HUMANS 2.0 DVD

AMC’s science fiction thriller and BAFTA® Award nominee for Best Drama Series, HUMANS 2.0 makes its DVD and Blu-ray onOctober 31, 2017 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand.  In the near future, humanoid servants called Synthetics have been created to help busy families simplify their lives. Thought-provoking and thrilling, this “ultimate A.I. experiment” (The Atlantic) explores the intersection of man and machine. Broadcast on AMC in February 2017, with a third series commissioned, the DVD 3-Disc and Blu-ray 2-Disc sets each feature 8 episodes, plus bonus behind-the-scenes featurettes ($39.99, Amazon.com). The series is based on the award-winning Swedish science fiction drama Real Humans.

Months after saying goodbye to sentient synth Mia (Gemma Chan, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), the Hawkins family search for some semblance of normalcy. Laura (Katherine Parkinson, The IT Crowd) and Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill, Mr. Selfridge, The Secret Agent) attend marriage counseling, even as they grow concerned over their daughter’s (Pixie Davies, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children) strange behavior. But when Niska (Emily Berrington, 24: Live Another Day) arrives at their home unannounced, the family is pulled back into the dangerous lives of the synths.

As synths begin to gain consciousness all over the world, a mysterious organization starts hunting them down. Leo (Colin Morgan,The Fall) and Max (Ivanno Jeremiah, The Hollow Crown) clash over how to protect the self-aware synths, while a renowned AI scientist (Carrie-Anne Moss, The Matrix trilogy) joins a global tech company preparing to release a revolutionary new product. This provocative, heart-pounding drama also stars Will Tudor (Game of Thrones), Sonya Cassidy (The Paradise), and Sam Palladio(Nashville).

Street Date: October 31, 2017                         SRP: $39.99

DVD 3-Disc Set: 8 episodes – Approx. 394 min., plus bonus – SDH Subtitles – UPC 054961256297

Blu-ray 2-Disc Set: 8 episodes – Approx. 394 min., plus bonus – SDH Subtitles – UPC 054961257591

Bonus: Behind-the-scenes featurettes (53 min.)                       Contains coarse language, nudity, sexual situations, and violence.

My Thoughts

I love a good futuristic show, and this is a great one! In the show, humanoid robots called Snyths are created to work as servants for humans.   At first, it seems like a great way to make everyone's life easier, but before long, some of the robots begin to resent their masters.  In the series, we follow several families as they try to adjust to life with their Synths. In season two, the Snyths are becoming more aware and more unhappy with their situation, which could be dangerous for the humans. This season includes eight exciting episodes. 

1- Niska has a big decision to make. Mia, Leo and Max are all hiding out. The Hawkins are  trying to move on with their lives, and Dr. Morrow gets a surprise visitor.

2- Laura wants to help Niska. Karen and Pete discover Synths are bring sold on the black market. Leo sets out on an important task, and Mia takes a big risk.

3-Athena's secret comes out. Niska takes a big step. The synths are forced out of hiding.

4- Mia and Ed get closer. Milo wants to know what Athena is up to. Pete looks into the Seraphim investigation 

5- Mia takes a big risk. Odi searches for meaning. Hecter and Leo set up a stake out. 

6- Athena learns Milo's plan. Mia's return causes problems for Hawkins. Max leads a new community.

7- Mattie reveals the Synths plan.  Karen makes a big decision. Mia and Hester raid the silo. 

This was a great show with lots of fabulous sci-fi elements, and an awesome story-line. I  can't wait to see what happens in Season 3. You can grab a copy for yourself on Acorn Media or online at Amazon.

