Special Offers by M. L. Ryan
I was curious about this story after reading the synopsis. I don’t usually use one in my reviews but I’ll let you read this one.
Synopsis from Goodreads
Hailey Parrish is quick-witted, irreverent, and hasn’t had a date in three years. She only wanted an eBook reader because her collection of paperbacks threatened to take over her small living space. Little did she know that the “special offers” that prompted the purchase included much more than a reduced price in exchange for a few ads. The device came pre-loaded with the essence of Sebastian Kess, an erudite womanizer with magical abilities from a parallel dimension. When she inadvertently releases him and he inhabits her body, she finally has a man inside her, just not in the way she imagined. And soon her predicament introduces her to yet another supernatural, the handsome could-be-the-man-of-her-dreams Alex Sunderland. Can Alex and Hailey find a way to return Sebastian to his own body, stay one step ahead of the criminals who want to keep him where he is, and not lose their sense of humor?
It’s something new for me and naturally I had to read Special Offers. I really like the title. It ties in neatly with the book.
The first thing that popped into my head when I read it was a genie in a magic lamp!
I thought, Wow, a new take for an old tale. I thought it was quite creative. Don’t know if that was the authors basis, but it works for me.
From the beginning I knew I liked Hailey. She is so normal and genuine. I could relate to her, right down to her eating habits. I too stand at the kitchen sink and chow down sometimes. When you are cooking for one, why make a mess at the table to clean up. And her daily routines. I also feel like a robot going through the motions half awake.
Her life is anything but routine when she purchases the Kindle and presses the on button. It came fully loaded. Loaded with the essence, or spirit, of Sebastian, a Coursodon from another dimension. And now he’s inside her. She can hear him in her head.
Along comes Alex. He’s another Coursodon and he has been tracking Sebastian, trying to return him to his body. He comes clean about who and what he is to Hailey. He’ll be needing her help. This part made me laugh!
“I knew you were too good looking to be in insurance,” I remarked flippantly and he shot me a reproachful glare. “Hey, when I get nervous, the smart-ass just comes cascading out of my mouth,” I shrugged. “It’s a character flaw. Get over it.”
What Hailey lacks in size, she makes up for with her snarky, tough as nails attitude. I ‘d enjoy hanging with her.
Sebastian and Alex can communicate with each other when Alex is in physical contact with Hailey. They will be holding hands a lot. The plan is to find where Sebastian’s body has been taken, and return his essence to it. That means Hailey will have to be present.
Hailey adjusts to having Sebastian in her head, but she doesn’t have to like it. He is a very sexual male and his frustrations are very front and center at times. Hailey’s have none of his suggestion that she bed someone to satisfy his needs. She’s not going to be his “psychic f!!k buddie.”
Hailey is slow in trusting Alex. She had a shitty marriage with a low down cheating husband and her heart took a major hit. She is very attracted to Alex, but will take it slow and easy. I like how the author keeps the heat of their relationship for the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the getting to know you parts.
My connection to Alex was gradual, but became very strong near the end. His revelations to Hailey made me want to hug him. And this scene is just to heart melting:
Alex was already in my bed under the covers, and I paused for a moment when I saw he had claimed the left side. Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve always slept on the left side of any bed bigger than a twin. It’s probably just habit, and after my initial hesitation, I started over to the opposite side, because, really, what’s the big deal about one side over another? As I pulled back the covers, however, Alex stopped me.
“Wait,” he said as he scooted over to his right. “I was just warming up your side for you.”
He held up the covers in the spot he had just vacated and I dutifully moved around the bed and climbed in. The sheets were, indeed, warm and cozy, a far cry from the chilliness that winter usually imparts to bedding.
That is the most considerate thing anyone has ever done for me,” I said softly. “I really don’t deserve you.”
Alex is a keeper.
As their feelings for each grow so does the danger and intrigue. Sebastian’s body is being held as a trophy by his nemesis and it won’t be easy to get it back.
Thumbs up to Special Offers. M. L. Ryan has a winner for originality and her quality of writing. She took what could have been heavy reading and made it light and fun. Throughout the book, tidbits of everyday things in life made it very real.
And the comedy kept me laughing. I had many laugh out loud moments, like when Hailey teases Sebastian with a view of her sexy friend Rachel, and about her job – she milks Chinchillas. And the back and forth with Sebastian, in her head, is too funny!
Special Offers came along at a low point, and it was a perfect cure for my blues. It will make you laugh and smile, cheering you up.
Here are some scenes I really cracked up at:
“By the way, how did you get my number?”
“Men’s bathroom wall, second stall,” he stated matter-of-factly.
“Excuse me?”
“Just trying to lighten the mood…”
And this one:
I really had enough of Sebastian at the moment. “Hey Sebastard,” I sputtered. “Yumago! Do prdele! Haista paska! Jabiesz jeze! Foda-se!”
“What was all that?”
I stood and huffed out, Korean, Czech, Finnish, Polish and Portugese!”
I started this book with a peek. Next thing I knew I was on Chapter 4. I fell asleep reading it the first night. Couldn’t stay awake. Tried to finish it the next night, and so tired from work I fell asleep again. Getting frustrated! I had a surprise day off the next morning and finished it while my son was in the dentist’s chair. People were giving me funny looks when I chuckled. I ended up talking to two women in the waiting room, and they said they were going to check it out.
