Blog Archives
Big Giveaway
Posted by Marie Lavender
Don’t miss our massive giveaway, filled with books of different formats, and various swag, over on my alternate blog, Writing in the Modern Age. All genres covered! 😉
Check out the festivities here. Hurry, and enter the Rafflecopter contests before it’s too late! ♥
Posted in Authors, Blogging, Books, Children's Books, Contemporary Romance, Event, Fantasy, Fiction, free offer, giveaway, Historical Romance, mystery, new adult, News, non-fiction, non-romance books, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Poetry, Readers, Romance, Romance Novels, Romantic Suspense, Sci-Fi Romance, science fiction, thriller, Updates
Tags: action, adult, adventure, audiobooks, available now, big giveaway, blog post, book giveaway, Book Giveaways, books, chick lit, childrens, contests, crime fiction, darkness, dystopian, ebook, erotic romance, fantasy, free books, freebies, genres, giveaway, giveways, Historical, horror, humor, inspirational, lgbt, literary fiction, memoir, military, multicultural, multiple genres, mystery, new adult romance, noir, nonfiction, paperbacks, paranormal, poetry, psychology, Romance, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, sci-fi, Sci-Fi Romance, science fiction, self-help, sports, swag, thriller, western romance, Writing in the Modern Age, young adult
A Radio Interview!
Posted by Marie Lavender
New radio spot! 🙂
Hi, readers! I have exciting news! ♥
You do not want to miss this radio interview, but if that is the case, it will be uploaded to the site afterward. Here is the link:
If you’d like to tune in live, you’ll find the details here on BlogTalkRadio, or you can find more updates on the Thorne & Cross blog, and their Facebook and Twitter pages. The show usually runs on Thursdays…
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Posted in Authors, Books, Event, Interview, News, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Readers, Romance, Romance Novels, Writing
Tags: Blood At First Sight Series, Blood Instincts, guest author, Haunted Nights Live!, Marie Lavender, news, paranormal, paranormal romance, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, radio, radio interview, romance readers, show, Thorne & Cross, Updates, urban fantasy, Writing
It’s Here!
Posted by Marie Lavender
Well, readers, I’ve been talking about this one for a while, and now it’s live! Blood Instincts, a futuristic paranormal romance/urban fantasy and book two of the Blood at First Sight Series, is available! Yay! Mega thanks to my publisher, Solstice Publishing, for making this happen so quickly!
Woo hoo! Book two is out! Let’s see what it’s all about! ♥
Blurb:
Enter the Other World at your own risk…
What if you found out that you weren’t exactly…human?
Myah Sullivan is suddenly living that nightmare. There are Others in the world, dangerous, supernatural creatures that make her mind spin and cause her to question the reality she’s always known.
Oliver King is her savior, a vampire who tries to show her the way. Through her journey she learns far more than she ever thought she would about herself, and about the past. Soon, she discovers that there is so much more to meeting Oliver than mere happenstance.
Can Myah accept her new reality, or will she retreat into that normal, safe world she once thought was her own?
Purchase Links:
Amazon Universal ebook link: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B07DFL8DRR
mybook.to/BI
Amazon Universal print link: mybook.to/BloodInstpaperback
Universal reader link: http://books2read.com/u/bppKAk
Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/blood-instincts/
Here are some sizzling teasers!
Add it to your Goodreads bookshelf! ♥♥♥
I hope you get a chance to check out this sequel to Second Nature! 😀
As always, happy reading, everyone! And have a wonderful weekend!
Posted in Authors, Books, Event, Fiction, new release, News, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Readers, Romance, Romance Novels, Writing
Tags: author news, Blood At First Sight Series, Blood Instincts, Marie Lavender, new book, new book release, new release, paranormal, paranormal romance, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, sequel, Solstice Publishing, Solstice Shadows
Radio Interview!
Posted by Marie Lavender
Check out a radio interview tonight at 8PM EST! 🙂
For our lovers of paranormal romance, you’ve gotta check this out…
Later today, I’ll be chatting with awesome author team and radio hosts of the Haunted Nights Live! show, Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross. This radio show is quite popular, and the Thorne & Cross team has seen some very famous authors on there. Check out the list of past guests here.
Check us out at 8PM EST to get some sneak peeks of two books I have coming out later this year, a futuristic paranormal romance/urban fantasy, Blood Instincts, book two of the Blood at First Sight Series, and Awakening, a paranormal romantic thriller collection.
