Saturday, January 30, 2016

January Book Reads

January comes to an end and my reading goal shifted. Have you ever had one stack of books where you tell yourself you are going to read them and then you see another stack of books that look a little more appealing and reach for it instead.

Well, that's exactly what happened!

I started with a goal of reading 10 Nancy Drew books and the next thing I know I'm nose deep in a Sherrilyn Kenyon book! I just can't keep away.

On the bright side I read Nancy Drew 1-3 and then 4 Kenyon books. This brings Jan 2016 Books read to 8 out of 52! that's a great thing. If I read 8 books a month all year I will have read about 96 books!! That is amazing, but my goal isn't that high and I know I will get distracted and be busy, so let's drop that down a little.

I have 44 books to go and 11 more months. so as long as I stay reading 4 books a months I will reach my end year book goal on time.

Books read so far for the Year 2016!!

Nancy Drew Books:

1-The Secret of the Old Clock---------5 Stars
2-The Hidden Staircase-----------------4 Stars
3-The Bungalow Mystery--------------5 Stars


Sherrilyn Kenyon Books:

Bad Attitude (B.A.D. Agency Book 1) ----------3 Stars
Silent Truth (B.A.D. Agency Book 4 w/ Dianna Love) ------2 Stars
Unleash the Night (Dark Hunter 8) -------------- 5 Stars
The Guardian (Dark Hunter 20) ------------------ 5 Stars
Dream Chaser (Dream Hunter) ------------------- 5 Stars


On to the next month! February To Be Read List coming soon!!

--Brenda Franklin, Silly human being with delusions of monsters and worlds in my head. :)

Sunday, January 3, 2016

January 2016 reading goal

My January 2016 reading goal is to read the first ten of the Nancy Drew books! It’s been a long time since I have read any and I thought, since I had the mystery bug, I might as well make use of my Christmas present. So reading Nancy Drew it is!

So far I have read the secret of the old clockthe hidden staircaseThen Bungalow Mystery, and I am reading The mystery at Lilac Inn. There is 64 of these run short stories all at about 180 pages. They are fun quick reads that take me back to Jr. High when I first started to read them. I remember being engrossed in them, I couldn’t read enough of them. Though reading them now it feels different and I see the details in a different light or the themes to be a bit cliché I will always love the stories and the feelings I remember when enjoying one and I look forward to my own children reading them as well.

Fun fact: Did you know that Nancy Drew is a Pseudonym (Pen) Name for multiple authors produced by the Stratemeyer Syndicate.Both male and female authors wrote the series. Another amazing fact that I picked up is that there are 175 books! 175!! That's amazing! Nancy Drew ran from 1930 to 2003. And Nancy Drew got an overhaul from 2004-2012 with the books titles, Nancy Drew: Girl Detective.

Are there any mystery books you would recommend?

-Brenda Franklin

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Top Ten 2015 Reads

My 2015 top ten list!! It was a hard one figure out, but after enough thought this is how they fall. And I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite reads were in 2015! Here we go . . .

10th place
Set Me Free by Diana Nixon

It was supposed to be just another day at work for a local newspaper reporter, Stella Holt. She had always loved her job, and believed she was good at it. Until one day when she was sent to interview the author of a worldwide bestseller who had made so many women fall in love with him.

James Collins is not just a word-painter. His every work is a masterpiece, a perfect blend of mystery and mind-blowing romance. Only in his own life, there is no place for romance. He knows everything about women, starting from what they like most, and to the ways to seduce them with only a glance. But there’s a secret that has been aggrieving him for years, a secret that has locked his heart forever…

“I thought I would never fall in love with you, Stella. And I didn’t… I drowned in you…”


9th Place
One Lucky Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Luck be a vampire tonight . . .

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

. . . and every night

Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.

8th Place
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan







To escape an assassin, Rachael finds sanctuary in the rainforest, where the most exotic of all creatures walks: Rio. But when he unleashes his secret animal instincts, Rachael fears that her isolated haven could become an inescapable hell...









7th Place
Biting the Bullet by Jennifer Rardin

This is a mission unlike anything my vampire boss, Vayl, and I have ever been on. It's not our usual take them out and run; it's an undercover mission that needs the whole gang: a psychic, an interpreter, and a weapons specialist. We're joining a Special Ops team to nail the Wizard, a major terrorist thorn in the military's side. We've never gone in with such heavy artillery before, but the more the merrier, right? Um . . . nope. At least not since Vayl and I learned part of our job is to ferret out a mole concealed in our unit.

To add to our problems, we're being harried by a pack of reavers bent on revenge, and targeted by a Seer who wants to share Vayl's power - at any cost. Oh yeah, and let's not forget the army of demonic, soul-sucking parasites either. This is going to be a blast.




6th Place
Viper Game by Christine Feehan

GhostWalker Wyatt Fontenot knows the price he paid for the secret military experiments that gave him his special catlike abilities. After all, he left his bayou home a healer and came back a killer. While Wyatt and his GhostWalker brother Gator may have known exactly the sort of game they were getting into, Wyatt never anticipated where it would lead—or to whom.

