Eight Tips for Creating Complex and Relatable Characters in a Romantic Suspense Novel

Creating complex and relatable characters in a romantic suspense novel requires a combination of careful planning and attention to detail. Here are a few tips to help a writer create complex and relatable characters:

  1. Develop a detailed character arc: Characters should change and grow throughout the story. A detailed character arc will help the writer understand how their character will change and develop over the course of the novel.
  2. Create a detailed backstory: Every character should have a detailed backstory that explains who they are and why they act the way they do. This will help the writer understand their character’s motivations and make them more relatable to readers.
  3. Make characters multi-dimensional: Characters should have a mix of strengths and weaknesses and should be capable of both good and bad actions. This will make them more relatable and more interesting to readers.
  4. Use descriptive language: Use descriptive language to create a detailed and vivid picture of the character’s appearance, mannerisms, and personality. This will help the reader see the character as a real person and relate to them.
  5. Create conflict: Characters should have internal conflicts that they need to work through. This will make them more relatable and more interesting to readers.
  6. Use Dialogue: Use dialogue as a tool to reveal a character’s personality, motivation and thoughts. It also helps to create a sense of realism and relatability.
  7. Show, don’t tell: Instead of telling the reader what the character is like, show them through the character’s actions, thoughts, and dialogue.
  8. Be consistent: Characters should be consistent in their actions, thoughts, and reactions throughout the story. This will make them more relatable and believable.

By following these tips, a writer can create complex and relatable characters that will keep readers engaged and invested in the story.

Photo by Gabriel Bastelli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photography-of-man-and-woman-1759823/

Advertisement

Compare and Contrast: Romantic Suspense and Romantic Mystery Novels

Romantic Suspense and Romantic Mystery are both subgenres of romance fiction that incorporate elements of suspense or mystery into the romantic plot. To learn the main differences and similarities of these subgenres, keep reading.

Genre Differences

Romantic Suspense novels typically feature a romantic relationship between the main characters that is threatened by a crime or other dangerous events, such as a murder or kidnapping. The suspenseful plot often involves the characters working together to solve the crime or escape danger, while also developing their romantic relationship.

Romantic Mystery novels, on the other hand, typically focus on a mystery or crime that the main characters are trying to solve, with the romantic relationship being a secondary aspect of the plot. These novels often feature an amateur detective, who is typically one of the romantic partners, who is trying to solve a crime or uncover a secret.

Genre Similarities

So what do these two genres have in common? Both genres have the following common elements:

  1. Romance: Both genres feature a romantic relationship between the main characters, which is an important aspect of the plot.
  2. Suspense or Mystery: Both genres involve elements of suspense or mystery, which add tension and excitement to the story.
  3. Character development: Both genres focus on the development of the characters, particularly the romantic relationship between the main characters.
  4. Emotional engagement: Both genres are designed to emotionally engage the readers, drawing them into the story and making them care about the characters and their fates.
  5. Plot-driven: Both genres have a strong emphasis on plot, with the romantic and suspenseful/mysterious elements driving the story forward.
  6. Happy ending: Both genres usually have a happy ending where the romantic couple end up together and the mystery or crime is solved.
  7. Combination of genres: Both genres are a combination of romance and mystery/suspense genres and are designed to appeal to readers who enjoy both.

Conclusion

The two sub-genres are so similar it can be hard to distinguish between them. In romantic suspense, the mystery is secondary to the romance, whereas with romantic mystery, the love interest is secondary. So according to this research, my first romance novel, Suspicious Minds, and my Style and Profiles series novels are in the romantic suspense genre whereas my latest published novel, For the Love of Money, is a romantic mystery.

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-holding-hands-walking-on-seashore-during-sunrise-1024960/

ALL THIS TIME

SUSPICIOUS MINDS

FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY

Book Review Sunday: “My GRL” by John W. Howell @HowellWave

ABOUT THE AUTHORjohn

John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

ABOUT THE BOOK

John Cannon has a choice. Save himself or the Annapolis Midshipman.

