Pema Donyo's Blog, page 4

“But she’s not Mrs. Crazy, either”: Review of An Inconvenient Love by Alexia Adams

Title: An Inconvenient Love

Author: Alexia Adams

Publisher: Crimson Romance

I honestly can’t believe I’ve never read a “marriage of convenience” romance before. There’s a lot out there, but this was my first experience reading one. I received a giveaway copy from the author; I wanted to finally try the “marriage of convenience” trope it seems like everyone else has read.

All right, so down to business – I LOVED the heroine, which is rare for me in romance novels. Usually I like the hero more, beca...

On Being a “Teen” Author/Writer (or just really-friggen-younger-than-everyone-else)

[One of the most interesting articles I've come across discussing being a "teen" author (or twenty-something/just so young that if you entered a writer's conference you'd realize everyone else is old enough to be your parent and/or that cool aunt & uncle) is E. Kristen Anderson's, so I also recommend checking that out.]

Ned Vizzini raises an interesting point that “teen author” can become a stereotype that follows you throughout your entire life. He says:

One of my writer colleagues when I was...

Out of the Box: Multiple-genre writers and why I’ll never use a pen name

Lots of authors establish their careers with one genre. Take J.K. Rowling – fantasy. Lorraine Heath – historical romance. Robert Ludlum – thriller/suspense.

They’ve all reached a monumental amount of success because they’re monumentally talented writers. Pretty much every book they’ll ever put out at this point will be an instant bestseller in their respective “specialty” genres.

Of course, J. K. Rowling knew this. That’s probably part of the reason she chose to write under a penname as Robert...

Sound effects and music and Booktrack oh my!

I’m excited to announce The Innocent Assassinsis now available on Booktrack. Read it to experience the first chapter/beginning of the second chapter with added music and special effects!

It’s not just any audio excerpt. The words on the page aren’t read; instead, audio accompanies the text to establish the ambiance and record the special effects sound of each scene. You don’t need to just read about the car skidding, you canhearit right as you read it on the screen.

The new excerpt is genuinely...

Happily (N)Ever After? (in defense of Young Adult/New Adult)

Ruth Graham’s “Against YA” caused many eyes to roll and many heads to nod. But a particular passage from the article has stayed with me:

“These (Young Adult novel) endings are emblematic of the fact that the emotional and moral ambiguity of adult fiction—of the real world—is nowhere in evidence in YA fiction. These endings are for readers who prefer things to be wrapped up neatly, our heroes married or dead or happily grasping hands, looking to the future.”

Whoa. Talk about a diss.

But she’s got...

{Review} Calling California by J.P. Grider

[I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.]

Calling California by J. P. Grider

I’m a huge fan of the heady romance, roller coaster emotions, and realism of New Adult books. They’re practically the Three Noble Truths of New Adult novels. Have no fear, steady NA fans – J. P. Grider delivers on all three aspects with her latest release, CALLING CALIFORNIA.

But that’s also the major issue with the book’s genre – every New Adult book is starting to sound the same. Boy mee...

Release day for The Innocent Assassins

There are three rules to staying an assassin at the corporation of Covert Operatives: (1) your parents must be deceased, (2) your contracts must remain confidential, and (3) you must be under the age of eighteen.
After a murder mission goes awry a month before her eighteenth birthday, Covert Operatives assassin Jane Lu finds herself caught by the federal government and forced to spy for the CIA while remaining in Covert Operatives. Once her spying mission is over, she will be allowed to live a...

Cover Story: Do we actually need book covers? + new cover for The Innocent Assassins

The Innocent Assassins has a new look! What do you think? It’s thanks to my amazing cover designer, Amanda Matthews. She’s insanely talented and incredibly patient. Thank you again, Amanda!

I love the new cover, but picking a new one had me thinking - are book covers necessary?

This is you right now:

Curiosity Quills}

“Never judge a boo...

Top 10 Lessons Learned from Kick-Ass Heroines

{Originally published on Love Romance Passion}

My upcoming release, THE INNOCENT ASSASSINS, features a former assassin serving undercover as a spy for the CIA. Along the way, she struggles with her feelings for the assassin organization’s next-in-command. To be honest, kick-ass heroines provide even better love lessons than traditional romance heroines. Starlets of romantic suspense and thrillers are strong enough to defeat some serious bad guys and smart enough to navigate their way through l...

Five Literary Trends That Need To Emerge

{Originally published on Bibliodaze}


Where have you been hiding, female bosses and characters who are not white?


After reading Megan’s awesome post,The Five Trends That Need to Disappear, the article made me start thinking about all the trends I’d love to seeappear. These are the plot points you wish you saw in books, but the ones that have somehow been ignored by the majority of literature until now. (Fellow authors, if you’re reading this, we’re looking at you!)


1) Contemporary thrillers! (and...