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Archive for the ‘Interview’ Category
It’s that time once again… before I warned everyone not to meddle in the affairs of dragons, for we are crunchy and good with ketchup, but forget that!
Pick up this series and meddle away! You won’t regret it!
The Dragonslayer Series is complete… so that means… BLOG TOUR TIME!
Synopsis fo
r The Dragonslayer’s Sword (Book 1)
For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover–the dragonslayer–disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning.
Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child.
Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much…or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?
Synopsis for The Iron Maiden (Book 2)
Astrid is reluctant to travel the winter route beyond the Northlands, even though it’s her duty. She’d rather stay home in her village, surrounded by friends and neighbors. Ignoring the bonds of tradition, she decides to spend the cold winter months in the warmth of her blacksmithing shop. Why should she leave the comfort of her cottage to serve and protect foreigners who might raid and harm her native Northlands?
Everything changes when a traveling merchant steals Starlight, the first dragonslayer’s sword Astrid forged and her last link to her sweetheart DiStephan. Having no time to alert her friends, Astrid races in pursuit of the merchant, determined to reclaim Starlight as her own and return home in time for dinner. Instead, her quest leads her to new lands, unexpected friendships with foreigners, and a harrowing encounter with the damage done by the followers of a new god that considers women as nothing more than servants to men. All the while, she must be ready to face any dragon traveling the winter route.
In Book 2 of the Dragonslayer series, Astrid must learn that deciding who she is isn’t a decision she can make just once. It’s a decision she must make every day.
Synopsis for The Stone of Darkness (Book 3)
In Book 3 of the Dragonslayer series, Astrid accepts her duty and follows the winter route–until she’s bitten by a dragon. Everyone knows dragon bites are poisonous and deadly, so she reluctantly accepts her impending death. In a twist of fate, she survives. Desperate for an explanation, Astrid believes she has somehow been protected by the black stone she keeps with her at all times, a stone that emerged from the sole of her foot a year ago.
Determined to find out what the stone is and what kind of powers it possesses, Astrid begins a journey that leads her to alchemists and an army of men under the rule of the powerful warrior, Mandulane, the acting lord of the Krystr army. Mandulane’s mission is to spread the word of the new god Krystr, which preaches the evil intent of women and the danger they pose to all men, who are entitled to dominate the world. Rumors about this new god and army have spread, but Astrid is the first Northlander to encounter them.
Soon, she stumbles upon a secret of a far-reaching and mind-numbing plot that will impact the entire world. Astrid must find a way to spread the news of this threat and protect her people and everyone else at risk. She’s convinced the answer lies inside the Stone of Darkness, and she must find a way to understand the stone and the powers she’s convinced it must hold before it’s too late.
Synopsis for The Dragon’s Egg (Book 4)
In the fourth and final book of the Dragonslayer series, Mandulane’s army is poised to attack the Northlands in the name of a powerful god, but in truth Mandulane is using the act of spreading this new faith as a way to disguise his own personal greed and hunger for power.
Astrid has succeeded in warning her beloved country of imminent danger, and the Northlanders scramble to set up a clever defense, never realizing a spy in their midst is poised to take critical information directly to Mandulane.
After sacrificing herself in order to set her brother Drageen free for the sake of protecting the Northlands, Astrid finds herself controlled by the stone of light. Although it forces her path of destiny, Astrid learns she must make one final choice about who she wants to be.
Most important of all, her new sweetheart Trep encounters a dragon that entrusts him with the care of a dragon’s egg. Trep embraces a dangerous journey and accepts the duty of protecting the unhatched dragon, knowing that its safety could impact the fate of the entire world.
Interview Time!
It’s definitely a relief and a feeling of accomplishment to finish my first series. When I wrote The Dragon’s Egg, I found myself dragging my heels and finally figured out it was because I didn’t want the series to end and especially didn’t want to say goodby to my characters. Once I realized that was happening, I was able to get myself back on my regular writing schedule. Ironically, I felt really happy when writing the final chapters because I felt so proud of my characters and what they accomplished. So it ended up being a much more positive experience than I ever expected.
Yes, that was definitely my hope. In Book 1, she starts at a point of having been sheltered from the rest of the world, and I really wanted her to have pressing reasons to go out in the world and learn about it. Her view of the world is very narrow in the beginning, and I wanted it keep widening throughout the series.
At the moment I’m writing a standalone science fiction novel set in the present day. The science fiction element acts as a foundation of the book, which is really more like a murder mystery. At any given time I usually have at least 20 unwritten novels in my head, which includes three series. On top of that, I’m now thinking about about creating a new series that would be a spin-off of the Dragonslayer series.
I’m always at my best when I first get up in the morning. I feel connected to the sun because I wake up when the sun rises whether I want to or not. So I’ve decided to embrace the early morning hours and make the most of them.
Lawrence of Arabia. I love the premise of a man who wants to be a god and then finds out it’s not what he was expecting.
Yes, I actually do!
What do you think a dragon’s favorite condiment would be?
I think dragons would like sushi, so I’m going to say pickled ginger.
A Kindle loaded with hundreds of books!
Here is my rating for the series overall… I’ll admit I haven’t finished it entirely due to a bout of the flu, but what I’ve read so far….
Resa Nelson’s first
novel, The Dragonslayer’s Sword, was nominated for the Nebula Award and was also a Finalist for the EPPIE Award. This medieval fantasy novel is based on a short story first published in the premiere issue of Science Fiction Age magazine and ranked 2nd in that magazine’s first Readers Top Ten Poll. The Dragonslayer’s Sword is Book 1 in her 4-book Dragonslayer series, which also includes The Iron Maiden (Book 2), The Stone of Darkness (Book 3), and The Dragon’s Egg (Book 4).
Resa’s standalone novel, Our Lady of the Absolute, is a fantasy/mystery/thriller about a modern-day society based on ancient Egypt. Midwest Book Review gave this book a 5-star review, calling it “a riveting fantasy, very highly recommended.”
She has been selling fiction professionally since 1988. She is a longtime member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) and is a graduate of the Clarion SF Workshop. Resa was also the TV/Movie Columnist for Realms of Fantasy magazine for 13 years and was a contributor to SCI FI magazine. She has sold over 200 articles to magazines in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Resa lives in Massachusetts. Visit her website at http://www.resanelson.com.
