One Sweet Read

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Werewolves vs Wolf Shifters

Am I the only person who loves the trend where authors create a wolf shifter and have them called a werewolf because real werewolves are a myth but shifters are real? One True Mate (Westin Pack Book 1) by [Trettel, Julie]

I know I can’t be. In my opinion, that opens up so many more options. However, I still do love me some straight up naturally evil werewolves! So today, let’s talk about this.

The werewolf from legend/mythology is that one who changes at the full moon and can’t control that shift, and is pretty much a normal human being the rest of the time. Legend says they can be killed by a silver bullet, and that being bitten by a werewolf is all that it takes to start turning into one every full moon. They’re usually depicted as a wolf who stands more like a human on their hind legs than an actual wolf on all four, though they are versatile when chasing their prey.

Knight (Sons of the Alpha Book 1) by [Carmichael, Addison]

Meanwhile, wolf shifters keep their true wolf form for the most part, and can secondarily in some cases choose to stand straight like a human. I’ve read where some are also prone to being killed by silver, and others were any means that would kill a regular wolf would kill them. However, in these cases they can withstand far more than a regular wolf and heal more quickly in wolf form.

A lot of these similarities and differences can be found in movies as well as books (and obviously this is the case in a book to movie adaption.) It’s always fun to see what the artists in both mediums do to portray these creatures.

When I was working on First Blood, I knew I wanted to incorporate both versions of the Werewolf, what I call the true version and shifter version. While Jackson is only a shifter, and is referred to as such, many wolf shifters use the name werewolf loosely. I guess that makes Jackson a werewolf in some circles. That left me with the real werewolves. Creating rules around their species, specifically the laws they have to abide by, was so fun. And when the werewolves got out…well that was bound to happen, lol.

 

Off the top of my head, some books with one of the other version that I would recommend are:

 

Karen Lynch: Relentless Series

Melissa Haag: Judgement of the Six Series

Melanie Gilbert: Alpha King

Julie Trettel: Westin Pack Series

Heather Hildenbrand: Dirty Blood Series

Quinn Loftis: Grey Wolf Series

Addison Carmichael: Sons of the Alpha Series

Rachel Jonas: The Lost Royals Saga

Alpha King by [Gilbert, Melanie]

Others I have in my TBR Pile:

Bethany Wicker: Unexpected Alpha

Karina Espinosa: Shift

Olivia Wildenstein: A Pack of Blood and Lies

Leia Stone: Matefinder

SHIFT (Mackenzie Grey: Origins Book 1) by [Espinosa, Karina]

I’m probably forgetting several, but off the top of my head, this is what you get! Hopefully you found this fun. More creatures to come!

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It’s That Time of Year Again! #Christmasbook

If you’ve followed me for any length of time on social media, it’s probable that you already know this, but I’m a Christmas fanatic. Yes, I’m one of those people who not only has their tree up (Since Nov 2) but my apartment is also fully decorated for the season. We’ll skip the argument of whether this is skipping Thanksgiving and move on to the subject of this blog post: This year’s book is up for pre-order!!

If you haven’t read any of the other books in the Collection (this is #4), that’s perfectly all right. They’re written in a way that you don’t have to read them in any order. I try to do a good job of explaining who everyone is as they enter the new books. This was the first written in a guy’s point of view, and it was interesting. I’ve written in male POV’s before, but this one was just different. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to a Christmas fanatic as the leads for the Christmas books, and Flint is not. He likes Christmas, but he’s sooooo not on the elf level of Christmas loving.

So, why a Christmas book every year? Well, it started with wanting to write a Christmas book (Cause, you know, I like Christmas), and then I realized there was so much to this world that I couldn’t NOT explore it. Then readers began requesting certain elves’ stories (Holly and Jolly) so I wrote those. I’m loving these characters and what they have to offer. Plus, these books make me happy. I love the world they throw me into and to see what happens next. While not my most successful series, I’m never going to stop writing these Christmas books. They are too much a part of who I am at heart. So, with that being said, here’s more about SNOWBOUND CHRISTMAS!

Graphic 1

What’s worse than being friend zoned by your ultimate crush? To Flint, not much, especially now that his Alpha brother has found love for the second time. If that wasn’t hard enough to deal with, Santa wants a polar bear ambassador to join him in Christmas Village, and he’s requested Flint by name. Leaving another new home once again, and this time his pack as well, Flint’s only consolation is that he’ll know one person in Christmas Village.

