Author Spotlight on Ada Adams w/Flash Giveaway!

*Hi there, Ada! We’re very excited to be shining our spotlight on you this month for Author Appreciation. Thank you! I’m very honored to be here! 

*Can you begin by telling us what’s new with you professionally? “ReAwakened”, the second book in the “Angel Creek” series, was released at the end of November. Since the tour just wrapped up, I am now wielding questions about when “ReBorn” will be out. Aside from getting ready to publish the third book in 2013, I’m also working on two other projects.

*What was the last book you read that you really enjoyed? I just finished “Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover. It definitely deserves the wonderful praise it’s getting! I tried to make a little dent in my reading pile while on vacation by squeezing in two-a-days, so I’ve been reading a lot of great books. Once I start working on a project, I have very little time to read and miss it terribly. 

*Is there an author who you feel has influenced you and your writing? My passion for writing emerged at a very early age. While I admire many writers, I don’t think that any one specific author has influenced me in such a strong way that they stand out more than others. I attribute my interest in writing to a conglomeration of authors and my love for reading as a child. 

*Do you have a favorite character out of your gang from the Angel Creek series? If so, do you find it easier to write them than the others? I love writing every single one of the characters! They are all so different from each other; it’s nice to be able to go through so many personalities in one project . That being said, every character has given me a hard time at one point or another, except Razor. I’m really enjoying writing all of his scenes. Sometimes the things he says make me groan, but overall, he has an extremely fun and interesting personality! 

*Lana and I are dying to know if you know how the Angel Creek series will end right now. We don’t need any spoilery details, we’re just being nosy. I had known for a very long time how the series would end. That being said, it may change! My characters tend to have a very big influence on my writing. Sometimes, they decide to switch things up on me. The ending of “ReAwakened” was changed two times before it was published. 

*Do you have any advice for all the aspiring authors out there? Read and write, then read and write some more. Taking a peek into someone else’s imagination motivates me to be creative and exercise my own. And by that I don’t mean that you should be copying someone else’s ideas, but rather being inspired by their creativity and then applying that inspiration to create something unique. Love what you do and don’t be afraid to do it. People constantly tell me that they would like to write, but they’re afraid that they won’t be good at it. You’ll never know if you don’t try. And even if you don’t love the first few things you write, it’s not the end of the world. Writers are constantly growing and changing, so if you really wish to write, don’t give up. That’s where loving what you do comes into play. Writing can be a difficult and sometimes very lonely process, but if you truly enjoy it, then it won’t ever feel like work. At least not until you start editing! For that, I have no words of wisdom. Except maybe “snacks”. Lots and lots of snacks. 

*Can you tell us about what comes next for you? Aside from publishing “ReBorn”, I also have plans for two other projects this year. I’m taking a very short break from the paranormal genre to explore some characters that have been in my head for the past year or so. Both projects will be of contemporary nature (and definitely less PG than “Angel Creek”).

*Thank you very much for chatting with us Ada, it’s always a pleasure! Thank you for having me! I had a lot of fun!

**You can purchase ReVamped & ReAwakened for your kindle! And if you purchase one of them today, leave your order number in the comments & tomorrow morning we will draw 3 random winners to win some Angel Creek Series swag! **

"Many people sing in the shower. I write scenes in my head and act them out."

In her career as a writer and an actress, Ada spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning, and has attained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating characters with unique quirks!) as well as a Masters of Science in Education.

Ada strives to bring a fresh voice and perspective to fiction. She has been writing creatively for many years, and is an editor of a global fashion/literary magazine called VEUX.

She lives in Toronto, Canada, and enjoys adventurous nature hikes with her adorable puppies Cara and Oreo.

Facebook / Twitter / Website / Goodreads 

November Author Appreciation: Spotlight on Kristen Day & Giveaway

First off, Lana and I wanted to let you guys know we realize we are way behind in our monthly author appreciation duties, but in our defense, we have been insanely busy. We're ready to make it up to you guys though. This month, we are dying to tell you all about an author we both absolutely adore. Kristen Day, author of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, is one of our new favorite authors and we were lucky enough to snag an interview with her to share with you guys! 

Kristen Day hooked me from the very first line of Forsaken (Book 1 in the Daughters of the Sea trilogy) and she hasn't let me go yet. I am now eagerly awaiting the final book in the series. Her storytelling is enchanting and her characters are completely captivating. I dare you to read these books and not fall in love with them and their brilliant author. 

Now without further ado, I give you our interview with Kristen Day! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us, Kristen. We really appreciate it!