Resa Nelson’s links:
Resa’s website: http://www.resanelson.com
Free “mini” ebook of Dragonslayer short stories: http://www.resanelson.com/
files GoodReads giveaway: http://www.goodreads.com/
giveaway/show/39467-the- dragon-s-egg Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/
pages/Resa-Nelson-The- Dragonslayers-Sword/ 122200661871 Twitter: @ResaNelson
Email: ContactResa@aol.com
Ebooks ($4.99 each) are available directly from Mundania Press at: http://mundania.com/author.
php?author=Resa+Nelson (get a 10% discount at checkout with the coupon code MP10)Paperbacks are available from Mundania Press, Amazon, and Barnes&Noble:
http://mundania.com/author.
php?author=Resa+Nelson (get a 10% discount at checkout with the coupon code MP10)http://www.amazon.com/Resa-
Nelson/e/B002C78D2Q/ref=ntt_ athr_dp_pel_1
Interview with Molly Ringle
+ a GIVEAWAY of a signed digital copy of
Relatively Honest and What Scotland Taught Me
Thank You, Central Avenue Publishing, for offering the prizes!
So I have to ask… have you visited Scotland for research on your book, What Scotland Taught Me?
I have been to Scotland three times, though not specifically for research; only for general travel pleasure. My longest trip was one like the kids take in What Scotland Taught Me: a work-abroad adventure for a few months in Edinburgh. But that was in 1996, so unlike them, I was without cell phone or text messaging or easily accessed internet. Times were rough back in the ’90s. Nonetheless, I loved the accents and the CD shops (we still bought CD’s back then, too) and the Cadbury chocolate and the shortbread!
I know you consider yourself a writer of both adult and YA fiction, but out of curiosity why are you drawn to writing YA?
I’m drawn to it because being a teenager is a time of such dramatic contrasts. Your hormones are torturing you, you’re starting to grasp how terribly difficult and dreary being an adult is sometimes, you’re still bound by your parents’ and teachers’ rules…but on the other hand, you still have energy and youth, and the ability to be dazzled and charmed by the world (by art, love, science, travel, you name it). Big things are really getting started in life when you’re in your teens. It’s a time full of total joy and total agony.
YA vs. New Adult- your thoughts?
As to what to call the genres…it feels like “YA” has come to mean the lit for younger adolescents, like age 11-14, more and more lately. I tend to write about older teens, those near or just over 18, because that’s when your life really starts being in your own hands, and that’s a special challenge and a great source of excitement. I haven’t gotten used to the term “New Adult” myself, but perhaps I will eventually.
You seem to have ghosts as a recurring theme in some of your Paranormal books… do YOU believe in ghosts?
I’ve never actually seen (or heard, or otherwise experienced) a ghost, despite having wandered through or even stayed in some buildings reputed to be haunted. However, reliable people I know have claimed to have had ghostly encounters. So I like to think that ghosts could exist, and that I simply lack the sixth sense or whatever is required to notice them. Maybe that’s for the best, in terms of being able to sleep in peace!
Hmm… you have a large number of parodies on your website. Are you like an author version of Weird Al in your spare time?
I totally am.
I always liked Weird Al, and MAD magazine, and similar parody material, when I was a kid. And one day I thought, “Hm, I’ll try that for one of the Lord of the Rings movies,” and boom! People loved it. So they urged me to write more of them. I still have to do two of the Harry Potter books, now that you mention it.
What’s your favorite quote (from any source)?
I’m fond of: “Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.” (Internet says it was by Rose Franken.)
Grab your britches… time for some fun, quickie questions!
Geek: Hot or Not?
Hot. We’re now catching up on “The Big Bang Theory” and it’s silly how cute I find those people.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To show the possum it could be done–that’s what we said in Oregon, but technically they’re opossums, I lately learned.
How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?
113. I counted once. (Not really. No idea–I eat dark chocolate these days as my treat. Or cookies.)
Gandalf or Dumbledore?
Difficult indeed. But I’ll go with Gandalf. He seems a little more forthcoming with useful information.
X-Men or Avengers?
Saw Avengers more recently, and goodness those were some cute men, so, yeah. Avengers.
What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
Without looking I’m going to say: several kinds of cheese, leftovers, too many bagels, some green beans, yogurt, and yeast that is sad and neglected because I’m no good at baking homemade bread.
Final question….
Zombie Apocalypse just started, what fictional character do you want by your side to fight the undead hordes?
Buffy. And ideally she’ll bring her treasure chest of weapons so I can borrow a few.
Thanks for putting up with my goofy questions! I’m hoping I get a chance to read some of your books… did I mention I seriously love Scotland?
Thank you for asking them, Alana–that was good fun. Scotland is indeed awesome…I need to see more of it!
Diva Terri – “I’ve interviewed my fair share of guys, but this is a treat.” Looking in my compact, I have to make sure I’m at my diva best. Brushing my hair off my shoulder, I give my most confident expression and try not to ogle the guys sitting in the room.
Diva Karla smiles coyly at Seth then winks at Aiden, Flirty smile 100% on, cross her leg while wetting her lips.
Leaning forward placing her hand on both Seth´s and Aiden´s knee
Diva Nicole rolls her eyes and shrugs
(Karla) “Welcome Aiden and Seth, thanks for accepting this invitation to meet the divas. Are you guys up for the challenge?”
Aiden smiles. “Sure.”
“Always,” replies Seth.
She leans back and smiles openly at both Sexy guys. “Great, let’s start then”
“First I want to say what is said in this room stays in this room, the Divas lips are sealed.”
“Mine could be sealed in various ways”. Oops, I hope I didn’t say that out loud.
Terri!!!… “Sorry guys”…looks at Seth again and blushes… “Well, where was I?”
Nicole looks at Terri and Karla and sighs.
Diva Nicole…
Seth is it nice being able to comfort Alex or should I say being her cuddle bunny?
He arches a brow. “One of my greatest joys in my life is being a cuddle bunny.”
(Terri) You can be mine, I think.
(Karla) Blushes even deeper, and bites her lip nervously.
(Nicole ) I’m sorry to bring that up, Aiden, does that bother you? Would you volunteer for the position?
His eyes roll. “Does it bother me? Sure, it does. Does it mean anything? Nope. But he was there for her when I couldn’t be, so I am grateful for that. And of course, I would volunteer.”
Nicole shifts and thinks OMG he is so freaking swoon worthy, I think I may love him more than Daemon…
Diva Karla…
“Seth and Aiden – If you guys could define your relationship with Alex in one sentence, what would it be?”
“Fated,” Seth replied. “And don’t give me the evil Aiden eye. It’s the truth. You just don’t want to hear the truth.”
“It’s not the truth.” Aiden’s jaw tightens. “I’d say our relationship is… complicated.”
(Karla) “Fated or complicated, wow poor Alex is going to have a hard time with you two, I bet”
Aiden – What are your best qualities and your worst defects?
“Honestly, I don’t know what my best qualities are. It’s not something I think about. Same goes for worst defects.”
“I could suggest some worst defects,” Seth offers gamely.
“No one asked you.”
