Showing posts with label great books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label great books. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

#BookReview - 5 stars - Romance (Coming Home)

Title: COMING HOME (The Santa Monica Trilogy, #2)

Author: Jill Blake
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My rating: 5 big stars!



Eight years ago, Grace went to New York to meet the father she never knew. Drawn into a frenetic life among Manhattan's über-rich, she ends up staying—until the collapse of her marriage sends her fleeing back to California.

After his college girlfriend dumped him without explanation, Logan spent eight years building his career and sampling some of L.A.’s finest talent. Now that Grace is back in town, he can’t stop thinking about her and wondering, What if…?

Sometimes first love deserves a second chance.





My Review: 
This story is so great! I read it in just one day, unable to put it down. The characters have a lot to work out, and my heart ached for poor Grace as she worked through the aftermath of being with an abusive husband. Logan was just so dang sweet. Really great hero material. Perfect book boyfriend!

The writer’s style is wonderfully easy to read with great pacing and flow. The story itself is a real page-turner. I read this book before reading book 1, but loved it so much that I’m going back to read the first in the series and see what Eva’s story is all about. I highly recommend this! 5+ stars!!

Friday, May 17, 2013

#BookReview ~ Played by You ~ Romantic Suspense novella

Title:      Played by You
Author:  H.C. Elliston
Genre:   Romantic Suspense
Rating:  4.5 stars


Since I had a new release this Monday, I decided to share my latest book review today, especially if you are needing something new to read this weekend. Here are the product details from Amazon:

From a kindle bestselling author in romantic suspense & thrillers...

“It was near impossible to wrap my mind around Taylor having done this after the chemistry we’d shared last night. But then chemistry, as I’d learned back home, is merely a glitzy emotion that ebbs and flows and is not a guarantee of loyalty.”

FLY INTO THE WORLD OF spirited twenty-two year old Misty as she goes all out to protect her sister, gets irresistibly drawn into the passionate fire of a mysterious colleague, and entangled in a deception she is yet to unravel during a spellbinding short business trip to glitzy Singapore.

WHILE MISTY is played from all sides, experience some delights of the sunny, cultural fusion-pot before discovering that LUCK, HOPE and that thing we chase... LOVE... is only ever around the corner - sometimes we just need help to not miss the turn.

~~
A NOVELLA
WARNING: contains some strong language & sexual scenes.
Romantic thriller - 28,000 words, 14 chapters
~~
Also by H Elliston: Tick Tock Run, Think Fast Die Last, Shiver Sweet.

My impressions:
This author's story-telling ability gets stronger with each book. Already a fan of hers, I really liked this story! Short enough to read in an evening, but full of tension and passion. The author kept me guessing as to what was really going on, though I had plenty of suspicions throughout. Also, I found the scenes between Misty and Taylor intense and sizzling. Definitely a little spice and heat for your weekend enjoyment!

As far as negatives, the only thing I found unrealistic is I've never been able to sleep through a plane taking off or landing, and that sort of made me raise my eyebrows (though I suppose some people may be able to...). Also, if you are American, do be aware that the author uses British English, so there are a few spellings/word choices different. It doesn't detract for the story being great, but just something to be aware of. There aren't any indentations at the beginning of each paragraph as well, which took me a little bit to get into the reading of it, as it takes a few pages to "train" your eye. It's not too distracting, but worth knowing beforehand. After a little bit, I no longer noticed it. Plus, the book is so great, soon you won't care about the spelling or the paragraph breaks.

As far as the story itself and all the positives (of which there are many) the author did a great job  keeping me guessing as to who could really be trusted. I think I imagined every scenario possible trying to catch the bad guys, but I found the ending and how everything tied together satisfying and realistic.

All in all, another great read from this author! Really fun and I recommend picking it up!


Happy reading, my friends! Have a fantastic weekend!
~~ Chantel ~~

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

#BookReview ~ Hidden Under Her Heart

Title:      Hidden Under Her Heart
Author:  Rachelle Ayala
Genre:   Women's fiction
Rating:   5/5 stars


I loved this book! Rachelle Ayala is one of my critique partners, so I got to read the beginning of this book in its first stages and then the entire completed book all at once. In my opinion, this is her best work yet.

First off, I really like Lucas. He has his flaws and is perhaps a bit extreme in some of his views, but deep down he is a loving, caring man who was someone I could really relate to and admire. He stands by his convictions and tries to do the right thing. He is a jokester and some of his jokes go a little extreme, but it shows his playful, fun side too. My favorite part about Lucas was the growth his character took in the book. 

Maryanne is also a realistic character. Even though her opinions are at the different end of the spectrum from mine, I could feel her turmoil and enjoyed her journey and watching her conflicts. She has a lot of growing up to do throughout the book, and I found it fascinating to watch her journey. It was almost better because I didn't agree with her viewpoint. 

