New boxed set

Hi, readers! As you likely already know, I've had a new release this week... ;)

Check it out!

Title:  PHENOMENAL TOUCH - Supernatural Romance series starter collection and boxed set

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Light Fantasy Romance

Blurb:

In this never-seen-before union of tales, you’ll discover three full mystical stories by Marie Lavender. Finally, a collection that fans can sink their teeth into! From light contemporary fantasy romance to space opera, to all out fangs and sensual moments, this starter set has everything a paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi romance book lover could want…

MAGICK & MOONLIGHT

Jessie hides her magickal secret to protect herself from Ethan, the town’s new resident. But she never imagined casting a simple spell could turn out so wrong, and oh, so right.

BLUE VISION

Brooke isn’t sure what to make of Colin, the mysterious stranger with those striking eyes in the cold Montana wilderness. But she gets way more than she bargained for when a vacation fling turns into danger for the whole planet.

SECOND NATURE

Vampires are real! Not only must Desiree come to grips with that fact – plus the perils involved in such a discovery – but also, she must contend with her odd attraction to a strange creature named Alec. Plus, there's the notion that her origins might be far different than she once thought.

Get your copy of a sexy, supernatural, specialty boxed set today!

 

Links

Universal reader link:  https://books2read.com/PhenomenalTouch

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57051985-phenomenal-touch

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/phenomenal-touch-a-supernatural-romance-series-starter-collection-and-boxed-set-collections-and-boxed-sets-by-marie-lavender

 

Enjoy! :)

 

News, 450th Post and Giveaway!

Yes, I have news! 

Blue Vision, my first science fiction romance, will be released on November 15th. Woo hoo! This book is the first part of the Code of Endhivar Series, and I look forward to showing it to readers. :)

Please refer to my author website for more information on how you can learn about the book, as well as to find buy links or details about the release party. You can also subscribe to my monthly author newsletter here for updates!

In other news, I'm currently editing Directions of the Heart, a contemporary romance/romantic drama collection, and I expect to have that one out in perhaps January or February of 2017. 

Also, Upon Your Love, book three of the Heiresses in Love Series, is currently with the editor at my publisher. I hope to see that out soon as well! ;)

If you didn't yet get to see the new cover design for Upon Your Return, the first book in the series, here it is!

We've also reached a pretty major milestone on the MLB blog. This is our 450th post. 

Yeah...awesome!


So, to celebrate this anniversary, I've decided to do a small giveaway. 

Today I'm giving away three e-book copies of Second Nature, my paranormal romance/urban fantasy and book one of the Blood at First Sight Series. Why give this book away? Sometime in 2017, readers will see the sequel release. I'm in the midst of finishing Blood Instincts now (72,000 words in). It just makes sense to give readers a chance who haven't looked at the series yet.

To qualify for your prize, please leave a comment on this post telling me why you like to read paranormal tales, and don't forget to provide your contact information, including an email address, where we can send your book. I will choose three random winners. 

Happy early October...

 
And, as always, happy reading! :)

Voting Begins!

This week, I learned that Second Nature, book one of the Blood at First Sight Series, was nominated in the initial round to compete in the TRR Readers’ Choice Awards for Winter 2015. So exciting! :)

Second Nature is now in the next round, where readers must vote for it!

In the Nomination Round, Second Nature has to garner at least 50 nominations within the time period in order to qualify for the next and final round. The nomination will start on September 11 and end on September 30. Please feel free to nominate the book here: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=16286

OR you can vote here at http://www.theromancereviews.com/bookvote.php

You’ll find Second Nature listed in the Paranormal Romance category about three-fourths the way down the page.

This is quite an honor, and I just wanted to let all of you know!

Voting commences today so get voting and spread the word! :)

Radio Interview!

Hi, readers! I just wanted to let you know that later today, I'll be showing up on the show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! So exciting! It will be live at 6PM PST/7PM MT/8PM Central/9PM EST, and we'll be talking about my paranormal books. It should be quite the show!

For more information, you can also check out the Facebook event here, where I'm sure Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross will be providing more updates as the day progresses! I met them both on my author journey, and I can't wait to have a wonderful chat with them. I am so excited! I hope you can join in on the fun! :)

BigAl's Books and Pals: Second Nature (Blood At First Sight Book 1)/ Marie...

BigAl's Books and Pals: Second Nature (Blood At First Sight Book 1)/ Marie...: Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy Approximate word count : 50-55,000 words Availability ...

SECOND NATURE free on Kindle!

Hi, readers! I just wanted to inform you that Second Nature, book one of the Blood at First Sight Series, is free for a limited time on Kindle right now!