*taps her chin, deep in thought* ¨you guys seem to enjoy to bicker quite a bit.”
“Seth – If Alex´s life was in danger would you sacrifice yourself to keep her safe?”
“Of course I would.” He looked offended. “Gods, I wonder what you people think of me. Other than I’m a sexy beast and all.”
Sexy beast, yes definitely a pretty sexy beast *Fans herself a bit and clears her throat*
“Aiden and Seth- Boys If you had the opportunity to change one thing that you´ve done, what would it be and why?”
Seth laughs. “I don’t believe in regret. There’s nothing I would change.”
“I would change how I handled what Alex told me before my birthday.” Aiden pauses. “Yeah, I really regret how I handled that.”
(Terri) Things almost come to blows. Not wouldn’t that have been a sight to see.
(Karla) Turns sideways and shares a conspirational smile with Terri “It´s your turn Terri”
Diva Terri
Shifting in my seat, I’m staring at the two hot guys wondering if Alex will give one of them up. As much as my heart is set on Aiden, I think my chances are better with Seth. Still, I can’t help but ask the questions on my mind.
Staring at the gorgeous stoic guy, I ask, “Aiden how would you handle things if Alex chose Seth over you?”
“If that is what Alex wants, I would respect that. It’s not a game or the best man will win kind of crap. It’s about Alex and what makes her happy.”
(Terri) Damn he’s good. See I have no shot, no shot at all. Glancing over to the other guy, he’s far more playful and I asked, “Seth if you got your chance with Alex could you be faithful?”
He stares back. “Again, I wonder what you guys truly think of me.”
(Karla) That you are a sexy beast that would really good strapped to my bed so I can have a cuddle bunny of my own. *Blushes deeper* thank God I bit my tongue on that one.
(Terri) I think me wants to drag you out of this room and have my way with you, but then Alex would kick my – Good thing Nicole cuts my thoughts off. They were running away with me.
Diva Nicole
“Aiden what do you think about that?”
“Think about what? Seth being faithful?” Aiden laughs. “I think Seth could be when he loves someone. See, that’s the key—when he loves someone. I just don’t think he loves Alex. Not the way he needs to.”
(Karla) Oh God I hope so, cause I want a shot at him, turns to look at Seth and winks.
(Nicole) Glares at Karla…. Back off biotch *hehe* Turns to Seth grinning.
“Well boys that was certainly … enlightening” *snickers* “Thank you for stopping by and risking life and limb to talk with a bunch a Divas.”
“Thank you for having me,” Aiden replies.
Seth frowns. “Back to this whole me not being faithful. My feelings are hurt.”
“Shut up, Seth.”
(Karla) I walk to the guys to escort them to the door, placing a delicate hand above Seth´s left pec. “Don´t be hurt I know deep down you are a Sexy Beast with a good Heart” turning around I open the door. Hoping no one notices my shaky legs.
(Terri) I stifle a giggle. And watch the view as the guys leave. Yummy.
(Nicole) Pledges to take Alex’s leftovers any day.
Follow the tour and go through all the interviews!!! There is more Yummy Covenant Charters on all the stops and Giveaways!!
http://www.stuckinbooks.com/p/deity-blog-tour.html
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. Well, mostly. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write. She shares her home with her husband, his K-9 partner named Diesel, and her hyper Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent her time writing short stories…therefore explaining her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes Adult and Young Adult Urban Fantasy and Romance.
She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
The Covenant Novels: http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/The_Covenant_Novels.html
Website: http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476934.Jennifer_L_Armentrout
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/JenniferLArmentrout?fref=ts
xoxox
Nic
Wild Encounter
By Nikki Logan
Entangled Publishing – September 2012
A wildlife release mission in Africa turns deadly when the convoy is hijacked by smugglers, and veterinarian Clare Delaney is taken hostage. Terrified for her life and her animals, the intrepid Clare establishes a rapport with the man she believes is the criminals’ leader, and reluctantly finds herself under his protection…and falling hard for the enigmatic man.
Alpha-to-the-max Simon deVries sees right through his sexy captive’s attempt to seduce her way to freedom. So when their simmering attraction flares into true passion, it takes them both by surprise. Now he’s torn between completing his secret mission and letting her escape without telling her his true identity. He knows if he lets her go, he will be risking his career, his life…and his heart.
Title: Wild Encounter
Author: Nikki Logan
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 321 pages
Release Date: September 2012
Imprint: Dead Sexy
Purchase from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/9tfdeqf
Purchase from Barnes &Noble: http://tinyurl.com/9yjbrbb
Wild Encounter Book Trailer (Embed Code):
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/mfKJbIvg1Po” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
Nikki Logan lives amongst a string of wetlands in Western Australia with her long-suffering partner and a menagerie of furred, feathered and scaly mates.
She studied film and theatre at university, and worked for years in advertising and film distribution before finally settling down in the wildlife industry.
Her romance with nature goes way back, and she considers her life charmed, given that she works with wildlife by day and writes fiction by night–the perfect way to combine her two loves.
Nikki believes that the passion and risk of falling in love are perfectly mirrored in the danger and beauty of wild places. Every romance she writes contains an element of nature, and if readers catch a waft of rich earth or the spray of wild ocean between the pages she knows her job is done.
Author Website: http://www.nikkilogan.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NikkiLoganAuthor
Twitter: @ReadNikkiLogan
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211596.Nikki_Logan
INTERVIEW
1. What was your inspiration for this story?
I had a dream in which the escape scene played out like a 3D movie–4D really because the feelings were so intense and compelling and I knew I wanted to capture that on the page. The desperation to get away, the recognition that the only thing she had in her toolkit was her smarts. But an escape scene isn’t much of a book without clear stakes, present danger, and some kind of follow up moment. So the whole story grew out of that–Africa, wild-dogs, the recovery program, the smuggling.
2. What is your current project you are working on?
A paranormal suspense set in the mountains of Indonesia with an ancient Earth Guardian, a primatologist and a whole bunch of sweaty, warlord-led bad guys who want her off their mountain.
3. Will you have any more releases this year?
I have a novella out this month in the ‘A Puppy for Christmas’ anthology–a great little story set in a zoo, with a hot French zookeeper and a damaged vet nurse and eight roly-poly pups. And I have a London-set Valentines story out in January in time for Feb 14th called ‘How To Get Over Your Ex’ which starts with the heroine proposing live on air and her finance saying ‘I don’t’.
4. What is your favorite thing about writing?
The work-at-home lifestyle. Being there most of the week with my dogs at my feet, no commute, no staff, managing my own time and being creative every day. Love it!
5. What is the one thing you want people to know about you?
That I’m a nature based author. All my stories have a wildlife or wildplace focus, and my characters are very defined by their compassion and love of nature (tho not always both at once, of course.)