Book Spotlight - Box Set: The Reunion Trilogy by Imogene Nix

Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
For centuries the Ito family has served their home planet—Reunion. Now they must be prepared to give up anything to defend it.
Although the war is over, there are still pockets of resistance in the Federation—those who would do anything to destroy the fragile peace they’ve fought for and won. The members of the Ito family have all fought in their individual ways, but will the battle demand further sacrifices and pain?
Renjiro Ito and Selina Codecko were forced apart during the war. When they meet five years later, the passion between them flares hot, but betrayal could exact a high price.
Kumi Ito and Carmichael Snow must find those who have conspired to damage Reunion financially while fighting to stay alive and ignoring the fire that burns between them.
Tomi Ito and Gillian Edgemont have held the political arm on track, but when she’s accused of the ultimate betrayal only Tomi can save the woman he’s loved for years.
Content Warning: this book contains hot, sexy scenes, butt-kicking heroines, and strong, hunky heroes

War’s End Excerpt:

“Sit down.” Renjiro’s terse words filled Selina with pain and sadness.

She acceded to his request in silence, holding her throbbing hand against her breast. He squatted before her, his face close to hers, his dark eyes shadowed. His touch was gentle as his fingers traced the line of her jaw. They shook a little and she felt the glancing caress. It warmed her.

He touched a raw spot on her chin and she hissed involuntarily.

“Where else are you injured?”

Selina shook her head.

“Captain Codecko? Selina?”

His gentle words nearly undid her. Tears burned in her eyes and she blinked, hoping to banish them. It didn’t work though. They dripped down her face, scalding her frozen cheeks.

Now his hands dropped to her shoulders. “Where else are you hurt, Selina?” His gaze was hypnotic. It drew her words without thought.

“My hand, ribs, and the top of my head.”

He frowned and started tugging at her shirt, pulling it free of the loose-fitting pants.

“What… What are you doing?”

He glanced at her, his face taut and strained. “I’m checking your injuries.”
The Assassin Excerpt:

The small craft Carmichael and Tomi traveled in approached an imposing tower, slowing and dropping to the plascrete surface with a slight bump before rolling to a stop in an empty bay. The doors opened and both men climbed out.

A man approached, and Carmichael guessed he was maybe fifty. He’s carefully preserved, he thought, noting the impeccable gray suit and discreet adornments. He wasn’t tall, but his black hair sprinkled with silver was as immaculate as his clothing. In his uniform, Carmichael felt crumpled before the picture of sartorial elegance. No doubt this was the kind of man Kumi appreciated. He pulled himself up short. He wasn’t there to further his relationship prospects. He had a job to do.

“Madam Kumi is expecting you, Senator. Your friend, however…” The man frowned slightly as he indicated with his perfectly manicured hands toward the seating area.

“He is with me.”

The man nodded, but his eyes narrowed. “She has requested privacy for your meeting.”

Tomi moved through the doorway and Carmichael shadowed him. “Thank you, Dobry.”

Carmichael filed the name away. Never know what will be the piece of information that will solve the puzzle.

Once inside, the door closed with an audible snick. Behind a large wooden desk overflowing with files was Kumi. As elegant as ever in a silver-gray suit. Kumi wasn’t a tall or large woman, but with her golden toned skin and tip-tilted brown eyes she drew the eye. Her short, dark hair was worn in a bob that framed her pixie-shaped face.

She looked soft. Womanly. He also knew she had a spine of pure steel. He’d already seen it in action the night he’d
squired her at the commitment ceremony.

She smiled as she rose. “Well, Tomi. Whatever this is, it had better be good.”

Carmichael noted her bare feet with a grin.

Kumi obviously noticed him and his quick glance. She came to a standstill, frowning before stepping in his direction, then stopped in front of him. Her gaze dipped to her feet and she blushed the most charming pink tinge along her high cheekbones. “Oh, dear. Do forgive me, Captain.” She wiggled the toes which peeked out from under her long, flowing pants.

“There is nothing to forgive, Madam Kumi.” He watched her fluid movements and admired her curves. She was sleek and lithe, and his body tightened at the thought of what lay under the light silk jacket.

