Reese Ryan Romance

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Mindful Banter

Announcing the Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance Giveaway

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Sizzlin' Summer of Contemporary Romance Giveaway

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve teamed with fellow Carina Press authors: Kat Latham, Tamara Morgan, Alison Packards, and Kelsey Browning to celebrate our sizzling summer contemporary romance releases! The Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance event runs July 15 – September 6.

As part of the Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance I will be doing a Grand Prize giveaway in conjunction with my Making the First Move Blog Tour running Monday, July 22nd to Sunday, August 4th. I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card and ALL FIVE of our contemporary romance titles listed below. Want to enter the giveaway or add your blog to the tour? For more information and scheduled tour stops, visit the tour page here.

Each author is running a separate giveaway. To learn more about the giveaway the others will be offering, visit the individual author websites listed below.

The Winning Season by Alison Packard

Publication date: July 15, 2013

The Winning SeasonKelly Maxwell has finally landed her dream job, publicist for the San Francisco Blaze. But the team’s newest member, handsome bad boy catcher Matt Scanlon, is refusing every interview. She’s got to get him to open up before the season ends, or she may not be back next year. And after everything she overcame to achieve her dream, Kelly’s not about to let that happen.

Matt Scanlon just wants to be left alone to rebuild his life and his career. After a year of masking the pain of a recent loss with hard partying and fast women, he finally hit rock bottom and was traded to a team he’s loathed his entire life—a team with little or no chance at the post-season.

Butting heads is getting Kelly and Matt nowhere but annoyed, and with the team’s schedule on the road, they can’t avoid close quarters—or their surprising attraction to one another. As the season winds down, Matt finds his growing feelings for Kelly have brought his numbed emotions back to life. But when betrayal shatters their fragile trust, winning it all seems more impossible than ever.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Alison on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

 

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

Publication date: July 22, 2013

Making the First Move by Reese RyanMelanie Gordon has spent the past five years obsessing over her career to dull the pain of a devastating breakup and the loss of her father. Her effort pays off when she receives the promotion that could be her big break. Only it means returning to her hometown to face her past while leaving behind the man who could be her future.

Selfless (and insanely sexy) philanthropist, Raine Mason, is committed to his cause. But his passion for rescuing high-risk young males from the road to disaster is fueled by his own dark and tragic past.

When Raine is ready to take his casual friendship with Melanie to sizzling new heights, her one-way ticket to Cleveland is already booked. A steamy night of passion leaves them both wanting more. But just when she thinks she is finally ready to give her heart to him she discovers startling news that causes her to question everything she knows about him. Worse, he is harboring a dark secret that threatens to shatter any hope of a future for them unless he can convince her that their love is worth the risk.

Read an excerpt.

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Reese on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

 

Knowing the Score by Kat Latham

Publication date: August 5, 2013

Book one of the London Legends

Knowing the Score - Kat LathamRugby player Spencer Bailey is determined to win a spot on England’s World Cup team. But with a month break before the selectors start watching him, he’s eager to have fun with a woman who knows the score: the relationship will end when rugby season begins. The lovely American Caitlyn Sweeney seems perfect for the role of temporary lover, since her visa will run out soon anyway.

Caitlyn works for an international disaster relief organization and can handle the world’s worst crises, but she flinches from her own. Her past has left her with a fear of intimacy so deep that she has trouble getting close to anyone—until she meets sexy Spencer. His hot body and easygoing nature are too much for even her to resist.

Neither Caitlyn nor Spencer expects to fall hard for each other. But with their relationship deadline approaching, the old rules of the game seem less important than before…until past secrets surface, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Kat at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | katlatham.com

Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning

Publication date: August 26, 2013

Book one of the Texas Nights series

Personal Assets by Kelsey BrowningSex therapist Allie Shelby has the professional credentials, but she could use a bit more practical experience. Finding the right man to bring out her inner bad girl is tough in a population-challenged Texas town. So when sinfully sexy Cameron Wright rolls back into Shelbyville, Allie wastes no time inviting him to join her in some hands-on research.