*Can you start by telling us a little about yourself? I’m 34 years old, but my soul is approximately 1,270 years old. I live in North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Marketing. I have an unhealthy obsession with Sharpies, scrapbook paper, buttons, old books, and most recently Hobby Lobby. I love painting, jewelry making, sewing, and just about anything else I can create with my hands. I’ve been writing my entire life, only to keep my works hidden (until now). The written word has always been my outlet and reading has always been my escape. Those worlds collided when I decided to write the Daughters of the Sea trilogy and it’s been a terrific ride thus far! 

*Where did you get the inspiration for the Daughters of the Sea series? 
It’s a beautiful marriage of my true passions: the beach and history, or more specifically, mythology. I started by doing a TON of research about the different sea gods and goddesses. I knew I wanted to have a boarding school with different ‘types’ of students. That’s where the research came in. Depending on the different qualities I wanted each ‘type’ to have, I was able to choose a god or goddess for them to be descended from. I love symbolism, so the traces and stones were a no-brainer. The story just continued to grow and grow. Before I knew it I had an entire notebook of characters, a foundational plot, and plenty of scene ideas! 

*If you attended Lorelei, which Sea God or Goddess would you want to be descended from? 
If I attended Lorelei, I would want to be descended from Charon, however being that there are no Daughters of Charon, that’s not really an option. So my second choice would have to be Amphitrite. She is extremely pure and wise, but also very powerful. She’ll be introduced in Chosen. *wink, wink* (don’t you HATE it when I do that!? GAH.) 

*If you could spend a day with any character from the literary world, who would you choose and what would you do? Well, every sizzling, sexy male character (Patch) from every series (Lucas) I’ve ever read (Four) just popped into my head (Daniel), but in an effort to keep this PG13, I’ll refrain from using them as my answer. With that in mind, I would have to choose Minny from The Help. It might sound like an odd choice, but she is the epitome of strong women who has seen a great deal in her lifetime. I’d love to go to church with her, chat about her life, and then have her show me how to cook that mouthwatering comfort food! 

*Are any of your characters based on people you know, or are they completely made up? Actually Stasia and her roommates are all little chunks of my own layered (and slightly weird) personality. I pulled from my sarcastic side to create Carmen, my airheaded gullible blonde childlike side for Phoebe, and my dreamy, idealistic side for Willow. Stasia was pulled from my logical, strong side. So as you might imagine, coming up with conversations sometimes sounds like the different voices in my head on a daily basis. Nadia was actually inspired by a real person from my past (she-who-must-not-be-named) and Finn has many uncanny similarities to my own husband… And finally, Kira was inspired by my mom - she lives by the beach, loves to laugh, and is infinitely supportive. 

*If you could only recommend one book to us, which book would you choose? Why Men Marry B*tches. No, seriously. As a southern lady who was taught to be sweet, tolerant, and utterly selfless; this book had a profound effect on how I viewed myself, my husband, and my relationships as a whole. 

*Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? 
I would to tell aspiring authors to write ONLY because they love, love, love to write. Not because they want to make money, not because they want to see their name on the front of a cover, not because they want their book to become the next Twilight Franchise, but because they have an obsessive and undeniable need to put their thoughts into words. That passion can be felt by your readers and its absence speaks louder than any critic. 

*Is there any chance of a spin off from Daughters of the Sea series? One that maybe focused on one of Stasia’s roommates? 
There is a very good chance of this, but I’ve decided to wait until Chosen comes out so that I can get some feedback on who everyone would like to know more about. And I still have to decide if I want to write more of a prequel or a true spin-off. So, stay tuned! 

*Lana and I both have an obsession with really good cheesecake; is there a dessert you can’t turn down? 

If you would have asked me this question a year ago, I would have said, without a doubt, apple crumb pie (my grandma’s recipe of course), but there has been a new contender in recent months that rivals even the best crumbly, sweet, cinnamony (that’s right, cinnamony) apple pie straight from the oven. This little slice of heaven is called strawberry shortcake cheesecake; also known as the best dessert *in my best nasally Taylor Swift voice* like..EVER. I discovered it at Epic Chophouse in Mooresville, NC. It begins with a graham cracker crust, one layer of cheesecake, a thin layer of strawberry yumminess, a layer of shortcake, and topped with a layer of strawberry mousse. DELISH!

Thank you again, Kristen!! We cannot wait for Chosen!!

And because Kristen ROCKS, she's having a giveaway with the Awaken Blog Tour! You can see some of the goodies being given away below! Enter NOW and Good luck everyone! 

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'Flutter' by Melissa Andrea Blog Tour: Excerpt, Author Interview & Giveaway!