This Amazon promo will commence today and end on Monday evening at midnight. 

So, mark your calendars, get your free copy while you have a chance, and tell all your friends!  :)

You can also join the Facebook event here for a chance at other cool prizes!


Remember, it’s Thursday through Monday, May 14th to the 18th! A full five days to grab a copy of this paranormal romance/urban fantasy book about the Other world! Yay!

Blurb:

 

She never expected it…

 Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. It’s something right out of the story books she reads, or her worst nightmare. But, sometimes he’s not the monster he appears to be. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her, when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she finds out more about herself than she ever wanted to know.

She was unlike any other…

Alec has a problem. The animal in him wants Desiree. But, so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. But, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix that way. Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to make a choice. His life or hers.

Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late?

Amazon Universal link: 

 

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA

Stop by Amazon today through Monday for a copy of Second Nature! :)

FREE BOOK!!!!

I have some wonderful news for you. Second Nature, book one of the Blood at First Sight Series, will be available for free on Amazon Kindle from May 14th to May 18th!

Yay!  :)

So, mark your calendars or leave yourself a reminder somewhere, and you can get a free copy of this paranormal romance/urban fantasy novel! Don’t forget to tell your friends! It only lasts for five days. 
;)

Wonderful 5 Star Review for SECOND NATURE!

I am so excited to announce that I stumbled across this amazing Amazon review today for Second Nature, book one of the Blood at First Sight Series!

One of the Best Vampire Romances I have read, March 14, 2015

By 

Azia

Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Second Nature (Blood At First Sight Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

One of the Best Vampire Romances I have read! I really enjoyed reading this book. Very well written and easy to read. This book is on my "favorites" book shelf... to be treasured! This story has it all...and the best part is the happy ending. Left me wanting to read more about these two, and their future adventures together. So looking forward to reading many more stories by this author! If you are looking for a great Vampire romance... I Highly recommend this book!

 

 

Thank you, Azia, for your awesome book review! More books in the series are coming!

A Chance to Win a Free Book!

Hi, readers! Stop by The Romance Reviews at their 4th Anniversary Party today and compete for your chance to win a free ebook of Second Nature!

You have to register to qualify, but is painless, I swear. Just head to the site, sign up for free (unless you already have) and then answer as many questions as you like for the prizes they're offering today. The question for Second Nature starts with "What does Desiree read aloud..."

So, head on over to the party at TRR! You won't be sorry!

Oh, and just so you know, they're offering prizes every day this month for various romance titles. It's definitely worth looking into in my book!  :)

TOTALLY ADDICTED TO READING: REVIEW: SECOND NATURE by MARIE LAVENDER

TOTALLY ADDICTED TO READING: REVIEW: SECOND NATURE by MARIE LAVENDER: TITLE: SECOND NATURE AUTHOR: MARIE LAVENDER GENRE: PARANORMAL ROMANCE PUBLISHER:  SOLSTICE SHADOWS PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 9, 2014 ...

Crystal's Many Reviewers: Second Nature (Blood at First Sight Series, #1) by...

Awesome new review for Second Nature!



Crystal's Many Reviewers: Second Nature (Blood at First Sight Series, #1) by...:   She never expected it… Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all t...

Great 4 Star Review for SECOND NATURE!

Just found this wonderful review for Second Nature, my new paranormal romance/urban fantasy book! 

Can Opposites Attract?, January 23, 2015

By 

The Kindle Book Review

This review is from: Second Nature (Blood At First Sight Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

Marie Lavender’s first venture into the paranormal is a success.

Alec and Desiree are in love. The complicating factor is that he is a vampire and she is human. Alec exists on human blood, other food makes him ill, he must avoid sunlight, and he will live forever. Desiree is human. She loves wine and food, she sleeps at night, and she is mortal.
Can a human love a vampire?

I suppose all who have seen Twilight feel they know the answer to this question, but Lavender raises it anew in Second Nature. Can two very different creatures find happiness? Or is their relationship doomed to exist solely on a physical level.

On one level, this a straight romance, and, as a romance, it succeeds. It is fast moving, interesting, and very romantic. The reader comes to like the characters and roots for them to work things out so that they can be together. The fact that one of characters is a vampire, simply introduces new complications to the developing relationship

On another level, the book explores the nature of relationships. Can opposites attract? Can two very different people (or creatures) be happy together, or is eHarmony on the right track, claiming that we are most happy with those who are similar to us? Seldom do we find a romance that deals with weightier issues, but Lavender does this, and she does it in a light-hearted, unobtrusive manner.
A racy story and food for thought. Quite a combination.