Cameron has come home to fulfill his dream of restoring classic cars. Back in high school, he knew the town princess, Allie Shelby, was way out of his league. Today he has even less in common with Allie, so he’s shocked as hell when she propositions him. Still, he’s only human, so he accepts her offer—and with each encounter, she shows him another, wilder side. Before long, he’s thinking about more than just sex.

But while her personal life heats up, Allie’s business is about to crash and burn. And she has to convince Cameron that she’s one princess who’s not looking for a prince to ride to her rescue.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Kelsey at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | KelseyBrowning.com

 

The Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan

Publication Date: August 26, 2013

Book Two of the Getting Physical Series

The Derby Girl by Tamara MorganRoller derby girl Gretchen “Honey Badger” Badgerton lives in the moment, no apologies. Like every woman in Pleasant Park with a pulse, she finds Dr. Jared Fine irresistible, but she’s taken by surprise when her unattainable new neighbor asks her out.

On paper, Jared is the perfect man: gorgeous, wealthy and charitable. But his golden image is just that, and opening an upstate practice is a welcome chance to start a new life. When Gretchen stops to help him with a flat tire, he’s intrigued by her feisty attitude—and her sexy body art. There’s something refreshing about being with a take-charge woman who doesn’t expect him to be anything but himself.

Though Gretchen is hesitant to shatter Jared’s “bad girl” illusion of her, she has to face facts: she’s fallen for the good doctor. She’s used to putting everyone else’s needs before hers, but as their relationship heats up, can she handle having someone take care of her for a change?

Buy it at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Find Tamara at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Interview with Arjay Smith of TNT’s Perception

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Arjay Smith from Perception.
Actor Arjay Smith from Perception on TNT.

Actor Arjay Smith undoubtedly looks familiar. No wonder. He has guested on a slew of top television shows including memorable roles on Malcolm in the Middle and The Bernie Mac Show. He played the title role in The Journey of Allen Strange and Jake Gyllenhaal’s best friend in one of my favorite disaster movies–The Day After Tomorrow.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview actor Arjay Smith over on All Things Girl. (Don’t be alarmed at the name difference. That’s definitely me.) I love interviewing other creatives. Regardless of which medium they pursue, there is so much one can learn. Especially from those who are insightful and generous with their knowledge and experience.

Though Arjay is still relatively young, he’s been in show business for two decades. And he’s made the tricky transition from child actor to a working adult actor. I had to know what he attributed to his ability to make this transition when so many who’ve come before and after him have not. His answer was simple and perceptive. Quite fitting since he plays Max Lewicki on the TNT drama Perception along with Eric McCormack and Rachael Leigh Cook.

Hop over to All Things Girl to find out why Arjay has been able to stay grounded in a business that can be quite tumultuous and how he’s managed to have a string of prolific appearances on top televisions shows. Then be sure to catch Arjay Smith tonight on Perception which airs Tuesdays at 10/9 Central on TNT.

Images: Marc Cartwright

Grooming: Bobby Wells

Who Would You Be for a Day and a Making the First Move Excerpt

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Today I’m over at Caribbean Accent Book Reviews (CABR) chatting with my gracious host, Sasha. I’ve interviewed lots of authors (actors, musicians, artists, etc.) over the years–most of them over on All Things Girl. It is strange, yet exciting, to be on the other end of the questions.  Sasha’s questions were a great way to ease into this whole new world of being the interviewee.
Microphone
We discuss what prompted me to tell Melanie and Raine’s story, a scene I found challenging to write, and who I would be if I could be anybody for a day. (That last one is probably my favorite.)

I’m also sharing a funny Making the First Move excerpt which features one of my favorite secondary characters from this story–Melanie’s mom, Ellie Gordon. I love Ellie’s character. She’s the matriarch of the Gordon Family and she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind. She loves her girls fiercely, but she also seems to have a gift for embarrassing poor Melanie. This scene is essentially a meet cute between Melanie’s love interest–Raine–and her mother who is immediately smitten with him–on behalf of her daughter, of course. 😉 The story takes place in my hometown and this scene occurs at one of my favorite spots in town–the Cleveland Museum of Art.