Sara

Sara's life is forever changed -

 Waking up, buried & hidden deeply in the last place anyone would want to be, will do that. She is determined to find out how she ended up there & why, but when the only person who can help her, continuously lies to her, she finds herself forced to suffer alone. She can't ignore the strange things that begin to happen to her nor can she hide from the nightmares that haunt her sleep. And when her world collides with Adan - the mysterious boy whom she can't seem to stay away from, literally - she is consumed by the flutter that sparks whenever he is around and she is desperate to discover the reason why.

But the biggest discovery will come from the secret of what she is…

Adan

Adan’s mission to find Sara has finally begun -

 It seemed simple: bring her back to the enchanted world that lives, breathes and survives because of her, but he quickly finds himself faced with an entirely new challenge. Immediately, Adan realizes that staying unknown to Sara is a task he will fail before he even begins; the pull to her is far too strong to refuse, and being with her will defy the very reason he existed. He was the key to her survival and loving her was not part of the path that he had been born to follow. Can he find it in himself too resist the urge to be with her and follow through with their destiny or will he destroy everything that had been left to Sara to protect and defend -

And the kingdom she is unaware she rules…

Flutter

As Sara and Adan struggle to overcome their own separate battles -

There is a far more determined evil that is stalking the shadows and waiting to annihilate them both.

Sara will figure out that not everything is what it seems and knowing what she can and can not trust will be the key to finding out the truth of what happened to her, the reason why she was buried alive and who she really is…

Sara and Adan will discover  why she was the reason he existed and why he would be the reason she survived & together they will fight to change the rules and rewrite their fate.

Discover the Meaning,

Discover the Secret,

Discover

Flutter.

And now an excerpt from Flutter: 

“I’m a big girl Adan. I knew what I was doing.” I looked at him through my eyelashes.
“And what were you doing?” he asked.
“Playing with fire.”
“Me, being the fire?”
“You, being my fire.” I looked up at him coyly, waiting for his reaction.
I heard the low growl rumble through his chest, and his eyes blazed a stormy blue.
“You have no idea, how much I like the sound of that.”

And here is our interview with Melissa Andrea!

Thanks much for chatting with us Mel, we really appreciate it!

*Can you start off by telling us a little about yourself?

I’m a Taurus, which means I am very stubborn haha! I love in Arizona with my husband and 3 beautiful daughters. I am the oldest of 3 kids and my mom is my super hero! I love being outdoors, I love my family & I love writing!

*What inspired you to write ‘Flutter’?

I’ve always liked writing, and last year I finally decided it was time to do something about that. I read Amanda Hocking’s Tryelle Series and loved that she did something different. So I started researching and… found nothing haha! It took a while to come up with the idea for Flutter, but my inspiration for Flutter, came from my daughters!

*Who was your favorite author as a child?

Honestly, she isn’t an author, but my mom! She use to make up bedtimes stories for my, my brother, and sister. I loved everyone and can still remember some of them to this day, which is saying a lot because I have a bad memory haha!

*What do you consider ‘perfect’ writing conditions?

My couch, my laptop and the music player on my phone! Usually between the hours of 10pm-4am! I get a lot of my writing done when everyone is in bed.

*When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I wrote my first romance book in High School, but honestly, it wasn’t until I decided to write Flutter that I knew I could become one if I wanted too! & I did want too.

*What is the best book you’ve read this year?

I’m embarrassed to say this, but I haven’t read a FULL book this year! I’ve been so busy with a newborn and trying to finish Flutter, I haven’t had anytime to read, but I have started a few good books. Sovereign Hope by Frankie Rose and Touching Smoke by Airicka Phoenix!

*If you could spend a day with any literary character, who would you choose and what would you do?

So I’m going to have to say… Jacob Black! Not sure what we would do, but I know what we wouldn’t do and that is jumping off cliffs!

*What dessert can you not turn down?

Chocolate! It doesn’t matter what kind it is! I LOVE all chocolate!!

*What kind of music do you enjoy?

I listen to pretty much everything, except hard metal! I have a very weird playlist right now, but I have been listening to some country and One Direction haha. Yes they are a boy band, but I like them!

*What’s next for you?

Good question. I am just going to take it one month at a time! Right now I am trying to get through finishing Flutter and getting to the release day! What I hope to accomplish finishing three or more books for next year, but she shall see!

Thank you so much again, we can’t wait to read ‘Flutter’!

Thank you SO much for all the awesome questions!! I loved doing the interview and I am so happy you girls are a part of the Flutter Blog Tour!!

And here is the giveaway!
Okay guys! To make the giveaway fair for everyone, we will be checking the entries to make sure
everyone is entering correctly. If we do find someone who hasn't followed through with the entry, we will pull you from the giveaway.
So please, please make sure you've done each entry!