Thanks for joining me Nikki. I really enjoyed the story. For my review, check it out at
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2012/10/wild-encounter-by-nikki-logan-blog-tour.html
Today is the final day of our Deitylicious 7 Day Feast Event!
Make sure you’ve entered to win the signed copy of Deity and Elixir and the swag pack from Spence Hill Press!! (rafflecopter is below, in case you need to enter) …
Today JLA is sharing a special treat with us! A few Divas were able to meet with Aiden & Seth and ask them some fantastic questions (and drool a little for all of us).
Ok – Here we go!
I was not a part of this particular session… I probably would have been staring and drooling anyway – so I would not have contributed much anyway 
LOL I love this – it’s so much fun!
Diva Karla
Seth and Aiden – If you guys could define your relationship with Alex in one sentence, what would it be?
“Fated,” Seth replied. “And don’t give me the evil Aiden eye. It’s the truth. You just don’t want to hear the truth.”
“It’s not the truth.” Aiden’s jaw tightens. “I’d say our relationship is… complicated.”
Aiden – What are your best qualities and your worst defects?
“Honestly, I don’t know what my best qualities are. It’s not something I think about. Same goes for worst defects.”
“I could suggest some worst defects,” Seth offers gamely.
“No one asked you.”
Seth – If Alex´s life where in danger what would you sacrifice to keep her safe?
“Of course I would.” He looked offended. “Gods, I wonder what you people think of me. Other than I’m a sexy beast and all.”
Aiden and Seth- Boys If you had the opportunity to change one thing that you´ve done, what would it be and why?
Seth laughs. “I don’t believe in regret. There’s nothing I would change.”
“I would change how I handled what Alex told me before my birthday.” Aiden pauses. “Yeah, I really regret how I handled that.”
Diva Terri
Aiden how would you handle things if Alex chose Seth over you?
“If that is what Alex wants, I would respect that. It’s not a game or the best man will win kind of crap. It’s about Alex and what makes her happy.”
Seth if you got your chance with Alex could you be faithful?
He stares back. “Again, I wonder what you guys truly think of me.”
Diva Nicole
Aiden what do you think about that?
“Think about what? Seth being faithful?” Aiden laughs. “I think Seth could be when he loves someone. See, that’s the key—when he loves someone. I just don’t think he loves Alex. Not the way he needs to.”
Well boys that was certainly … enlightening *snickers* thank you for stopping by and risking life and limb to talk with a bunch a Divas.
“Thank you for having me,” Aiden replies.
Seth frowns. “Back to this whole me not being faithful. My feelings are hurt.”
“Shut up, Seth.”
So what’d you think?! Fun right?
Book Description from goodreads:
“History is on repeat, and things didn’t go so well the last time. “
Alexandria isn’t sure she’s going to make it to her eighteenth birthday–to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she’s a goner… and so is Aiden.
If that’s not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time “training”–which really is just Seth’s code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time–she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.
But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she’s caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed… and destroyed.
Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate…
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. Well, mostly. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write. She shares her home with her husband, his K-9 partner named Diesel, and her hyper Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent her time writing short stories…therefore explaining her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes Adult and Young Adult Urban Fantasy and Romance.
She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
The Covenant Novels: http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/The_Covenant_Novels.html
Website: http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476934.Jennifer_L_Armentrout
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/JenniferLArmentrout?fref=ts
Oh and just as a side note – I finally got my hands on my copy of Deity and I finished reading it on Saturday morning… I’m still trying to wrap my head around it! I will totally be reading it again before I even attempt to write my review! YES IT IS THAT AMAZING… you HAVE to check it out!!!
talk to you all later =D
by
Jessica Scott
He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.
Until There Was You by Jessica Scott
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review. My thoughts are my own, and I received no compensation.
This story revolves around military characters with personal demons.
Rather than relying on the common used of ‘insta-love’, which is especially common with more ‘alpha’ type male characters. Let’s face it, military men are quite often very alpha. Instead, it was a really in-depth exploration of the couple and their push/pull relationship. It was an uphill battle for them to get together, and they had to fight tooth and nail for their HEA.
Overall, I liked it. But, I found out that military stories, even romances are just not my favorite. All the ‘soldier’ stuff, which added immensely to the story and helped to explain the motivations of the characters was necessary, but I had to fight my urge to ‘skip to the good stuff’. The writing I found to be very solid, and the romance and tortured past angles piqued my curiosity early on driving me to look past my personal preference.
I have to mention, how lovely it is to see another strong female lead. She was stubborn, and fiery, and tough-as-nails, and I LOVED that! Many of the characters surprised me. Those that I had erroneously judged and looked down on caused me to do a 180 by the end of the book. It really made me look past stereotypes and see characters in a whole new light.
I would recommend it for anyone who likes a contemporary military romance. Fans of rock hard abs and haunted heroes will find a home in this book as well.
So, I know from now reading your book and the ‘about you’ section, that you know your stuff when it comes to the military. I’m curious if any of the characters, or even just traits of some of your characters are based on yourself or anyone else you’ve served with in the armed forces?
They’re really just based on a question: why are they like that? I’m a people watcher and a lot of times, I find myself wondering why that raging jerk is, well, a raging jerk. What happened to them to twist the joy they had as a child into this person.
It seemed like almost everyone in the story was ‘broken’… that’s not quite the right word… I guess a better way to put it was they all had skeletons in their closet, or personal demons they wrestle with on a daily basis… do you prefer to write about those kind of characters or do you find that they are more realistic? I know that question is just clear as mud- basically I guess the best way to put it is why did you choose to make even the supporting characters just as imperfect and haunted as the main characters?
Perfect characters are boring. People who have perfect lives are uninteresting to me. I want to read about characters who rise above their starting points in life, you know? The military has done this for so many people, I want to project that into my books.
Despite your background, was there any research you had to do for your book on subjects you may not have been as familiar with?
I had to consult with one of my maneuver buddies on the problem facing Evan & Claire in UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. Until I could wrap my brain around the scope of their problem, I couldn’t figure out the rest of the story, you know? And for BECAUSE OF YOU, I watched a video on how to entubate a man with a catheter.
Have you gotten ribbed by any fellow soldiers about your writing?
Not really. I tend to keep this separate from work so it’s not like I’m sitting in command and staff and talking about my book.
Do you use multimedia: pictures, music, timelines, character bios; to assist you in your writing?
I’m a big music over. I get better traction when I have a song stuck in my head than any other time. Everything just flows when that happens, you know?
(Other than this question) what are you reading right now?
I’m devouring Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series again and I’m also reading a great nonfiction book called Collapse of the American Justice System, a really harsh assessment of where our courts are and where they’re heading.
