Thursday, January 31, 2013

Flight






TITLE:  Flight The Crescent Chronicles
AUTHOR: Alyssa Rose Ivy
PUBLISHED:  August 13, 2012
LENGTH: 270 Pages
LANGUAGE:  English
RATING:  Mature YA
GENRE:  Paranormal
PURCHASE LINKS: 
Amazon



                    
Summary
Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi. 

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her. 

(Mature Young Adult / New Adult, contains sexual situations, underage drinking, and mild language).

My Rating
4 Raving Stars

Review
Alyssa Rose Ivy has brought a new twist to Shifters. I won’t say what the twist is but suffice it to say I love it.

Her character creation was fairly well thought out. For the life of me I couldn’t see how Jessie and Allie were friends. Two people so opposite I have never seen. I enjoyed the secondary characters such as Hailey and I thought she was a very interesting person and I hope to see more about her in the future books. I also liked Levi, even though he seems to be a bit into himself at times.

The story starts with Jess and Allie heading down to New Orleans to stay at Allie’s father’s hotel and work there for the summer. Allie has sworn off men, and Jess “appears” to be a party girl. This is reinforced thru the first few chapters in how Jess behaves out on the town while partying. Meanwhile Allie has sworn off men due to a bad relationship with her ex, who can’t seem to take we’re through for an answer. Allie meets Levi and all her intentions of keeping men at bay seem to go out the window. Yet at the same time they don’t.

I personally felt the story drags at around chapter 14 for a couple chapters. But it did pick up. I wasn’t too keen on the ending; I felt that it was an odd way to leave it off, but I understand why the author did this to keep the reader hanging but not hanging.

I think the world itself could have been a bit more defined. The story takes place in New Orleans supposedly after Hurricane Katrina, and mention is made of that tragedy. However you basically spend the entire book either in the hotel or in a club down on Bourbon Street. You don’t really get to see the world from a paranormal aspect. I guess it was just so normal for a paranormal for me.

As for the warning in the summary, here in Australia, the drinking age is 18, but in the USA it is still 21, and there is quite a bit of drinking of the group that Allie is with. While some of them are older the majority of them are under 21. So if you are worried about that sort of thing then I just wanted to give you a heads up.

I felt personally that more could have been done with the book. I felt that the constant going out to party and get fall down drunk or drunk enough to do stupid stuff, just pigeon holed it as a teen book. I enjoyed the beginning and the paranormal aspect of the book, however I wasn’t too thrilled with the way the story tended to drag at times. I am looking forward to continuing the story however because I want to know what happens next with Levi and Allie. And I can honestly say that I truly did enjoyed this book. And I think any lover of paranormal or shifter’s will adore it!
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Cat and the Dreamer





TITLE:  Cat and the Dreamer     

AUTHOR: Annalisa Crawford
PUBLISHED:  February 12, 2012
LENGTH: 73 pages
LANGUAGE:  English
RATING:  YA/New Adult
PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon





Summary
As a teenager, Julia survived a suicide pact, while her best friend Rachel died. Julia’s only escape from her guilt, and her mother’s over-protection, is her imagination. 

When Adam arrives in the office, Julia’s world takes a startling turn as she realizes reality can be much more fun than fantasy. Finally she has someone who can help her make the most of her life. 

But can she allow herself to be truly happy?



My Rating:
4 RAVING STARS!
                                       


Review
In this story we have Julia who survived an attempted suicide with her first and only friend. Rachel died but Julia woke up on the day of Julia’s funeral. But her life truly ended at that same time. We see a 29 year old woman basically stuck in her own head and still living the life of a 15 year old. She lives in a fantasy land that is until Adam steps into her life. I will NOT go into any secrets or tell you what happens but I will say that the Author has created a character in Julia that we not only feel sorry for, but can relate to on multiple levels.
This is a story about a child who was bullied and we think it is to the point of wanting to die, and the repercussions that child faced after attempting suicide and the guilt at her friends death, so far into her adult life. It is a wonderful read and a very quick one. A short Novella, which I personally think could have been made into a much longer work and went more into Adam and Julia.
There were a few things which confused me in the book, but all in all it was a well written and enjoyable tale. The Author uses italics to designate when Julia is dreaming, however at a few points where I am sure she is dreaming the italics are not used.  But the dream’s that Julia have are not only disturbing in the beginning but also show how closed off she is to everyone around her.
I recommend this book if you want a good heart breaking story.

Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Crimson Flames Cover Reveal!!!!



Title: Crimson Flames (Crimson Groves Sequel)
Author: Ashley Robertson
Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Crimson Flames blurb

Half-vampire Abby Tate is determined to learn more about the sorceress powers that were awakened inside her when she was turned into a vampire—making her a whole new hybrid species. There’s a group of rogue vamps banding together and forming a Resistance against the vampire governing body, The Head Council, and Abby’s newly discovered powers are the key to the Council’s victory. Now the Resistance will do anything possible to remove the hybrid threat, and with no other options, Abby is forced to rely on the aid of the Council, yet can she trust the very vampires that hunt for her human lover? And even worse, can she fight the unwelcome attraction that’s growing between her and one of those ancient vampire rulers?


My Links





Chapter One Sneak Peek
1
The Deal


MY STOMACH CLENCHED as I sensed the vampire’s approach. He was close. So close I could feel the thrum of his power vibrating along my skin. The hairs on the back of my neck rose, and I knew if I was going to use my power for defense, then I needed to bring it forth now. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to breathe as deeply as I could—which thankfully had gotten easier with practice. I focused on the energy inside me, willing it to the surface, and as I felt it swelling, building like an approaching storm, I threw out my hand, gripped Stone’s shirtsleeve, and urged him to the floor. “Get down! He’s here!”
Stone raked me with a look that told me he was not too pleased, but then fear swept over his face when he realized just how little time we had.
The wooden door to the pub suddenly burst open—bits of wood and dust raining down from the force. Even though Stone should’ve cowered behind me—since his gift of reading blood wasn’t something he could fight with—somehow he’d found some bravery and boldly stood by my side. Though I appreciated it, I didn’t like it, and desperately wished he had listened to me. But I couldn’t think about that and call forth the fire within me at the same time. So I pushed Stone to the back of my mind with the silent promise of dealing with him later. Then I returned my attention to the power building inside me. One last deep breath and my heart shuddered to life inside my chest, making a rhythmic pattern with my faux breathing. A tingling warmth spread from head to toe, then settled on my awaiting hands. Seconds later, there was a glowing orb of fire (about the size of a basketball) cupped inside my palms. And just as the vampire appeared through the settling fog, I called out, “Not another step, Tristan, or it will be your last!”
“I think you should reconsider your threat,” Tristan shot back. “We are on the same side.”
That I sincerely doubted, but I knew killing a member of the Head Council would definitely put me on the “Most Wanted” list. Which I might already be on, since I’d helped the human this vampire was here to claim escape.
“She’s not bluffing!” Stone said through a snarl. I wanted to glare him into silence, but I refused to take my eyes off of the vampire standing in the broken doorway, wearing a black Armani-looking suit—now lightly covered with dust. It was a custom for all members of the Head Council to wear black suits, but each of them would wear shoes and an undershirt of their own choosing. I guess it was a way to express their individual personalities. Yet this one seemed to express himself through his spiked, platinum blond hair, not the basic black undershirt and matching boots—which were much more boring compared to what I’d seen a few of the other Council members wearing. But this vampire was far from boring. He was a tracker for the Council—one of the best hunters on earth. And he was after my human boyfriend.
“You know why I’m here, Abigail,” Tristan bit out. “The human was here.”
I felt my gaze narrow as I carefully took a step forward, the ball of flames growing hotter in my hands. “Yes, he was. It’s my fault he wasn’t captured.”
“That’s not exactly true,” said Stone as he moved up beside me.
I stole a few deep breaths, fighting the urge to throw my fireball at him instead of the blond vampire in the suit.
“Please explain!” Tristan ordered with impatience. But as Stone attempted a reply, he was cut off. “Not you! I want to hear this directly from Abigail!”