JOHN.HOWELL-MG

John J. Cannon, a successful San Francisco lawyer, takes a leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL. His intent is to relax, but others make this intention impossible. John is unaware when he buys his boat that it has been targeted by a terrorist group to be used as a guided bomb to destroy the Annapolis Midshipmen on their summer cruise.

John’s first inkling of trouble is when he wakes up in the hospital and learns they found him unconscious next to the body of the young woman who sold him the boat and laying on the gun that killed her. John must struggle to convince the police he is not a murderer and then he finally ends up as the only one who can try and stop the terrorists from completing their mission.

The action moves from a small town in Texas to fifty miles offshore of the New York Harbor where the terrorists plan to launch their attack.

MY REVIEW

Reviewer: Kim Cox

4starsRating

Thrilling Mystery With an Unlikely Hero

The unlikely hero is a corporate lawyer looking for a comfortable life outside the world of business. The obstacles he faces will blow your socks off. There’s a terrorist plot afoot and they involve John Cannon. John can’t understand why they’re interested in him but he soon finds out.

This is a well-written, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you turning the pages. I look forward to reading Mr. Howell’s next thriller.

You can get your copy of My GRL. Just click the title or the cover above.


About the Reviewer

Kim Cox is an author of Romance, Mystery, and Paranormal. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her chainsaw artist husband, their West Highland White Terriers–Scooter and Harley, and a Yorkie mix, Candi. She’s a mother and grandmother.

Kim is published in novels, short stories and articles. Sign up for Kim’s Readers List.

Visit Kim at Kim Cox Author, Kim’s Musings, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads and Google.

Kim has a new release coming out near the end of June 2017: Before We Wed, a romantic suspense and book 2 in the Style & Profile series. All This Time is book 1.

Tranquil garden bench surrounded by cherry blossom trees

Before We Wed Book Blurb:

Just as Sarah Martin and Jon Clayton say their vows, the police crash the wedding to arrest the groom. Jon is terrified and Sarah is heartbroken. Thankfully, their friends support them emotionally and help find Jon an excellent attorney.

When evidence of John’s guilt is found, he swears he’s innocent. But how can he prove it? As if an arrest and pending trial aren’t bad enough, his ex-wife refuses to let him near their seven-year-old son, and has their shared custody agreement rescinded as part of his bail agreement. But when Jon Jon is injured, Jon breaks the agreement and his bail is revoked.

Sarah sees strange men in Jon’s business one night. One follows her home and attacks her. When Jon finds out, he pushes her way to protect her, but it doesn’t deter her loyalty to him or the attacker’s determination to killer her. Will the enemy get to her?

Is Jon truly innocent, and does he have no idea how the damaging evidence found its way into his business? Are there more sinister people involved? Will Sarah find the evidence she needs to clear him, or will she find out he’s fooled them all? If someone else is framing Jon, who is it and what are their motives?

BWW-Cover-XSM

Cover Design by Sean Lowery at High Impact Covers

Read more about BEFORE WE WED here.

Coming up Next –  Scheduled books and short stories – Kim’s Read & Review List are: (order may change at any time)
Practical Passion by Elizabeth Delisi (100% Read)
The One Enlightened by Yvette Calleiro (starting 6/19)
Nikki Magee by Peter Wendt
She Dies at the End (November Snow Book 1) by A. M. Manay
Daydream’s Daughter, Nightmare’s Friend by Nonnie Jules
Shadow of the Drill by Rhani D’Chae
Steamed: A Maid In LA Mystery by Holly Jacobs
Neon Houses by Linda Mims
Love’s Child by Lizzie Chantree
Flowers and Stone by Jan Sikes
Passion & Struggle (The Genesis Saga Book 1) by John Fioravanti
Acts Beyond Redemption (Unintended Consequences Book 1) by Suzanne Burke
The Glade by Harmony Kent
A Highland Ruby (Highland Treasures Book 2) by Brenda B. Taylor
Stealing Time (Book 1) by K.J. Waters
I Kissed A Ghost by Robin Leigh Morgan
Dog Bone Soup by Bette A. Stephens
The Gemstone Chronicles Book Two: The Amethyst by William Stuart
The Black Fox by Gordon Bickerstaff
Bound by the Summer Prince by Mistral Dawn
Our Justice by John Howell
She Lights Up the Dark
(November Snow Book 2) by A. M. Manay
A Thousand Yesteryears (Point Pleasant) by Mae Clair
Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women  by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko
Treachery & Triumph (The Genesis Saga Book 2) by John Fioravanti