I’d love it if you’d stop by CABR to say hello. While you’re there, be sure to enter into a drawing for an e-copy of Making the First Move.

The Jane Austen Collection Goes Digital…and For Less Than a Buck

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Jane Austen Collection

You probably already know I’m a huge Jane Austen fan and that her character Elizabeth Bennet has taken the position as my unofficial muse. A year or two ago I bought a fancy, collector’s edition of Austen’s seven major novels. It is still wrapped in the plastic. It seems too pretty to actually use…so I haven’t. Then there is the little matter of my reading preference having shifted to e-books on my beloved Kindle Fire HD. So what’s a girl to do when she wants to read Jane Austen? Buy the Jane Austen Collection for less than a buck.

I snagged a copy right away. Even at the normal price–$1.99–it’s an absolute deal. The collection includes Austen’s major works, minor works, early works, unfinished work, and letters.  The TBR list is growing rather long as titles jostle for space on my Kindle. But I hope to get a chance to dive into The Jane Austen Collection soon.

What is your favorite classic novel? Do you own a physical copy? Is it sacrilege to read a classic novel on a digital reader? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

For more information about the Jane Austen Collection, see below:

 

Published by Doma Publishing


[Read more…] about The Jane Austen Collection Goes Digital…and For Less Than a Buck

Cover Reveal: Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

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One of the first things that draws us to a book is its cover. So as a debut author (who may or may not be a teensy bit of a control freak) I was plenty nervous about whether or not I’d like the cover of my debut novel, Making the First Move. 

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan
Making the First Move by Reese Ryan is available for pre-order at these fine booksellers:
Amazon | B & N | B-A-M | iBooks | Amazon United Kingdom

So I’d been sitting on pins and needles for months. Hands were wrung. Floors were paced. And I was seriously stressed about how my cover would turn out.

I’d finally resigned myself to the idea that no amount of worrying (or panicky emails exchanged) would get the cover completed any faster. I would have to wait patiently (not very good at that) and hope for the best (much better at this). So whenever I started to worry about my cover again, I’d repeat the following mantra: “My cover will be done any day now, and I’m going to absolutely love it.”

So you can imagine my joy when the final concept for the cover showed up in my inbox a two weeks ago. I held my breath, clicked on the attachment and completely fell in love. The cover is everything I hoped it would be and more.

I expected to have a minor suggestion for changes, but I had absolutely zero. It’s perfect. I love everything about it. The hero. The heroine. The pink. The font. The entire package.

My plans for doing an exciting, rip-the-white-tarp-off cover reveal got derailed when I discovered the cover was already on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Carina Press website. Yet I didn’t have time to be disappointed. I was too busy kermit-flailing over the fact my Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads book page now felt official. Maybe I felt a little more official, too.

So, I present to you Melanie Gordon and Raine Mason of Making the First Move. To read the summary and excerpt, visit the book page here.

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan is available for pre-order at these fine booksellers:
Amazon | B & N | B-A-M | iBooks | Amazon United Kingdom

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Interview w/ THE IMPACT OF YOU Author Kendall Ryan

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One of the things I am constantly impressed with is the generosity of fellow members of the writing community. The competition to get our books noticed grows tougher as an increasing number of books hit virtual bookshelves each day. This phenomenon is both a pro and con of the ongoing self-publishing/digital publishing revolution.

KendallRyanYou’d think that writers would become territorial, stake their claim, and sabotage fellow writers. Well, it happens. But such instances are quite rare. Instead the majority of writers are willing to reach down and extend aspiring and new writers a hand. They share their knowledge, wisdom, and hard-learned strategies. And they often do so without expecting a thing in return.

The explosion of digital and social media has also shortened the space between authors and their readers. Some authors don’t like this change. The majority have embraced it. This is particularly true of indie authors.

