Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Best Served Chilled Review! :D

I promised a review of Zoe Adam's new novella, Best Served Chilled....

I don’t normally read horror stories, but Zoe Adam’s Best Served Chilled was an excellent read! It reminded me of those late night horror shows that you stay up and watch to get scared on purpose! So don’t forget your popcorn and if you can read in the dark all the better! Loved every demonic second of it!


Here's the blurb: 

"What would you give to make it stop?"

Life hasn't been easy for Hiraku Michiyo. Struggling with the misery that dwells in her past 

and her present, she’s spending more time with a wine glass than real friends. One night, 

she meets the charismatic, Shoichi. Intrigued and a little frightened, she invites him home.

Yet little does she realize that the real horrors are just beginning. And escape is certainly 

not at the bottom of any bottle.



Don't let this innocent looking blurb fool you... what lies in store for Hiraku is not pretty and is definitely life changing! It's a definite read in my book! So be sure to pick up your copy on May 31st! Enjoy! 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Meet author Zoe Adams!


Welcome Zoe! Zoe Adams is one of my new publishing sisters at Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly. Let’s take some time and get to know her!
Zoe, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well I turned 21 this year and I live on the north east coast of Lincolnshire, in England. Just recently, I’ve finished a three year degree in Professional Writing, which was immense fun, a lot of hard working and a truck load of writing!
     I’m a nerd and I’m not ashamed of it. I even named my cat Bilbo for Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit!




Oh that is Awesome! I have always wanted to visit England! I’ll get there one day and come visit you!  J
Now, when did you first start writing, Zoe? Do you have a favorite genre?
I first started writing professionally in 2010, but I’ve always been writing, since I was a child. Even then I was fascinated by mystical stories, and that’s carried through into my adult life.
     I think my favourite genre would be fantasy, as there’s so much which is incorporated with it


Fantasy is one of my favorites to read!
 Speaking of reading, what series is your guilty pleasure? What do you love to read?
One of my guilty pleasures… I don’t think I have one really! But I do love rereading the Confessions of Georgia Nicholson by Louise Rennison. Teen comedy at its finest.


     I love reading crime, erotica, fantasy, horror, paranormal, romance… The list is quite frankly endless!
Do you have a favorite book character?
There are so many I love! A character that’s been with me for a while though is Kelley Armstrong’s Elena Michaels, from the Women of the Otherworld series. A female werewolf, she’s strong and beautiful, with human flaws. She’s just incredibly powerful as a character. I’d love to be her for a day…
Oh, I’ll have to check that one out! :D Now, let’s talk about your new release! Best Served Chilled… sounds intriguing! Why don’t you tell us a little bit about it?  Where did the inspiration for the story come from?


Best Served Chilled is an adult horror novella. It follows Tokyo born, Hiraku Michiyo, and the pain that remains with her from her past. When she meets a deadly Japanese alcohol demon, her life is turned upside down, and she finds out that the real horror is about to begin.
     The original inspiration came from the television show Supernatural and the episode featuring the famed demon. When I looked into it, there was a lot of scope to go wild with! From there, it just sort of bubbled out the side of my brain!

And the main characters, what can you tell us about them?

Our main characters are: Hiraku, Shoichi and Ed.
     Hiraku was originally born in Tokyo but moved to London with her parents when she was a child. She has had a really awful life and as an adult, suffers with depression and alcoholism. It doesn’t matter to her what she drinks as long as she gets it in her system.
     Shoichi is a shōjō (an alcohol sea spirit demon from Japanese folklore). He masquerades as a human, which he does well, even though he often lets his mask slip and reveal his true nature. In demon form, he either inhabits alcohol bottles or he slides his soul and essence into humans. He admires himself – he can make people bend to his will and strike bargains that only benefit him. He’s vile really, but he was my favourite character to write.
     Ed is a human. Born and bred in London, he is Hiraku’s best friend. He’s been in love with her for years, but has hid it by being with other women. Deep down, he knows how scared she is of her past, but still has a feeling that she’s hiding things from him. When the story progresses, he gets thoroughly involved, wanting to care and protect Hiraku for the rest of his life.