Toxic Minds by Gordon Bickersaff

Guest Author: G. L. Rockey – Kindle Countdown Deals @glrockey #Book #Sale

ABOUT THE BOOK

51os9egz9rlTIME AND CHANCE will be 99 cents from January 9, 2017 to January 16, 2017.
“Nashville TV news director Jack Carr weaves his way through a tangle of greed, country music, murder, and a knockout undercover agent, Gillian Phoenix.”
Purchase here.

Reviews:

“Alcohol, sex, greed and just plain nasty human habits are the gist of this first-person account about a newscaster, his love life, kidnapped children and eviscerated organs. Readers who pick up this book will not be able to put it down.” – 4 Stars – Faith V Smith, Romantic Times

“…runs the gamut of emotions along with just the right amount of twists and turns designed to keep the reader twisting and turning -, and reading – As a serious writer, Rockey has the ability, as they might say in Tennessee, to “run with the big dogs,” when it comes to spinning the kind of yarn that could easily enter today’s best seller list.” – Peggy Russell, The Hinckley Record

Author/reviewer Denise Clark: Jack Carr has a quirky witty way of speaking reminiscent of fictional Philip Marlow. I thoroughly enjoyed the plotting points that kept my attention riveted throughout . . ..”
ScribesWorld review: A great book.

Purchase here.

ABOUT THE BOOK

511pjisb1lTHE JOURNALIST will be 99 cents from January 25, 2017 to February 1, 2017
“Taking Fake NEWS to a higher level.” Purchase here.

In 2020 a newspaper editor uncovers a sinister plot by the U.S. President to overthrow the government by manipulating the media.

“….HAS FRIGHTENING RING OF TRUTH”
‘Sam’ Boyer, Medina/Brunswick Sun Times

***** OUTSTANDING, ENGROSSING, A CLASSIC”
Inscriptions

“The Journalist is a captivating book that had me reading quickly to follow the developments as they occurred . . . extremely believable characters . . . I must conclude the writing is very well executed to stir up so much in the reading.”
Angie Mangino, Inscriptions

“. . . book has frightening ring of truth . . . compelling . . .”
‘Sam’ Boyer, Brunswick Sun Times

“Thrilling . . . captures you in the opening sentence and hold you spellbound till the end . . . it will also scare the socks off you . . . a must read.”
Kim Gaona, writer, reviewer

A “BOOK OF THE YEAR” Inscriptions Magazine

“Mr. Rockey gives the story so many twists and turns that it seems more than believable. It makes one wonder what really is the news and what is the political agenda behind it? — Reader Views
“…brings the political tensions and dilemmas of the twenty-first century into razor-sharp focus…a biting political thriller…full of colorful characters…a great read.” – Cheryl Swanson, Author of Death Game – Gotta Read
“…a captivating book that had me reading quickly to follow the developments as they occurred…extremely believable characters…Thrilling…one story that not only captures you in the opening sentence and holds you spell bound till the end, it will also scare the socks off you wondering…”What if?”” – 5 Stars – Angie Mangino

Purchase here.

ABOUT THE BOOK

51ab5bn08yl-_sx331_bo1204203200_FIVE STAR REVIEW will be 99 cents from February 13, 2017 to February 20, 2107 – a nice Valentine gift for readers
“Cloistered walls not for her, twenty-six year old dropout nun, Heather Lynn Lucas, “following her passion,” is an aspiring novelist.” Purchase here.