OK- Now it’s time for the REALLY fun questions. *Muahahahaha*
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Totally Star Wars. Han shot first.
Is there always room for Jello?
Um, ew? I’m not a big fan of JelloJ
If you could have any ‘super power’ (any kind of power or ability), what would you choose and why?
Telekenesis. I’d never have to do dishes again!
What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
What you mean other than mold? Um milk, cheese sticks and jelly for PB & J.
Zombie Apocalypse just started, what fictional character do you want by your side to fight the undead hordes?
Lessa & Ramoth from Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonflight. What better to mow down the advancing hordes than a fire breathing dragon!
Thanks for being a trooper and putting up with my questions!
Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats, three dogs and two escape-artists hamsters, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She has commanded two companies, served in Germany, Korea, Fort Hood and Iraq, and been lucky not to get fired. She is a terrible cook and an even worse housekeeper, but she’s a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.
Book Information
ISBN: 978-0-345-53389-0
Published by : Loveswept
Available at these ebook retailers:
Amazon.com; Barnes & Noble,
iBooks, & Powells
Contact
email: jessica@jessicascott.net
web: http://www.jessicascott.net
f: http:www.facebook.com/jessicascottauthor
t: http://www.twitter.com/jessicascott09
Stitch by Samantha Durante Blog Tour
Stitch Synopsis
Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move.
Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees – and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell – Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.
Because what Alessa hasn’t figured out yet is that she’s not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university’s idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface…
The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.
Other Stitch Info
Click HERE to see my review for Stitch @ Dark Obsession Chronicles!
So, WOW… How in the Dickens did you get the idea to start out like a PNR
and end up Dystopian? I had forgotten all about the blurb by the time I
read the book so I was TOTALLY taken by surprise.
Oh yay, I think that’s the most fun way to read it! I’ve read A LOT of dystopian and paranormal romance, so when I was trying to think of an idea for a book, I kept rehashing a lot of the same old stuff and couldn’t figure out how to make it unique. And then it occurred to me that I should see if I could somehow merge those two genres that I love into one book, and Stitch was born!
There were times in the first third of the book that seemed a little slower, a
little more mundane- like the ‘preening’ chapter; after I realized what
was really going on, it seemed to somehow explain and justify the slow
parts. Was that intentional on your part- or just a happy coincidence
of my reading?
Yes, I’m so glad you picked up on that! I definitely didn’t intend for the first part of the book to be too slow (and based on review feedback it might be a little slower than I meant for it to be…), but I did want to use that part of the story to build the tension and explore who the characters are and the world they live in. There are definitely some mundane details, but many of them are either hints at things being slightly off (for example, my brother at one point while reading – before he knew the twist – was like, “I feel like everything about Alessa’s whole college experience is very stereotypical, but I’m not sure if you’re just being lazy or if you’re trying to tell me something…” I promise I’m not being lazy!) or are there to show you the extent of the “stitch” and just how deep the characters are lodged in what they think is reality (and what lengths the antagonists are willing to go to achieve this control over them). Also, I wanted the reader to get to know the characters so that when the whole story gets turned on its head at the twist, you would see that they are still the same people and you can understand how their internal struggles continue to play out on this new different (and more dangerous) level.
If I remember correctly, I believe Isaac lived around 1917(? please excuse
my bad memory if I’m off on that date); why did you choose that time
period to place Isaac?
Yup, you’re correct! I originally chose 1917 because it seemed like a reasonable time period in terms of the college’s history (enough time for the neighboring college to be established and grow and acquire the property for the sorority house, which once belonged to his family), and also because there was originally a subplot about Isaac wanting to join the WW1 war effort and the US entered the war in spring of 1917 (but that storyline was later removed because I felt it was too literal a translation between the real and “stitched” worlds, and therefore obvious and boring). And besides that, I just kept seeing Isaac in my head in clothes from that general time period, haha.
I’m trying to be somewhat ambiguous on this question to avoid spoiling
anything: It seemed with the success/failure of a stitch within a
subject, you always established an innate sense of self. Do you
personally believe that regardless of what a person has been through, or
endured, even in brainwashing situations that there will be some kernel
of truth that cannot be stamped out?
Yes, I think there are definitely parts of ourselves that we are just born with (or which we develop very early on based on our experiences) and which make us who we fundamentally are. And that if you try to change or bury those things (whether through something dramatic like brainwashing or just trying to suppress parts of yourself to meet other people’s expectations), you’re bound to run into trouble. This is actually a real-life lesson that I’ve had to learn over and over again in the realm of relationships – you can’t fix people, you just have to accept them as they are – so that was definitely a deliberate decision I made with my characters, to know who they were and make them the same person no matter situation they encountered, since I think that in reality that’s how people are essentially wired.
There were many instances where I would think of other books, films, TV
shows, etc.; Brave New World came to mind a few times, the movie The
Island came to mind- were there any specific sources of inspiration that
you meant to either reference or allude to or was your past
reading/watching subliminally rolled into your writing?
I’ve read/watched SO many dystopian/paranormal stories that there was no way for me NOT to incorporate elements from other books/movies/shows, but it was definitely more subliminal than intentional. I just tried to bring the story around in whatever way felt most natural and realistic to me, instead of trying to force it to be different just for the sake of being unique. So I definitely drew from aspects of other stories to do that, but there wasn’t any one thing in particular that I used as a model or anything like that. And it’s funny because the more I read of other new sci-fi/fantasy series, the more I keep finding stories that are similar to mine (but which I hadn’t read before I wrote Stitch), so I’ve just resigned myself to the fact that it’s almost impossible to
come up with anything that’s truly novel!
Do you have a specific number of books planned for this series? And will
future books stick with the same main characters or have ‘new’ main
characters? (Like following Lizzie, for example? Or maybe Janie?)
Yup, I’m planning to do two more books to make a trilogy. Alessa and Isaac will continue to be the main focus, but I am strongly considering adding more perspectives (like Lizzie and Janie, perhaps even a little Nikhil…) to give a little more depth to those characters and enable me to more easily explore different aspects of their world and the history of how that world came to be.
Do you use multimedia (pictures, music,or other) to assist you with writing?
In general, no, but there was this one picture I saw in National Geographic that was just absolutely terrifying (at least the way I initially interpreted it…) and which did inspire one aspect of the Stitch trilogy which has yet to be revealed… So you’ll have to check back with me on that after the next one!
Okay… enough of the heavy questions. Here are the FUN questions!
Okay, let’s do it!
What are you reading right now? (Other than this question….)
Haha, very clever! Before reading this question, I actually just finished the first two books of The Frost Chronicles series by Kate Avery Ellison, which I really enjoyed and blew through in two days. Next up I’m planning to read Cinder by Marissa Meyer since I’ve been hearing great things about that all over the place!