The cast of supporting characters was enjoyable too, complete with difficult family members and friends who sometimes caused more harm than help.

For me, this book was pretty intense. When I got the final version I read it in just 2 evenings because I had to find out what happened. This story touched me and also made me really think about my opinions on abortion and why I feel the way I do. Overall, the romance between Maryanne and Lucas was satisfying and the action parts were exciting and fun to read. This one is a hit, and my favorite book of Ayala's so far. Can't wait for her next book!


Happy reading, everyone!
~~ Chantel~~

Monday, January 28, 2013

#BookReview ~ Maggie's Fall by Ricki Wilson

Title:     Maggie's Fall
Author: Ricki Wilson
Genre:  Mainstream fiction/women's fiction
Rating:  4 stars

Amazon Product Page

I really enjoyed this book. Being a long-time horse lover, I really liked that this was essentially a book about saving a horse ranch that was failing. Maggie is a strong woman who has had a lot of tragedy in her life that she needs to work out and get over. Her problems run deeper than she'll allow herself to admit and beyond this being the story of Maggie saving her parents' ranch and keeping it running, this is the story of Maggie finding herself. 

I love the entire cast of characters. Jonah and Martha, who help run the ranch and act as Maggie's extended family, are great people and I love Martha's no-nonsense way she deals with things. Maggie's son, T.J., adds his own brand of charm and, of course, I absolutely love Witt - the finance manager who helps Maggie at every opportunity he can. 

My one criticism would be that there is quite a bit of head-hoping in this book with shifts from one character to the next which is sometimes a little confusing. On the other hand, it does give readers a chance to look into the minds of all these characters and get to know each of them better than they would have if Maggie were the only point of view character. 

Even though this extended family face many challenges, together with love and perseverance, they show a strength to get through the tough times, even when things don't work out like they expect or want them too. A very satisfying story that I enjoyed and recommend. 

This book took me longer to read than I wanted it to since I've been finishing up writing my own book and had other things promised to read. That said, it was a really good book that I greatly enjoyed and I was frustrated by the lack of reading time I had available to devote to this. Even though I was supposed to be doing other things/reading other books, I kept coming back to this one to read a chapter or two when I could steal away some time. I really think people will love Maggie. She's a great character who has much to learn about herself, and the journey of her life makes a great read. I hear a sequel is coming, and I can't wait! 


Happy reading, friends! Have a great week!
eeeChantelfff

Monday, January 21, 2013

#NewRelease ~ Hidden Under Her Heart

HIDDEN UNDER HER HEART (A Story of Abortion & Courage) by Rachelle Ayala 

Maryanne Torres is a compassionate nurse who fails at relationships. After a string of losers, she swears off premarital sex, hoping to land a marrying type of man. 

Lucas Knight, a law-school dropout, moves to California to train for the Ironman Triathlon. He's smart, sweet, and everything Maryanne wants in a man, but their relationship suffers from his dedication to the sport. Seeking consolation in the arms of a handsome preacher's son, Maryanne attends a church party where she is raped. 

Maryanne is pregnant from the rape and plans to abort. But the identity of her rapist is hidden in her baby's DNA. Lucas asks Maryanne to seek alternatives and pledges to support her through the pregnancy. When Lucas becomes the prime suspect, Maryanne must clear his name and make a life changing decision. 

The rapist has other ideas. In order to destroy the evidence, he offers Maryanne an illegal offshore abortion. With Maryanne's life in danger, Lucas races to save her and her baby. However, Maryanne hides a secret that threatens to tear them apart forever. 

A 99,000-word women's fiction, HIDDEN UNDER HER HEART deals with the consequences of rape and abortion. 

From the Author 
Hidden Under Her Heart is an emotional and hard-hitting story about a young woman facing a heart-wrenching decision. We’ve heard the rhetoric, maybe even argued over the issue of abortion and rape. But behind the debates are real people—women and men with real problems and feelings. My story is not meant to be preachy, but compassionate, especially for post-abortive parents seeking closure. I think people on both sides of the fence will find meaning in the changes that both Maryanne and Lucas go through. Ultimately, it is an uplifting story, and my hope is that it will be a help to you. 

About the Author 
I am the author of three novels: Michal’s Window, a historical romance between King David and his first wife, the princess Michal, Broken Build, a romantic suspense thriller set in a Silicon Valley startup, and Hidden Under Her Heart, a story about a nurse wrestling with her decision to abort. My stories tend to be dramatic and emotional, crossing genres and cultures. I like to dive deep and live through my characters’ eyes. Each of them are passionate but flawed women paired with conflicted men with good hearts. I hope you enjoy the emotional journey I take you on. I love to hear from readers. Please contact me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RachelleAyalaWriter or my blog: http://www.rachelleayala.com 

Book Links 
Hidden Under Her Heart http://www.rachelleayala.com/p/hidden-under-her-heart.html 

Personally, I love this story (review to come soon). For the next three days (Jan. 21st through 23rd) Hidden Under Her Heart is going to be on sale for 99 cents at both Barnes & Noble and Amazon. You don't want to miss this book!

