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Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

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Description:
For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, as Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday. Or at least it starts out that way…

Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.

 

 

Review:

Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs is the 4th book in her Alpha & Omega series. The Alpha & Omega series is another fascinating werewolf storyline that takes place in the world of Mercy Thompson. Only this series revolves around Charles Cornick, who is the enforcer for his Alpha father, Bran. His cohort in this series is his wife Anna, who is an Omega wolf. Together they are usually sent to enforce or resolve pack crimes throughout the country. I love Charles and Anna together, and it was great to spend time with them again in Dead Heat.

Charles decides to visit a dying old friend, with Anna, as they travel to Arizona. It is there that Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday, as his old friend’s family, run by a wolf pack, trains and sells Arabian horses. But best laid plans, do not always work out. Charles and Anna become involved in a mission to stop a dangerous Fae, who kidnaps children. When the wife of his friend’s son is effected by the Fae magic, it is Charles who will save her life. The fae magic on Chelsea (the wife) was an attempt to have her kill her children, but her hidden witch strength enabled her to hurt herself instead.

It becomes a race to find the young girl who was taken by the Fae, and discover how many more over a time were affected by this magic. The FBI becomes involved to work with Charles and Anna in this thrilling adventure. This is an action packed exciting story that keeps us engrossed totally throughout, especially with the surprising twists.

It is also a beautiful story of a friendship that remained strong over the years, and the family that has its own issues, not to mention the expected upcoming death of the patriarch. But most of all, it is the love that keeps Charles sane in Anna, and her ability as an Omega to be able to calm wolves, including the new born wolves.   They make such a great couple, working together to solve any crimes within the pack range, not to mention very hot. The last 1/3 of the book was a pulse pounding, action filled climax that had us holding our breath. I totally recommend you to read this series, especially if you enjoy wolf stories, and a great couple. I want more of Charles and Anna.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Hi Patricia. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.  

TRC: For anyone who does not know Patricia Briggs, would you please tell us about yourself?

Patricia Briggs
Patricia:   I am a fantasy writer who is currently writing urban fantasy. The good luck publishing fairy hit me on the head about twelve years after I published my first book, and the Mercy Thompson series started hitting the New York Times list. Now I can tattoo #1 New York Times bestselling author on my arm (not that I would) and no one could call me a liar. Right now I have two related series I’m working on, the Alpha and Omega series and the Mercy Thompson series.  

 

TRC:  When and how did you become interested in writing? Have you always liked to write? 

Patricia:   I’ve always been a reader. When I was a kid I used to draw a lot. Horses, dragons and girls with swords—and then I’d write a bit about them until I got bored with it and drew another picture. A friend of mine in college had written a number of books and I decided see if I could write one. I did—and it was better than my artwork (which is still confined to horses, dragons and girls with swords).  

TRC:  What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite time, or place to work? What is the most difficult process in creating your stories? 

Patricia:   Hmm. I got to my office or somewhere away from people, turn on music really loud and write. The first pass through a story is the hardest—editing is the most rewarding. I work best at night, but the real world doesn’t allow that. I have gotten less finicky about where and how and when I work over the years. Quiet is important, but time of day is much less so. 

TRC:  When not writing, what do you do to relax? 

Patricia:   I read—and play with the horses. I raise Arabian horses. They get me outside and moving—no one needs Gold’s Gym when they have nineteen horses to feed and care for. 

TRC:  Can you please tell our readers who are new to your Alpha and Omega series, something about the premise? 

Patricia:   In a world where the monsters are real, the werewolves have recently admitted their existence. It is the job of werewolves Anna and Charles Cornick to keep the peace between the werewolves and the humans, however they can. 

Dead Heat


TRC:  Dead Heat is the 4th book of this series. Can you please give us a brief description of the book? How many books do you plan for this series?  

Patricia:   A visit to an old friend turns into a race against time as Anna and Charles hunt down something that is preying upon children. Plan is such a strong word. I don’t foresee an end in the near future. Right now I’m having fun with these books—and readers seem to be doing the same. As long as both are true, I’ll keep writing them. 

 

TRC:  Your heroes in your Alpha and Omega series are Charles Cornnick and Anna Latham, who originated in Mercy Thompson. What made you decide to create a new series using Charles and Anna?

Patricia:   I wrote a novella about Charles and Anna, “Alpha and Omega”. My editor liked it, the critics liked it and readers liked it. I had fun writing it. So when my editor asked if I’d do a spin-off series, I jumped at the chance.  

TRC:  What is next for Mercy Thompson? 

Patricia:    I’m working on Fire Touched, the next Mercy novel right now. Mercy and the pack acquire something the fae want very much. The question is if the fae are willing to go to war with the werewolves over it.

TRC:  What are the challenges or difficulties (research), do you have writing this world of Werewolves, Coyote, Fae, and Mythology?

 Patricia:    I recently had this discussion with Anne Bishop. I don’t find research a challenge or difficult—though sometimes finding information can be . . . Interesting. You should have heard the responses when we (my husband does most of the phone calls because he can get people to talk) called people and asked if they knew how you’d cast a silver bullet. Awesomely funny.

TRC:  You write many different genres, such as Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, and Paranormal. Do you have any desire to try another genre?

Patricia:   I always say I write fantasy—so I don’t need to move into another genre. My fantasy can also be romances, mysteries, spy novels, thrillers—and still be fantasy.

If you want to learn more about Patricia, you can find her at the following links:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 LIGHTNINIG ROUND  

Favorite Food: huckleberry 

Favorite Dessert: cinnamon roll (mine—more bread than sweet) 

Favorite TV Show: Castle (of course) 

Last book that you read: Reread Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison.  

Favorite Character from books you have read (not your own): Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. 

Dog or Cat: Cat—but we have both.  

TRC:  Thank you, Patricia for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Dead Heat. We look forward to talking with you again in the future. 

Patricia:   Thank you for letting me visit!

 

Giveaway-Purple-White

Patricia and her publisher have graciously offered a paper copy of DEAD HEAT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please Follow PATRICIA BRIGGS on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to US only

9. Giveaway runs from March 2 -6, 2015

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The Escape – The Finisher by David Baldacci – Reviews, Interview & Giveaway

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The Escape – The Finisher by David Baldacci – Reviews, Interview & Giveaway

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The Escape
John Puller series – Book #3
by David Baldacci
Release Date: November 18, 2014

The Escape

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
It’s a prison unlike any other. Military discipline rules. Its security systems are unmatched. None of its prisoners dream of escaping. They know it’s impossible.

Until now.

John Puller’s older brother, Robert, was convicted of treason and national security crimes. His inexplicable escape from prison makes him the most wanted criminal in the country. Some in the government believe that John Puller represents their best chance at capturing Robert alive, and so Puller takes on the burden of bringing his brother in to face justice.

But Puller quickly discovers that there are others pursuing his brother, who only see Robert as a traitor and are unconcerned if he survives. Puller is in turn pushed into an uneasy, fraught partnership with another agent, who may have an agenda of her own.

They dig more deeply into the case together, and Puller finds that not only are her allegiances unclear, but that there are troubling details about his brother’s conviction….and that someone is out there who doesn’t want the truth to ever come to light. As the nationwide manhunt for Robert grows more urgent, Puller’s masterful skills as an investigator and strength as a fighter may not be enough to save his brother—or himself.

 

Review:
The Escape by David Baldacci is the 3rd book in his John Puller series. I am a huge fan of Baldacci, as with every book he writes, he leaves me amazed how he could write such a mesmerizing story every time. I have not read the John Puller series until this book, and after reading this, I will go back to read the first two. Having said that, it was easy to read this as a standalone. Baldacci gives us enough information to allow use to know the characters, and John Puller.  

The Escape starts inside a military prison that has maximum security beyond normal, and impossible to escape. But after a major storm knocks out the power, including a second generator, shots are fired, and an explosion. When everything is restored, a prisoner is missing. Robert Puller, a former high ranking intelligence officer, has been in prison for two years, having been convicted for treason, and now he has escaped, leaving all high ranking Military officials in a state of panic.

John Puller, who is one of the army’s best military investigators is called in to help find his brother, as well as how the security breach at the prison was done. John is a by the book no nonsense investigator, who loyalty has always been to his country. Though it is his brother, he is determined to find him. Before he can get too far, he is forced work with intelligence officer Veronica Knox, who was sent to work with John. As they both begin putting the pieces together of the escape, as well as deciphering who was the dead body that was found in Robert Puller’s cell, it becomes apparent there is more to this story, then just an escape. Though Knox and Puller find it hard to trust each other, they slowly come to the realization that there is a conspiracy that is very high up. Was Robert Puller really guilty of treason?

The story does go back and forth early between John and Veronica investigating, and Robert, who has changed his appearance, doing his own investigation to clear his name. What follows is an extremely intense, suspenseful and exciting adventure in the hunt to find Robert Puller, as well as all the twists, surprises and turns that leave you blindsided. Baldacci pulls you into this fantastic story from the start, and never let’s go even through the end. This was such an enthralling story, with a wild climatic ending, that amazed me how all the pieces so neatly and almost impossibly fell into place.

As I have said earlier, I love the writing of David Baldacci. I have read his Camel Club (my favorite), Will Robie, and King & Maxwell series. Now I will be adding on the John Puller series. If you like suspense thrillers, political intrigues, military or CIA agents as our lead characters, no one writes these better then Baldacci. He weaves such a great story, with so many twists, detailed information, betrayals, it simply amazes me how he can do all of this, and so flawlessly. Needless to say, I loved The Escape. If you have not read David Baldacci, you are missing gems.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher


The Finisher
by David Baldacci
Release Date: March 4, 2014

The Finisher

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM


Description:
Welcome to Wormwood: a place where curiosity is discouraged and no one has ever left.

Until one girl, Vega Jane, discovers a map that suggests a mysterious world beyond the walls. A world with possibilities and creatures beyond her imagining.

But she will be forced to fight for her freedom. And unravelling the truth may cost Vega her life.

 

Review:
The Finisher by David Baldacci is the first book in his new YA fantasy series. When I started reading The Finisher, we learn about a place called Wormwood, and a young 14 year old girl name Vega Jane, who would be our heroine.

Vega and her brother, John, live in the slums. They barely have enough to eat each day. Vega works at The Stacks, putting finishing touches to items for those who have money. Her title is the Finisher, and her only friend there is Quentin Herms, who taught her everything. The story begins when Quentin disappears into the Quag, a forbidden forest that surrounds Wormwood, and has dangerous creatures that will kill them as soon as they step into the Quag. No one must ever leave Wormwood, which in itself is depressing.

The Wormwood council knows that Vega was close to Quentin, and they put pressure on her to find out what she knows. What they do not know is that she caught a glimpse of him, as he stepped into the Quag. But Vega knows she cannot reveal that as many of those men who work for the council do not like her, something she feels has to do with her family, who are no longer with her. Early on there was a lot of ground work for the world building, and a ¼ of the way in, I wasn’t sure if this was for me. But I am glad I stayed with it, as it became a great story.