Executing Justice Excerpt:

Tension rose in the cabin, thick and heady. The rescuer plunged into the cold waters. A harness was handed over and gripped while the officer dealt with the other. From the movements, Gillian could tell that the person was panicked. Slowly, the first harness rose and she could tell it wasn’t Tomi, as the person had long hair and bare legs. She sucked in a breath as the second person in the water was assisted into another harness, then he or she rose with the rescuer. Even though she craned, the outline of the officer obscured her view. She sucked in an unsteady breath, clenched her hands together, and waited.

When Gillian was sure she could last no longer, the door opened with a bang. She quickly looked up, anticipation sizzling along every nerve ending.

There in the doorway was Tomi, wet and shivering, but very much alive. In his arms was a woman, bedraggled and dirty, but he held her so tenderly that any hopes or dreams Gillian harbored melted away. There was never any hope for her and the feelings that burned in her chest.

Without a word, Gillian turned away and fought the sting of tears in her eyes. She noted the sounds of joyous reunion between brother and sister, but she kept her gaze averted, to give them privacy, she piously told herself. When the pilot ordered them strapped in, she breathed a silent sigh of relief. She knew that this torture, him being so close but now forever so far away, would come to an end sooner rather than later.

Just as she was sure she’d be spared, Tomi spoke. “Gillian, thank you for coming to find me.”

The clog of tears filled her throat, but she managed to croak, “It was nothing.”

“It means a lot to me.” He reached out and touched her hand, and she bit back the gasp that rose.

Nerves in her hand jumped and thrummed, but she ignored them. “Honestly, I’m just pleased I could help.” She glanced in his direction, taken aback by the directness in his gaze before the woman beside him shuddered. He scooped her closer and Gillian turned away.

Buy Link:   Beachwalk Press 

Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of

Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.

Author Links:  Site    Facebook    Blog    Twitter

#CyberMonday #BookSale from Pagan Writers Press

Pagan Writers Press is having a huge sale for Cyber Monday! Almost all the books in the catalog have been discounted.  There are titles available in almost every genre!  Here are just a few of them!

Contemporary Romance

The Cliff by Christie AC Gucker -  Reduced to $2.99

Clutter by Jamie White - Reduced to $.99

Falling Star by Laura DeLuca - Reduced to $3.99

Historical

HerStory - Edited by Tara Chevrestt -Reduced to $3.99

To The Other Side by Julianne Chadwick  - Reduced to $1.99

Paranormal Romance

 

For the Love of the Gods - Reduced to $2.99

The Purple Heart  by Christie AC Gucker - Reduced to $2.99

Rage of Augustus by Andrew P West - Reduced to $.99

Science Fiction

 

Guardian Series by Andrew P. Weston-  Reduced to $2.99 each

Non-Fiction

Writing Wild by T.J. Burns - Reduced to $2.99

Not My Mother by Ashley Rae - Reduce to $2.99

Young Adult Fantasy

Four Sisters by Regine Allison Claire - Reduced to $.99

Stains on the Soul by Jamie White - Reduce to $.99

Morrigan by Laura DeLuca -  Reduced to $.99

Young Adult/New Adult Romantic Thriller

Dark Musicals Trilogy by Laura DeLuca - Prices reduced on the entire series

Fall Angels Release Day #Giveaway

Fallen Angels

Release

It is with great pleasure we announce the release of the third book of the Guardian Series:

Fallen Angels.

Fallen Angels brings the first trilogy to a fitting climax, and sets the scene for the revelations and heartbreak to come.

Five years have passed since the murder of the Lord Marshal. His killers remain at large, fomenting monstrous plots that, if successful, will wreak havoc upon the citizens of Earth. It appears the authorities are no closer to apprehending those responsible and some wonder if their protectors are all they make themselves out to be. Despite appearances, the Guardians have been far from idle. Each nation’s resources and technologies continue to grow and flourish. Huge strides have been made in welfare and development. Other worlds have been prepared for colonization. And all the while, behind the scenes, the noose has been closing in upon the fiends who committed such an atrocious act. When it finally snaps shut, the results are bound to be explosive, and the fallout, far-reaching. With the future of the Earth at stake, how widespread will the consequences be?