Happy reading everyone! Have a good week!
eeeChantelfff

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

#BookReview ~ Trouble Triangle by Travis Casey ~ Humor

Title:      Trouble Triangle (Book 1 of Tyler's Trouble Trilogy)
Author: Travis Casey
Genre:   Humor/splash of romance
Rating:  Five Enthusiastic Stars!!

Okay, I have been so excited to give my review on this book! I absolutely love Trouble Triangle! If you like your humor a bit off color (some say raunchy), prepare to laugh! Travis Casey is one of my favorite new authors! 

Amazon Product Page
Tyler Chambers thinks he has it made, living the sailor life and a dream most men would love--two of the hottest girls on base want relationships with him. When things turn ugly, Tyler will have a hard time talking himself out of some sticky situations.

I first read this book as a critique partner and just could not read through it fast enough. Even before it was totally refined and all fixed up as it is now, I loved this story. I've read the final version, and it is great!! As funny as I remembered.

I don't want to give the plot away, but I really enjoyed this one. In the beginning, Tyler is a character you have to struggle to love; kind of a bad boy with a chip on his shoulder. However, he is very funny and stole my heart by the end. I enjoyed watching his growth throughout the book. The cast of characters is great, all feeding off each other with some very funny scenes (I love Mark). The further into the book you get, the funnier things are!

Though this is an easy read that keeps the laughs coming throughout, the author did a great job and loaded in several unexpected twists.

I would categorize this book as adult only. Be prepared for strong language and sexual situations (they're sailors, after all). If you are looking for a light read with a splash of romance that will keep you laughing, give this a try! It's on my automatic re-read pile!

Travis is currently working on the second book in the trilogy. Can't wait to share that one with you all too! If you love racy humor, you are going to want to pick this series up! 


Happy reading, my friends! Have a great week!
eeeChantelfff

Friday, November 23, 2012

Spotlight on H.C. Elliston ~ Suspense Thriller Author

I am so excited to have H.C. Elliston here today for an interview. She recently released her latest book, Shiver Sweet, and it is her third thriller/suspense novel! I’m so happy to have you here! Tell us a little bit about your books. 

Thrillers is the genre that really lights me up, but it has to include romance! Perhaps I am a little twisted, but I enjoy throwing characters into awful situations, and watching them either lose or keep their heads while figuring a way out. There's usually a murder or two in my books, plenty of bad guys (or gals) action scenes and a love story - some light, but in 'Shiver Sweet' I've written far steamier scenes. 


We are definitely of like minds here. I, too, love the thrill, but have to have some romance included. What do you love about writing? What do you hate? 

I love the freedom of letting my imagination run riot, and... killing people for a living!

The first draft is my least favourite part - the scary blank canvas! Yikes. I prefer it when the first draft is done and I have something to pull apart. 

Killing people for a living! That is a perfect answer. I always worry what people would think if they ever checked my computer's browser history. We have to research some weird things to commit so many murders and get away with them! ;-)

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it? 

Instead of throwing things around the room, I just write dialogue until the scene shapes up. If that doesn't work, I do another activity because ideas tend to pop up when I'm not consciously thinking about them. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

I run a pet art business, so I'd usually be doing some form of doggie artwork or crafting, and then gossiping in the post office while I mail orders. Other than that, I walk my two dogs, watch films in the dark, sing nursery rhymes to my niece, make animations for my sister, or go shopping with my partner and his children. 

I've seen some of your art work on Facebook - beautiful! Sounds like you have a busy, happy life!  What’s next for you? 

I am working on a short story, a romantic thriller about a group of people on a business trip in Singapore in which everyone is out to get everyone else. I've been lucky enough to visit Singapore several times so figured I'd use that knowledge. It's an amazing place! 

I can't wait to read it! I know, I know, I have to wait. Still, sounds exciting!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me for a while and letting my readers get to know you better!  Everyone, read on below to find out more about Helen, her books, and where you can get them.

H.C. Elliston's Biography
Helen was born in Cheshire but now lives in West Yorkshire, UK. She runs a small, but international pet art business, is a trustee for an animal rescue charity, a vegetarian, an aunt, dogmum x2, stepmum x3 (minus the marriage certificate) and has an unquenchable passion for writing. 



Check out H.C. Elliston's books:



US Amazon Link

SHIVER SWEET

DON’T LOOK UP. THEY’RE WATCHING YOU...

Christa has a secret so big that her husband John is using it as blackmail in their divorce. He is out for revenge because - although she won’t admit it - Christa is still in love with the man with whom she shares this secret; the man whose fiery girlfriend slams Christa at every opportunity. 

