|
She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.
– Annie Dillard |
Genre: Fantasy, Romance Publisher: Independently Published Publication Date: July 21, 2021 Pages: 546 Format: ePub Add to GoodReads Buy on: Amazon, B&N Life in the kingdom of Guerra is fraught with dangers. Sapherone knows them all too well. She is a skilled huntress. But she’s no match for the merciless creatures that stalk the Forbidden Mountains. No mortals are. Another dark threat looms too: Soon, like generations of girls before her, she will be sold off as breeding stock. It is a fate she despairs. That is until, she finds herself imprisoned by the enemy kingdom of Krysland – with four other Guerra girls. And Sapherone is thrust right into the heart of dangerous territory. Fallon, the charismatic Krysland leader, is not what she expects. Certainly, he doesn’t seem to be the ruthless murderer they have been warned all their lives about. As danger and desires become twisted, Sapherone finds herself falling for him. But he hides a dark secret, and as her fate draws closer, she must find a way to escape. None of the girls have her skills, and she must be willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost, to save them. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. On one hand with this story, I loved the writing and the world building. It seems like the Krysland folk are a lot less savage than their Guerra neighbours thought they were. I also 100% appreciated the slow burn romance in it. So much nicer to read something like that instead of instant infatuation. But Saph just rubbed me the wrong way. I did enjoy that she was strong and independent, from the beginning she clearly did not belong in Guerra and she expressed that deeply. She loathed their customs and was not impressed to be forced into it. Although the Krysland people did not really tell the girls why they had them, it seemed that from the beginning that the women in Krysland had more freedoms and were treated significantly better than those in Guerra, who were little more than chattel. Yet Saph was abrasive and defiant of them constantly and I wanted to reach in, shake her and say "stop, you've been given a second chance, take it!" The twist was interesting though. I hope that Saph grows from her experiences and within the next book, she's a little less abrasive. Rating:Andy Barnes lives Tasmania with her husband, Nick, and their two girls, Pirri and Inika. When she isn't glued to the keyboard, a steaming cup of coffee and a choc chip cookie by her side, then you can usually find her running her children around, from one thing to another, or outside enjoying nature with the families labradors, Tilly, Caddie and Pepper. Connect with Andy:
0 Comments
Genre: Epic/High Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romance, Action-Adventure Publisher: Outskirts Press Publication Date: June 8, 2019 Pages: 417 Add to GoodReads Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble Sir Xandar, a valiant knight, means to end senseless wars and bloodshed, using the only option left—dethroning his immoral king. The plan goes awry when a team, with a larger purpose, comes from afar to seize Xandar’s most vital device. As his mission detours across perilous seas and exotic kingdoms, Xandar clashes with other corrupt rulers and forms an unstable bond with Lady Jia, a volatile warrior-maid. Soon, the pair uncover the world’s darkest secrets in an epic fight for survival. Ben Schneider was born in Oklahoma. In 2003, he earned a B.A. in Graphic Design at Oklahoma University, married his fiancée, and joined the Air Force. Ben and his wife, Suzy, have been stationed in Italy, Okinawa, and Alaska. Aside from writing fiction, Ben’s other interests include drawing his Airman Artless comic strips. Chrome Mountain is his debut novel. Connect with BenBradley Campbell is a tattooed sci-fi enthusiast, hopeless romantic, fiction author, and self-proclaimed geek who is on a lifelong mission to inspire his readers through the infinite power of suspenseful, paranormal, dramatic, and oftentimes love-infused storytelling. In addition to being a multifaceted word weaver with a lifetime passion for creative expression, he has had the opportunity to work as a motorcycle mechanic, lawyer assistant, certified HVAC technician, and fitness model, to name a few. He even crafts his own music and roleplay writes. When he doesn’t have a pen in hand or isn’t binge-watching his favorite TV shows (i.e. Luther and Misfits) on his trusty iPad, you will probably find Bradley spending some quality time with his two awesome children who inspire him every single day. Where do you get your ideas for your books? Who or what inspired your idea? B.C. Honestly everything around me is a canvas. The book I’m working on now has a character in it based on someone I met on the beach. How did you develop the plot and your characters? Are your characters based on anyone? B.C. Honestly it was a natural progression of little ideas coming together. It was like puzzling together a newspaper from the future. Yes, One character is based off a girl I mused over for to long. Do you write when you're inspired? Or do you have a schedule you keep to? B.C. I write constantly. Either ideas or plotting together something I haven’t finished. I like to live in the flames of passion. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Maybe a piece of advice that stuck with you from your adventure into the world of publishing? B.C. “You can’t edit a blank page” Tell us a bit more about yourself. How did you know you wanted to be a writer? Who or what inspires you to write? B.C. I had a teacher who put a book in my hand because I wouldn’t sit still. The rest is history. How much of yourself goes into your writing? Or do you keep yourself separate and base the character on someone else entirely? B.C. No tears for the writer no tear for the reader. What has helped shape and improve your writing? B.C. I Read like a vampire! What are you reading right now? Do you recommend it or have any other recommendations? B.C. Kelly Parsons “Doing Harm” unsung Masterpiece Do your novels carry a message or do you feel it's subjective? B.C. Yes, Multiple messages that are meant to be enjoyed by reading subjectively. Check out their Book!Genre: Short Story, Thriller, Mystery, Romance Publication Date: March 22, 2019 Publisher: Self-published Pages: 42 Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon New York City Detective Tristan Andretti crosses swords with deadly enemies in the hardest puzzle of his career.
