1Jyatc7

B&N ► http://bit.ly/1M0g3Ej

iBooks ► http://apple.co/1GVTuwn

SYNOPSIS for BOUND:

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life that I wish I could take back. There’s been so much pain and hurt, all of which I have caused. I can only pray that God helps me to be a better man. A long time ago I knew who He was, but things happened and I walked away from Him. Now I am coming home, and I am not going to do it alone. I love Evelyn Miller, a woman of God who follows His ways. My prayer is that she would be mine, but first I have to be the man she deserves. I will go back to church, get a job, and procure a home to put down roots. My brothers will see the change in me, and I will earn their trust once again. I will be the man of God again. There will be a homecoming. If it is God’s Will, Evelyn will be mine.

Cover Reveal: A Date with the Devil

A Date with the Devil Cover Reveal

Blurb:

The Monster.

In one moment, my entire life was ripped away from me. I ignored the warning signs until it was too late. Until I became the victim.

He took my life away from me; my freedom, my courage. I've lived my life in debilitating fear since that fateful day.

The Savior.

He was there the day it all went down, and he's been by my side ever since. He's been the only thing that's kept me going.

He's my best friend, but he wants more. I'm terrified to lose him. I'm terrified he'll leave.

One tried to kill me.

One brought me back to life.

I'll never be the same person again--that girl died when the match was dropped. Too much has already been stolen from me.

It's time to take back what's mine.

Add to your TBR list:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25192041-a-date-with-the-devil

Author Bio:

Krista Pakseresht has always been a dreamer. From the first time she opened her eyes. Creating worlds through words is one thing she is truly talented at. She specializes in Young adult/New adult romance, horror, action, fantasy, and non-fiction under the pen name Kira Adams.

She is the author of the Infinite Love series, the Foundation series, the Darkness Falls series, and the Looking Glass series.

Connect with Kira:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KiraAdamsauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiraAdamsAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179367.Kira_Adams

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kira-Adams/e/B00KQZ5838/

Website/Blog: http://kristakakes.blogspot.com/

Interview: Author Adriana Locke

Meet Adriana Locke

Biography:

Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own. 

Adriana resides in the Midwest with her family. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. She loves to be outside in the sunshine and always has a  piece of candy in her pocket. 

Her first novel, The Exception, was released in 2014. The followup, The Perception, was released  in March 2015. Both books follow the same characters, but can be read as standalone novels. Sacrifice, a novel unrelated to the others, is slated to hit stores in Summer 2015.

Please contact Adriana at www.adrianalocke.com. She loves to hear from readers.

Blurbs:

The Perception:

There is no greater burden than a secret, and Kari Stanley has been carrying one alone for a long time. But fate intervenes in the form of a broken down car and the kind offer of assistance from a handsome stranger with a sweet, southern drawl. In exchange, all she has to do is go to dinner
with him. Temptation was never so sweet.

Max Quinn has secrets of his own. His good deeds aren't just a product of his southern upbringing; they're his atonement. As one dinner turns into two, he realizes that Kari just might be his salvation.
 

As they struggle to find their path together, their secrets weigh heavier on them. Will they be able to trust one another with the truth, or will their secrets keep them apart forever?

The Exception:

There are exceptions to every rule ...

Jada Stanley is starting over, freeing herself from her past. Following the rules she’s given herself is easy enough, until she meets HIM. He’s gorgeous, cocky, and everything she needs to avoid, but that’s easier said than done.

Cane Alexander has his own set of rules, a plan to keep his life simple and free of complications. But when he sets his sights on Jada, she proves to be a temptation he just can’t resist.

Walls crumble, resolve fades, and precious rules are bent.

They can’t help but take a chance on each other, but chances come with risk. As the past rears its ugly head in ways they never see coming, will they revert back to protecting themselves? Or will they realize that the other is the exception to every rule they’ve ever made?

Teasers:

Social Media:

Buy Links:

The Perception:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/17J583k
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1AKuj0Q
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1AroArX
iTunes - http://bit.ly/1FVOigv
KOBO - http://bit.ly/1MegQAv

The Exception:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1DH9SSt
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1uwolyy
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1DgQoV6
iTunes - http://bit.ly/1nSOfVK
KOBO - http://bit.ly/1KBk4T4
Amazon Audiobook- http://amzn.to/1DBoN3q
Audible - http://adbl.co/19hEIY0
iTunes Audiobook- http://apple.co/1x88WHF

Interview:

1. What inspires your writing? Ah, good question. I think the thing that inspires me most when I sit down to write is hope. Whether it be hope that I could actually finish a novel (ha!) or hope for love, I think that word really triggers the words to flow from my fingertips. I’ve also noticed that when my outline doesn’t include a lot of promise of something better, it seems to just work its way in anyway.

2. Have you always wanted to be an author? Kind of. I have a pink Barbie suitcase in my mom’s attic of stories I wrote when I was in third or fourth grade. I’ve always been an avid reader and I think writing is a natural progression. I don’t really recall wanting to write novels after elementary school, although I did seem to gravitate towards English and writing classes in high school and college.

3. Who are your favorite authors? There are so many! I fell in love with Lauren Blakely, Beverly Preston, and Seraphina Donavan early in my romance-reading life. Gail McHugh, K Bromberg, Jodi Ellen Malpas, Heidi McLaughlin, and SL Scott are auto-clicks for me. I also adore Kari March, Angie McKeon, and Mandi Beck.

4. What would you say to someone who is just starting out as a writer? Before you get overwhelmed with the publishing details, finish the book. Actually writing “The End” is the hardest part. If you manage to do that and hit the “magic button”, I’d tell you to “feed the right wolf”. There’s an old parable that says there are two wolves inside us all - Evil and Good. The one that survives is the one that you feed. This industry, this process, can be intimidating and overwhelming. It’s very important to do things your way, to stay true to yourself. Never lose your integrity.