The swamps hold many mysteries, but few are as sinuously seductive as Le Poivre de Cayenne. The woman the locals call Pepper is every bit as enigmatic as the three little girls she’s desperately trying to protect. From what, Wyatt is soon to discover. Right now Pepper needs a man like Wyatt. Passionately. But her secrets are about to take them both deeper into the bayou than either imagined—where desire is the deadliest poison of all.



5th Place
Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin



Jaz Parks has enough trouble in her personal life. What she doesn't need is more trouble with her vampire boss and another mission. This time she has to retrieve a vital piece of biotechnology by killing the maniac who stole it: an ancient Chinese vamp. Their cover in this mission: professional entertainers at the Corpus Christi's Winter Festival. 

The crew's all here: a psychic, a techno-wizard, a singing vampire, a juggling PI, and Jaz. Holy crap in a bottomless well, Jaz is going to bellydance. It's definitely, probably, quite possibly going to be the end of the world as we know it.




4th Place
The Tales of Beedle the Bard



The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.



3rd Place
Earth Bound by Christine Feehan

After escaping from a cult, Lexi found refuge with her sisters on the farm that more than sustained her body—it nurtured her soul as well. But she never forgot the terror she left behind or the always present fear that the cult would find her again, and claim her. Then her nightmare came true.

Lexi was discovered and threatened—only to be suddenly saved by a stranger. He is Gavriil Prakenskii, and he’s awestruck by the woman he’s rescued. She is destined for him. He can feel it in his soul. But how can Lexi find happiness with a man steeped in secrets and shadows, one intimately acquainted with violence, and whose very love could be the death of them?



2nd Place
Murder at Longbourn by Tracy Kiely

Planning New Year’s resolutions to rid her life of all things unhealthy, Elizabeth Parker has dumped fatty foods, processed sugar, and her two-timing boyfriend. Indeed, the invitation to join her Aunt Winnie for a How to Host a Murder Party on New Year’s Eve at Winnie’s new Cape Cod B and B comes just in time. But when the local wealthy miser ends up the unscripted victim, Elizabeth must unearth old secrets and new motives in order to clear her beloved aunt of suspicion. The suspects include the town gossip, a haughty rich woman, and an antiques business owner much enamored of his benefactress, a Mrs. Kristell Dubois. If that isn’t bad enough, Elizabeth must also contend with her childhood nemesis, Peter McGowan—-a man she suspects has only matured in chronological years—-and her suspicions about his family’s interest in Winnie’s inn.

Yesterday, her only worry was of ever finding her Mr. Darcy. Now she has a murder to solve. Is it any wonder her resolution to achieve inner poise is in tatters?

By reimagining characters and themes lifted from the treasured classic Pride and Prejudice, and crafting an expert, intricate mystery, Tracy Kiely has brought to life something very special: a new cozy series that is clever, vibrant, and utterly disarming.



1st Place
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.




Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Cover Reveals for Shattered and Louise II

Author Diana Nixon is kicking off 2016 with two new releases! Louise II, and Shattered! And here today is the amazing covers for these two books!!



SHATTERED

By DIANA NIXON

COMING JANUARY 2016

Blurb:

It was love at first sight; a story that was supposed to last forever. A young heart that had never known true love, and a lonely soul seeking something real. I was that soul, and Elizabeth Brown was my beautiful heart, innocent and full of lawless passion.  She made me believe that love can change anything. And it did change me… It broke me, it shattered me.

The betrayal that I never saw coming, was like a dagger straight through my heart. In the blink of an eye, my love was replaced by endless hate and pain that I thought I would never be able to forget. But who would have thought that even bleeding hearts can love? Who would have believed that in eyes with no hope, a new fire can start burning?

“I will make her fall for me again. And then, I will ruin her, just like she ruined me…”

Add on Goodreads


LOUISE

BOOK II

A NEW BEGINNING

By DIANA NIXON

COMING FEBRUARY 2016

Blurb:

Life is not always easy. Especially when you are in love with the man whose life is so much different from yours. Power, money, respect – these are the things that a girl raised in an orphanage can only dream about. But sometimes, love is the only power that you need to get whatever you wish for…

Louise Woods had always been a fighter. She had known since childhood that everything has a price. But freedom was the only thing that she could never have.

Living in a world of lies and betrayal, will she sacrifice her love to become finally free?

Or will she let her heart win?

A new journey full of passion and forbidden dreams; it’s a new dance, it’s a new life.

“We will start it all from the very beginning, from the very first kiss…”

Add on Goodreads

Official page: www.diana-nixon.com

~~About the Author~~


10520634_548001248666392_6622454048362840415_oDiana Nixon, an International Bestselling Author of contemporary and paranormal romances, is a woman of contradictions. She was born in Minsk, Belarus, where she currently lives and works on her books. She has a Master of Law degree and speaks several foreign languages, including English, Polish and Spanish.

Diana’s writing career is like a roller coaster ride. It started with a fantasy novel named Love Lines, that was originally written in Russian and only later, it was translated into English. Diana had always wanted her story to be well-known all over the world, that’s why she started working with the US publishers, but it was not easy living in Belarus. The book needed to be translated, edited and promoted. After almost a year of hard work, Diana had finally received the first copy of Love Lines. Since then, she has published more then a Dozen works, both of contemporary and fantasy genres.