To protect her teenage daughter from a horrid truth, Christa must agree to John’s demands by the morning. But her world is about to rip wide open, and turn into life or death, when housemate Nicola discovers that John is the least of their problems; he’s not the only one wretched enough to exploit them.




THINK FAST DIE LAST
US Amazon Link
TRAPPED... 
Seemingly unrelated crimes of murder, software scams and drug trafficking collide when two couples on the run take refuge in an isolated forest cabin. They are the victims of an apparent double booking... or was the meet planned?

HUNTED... TAKEN...
Armed men descend upon the retreat at midnight. They hold the couples hostage before shooting their way inside on command. 

But which gang are they? And which couple have they come for?
~~
Think Fast Die Last is a twisty, ACTION-BASED THRILLER.

Ordinary people in an extraordinary situation.
Hostages, chase scenes, gangs, ziplining, an unwitting spy and some romantic themes...



TICK TOCK RUN
US Amazon Link


TRUST NO ONE. SUSPECT EVERYONE.
Someone's coming for Chelsea – a killer who will stop at nothing until she’s dead.

WARN THE PREY...
Instead of enjoying her best friend’s hen evening, receptionist Chelsea Denham is wondering why Lee, a handsome stranger in the bar, is questioning people about phrases she received by email that morning:
‘Tick Tock. Your number’s up. People have to pay for what they’ve done.’
The email contains a ticking countdown timer.

A TENSE GAME OF REVENGE.
While police investigate, Chelsea teams up with Lee. She is about to encounter the worst week of her life, face guilt head-on and have her loyalty tested while frightened out of her home, menaced and used as bait.

COUNTDOWN TO DEATH...
Her troubled best friend is forced to reveal a dark secret and her deepest fears. It puts a new slant on the problem but, according to Lee, the stakes haven’t altered; when the countdown timer in the email reaches zero... you die.

Happy reading, everyone! Have a fantastic weekend!

eeeChantelfff

P.S. Don't forget my policy to read the samples before you buy! Everyone's tastes are different. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

#BookReview ~ Sixth South by Michele Shriver

Book:    Sixth South
Author:  Michele Shriver
Genre:  Women's Literature/Fiction
My rating:  5 stars

Sixth South is such a great book! I loved the way the lives of these four women were interwoven, blending together as these friends shared (or hid) their various problems from the others. The thing I love about Michele Shriver's writing is she always tackles issues that I think are relevant and interesting. Re-entering the dating world after being widowed? Abuse? Addiction? Equal rights? Each women has their own trials to deal with, and it is interesting to watch them work through their problems. Friendships are destroyed, love blossoms, political battles are faced. There is a lot to this book, and I couldn't read it fast enough.

If you read Shriver's first book, After Ten, you will be delighted to see some of your favorite characters back in the spotlight. I especially love Sarah and Kelsey. They are so funny, often making me laugh out loud. You don't need to have read After Ten to enjoy this book, though. I read Sixth South first and liked it so much I went back to read After Ten. Each one stands alone. The other characters in this book are great as well. I love Olivia! She is an awesome character and her scenes are so sweet!

One of the ways I judge a book is whether or not I would read it again. I will most certainly be reading Six South again in the future! Another terrific book from this author. I look forward to her next one. In the meantime, I'll have to be content re-reading After Ten and Six South.

Amazon Product Link
Barnes & Noble Product Link

Happy reading everyone!
eeeChantelfff
P.S. Don't forget my new policy and read the samples before you buy! Everyone's tastes are different. 

Monday, November 5, 2012

#BookReview ~ Only In Her Dreams #Paranormal #Romance

A new type of Paranormal Romance dealing with Greek Mythology and Demigods!

Only In Her Dreams


Author: Christina McKnight
My rating: 5 stars



As promised during the release for this book, I'm now sharing my opinion. I've been so excited to put this review up! I really can't recommend this book enough. I couldn't put it down. It's an automatic add for my re-read pile. 

I thought I would have a difficult time getting into the book when I realized how many different points of view there were. I worried it would be hard to follow along or feel like I knew the characters on a deep level. However, that is not the case at all. Christina McKnight's writing style is very engaging and easy to read. I loved all the characters, even the bad guys. 

Here's my take on the story, since I already shared the blurb in a previous post: With Lucessa being human and Maxim a demigod, a romance between them seems doomed from the start; after all, they come from two different worlds. However, Maxim has guarded over Lucessa her entire life, and she can't help but be attracted to this familiar stranger. He also fights his attraction to her, as a demigod is not allowed to live with or love a human. Thrown in close proximity with her so he can offer protection from forces who want to use Lucessa for their own purpose, he has a hard time fighting his true feelings.

Of course, what good would any book be without a great villain? Though I have to say, I actually sort of sympathized with Darius, and I was excited to learn at the end of this book that there are plans to tell his story.

A wonderful start to this series with a slightly different spin than other books I've read. I love the Greek mythology aspect to this. Great debut novel for Christina McKnight! I look forward to reading more from her, and also re-reading ONLY IN HER DREAMS, in the future!