Cloistered walls not for her, twenty-six year old dropout nun, Heather Lynn Lucas, “following her passion,” is an aspiring novelist. Pen name H. L. Lucas, a first novel written, having no luck finding a publisher, Satan shows up with an offer for publishing fame and fortune. Pondering Satan’s offer, Heather has her novel published as an e-book. Certain a review in the local newspaper will boost sale of her e-book, she attempt to contact the prestigious book editor, Joseph Hartman.

Spurned by Hartman, she attends the newspaper’s annual writing conference where she hopes to enlighten Hartman about e-books. Concerned he will recognize her name from previous attempts to contact him, she attends as Lillian Carol. Hartman not the stuffed shirt she expected, she engineers a lunch meeting with him, which leads to a disastrous dinner date. Dejected, Heather signs with Satan but insists on an out clause. An out agreement is reached that stipulates she has to get Hartman to marry her.

Contemplating the deal she has hastily signed, she reaches out to Hartman, he has been thinking about her too, they hook up again and fall in love. Hartman thinking she is Lillian Carol, Heather’s book published in hard back, Heather must tell Hartman her true identity before he discovers her trickery.

Purchase here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

gary4By way of Carnegie Mellon Drama Department, G. L. Rockey earned a B.A. from Michigan State University and pursued a career in the television industry. From Providence to Phoenix and cities in between, he produced and directed a variety of television programs and managed TV station programming. While program manager at KTSP-TV in Phoenix, he represented NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives) to Germany. He has a master’s degree from Cleveland State University and taught a course there.

TRUTHS OF THE HEART is G. L. Rockey’s latest novel. He has written three other acclaimed works of fiction: THE JOURNALIST (Re-released in paperback with the title REDACTED), a five star thriller with a “freighting ring of truth”; TIME & CHANCE, a mystery/suspense set in Nashville; and a collection of sixteen “off-the-wall” short stories, BATS IN THE BELFRY, BELLS IN THE ATTIC. Also published is a non fiction book, FROM THE BACK OF THE HOUSE: MEMORIES OF A STEAK HOUSE CLAN.

Find his published books at Anaphora Literary Press, Heritage Books, Inc., Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and Fictionwise, Books We Love, and eBookwise.

Find Rockey at his websiteCasablanca, Facebook, and Twitter.

Book Review: “Myth and Magic” by Mae Clair

ABOUT THE AUTHORmae

Mae Clair opened a Pandora’s Box of characters when she was a child and never looked back. Her father, an artist who tinkered with writing, encouraged her to create make-believe worlds by spinning tales of far-off places on summer nights beneath the stars.

Mae loves creating character-driven fiction in settings that vary from contemporary to mythical. Wherever her pen takes her, she flavors her stories with conflict, mystery and a dash of romance. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about folklore, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail and cats.

Discover more about Mae on her website and blog, http://www.maeclair.net

ABOUT THE BOOK

mmAS CHILDREN THEY PLAYED GAMES OF MYTH AND MAGIC…

Veronica Kent fell in love with Caith Breckwood when they were children. As a teenager, she was certain he was the man she was destined to marry. But a traumatic event from Caith’s past led him to fear a future together. He left Veronica, hoping to save her from a terrible fate. Twelve years later, Caith, now a P.I., is hired to investigate bizarre incidents at the secluded retreat Veronica manages. Returning to his hometown, Caith is forced to face his nightmares—and his feelings for the woman he’s always loved.

THEN ONE DAY THE MONSTERS BECAME REAL.

After the callous way Caith broke her heart, Veronica isn’t thrilled to see him again. But strange occurrences have taken a dangerous toll on business at Stone Willow Lodge. Forced to work together, Veronica discovers it isn’t ghostly apparitions that frighten her, but her passion for a man she has never forgotten. Or forgiven. Can two people with a tarnished past unearth a magical future?

MY REVIEW

Engaging and Intriguing

I loved Myth and Magic. It engaged me from the beginning and kept me guessing until the end. A thoroughly enjoyable story with a steamy romance and a captivating mystery.