That sounds like a fantastic read! I can’t wait to get my hands on your book! I’ll be posting a review here soon.
Now let’s move on… I have just a few fun and quirky questions…

When do you do your best writing? Morning or Night?
Night definitely! I think my brain works better, and I’ve been known to write long into the night and fall asleep on my laptop. I think it’s because all the ghoulies and ghosties come out to play then!

Do you play games? If so what kind? If not, why the heck not? I’m so addicted to Candy Crush Saga it’s not even funny! J

My partner is a big gamer so he’s got me into a fair few of the JRPGS.
I love Spyro the Dragon and its counterpoint Skylanders, Jak and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, Final Fantasy, Tekken, Soul Caliber… I have a habit of getting games on my Ipad too!

I love the Ratchet and Clank games too, and I just bought Tekken for the xbox, one of my favorites!

Favorite author?

There are a few incredibly good authors who I would read again and again. The one who’s influenced my writing though is Laurell K. Hamilton. She’s talented and can be completely badass yet so damn sexy all at the same time. I’ve read all the books in the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series so far.

Don’t you just love her? I am a huge fan of LKH! If you haven’t read them, you’ll have to pick up her Merry Gentry series! So Hot! :D

Favorite TV guilty pleasure?

Eastenders. It’s a British soap and completely over the top at times with drama and characters. But I can’t stop watching it when it’s on and I even watch it on catch-up television!

Cool! I am a BBC America fan, but I haven’t caught Eastenders, I’ll have to look for it! :D

Favorite Action Hero?

Very tough question! I have a lot of favourite characters who are action packed, but I tend to gravitate towards the villains or people who don’t exactly deserve halos’.
     In that respect, Rumplestiltskin from Once Upon a Time. He’s such a trickster and there’s more to him than meets the eye. And his counterpart Mr Gold too.

Isn’t that show just the best?! :D

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Cat! I adore little kitty cats! I was heartbroken when my old cat Sweep died. It still hurts to talk about him.
     I have two kittens currently: a brother and sister fighting team. Bilbo, the male, was named for Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit. Sooty short for Soot Sprite, the female, was named for the pesky Soot Sprites in the Studio Ghibli movies.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear about Sweep! Bilbo and Sooty sound like fun cats :D

Chocolate or Vanilla ice cream?

Vanilla, because you can stir the chocolate goodies in! Mmm!

Yum! That does sound good! 


Now, If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have 3 things with you, what or who would they be?





The teddy bear I have had since I was a baby. He’s my comfort blanket. I could never leave him.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. One of the most poetic and influential books I have ever read.
I’d also love a paper-and-pen. See I’ve hyphenated it so I can have both. I need to be able to write. I’d go insane otherwise.

Those are some great answers! Zoe, it has been so much fun chatting with you today! I am really looking forward to reading Best Served Chilled! Good luck with your new release and congratulations!  Watch for my review of Best Served Chilled, coming soon! 

Monday, January 21, 2013

Charade, Agents For The Crown, Book 3

Charade, Agents for the Crown was just released! It's been a year since I released a new book in the series, so I hope it does well. Rue Volley, the incredible author of the Blood and Light Series and woman extraordinaire, created the cover for me, isn't it fabulous?

Charade is book three in the series. So you will see more of Joanna and get to know a new character, Lord Mayberry, as well as see how Jessica and Lord Sinclair find their way to each other. 
Here is the back cover blurb: 