What’s your favorite quote (from any source)?
“Havo dad, Legolas.” (from Lord of the Rings – Elvish that roughly translates to, “Sit down, Legolas.” Or more implicitly, “You’re being an ass, Legolas.”) So appropriate in so many settings.
Justice League or X-Man?
X-Men. I always thought Rogue was such a badass.
How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?
Always more than either the pop or the Tootsie Roll center is worth – I always threw out the Tootsie Pops in my Halloween loot. Give me some damn mini Crunch Bars, people!
Do You Have any Hidden Talents? (Like speaking another language, double-jointed, etc.)
Not really – I have nothing talent show worthy! But I am super-efficient and organized, and I tend to prefer full-contact sports (rugby, roller derby, football, etc.), so perhaps I have a high tolerance for pain?
Zombie Apocalypse just started, what fictional character do you want by your side to fight the undead hordes?
Leon, Claire, Jill, or Chris from Resident Evil, hands down. Over the course of that series, those guys have seen (and killed) it all – I’d take any of them happily!
Thanks so much for putting up with my last minute crazy questions! And I have
to say I am SO eager for book 2! I really, really enjoyed it much more
than I anticipated. Pardon my ‘french’ but it was such a great mindfuck!
Awesome, ‘mindfuck’ is exactly what I was hoping to achieve with Stitch! Thanks
so much for having me today! I’m SO excited to kick off the second half of the Stitch Blog Tour and even MORE excited to get started on Book 2! I’ll definitely be in touch once I’ve got details.
Stitch Purchase Links
Amazon (print $9.99 & Kindle $2.99)
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats $2.99)
Barnes & Noble (Nook $2.99)
Also available in the iTunes store ($2.99 e-book)
Be Sure to check out the GIVEAWAY below!
Good Luck!
Worlds Apart Description:
Worlds Apart by Kate MathiasI received a free eBook from the author in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
This was a little different than your average paranormal romance. I almost hesistate even using that term to describe it because traditionally a PNR requires a happy ending. This book isn’t necessarily ‘unhappy’ but there is by no means a big warm, fuzzy HEA waiting at the end for you. It is the first of the Silver Oaks Series, and is set up perfectly to flow into the series.
Some good things about this book was that it is interesting first of all. It’s not the same, tired paranormal plot chewed up and spit back out. It even has an near sci-fi aspect of parallel worlds, which I have not found in many of my read books. Unique plot, but the characters were very everyday. It’s like a modern romance, similar character types to a romance, but thrown into paranormal events. There were even a few plot surprises (although a few I did see coming a mile away)!
So things that didn’t thrill me as much was the ‘mechanics’ or ‘how-to’ of what was happening was not explored. It was similar to The Time Traveler’s Wife in this aspect where everyday people seem accepting (very accepting) of supernatural events without explanation. There is a device used to help define the difference between the two worlds that was effective, but several times in the book there are (sometimes shorter sometimes longer) where it’s like the book had a ‘fast forward’ jump in time that made it more difficult to follow.
Characters were well defined; despite the obvious similaries of in appearance there are distinct personality differences between Joe and Joe and Pip and Piper. The only thing that didn’t happen… I was unable to get swept up in the characters to a point that ‘bad’ events would reduced me to tears. I felt sympathy for the characters and their troubles, but I didn’t loose any sleep.
Overall, anyone that enjoyed The Time Traveler’s Wife should enjoy the first installment of this new series. I know I am intrigued to see what else is in store for them!
Kate is the author of Worlds Apart, the first book in The Silver Oaks Series. Be on the lookout for her second novel, Hiding in Plain Sight set to be released in 2013.
Kate lives in Arizona with her husband and three children. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
You can also find Kate on Facebook
I never had trouble keeping the characters separate in my mind because for me they really only looked the same, but had totally different personalities. Piper is more cautious while Pip is more of a risk taker and has a fiery side to her. Both of the Joes seem to react to how their spouses act and that comes out in their personalities. Both of the men are extremely driven and professional, yet almost the opposite of their women. Piper’s Joe is more outspoken and wants to take charge when turmoil arises in their lives. Pip’s Joe is more subdued and some of this is because he really can’t do anything to change his life when Pip jumps to Piper’s world for an extended period of time. I guess it is what everyone says about opposites attract. That is how I always pictured these couples.
Actually, no, it wasn’t my inspiration for the book. I really didn’t even tie the two together until someone made a comment similar to your question. I have explained my book to be similar to the hit TV series, Fringe. That show has doppelgangers in parallel realities, however the show has a lot of supernatural things that are going on whereas my book doesn’t have any supernatural events except for the “jumping.”
Ha ha! You sound like my husband! I don’t think he could believe how I ended Worlds Apart, but I did it for a definite reason. It will all come together in the second book, Hiding in Plain Sight. I didn’t want my book to tie up neatly and wanted to leave the reader hanging and hungry for more. Worlds Apartis the first book in The Silver Oaks Series. The series will be a total of four books, the second of which will be released in early 2013.
Yes, you are correct that in my writing and in my personal life, I believe that everything happens for a reason. I do believe in destiny although many people think that destiny and fate are the same things. Destiny is being a willing participant in pivotal events and I think that you can alter your destiny to create a more positive outcome for yourselves. Fate, on the other hand, is predetermined and unalterable. You hit the nail on the head with this question! This is exactly what got me started thinking about writing this book. I wondered if I would have chosen a different path in my life how it would have altered it. This book allowed me to explore two different pathways in life, two different lifestyles with regards to having children, and exploring two different parts of my personality. Piper/Pip are not me, but certain aspects of the women’s personalities are mine and I wanted to be able to bring to life tidbits on a grander scale. I always feel that although sometimes when things happen, it is for a reason. Many times the things are upsetting and I don’t understand why life is happening the way it is, but there is always a grander plan in the works. It is sometimes hard to remember that.
I do have another stand alone book in the works called Fire in the Night Sky. I don’t have a release date yet on this one as I will finish The Silver Oaks Series first. I am not sharing any details on this one quite yet. You will just have to check back soon to learn more!
*OK… enough with the hard and heavy questions. Now I’m going to really put you on your toes….*
What are you reading right now? (Other than this question….)
I am almost done with Beautiful Disaster by Jaime McGuire. I am really enjoying Travis’ and Abby’s story. I read about a book a week and lately all of the books I have read have all been written by Indie authors. I love to support my fellow Indies!
Geek: Hot or Not?
Hmmm…I guess it depends on what type of geek. Definitely not hot if they are wearing pocket protectors and such, but if a man is savvy with the computer and considered a geek, then I would say hot.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
This question made me laugh because my dad is a chicken veterinarian. Yes, you heard me correctly. He is a chicken doc so the chicken was probably not just crossing the road, but was actually running across the road to have my dad learn and research about its illness.
