C.A. King's Blog, page 10
August 7, 2016
Book Review ~ Take The Leap Short Stories Collection.
Book Review ~ Take the Leap Short Stories Collection
Author: Derek Ryans
Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Carol Ann King
Take the Leap Short Stories Collection is a romantic tale which the author has presented as three short stories rather than using chapters. I found this premise to be a unique twist on the regular form of formatting, although somewhat misleading to readers.
This Novella is in fact one story about the rocky road to becoming a couple for an unusual pairing. He is homeless man running from an abusive life and she is a music store owner.
The first section, titled 58 days, is told from Ethan's perspective and deals with the meeting of the two main characters. I enjoyed the way Ryans portrayed his backstory and emotions running through Ethan's mind.
The second section, titled Shut Up and Kiss Me, is told from Charity's perspective, covering the journey between meeting and becoming a couple. At some point, I'm not sure exactly the spot, I began to question Charity's character.
The final section, titled Love Was In The Lost And Found, is told from a third person perspective, showing the relationship the two have formed.
The use of the three perspectives made for an enjoyable look at how their relationship grows from the inside and out.
What I found interesting is that in the beginning of the Novella, in my opinion, Ethan is portrayed a broken man in need of therapy. Charity is a stable woman looking to change the world with music and love. By the end of the third story it is almost as if the two roles are reversed. Ethan is a caring and dedicated man and Charity's personality teeters on the side of being a jealous, overbearing stalker. Perhaps there is an important lesson hidden in Ryans' words - I leave that up to individual readers to decide.
Ryans may have missed the mark a little, having an alcoholic recover without difficulty, almost immediately. That, to me, is on the unrealistic side. Having known alcoholic's in my life, I can say their struggle to become sober is far more difficult than those of us without the addiction can imagine.
Rating 4/5 stars recommended read for any bleeding heart romantic.
I received a free eBook copy of this Novella from For Love of a Book and online read and review group, in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Derek Ryans
Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Carol Ann King
Take the Leap Short Stories Collection is a romantic tale which the author has presented as three short stories rather than using chapters. I found this premise to be a unique twist on the regular form of formatting, although somewhat misleading to readers.
This Novella is in fact one story about the rocky road to becoming a couple for an unusual pairing. He is homeless man running from an abusive life and she is a music store owner.
The first section, titled 58 days, is told from Ethan's perspective and deals with the meeting of the two main characters. I enjoyed the way Ryans portrayed his backstory and emotions running through Ethan's mind.
The second section, titled Shut Up and Kiss Me, is told from Charity's perspective, covering the journey between meeting and becoming a couple. At some point, I'm not sure exactly the spot, I began to question Charity's character.
The final section, titled Love Was In The Lost And Found, is told from a third person perspective, showing the relationship the two have formed.
The use of the three perspectives made for an enjoyable look at how their relationship grows from the inside and out.
What I found interesting is that in the beginning of the Novella, in my opinion, Ethan is portrayed a broken man in need of therapy. Charity is a stable woman looking to change the world with music and love. By the end of the third story it is almost as if the two roles are reversed. Ethan is a caring and dedicated man and Charity's personality teeters on the side of being a jealous, overbearing stalker. Perhaps there is an important lesson hidden in Ryans' words - I leave that up to individual readers to decide.
Ryans may have missed the mark a little, having an alcoholic recover without difficulty, almost immediately. That, to me, is on the unrealistic side. Having known alcoholic's in my life, I can say their struggle to become sober is far more difficult than those of us without the addiction can imagine.
Rating 4/5 stars recommended read for any bleeding heart romantic.
I received a free eBook copy of this Novella from For Love of a Book and online read and review group, in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
Book Review ~ Marvelry's Curiosity Shop
Book Review ~ Marvelry's Curiosity Shop
Author: John Brhel &Joseph Sullivan
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Carol Ann King
The basic theme that ties this book of short stories together is an amazing idea.
Dr. Malvery, a retired magician, now owns and operates an antique store. The shelves of this store, however, are filled with unusual items - many with supernatural ties. Each short story follows an item from within the store, as it is bought or gifted to unsuspecting customers.
Marvelry's Curiosity Shop is listed as a horror. As you may know from my previous reviews, I believe the success in writing a horror of any length, first and foremost, is that as many elements as possible be believable.
While most of the individual stories may be possible, it is Dr. Malvery himself I had an issue with. He is portrayed and a nice, upstanding individual with some magical knowledge. At the same time he is also quite naive to having a store full of possessed and powerful items and he sells them to people, in most cases ruining their lives.
I would have preferred to have seen Malvery as a bit sinister and mysterious. I believe that would have given the stories a bit more of a horrific touch. As a main character, Dr. Malvery could have also used a longer introduction and perhaps an ending chapter.
In my opinion, having such a great theme could have been utilized a little more. While a few of the stories have a connection, others lacked continuity. I would have liked for each tale to have a tie to the next, even if it was people in the store passing each other. Something very simple could have been used to ease the reader from one story to the next.
Each of the tales the authors created have their own points of interest and, in some cases, lessons. They are however, very basic. A bit more detail could have been added to make them come to life.
If you like the strange and unknown, this book may be for you. I look forward to seeing what these authors come up with in the future.
I received a free copy of Malvery's Curiosity Shop for the group For Love of a Book in exchange for an honest review.
Author: John Brhel &Joseph Sullivan
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Carol Ann King
The basic theme that ties this book of short stories together is an amazing idea.
Dr. Malvery, a retired magician, now owns and operates an antique store. The shelves of this store, however, are filled with unusual items - many with supernatural ties. Each short story follows an item from within the store, as it is bought or gifted to unsuspecting customers.
Marvelry's Curiosity Shop is listed as a horror. As you may know from my previous reviews, I believe the success in writing a horror of any length, first and foremost, is that as many elements as possible be believable.
While most of the individual stories may be possible, it is Dr. Malvery himself I had an issue with. He is portrayed and a nice, upstanding individual with some magical knowledge. At the same time he is also quite naive to having a store full of possessed and powerful items and he sells them to people, in most cases ruining their lives.
I would have preferred to have seen Malvery as a bit sinister and mysterious. I believe that would have given the stories a bit more of a horrific touch. As a main character, Dr. Malvery could have also used a longer introduction and perhaps an ending chapter.
In my opinion, having such a great theme could have been utilized a little more. While a few of the stories have a connection, others lacked continuity. I would have liked for each tale to have a tie to the next, even if it was people in the store passing each other. Something very simple could have been used to ease the reader from one story to the next.
Each of the tales the authors created have their own points of interest and, in some cases, lessons. They are however, very basic. A bit more detail could have been added to make them come to life.
If you like the strange and unknown, this book may be for you. I look forward to seeing what these authors come up with in the future.
I received a free copy of Malvery's Curiosity Shop for the group For Love of a Book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2016
Summer Splash Book Blog Tour ~ Author Interview ~ Anna Kringle
Make your Summer Reading SIZZLE with these hot reads from fresh new authors!
This week's featured author is Anna Kringle
Anna is a bubbly fairy princess from a small country town far, far away. Raised around rednecks and obsessively muddy trucks, She was faced with a strange need to fill empty paper with words. So she decided she might as well write stories. With the help of her friendly mice and other neighborhood animals, she has worked very hard to make this hobby a profession, and hopes to make the world a bright and colorful place through her works.
Anna discovers new stories in between slaying dragons and leading the children of her realm on a musical revolt against normality.
You can reach Anna at:
AnnaKtheAuthor@outlook.com
Www.annakringle.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/annatheauthor
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Anna: This is very much a swashbuckling Steampunk Adventure. You could probably classify this as New adult fiction, but I try to keep my plots interesting to everyone.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Anna: There are a few expletives and lewd comments from the less reputable pirates, but Captain Ithaca runs a rather clean ship.
Carol Ann: What is your favourite Quote?
Anna: And Captain?” She looked at him solicitously. “Are you sure you don't want the coffeemaker?”
Carol Ann: What advice do you have for new writers?
Anna: Do it now, or you never will. It's so easy to wait, to keep researching, keep thinking, but at the end of the day, you just have to take the leap. You got this!