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I find it hard to sum up my life in a paragraph, but I’ll try.

               Reading has always been a passion for me, and writing as instinctive as breathing. Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. Flutter will be my debut release, and I couldn’t be more excited about it! The only thing I do better than writing you ask? Making beautiful girls. My daughters will always be my greatest accomplishment.

I was born in Denver, Colorado –but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don’t have a big family, but I’m close with my sister, brother & my mom. My mom is my hero, my inspiration, and I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by.

4 things you should know about me: I’m very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them. I adore the color pink, I love things that sparkle (including vampires) and I like even numbers (hence 4 things about me, not 5).

'From Mangia to Murder' by Caroline Mickelson: Review, Interview & Giveaway

From Mangia to Murder
Sophia Mancini Mystery Series 
By Caroline Mickelson
Published 2012 by Bon Accord Press


Little Italy, 1946 – Sophia Mancini would have enjoyed the grand opening celebration of her family’s private detective agency if the volatile chef at Vincenzo’s Ristorante had actually survived the meal. But before Sophia’s chilled spoon hit the spumoni, someone plunged a knife into Vincenzo’s back and the word on everyone’s lips went from mangia to murder.

Sophia soon finds herself trailing crime boss Frankie Vidoni, chatting with his mouthy mistress Maria, and dodging henchman Mooch DiMuccio. She’s suspicious of Vincenzo’s widow, Stella, and his assistant chef, Eugene, because they don’t appear the least bit dismayed by Vincenzo’s passing. There is no conversation Sophia won’t eavesdrop on, no question she won’t ask, and no danger she won’t face to find the killer. (from Goodreads)


From Mangia to Murder is the first book in the Sophia Mancini Mystery series by Caroline Mickelson.  Set in 1946, the story takes place in Little Italy after World War II. The boys are coming home, but not in the same shape they were sent away in. Unfortunately this is true of Sophia's brother, Angelo. For Angelo and his son, Sophia will do whatever is necessary to keep their family together. 


I love this book. It is well written, the characters are vibrant and interesting and it's full of action and humor. In short, it's the perfect book for me.  Normally, when reading a mystery I find myself able to foresee the outcome but that never happened here.There was mystery layered throughout the story with twists I never saw coming. This is an edge of your seat read, for sure.  


Sophia is my favorite kind of heroine; smart, spunky, brave, loving and loyal. You can't help but love her. In a time when women were expected to stay at home and let their menfolk take care of them, Sophia is shaking things up. She is fiercely protective of her family and friends and it's that love and protectiveness that drives her desire to solve this case before the cops can. 


I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from beginning to end. I especially enjoyed Captain Tiernan McIntyre. He is a no nonsense sort of cop with little patience for civilians interfering in his work. He was a great counterpoint to Sophia and I can't wait to see how and if their relationship progresses. 

My Rating:

And here is my interview with Caroline Mickelson

*Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I live in the southwest with my husband, four pre-teen /teenage children and our wonderful German Shepherd. I love to write and love to read. Sometimes it feels I spend more time in another time and place than in the real world! I love my life.
*Where is your favorite place to write?
Any place quiet. I generally write in my office at home, which is our dining room converted into an office. I have a beautiful view of the Catalina Mountains which is fortunate because when I’m stuck on something in my writing I spend a good deal of time looking out the window while puzzling it out.

*What do you consider ‘perfect’ writing conditions?
Interesting question – I’ve never thought about that. I could write anywhere but would need a computer, I’m afraid, because I can’t read my own handwriting.

*Were any of the characters in ‘From Mangia to Murder’ inspired by people in your life?
No, I can’t take any credit for creating the characters. They came to my mind fully formed. I don’t even remember picking out names, the characters just appeared with names and fully formed personalities. The woman on the book cover is my paternal Grandmother. I love the job my talented cover artist, Laura Miller, did with From Mangia to Murder. I especially love having my Grandmother’s photo on each cover in the series. That’s a nice connection to someone I loved very much.

*If you could only recommend one book to us, which would it be and why?
I’d have to say ‘Gone with the Wind’. It’s not even that I really like Scarlett, Rhett, Melanie or Ashley, and I don’t care for the movie, but as a writer I’m in awe of the way Margaret Mitchell wrote such a brilliant book. I read it every summer.

*Is there a dessert you can’t say no to?
LOL! The easiest way to answer this is to say the only dessert I *can* say no to is apple pie. I’m afraid I’m powerless when it comes to chocolate.

*Can you tell us a little about what’s next for Sophia?
Sophia is in for some fun in the next few books . She’ll be busy resisting her family’s efforts to get her settled down and married, she’ll be interfering with Captain McIntyre’s police investigations, and she’ll be chasing after clues and solving murders.

