Book Spotlight: Ryan Chronicles by J.E. Taylor

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The Ryan Chronicles Trilogy
The Ryan Chronicles Books 1,2,3
J.E. Taylor
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Paranormal Suspense
Publisher: JET-Fueled Fiction / Novel Concept Publishing, LLC
Date of Publication: 10-17-14
ASIN: B00N078SEA
Cover Artist: Cora Graphics

Book Description:

The Ryan Chronicles - Book One: Saving Grace

When CJ Ryan's girlfriend decides life is less complicated without him, CJ travels a destructive path into despair, walking the line between what's right and what feels good. But what feels good is a dangerous slope to travel, especially when Lucifer wages war for his soul.

One wrong step and CJ could fall into the devil's trap, becoming no better than the demons he battles.

Excerpt from book 1:

She smiled and I felt a need stir inside me, and it had nothing to do with my heart, or soul, for that matter.

“You really let a demon tie you up?” Dimples appeared in her cheeks and mine bloomed with heat.

I shifted, focusing back on the darkness beyond the glass, suddenly uncomfortable and unable to look at her. I swear my face must be the shade of a bright red kickball. “I wasn’t exactly myself,” I said without looking at her.

She chuckled.

The kind of chuckle that was meant as a turn on and I slid my gaze to her. “You like your men tied up?” I raised an eyebrow. It was her turn to blush and she grinned, shrugging and looking back outside. Before I could explore more of this conversation, she took a step back, dragging me with her.

There must have been a dozen pale creatures slinking across the back yard. I gave her hand that gripped my upper arm a gentle pat and she turned her frightened gaze to me.

“They won’t get through.” My voice held confidence, but deep inside, I was trembling just as much as she was. Damian, Steve, and I had wiped out more than this at the cove, but that was three of us and of course Paradise Cove probably had a lot to do with it.

We both focused on the approaching horde and without much thought, I slung my arm around Valerie’s shoulder and pulled her close. It was time to concentrate on the deadly quality of the wall I put up. I wasn’t sure of how much sizzle to put into it.

“I want to see them burn,” Valerie said, answering my silent contemplation and a chill ran up my spine.

She had every right to hate these creatures as much as demons and I concentrated, glaring at the approaching danger. Saliva ran from their lips and their teeth gleamed in the moonlight. My heart pounded in my chest, sending throbbing vibrations through my skin. The harder my heart beat, the hungrier the approaching vampires looked.

“Just a few more feet,” I muttered, focusing on the entire perimeter of the house because I wasn’t as much of an idiot as they thought. This wasn’t the only line of assault. Still, when they advanced, I took a cautious step backwards, pulling Valerie with me. The power inside me grew and I couldn’t tell whether it was the adrenaline or the power raking across my skin like a hundred finely manicured nails. The sensation grew, moving from the land of pleasure into the world of discomfort and I gritted my teeth.

“Come on, you motherfuckers,” I growled, loud enough for their acute hearing to pick up. I moved Valerie behind me and positioned myself in a fighting stance, waving them in with my leading hand. The results were memorable.

They all launched towards the glass slider and the moment they hit my invisible barrier each vampire burst into a ball of flame. The roar of fire drowned out their screams, but I heard them and the dark part of my soul reveled in it.

Valerie let out a high pitched laugh and I glanced back at her, smiling.

She met my gaze with a measure of awe. “The only one I ever saw do something that impressive was Michael.”

Being compared to an archangel was humbling and I glanced outside at the black dust spinning on the wind. “I’m not an angel.”

“Oh, I gathered that,” she said and stepped away.

I turned towards her. “What do you mean by that?”

“You’re more recent activities?”

I shoved my hands into my pockets and stared at the floor, shamed by the fact she was privy to my more decadent actions. Instead of apologizing, I lifted my gaze to hers, studying the memories of her past, especially the times after the more traumatic events. Naomi was right about one thing. The girl never freaked out. Ever.

And therein lay the challenge.

I let a grin slowly surface and narrowed my eyes, stepping closer. “So, you want to try out some of those ‘activities’ with me?”

She laughed. The kind of laugh that bruised a man’s ego and when she went into the gale realm, I crossed my arms, my good humor turning sourer by the second.

