Yay!! We’ve done it again!! I’m thrilled to be able to tell you that, in less than 24 hours, BLOOD INSTINCT has hit #1 in Gothic Romance on Amazon UK – from pre-orders alone! It also hit #1 in Gothic Romance’s Hot New Releases! We even reached #6 on Amazon.com in the same chart. That’s now the third Blackthorn book in a row to do it. š
Thank you SO much to everyone who clicked that pre-order button and made this possible – and for your wonderful reaction to the cover reveal yesterday. <3
The review copies also started to go out last night, and this was the first bit of feedback I received this morning:
“Omg, Lindsay J. Pryor, you have truly outdone yourself this time. Holy crap; I have never read a book with so many plot twists that I never saw comingā¦Thank god Lindsay is already working on Blood Bound. My hands are just shaking right nowā¦”
Thank you, Sarah!
Let’s hope you agree when you get to read it. Talking of which…
If you can’t bear the wait any longer, look out for a giveaway early next week!
Have a wonderful weekend! xxx
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UPDATE:
Blood Instinct has now made it to #4 in the Gothic Romance chart on Amazon.com and #1 in Hot New Releases in Gothic Fiction there too. š Thank you to everyone who continues to pre-order.
With only four weeks left to go before the official release of BLOOD INSTINCT ā book 6 in my Blackthorn series ā I am thrilled to finally be able to share both the cover and the blurb with youā¦
Here’s our Jask, in his full azure-eyed glory this time around!
āI THINK WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU TRIGGERS THE WORST OF MEā
Sophia McKayĀ has always had a reckless streak, but falling for lycan leader Jask Tao gave her something to live for. Now, cursed with a serryn bloodline, a darkness inside Phia is awakening. A darkness she knows could prove deadly to those she loves most.
Approaching a blue moon,Ā Jask TaoĀ and his pack are living close to the edge due to a delay getting the herbs required to stop their morphing. Worse still, the growing strength of Phiaās serryn powers are dangerously provoking the lycan in Jask.
At a time when Jask and Phia need each other more than ever, their very passion has become a poison that puts both their lives at risk.
With Sirius Throme, leader of the Global Council, on the verge of invading Blackthorn ā working together is the only chance of survival. But Jask is holding on to a secret that could just blow everything apart.
And so is Phia.
Will the truth destroy them all?
A thrilling, action-packed and sinfully seductive paranormal read ā where passions in Blackthorn ignite.
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What readers are saying about Lindsay J. Pryor:
āI am completely enthralled with this paranormal series. You get so wrapped up in the story and characters that you lose track of timeā¦Ā This is one of my favorite series so far this year!ā ~Ā Paranormal Book Club
āI donāt think I have read such a finely executed dark PNR world beforeĀ ā¦This series truly surprised me. I didnāt think I would love it that much or be intrigued by it. I couldnāt stop thinking about these books once I was done with themā¦ The world-building is spectacular. The characters are enthralling and addictingā¦Ā Plain fabulousness.ā ~Ā Gaga Over Books
āThis is a paranormal universe like none you have encountered beforeā¦ There are stories that are so powerful, so intense that I do not believe anyone should warn you about what is to comeā¦ I truly do feel that if you love the Paranormal genre and have not yet discovered Lindsay J. Pryor or these novels then you need to read them, experience them first-hand.ā ~Ā Keeper Bookshelf
āI am officially addicted to this series. Why, you ask? Because Lindsay Pryor is my kind of fearless author. She isnāt afraid to āgo thereā, to create characters and situations that challenge me as a reader.ā ~Ā The Demon Librarian
āNot only are Pryorās characters and fathomlessly dark love stories fabulous, butĀ her continual world building of Blackthorn blows me away.āĀ ~ Gravetells
āIf youāre looking for a new PNR seriesĀ that has a dark world and complicated characters, thenĀ youāll want to grab a copy of this. I canāt wait to read the next book.ā ~Ā Fiction Vixen
āShe writes paranormal romance mixed with urban fantasy the way I like it āclever world-building, intense characters and no easy options for them to take.ā ~Ā Nocturnal Book Reviews
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I do hope you like it! š
ITāS UP FOR PRE-ORDER!