Happy reading everyone! Have a wonderful week!

eeeChantelfff
P.S. Don't forget my new policy and read the samples before you buy! Everyone's tastes are different. 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Want To Get Lucky This November?


I have two fantastic giveaways to tell you about! November is your month to get lucky! Lucky with books, gift cards, and a Kindle Paperwhite.  Check out the details of the first giveaway for Books-a-Fire. 

Books-a-Fire is a group of awesome authors. We will award a FREE Kindle Paperwhite loaded with books by the sponsoring authors. The contest starts November 3 and ends November 17. Although NO PURCHASE is required to enter, please browse our wide variety of books and click on author links for extra entries! In addition to the Free Kindle Paperwhite, we will award extra prizes: one $50 gift card, two $25 gift cards and two bundles of books by sponsoring authors. Entries close at midnight November 17, 2012 Eastern Time Zone, but don’t wait, enter today and spread the word! To enter visit our Book-a-Fire website www.booksafire.com.


Grand Prize: An Amazon Paperwhite, valued at $119, filled with eleven e-books written by the sponsoring authors!

Weekly Prizes: 
(1) $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
(2) $25.00 Amazon Gift Cards
(2) Bundles of e-books by sponsoring authors


You can enter this contest a total of 12 times, once on each participating authors site, plus the main contest page! Click here or above on the giveaway tab to enter on this site. Then, visit the Books-a-Fire website for links to all the other great books and places you can earn additional entries! Good luck! Happy reading! Books-A-Fire Giveaway



The next giveaway is awesome too - made especially for readers! My friend, author Rachelle Ayala, is sponsoring a huge ebook giveaway! Rachelle has picked twelve books that she loves or have affected her in some profound way (and Always & Forever made the list) and she's giving them away! There are a wide variety of books and three people will win.  Check it out:

Giveaway

They're choosing three winners!

First Winner: Will get the Complete eBook Collection... Yes all 12 of them!
Second Winner: Will get to choose any 6 eBooks out of the 12 listed 
Third Winner: Will get to choose any 3 eBooks out of the 12 listed 

To see what books are included and enter this fabulous giveaway, follow this link: http://b00kr3vi3ws.blogspot.com/2012/11/RachelleAyala.html 


Happy reading, my friends, and good luck! 

eeeChantelfff

Friday, October 26, 2012

Interview Spotlight on Michele Shriver WomensLit author


I am so excited to have women’s lit author, Michele Shriver, here today for an interview. Welcome, Michele! So, I have to admit, until I started doing critiques at Critique Circle, I had never before read any women’s lit books. Boy, I’ve been missing out on some great stuff! After Ten is an awesome book, which I’ve already reviewed here, but let’s talk about your new release, Sixth South

Thanks for having me here, Chantel. I appreciate the opportunity.

Tell us a little bit about Kelsey and how she came to merit a book of her own.

Well, since you’ve read After Ten, you know that Kelsey started out as a supporting character in that book and then she became one of the main characters in Sixth South. The short reason for that is that she’s fun to write and she makes my job easy, but of course there’s more to it.

When I sat down to write After Ten, I decided that one of the main characters would be a lesbian. That’s something you don’t see that often in mainstream women’s fiction, but I like to push boundaries a little, and I liked the idea of a character (Sarah) who struggled with her sexual identity for years and basically lived a lie while she was in college, and then goes back for the ten year class reunion very happy and successful but still keeping this big secret.

I knew that if Sarah was going to be able to not only accept, but embrace, her true self, she would need to have a strong and confident partner by her side. Kelsey was specifically created for Sarah with that purpose. She’s a little older, she has more relationship experience, and she’s someone who never really struggled with her sexuality or felt any shame. She just is who she is and is proud of it.

For all of her outward confidence, though, Kelsey has a vulnerable side. She just doesn’t show it to many people and she didn’t show it to me for a long time. When she finally did, I realized her true potential and that’s when I decided I had to write a book in which she was a POV character so I could fully explore it.

It’s been a real joy to write Sarah and Kelsey’s relationship from its early beginnings, with Kelsey as the stronger one, seeing Sarah come into her own and then ultimately, in Sixth South, being the one who has to keep it together to help Kelsey through a rough time. 



Honestly, one of my favorite things about this book is Sarah and Kelsey’s relationship. They are so funny together. Really fun to read. However, the other women all captured my heart as well. Tell us a little bit about Joni, Olivia, and Megan.

The four main characters are all colleagues on the same sixth grade faculty, and each has a story of their own. Joni is Kelsey’s best friend, but the friendship becomes very strained when she discovers a secret her husband has been keeping from her and she ultimately has to make a choice between her marriage and her friendship with Kelsey.