As Vega tries to find the truth about Quentin, and what the Quag really is, she faces an uphill battle against thet attitude of the men in Wormwood; the Council and a powerful adversary, who has powers beyond what anyone can imagine. All Vega really has is Delpha, her friend, especially after her brother moves to become part of the upper class. As she investigates the past and history of Wormwood, she begins to discover magical things that will help her in what she will face in the future. In some scary moments, she sees creatures, as well as being pulled into the past. Vega will find herself in a competition that is meant for men only, and she needs to survive or they will put her away or worst yet, kill her.

Vega will use everything she has, as well as some magical tools that were cool…a chain that helps her fly, a stone that heals, and a magical sword. Those were fun, as this is fantasy. This was really a different type of world, with strange customs, and language, which Baldacci used throughout. But most of all, the last half of the book was extremely nerve wrecking and exciting. Vega fought against prejudice, and all odds, but when all was said and done, she had everyone including us rooting for her. The ending has sort of a partial resolution, but it is a cliffhanger that cries for another book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview-RED
We were very excited and honored to be asked to participate in a telephone interview with David Baldacci.  David is promoting his wonderful new release, The Escape, as well as talk about his previously released, The Finisher, a YA Fantasy.  We have selected some of these great questions from the conference call that we thought you would enjoy.

 

In your books, the female characters are as tough as the men and then some. I’m thinking of Michelle Maxwell. I’m thinking of course of Vega Jane in your young adult novel. Why so many strong women in your pages? Why is this something that interests you?

David: I don’t write about damsels in distress because I don’t happen to know any. I have a lot of guy friends that need a lot of help and not so much the women.

I grew up with a force of nature in my mother. And I’m married to a force of nature with my wife, whose name is Michelle. So, if you’re wondering who the role model for Michelle Maxwell was, you have the answer. So, that’s why.

What I found amazing in your stories is the detail that flows seamlessly. My question is not the research part, but how you set your story. Are you a plotter with some sort of outline, or a pantser writing with the flow?

David: I don’t do really major outlines for my novels. I’ve always thought, rightly or wrongly, that if I wrote from an outline it would really read to everyone like I wrote from an outline where everything’s sort of neatly tied together and just flows in just the right way. And life is not really like that.

So, a lot of what I do is sort of the seat of my pants. I do get into the story, and I have the character flow in my head and I have plot ideas in my head. But, I just sit down in front of my computer or sometimes in front of a legal pad and just let it fly and see what works.

And some days I think I’m going to go in one direction but I happen to go in another because it just feels right. I think my instincts over the years have served me well. So, I really just like to innovate and be creative right there while I’m sitting down in front of the screen and just let the words pop out of me.

I know it feels like it’s almost happening spontaneously, but I’ve always thought the subconscious is just another way of saying things you’ve been thinking about a long time at a certain level, and they bubble to the surface. And we think we just thought of them, but actually we’ve been ruminating on them for a long time.

And that’s the way I like to write. I’ll do little mini outlines here and there for a particular chapter to make sure that I get all the points in there that I want to have. But, for the broader strokes, you know, all of it’s in my head and I just like to sit down and play around with it and see where it takes me.

What was your inspiration for The Camel Club?  Do you think you’ll go back to this series.

David:  People love The Camel Club.

I just wanted to do something really different where I had an ensemble cast of some guys who had had some mileage on them. They weren’t particularly young or fit anymore. And in many ways, people looked at them as being past their prime.

But, I thought that they had a lot of fuel left in the tank and that, together as a group, they were greater than they were apart. And again, it was just another sort of matter of me stretching my creative wings and going in a different direction and trying to build something I’d never built before.

And a lot of the characteristics they’ve had, people over the years–you know, I’ve observed some of these idiosyncrasies and physical mannerisms and things in people and grafted them onto some of the characters in The Camel Club. I’ve never taken anybody from real life and plopped them whole cloth into a book, but certainly bits and pieces of observations I’ve made over the years.

And I just wanted to build this really quirky kind of group that were sort of conspiracy theorists but had some specialized background and knowledge that actually made them effective doing what they did. And I didn’t want them to be, you know, in official power and I didn’t want them to be associated with any organization. I just wanted them to be people out there who had some unique skills and had some mileage on them, and put them into adventures and situations where they could show they still had a lot of worth and value left.

And it turned out to be really fun. When I wrote the first one, The Camel Club, I wasn’t thinking they were going to be a series. I tell you, when I wrote the last book I was thinking these guys are going to come back.  The Camel Club will ride again!

I wanted to talk about your choice to write fantasy and The Finisher, because it’s not just sort of a realistic story in a fantasy setting, you know, like a bunch of wizards at Hogwarts who are really just like regular kids. I mean, it has the full fantasy world, the history, the vocabulary.   I just wondered if you had the idea to write fantasy first and kind of built the world around it, or did you have this idea of the fantasy world that drove the plot and the genre that you decided to tackle?

David: The Finisher was really a passion project for me. My wife gave me a blank page book on Christmas day in 2008. And I would warn anybody who has a writer in their family, never give them blank pieces of paper on a major holiday because you will never see them for the rest of the day.

I just scooted off to my little cubby and started. I wrote the name down, Vega Jane, and I knew she was going to be the lead character, but I didn’t know what she was going to be doing. And it took me over four years to finally figure out the world that I wanted to place her in, what her role would be in that, and what the total story, plot, and narrative would be and what the other characters around her would be like.

So, I knew that I wanted to create an entirely new world. I didn’t want to place, you know, just an individual in the world as we know it now. So, when you build a world like that, it takes a lot of time and effort and thinking. And I had to put a lot of research into that, because in The Finisher a lot of the terms and references come from mythology, classical works of fantasy, religion.

I wanted to build this world in a smart way. I didn’t want to start naming stuff for the habit of naming something. I–you know, for instance, the jabbit, the giant serpent in the story, is actually based on Persian mythology. In their mythology, it’s called a dabbet, but I thought a jabbit was a much better term. And it just seemed like something that actually a snake would do, so I had a lot of fun with those.

And in putting the whole world together, I tried to do it as meticulously and carefully as I could. And what I did was, I didn’t create a huge world and address is superficially. I built a very small world, a village and a Quag around it, and that was it with a limited number of characters. But, I gave great depth to everything that I wrote about.        

You do a lot of work for libraries and literacy. You have a family literacy foundation, and this is a cause that you’ve been very passionate about.  And, you know, the world gets more and more digital and sometimes people say, “Why are books still important? Why are people reading stories?” Why do you do this work that you do?

David:  I was a library rat as a kid. And we’ve always had stories.  You know, humankind evolved around stories, whether it was hieroglyphics or drawings on the wall, tales that were told down, oral histories provided. So, we are a race and a civilization that grew up with stories and we love stories, because it communicates a lot of things from one generation to the next.

And libraries, for me, I’ve always considered them the foundation of the democracy. You walk into a building and it’s filled full with books. But, it’s really filled with ideas and diversity of opinion, and the things that are very important to people in a free and open society.

So, it really doesn’t matter how people read. I don’t care if you read on an e-book or you listened on an audio book or you read a paperback or a hardcover. What matters is that you read. You read the story.

And I’ve always thought that readers are far more interesting than people who don’t read, because you just are exposed to so much more. Your level of tolerance is far higher. You’re open-minded and you’re open to new ideas and opinions.

And it just makes you a much better, well-rounded person, plus the fact that, you know, reading is the most fundamental skill you’ll ever have. And without it, you can never achieve your potential. And so, people should just dive into as many books as they possible can.

 

 

About The Author

David Baldacci


David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 110 million copies in print; several have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at www.DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at www.WishYouWellFoundation.org.

Website /  Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

 

 

giveaway
Grand Central Publishing and Scholastic are graciously offering a wonderful David Baldacci 4 book prize pack to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.
                       The John Puller series – Zero Day, The Forgotten, and The Escape   
                       The Finisher – YA Fantasy      

David Baldacci series

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE  David Baldacci on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from December 10 to 15, 2014

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Stolen by Melissa De La Cruz/Michael Johnston – Review & Catching Up Interview

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Stolen by Melissa De La Cruz/Michael Johnston – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Stolen
Heart of Dread series – Book #2
by Melissa De La Cruz & Michael Johnston
Release Date: November 18, 2014

StolenAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Who is Eliza Wesson?

Months after Nat and Wes said good-bye on the shores of the Blue, Nat is learning how to control and use her new power. She and her drakon are the last of their kind—and she’s risked her life for their reunion. When she receives a mysterious distress call, she races to help, soliciting the guidance of her new friend, the beautiful and aloof Faix Lazaved of the Blue.

Still heartbroken over losing Nat, Wes is racing cars on a New Vegas racetrack while his team is scattered and lost. When he finds out that his sister, Eliza, is being held in the golden domes of El Dorado, he does what he’s best at—running to her side—and gambles on luck to see him through one more time.

Magic, romance, and danger collide as Nat and Wes become entangled in a dark new adventure that leads right to the heart of the mystery of their frozen, broken world. They soon discover that the answer to both their quests lies in the same question: Who is Eliza Wesson—what is she capable of, and why was she stolen from her family so long ago?

 

 

Review:
Stolen by Melissa Dela Cruz & Michael Johnston is the 2nd book in their Heart of Dread series. This is a YA Paranormal/Fantasy Dystopian storyline, with two wonderful leading characters in Nat & Wes. When Frozen, the first book in this series left off, they finally had found the promised land, Blue. Nat discovers she is the last Draykonrydder, with her own Drakon. She was where she belonged, to help protect Blue.   Wes, with the promise that he would come back, walked away to return with his friends to live life on the edge; stealing to survive, and make ends meet. Wes does have a reason, as he has been looking for his long lost sister, Eliza, who was kidnapped 12 years ago.

The story picks up with Nat and Mainas, her Drakon battling the evil RSA, as they have done since they became a team. Only this time, her Drakon is hurt, and must go underground to heal, leaving Nat completely alone. She meets up with her trainer, Faix to guide her how to use her powers. During the difficult training on using her mental awareness to be able to do almost anything, she receives a telepathic call for help. Together, her and Faix leave Blue to try and find Liannan, a sylph and one of Wes’s team.

While they race to find Liannan, Wes and two of his friends are captured while looking for Eliza. It is here that Wes and Nat find each other again. The romance between the two of them lights up the pages, as we know how they feel about each other. Since this is YA, there are no sex scenes, but Dela Cruz and Johnston do a wonderful job showing their love. Will that be enough to keep them together?