Jessica Farrington fell in love with Lord Ashley Sinclair the moment they were reacquainted. She only wishes that he actually felt the same desire for her, as she does for him.  Jessica soon finds that she must leave London when a letter arrives informing her of her father’s assassination attempt in Vienna.  Her best friends join her on her journey and she realizes that Ashley will be along as well. She is secretly thrilled, for it will afford her more time in his company.
Enter Lord Knight, a handsome and romantic masked Romeo, who takes Jessica’s breath away. His late night visits to her balcony, and his stolen kisses have Jessica’s heart soaring.  His dancing grey eyes and wicked smile remind her so much of her love, but are her suspicions of her amorous Romeo correct?
Join Jessica and her friends as they travel to Vienna to unmask an assassin and find her heart’s desire.
And would you like a sneak peek? A little excerpt to wet your palate? Well, here you go: 
“Joanna, I really do wish that I knew what kind of mischief you were getting into.” Jessica frowned as Thomas walked away.
“What do you mean, Jess?” Joanna looked at her innocently. “I am not up to any kind of mischief.”
“Oh yes you are, and I will figure it out, one way or another,” Jessica said stubbornly. “I know you too well for that innocent act to work on me. And another thing, what is going on between you and Thomas? Are you falling in love with him? And what about Jonathon?”
“No I am not falling in love with Thomas,” Joanna whispered vehemently. “And I really do wish all of you would stop bringing up Jonathon Montgomery in my presence. I have told you that I am giving up on that dream and I do not want to be reminded of it any longer.”
“Miss Deville, I am so sorry that we missed our dance.”
“Lord Crenshaw, it is my fault entirely and I do apologize. I completely lost track of time, for Lord Mayberry was kind enough to show me around his Mother’s garden. She has some beautiful irises that I just had to see.” Joanna smiled prettily up at him. “I do still have a quadrille open for later this evening, if you would still care to dance with me.”
“I look forward to it, my dear.” Lord Crenshaw bowed. “Until later, my dear.”
“Remind me to tell Alex that I had to give away his quadrille.” Joanna grinned at Jessica who had a bewildered look upon her face. “What is it now Jess?”
“Since when have you become so interested in flowers? First my Mother’s tulips and now Lady Mayberry’s irises, and do not try and tell me that you have always had an interest in them, for I shall not believe a word of it.”
Joanna smiled. “Perhaps someday I will be able to tell you all about it. When we are old and gray and have nothing better to do, but for now I want to dance.”
Charade is available now on Amazon, you can buy it here: 
http://www.amazon.com/Charade-Agents-Crown-ebook/dp/B00B3I4ENM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358774387&sr=1-1&keywords=charade+agents+for+the+crown

I would love to hear from you about the series! 

Sunday, January 13, 2013

New Release for Valentine's Day

My fabulous publisher, Sj Davis at Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing just released my latest short story, The Valentine. 
It's a Regency romance, for those of you going... ummm what's a Regency romance, and yes I know you are, Regency means it takes place in the time period after King George III goes mad and the Prince is named Regent. Basically 1811-1820. The Valentine takes place in 1813. The waltz had barely been introduced and was thought to be a very daring dance. The dresses were fancy, the gentlemen were... well, gentlemen and the ladies were proper... for the most part. 

Lady Madeline Ryder is a proper young lady, at least she is until she meets Lord Samuel Powell, Duke of Wiltshire. Now she's making assignations in the park, ducking into curtained alcoves for stolen kisses and loving every minute of it!  


Sounds intriguing doesn't it? You'd like to know more? Well then... you can pick up your copy for your Kindle for just $2.99 right here:

 http://www.amazon.com/The-Valentine-ebook/dp/B00B00ATUU/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358131053&sr=1-4&keywords=The+Valentine

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Reading Kick

I have been on a huge reading kick the last couple of weeks and I have found some amazing writers out there. SO I thought I would share a few of the things I've been reading.



My new favorite author is Armada West, author of Bottom Feeders. It was one of the best reads, full of action and adrenaline rushes, I loved every second of it! 






I also discovered (Okay, I didn't discover her, Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing discovered her, but I discovered my love for her :D)  the Amazing Dawn White and her Wingless series, which is an awesome new take on the Werewolf versus Vampire legend. If you are a Paranormal fan, you won't go wrong with her series! 











I also managed to read C.C. Hunter's book 3 (Taken at Dusk) and book 4 (Whispers at Moonrise) of the Shadow Falls series. They were awesome. I was very sad to see her next book will be the last of the series. 

And then I discovered an excellent Steampunk novel called The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress. It totally rocked! Steampunk is a genre that I just recently discovered and I'm really enjoying all of the different takes on it. The Friday Society follows three women who come together to figure out a mystery. Each one has their own talents that they bring to the table. It was a fun, fast read. 