Where to Buy

Amazon

And don't forget

If you'd like a signed copy of this book, along with the following prizes in the picture below:

Then all you have to do is enter the competition, use the the Rafflecopter form below:

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Book Review: Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap by Steven Campbell

Hard Luck Hank

Basketful of Crap

by Steven Campbell

Hank was a dying breed on the space station Belvaille. The criminal gangs that had once made their homes there were forced out by the corporations that had taken over since the facility became an Independent Protectorate.

Instead of the gentlemanly gang wars that had once dominated the scene, and made Hank's services prized as a negotiator, the city was now plagued by the clash of corporate armies using heavy weapons. Even tanks roamed the streets regularly.

Most everyone from the olden days had either fled the station or was killed due to the organizational changes. Changes that Hank personally brought about when he had negotiated Belvaille's status with the Navy.

As Hank contemplates whether he can survive in this increasingly hostile environment, he realizes that things aren't as bad as they seem--they are quite a bit worse. The constant power plays among corporations might have further reach than just the alleys of a backwater space station at the edge of the galaxy.

NOTE: Sequel to Hard Luck Hank - Screw the Galaxy.

Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap can be found on Amazon (Kindle Edition).

Check out http://www.belvaille.com/ for HARD LUCK HANK T-shirts, a 5 minute movie of Hard Luck Hank - Screw the Galaxy, and the making of the movie!

Our Thoughts
Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap - Set 7 years after the events in Screw the Galaxy, much has changed on Belvaille. The days of mob bosses and gang wars are coming to an end because a new, much more sinister force is taking over: The Corporations.

With Belvaille no longer subject to Colmarian law, what better a place for big businesses to setup and move goods which are otherwise illegal?

The virtually indestructible Hank finds himself being pulled into multiple intrigues throughout the novel. Everything from waging war on a Corporation to settling a labor dispute.

Written as a sequel to Screw the Galaxy, Basketful of Crap is written to stand on its own. Some references are made to Screw the Galaxy, but the characters and multiple storylines (plans within plans within plans, to steal from Frank Herbert) in Basketful of Crap are fleshed out well enough that reading Screw the Galaxy is not a prerequisite (although recommended, because it’s a good story as well).

If anything, the characters have more depth in Basketful of Crap than Screw the Galaxy. Much is learned about Garm’s past, and as the story unfolds, one cannot help but develop a sense of empathy for Hank once the true cost of his mutation is revealed.

In the right hands and with the right cast, Basketful of Crap would make a fantastic movie. It’s very easy to picture Kate Beckinsale playing the role of Garm and Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. The Rock) as Hank.

Fast-paced and perversely humourous Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap will keep you turning pages and is a story that can be enjoyed time and time again.



Book Spotlight & Giveaway - War's End by Imogene Nix

 

Genre: Sci-fiction Romance

Forced apart by war five years ago, Renjiro and Selina have another chance at love. Can they make it work or does fate have other plans?
Without the citizenship of the Federation, Indy pilot Selina Codecko is treated like a second-class citizen. When she gets caught up in a bar brawl she’s arrested and finds herself in the hands of the Justice Officers.
Renjiro Ito has dreamed of Selina for five long years. As the Commander of the Justice Officers, the plight of this one woman will turn his life upside down.
But there’s more going on than just the fate of one woman—there’s a seething underbelly that wants to destroy their newly expanded Federation. The chances of a future together are slim, but they’ll take any chances that come their way. Will it be enough?


