L.V. Lewis's Blog, page 35
January 1, 2013
Happy New Year, Friends, Fans, Readers, Writers, and Loved Ones!
Here’s hoping that 2013 will bring all the love, laughter, hope, healing, peace, prosperity, friendship, family, friends, faith, fulfillment and goodwill you expect and deserve.
~ From the L. V. Lewis Family
December 31, 2012
It’s Like The Movie “Powder” As A Literary Book Without The Fantastical Elements
My Review of “The Tragedy Paper” by Elizabeth LaBan
Scheduled for release on January 8, 2013
Those who have come to know my literary leanings as a writer might truly consider this a departure from what I normally read, but I have a healthy respect for YA books since the impetus of Harry Potter, so here goes:
The synopsis of this story immediately reminded me of the movie, “Powder” where this young albino boy gets sent to an orphanage upon the death of the grandparents raising him. Powder falls for the hot girl and is ridiculed by his peers, but he had a secret intrinsic power that emerged whenever he showed strong emotions. Tim Macbeth, one of the protagonists in “The Tragedy Paper” has no such power, but his story was just as heart-wrenching as Powder’s.
Duncan, a senior at the fancy smancy Irvin School, inherits the dorm room of previous resident Tim McBeth, with whom he shares a past. The tradition of leaving something to the next occupant of the dorm room comes in the form of audio CDs made by Tim telling the tragic tale of his matriculation at the Irving School. Transferred in his senior year to the boarding school the previous year, Tim tried to blend in, but fate had other plans. He found himself falling for the most popular girl at Irving School, and miracle of all miracles, she returned his feelings. The cloud looming over them is the certainty that if anyone discovers their secret relationship, least of all her equally popular boyfriend, it will spell doom for them both. Her reputation will be shot, and Tim will be teased even more mercilessly.
Having the story told from alternating viewpoints via Duncan in the present, and Tim from the past is a device that has rarely been used, because it has to be just right to do so, and Ms. Laban executed this very well. And the themed Tragedy Paper for which the novel is named is a great backdrop for the whole story. Every senior is required to write a thesis for a taciturn and downright hard-nosed English teacher. As Duncan uncovers the truth behind Tim and Vanessa’s love story, it unwittingly gives him the subject matter for the best tragedy paper in the anals of Irving School history.
The mystery of Duncan’s connection to Tim kept me reading, although I was more affected by Tim’s story on the whole. It took longer for me to warm up to Duncan because I had a feeling that his involvement in the story from the previous year was going to make me dislike him in some way, but that didn’t happen. So you’ll have to read the book to find out why that is, and how his subsequent actions become somewhat of a redemption.
Readers young and old alike will love this story. I give The Tragedy Paper four out of five stars.
I was provided a copy of this story by Random House’s Alfred A. Knopf BFYR via NetGalley for my objective review.
December 28, 2012
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS SOMETIMES FOLLOWS YOU HOME!
My Review of Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger by Kyra Davis
Kasie Fitzgerald’s best friend Simone takes her on a whirlwind trip to Vegas where she dons a bandage dress and stilettos, wardrobe items she would normally never wear to have that wild weekend she’s never allowed herself to have. Rumblings that her longtime boyfriend Dave might propose to her sends them to the city that promises your indiscretions will stay there. Good girls often do everything mom and dad wants them to do, especially when you have a sister who’s a bad girl and has given them all kinds of grief. Good girls also settle for the opposite of the bad boy, a safe man. Kasie Fitzgerald is no exception.
The thing is, Kasie’s such a knockout in her friend’s decadent dress, she draws the attention of all the red-blooded men in the Casino, but only one with whom she has an immediate, spontaneous, incendiary connection. Robert Dade calls to her in ways she’s never experienced and the mutual attraction explodes into what Kasie expects to be a one-night stand that will stay neatly tucked away in Vegas. However, once she’s tasted of Mr. Dade’s carnal seductive skill, she is a goner. Scotch is my personal drink of choice, and I’ll never think of it the same way after reading this story!