With a beautiful fiancée and a promising, lucrative career in law enforcement, Detective Tristin Andretti was living the American dream. But like all dreams, it will come to end sooner or later. Only in his case, it ended in a nightmare when the unexpected happened, and he lost it all when a horrifying act of violence compels him to leave the force with an ashy, bitter taste in his mouth. With his life crashing down around him, Tristin finds himself distracted both by his new client, Lucia Trenta—a spoiled, up-and-coming pop star with a skewed, narcissistic view of the world—and a dangerous situation that puts her life in danger. Genre: Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Romance Publication Date: April 5, 2019 Pages: 324 Add to GoodReads Buy: Books2Read SynopsisFor centuries, Earth has served as the battleground for a secret war between a reptilian alien species and the clandestine human organization dedicated to eradicating this extraterrestrial threat. But when a single woman becomes the focal point of this brutal conflict, the fate of the planet alters forever... Life hasn't been easy for Riley Anbar since her grandmother's death. Between struggling to run the family business, dealing with troubling psychic visions, and puzzling over unanswered questions about the parents she never knew, Riley is doing her best just to get by. After a pair of chance encounters with two mysterious men, Riley finds herself thrust into danger as both human and alien forces converge on her once-ordinary life. But in this war, there is no clear boundary between good and evil. Both factions are determined to use Riley for their own ends, and they're willing to endanger everyone around her to achieve their goals. Caught between the two men who have captured her heart and the secrets of her own past, what choice will Riley make when she discovers neither side is in the right? Interview1. Where do you get your ideas for your books? Who or what inspired your idea? While aliens, the weird and unexplained, tend to be our topics, we often inspire each other. Michelle has a love of science while Amanda heavily researches conspiracy theories. Then we put our heads together, bouncing our ideas back and forth until something sticks. 2. How did you develop the plot and your characters? Are your characters based on anyone? Our characters are like real people in our heads. For Amanda, Riley was the first to appear. She popped up in her metaphysical shop and two very different men wanted a reading. Of course she fell for both of them. Even though this never made it to the final cut of the book - we've developed these characters from this inception. 3. Do you write when you're inspired? Or do you have a schedule you keep to? Michelle- I write when I can get a moment to breathe without the children using me as playground equipment, but typically when I am inspired and have a good jam playing. I'm NOT good at schedules. Amanda- Both! I'm inspired all the time. I tend to have multiple manuscripts in different stages of development, but it's a matter of sitting down and scheduling. I try and clear big chunks of time to sit and write, even though having three kids makes that hard, I prioritize writing as a necessity in life. 4. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Maybe a piece of advice that stuck with you from your adventure into the world of publishing? Amanda's advice- I'm not big on giving other advice. Everything you do in life only works because you want to make it work. If you want it so bad, then what are you doing each day to build towards your goal. Writing is one of those things that has to have other elements around it other than the actual writing. For me, its eating healthy, making sure I get off the computer, finding new music, reading widely, and making sure I spend heaps of time with my family. If I neglect these things, then I find my writing falls short and flat. So having a balance lifts me up and the writing becomes rewarding. Michelle- Keep writing. If it sucks. Write it again. The first draft is never great, and even the 30th will need polishing. Just. Keep. Writing. 5. Tell us a bit more about yourself. How did you know you wanted to be a writer? Who or what inspires you to write? Amanda- I've always been an artist. Growing up I painted everything - bedroom walls, old furniture, whatever I could get my hands on. But when I became a mom, my art was too hard. A friend gave me a book to read - Twilight! By the end of the series, my dreams changed - I was dreaming of stories that I could write myself. Michelle- I started out by doodling on every blank space of paper I could. Homework...doodled. Notebooks...doodled. I drew, colored, painted, and apparently (discovered recently) was writing stories even before I knew it was what I wanted to do 'when I grew up.' In my teens I wrote poetry, probably wouldn't want them to see the light of day now though, and still drew on every edge of paper I had in sight. I suppose I have always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn't until I sat down and wrote my first novel for a client as a ghostwriter that I realized I could actually do it. 6. How much of yourself goes into your writing? Or do you keep yourself separate and base the character on someone else entirely? Amanda- that's a hard question. I tend to not put myself into a character. But is there clear separation? Hard to say. I find that I follow the characters in my head a clearly as I see them. Or perhaps they are just personas of my subconscious. Michelle- The characters decide for themselves. I just write their stories. Do I sometimes see myself in my characters? Probably. I have one character that is a vegan...and I am a vegan...so there is that? lol. 7. What has helped shape and improve your writing? Amanda- Michelle! having someone by your side pointing out the good, the bad and the ugly parts of writing has made me jump from pretending to be a writer to an actual writer. And I'm just so lucky to be able to have a book out there with her. Michelle- Amanda has been a great soundboard, cheerleader, and soul sister from across the planet. I think that just like language, writing is ever evolving. It's a living entity and I don't think I will ever stop working on improving my writing. And the only way to keep improving the writing is...writing. This book wouldn't even be if it wasn't for her pushing and motivating me to keep going and encouraging me when I wasn't at my best. 8. What are you reading right now? Do you recommend it or have any other recommendations? Amanda- I recently just finished The Discovery of Witches. But generally I read lots of non-fiction. Currently I'm in the last chapter of Chariots of the Gods by Erich von Däniken. Michelle- Oh jeebus. Okay. Asunder by Liz Steinworth. Always Darkest by Jessica Flaherty. Storm Front by Jim Butcher. Eye of the World by Robert Jordan (second reading). And whatever new gems I find at the Library my next visit lol. 9. Do your novels carry a message or do you feel it's subjective? Amanda- Not intentional. Michelle researches so much of science whereas I heavily research in conspiracy theories. I guess if the reader doesn't know these fields, they might take messages out from the book, although this is unintentional. Michelle- I want to write novels that carry a message of my own devising, but I haven't decided on what message to