Plus, for those who have a fascination with the supernatural, we’ll be talking about that too. 😉
So stop by tonight! You can call in with questions or sit back and listen in. I’m not sure if the interview will…
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Posted in Authors, Books, Event, Fiction, Interview, News, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Radio, Readers, Romance, Romance Novels, Writing
Tags: Authors, Blood At First Sight Series, Blood Instincts, Books, collection, coming soon, event, Fiction, futuristic, ghosts, Haunted Nights Live!, interview, metaphysical, mystery/thriller, novel, novellas, paranormal, paranormal romance, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, radio, radio interview, readers, Romance, romantic thriller, shifters, supernatural, theme, thriller, Thriller/Suspense, vampires, vampires rule, witchcraft, witches, Writing
Meet Monday- Marie Lavender Interview and Spotlight.
Posted by Marie Lavender
Meet Marie Lavender!
A little about the author-
At the tender age of nine, she began writing stories. She majored in Creative Writing in college because that was all she ever wanted – to be a writer. While there, she published two works in a university publication, and was a copy editor on the staff of an online student journal. After graduating from college, she sought out her dream to publish a book.
Since 2010, Marie has published 23 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, science fiction, dramatic fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. She has also contributed to several anthologies. Her current published series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series and The Blood at First Sight Series.
We haven’t had the pleasure to read any of Marie’s work so we are getting to know her along with some great answers to fun questions…
Do you remember what made you want to become an author? How old were you?
I was around nine years old when I was telling everyone in my family that I wanted to be a novelist. What made me want to do this? I think I was always obsessed with books, found myself immersed in those fictional worlds, and when stories began to spin in my head and wouldn’t leave me alone, it just felt natural to write them all down.
Who are some authors that you look up to or admire?
Some of my favorite authors are J.R. Ward, Chloe Neill, Nora Roberts, Kris Tualla and P.C. Cast. The list just goes on. I was also inspired by Kurt Vonnegut, and classic authors like Emily Dickinson, Aphra Behn, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. They weren’t afraid to be real with the reader or break the mold on their genres.
Who would be your dream co-author?
Chloe Neill, maybe. Writing a paranormal with her would be a fascinating experience. I always love kick-ass heroines and she masters that so well.
Out of all the characters you have created, which is your absolute favorite?
Tough question. I love all of them! But, I guess Fara Bellamont (Hill) still tugs at my heartstrings. It’s probably why she has a new spotlight in the final book of the Heiresses in Love Series, Upon Your Love, which is coming out in late February.
As you know, Crystal likes to create recipes based on books. If there was one recipe you would say would go hand in hand with your book, what would it be?
Probably cheeseburgers made with California marinade (I can scan and email you the recipe). The female main character of Blue Vision, Brooke, is a vegetarian at first, but she starts to warm up to the idea of meat later on.
What do you look for when designing or purchasing book covers?
I look for something that really captures the idea of the book. I like to find stock images that look close enough to the characters, and if I can include other elements related to the story, I will.
Do you listen to music or create a play list when writing or do you need complete silence to be with your muse?
I listen to music sometimes while writing, but music is a no-no when I’m editing. When I’m in the midst of writing a scene, I usually like to listen to music that isn’t too harsh on the eardrums or distracting to the story I’m creating. I’m a big fan of Pandora and I Heart Radio because you can input your favorite artists, and they’ll not only cater the music to that band or singer, but also ones that sound similar. It’s a great way to discover new music while immersing myself in writing.
How often do you find time to read? How long would you say your TBR is?
When I’m not writing, I try to read a few books per month. But when I’m focused on a project, I will read a book now and then, sure, yet I don’t want to get too distracted. And yes, my TBR list on my Amazon Wishlist, my Kindle and Goodreads is pretty long. You can’t be a good writer without first being in love with books.
What advice would you have for your younger self who just started writing?
Have more patience. Know when to pursue the things you want, but don’t be a pain-in-the-ass in the process. LOL.
As an author do you have any regrets?
Not really. I think I ended up where I’m supposed to be. The path is always moving, and I never know what to expect around the corner. I think that’s better than having everything mapped out because you can’t really plan your writer’s journey to a tee. Opportunities you may never have imagined will arise and it’s good to be ready for them.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with anyone alive or dead, who would you choose?
My grandmother. Man, I miss her so much. She was dynamic, the glue that held our big extended family together. I know she had so much more to teach me. I’d like to know more about my Irish roots, which I didn’t discover until a few years ago.
How often would you say your real life inspires your writing?