And finally I managed to pick up Heat Rises... the latest Richard Castle novel. I adore Castle, and Nathan Fillian who plays him too, so when I get the chance to indulge myself, I read about Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook.


 I'm very much looking forward to Frozen Heat which came out in September of 2012, but I haven't had a chance to buy yet.

Next up on my TBR pile will be Mark of the Seer by Jenna Kay. I have been looking forward to reading this one for a while. I'm sure I won't be disappointed!

After that, well who knows, it might by yours! Of course, I still have to get some writing in, but I'm sure I'll manage. :D 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

An Early New Year's Resolution

So it has come to my attention that I have been a complete  and utter...


Yes, I know terrible of me. I could blame all kinds of things.... 

My new Kindle and all of the cool games....





My Children...






Housework...








                   My Job...









But really it all comes back to me just not having  enough time to do it all... (Probably because as I may have mentioned, I've been a slacker)





So, my New Year's Resolution is now this... I will make more time to:
  1. Write
  2. Blog
  3. Promote
  4. Share
  5. Exercise
And also I will be starting back up with my diet, the holidays about did me in! 



So those are my plans... What are yours? 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

I've been TAGGED!

Apparently I've been tagged by Eveli Acosta and so now I'm it! You've been warned and you may be next! :P
1) If I came to your home and looked under your sofa cushions, what would I find? Oh dear lord! You don't want to look under my sofa cushions! I think you might find books and toys and probably a few pixie stick wrappers and goodness knows what else!
2) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4. OH yeah baby, wait for it...... And never pick his nose. Yep you heard me correctly. Gotta love Shel Silverstein! :P
3) How would you describe yourself in three words?
You just had to go there. All right, three words... loving, creative, fun
4) What is your best childhood memory? The best memory? You don't ask for much do you? Hmmm. Okay, I have a lot of great childhood memories, but one of my favorites is my birthday party when I was six years old. My mom got me a gorgeous cake that had a doll on it. All my friends came and there were prizes for all of the games we played and I loved my gifts which included a Holly Hobby Umbrella that I loved as well as a poor pitiful pearl doll.
5) What would you do if you had a time machine? OH my a time machine! So many things I would do! First I would go back to Elizabethan times and see one of Shakespeare's plays in person. Then I'd go on to the Regency era and check out Almacks and dance the night away and meet Jane Austin, and then hmmmm.... LOL I don't know what else I'd do, but I'm sure it would be fun!
6) If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
A current famous person, hmmm. I don't know actually. Now if this had said Fictional Character there would be a slew of them I'd love to have lunch with!
7) What do you like to do most with a free hour? A free hour around here is hard to come by, but if I have an extra hour free then I would probably spend it in a bubble bath!
8) What kind of books do you like to read? I like all kinds of books, paranormal, fantasy are my current favorites, but I also love mysteries and adventures and romance.
9) Does your name make any interesting anagrams? I don't know, feel free to see for yourself :P
10) Is there anything that you’ve never told anyone and are dying to share? I seem to tell everyone everything, I can't imagine keeping my mouth shut. :P

SO now comes the fun part! I get to tag YOU!

Eveli Acosta http://acostaeveli.blogspot.com/

Catherine Stovall


Ressa Empbra
Sinead MacDughlas
Heather Bagwell https://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=015d067ef1764a69bd360b1a6b89db42&eu=MIeFEZ1xTXbwfAznQwmm1w#!/pages/Heathers-Book-Reviews/183740105030209

Wendy Lovetiggi Gonzalez http://www.lovetiggi.blogspot.com





If I've tagged you, you will need to answer these questions, post them on your blog and link your post back to me! :D


1) What is your favorite style of music?
2) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 22, and find line 6, what is it?
3) How would you describe yourself in three words?
4) What is your best childhood memory?
5) What would you do if you had a time machine?
6) If you could eat lunch with a fictional character, who would it be?
7) Is the glass half full or half empty?
8) What kind of books do you like to read?
9) Do you believe in Love at first sight?
10) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?