Shyla Colt's Blog, page 9
June 28, 2014
Artic Bound Cover Reveal with Tigris Eden!
Artic Bound by Tigris Eden
Release Date: December 28, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance
There are secrets in even the smallest of towns…
Nerina Simpson fled the streets of New York City, hoping to find solace
outside the small town of Talkeetna, Alaska. Physically scarred from a fire
that claimed both her parents, Nerina keeps to herself while she tries to
put the darkness of her life behind her.
When a winter storm forces her into town, she collides with Victor Canidae.
An arrogant man who makes it no secret that he and everyone else
in the town want her to leave.
Headstrong, and refusing to back down, Nerina finds herself in trouble when
her two, four legged companions get lost in a storm, landing her in the
path of an angry bear hell bent on taking her life. Until a mysterious white wolf comes to her rescue.
When she wakes up in a warm cave, the last person she expected to see is Victor.
Stuck in a cave until the storm passes the two decide there is only one way
to pass the time, and quickly when you’re getting physical.
About the Author:
The very first time I put pen to paper in story fashion (for fun), was in 6th grade. The story was called, The Case of The Missing Pepperoni. It was a cute mystery where all the ingredients and shop appliances came to life when the store owner closed up for the evening. The one thing that remains constant is, I’m the boring one, it’s the people around me that make for interesting writing.
I’m currently seeking a book-buddy to read with during the end of the world! Serious applicants only!
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June 23, 2014
Summoned Held me Captive
Y’all know i love to read. So I’m trying to make sure I post my reviews here to pay it back, and make sure i’m getting enough reading time in. This book was recommend by a friend, and let me tell you it blew the hinges off my mind.
Summoned made my jaw drop in the first chapter, and kept me in a state of awe the entire way through. This wicked, witty, dark, and unique tale is a must read. Ms. Kaye takes a modern day legend, digs, deep, and comes up with something chilling, and fascinating as she explores what it could mean to be owned by a master you cannot refuse.
Dimitri is a genie trapped in a life he has no control over. Born with the genie bond, he and his family before him have been owned by the same family of psychos whose wishes made my blood run cold. We’re talking mafia style. Who needs to hire a hit man when you have your own personal genie? Yes, now you’re getting the picture. Told from Dimitri , ‘Dim’s’, point of view we get a glimpse of what a person would do to stay alive, and how love can be both a blessing and a curse when he meets Syd.
Syd is anything, but your average heroine. Brash, in your face, and aggressive, she’s introduced as a one night stand that never quit leaves. I loved her humor, and her depth. She’s misunderstood. When you finally peel back the fishnets and flawless make-up, there’s a whole other world going on.
The passion between them burned the pages, but it was the connection formed that tore my heart from my chest. Fast paced, smart, and full of plot bombs that explode all over the place, this was a read I’ll be thinking about for a long time. If you’ve never read Ms. Kaye before this is the one to start with.
June 22, 2014
Writing Process Blog Tour
I was tagged by Blake Haugen, the fabulous interracial romance author who wrote the bestseller “Full Circle.” to do a writing process blog tour. I’m talking a bit about the insanity that is my writing process.
What are you working on currently?
I just sent my completed novella, Payback, the sequel to my very first motorcycle club romance, Dual Desires, off to my editor in the wee hours of the morning.
It’s the continued story of Ardy Larkin who winds up working as Nanny for the Dueling Devils M.C. President, demon to pay of her family’s debt. Attraction turns to more, and the two struggle to fight their attraction until an outside threat reminds them how short life is.
As the club rallies to neutralize the threat, Demon is forced to show Ardy the ugly side of a life steeped in violence. Worried she’ll run, he does his best to shield her from the current club activity. The secrecy drives a wedge between them. Bound by duty and his feelings for Ardy he’s a man torn. Forced to examine parts of him he buried long ago, and open up to the woman he’s grown to love.
How does your work differ from others of its genre?
Personally, I’m a huge fan of M.C. Romances, and mine, is the first book I’ve seen who features an African American heroine. I have read one other book where the lead character was of Spanish decent.
I always try to bring more diversity to the genres I write in because I remember growing up, and longing to see characters who looked and acted the way I did. You’ll see a lot of humor, and geek references in my work for that same reason. *cough Dr. Who usually makes at least one appearance in some shape, form, or fashion.
I want to give all woman a chance to see themselves reflected in my work, so I choose a variety of careers, builds, and personalities. The one common thread, however is strength. Even when they’re knocked down, my heroines will get back up and keep swinging. I think it’s important to show that woman are strong, intelligent, and pursuing their dreams, whatever that happens to be.
Why do you write what you do?
My cheeky answer would be because I can’t kidnap people and force them to act out the stories in my head. A deeper answer would be to fully live life. I explore so many things in my writing. I lean, I play in a safe environment, I heal old wounds, and I share my experiences with others, in hopes that they’ll know they aren’t alone. Writing gives me a freedom I could never have otherwise. Words are powerful, and I’ve always been a little in love with them. For me stories take you a different world and make you feel. It’s the only way to travel anywhere for next to nothing, and there are no limits to what you can learn.