Kasie’s attempt to leave her momentary lapse in judgment in the city where indiscretions dwell proves damn near impossible. Robert is like fire to Dave’s ice, one is the epitome of passion and the other the depth of mediocrity. Can Kasie continue to walk the tightrope of conformity for Dave and her parents, or will she succumb to the passionate nature Robert has awakened in her?
Robert pulls out all the stops trying to convince her that she doesn’t love Dave and marrying him would be a mistake. However, Kasie is torn between keeping with the relationship that is her bird-in-the-hand, or taking her chances with the one in the bush. Should she do what is expected of her, or take that walk on the wild side? I certainly wouldn’t want to be in Kasie’s shoes (who am I kidding, yes I would!!).
Kyra Davis writes this first installment of her trilogy like a pro, and I was so happy to see her bring a depth to this book that some of the most popular books in this hot genre don’t seem to have. Unlike some of the others I’ve read, and a few I’ve reviewed, this offering steals the show. The ending foreshadows some the heartbreak and angst to come in the next installment, and I literally cannot wait for it.
If I had any critique at all, I would’ve wished for alternating chapters in Kasie’s and Robert’s POV. I’m always interested to know how the alpha-male thinks, but that wasn’t offered, so I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see if her interactions with him in the next book will give us a better understanding of who he is and his motivations. This book can be read in one sitting, and honestly, if you love these types of stories, I think you’ll be so into it, you won’t want to put it down.
I easily gave Ms. Davis’ book four stars!
December 27, 2012
Interview with L V Lewis, author of Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever
Reblogged from Indie Author Land:
Tell us about Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever is, of course, a parody of the very famous book Fifty Shades of Grey. Keisha Beale and Tristan White are the counterparts of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Keisha Beale is a twenty-four year old biracial woman from the south side of Chicago who’s two years out of college at DePaul, and ready to put her major and passion to work.
My interview at Indie Author Land. Check it out, leave copious comments :)
December 25, 2012
Upcoming Blog Tour
BLOG TOUR BEGINNING DECEMBER 29 – JANUARY 4TH!!
This is my promo site: L V Lews’ Promo Site
Check out the sites where I’ll be talking about my book!
29th December – Book Feature at Peace from Pieces
30th December – Author Interview & Book Review at Mommy Adventures
31st December – Guest Post & Book Feature at The Bunny’s Review
1st January – Author Interview at Blog-A-Licious Authors
2nd January – Book Feature at The Next Big Book Thing
3rd January – Twitter View with OB Book Tours
4th January – Twitter Blast with OB Book Tours
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Buy Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever now @ Amazon
Genre – Contemporary Erotic Romance
Rating – R
Connect with LV Lewis on Facebook & Twitter
December 24, 2012
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE L.V. LEWIS FAMILY!
As we all take this tiime to be with loved ones and make new memories as we share old ones, I wanted to say Happy Holidays to all who celebrate this season, and Peace and Goodwill to all who may not, or have other traditional holiday observances.
2012 began rather bleak for me, but somewhere along the way, it brightened. I’d like to think this occurred because I pushed myself to self-publish despite so many doubts and misgivings. As writers and readers alike have embraced me in the industry, I’ve begun to think more and more that self-publishing was exactly the right thing to do.Thank you all so much for your support, your kind words, your encouragement, and your advice along the way. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.
As we look toward 2013, here’s wishing you all a Happy New Year that brings only the best you can experience in love and in life! ~ L.V.
December 21, 2012
And The Author-To-Author Blog Hop Giveaway Winner Is . . .
ALLISON REVILLA!!!
Allison Revilla is the winner of the following prize package courtesy of Author-to-Author:
Prize pack of ebooks:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
The Six by K.B. Hoyle
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
Congratulations, Allie, and thanks for playing, everyone!
Stay tuned for more blog hops and contests from this group of authors in the future. 
December 19, 2012
Holiday Greetings From Author to Author, Part 2
It’s been wonderful hosting all of the writers in the Author to Author Blog Hop. We all had a great experience working together, and it was nice to get to know some of my fellow authors better through their interviews. I hope you enjoyed it as well.