Do you think androids dream of electric sheep?
No. I don’t think androids actually dream. When I ask SURI on my iPhone any specific questions about how she was made, she always tells me that she is not at liberty to say. She never really answers any of my questions correctly, personal or otherwise. I don’t think that androids sleep because I think in my case, SURI is just thinking up ways to mess up the information I ask of her.
Definitely the short, wavy, just rolled-out-of bed look is how I like my man’s hair, although that isn’t how my husband’s hair is. Sorry, babe! This is how Joe’s hair is in Worlds Apart. I don’t want my man to have better looking hair than I do!
Nipples on the Bat-suit- hot or not?
LOL! No nipples on the Bat-suit. I don’t want my super hero to always appear cold.
Zombie Apocalypse just started, what fictional character do you want by your side to fight the undead hordes?
My character Joe in Worlds Apart is modeled after Joe Manganiello who plays Alcide in the TV series True Blood. I would want the character of Alcide to help me fight the hordes. Not only could Alcide help me in his werewolf form, but he is really nice to look at when he is in human form for when we are taking a break from fighting zombies and sharing a Diet Pepsi and a chunk of chocolate cake.
Thank you, Alana for taking the time to read and review my book. Your support means a lot to me!
SurrenderMimics of Rune #2
by Aimee Laine
Release Date: September 3, 2012
Target Reader: Adult
Keywords: Paranormal Romance, Shape-shifter
Words: 94,000
Violence Level: 3 of 5
published by J. Taylor Publishing
Description
MY REVIEW:Surrender (Mimics of Rune #2) by Aimee Laine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Surrender is the second book in the Mimics of Rune series, even though I haven’t read Little White Lies; I was able to fall along Surrender very easily. Aimee Laine is a fantastic author with very good writing skills in my opinion. The character and plot were well written and I followed along without any problem.
The story if full of action, romance and suspense, I enjoyed the story very much, I really liked that it was a different kind of shifter story. I mean who wouldn’t want to change their hair color whenever they wanted.
Right at the beginning of the story we meet Lily and Cael, Lily has just been kidnapped and Cael is trying to find out who has her. Cael is in love with Lily and is will do anything to save her. We also meet Charley and Wyatt who are from the first book. And of course some new characters are introduced. Lily is a mimic and can change her appearance; different from other shifters they can change their hair, eye color and their general appearance. Lily, Cael, Charley, Wyatt are all very close and have love each other like family and will do anything in their power to get Lily back.
I really loved the story of Cael and Lily it’s a fantastic romance story and keeps you pulling for them to have the happy ever after. But of course the mystery to why Lily is kidnapped is something you are going to have to find out for yourself by reading Surrender. There is mystery, suspense, action and romance what more could you ask for in a book.
I have rated Surrender 4 stars and cannot wait for the next book in this series. I will defiantly be adding Aimee Laine as one of my favorite authors and see what else she has out there to read.
Nope! Actually, it only really came up in May 2009. The key is that it’s stuck, and the inspiration came from a story idea based on the job I had at the time. So I just sat down and wrote it!
It’s the story of overcoming history and pasts that always catch up to people — in more ways than one.
Torment. Lots of mental torture in a sense. Take your worst nightmare and believe that you are going to live through that again. Believe that you will have no help through it, but you go into it with your eyes wide open and whatever happens, you can only hope that this time, the outcome will be different.
Titles come to me. I often have them before the story and when I do the story flows far better. That’s the case with Surrender!
I’m doing final edits on Silent Echoes which will release in March 2013. And my YA alter-ego Emi Gayle releases her YA debut in October 2012!
I don’t want it to be a career for one and only one reason. I had a hobby as a photographer, turned that to career and after a few years, fell ‘out of love’ with it. I want to always enjoy writing. Forever.
I wanted to be a lawyer, to be honest. I remember my grandmother telling me that was a horrible idea, so then I had to do it.
I do! I LOVE hearing from readers and respond to every email I get that’s not obviously spam.
Wherever it takes me. I’m totally open
The old saying “You can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time” is 100% true. I knew it before, but I KNOW it now.
Writing the end. I’ve never wanted to let any of my characters go. By 80,000 words in, these imaginary people are my friends. I miss them.
Just want to say THANK YOU to all of them.
*Warning! The last 100 pages you are gonna need a box of tissues…Just sayin’*
OMG, I loved this book! For all you like me out there that adored the f’ed up relationship of Pidge & Travis, I have another one that you have to read!!!!
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Taylor can’t wait to be free; free from high school, the shadow of her perfect older sister, and her disapproving parents. The rebellious party girl has a perfect accomplice in best friend Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who scores them drugs, booze and under-age entry into the only club in town. But then everything changes. A traumatized Riley suddenly decides to give up the party life, and a wide-eyed Mackenzie meets Grey Lewis, a broodingly talented, gorgeous older man she falls instantly in love with. Though Riley warns her to stay away, the aspiring rock star’s body and ample drug supply are too tempting for her to resist. Previously inseparable, Riley and Mackenzie go their separate ways.
When summer hits, Mackenzie has new friends, a new apartment and new drugs to mask the pain of Riley’s absence. And of course, she has Grey. But despite the fierce, consuming passion they share, the mysterious bad-boy always leaves her guessing. Is Grey really a good guy? Or was Riley right about him all along? Mackenzie’s in too deep to care. Unable to curb her mounting addictions, before long the lust-for-life teen totally loses control. She forgets Riley, forgets life, forgets everything but Grey and their next hit.
But luckily for Mackenzie…Riley has never forgotten about her.
OK, deep breath. Otherwise I’m gonna just gush all over and make completely no sense at all. That sounded gross and I never do anyway…. Anywho, OMG! I LOVE this frickin’ book!!! It had to be done, sorry. Seriously, now….
Have you ever read a book where it was so good, you got so caught up in it you couldn’t put it down? You hit a part that leaves an ache in your chest? (And it’s not gas, despite what Granny-ma said.) You know what’s coming, but have to read as furiously fast as you can. You just have to see it in printing to believe it’s gonna actually occur. This is one of those books for me. After I read the book I was just ramped up. I didn’t want to read anything else and couldn’t stop thinking about the whole story. A-mazing!
So usually I give myself a breather between books. Just so it doesn’t all run together. My thing lately has been embroidering. Working away on those Christmas gifts! I finished it relatively early in the day, so I grabbed my embroidery and sat and thought about it while I did the embroidering and watching as the spawn of my womb ran rampant around the block playing (and causing chaos). We ate dinner and went back out. I just couldn’t start another book. This one was still pinging around in the old grape. Finally I had to sit down and write down some notes or something, before I went completely mental. I normally don’t do that, unless I enjoyed it immensely. So I’m gonna give you a taste of the 3 “main” characters in the book. None of the characters in the book are really small in anyway, they all seem so important to the whole story.