send. Writing with Amanda, we definitely aren't sending a message intentionally, but it could be there. Writing on my own...well, I am a romance writer by nature, so I guess my message is love. 10. What works best for you: Typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand? Amanda- I tend to go back and forth between computer and long hand. Sitting on the computer for most of the day can be a drain, so I like to get out, into the sunshine and write by hand. All of my summaries, and research is done by hand, but if my brain goes into overdrive, then I have to be at a keyboard to keep up Michelle- Definitely my Chromebook. My handwriting is atrocious. I can't even decipher that scratch. I would love a typewriter, but I feel my patience level wouldn't be able to stand it. Also, I love having the internet at the ready for anything I need to look up mid writing. About the AuthorsMichelle Crow & A. A. Warne are soul sisters living on the opposite sides of this planet. Writing speculative fiction and researching the odd and esoteric, Michelle specializes in the lighter side of life, while Amanda tends to go dark. When they aren't binging coffee and having their noses buried in books, they're writing them! Mothers to three little kidlets each, they also have fur babies, and wonderfully dedicated--and supportive--husbands. Connect with MichelleConnect with AmandaDennis K. Hausker was born and raised in Michigan. Now retired, he and his wife love to travel. He is a prolific author, plays golf, and follows his Michigan State University Spartans. "I was aiming at an audience that likes battle sagas, but also I wanted to explore the aftermath." Where do you get your ideas for your books? Who or what inspired your idea? DKH: I just enjoy writing. How did you develop the plot and your characters? Are your characters based on anyone? DKH: No, they're fictional. I'm a story-line oriented writer. Do you write when you're inspired? Or do you have a schedule you keep to? DKH: I'm retired so I write on no particular schedule. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Maybe a piece of advice that stuck with you from your adventure into the world of publishing? DKH: Don't give up when facing the challenges of publishing your work. Tell us a bit more about yourself. How did you know you wanted to be a writer? Who or what inspires you to write? DKH: Basically, I started writing after retirement when I had time at last. I have concerns about the sorry state of our country so those concerns tend to bleed into the stories to a certain extent. My characters aren't sanitized, but I try to humanize them with all the normal human frailties. How much of yourself goes into your writing? Or do you keep yourself separate and base the character on someone else entirely? DKH: I don't try to relate any of my books to personal history other than a little of having been in the Vietnam War. What has helped shape and improve your writing? DKH: Dealing with various editors from the publishers and attending a writers conference in New York. What are you reading right now? Do you recommend it or have any other recommendations? DKH: Michele Obama's book. My favorite author has always been Michael Crichton. Do your novels carry a message or do you feel it's subjective? DKH: I tend to write possibilities. In many cases, I write in a way to allude to behaviors of characters where I leave it to the reader to choose. Did the woman do this, or not? All of us are flawed, so I write characters accordingly. What works best for you: Typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand? DKH: Computer. Thank you to Dennis for providing us with this interview! Don't forget to stop by and check his book Echo Three Tango (links and synopsis below!). Genre: Military, Science Fiction, Romance Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Co. Publication Date: 2018 Pages: 242 Add to GoodReads Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo SynopsisEcho Three Tango, E3T, is dropped into a war zone on a new planet facing a savage foe capable of destroying all life forms. Surviving the forced retreat of their E3T corps, Bret and a small band of his Federation soldiers are stranded and left behind to create a new society. Contact DennisGenre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance Publisher: Waterside Press Publication Date: October 9, 2018 Pages: 200 Add to GoodReads Buy on: Amazon, B&N SynopsisWhen the world collapses from a Golden Age into one of chaos and strife, mankind’s salvation lies in the hands of eternal Emissaries — guardians chosen to protect the secrets of a sacred, ancient civilization and to guide humanity back to enlightenment even as its darkest hour approaches… A timeless tale of love reborn through the ages. Marcus has past life memory and his soulmate Theron does not, but the two lovers are bound by an eternal and unshakable bond. As a series of catastrophic events nearly destroys their world, the two along with a chosen few become Emissaries destined, over the course of 13,000 years and through many reincarnations, to lead humanity into an era of peace and prosperity as foretold by the Elders of their race. But the forces of evil have taken possession of one man, Helghul, who relentlessly pursues Marcus and Theron through time, determined to destroy them and ruin all hope for salvation. The Emissary, Book I in The One Great Year Series, tracks Marcus’s epic adventure across centuries of human civilization to present day, where envoys of darkness gather around them threatening to bury the life-giving secrets of Atitala forever. Good and evil come to blows and the future of mankind hangs in the balance. “For every soul there is a theme, a path that must be followed, lessons that must be learned…” About the AuthorsRene DeFazio and Tamara Veitch are a husband and wife writing team. Rene is an actor, producer and author. Tamara studied English, History and General Arts at Simon Fraser University. The co-authors have been writing together for nearly a decade. In 2012 they received Honorable mention from the New York Book Festival and The London Book Festival. In 2014 they were each awarded an Empowered Writers Award at the World International Peace festival In Vancouver BC, Canada. Tamara and Rene continue creating The One Great Year Series and traveling the world researching with their children. They are grateful for the support of their faithful readers and hope you truly enjoy your journey into the world of The Emissary. Connect with Tamara and ReneGenre: Historical Fiction, Mystery Publisher: SeaMonkey Ink Publication Date: August 14, 2012 Pages: 208 Format: ePub Add to Goodreads Buy on: Amazon, Kobo Synopsis Did the Amarna line really end with King Tut's Death? Ancient Egypt. 