“Abby,” I corrected, feeling sweat forming above my brows and pooling between my breasts.
The blond vampire smirked, folding his arms in front of his chest.
“I did not restrain him because I do not believe he will be kept safe once in your hands,” I went on. “And until I can prove his innocence in all of this, I feel it’s best that he stay far away from you.”
A tinge of red formed a ring around Tristan’s irises as he scowled. “That is not your decision. He must pay for his involvement with those rogue vampires, including Bronx. He cannot get away with helping them try to destroy our stronghold.”
“I made an agreement with the other Council members,” I reminded him. “Doesn’t that count for something? Your word is nothing if your actions do not back up what you say.” My voice was getting louder, my patience thinning. And the angrier I got, the more difficult it became to control the fire in my hands.
“Yes. We have a deal,” Tristan assured. “We will not kill him or harm him—just as we told you—but that does not mean he won’t be punished some other way.”
“I don’t believe you,” I snapped.
Stone put his hand on my shoulder. “Abby, maybe you should—”
In a flash of movement, the vampire closed the distance between us and held Stone in a headlock from behind with his fangs hovering over my friend’s neck. And since it wasn’t to drink Stone’s blood, since Stone was also a vampire, then that meant it was a threat to rip out my friend’s jugular. From there it would be too easy to finish Stone by ripping off his head. And that’s when my patience snapped. There were only two ways to kill a vampire—burning to death or decapitation—and he was about to find out firsthand just how very dangerous I was. Sure, he could threaten to kill my friend, but he’d be burned alive before Stone’s head hit the ground. I placed all my focus on the orb of heat in my hand, willing it to retract to half its size while intensifying, growing hotter, then I thrust it at Tristan’s face. In a blur of motion, he ducked, throwing Stone to the floor as the fireball grazed over his head, singeing the soft tips of his hair. A snarl erupted from his throat as his fiery gaze locked onto mine. There was a brief hesitation, burnt hair and musk filling my senses, then something similar to curiosity flashed over his eyes and he was airborne, plunging straight for me. My body shuddered as heat blasted out of every pore, radiating from me like invisible steam. Throwing his arms over his face, the vampire faltered midair and fell sideways, then jumped back once he landed and retreated by the door from which he’d entered. Satisfied I’d made my point, I pulled all the heat back inside me, then rushed over to Stone and helped him up. “You okay?” I asked.
He nodded by way of an answer, then ran his hand through his coffee-colored hair—which was completely messed up now.
My eyes narrowing, I fixed my gaze on Tristan across the bar by the door. “Do that again and I’ll kill you,” I warned.
Tristan brushed some of the dust off of his pants. “Abigail, I’d rather not have to repeat that again. Hopefully I’ve made my point by now,” he said, his mouth curling into an amused grin that nearly reached his eyes. The hints of crimson were gone—for now anyway. “I would not have harmed your friend, as I’m sure Mr. Rayver here is already aware.” He glanced at my disheveled friend, a smirk still pulling at his lips; then his gaze slid back to me. “Your powers make you far greater than just any other Enforcer. You are an equal with us. We should work side by side, you making the sixth, and final member, of the Council. But you must not argue with our protocol. If rules are broken, there are, and will always be, consequences. There are no exceptions to this. Ever. The rules of our kind are ageless. It’s been that way for centuries and shall remain that way indefinitely.”
Well that was news to me. I knew the Head Council wanted my services, but I’d thought they just wanted me to be one of their many Enforcers. Enforcers were gifted vampires like me. Well, kind of. A few months ago I’d been kidnapped by an evil vampire named Bronx and turned against my will, which awakened the sorceress’s bloodline inside me, unbeknownst to me. But Bronx knew all about it, and he’d planned to use my powers to defeat the Head Council. Only I’d killed him before he got the chance. Later on, I’d learned about my real mother being an all-powerful sorceress and how she’d used her magic to impregnate her vampire lover—my father. So I never really was just another vampire. Or even an Enforcer. I was always more than that. A whole new species altogether, a hybrid, and a hot commodity among the vampire world—since there was no other like me. Yet if the Head Council really wanted my partnership, then I just gained a whole lot of leverage. Anxiety curled through my belly. “If you want me to work with you, and of course the others, then I will need you to be more flexible. Rules are always in place for guidance, but we both know they are not in stone. Especially when I believe innocence is a key component.”