Rising indie author Kendall Ryan embodies both concepts. I met Kendall online after I posted a glowing tweet about her book Make Me Yours which I absolutely adored. This led to an interview which I did for All Things Girl and then a second interview for The Contemporary Romance Café that went live today.

The success Kendall is experiencing is no lucky break or happy coincidence. The woman has a serious work ethic that would put lots of corporate workers (and CEOs) to shame. She generously shares her knowledge and experience as an indie author in these interviews. Kendall is also graciously connects with her fans. Any author can learn a lot from what she has to say.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for a chat with Kendall Ryan.

The Anne of Green Gables Collection

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Though my current reading preference is primarily contemporary romance, I am quite fond of the classics. One series that never gets old in print (or on television) is the Anne of Green Gables series. If you love a good classic–and this one in particular–you’ll be excited about the following news. The series has been formatted for Kindle.

What are your favorite classic novels? Tell me in the comments section below.

Reese Ryan

The Anne of Green Gables Collection

Anne of Green Gables Collection

Cover links to Amazon

by Lucy Maud Montgomery

[Read more…] about The Anne of Green Gables Collection

Why I Write Smart, Strong Heroines with a Side of Family Drama

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Pride-and-Prejudice-1995-ScreencaptureAs writers, 99.9% of us are also avid readers. Each of us has favorite authors whose work inspires us and in some way influences our own writing.

There are several authors I’m quite fond of. Judy Blume, Pearl Cleage, Jane Green, and Benilde Little to name a few. But my very favorite author is Jane Austen–primarily because of my deep and abiding love for Pride and Prejudice with its heroine, Elizabeth Bennet.

This month we’re discussing our favorite literary characters over at the Contemporary Romance Café. Today I’m chatting about my two favorite heroines and the impact those stories have had on the novels I write and the characters who populate them.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a chat over at the Contemporary Romance Café. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win a print copy of one the books in guest author M. Malone’s The Alexanders series.

Photo credit: Still from A&E’s miniseries Pride and Prejudice. 

Release Party: Come What May (Heartbeat #2) by Faith Sullivan

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Today I’m thrilled to be hosting author Faith Sullivan during the Release Party for her latest release, Come What May (Heartbeat #2). The description and a juicy excerpt are below. You can also snag book #1 in the series, now available for just 99¢.

I love sexy contemporary romances featuring very real characters who are damaged and on a journey of love and self-discovery. So I’m excited to pick this title up.

Reese Ryan

Release Party: Come What May (Heartbeat #2) by Faith Sullivan

 

Title: Come What May (Heartbeat #2)

Author: Faith Sullivan

Expected release date: June 4, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Ebook available at: Kindle ($2.99) 

Paperback available at: Amazon ($6.99)






Book Description:

Adam is through with love.

He unravels blaming himself for what happened with Katie.

His final moments with her echo through his nightmares.

She owns him body and soul.

To dull the pain, Adam invites a string of women into his bed. Fueled by alcohol and desperation, his meaningless hook-ups provide little comfort. When he closes his eyes, it’s Katie he sees.

The only one who helps to ease his guilt somewhat is Jada. But as his new ambulance partner, Adam considers her off limits. He doesn’t want to get seriously involved with anyone, much less her. Yet he can’t stop fantasizing about the feel of her caramel skin against his.

Despite his intentions, Adam’s bond with Jada deepens as they respond to a series of emotional calls. Their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. But how can he give his heart to Jada when it still belongs to Katie?

Excerpt:

But I’m unsure of where this is going. Is he trying to open up or just making idle conversation? Whatever it is, it’s not enough for me. I crouch, hanging my legs over the side. A cool breeze issues from the waterfall. Its hypnotic rhythm is so relaxing. I can stretch out right here and fall asleep. I lean back on my elbows and close my eyes against the sun. So I’m startled when something smacks me in the face.It’s Adam’s t-shirt. He’s standing before me in nothing but his jeans. “Care for a swim, Jada?” Laughing, he peers over the edge. All I see are the broad lines of his back. It doesn’t get any sexier than that.