1324 BC. The last living male descendant of the Amarna line, Pharaoh Tutankhamun, has died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. His wife, Queen Ankhesenamen, is left without a male heir. The ambitious vipers Ay and Horemheb are nipping at her heels in their bid to seize power. Queen Ankhe has but one hope to maintain her hold on the throne - an alliance with the Hittites. With Ay and Horemheb watching her every move, there is only one person she can trust to save her and her line - a girl, a slave - Ida. Review I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Oh how I love historical fiction! Ida I wasn't so sure about Ida at first. I knew she was meant to be a slave but she was pretty dang bossy for a slave. She was rough and harsh. She seemed very unwilling to be a slave girl born with nobility in her blood. Eventually though, life tamed her a bit. She became head slave and a beloved friend of the Queen Ankhesenamun and childhood friend of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and eventually his forbidden and secret love. Quite an admirable feat for this woman to bear and live with. The moment that Ida chose to be Tut's wife of his heart, her life was set for an entirely new path. All the supporting characters played their parts well for Ida's story to flourish. I enjoyed the happiness that Pharaoh Tutankhamun before his unfortunate death at such a young age, the secret that Ida carried to as much safety as she could muster, and the eventual just desserts for the scheming Queen Ankhe. This is a short, sweet historical fiction with a lovely touch of romance with one of Ancient Egypt's most famous Pharaoh's. About the Author Grea Alexander is a female writer of African American, Native American and French descent who does not write her profiles in the 3rd person. Born and raised in Houston, TX, I have successfully wormed my way across many a border and have, in effect, managed to infect all that I survey with my particular brand of grea-ness. My books are very character-driven with a focus on flawed, dynamic, culturally-diverse characters and strong, smart female protagonists. Connect with Grea
Synopsis Hot soldier + brilliant doctor = a thrilling romance in the desert sands. Doctor Mae Jones had no idea when she agreed to assist the army in vaccinating children half-way around the world what she’d face. She didn’t sign up for a sexy British officer trailing her every move, his giddy smile and sunshine good-looks distracting her. Nor did she expect the sudden rebel attacks and bullets flying while she attempts to try to cure an unexplainable virus about to threaten the whole world. It’s up to her to try and stop a war before it even begins while she keeps falling for this man who’s her total opposite in every way but the heart. In the second entry of the Inquisition series, this stand-alone novel presents Alistair Young. For those tired of the alpha who want someone sweet as cotton candy, Alistair is your man. Easy on the eyes, and light on the heart — he’s prone to cracking jokes and playing card games with the sick kids. For all his easy-going ways he knows how dangerous growing close to the new genius doctor can be, but he can’t look away either. Where to Buy About the Author Ellen Mint adores the adorkable heroes who charm with their shy smiles and heroines that pack a punch. She recently won the Top Ten Handmaid's Challenge on Wattpad where hers was chosen by Margaret Atwood herself. Along with her husband and black lab, she spends a lot of time with her skeletons -- don't worry, they're just Halloween props. Connect with Ellen
Genre: Novella, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult Publication Date: October 25, 2016 Pages: 136 Format: ePub Add to Goodreads Synopsis I should've let him drown. That's what any normal Mer would have done. Of course, if I was like the rest, I wouldn't have been lurking around that party yacht, trying to catch a glimpse of the humans. My people will kill me if they find out--literally--but I can't help going back every time he shows up. And he's offering me everything I've ever wanted: A chance to see land. Those stormy blue eyes don't hurt, either. Now I have to decide. Is it worth risking everything I've ever known, everything I've ever believed, to follow my heart? How can I say yes? But how can I possibly say no? Includes Legend of the Mer, the creation short story that started it all. Readers of clean young adult fiction will enjoy this modern sweet romance with all the charm of The Little Mermaid. Where to Buy My Rating Review I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This was a decent retelling of the Little Mermaid (Disney, not the Brother's Grimm). Skye, too, couldn't let Vince drown. Rescuing him thrust her into his world and him into her world. Sometimes it takes living in one another's "shoes" to really understand what each other's life is about. Skye is bright, intelligent and compassionate. When she should have done as she had been taught, she found her humanity and saved the boy. Trading places taught Skye the lessons she needed to go on in life. Vince is a rich, spoiled party boy slowly dying. Although he clearly had friends, he was very lonely and I feel like Skye was one of his first true friends. However the romantic interest between Skye and Vince was really quite bland. I know this was a clean romance, but there was no spark there. It was a little too innocent for my liking, I feel. But for those who enjoy a clean romantic fantasy read, this is a decent enough one. About the Author Angel Leya focuses on creating clean young adult fiction with a touch of magic and romance. It also happens to be what she enjoys reading, and she blogs regularly about her latest reads. With a tendency towards writing different shades of fantasy and light sci-fi, her stories are intended to transport readers into worlds of possibility and wonder. When not writing, you can find her daydreaming about her stories and searching for her own adventures. Feel free to drop her a line any time. She hopes you enjoy her fiction as much as she enjoys writing it! Connect with Angel
About the Book Is it ever too late for happily ever after? Callahan is one of the hottest guys to move into Harper’s Corner in a long time, partly because he’s also a complete mystery. He keeps to himself and leads a quiet life, rumors swirl around that he used to be in the military...but no one knows where he came from, or what brought him to their small town. When Stevie’s parents have a health crisis, she’s forced to take leave from her very New York existence: including a high-powered job at a big publishing house and explosive sex life with her wealthy, handsome and appropriately pretentious boyfriend, to step in and ensure the preservation of the family’s longstanding bookstore. With the first order of business being to fire Callahan, the unqualified shop assistant her dad hired. Though as many women from Harper’s Corner can tell you, things change when you come back home. So firing this attractive, brooding, secretive man turns out to be much harder than she originally planned… And when his past comes back to challenge him, he can’t keep hiding from what happened. I invite you to tuck into another Harper’s Corner story about finding love when you least expect it…once upon a time in a bookstore… Where to Buy About the Author I’ve worked in publishing for twenty years and I sincerely love books and authors. I started this journey with my own books planning to write just one, and then well – all I can say is the stories kept coming. My original series The Publicist, follows Kate, Mac, Nick, Vivienne and a host of other awesome characters as they make their lives in New York, amidst the chaos that publishing often brings with it. I am now exploring a fictional small town called Harper’s Corner. This series is so fun, because there are so many characters in this town, from sexy firemen and hot Army guys, to an awesome group of women that I affectionally call “the coven.” These books will explore each of these characters, and their journey to finding the loves of their lives. I love writing, and I love reading and if I’m not actively writing a book, I’m probably dreaming of what I’ll write next. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with your thoughts on any of my books. Connect with Christina