“Sit down.” Renjiro’s terse words filled Selina with pain and sadness.
She acceded to his request in silence, holding her throbbing hand against her breast. He squatted before her, his face close to hers, his dark eyes shadowed. His touch was gentle as his fingers traced the line of her jaw. They shook a little and she felt the glancing caress. It warmed her.
He touched a raw spot on her chin and she hissed involuntarily.
“Where else are you injured?”
Selina shook her head.
“Captain Codecko? Selina?”
His gentle words nearly undid her. Tears burned in her eyes and she blinked, hoping to banish them. It didn’t work though. They dripped down her face, scalding her frozen cheeks.
Now his hands dropped to her shoulders. “Where else are you hurt, Selina?” His gaze was hypnotic. It drew her words without thought.
“My hand, ribs, and the top of my head.”
He frowned and started tugging at her shirt, pulling it free of the loose-fitting pants.
“What… What are you doing?”
He glanced at her, his face taut and strained. “I’m checking your injuries.”
Selina blushed, the heat creeping over her face as she pushed at his hands. “No! You can’t do that!”
“Just bloody watch me.” His rough words surprised her and her hands dropped away. He continued his almost feverish work at her buttons and very quickly he had the shirt open. Selina thanked whatever had made her fasten a bra over her very tiny breasts. With gentle movements, he brushed the old material of her shirt to one side. He hissed through clenched teeth at what he saw. “You need a medic.”
“I’m fine. I’ve lived through this before. Of greater concern to me is whether I’m going to be charged for causing the riot. I was just—”
“I know. Having a quiet drink. We checked the spy eyes. You will be free to go, so long as we can put together a suitable argument. But I have a proposition. One that would help you, I think.”
In her experience, propositions never ended well, but she was desperate enough to listen to what he had to say. So she watched in mute silence as he rose. He backed away as she quickly refastened her shirt. Then he paced to the end of the room and back.
“I’ve just received a communiqué that there’s some Indies about to plan an attack on this moon base. I need people I can trust to get information for me.”
She waited. But as he started pacing again, it seemed she would need to ask the question. “What’s in it for me?”
He stilled.
Selina held her breath. Waiting.
“I might be able to swing an official citizenship for you.”
Just like that, he could brush away all the difficulties she had faced since the end of the war. But trusting people didn’t come easily. Not for her. “You can just click your fingers and make that happen?”
He faced her again. His eyes shone almost feverishly bright under the lighting of the room. “No. But I know someone who might be able to make it happen, if you agree.”
“Why? Why would you help me?”
He smiled. “Because I owe you.”

Buy Links: Beachwalk Press

 

Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).

Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.

In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.

She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.

Author Links:    Site     Facebook    Blog    Twitter

Imogen is giving away 2 eCopies of Wars End.

For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.

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Book Review: The Amazing Crystal by Gerald Lizee

About:
In the summer of 2025, Lydia’s grandfather sent her a strange diamond pendant admonishing her to handle it with utmost care. From the moment that she receives the small package, her life changes. She becomes engulfed in a series of life-threatening events that lead her to realize the incredible properties of the pendant. Slowly she learns that the diamond contains an alien intelligence able to communicate directly with the human brain. Rumors of its powers spread, the Mafia designs a Machiavellian plot to seize the extraterrestrial gem, whose value is estimated at $ 100 billion. An unprecedented confrontation occurs between mercenaries hired by the Mafia and American security services. As rumors continue to grow, the American authorities are forced to release stunning revelations about the life and mission of the alien genius to the peoples and nations of the world. The news throws the scientific world into turmoil. Economic and political ideologies are brought into question and religious beliefs are shaken. But the Mafia wants to have the last say: confrontation is inevitable. 

This science fiction novel addresses questions relevant to a growing number of readers. Recent discoveries in astrophysics suggest that there is a large number of exoplanets likely to contain liquid water and a breathable atmosphere able to contribute to the emergence of life. If aliens exist, are they scientifically and technologically ahead of Earth by thousands, millions or even billions of years? If so, have they already colonized or visited Earth? How could they overcome intergalactic distances given the limitations inherent in the barrier provided by the speed of light? Is it possible that aliens have been present on earth for billions of years? If so, what form would they take? Can they communicate with us? If the answers to these questions are positive, how would humans react when informed of these facts via a large television news chain? What would your own answers be after reading "The Amazing Crystal"?