5. Do you ever put any part of yourself in you characters? I think so. Jada, for example,
knows she’s vulnerable but wants to stay strong. It’s a conscious decision for her, just like it is
for me. Kari is very happy on the outside, but inside she’s more quiet and sad. I can very
much identify with that. Julia in Sacrifice (releasing this summer) is a mother. Without giving too much away, I can relate to her in a variety of ways.
 

6. How old where you when your first book was published? I was 33 last year when The Exception published. But if anyone asks, let’s maintain I’m 29. ;)

7. How many books have you written? What are their titles? I’ve published two - The Exception and The Perception. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but the characters are the same in both books. The Exception follows Cane and Jada and The Perception follows Max and Kari.

8. Do you have any more books coming out? What are their titles? Yes! I have Sacrifice coming out this summer. It is completely unrelated to the other titles I’ve written. I’m super excited about because it’s really different from anything I’ve ever done. I’m also working on Dr. Manning’s story. If you’ve read The Perception, you know who he is. ;)

9. What do you hope readers take from your books? I would love it if readers took away a bit of hope from my stories. Whether it be hope that you can find the perfect match or hope that things will work out no matter how bad the situation looks, there’s always a reason to hold on. But really, if they just finish with a smile, that works, too.

10. What do you do to get ready to write? I’ll listen to a playlist for that story on Spotify for a bit before. I can’t listen to music while I write, but it really does inspire me. Then I usually just jump in.

11. Do you ever get writers block? What helps you get past it? Of course I do and it’s so frustrating. Sometimes I’ll sit down and try to re-plot the story or flesh out ideas or details I’ve been playing with. The best way to beat it though is to call a beta and talk it out. Sometimes you just need to work through it out loud.

12. What is your favorite type of book to read? Does that type influence your books? I’ll read anything. I love contemporary romance, but I also love mysteries and cookbooks and biographies. I have taken little things I’ve read or seen (a layout, for example) and noted it down as inspiration.

Tell us about your new novella/novel:

My last novel published is called The Perception. If you read The Exception, then you already know a little about Max and Kari. If you haven’t, no worries - this can be read as a standalone!

Max and Kari are already in love at the start of the book and readers really seem to like that.

They also seem to love that Max is not a cocky douchebag. Instead, he’s a fiercely loyal and absolute gentleman while maintaining an alpha status. Kari is getting a lot of mentions, too, as a strong, relatable heroine. Yes, she’s frustrating sometimes, but she’s pretty real. That might be the thing I’m most proud of in the entire book.

The novel I’m working on now is titled Sacrifice. It’s about Crew Gentry, a guy raised on the streets with his brother, Gage. Crew’s had a rough life, some of it his own doing, some of it not, and he has a chip on his shoulder.

At the start of the story, Crew has lost his wrestling career due to injury and is working on the docks in Boston. He’s angry and frustrated and really trying to figure out who he is and what matters to him. Ultimately, he comes face-to-face with those questions and an answer must be made.

Fun Facts:

1. Favorite food - Pizza! I could live on pizza. My family owned a pizza shop most of my life, so I grew up making pizzas and strombolis and things like that. There’s nothing that smells better than a pizza out of the oven.

2. Favorite color - Orange is the color I’m most drawn to and I adore the pinkish oranges.

3. Favorite sweet treat - Ice cream is probably my favorite. I just tried this new coffee-flavored gelato and it was heaven! It’s a good thing I have sons because ice cream never lasts long around here.

4. Favorite mixed drink - I LOVE these pineapple upside down cake drinks with vanilla vodka and pineapple juice. They’ll get you in trouble. ;) If that’s not a choice, I’ll always go for rum.

5. Favorite thing to shop for - Nothing! I hate shopping with everything that I am. I’d shop for anything over clothes for myself, though. That’s the worst.

6. Lucky number - 7. It’s my birthday and Mr. Locke’s baseball number from way back in the day.

7. Favorite book - Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan is my favorite series of all time. I love the grit, the realness of the series. The characters aren’t rich or beautiful or perfect, but damn it if I don’t love them. She just sucks you into that storyline and holds you hostage. I dread the day the series is over. I’m going to need to be medicated.

8. Favorite movie - It really changes. We are a very male-centric household, so I’ve learned to love Troy, Gladiator, and Fight Club. But if Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias is on, I’ll never change the channel. And who doesn’t love Dirty Dancing!?

9. Favorite song - The Devil Went Down to Georgia is my all-time favorite. It’s country but I really think it was the first rap song. LOL I love the fiddle and the tempo and just everything about it. My current obsession (besides anything by Maroon 5) is Beautiful War by Kings of Leon. I also love Roadhouse Blues by The Doors, I Cross My Heart by George Strait, and Whatta Man by Salt N Pepa. ;) Most of these are on my Spotify playlists for one book or another.

10. Favorite sport - Football season is about the only time I really watch any television. Mr. Locke has always been a fighter and my sons wrestle and box, so MMA is my second favorite. As a matter of fact, seeing a boxing match in Vegas is the only thing on my bucket list!

What is something everyone should know about you?  Wow. I don’t know. I’m not that interesting. I guess I would like everyone to know that I genuinely appreciate each and every one of them. If they’ve read my book and liked it, if they’ve read it and didn’t, even if they just thought about buying it - thank you. My life is incredibly full and my family will always come first. But writing lets me express myself in a different way, gives me something to look forward to besides washing baseball pants. ;) My stories are the cherry on top of my life and that’s only possible because readers out there support me. If I could, I’d hug each one of them.