Carol Ann: Where do you write?
Anna: Mostly at home these days. I have a comfy little crook in the couch where I sit with my computer and a cup of coffee (or tea) and plug away until amazingness appears on my screen.
Carol Ann: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
Anna: My characters are very complex individuals, and I love them dearly. I wouldn't say we converse often, but they definitely have minds of their own.
Carol Ann: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
Anna: “Believe in your dreams” is probably the one I'm most tired of. Not because it's bad, but because it's overstated, and doesn't express all the work and effort we put into creating. Dreams are great, but goals are even better.
Carol Ann: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
Anna: It depends entirely on the story. I don't get too hung up on how long a story is, so long as it's told well and is compelling.
Carol Ann: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
Anna: Oooh, no... But that's a fabulous idea! (scribbling note to self)
Carol Ann: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
Anna: My favorite food is, without doubt, strawberries. I haven't worked them into a story yet, but I do have a character who loves Marshmallow cubes.
Carol Ann: Do you have a writing Motto?
Anna: My mother's mantra for me is “Don't be a Prima Dona; Just write!” The other I struggle with is “Show, don't tell.”
Carol Ann: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
Anna: I don't think I would. Fun as it is to think back and forward, I believe in doing what you can, where you're at, with what you have. Waiting for life to be different/perfect/better leaves you twiddling your thumbs for a long time.
Thank you Anna Kringle for taking the time to answer my questions.
This week's featured author is Anna Kringle
Anna is a bubbly fairy princess from a small country town far, far away. Raised around rednecks and obsessively muddy trucks, She was faced with a strange need to fill empty paper with words. So she decided she might as well write stories. With the help of her friendly mice and other neighborhood animals, she has worked very hard to make this hobby a profession, and hopes to make the world a bright and colorful place through her works.
Anna discovers new stories in between slaying dragons and leading the children of her realm on a musical revolt against normality.
You can reach Anna at:
AnnaKtheAuthor@outlook.com
Www.annakringle.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/annatheauthor
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Anna: This is very much a swashbuckling Steampunk Adventure. You could probably classify this as New adult fiction, but I try to keep my plots interesting to everyone.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Anna: There are a few expletives and lewd comments from the less reputable pirates, but Captain Ithaca runs a rather clean ship.
Carol Ann: What is your favourite Quote?
Anna: And Captain?” She looked at him solicitously. “Are you sure you don't want the coffeemaker?”
Carol Ann: What advice do you have for new writers?
Anna: Do it now, or you never will. It's so easy to wait, to keep researching, keep thinking, but at the end of the day, you just have to take the leap. You got this!
Carol Ann: Where do you write?
Anna: Mostly at home these days. I have a comfy little crook in the couch where I sit with my computer and a cup of coffee (or tea) and plug away until amazingness appears on my screen.
Carol Ann: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
Anna: My characters are very complex individuals, and I love them dearly. I wouldn't say we converse often, but they definitely have minds of their own.
Carol Ann: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
Anna: “Believe in your dreams” is probably the one I'm most tired of. Not because it's bad, but because it's overstated, and doesn't express all the work and effort we put into creating. Dreams are great, but goals are even better.
Carol Ann: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
Anna: It depends entirely on the story. I don't get too hung up on how long a story is, so long as it's told well and is compelling.
Carol Ann: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
Anna: Oooh, no... But that's a fabulous idea! (scribbling note to self)
Carol Ann: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
Anna: My favorite food is, without doubt, strawberries. I haven't worked them into a story yet, but I do have a character who loves Marshmallow cubes.
Carol Ann: Do you have a writing Motto?
Anna: My mother's mantra for me is “Don't be a Prima Dona; Just write!” The other I struggle with is “Show, don't tell.”
Carol Ann: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
Anna: I don't think I would. Fun as it is to think back and forward, I believe in doing what you can, where you're at, with what you have. Waiting for life to be different/perfect/better leaves you twiddling your thumbs for a long time.
Thank you Anna Kringle for taking the time to answer my questions.
July 27, 2016
Thank you
Today I wanted to take the time to say thank you to some of the wonderful people who have taken the time to feature my books.
In a busy world, time is a valuable commodity. For people to take the time out of their lives to appreciate someone else's work is amazing.
I'd like to start by thanking each of the writers participating in the Summer Splash Blog Tour.
Summer Splash Blog Tour Information
Sarah Anderson takes the most beautiful pictures on Instagram. I absolutely adore browsing through her posts that prove books are art.
Portal Prophecies in the park picture
A Keeper's Destiny in a tree picture
The Portal Prophecies Series Picture
Recommendations Picture
In the past year, I have received some wonderful write ups from some amazing bloggers, including:
Sharon Lipman
Susan Horsnell
Sarah Foil
Cloe Marrie
Katepost1 on Buzzfeed
Go Indie Now Book Box recently included my bookmarks to their subscription boxes. I suppose I am known as the fortune-telling-fish author now. :)
Go Indie Now Instagram
In a busy world, time is a valuable commodity. For people to take the time out of their lives to appreciate someone else's work is amazing.
I'd like to start by thanking each of the writers participating in the Summer Splash Blog Tour.
Summer Splash Blog Tour Information
Sarah Anderson takes the most beautiful pictures on Instagram. I absolutely adore browsing through her posts that prove books are art.
Portal Prophecies in the park picture
A Keeper's Destiny in a tree picture
The Portal Prophecies Series Picture
Recommendations Picture
In the past year, I have received some wonderful write ups from some amazing bloggers, including:
Sharon Lipman
Susan Horsnell
Sarah Foil
Cloe Marrie
Katepost1 on Buzzfeed
Go Indie Now Book Box recently included my bookmarks to their subscription boxes. I suppose I am known as the fortune-telling-fish author now. :)
Go Indie Now Instagram
Insights Into One Author's Life
There has been a lot of talk about mental health issues lately. I myself have been diagnosed with clinical depression. It takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real life. To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn't open mail, talk on the phone or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall, There didn't need to be a reason or trigger.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world other people could escape to. I wanted to share the place that helped me for many years.
I have found reading books helps just as much as writing them. I visit the worlds many other authors have created. It makes me feel better and gives me strength to face real life again. I want to thank you all for writing. I want you to know you are making a difference. Keep it up and keep supporting each other!
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for each of you. Please don't ever let anyone tell you different.
I'm not a poet, but I'd like to share one that I wrote after my husband's death.
On this day your light faded away
I brought you back in hopes you’d stay
In selfish dreams I needed you there
My whole world required your care
By the time I realized it was too late
You would now suffer to a new date
I didn’t worry about how you felt
My mind clouded with the bad hand I’d been dealt
To comfort me you tried to return
I can only imagine the painful sting and burn
Once again you put your needs on hold
You always had a heart of gold
If I could go back to that very night
I’d let your soul fly peacefully into the light
I am sorry I wasn’t stronger
I only wished you’d lived a little longer.
Hope you have a great day. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world other people could escape to. I wanted to share the place that helped me for many years.
I have found reading books helps just as much as writing them. I visit the worlds many other authors have created. It makes me feel better and gives me strength to face real life again. I want to thank you all for writing. I want you to know you are making a difference. Keep it up and keep supporting each other!
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for each of you. Please don't ever let anyone tell you different.
I'm not a poet, but I'd like to share one that I wrote after my husband's death.
On this day your light faded away
I brought you back in hopes you’d stay
In selfish dreams I needed you there
My whole world required your care
By the time I realized it was too late
You would now suffer to a new date
I didn’t worry about how you felt
My mind clouded with the bad hand I’d been dealt
To comfort me you tried to return
I can only imagine the painful sting and burn
Once again you put your needs on hold
You always had a heart of gold
If I could go back to that very night
I’d let your soul fly peacefully into the light
I am sorry I wasn’t stronger
I only wished you’d lived a little longer.
Hope you have a great day. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
July 24, 2016
Summer Splash Book Blog Tour ~ Author Interview ~ Leslie Conzatti
Summer Splash Book Blog Tour ~ Author Interview ~ Leslie Conzatti
Make your Summer Reading SIZZLE with these hot reads from fresh new authors!
This week's featured author is Leslie Conzatti.