The action is non stop, intense and very exciting. There are so many twists, betrayals, constant danger, and to tell you much more would be spoilers. The adventure revolves around Wes, Nat, Faix and the boys to find Liannan, and Eliza with all the enemies surrounding them. Expect the unexpected, when they reach their goal and all hell breaks loose. There a major game changer at the end, which is a cliffhanger that will keep us holding our breath until the next book. If you like adventure, fantasy, a magnificent story, and two great heroes, then Heart of Dread series is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publicist

 

Interview beige 2

Melissa_de_la_Cruz_credit_Denise_Bovee
The Reading Cafe is thrilled to welcome back the wonderful Melissa De La Cruz. Today Melissa will be discussing her new release, Stolen, which she co-wrote with her husband Michael Johnston.  Stolen  is the 2nd book in their Heart of Dread series.

Let’s catch up with Melissa.

 

 

 

Hi Melissa. Thank you for taking the time to visit us again at The Reading Cafe, and to give an update as to what you have upcoming in 2014/2015.   

TRC: For those who may not have read the first book, can you give a brief description of the premise of your Heart of Dread series?  

Melissa: The Heart of Dread series is about a girl named Nat with a dangerous secret and a boy named Wes who helps get her to safety. Set one hundred years in the post-apocalypse New Vegas, the story melds fantasy and science fiction tropes to create a fast-paced and gritty story about two young people tossed together in a great adventure. In the first book, Wes helps Nat on her journey and in book two, Stolen, we find out more about their background and how the world was destroyed.  

Mel and Mike pic, credit Wendy Werris
TRC: The Heart of Dread series is written by you and your husband, Michael Johnston. Can you please tell us your process in writing the book together?

 

Melissa: We talk a lot. Talk, talk, talk, talk. Then one of us will write something down and give it to the other to develop then we trade it between us until the book is done. Mike usually does a lot of the work in the beginning and I do a lot of work at the end.

 

Stolen
TRC: Stolen is the 2nd book in this series, being released tomorrow. Can you please give us a brief description of Stolen?

Melissa: Stolen picks up a few months where Frozen left off, Nat is learning to use her power and Wes is reduced to driving in the death races in Vegas. Wes gets a tip about his missing sister and races to her, only to find himself in the same place as Nat. They uncover more terrible secrets of in both the fantastic world of Vallonis and the gritty world of the RSA.  

 

TRC: You write a number of genres. Do you find it difficult to switch between genres? 

Melissa: No. I love it. Keeping my work different is what keeps me going. 

witches-east-end-season-2-spoilers


TRC: Your Witches of East End series is now in its second year on television (Lifetime).   You have a wonderful cast on the show. I love Jenna DewanTatum & Daniel Di Tomasso together. How does it feel to see your characters come to life? Also, how do you feel the television series is portraying your storyline in comparison to the book?  

 

Melissa: It’s awesome. Just a joy to see my characters on screen. Pure joy. The TV show has a different story, but it kept the heart of the book – the love triangles, the family dynamics, the small town, the mythology. I love it, I’m a huge fan. I’m devastated at its cancellation but I have other projects I’m working on that will hopefully be on television soon. 

The Ring and the Crown
TRC: You have a new series, The Ring and the Crown. Can you please give us a brief description of this series, and how many books are you planning? 

Melissa: The Ring and The Crown is an alternate historical fantasy set in the early 20th century where France and Britain have combined into one kingdom and Merlin has been alive a thousand years. It is about princesses, love, magic, betrayal, romance and sisterhood. I am unsure yet of how many books, at least three, maybe more, but that all depends on sales. Publishers want to see series selling or they cancel them too.  

TRC: Would you like to share with us anything else that you may have upcoming in 2015? 

Melissa: My big Disney Middle grade book is Isle of the Lost: a Descendants prequel – Descendants is the new Disney Channel Original Movie that comes out in August 2015. My book comes out in May.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else? 

Melissa: We’re also currently developing The Ring and The Crown as a television show, so hopefully that will get picked up. We can only hope! 

TRC: Thank you, Melissa for giving us an update on what we can look forward to in 2015, and we wish you the best of luck with Stolen.

If you want to learn more about Melissa, you can find her at the following links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Tumblr

Giveaway beigeMelissa’s publisher is offering a hard-copy of STOLEN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1.If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE Melissa De La Cruz on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is U.S. only

8. Giveaway runs from November 17- 20, 2014

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Her Lone Wolf by Paige Tyler – Interview, Review & Giveaway

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Her Lone Wolf by Paige Tyler – Interview,  Review & Giveaway

 

Her Lone Wolf Nov 14Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back—and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to take no for an answer this time

 

 

Review:

Her Lone Wolf by Paige Tyler is the 2nd book in her X-Ops series, which is romance suspense at its best. Paige Tyler writes an exciting suspense filled story, with a wonderful romance between a fabulous couple. Danica Beckett works for the FBI, and is one of their best agents. Two years before she had worked for DCO (Department of Covert Ops), but was blackmailed to leave.

Clayne Buchanan is our hero, and he was Danica lover two years before. She left without any real reason, and he has been heart broken and bitter. Clayne is a wolf shifter, and we learn early on, when he was recruited to join DCO, that he is volatile and needed to learn to control his temperament.

The story picks up with a serial killer on the loose, and Danica knows from her time with DCO, that the killer is a shifter. The FBI does not know the supernatural beings like shifters, and has no idea that DCO exists. Danica calls her old boss to tell him about the situation with already a few deaths. Unfortunately for Danica, the person sent to help under the guise of Homeland Security is Clayne. He is very cold to her, not happy to be on this assignment.

All this is early on, and I do not want to give spoilers. What follows is a tense and exciting adventure with the search for a killer that taunts them to play a game…..”catch me if you can, while I hunt my victims.”   The FBI ia having a hard time, but it is Clayne who uses his shifter abilities to come closer to the killer. However, the stakes are raised, as the killer knows Clayne too is a shifter.

While this adventure is ongoing, with continued violent deaths, we get to see Clayne and Danice become closer. In time she will tell him the truth, and everything changes. Their romance becomes sizzling, and the danger escalates to those close to the case, as the killer becomes vindictive. There is also a side story of our heroes from the first book in this series. It was great to see Landon and Ivy play a part in this story.

Paige Tyler has done a wonderful job giving us a fast pace & pulse-pounding non-stop action, a terrible villain, tense moments, great characters, and a fantastic romance. The gripping storyline comes to a satisfying conclusion, but many things still remain to be resolved within DCO. This is what romance suspense is all about, and you need to start reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview-RED

Paige, welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

Paige: Thanks so much for having me!

TRC: Please tell us about yourself:

Paige_Tyler_Paige:  I was born and raised in New Jersey, then moved all over after marrying my hubby (South Korea, Louisiana, Atlanta, Washington State), and currently call the beautiful Florida coast home. I’m a USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, romantic fiction and I’ve written over fifty books in practically every genre of romance, but I have to admit that my favorite is definitely the paranormal/romantic-suspense combo. Hubby, my very own military hero, and I live with our adorable fur baby (also known as our dog) and spend a good portion of our time writing. While I graduated with a degree in education and was well on my way to being an elementary school teacher, I decided to pursue my passion and become an author instead. These days I’m fully committed to writing books about hunky alpha males and the kickbutt heroines who fall in love with them.

TRC:  When and how did you first become interested in writing?

Paige:  It seems like I’ve been writing since I was a little kid. I remember writing stories about all the kitties we had when I was nine or ten. They were cute little stories about them having adventures and playing with each other. No romance, though. I thought cats were girls back then, and dogs were boys, and everyone knows that dogs and cats don’t get along! 🙂

As I got older, I entered writing contests and took a lot of creative writing courses. I had some great teachers that really encouraged me to keep going—big shout out to Sharon Griffin, my creative writing teacher in high school. I feel so completely fortunate to have had those inspirational people around me at the right time. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now without them.

TRC:  What challenges have you faced getting your novels published?

Paige:  I remembered when I first started writing back in the 1980’s…on a typewriter. I wrote stories, then spent hours in the local libraries getting the addresses for literacy agencies in New York. There were a lot who wanted you to attach a check with the manuscripts. As you can imagine I never heard back from any of them. I realize now that they were scam artists, but back then, I was crushed.

Once I got going with my digital career, and had a few books under my belt, I attended pitch appointments at various conferences trying to get in with New York. Those pitches scared me silly, and while a lot of them helped move my career forward, I still remember vividly the ones that ended within the first fifteen seconds, usually with the agent or editor saying, “I don’t like that idea. Do you have anything else?” That was hard to deal with, but I realize now it’s just part of the process.

Even with my current X-OPS series, which is doing great, it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. I went through 174 agents before I found the one who believed in me and my story. But again, you realize after the fact that it was simply part of the process and it makes you really appreciate finding that perfect agent who really gets you. And I heart mine!

Her Perfect Mate

 

TRC:  Your X-Ops series began with Her Perfect Mate, which we reviewed earlier this year. For those of our members who may not be familiar with your series, can you please tell us the premise of the series, and how you came up with the idea?

Paige:  I’d love to!

HER PERFECT MATE revolves around the Department of Covert Operations (DCO), a top secret organization within the Department of Homeland Security. They pair the very best soldiers, law enforcement people, and spies together with shifters—humans who have special animal attributes in their DNA. Think of it like pairing one of them with one of us. They take on impossible missions few people in the world will ever know about.

The heroine is a sexy but deadly feline shifter named Ivy Halliwell who gets teamed up with yet another soldier—and she definitely isn’t thrilled about it. Both her previous partners hated her because she was a freak in their eyes, and she figures this new guy won’t be any different. But Captain Landon Donovan is Special Forces, so he’s used to taking crazy situations in stride. Not only are they amazing on the job, but they’re amazing in bed, too. There’s only one problem—getting romantically involved with your partner is against DCO policy. So, not only do they have to hide that they’re lovers, they also have to deal with people trying to kill them every few chapters.

HER PERFECT MATE is a paranormal shifter story that combines romance, action, suspense, and military elements into one exciting package that will keep you up reading late into the night—I promise.

My hubby and I came up with the idea at the Lori Foster Get Together in 2011. We were having dinner at PF Chang’s with our friend and one of my favorite writers, Monette Michaels, and her friend, Linnea Sinclair, talking about writing, especially how to make the jump from ebook/indie publishing to New York. Linnea said some really insightful things about finding a niche and a voice that is undeniably mine, then she pointed at hubby and suggested I should be using his military experiences to lend an edge to my books that other writers might not have.

Hubby’s always been reticent to take any of our books in the military direction…that’s an aspect of his life that he’s always considered personal and private. But after this long talk with Moni and Linnea, we both started thinking that maybe this was the way to go.

Around this same time, there was a lot of Special Operation stuff going on in the news, and an idea started developing. Wouldn’t it be cool to blend military elements with paranormal, specifically shifter, elements?