***

The Ryan Chronicles - Book Two: Raven Heart

CJ Ryan still can't remember a thing about his past, but he is determined to have a future with Valerie. Despite his lack of memory, he finds himself ensnared in the cutthroat world of entertainment whether he wants it or not. The push into the spotlight shines a harsh glare on his family and brings with it a plague of horrors that drag him to the edge.

With the darkness of the past threatening, CJ turns to his brother looking for answers, but when an enemy with a psychotic history re-enters their lives, it will take more than just his memory to save them.

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The Ryan Chronicles - Book Three: Trinity's Wrath

CJ Ryan's life seems to have fallen into place, and while the backdrop of his Hawaiian honeymoon provides the perfect healing elixir, the guilt of sentencing his father to an eternity of torture at Lucifer's hands starts to intrude on his happily-ever-after.

When he and Valerie return from Hawaii, a note from the king of hell greets him, outlining in sickening detail his plans for CJ and those he holds dearest.

With everyone he loves on Lucifer's hit list, CJ must start living up to the bargain he made in Heaven, but every one of Hell's gates he closes is one less portal available for his father's escape.

Available at Amazon


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About the Author:

J.E. Taylor is a writer, a publisher, an editor, a manuscript formatter, a mother, a wife and a business analyst, not necessarily in that order. She first sat down to seriously write in February of 2007 after her daughter asked:

“Mom, if you could do anything, what would you do?”

From that moment on, she hasn’t looked back and now her writing résumé includes more than a dozen published novels along with several short stories on the virtual shelves including a few within eXcessica anthologies.

In addition to being co-owner of Novel Concept Publishing , Ms. Taylor also moonlights as a Senior Editor of Allegory an online venue for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. She has been known to edit a book or two and also offers her services judging writing contests for various Romance Writers Association chapters.

She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children and during the summer months enjoys her weekends on the shore in southern Maine.

Visit her at www.jetaylor75.com and sign up for her newsletter for early previews of her upcoming books, release announcements, and special opportunities for free swag!

Sign up for Ms. Taylor’s newsletter at:
http://eepurl.com/P6UPX

And as always, please consider leaving an honest review!

http://jetaylor75.blogspot.com/

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Books by J.E. Taylor

The Ryan Chronicles Series
Saving Grace
Raven Heart
Trinity’s Wrath (10/17/2014)
The Ryan Chronicles Trilogy (10/17/2014)

Night Hawk Series:
Night Hawk
Tigress
Trinity Rising
Night Hawk Trilogy

Steve Williams Series:
Dark Reckoning
Vengeance
Hunting Season
Georgia Reign
Crystal Illusions
Saving Face
The Steve Williams Series (all six books in a box e-book set)

The Death Chronicles Series:
Don’t Fear the Reaper
Highway to Hell
Knocking on Heaven’s Door
The Death Chronicles Trilogy

The Games Series:
Survival Games
Mind Games
End Game
The Games Trilogy

Other titles: 
Steam – Anthology
Glimpses – Anthology
Messiah

Short Stories by J.E. Taylor
Miami Heat
Mile High
Office Games
The Raising
The Seduction of Sir Galahad
Armageddon
Harvest Moon
Abyss
Grayson House
Nightmares
The Understudy

Series Spotlight & Giveaway: Sekhmet's Guardians by V.S. Nelson

Genre: Paranormal – romance
TITLE: Eternal Lovers – Sekhmet’s Guardians – Book One
ISBN: ISBN-10: 1481002791
ISBN-13: 978-1481002790
Book Length: 570 pages
Publisher: Createspace

Eternal Lovers - When two hidden worlds collide near modern day Lake Michigan, Jennifer, a young Native American, is confronted with the reality not everything is as it seems and things do go bump in the night.

The questions she has long since asked are answered in this epic tale of self discovery when she meets Gabriel; the director of Guardians Incorporated.


Born in New Tuat, Netchkhet, now known as Gabriel, came to Earth some five thousand years ago to protect the human race, Disillusioned because of an unfulfilled prophecy, he has become cold and distant - even from those of his kind. Secretly, he waits for his enemy to take his head so he may leave this world for good.