David Burnett for the Kindle Book Review
I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Rachael Stapleton's Enchanted Ink Spot: Today I'm interviewing bestselling author Marie La...

Fun interview on Rachael Stapleton's blog!



Rachael Stapleton's Enchanted Ink Spot: Today I'm interviewing bestselling author Marie La...: When asked if she had any quirks she admitted that while she doesn

Promo for SECOND NATURE on Connie Brete's Blog!

Second Nature - Blood at First Sight Series, Book 1

 

Purchase Links

Universal Amazon:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA

Publisher:  http://solsticepublishing.com/second-nature/

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-nature-marie-lavender/1120879883

CreateSpace link: https://www.createspace.com/5131233 

Book Excerpt

She rose from her chair to step away from the desk when she heard a crashing sound. Her heart hammered inside her chest as she froze, tension in every muscle of her body. What the hell was that?

After a moment of uncertainty, she took hesitant steps toward the hallway. The crash had come from the adjoining bedroom. It was dark inside and instinctively, she reached for the light switch. When she flipped it up, the light didn’t come on, but a buzzing noise could be heard from the center of the room and she saw a tiny spark light in the darkness. Her eyes adjusted to it as she shouldered into the space.

She scanned the room expertly. The window was open and the flimsy white curtain blew freely in the night breeze, creating an eerie vibe. She shivered. She hadn’t left the window open before settling in to work for the night. She remembered latching it and checking the lock for security. She started toward the window but nearly tripped over an object in the dark. Desiree crouched down and felt around the carpet with her fingertips. Her hands met a length of metal and she laughed hoarsely as she righted the lamp, which had somehow fallen. Her hands scraped the edge of a broken bulb.  It explained the noise she’d heard, but why was the window open?

She swallowed tightly and reached to latch it closed. As she began to put the curtain in place, though, a weird tingling swept through her body. Her movements stilled and her eyes widened. Down below on the street stood a dark figure silhouetted by a streetlamp, and he was staring up at her window, at her. Was it really a man? She couldn’t be sure. She couldn’t think straight either; she’d forgotten to breathe in those seconds. When the figure turned and headed down the street, Desiree breathed a long sigh of relief. What was happening? Who was that man? Was she being stalked? She closed her eyes. Had he been in her house?

She shook her head. There was no way he could have gotten in from a second-story window unless he’d climbed. That was a lot of trouble to go to, and didn’t most burglars wait until the occupant left the house to rob it? No, it had to have been a coincidence. Maybe she had left the window open and just didn’t remember.

There was something unsettling about the man in the street, though. A weird sensation that he was dangerous, yet somehow appealing, swept through her.

Author Bio

Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 19 other books. 2014 BTS Red Carpet Review Nominee. Finalist and Runner-up in the MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Marie has published twenty books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance/fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Lavender just released Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy, in December of 2014. She released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy, back in March of 2014.Upon Your Honor, released in late April of 2014, is her second historical romance. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

A list of her books and pen names are as follows:

Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature

Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace

Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life

Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things 

Author Links

http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104926404745289477307/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00JTKTODG
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00IRKN5P2
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00I0D9LQ8
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWAhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos

---

News from Authors Database!

I just received some great news from Authors Database! On December 12th, I made it in the TOP 25 on Authors Database for that week.

Here is my profile on the site.

Additionally, I found out on December 22nd that the book page for Second Nature on Authors Database made it into a top first page search for "romance books". I would say the new release is doing quite well. So...double yay!

Second Nature is my newest paranormal romance/urban fantasy book, also book one of the Blood at First Sight Series, and I am very excited about this series! The Amazon link is included here so that you can find out more about the book. And, if you'd rather view it through Barnes & Noble, here is that link.

A Special Dual Character Interview on Devika Fernando's Blog

Desiree and Alec from Second Nature got a spotlight on Devika Fernando's blog yesterday! Here are the highlights:

Featured - Character Interview - Second Nature by Marie Lavender

12/19/2014

 

Today I'm having not one but two protagonists from an amazingly talented author and awesome friend over for an interview. Ladies and gents, let me hear a round of welcoming applause for Desiree and Alec from Second Nature, Marie Lavender's latest paranormal romance!

Desiree and Alec from Second Nature by Marie Lavender

Dual Character Interview

Devika: Welcome, Desiree and Alec. I’m so excited to have you over. Please have a seat.

Desiree/Alec:  Thank you. It’s a pleasure (They shake hands alternately with Devika before sitting down.)

Devika: As the saying goes, ladies first. Let me start with you, Desiree. You look absolutely stunning, by the way.

Desiree (blushes):  Oh, thank you. That’s very kind.