Even the dragon clan in Christmas Village doesn’t know much about Lizzette. Being a private person, she only has a few close friends, and her newest one is a polar bear shifter. Once they land in Christmas Village, pounding snowstorms land with them, raging through the North Pole one after another. With Christmas already on the line, can this unlikely pair find a way to help the elves dig out while discovering the relationship neither had anticipated?

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZZKVG4R

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZZKVG4R

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#Indiebooklist Monday: Week 20

Week 20

Week 20: Karen Tomlinson

Book: A Bond Of Venom And Magic

I don’t remember how I “met” Karen, but it was on Facebook somewhere. Maybe a release party, or something like that. All I know is that I’m glad it happened! She is one of the sweetest, most supportive people I’ve ever met. And hard working. I don’t know how she juggles so much in her life, but she makes it happen. Karen is definitely on my list of authors that I want to meet in my life! And not only is she a spectacular person, but oh my gosh, if you love romantic epic fantasy, look no further than this read. You guys, Hugo is most definitely on my Top Ten Book Boyfriends list. Pretty sure he’s never going to slip off of it either. Diamond is amazing, don’t get me wrong, but Hugo…well, if you like the dark, broody males, he’s right up your alley! This book (and the rest of the series) are not books that you’ll be able to pick up and just set down. Trust me. Actually, it’s about time I reread this series!

Website: https://karentomlinson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ktomlinson.author/

Magic awakens. Darkness stirs. The Wraith Lord hunts.
The war raging in the South seems a remote danger for seventeen-year-old Diamond Gillon until her home is brutally attacked.
Catapulted into a terrifying new existence where legendary beasts arise, magic is condemned, and half-blood fae like her have no rights, Diamond is inexplicably drawn to Commander Hugo Casimir. But he is a ruthless elite guard owned by a cruel, immortal fae queen who murders her own people for magic.
A prisoner in Hugo’s world, Diamond’s circumstances become ever more perilous; for the Queen covets more than just magic. Diamond must escape—before her fate, and that of The Eight Kingdoms, is sealed in shadow and chaos.
When her life hangs in the balance, will Hugo prove to be her friend and ally, or an enemy unworthy of her trust?

A Bond Of Venom And Magic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J92LEAE/

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#Indiebooklist Monday: Week 19

Week 19

Week 19: Kelly Oram

Book: Chameleon

I first found Kelly Oram’s books on Facebook, and this was the first book of hers that I read. It’s a must. I loved it! You keep getting more and more clues, but it’s not until it all comes together that you see the full picture, and I love books like that! Plus, let’s face it, her powers are awesome!

Website: https://kellyoram.com/

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

For small-town rebel Dani Webber magic and monsters are no more real than the Easter Bunny… until the day she accidentally stops time. Dani quickly discovers that not only do supernaturals exist, but she herself is one of them. This is great news for her life-long best friend Russ, who can finally come clean about his own supernatural status and his undying love for her. Before the two can start to enjoy the long overdue relationship, Dani is taken by a powerful council of supernaturals who believe she is the Chosen One destined to save them from extinction.

As if being kidnapped and expected to save the world isn’t bad enough, an ancient prophecy warns of the Chosen One’s dark nature: “Only the truest love will keep her an agent for good.” The council believes they know who this “true love” is and, unfortunately, that person isn’t Russ. The mysterious, powerful and devastatingly handsome Seer is the last person Dani wants in her life, but when she starts having visions of a horrific future, she has no one else to turn to for help.

Soon Dani finds herself torn between two very different boys with two very different opinions of whom she can trust. With the visions getting worse and time running out, Dani is forced to put aside her feelings and work with both the Seer and Russ before an ancient evil is unleashed upon the earth.

Chameleon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJVQ6AU/

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Snippet Saturday: May 11

Y’all, I have a new book coming out on June 15 and here’s the first snippet I’m posting for it!

first bloodkindleFIRST BLOOD

“Hey boss,” called a light, tenor voice from the other side of the truck. “I smell a human.”

My gaze met a pair of steel grey eyes that belonged to a tall man with a wolfish grin who leaned against the hood of the truck. He winked at me, but his smile fell when Raven growled, a human snarl lifting his lips. When the other man’s eyes met Raven’s, the man stood straight and nodded his head.

“It’s not her. He’s the human,” Raven jerked his thumb in Lee’s direction. “And stop flirting, Jackson. You know I have rules against it.”

“Yes, but rules are meant to be broken,” a light, feminine voice called from the mansion’s front steps. A blonde, slender woman with more curves than I could count strode across the stone walkway to the pavement until she stood before us, her hands settled on her hips, drawing the attention of every male eye to her form. Every eye except for Raven’s. His attention remained on her face, a bored expression crossing his.