Olivia is an older lady, recently widowed, and her life changes when her daughter decides it’s time for her to try online dating. All of the characters in my first book were roughly the same age, so in this book, I wanted to explore some different generations. Olivia is a lot older than me, and it was a challenge sometimes to try to capture a realistic voice for her, but I had a lot of fun with her story.

In keeping with the different generations, Megan is a young, first-year teacher, fresh out of college. She comes into the job with a lot of idealism and enthusiasm and quickly finds herself embroiled in a controversy that dampens that enthusiasm.


They are all great! One of the things I loved about this book is it's diversity.  Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I didn’t write the book with any particular message in mind. I wrote it just to tell a story, and I hope it’s an engaging and entertaining story. While I don’t think it really has a message, there is a theme that I think runs throughout the book, though, and that is trust. 


When did you start writing? What made you want to be a writer?

My earliest memory of writing, and perhaps wanting to be a writer, dates back to sixth grade. I had a teacher who gave us a class assignment to write the first chapter of a book. I did, and had a lot of fun with it, but I had one complaint. I didn’t want to stop! I wanted to write the whole book, and I told her that. She said “Go right ahead.” I never did finish that book, but since that time I always loved getting a school assignment to write a story. She was a very influential person in my life, and it’s not a coincidence that this book focuses on a group of sixth grade teachers.

I got away from writing for too many years when I was in college and then law school. Well, I was writing, but it was all nonfiction stuff for school or work. About nine years ago I got into fiction writing, starting with a soap opera style role play game on the internet. That gave me a chance to write dramatic stories with original characters, and reawakened my love for writing.

I also dabbled in fan fiction for a while, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. It gave me a chance to improve my writing and storytelling ability.

A few years ago, I signed up for NaNoWriMo on a whim and wrote After Ten and I guess the rest is history.


Funny how some people can have so much influence in our lives, isn't it?  I think that's terrific.  Are there any other genres you like writing in?

I’ve written nonfiction articles for law reviews, one short story in the fantasy genre, and one screenplay, but no- women’s fiction is what I enjoy the most and I don’t really see myself seriously branching out into other genres. I’m more focused on trying to build my brand and make a name for myself writing women’s fiction.

I totally understand what you are saying there. What do you love about writing? What do you hate?

I love creating characters and crafting stories that I hope make people smile, laugh, perhaps occasionally cry, and hopefully touch their heart or at least leave some impression on them. That’s my goal.

I hate not having as much time to spend on writing as I would like, but I’m sure that’s a common complaint. As far as the process itself, the most frustrating thing for me is when I know what’s coming next, I can see the next scene or chapter vividly in my head, but for some reason struggle with getting that mental picture into words.

I hate that the chatty little buggers don't let me sleep sometimes. My characters always like to tell me the good stuff when I'm trying to go to bed! Guess that's better than them not talking at all. 
J

Where do you get your story ideas?

It may sound strange, but most of the time I get my story ideas from my characters. My books tend to start with me creating a few characters- I’ll give them a name, an age, an occupation, think a little bit about what type of person they are and what their life is like. For example, with this book, I decided I was writing about a group of teachers. Then I just started writing and let them create the story. I’ve never been one to do a lot of advance planning. I like to let my characters surprise me.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

I do occasionally, but fortunately not very often. The bigger problem for me is what I already mentioned-knowing what comes next but struggling to get it on to paper. Usually it means that the scene isn’t quite ready. I’ve learned that I can’t force my writing. If a scene or chapter isn’t ready to be written, no amount of staring at a blank page is going to make it ready. I have to let it come to me.

Usually I just go do other things and wait until it does. One thing I’ve noticed is that being outside can help clear my head and get ideas flowing, and that I sometimes do my best thinking when I’m out on a bike ride. So, weather permitting, I’ll just get on my bike and head for the trails.


Oh! Bike riding sounds so much better than what I do to stop writer's block...house work. I'm trying your method instead! To heck with a clean house!


What book(s) / author(s) have influenced your life and writing? Why?

I’m a big fan of Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah. Jodi Picoult is one of the best I’ve read at telling a story with multiple points of view and writing about controversial topics. Her books stay with me a long time because she poses some difficult questions that can really make a reader think. I’m in awe of her grasp of the subjects she writes about and how much research it must take.

Kristin Hannah explores some difficult themes, too, but she writes them with so much heart. She creates memorable characters and really makes a reader care about them. Her books are about the characters’ journey. Also, I’m a sucker for a happy ending, and I like that her books usually end with things working out, even if there’s been some heart wrenching and difficult stuff along the way.


I've never read either of those authors, but they sound interesting. I'm a sucker for happy endings too


What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I’m a big sports fan, so if there’s a football or hockey game on TV, I’m probably watching it. If not, then I’m at the gym doing a Zumba fitness class. I also love to read. I think to be a good writer, one has to be a good reader as well, and there’s not much better than relaxing with a good book.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on my third novel right now, and this one is very close to me because it was inspired in part by the work I do in juvenile law. It’s a story rooted in the child welfare system, told from the points of view of the different people involved. It features a drug-addicted young mother fighting to turn her life around and regain custody of her child, a jaded social worker with inner demons of her own, an attorney who thinks she can save the world and a judge who might be too close to the case.