Title: Defensive Play Series: A Boys on the Brink Novella Author: Jamie Deacon Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing Cover Artist: Natasha Snow Release Date: November 30, 2018 Genre: Gay YA Sports Romance Length: 21,500 words Add to GoodReads About the Book One glance is all it takes to bring his defences crashing down… Seventeen-year-old Davey has never made friends easily. Shy, geeky, crippled with social anxiety, he feels isolated from his peers, and only his position as defender for the school football team fills the void of loneliness. On the pitch, his deft footwork has earned him the respect and acceptance of his squad, though at a price. Desperate to hold onto this camaraderie, Davey conceals the truth from everyone, even his own family. Then, during the annual Brookshire football tournament, his eyes meet those of a rival player across the field and a spark flares between them, one neither boy can deny. Adam is everything Davey longs to be—confident, popular, comfortable with his sexuality. Davey aches to explore their connection, to discover where it might lead, but how can he follow his heart and risk rejection by his teammates, the closest thing to friends he has ever known? Excerpt The rain has stopped. A soft mist hangs in the air, turning the distant streetlights a hazy orange. After the stuffiness of the clubhouse, the night is bitterly cold and I pull on my sweatshirt against the chill. I sit on the steps overlooking the car park, heedless of the damp that seeps through my jeans. Elbows on knees, I rest my chin in my hands and close my eyes, attempting to clear my mind. I don’t want to think anymore. I just want to sit with nothing but the dark and the quiet for company. I haven’t been hunched there long when the door opens, ejecting a stream of warmth and thumping bass. I glance behind me, although I know who it will be. My body goes still. Adam lets the door swing shut and, just like that, we’re alone. He doesn’t seem surprised to find me on the steps. Perhaps he saw me leave. Has he followed me? My insides clench. What if Adam thinks I did it deliberately, that I meant to lure him out here. Maybe I had. Maybe, deep down, a part of me hoped Adam might come, even while the rest of me prayed he wouldn’t. This time, when our gazes connect, there’s no one to see, no football match to act as a buffer. I drink him in. Even in the faint glow filtering through the frosted pane in the door, his eyes are a vivid blue. “Hey,” Adam says. Such a simple word that expresses so much. There’s recognition there, like we’re childhood friends meeting after years apart, but uncertainty, too. He has a nice voice, I register through my turbulent thoughts—warm and slightly husky. “Hey.” My reply emerges somewhere between a croak and a squeak. Cringing, I stare down at my feet. “It’s Davey, right?” I fling him a startled look. Had this boy—this confident, gorgeous boy—actually gone to the trouble of finding out my name? One side of Adam’s mouth lifts in a crooked smile. “Well, I had to know who the lunatic was who almost took my leg off.” “God.” I bury my face in my hands. Of course Adam was going to ask about me after what happened on the pitch. “I’m so sorry.” He laughs and nudges my thigh with the toe of his trainer. “I’m kidding. Seriously, you did us a favour.” I dare a peep at him, unable to rid myself of the thought that he has pursued me out here to take the piss. That wouldn’t be anything new, after all. “It’s true.” Adam crouches on the step beside me, his expression amused but without malice. “Rob warned me about you. He said the rest of your defence was pretty solid, but probably weren’t quick enough to catch me. You were the real threat.” I grimace. “I’m guessing he wasn’t expecting me to take you out quite so spectacularly, though.” “Funnily enough, that wasn’t included in the pep talk. Still, I should be thanking you. You made our job a whole lot easier.” “Don’t remind me. You should’ve heard the guys after the match. I’ll never hear the end of it.” Adam laughs again, and I can’t hold back a smile. Here I am, having an actual conversation with an amazing-looking boy—a boy who’d caught me checking him out, no less—and I’m not making an ass of myself. The door behind us bursts open and several guys spill out. I tense, guard raised. Will they think it odd us sitting out here alone? I scan their faces, but none are from Farnstead. A moment later, they barrel down the steps without giving either of us a second look and head for one of the cars parked nearby. As they pile in and the engine growls to life, I exhale, shoulders slumping. I can feel Adam studying me and keep my gaze lowered. “You’re not out,” he says, “are you?” “What?” My entire body goes rigid. He knows. I’d already guessed as much, but suspecting it is one thing; being confronted with the indisputable truth sends me spiralling back into panic mode. Why had he really followed me out here? I’d thought…been sure I’d read something in his eyes when they locked with mine, but what if I’m wrong? Do I truly believe someone like Adam, someone popular and self-assured, would have sought me out? Unless… I see again the Brookminster players in their huddle, sniggering, moments after Adam caught me staring. I’d reassured myself they weren’t laughing about me, but perhaps my fears had been well founded. The cold certainty settles like a snowball in my gut. I’d given myself away, and now the other lads have sent Adam out here to chat me up, trick me into an admission I won’t be able to take back. For all I know, his mates are somewhere close by as we speak, listening in. “Hey.” Adam extends his palms in what is probably supposed to be a calming gesture. “It’s all right. I know and it’s all right.” “You don’t know anything,” I snap. The instinct for self-preservation, to keep my protective wall intact at any cost, propels me to my feet. “You hear me? You don’t know anything about me.” Before he can respond, I’m down the steps and sprinting into the darkness, phone already out to call my parents. All I want is to go home, crawl into bed, and forget today ever happened. Purchase Your Copy! About the Author Jamie lives in a tranquil spot close to the River Thames in Berkshire, England, and has always been just a little out of place—the only redhead in a family of brunettes; an introvert far more at ease with dogs than with people; a connoisseur of simple pleasures in a society intent on the quest for wealth and fame. Despite an outward cynicism, Jamie is a romantic at heart, and, when not immersed in a book, can mostly be found writing emotional stories where young men from all walks of life are forced to navigate the sometimes painful reality of growing up, coming out, and falling in love. Connect with Jamie Giveaway To celebrate the release of Defensive Play, Jamie Deacon is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card. For your chance to win, simply enter via the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open to entrants world wide, and closes at midnight EST on Friday December 7, 2018.