When mysterious and disturbing episodes plague Stone Willow Lodge, Caith is hired to determine the source in his old hometown where he has been estranged for years from his family. Ghosts from his past haunt him as he tries to figure out who is behind all of Stone Willow’s problems, including how he’d left his relationship with Veroinica.

The book continues at a good pace and keeps you guessing. The characters are well-drawn and likable. I highly recommend Myth and Magic to all who love to read about romantic and intriguing tale.

Purchase Myth and Magic today.

Next scheduled books and short stories for my Review List are:
Sweet Destiny (The Royal Vow Series Book 6) by Lizabeth Scott (completed – review coming.
Spirit of the Book by D. E. Howard (30% Read)
Waterlillies Over My Grave by Patricia Guthrie
Dragon Fireside Tales by Adam Boustead
Trusting Jack by Beth Hale
Haunting Megan by Rebecca Riley
Trafficking by Bill Ward
Beyond the Hidden Sky (Star Trails Tetralogy Book 1) by Marcha Fox
Jem by Michelle Abbott
Everything to Lose – Gavin Shawlens Thriller #2 by Gordon Bickerstaff

Book Launch: “Our Justice” by John W. Howell

Introducing the third book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy – Our Justice

Our Justice

Click Cover to go to Amazon

Blurb

The terrorist leader and financier Matt Jacobs has figured out a way to eliminate the President. He is relying on John Cannon’s stature as a hero to help him carry it off. John finds himself walking the fine line of pretending to help Matt while trying to figure out a countermeasure to the plan.

The action begins with John fearing for his life. Clearly, whoever is trying to get him has a mission to accomplish and the elimination of John is at the top of the to-do list. The quest to survive takes John and his love, Stephanie from the beaches of Port Aransas to West Virginia and finally to Matt Jacob’s corporate headquarters at the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco. There John finally understands what he needs to do to protect both he and Stephanie from further mayhem.

The third book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy brings together two strong wills for a showdown. The question to be answered is who will feel the satisfaction that the achievement of justice delivers? John, Matt or neither?

Our Justice is available on Amazon and KDP now in e-book format for preorder at $2.99 with shipments starting on September 23rd. The paper edition will be available on Amazon September 23rd at $14.99. Click HERE to pre-order the e-book.

Excerpt

I see out of the corner of my eye that Ned is on the phone. Hopefully, he’s calling in reinforcements since it looks like the SUV is gaining on us. Just as the rear window of the Focus blows inward, he finishes the call. Hundreds of pieces of glass hit Ned and me. Luckily, it’s shatterproof stuff, so we’re mostly okay cut wise. Ned crouches down and fires three quick shots with his 9MM. In the mirror, the SUV swerves to the left and almost explodes after it rams a parked car. “Stop,” Ned yells.

I slam on the brakes, which nearly tosses Ned through the windshield. “For shit’s sake, I don’t have a seatbelt on, junior, so take it easy. Just stop and turn around.”

John HowellAuthor BIO

John’s main interests are reading and writing. He turned to writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive career in business. John writes fictional short stories and novels as well as a daily blog. His first novel, My GRL is available on Amazon and wherever e-books are sold. His second, His Revenge is available on Amazon and KDP Select.

John lives on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of South Texas with his wife and spoiled rescue pets.

Other Places

Blog Fiction Favorites – http://johnwhowell.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/john.howell.98229241

Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/HowellWave

Authors db – http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/6604-john-w-howell

LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-w-howell/48/b59/462/

Google + https://plus.google.com/+JohnHowellAuthor/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/johnwhowell/

Amazon Author’s page – https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell

Martin Sisters Publishing – http://www.martinsisterspublishing.com

Book Review: “Papala Skies” by Stephen Geez

stephenGeezAbout The Author

Stephen Geez earned his undergrad and grad degrees at the University of Michigan. A composer, producer, publisher, and writer, he watches too much television but prefers diving tropical reefs. Watch for his essays, stories, and more books at http://www.StephenGeez.com.