-Brenda Franklin, author of The Pulse Trilogy and Guardian, A Fated Pairing.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Pulse Book character reveal!

There is another Pulse World Novel in the works and I am ready to reveal it's contents! I know, you're probably thinking, “About Time!”. Well, the wait is over with!

The newest book is Nightmares and Remedies.

This book is featuring the character Bethany Jean, who we hear about in A Steady Pulse and meet in book two and three of the Pulse Trilogy. She is a fun and aggressive character with a flare for fashion and cute guys. She loves cooking all kinds of food and is the Co-Owner of E-Z Treats with her best friend Elizabeth (Main lady of The Pulse Trilogy).

Bethany is pulled into the world of Vampires unexpectedly due to events in The Pulse Trilogy. Not all loose ends were taken care of and this one could cost Bethany everything.

But it wouldn't be a fun paranormal romance without a fun and sexy hunk to go along with it, how about three? Haha Yeah, there are several new characters that will keep you entertained.

Well, that's enough teasing for now. I'll Blog later with more!

-Brenda Franklin, author of The Pulse Trilogy

Monday, October 5, 2015

Fall is in the Air

Fall is in the air! It's October and temperatures here in Louisiana are already dropping. I was curled up in bed with an extra blanket, turning off my fan, and even tucking my head away. Yep, Fall is certainly here. I love it!

What's your favorite season?

We are pulling out the seasonal smelling candle waxes to melt, not that we didn't melt them before, but now it feels more authentic, ya know?

What is your favorite Wax Melt?

This season also put me in the mood to cook-more like bake! Just something about this time of year gets me pumped! Surely, I am not the only one? I have already cooked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies, Pecan Bars, and Cherry/strawberry Kuchen Bars. Each day something different and amazingly enough each day it gets finished. Haha got to love family. I wouldn't be able to eat all this on my own.

What do you love to cook or eat during Fall?

With Fall here I know the end of the year is really close. I mean, I can almost see it! We are just three months away from 2016 and I think that's scary. I swear this year just started the day before yesterday, but apparently I'm wrong-don't tell my husband. Anyway, it's time to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, wrap up all the little things you've been putting off all year long, and take some time to reflect upon this year and think about the next. But I'm just going to take this one step at a time, right now I am going to focus on tying up lose ends.

One thing I want to finish is my reading. I have a Goodreads reading challenge and as of right now it is 17 of 52. Yeah, that is a huge difference. I am far from my end year goal and it isn't look pretty. So I am going to focus on reaching 25. I can at least do that. That is 8 more books! 8! I know so many people in their sleep who could do that, but that is other people. You should really never compare yourself to someone else. Go at your own pace, my husband always says. So 3 months, 8 books! I can do this!!

What book have you read lately?

Another goal is to finish and name the next book in the Pulse World Series! I am currently on writing page 245. I don't know why I can't just write a short story? Nooooo it has to be over 200 pages. Haha But I know I love to read a longer book so I bet plenty of y'all love it too. You're welcome. Once the final word is written and I send it to the amazing ladies that have become my editors and mean critiques I hope the name will make an appearance. I will keep y'all posted.

And if any one is wondering I am still working out, just doing it a little differently now. I will post about it later.

Enjoy the cooler weather while it last, I know I will.

-Brenda Franklin

Friday, August 14, 2015

Pulse World stories

The Pulse World, though finished for Elizabeth and Virgil in The Pulse Trilogy (A Steady Pulse, Barely Beating, and Flat Line), is still alive and kicking. There are an array of characters that we have yet to truly learn about. Along with stories that are begging to be told. Such as people's histories, how certain couples ended up together, the story that started the war between brothers, and what about some of the adventures of Annette and Andrel?! If you don't know the characters you are missing out! Grab your copy of A Steady Pulse as an ebook for #FREE at Barnes and Noble or a paperback.

Anyway, this is where I am at. I am struggling to figure out what story to tell first. Two are currently colliding with one another, though one is in the led I am beyond excited to get them out! First drafts are so much fun but they are always the messiest and require the most attention. There is so much detail and connections you have to make sure line up within each other, especially when writing scenes that run parallel in another book.

I don't want to give too much information, but I will say this. One story takes place almost a year after the Pulse Trilogy, while one runs parallel to the Pulse Trilogy revealing what happened to a character that should have perished. I know, that could be a few different people, but if you have read book three, Flat Line, I am certain you guessed who. :)

There is plenty more to come, and both of these stories do not have release dates. So I am saying 2016 for now until things become more certain.

See you soon!


Brenda Franklin

The Pulse Trilogy
(Paranormal Romance Trilogy)
A Steady Pulse AmazonSmashwords, and Barnes and Noble
Barely Beating AmazonSmashwords, and Barnes and Noble
Flat Line AmazonSmashwords, and Barnes and Noble



Guardian, A Fated Pairing
(Paranormal Romance)
AmazonSmashwords, and Barnes and Noble