“When there is proof of one’s innocence, then we have a trial,” Tristan explained. “But there is no proof of that with this human.”
I thought about that for a moment. Sure, I didn’t have “proof” per se, but I had Tyler’s word. And though he’d lied to me about his alliance with Bronx, and the fact he’d known about my father’s death all along, for some crazy reason I believed him now. “Allow me the time to find the proof you require and I will consider partnering with you.”
Tristan shot me a lasered glare. His face softened but I had absolutely no idea what his thoughts were. Mind reading wasn’t one of my gifts—yet. Since no one could predict what other gifts I’d inherit.
“How can you possibly believe this human didn’t help those rogue vampires?” he asked at last.
Keeping my eyes on Tristan’s, I shook my head. “He was involved. I’m not saying I can prove that differently. He’s innocent of knowing what Bronx’s intentions were, what those rogue vampires’ intentions were.” I paused a moment to suppress some of the heat inside me, though I didn’t completely extinguish it just in case things got hostile again. “He thought he was helping them,” I went on. “He thought they were in trouble. He didn’t realize he was working for the bad guys until…until it was too late.”
Stone snorted in disbelief, but kept his mouth shut. Smart vampire.
Tristan’s eyes widened. “How can you possibly believe that? He must have you brainwashed!”
“That isn’t possible,” I told him.
“What are you speaking of?”—confusion in Tristan’s voice. “Bronx would have claimed you with his mind control had you not killed him first.”
 “No, it’s not possible to brainwash me,” I explained. “And that is how I was able to kill Bronx.” Saying that struck a pang inside my chest: I didn’t want to be a murderer any more than I wanted to be a vampire, err hybrid. “I have the ability of blocking powers.”
A wave of surprise flashed over Tristan’s face. “There is so much to learn about you, Abigail,” he said.
“So do we have a deal?” I asked, taking a couple steps toward him.
Tristan raised a brow. “How much time are you asking for?”
“As long as it takes,” I replied instantly. “I have a feeling you and the others will delay me, since we are all curious to learn more about my powers.”
Tristan closed his eyes momentarily, presumably using his telepathic powers to confer with the other members of the Council. I stole a moment to look at Stone. He was shaking his head slowly, azure eyes with hints of red wide with shock. I shrugged my shoulders warily, knowing fully that to keep Tyler safe, I’d break this deal and the neck of anyone who attacked him. Obviously Stone knew that too.
“We have a deal,” Tristan finally announced.
I smiled. Relief flushed through me as the remnant heat within finally extinguished. Moments later, my breathing slowed and my heartbeat completely stopped. Oh the joys of being a vampire hybrid. “I have one more favor to ask,” I said, a whole new confidence exuding in my voice.
Stone called out, “Abby, what are you—”
“Silence, Mr. Rayver,” Tristan stated. “I am very interested in what Abigail will ask for now.”
“I want to speak to Madelaine. Will Elliott do that for me?” My real sorceress mother, Madelaine, had died long ago, and I’d never even had the chance to meet her. My father and one of his female blood donors, all the while believing she was my mother, had raised me. And though I’d love for Elliott to connect me to my father, I simply couldn’t risk giving away the fact he was dead too. Who knew how that little piece of info would affect the deal I’d just made, or the innocence I wanted to prove for Tyler. Bronx killed my father. But it was because of Tyler’s gift of premonition that Bronx was able to find my dad in the first place. So I guess you could say Tyler did carry some of the blame. But he’d sworn that he never thought Bronx would’ve killed him. And I believed him, hopefully not foolishly. So far I was taking the news of my father’s death okay. Maybe my estranged relationship with him was helping me through the mourning process. After all, he’d left me when I was ten. Fifteen years later, I’d finally gotten a phone call from him, warning me I was in danger. I never had a chance to thank him for trying to help me…or see him again.