You should check it out too. It’s a perfect book to lighten your mood and make you smile.
I loved it and so did my Kindle!
5 STARS
The girl on the cover is the perfect choice to represent Hailey. I have two men who popped into my head to represent Sebastian and Alex.
Here is Alex
And here is Sebastian
Melissa has sent me a picture of who she sees Alex as!
I’m excited to tell you that M L Ryan has accepted my request for an interview and she’s also offering one paperback and two e-books for a giveaway!!
I’m so happy to have you here today Melissa! I loved Special Offers and I want everyone to get to know the author behind the story. Let’s get started shall we?
1) What “possessed” you to write this story and where did the idea come from?
*Laughing* I had just purchased my full-priced Kindle when I saw Amazon was selling less expensive versions that came with “special offers.” For some reason, my warped brain thought it would be amusing if what made the cheaper Kindles special was that they came with some fiendish spirit. Originally, I imagined something like a havoc-wrecking poltergeist, but that quickly changed into the annoying, yet ingratiating Sebastian Kess.
2) I laughed so much reading Special Offers and fell in love with Hailey. Was it your plan all along for her to be so funny, and does she resemble you in any way?
When it comes to snark, Hailey and I have a lot in common. No matter what’s happening – good or bad – I seem to always find something humorous in the situation (often to the consternation of those around me). Because humor is so much a part of who I am, I don’t think I could write something without it. Aside from that, Hailey and I share the same out-of-control hair, a love of tequila and the tendency to swear like a sailor.
3) Where did the idea for Coursodons come from? I’m always curious when I discover new beings.
The magically-inclined folks from a parallel dimension developed easily from the main premise that Hailey’s eBook Reader came with a little something extra. It didn’t make sense for the inhabitant to be a vamp or a werewolf, and a demon or a witch wasn’t exactly right either. So, I came up with a whole new world instead. I’m really enjoying the world-building, it’s one of the most satisfying parts of the process.
4) I loved the ending and I’m so happy this is going to be a series. Can you tell us when we might expect book two and how many books there may be in the series?
The second book should be out in another month or so. I have ideas for five books in this series, and hopefully I will get a chance to write them! Unfortunately, the day-job tends to get in the way.
5) Your book has travelers from other dimensions in it and it’s made me curious. Do you like to travel and if you could go any place you wanted, where would it be?
I love to be someplace different, but I despise traveling. If I could just snap my fingers and instantly be transported, I’d be hopping all over the world. The thought of flying, however, makes me crazy. I do it, but it’s a struggle every time. That said, I’ve always wanted to go to Nepal. I think it’s because I like the sound of Katmandu.
6) Do you prefer reading print or digital books and what kind of e-reader do you have?
I have a Kindle, and when I first got it, I was concerned that I would miss the feel of a real book. Was I wrong! I love almost everything about the eBook format; the ease of obtaining books, the ability to change the font size, having thousands of books crammed into one, compact device. The one aspect that annoys me, however, is how traditional publishers charge the same amount for an eBook as for a print book. Really? What a rip-off.
7) You mentioned you adopted two desert tortoises. Did you name them, and if so, how did you choose their names? I love turtles.
I inherited my mother’s tortoises when she moved to a much smaller home, so they came pre-named. Spurge – she’s 30 years old – got her name because she loves to munch on the eponymous weed which grows abundantly here. Dunny, 25, got his moniker because my mother thought another tortoise was “redundant”. They have very distinct personalities – Spurge comes when she’s called and Dunny loves to climb. Because they are so long-lived, I expect that one day, my son will inherit them from me.
Five fun shorts!
1) If you could be any creature in the sea, what would you be?
A nudibranch. They have such beautiful colors.
2) What is your favorite movie to watch on Halloween?
I love the original Bela Lugosi Dracula movies. Something about the bad acting and the lack of color makes them really creepy.
3) If you could have dinner with a sexy movie actor, who would you choose?
Ryan Reynolds. He’s sexy and funny.
4) Are you an early riser or do you hit the snooze button?
I hate getting up. That’s where the comment in Special Offers – If god wanted us to get up when it was dark out, he wouldn’t have given us eyelids – came from.
5) What is your birthstone?
Topaz.
Thanks so much for doing this interview with me Melissa. It’s been really fun getting to know you. And a huge thank you for allowing me to host this giveaway.
To Enter The Giveaway
For todays giveaway there will be three winners. I have one paperback and two e-books of Special Offers to giveaway!
Entry is easy. Just leave your email address along with the answer to this question: Who would you like to find in your Kindle?
While it’s not required, it makes me smile when you follow me on twitter and my blog. You can find Melissa’s contacts below. Thanks so much and good luck everyone!
This contest ends on November 1st.
You can purchase Special Offers by clicking on the image below.
Other Purchase links:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131930
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/special-offers-ml-ryan/1109231583?ean=2940033051014
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/3940235
For more about M L Ryan and where to find her:
Author’s web site: http://www.coursodondimension.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CoursodonDimension
Twitter: @MLRyan1