Leslie Conzatti is an avid reader, a passionate writer, and a committed lover of all things fantasy. A native of the Pacific Northwest, she has been running the blog “The Upstream Writer” since the beginning of 2013, to promote her own writing and as a medium for interacting with readers. In addition, “The Upstream Writer” is an “indie book blog” as well, since Leslie willingly uses it as an excuse to get free books. (to review, of course!) Leslie’s “day job” is a staff assistant at a local elementary school. She is currently in the process of getting a novella published, and hopes to be ready for release by the fall!
Blog: https://www.upstreamwriter.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslieconzat...
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/KartheyM
Coming Soon: Princess of Undersea, a Timeless Fairy Tale
This is a tale of two realms: one above the sea, one far below.
A tale of two kings: King Davor watches his people grow ever stronger, while the might of King Theodore wanes and withers in the wake of hardship.
Two young royals, set to inherit the throne of their fathers: Princess Ylaine wants to convince her father not to declare war on a species no one has ever seen; Prince Nathan wants his father to see that a loveless marriage will only compound the problems their kingdom faces, not answer them.
Two minds, learning the principles of true leadership; two souls, seeking the full extent of true power; two hearts discovering the meaning of true love--
Before two enemies conspire to destroy their worlds forever.
Excerpt:
"Ylaine," Davor continued evenly, "You know I like to hear you sing."
Ylaine pressed her lips in a smile. "Then why don't you listen, father?"
"Such a gift as yours is only fitting for an event like this one."
"I am quite sure the fairy did not give it to me to be used in such a manner."
"Please, Ylaine—"
"I told you," Ylaine twisted so her hair concealed her face again. "I'm not well. I need to rest."
Davor folded his muscled arms across his smooth torso. "This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm sure the guards found you trying to slip through the boundaries in a school of barracuda, would it?"
A single flicker of the aqua eye among the purple haze confirmed his suspicion.
"I just wanted to see the surface, just once!" she complained.
>>>>>
At last! The mischievous rogue squeezed into an alcove and surveyed his quarry: a fresh berry tart on the windowsill. He would have to slip past the pastry chef, the cook, the cellar-maid, the baker, and the footmen traipsing in and out of the kitchen as they readied luncheon for His Majesty—
“Your Highness!” The cry hurt his pride almost as much as the fierce grip hurt his ear.
“Aww, Giles!” he whined, gripping the servant’s wrist in a vain attempt at getting him to relax his grip.
>>>>>>
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Leslie: Princess of Undersea is a fantasy fairy tale.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Leslie: No. I made this one kid-friendly! A few scenes might be intense for little ears, but anybody old enough to read stories like the Chronicles of Narnia would absolutely be good with this book!
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Leslie: None yet, but once I move beyond the editing process and onto producing and marketing, I am certain I will, so stay tuned!
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Anything in the works?
Leslie: I always have something in the works... As far as publishing, I will probably be looking over what I have, in search of something else that I can feel good about publishing. Who knows?
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Leslie: Well, at this point there's only two of us that I know of, so shout out to Bill Beck of Endless Press [http://www.endlesspress.org/about/]! He's been a great publisher-cum-editor so far!
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Leslie: Peter Pan was always my favorite fairy tale. And then there was also the Chronicles of Narnia which I read almost to the point of memorization.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Leslie: Oh my goodness! There are so many different characters from so many books, it's really hard to choose! The main reason I would want to meet a fictional character at all would be to see what they actually look like, rather than having to configure an image in my mind, which is easy to forget. That's why I love a good film adaptation too, whether it exactly follows the book or not... Often, the casting is done well, so that way I have an image of the character to carry with me while I read the book.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Leslie: I always enjoyed making up stories, even since before I could read. My earliest memory is of flipping through a kids' novel, not recognizing any of the words, but the pictures gave me clear ideas of what might be happening, so I told myself that story—one I made up by myself. From there, I just never stopped making up stories.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Leslie: "Even the quiet ones get their moment to shine."
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Leslie: Just write. It's awkward, you feel all confused and anxious—but the best and most important thing you can begin with that has helped me be able to write so much, is the skill of just writing down what comes to mind—and with practice, you might even find yourself thinking in complete sentences, which really helps!
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Leslie: My worst mistake at this point is probably not developing my network of like-minded people soon enough. Growing up in a very close, conservative setting did give me a great foundation to be able to choose my tastes wisely, reading and writing high-quality, productive literature instead of what writers call "fluff and smut"—but at the same time, the ability to develop my skills in writing were limited in the circles I stayed in. The best "writer" I knew didn't have the same tastes I had, and didn't have enough experience with my prospective audience, to be able to help me in what I needed. If the advances in networking that I've experienced in the last couple years had only happened sooner, I probably would have been published long ago.
Also, a huge problem that I am only just now finding the answer to is overthinking. Not having friends or family who had the same tastes as I did, and being the "only one" who was so incredibly passionate about literature (and desperately introverted to boot), caused me to write because I loved it—then overthink it to the point of reluctance, or get so caught up in imagining how it might be received that I just never did anything with it or told anybody about it, for fear that I was wrong, and people actually might not like it.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Leslie: I am going to answer this because I do have fans, even though I am not yet published!
During my last year of college, my imagination (as it often does) went on revolt against all the writing assignments I was doing (I majored in English), and I started writing a "fanfiction spinoff" of the Chronicles of Narnia, entitled "The Telmar Trilogy." I did everything I could to match C. S. Lewis' writing style, bringing in elements of Bible stories and teachings to lend credence to my trilogy, even though it was only fan-made. When it was done, I gave it to a friend because she and all her siblings were very much fans of the Narnia series as well. She came back later and told me about one night, when she and a few of her younger siblings were talking about the Chronicles of Narnia, and she had expressed regret that Lewis had never continued the series.
Her little brother pipes up and says, "Yes he did! Remember that story about the girl who goes to Telmar and stuff?"
She had some difficulty convincing him that the author of the story was in fact me, not C. S. Lewis! That was when I knew I was ready to start branching away from fanfiction and writing my own stuff.
("The Telmar Trilogy" is available to read on Leslie's blog, The Upstream Writer, by following this link: http://upstreamwriter.blogspot.com/20... )
I can honestly say I am looking forward to reading Leslie's book when it is released later this year!
Make your Summer Reading SIZZLE with these hot reads from fresh new authors!
This week's featured author is Leslie Conzatti.
Leslie Conzatti is an avid reader, a passionate writer, and a committed lover of all things fantasy. A native of the Pacific Northwest, she has been running the blog “The Upstream Writer” since the beginning of 2013, to promote her own writing and as a medium for interacting with readers. In addition, “The Upstream Writer” is an “indie book blog” as well, since Leslie willingly uses it as an excuse to get free books. (to review, of course!) Leslie’s “day job” is a staff assistant at a local elementary school. She is currently in the process of getting a novella published, and hopes to be ready for release by the fall!
Blog: https://www.upstreamwriter.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslieconzat...
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/KartheyM
Coming Soon: Princess of Undersea, a Timeless Fairy Tale
This is a tale of two realms: one above the sea, one far below.
A tale of two kings: King Davor watches his people grow ever stronger, while the might of King Theodore wanes and withers in the wake of hardship.
Two young royals, set to inherit the throne of their fathers: Princess Ylaine wants to convince her father not to declare war on a species no one has ever seen; Prince Nathan wants his father to see that a loveless marriage will only compound the problems their kingdom faces, not answer them.
Two minds, learning the principles of true leadership; two souls, seeking the full extent of true power; two hearts discovering the meaning of true love--
Before two enemies conspire to destroy their worlds forever.
Excerpt:
"Ylaine," Davor continued evenly, "You know I like to hear you sing."
Ylaine pressed her lips in a smile. "Then why don't you listen, father?"
"Such a gift as yours is only fitting for an event like this one."
"I am quite sure the fairy did not give it to me to be used in such a manner."
"Please, Ylaine—"
"I told you," Ylaine twisted so her hair concealed her face again. "I'm not well. I need to rest."
Davor folded his muscled arms across his smooth torso. "This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm sure the guards found you trying to slip through the boundaries in a school of barracuda, would it?"