“Abigail,” Tristan said, bringing me out of those thoughts. “You’re going to make a great addition to our team. You’re already very good at negotiations.” He chuckled lightly. “It will be our pleasure to call upon Madelaine for you and an honor to introduce you to your real mother.” Holding out his hand, he moved closer, giving me a good view of his violet eyes speckled with the deepest of cobalt, not a trace of crimson in them, which calmed me further. “So we have a deal?”
I nodded, taking his hand inside mine. “We have a deal.” Then I asked, “When do we leave?”
His answer was one simple word: “Dusk.”
I felt my chest tighten as he said it, even though I’d somewhat expected that to be his answer. Moving to where Stone was behind me, I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face against the softness of his tee, yet I could feel the ridged lines of muscle just beneath. “I know I just got back here, but I promise we’ll have more time once this is all over. I will miss you,” I told him, my voice muffled.
He gently grabbed my shoulders and pushed me back, just enough for him to look at my face. “What in the hell are you talking about? Do you actually think you can get rid of me that easy?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, feeling confused.
“I’m coming with you.”
“No, you’re not!” Tristan shouted from behind me.
I shrugged as a plan formed in my mind. “Wait a second. I think it’s a great idea for Stone to come.”
“No,” Tristan repeated.
“Actually, sir,” Stone said, “I can be of help to both Abby and the Council. I can help look for the information Abby seeks to clear her human while she is tied up with business affairs with you. It would make her that much more available.”
I felt my eyes widen. That was actually better than my plan. “But you hate Tyler.” And he did—with a passion.
“Oh I still hate him, but I think the world of you.” Stone gently gripped my chin, caressing it between his thumb and forefinger.
A lone tear I hadn’t felt before dripped from my eye as I smiled. Stone let go to wipe it and I glanced over at Tristan. “Please allow Stone to come with us. He would be a true asset. And he is my friend. Please.”
Tristan was quiet for a short moment, face hard, eyes studying us intently. “Very well.”
“Where are we going exactly?” I asked.
“Boston,” Tristan replied. “We have a few stronghold locations, but we are operating out of Boston right now. It’s good to move around. Staying in the same place for centuries can get quite boring. And it’s not as safe.”
I nodded. I’d never been to Boston before, but I’d heard it was an interesting place. A huge part of me was looking forward to seeing it, checking out all the historic monuments, buildings, and the statue of Sam Adams, if there would be any time for sightseeing. With Stone coming, we would certainly accomplish twice as much, twice as fast. I trusted that he would work diligently on finding a way to prove Tyler’s innocence. Though Stone despised Tyler, I was certain that he cared enough about me to do as he said he would. Yet Stone wouldn’t be upset in the slightest if he was unable to find the proof we needed to clear Tyler’s name.
There was also the uncertainty over what kind of situation I’d be getting myself into with the Head Council. Learning vampire politics and more about the new species I’d become when Bronx turned me…well, that could take more time from me than I could ever imagine. Plus meeting my mother for the first time and finding out more about her set my emotions swirling with anxiety.
I closed my eyes and let out a deep, long sigh. Just take one thing at a time, Abby. One thing at a time. Quit worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. Bronx was dead. Tyler was alive and pardoned for the moment. Lily, my closest human friend and old blood donor, was okay. Stone was here with me now and would stay with me at the Head Council’s stronghold. And I’d gotten pretty good control over my amazing, awesome, and insanely strong powers. I’d say my life, afterlife, whatever, was going pretty darn well at the moment. Yet, at the time, I had no idea just how quickly everything was about to change.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Book Spotlight: Sec4rets