Bestselling Books:Invigilator, Fresh Ink Group Short Story Showcase #1, Papala Skies

papalaSkiesAbout The Book

Chicago native Rochelle DuFortier likes to imagine the future, her world a series of picture postcards so vivid they sometimes seem real. When a foolish mistake at thirteen causes her mother’s death, she’s sent to a secluded Hawaiian valley, an outsider “haole-girl” among pidgin-speaking boys who hurl flaming papala spears under the full moon to summon her mother’s spirit. After boarding school and a prestigious university back east, the ambitious young woman is torn between chasing new career opportunities, discovering her mother’s heritage in a remote French village, and meeting obligations pulling her back to Hawaii.

On this island steeped in ancient mythology and modern superstition, Rochelle tests the possibility of sharing pieces of her life with those whose beliefs she barely understands and never intends to embrace. She dives the depths of a pristine coral lagoon, conceals bodies in a subterranean lava tube, and challenges the eruptions of a living volcano, even as she deciphers the truth about her mother’s death and struggles to satisfy new debts born of old betrayals.

Papala Skies is the story of a young woman who makes all the right choices, only to find herself living an unexpected life. It is about the need to belong, and seeking one’s own version of truth amid such differing cultures’ responses to wrenching loss and abiding grief. It is about yearning for a sense of place, yet having to confront new ways to honor the love of family and friends.

Will Rochelle lose what matters most, or might she learn what the smart octopus already knows?

My Review

Intriguing and Character Driven

The vivid descriptions of imagery virtually transport you to the Hawaii island, and carry you to the city of Chicago, an ivy league university, and to France.

A complex story with tragic situations and reactions. The main character, Rochelle, is faced with the challenges of getting on with her own life or helping others with their challenges. Her life does not turn out as she always thought it would.

There’s an underlying suspense surrounding how Rochelle’s mother died, and Rochelle’s guilt over her mother’s death is felt throughout most of the story. But that’s not all. There are primary forces driving chaos in her life and those she’s come to love. There’s the complexity of plots and sub-plots as Rochelle is drawn from one tragedy to another.

The characters are so well-drawn that you feel you are right there with them, wanting to help but unable to prevent the next heartbreak life throws their way. You will cry, laugh, and revel in their victories over life’s unrelenting obstacles.

I highly recommend this character-driven tale with strong relationships, as well as intrigue, action, and yes, some romance too.

Purchase PAPALA SKIES today.

Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Babe Driven by Lizzie Chantree (completed reading, review coming soon)
Cupid’s Quest by Lori Soard (starting 8/23/2016)
Return of the Gulls by Maureen McMahon
Taken by the Huntsman by Mistral Dawn
Myth and Magic by Mae Clair
Spirit of the Book by D. E. Howard
Waterlillies Over My Grave by Patricia Guthrie
Dragon Fireside Tales by Adam Boustead
Trusting Jack by Beth Hale
Haunting Megan by Rebecca Riley

#RRBC Spotlight Author – Kim Cox

spotlight

https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com

Asheville, North Carolina USA —Rave Reviews Book Club is pleased to introduce, Author, Kim Cox as their “SPOTLIGHT” Author for the week of May 22-28, 2016. Kim’s featured book, All This Time, is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Book Description

ATT-kindleCoverAt thirty, Jenny Morgan’s biological clock is ticking. But as a fashion magazine CEO with a busy schedule and no significant other, her wish is unlikely to come true. When her father receives a terminal diagnosis, he wants a grandchild before he dies. With her religious beliefs, a sperm donor isn’t an alternative. Jenny’s only option is her single co-worker and best friend, Trevor Drake. Can she really trust him to be a good husband?

Trevor has loved Jenny since college, but she only sees him as a friend with no ambition. After he finds out her predicament, he proposes and sets out to prove he can provide everything she needs. Jenny is determined to have a prenuptial agreement with an “out” clause after one year. Can he convince Jenny of his love by then?

As if they don’t have enough on their plate, someone at the magazine is out to sabotage their marriage, their impending parenthood, and the magazine. Jenny is nearly killed in one such attempt. Can Jenny and Trevor work together to uncover their common enemy?