A single flicker of the aqua eye among the purple haze confirmed his suspicion.
"I just wanted to see the surface, just once!" she complained.
>>>>>
At last! The mischievous rogue squeezed into an alcove and surveyed his quarry: a fresh berry tart on the windowsill. He would have to slip past the pastry chef, the cook, the cellar-maid, the baker, and the footmen traipsing in and out of the kitchen as they readied luncheon for His Majesty—
“Your Highness!” The cry hurt his pride almost as much as the fierce grip hurt his ear.
“Aww, Giles!” he whined, gripping the servant’s wrist in a vain attempt at getting him to relax his grip.
>>>>>>
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Leslie: Princess of Undersea is a fantasy fairy tale.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Leslie: No. I made this one kid-friendly! A few scenes might be intense for little ears, but anybody old enough to read stories like the Chronicles of Narnia would absolutely be good with this book!
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Leslie: None yet, but once I move beyond the editing process and onto producing and marketing, I am certain I will, so stay tuned!
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Anything in the works?
Leslie: I always have something in the works... As far as publishing, I will probably be looking over what I have, in search of something else that I can feel good about publishing. Who knows?
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Leslie: Well, at this point there's only two of us that I know of, so shout out to Bill Beck of Endless Press [http://www.endlesspress.org/about/]! He's been a great publisher-cum-editor so far!
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Leslie: Peter Pan was always my favorite fairy tale. And then there was also the Chronicles of Narnia which I read almost to the point of memorization.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Leslie: Oh my goodness! There are so many different characters from so many books, it's really hard to choose! The main reason I would want to meet a fictional character at all would be to see what they actually look like, rather than having to configure an image in my mind, which is easy to forget. That's why I love a good film adaptation too, whether it exactly follows the book or not... Often, the casting is done well, so that way I have an image of the character to carry with me while I read the book.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Leslie: I always enjoyed making up stories, even since before I could read. My earliest memory is of flipping through a kids' novel, not recognizing any of the words, but the pictures gave me clear ideas of what might be happening, so I told myself that story—one I made up by myself. From there, I just never stopped making up stories.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Leslie: "Even the quiet ones get their moment to shine."
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Leslie: Just write. It's awkward, you feel all confused and anxious—but the best and most important thing you can begin with that has helped me be able to write so much, is the skill of just writing down what comes to mind—and with practice, you might even find yourself thinking in complete sentences, which really helps!
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Leslie: My worst mistake at this point is probably not developing my network of like-minded people soon enough. Growing up in a very close, conservative setting did give me a great foundation to be able to choose my tastes wisely, reading and writing high-quality, productive literature instead of what writers call "fluff and smut"—but at the same time, the ability to develop my skills in writing were limited in the circles I stayed in. The best "writer" I knew didn't have the same tastes I had, and didn't have enough experience with my prospective audience, to be able to help me in what I needed. If the advances in networking that I've experienced in the last couple years had only happened sooner, I probably would have been published long ago.
Also, a huge problem that I am only just now finding the answer to is overthinking. Not having friends or family who had the same tastes as I did, and being the "only one" who was so incredibly passionate about literature (and desperately introverted to boot), caused me to write because I loved it—then overthink it to the point of reluctance, or get so caught up in imagining how it might be received that I just never did anything with it or told anybody about it, for fear that I was wrong, and people actually might not like it.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Leslie: I am going to answer this because I do have fans, even though I am not yet published!
During my last year of college, my imagination (as it often does) went on revolt against all the writing assignments I was doing (I majored in English), and I started writing a "fanfiction spinoff" of the Chronicles of Narnia, entitled "The Telmar Trilogy." I did everything I could to match C. S. Lewis' writing style, bringing in elements of Bible stories and teachings to lend credence to my trilogy, even though it was only fan-made. When it was done, I gave it to a friend because she and all her siblings were very much fans of the Narnia series as well. She came back later and told me about one night, when she and a few of her younger siblings were talking about the Chronicles of Narnia, and she had expressed regret that Lewis had never continued the series.
Her little brother pipes up and says, "Yes he did! Remember that story about the girl who goes to Telmar and stuff?"
She had some difficulty convincing him that the author of the story was in fact me, not C. S. Lewis! That was when I knew I was ready to start branching away from fanfiction and writing my own stuff.
("The Telmar Trilogy" is available to read on Leslie's blog, The Upstream Writer, by following this link: http://upstreamwriter.blogspot.com/20... )
I can honestly say I am looking forward to reading Leslie's book when it is released later this year!
July 17, 2016
Summer Splash Book Blog Tour ~ Author Interview ~ D.R.Perry
Summer Splash Book Blog Tour ~ Author Interview ~ D.R.Perry
Make your Summer Reading SIZZLE with these hot reads from fresh new authors!
This week's featured author is D.R. Perry
D.R. Perry lives in Rhode Island, where all her books are set. Although she's not a native New Englander, once up north she got so inspired she couldn't leave. A wild Northern Muse attacked. D.R. used Typing; it was Super Effective.
D.R. writes all kinds of things. Mostly, they have strange and unusual elements. Not strange isotopes or Strontium or anything like that, but creatures who are people or people who are creatures. Beware of the Attack Poetry and rampant puns. Keep off the grass, or the song parodies may bite.
She lives with her husband, daughter, and dog in the Ocean State, which she loves to remind people is not an island and not Long Island. D.R. is well aware that her home state has both of those things, but isn't defined by them. Maybe she likes it here so much because it reminds her that she's also more than the sum of her parts.
Barely Awake on Amazon
Bobby Tremain’s life used to seem charmed, but since his dad’s crippling accident, he has an avalanche of problems. He’s the first in his family to have a shot at college, also the first to head north of Louisiana. An early snow calls his Bear to hibernate a week before finals, but he needs to pass or he flunks out of Providence Paranormal College.
Lynn Frampton’s loneliness is almost more than she can take. She went to college on the other side of the country to get away from the persistent curse of unpopularity in a small town. Once at college, Lynn’s prickly personality has pushed everyone away yet again. At least she’s at the top of her class.
Bobby needs Lynn’s help to stay awake and pass his exam, and she discovers she needs companionship more than she’d ever imagined. Lynn’s all set to transfer to a school back home, but Bobby thinks she’s his mate. Can he keep awake long enough to pass, and more importantly, convince his love to stay?
“Think fast!” At the sound of Lynn’s voice, I reached out, plucking a thick stack of rubber-banded index cards from the air. A stinging in my pinkie made me wince. The hibernation urge had me off my game. Usually, I could catch just about anything in human form, and most things in bear. That’s another thing I wouldn’t be able to do this weekend. Let my bear out.
“What are these?” I blinked bleary eyes. The top card had one word on it, but the wide band across the middle blocked too much of it to read.
“My Ecology flash cards.” She switched on and moved a wireless mouse, waking her laptop up. Then, she pulled open a drawer to reveal a USB keyboard. She plugged it into a port, then pulled up an audio app. “Shuffle them.”
“Why do we need cards if you’re setting up your computer?” I sat on the bed to use the nightstand as a card shuffling surface.
“Study aids.” Lynn looked over her shoulder and smiled. “I’ve got all kinds. Trust me, I’m a Valedictorian.” She dropped a wink and I laughed.
“Can you get more specific for the sleep-deprived among us?” I pulled the band off the cards carefully so they wouldn’t go flying.
“This music ought to help keep us awake.” I couldn’t help but sigh with relief. Study tunes were like a last-minute pardon from listening to recordings of Watkins’ lectures. With a few sweeps and clicks, a wailing voice backed by heavy metal thunder poured out of her speakers. I recognized it.
“Iron Maiden?” I had to think for a moment before trying to shuffle them. There were so many, I had to split the deck a few times and shuffle the sections. These cards were serious business. Once they’d been thoroughly mixed, I gathered them together and held them out to Lynn.
“When you want to stay awake, there’s nothing quite like music that chases down your eardrums like a hell-hound.” She took the flash cards back from me and smiled. “Let’s do this!”
Fangs for the Memories on Amazon
Memory is a tricky business. No one remembers Maddie May. That’s fine with her; just a side effect of Umbral magic. Unfortunately, she has to take the Magic Theory Lab at Providence Paranormal College. Maddie won’t pass if the Professor can’t remember her.