Sec4rets
By: A.L. Burgos

Synopsis
We all have secrets...

Mark, Tiffany, Kevin and Kim are best friends. When they enter High School together they find out that it's not all fun and games as they find out that drama is involved. They must stick together to get through High School but when they start to keep secrets from each other, ones that can tear them apart, their friendships will be tested as the secrets come out. So will their friendships survive or will the secrets be too much and tear them apart? Let the secrets come out...
Genre
Young Adult Teenage Drama
Length 
301 pages
Average Rating
4.5 of 5 Stars

Links







The Author
A.L. Burgos
Biography
A. L. Burgos (Anthony Luis Burgos) lives in NYC in the gritty area of Harlem. He never ran the streets of Harlem rather he found the joys of writing. At the age of 10, he began to write and he discovered that it was an escape from the outside world. YA drama and mystery thrillers were his passion; he wrote his first story (not published) titled "Forever Friends" at 11. His dream was to become a famous author one day, so he would be able to move his mother out of Harlem. Anthony has self published his first YA drama "Sec4rets" which is getting rave reviews from readers claiming it’s an edge of your seat ride and amazing, while at the same time tackling real life teen issues. He is working on several new books hoping to be released in 2013.
Links




The Schedule
January 12
Bex ‘n’ Books
Review

January 13
A Little Bit of R&R
Guest Post

January 14
Serendipity Reviews
Review

January 15
Cynthia Shepp Book Reviews & Editing
Review

January 16
Addicted to Books Book Reviews
Extract & Review

January 18
Mad About Books
Review & Excerpt

January 19
Young Adult & Teen Readers
Review & Interview

January 20
Book Crush
Review & Interview

January 21
The Library at the END of the Universe
Review

January 24
Tamara's One Stop Indie Shop
Review & Extract

January 25
C. R. Everett - Author Blog, Profound or not so profound random thoughts
Guest Post

January 26
Recent Reads
Book Spotlight

February 1st
Just Me, Myself, and I
Author Bio


Black Lace Revamped!



J.V.K’s Black Lace Revamped
The Book
Black Lace
(Paths of the Spirit #1)
By: J.V.K

Synopsis
Vivian Donovan Rei.
At eighteen years old, she’s a girl whose biggest problem is which gun to take when she goes out at night. Particularly small and apathetic, and heir to a wealthy family, she was promised in marriage to one of the last pure-blooded vampires. Beholden, she must comply with the laws of the Council, headed by her future father-in-law.
Rei keeps her secrets fiercely and doesn't allow anyone near her easily. She is the ‘watchdog’ of the order of Raven, Town Utopia, for creatures who broke off from the known evolution and who seek asylum.
In the Raven, she is the law: judge, jury and executioner.
‘Black Lace’ is a breathtaking story about ‘free’ choice, love and a young woman’s struggle to find her place in a fierce world. This is an exciting and extraordinary story of love and betrayal, one that will leave you captivated and desperately seeking more.



Genre
Dark Paranormal Fantasy
Length
290 pages
Average Rating
4.5 of 5 Stars

What People are saying about it

"J.V.K really developed a story line that was strong and very gripping; it catches your attention and has instances that you can relate to in real life, she builds a reality that is not only believable but also encouraging, as her story Black Lace is really all about free choice.–Paranormal Reads

Vivian is not your average female character. She is no damsel in distress for sure, but she does suffer from some major mood swings and some temper issues. She isn't one that needs rescuing, except from maybe herself. This book has vampires, werewolves and a few other creatures, but doesn't follow the same style as most books in this genre. If you are looking for something different that has action and some heated moments, this is the read for you. ”- Mystical World of Book Reviews

What a deliciously dark and twisted love story! Brilliantly complex characters pull you in and keep you captivated. Just when you think it can't get any better, the author takes you back to scenes and replays the treasures that you missed! The beginning of an amazing series...a must-read indeed!” – Kristy Bueno

Black Lace is a truly original read. I have yet to read another 'vampire' book quite like it. The originality lies directly in the uniqueness of the plot and storyline. It weaves and twists so quickly, and generally has a very fast pace, so much so that I was out of breath keeping up.” – Bex ‘n’ Books


Links
Lulu
Goodreads
Amazon


The Author
J.V.K
Biography
A native Bulgarian, J.V.K. spent her youth studying foreign languages. Education has always been, and still is, a big part of her life. She achieved her first bachelor degree when she was seventeen while still at school. Now, she is a college student in her second year with a future ambition as an economist.
She spends her free time writing, reading, drawing or watching amines. Music is also a huge part of her life. She loves technologies and graphic programs.
'Black Lace' is her first book to be published, a fascinating dark paranormal fantasy, which is the gripping first part in her 'Paths of the spirit' series. Since her release of Black Lace, she has additionally published a collection of short stories, novellas and poetry.
J.V.K has a steady following of loyal fans who have been swept away by her creativity and original style. Her writing has been described as spellbinding and new and refreshing.
 If you like her writing, she would love for you share your thoughts with her.