By the time we left Lori’s a few days later, I already had an outline going for the X-OPS Series. Hubby really got behind it, and our biggest problem became keeping the stories down to a manageable size. The first draft of HER PERFECT MATE was over 140,000 words!

Her Lone Wolf Nov 14TRC:  Her Lone Wolf is the second book in your X-Ops series, which was released yesterday. Can you please give a brief description of this story?

Paige:  Better yet…here’s the blurb! 🙂

Leaving him was Impossible…

It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse…

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back-and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to let her get away this time.

TRC:  How many books are planned for the X-Ops series?

Paige:  For everyone out there who absolutely loved HER PERFECT MATE, Book 1 in the X-OPS series, I have good news. The overarching storyline for the series has so much intrigue, distrust, and backstabbing going on, not to mention the myriad subplots and cast of secondary characters, that it has endless possibilities.

While each book has a main hero and heroine with their own standalone adventure and romance, I weave in a fun collection of secondary characters and plot arcs in to every story. Essentially, the characters continue to move the basic overarching storyline along in each book, much of it revolving around the fear that the people they work for at the DCO may be as evil and dangerous as the people they’re being sent after, all while enjoying their own romance and suspense-filled adventures.

Right now, I have the first ten books outlined, with basic conceptual material for at least another dozen or so. I think the readers are going to love having the X-OPS stories around for a long time to come!

Vampire 101TRC:  Modern Day Vampires is another series of yours. Can you give us a brief description of this series?

Paige:  This is fun vampire series I started quite a few years ago. While I love me some dark and brooding Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I didn’t want to go that route because it had already been done.

In Modern Day Vampires, my vampires aren’t demons. They’re vampirism is caused by a blood disorder which prevents their own blood from carrying oxygen properly. The vampire side effects (strength, speed, teeth, etc.) are all evolutionary changes that have come about over the centuries as their bodies came up with ways to help them be able to hunt for what they need to live—blood.

In the “old days” vamps would feed straight from the vein. Hence all the vampires getting a really bad reputation. But in this “modern” day and age, things have become quite a bit more civilized. There are blood banks and blood deliveries, and rule books on how to behave and conform. There’s a lot of humor as the vampires try to blend in. Think bureaucracies and paperwork, suntan lotion, and dedicated vampire 911 lines.

In the first book in the series, VAMPIE 101, the heroine, who grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer has a hard time adjusting when she’s bitten by a rogue I’m-not-going-to-follow-your-rules vampire and left for dead. After rescuing her, the hero has to teach her everything she needs to know, while protecting her from the rogues who have decided they want things to go back to the good old days.

Here’s the blurb!

Being a Vampire Isn’t What It Used to Be.

Savanna Royce is a weekend Goth-girl who’s always been fascinated with vampires. She doesn’t really believe in them, of course, but that changes when she’s bitten by a rogue vamp and left for dead. Fortunately, two-hundred-and-seventy-eight-year-old vampire Kaige Travers is there to rescue her. Unwilling to let her die, he turns Savanna into a vampire to save her life—not knowing if she’ll thank him or hate him for it.

While Kaige is teaching Savanna what she needs to know about being a vampire, neither of them can deny the chemistry that’s there. Somewhere between getting her registered at the local vampire admin office and teaching her how to order blood on the internet, they fall for each other—fast and hard.

Just as things are heating up between the sheets—and everywhere else—they encounter one minor problem. The rogue vampire who attacked her is back and this time he wants to finish the job he started.

I’ve been working on Book 2 in the series for a long time, and I swear I’ll get it done—as soon as I figure out how to clone myself. 🙂

Animal AttractionTRC:  What can you tell us about your Alaskan Werewolf series?

Paige:  I also started this series years ago, though I’m happy to say that I just re-release Book 1 in the series—ANIMAL ATTRACTION—in the summer. I wrote this series for a particular publisher who had a wonderful “Men of Alaska” series going. I figured what better place to put werewolves than the great outdoors of Alaska. After getting the rights back from that publisher, I revised the story, adding more characters, storylines, and adventure.

I’m also working on a re-issue of the second book in the series—ANIMAL INSTINCT—and hope to have this book out by next summer (2015). If I get that cloning thing down. I’m also looking for a group of minions to hire (they must work for bananas), so I can find more time in the day for writing.

Here’s the blurb for ANIMAL ATTRACTION!

Not only are werewolves real, but they’re damn hunky, too.

Frustrated when none of the real newspapers will hire her as a reporter, Eliza Bradley takes the only job she can get–at a paranormal magazine. Her first assignment takes her to Fairbanks, Alaska to investigate the rumors that a werewolf has killed two local men.

When she meets Hunter McCall, a local college professor and an expert on wolves, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him and ends up spending more time in his bed than worrying about werewolves. That’s when Eliza finds out Hunter isn’t just an animal in the sack, he’s an animal out of it, too–of the werewolf variety. Talk about a complicated relationship.

But Eliza can’t dwell on Hunter’s little shapeshifting issues for long. There’s another werewolf out there with a taste for human blood, and she and Hunter are the only ones who can stop him. If they don’t, they’re likely to become his next victims.

TRC:  You like to write a few genres, such as Paranormal, Romance, and Contemporary. What genre do you find is more challenging to write and do you have a favorite genre?

Paige: That’s a killer question! I love working in all subgenres of romance, be they paranormal, suspense, erotic, sci-fi, western, but right now, with my X-OPS and SWAT series going so well, my new favorite is romantic suspense genre. Of course, as anyone who has read HER PERFECT MATE (X-OPS 1) will tell you, even my romance suspense has a good dash of paranormal in there, as well as some serious heat. 🙂

As far as the most challenging genre to write, I think contemporary is the hardest. In general, if you’re talking pure contemporary, you aren’t going to have zombies jumping out of closets, the hero & heroine won’t be running for their lives from some deranged killer, they’ll be no threats to the city/country/world/current time-space continuum, etc. The writer has to move the romance and story along using those conflicts that keep everyday people from coming together—doubts, insecurities, social and economic differences, etc. I tend to love action, drama, and suspense (and monsters!), so it can be a bit challenging writing romances without those elements.

TRC:  What are you working on now?

Paige:  Right now, I’m just about going crazy with all the stuff I have going on (I really do need those minions)!

As you can see from this blog, I’m doing lot of promo for HER LONE WOLF (X-OPS 2), but I’m also getting ready to do the promo for a special free novella in the X-OPS Series called HER SECRET AGENT. It gives the readers a peak behind the scenes of the very beginnings of the DCO. You get to see a younger John Loughlin, the Director of the DCO, getting to know a certain “foxy” shifter extremely well. It will be available on the 2nd of December from Sourcebooks, but you can pre-order it now.

I’m also putting the finishing touches on Book 2 of my Special Wolf Alpha Team Series (SWAT…as in a pack of werewolves working on the Dallas SWAT team. Cool, right?). At the same time, I’m working on the first draft for Book 3 in that series, due to the publisher sometime in January. Plus, I’m starting to rough in the details on Book 4 of X-OPS. Or is it Book 4 of SWAT? I get a little confused sometimes.:)

Oh, yeah! BTW, I’m also putting out a military ménage boxed set for Veteran’s Day, with a tribute to each of the uniformed services. It’s your basic old fashioned girl meets two guys and decides that anything two can do…three can do better!

TRC:  What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have any hobbies?

Paige:  Did you see my schedule in the previous question? LOL! When I’m not writing…I’m either in the shower, or I’m sleeping. Even then, I’m still working out plot points.

But seriously, when I can drag myself away from my laptop, I’m usually out exercising with hubby (We love to jog and do P90X yoga. Have to do something to unkink from all that time behind the computer!). Or we’re out taking our fur baby for walks. We try to get in a movie now and then, and we have a few TV shows that I will always find time for—Teen Wolf, Supernatural, and The Walking Dead.

TRC:  Can you please tell us your writing process? Do you have a favorite spot or specific time to write?

Paige:  My hubby is a key part of my writing process. We typically go to PF Chang’s to brainstorm a story outline over spicy chicken. When we get home, he’ll start the outline/rough draft while I’m working the second and third drafts of a previous story. I check what he’s doing every night. Have to keep him on point or he’ll add random zombies into the story just to see if I’m paying attention. By the time I’m emailing a polished draft to my editor, he’s tossing me the next rough draft. Sure, he’s not much for romantic dialogue (he’ll just throw in a line such as “The hero should probably say something romantic here.”) and his intimate scenes are usually synopsized down to a single line (“Insert mad monkey sex here.”), but the plot work he does really saves me a ton of time and helps me meet deadlines.

You already know that I write all the time, but as far as where I write, mostly it’s on the couch. I just curl up with the laptop and go to town.



LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD: PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken and Brown Rice.

FAVORITE DESSERT: Chocolate anything

MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE: Dark

FAVORITE FICTIONAL CHARACTER (not your own): Sam and Dean Winchester…I get to have both…they’re brothers!

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: The Maze Runner

DOG OR CAT: Dog

TRC:  Thank you, Paige for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Her Lone Wolf. Keep us informed about your upcoming releases. We look forward to working with you again.

Paige: You’re welcome. Thanks so much for having me!
*hugs*
Paige

You can find more about Paige at the following Links: 
Website: http://paigetylertheauthor.com/
Blog: http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/paige.tyler.9
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/PaigeTylerAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PaigeTyler|
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/paigetylerauth/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/paigetylerauthor
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101473514319460388322/posts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2300692.Paige_Tyler
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/BBrEP
Email: paigetyler@paigetylertheauthor.com

 

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Paige’s publisher is offering a copy of HER LONE WOLF to be selected randomly Tour wide.

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Chained by Night by Larissa Ione – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Chained by Night by Larissa Ione – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

Chained by Night Banner



Chained by NightAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

DESCRIPTION
THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

 

REVIEW

 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

 EEEEEEE … Larissa Ione rocks my paranormal romance, sexy vamp world. She always gives the right amount of grit, language, wit, angst, action and yummy “oh you make my toes curl”. I have come to expect to be a pile of goo by the time I have read the last word of any of her novels and this one is no exception.

Chained by Night is Larissa Ione‘s second book in her “Moonbound Clan Vampire” series and revolves around the clan leader Hunter and an opposing clan’s daughter Ailyn. Vampires and humans continue to battle one another and in order to remain strong, Hunter agrees to mate with the enemy and take one for the team. Dreading this union and filled with hate, Hunter is suppose to mate Rasha who just so happens to be Ailyn’s twin “real piece of work” sister. It is when he meets Ailyn however, that he believes he can turn a crummy situation into a yummy one!

Ailyn … oh sweet Ailyn! Born the second twin with a deformity, she has had it so rough. Extremely slighted since birth, she has managed to keep her head above water and live her life as best as she can. Always in the shadow of her perfect terribly bitchy mean twin sister, Ailyn always rises above it all and shows a strength that makes Hunter’s heart go pitter patter.