“Do not break my rules, Luella.”

Luella snorted. “You know I wouldn’t, blood drinker. I like my job, and I won’t ruin that for some male. Now that the fireworks have started, introduce us to the new recruits.”

“Not without me.” Looking back at the house, I smiled. A chestnut haired woman half my size strode across the lawn. Power oozed from her, making the skin on my arms prickle. “I’m Shannon, resident witch. Jackson, the wolf, is my familiar. If he gives you a hard time, threaten him that you’ll tell me and he should back off.”

Jackson snorted, but remained silent, watching Shannon finish her approach. Yeah, he was definitely a wolf. If that grin hadn’t given him away, the intensity in which he kept his attention on our surroundings did. It screamed predator and guard dog, though I knew better than to describe him that way out loud. At least the dog part.

mybook.to/FirstBlood1

Teaser 2

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#Indiebooklist Monday: Week 18

Week 18

Week 18: Heather Karn

Book: Perfect Scents

Well, it’s me again. I’m not exactly sure what to say about myself! I’ve loved writing since I wrote my first novel in 8th grade, but I remember in 6th grade enjoying writing short stories. I can’t write a short story now to save my life. Too many words need to be told! But after college, I stopped writing, and didn’t write again for years. Then I moved to West Virginia. It was like I’d finally found my “home”. Little did I know then that I’d only be there for a year before moving back north. I missed my friends and the land. West Virginia is beautiful. About then I started reading again since I decided I was watching to much TV and I was a passenger in the car on the trips home and not driving. After reading a few PNR books, I found my passion in writing again, and it was no surprise to me that when I chose the setting of Perfect Scents, my debut novel, that it would be in West Virginia. This book was a challenge since I was having to find my voice again, but it turned out much better than I’d first expected, all with the help of several beta readers. Perfect Scents is the first book in a 6 book series, although it’s comprised of two trilogies. I’m planning a spin off series either next year or the year after. We shall see. If you love tiger shifters, you should check this series out!

Website: https://www.heatherkarn.com/

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

Joette McClane’s life has gone from the happiest it could ever be to heartbreak with the deaths of her parents. Now living with her grandma and aunt, trying to put the pieces of her life back together, a school assignment shocks the life back into Joey- an essay on the weregals, a race of werecats who disappeared from the mountains of West Virginia nearly twenty years ago. As luck, or fate, would have it, not only does Joey stumble across the first weregal seen in years, but what Kev knows about Joey will turn her world upside down. But Kev’s not the only creature lurking in the West Virginia pines, and these other creatures might not be so friendly. Armed with her peculiar sense of smell, Joey and her friends set out to discover the truth behind these mysterious strangers who have their sights set on Joey, but will the price of truth be too much to pay?

Prism: mybook.to/PerfectScents

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#Indiebooklist Monday: Week 17

Week 17

Week 17: Nina Walker

Book: Prism

I’m not exactly sure at this point how I met Nina. It was online, that’s about all I remember. However, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I got a chance to meet her in St. Louis last year for Penned Con and she’s one of the sweetest people! I loved meeting her and her mom, and not only meeting her, but her table just so happened to be right next to mine. Talk about fun! And speaking of fun, if you haven’t read any of her books yet, you’re missing out. Prism is an amazing read! Not even kidding. I never would’ve thought of using colors like this, and so I don’t give anything away, I’ll leave it at that. No spoilers! But you should want to know what I won’t be spoiling, so read it!

Website: https://www.ninawalkerbooks.com/

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

What if color held the secrets to powerful magic?

Forced to move into the palace, Jessa begins training as a Color Alchemist under the direction of the kingdom’s most eligible bachelor, Prince Lucas. As an alchemist, Jessa must capture and harness the color of living things. Every color has a unique purpose, except red. Red is the untapped magic no one can access—until Jessa.

Prince Lucas is running out of time. His mother is nearing death and the healing magic isn’t working. When Lucas suspects someone is using alchemy to control her, he sets out to discover the truth, even if it means uncovering Jessa’s secrets in the process.

PRISM is the first full-length installment of this unique young adult romantic fantasy series where a dystopian world with a Victorian flair meets the dynamic magic of color. 

Prism: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HGYN63/

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Snippet Saturday: April 27

Phoenix Ebook FinalI’ve been failing at remembering to do this on the certain Saturday’s I had listed…so, I’m going to be doing them on whatever Saturday I remember! Or post ahead and schedule when I remember during the week.

This week’s snippet comes from Phoenix Awakened, my newest release! Be on the lookout for snippets of my upcoming pre-order as well.