Our Thoughts:
Fast paced, conspiracy theorists abound! The Amazing Crystal will have you going until the very end. Danger at every turn, Lydia must make a decision that will affect human kind forever! Does she make the right choice? 

A quick read, you're enveloped from the very get go in this science mystery! There is a lot of science jargon, if you can get through that you will sail through the book. I couldn't put it down, as I love books that twist and turn! You just never know where you're going to end up! And that is SO true with this book. 

An alien device that speaks directly to you by using your brain? For anyone that would be a challenge, but then you throw in all the government forces, and other bad guys that want the crystal for their own agendas and you are on the run, literally! Hiding out, trying to figure out what to do, and why you were given such a responsibility to begin with! 

Doing the right thing is difficult, but can Lydia make the best decision for not just her, but the whole world? Find out when you read The Amazing Crystal.

Want to purchase the book? 
Amazon

Reviewed by Steph

Book Review: Project E.D.E.N. by B. Mauritz

Project E.D.E.N.

by B. Mauritz

"I would let you take me through a million nightmares if it meant that I could have one dream with you."

Cedric wanted to dream of being a normal seventeen-year-old boy, but instead each night he is forced to walk through others' dreams-and nightmares. Moving from one place to the next with the only family he has ever known, he finds himself in Savannah, Georgia. His responsibility has always been to stay invisible, which becomes complicated when he meets a girl with an even more electrifying life than his own. 

Questioning his existence, he learns of his birthplace, Initium. The city of Initium is a secret government project that contains a utopian society that has evolved without the help of Mother Nature. Cedric finds that for every answer he receives, there are only more questions. He isn't sure if he has time to learn about history's best-kept secret before the known world is destroyed in the secret city's quest to control the future.

Project E.D.E.N. is available on Amazon, Google Play, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Apple ibooks.  Follow Project E.D.E.N. on Facebook and Twitter, and follow Mauritz on her website, Pinterest, and blog.

Biography

B. Mauritz was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating with a B.A. degree in psychology from Kennesaw State University, she pursued her passion for writing science fiction. Project E.D.E.N. is her first book and the first of the Project E.D.E.N. series. 

Our Thoughts
My husband is the sci-fi reader, so this is his review:

Pros:
Project E.D.E.N. has fantastic SciFi elements - think X-Men meets Dark Angel, meets Inception, meets Heroes, with a little bit of Charmed thrown in (powers tied to emotions).  Superhuman powers, covert government operations, and DNA experimentation.  All elements for a great read!

Unfortunately, this gets buried in the high school romance.

Cons:
There are a lot of inconsistent character developments, including Cedric's almost complete idiopathic neuropathy (not being able to feel physical sensations), i.e. a large gash in his arm.  Yet at the beginning of the next chapter, he muses on how he loves the feel of the parchment against his hand. Further on, he describes a person's cheek as feeling clammy from a light touch.  Sapphira has virtually no control of her powers. As the story progresses we learn their powers are tied to their emotions. Anytime her emotions run high, such as when making out with Cedric, she loses control and unintentionally zaps him.  However, at the highest emotional point for her in the novel, she suddenly can keep her powers completely in check and fight off an obviously well trained soldier with her 2-3 weeks of martial arts training.

The big, bad betrayal is foreshadowed so often, it comes as no surprise; it's easily predictable from approximately the middle of the novel.

Poor choice of outdated language, completely undermining the enormity of scenes. For example: Cedric, a 17 year old boy, has just witnessed through his girlfriend's dream one of her foster parents nearly raping her. The best Cedric can come up with is "that man almost took away your innocence". I can't imagine any 17 year old boy saying it in quite that way.