Henry Baxter’s a psychic vampire who can store total recall for himself and others. He’s been in business since 1986, but new regulations mean he needs a degree to keep operating. Going back to college after sixty years on earth is definitely a drag, especially since society treats vampires as second-class citizens.
The woman everyone forgets and the man who remembers everything seem a natural pair. While Maddie’s all for it, Henry keeps pushing her away. But what if the only way they’ll survive is together?
The heady copper scent of human blood threatened to distract me as I dragged the rubberized nose clip out of my pocket. My Extrahuman sense of smell was always on, but not breathing wasn’t enough to block out the scent of blood. Sometimes it was more like a curse than a special power.
I’d just about gotten myself under control, still following the anguishing and familiar blood scent. I focused on enhancing my hearing just in time to pick up a muffled cuss word. I stopped trying to move like a human and made a leap for the source of the sound. Rough brick walls whizzed past on either side until I landed five feet away from Maddie and the piece of shit who had her pinned against the wall.
“Your wallet’s in here somewhere, freak.” The mugger’s free hand rummaged in her satchel.
“You’re never finding it, bozo.” I could barely believe my ears. Maddie’ sounded more like an angry shifter than a frightened magus. “If I want, I can make it so you’ll never find anything again.”
I had no idea whether she was bluffing or not. My psychic powers had never leaned toward lie-detection. I stepped closer, hissing and baring my fangs.
“You think your vampire pal’s going to scare me?” The thief flipped his hand over, revealing a tattoo in the shape of a crucifix. His middle finger shot straight up in the air as though for good measure.
“Oh, give me a break.” I rolled my eyes. “Really?” I pulled my arm back and curled my hand into a fist, ready to give the attacker a right hook. “After all this time, people still think that works? Fisticuffs never go out of style, pal.”
“Don’t you dare touch him. I won’t be the reason you go to jail.” Maddie’s eyes flashed with deep, dark anger. And then, that deep darkness grew.
Of Wolf and Peace on Amazon
If you don’t own your mistakes they’ll own you.
Wolf shifter Josh Dennison shouldn’t tempt coincidence, or he’ll end up ill-fated, like his missing brother and maimed sister. The wolves pledged neutrality when the Goblin King and Sidhe Queen split up centuries ago. But he’s falling for the one woman he can’t have, a Kelpie whose magic comes straight from the Goblin King’s court.
Nox Phillips has hidden on campus since she undid the Queen’s punishment. When she and Josh work together to resolve the pack conflict, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But for any favor shown to one Faerie court, a price must be paid to the other and the pair already walk a thin line. But nothing can erase Nox’s guilt or prevent the Sidhe Queen from putting her on trial. How far will Josh go to save her?
A pale sliver of moon came out from behind the clouds. A keening howl rose from the other side of the enormous rock in the middle of the grove. I didn’t step into the light until a twig snapped somewhere in front of me. Nice of Josh to do that instead of sneaking up like he could have. When he walked around the other side of the Megalith, my breath caught in my throat. Barely-there moonlight made his hair look almost silver instead of blond. His eyes glittered with the fading gold of his recent shift out of wolf form. He tugged at the hem of his shirt, which told me he’d just put it on. I wasn’t much surprised to catch a glimpse of firm, defined muscle after sparring with him at the dojo. All the same, it was a nice finish to what had already been a gorgeous view.
“Nice, um—” Josh’s eyes moved up, down, and all around. “I’ve never seen someone wear anything like that before. Is it a dress?”
“Nope,” I grinned. My face felt like I’d been standing next to a fire instead of in a wintry breeze. “Blanket.”
“There’s no way anyone but you could make a blanket look that good.” His teeth flashed white in the darkness. Had I been staring at his mouth?
“Thought you’d make some kind of horse joke or something.” I barely managed a shrug.
“There’s absolutely nothing going on here that’s got me in a joking mood.” He took a step closer.
“Oh.” I found myself unable to move. Well, that’s a lie. I trembled a little. Lame, I know, but that’s what happens when you stand outside without your water magic in the middle of February wearing a blanket and no shoes.
“So, you said you have some explaining to do.” He tilted his head, peering down at me.
“I know. It’s just not the easiest thing to say.” It also wasn’t easy standing there with this incredibly gorgeous man who pushed me away with one hand and dropped compliments like breadcrumbs from the other. “Listen, I don’t like talking around things. I’m going to take a deep breath and just dive into this. This is the kind of stuff I can’t unsay and you can’t unhear. You still game?”
“Perfectly.” He gazed into my eyes. I almost blinked when he used the same word I’d said back at the dojo before agreeing to this meeting. A dig, or coincidence?
Dragon My Heart Around on Amazon
What’s luck got to do with it?
Dragon shifter Blaine Harcourt’s bewildered when he catches a woman robbing his parents’ Newport Mansion. It gets worse when they leave him in charge of her punishment. His step-dad says it’s time to prove he’s worthy of his future inheritance. His mother just blames him for the whole thing. Blaine’s so angry he just can’t even.
Kimiko Ichiro only wanted to replace what she stole from her father. It’s not her fault the only luck charms powerful enough to stop his rapid aging are in the Harcourt hoard. Robbing powerful dragon shifters seemed like the only way. Besides, thievery’s no big deal to a Tanuki.
Blaine’s used to dealing with books and artifacts, not brilliantly dishonest women. Is Kimiko just using her feminine wiles to hoodwink him, or is something else at play here? And how did she get into the Harcourt’s magically sealed vault in the first place? Could Blaine’s part in foiling an evil magus be the reason for his bad luck, and can Kimiko help him turn it around?
“You’re an odd one.” That was the understatement of the decade. This girl was battier than a bat shifter. She’d broken into a dragon hoard, for Tiamat’s sake!
“Back at you, dragon boy.” She smiled, batting her eyes.
“Hey, only my friends are allowed to insult me like that. And none of my friends would ruin my life by trying to break in here.” That made me stop and think, a tough task while recovering from the knock on my noggin. How had she broken in, anyway?
“And if your friends jumped off the Pell Bridge, I wouldn’t.” She flipped her hair over one shoulder, batting her eyelashes. I paid attention in an entirely inappropriate way. She looked younger than Lynn Frampton, but a Tanuki could look nineteen and be fifty with a Luck charm.
“Maybe you’d be better off, jumping from a bridge. Mother doesn’t pull any punches, but I’m her only child. I could put in a good word if you try being a little nicer to me.” I hadn’t just said something that smarmy? Oh yeah, I had. I’d meant it that way, too.
“How about you keep these a secret from your mom.” She held up a pair of Luck-infused cufflinks, then tucked them down the front of her shirt. “That’d give me tons of motivation to be—” She leaned over, her face close to mine. “Nice.”
“Hey!” I wriggled, trying to stop her from sitting on my lap. It was no use. My dragon had woken up and given her his full attention. He liked what he saw even more than I did. That only made things worse. I rolled my eyes. “Why do you need my help? Can’t you just get out the way you came in?”
“No such luck with the wards up.” She shrugged, then gazed into my eyes. Most girls flinched when they were dragonish, but not her. “That’s a striking shade of red, Blaine. You’re very attractive. Why didn’t anyone bother telling me that, I wonder?” She put one arm around my neck.
“Gah!” I pushed with my feet, forcing my weight against the wall I leaned on so I could stand. She fell off my lap with a shrill little shriek. Mother would be back soon, and I couldn’t let her see me with the burglar on my lap. And there was something else, too. “Stop trying to distract me. You got in here. You get yourself out. It’s not like there’s a shortage of Luck charms in here.”
I flexed my arms, hearing the purr of tearing fabric as my hands pulled free of whatever she’d tied me with. Smoke trailed up from my nose, hazing my vision. I always hated that. I focused and turned it into a ring shape instead so I could see what in Tiamat’s name I was doing. Then, I lowered my shoulder and rushed her.