Good luck! Enter to Win Publisher: Solstice Shadows Publishing Publication Date: May 30, 2018 Pages: 400 Add to Goodreads About the Book
Enter the Other World at your own risk…
What if you found out that you weren’t exactly…human? Myah Sullivan is suddenly living that nightmare. There are Others in the world, dangerous, supernatural creatures that make her mind spin and cause her to question the reality she’s always known. Oliver King is her savior, a vampire who tries to show her the way. Through her journey she learns far more than she ever thought she would about herself, and about the past. Soon, she discovers that there is so much more to meeting Oliver than mere happenstance. Can Myah accept her new reality, or will she retreat into that normal, safe world she once thought was her own? Where to BuyInterview
L: Who or what inspired your novel?
ML: In many ways, Blood Instincts is about accepting yourself, even if there are parts that you weren't aware of at first. I just thought that...well, what if the character found out one day that she was different from other people? What if it was a big secret, something fascinating yet dangerous? How would she cope with that newfound knowledge? And so, the second book of the Blood at First Sight Series was born. L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? ML: This is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy with a slightly futuristic angle. L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? ML: Are you kidding? I love paranormal anything! Sign me up! I think I was a goner for supernatural stories from childhood, when my grandma told us ghost stories by the campfire. But mainly, I really fell in love with the genre when I first read The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause at the age of thirteen. That seriously blew my mind, and I was hooked on paranormal romance, even if it was a YA story. L: How did you develop your plot and characters? ML: As with any book I write, I develop both during the writing process. Random scenes come to me, and the details just fill themselves in over time. I also write a major outline to help me along the way. When I'm done writing a novel or story, though, I work on a full character worksheet, defining even more about the individual, and I start to add in those elements wherever necessary. L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? ML: I've known a lot of family members who are extremely practical, and aren't so open-minded about life. You could say that Myah is a blend of all of them, with a touch of putting myself in her shoes. L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? ML: The unsavory characters and elements in the story just came from my imagination. I tried to create people or aspects that would be off-putting enough to the heroine, things that might deter her from delving into the new world she found. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? ML: I think when any awakening occurs for a character, whether it's redemption from past mistakes, or learning some strange things about yourself, it can be a challenge to convey it well enough so that anyone can grasp what you're trying to express. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? ML: I don't want to give much away, but it was a lot of fun to bring new creatures into this part of the series, to describe them and imagine the wonder a character might experience. L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write? ML: For now, I write part time. The rest of the time I am not only doing the business side of being an author, but I also host three blogs.
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
ML: I am from a small town in the Midwest, particularly a little spot in Indiana. I was raised in a Victorian era farmhouse, and was the youngest of three kids. Our parents thought it would be cute to give us all 'M' names. Needless to say, all of my teachers compared me to my siblings. I spent a big part of my teenage years trying to establish my identity. To form my own opinions and be...well, me. Pretty much from the age of nine, I knew that I wanted to be a writer; furthermore, that I wanted to get published. Not for fame or anything, but simply because I had all of these stories in my head that had to be put on paper. In college, I pursued a Creative Writing degree. I loved taking all the workshops and helping my fellow writers improve their work. Of course, so many of them, including my professors, taught me a lot too! L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? ML: I think some of it came from the fact that I'm a bibliophile. I all but consumed books as a child, and that continued on into adulthood. I knew I wanted to be close to literature in some way, either through writing books or owning a bookstore. Eventually, it just made sense to write. L: What are you currently reading? ML: This time I grabbed a book from my TBR pile, an older title and a novella collection by Nora Roberts. It's called Winner Takes All. L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? ML: I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward. Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires is a close second. I also have a weakness for any romantic magical tales, historical romance and most types of contemporary romance. Now and then, I find an indie author that is quite enjoyable. L: What are your future projects, if any? ML: OMG...there so many! Don't get me started on the nearly 125 works in progress I have going. Beyond the five series already established on the market, I have plans for six other series and many standalones. First and foremost, though, I am working on a romantic comedy novel which will be part one of a six-book series. L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? ML: Hang in there. I know the journey is tough, and it seems incredibly daunting. Persistence and perseverance has always been my motto, and I hope it helps you too! L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? ML: Readers can contact me through my website or blogs, private message on Facebook, send a tweet on Twitter, or tag me on Google+. Publisher: Accent Press Publication Date: June 7, 2018 Pages: 270 Add to Goodreads About the Book
From the bestselling author of The Cornish Hotel By The Sea
Every summer has a story... Fun-loving travel rep Jess doesn’t want to be chief bridesmaid at her snooty cousin’s wedding, but it will cause a family feud if she refuses. She doesn’t want to fall in love either but when a raucous stag party arrives at her Majorcan hotel, Jess hits it off instantly with best man, Eddie. A summer romance is exactly what commitment-phobe Jess needs and, as the stag-do draws to a close, so does the holiday fling. She has no intentions of carrying on the summer fun but when Eddie turns up again, Jess is faced with a big dilemma. Will this bridesmaid get the happy-ever-after she never knew she wanted... Where to Buy
Interview
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