Iām equally thrilled to be able to tell you that it is up for pre-order with some retailers NOW!
And for reviewers, that means it is available on NetGalley TODAY!
(If youāre a blogger/reviewer not on NetGalley but youād still like to review BLOOD INSTINCT ā or any of the previous Blackthorn books ā I have the information you need on my Queries page as to how you can get hold of Bookoutureās Publicity Manager.)
AND BEFORE I GO…
Iāll leave you with our rather more dark-and-moody-looking Jask for now but for those who donāt mind me already mentioning book 7, Iām also super-excited to tell you our penultimate book in the series will be called BLOOD BOUND. I had to tell you now because I mention it at the end of BLOOD INSTINCT! š And, yes, it’s already well underway…
We now have just over 5 weeks to go until Blood Instinctās release day!
I was beyond thrilled with the response to the release date announcement a couple of weeks ago, especially as we even managed to break a record for my Facebook page with the highest number of likes/reactions ever ā over 170 in the end!! The enthusiasm in your comments across social media has been infectious, so thank you so much for that. <3
Above: A snippet from my Facebook page during the release dateĀ announcement
Since then, I’ve said my final farewell to Blood Instinct. ItĀ went in with my last set of edits onĀ Thursday, so itās now undergoing proofreading and typesetting as well as all the other things my publisher does from here to prepare it for reviewers ā and for pre-order, of course! Hopefully Iāll be able to share that date before too long.
So with that in mind, Iām very excited to be able to tell you that, all being well, the cover and blurb revealĀ are dueĀ NEXT WEEK!! I canāt wait to share them with you.
Needless to say Iām already plotting a giveaway for the not-too-distant-future too. I know some of you might want to get your hands on a couple of Blood Instinct treats ā or even an early copy if you really canāt wait until May 5th. š
Iām super-excited to be able to reveal that BLOOD INSTINCT, book 6 in my Blackthorn series, will be released on:
5th MAY 2016!
And itāll be available for pre-order in April! Iāll let you know as soon as itās ready.
Thanks so much for all the incredible support and excitement that has already been coming through on myĀ FacebookĀ page pending this announcement ā you really do make every release a huge amount of fun. š
Stay close because the cover and blurb are being worked on as we speak. I hope to be able to share both very soon. And as with all Blackthorn releases, I’ll have lots of other things to share in the build up to release day too!
Weāre edging closer, everyone! My Blood Instinct structural edits are done. So, with only a couple more rounds of edits to go over the forthcoming weeks, Bookouture will shortly be discussing release dates. Iāll keep you updated as and when I can. š
Also, I couldnāt let today pass without mentioning that itās a rather special one for Jask. Two years ago today, he (and Phia, of course!) was officially unleashed into your hands (his cameo in Blood Shadows aside). To mark the occasion, I thought Iād share a sample of the āBitesā from back then for anyone who might have missed them the first time around.
Have a great week and I hope to have more news for you soon. xxx
In case youāve missed my recent posts on Facebook, a very Happy New Year to you!
Okay, so the title above is a bit of a giveaway as to what this post is about. Before I get on to Blood InstinctĀ though…
Towards the end of 2015, Blood Dark was nominated for several readersā choice awards across a number of different blogs ā all thanks to my readers (and my incredibleĀ hot-off-the-pressĀ street team) for putting my latest book forward.
So, last week, I was really excited to find out that it went on to win three prizes in the Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics āBest of the Best 2015ā Awards: 2nd place for ‘Favourite Fantasy Book‘, 2nd Place for ‘Favourite Urban Fantasy Book‘ and 3rd Place for ‘Most Anticipated Book‘ of 2015! I was thrilled. Thank you to every single person who voted ā and for all the wonderful comments left on my Facebook page. <3
I was also thrilled to find out that Blood Dark was named in My Bookworm Bloggerās Top 3 Reads of 2015.