Can a tiny Selkie melt his hardened heart and restore his faith in a power far greater than himself? When history repeats itself, can he save her from death's embrace or will they be robbed of a future again?

Excerpt:

SNIPPET: ETERNAL LOVERS

“SIT!” the black haired one, demanded.

He sat down in the chair directly next to Bill. He started to speak, but before he uttered a single word, he was silenced by the Ancient’s unspoken command.

“Do you know who I am?” The largest of them asked.

“Sire, I can only assume you are one of the seven Ancients, one of the makers of our race.”

“I am Gabriel, once know as Netchkhet. I am the leader of the Guardians.”

“Sire, it is an honor.”

“Silence. Do not speak unless you are spoken to. Your fate and the fate of that…” Gabriel said as he sneered at Bill, “…is undetermined. Do not try to please me with your whimpering pledges of admiration.”

It dawned on David that Gabriel’s mouth was not moving as he spoke. He was interjecting his thoughts directly into his mind.

“The decision has been made. I was content to keep your little secret quiet for Jennifer’s sake. I even thought about giving her husband the opportunity to make a choice, Jennifer or you. Not anymore.”

He turned his attention to Bill and spoke aloud. “You will release all holds on Jennifer. You will never see her again. Everything you own is now hers. Your house, your money, and your cars… Do you understand?”

Bill’s head nodded as he was still unable to speak.

Gabriel looked back at him and once again interjected his question directly into his mind.

“Does this mortal mean anything to you? Or is he here simply for your amusement? Speak your answer aloud so all can hear.”

David wasn’t sure if the Ancients would understand his feelings towards Bill but he had nothing to lose by telling them the truth. They would know if he was lying.

“I love him more than my own life. If he would have me, I would have him as my lifemate.”

“That woman has stood in the way of my happiness...”

Gabriel growled then slapped him right out of his chair and sent him flying across the room.

***

Genre: Paranormal – romance
TITLE: Eternal Nights – Sekhmet’s Guardians – Book Two
ISBN: ISBN-10: 1483904776
ISBN-13: 978-1483904771
Book Length: 540 pages
Publisher: Createspace

With each passing day Jessica’s consciousness grew stronger.

For twenty years she was content to remain as she was—trapped inside another. The life she led came to an abrupt end the moment she laid eyes on Raphael.

At first she suspected they were destined to be together--his gentle touch confirmed it. Although he didn’t know it, he ignited waves of a fiery passion that burned deep into her soul. It became brighter every day, giving her the strength she needed. Somehow she would find a way to free herself from her grandmother’s powerful magic.

Since her birth she learned vicariously from observing others of her kind and until now she was satisfied with the life she led. She had everything one would need to live a meaningful life without the stress the human world inflicts on its inhabitants. With each passing day her obsession to be more than she was, intensified. Jessica knew she was gifted with her race's abilities to communicate with others but until now she had never used them. They say practice makes perfect and she was at a point now where she could make her presence known—at least to him.

Excerpt:

SNIPPET: ETERNAL NIGHTS

Hours later, with stars twinkling over head and a bright full moon, Raphael and Jessica walked barefoot out on the long cedar dock that overlooked Jennifer’s favorite cove. They sat, dangling their feet in the cool water, enjoying the quiet surroundings after a day packed with travel and entertaining others.

“Jessica, there are some things we need to talk about,” Raphael said, sadness seeping into his vocal cords as he spoke.

She didn’t want him to be sad--not now--not ever. Turning her head she looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

“When… After Jen did the separation…”

“Raphael, I think I know what is bothering you… you think I don’t remember you saving my life but I do… It’s what saved me, Ray.”

“Ray? Since when did I become Ray?”

“The minute I first laid eyes on you back at the animal rescue center. You were my ray of hope, my ray of inspiration, the one that gave me the strength to fight for what I believed to be my destiny.

“And now that you are here?”

There was a questioning tone to his voice--one she wasn’t sure she liked. His attitude was towards her was changing. Something is off.  Had all of it been a lie? For over a week they remained by each other’s side. He never left her alone for more than a few minutes the entire time they were in the mountains. Was everything they encountered, night after night, while he slept a lie? Was it just some fantasy she created in her own mind to give her the strength she needed to overcome her grandmother’s magic? Was he just being kind to her out of some sense of obligation or for his love for Nowaki?