Now and then, it does. I’d like to think there’s a jumble of consciousness in the chaos that is my mind. My muse draws from past experiences in many ways. At least, I believe it does. I’ve heard people close to me say they can see me in my writing. It’s not always intentional, but I think it’s still there.
Would you ever want any of your works to become a television show or movie? If so, who is on your dream cast?
Well, sure! Who wouldn’t? I’ve always pictured the Heiresses in Love Series as a movie. Probably the Blood at First Sight Series and the Code of Endhivar Series too. Here is my cast for each series:
The Heiresses in Love Series
Grant – Gerard Butler
Fara – Isla Fisher
Chloe Waverly – Julianne Hough
Gabriel Hill – Simon Woods
Adrienne – Jessica Green
Christian – Eduardo Verastegui
Annabelle – Molly C. Quinn
Andre – Matt Lanter
Eric – Russell Crowe
Claudette – Olivia Wilde
Elena – Ashley Benson
Pierce – Michael Trevino
Marcel – Ian Somerhalder
The Blood at First Sight Series
Desiree – Moon Bloodgood
Alec – Matt Bomer
Myah – Megan Young
Oliver – Jessie Pavelka
Jared – Bradley James
Rhiannon – Lyndsy Fonseca
The Code of Endhivar Series
Brooke – Emily Black
Colin – Brandon Routh
Kemara – Sarah Gadon
Sean – Tyler Hoechlin
How do you react or deal with negative reviews of your work?
It’s discouraging at first, but I’ve never responded publicly to them. That just makes you look rude and pathetic as an author. I read them, and then move on. What good will it do to dwell on something negative?
Do you have any upcoming signings you will be attending?
Signings? No. I do have some upcoming releases, however, and any reader can go to Authorgraph to get any of their ebooks signed by me. You can also check out my news on the Updates page of my website or subscribe to my monthly newsletter.
What are you currently working on?
I’m editing a contemporary romantic drama collection titled Directions of the Heart. It’s comprised of four stories about eight different people on a journey of loss, growth, redemption, healing and romance. Additionally, I’m finishing the second book of the Blood at First Sight Series, which is titled Blood Instincts. It’s a futuristic paranormal romance/urban fantasy. And this year, I plan to work on a paranormal romantic thriller collection, which is called Awakening.
How do you prepare to write? Do you have a ritual before you are ready to write?
Usually scenes come to me randomly, but when I’m focused on a project, I need a nice gel pen and a pretty journal. Then I work on a full outline of the book before I launch into writing more scenes and chapters. I usually need some quiet time so I can think about where I last left off.
Do you believe in magic and or a paranormal world like in your books?
Sure! I’ve witnessed some paranormal activity before, and I’ve written about paranormal characters. And as for magic? I’ve written about witches. I just try to keep an open mind. Hence why Blue Vision came about (Aliens are people too. LOL). I think my take on paranormal phenomenon or magic is that there’s still so much about this world we don’t know. So why can’t these things exist?
As an author do you prefer to read via ebook or paperback?
I’m usually more comfortable with paperback or hardcover. I think it’s a tactile thing. I have to touch the story in order to be absorbed into that world.
If you could have anyone and we mean anyone featured on a cover of your book who would it be?
Oh…hmm. I have a little crush on Hugh Jackman, so if he was willing to be on a cover, it would be hard not to have fan fever.
Who would you say most supports and inspires you?
My fiancé is endlessly supportive and constantly inspires me in my work. Not only because I default to writing romance and our relationship is inspiring, but also because he backs me up no matter what I want to do in life.
As an author how do you feel about the pressure that can be put on you to release new books?
There is some pressure, of course. I guess I feel more pressure when it comes to series’ books rather than standalones. I know readers are waiting for the next book in the series, and they won’t wait forever, right? However, the muse has its own timeline and I’ve learned to pay attention to it. It usually knows what to do, and I have to honor my characters when they’re ready to come onto the page. Forcing something will only disappoint me and my readers. So, I guess I just let my instincts lead me.
What is the craziest thing a fan has ever done?
Actually, this one was positive, but different for me. I guess sometimes I’m still a Luddite. But I stumbled across a really great review for a romantic suspense one day, and I was shocked that when I clicked on the link it was actually a video of the fan touting the book! It was such a rewarding and humbling experience, and I have enormous gratitude that she went to all that trouble.
How did you become part of the indie community?
That’s easy. I guess I became a hybrid in some manner. I not only have traditionally published books, I also publish books on my own. It just depends on the book. Being an indie author and blogger has led me to interactions with lots of other indie authors.