"The Pride will separate the Death, and the Vow will bring the wrath of the Rei." Red Moon, Path's of the Spirit series #2

Links
Facebook
Blog
Amazon Author
Goodreads Author
Barnes and Noble Author
iTunes Author



Giveaway Info
1st SWAG Pack: Black Lace & Red Moon stickers
2nd SWAG Pack: Black Lace & Red Moon bookmarks
3rd SWAG Pack: 2 Forbidden Bookmarks
4th SWAG Pack: Black Lace & Red Moon bookmarks plus Black Lace, Red Moon and Forbidden mini posters

And the digital prizes: 
3 x eCopies of The Promise Vol.1
3 x eCopies of Black Lace
1 x digital copy of a J.V.K book of their choice
1 x $10 Amazon Gift Voucher


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Without Consent Release Day and Giveaway!

Without Consent Release Day and Giveaway!
Bev Irwin


What an exciting day! And a contest too!

Another release day. Today is the day my medical / police thriller, WITHOUT CONSENT, comes out. So thrilled, I’m doing the happy dance. Glad you could come and join me.

What type of dance would you do? Jive, polka, rumba, or would you be refined and do a graceful waltz?

I’m doing a rock and roll. This is the fifth book in just over a year to be published which leads me to the today’s topic.

What to do while you are waiting for the train to stop at your corner?

The first thing you need to do is decide where you are going?

Do you have a specific genre you love to write and read? Or are you like me and like to genre hop?

I guess it’s my ADD but I like to multitask and I also like to flit from one writing project to the next. Not the most effective way to get the job done but it does keep things interesting.

Usually, I have several projects in varying stages of completion. Right now, in the romance genre I have a contemporary, a medical, and a suspense manuscript nearing completion. Another medical thriller with the same characters in WITHOUT CONSENT is partially written. I have three young adult novels in progress, one of them a sequel to my paranormal young adult, GHOSTLY JUSTICE with Daria and ghost, Amanda.

Now to just get them finished. But I have been so busy with edits and promotion for the books that came out this year that my writing time has been limited. I’m not complaining. It has been an amazing time. I’m so glad I’m ADD and had so many projects to pitch once the train stopped and let me get on. 


So how did my journey begin?

It started with a pitch session with Savvy Authors in the summer of 2011. I pitched my medical romance, WHEN HEARTS COLLIDE to Debby at Soulmate Publishing and that book came out in December of the same year. At the same session, I pitched two books to Lauri at Black Opal Books and she contracted me for both of them! The first, my paranormal YA, GHOSTLY JUSTICE, was released in April, the second, a suspense with romantic elements, MISSING CLAYTON, came out in July.

Then, in October, Black Opal Books published IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS, a middle grade/ YA, adventure. This book is about a boy’s survival in Northern Ontario while he searches for his missing father.

And, now today, (I’m doing a drum roll) my medical / police thriller, WITHOUT CONSENT, is being released. Wow! What a ride it’s been.

Now to get back to writing and finishing all those other projects and pray that they also find homes.

But I’m digressing. The point I’m getting at is that while you are waiting for that first amazing contract, you need to be writing, revising, writing, revising... It’s always good when you get a contract to be able to say, “Well, if you like that one...I do have...”

And there you go, possibly not only published but multi-published.

You write, you write some more. Keep that pen moving. You take courses, learn your craft, join on-line groups, go to conferences, meet other authors, network.

Go to conferences in the genres you like to write in. There are a ton of them out there and at different prices and lengths. You can find some that are an afternoon, a day, or even a week. Remember they can be a tax right-off when you do get published.

For myself I really enjoy a good mystery or thriller so I tend to go to conferences like Bouchercon (for writers and readers), Sleuthfest, Book Passages.

Network at the conferences. You never know what will happen. For me one of the most thrilling thing was chatting with Lee Child and him offering to read my manuscript and giving me the book endorsement: “A fine medical thriller.” Now how cool is that?
I’ve met so many wonderful writers at these conferences. You don’t harass them, you chat about life and interests. Respect them and their privacy, but don’t be afraid to approach them and say how much you like their books or their characters.

Do all the prep work so that when the train stops you are ready to leap on board with your bags packed with a variety of the best you can write manuscripts.

And keep dancing. I know I hope to.

Enter the Giveaway Below for a chance to win an eBook of your choice of one of my novels.



You can check out my other books and an excerpt of each one on my website:

Bev Irwin Website
Black Opal Books
Soul Mate Publishing

Without Consent Links
Barnes and Noble