āLindsay is one of my all time favourite authors, she weaves incredibly intricate stories and has created a dark and thoroughly delicious and disturbed world called Blackthorn. Stories of vampires, lycans and witches have been done many times in the past, and many seem to blur into one. NOT Blackthorn! In the world of paranormal romance Blackthorn shines. Itās a whole new world ripe for the taking and is certainly the world you should be picking!ā
āSometimes the waiting is too much and the book doesnāt live up to it. But mostly great authors donāt let their fans down. Ā And just occasionally, right before your eyes an author goes from great to sublime genius. Ā This book nearly killed me. What on earth will happen in book 6?āĀ
Thank you, Michelle!
And whilst staying on a Kane and Caitlin theme, Blood Shadows was listed as one of Splashes Into Booksā favourite Bookouture books so far alongside books by my fellow authors Angela Marsons, Holly Martin and Sue Watson. It also received a terrific review and 5 out of 5 stars!
āThis is a great story, well written, fast paced, enthralling and intriguing as historical events are slowly revealed shining a light on deception, double dealers and demonstrating that it isnāt always those you believe to be enemies that you shouldnāt trust ā unworthy friends may be even worse! This is the first book in the series and does end appropriately but also whets your appetite for future books ā I canāt wait to find out what happens next! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries with plenty of action and bite.ā
Thank you, Bicted!
What a lovely start to 2016. š And on that noteā¦
I already come bearing good news. As of early this week, the first draft of Blood Instinct is now with my editor. Even better news, itās going to be back with me very shortly. That means Iāll be able to move on to the next stage (the structural edits) without delay. That signals a huge sigh of relief from me, and hopefully one from you too! Thanks, as always, for the fantastic response to the news already. I really appreciate it. <3
Since Blood DarkĀ was released in September, Iāve had a lot of queries, particularly from readers new to Blackthorn, asking how soon Blood Instinct will be out and why I wonāt give a release date – even an estimation (I love the attempts at bribes, by the way!). Basically, even though Blood Instinct is now written, weāre only at the initial stage. Further timings beyond the first draft deadline have yet to be set.Ā My editor is always the first person to read my book and, until she does, my publisher has no idea how many redrafts/rewrites will be required. And, until Iāve seen the initial set of structural notes, I donāt know how long it will take me. As soon as I do, the schedule is set and Bookouture talk to me about provisional release dates.
However, even after all the structural edits are complete, there are still line edits to come and then copy edits ā and all of that is before the rest of the publishing process kicks in. Once we’re at the line edits stage though, Bookouture usually confirm the release date. So, watch out for that announcement because then youāll know weāre close to you being able to mark your calendars. š Oh, and if anyone still doesn’t know, Jask and Phia will be back in the spotlight for this one!
Iāll be back with more news after my first round of structural edits are in ā unless anything exciting happens between now and then, that is!
I canāt quite believe 2015 is nearly over! This time last year, after almost twenty years in the profession, Iād stepped out of my teaching career and taken the leap into writing full-time. At the start of 2015, I was finally able to give Blackthorn my full attention.
Much of this year has been spent writing Blood Dark with my head simultaneously in my old notebooks making sure Iām still on track with my plans for the finale. (As most of you will know by now, I never have my head on only one book at a time ā not when it comes to Blackthorn!) Since Blood Darkās release, the last ten weeks have been all about the first draft of Blood Instinct. Iāll share some news on that soon.
Until then, I canāt say farewell to another year without first saying a massive thank you to all my incredible readers who have been a part of it. Whether you support me here, via social media, email, or simply by rating and reviewing my books, you make a difference to me and to my series. Thank you for being there to back Blackthorn and for rooting for our heroes and heroines as we edge ever closer to the finale. 2015 has been such a stand out year for me when it comes to fun and interaction with my readers (I do solemnly swear never to pose the T-shirt question ever again), and I am so lucky to have you! Involvement in the giveaways this year has been the best ever and your support of Blood Darkās release was simply immense. I hope youāll be just as excited about Jask and Phiaās return in Blood Instinct!