*When can we expect Book 2?
Lights Out in Little Italy will be out in October. I’m plotting the third book and am having enormous fun writing this series.

*Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions!
Thank you, Mel, for reading From Mangia to Murder, and letting me visit your blog!

You can find Caroline Mickelson: 

Goodreads
Twitter
Facebook
Website

And now for the giveaway! 

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'Embracing You, Embracing Me' by Michelle Bellon: Review, Author Interview & Giveaway

Young Adult novel begins in a 90s Trailer Park, and hits hard. In a decade when image matters, when the so-called Generation X is swelling with 'future perfect' hopes and pride, 16-year-old Roshell McRady dances her way through High School, never quite admitting that she's ashamed of her trailer park family home. Meanwhile she listens to Madonna while conjuring creative Top Ramen recipes to feed her younger cousins; she empties enough hairspray until her bangs are feathered and vertical like a lethal weapon; and she agonises over how to convince Gabriel Harrison, the new Mystery Guy in town, to invite her to the prom - a night which threatens to turn into a disaster. But then life takes a dramatic turn for Roshell, and her life changes forever. A love story emerges from the anguish of Roshell's life, and when she leaves school and finds work at a casino, things don't get any less complicated for her - until one night a powerful dream marks out the exact path that she must take. Embracing You, Embracing Me has young adult humour and nineties-style cultural aspirations, but surprises with some hard-hitting moments that give the book a keen edge. (from Goodreads)

Embracing You, Embracing Me is Michelle Bellon's first novel. It features a strong and vivacious young woman named Roshell, following her journey into adulthood. It tackles some difficult subject matter and manages to still be funny and hopeful. I was hooked from the start. 


Roshell is the type of person who takes whatever life throws at her and tries to adapt the best she can. Even when she was stepping foolishly into situations fraught with danger, I found myself cheering her on in my head. Her determination to make her future brighter than her past is just one of many things I admired about her. But my favorite character in the book, hands down, was Gabriel. He was just good; in and out, in all the ways that count. He always acted with kindness and honesty and was intelligent in ways most teenage boys are not. He was the best part of this book for me. 


I love Roshell's friends; they are always there for her regardless of how much time passes or what happens in their lives.  Her two best friends, Sabrina and Amber,  are perfect bookends for Roshell's character. The three balance each other wonderfully and it was a lot of fun to watch their lives progress intertwined.  I really loved seeing Roshell through her friends eyes, too. It showed the impact her actions had on them and gave the story more depth as well. 


Embracing You, Embracing Me is a poignant tale about self discovery and acceptance. Emotionally taxing, I found myself laughing and crying at the same time in some places. Roshell faces down her demons and learns about love and loss all while learning who she really is. I really enjoyed this book. 

My Rating: 

And now, here is my interview with Michelle Bellon! 

*Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I live in Washington with my husband, Pablo, and our four children. I graduated from nursing school in 2005 but found myself in the home again when we welcomed our fourth child into the world. At that point, I sat down and started writing this book, so that my mind wouldn’t turn to mush. Since then, I’ve written five novels and I’m working on a sixth.

My day job is the constant work of being an engaged mother, and as all mothers know, there is never a dull moment when surrounded by kids all day. My kids and our home is my ultimate priority and we try to make everyday fun and interesting. I could go on and on about my duties there, but most already get it. Since I also home school one of my children it adds a whole other layer of responsibility. So honestly my writing happens whenever I can find the time, which is usually late at night while they are sleeping. I’m really grateful for my husband’s support while I try this adventure.

*Is Roshell based on a real person or is she completely made up?
Roshell and this story are works of fiction, but there is a lot in the plot that came from actual experiences of my own. I did know a wonderful young man in my teen years, named Gabriel, who touched my life in much the same way. Many of the other characters are based on friendships that I still have to this day.

*Is ‘Embracing You, Embracing Me’ autobiographical in any way?
This is the most asked question that I get. As I said before, Roshell and I are very similar. I used my own childhood and desires and fears to create the character. It was the first novel that I ever wrote, and I figured the best thing to do for my first attempt at writing a book was to write something that came from the heart. They say, to “write what you know”, so that’s what I did.

*Is there a message you’d like to give your readers?
With this story, I really wanted to convey the concept that those we love, who pass on, never really leave us, but continue to impact our lives forever. Also, I included passages from the perspectives of Roshell’s friends so that the reader could experience how Roshell’s actions were impacting those around her. That is after all, Roshell’s life lesson; learning to live consciously and understand how her behaviors and how she treats people, affect others as well as her own future.