“You’re going to jump into that tiny little pool of water?” My pulse is racing, but somehow I keep my voice steady.

“No, we’re going to climb down together. But you’re going to have to lose some of that clothing first.” His gaze runs across the length of my body, and I’m on fire.

“If you think I’m going to strip down…”

I shut up when I realize he’s bending over me. “Well, you can rid yourself of these muddy shoes for starters.” He undoes the laces and gently slips them off. My breathing gets heavy when his fingers slide up to remove my sock. He doesn’t stop there. On his knees before me, his touch glides up my leg as he rolls the cuff of my pants.

“That takes care of the bottom half. Now what about the top?” I ask brazenly. I’m fighting to regain control of the situation, but it’s a lost cause.

He pulls me up with him, and our bodies are so close together. He grips my waist and I start to get dizzy. Drawing me in, I’m surprised when he tugs at the fabric of my shirt, untucking it in a series of quick motions. His actions cause my chest to rub against his. My legs get shaky and I think I’m going to have to grab onto him for support. But I resist and somehow keep my hands to myself. Slowly, he unfastens the last two buttons and ties the shirt at my waist. His fingertips linger over the exposed skin of my midriff. His touch is driving me wild. I can’t take much more of this.

Stepping back, I feel so exposed even though I’m not showing that much skin. He’s practically naked in front of me and he doesn’t seem embarrassed at all. It’s like he wanted to bring me to some secluded spot in order to seduce me. Was this his plan all along? I’m so confused. Nothing is ever clear with him. It’s impossible to figure out what’s going through his mind and why he’s practically taking off my clothes in the middle of the woods.

And that’s the problem. I kind of like it. His unpredictability keeps me guessing, and I’ve never been so turned on. I’m practically panting before him, wishing his hands would explore every inch of me. But for some reason, it seems like there’s an invisible barrier separating us. He teases me but doesn’t take it further. And all that does is make me want him more. I’m not the type to pursue a guy, but I’d put myself out there for him if I knew that was what he was after. But what if it’s not? We do have to work together, and things can get really awkward between us if I’m wrong.

A shadow of a frown crosses his face when he sees me back away from him. Whatever was happening in that moment is over—I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or relieved. His chest rises and falls as he clenches his fists. The sheer masculine beauty of his sculpted torso is right in front of me. Yet he appears so fragile. Like one hasty word from me will break him. We’re so close. If only I knew his true intentions. Is he just playing with me or is he after something more?

“C’mon, let’s cool off.” But I can’t allow myself to get that close to him again. My thoughts scatter just picturing him against me in the water. With my inhibitions lowered, I’ll be too tempted. If I let down my guard and give into him, I’ll only regret it later when he acts like nothing’s changed between us.

“Nah, you go ahead. I’m just going to stick my feet in.” The creases in his brow deepen, but I don’t stop. “If I have any hope of salvaging this uniform, I don’t think it’ll take any more wear and tear.” It’s the lamest excuse ever, but it’s all I have to go with.

“Suit yourself.” He’s pissed as he makes his way down the rocky incline. He doesn’t even wait for me. What girl wouldn’t want to fool around with him in the water after all that? Who would ever turn him down?

Only me.


The first book of the HEARTBEAT series is only 99 cents on Amazon! 

Click cover to purchase.







Random Things about Author, Faith Sullivan:

– She was so much smarter as a teenager.

– She’s a slow reader.

– She tends to like a book more for its characters rather than its plot.

– She appreciates people who are genuinely kind and come through when you need them.

– As a creative person, she’s not always fun to live with, but she keeps things interesting.

– She misses the days when all she had was a rotary phone that didn’t even have an answering machine.

– She’s a child of the 1980s, and a teenager of the 1990s.

– She loves her dog.

– She likes to travel and see new places – when her limited budget allows.

– She thinks in another lifetime she lived in the UK somewhere by the coast.