“You’re not sorry about offering your life force to me, are you?”  She questioned silently, trying to hide her panic.

“Oh no, I was just afraid that you didn’t remember and that you might be uncomfortable with the idea… I don’t want any secrets between us… and I don’t want you to feel like you are being forced into a relationship you may not want…”

Want? Was he kidding? Ray is everything… my reason for living, for existing.

“After thinking about it, I don’t think that little action bound you to me… You do know that you are free to make your own decisions on where you want to live… who you want to be with…”

Is that why he hadn’t touched her this past week? He wanted her to choose someone else. It had never dawned on her until now, he might not want her. She fought back the tears as she stood up, slid out of Alice’s grey sweat suit and dove deep into the icy dark water.

In the mountains on the day they visited the cabin where she was born, Jennifer told her of her experiences as a Selkie. Jen had always had a love for water but said, “Never before embracing her Selkie side, did she truly know what it meant to be one with the water.” To be emerged and comforted by the depths of the deepest pools was something she was longing for--needed this very instant. No wonder broken hearted Selkies sought comfort at the bottom of the ocean. The minute she dove in she felt the water protecting and comforting her like a mother’s womb--like Nowaki had for so many years.

She wasn’t sure where this water would take her--hopefully somewhere away from here--away from all the pain she was feeling. Perhaps she would eventually find the great ocean Jennifer talked about--perhaps she would find others of her kind where she could live out her days. Why, oh why did I take Ray’s gift? The wounds would have killed me and I would have been spared from this agony.

***

Genre: Paranormal – romance
TITLE: Eternal Blades – Sekhmet’s Guardians – Book Three
ISBN: ISBN-10: 1493633406
ISBN-13: 978-1493633401
Book Length: 480pages
Publisher: Createspace

Eternal Blades – Tshering Snow never meant to fall hopelessly in love with her savior, the Ancient, known as Lance, but she did. He seems to care deeply for her, spending every available hour with her, but will he be able to give up his past and settle down with one woman? After all, he has the reputation of a playboy.

Lance hates the personification he has created around himself. Afraid the others might not understand why; he has held back the truth from Gabriel and the other Guardians, he has waited for the right woman, the one Sekhmet prophesized so long ago. And now he has found her. When he is accused of fathering a child by both Gabriel and Tshering, how can he make them believe the child is not his, even if the boy is a spitting imagine of him?

After the women are attacked by Set’s Legions while relaxing on Jennifer’s new yacht, they come to the unanimous decision; they will train and join the Guardian forces. But that’s not as easy as it was meant to be. Old fashioned and hard headed, Gabriel is determined he will not having women fighting in their war.

When Tshering, Jennifer and Jessica are taken hostage by Set’s Legions all hell breaks loose on the Guardian’s compound. Lost without their mates, brother fights brother while they try save their women and put an end to the Legion’s terror. Will Sekhmet, the goddess they serve, step in and reveal the truth or will she leave them to find their own solutions to a never ending war as she has in the past?

Excerpt:

SNIPPET: ETERNAL BLADES

Lance stopped just before they made their way to main floor of the estate. With both of his hands on her waist, he turned her around to face him.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

There were still lines of worry on his face. When he first arrived back at the dock he ran to her, leaving someone else to care for his boat while he quickly checked her over for injuries. She assured him she was fine. His hands traveled over her entire body. In fact, she was more than fine. Seeing the love on his face, she would gladly endure it all over again. Her heart was pumping adrenaline faster than it ever had and it wasn’t just from the fight or the excitement of what transpired--she was once again reassured he cared deeply for her.

“Lance, I’m okay… really. I’m just worried about Marie. I didn’t mean to keep her underwater so long… but I didn’t have a choice… I was afraid if I returned to the surface too soon…”

“Honey, you did the right thing. You heard Michael, Marie is going to be fine. He only called the OB to be on the safe side.”

“I hope so…”

He tilted his head, placing his lips on hers, bringing her closer and into the comfort of his warm embrace. When they broke apart, she noticed his eyes were clouded with moisture.