*What has been the best book you’ve read so far this year?
I just finished reading The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson and was blown away by his writing. It’s one of those books that a writer can read and feel inspired by as the quality of prose is so fantastic and gripping, you can’t stop thinking about it after you put it down. Reading such an amazing novel like that, can really get the creative juices flowing and make you want to step up your game with your own work.

*Can you tell us what’s next for you?
I’m not exactly sure. I have two finished manuscripts; a romance/suspense and a literary, just sitting here collecting dust because I’ve been so busy just trying to promote my current novels. I’m nearly half-way done with a women’s fiction. I guess I’m hanging on to see what happens with the books I already have out. The one thing I’ve learned about this industry is that it’s one thing to write a book. It’s an entirely different thing to promote and market the book so that it finds its way into the reader’s hands. It’s very tough.

*Again, thank you SO much!
Thank you! I have enjoyed this very much and I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with readers and other writers. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the novel and I hope your followers do as well!

To find more info on my other books you can visit michellebellon.com

And now for the giveaway! Be sure to complete all mandatory tasks, also winners will have 24 hours to claim their prizes before they are forfeited! 

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Tammy's Two Cents with Donna Milward, Author of Thoeba: Interview, Review & Giveaway

Thoeba is a creature of light. As all things must be in balance, when the Energy created her kind it also created the darkness.
Theoba’s world fell to darkness forcing her to flee. She came to Earth to protect the Energy, losing everything in the process.
Darkness has found a way to follow her and threatens to take this world as well.
With only humans as allies, can she succeed?

Fasten your seatbelts please, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!  This book hit the ground running, or the water, I should say.  Thoeba is an Angel, A Warrior that has fled her home to protect “the energy”,  as the Demons (darkness) destroyed it and most of her kind.  Peter, a human, is out on the lake for a nice quiet day of fishing until something (or someone) falls from the sky and crash lands in the water.  All this takes place in the first chapter!  

I LOVED this refreshingly, unique new twist on Angels and God, it is unlike anything else.

Thoeba flee’s the heaven’s to save The Energy only to wind up on Earth without her wings; she has always loathed humans believing that the way they live and squander what God has given them makes them week and unnecessary, to a fault.  Darkness has followed her to this realm and will not stop until it has destroyed everything in it’s path; humans, Thoeba and The Energy included.  Thoeba must trust her newly found foe’s, the humans she so dislikes quickly become her allies and most trusted adversaries.

She sets out on her journey to save not only The Energy but the humans she has come to love and mankind in it’s entirety.  Having lost her sword (her “Holy Weapon”) she fashions herself a new one by attaching The Energy to an Axe.  I could just vision this Blonde haired, gold eyed, wingless, Warrior woman wielding the Axe and slicing random demons in half!  It was Fantastic!!  Milward has given us a literary Gem here; her take on Angels and God is like nothing I’ve ever read!  Again, we have ourselves a strong leading lady, probably one of the strongest I’ve ever seen on paper.  Milward adds to her strength and likeability as a character by giving her weakness that she must overcome as well, making her story that much more intense.  I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about this book, Fantastic, Exciting, Entertaining, Page Turning, Addicting Read!!  The perfect balance of Drama, Suspense, Intrigue and Mystery (with a dash of Romance and Some Serious Ass Kicking!) Our Warrior Angel must learn to trust herself, her God and her humans if anyone is to survive.  I will share one of my favorite excerpts from the book….

"Peter..."
He glanced askance at Thoeba, but her gaze wasn't on him.
She brought her weapon up in a fighting stance, never taking her attention off the air. Both hands flexed on the axe handle. She resembled a baseball player poised to swing.
Her eyes determined pain for her adversary.
"Here they come."

5 Quills guys (I really wish there were 6); Must Read; the BEST book I’ve read thus far this year!  And I’ve read a LOT of books this year J

You know I had to get into the mind of this Wonderful writer; here is my Interview with Donna Milward, Author of Thoeba (giveaway details to follow.)

*Tell me a bit about yourself.  I live in Alberta, Canada with my troll of sixteen years and two cats named Freya and Sully.  Besides writing, I am passionate about gardening and Christmas.  In my spare time I volunteer for my local food bank and act as Client Care Consultant for Edmonton Paranormal.

*Where were you born and where do you call home?  I was born here in the city of Edmonton, but my family bounced around northern Alberta before settling in Fox Creek. Then I bounced around for a few years. I didn’t move back to Edmonton permanently until I was in my mid-twenties.