I can never wait for more stories from you. You need to write faster! J


MICHELE SHRIVER'S BIOGRAPHY:
I was born in Iowa and raised in Texas and now live in Iowa again. I am proud to consider both states to be home, and therefore poke fun at both of them, but it's always meant in the nicest way possible. I am a practicing attorney with a focus on juvenile law and have also worked as an educator, and some of my experiences have found their way into my writing. My dream is to someday pay the bills as a writer and be able to spend winters in the Dallas area going to Dallas Stars hockey games. In my free time, when I’m not writing, I am probably at a Zumba class, riding my bike, watching a football, hockey or soccer game on TV, or enjoying a glass of wine while I lose myself in a good book written by someone else.


Want to connect with Michele further and keep up with what she's doing? 


Want to buy Sixth South?
Amazon Product Page for Sixth South
Barnes & Noble Product Page for Sixth South

Want to buy Michele's first book, After Ten?
Amazon Product Page for After Ten
Barnes & Noble Product Page for After Ten

Happy reading, everyone! I know you'll enjoy Michele's books as much as I do!
eeeChantelfff

Monday, October 15, 2012

#NewRelease ~ Sixth South by Michele Shriver #WomensLit

TITLE:        Sixth South
AUTHOR:  Michele Shriver
GENRE:     Women's Lit/Fiction
RELEASE DATE:
October 6, 2012



When the things she holds closest are suddenly threatened, Kelsey needs her best friend more than ever. But can Joni be there for her, or will the discovery of a shocking secret force her to choose between their friendship and her marriage? After fleeing an abusive past, Megan looks forward to a new future, but suddenly finds herself at risk of being a victim again. Their recently widowed friend and colleague, Olivia, wants to help them through the tough times with a freshly baked dessert, but when a surprise gift prompts her try online dating, she finds herself embarking on an adventure she never expected.


A story about friendship, relationships, trust, betrayal, letting go of the past and facing the future, this will be a year like no other for the women of Sixth South.


Amazon Product Page
Barnes & Noble Product Page

Visit Michele's websit:
http://micheleshriver.com/
To Facebook stalk Michele, click here - http://www.facebook.com/michele.shriver
Connect with her onTwitter- www.twitter.com/micheleshriver


Saturday, October 13, 2012

Interview #Spotlight on Paranormal Romance Author Christina McKnight


Today, we are very fortunate to have the highly talented author, Christina McKnight, with us.  First, check out the cover and description of her book.

When Lucessa Sarcona awakes from a recurring dream, she has no idea her life is about to be turned upside down. A stranger, familiar to her dreams, shows up in the flesh, and Lucessa knows she’s either crazy or experiencing something not of this world.

A war ensues between three demigod brothers. One, trained to rule Erebos, is violently replaced. One forced to return to his homeland and lead the dream-gods of the Oneiroi. And one is charged with the impossible task of protecting Lucessa. How is she linked to the Oneiroi? Why do two brothers seek to keep her hidden and protected? And how does another plan to use her against the two demigods who love her?

Will Lucessa’s dream man have the courage to claim her as his own or will he bow to the command of another, forsaking the one he loves?

Only in Her Dreams is a modern spin on a Greek legend--the new direction of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, moving from angels, demons, vampires, and witches and toward the realm of demigods.



Thank you so much, Christina, for agreeing to be here.  You must be very excited about releasing Only In Her Dreams, The Oneiroi Book 1
Thanks for having me, Chantel. I’m a bit over excited about the release of my 1st novel.

Well, I have to admit, I'm a bit overexcited about it too. It's a great book! Tell us a little bit more about the Oneiroi. Who or what are they?
Great question! The Oneiroi are the Greek demigods of dreams. While actual mythological legends state they are winged, bat-like creatures who take to the sky at night, my interpretation is a bit different.  My Oneiroi are hot men with iridescent blue eyes who visit our dreams.

Hot men with blue eyes? Yummy! My favorite! :-)

Who is your favorite character from the story and why? Anyone you’ve got the hots for?
This answer will go along with the next question. For some reason I really enjoyed writing from the POV of my bad boy, Darius. He is a troubled soul with many layers of hurt that are developed during the course of book one. Now, I must admit I’ve always had a ‘thing’ for bad boys. I watch Vampire Diaries and my favorite character is Damien Salvatore. I’ve been drawn to him from the first episode. I can’t say how my fetish with bad boys has affected my personal life, LOL.

We'll skip right past the personal life issues ;-) I'm definitely team Maxim, but Darius does have his own brand of charm.  