In the midst of quests that need to be completed in this dark and blood soaked world Larissa Ione has created, we experience a warrior spirit come into bloom. Sheer intelligence, true determination/will, and ultimate true love kept me completely engaged in this storyline. The cold was cold but man was the hot HOT. My emotions were completely invested and I am so impressed with the fresh approach to the creation of this vampire world!

The pacing was incredible, the paranormal truly paranormal (the characters and creatures created will blow your mind), and the love story hot and sweet. Twists and turns and WTF moments are weaved into the action and you will find a picture perfect image in your mind as you engage in each page. This second book can be read alone I suppose, but you will miss out of so much if you skip the first book. If you are a paranormal fan, you haven’t indulged until you indulge in a Larissa Ione experience. SERIOUSLY! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Hi Larissa. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.  
Larissa and dog


Larissa:  Thank you for having me!   

TRC:  Please tell us about yourself?  

Larissa:  I’m a mom, a wife, a veteran, an author, an animal lover…gosh, I could keep going, but I don’t want to bore anyone!   

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

 

TRC:  When and how did you become interested in writing? Have you always liked to write?

Larissa:  I’ve always been a writer…like, since I could hold a pencil. Even when I wasn’t actively writing, I was always thinking up stories in my head. I can’t pinpoint what, exactly, got me interested in writing – I think it was just the fact that I’ve always been an avid reader.  

TRC:  You are an Air Force veteran and former meteorologist. Have you been able to use these experiences in writing your stories?

Larissa:  Absolutely. A lot of my characters are either military or ex-military, and the first book in the ACRO series I write as Sydney Croft with Stephanie Tyler was all about the weather. Riding the Storm was very much steeped in meteorological mayhem!   

TRC:  Can you please tell us the premise of your The Moonbound Clan Vampires series, and how you came up with the idea? Also, how many books do you plan for this series?

Larissa:  The MoonBound Clan Vampires series is about a world in which vampires are far outnumbered and outgunned by humans, which has led to an imbalance (and abuse) of power in favor of the humans. In this world, vampires are struggling to survive, and the fact that they fight among themselves isn’t helping matters. As for how I came up with the idea, the spark manifested from the 2009 Ethan Hawke movie, Daybreakers, which was set in a slightly futuristic world in which a virus turned humans into vampires, and vampires took over the world. I flipped that premise on its head…I have a virus that creates vampires, but humans developed a vaccine and weapons, and thanks to that, humans have enslaved the vampire race. I’m not sure how many books there will be – I have four planned for sure. We’ll see where it goes from there!   

Chained by NightTRC:  Chained by Night is the 2nd book of this series. Can you please give us a brief description of this book?

Larissa:  Sure! Here’s the official blurb: 

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?  

RevenantTRC:  Revenant is scheduled for a December release. It is the 11th book in your Demonica series. For those you are new to this series, can you give us a brief description?

Larissa:  Revenant is about a an angel who believed he was a fallen angel for thousands of years, but recent events have revealed the truth and unlocked memories he wishes he could forget. Complicating matters is a gorgeous doctor at Underworld General who fascinates him…and who he needs to help him navigate the battles he faces as evil once more tries to destroy everything that’s good in the world. 

 

TRC:  You write under the pseudonym of Sydney Croft with Stephanie Tyler. How did this partnership come about, and can you give us a brief description of this series, ACRO WORLD?

Larissa:  Stephanie and I started writing together after my family lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. I’d given up on writing, and she sort of forced me back into it by writing a scene and then sending it to me…with instructions to write the next scene. I did, and together we put together a series about a group of people with special abilities who use their talents to battle evil all over the world. Think: the X-Men meets erotic romance!

TRC:  What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite time, or place to work?

Larissa:  Honestly, I have no process. I just sit down and write. I do write best in the early morning and late night, but other than that…there’s nothing special I do.  

TRC:  Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Larissa:  Trying to figure out what readers will like. I swear, I can’t predict anything! I think that’s the biggest challenge – toughing out the unknowns. You just never know how readers and reviewers are going to like a book.

TRC:  Is there any other genre besides paranormal/ romance that you would like to try?
Horror and science fiction!   What are you currently working on?

Larissa:  I’m plotting out a m/m Demonica novella, and also brainstorming the next MoonBound Clan Vampires book – which will be Myne’s. I’m definitely looking forward to writing both!

LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: Cheese. I LOVE cheese. 

Favorite Dessert: I’m not a dessert person, but I sometimes enjoy cupcakes. 

Favorite Movie: WAY too many to name, but the ones I watch over and over include Galaxy Quest, Independence Day, and anything Star Trek. 

Favorite TV Show: Gah…again, too many to name! Right now I’m loving The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Drunk History.

Last book that you read:  Hounded, by Kevin Hearne 

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk Favorite Literacy Character (not your own): Dracula 

Dog or Cat: Cat, but I love them both.   

TRC:  Thank you, Larissa for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes youthe best of luck with Chained by Night. We look forward to talking with you again in the future.

Larissa:  Thank you, and I look forward to it, as well!   

 

Giveaway-Green/Gold

Larissa’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of CHAINED BY NIGHT & BOUND BY NIGHT (first two books of The Moonbound Clan Vampires)  to 2 (Two) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK 

4. LIKE us on Twitter

5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Like Larissa Ione on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open to U,S. Only

8. Giveaway runs from September 26-30, 2014

 

 

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Married in the Nick of Nine by Alretha Thomas – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Married in the Nick of Nine by Alretha Thomas – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

Married in the Nick of Nine Banner

 

Married in the Nick of NineAmazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
Cassandra Whitmore is facing yet another Valentine’s Day alone. Her love life is as dry as the Sharpie pen she uses to mark an even more dreadful day on her calendar—her upcoming 30th birthday. Driven by the maddening ticking of her biological clock, Cassandra is determined to meet, fall in love with, and marry “The One” within nine months. When Cassandra accompanies her cousin to a night club, her Type-A quest to meet a man is quickly rewarded by a stranger’s velvety, baritone voice asking if he might occupy the seat next to her. He’s Nicolas Harte, whose good looks leave Cassandra speechless, but not for long. After mustering enough courage to strike up a conversation, she learns Nicolas is everything she wants in a man—smart, successful, and available. There’s only one catch: He’s “GU” (geographically undesirable). Nonetheless, Cassandra falls in love with Nicolas and makes the uncharacteristic decision to move from Los Angeles to New York to be with him. But Cassandra gets a rude awakening when she discovers there’s something rotten in the Big Apple.

 

Review:

Cassandra Whitmore is a successful woman with everything she could want, except for a husband. She has a great job, which she enjoys, and a loving family. She’s a member of a dating service and the book begins with her meeting one of her matches for dinner. He’s an attorney, successful in his own right, but to call him a mama’s boy is a huge understatement. When the date ends, not quickly enough, she ends up meeting her cousin at the club, even though that’s not really her scene. But, she is certainly glad she did. When she meets Nick, she is immediately smitten with him, and he with her. However, when she finds out that he’s from New York, her hopes dwindle. Nick is determined though to see her again, even though he’s only going to be in town a couple more days.

Things heat up pretty fast between the two, and after he leaves town, they embark on a long distance relationship. He tries to find a job in Los Angeles, but when things don’t pan out, they decide that she’ll move to New York. But, once she gets there, she can’t figure out why his family is less than welcoming. And what of the hang up phone calls and a mysterious car that always seems to be around wherever she goes? Let’s just say that things aren’t quite as they seem.

Married in the Nick of Nine is a nicely written story about two people who fall in love, only to realize that love doesn’t quite conquer all. All relationships require honesty on both sides, and when Cass finds out what Nick has been hiding (and boy, is it a doozy!!), things really get rolling. Cass is a wonderful character whose strength is truly tested and her faith plays a big part as she tries to navigate what’s happened. And when you find out what Nick has been hiding, you will want to kick his butt, but not for long. He has a big heart and truly does want to share it with Cass, but there’s a lot of work to do. Married in the Nick of Nine is ultimately a story of faith in one’s self and redemption that will have you in tears toward the end. And, it will leave you with a smile in your heart.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

 

Interview beige

Alretha ThomasThe Reading Café welcomes Alretha Thomas.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.  Please tell us about yourself

Alretha:  I’d like to first thank you for giving me the opportunity to be featured in an interview on The Reading Café. It’s great to be here and many thanks to the readers! I was born in Oakland, California but raised in San Francisco until my mother passed away when I was fourteen. She was only thirty-six. After her death, my siblings and I moved to Compton, California to live with my maternal grandparents. It was a very difficult time in my life. However, due to my faith in God, I was able to overcome my obstacles. I went on to graduate second in my high school, and I received a scholarship to attend U.S.C. where I majored in journalism. Upon graduating I decided I wanted to write stories rather than report them and as a result I began writing plays for my church. They were so well received; my plays were produced outside the church. In 1999 I wrote my first novel and the rest as they say is history.

TRC:  When and how did you first become interested in writing?

Alretha: My fifth grade teacher assigned a short story assignment. I was really excited about the project and ironically I had written a love story about a bag boy at a supermarket and a young girl who was a customer. The next day my teacher congratulated us for all our hard work and then she went onto say there was one story that stood out. That story was mine. I almost fell out of my chair. While she read my work I took in the faces of my classmates. They were hanging onto her every word and at that moment I knew storytelling was want I wanted to do for a living.

TRC:  Married in the Nick of Nine is your new release. Can you please give us a brief description of this book? Also, is this a standalone or the start of a series?

Alretha:  Married in the Nick of Nine is about Cassandra Whitmore, an upwardly mobile young woman who wants to meet, fall in love with, and marry “The One” within nine months. She meets Nick Harte and he’s more than she could hope for, but there’s one caveat—he lives in New York and she lives in Los Angeles. After a great deal of contemplation and handwringing, Cassandra decides to relocate. But to her chagrin she soon learns there may be something rotten in The Big Apple. Married in the Nick of Nine borders on romantic suspense because there are a lot of unexpected twists and turns and jaw-dropping moments. Married in the Nick of Nine is the first book in a four-book series, but it can be categorized as standalone. The subsequent books can also stand alone, but each subsequent book gives an overview of its predecessor, so it’s best to read the books in order.

TRC:  You are also a playwright, how hard was it to change from writing plays in comparison to writing a novel?

Alretha:  Writing a novel is more challenging because it’s longer and more in-depth. For the record, I love the challenge. Writing a novel for me is definitely a labor of love. When crafting a novel, you’re creating an entire world. God did it in seven days, but I’m a mere mortal! LOL! I can complete the first draft of a play in a few weeks, but it can take up to three months to complete the first draft of a novel. The average full length play is approximately 20k words, whereas the average full length novel can run as long as 80k words.