The characters are so flat you really have no feeling one way or another about them.

The prolific and unnecessary use of the word "that" permeates the novel. 

Again, the elements are there and it could become a good series, but the writing style needs some serious refining.  In regards to a sequel I would likely read it moreso to see the evolution of the author's writing style than the actual story. 

Book Spotlight - Priestess of Mars by M.E. Brines

Genre: Sci-fi Romance 

Lilith of Gomorra is a noble Martian priestess who sees love as nothing more than an exercise in naked carnality. But when she discovers a higher form of love, her faith in the ancient religion turns to doubt and she must choose between her people and the man she loves. The fate of the Earth hangs on her choice.

In 1907 in an alternate steampunk universe where Tesla invented a electric antigravity device that makes steam-powered spacecraft possible, asteroid miners have discovered ruins that pre-date human civilization. Two expeditions head to Ceres to explore them–an American expedition funded by a wealthy senator, and a German one organized by the occult Thule Society and led by Aleistar Crowley. But the Martian priesthood and their supernatural allies have infiltrated both and plan to discover the secret of the weapon that shattered the ancient world of Pentara in order to turn it against the Earth.

Can Crowley and his proto-Nazis find the Kaiser a world-dominating weapon? Will the Martians achieve their apocalyptic revenge against their colonial masters? Whose side is Lilith on? Her father’s? Crowley’s? Or does she have ambitions of her own?
Find out. Read A Priestess of Mars!

The greatest minds of Mars had failed to destroy Earth’s civilization once. They must not – could not – fail the Masters again.

The light from the brazier flickered off the cold stone of the musty vault, the scent of old blood tainting the air. A large egg-shaped table stood in the center of the room, a bizarre mass of clockwork purring beneath the gleaming surface. Around it stood four men in dark robes… and one woman.

She was young, half the age of the others, and her skin was the color of ebony. Her lustrous hair cascaded down her back and over the unworn hood of her cloak. Before her on the table lay an inkpot, quill pen, and a sheet of parchment made of human skin.

A portly figure in a blood-red satin robe gestured at her with a pudgy finger.

“You. Bring us wine.”

Her eyes narrowed, but she remained silent – and motionless.

The baldheaded man to her left had a pate that shone as if it had been polished. His robe was darkest silk. Embroidered on its back in gold thread was the symbol of the High Priest – an eye with flames for lashes inside a pyramid. He spoke with a voice that belonged in a crypt.

“She isn’t a servant, you gluttonous fool.”

A knocking interrupted.

The High Priest bellowed, “Enter!”

Across the cavernous room a door swung open, revealing torchlight and a pair of guards in red tunics with polished brass helmets. Short iron swords hung from their belts, although one had a Colt revolver tucked beside his scabbard. The High Priest scowled at the sight, but said nothing.

The guard cleared his throat nervously. “Uh, the Elder of the Sacrificial Brotherhood, Milord.”

Another dark-robed figure entered, giving the guard a wide berth, and bringing the faint scent of decay with him. An ornate wavy-bladed dagger hung from his sash. Both it and his fingernails were crusted with some dark, unsavory substance. He glared at the guard’s Colt as if its mere touch might contaminate him with some loathsome disease. Gesturing at it with skeletally thin fingers, he sneered at the portly figure in red.
“Do all your temple guardians bear such Earther….” Sighting the woman, he paused, his lip curling as he struggled for the proper word. “Devices?” He smirked contemptuously as he took his place by the table. Behind, the door closed again, the guards remaining outside.

The portly one shrugged, an almost imperceptible gesture amid his rolls of fat. “They may be unclean, but they’re effective. Cold steel is fine for unresisting sacrifices, but the encroachments of the Unbelievers can only be prevented with superior force. And that means hot lead.”

The High Priest nodded. “Regrettable, but true. Now that we are all here.” He threw a steely glance at the tardy Elder. “We can now, as the Earthmen say, get down to business.”