To learn more about Kim Cox, or to purchase All This Time, please visit:

Website: http://www.kimcoxauthor.com Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/kimcox

Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/KimCoxAuthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimcoxauthor

For more information on Kim Cox, Rave Reviews Book Club, and other great authors, visit:

https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com

Rave Reviews Book Club authorizes the immediate use of any of the above information (in part or in whole) for publication.

Sale and New Release from Author: A. M. Manay

She Dies At The End – ON SALE NOW

CfYq9dYWIAUnBc9

NOVEMBER SNOW BOOK I – On Sale at AMAZON. COM

She Lights Excerpt 3

She Lights Up The Dark – Available for Pre-Order

Vampires?  In my Livermore?

Livermore author A.M. Manay brings paranormal peril to the Tri-Valley in She Lights Up the Dark, part 2 in her November Snow Series, due for release on April 19, 2016.

lightsupMain character November Snow has just risen from the grave, and while working to stop her nemesis Luka from executing his terrorist plots, she must learn how to survive as a vampire.  What better place is there to hone her skills than the not-so-mean streets of lovely Livermore, California?

“I enjoy grounding the fantasy elements of my work in a realistic , contemporary landscape,” shares the author.  “I get a kick out of setting scenes with vampires, fairies, and werewolves in locations I see every week.  It makes me feel like I know a secret.”

Manay includes a number of local landmarks in her story, though not always by name.   Local readers will enjoy identifying some of their favorite haunts, both downtown and in our scenic natural locales.

She Dies at the End, part 1 of the series, also features Livermore, primarily by celebrating our ranches and striking landscapes.  Other East Bay locales also appear in the new novel, particularly Oakland’s Uptown and Lake Merritt neighborhoods.

She Lightstwitter release (3)

Plot Synopsis for She Lights Up the Dark (November Snow Book 2)

A frightening vision stalks November, even in her grave . . . and things go severely sideways just as soon as she claws her way out of it.

Continuing the story begun in the well-received paranormal romp She Dies at the End, She Lights Up the Dark finds November Snow struggling to adjust to her new life as a vampire with none of the support she’d expected.  Her nemesis, Luka, has plotted to isolate November and scatter her allies as he executes his plan to bring human society under his control.  Her loneliness leads her to become emotionally entangled with a charming but likely untrustworthy fellow vampire.

When danger flares, November discovers that her psychic gift has expanded in a powerful and perilous fashion.  Coerced into close company with her enemy, she fights to master her power and to uncover the secrets that may help her to save both her friends and the human world from being crushed under Luka’s boot.  November is determined to stop Luka as his plan builds toward an unknown and deadly climax, but she may find that lighting up the dark comes with a high price to pay.

This books contains violence, some sexual content, and occasional profanity.

Ebook copies of both She Dies at the End and She Lights Up the Dark are available to reviewers upon request.

Author Biography

anneA.M. Manay is a former Oakland teacher who is inspired by her students and her multiracial family to write fiction that includes a multicultural cast of characters.  She aspires to write intelligent paranormal fantasy featuring strong women and fascinating villains.  Manay has resided in Livermore for nearly 9 years.  She loves the town for its beauty, diversity, welcoming attitude, and focus on family, and she is thrilled to have been able to include her favorite town in her fantasy writing.

A.M. Manay can be found online in the following places:
On her website: http://www.ammanay.net
On Facebook: facebook.com/ammanaywrites
On Twitter: @ammanay
On Instagram: instagram.com/a.m.manay
On her Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/ammanay

shelights excerpt ad 4

She Lights Up the Dark by A.M. Manay

Short Excerpt from Chapter 1

She knew only one thing after she clawed her way out of the ground:  she had to eat.  Two sheep and a billy goat gave their lives for November’s first meal of her new one.  She required no persuasion or instruction, falling upon them instinctively when she’d emerged from the earth, filthy and ravenous.  She tore into them, a gleeful savage.