Okay, I must include this disclaimer regarding the first book in the Cass & Nick series, Married in the Nick of Nine. I completed the first draft of this full length novel in four days! I had gotten laid off my corporate job in 2011 and that same week I was somehow compelled to query the novel. One caveat—it wasn’t complete—a definite no-no in the literary world. Never query an incomplete manuscript. I only had thirty-two pages. I queried one agent and, of course, the agent asked for the entire manuscript. This had never happened before. Usually I had to query over 300 agents to get a few responses. Crazy! So I got busy. I stayed up for four days and four nights writing. I was like Bradley Cooper in the movie Limitless, but instead of the fictional drug NZT, I was riding on faith and prayer. I submitted the novel, but needless to say the agent passed! I got great feedback, but no cigar. I eventually got the novel in tiptop shape and it’s since been published.

TRC:   What are the challenges or difficulties that you found in your writing career?

Alretha:  The most difficult time was when I first made my foray into the publishing world in 1999. I had just written my debut novel, Daughter Denied, about a precocious seven-year-old girl who grows up to be successful in spite of being raised in a dysfunctional home. It was loosely based on my childhood. I had a very difficult time trying to find literary representation or a publisher. I was told the market was too competitive for a first-time author and then there were people who just weren’t interested. That year I received over a hundred rejection letters. I have since grown a tough skin, but it was painful to open letter after letter of ‘thank yous but no thank yous.’ I ended up self-publishing that book in 2008, inspired by Barack Obama’s decision to run for president. In 2011 I wrote Dancing Her Dreams Away, hoping it would be easier, but once again, doors were slammed in my face. It wasn’t until 2012 that things started to look up. That’s when I received an email from my present agent, Stacey Donaghy, wherein she told me she had read Married in the Nick of Nine in one sitting and it had brought her to tears. A year later she brokered my four-book deal with Soul Mate Publishing. It has been a long journey filled with tears, ups, downs, and heartache. But just like a mother who screams and writhes in pain during child birth, now that I’ve gone through the most difficult time, I relish and celebrate where I am today and the fruits of my labor.

TRC:  You write women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Do you have a preference as to which genre you enjoy writing the most? Have you ever thought about writing another genre?

Alretha:  I love writing women’s fiction and contemporary romance because I’m the poster child for women’s issues. As a child I was abused and battered. In college, I suffered from anorexia and bulimia. In my early twenties I struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. I have experienced the pain of unrequited love, more times than I care to admit. I’ve battled infertility. I’ve dealt with disillusionment and unrealized dreams. I’ve had so much drama in my life; I’ll never run out of material. Lol! I don’t regret my life experiences, because they allow me to write with depth and feeling. Moreover, knowing that I survived my past with God’s grace, and that I’m a survivor, not a victim, enables me to give other women hope. I’ve never thought about writing another genre because I have so many stories to tell within my genre of choice.

TRC:  What are you currently working on?

Alretha:  I am currently in the throes of promoting Married in the Nick of Nine and my third indie novel Four Ladies Only. I have three other novels in the Cass & Nick series that are complete and being edited, so I’ve put writing on the back burner for now. Once the third book in the series hits, I’ll probably begin writing the sequel to my indie novel, Four Ladies Only.” In the interim, I blog to keep my writing skills fresh.

TRC:   What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite place or time you like to write?

Alretha:  Once I get a story idea, I come up with the title. It seems as if I have to have a title to start my process. Once that’s in place, I do a skeleton outline of the story and what the protagonist is after. Then I do extensive character development. After that, I create a detailed outline that includes plot points and twists. I always know my ending. Then I begin writing. I stop and edit along the way. By the time I have the first completed draft; it’s in pretty good shape. Then I continue reading and editing. I put the manuscript away for three to five days and come back to it with fresh eyes. When I finally have a decent draft I let my beta readers spend some time with the manuscript. I meet with them, listen to them, and make changes if I deem their suggestions are right for the story. It usually takes me an average of six months to complete an eighty-thousand-word novel. I can write anytime and anywhere, but usually you can find me at the desktop computer in our den. My husband calls it my second home!

TRC:  Is there a book or author that gave you the inspiration to write?

Alretha:  Growing up, I loved to read. It was not only fun, but it allowed me to escape my dysfunctional childhood. While other kids in the projects were running after the ice cream truck, I was running after the Bookmobile! Growing up, Alice Walker, Tony Morrison, Lorraine Hansberry, Maya Angelou, and Zora Neal Hurston, wowed me, but it wasn’t until later in life that I began to develop my own voice, and I have to say the work of Terry McMillan and the late Bebe Moore Campbell influenced me greatly.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Alretha:  I want to thank each and every person who takes the time to read this interview and who purchases a copy of Married in the Nick of Nine and my other books. Your support of me in greatly appreciated!


LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken, mash potatoes with gravy and corn. Trail Mix from Whole Foods #6819.

FAVORITE DESSERT: Haagen dazs ice cream.

MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE: Milk chocolate.

FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTER (not your own): Kimberla Roby Lawson’s Reverend Curtis Black.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Scandal.

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: Dawn of the Planet Apes.

DOG OR CAT: I don’t have either, but if I were to get a pet, it would be a dog. I’m allergic to cats.

Thank you, Alretha for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Married in the Nick of Nine

 

Giveaway beige

Alretha is offering an e-copy (Amazon) of MARRIED IN THE NICK OF NINE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter

5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Giveaway is open Internationally (Amazon Kindle only)

7. Giveaway runs from September 6-10, 2014

 

 

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Tempted By A Rogue Prince (Eternal Mates #3) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Tempted By A Rogue Prince (Eternal Mates #3) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Tempted by a Rogue Prince Banner

Tempted by a Rogue Prince
Eternal Mates #3
by Felicity Heaton
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance
Release Date: August 9, 2014

Tempted by a Rogue Prince

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date August 9, 2014

An elf prince on the verge of losing himself to the darkness, Vail is maddened by the forty-two centuries he was under the control of a witch and forced to war with his brother. Now, he roams Hell seeking an escape from his terrible past and the heads of all who bear magic. When demons of the Fifth Realm capture him, he sees a chance to end his existence, but when he wakes in a cell to a beautiful female, he finds not death but his only shot at salvation—his true fated mate.

Captured by the enemy of the Third Realm when the war ended, Rosalind has spent months in the cells of the Fifth Realm with her magic bound, forced to heal the new king’s demon warriors, and haunted by the lives she has taken. When she’s brought to heal an unconscious man, she discovers her only hope of escape has come in the form of her worst nightmare and the first part of a prediction that might spell her doom—a devastatingly handsome and dangerous dark elf prince.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TEMPTED BY A ROGUE PRINCE is the third instalment in Felicity Heaton’s Eternal Mates paranormal romance series. This is demonic elf prince Vail and light witch Rosalind’s storyline.

Vail had been held captive and controlled by a dark witch for over four thousand years and the atrocities he has committed have left a black mark so dark upon his soul that he prayed for death. Imprisoned by the new king of the Fifth Realm, Vail fights against the torture and pain only to be healed by a woman he feels the need to both soothe and destroy. With each encounter Rosalind and Vail’s connection to one another grows stronger but it is Vail’s emotional turmoil about the past that both frightens and attracts Rosalind like a moth to a flame.

TEMPTED BY A ROGUE PRINCE follows the imprisonment, torture and eventual escape of three people whose lives have crossed paths once before. Rosalind is Vail’s fated mate but she is also a reminder of the woman who destroyed Vail’s humanity and his ability to distinguish between right and wrong. It is a story that is graphically violent and emotionally heartbreaking. Vail has been betrayed time and again, and the memories of the people whose lives he has destroyed will be carried with him for all times.

A good portion of the storyline is told through the internal dialogue of each of our leading characters. Vail is torn between wanting to kill Rosalind and protecting her from harm while Rosalind hopes to heal the mind of a man whose belief in himself has been damaged beyond repair. The nature of these thoughts was slightly repetitive reminding the reader about the hell that our characters had endured.

Felicity Heaton’s storylines are imaginative, passionate, heartbreaking and intense. TEMPTED BY A ROGUE PRINCE is a little darker with its graphic imagery of one man’s suffering and slide into hell. Vail and Rosalind’s escape will force them to depend on one another for survival but also force them to take a deeper look within their heart and soul.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

Rosalind kept some distance between them as she rounded the slab, her gaze fixed on him the whole time, monitoring him for a sign he might attack her. He began writhing again, fitful jerking movements that rattled the chains that held him pinned to the slab with his arms above his head, stretched out like a piece of meat on a butcher’s block.

Bastard demons.

The male snarled low in his throat, as if he knew her thoughts and seconded them. He looked so savage coated in dried blood and dirt, and felt more dangerous than ever. She flicked a glance at the bent steel bar and the grooves in the solid stone. More dangerous than she had thought possible.

Rosalind kneeled beside him on the stone flags.

He snarled again, his eyes rolling back in his head as he sniffed, inhaling deeply. He rocked his hips and her cheeks heated. He was growing hard in his wrecked black trousers. She averted her eyes, pretending she hadn’t noticed, and diligently kept her eyes away from that area of his anatomy, not wanting to ponder why he had reacted in such a way to her scent.

She reached out to touch his bloodstained hands. He growled and grew more restless, twisting on the stone slab and pulling at his restraints.

“Shh,” she whispered, unsure whether he could hear her and whether speaking to him was wise when he was in this condition.

Would her presence and the sound of her voice make him better, or worse?

He hated witches. He had looked at her with murder in his eyes.

She couldn’t leave him though or let him continue to suffer, and it wasn’t because she was a captive in this cell with him or the orders the demon had given her. The sight of him suffering, lost in whatever strange place had hold of him, caused an ache in her chest that compelled her to help him.

“I won’t hurt you. I swear it.” She reached out to touch his hands and he hissed at her, flashing fangs. She barely dodged his attack, falling backwards as he launched his head forwards, his teeth clacking as they struck each other and not her flesh.

He grew wild, bucking off the slab and yanking on the manacles that bound his wrists. She wanted to reach for him but instinct held her back, warned her to let him wear himself out. He had tried to bite her. Mother earth. She covered her mouth with her hand and stared at him, her heart developing a new ache. What dark power gripped him that he would attack her when she was only trying to help him?

He began to settle again, his movements becoming less frantic, weaker as his strength faded.

“I will not hurt you. I know you can hear me. I am only going to heal you.” Rosalind moved back to her knees beside him and swallowed hard.

He slumped onto the bench, the tangled threads of his black hair sticking to the sweat on his brow.

He looked fragile, but she wasn’t going to let that deceive her. This man was deranged.

What sort of male could have not only moved with her healing spell ricocheting through his body and all the injuries that had remained, but managed to find the strength to bend thick steel bars and rake deep grooves into solid stone with only his nails?

Not a sane one.

Many of the dungeon’s residents had been here long enough to have gone mad and were normally noisy at night, but last night they had been silent while this man had raged.