How does your writing process work?
For me personally, writing is like a road trip. One you don’t plan to the letter. You know where your final destination will take you, but the stops along the way are a surprise. I used to be a plotter. I’d sit down with my paper after I was ready to write and write out everything I wanted to do. It worked, but I often felt like I was banging my head against the wall. My characters were always throwing me for a loop, and ruining my carefully crafted plans.
Eventually I just let go. I started with a final destination in mind. A vague idea of how I wanted to get there, and I let them drive while I road shot gun. It opened up new worlds for me, and allowed me to know my characters on a much more personal level.
The inspiration itself comes from everywhere. I might see an interesting report on the television, read an interesting article, or see something that sparks the infamous “What ifs.” I think most of my story start with those two words.
My writing schedule is a bit sporadic I stay at home with two creative children full of sass, and energy. So, during the day it’s in short spurts. My main writing time is at night when the home is quiet, and in the morning before the children get up.
Enough about me, up next is the up and coming erotic romance author, Molly Hammerman
June 12, 2014
Loving Day Blog Hop
I can’t express how very excited I am to be a part of the Loving Day Blog hop. I remember growing up and reading everything I could get my hands on. But when I hit my pre-teens I feel in love with Romance! I remembered losing myself in exciting worlds, falling for new book boyfriends, and constantly wondering , where the heroines, and couples were who looked like me. This is the reason I write Interracial Romance. I wanted to fill the void and represent the many multicultural couple and families out there.
In my latest story I get to explore the world of the paranormal with two best friends who discover just how much they have to lose while staying in a haunted hotel. As a huge fan of the show Supernatural this was a proud moment for me. I got to write an African American heroine in a role I didn’t really get to see on television. I love getting the chance to do that.
I will say we’ve come along way from my teenage days. Shows like Misfits from the UK and the popular Sleepy Hollow are adding multicultural casts. I look forward to seeing more of this progress in the future.
Ghost hunting just got sexy.
In love with his childhood best friend, Demi Fox, for years, Pierce Lane has kept his emotions a closely guarded secret. The truth is revealed during a carefully planned weekend away at a historic haunted Inn, where passion ignites among flashlights, investigation, and paranormal activity. While they burn up the sheets, and work on an unexpected case, Pierce searches for a way to convince the gun-shy beauty what they have is worth exploring after the trip.
After watching her father wither away once her mother died, Demi Fox swore off love. Then her best friend drops a bombshell she never saw coming during a trip of a lifetime. While fulfilling her dream of ghost hunting, a brush with a restless spirit changes her outlook on life. When it’s time to check out, she decides to give love a chance, only to find out they have way bigger problems on their hands.
As Part of the Loving Day Blog Hop I’ll be giving away a $10 Amazon Gift card 3 copies of Dual Desires and 2 copies of Keys to Heaven All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment. :)
Enter the Blog Hop $25 Gift Card Giveaway using the link below
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/74d7d71/
Go back to Loving Day Hop Master List
Finish the Loving Day Hop by visiting Alexa Day
June 9, 2014
Review for Until Nico
Did you know along with being a writer, I’m an avid reviewer? I work for a number of review sites. It helps keep my love of reading alive. It gets hard to balance writing and reading from time to time. But i believe it’s needed to keep the creative juices going along with growth as a writer. That being said I’ll be posting reviews here :) Today’s latest is about th ebook that gave me a book hangover !
Until Nico by Aurora Rose Reynolds
*Sings I got a new Boyfriend .,.. I got a man that I think I’m going love forever…. Yeah I’m talking about Nico Mayson, the hero from Until Nico. Damn Ms. Aurora Rose Reynolds can write a story. Her alpha men are sizzling hot. Protective, demanding, but sensitive, and not overpowering in the bad way that makes you want to break a vase over their head. Tall, dangerous, and completely covered in tattoos , NIco looks anything but sweet, but the moment he meets the shy librarian, Sophie Gates his world is completely turned on his axis.
While Sophie isn’t scared of him, shockingly. The skittish young woman has a past that keeps her from fully living. Together the two deal with her demons and forge a relationship that is completely life altering. His complete acceptance of who Sophie was, faults and all, and tough love when necessary forever endeared the gentle giant to me.
OF course we can’t forget sweet Sophie. *sighs. The girl lost so much, and overcame more. I loved watching her come into her own. Sometimes the road to happiness is fraught with the ghosts of our pasts waiting to be slain so we can live in the present. Her struggle was real and I rejoiced when she overcome the obstacles in front of her, including herself.
This is a must read.
5 Stars
Heat 4… hold on to your glasses of water ladies
May 26, 2014
There’s a new bar in town, and everythin
There’s a new bar in town, and everything’s on the menu, except judgment.