 

Snippet:

Stepping out of the bathroom, I found Phoenix standing in a nice pair of khakis with a long sleeved button up under a cardigan. In my head, dinner was casual, so I’d changed back into my jeans and shirt from this morning. Embarrassed by my misunderstanding, I stuttered over a plausible excuse for the way I looked while trying to think if I actually packed clothes that would be suitable to match his.

“Sorry, I forgot my clothes out here and wasn’t going to come out here in a towel, no matter how much you’d enjoy it.” I dug through my suitcase, hands shaking as Phoenix took my shoulders and turned me to face him.

“You look beautiful. I don’t mind if you wear that.”

“I look like a slob. Let me change and I’ll be right out.”

“May I kiss you?”

The question popped out of his mouth so fast I wasn’t sure I’d heard him right, but the nonwavering expression that held mine told me for a fact I’d heard correctly. If this was his way of distracting me, he was succeeding. My gaze flew to his lips, remembering our last, and first, kiss.

“I don’t know if that would be a great idea,” I murmured, trying to make my feet back up, but that was useless since a bed stood right behind me. Then again, sidestepping away would be better. There wasn’t a bed in that direction.

Phoenix’s shoulders slumped. “One little kiss.”

“You’re very pushy, you know that don’t you?”

“I do, yes, but persistence is everything.”

Closing my eyes, I sighed. He was persistent, that was for sure, and that was how he was going to win me over. Patience and persistence. And his gentleness and kindness.

Warm lips brushed mine as stiff bristles rubbed against the sensitive skin around my mouth. Unlike last time, there was no burning desire or unbridled passion behind the kiss, only a gentle sweetness that was Phoenix. After a few seconds, he leaned back and I opened my eyes.

“I didn’t say yes.”

“But you didn’t say no.” He grinned. “Next time I’ll wait for an answer.”

mybook.to/PhoenixAwakened

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#Indiebooklist Monday: Week 16

Week 16

Week 16: Melanie Gilbert

Book: Alpha King

Well now, if there’s anything you want to know about Melanie (I mean anything), I’m your person. I know way more about her than most people, considering she’s my sister. So if there’s anything embarrassing or fun you want to know, hit me up! I’d do a “This is how we met” explanation, but that would be awkward, so I’ll leave it that I’m a few minutes older than she is, and yes, I hang it over her head. I also can tell you that she’s an amazing author! Her stories are unique and fun, with twists and turns you don’t see coming. Alpha King is awesome! If you love shifter books and you haven’t read it yet…you need to remedy that quickly. Like, now. Right now. And I’m not just saying that because Melanie probably has something on me. Nope, it’s the truth! Read it!

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

By the age of nineteen, Ryske thought he’d be long gone from his pack in North Carolina. As an arctic wolf shifter in a pack of red wolves, he’s an outcast. When he finds himself thrown into a portal to another world, he’s in way over his head.

In a world where wolves once roamed with other shifters and mages, he competes to claim the princess’s hand, making him instant enemies with Dirk, a lion shifter. But what choice does Ryske have other than to fight for the princess when a wolf, not a lion, is destined to be crowned Alpha King?

Alpha King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DV4PZ6Q/

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#Indiebooklist Monday: Week 14

Week 14

Week 13: Heather Hildenbrand

Book: Dirty Blood

Heather and I interacted a little on Facebook over the last few years, but more so last year when we started sprinting together in a Facebook group (that’s basically where you write at the same time to keep one another motivated). We got to meet for the first time in Frankenmuth, MI and I was so excited to meet her! Y’all, she’s so sweet and funny, and just a fun person to be around. When we met up at Penned Con 2018 a group of us chatted for a while when she arrived and it was great. And you guessed it: I had to buy a copy of Dirty Blood! I’d had the ebook on my kindle for forever and one day I felt inclined to read it, and I wasn’t disappointed in the least! It’s completely amazing! Yup, I gained yet another book boyfriend. Don’t worry, you will too!!

Website: http://heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com/

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

I killed a girl last night.

I’m not a murderer—but then she wasn’t a normal girl, either. One minute she was a stranger with a chip on her shoulder and the next she was a wolf. Right down to the teeth and claws. There was no stopping her attack, but somehow, I knew exactly what to do when I decided to fight for my life. By the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was human again.

That’s when he showed up.

We’re not going to be friends. I know that. But I don’t think friendship is what he’s after. Not with me.

A complicated relationship is the last thing I need right now. Turns out, everything I was taught is a lie. Now, there are only two things I know for sure. One, werewolves exist. And two, I was born to kill them.

Dirty Blood: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V08RS2/