This is the final day left to enter the Rafflecopter drawing for the 13 ebooks, which means it’s it’s your final chance to win. However, there can be two grand prizes if we reach 2000 entries in the Giveaway. The Rafflecopter widget is at the bottom of the post.
And now, we’d all like to take a moment to send some final holiday greetings to you.
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My first book, Hidden Threat, was released on December 31, 2010. A lot has changed for me in the last two years. I’ve learned a lot, and have met some amazing people along the way. I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday, and thank you for your support.
Sherri Hayes
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As I look back at 2012, I have to say thank you to my readers for the support they have shown me. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to publish in the first place, so thank you for continuing to support my writing! I’m also grateful to the author friends I’ve made. I’ve learned, and continue to learn, so much from all of you. Have a blessed and joyous Christmas!
Peace and Love,
Sydney Logan
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Every year my family and I send out letters that detail those very things that went wrong during the year. (Don’t you just hate those holiday letters where everyone and everything are perfect?!? — please see www.allredgreetings.blogspot.com and you will feel much better about yourself!) Ahh. But the truth is, we are blessed. Every time I open the newspaper, we are reminded of this. As we head into the new year, it is my fondest wish that dreams come true but even better … you discover what your dream is and GO FOR IT!
I hope that you all end this year on a safe, healthy, happy note and ring in the new year with great ambition! Thank you to everyone for your support, love and laughter.
Alexandra Allred
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Happy Holidays! Thanks for making 2012 the year I decided to push the envelope. I couldn’t have done it without my Village.
Angel Lawson
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May this year pass us by with a smile on our faces and heads held high. May the New Year bring you joy, happiness, and a world full of adventure. May you keep your loved ones close, and your enemies in your prayers. Now is a time to be joyful and full of love. Let’s show the world that we too can stand up and say with a full heart, may He be present in our lives now…tomorrow…and forever.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
God Bless,
~ Allie Jean
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Holidays can mean different thing to all of us. Recent events have taught us how precious our time is on this planet. Never take for granted a single day to tell those people closest to you how much you love and care about them. I was estranged from my mother for years, due to stubbornness on both of our parts. I was lucky. One nondescript Sunday morning, something told me to put aside whatever had come between us, and go visit her. We spent just an hour together, and I’ll admit it was tense and we didn’t really speak. I gave her an awkward hug and told her I loved her before I left her house that chilly September morning. I got the call around 5pm, that night, that she had passed away sometime in the afternoon. We spend so much of our holidays rushing around looking for gifts, and attending mundane parties, that we lose sight of how important the holidays are supposed to be. Take time to hug a loved one, sing Christmas Carols, read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, or The Christmas Story, reflect on the past year, exchange gifts, but do it with the ones you love and mean the most to you. We only get one turn on this merry-go-round, so cherish the ride. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to every one of our family, friends, and fans.
Robert S. Fuller Jr
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Please Click Below To Enter Giveaway:
December 18, 2012
Holiday Greetings from Author to Author, Part 1
It’s been wonderful hosting all of the writers in the Author to Author Blog Hop. We all had a great experience working together, and it was nice to get to know some of my fellow authors better through their interviews. I hope you enjoyed it as well.
There are still two days left to enter the Rafflecopter drawing for the 13 ebooks, which means two more chances to win! The Rafflecopter widget is at the bottom of the post.
And now, we’d all like to take a moment to send some holiday greetings to you.
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I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a happy holiday season. I hope it’s full of joy, peace, and love for you and your family.I’m most grateful this year for the wonderful new friends I’ve made. Though I may never meet some of you in person, you’ve touched my heart. It’s a wonderful gift I’ll always cherish.Best wishes for a happy New Year,
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Happy holidays. Thank you for reading and supporting the publishing industry (be it self publishing, Indie publishing, or traditional publishing) this year.Namaste,
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To all my readers, especially those who count themselves among my new fans, here’s wishing you a Joyous Happy Holidays.
My gift to you are the words of one of my favorite traditional Christmas Songs, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day:
“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep. God is not dead, nor does He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
Peace and Blessings,
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Wishing all of my readers, fans, and fellow authors a joyous and wonderful New Year. This season, give the gift of yourself to the world. Encourage others, make a difference, help when you can, and most importantly, believe in yourself! As I like to say, “Be The Light”!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!
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As 2012 ends and we reflect on the year that has gone just before, I think with joy on my blessings and hope such joy pervades your holiday season, too. From me and mine to you and yours, sincere wishes for the very best in 2013 and always. Remember that you are of great worth and are the center of someone’s world.~Sandi Layne
“God bless us, every one!” – Tiny Tim in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
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Looking back on 2012, I’m so grateful to you who are readers – thank you for your support and encouragement. To you who are fellow authors – it’s been a blast taking this journey with you. And to both who’ve also become friends – I can’t imagine my life without you!
Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season,
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Click Below To Enter Giveaway:
December 17, 2012
Q and A with Sydney Logan, Author of Lessons Learned and Mistletoe Magic
1. Who’s your favorite author, and why?
This is impossible to answer, but I can list some favorites. I love Judy Blume, Shel Silverstein, S.E. Hinton, Nicholas Sparks, Stephenie Meyer, John Grisham, and Madeline L’Engle. Of this list, my favorite is probably Nicholas Sparks. The man never fails to touch my heart and bring me to tears.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
Matt. I’d love to see how he’s doing now. Is he still living in Tennessee? Teaching? In love? Most importantly, is he happy? Those are the questions I’d ask.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
Their personalities come from the people I encounter in my real life. With Lessons Learned, Sarah is very much me. Lucas is loosely based on my husband (the man really is a saint). The others characters are just blends of other people I know or have met in my life.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Editing. (Ha! Made you laugh, didn’t I?) Honestly, the best thing about being a writer is hearing that your words touched someone’s heart. That’s my goal, always.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
My story isn’t a traditional one. I was actually contacted by my publisher. One of their copy editors was a reader of my online stories, and she passed my name along to her submissions department. They contacted me to ask if I’d ever considered writing original fiction. The rest is history!
6. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?
Sandi Layne gave me a piece of advice about dealing with reviews. “You wrote for a certain ideal reader. That ideal reader is going to love your words. If someone doesn’t like your work? They aren’t your ideal reader. Do you really need to invest yourself in what they say?” Profound words. I printed it out, and it hangs on the wall behind my computer.
7. Biggest mistake you’ve made as an author?
I don’t know that it’s a “mistake,” but an obstacle of mine is being brave enough to actually promote my book in my hometown. I’m not quite there yet. Maybe with Book #2 . . .
Holiday-themed questions:
1. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Sarah would want to cook a big dinner for her friends and family and just spend quality time with them.
2. Favorite Christmas music?
I love Christmas instrumentals (Celtic, Appalachian), and I love the classics (O Holy Night & What Child is This?) I also love Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
3. What was the best gift you ever received?
I had a December wedding. We will be married ten years on December 7. Best present ever. 
Sydney Logan holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and makes her home in the hills of East Tennessee. With the 2012 release of her first novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. She has a very unhealthy obsession with music, and her iPod is filled with everything from Johnny Cash to Eminem. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her front porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat. She recently released a Christmas short story titled “Mistletoe Magic” and is currently completing her second novel, which will be released in 2013.
Sydney Logan holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and makes her home in the hills of East Tennessee. With the 2012 release of her first novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. She has a very unhealthy obsession with music, and her iPod is filled with everything from Johnny Cash to Eminem. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her front porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat. She recently released a Christmas short story titled “Mistletoe Magic” and is currently completing her second novel, which will be released in 2013.
I love connecting with readers! Find me online:
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/SydneyLoganAuthor
Twitter Name: @SydneyALogan
Blog or Website: http://www.sydneylogan.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sydneyalogan/
Email: sydney@sydneylogan.com
To purchase Lessons Learned:
Amazon
TWCS Publishing House
iTunes
Kobo
To purchase “Mistletoe Magic”
(includes sample of Lessons Learned):
Amazon Kindle
Prize pack of ebooks:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
The Six by K.B. Hoyle
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
We have exciting news about the drawing!If we reach 2,000 entries, there will be a second prize package awarded! Please click the Rafflecopter link below to enter.