I know itās been far from all fun and laughter out in the wider world this year though, so thank goodness for whatever escapism we can find in books. Hereās just one of many emails I received this year that reminds me how important books are in so many of our lives:
āI am from Romania and I just wanted to say that your books have made my world such a better place ā¦ Your characters and plot of the story has taken me on a wonderful journey. Thank you.ā
Is there any better reason to share stories?
Hereās wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and health, peace and happiness in the year ahead. Iāll be back in January with those Blood Instinct updates as well as my plans for Blackthorn in 2016. Whatever you do between now and then, take care. I have soooo much more escapism planned for you! š
By now, most of you will know I don’t need much of an excuse to be celebrating something Blackthorn related, but this truly is a special day for me. Three years ago today, Blood Shadows, the first book in my Blackthorn series, was published.
Someone asked me earlier how I was feeling three years ago today. The honest answer? A nervous wreck! But it was also an incredible day. Believe it or not, Blackthorn was actually sixteen years old by that point – it had been a labour of love whilst I held down a teaching job and worked on other books in the years that passed. At the time, I had no intention of attempting to get it published. Instead, I wrote it for the love of writing it – and I just couldn’t stop.
Blackthorn has come a very long way since then – and my readers have been a HUGE part of making that happen. So, to say a big thank you for all your support, I ran a giveaway this week both here and on Facebook. Thank you for the amazing response and toĀ everyone who entered – whether via email, this blog, or Facebook. Congratulations to everyone who has won and, for anyone left disappointed, giveaways happen throughout the year so keep a look out! I’m already plotting my Jask-related giveaway for Blood Instinct next year. š
And the winners are (you’ve won the prize above your name)…
WINNERS – PLEASE EMAIL ME with your postal address. For those of you who have won signed prizes, don’t forget to let me know if you’d like them signed personally to you! And congrats again! š
And to finish, for those of you who have never seen it, I thought I’d share the book trailer that launched not only Blood Shadows but my Blackthorn series. The soundtrack Bookouture chose is called ‘Superhero’ by Tim McMorris. (Oh, and don’t be thrown by the original cover!)
It’s great to be featuring in the ‘Celebrity Interviews’ section of Female First today – the UK’s largest independently-owned online women’s lifestyle magazine.
Avid readers of my blog might recognise this (slightly) adapted version of a previous post…
Blackthorn: A Dark and Twisted Fairytale?
If you have a few minutes, you can read the feature here.
The most frequently asked question Iām getting through at the moment is about when will BLOOD INSTINCT be out. All I can tell you is that it’s currently in progress and Bookouture have it scheduled for release next year. Iāll share updates as soon as I can.
I know new readers are finding Blackthorn every day so, if you donāt already know, thereās an email sign-up option available for those who solely want to be notified whenever a new Blackthorn book is released. If you havenāt done so already, click here if you want to be sure not to miss the last three books in the series.
You can also keep in touch with all things Blackthorn by subscribing to this website (via the side bar), and/or by following my Facebook page. Both will give you access to stage-by-stage notifications and updates more regularly.
As well as that, there is now the āInto the World of Blackthornā Facebook group set up by ā and for ā readers who want to chat all things Blackthorn. Itās a very relaxed, fun, and interactive group, and I visit there regularly to post updates and answer questions as well as responding to readersā requests such as letting you interview Blackthornās characters etc. Anyone who loves Blackthorn is welcome to join.
Thank you for all your queries. I know youāre keen to get your hands on your next installment as soon as possible, which is why Iām going to get right back to it!
Before I go though, Iām thrilled that BLOOD DARK hit the #1 spot on Amazon UKās Gothic Romance chart again today. As always, thank you to every single person who continues to read, rate and review my books on sites such as Amazon. I know Iāve said it before, but you really do make a difference.