They had feared he would escape. The guards had feared too, exchanging meaningful glances as they punished her.

She had feared too.

This male had come here insane.

What was he?

She had thought vampire before, but now she wasn’t so sure.

Rosalind reached slowly towards him. His lips were bloodstained too, a dark spot of it gathered by the corner of his hard mouth. Had he tried to bite the bars, or had the guards struck him to subdue him?

His eyes flicked open and locked on her.

She tensed, her heart pounding, fear pressing her to withdraw her hand before he attacked her. She kept it hovering in the air between them, refusing to let him bully her into shrinking away from him.

“Hello again,” she whispered, keeping still and giving him time to adjust to her presence. He continued to stare at her, deep into her eyes, his blue-grey ones flat and dull. Lifeless. “They brought me to heal you. It seems you, um, hurt yourself.”

He exhaled softly and blinked. A good sign? Mother earth, she hoped so.

She hadn’t expected him to remain calm on hearing her voice. She had expected another replay of him attempting to break free of his bonds, most likely so he could kill her.

“I need to touch you to heal you.”

No response.

During her time alone in her cell after her punishment, she had mulled over their entire first encounter, and had concluded that he hated anyone touching him. She had been entertaining theories about it all day. It wasn’t because she was a witch. He hadn’t known that at the time.

“Can I touch you?” She wasn’t willing to risk her limbs by attempting to do such a thing without his consent.

He clenched his fists and gave a curt nod.

Rosalind took it as a green light, noting that he had steeled himself, mentally preparing for her touch.

She shuffled closer, biting down on her tongue when her ribs protested and each mark on her back burned beneath her black dress.

“Harmed you?” he croaked, his voice gravelly and deep. His eyes searched hers. “Heard you… cry. You hurt?”

The stilted manner of his speech spoke to her of the incredible pain he endured, agony that she could see in his eyes, yet he was asking about her instead.

She swallowed the lump in her throat, stifling the memories of her punishment, and forced a shrug. “No worse than usual.”

“Usual?” Black eyebrows dipped low, narrowing eyes rapidly gaining a dark edge and obsidian blotches amidst the stormy blue-grey of his irises. What was he? “Beat… often?”

He grated the words out from between clenched teeth and she saw his fangs were down. Maybe he was a vampire, or another form of fae. There were many in the world and a lot of them could take on a human appearance.

“It no longer bothers me.” She plastered on a false smile, one she hoped would stop him from asking about it. “But… they do it often.”

He growled so low that she only felt it as a rumble through her chest and then strained against his manacles, becoming so agitated that she feared he would hurt himself again. His face screwed up, his enormous fangs on display, and he threw his head back and roared as he arched off the dark stone slab.

“You need to calm down.” Rosalind reached for him.

She froze when his eyes snapped open.

Purple.

Her breathing accelerated.

She shook her head.

He couldn’t be.

He stared at her, vivid purple eyes flashing wildly as his lips peeled away from his fangs again. Fangs. Purple. Mother earth, she was going to hyperventilate.

His overlong black hair parted to reveal the pointed tips of his ears and she almost passed out.

Elf.

Rosalind shot backwards away from him. Pain erupted in her side, searing her ribs and stealing her breath together with him. Not a damn elf. He couldn’t be a bloody elf.

She shook her head and huddled into the corner, holding her knees and staring at him as he wrestled with his manacles.

Anything but an elf. Why couldn’t he be anything but an elf?

She went back seventy years, to a magical summer’s day when she had been having tea in the garden with her grandmother. It had all been so peaceful and perfect. Endless blue skies. Flowers in full bloom. Butterflies and bees going about their business. A perfect moment.

Until her grandmother had turned sombre, staring at her in silence and worrying her. Rosalind had asked her what was wrong and her grandmother had looked right into her eyes with ones that swirled like a silver storm and had spoken words that had changed her forever.

In Rosalind’s future would be an elven prince, and after meeting him, she would die.

 

Interview

Felicity HeatonTRC: Hi Felicity and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on a successful 2014. We have a few questions that will hopefully catch us up with what’s happening in your world of writing.

TRC: TEMPTED BY A ROGUE PRINCE is the latest and third release in your Eternal Mates paranormal romance series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Tempted by a Rogue PrinceFelicity: Tempted by a Rogue Prince is the third book in my Eternal Mates series and follows on from the second book in the series, Claimed by a Demon King. We are still in Hell, but this time we are following Vail, an elf prince who is wandering through the demon realms, maddened by the things that have happened to him and searching for an escape from it. Vail ends up captured by the warriors of the Fifth Realm, and dragged unconscious into the cells where he meets his destiny in the form of a beautiful female born of the same species as the woman who held him spellbound and tormented him for over four thousand years.

Rosalind took part in the war between the Third Realm and the Fifth Realm, fighting on the side of the third. During the war, she was captured by the Fifth Realm, and has been held in the cells of the castle ever since, forced to heal anyone that the demon king commands her to heal, including a handsome unconscious male in one of the cells. When Rosalind realises that he’s not only an elf but an elf prince, and that the prediction she was given by her grandmother might be about to come true, a prediction she’s tried to avoid triggering, she isn’t sure what to do but one thing is for certain—she needs his help to escape the demons.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Eternal Mates series
Click HERE for our review of KISSED BY A DARK PRINCE
Click HERE for our review of CLAIMED BY A DEMON KING

Felicity: At the moment, I have plans to write another seven novels for the series and some novellas. The deeper I delve into this world, the more characters come to me with stories I really want to tell. I want to keep exploring this world non-stop, but unfortunately other series demand my attention and I have to keep stepping away from it to play in those worlds instead.

TRC: What or who was the inspiration behind the Eternal Mates series? Was there a moment that you knew you had an entire new series ready for pen and paper?

Vampire Erotic Theatre

Felicity: The inspiration behind the series was really my other series, Vampire Erotic Theatre, and not only my readers’ fantastic responses to that series but the world I was playing in there. It’s actually the same world as the Eternal Mates series. I had built up a place filled with vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal creatures I hadn’t played with before, like fae. The Vampire Erotic Theatre series was slated to end at book 6, once every hero at the theatre had had his story told, but I didn’t want to step away from that world. I wasn’t ready yet. I wanted to delve deeper into it and I also wanted to bring dark elves into the world of paranormal romance. There was a distinct absence of elves in the PNR world when I was working on the series and when I released the first book. Desire to continue exploring the Vampire Erotic Theatre world and to write elves as paranormal romance heroes… that’s how the Eternal Mates series was born.

TRC: When last we spoke (October 2013) you had just released HER WICKED ANGEL and had revealed that NEVAR’s storyline is next. Would you please tell us something about the premise of HER AVENGING ANGEL (Her Angel #7) set to release in October 2014?

Felicity: It’s really hard to actually say much about Her Avenging Angel without giving away events that happen in Her Wicked Angel. I hate spoilers, so I don’t want to ruin that book for any who haven’t read it. All I can really say is Nevar is still a very bad, very dark and somewhat broken angel, as we’ve seen him in the Interludes series of short flash fiction pieces I’ve been writing for him (they’re available on my website) charting his life between the end of Her Demonic Angel and the start of Her Wicked Angel in the Her Angel series. In Her Avenging Angel, he’s struggling to overcome that darkness and the evil within him, and on top of that he might just be the one angel who can save the world from destruction. Our fate rests in his hands, and needless to say a few of the characters in the series are a little worried about that!

In Her Avenging Angel, we’ll bring the whole gang back together, and meet some new angels who will be the focus of the next big story arc in the series, which will be the Angels of the Apocalypse series set in the Her Angel series world.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Felicity: I’m editing Her Avenging Angel right now, and then I will be writing the first draft of Hunted by a Jaguar, which is the fourth book in the Eternal Mates series. One of the series bachelors, Kyter, is about to find himself in hot pursuit of his mate. Once I have the first draft of that book wrapped up, I’ll be working on the second draft of the first Guardians of Hades story, Ares, for release next year.

TRC: What’s in store for the remainder of 2014?

Felicity: At the moment, I have only one more planned release for 2014, which is Her Avenging Angel, but it might change. My schedule after October is pretty crazy, so I didn’t want to slate any releases for that period, and wanted to focus on getting Hunted by a Jaguar out in January.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Felicity: Thanks for reading this interview! If you’re a reader of mine, I hope you’ve been enjoying my books and playing in my worlds, and that you’ll continue to read the stories I write.

If you’re new to me, then be sure to pick up the first books in some of my series, which are free in ebook. You can find them by searching Felicity Heaton at your favourite online ebook retailer like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo or Google Play.

TRC: Thank you Felicity for taking the time to update your readers . We wish you all the best.

Follow Felicity:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk
Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton
Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

 

Tempted by a Rogue Prince, the third book in New York Times best-seller Felicity Heaton’s hot new paranormal romance series, Eternal Mates, is now available in ebook and paperback. To celebrate the release, she’s holding a FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY at her website.

Find out how to enter the Tempted by a Rogue Prince international giveaway (ends August 24th) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website, where you can also download a 6 chapter sample of the novel: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/tempted-by-a-rogue-prince-paranormal-romance-novel.php

Felicity is hosting a Facebook release party for Tempted by a Rogue Prince on August 17th, so join her then for amazing giveaways, Q&A, teasers and more. All the details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/532238736898993/

giveaway

Felicity is happy to offer an ecopy of KISSED BY A DARK PRINCE or CLAIMED BY A DEMON KING (Winner’s choice) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

 4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. LIKE Felicity Heaton on Facebook

6. LIKE Felicity Heaton on TWITTER

7. Sign up for Felicity Heaton’s NEWSLETTER

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from August 18 to August 22, 2014

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The Ultimate Seduction by Dani Collins – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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The Ultimate Seduction by Dani Collins – Review, Interview & Giveaway

The Ultimate Seduction Banner

The Ultimate Seduction
21st Century Gentleman’s Club #2
by Dani Collins
Release Date: July 15, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

 

TheUltimateSeduction

          Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAMM

Description:
“I’m about to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

Tiffany Davis takes her first delicious step into the exclusive masquerade ball hosted by the secretive Q Virtus gentleman’s club. Here, behind the mask, Tiffany can hide her scars and reveal her true self—a powerful businesswoman with an offer for the president of Bregnovia, Ryzard Vrbancic.

Astounded by her audacity, only the fire in Tiffany’s eyes makes Ryzard look twice. He has no interest in her business deal, but the promise of a woman who can match his ruthless determination makes him eager to seduce from her the one thing she’s not offering….

 

 Review:

The Ultimate Seduction by Dani Collins is the second book in her The 21st Century Gentleman’s Club series. This is a very sexy romance of two people, hardened by a tragic past and both very different, that are drawn to each other sexually, but with no chance of a future.

We meet our heroine, Tiffany Davis in the beginning. Tiffany has spent the last few years recovering from a tragic accident that killed her husband on her wedding day, leaving her with horrendous scars, both physically and emotionally. She has had quite a few surgeries to fix some of her disfigurement, and now she knows she must begin to go out in public again, especially now that she is charge of a conglomerate her husband left her. Tiffany is very conscious of her scars, and tries to cover some of it with makeup.   Her family is also wealthy, and well known, as her father is pushing his own political career. With the President of a small country visiting, her family insists she attend a private masquerade party to meet the president and convince him to allow her company help him make his mark in the United States. Tiffany does not want to go out to a public event, but is pushed to do so. The fact that it is a masquerade ball, makes it easier.

Ryzard Vrbancic is our hero, and is the President of Bregnovia. When he visits America, he often attends these events to meet privately with those who could help his country. When Ryzard sees this masked woman enter the ball, he is immediately mesmerized. What follows is a night of wild hot scorching sex between two people who have much to hide in the darkness of their room. Tiffany allowed herself to be succumbed by this stranger (not knowing he was the man she was to meet), as it built her confidence that someone was attracted to her. Ryzard was enamored by Tiffany and was determined to find out who she was. He could not get her out of his mind.

In a short time, Ryzard finds Tiffany and doesn’t allow her to cover up her face. To him she is beautiful with some battle scars. Of course, living life in a small country driven by war and revolution, Ryzard has seen much destruction. His heart though is frozen, by a memory of lost love, and this prevents him from ever falling in love again.

What we have are two people emotionally damaged, both deeply attracted to each other, as the sexual chemistry between them extremely volatile. Ryzard takes Tiffany with him, at first just to spend time on his boat, but then he brings her to the countries he is visiting, not letting her go. Tiffany finds herself falling in love with Ryzard, the man she originally felt contempt as she thought of him as a dictator. She learns differently that he is good man, who wants best for his country and his people. But Tiffany fears that Ryzard is using her to get her father to help him become accepted in the United States.

This is a very emotional romance of two people who come from different backgrounds, yet both need to rise above their emotional scars. The romance was very nice, and I did root for Tiffany and Ryzard to find a way to get past their deep issues. I sympathized with Tiffany throughout, as she was in a horrible place to overcome. Ryzard, though he was so good to Tiffany, helping her, his determination to not take their relationship to the next level was a bit annoying.   Will Ryzard open his heart permanently to Tiffany?

Dani Collins has written a very nice and emotional storyline that was very real. The romance between Tiffany and Ryzard was extremely sexual, with a lot of sex scenes throughout. Overall, this was a very good story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

Interview beige 2

Dani, we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We are always looking forward to finding out about the author behind the book, and it is a pleasure to welcome you to The Reading Cafe.

Dani:  My pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me.

TRC:  Please tell us about yourself

Dani:  Mostly I feel like a fairly boring person. I married my high school sweetheart, we have a girl and a boy. She is home for the summer, but going back to university in the fall. He will graduate in two years. We used to have a cat. We live in a very small town of 1500 people which swells to 5000 in the summer on account of the beautiful lake. But otherwise, not much happens. ☺

TRC:  Did you always have an interest in writing? When and how did you first start writing?

Dani:  Once I found romance novels in high school, I knew I wanted to write them. I wrote a few scenes back then, got serious (ie rented a typewriter) when I was 21 and wrote and submitted for 25 years, finally getting the call in May of 2012.

TRC:  What was your first book ever published? Can you please describe your reaction when you found out you were going to be published?

Dani:  Given the long wait, I was as ecstatic as you can imagine. I’d been working with the editors at Mills & Boon in London for a few years by then, receiving revision letters and I knew I was close so it wasn’t a lightning strike from the blue when my editor asked to call and speak with me. I said, “This is The Call.” And she said, “Yes, it is.” I still tear up.

My husband was on nights at the time, so I told my kids then told him as I was leaving for my day job and he was coming home to sleep. Later that evening we had a proper celebration with my parents and dinner and champagne. I was still in the closet at work so I only told one person. I floated all day, though!

TRC:  Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Dani:  Well, the worst was trying to hold down a full time job and write, especially before I sold because I worried I was wasting my time. Selling was enormously validating. Then I turned in 14 books over two years while keeping the day job and THAT was extremely challenging. Now, I struggle with typical stuff like how much money to spend on promotion. I try not to identify problem areas in my actually writing because for me, it’s a bit of an act of faith. If I show up, the words will come. We will not borrow trouble by saying, “I am bad at this or that.”

TheUltimateSeduction

TRC:  The Ultimate Seduction will be released tomorrow. Can you please give us a brief description of this book?

Dani:  It’s the second book in a mini-series concept created by the editors in London. They wanted a 21st Century take on an old fashioned Gentlemen’s Club. I was lucky enough to work with two amazing Presents authors, Maya Blake (The Ultimate Playboy) and Victoria Parker (The Ultimate Revenge.) Together, we decided to call the club QVirtus and have it meet quarterly in a different location so Maya’s opens in Macau and closes in Venezuela, where mine opens. I close in Zanzibar, where Victoria’s opens. The heroes are acquainted through the series with brief cameos in each other’s books.

Every quarterly meeting opens with a masquerade social. In mine, the heroine, Tiffany, has terrible scarring, which is covered by her mask, allowing her to feel normal for the first time since the accident. She goes out dancing and meets a stranger, also in a mask. One thing leads to another-wink!-and she leaves him afterward thinking that she has a lovely memory to keep her company for her loveless future.

But QVirtus meetings are also about providing a private space for high level business deals. When Tiffany goes to present hers the next morning, guess who her client is?

TRC:  How did you come up with the idea of this book?

Dani:  I kind of explained the bigger premise above. In terms of my own book, I honestly don’t know. I had an idea what kind of characters Maya and Victoria were crafting and we didn’t want to all offer the same thing. I wanted my heroine to be a member of the club, so I had to figure out how that would have come about. I loved the idea that the hero is regarded as some kind of despot so I gave him his own country (Bregnovia).

An Heir to Bind themTRC:  A couple of months ago you released An Heir to Bind Him, which we reviewed. Can you please tell our members who may have missed the review, the premise of this story? Also, what is Mills & Boon Modern?

Dani:  An Heir To Bind Them is the third in what I call the Makricosta series. My first sale book, No Longer Forbidden?, came out only in the UK, as a Mills & Boon Modern. That is what Harlequin Presents are called there. In Australia, they are called Mills & Boon Sexy. Just different covers and marketing, but the books are exactly the same.

In No Longer Forbidden? the hero mentions his three half-siblings which gave me the idea to follow their stories. So I then wrote More Than A Convenient Marriage?, which came out as my second Harlequin Presents and they made it a 2in1, putting No Longer Forbidden? in the back of it. So it’s super nice that my first book actually did come out in North America after all and was packaged with a linked book.

An Heir To Bind Them tells the story of the middle brother, Theo. The Makricostas are in hotels and he has an affair with Jaya, one of his employees, the day she is leaving for personal reasons. They’re both in a state due to family issues and it turns into a one night stand. Eighteen months later, Theo is saddled with temporary care of his niece and nephew and calls on Jaya to help, only to discover there’s a third baby needing attention and fatherhood is anything but temporary.

TRC:  You write both Romance and Fantasy genres. Do you have a preference in genres, and do you ever have a desire to write another genre?

Dani:  I actually only have The Healer and a short story in an anthology that I wrote to hopefully drive readers to The Healer. While I loved, loved writing that book, it was huge and a ton of work on the plotting side. There is a cast of thousands. I have a character guide and a map!

I would love to write another, but to be honest, there doesn’t seem to be a huge audience for that genre for me. Or another way to say it is, I can’t write in that genre fast enough to build an audience for it. So for the moment I’m leaving it at The Healer.

I somewhat accidentally wound up with a pair of erotic romances also out in August (from HarlequinE). I had written the first years ago and when I sold it, they asked for a second. I had fun with that and the audience crosses over more between that and Presents than it does with fantasy, but I don’t know that I’ll seriously pursue an erotic romance career.

TRC:  What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite spot or time? Do you like to outline your stories or just go with the flow?

 Dani:  I prefer to be at my desk in my office which is an converted attic. It’s actually quite spacious, I just have to be careful I don’t stand up too fast. I prefer mornings, before I get distracted by other things. I do write a synopsis for my editor to ensure she is on board with the concept and she often comes back with some comments or concerns that help guide me with the story going forward. It saves a lot of time working it out at that stage, for sure, but from there I’m a bit of a pantser and just run with it.

TRC:  What are you working on now, and what we can look forward to in 2014?

Dani:  I’m working on a Presents scheduled for March of 2015. My first sheik! Then I’ll finish Demitri’s story, which is Book Four in the Makricosta series mentioned above.

As far as 2014 goes, look for the erotic romances if you’re into that, plus a novella in the Chatsfield collection, Volume 2. Mine is called The Secret In Room 823. I’ve started working with Tule on their Montana Born series. Look for a homecoming novel in September or October and in November I have The Russian’s Acquisition, which is my next Harlequin Presents.

Yes, after waiting 25 years to publish, I am making up for lost time!

TRC:  Many authors have friends or family, that they bounce ideas and information back and forth. Do you have anyone you like to discuss your stories with?

Dani:  I’m the complete opposite. I hate talking about my work to anyone. If they get that look like, I don’t know…Is that really what you want to do? I just fall apart with second-guessing and losing faith in my process. I can take criticism from the editor because they know what they want, but I don’t enjoy talking about my work to anyone else. In fact, I’m so defensive, I always flip to a blank page when my family walks into the room. My daughter recently said, “For years I didn’t think you were writing at all when you disappeared into your office because there were never any words on the screen.”

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Dani:  Thank you so much for having me. It’s been fun!

 LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: watermelon

Favorite Dessert: watermelon

Favorite TV Show: Mad Men

Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice

Last Book You Read: I Love The 80’s, Megan Crane

Favorite Fictional Character (not your own): Don Draper

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Dark!

Thank you Dani for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you the best of luck with The Ultimate Seduction.

 

about the author

web-14
After a brilliant debut in the UK with No Longer Forbidden, a Mills & Boon Modern Book Of The Month January 2013, Dani’s first Harlequin Presents, Proof Of Their Sin, won the Reviewer’s Choice by Romantic Times Book Reviews for Best First In Series. While her focus is Harlequin Presents, Dani also writes romantic comedy, medieval fantasy, and coming August of 2014, erotic romance. Whatever the genre, she always delivers sexy alpha heroes, witty, spirited heroines, complex emotions and loads of passion.

Enter Dani Collins’ Masked Desires Contest for a chance to express your secret desires from behind a masquerade mask.

Stay current with Dani’s new releases by joining her newsletter or visiting her here:

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway beige

Dani is graciously offering a signed paper copy of The Ultimate Seduction to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Like Dani Collins on Facebook

6. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from July 31st to August 4, 2014

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