First off we will start with Grey (I just love him!)…
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Grew up “on the wrong side of the tracks”.
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Never knew his father and his mother abandoned him.
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Lived with his grandmother until she passed away.
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Has a hard time letting anyone in and is afraid to be dependent on anyone.
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Hot lead singer of a band.
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Would do anything to make Mackenzie happy.
Then Mackenzie…
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Migrated to wealthy neighborhood.
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Feels abandoned by parents and Riley, when he gets clean.
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Feels like she comes in second to her sister Marcy.
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At one time is inseperable from Riley.
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Best friend is Charlie, that she moves on with.
And lastly Riley (He’s a peach.)
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Been in love with Mackenzie for most of his life.
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After bad trip on mushrooms gets clean.
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Finds God.
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Returns and saves Mackenzie from herself.
Mackenzie is getting ready to graduate from high school. Her parents are disappointed in her, she has gone from an honors student to just getting by in school. She hasn’t made any plans for college and her parents want her to get a job and take some responsibility. She gets Riley to get her a job at the restraunt that he works at and that’s where she makes good friends with Charlie and gets to know Grey better. One night when they go and see Grey preform for the first time, Riley has a horrible trip from his ‘shrooms. Which sets in motion for Riley, his journey in getting clean and filling the lonlieness he feels with God. Needing this for himself and eventually Mackenzie, they have to go their seperate ways. Which just leaves Mackenzie feeling more lonely and abandoned even more then before.
When Mackenzie’s parents kick her out of the house she moves in with Charlie. They become inseperable, but also destructive to them selves. They both like to party and only fuel eachother instead of leveling eachother out. I do believe that Charlie has a big heart and tries to be there for Mackenzie whenever she can. She’s on the same erratic ride though, so there is no seeming hope for her either.
At first Grey is very stand off-ish and down right mean with Mackenzie. He likes her but doesn’t think he is good enough for her and doesn’t want to depend on anyone. However, after a scare during a grad party he is finally forced to realize his feelings for her and they start to become an item. He is also a user and introduces her to cocaine one night after a set. Which just sets the ball in motion for their drug use to get progressively worse. Their relationship is completely co-dependent, but achingly sweet. Grey loves Mackenzie so much that he doesn’t see the change to her physical appearance right away. When it finally hits him he makes the biggest sacrifice to try and get Mackenzie well again.
When it comes right down to it, I can never do the book justice without giving all of the goodies away. It just has to be read. Hence why I’m not a writter and just a voracious reader. I give this hidden little gem 5 + 1…
And now for the interview where I get nosey!
Christine, the author of Life of the party was kind enough to let me pick her brain. Here goes!
Nikki – Were you friends with Mackenzie?
Christine -
I wasn’t friends with her, no, but I did know her very personally…(okay, for my Dads sake I have to emphasize that this novel is not an autobiography!) but Mackenzie and I were very similar once upon a time. I definitely pulled from a lot of my own experiences, reactions and feelings when shaping her character.
- The epilogue did clear that up, until I read it though, I was wondering if it was an autobiography.
Nikki – Did you know a Grey?
Christine – I knew someone similar to him, a really good guy who was doing his best with what life threw at him. He had his vices, but beneath it all he was one of the best.
(I only speak in past tense because I haven’t talked to him in years.)
Nikki – Who did you base Grey off of?
Christine – Grey was really a mash up of people I know. The base for his character was the guy I mentioned before, but certain aspects of Grey were inspired by others. Like how he worked in a restaurant and rode a motorcycle, how he was a lead singer in a band…all different people.
- This is who I was always picturing as Grey. But with more hair, LOL. (Hum-in-ah, hum-in-ah, hum-in-ah…) 
Nikki – Which characters are based off of people you knew or know?
Christine – Most of the characters are loosely inspired by my friends growing up. I don’t want to mention any names, but I put some hints in the book so they can figure it out A lot of the situations are based on our experiences as well.
Nikki – Was Riley a past boyfriend and if so did you end up with him?
Christine – Yes, he was. Mostly. Again, Riley was based on a couple of people, the first being one of my best friends growing up, a great guy, he used to pick me up for school in his giant “purple bomb” (hence Riley’s car). The other person who inspired most of Riley’s character was a friend, a boyfriend, and is now my husband. We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary. So yes, I did end up with Riley. We belong together. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know where I’d be today.
- That is so sweet! Kinda like your own sweet little romance. My husband and I just hit 9 years last month, so Congratulations! He must be so proud of you!
Nikki – Is the setting based on where you live or grew up?
Christine – Oh yes. I never actually named the town in the book, because I wanted it to be Anywhere, Rural. But yes it’s 100% Three Hills. (Except we only have one bar here.) The Red Wheat is actually called the Harvest House, where I worked for a couple of years. If you’re ever in town, stop in and have a Chicken Finger Melt and stuffed potato. So good!
Nikki – Where do you work/write best?
Christine – Anywhere really, as long as I’m alone, able to blast my music, and otherwise distraction free. This is really difficult to master in a house with two young children.
- I feel your pain…and joy My husband and I have 5 monsters total.
Nikki – Are you a full time writter?
Christine – Oh, how I wish! That would be my dream. It’s not really an option for me right now but I’m definitely working towards it.
Nikki – Were did you get your drug info? Did ya google it or did you get it from a professional?
Christine – Lots of Google. There’s a website called the Erowid Heroin Vault that lists peoples vast experiences with pretty much any drug under the sun. I got a lot of my info there…and also relied on my own, previous research
Nikki – Are you currently writting anything and if so what is it about?
Christine – At the moment, no, but I’ve got so much churning around in my head it’s almost painful.(Either that or I’m having a stroke.) It’s part of my process though, just thinking a story out until the basic plot is written in my head. I’m working on a sequel to Life of the Party centred on Charlie, another YA romance, and a historical fantasy that may have to be a series. haha we’ll see.
- I was hoping for a sequel with Charlie! Woot, woot!
Nikki - Is the epilogue your personal religious beliefs?
Christine – Absolutely. I was in a terrible spot before I was saved, and though I am far from perfect now, the changes in me and my life have been miraculous. But it’s not about religion, you know? I am absolutely free to be my terrible, imperfect self and know that I am wholly and irrevocably loved. Forever. There’s such freedom in that.
Thanks so much for letting me interview you, Christine!!
And now for the Giveaway! I just love a good free read! Hell, who doesn’t?
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