KK: I’ve been a published writer for over thirty years. I write mainly romance and young adult novels now, but I’ve written many children’s books (120) and several short stories for women’s magazines. I’m also a writing tutor. I started my writing career working for Jackie magazine then other teen magazines and children’s comics such as Postman Pat and Winnie the Pooh, writing stories, comic strips and activities. Gradually I got some children’s books published and for the first twenty years of my writing career wrote mainly for children, before moving onto romance and getting my first romance novel, Never Say Forever, published in 2007 as a People’s Friend Pocket novel, it was then republished by a US company, and then by Accent Press. L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? KK: My dad encouraged a love of reading and writing in me as a child, as did authors such as Richmal Crompton (Just William books), Enid Blyton and – as I got older – Agatha Christie. L: Who or what inspired your novel? KK: I’ve often admired the travel reps at the resorts I’ve holidayed in, they work hard and play hard. I thought a story involving a character working as a travel rep would be really interesting. They have to cope with so many different customers, including stag and hen parties, and there might be times when they have a summer romance with holiday-makers. When my husband booked us an anniversary trip to Majorca a couple of years ago I thought that would make a great setting, popped in a few complications to the story, and off I went. L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? KK: Romance with a touch of humour. L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? KK: I like writing stories that readers can identify with, and most of us have had experience of falling in love and all the complications that brings. I keep my novels light-hearted and usually set them in holiday locations as I like to take my readers away from the stresses of everyday life for a while and provide a, hopefully, relaxing read. L: How did you develop your plot and characters? KK: I work out the story outline so that I have a basic structure for the story, write character profiles to make sure I know my characters well, then I start writing. I write the first draft as it comes and often find that as I’m writing the characters will do something I hadn’t planned or the story will go off in an unexpected tangent, I go with it as long as it works. Once the first draft is finished I start editing and often do several rewrites before I’m happy enough to send it to my editor. L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? KK: I wanted her to be a bit unconventional, fun-loving, extrovert. I flicked through some Pinterest pictures for inspiration and saw one of a woman with long, bright red tousled hair, casually dressed. She was perfect for Jess. L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? KK: I wanted Charlotte to be the opposite of Jess, to be snobby, controlling, wanting everything to be perfect. I’ve known a few people like this so it was easy to draw on experience without basing her on one person. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? KK: I always find setting and description the most difficult to write. I find that writing character, action and dialogue flows quite easily, but I really have to stop and think when I write setting and description. I think it may be because of all my earlier work writing for teen and children’s magazines where the word limit was too tight to allow for description, the picture told it all. When I’ve written my first draft I go back over it and add more description and visualization to the scenes. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? KK: I had a lot of fun writing the scenes with the guys on the stag do, but I think the favourite one was in the Caves of Drach. I visited them with my husband on our anniversary and was blown away by how magical they were.
L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write?
KK: I’ve earned my living as a writer and writing tutor for the past thirty years, but now I’m concentrating on writing. L: What are you currently reading? KK: Nothing at the moment, I’m too busy writing, but my Kindle is loaded up with a dozen or so books to read and I’m looking forward to reading Mandy Baggot’s latest book Desperately Seeking Summer. L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? KK: I have far too many favourite authors, and books to name but Mandy Baggot is one of my favourites as is Sophie Kinsella and Sharon Shinn. L: What are your future projects, if any? KK: I’m delighted to have recently signed a contract for two romance novels with Bookouture, and am now working on the first one, Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel, which will be out in November, the second book will be out in February. I’ve also signed with Littwitz Press for my YA books, and my afterlife romance, Rise of the Soul Catchers, was published by them in April. L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? KK: I always love to hear from readers. Website | Twitter | Romance Facebook | YA Facebook L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? KK: Don’t give up on your dream. Keep writing, rewriting and sending off your work. And don’t forget to make time for reading, reading is the foundation for writing. Publisher: Imajin Books Publication Date: December 1, 2017 Pages: 254 Add to Goodreads About the Book
A stolen piece of history, an abducted actress and international intrigue…
When the Derringer pistol that shot Abraham Lincoln is stolen and ends up in the hands of a Russian military general, covert agent Blake Deco is tasked by the FBI to head to the Balkans to recover the historical weapon. Meanwhile, the United States media is abuzz with news of the mysterious disappearance of Hollywood movie star, Goldie St. Helen. After Blake’s return from overseas, he receives a tip from a Mexican friend that a drug lord, obsessed with the beautiful actress, is holding her captive in Tijuana. With the help of a reluctant army friend, Blake mounts a daring rescue. What he doesn’t expect is to have feelings for Goldie—or that a killer is hunting them. Where to Buy
Interview
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
KT: I was born and raised in Singapore. I began my career as a magazine journalist before switching to the dark side; I became a public relations practitioner. My work has taken me to various parts of the world, covering travel-related stories. I also spent some years in Cairo, Egypt working for a magazine. I have written three novels (thrillers) to date. L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? KT: I have always had an interest in story telling for as long as I can remember. I think you are born to be one. Let's just say I was always more excited to write a school essay than do a math homework. Who inspired me? I'd say the works of other authors and people I've met in real life who one way or another contributed to the experience - both good and bad. L: Who or what inspired your novel? KT: Gun Kiss is my third novel, and it was inspired by a blonde Hollywood actress. On the first day I went jogging I found it difficult to sleep was both my legs were aching. Unable to sleep, I watched an old movie with this particular actress. And then, suddenly, an idea came to me to write a story about the Hollywood scene but with lots of action and a splash of romance. And so Gun Kiss came to be. [To the actress, if you're reading this Q&A, which I hope you are, here's a BIG Thank you for the inspiration) L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? KT: Suspense/Thriller with a splash of Romance. Readers can expect a bit of everything in this novel. L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? KT: I like the unexpected with lots of twists and excitement. So I thought this would be the most suitable genre to delve in. It's also the first time I'm injecting romance