– When she feels an emotion, she feels it deeply. It’s a curse.

– She has an overactive imagination. Writing helps alleviate that problem.

– Nine times out of ten, she believes a good book trumps reality.
Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads

 

Blogger Book Fair Coming July 22-26, 2013

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Check in to the Blogger Book Fair,
and book your trip to far away places!

July 22-26, 2013

Authors and Book Bloggers,

Sign ups for the July 2013 Blogger Book Fair will close on June 15 at midnight central time, so get your registrations in to participate!

As of 5/31/2013, we have:

Authors: 89
Books: 233
Bloggers: 14

If you haven’t yet registered, you can find all of the information on the Blogger Book Fair page.

  1. Check out the Code of Conduct
  2. Fill out either the Author Sign Up form or the Blogger Sign Up form (Deadline June 15)
  3. Kayla will match everyone with hosts and send out this information to you after sign-ups close
  4. Check out the events–all authors are eligible to participate in the events, and if you have an event you’d like to host, just fill out the simple Event Sign Up Form–all of this information can be found on the Events! page (Deadline July 8).
  5. If you’re interested in hosting a giveaway to drive traffic to your site, sign up via the Giveaway Sign Up form (Deadline July 15).
  6. And if your book will be FREE or $0.99 for the duration of the Fair, you can sign up on the Free and $.99 Book Sign Up Forms (Deadline July 15).

Events:

as of 5/31/2013

Art Fiction Gala hosted by Lucie Smoker

Does your fiction promote the visual arts–through featuring an artist, painting, sculpture, performance art, etc? Then, consider entering Lucie’s Art Fiction Gala.
The Art Fiction Gala is a virtual celebration of fiction that highlights the visual arts. Dress up in your finest, pick up some friends–a bottle of wine–and sample mind-blowing fiction that crosses the line between literary and visual art. Plus a gallery of art featuring reading.
More information & entry instructions

Three Wishes hosted by Kirstin Pulioff

Introduce your characters to the world.
Kirstin Pulioff invites you to ask your main character, “If you found a magic genie lamp, what would be your three choices?”
More information & entry instructions

Flash Fiction Challenge II hosted by Thomas Winship

Get ready to exercise your flash fiction muscles.
For the Flash Fiction Challenge II, Thomas Winship will provide an opening line.
From there, entrants will craft a flash fiction piece of approx 500 words. Entries will be displayed on Thomas’ blog Vaempires during the BBF, spread out evenly across the five days, in order of receipt.
More information & entry instructions

Snapshot Synopsis Contest hosted by Fel at The Peasants Revolt

Challenge: chisel your synopsis down to 50 words or less.
Voting will be open throughout the fair for visitors to vote on their favorite Snapshot Synopsis.
More information & entry instructions

Reader’s Choice Awards hosted by Sherri at Shut Up & Read

All books registered for the Blogger Book Fair are automatically entered into the running for the Reader’s Choice Awards. Voting will be open from July 22 to July 25.
More information

Indie Soap Box Files hosted by Shah Wharton

Take a turn on the Soap Box.
Shah invites speculative fiction writers to write a guest post about being an indie (or hybrid) writer.
More information & entry instructions
Restrictions: Speculative fiction writers only

Monster Menagerie hosted by Noree at Trip the Eclipse

What’s your favorite monster or supernatural creature?
Feature your creature in a flash fiction piece (500-800) words to be featured on Trip the Eclipse. Visitors will vote on their favorite piece.
More information & entry instructions

Ways to Help:

Blogger Book FairDonate to the Blogger Book Fair via the BBF Donation Fund. To help get the word out about BBF, we would like to place ads on Facebook, Goodreads and other places, but to do, so we need a little help. We’d also like to have some BBF sponsored giveaways, so money donated would also go toward prizes. NO MONEY WILL BE KEPT BY ANY ORGANIZER OR PARTICIPANT.

Spread the word! Share the Fair on your social media accounts and show off the Blogger Book Fair logo in your blog’s sidebar.

Join us on: