Heidi Angell's Blog, page 11
July 3, 2017
Meet the Author with Nichole Giles
Hello Lovelies,Let's welcome another delightful author I met through the Shattered Worlds anthology, Nichole Giles. She is the author of the Descendant trilogy, and the Water So Deep series, and has lived in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas. She is a fan of all things paranormal and magical, and her dreams include raising a garden full of fairies, riding a unicorn, and taming the pet dragon she adopted at a recent local ComiCon. She loves to spend time with her husband and four grown children, travel to tropical and exotic destinations, drive with her convertible top down—even when it rains—and play music at full volume so she can sing along. 
Welcome to An Angell's Life, Nichole! What is the current book you are promoting?Currently, I’m promoting two books. Two years ago, Water So Deep was published after a long, rocky road. Since then, I’ve moved, finished another series, married off two daughters (in one month—yes, we did that) wrote a co-authored series that will not be published due to extenuating circumstances, and FINALLY, I have been able to finish the sequel, Ocean So Wide. Not only that, I had an opportunity to be part of a boxed set with 23 other authors, which inspired me to write a prequel for the Water So Deep story, Sea So Blue. These two books have been written almost side-by-side, and though they’re completely different stories, each one has definitely influenced the other. So I’m promoting the entire series, really. But most specifically, Sea So Blue and Ocean So Wide.Wow, busy woman! Two weddings in a month? Whew! What inspired this series?Sea So Blue was inspired by the back story in Water So Deep, which has become an important influence in the sequel, Ocean So Wide. As I was finishing OSW, the story of Elise and Caspian came to life for me, and I realized that they had a story, and they wanted it told. Sea So Blue, as a standalone story that urges toward the beginning of Water So Deep, and ironically, was the easiest of the three for me to write, since the characters told the story, and all I did was write it down. 
Those are the best stories, both to read, and to write! What is your next project?I think I’m going to weed my yard, and then clean my basement, maybe organize my closet. After that, I’m thinking of branching into romance (not fantasy) for a while to see where that leads. I am toying with a few fun ideas for series that I’m excited to dive into. Not that I’m leaving YA Fantasy behind completely—we’ll see when I get to that road!I can completely relate. My house always gets a good cleaning after I finish a project. It needs it! What is one place you would like to visit and why?Europe. I’ve never been there, and I LOVE to travel. I’ve done a lot of tropical themed trips, and been to a lot of islands and beaches, but the art and rich history of England, Scotland, Ireland, Britain, Greece, Denmark (where my ancestors are from), and Italy (where my husband’s ancestors are from)—all of it just fascinates me. The biggest problem is deciding on one or two destinations per trip!I know, right? I would love to just take a summer and back pack across Europe! But I fear once I was there, I'd never want to stop. I hope to do it once my kiddos are all grown. What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?
Creativity is subjective. Just because one person doesn’t love what I write doesn’t mean it’s crap, and just because another person adores it, doesn’t make it good. There are a lot of things in this industry that I can’t control, so it’s important not to focus on those things, and instead worry about the things that I can. Like how hard and how often I work, what I am willing to give up to make a deadline, and which books should I read or classes should I take to help myself improve my craft? I think this kind of applies to all walks of life.Very excellent advice! Thanks for joining us, Nichole! Love what Nichole is laying down? You can follower her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see more. Want to keep up with specials and promotions? Follow her on Bookbuband Amazon. Want to see what books Nichole is reading? Follow her on Goodreads. Until next time, Keep Reading!
Welcome to An Angell's Life, Nichole! What is the current book you are promoting?Currently, I’m promoting two books. Two years ago, Water So Deep was published after a long, rocky road. Since then, I’ve moved, finished another series, married off two daughters (in one month—yes, we did that) wrote a co-authored series that will not be published due to extenuating circumstances, and FINALLY, I have been able to finish the sequel, Ocean So Wide. Not only that, I had an opportunity to be part of a boxed set with 23 other authors, which inspired me to write a prequel for the Water So Deep story, Sea So Blue. These two books have been written almost side-by-side, and though they’re completely different stories, each one has definitely influenced the other. So I’m promoting the entire series, really. But most specifically, Sea So Blue and Ocean So Wide.Wow, busy woman! Two weddings in a month? Whew! What inspired this series?Sea So Blue was inspired by the back story in Water So Deep, which has become an important influence in the sequel, Ocean So Wide. As I was finishing OSW, the story of Elise and Caspian came to life for me, and I realized that they had a story, and they wanted it told. Sea So Blue, as a standalone story that urges toward the beginning of Water So Deep, and ironically, was the easiest of the three for me to write, since the characters told the story, and all I did was write it down. Those are the best stories, both to read, and to write! What is your next project?I think I’m going to weed my yard, and then clean my basement, maybe organize my closet. After that, I’m thinking of branching into romance (not fantasy) for a while to see where that leads. I am toying with a few fun ideas for series that I’m excited to dive into. Not that I’m leaving YA Fantasy behind completely—we’ll see when I get to that road!I can completely relate. My house always gets a good cleaning after I finish a project. It needs it! What is one place you would like to visit and why?Europe. I’ve never been there, and I LOVE to travel. I’ve done a lot of tropical themed trips, and been to a lot of islands and beaches, but the art and rich history of England, Scotland, Ireland, Britain, Greece, Denmark (where my ancestors are from), and Italy (where my husband’s ancestors are from)—all of it just fascinates me. The biggest problem is deciding on one or two destinations per trip!I know, right? I would love to just take a summer and back pack across Europe! But I fear once I was there, I'd never want to stop. I hope to do it once my kiddos are all grown. What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?Creativity is subjective. Just because one person doesn’t love what I write doesn’t mean it’s crap, and just because another person adores it, doesn’t make it good. There are a lot of things in this industry that I can’t control, so it’s important not to focus on those things, and instead worry about the things that I can. Like how hard and how often I work, what I am willing to give up to make a deadline, and which books should I read or classes should I take to help myself improve my craft? I think this kind of applies to all walks of life.Very excellent advice! Thanks for joining us, Nichole! Love what Nichole is laying down? You can follower her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see more. Want to keep up with specials and promotions? Follow her on Bookbuband Amazon. Want to see what books Nichole is reading? Follow her on Goodreads. Until next time, Keep Reading!
June 30, 2017
Poetry Corner- Long Distant Love
Just between you and me
In all your traits, I own your purity. Milky white, your faith stands strongMost regal, your elegant morality. You mean the world to me. Walking uprightin upholding the lightLove is pure within your sight. Can I deserve you?Enter your heart andKeep you near with my pure light? Until next time, Keep Reading!
In all your traits, I own your purity. Milky white, your faith stands strongMost regal, your elegant morality. You mean the world to me. Walking uprightin upholding the lightLove is pure within your sight. Can I deserve you?Enter your heart andKeep you near with my pure light? Until next time, Keep Reading!
June 29, 2017
Book Review- Winter Smith Secrets of France by J.S. Strange
Genre: Apocalyptic/ ZombiesSynopsis: A new world order, a city under control, and a new breed of zombie known as The Martyrs living alongside humans. France isn't safe. It never has been. After fleeing from London, seventeen-year-old Winter Smith and her surviving friends learn that to survive in Paris means trusting those they don't know. An anti-government, known as The Union, are forming to take on V, a woman who has gained control of the world and has created the dead to establish a new world order. But surviving in Paris is hard, as those who don't conform to V's new rules are quickly wiped out. This not-so-typical zombie novel is the second instalment of the Winter Smith series. An action packed young adult horror that will keep you guessing, and wondering what could possibly happen next.My Take: I read Winter Smith: London's Burning last year. (See my review here.) and was super excited when the author contacted me to review the second book in the series before it released. As this is the ARC, and I understand it is still going through editing, I won't comment on editing issues as I believe most will be resolved before the book releases. (They were minor, just a few missing words here and there. Nothing major.) What I love about this series is that it's not about the zombies, but about the people. Zombies are just the back drop that allows us to see how dark and deep humanity can go when faced with something horrible. And Strange takes a new and darker twisted path in this second book. People who we considered villains surprise us in this book, and people we considered the good guys show their true colors. The second book takes a turn bringing in an unexpected element. What if the end of the world was planned from the very beginning? Strange pullls heavily on conspiracy theory lore to create the mess that the second book finds poor Winter and her friends in, and though I am not generally a fan of conspiracy theories, I enjoyed the twists it created in the second book. Violet is still my favorite, though I was disappointed that she kind of took a back seat in the second book. I wanted to see more development in her relationship with Zach. There were some crushing losses that I didn't see coming, but I felt that the author could've given more weight to them. Despite the surprise loss, I didn't cry like I thought I would when one of the characters fell. Which is a shame because the death of the kids in the first book had me in tears and I didn't have as much time to get attached to them as I did to one character. Overall, a good read and I am looking forward to the third book in the series! Winter Smith: Secrets of France is available for preorder for $2.99 through August 17th. Grab your pre-order today. Until next time, Keep Reading!
June 26, 2017
Meet the Author Monday with Katy Haye
Hello Lovelies, I have met a group of really cool authors who are publishing The Shattered Worlds Anthology, and I am excited to introduce you to everyone. Today we are meeting Katy Haye, who spent most of her childhood and adolescence lost in a good book. Even now, and given the tedious necessity to earn a living in order to eat, she spends as much time as possible running around either her own or someone else’s imaginary world. She is the author of Discord, The Last Gatekeeper, The Last Dreamseer, Rising Tides, and The Clockwork War. Let's get down to the good stuff!
Welcome, Katy! What is the current book you are promoting?I’m promoting The Clockwork War, a steampunk/alternate history novel which is in the YA collection, Shattered Worlds. The premise of The Clockwork War is that Queen Elizabeth I was never queen. As a consequence, England and Scotland never unified, and 300 years later the two countries are once more at war.Wow, what a cool alternative history telling. Can't wait to read it! Who is your favorite character in your story and why?I adore my heroine, Clara. She’s smart (an engineer responsible for making devices intended to bring an end to the war), she loves her family ferociously, and she’s a bit of an odd one out. Her brothers are all men of action (four are miners, the other’s a soldier) who can’t quite understand her cleverness.That's tough. Who is your least favorite character and why?My least favourite character has to be Duke Murgatroyd. He’s a nasty, devious piece of work who is England’s regent while the king, Simon, is still a boy. He isn’t at all what he seems and I’ve had great fun writing him, although he’s entirely revolting!Bad baddies are the best! We all love to hate them. What is your next project?I’m having such fun in my alternate-history world, and all the characters are clamouring for their own stories. I’m just getting a short story ready which is a prequel to The Clockwork War and introduces us to Princess Myrtle. Her death has provoked England and Scotland back to war, but my story, The Replacement Princess, enables us to see her in happier times! I hope to have that online as a freebie quite soon.Sounds delish! If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?Well, call me a hippy if you want, but I think I am doing what I can to change the world – and that’s writing stories. I believe the stories we tell ourselves are incredibly important. Our stories shape us as individuals and as communities and cultures.I guess I'm a hippy too, then. I think that's the best answer we've had! If you could never write again, what would you do?I would weep a lot! But, once I’d got over feeling sorry for myself I would probably focus on music. I play flute and with more time to spend on that I could get pretty good!Ah, ever the artist! What is your favorite word?Oh, that’s got to be “prestidigitation”. I love the English language! Prestidigitation means sleight of hand like a magician might indulge in. Isn’t it a gorgeous word?!Such a fun word! We've got another delightful lexicomaniac in our midst! Want to learn more about Katy? Visit her website, and check out her blog where she also does reviews! She also offers a free short story, Mage Moon, so you can see a sample of her writing! Want to keep up with all her bookish goodness? Follow her on Twitter! Interested in learning more about The Shattered Worlds Anthology? You can find the pre-order available on Amazon. Until next time, Keep Reading!
Welcome, Katy! What is the current book you are promoting?I’m promoting The Clockwork War, a steampunk/alternate history novel which is in the YA collection, Shattered Worlds. The premise of The Clockwork War is that Queen Elizabeth I was never queen. As a consequence, England and Scotland never unified, and 300 years later the two countries are once more at war.Wow, what a cool alternative history telling. Can't wait to read it! Who is your favorite character in your story and why?I adore my heroine, Clara. She’s smart (an engineer responsible for making devices intended to bring an end to the war), she loves her family ferociously, and she’s a bit of an odd one out. Her brothers are all men of action (four are miners, the other’s a soldier) who can’t quite understand her cleverness.That's tough. Who is your least favorite character and why?My least favourite character has to be Duke Murgatroyd. He’s a nasty, devious piece of work who is England’s regent while the king, Simon, is still a boy. He isn’t at all what he seems and I’ve had great fun writing him, although he’s entirely revolting!Bad baddies are the best! We all love to hate them. What is your next project?I’m having such fun in my alternate-history world, and all the characters are clamouring for their own stories. I’m just getting a short story ready which is a prequel to The Clockwork War and introduces us to Princess Myrtle. Her death has provoked England and Scotland back to war, but my story, The Replacement Princess, enables us to see her in happier times! I hope to have that online as a freebie quite soon.Sounds delish! If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?Well, call me a hippy if you want, but I think I am doing what I can to change the world – and that’s writing stories. I believe the stories we tell ourselves are incredibly important. Our stories shape us as individuals and as communities and cultures.I guess I'm a hippy too, then. I think that's the best answer we've had! If you could never write again, what would you do?I would weep a lot! But, once I’d got over feeling sorry for myself I would probably focus on music. I play flute and with more time to spend on that I could get pretty good!Ah, ever the artist! What is your favorite word?Oh, that’s got to be “prestidigitation”. I love the English language! Prestidigitation means sleight of hand like a magician might indulge in. Isn’t it a gorgeous word?!Such a fun word! We've got another delightful lexicomaniac in our midst! Want to learn more about Katy? Visit her website, and check out her blog where she also does reviews! She also offers a free short story, Mage Moon, so you can see a sample of her writing! Want to keep up with all her bookish goodness? Follow her on Twitter! Interested in learning more about The Shattered Worlds Anthology? You can find the pre-order available on Amazon. Until next time, Keep Reading!
June 21, 2017
Book Review-Fire's Love By Alex E. Carey
Genre: Urban Fantasy/ RomanceSynopsis: Kira thought she was leaving her demons behind when she left for college. She quickly discovers demons are everywhere, and can be good or evil. Not only are they real, but they’re protecting her; that is, except for the ones who want her dead. Kira's parents want to reveal things about who she is, but a strange phenomenon prevents them from explaining. Before they can try again, her mother and brother die and her father disappears. Afterward, Kira finds a mysterious book in her parents‘ belongings. Although the book confuses her, it comforts her too. She's sure it holds the answers she seeks. One of Kira’s new friends, Lowell Hew, is also an earth demon named Ulric the Wolf Thief. Lowell tries to help Kira solve the mysteries involving the book, her parents, and the elements they wanted her to know. Although Lowell has a crush on Kira, he’s not looking for a relationship, or so he keeps telling himself. Meanwhile, Lowell introduces Kira to his best friend, Pyre, a fire demon with a fiery temperament and a troubled past. Pyre closed off his heart years ago, while deep inside he yearned to belong. For Pyre, learning to love again comes with tremendous risk, especially when the girl he loves is human, and his best friend has thoughts of his own. Things go well until an eerie presence threatens Kira and her new friends, and they can only speculate as to who it may be. While her friends protect her and try to uncover the enemy’s identity, Kira must adjust to the challenges of being human with demon friends. Will she bask in the warmth, or be consumed by the flames of Fire’s Love?My Take: I honestly loved the book! Can't wait for mom to buy the second and third books. First time I read it I had spotted it on my brothers speakers and I remembered mom liking the book so I decided to read it. I did not even put it down ONCE for 7 hours straight. I went from the very beginning of the book to the very end of the book within 7 hours. Truth be told, I'm not into Romance books but this one was different it was a more enjoyable romance. I thought Kira would fall for Lowell/Ulric whichever you prefer but Pyre ruined that thought. I could tell from the moment that he had to be suppressing something with how mean he was to her. It was obvious that he was forcing his feelings so as I read on I found out that Pyre loved Kira, which I didn't see coming and then when Lowell started grinning creepily/strangely once he put the puzzle pieces together. I was honestly curious why he was smiling so I dug even further to find out he doesn't at all talk to his family aside from grunts like "Hn" and stuff. I was surprised! I mean, its his own freaking family and he doesn't talk to them? Sheesh, talk about overkill.I have a suspicion, granted its pretty much baseless, but I think Kira might be part demon or angel or SOMETHING abnormal. I mean she has a book that is written in a forgotten demon language that her mother told her how to use. Umm, DING DING much? On top of that, some of her dreams come true. Another DING DING moment. You're like, "something's not human about her".When Pyre's family freaks when they find out Pyre actually has feelings I was a bit curious why most people thought fire demons don't have feelings. I mean other demons have feelings why can't Fire demons? And then came the part about the birthday Caedmon gave her an album of pictures he'd been taking since he first met her which I find a bit creepy, but overall I enjoyed this book and I want to read the second and third in the series and hope that Alex E. Carey continues the story from thereUntil Next Time,Keep Reading!
June 19, 2017
Meet the Author Monday with Rhonda Lee Carver
Hello Lovelies, Welcome to another fun author interview with romance author Rhonda Lee Carver! At an early age, Rhonda fell in love with romance novels, knowing one day she’d write her own love story. Life took a short detour, but when the story ideas would no longer be contained, she decided to dive in and write. Her first rough draft was on a dirty napkin she found buried in her car. Eventually, she ran out of napkins. With baby on one hip and laptop on the other, she made a dream into reality—one word at a time. Her specialty is men who love to get their hands dirty and women who are smart, strong and flawed. She loves writing about the everyday hero. When Rhonda isn't crafting sizzling manuscripts, you will find her busy editing novels, blogging, juggling kids and animals (too many to name), dreaming of a beach house and keeping romance alive. Oh, and drinking lots of coffee to keep up with her characters.Welcome to an Angell's Life, Rhonda! What is the current book you are promoting? Cowboys Forgive (#8, Cowboys of Nirvana)Coming from the Midwest, I have a special place in my heart for Cowboys! What is your next project? My next project is Weston’s story, book 3 of Saddles & Second Chances. It will be releasing in July!Sweet! Can't wait to see. What is one place you would like to visit and why? Bora Bora. I want to stay in a water hut. I love the ocean and blue water.That would be really neat. How do you write your books? With lots of peace and quiet. When my kids are in school I work all day.Ha, I can relate. The day my kids started school was the greatest day of my life. Don't get me wrong, I love them to pieces (as I'm sure you do.) but man they take up a lot of time! What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer? We always have something to learn, no matter how many published books we have or how much money we make.Rhonda has provided a sample of her latest book. Enjoy!
Taking a dirt bath off a bull lands Jace Jackson into the hands of beautiful, smart, sexy country singer Jessa Garvey. In pain and loopy on pain meds, he has no clue he’s flirting with her, and making a big damn fool of himself. Back in high school she rejected him, and although years have passed, sometimes a cowboy can’t forget. When Miss Priss invades his space at Nirvana, he decides to give her a dose of her own medicine and puts her to work mucking stalls. That’ll teach her… Or will it? Trading her guitar for a shovel, Jessa is out to prove to Jace that she isn’t the same person she was as a teenager. As far as she’s concerned, he’ll forgive her even if it kills her, or lands her hot and willing in bed with the dangerously handsome cowboy. She’s in deep. Forgiveness is granted, but she isn’t prepared for the choices she must make. Has she changed enough? Does the sliver of selfishness remain?“I’m getting my pants back on. I’m feeling a draft.” He searched the room and found his clothes neatly stacked on the table. As he stepped over to grab them his gown opened in the back, showing off a pair of blue striped boxers. She stifled a giggle. Good thing he wasn’t naked, but good for whom? She wouldn’t have minded. Tight asses were hard to find.“Damn!” He gave his head a quick shake. She noticed that he was having some difficulty managing sliding one foot into the leg of his jeans because he was favoring his sore ribs.“Here, I’ll help.”She heard his gasp as she knelt before him, helping him slide one leg in, and once that was done, she smiled. “That’s wasn’t too hard.” She looked up and gulped. she was eye-level with his crotch—his bulging crotch.His eyes fell to her mouth and he didn’t need to say a word for her to realize where his thoughts headed. She couldn’t help herself as her own thoughts stumbled down the same direction. Looking further up his body, he was wide-eyed and a tuft of his hair hung down his forehead.Clearing her throat, she wasn’t sure where to go from here.As if he couldn’t help himself, he closed his eyes. Could he be trying to control his thoughts? Things only got worse—or harder. The tip of his erection poked out of the hole in his underwear. He opened his eyes and groaned in humiliation.With jeans scrunched at his ankles, he took a step back, lost his balance and fell back onto the floor, hitting his head on the metal table sending it crashing against the wall.“Damn! Son-of-a-gun. Mother fucker!” After the strings of explicits finished, he lifted a hand to touch the back of his head, wincing in pain.“Jace? Are you okay?” She squatted beside him, helping him sit up. “Does it hurt?”“No, it feels great.” He touched his ribs lightly.She bit her lip, not sure what to do to help him at this point. “I’m sorry.”“I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed this morning.” He moaned. “Go ahead, hit me right here and knock me out.” He patted his cheek.“I wouldn’t do that.” She frowned.“Damn pain pills better work!” he groaned.“Hold on. Let me see what I can do.” She stood, scanned the small area and found an ice bag that he must have been using on his ribs. She brought it over and he watched her, his eyes glazed. Yeah, she’d guess the meds were starting to kick in. She sat next to him and patted her lap. “I’ll ice the back of your head.”He wrapped his steely arms around her. Their faces were so close she could see a freckle on his cheek. “I’m a little blurry-eyed and wobbly, but you’re beautiful.”“Yes, you are.”Before she knew what was happening, he bobbed back and forth then moaned. Just as she’d suspected, she was no resistance against his weight. Together they fell to the floor with him sprawling on top of her, pinning her underneath his unconscious body. “Jace?”Nothing.“Hello? Yoo-hoo!” She tapped him on the shoulder. This time she received a deep snore in response.Oh no. I’m trapped.She tried pushing him to the side, but her arms were stuck under him. His snoring grew louder, tickling her ear drum. Her limbs were quickly falling asleep. And if this position wasn’t enough to throw her for a loop, his hand came up and grasped her breast. What should have been pure humiliation skittering through her body, instead was a reminder that she was a woman who craved a man’s touch. A woman who found this cowboy sexy and amazingly virile.He jerked and she looked down at his profile. He was staring at her. “Jessa? That’s you,” he mumbled. “You, snob, you. I didn’t like your prom dress.”She froze. So, he did recognize me. Although he was talking out of his head.“You’re cozy,” he said against her chest.Jessa realized she should be doing her best to get the brawny man off her body, but instead, she found it quite entertaining. And she had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time she saw Jace Jackson, not if she could help it.Want to learn more about Rhonda's Works? Check out her website. Want more delicious samples like this? Follow Rhonda's Blog. Want to see the books that inspire Rhonda's reading? Follow her on Goodreads! Follow her onFacebook, or join her Street Teamon Facebook. Follow her on Twitter and Amazon to learn more about her books. Join her Newsletter for special exclusives and notifications. Until next time, Keep Reading!
Taking a dirt bath off a bull lands Jace Jackson into the hands of beautiful, smart, sexy country singer Jessa Garvey. In pain and loopy on pain meds, he has no clue he’s flirting with her, and making a big damn fool of himself. Back in high school she rejected him, and although years have passed, sometimes a cowboy can’t forget. When Miss Priss invades his space at Nirvana, he decides to give her a dose of her own medicine and puts her to work mucking stalls. That’ll teach her… Or will it? Trading her guitar for a shovel, Jessa is out to prove to Jace that she isn’t the same person she was as a teenager. As far as she’s concerned, he’ll forgive her even if it kills her, or lands her hot and willing in bed with the dangerously handsome cowboy. She’s in deep. Forgiveness is granted, but she isn’t prepared for the choices she must make. Has she changed enough? Does the sliver of selfishness remain?“I’m getting my pants back on. I’m feeling a draft.” He searched the room and found his clothes neatly stacked on the table. As he stepped over to grab them his gown opened in the back, showing off a pair of blue striped boxers. She stifled a giggle. Good thing he wasn’t naked, but good for whom? She wouldn’t have minded. Tight asses were hard to find.“Damn!” He gave his head a quick shake. She noticed that he was having some difficulty managing sliding one foot into the leg of his jeans because he was favoring his sore ribs.“Here, I’ll help.”She heard his gasp as she knelt before him, helping him slide one leg in, and once that was done, she smiled. “That’s wasn’t too hard.” She looked up and gulped. she was eye-level with his crotch—his bulging crotch.His eyes fell to her mouth and he didn’t need to say a word for her to realize where his thoughts headed. She couldn’t help herself as her own thoughts stumbled down the same direction. Looking further up his body, he was wide-eyed and a tuft of his hair hung down his forehead.Clearing her throat, she wasn’t sure where to go from here.As if he couldn’t help himself, he closed his eyes. Could he be trying to control his thoughts? Things only got worse—or harder. The tip of his erection poked out of the hole in his underwear. He opened his eyes and groaned in humiliation.With jeans scrunched at his ankles, he took a step back, lost his balance and fell back onto the floor, hitting his head on the metal table sending it crashing against the wall.“Damn! Son-of-a-gun. Mother fucker!” After the strings of explicits finished, he lifted a hand to touch the back of his head, wincing in pain.“Jace? Are you okay?” She squatted beside him, helping him sit up. “Does it hurt?”“No, it feels great.” He touched his ribs lightly.She bit her lip, not sure what to do to help him at this point. “I’m sorry.”“I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed this morning.” He moaned. “Go ahead, hit me right here and knock me out.” He patted his cheek.“I wouldn’t do that.” She frowned.“Damn pain pills better work!” he groaned.“Hold on. Let me see what I can do.” She stood, scanned the small area and found an ice bag that he must have been using on his ribs. She brought it over and he watched her, his eyes glazed. Yeah, she’d guess the meds were starting to kick in. She sat next to him and patted her lap. “I’ll ice the back of your head.”He wrapped his steely arms around her. Their faces were so close she could see a freckle on his cheek. “I’m a little blurry-eyed and wobbly, but you’re beautiful.”“Yes, you are.”Before she knew what was happening, he bobbed back and forth then moaned. Just as she’d suspected, she was no resistance against his weight. Together they fell to the floor with him sprawling on top of her, pinning her underneath his unconscious body. “Jace?”Nothing.“Hello? Yoo-hoo!” She tapped him on the shoulder. This time she received a deep snore in response.Oh no. I’m trapped.She tried pushing him to the side, but her arms were stuck under him. His snoring grew louder, tickling her ear drum. Her limbs were quickly falling asleep. And if this position wasn’t enough to throw her for a loop, his hand came up and grasped her breast. What should have been pure humiliation skittering through her body, instead was a reminder that she was a woman who craved a man’s touch. A woman who found this cowboy sexy and amazingly virile.He jerked and she looked down at his profile. He was staring at her. “Jessa? That’s you,” he mumbled. “You, snob, you. I didn’t like your prom dress.”She froze. So, he did recognize me. Although he was talking out of his head.“You’re cozy,” he said against her chest.Jessa realized she should be doing her best to get the brawny man off her body, but instead, she found it quite entertaining. And she had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time she saw Jace Jackson, not if she could help it.Want to learn more about Rhonda's Works? Check out her website. Want more delicious samples like this? Follow Rhonda's Blog. Want to see the books that inspire Rhonda's reading? Follow her on Goodreads! Follow her onFacebook, or join her Street Teamon Facebook. Follow her on Twitter and Amazon to learn more about her books. Join her Newsletter for special exclusives and notifications. Until next time, Keep Reading!
June 16, 2017
Poetry Corner- Tunnels of Deception
Tunnels of deceptionwinding smoothly onThey look so nice and lovely, and yet they pull us down. We feel safe in its graspand things seem sweet and well. Then one day we wake upand find that we're in hell. Until next time,Keep Reading!
June 15, 2017
Thrilling Thursday: Survivalist Bible Plans
Hello Lovelies, I am so excited! I have been releasing weekly chapters of Survivalist Bible: Genesis to my Patrons, as I edit them in preparation for book launch. (If you would like to join, you can do so here. Just be sure to select the $2 or more level. You will also get one of my other e-books free!) The short story is coming along nicely, and I think we are ready to start planning the book release! And that means, time to get the cover designed! Jo Michaels is willing to do the cover for me, and I am so grateful! But I need to give her some concept to work with so she can work her magic. I am torn between two different concept ideas. The first would add to the realism of the story: 
And then I could just change the section title for each book (EG Genesis, Exodus, Levi, etc.) and at the end of the serial, I would actually combine the short stories into a bible with just the title "The Survivalist Bible" on the cover, and have a special limited edition done with the actual leather wrap on them as well. (Come, on, how COOL would that be?!) And then the more practical side of me, who is bound by money, is thinking of sending her something like this: 
And then just have the background and secondary title change with each section. (IE this is Atlanta Skyline because it's where the story starts. Exodus would be a strip of GA highway, etc.) IDK what I would do for the box set. Probably the first cover on the front, a themed image across the side, and then the last cover faded on the back to create a full wraparound effect? I wanted your input. Which one would make you want to grab a copy? Which one would you be most excited to see in a box set? I foresee releasing one section each month for the next 9 months. (That's what I have figured out so far.) Thoughts? Ideas? Something totally different? Let me know in the comments below! Also, just a reminder, if you select the $10 a month option on the Patreon, then you will get a thank you in each section as it releases, and you would go a long way toward supporting the creation of the covers. Thank you for your input!Until next time, Keep Reading!
And then I could just change the section title for each book (EG Genesis, Exodus, Levi, etc.) and at the end of the serial, I would actually combine the short stories into a bible with just the title "The Survivalist Bible" on the cover, and have a special limited edition done with the actual leather wrap on them as well. (Come, on, how COOL would that be?!) And then the more practical side of me, who is bound by money, is thinking of sending her something like this: And then just have the background and secondary title change with each section. (IE this is Atlanta Skyline because it's where the story starts. Exodus would be a strip of GA highway, etc.) IDK what I would do for the box set. Probably the first cover on the front, a themed image across the side, and then the last cover faded on the back to create a full wraparound effect? I wanted your input. Which one would make you want to grab a copy? Which one would you be most excited to see in a box set? I foresee releasing one section each month for the next 9 months. (That's what I have figured out so far.) Thoughts? Ideas? Something totally different? Let me know in the comments below! Also, just a reminder, if you select the $10 a month option on the Patreon, then you will get a thank you in each section as it releases, and you would go a long way toward supporting the creation of the covers. Thank you for your input!Until next time, Keep Reading!
June 13, 2017
Teaser Tuesday- Meet Roy Huff
Hello Lovelies,I have another fun author interview to do today. But Heidi, it's Tuesday?!I know, I know, but I was so excited to introduce you to this awesome author and his new book that I just couldn't wait until next week. Lol. But seriously, this man is a gem, and his new book just moved to the top of my TBR.
Roy Huff is a research scientist, author, and teacher who overcame the hardship of a family plagued by severe poverty and mental illness. After graduating high school as Valedictorian a year early, he moved to Hawaii at the age of seventeen with only $100 in his pocket to start a new life.He has since earned five degrees in four different disciplines spanning liberal arts, history, education, and geoscience. He has worked on projects such as forecasting volcanic emissions from the Kilauea Volcano and training on geostationary satellites for NASA's GOES-R Proving Ground. His co-authored peer-reviewed research has graced the cover of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS), but his foray into creative writing did not occur until the age of thirty-four when he began writing a creative paper for an English class while working concurrently on his fourth and fifth degrees. That paper later became the first chapter of his first book, which grew to be an Amazon number-one international epic-fantasy bestseller. Subsequent books in the Everville series have also gone on to become bestsellers and continue to win awards for both cover art design and content.Roy Huff remains an optimist. He enjoyed weathering the eye of Hurricane Hugo at the age of twelve, skydiving, and marathon running but still dreams of climbing Mt. Everest, circumnavigating the globe, traveling into space, and discovering the secrets of the universe. His interests are eclectic and range from the arts, extreme sports, economics, hard science, movies, traveling, and the outdoors. Roy Huff remains committed to promoting education, applied science, individuality, and creativity. He grew up on the East Coast, but has lived in Hawaii for more than half his life where he currently resides and creates new worlds with the stroke of his pen.Let's meet the man behind the mass of education! Hello Roy, How are you doing today? I’m doing great! I’ve been having a blast with the recent book launch and interviewsThe flurry of launch is a ton of fun, isn't it? What is the current book you are promoting?Think Smart Not Hard: 52 Key Principles to Success and HappinessThis title spoke to me so much when I saw it on Goodreads. I just knew I needed to know more. What 
inspired this book?I went through recent challenges as an adult, and put an action plan into place to make some needed changes. One of the outcomes was losing 44 pounds in 44 weeks, but I also kicked some habits and improved other goals I had. I decided to write down the strategies I used not just for the recent transformation, but also other challenges when I was younger.That is awesome! I have been trying to make some much needed changes in my own life and look forward to the inspiration from Think Smart Not Hard. If you could have your book made into a movie, who would you want to direct it?Oprah WinfreyInteresting choice. It does seem like something right up her alley! If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?Matt DamonFrom your author photo, I can totally see why! Now, you also write fiction. What is your next project?I have a hard SF time travel book. I finished the rough draft and need to polish it up. I’m hoping to make a series out of it.Sweet! What is one place you would like to visit and why?Machu Picchu. It’s been on my bucket list for awhile. I love traveling and hiking. It’s a beautiful place.Oh, yes it is. It's on my bucket list too! Who is your favorite fictional character and why?There are so many, too many to answer. I like Bilbo Baggins and Data from Star Trek TNGOh, Data owns my soul. In some ways, he captures what it's like to be human far more than any of the other characters! What one person from history would you like to meet and why?Leonardo Da Vinci, he is a true renaissance man.If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?I would give everyone a growth mindset.How do you write your books?I write them daily except when I don’t. I write in fits and starts, except when I’m in the flow. I prefer a quiet place, usually at my desk, except when my wifi is out and then I go to a loud coffee shop.Who inspires your writing?Everyone.Where do you come up with your stories?From my life, everything I experience, and everything I read.I am the same. Sifting through all that is just a great inspiration, right? Who is your favorite author?So many. For fiction, I like C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Tolkien. For non-fiction, Malcolm Gladwell, Napoleon Hill, Zig Ziglar, Carol Dweck, and tons more.What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?Never give up. Small daily actions add up to big outcomes over time.Isn't that the truth! If you could never write again, what would you do?I would be a research scientist (which I already am)What is your favorite word?HopeBeautiful choice. One of my favorites as well. There you have it, the unstoppable Roy Huff! Want to learn more about his newest book? You can get it on Amazon. Want to learn more about Roy? His websiteis a wealth of knowledge! Want a dash of his wisdom and charm on a regular basis? Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.Until next time, Keep Reading!
Roy Huff is a research scientist, author, and teacher who overcame the hardship of a family plagued by severe poverty and mental illness. After graduating high school as Valedictorian a year early, he moved to Hawaii at the age of seventeen with only $100 in his pocket to start a new life.He has since earned five degrees in four different disciplines spanning liberal arts, history, education, and geoscience. He has worked on projects such as forecasting volcanic emissions from the Kilauea Volcano and training on geostationary satellites for NASA's GOES-R Proving Ground. His co-authored peer-reviewed research has graced the cover of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS), but his foray into creative writing did not occur until the age of thirty-four when he began writing a creative paper for an English class while working concurrently on his fourth and fifth degrees. That paper later became the first chapter of his first book, which grew to be an Amazon number-one international epic-fantasy bestseller. Subsequent books in the Everville series have also gone on to become bestsellers and continue to win awards for both cover art design and content.Roy Huff remains an optimist. He enjoyed weathering the eye of Hurricane Hugo at the age of twelve, skydiving, and marathon running but still dreams of climbing Mt. Everest, circumnavigating the globe, traveling into space, and discovering the secrets of the universe. His interests are eclectic and range from the arts, extreme sports, economics, hard science, movies, traveling, and the outdoors. Roy Huff remains committed to promoting education, applied science, individuality, and creativity. He grew up on the East Coast, but has lived in Hawaii for more than half his life where he currently resides and creates new worlds with the stroke of his pen.Let's meet the man behind the mass of education! Hello Roy, How are you doing today? I’m doing great! I’ve been having a blast with the recent book launch and interviewsThe flurry of launch is a ton of fun, isn't it? What is the current book you are promoting?Think Smart Not Hard: 52 Key Principles to Success and HappinessThis title spoke to me so much when I saw it on Goodreads. I just knew I needed to know more. What inspired this book?I went through recent challenges as an adult, and put an action plan into place to make some needed changes. One of the outcomes was losing 44 pounds in 44 weeks, but I also kicked some habits and improved other goals I had. I decided to write down the strategies I used not just for the recent transformation, but also other challenges when I was younger.That is awesome! I have been trying to make some much needed changes in my own life and look forward to the inspiration from Think Smart Not Hard. If you could have your book made into a movie, who would you want to direct it?Oprah WinfreyInteresting choice. It does seem like something right up her alley! If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?Matt DamonFrom your author photo, I can totally see why! Now, you also write fiction. What is your next project?I have a hard SF time travel book. I finished the rough draft and need to polish it up. I’m hoping to make a series out of it.Sweet! What is one place you would like to visit and why?Machu Picchu. It’s been on my bucket list for awhile. I love traveling and hiking. It’s a beautiful place.Oh, yes it is. It's on my bucket list too! Who is your favorite fictional character and why?There are so many, too many to answer. I like Bilbo Baggins and Data from Star Trek TNGOh, Data owns my soul. In some ways, he captures what it's like to be human far more than any of the other characters! What one person from history would you like to meet and why?Leonardo Da Vinci, he is a true renaissance man.If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?I would give everyone a growth mindset.How do you write your books?I write them daily except when I don’t. I write in fits and starts, except when I’m in the flow. I prefer a quiet place, usually at my desk, except when my wifi is out and then I go to a loud coffee shop.Who inspires your writing?Everyone.Where do you come up with your stories?From my life, everything I experience, and everything I read.I am the same. Sifting through all that is just a great inspiration, right? Who is your favorite author?So many. For fiction, I like C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Tolkien. For non-fiction, Malcolm Gladwell, Napoleon Hill, Zig Ziglar, Carol Dweck, and tons more.What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?Never give up. Small daily actions add up to big outcomes over time.Isn't that the truth! If you could never write again, what would you do?I would be a research scientist (which I already am)What is your favorite word?HopeBeautiful choice. One of my favorites as well. There you have it, the unstoppable Roy Huff! Want to learn more about his newest book? You can get it on Amazon. Want to learn more about Roy? His websiteis a wealth of knowledge! Want a dash of his wisdom and charm on a regular basis? Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.Until next time, Keep Reading!
June 12, 2017
Meet the Author Monday with Jared J. Fleming
Hello Lovelies,Remember not that long ago, I shared the first chapter of A Dulled Mind by Jared J. Fleming? Well, I have managed to wrangle this young author into doing an interview with us. How fun is that? Born September 23rd, 1999, Jared Jonathan Fleming has always had a passion for writing, spending well over half his life practicing the craft. His writing is mixed in with his other passions so completely that often, entire stories are structured around one thing he feels strongly about, be that a social issue or some abstract concept. Jared’s stories always contain diverse casts of race, sexuality, and gender, with people from every walk of life represented. He takes great care to research and study the issues he deals with in his writing.Let's welcome, Jared! What is the current book you are promoting?
The book I am currently promoting is Dulled Mind, a story about a pirate gifted with psionic powers in a far-future setting. The year’s never stated in the story, but I’d say it’s about ten thousand AD, at the very least. The galaxy’s on the edge of civil war, between those who support psions, and those who support psions being kept under control, or even exterminated. People want psions dead. A lot of people. Naomi’s trying to keep everything together and keep life as normal as she can (a tall order already, given her choice of career).However, if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that she’s not going to give up easy.I've really enjoyed following the story on Royal RoadL. Who is your favorite character in your book and why?Probably Naomi. She’s a mix of callous and jaded pirate, loving and kind girlfriend, and desperate to survive at all costs…with a good dose of “nature versus nurture” in her background. It’s fun writing her, because she’s an extremely versatile character. I've enjoyed Naomi, as well, but I can't wait to learn more about Silat. Basically a Brain in a jar, except in the Scion world. How cool! What inspired this book?Honestly, I wanted to write something new, so all I did was take a single idea, like psionics, and built a universe from that. Behind Dulled Mind is an entire universe you don’t see, and I plan to explore it a lot more. Dulled Mind is a bit of an introduction, really, to the world of Psion.What is one thing you hate about being a writer?Probably the times when there’s a lack of inspiration. It’s absolutely infuriating when you want to write, and know what you want to write, but the words don’t come. I’ve spent dozens of frustrated nights staring at a screen long, long, into the morning, sometimes even staying up so late my alarm goes off before I go to bed, because I just can’t work up the motivation to write. It feels like its own brand of self-mortification.I think most of us can completely relate! Butt kuddos for you on pushing forward with this dream! If you could never write again, what would you do?I will assume that you mean “never write fiction again,” in that case, I would like to study linguistics and languages. Ultimately, my goal in life to so be a professor of linguistics, and failing that, I’m still going to have it as a major hobby of mine. I love language in every form and every kind, and to immerse myself in it completely is a dream of mine.Ah, a lexicomaniac after my own heart! See, I knew there was a reason I love this kid. (Ok, that and the really cool story he's creating with Dulled Mind!Are you loving what Jared's laying down? You can join his Patreon and get first insight into his works in progress. He also shares his fun bookish adventures on his blog and on Tumblr.Want to keep up with the man behind the myth? Join him on Facebook or Twitter!Until next time, Keep Reading!
The book I am currently promoting is Dulled Mind, a story about a pirate gifted with psionic powers in a far-future setting. The year’s never stated in the story, but I’d say it’s about ten thousand AD, at the very least. The galaxy’s on the edge of civil war, between those who support psions, and those who support psions being kept under control, or even exterminated. People want psions dead. A lot of people. Naomi’s trying to keep everything together and keep life as normal as she can (a tall order already, given her choice of career).However, if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that she’s not going to give up easy.I've really enjoyed following the story on Royal RoadL. Who is your favorite character in your book and why?Probably Naomi. She’s a mix of callous and jaded pirate, loving and kind girlfriend, and desperate to survive at all costs…with a good dose of “nature versus nurture” in her background. It’s fun writing her, because she’s an extremely versatile character. I've enjoyed Naomi, as well, but I can't wait to learn more about Silat. Basically a Brain in a jar, except in the Scion world. How cool! What inspired this book?Honestly, I wanted to write something new, so all I did was take a single idea, like psionics, and built a universe from that. Behind Dulled Mind is an entire universe you don’t see, and I plan to explore it a lot more. Dulled Mind is a bit of an introduction, really, to the world of Psion.What is one thing you hate about being a writer?Probably the times when there’s a lack of inspiration. It’s absolutely infuriating when you want to write, and know what you want to write, but the words don’t come. I’ve spent dozens of frustrated nights staring at a screen long, long, into the morning, sometimes even staying up so late my alarm goes off before I go to bed, because I just can’t work up the motivation to write. It feels like its own brand of self-mortification.I think most of us can completely relate! Butt kuddos for you on pushing forward with this dream! If you could never write again, what would you do?I will assume that you mean “never write fiction again,” in that case, I would like to study linguistics and languages. Ultimately, my goal in life to so be a professor of linguistics, and failing that, I’m still going to have it as a major hobby of mine. I love language in every form and every kind, and to immerse myself in it completely is a dream of mine.Ah, a lexicomaniac after my own heart! See, I knew there was a reason I love this kid. (Ok, that and the really cool story he's creating with Dulled Mind!Are you loving what Jared's laying down? You can join his Patreon and get first insight into his works in progress. He also shares his fun bookish adventures on his blog and on Tumblr.Want to keep up with the man behind the myth? Join him on Facebook or Twitter!Until next time, Keep Reading!
