Blindsided – Book Tour and Giveaway

 

When fate and magic collide, all will witness the rise of a Luna like no other.

 

Blindsided

The Queen Series Book 1

by Em J Bakker

Genre: Paranormal Romance

 

 

A world of danger, desire, and heart wrenching secrets. Turning 18 is a milestone for members of the pack, marking the age when they meet both their inner wolf and their fated mate. But when Nyx comes of age, she is thrust into a chaotic world of romantic and physical trials, forced to navigate the uncertainty and heartache of being fated-mates with five powerful alphas while training to become the perfect Luna.


Driven down a path of heartbreak and rejection that threatens to tear her apart, Nyx is haunted by her mates’ secrets and the hidden truths behind the prophecies that bind her to an unknown and ever-watching intruder. In a tale woven with passion, intrigue, and mysticism, Nyx’s destiny unfolds in ways she never imagined.


Will she unite her mates and fight to fulfil her destiny, or will the rejection and shadows consume her?

 

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

 

I TIGHTEN MY GRIP on the basin, the ceramic crumbling under my fingers. My heart pounds a frantic beat in my chest, each thud reverberating through me. Tension coils in my muscles, a tightness creeping from my shoulders to my fingertips, as if I can sense the weight of loss pressing down on me. The world around me blurs, my thoughts racing like a storm, each one crashing into the next. What just happened!?

Lucifer! I demand of my wolf, knowing full well I will not receive an answer. He can’t continue to do that without warning. Each time feels like I can’t breathe. The absence of my wolf counterpart is unheard of, and yet here he is, gone. I tighten my jaw, fighting back the frustration and anger that boils at his disappearing act. I run my fingers through my hair and start pacing, breathing as deliberately as I can with the pain lancing through my chest.

It seems Lucifer has learned a new trick. I shake my head, disbelief swirling in my mind. This isn’t just any trick; it is reckless. He has completely thrown caution to the wind, committing to an action neither of us has ever undertaken.

It is frustrating, to say the least. He leaves me completely blindsided. I feel him leave my subconsciousness this morning, making me weaker and less secure. I don’t even know it is possible until I experience a sudden loss of concentration when it happened for the first time. All I know is I can’t afford to have this happen at the wrong time, in the wrong situation.

Lucifer, come back! You’re fucking draining me, you mangy mutt! I can feel myself getting angry and… possessive? What the hell? Possessiveness is not an emotion or trait I am well accustomed to. Lucifer, what have you done?

Lucifer leaving me is exhausting. Existing with a wolf means being coupled to your wolf, a bond that transcends the ordinary. It is a connection that requires one hundred percent loyalty, one that should weather any storm. But no one ever speaks about what happens if that wolf disappears now and then.

Is it truly unthinkable? I have never heard of a wolf casually leaving its human counterpart. Wolves live within us, and when we allow them control, they become sentient beings of their own, allowing us to take in life around us through our wolves’ eyes.

Wolves do not just disappear when we are so tightly connected.

This is by far the most surreal sensation I have ever felt in my 26 years of living. Still in the confines of my bathroom, I close my eyes, trying to ignore the sudden desire to throw something. These heightened senses are playing with my head. I rub my eyes and open them to the mirror… only it is not me who looks back; it is as though I have infiltrated someone else’s mind.

It is almost the same as when Lucifer takes over control, when I look at the world through his eyes. Only this isn’t Lucifer, and I don’t understand how I am connected this way to another. I can still, in some part of my mind, feel and see through my own eyes, but they refuse to show me anything truly in front of me. It feels like a vision.

What the fuck? I look up at a young, masculine werewolf; he isn’t shifted into his wolf, but I can feel it. The wolf itself is strong within this man. It might be why Lucifer has come to this place, the strength of the wolf. But the young werewolf looks shocked, watching us closely or watching whoever we are looking through closely.

Yeah, shock, me and you both, buddy. What is going on?

I felt a sudden demanding possessiveness take over me, and I sense Lucifer’s intense, dominant aura surrounding someone… or something. This is something I have never experienced, even with Lucifer. Maybe he has lost it. How did we even end up here?

‘Your eyes,’ the young man in front of me speaks. ‘They’re…’ I feel Lucifer push his presence again, only not within me; it feels more like it is around me. Whoever belongs to these eyes seems to be important to Lucifer. He has never been so protective of anyone that isn’t me.

Suddenly, we are running through an apartment that exudes an air of pristine luxury. The floors are polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of the pendant lights. Each step we take echoes off the sleek surfaces.

The living area opens up before us, airy and spacious, with carefully curated arrangements of fresh flowers. A large window stretches across one wall, revealing a breathtaking view of a city. But which city?

As we race through, I catch glimpses of bookshelves lined with leather-bound tomes and a subtle scent of fresh linen that perfumes the air. This doesn’t feel like a home; it feels and looks like a hotel.

We run into a bathroom, directly to a mirror.

My jaw drops when I see her. She is stunning and perfect in every way. But who is she, and who is she to Lucifer? I sense she has a wolf, a powerful one at that, but again, why are we here?

I can’t help but stare at the girl. She certainly holds my attention, and clearly, Lucifer’s as well. Standing there, running her hands over her face, concern etched across her features, her long blonde hair wet and falling below her shoulders, she has a very petite and well-toned body. She clearly takes care of herself and trains. As I focus on her eyes, I can’t believe it—those are… Lucifer’s eyes. How… his yellow eyes pour out of this young girl’s eyes, deep and sinister.

 

 

Em J Bakker is a passionate romance writer based in Victoria, Australia, where she draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the countryside. With a deep love for romantic narratives, both in her own life with her doting partner and within the pages she reads and writes, Em has dedicated the past 5 years to craft her debut trilogy.

Known for her eclectic writing style, Em J Bakker’s projects span from light-hearted comedic romances to gripping tales of the underworld. Her writing reflects a blend of creativity nurtured by the serene landscapes and outdoor adventures she enjoys, including days on the lake, exploring snowfields, and off-road journeys through picturesque terrain alongside her loved ones.

 

 

Website * Instagram * TikTok * Amazon * Goodreads

 

 

 

What inspired you to write this book?

After my medical separation from the military, I needed a project to take my mind off my real-life situation. Writing this book provided me everything I needed to continue to enjoy the smaller parts of life while a section of it was turned completely Upside down. I had begun reading once more, and honestly probably read some books that were not all that inspiring for me as the MCs were lacking and I really wanted to write a strong FMC. So, I guess I wanted to prove the FMCs could hold their own in my own writing.

 

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

I am a big big fan of Gods/Goddesses/beings who are lesser known within myths and legends or ancient history.

 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The book took me away completely from life. It gave me a beautiful little escape which allowed my creativity to flow and I would become so immersed in my own world that I was building that it would almost feel, for the time I was writing, as though I had slipped through a veil and could practically watch the words I was writing playing out in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to be completely captivated and enthralled by another world.

 

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?

I actually went through a couple of titles before settling on Blindsided. The initial concept for the novel was called Queen Amongst Alphas but I ended up wanting a shorter more to the point title that people could see and maybe pick the book up because of an intriguing premise, who was Blindsided and by what?

 

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learned an unmeasurable amount of literally everything during the writing of Blindsided. Some – what not to dos, some – what to dos and some things that I wrote and then instantly backspaced because the flavour didn’t sit right with me for my book.

 

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

I think when the FMC naivety shines through at the end when she doesn’t realise quite what she has agreed to until it’s too late. I hope the reader can understand and relate to how at 18 many of us made interesting choices

 

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

Most come from my imagination, but there are a couple in Blindsided that closely resemble a couple of people in my life. All of which are aware and are flattered, not angered 😄😂

 

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

My characters definitely hijack my writing, particularly my side characters. Come the end of the trilogy, once it is fully released, I am positive readers will be able to tell where one of my characters went completely rogue and made the story that much better.

 

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

I believe Blindsided is a must-read because it really digs into how life can throw surprises our way—sometimes knocking us all off balance. The story is about resilience, hope, willpower and the inner strength, even when things feel overwhelming or confusing. I think readers will connect with the characters’ struggles and triumphs. I definitely believe those who take the time to read Blindsided will be interested in following the story to see where it ends for all the characters involved – the good and the downright bad.

 

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I currently have books 2 and 3 of The Queen Series being prepared and going through hell to meet their completion. I also have two works in progresses that are also making their mark on me as a writer.

 

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

I would need multiple candles, I think, for all the scents that are described in the novel, but Lavender and Lillies would be a must have as well as Salty Caramel.

 

What did you edit out of this book?

I edited out an entire character because every time I wrote about them I became annoyed at the writing and it was simply in my mind that they were not the right fit for the storyline. Perhaps they will resurface in later works.

 

 

33 Comments

  1. Lisa Brown

    It is great you have writing as therapy. The story line sounds great.

    • Em J Bakker

      That’s such a lovely thing to say! Thanks so much, it really has been a fantastic outlet. And I’m thrilled you think the story sounds great; that means a lot! It was definitely a labour of love and I still love every aspect od this story! 😊

  2. Michele Soyer

    Thank you for the excerpt. As a new author to me it made me interested in your book..

    • Em J Bakker

      Oh I love that Michele, do you have any social media for your writing I could support? I love being in touch with a wonderful group of growing authors 😀

  3. Marcy Meyer

    The excerpt sounds good. Thanks for sharing.

    • Em J Bakker

      Thank you Marcy, he is a character I never had trouble writing. His POVs flowed like he was always meant to be written ❤️

  4. heather

    I am so loving the cover of this one. I am adding this book to my must read list for the summer.

    • Em J Bakker

      Thank you Heather, if you take a chance on it, I hope you absolutely love it. ❤️

  5. Cindy Merrill

    FIVE mates? Seriously? My, that sounds terribly exhausting, not enough hours in the day to keep track of them all.

    • Em J Bakker

      🤣 Believe me, daunting yes. But not everything is as it appears on the surface of this novel Cindy 🥰

  6. Cindy Merrill

    Five mates, seriously? i’d be hauled off in a strait jacket in less than a week.

    • Em J Bakker

      Hi Wendy, it is a pretty full on trilogy with numerous possible outcomes. I had an absolute ball seeing where the pen took me on this one! 🥰

  7. Sherry

    I really like the excerpt and the cover. This sounds like a good book.

  8. Dale Wilken

    The book sounds really great.

  9. Heather Swanson

    Looks exciting Do you write in a daily journal?

    • Em J

      Hi Heather, do 20 or so notebooks spread around my house and my car count? I am always finding ways to fit in writing, even if it is just 5 minutes. There are so many stories in our day to day lives that can inspire that creative vibe to write. 😊

  10. Barbara Montag

    Paranormal Romance – I love this genre along with the amazing cover!
    Thank you for sharing.

    • Em J

      Thank you, Barbara!
      We went through 3 other cover designs before getting to this beautiful layout. I feel incredibly thankful and lucky to have the team I have supporting my vision! ❤️

  11. Jeanna Massman

    Paranormal romance is an exciting genre! I like the description and excerpt.

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