She stepped out of the way at the last possible second. That was a good thing since I had to swerve myself to avoid smashing a vase worth over a million dollars. I turned to face her again, reaching out to grapple her this time. I got her blouse. Instead of trying to get away, she threw herself at me. We went down together, rolling around the marble floor in a tussle, unlike any fair fight I’d had. She grabbed handfuls of my hair, pulling my head every which way. I tried to get a grip without seeming like I was copping a feel. The way she writhed in my grasp made that almost impossible.
I felt the air change before I realized the door had opened. I’d been crawling, trying to get off the floor from on all fours with the Ichiro girl clinging on around my neck and waist with her arms and legs. Her skirt had flipped completely up, giving Mother and my step-dad a show she might have fully intended. She laughed, obliterating any vestige of innocent girlishness left in my opinion of her.
“Blaine Carter Harcourt put that girl down this instant.” Mother’s voice was quiet, which rated Defcon 1 on the Hertha Harcourt warning system.
Author Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
The Summer Splash Book Tour gave me the opportunity to go one on one with D.R. Perry and ask the questions readers want to know the answers to:
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
D.R. Perry: I call it Paranormal Comedy, but they also have romance, action, adventure, and mystery in them.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
D.R. Perry: Nope. I revised Bearly Awake (name changed with cover update) to fit in with the rest of the series. As such, it has no descriptive love scenes.
Carol Ann: What is your favourite Quote?
D.R. Perry: From Book 4, Dragon My Heart Around: "Occam had a Razor and he knew how to use it."
Carol Ann: What advice do you have for new writers?
D.R. Perry: You might have to start somewhere, but it doesn't much matter where. The very first book I wrote, I started writing at what turned out to be Chapter 3. It's okay not to have a perfect beginning when you start drafting. That comes later when you revise and edit.
Carol Ann: Where do you write?
D.R. Perry: Mostly in my office. It used to be a porch, so I have to bundle up in winter and hydrate in the summer. Sometimes, I go to a Dunkin Donuts nearby when my husband has D&D night.
Carol Ann: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
D.R. Perry: They feel real, but I don't speak to them. For some of them, it's because I'm too busy listening. For others, I worry they'll spook and stop talking.
Carol Ann: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
D.R. Perry: "Write what you know." I mean, seriously? I definitely do not know what it's like to turn into a wolf, a horse, a bear, a big scaly dragon. But I write about those things anyway. I prefer "know what you write." If you want to write about something you don't know, write and get to know it as you go. When you're not sure about something, ask questions, look it up, chat with a friend.
Carol Ann: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
D.R. Perry: Goldilocks. The story takes the amount of words it needs to get told. As long as I don't feel like there's too much or too little, it's just right regardless.
Carol Ann: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
D.R. Perry: Tons. Pop culture references, song lyrics, philosophy, other books, movies, art. It's in there!
Carol Ann: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
D.R. Perry: It's right there in Bearly Awake. Well, it was when I wrote Bearly Awake. The thing is, I mention several foods in there, because like colors, my favorite food is subject to change.
Carol Ann: Do you have a writing Motto?
D.R. Perry: Just keep writing.
Carol Ann: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
D.R. Perry: I wouldn't change the date. That fig, on the other hand, is another story entirely.
Thank you for joining me this week! Don't forget to join me next week when I interview Leslie Conzatti.
This week I was interviewed by Catherine Banks. Make sure you check out her blog as well.
http://catherinebanks.wix.com/catheri...
Make your Summer Reading SIZZLE with these hot reads from fresh new authors!
This week's featured author is D.R. Perry
D.R. Perry lives in Rhode Island, where all her books are set. Although she's not a native New Englander, once up north she got so inspired she couldn't leave. A wild Northern Muse attacked. D.R. used Typing; it was Super Effective.
D.R. writes all kinds of things. Mostly, they have strange and unusual elements. Not strange isotopes or Strontium or anything like that, but creatures who are people or people who are creatures. Beware of the Attack Poetry and rampant puns. Keep off the grass, or the song parodies may bite.
She lives with her husband, daughter, and dog in the Ocean State, which she loves to remind people is not an island and not Long Island. D.R. is well aware that her home state has both of those things, but isn't defined by them. Maybe she likes it here so much because it reminds her that she's also more than the sum of her parts.
Barely Awake on Amazon
Bobby Tremain’s life used to seem charmed, but since his dad’s crippling accident, he has an avalanche of problems. He’s the first in his family to have a shot at college, also the first to head north of Louisiana. An early snow calls his Bear to hibernate a week before finals, but he needs to pass or he flunks out of Providence Paranormal College.
Lynn Frampton’s loneliness is almost more than she can take. She went to college on the other side of the country to get away from the persistent curse of unpopularity in a small town. Once at college, Lynn’s prickly personality has pushed everyone away yet again. At least she’s at the top of her class.
Bobby needs Lynn’s help to stay awake and pass his exam, and she discovers she needs companionship more than she’d ever imagined. Lynn’s all set to transfer to a school back home, but Bobby thinks she’s his mate. Can he keep awake long enough to pass, and more importantly, convince his love to stay?
“Think fast!” At the sound of Lynn’s voice, I reached out, plucking a thick stack of rubber-banded index cards from the air. A stinging in my pinkie made me wince. The hibernation urge had me off my game. Usually, I could catch just about anything in human form, and most things in bear. That’s another thing I wouldn’t be able to do this weekend. Let my bear out.
“What are these?” I blinked bleary eyes. The top card had one word on it, but the wide band across the middle blocked too much of it to read.
“My Ecology flash cards.” She switched on and moved a wireless mouse, waking her laptop up. Then, she pulled open a drawer to reveal a USB keyboard. She plugged it into a port, then pulled up an audio app. “Shuffle them.”
“Why do we need cards if you’re setting up your computer?” I sat on the bed to use the nightstand as a card shuffling surface.
“Study aids.” Lynn looked over her shoulder and smiled. “I’ve got all kinds. Trust me, I’m a Valedictorian.” She dropped a wink and I laughed.
“Can you get more specific for the sleep-deprived among us?” I pulled the band off the cards carefully so they wouldn’t go flying.
“This music ought to help keep us awake.” I couldn’t help but sigh with relief. Study tunes were like a last-minute pardon from listening to recordings of Watkins’ lectures. With a few sweeps and clicks, a wailing voice backed by heavy metal thunder poured out of her speakers. I recognized it.
“Iron Maiden?” I had to think for a moment before trying to shuffle them. There were so many, I had to split the deck a few times and shuffle the sections. These cards were serious business. Once they’d been thoroughly mixed, I gathered them together and held them out to Lynn.
“When you want to stay awake, there’s nothing quite like music that chases down your eardrums like a hell-hound.” She took the flash cards back from me and smiled. “Let’s do this!”
Fangs for the Memories on Amazon
Memory is a tricky business. No one remembers Maddie May. That’s fine with her; just a side effect of Umbral magic. Unfortunately, she has to take the Magic Theory Lab at Providence Paranormal College. Maddie won’t pass if the Professor can’t remember her.
Henry Baxter’s a psychic vampire who can store total recall for himself and others. He’s been in business since 1986, but new regulations mean he needs a degree to keep operating. Going back to college after sixty years on earth is definitely a drag, especially since society treats vampires as second-class citizens.
The woman everyone forgets and the man who remembers everything seem a natural pair. While Maddie’s all for it, Henry keeps pushing her away. But what if the only way they’ll survive is together?
The heady copper scent of human blood threatened to distract me as I dragged the rubberized nose clip out of my pocket. My Extrahuman sense of smell was always on, but not breathing wasn’t enough to block out the scent of blood. Sometimes it was more like a curse than a special power.
I’d just about gotten myself under control, still following the anguishing and familiar blood scent. I focused on enhancing my hearing just in time to pick up a muffled cuss word. I stopped trying to move like a human and made a leap for the source of the sound. Rough brick walls whizzed past on either side until I landed five feet away from Maddie and the piece of shit who had her pinned against the wall.
“Your wallet’s in here somewhere, freak.” The mugger’s free hand rummaged in her satchel.
“You’re never finding it, bozo.” I could barely believe my ears. Maddie’ sounded more like an angry shifter than a frightened magus. “If I want, I can make it so you’ll never find anything again.”