Alec (interrupts): Of course she does. She’s absolutely beautiful every time I look at her. (Alec and Desiree exchange an affectionate glance.)

Devika: Desiree, I’m curious to find out more about you. What do you do for a living?

Desiree:  I am an editor for Read Street Publishing in Baltimore. I also do writing on the side.

Devika: Interesting. What about your family background?

Desiree:  I come from a pretty close-knit family. Though my mother has passed, I still have my father and my sister.

Devika: And you, Alec? Does a vampire like you have a real family or some sort of social network?

Alec:  Yes, of course, I had a family in the past. Desiree is my family now, though. (Puts his arm around her.) She’s my best friend. As for a social network, I have business contacts as an investor. Desiree helps me plan events now and then if I have to entertain them.

Devika: I see. So how did you meet Desiree?

Alec (smiles): I noticed her at the annual Jazz & Blues Festival. After seeing her, I just knew I had to find out more about her. I...(looks at Desiree.) Shall I? (Continues at her nod.) I may have followed her home.

Devika: Wow. That sure makes for an interesting story. How did you know she’s the one?

Alec:  I couldn’t get her out of my mind. She was an obsession, to be sure. I didn’t realize just how unique she was until we got closer.

Desiree (chimes in):  It really drove me nuts when he started reading my mind. But… (looks at Alec with a small smile) I think it worked out.

Devika: I can see why you two are so drawn to each other. Let’s talk about your dreams and goals in life.

Alec: I will probably keep working as an investor, but more importantly, I’ll keep following this woman around until she gets tired of me.

Desiree (laughs): I think I can handle that. (Their hands link naturally.) I’ve always dreamed of starting a family at some point. But, I’m happy with where I am right now. I’m trying to write books, if I can get a publisher interested in my work.

Devika: Would you say there was a decisive moment in your life that made you who you are today?

Desiree: I think my mother’s death definitely changed me, and, of course, my ex-husband really got me thinking about what I wanted…and what I didn’t want in my life. (Smiles.) I can’t deny that meeting Alec helped me learn more about myself.

Alec:  Becoming what I am, becoming a vampire, that was a really defining moment for me. My entire life changed, and suddenly I had to think about all of these limitations I had. Sure, I had powers, but they sort of paled in comparison to a normal life. I had to cater to those limitations, and I think that doing that changed me. I certainly was less willing to get involved with anyone. I…had lost someone too, and that made me wary. When I met Desiree, I had to question all of my pre-conceived notions about life.

Devika: Okay. And what is your greatest fear?

Alec:  Losing Desiree would be the worst thing imaginable.

Desiree (nods): For me, too. We’ve already been through similar difficulties before… (The glance they share is very intense.)

Devika: Sorry, I didn’t mean to dampen the mood. Why don’t we finish off on a happy note? Tell me, if you two got married, where would you want to have the ceremony, and how would you like to celebrate?

Desiree:  We haven’t discussed that exactly. I don’t know where the road is taking us, but I have no doubt that I want to be by Alec’s side. (Smiles.) I had the dream wedding once, and that turned out bad. If I got married again, I would probably want to do it in a place that meant something to both of us, somewhere special. And I’d want my family to be there, of course.

Alec (returns her smile): I want whatever makes Desiree happy. Although, I’d love to give her some very fine gifts, a few surprises to make the occasion unforgettable.

Desiree (looks at him intently, then kisses his cheek): You’ve already given me the best gift ever.

Devika: I’d love to talk some more, but unfortunately our time is up. Thanks so much for stopping by. You two make a gorgeous couple, and I can’t wait to see what adventures you’ll have in store for us in the future. (Waves.)

About the Book

Blurb

She never expected it…

Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. It’s something right out of the story books she reads, or her worst nightmare. But, sometimes he’s not the monster he appears to be. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her, when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she finds out more about herself than she ever wanted to know.

She was unlike any other…

Alec has a problem. The animal in him wants Desiree. But, so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. But, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix that way. Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to make a choice. His life or hers.

Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late?


Purchase Links

Universal Amazon:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA
Publisher:  http://solsticepublishing.com/second-nature/
CreateSpace link: https://www.createspace.com/5131233

About the Author

Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 19 other books. 2014 BTS Red Carpet Review Nominee. Finalist and Runner-up in the MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Marie has published twenty books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance/fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Lavender just released Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy, in December of 2014. She released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy, back in March. Upon Your Honor, released in late April, is her second historical romance. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

A list of her books and pen names are as follows:

Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature

Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace

Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life

Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things


Author Links

http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavenderhttps://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104926404745289477307/postshttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10ahttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavenderhttp://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos