Secrets of the Mermaid (R&R Book Tours Review)

 

Alright y'all, I signed up for this tour mainly because of the mermaids lol. Then I got into the synopsis and was hooked when it said it was a 10 book shared world. While I would normally worry about being a little lost because it is technically in the middle of the series, the prologue took those fears away immediately. I will be looking into the other books, but I am so glad I started with this one!! Catherine Stine does an amazing job of pulling me in almost immediately. I absolutely love Indigo, because she is so smart but can handle her own. I totally did not see the ending coming, especially with sweet Luna. This paranormal romance was the thing I needed to get out of my rom funk. The only complaint I have is that my cam does not capture the beauty in this book properly! I have to give a big thank you to Reads & Reels and Catherine Stine for this amazing book tour!

SYNOPSIS

MEET INDIGO RAIN< A BEAUTIFUL BUT LONELY MERMAID.

Some secrets heal, some kill. Other secrets change life as we know it.

Regretful of a dark past, she has vowed to remain alone and research ancient merfolk tribes. When she unearths a seabed burial site that even she cannot identify, she shares this with a High Council merfolk historian. But she keeps one shocking secret to herself.

Bay Finley is the flirty, dashing Royal merfolk Keeper assigned to teach Indigo on Pyreshore, a glamoured city of supernaturals tasked with keeping the invaluable knowledge alive. Indigo thinks Bay is a haughty know-it-all. She also thinks he’s dangerously handsome. He’s engaged to Abigail Torrent, a Royal, unlike Indigo. But he’s spending lots of time with Indigo in the lab…

Indigo has three quests:
Uncover the mystery of the burial tablet, resist falling in love, and never, ever reveal her biggest secret, even to the Keepers.

Some secrets heal, some kill. Other secrets change life as we know it.

10 books, 10 authors, 10 keepers, 1 shared world
Books can be read in any order!

To add this beauty to your personal library, be sure to check out my page:
https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/p/where-to-buy.html

Author Interview with Kellee L Greene

Alright y'all, this is another author that I was connected with thanks to Heather Carson and the Dystopian Ink FB group. I must once again admit that I haven't read one of her books yet, but have her added to the ever growing, never going to be under control TBR. I am so grateful that she still agreed to do this interview anyway! SO let's dive into her answers shall we?

 
Q: What is your name and where do you live? 

A: My name is Kellee L. Greene, and I live in Wisconsin, USA.

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company?

A: Indie for five years!

Q: What genre(s) do you write? 

A:  Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Survival Stories but I’ll probably branch out into other sci-fi and fantasy at some point.

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?

A: It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do. I was always writing stories or daydreaming about made-up places.

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?

A: I’m a full-time author.

Q: How many books have you published? 

A: 39!

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now? 

A:  One.

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far? 

A: A death scene not long after my mom passed away from cancer. 

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on, but are half-written or complete but unpublished?

A: A couple but those may never see the light of day as they are older works. I typically only work on one book at a time.

Q: Do you have a series developing? 

A: The book I’m currently working on will be a series. I pretty much only write series! I get too attached to my characters to write stand-alone books.

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? 

A: Within each series, the books are connected and must be read in order… but each of the series themselves are different worlds and with different characters.

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day? 

A: A yet to be titled Dystopian novel should release within the next couple of weeks!

Q: How long did it take you to write it? 

A: Still working on it but roughly 40 days.

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process? 

A: This rarely happens to me, knock on wood. Everything plays out like a movie in my head. It’s almost like I can ‘rewind’ and get it going again if I need to figure something out or if they change direction from what I initially imagined.

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book? 

A: I light a candle, turn on my lava lamp, and put on some YouTube rainstorm videos.

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)? 

A: I do both. Sprints keep me focused but sometimes I’d just rather type without worrying about a timer.

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?

A: Exhausted. I tended to experience what I’m writing.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books? 

A: Thoughts, news articles, dreams… My books Red Sky and Creatures both came from dreams I had.

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as? 

A: Stephen King, Nora Roberts, George R.R. Martin, Stephanie Meyer.

Q: Are you a reader yourself? 

A: I am… although truth be told, I don’t get to read as much as I used to.

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.)

A: No.

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?

A: Sometimes. I like a lot of different genres.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most? 

A: Aw man. Don’t judge me but I’m going with Twilight. It’s like the only book I ever read in two days.

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book? 

A: Of course!

Q: What kind of social media do you have? 

A: I’m on Facebook and Instagram but not very good at keeping up with either of them.

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms? 

A: Sure!

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?

A: Yes. Mostly for support. ☺

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer?

A: Hmm… I guess maybe my Macbook?   

Q: How does your family feel about your writing? 

A: Thankfully, they are supportive.

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?

A: That I love to paint! But, unfortunately, I don’t get to do it very often.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kelleelgreene

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kelleelgreene/

Alright folks there you have it! She has 39, possibly 40 books out, and is a full time author. I have already added her to my TBR, and am so happy she still did this interview. Be sure to check out her books and her social media pages! I have a feeling that she will become another dystopia favorite for me!

Jukebox Hero (R&R Book Tours Review)

 

Alright y'all, so I got this lovely when I signed up for another Reads & Reels tour. This one was that I wanted to read to get a little outside my recent comfort zone. This sci-fi book that is set in the 1980s was just the thing I needed to get out of the funk I was in. I got Breakfast Club meets Buffy type vibes from it. I read this 300+ page book in like four days, because I did have one day where I had to put it down. There are a few moments that are a little confusing, but nothing too crazy (could have just been because I am a 90s kid). While I enjoyed it overall, I am not sure that I will be picking up book two just yet. I could very well change my mind in the future. There are a couple triggers I should warn about though: violence, murder, and bullying. THANK YOU AGAIN R&R FOR THIS TOUR!

SYNOPSIS

It's Back to the '80's like never before!

Things aren't all rainbows and cupcakes at the corner of Elm and E streets. Molly Slater just wants to forget everything she can't remember and play heavy metal with her best friend in the garage. And maybe get a date for prom if he's not a skeeze.

But someone in this 'burb has been killing redheads, and Molly has the reddest hair of them all.

When a night of babysitting gone wrong gets her in the crosshairs of the local gang scene, Molly discovers fabulous secrets about herself.

The hunted becomes the hunter as she prowls the darkness that has crept into her sleepy town. But a far more sinister force, some thing from another world, has other plans in store for her…

To add this beauty to your personal library, be sure to check out my page:

https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/p/where-to-buy.html

Beloved Woman (R&R Book Tours Blitz Post)

Welcome to the tour for historical romance, Beloved Woman by Sheri Peppers! Read on for more details and a chance to win an Amazon gift card worth $15!

Beloved Woman: A Historical Novel

Publication Date: January 2020

Genre: Historical Romance/ Historical Fiction

Beloved Woman, a Historical Romance takes place in 1705 in the Allegheny Mountains, South Carolina. Bryanna, a strong, privileged young English woman loses the love of her life, her father, to a brutal and bloody campsite attack by Iroquois renegades. Injured, and so full of grief, she grows determined to learn the ways of the Cherokee and become a respected war woman called Beloved Woman in the Cherokee town of Toxaway. This is the only way to find her father’s killer and have peace within herself once again.

Black Bear, the Red Chief is enamored by Bryanna’s courage and beautiful charm, so much that he desires to help her in every way he can. She rejects him blaming all Indians for her father’s murder. Still, his strength and determination bring them together as they face amazing obstacles to find the Iroquois renegades who were spreading havoc and murder across the great mountains. Can Bryanna learn the ways of these amazing people in this untamed land, and find her peace, and maybe love, once again?

Although the story is fiction, the customs, names of the towns, and ways of the Beloved Woman are authentic.

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Excerpt

She heard the deep pounding of drums a short distance away. Black Bear planned strategies in the Council House the entire day and she wondered if he were at the square now attending the dance. She ran a brush through her hair and allowed it to drape over her shoulders in thick waves of silk. Her heart thumped lightly taking her breath away as she pushed aside the curtain of her room to brave the coming evening.

Storyteller sat near the fire sewing diligently on another garment. She gazed up and stopped. “You are a vision, my dear.”

“Thanks to you and your fine talents,” she said, turning to give Storyteller a view from every angle, “I feel beautiful. I’m grateful.”

“That’s because you are beautiful.”

“Will you join the celebration tonight? Accompany me to the Town Square.”

“I will attend shortly. You go ahead without me. Have a pleasant time and try to keep open to our ways. Our event is quite joyous, but you must be kind in your judgment. Remember, this is not the colonies, nor England.”

“I will.” Bryanna stepped out into the cool night.

The Town Square rested in front of the Council House at the bottom of the mound. The pulsation of the drums grew louder as she came nearer. A rhythm of flutes fluidly intertwined with the drums creating an enticing temptation for the body to move and sway.

The Square came into view as she rounded the mound. Rattles joined in with the instruments while the center of the Square remained filled with people moving in a circle to the rhythmic melody of the music.

With their backs slightly bent forward, they stomped their feet, turning first to the left, then to the right. They whirled around repeating the movements over and over as they continued in a large moving circle. She had never seen such dance.

The permeating music floated seductively over the dance, igniting a warm flame within her. Along with the music, the movement of the dance emerged just as wildly passionate in its stirring rhythm as she swayed her shoulders in and out.

They all knew precisely what to do, flawlessly keeping in unison with each other. The dance came forth untamed, and the music portrayed a tremendous strength in who these people were. Now she understood what Black Bear meant when he said exhilarating.

Colorful feathers fastened in their hair and on their clothing bounced and swayed with every twist and turn they made. The feathers transformed into brief flashes of color melding together as they danced without any signs of fatigue.

Warriors wearing animal skins on their heads jumped into the circle imitating the kill and skinning of an animal.

This was a far cry from the gentle dance in England. She remembered tender flowing music, one person facing the other in minuet with hands gently touching. As these people danced before her, its strangeness loomed within her, leaving an overshadowing loneliness for what she once knew and loved.

The music changed, and they stomped and swayed to a new dance. Simply standing there, with a babe’s new innocence of their customs, she became gravely aware of her awkwardness.

She perused the Square, searching for the one familiar face whose tolerance would help fortify her fading nerve. Sitting among a group of men at the edge of the Square were a pair of familiar eyes that locked onto hers the moment her gaze came upon him. A smile adorned his face as he stood and approached her.

Bryanna’s breath caught in her throat as Black Bear strode toward her. His smile remained affixed on his face and she labored to keep her gaze upon it although the temptation to gawk at his body overwhelmed her. His breechcloth barely covered his extremities revealing long muscular limbs, honey-browned from life under the sun.

The currents of shivers returned moving throughout her body as she fought not to reveal her feelings. Still, she noticed no shirt on his back. The smoothness of his chest only accentuated his massive size and strength. A string of white wampum shells lay comfortably around his neck and dipped downward across the swollen hills of his sun-kissed chest. He’d tied back his black straight hair leaving high protruding cheekbones and glistening white teeth.