Is this a part of a series or a standalone book?
When I originally wrote my novel it was a standalone book. It wasn’t until my 3rd revision that I thought, ‘There is more to this story then I’m able to tell in just one book.’ As you’ve probably guessed, Only In Her Nightmares, The Oneiroi Book 2 will feature my bad boy, Darius. I’m excited to have 80k words to explore him and his unique story. Only In His Visions, The Oneiroi Book 3 will feature Alexander, Darius’ right hand man.

Where does the inspiration for you stories come from?
Only in Her Dreams actually came to me in a dream. Ironic, I know. Several times I dreamt of a man watching me. He never approached, moved, or spoke, but stayed silently in the background. I starting thinking: Who is this guy? What does he want?

A fellow writer -and self-proclaimed dream expert- said the man may be someone I’ve come into contact with recently. My next question: What if this mystery man from my dream showed up in real life?

Only In Her Dreams, The Oneiroi Book 1 took off from there.

What advice do you have for other aspiring writers?
Ask questions! Seek out other writers and learn as much as you can from their experiences. I have a wonderful support group of writers, some indie and a few traditional. Something I’ve learned is that writers are more than happy to share what they’ve learned. And if they don’t know the answer, they will point you to another writer who does. In addition, as a writer you must be willing to help others as well. Share what you learn with other new writers.

That's terrific advice, and I've found that to be true as well. Authors are always willing to help out. Do you have another book in the works?
OMG! I do…

A few months ago I read Wallflower by Catherine Gayle and she wrote a scene that involved a duel. The heroine wanted to take the place of her beta male counterpart. She was scared to lose him. Talk about true love!

I started thinking...what if a young girl of the ton was responsible for the death of a man because of a duel she egged on? The next logical question was...what if BOTH men died? Then I took it one step further...what if the men were brothers? Shunned No More, The Forsaken Lady Series (Book 1) progressed from there.

I have a heroine that the reader should despise during the prologue but hopefully I can redeem her by the end of the book.

Oh, and of course I’m working on Only In Her Nightmares, The Oneiroi Book 2, but you’ll have to wait a bit longer for deets on this project.

I'm glad you have so much planned, 'cause I'm going to need more books from you! Thank you so much for being here today, Christina!  I wish you the best luck in your writing career. 
Thank you for having me!






Want to connect with Christina? Her are her links:









Here's the link for Amazon again so you can buy this great bookhttp://amzn.to/SxcmMM


Read on for an excerpt from bad-boy Darius' point of view!

Chapter 8 
Darius preferred to let his brothers believe his powers had indeed been stripped, gone with his banishment. That’s where his deal with the Dark One came in handy. He’d had a link to the girl for years now, bringing a dark presence to her dreams-her nightmares.
Closing his eyes he concentrated on the dark side. A thrill coursed through his body every time he traveled to this forbidden land. He would lead these people, his type of people.
His eyes opened and he stood in front of a rusted, black iron gate. It parted to allow him entrance.
He proceeded down the fog-ridden path toward the castle in the distance. It was an imposing structure covered by black tinted ivy. Everything in this place held a black tint; the streets, the building, and most of all—the people. Soon-to-be, his people.
As he approached the massive fortress, the doors glided open of their own accord. The interior was as dark and fog laden as the exterior, dim candles shown upon the rug laden floor he moved across.
“The Dark One will see you in the billiards room.”
Darius stiffened and stopped his progress, turning toward the voice behind him.
No one in sight. What the fuck?
He straightened his shoulders and continued through the foyer and down the hall leading to the billiards room. Again, doors parted and he entered.
The Dark One lounged against the far wall, cue stick in hand. He studied the freshly racked pool table. “You’re in time for a game. Grab a cue, Darius.”
“Yes, My Lord.” Darius retrieved a cue stick from the wall and turned toward the table. The Dark One leaned across it, aiming for the racked balls.
“I hear you have good news for me,” he said as his stick connected with the white ball. On impact, the colored and striped balls rolled toward the corner pockets.
Darius watched in awe. Every ball found its home in a hole, ending the game before it start. What the fuck?! he thought to himself, for the second time in less than ten minutes.
“Well?”
“Yes. My informant gave us accurate information about where the girl lives,” Darius said.
“Have you confirmed this for yourself?” The man stood straight and returned his stick to the rack on the wall. He faced Darius across the table, hands on his hips. The man was intimidating, the thing that nightmares were made of.
“Of course.” I’m not an idiot.
“Well?”
“Well…what?” Darius asked. Standing around a pool table, in such a casual setting should be relaxing, but he was on edge.
“Why isn’t Erebos mine yet?”
Good question. How to answer that without getting his ass set on fire, he wondered. “I’m working on it.”
“Work faster. I’m in need of a new home, this one’s going to shit.” The Dark One stared at Darius, no hint of a joke on his face.
“I don’t plan to drag this out longer than necessary.”


Happy reading everyone! Have a great weekend!

eeeChantelfff