I had no idea whether she was bluffing or not. My psychic powers had never leaned toward lie-detection. I stepped closer, hissing and baring my fangs.
“You think your vampire pal’s going to scare me?” The thief flipped his hand over, revealing a tattoo in the shape of a crucifix. His middle finger shot straight up in the air as though for good measure.
“Oh, give me a break.” I rolled my eyes. “Really?” I pulled my arm back and curled my hand into a fist, ready to give the attacker a right hook. “After all this time, people still think that works? Fisticuffs never go out of style, pal.”
“Don’t you dare touch him. I won’t be the reason you go to jail.” Maddie’s eyes flashed with deep, dark anger. And then, that deep darkness grew.
Of Wolf and Peace on Amazon
If you don’t own your mistakes they’ll own you.
Wolf shifter Josh Dennison shouldn’t tempt coincidence, or he’ll end up ill-fated, like his missing brother and maimed sister. The wolves pledged neutrality when the Goblin King and Sidhe Queen split up centuries ago. But he’s falling for the one woman he can’t have, a Kelpie whose magic comes straight from the Goblin King’s court.
Nox Phillips has hidden on campus since she undid the Queen’s punishment. When she and Josh work together to resolve the pack conflict, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But for any favor shown to one Faerie court, a price must be paid to the other and the pair already walk a thin line. But nothing can erase Nox’s guilt or prevent the Sidhe Queen from putting her on trial. How far will Josh go to save her?
A pale sliver of moon came out from behind the clouds. A keening howl rose from the other side of the enormous rock in the middle of the grove. I didn’t step into the light until a twig snapped somewhere in front of me. Nice of Josh to do that instead of sneaking up like he could have. When he walked around the other side of the Megalith, my breath caught in my throat. Barely-there moonlight made his hair look almost silver instead of blond. His eyes glittered with the fading gold of his recent shift out of wolf form. He tugged at the hem of his shirt, which told me he’d just put it on. I wasn’t much surprised to catch a glimpse of firm, defined muscle after sparring with him at the dojo. All the same, it was a nice finish to what had already been a gorgeous view.
“Nice, um—” Josh’s eyes moved up, down, and all around. “I’ve never seen someone wear anything like that before. Is it a dress?”
“Nope,” I grinned. My face felt like I’d been standing next to a fire instead of in a wintry breeze. “Blanket.”
“There’s no way anyone but you could make a blanket look that good.” His teeth flashed white in the darkness. Had I been staring at his mouth?
“Thought you’d make some kind of horse joke or something.” I barely managed a shrug.
“There’s absolutely nothing going on here that’s got me in a joking mood.” He took a step closer.
“Oh.” I found myself unable to move. Well, that’s a lie. I trembled a little. Lame, I know, but that’s what happens when you stand outside without your water magic in the middle of February wearing a blanket and no shoes.
“So, you said you have some explaining to do.” He tilted his head, peering down at me.
“I know. It’s just not the easiest thing to say.” It also wasn’t easy standing there with this incredibly gorgeous man who pushed me away with one hand and dropped compliments like breadcrumbs from the other. “Listen, I don’t like talking around things. I’m going to take a deep breath and just dive into this. This is the kind of stuff I can’t unsay and you can’t unhear. You still game?”
“Perfectly.” He gazed into my eyes. I almost blinked when he used the same word I’d said back at the dojo before agreeing to this meeting. A dig, or coincidence?
Dragon My Heart Around on Amazon
What’s luck got to do with it?
Dragon shifter Blaine Harcourt’s bewildered when he catches a woman robbing his parents’ Newport Mansion. It gets worse when they leave him in charge of her punishment. His step-dad says it’s time to prove he’s worthy of his future inheritance. His mother just blames him for the whole thing. Blaine’s so angry he just can’t even.
Kimiko Ichiro only wanted to replace what she stole from her father. It’s not her fault the only luck charms powerful enough to stop his rapid aging are in the Harcourt hoard. Robbing powerful dragon shifters seemed like the only way. Besides, thievery’s no big deal to a Tanuki.
Blaine’s used to dealing with books and artifacts, not brilliantly dishonest women. Is Kimiko just using her feminine wiles to hoodwink him, or is something else at play here? And how did she get into the Harcourt’s magically sealed vault in the first place? Could Blaine’s part in foiling an evil magus be the reason for his bad luck, and can Kimiko help him turn it around?
“You’re an odd one.” That was the understatement of the decade. This girl was battier than a bat shifter. She’d broken into a dragon hoard, for Tiamat’s sake!
“Back at you, dragon boy.” She smiled, batting her eyes.
“Hey, only my friends are allowed to insult me like that. And none of my friends would ruin my life by trying to break in here.” That made me stop and think, a tough task while recovering from the knock on my noggin. How had she broken in, anyway?
“And if your friends jumped off the Pell Bridge, I wouldn’t.” She flipped her hair over one shoulder, batting her eyelashes. I paid attention in an entirely inappropriate way. She looked younger than Lynn Frampton, but a Tanuki could look nineteen and be fifty with a Luck charm.
“Maybe you’d be better off, jumping from a bridge. Mother doesn’t pull any punches, but I’m her only child. I could put in a good word if you try being a little nicer to me.” I hadn’t just said something that smarmy? Oh yeah, I had. I’d meant it that way, too.
“How about you keep these a secret from your mom.” She held up a pair of Luck-infused cufflinks, then tucked them down the front of her shirt. “That’d give me tons of motivation to be—” She leaned over, her face close to mine. “Nice.”
“Hey!” I wriggled, trying to stop her from sitting on my lap. It was no use. My dragon had woken up and given her his full attention. He liked what he saw even more than I did. That only made things worse. I rolled my eyes. “Why do you need my help? Can’t you just get out the way you came in?”
“No such luck with the wards up.” She shrugged, then gazed into my eyes. Most girls flinched when they were dragonish, but not her. “That’s a striking shade of red, Blaine. You’re very attractive. Why didn’t anyone bother telling me that, I wonder?” She put one arm around my neck.
“Gah!” I pushed with my feet, forcing my weight against the wall I leaned on so I could stand. She fell off my lap with a shrill little shriek. Mother would be back soon, and I couldn’t let her see me with the burglar on my lap. And there was something else, too. “Stop trying to distract me. You got in here. You get yourself out. It’s not like there’s a shortage of Luck charms in here.”
I flexed my arms, hearing the purr of tearing fabric as my hands pulled free of whatever she’d tied me with. Smoke trailed up from my nose, hazing my vision. I always hated that. I focused and turned it into a ring shape instead so I could see what in Tiamat’s name I was doing. Then, I lowered my shoulder and rushed her.
She stepped out of the way at the last possible second. That was a good thing since I had to swerve myself to avoid smashing a vase worth over a million dollars. I turned to face her again, reaching out to grapple her this time. I got her blouse. Instead of trying to get away, she threw herself at me. We went down together, rolling around the marble floor in a tussle, unlike any fair fight I’d had. She grabbed handfuls of my hair, pulling my head every which way. I tried to get a grip without seeming like I was copping a feel. The way she writhed in my grasp made that almost impossible.
I felt the air change before I realized the door had opened. I’d been crawling, trying to get off the floor from on all fours with the Ichiro girl clinging on around my neck and waist with her arms and legs. Her skirt had flipped completely up, giving Mother and my step-dad a show she might have fully intended. She laughed, obliterating any vestige of innocent girlishness left in my opinion of her.
“Blaine Carter Harcourt put that girl down this instant.” Mother’s voice was quiet, which rated Defcon 1 on the Hertha Harcourt warning system.
Author Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
The Summer Splash Book Tour gave me the opportunity to go one on one with D.R. Perry and ask the questions readers want to know the answers to:
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
D.R. Perry: I call it Paranormal Comedy, but they also have romance, action, adventure, and mystery in them.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
D.R. Perry: Nope. I revised Bearly Awake (name changed with cover update) to fit in with the rest of the series. As such, it has no descriptive love scenes.
Carol Ann: What is your favourite Quote?
D.R. Perry: From Book 4, Dragon My Heart Around: "Occam had a Razor and he knew how to use it."
Carol Ann: What advice do you have for new writers?