.99
#HIP
https://www.facebook.com/PurgatorySeriesByShylaColt
Coming July 1st
http://ow.ly/xgWmg
May 21, 2014
Things I learned in the Fire
My family was affected by the wild fires that blazed their way through San Diego last week. These are my thoughts about the experience.
You know that the scenario people often give. If your house is on fire, and you can only take three things, what would you choose? Well, I have two thoughts on that. A. it won’t be what you think it’d be, and 2. Even if you have hours to decide, it wouldn’t be any easier. We have a lifetime of memories stored away in out things. From the concert shirt, you’ve dragged around with you since high school to your wedding dress. In the end, when you’re talking life and death, and survival afterward, it’s those memories that matter.
When I was forced to evacuate my home, I took three things ( Kids obviously included) Electronics, Photographs, and a suitcase of clothing and everyday items. None of the other things mattered. It was a no brainer. It changed my views on life. Those things we toil over, save for, and display with pride can be gone with an instant. If that happens will we be happy with what’s left? Have we been making a life full of memories, or become a slave to the –more and bigger-is-better craze sweeping this nation?
I’ll just come right out and admit it. I’m a sentimentalist. I assign random things with value because of the memories made with them. Every time I look at them, I get a hit of joy and nostalgia. That was my main concern as we waited to hear the news on our home. Well, along with the whole starting from scratch aspect that comes with the devastation that occurs after a natural disaster roles through.
By the grace of God, we were fine. The fire shifted direction last minute and other than the smell of smoke and ash covering everything like a layer of grey snow, we had no aftermath to speak of. Since that day, I’ve lived my life with intention. I wake daily and meditate on what I’d like the day to be like and the things I like to accomplish. I believe putting positive energy toward what matters most to you makes a difference. My experience renewed and strengthened my decision to live a positive life, and has led me to make different decisions. Sometimes we get to caught up in going through the motions, stressing over things we can’t change, and missing the precious moments we can’t ever get back. I think we forget how to live in the “now”. When they say life is short, it’s more than the minutes ticking down on our clock. It’s the twists and turns around the corner that may come along and change our lives forever.
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May 13, 2014
10 Dips to Avoid the Drain
I’m guilty of being one of those drained people. The person many go to for advice. In the past, I’ve invested myself in too many things that weren’t my burden to carry. Why? Because when I care, I do see deeply. I thought that ment literally suffering along side a person. *shakes head. Truth is; that’s not true or healthy. Perspective is something I spent a lot of last year examining. As I moved forward into 2014, I vowed to take action and make my life more of what I wanted it to be. Boundaries are important, and putting yourself first is not selfish, it’s intelligent. Joy is precious, and I think it should be guarded with a vengeance.
Does that mean back away when you’re friends having a hard time? Absolutely not. It means approaching things from a different angle. When I read this article , I felt like I’d gained some really helpful incite, and opened up my mind to situations I’d been letting play on a loop for far too long, so I felt compelled to share. Hope it helps you avoid that drain too.
http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-negative-people-or-difficult-people/
May 12, 2014
Are you getting out what you’re putting in?
Sometimes we have to weigh how much we put in versus how much we get out. That goes across the board, for projects, people, roads we’re trying to travel. When you take a step back and really look at the big picture, it can be shocking what you find. Lately, I’ve been stepping back and taking stock. It hurt, but I’m a believer in the truth. So I faced it head on, and I’ve been changing accordingly. When we’re, younger we believe love will overcome everything. But the truth is that love must be mutual for the sentiment to work.
I read an incredible article lately that spoke about the toxic relationships that you need to get out of your life. It lit a fire and helped me make some tough choices. I like drama in my fiction, but not in my everyday existence. Do you have dead weight you could shed?
May 9, 2014
Are you Lending your Energy to the right thing?
I want to start of by saying I share my thoughts on the struggles i myself are battling through in hopes that others might get something out of it. :)
I think we all strive to be the best version of ourselves we can be, but sometimes in the process we focus our attention on the wrong things. I’ll come out and say it, our short comings. The things we can’t do accomplish at the moment or expand our reach to grasp, due to certain circumstances. I personally am really bad at that. *Raises hand. My reality is I’m a stay at home mother, and military spouse that makes for some very limited and restricted free time. I love being a writer. Each and every one of you mean the world to me, and I always try to do everything in my power to show how much I appreciate you and your support. If I had one wish, it’d be to attend more conventions to meet you guys in person. The truth is… it’s near impossible to plan around an every changing schedule( The Marines’) and unexpected moves. For a long time, I focused too much energy on that fact.
Then a light bulb went off. I may not be able to travel as much as I’d like to meet people one on one, but I can make my voice be heard, and offer up what I can, how I can. The minute I switched my focus, the weights I’d placed on my shoulders were lifted, and light flooded in through the darkness creeping in around me. It’s funny. We all want to be happy, but it can be a very elusive state to achieve. Is there a negative thing you’re focused on? How can you flip things around and lend your energy to something more positive? I challenge you to mute those negative voices day by day, and next Friday tell me how it impacted your life.