How do you deal with fear or jitters before a new release?
I feel nerves the same way I do when I’m doing a radio interview. Public speaking and being in the spotlight always made me nervous. That’s probably weird for someone who was in choir for years, and often had solos. But I still feel it. I’ve noticed, though, that it starts to fade as soon as I launch into whatever I’m doing…
Meet Marie Lavender!
A little about the author-
At the tender age of nine, she began writing stories. She majored in Creative Writing in college because that was all she ever wanted – to be a writer. While there, she published two works in a university publication, and was a copy editor on the staff of an online student journal. After graduating from college, she sought out her dream to publish a book.
Since 2010, Marie has published 23 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. She has also contributed to several anthologies. Her current published series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series and The Blood at First Sight Series.
We haven’t had the pleasure to read any of Marie’s work so weare getting to know her along…
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Posted in Authors, Books, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Historical Romance, Interview, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Readers, Romance, Romance Novels, Sci-Fi Romance, Writing
Tags: Authors, Blue Vision, featured, Historical, interview, magic, Marie Lavender, paranormal, readers, romance readers, sci-fi, Sci-Fi Romance, science fiction, spotlight, Writing
Great news for Second Nature!
Posted by Marie Lavender
Second Nature was nominated! 😉
I just received some awesome news! Second Nature, book one of the Blood at First Sight Series, was nominated to compete in the TRR Readers’ Choice Awards for Winter 2015. Yay! Thank you, TRR! 😀
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.
Anyway, this is quite an honor! So, don’t forget to vote for Second Nature, as well as your other favorite books! 🙂
Posted in Authors, Books, Contemporary Romance, Event, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Romance, Romance Novels, Writing
Tags: award, Blood At First Sight Series, nomination, paranormal, paranormal romance, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Romance, romance books, romance novels, Second Nature, TRR Readers' Choice Awards, vampires, vampires rule
Thoughtful, 5 Star Review for Second Nature!
Posted by Marie Lavender
A new review for Second Nature!

As the author notes about the protagonist – a vampire, “All he’d ever hoped for, when you looked past the bitterness of fate, was acceptance. He had foolishly wanted to be accepted despite his supernatural flaws. And that just wasn’t possible.” That ironically is true for the very genre of romance in the sense that window of acceptance of deviations is rather slim…
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Posted in Authors, Books, Contemporary Romance, Event, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Readers, Reviews, Romance, Romance Novels, Writing
Tags: Blood At First Sight Series, book review, book reviews, Books, five stars, love, Marie Lavender, paranormal, paranormal romance, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, readers, review, Reviews, Second Nature, vampires, vampires rule
Radio Spot!
Posted by Marie Lavender
Hi, everyone! I just wanted to pop in and tell you about this interview going on today at Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! 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! 🙂
Posted in Authors, Books, Event, giveaway, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Radio, Readers, Writing
Tags: author interview, authors helping authors, Blood At First Sight Series, Books, event, interview, Magick & Moonlight, Magick Series, paranormal, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, radio, radio interview, readers, Second Nature, spotlight
Awesome 5 Star Review for SECOND NATURE!
Posted by Marie Lavender
I’d just like to thank the mysterious “B.B” for this wonderful review of Second Nature that I just found on Amazon! Thank you for reading book one of the Blood at First Sight Series! 🙂

Despite their obvious species difference, vampire and human, Alec and Desiree are drawn to each other. There’s just something about Desiree Edwards that drives Alec mad….in the good sort of way. Her blood calls to him, her scent drives him wild. Why does this human affect him…
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Posted in Authors, Books, Contemporary Romance, ebook, Fiction, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Readers, Reviews, Romance, Romance Novels, Writing
Tags: Amazon, Blood At First Sight Series, book, book review, book reviews, Books, five stars, paranormal, paranormal romance, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, review, Reviews, romance books, romance novels, Second Nature, vampires, vampires rule
Mark Your Calendars!
Posted by Marie Lavender
I have excellent news! 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 about this awesome opportunity! It only lasts for five days. 😉
Posted in Authors, Books, Contemporary Romance, ebook, Event, Fiction, free offer, giveaway, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Readers, Romance, Romance Novels, Writing
Tags: Amazon, Blood At First Sight Series, free, free book, free books, freebies, Kindle, paranormal, paranormal romance, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, promo, readers, Romance, romance book, romance novel, romance novels, romance readers, Second Nature, vampires