D.R. Perry: You might have to start somewhere, but it doesn't much matter where. The very first book I wrote, I started writing at what turned out to be Chapter 3. It's okay not to have a perfect beginning when you start drafting. That comes later when you revise and edit.
Carol Ann: Where do you write?
D.R. Perry: Mostly in my office. It used to be a porch, so I have to bundle up in winter and hydrate in the summer. Sometimes, I go to a Dunkin Donuts nearby when my husband has D&D night.
Carol Ann: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
D.R. Perry: They feel real, but I don't speak to them. For some of them, it's because I'm too busy listening. For others, I worry they'll spook and stop talking.
Carol Ann: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
D.R. Perry: "Write what you know." I mean, seriously? I definitely do not know what it's like to turn into a wolf, a horse, a bear, a big scaly dragon. But I write about those things anyway. I prefer "know what you write." If you want to write about something you don't know, write and get to know it as you go. When you're not sure about something, ask questions, look it up, chat with a friend.
Carol Ann: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
D.R. Perry: Goldilocks. The story takes the amount of words it needs to get told. As long as I don't feel like there's too much or too little, it's just right regardless.
Carol Ann: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
D.R. Perry: Tons. Pop culture references, song lyrics, philosophy, other books, movies, art. It's in there!
Carol Ann: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
D.R. Perry: It's right there in Bearly Awake. Well, it was when I wrote Bearly Awake. The thing is, I mention several foods in there, because like colors, my favorite food is subject to change.
Carol Ann: Do you have a writing Motto?
D.R. Perry: Just keep writing.
Carol Ann: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
D.R. Perry: I wouldn't change the date. That fig, on the other hand, is another story entirely.
Thank you for joining me this week! Don't forget to join me next week when I interview Leslie Conzatti.
This week I was interviewed by Catherine Banks. Make sure you check out her blog as well.
http://catherinebanks.wix.com/catheri...
July 10, 2016
Summer Splash Book Blog Tour
Make your Summer Reading SIZZLE with these hot reads from fresh new authors!
This summer is heating up, so grab a cold drink, sit back, relax and read up on some fantastic authors with some amazing stories you don't want to miss out on. Over the next ten weeks I'll be featuring interviews and links to help you find that perfect summer read!
Published books aren't the only place to find an interesting tale or two. Leslie Conzatti is proof of that. We'll be talking with her about her work in progress and possible upcoming releases. https://www.wattpad.com/user/KartheyM
That's not all! If you enjoy fantasy, you can read all about me as well, as each of these authors post the answers to questions they have asked me on their blogs! I'd love to have you follow along.
I'll be featuring interviews and blogs from the following authors.
D.R. Perry
Leslie Conzatti
Anna Kringle
S.D. Ferrell
Kristan Cannon
Ashley Marie Nestler
Catherine Banks
Carol Ann King
You can hop from one blog to another weekly, for a different view of each of these talented writers.
We will be posting Mondays from June 11th to September 12th. The following is the schedule for my personal blogs.
July 11: Opening Blog (Today)
July 18: D.j. Ruggiero Interview
July 25: Leslie Conzatti Interview
August 1: Anna Kringle Interview
August 8: Susan Ferrell Interview
August 15: Guest Interview
August 22: Kristan L. Cannon Interview
August 29: Ashley Nestler Interview
September 5: Cat Banks Interview
September 12: Closing blog
Did you notice that guest interview spot? You'll have stop by to find out who it is! No spoilers.
Want to hop around and check things out? Here are the links to all the other blogs participating.
http://www.drperryauthor.com/news
http://upstreamwriter.blogspot.ca/
https://peachykeenbookreviews.wordpre...
http://kristancannon.blogspot.ca/
http://catherinebanks.wix.com/catheri...
http://annakringle.blogspot.ca/
https://elsbrierink.wordpress.com/
Thanks for reading and hope you follow along to find some great books for your summer reading list!
This summer is heating up, so grab a cold drink, sit back, relax and read up on some fantastic authors with some amazing stories you don't want to miss out on. Over the next ten weeks I'll be featuring interviews and links to help you find that perfect summer read!
Published books aren't the only place to find an interesting tale or two. Leslie Conzatti is proof of that. We'll be talking with her about her work in progress and possible upcoming releases. https://www.wattpad.com/user/KartheyM
That's not all! If you enjoy fantasy, you can read all about me as well, as each of these authors post the answers to questions they have asked me on their blogs! I'd love to have you follow along.
I'll be featuring interviews and blogs from the following authors.
D.R. Perry
Leslie Conzatti
Anna Kringle
S.D. Ferrell
Kristan Cannon
Ashley Marie Nestler
Catherine Banks
Carol Ann King
You can hop from one blog to another weekly, for a different view of each of these talented writers.
We will be posting Mondays from June 11th to September 12th. The following is the schedule for my personal blogs.
July 11: Opening Blog (Today)
July 18: D.j. Ruggiero Interview
July 25: Leslie Conzatti Interview
August 1: Anna Kringle Interview
August 8: Susan Ferrell Interview
August 15: Guest Interview
August 22: Kristan L. Cannon Interview
August 29: Ashley Nestler Interview
September 5: Cat Banks Interview
September 12: Closing blog
Did you notice that guest interview spot? You'll have stop by to find out who it is! No spoilers.
Want to hop around and check things out? Here are the links to all the other blogs participating.
http://www.drperryauthor.com/news
http://upstreamwriter.blogspot.ca/
https://peachykeenbookreviews.wordpre...
http://kristancannon.blogspot.ca/
http://catherinebanks.wix.com/catheri...
http://annakringle.blogspot.ca/
https://elsbrierink.wordpress.com/
Thanks for reading and hope you follow along to find some great books for your summer reading list!
June 29, 2016
Foul Is Fair Review
Foul Is Fair by Jeffrey Cook
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'd like to congratulate the author for working the difficult topic of ADHD and the use of drugs to deal with this disorder into his story. I was impressed with how naturally the topic was included in this fantasy tale and presumably through the whole series.
The story is a time proven classic. An everyday girl from our world finds out she is anything but ordinary. In fact she is a part fairy princess from another world, one with magic both light and dark. She has to travel to this alternate world to save ... sorry no spoilers, you'll have to read the book to find out.
It took me a few pages to really get into the novel, but after that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Once you realize how the author is trying to come across, you will see the true genius of the writing style. The characters are easy to relate to and unique to this story.
All in all I rate this a 5 star Fantasy!
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'd like to congratulate the author for working the difficult topic of ADHD and the use of drugs to deal with this disorder into his story. I was impressed with how naturally the topic was included in this fantasy tale and presumably through the whole series.
The story is a time proven classic. An everyday girl from our world finds out she is anything but ordinary. In fact she is a part fairy princess from another world, one with magic both light and dark. She has to travel to this alternate world to save ... sorry no spoilers, you'll have to read the book to find out.
It took me a few pages to really get into the novel, but after that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Once you realize how the author is trying to come across, you will see the true genius of the writing style. The characters are easy to relate to and unique to this story.
All in all I rate this a 5 star Fantasy!
June 9, 2016
Review - Barely Awake By D.R. Perry
By D.R. Perry
I was lucky enough to win a copy from the author.
I am a paperback girl and it takes me a little longer to read eBook versions of any novel. I am sorry I waited so long before sitting down and reading Barely Awake in one session.
This Novella is a romantic paranormal comedy which takes place in a college setting. There are two main characters and the book shifts between their points of view in such a natural way that it adds to the enjoyment of the story line.
The main female character is a misunderstood young woman looking for someway to connect with other people. The main male character is a bear-shifter who can't seem to stay awake long enough to pass his courses because of his bear's hibernation urges. The two are thrown together at the beginning of the novel as tutor and student. The romance part of this novella particularly enjoyable, as it is beautifully written without being overbearing.
D.R. Perry's style has just the right amount of emotion to make you laugh, sigh, and keep the pages turning. My only complaint was that the book isn't longer. I will be purchasing the paperback form for my personal library and look forward to the rest of the series.
I would recommend Barely Awake with the highest rating possible to anyone who enjoys paranormal characters, especially shifters outside of the norm and to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming romance.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