into the novel as I've never done it before. But don't expect a lovey-dovey story - it's a suspense/thriller, after all... although the scenes are both exotic and glamorous and in some instances funny before resuming to exhilaration. L: How did you develop your plot and characters? KT: You know, I've heard people say they'll write a book once they get an inspiration. I've got bad news; it doesn't happen that way. You have to write no matter what...and as you write, you'll discover the plot coming to you naturally. At least that's how I operate. Some authors may plan their story, but I can't do that. Like Bruce Lee said, "Be like water," so I go with the flow. However, that said, I might bumped into someone or stumble at a place that might give me an idea for a story, and in this case, it was an old movie as I mentioned previously. Even so, that doesn't necessary spell a novel. So, I'll take note of current issues around the world and I'll pick a theme or two to include in the story. The war on drugs and the Hollywood scandals were all incorporated into Gun Kiss, topped with the ongoing nuisance every famous celeb faces with the paparazzi. I've based some characters on people I've met, taking ideas from conversation, observing them or it could be a fleeting moment even. I tend to study characters from various angles then incorporate them into a character. As a former reporter, I've met some movie stars and celebs in real life, which helped in creating that image. Then, everything else is like playing Ken and Barbie. Dress them up and create a scene... and action! L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? KT: You know, I didn't want your typical protagonist. Usually, it's a secret agent or a soldier or some university professor or scientist. I wanted a protagonist where readers can see the different stages of his life in terms of his career and attitude toward things. So I created a character who was an ex-soldier, a failed screenwriter who dabbles as a relic hunter while managing a taco restaurant at the same time. Since Gun Kiss has a Hollywood theme, I gave my protagonist a cool taco restaurant at Sunset Boulevard. In trying to keep the business going, he takes up a part-time job with the Homeland Security where he recovers stolen ostentatious and historical items for a reward. L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? KT: The war on drugs is ongoing. I don't want to mention the person's name or he might send people after me even it's just an inspiration, not based on real life character. Still, you never know. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? KT: If you hate doing house chores, imagine what it feels like for a writer to do fact-checking and research. It can be fun when the information is forthcoming, but when you can't extract the information that you need in a short time and end up spending more time trying to get it, you will feel the pain. In Gun Kiss, I had to fact-check some of the FBI procedures as well as US embassy protocol in the even of an unpleasant situation. It took time, I can tell you that. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? KT: I want to write a sequel. Does that answer the question? I love every scene in the story. Since there's a movie star in the story, you can expect all those nice places. I enjoyed describing cafes, parties, locations and famous monuments. Of course, the characters were a delight to write about. For that reason, I just must bring them back!
L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write?
KT: I am a full time writer. L: What are you currently reading? KT: I have a long TBR list on my Kindle. I haven't started yet, but I will... L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? KT: I have no particular favorites. I love them all. If I pick up a book and I enjoy the first chapter, I'll just continue reading it. Past and present authors, all genres - I'll read them all. L: What are your future projects, if any? KT: I'm presently working on a murder-mystery set in South Australia. L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? KT: www.khaledtalibthriller.com or https://www.facebook.com/khaled.talib/ L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? KT: Don't. Give. Up. Remember the deaf frog? Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Fantasy, Young Adult Publisher: Inkitt Publication Date: October 26, 2017 Pages: 234 Format: ePub Add to Goodreads About the Book
Clara has been chosen and her fate will be fulfilled.
Clara Evans’ needs a fresh start. Exhausted from the taunts of her classmates and the neglect of her careless foster parents, she is counting down the days until graduation when she can move away and leave her miserable life behind. When swoon-worthy Jay Woods transfers to Ford High School, Clara’s eyes are opened to a universe she never knew existed. As the life she once knew shatters and ancient secrets are revealed, Clara must learn to control her newfound powers while defeating a raging darkness that will change the world forever. Could “The Freak” from Ford High be the key to saving the human race? My Rating
2.75 Stars
My Review
I received this eBook from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This concept of a story has been done more times than I can count. This had so much potential if it had been refined more.
Clara, as a main character, is pretty cliche. The orphaned child with negligent foster parents, kids who hate her at school, she has one friend and then the attraction of the cute boy who seems to know her best friend. Before the boy, mind you, the story dragged painfully. With the boy, the story sped up way too fast and I was lost a couple of times. I thought it might have been a malfunction in my eReader but it wasn't. Suddenly! Clara is humanities only hope against dark forces. She has to learn to wield her powers and be able to defend herself with all levels of combat in a matter of weeks. Uh, no. This is not the Matrix. Fighting and knowing how to defend yourself takes time. The rest of the people in the story had been training since they were children. But Clara was able to take them down. Unless her powers involved fast learning of fighting and strength. She also faced a lot of trials during learning to fight and learning her powers, which made the story veer off into too many scenarios, I found. And then the cliff hanger. The weird cliff hanger that ended the story. Honestly, if the author had taken her time and refined her story, edited some ideas out and kept with the original story line, this would have been awesome. But maybe I'm just picky about these stories and hope they can expand on the concept more. Where to Buy
About the Author
Lauren Chow was born in Oxnard, California and raised in Marlton, New Jersey. Lauren has always enjoyed reading and was inspired to write her own stories with encouragement from her friends. She secretly started writing her junior year at Cherokee High School and decided to go public with her writing in 2017. Lauren is eighteen years old and enjoys art and social science. Lauren continues to write as she attends California Lutheran University to become an art therapist.
Connect with Lauren
|
About
Hello Book Dragons! The Book Promotion Directory lists blogs and book promotion providers to help Indie Authors promote and market their books.
Buy here Quote of the Month
"The cosmos is within us. We are all made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself." - Carl Sagan Archives
September 2022
|