*What was your inspiration for Thoeba?  Thoeba came from a vivid dream I had when I was fourteen. I actually dreamed I was an angel hiding in a garden clutching a crystal necklace. A man and his daughter tried to coax me out, but I could see demons circling overhead, looking for me. I couldn’t let them find me, because if they did, they would destroy God…who was in the crystal. I wanted to tell them to leave me alone, but I couldn’t speak.  All I could say was “Tho-BAH!”

*How are you liking your partnership with Staccato Publishing?  I LOVE it! I am so lucky to be working with Heather Savage and her team. They are easy to deal with and great to get along with. They’ve been working so hard, I know they want to see Thoeba successful as much as I do. It’s only the beginning and they’ve already surpassed my expectations.

*For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Thoeba, how would you introduce it?  I like to think of Thoeba as an adventurous paranormal romance. When it becomes a movie, it’s going to be the chick flick your boyfriend/husband wants to see. It’s for the outdoorsy girl, the eternal tomboy…The girl who hates pink, but will wear it to fight against cancer. Or just for the woman that wants something new and exciting. That’s why people will like it.

*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?  My favorites are “This is not a cookie-cutter book.” and “Classic good versus evil, but that’s where the familiarity ends.” For me, the ultimate goal is to write things people haven’t read before. I want more than anything to be original, and it looks like people are really getting that.

*What brought you to this particular topic and what research did you do to get to the finished product?  I’ve been researching the paranormal for thirty years. I have studied religion and reincarnation from a personal viewpoint even as a child. Thus creating a myth for Thoeba and her kind as well as the Energy was really easy. My father was a recreational pilot and shared his love of aircraft and flying with me, so that part was easy too. The only part I needed to research was the Canadian military, which my old friend Dave helped me with.

*Whom in your life would you say has influenced you the most?  My father. I was always such a Daddy’s Girl, I went out of my way to be like him. Many of his interests and beliefs are mine as well. My father is a risk-taker who plunges in with both feet.  He’s a self-made man who ran his own business based on his reputation alone, and retired on his own terms over twenty-five years later. My father would rather face an abysmal failure than allow fear to stop him from trying. I share that particular trait. I never want to look back at my life and wonder what I could have done if I’d only tried.

*Who is YOUR favorite Author?  There are so many! I have to go with Ray Bradbury, just because he’s been influencing my writing and my point of view ever since I read Fahrenheit 451. His writings are still being imitated and it’s freakish how Fahrenheit 451 predicted reality TV. I think Bradbury had a sharp eye on society, and it reminds me to be observant and to listen rather than talk.

*What are you reading right now?  (Groans) I wish I could tell you I’m reading Melissa Marr or Dean Koontz, but I’m doing research. I’m reading the Basic Writings of Nietzsche. Sometimes he’s a genius, sometimes he sounds like a drug addict, but it’s a slow, dry read for the most part. I’m not even sure how much of it I’ll need…or if I can even use it. But thanks for the reminder…I think it’s been far too long since my last visit to the bookstore.

*Tell us your latest news.  My second novel, “Aphrodite’s War’ is complete, and I’m working on ‘Chasing Monsters’.  (Thus the Nietzche studies) I’m also writing an erotica. As always, I’m still writing and working with Edmonton Paranormal and we are fundraising for “Entities Unknown” but instead of a pilot, we’re thinking documentary.

*Where can our blog fans "stalk" you? Haha! They are welcome to friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. @DonnaMilward. I also have a blog at arthtothoeba@blogspot.com

And thanks very much for the interview!

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The usual rules apply guys, complete all ‘required” steps below and the winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize or forfeit.  Good luck guys!

Sirenz & Sirenz Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman Blog Tour: Review, Interview & Giveaway!

Sirenz Website

Frenemies and roomies Meg and Shar find the to-die-for designer shoes--with tragic results. Only Hades, seductive Lord of the Underworld can save them from this terrible situation, but for a price... They are to become his new sirens, and must complete a task before they return to school--or kill each other.

In Sirenz, boarding school roomies Meg and Shar learned the hazards of making a deal with Hades, Lord of the Underworld. The wearing of a Tiffany's diamond ring in Sirenz Back In Fashion reactivates their contract, they find themselves back in his employ as sirens. And things are a little different this time; Shar is whisked off to the Underworld to play hostess as the dark god attempts to win her affections, while Meg is stuck topside, obligated to send spoiled rich girl Paulina Swanson to the Underworld. Hot gods, mere mortals and the Underworld have their secrets. Will Meg and Shar ever ditch Hades, and keep their wardrobes and souls intact?

When I was contacted about being a part of this blog tour, I have to say I was so very excited. I'd read the synopsis for the first book and it sounded like something I would love. I'm very interested in mythology and I love a book that can make me laugh. I am pleased to report that I adored both of these books. 