He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “God, I thought I lost you… I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

She was amazed… no, shocked. Lance who was always so composed was rattled while she seemed to be holding it together.

“Lance, I’m fine, really… Come on, I think we need to go in the dining room. Gabriel is still waiting to hear what happened.”

“It won’t hurt my brother to wait a few more minutes… I just need to hold you for a while… Please?”

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him.

“You’re sure your okay?” He asked again.

She nodded her head which was resting on his strong shoulder.

Seconds passed before he pulled back, smiled at her then took hold of her hand. “Come on, let’s go join the others.”

***

Genre: Paranormal – Historical
TITLE: Eternal Tuat– Sekhmet’s Guardians – Book Four
ISBN: ISBN-10: 1499185464
ISBN-13: 978-1499185461
Book Length: 340pages
Publisher: Createspace

Eternal Tuat - Unlike the other three novels in Sekhmet’s Guardians, this first person, stand-alone historical takes the reader back in time 6,000 years, back to the land of New Tuat and to ancient Egypt. The question, how could two identical twin brothers turn out so differently are answered by Bagsu in this epic tale of family, growth, loss, betrayal and brotherhood.

Bagsu, his name alone strikes fear in the Guardian Nation.
What can cause one twin, destined to take his father’s place as a priest turn evil and lead a crusade to dominate the human race while the other fights to save mankind?

Finally, secrets are revealed when Bagsu leads us back in time to the land of New Tuat. Experience first hand what really happened to Bagsu and Gabriel long before they became immortal, when twin brothers were the best of friends.

Excerpt:

Time seems to stand still as I ingest the bitter-sweet fruit which is offered to me. The power of my ancestors and the knowledge of the Gods overwhelm my entire being, changing me somehow into that which they are. I can feel my body undergo a transformation as each drop I swallow is absorbed in my organs. My muscles twist and pound against my flesh. I grow in height and strength.

I’m suddenly aware of all things around me; my senses are alive taking on a life of their own. I hear the thoughts of others--in this room and outside these sacred walls. A hunger I have never had before engulfs me. I want more, need more, demand more. I tip the silver chalice that graces my hands to my lips knowing the life it shares completes me and makes me whole. I am absolved of my past sins, washed away like a fresh morning rain; I am born anew under the hand of my Lord and Master. His blood is my blood, his thoughts become my own, his words are my words. Reborn in duty, sacrifice and blood I shed those things I once held dear to my heart as if they are nothing more than rubbish laid out on a street corner left for someone to pick up. Love for others outside this small circle of service is washed away from me as if it was a tide going out to sea never to be seen again by human eyes. It is replaced with an emotion I have no words for.

The transformation is complete.

Indifferent to what others might believe, I am he, holier than the most high. I am as my ancestors; I am a God in the eyes of mankind. I am Bagsu, the Son of Set, born not by his seed but by his blood making me Lord God over this Dominion and Chief Prime above all  others who serve He who is above all others. I am Bagsu; fear me for my wrath is upon you.

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About the Author:

With a love for history, Native American author V.S. Nelson, instructed elementary, high school and college in the U.S. and abroad before launching her second writing career.

V has been a story-teller all her life, always creating stories about people discovering the courage to make a difference. This drove her into writing her paranormal series centering on strong relationships and led her to coin the term: Ancient Legends, New Worlds.

She is well known for her “time management and sprint style writing,” producing well over five thousand words daily - consecutively. Ms. Nelson is available for speaking engagements, appearances and is more than willing to share her methodology with others in a variety of workshops.

A member of three RWA chapters she sits on several committees and judges writing contests across the states. She is currently the Vice President of Communications for the Desert Rose (Phoenix) RWA Chapter.

She enjoys hearing from readers, fans and people with similar interests. They are more than welcome to contact her through her website http://www.authorvsnelson.com

Buy Links:

Eternal Lovers

Eternal Nights

Eternal Blades

Eternal Tuat

Contact Links:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Amzon

Youtube: 

Eternal Lovers

Eternal Nights

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Tour giveaway will be: Amazon gift card & signed editions (one winner for gift card – one winner for signed editions)

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