When she was full and they were empty, she knelt next to them, stunned, reaching up a tentative finger to touch the fangs protruding from her bloodstained mouth.  The animals had tasted of grass and sunshine and milk.  For a few moments, she had lived their bucolic lives, now over.  She felt warm, fuzzy with pleasure.  Her head spun.

November wasn’t quite sure where she was, or even who she was, but then it all came back in a rush.

As she walks among her friends, a sniper’s bullet finds her belly.  She falls to the dirt as she takes the death meant for another.  Ilyn carries her inside, eyes burning.  She lies in front of a fireplace, her life bleeding away, but there is no pain on her face.  Her friends surround her.  She agrees to live to fight another day.  He takes her blood and gives her his own.  Now there is fear and struggle and rejection, but it is too late, far too late.  They watch her die  They watch her die because of them.

November returned to the present, the ground solid beneath her knees once again.

I died.  I’m a vampire.

For a moment, she wasn’t certain if she would laugh or weep.  The amazed cackle that escaped between her fingers settled that question.  It was only after the glow of feeding had faded that she noticed the pandemonium that had erupted around her.

They were looking for something.  Zinnia was on the ground.  She looked completely undone.  And Ilyn . . . Ilyn looked terrible.  It took November a long, confused moment to realize that what they were looking for . . . was her.

Book Review: “Seeker (Book 1 Seeker Series)” by Amy Reece

About The Author

Amy Reece lives in Albuquerque, NM, with her husband and family. She loves to read and travel and has an unhealthy addiction to dogs. She believes red wine and coffee are the elixirs of life and lead to great inspiration. Stay tuned for her newest book, The Way to Her Heart, a YA romantic suspense novel, coming in March 2016.

Amy’s Website
Twitter
FaceBook
Goodreads

About The Book

Seeker – Book 1 in the Seeker Series

Ally Moran has always just known about things—things she shouldn’t really be able to know…

Suddenly when she starts having vivid visions about a former friend who is in desperate trouble, the adults in her life think she might hold the key to an ancient mystery.

Jack Ruiz has a troubled past, but is trying to make a fresh start at a new high school…

He just wants to keep his head down and graduate, hopefully before he turns 20. The last thing he needs is to get involved with a feisty redhead and her psychic visions.

While Jack valiantly attempts to keep Ally at arm’s length, she is equally determined to be a part of his life. Who will win this battle of wills?

More importantly…

Can this unlikely couple work together to find answers to Ally’s visions before someone gets killed?

Read a Preview
Purchase Now

My Review

Ally and Jack are characters you will love to root for…

Seeker is a wonderful book with the kind of teenage characters you love to root for. Ally is a good person, and Jack is the bad boy with a bad boy past, that embarrasses him. Ally gives him the confidence he needs and Jack brings her out of her shell. Together, they are the perfect couple and good for each other.

Ally has supernatural abilities that came from the female side of her family, but hers are more intense than anything the family has experienced in centuries. Her grandmother is a quirky character, much younger at heart than her years, and her mother is the mother every teen wants to have. Each parental figure has their own unique gift as well.

Jack’s extended family rallies around him to help him cope with the bad things he’s done. He first changes his attitude for the sake of his little sister. He wants to be a better role model for her.

In this story Ally has visions of someone being harmed and goes to great lengths to find a way to help even though at first she doesn’t even like this person very much.

I loved this story. The writing and characterization is well-done and the story moved along at a nice pace. It’s a page-turner you’ll not want to put down until you’ve read the last word. There’s mystery, paranormal abilities, and a great romance brewing. What more could you want? I will read more from this author for sure.

Read a Preview
Purchase Now

Next TEN books and short stories on my Review List are:
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward
The One Discovered: Chronicles of Diasodz, Book 1 by Yvette M. Calleiro
Bravura (The Music We Made Book 1) by Lisa Kirazian
Letting Go into Perfect Love by Gwendolyn Plano
Tate by Barbara Stewart
Finch’s Crossing by Katheran Allen
Flash 40: Life’s Moments by Janelle Jalbert
The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York
Son of My Father by Peggy Hattendorph
Papala Skies by Stephen Geez