The story is told from the points of view of the two main characters, Meg and Shar. These girls are convinced they could not be more different from one another and on the surface, that certainly seems to be true. I really love the character growth of these two throughout the story, it's simply fantastic. I also enjoyed being able to see the story unfold from both of their perspectives, it made the books that much more entertaining to me.

A delightful mix of humor, mythology and action, these books are a must read. I was very glad I already had the second book when I was finished with the first one, I was completely hooked.  I  plowed through these books in record time, I couldn't put them down. I even brought them with me to the grocery store, (yes, I have a problem, don't judge me.) I couldn't stop reading them,  Bennardo & Zaman's writing is captivating! 

While you want to kick Hades in the shins for his attitude, actions and overall jerkiness, you can't help but chuckle at some of his shenanigans. He is most definitely the character you love to hate. I loved this spin on the Greek gods and how they manifest in the story. Have you ever pictured Persephone to be the black leather type? You will after you read these books. :) 

A heady combination of wonderful storytelling, fantastic characters and hilarious situations combine to make this series a gem in the young adult genre. They are fast paced, very well written and different than anything I've read or heard about recently. 

My Rating:

And now, here is my interview with the dynamic duo of Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman! 

First, I’d like to say thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions & for including us in your tour!

What made you decide to work together to write the Sirenz series?

Nat: We were in a critique group together first—if there was ever a testing ground for writing partnerships—the critique group is it!

Char: We laugh a lot together, and just thought it would be fun to do a book together (hey, half the work, twice the giggles).

Do you each write from a different point of view? Or do you both write from both points of view?

Nat & Char: We found that we had to make ‘suggestions’ for the other’s character or our voice ‘bled’ into it. For the Sirenz series, we needed to keep the two characters different. Our new project, Blonde Ops, will be one character, so blending our voices is crucial.

How did you come up with the idea for Sirenz?

Char: We originally thought, ‘Let’s do vampires!’ because everyone was doing vampires. But-everyone was doing vampires, so we had to come up with something different.

Nat: And then there was all that nostalgia for Xena Warrior Princess… goddess, I miss that show!

What are the perks/drawbacks of working with your best friend?

Char: We’re different. If you haven’t seen us, Nat is petite and curvy, dark haired and a music maven and she really has more shoes than me. I’m tall and blonde, a voracious reader, a little crazy (especially with regards to crossing against traffic lights), and I LOVE the bling! So we each get a different perspective that we have to make work. You have to decide which is more important- friendship or project? Which one would you be willing to walk away from, because you might just have to.  We had a bump or two, but we worked them out. And even though we’re friends, you have to treat the project and process professionally.  Keep your emotions in check, walk away if something is bothering you.  Work it out when you’re in a better mood. Don’t say something you’ll regret. Is every word/idea that important?

Nat: What she said. ;)

If you could spend the day with one literary character, who would you choose and why?

Nat: Bilbo Baggins… second breakfasts, luncheon, tea, supper…

Char: Oh, just one? Rameses the Damned, from Anne Rice’s book The Mummy because he’s seen history since the beginning, he’s a romantic, he’s gorgeous, and he holds the key to immortality… (without having to suck blood or turn ugly vampish).

If you could be any of the Greek gods which would you choose?

Char: Persephone. Really. She’s got hot Hades and is the Queen of the Underworld. She travels between all three worlds (Underworld, mortal realm, Olympus) and has powers. (But I wouldn’t be as bratty, promise!).


Nat: I really think I want to be a creature. Maybe the Kraken, rising out of the East River, then wreaking havoc in SoHo… (cue Godzilla music).

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Nat: Quitting is NOT an option. There will be times where you feel like it’s the only option. Give yourself a day to cry, then get right back out there.

Char: Be persistent and consistent; keep writing, keep revising, keep reading, keep learning, keep submitting, keep dreaming.

What dessert can you not say no to?

Nat: You don’t work for Hades, do you?

Char: Amaretto cheesecake!

Thank you again so much for chatting with us! 

About the Authors:

Nat:

 When not playing with pointed objects, Natalie Zaman is usually writing. She lives in central New Jersey with her family and several fine looking chickens.

Website

Blog

Char:

 Lover of sparkly things, Char doesn't have as many shoes as she'd like, but wouldn't have time to wear them anyway with her three boys, husband, cat with issues, demented squirrels and insistent characters all demanding her time. She is represented by Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Literary Agency and is hoping to get all her characters into print just so they'll be quiet.

Website

Blog

And up for grabs in the giveaway!

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I'd like to thank Char & Nat for including me in this wonderful tour!! I really loved these books and I look forward to reading the next installment!