Concentrating solely upon his face did not comfort her. The strange quivering in her veins had a mind of its own traveling the full length of her limbs to the tips of her sensitive breasts. Her bosom heaved with each difficult breath as he halted before her.

“I find your extraordinary beauty quite imposing upon my manners as a gentleman. Those manners are quite difficult to sustain.” His chest maneuvered in and out as his hungry copper eyes consumed a path into the pit of her core.

Available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble!

About the Author

Sheri studied writing and screenwriting at University of California Los Angeles, and Moorpark College in California. She is an avid history buff with an emphasis on the American Indian, and a former member of the Romance Writer’s of America. Retired with an 18-year background in aerospace, she now lives in Thousand Oaks, California, where she is working on a sequel to Beloved Woman and plans for several projects.

Twitter | Facebook | Amazon

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Borrowed Treasure (R&R Book Tours Blitz)

Congratulations to author, Jessica Tastet on the release of her latest novel, Borrowed Treasure! Read on for more info and a chance to win a digital copy of the book!

Borrowed Treasure

Publication Date: April 13th, 2021

Genre: Womens Fiction/ Clean Romance

Publisher: Dandelion Wish Publishing

Sissy Ames has been driven to succeed her entire life. On her own, she’s turned her Bittersweet Café into a success, and she’s rebuilt a friendship with her cousin Harper after years of going it alone, but her past bad judgement in trusting Hunter Wells during their relationship continues to cast shadows on the future she’s trying to build for herself.

Hunter Wells has been coasting through life, working at the family business and creating the life that his family expects for him. He’d once hoped for a different existence, but he’d been forced to move on and make do after Sissy Ames had ended their three-year relationship without an explanation.

Even in their small town, the two have managed to avoid each other, but then Hunter’s fiancée, Sissy’s nemesis, disappears after a suspicious confrontation, leaving them both looking like likely suspects. The only hope they have of clearing their names and figuring out what led to the disappearance is to find the one item that drove them apart two years ago: The Ames BORROWED TREASURE.

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Excerpt

Sissy

Sissy Ames ducked behind the ostentatious flower arrangement with its oversized lilies and Hyacinthian sprays shooting out at unnatural angles. The thickness hid the center of the room but exposed her to the tableclothed tables lining either side where the overdressed elite of Thibodaux and its surrounding areas sat. Tonight represented everything she typically avoided, mainly so that she could stay out of the proximity of the woman commanding the center floor. Why her arch nemesis must flit around the ballroom gloating about her latest accomplishment was beyond Sissy. That woman’s pretentious fake smile and sickly-sweet voice had followed Sissy wherever she went in the large ballroom until her hands had begun to shake and her jaw to ache from the clenching.

Harper, her cousin, approached from the buffet table near the rear of the room. “The lobster bisque’s edible.” Holding out a tiny plastic bowl towards Sissy, Harper shrugged bare shoulders in defeat. Although the food lacked appeal, Harper certainly stunned in the black skintight number Sissy had sent over for her to wear tonight. Sissy had been right to prod the usually casual attired woman into vintage satin as it hugged her hips and showed off the curvy body that Sissy unfortunately did not possess. Sissy had inherited her mother’s straight form among other genetics she wished she could trade in.

Accepting the ecru soup, Sissy’s eyes scanned the crowd, looking for Cecelia Domangue, the bane of her existence since they were fifteen years old and fighting over president of student council. Currently, the petite blonde in a fuchsia Valentino stood chatting with a town councilman and the sheriff, her fake laugh chiming her existence from twenty feet away.

Sissy ran a clear plastic spoon through the watery consistency of the bisque. In her head she mentally critiqued the recipe’s minimal usage of cream. “Anything has to be better than that beef dish.”

Narrowing her emerald eyes, Harper twisted her lips and flashed Sissy a familiar look. Sissy’s cheeks warmed. Her resentment must be showing.

Sissy had submitted a bid to cater the fundraiser tonight in an attempt at a business expansion, but her bid had been accepted under condition. As the serving contract had been awarded to Cecelia’s restaurant Twilight Fare, Sissy would have to submit her recipes to Cecelia for approval and preparation. As if Sissy would ever turn over her recipes to the woman who’d opened a restaurant blocks over in her continuing effort to encroach on every aspect of Sissy’s life. Even if Sissy’s own Bittersweet Café catered to a different crowd than Cecelia’s Twilight Fare, that woman had branched right into catering which Sissy had cautiously tested the waters only a month before Cecelia had gone full blown into advertising her own services.

Harper glanced away to scan the room, and Sissy returned to the soup, which she knew she could have done better. “How long do we have to stay?”

Discarding the bowl, Sissy picked up her champagne glass from the table instead. At least they’d bought the good stuff. “We need to be sure the right people see our faces, but besides from that, the committee already has our hundred bucks a head, so I don’t think they care if we are here an hour or close the place down.”

Tonight’s fundraiser for the Downtown Revitalization committee had the special purpose of raising money to spruce up the downtown area with seasonal decorations to help promote the Christmas festival. The event had filled the local university ballroom with the social society of the small-town area and all its neighboring towns to be sure. As part of the committee, Sissy had aided in promoting the event, even though Cecelia’s recent addition to the committee had managed to sway votes and shut her out of the menu selections.

Harper picked up her own glass from the table and sipped. “I see a few local lawyers from Emmett’s last mixer. I’ll go over and say hello. If I’m lucky, I may get home early enough to speak to Emmett before the different time zones mean he’s sleeping.”

Sissy had Cecelia in her crosshairs, and she waited for her to prance to another unsuspecting guest, so she could emerge from behind the flowers that Sissy had voted against. Currently, Cecelia stood near Rudy Klingman, councilman for her district, who dropped in every Wednesday for a number six special, and she’d promised to propose streetlamps to him on behalf of the committee. Distracted, she asked Harper. “Any indication when he’s going to return from New York?”

Harper shrugged. “He says the case should wrap up in a day or two. I believe he’s enjoying it way too much.”

Sissy waved Harper’s doubt away with her champagned hand. “Pish, Emmett will be home soon, and you two will be making me sick with your sweetness.”

Harper smiled, her olive complexion flushing. “Okay, no arguing with my date tonight, especially since you drove. Let’s make our rounds and be out of here in thirty minutes.”

Sissy nodded and raised her flute in the air as if to toast. “That’s a plan I can drink to.”

Harper clinked her glass against Sissy’s, and then they departed into the mingling crowd.

Avoiding Cecelia’s group, Sissy slunk over to Suzy Rhodes, greeting a few of the lawyers and two judges that frequented her business for lunch during the week. In her two-piece blue suit, Suzy stood removed from the invitees, her eyes watching everyone. Her stance hadn’t changed since high school although she’d updated her attire to pant suits and cut her hair into a short bob she tucked behind her ears. Back then, she’d taken photos for the yearbook and everyone had wanted her attention to get within the pages. Today, she wrote a monthly column in the local entertainment magazine, specifically a review of local eateries. Sissy had attempted getting the café featured for months now, even sending a personalized gift certificate two months ago. The woman had never responded to the invitation nor shown up as even a patron, but Cecelia’s Twilight Fare had been prominently featured, not only as a food review but as a front-page feature on up and coming restaurant owners.

Suzy Rhodes smiled, her cheeks dimpling as Sissy approached. “Why, Sissy Ames, I’m surprised to see you at a swanky function like this. Not your usual soiree, huh?”

Plastering a smile on her face, Sissy drew upon her southern manners she knew lay beyond her desire to give the woman a good tongue lashing. “Since my café is located in the center of downtown, I have a vested interest in its revitalization efforts.”

Laughing airily, Suzy’s eyes wandered the room as if bored with the conversation. “Right, that’s true, your little café is down there. I never remember it’s there.”

Sissy raised an eyebrow, holding her glass closer to her lips. “I know. I’ve invited you several times as part of that little column of yours, but you have yet to accept my invitation.”

A short, fierce laugh escaped as Suzy’s eyes met Sissy’s. She returned to her survey of the room just as quickly though. “My lord Sissy, I can’t accept every invitation I receive.”

“Hmm.” Sissy scanned the room, her eyes naturally falling upon Cecelia, who stood facing Chef Homme from Le Homme, the elegant downtown restaurant. The two’s expressions revealed deep, serious conversation—too serious for a social mixer. “Is that why your material has been repetitive?”

Suzy’s stance shifted. “Excuse me?”

Sissy smiled, tilting her head. “Oh, I thought you were just so busy that you recycled material from the same four restaurants. Everyone has been talking.”

Sissy continued smiling as Suzy’s eyes lit with anger. The dark haired, flat nosed woman bit her tongue though. They’d all been raised too southern to truly speak their minds at events such as these.

“Well, it was nice running into you,” Sissy said, bowing her head in exit. “But I see a city council member I need to have a word with about lamp posts.”

Sissy pivoted, feeling a surge of confidence from the conversation. Moments ago, she’d hid behind hideous flowers to avoid her high school tormentor, but they had grown up, even though some didn’t behave as if they had. Cecelia and even Suzy hid behind country club houses and designer labels still, making others feel as if they didn’t measure up in the circles they all moved in. She had to remind herself in their vicinity that she was proud of her downtown renovated apartment and scavenged consignment finds.

Spotting Cecelia ahead on her path though, she pivoted and turned the other way to avoid her. She told herself that with her new found attitude, she would probably lose her southern manners and regret it later.

Her attention lingered too long over Cecelia, and when she turned, she hit a wall of black cashmere and white softened woven cotton. Reaching her hand out, she pushed herself away, inhaling the masculine smell of sandalwood and musk. From his chest hugging shirt, her eyes followed the Italian silk woven tie in its beautiful pastel green and yellow swirl pattern. The feminine color selection had been a brave choice for a function such as this where the men showcased their masculinity and their pocketbooks. So, he either didn’t know better or his power came with his name.

She continued on up to his tie’s perfectly anchored knot and landed on the chiseled jawline and soft brown, waiting eyes of Hunter Wells.

Her nose flared as she inhaled deeply, an awareness of their nearness. She took a step back.

“Excuse me.” Sissy felt her cheeks burn as the back of her neck flushed.

A light flickered in his warm chocolate eyes.

“Of course.” Hunter nodded, and his lip twitched. “How have you been?”

Hearing her heart pound in her throat, Sissy straightened her spine, bracing herself for the old anger to return, but his nearness tempered any old residual anger.

Available on Amazon and other Online Retailers!

About the Author

Born and raised in Raceland, Louisiana, near Bayou Lafourche, Jessica Tastet uses the places and people of her childhood to create the backdrop of her fictional South Louisiana town in her Raleigh Cheramie series as well as her Treasure Trilogy.

An avid reader, she began writing stories in the sixth grade. The result was a mystery story she promptly shared with all her family and whoever she could convince to read it. She learned the first of many valuable writing lessons with this endeavor: don’t draw your characters too close to real-life people. Since then. she has earned her editing certification from the University of California and an MFA in Creative Writing from National University in California. Presently, she resides in her hometown with her husband and five teenagers where she works with Curriculum for the local school district.

Jessica Tastet | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Author Interview with Kiara Shankar

Alright y'all, I met this talented young lady when her dad, Vinay, reached out to me on Booksta. They both very kindly sent me a copy of her book, Primrose's Curse, as well as some bookish goodies for my daughter. From there we have developed this amazing relationship that is parent to parent as well as author to reader. So I naturally wanted to get to know the little girl behind the stories. So I reached out, and was so excited when Vinay told me she wanted to do it. She is only 13, and already has three books published. So let's dive into her answers, shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: My name is Kiara. I’m from the Bay Area, California.

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company?
A: I’m an Indie Author.

Q: What genre(s) do you write?
A: Children’s Fiction, Picture Books.

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?
A: When I was ten years old, a thought came into my mind to write short stories. I came up with Primrose's Curse plot and shared it with my dad. He liked the plot and encouraged me to write more, and that's when I decided I should become a published author.

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?
A: I'm a student studying in 7th grade.

Q: How many books have you published?
A: My debut children’s fiction book, Primrose’s Curse, has been published in twelve different languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, and more. My second book, Avocado the Turtle, has just been released earlier this month.

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now?
A: I’m currently working on three books: Primrose’s Destiny, a sequel to Primrose’s Curse, and a couple of picture books, Nacho the Cat and SpotZ the Frenchie®.
 
Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far?

A: The hardest was most likely the beginning scene.

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on but are half-written or complete but unpublished?
A: I have a couple of unpublished books so far that are planned for release in 2021.

Q: Do you have a series developing?

A: Yes, Primrose's Curse has an upcoming sequel and I'm planning on making a sequel to Avocado the Turtle.

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

A: I like them to stand on their own more.

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day?
A: Nacho the Cat is planned for release in Spring 2021.

Q: How long did it take you to write it?
A: At least three weeks.

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process?
A: When I have writer's block, I usually reach out to my dad. He gives me tips and ideas to help me get back into the story.

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book?
A: Good question. I don't have a fixed routine for my writing. 

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)?
A: My writing sittings are mostly sprints.

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?
A: No, I don't. I truly enjoy it.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?
A: Well, my ideas usually come instantaneously when I see or experience something.

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as?

A: No, there isn't one, but there are authors whose books I enjoy reading.

Q: Are you a reader yourself?
A: Yes, I'm an avid reader. I like to read every day.

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?
A: Yes, I mostly read books of the same genre as mine.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most?
A: Yes, my favorite book is Divergent.

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book?
A: Yes. I never felt like crying but I laugh for sure, especially when there's a funny scene :)

Q: What kind of social media do you have?
A: I have Instagram and Twitter.

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?
A: I'm not sure about that because I’m still a 13-year-old author. I don't use social media much. My co-author/Dad usually takes care of social media connections :)

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?
A: All my books are co-written by my supportive dad, Vinay Shankar. He is always there to support me all the time and helps to make sure our books are in tip-top shape.     

Q: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
A: I’m not sure about that. My dad/co-author Vinay Shankar usually takes care of the money part. :)

Q: How does your family feel about your writing?
A: They love to read my published books. They are very supportive.

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?
A: Hmm, let me think. In addition to writing children’s books, I’m also a songwriter. My songs, most often co-written by my very supportive dad, have become pop hits, sung by a growing list of star vocalists like Primrose Fernetise, Marla Malvins, SpotZ the Frenchie, and Francesca Shankar.

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/vikipublishing/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/PublishingViki

Alright folks! There you have it. She is hard at work being a good student while putting out children's books. I know my kids love her books, and I have enjoyed reading them to my youngest. Her and her dad make an amazing team, and I cannot wait to see what they put out into the world next. I highly recommend that you check out her books and their main social media accounts. I am so grateful that they agreed to do this interview!

Murder: It's All In Your Head (R&R Book Tours Review)

 

Alright y'all, I signed up for this Reads & Reels book tour almost immediately! The first line of the synopsis had my attention peaked, and it just got better. This book is an amazing combo of sci-fi/thriller/mystery/supernatural that it was hard not to love it. There are a few triggers that I must warn about though: murder, child abuse, violence, and a mental health hospital. I had a hard time putting it down unless it was necessary. Cynthia Hilston has an amazing way of telling this crazy story of people jumping bodies without choice, and a murder is in involved. I will probably be rereading this today just to see if I missed any clues that could have told me the ending, which completely threw me off guard! A HUGE THANK YOU TO READS & REELS AND CYNTHIA HILSTON FOR LETTING ME JOIN THIS TOUR!!!

SYNOPSIS

Someone has been getting away with murder for over 100 years in the small town of Hurston, Ohio. But the wrong person has bee convicted of those murders every time. In 2018, Cassie Meadows is on her way to school when a bright flash comes out of nowhere, and blood on her hands...the blood of Randy's wife, who lies in a pool of crimson in the bathtub with her throat slit. Meanwhile, an old man everyone calls Jimmy Williams raves that he's the real Randy Davis as he lives out his days in a ward for the criminally insane. In 1914, young Helen Hawkins is unloved and repetitively abused by her father, who is also the town's pastor. Her only escape is in her dreams, where she wakes in others' bodies, living other lives, but when her dreams turn out to be reality, the tables are turned on her father. In a story where no one is who they seem, how can Cassie, the latest victim accused of a murder she didn't commit, end the cycle?

To add this supernatural thriller to your personal library, be sure to check out my page:

https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/p/where-to-buy.html

ROW

 

Alright y'all, I bought this beauty because I was once again hooked by the first chapter that Sarah Mello was kind of enough to send me. The first thing I have to say is that this is definitely NOT Westcott High! This is another high school mystery/drama, but on a whole 'nother level!!! There are a couple triggers I must warn about: sexual assault, death, depression, suicide, and violence. It is non linear to a certain degree, but it all flows so well, especially in the unique style each section is set up. I may be biased when I say that I still loved it, but the ending had me going WTH!!! (Yes I have already reached out to Sarah, and may have yelled just a little lol.) I would have finished this book in two days if there wasn't a chaotic schedule change happening in my house. I am hoping there is a book two, but I wouldn't be totally mad if there wasn't after talking with Sarah. 

SYNOPSIS

When the aftermath of his father's death was too overwhelming to handle, Cole Hensley discovered he could go Underwater; a protected place for his mind to retreat when his preternaturally heightened emotions got too intense.  So when his beautiful new coworker, Row Myers, shows up one day with a secret that's tearing her apart, Cole suggests she create her own safe place-- her own Underwater--to escape.

And it works. As their friendship deepens, Cole begins to explore his connection to her and sets out to see if she feels it, too.

But when Row disappears on a class trip to Lake Laveer, Cole suspects the official story isn't quite right, so he embarks on a journey with Row's friends to figure out what really happened.

As layers upon layers of secrets are revealed and with new suspects around every corner, Cole realizes not everything is as it seems. Soon he and his new friends are caught in the middle of a twisting, turning conspiracy as they attempt to answer the question everyone is asking: What happened to Row Myers??

To add this beauty to your personal library, be sure to check out my page:

https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/p/where-to-buy.html

Author Interview with Devon Vesper

Alright folks, I met this lovely thanks to Brittany Cournoyer, and have added her to my TBR as well. (Yes I fully admit that it will never get under control at this point.) I was super grateful that she agreed to do this interview anyways. Let's dive in shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: My name is Devon Vesper, and I live in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, USA.

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company?
A: I am very much indie. I am one heck of a control freak, so I want my fingers in ALL of the pies, and this includes learning everything about my business from formatting to developmental, line, and copy editing skills, and sometimes making my own covers. With a publishing company, you’re lucky if they ask your opinion on what you would like for a cover.
However, the drawback is I have to do all of my own advertising and chase down brand-building opportunities.

Q: What genre(s) do you write?
A: My main genres is MM (Gay Male) fantasy romance, but I also write MM paranormal and urban fantasy romances. If it has magic in it, I will try to write it. Right now, Elves are my current spice and I’m adding an Omegaverse twist. I’m super excited about it!

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?
A: Oh, god. Uh… The voices in my head told me to? It’s either lose myself in daydreaming for the rest of my life while these epic scenes play out, or write them down and get them the heck out of my head. Because, let me tell you, they don’t just come once, I will sit there for hours daydreaming the same scene over and over and over again until I finally get tired and either fall asleep or write it down and get something new to circle the gray matter.

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?
A: Yes! Well, editing isn’t really a regular job. Nope. You don’t get to work a regular job in your jammies while riding a sugar and caffeine high, yelling at a cat to stop yowling for her granny just because granny makes me give her treats, and online shopping every other five minutes. I mean, what? I have the attention span of a derpy gnat.

Q: How many books have you published?
A: Uhm… *Counts on fingers* Seven from my former pen name from when I wrote het (heterosexual) fantasy romance. Eleven God Jars books (one was published as a freebie to my newsletter). So…eighteen.

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now?
A: BAHAHAHAHAHAHA Uh… Thank God I have a spreadsheet for this. Actively in the works? The Fallen Angel Thing. The Vampire Thing. The Omegaverse Elves Things. The Billionaire Elf things. And The Scourge Thing.

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far?
A: A 3-million-year-old elven assassin meeting his soulbonded mate’s parents. I don’t know why, but it was cringe, and it was hard.

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on, but are half-written or complete but unpublished?
A: Not currently worked on: None. If I get stuck, I procrastinate by working on one of the books that has words on it. It’s a coping mechanism for my mental health issues so I can always feel productive even if I’m not actively working on “the right thing.” Jami Dabney taught me that trick, and I can’t thank them enough for it.
Complete but unpublished: Nine. Seven are books I’m rewriting, and two are books I’m getting ready to developmental edit. I’ve already put those two up for pre-order.

Q: Do you have a series developing?
A: Nope. My series are already developed, for the most part. They come to me fully formed in a way. I know the series name (usually. The Vampire Thing won’t give me its series name), the book titles of at least the first book, sometimes all the books, and a good feel of all the characters and how their relationships work.
But everything is feral and getting them to work together means taming the little assholes. So depending on how feral, I can know the series layout, or it kinda does its own things and I end up with The God Jars Saga. God Jars started off as a single book. Then I thought it through, and it turned into a trilogy. GREAT! Right? And then the first book was over 150,000 words. And I got stuck. Took it to a developmental editor I know, and they read it, and was like, “This is not one book. This is a full trilogy.” And that is why The God Jars Saga has only three covers for nine books. I only commissioned art for three. Haha So it is a trilogy of trilogies, and I’m trying harder to keep that from happening again.

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
A: The God Jars Saga had to finish up. It was so intense for me because of the mental health issues embedded in the books. But with the elves I have, there will be a main “Universe” with many series in that universe. The universe will include mpreg as a norm, but not all books will end in pregnancy or babies.
So, in a way, I want each World or each Universe to stand on its own. But, honestly, whatever makes me happy and whatever I find fun, that’s what I want.

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day?
A: My next book is Soulbond: The Omega’s Assassin. At the time of this writing, it is on pre-order, and is set to go live on January 22nd. (Yes it is live!!) You can get it here: https://mybook.to/soulbond Have a gander at the blurb!
A missing omega. An alpha on the hunt. A soulbond waiting to happen. 
Desolace
My king’s omega nephew has gone missing, and I’m tasked with tracking him between worlds. 
I find Amrisus struggling through the snow with a strange curse ravaging his mind. But when his heat rises, I have a new duty as an alpha: help the omega through his heat, praying the magic leaves him alone long enough for a knot or three. 
Amrisus
Every time I fight the puppet curse driving me, agony eats away at my ability to keep it at bay. But between the excruciating pain and lapses into magic’s clutches, Desolace’s sweet and tender care with my heat makes the experience magical. 
The curse grows more powerful with every heartbeat. And if I can’t rid myself of this curse, it might just kill me.

Q: How long did it take you to write it?
A: Approximately two weeks.

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process?
A: Cry? Seriously, though, I just push through. As a professional author, I can’t afford to let characters or writer’s block impede progress. So, I push through, and any awkwardness that results from it is taken care of in edits.

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book?
A: Rou—routine? What is this routine that you speak of? I don’t think I have one of those.

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)?
A: It depends on how I classify my attention span. If I’m ‘hummingbird on meth,’ I do 100-word leaps. If I’m “derpy gnat,” I do 10-minute sprints with FocusMe on for thirty minutes (settings are Forced so I can’t break out without rebooting my computer, and the only programs on my allow list are Scrivener (my writing program) and Messenger (because if I can’t ask questions, like asking a friend to look up a word, I would go insane.)) If I’m fairly okay, I do 30-minute sprints without FocusMe. 

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?
A: It depends on the scene. The more emotional the scenes are, the more exhausted I get. But if it’s an action scene—a fight scene—I’m energized and use that energy to keep writing. But I write books featuring anxiety and other mental health issues more often than not, so it can get really mentally and emotionally taxing.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?
A: The idea faerie comes and blesses them upon me. Or, I just start daydreaming and end up with a fully fleshed out book screaming at me to get it written. The daydreaming, in case you were wondering, is the more lucrative of the two. That darned faerie is a stingy turd.

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as?
A: Oh, there are many! Lucy Lennox is one. NR Walker. As for those in my genres, Jex Lane, Charlie Cochet, SJ Himes, Hailey Turner, and Leta Blake. They are all wonderful people, and great at what they do.

Q: Are you a reader yourself?
A: Definitely. The authors above are also some of my favorite to read! My favorite books are the THIRDS series by Charlie Cochet and the Beautiful Monsters books by Jex Lane.

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.)
A: I am not a beta or ARC reader. Between writing, editing, and getting screamed at by Punks, my cat, I just don’t have the time. I wish I did, though!

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?
A: Yaaassss! I love fantasy, paranormal, and urban fantasy romances! I love contemporary and others, too, but those three have my heart.

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book?
A: Oh, yes. Almost every book I read has at least one part that makes me shed tears. Though, a few books make me sob. One of those is The Hate You Drink by NR Walker. I sobbed like a freaking baby. It was so good, though!

Q: What kind of social media do you have?
A: Follow me on: Facebook Page, Facebook Fan Group, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Amazon, BookBub.

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?
A: I mainly connect with my readers through my Facebook Fan Group. Though, I’m notoriously bad at keeping up with social media as a whole. I have severe social anxiety, so I tend to only keep in touch with people who poke me on Messenger.

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?
A: Yes! Lucy Lennox, SJ Himes, Elizabeth Silver, and so many more have helped me immensely. I wouldn’t be where I am now without my friends!

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer?
A: Hmm… I think that would have to be the money I spent for the Soulbond: The Omega’s Assassin cover. I plan on using a cover artist from now on because I just don’t have the right talents when it comes to putting together a cover that fits my genre and the expectations of the current market. I’ll probably be re-covering The God Jars Saga in the near future, too.

Q: How does your family feel about your writing?
A: My parents are really supportive. I didn’t think they would be, but my mom read my books, and her only response to my gay characters is “the love scenes are too long.” I can live with that. My readers tend to like long sex scenes. So, in reality, my mom saying that is a great thing!

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?
A: Oh, yes! I already told you about Soulbond: The Omega’s Assassin. It is also available on Amazon for pre-order, due out January 22nd for $2.99. It will, of course, be available for free with readers’ Kindle Unlimited subscription. And! I also have a new, related, series coming out soon after! The Elven King’s Captive, book 1 of the Fated Elves four-book series is available on Amazon for pre-order, due out February 5th for $5.99!
Here’s the blurb for The Elven King’s Captive:
An omega elven king finds his alpha. Unfortunately, he's human.
Casersis Ardal, the former Sun King, is a First Generation elf of over three million years. He meets his match in Dustin Juniper, a twenty-year-old human construction worker.
Dustin has been in charge of his whole life since he was sixteen. But when he meets Casersis, destiny strips all his control away. His body, his heart, his whole world change when he comes into contact with a magical amulet and starts changing species. And falling in love with an ageless elven king makes him question everything.
Casersis has been alone on earth for millennia. Having a burgeoning elf around brings feelings he isn't comfortable with. But he can't let Dustin go. If the humans find out Dustin isn’t human, Dustin would become a science experiment. The only option Casersis has is to keep Dustin captive. He must protect Dustin from himself as the young man fights Casersis—and fate—every step of the way.
If they want to be together, Casersis and Dustin must find a way to compromise. Once in a lifetime takes on new meaning when you live forever.
This 73,000-word non-shifter omegaverse novel is set in a world where mpreg (male pregnancy) is a fact of life, however this series does not end with a baby or pregnancy.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDevonVesper/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/devonvesper/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/devonvesper?lang=en

Pintrest:

https://in.pinterest.com/devonvesper/_saved/

Well there have you folks! Devon Vesper has been working hard to get her books out there into world, and edits others. I have already added her to the ever growing TBR, and I hope you will too after this. I am so thankful that she agreed to do this interview! Be sure to check out her social media pages!

Gifted: A Valens Series Book One (R&R Book Tours Review)

 

Alright y'all, I signed up for this Reads & Reels Book Tour because the synopsis stood out to me. That and the fact that it was a relatively quick read. I am so glad that I signed up for it, because I couldn't put it down! I finished it in two sittings in between charges, and may honestly check out book two on my own once it's available. While this starts out as just a YA novel about a girl trying to figure out herself and boys, it quickly turns as Abby figures out that there are bigger plans for her life. This is a nice combo of teenage drama and a little supernatural. I definitely did not see the ending, and am only a little mad that I have to wait for the next book. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH RR BOOK TOURS AND ANDY LEWTER FOR LETTING ME JOIN THIS TOUR!!!!!

SYNOPSIS

Abigail Everett’s life was mundane. Expected. Boring. Until one day, it wasn’t.

Between struggling to master her newfound abilities, coming face-to-face with dark, deceiving mind tricks by those who seek to infiltrate her authority, and learning of a mythical world she never dreamed possible, Abby risks it all with the future of mankind resting in her fingertips. Also, boys. Two of them. As if there weren't enough pressures rising against her.

Will she be able to live up to the high expectations her ancestors laid before her?


"I knew I was in mortal danger. But I was finally able to breathe again – with him by my side. Then dangerous eyes bore into mine, and darkness overtook me..."

To add this beauty to your personal library, be sure to check out my page:

https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/p/where-to-buy.html

Author Interview with Kathryn Jacques

 

Alright y'all, I met this lovely through the amazing Heather Carson. She is another Dystopian author that is part of the FB group Dystopian Ink. I haven't read any of her books yet, but you can already bet that I added her to the ever growing TBR. I was still super grateful that she agreed to do this interview! So let's dive in shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: My name is Kathryn Jacques, and I live in Baltimore, Maryland.

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company? 
A: Indie author though I have an agent who is working to traditionally publish other works for me.

Q: What genre(s) do you write?
A: Young adult fantasy and/or dystopian

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?
A: I loved reading as a kid and eventually wanted to create my own thing.

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?
A: Yes, I direct the ballet program for a pre-professional dance school and do some TV/ Film acting.

Q: How many books have you published?
A: 2 (The second one just drops in December, and she is one of the authors in Once Upon a Dystopia.)

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now?
A: 3

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far?
A: When a favorite character dies. I cry for days and try to convince myself to “save” them, but you can’t “save” everyone.

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on, but are half-written or complete but unpublished?
A: I don’t even know at this point, a dozen?

Q: Do you have a series developing?
A: Yes, The Gamble Series which are the first two published books. I’m also working on a fantasy series, but that one is going to be a heavy process.

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? 
A: Stand alone

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day?
A: Ideally, I’ll have the last book in The Gamble series finished in a couple months and hope to publish spring/ summer 2021.

Q: How long did it take you to write it?
A: I usually spend about 6-12 months on each book going back over and over for edits or additions.

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process?
A: Read

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book?
A: Don’t really have one, it’s usually whenever I can manage some quiet in my house around a husband, two small children, three pets and a “normal” job.

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)?
A: It varies

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?
A: Energized

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?
A: Other things I’ve read, people I’ve met, ballet stories (I’m a former classical ballet dancer).

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as?
A: Suzanne Collins, Jessica Cluess or Darcy Coates

Q: Are you a reader yourself? 
A: Yes

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.)
A: I have been several years ago, nothing recent.

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?
A: Yes

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most?
A: I love The Hunger Games, huge fan. My other favs that I’ve read several times are the Infernal Devices and A Shadow Bright and Burning trilogies.

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book?
A: All the time, my husband thinks I’m insane.

Q: What kind of social media do you have? 
A: Facebook and Instagram (kathryn.jacques)

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?
A: Absolutely!

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?
A: Yes, I’m part of the Dystopian Ink facebook group and have connected with several writers there who have been so helpful and supportive.

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer?
A: My ipad

Q: How does your family feel about your writing?
A: They’re supportive, they think it’s awesome

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?
A: I can’t fold a fitted sheet. Like, at all. Whoever can is clearly a witch.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.jacques.dmv/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kathryn.jacques/

Alright folks there you have it! She can't fold a fitted sheet, but she can write some awesome YA Dystopian Fantasy books. I have already read one of her stories in the book, Once Upon a Dystopia, and have added her two books to my TBR. I hope you guys will check out her social media pages and her books!