“And that business is?” The speaker, the Keeper of Secrets, wore a black robe that hung over his sparse frame as if decorating a scarecrow. The wisps of white hair that rimmed his bald pate gave him an eerie look, like something a grave robber left behind.

“The destruction of Earth.”

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M.E. Brines spent the Cold War assembling atomic artillery shells and preparing to unleash the Apocalypse (and has a medal to prove it.) But when peace broke out, he turned his fevered, paranoid imagination to other pursuits. He spends his spare time scribbling another steampunk romance occult adventure novel, which despite certain rumors absolutely DOES NOT involve time-traveling Nazi vampires!

A former member of the British Society for Psychical Research, he is a long-time student of the occult and a committed Christian who sees himself as a modern-day Professor Van Helsing equipping Believers for battle against the occult Principalities and Powers that rule a world in darkness. (Ephesians 6:12)

The author of three dozen books, e-books, chapbooks and pamphlets on esoteric subjects such as alien abduction, alien hybrids, astrology, the Bible, biblical prophecy, Christian discipleship, conspiracies, esoteric Nazism, the Falun Gong, Knights Templar, magick, and UFOs, his work has also appeared in Challenge magazine, Weird Tales, The Outer Darkness, Tales of the Talisman, and Empirical magazine.

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Book Spotlight - Alien Admirer by Jessica E. Subject

He fills her with forbidden longing…

Widowed for over a year, Sera longs for the company of her younger, sexier neighbor, the one man she can never have—unless she plans to rob the cradle. It’s too dangerous…

She’s the only one for him…

Adam never wanted to settle down…until Sera. But even when her children give him the green light, he must prove age is an alien concept...

Will Sera give him a chance, or will Adam be left in the cold, never more than her alien admirer?

  

What is it going to take to convince her I want her? On the ride home, he’d persuaded himself to give up on Sera. Until he’d seen her on the porch. He had to seize what might be his lone opportunity.

“Why do you have such a problem accepting that I’m attracted to you?”

She faced him again, her cheeks glowing with color. “I don’t have a problem with that. In fact, I’m flattered. I have a problem with how much I’m attracted to you, how even on my date, I couldn’t get you out of my head.”

It was all the invitation he needed. Closing the space between them, he held her, pressing his lips to hers. Sera moaned, her body tight against his. She didn’t push him away, instead wrapping her arms around him, running her foot up and down the back of his calf.

He clutched her thighs, pulling her up to straddle his waist. Every moan encouraged him to keep going. He wanted more.

“Inside,” she said in a breathless whisper. “Take me into the house.”

All right! Grasping and fumbling with the handle, he managed to open the door without letting her go. Focused on her in his arms, he shuffled around blindly until his knees met her couch. He laid Sera on the cushion, but she clung to him.

“No, my bedroom. And be sure to close the door.”

Her room? Holy shit! Before that moment, he’d expected several days of trying to win her over before she invited him to her room, if she ever even acknowledged his feelings.

He carried her up the butcher block wood steps, to the bedroom he’d helped build. While he’d helped build every part of the house, the master bedroom remained the one room he hadn’t entered since Sera moved in.

Sacred, just like her body.


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Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous. 

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

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Book Spotlight - No Darkness by K.M. Douglas

The year is 2019. The Watchers maintain a state of constant surveillance: guns are outlawed, media is censored, and unmanned drones patrol the skies.

Derrion Parsing is a high school senior and the son of an ex-Army Ranger. Unlike his classmates, he has access to information from the time before the Invisible War, when the government shut down the Internet, reformatting into a propaganda tool. When Derrion attempts to use this information as part of a school project, he awakens to his worst nightmare.

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K. M. Douglas grew up in Northeast Ohio and studied creative writing at The Ohio State University. He lives in Rainier, Washington with his wife, cat and two dogs. In the Place Where There is No Darkness is his first novel.

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