Interview: Claire Davon

What have you had published? 
I have self-published two books so far.
What genre(s) of book do you write? 
I write contemporary romances. However right now I am trying my hand at a paranormal series at the same time I am revising a contemporary romance series.
What inspired you to write your first book? 
My first book dates back to when I was a pre-teen. I became inspired again a few years ago to pick up the writing baton and based the male characters on certain celebrities or famous figures I found interesting.
How long did it take you to write “Sense of Adventure”? 
My first draft of Sense of Adventure (at the time entitled “Hunter”) was written in three weeks. I put it down for a number of years and finally revised it over a two month period and self-published it in January, 2014.
What is the working title of your next book(s)?
For now, “Phoenix,” but that will change. I usually use the male character’s name as a working title. This book is the first of a four-part paranormal romance series and the titles I will choose will be linked thematically.
When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing on and off since I was a child. One of my earliest memories was writing a Kids from C.A.P.E.R. romance novel with me and my friends as the romantic interests when I was eleven or twelve.
Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?
I self-publish at this time.
What part of writing books do you find the hardest?
Usually about midway through the story I decide it is the worst story EVER and it SUCKS and WHY OH WHY did I ever try writing? It’s powering through that time, just slogging through and persisting with daily writing until I get past that feeling that is hard. That and revisions, being ruthless with chopping words and filler plot points or meandering chapters in order to tell the story that really wants to be told.
What do you do in your spare time? 
I have a full time job so writing is what I do in my spare time.
Who is your favourite author? 
So many…for Romance: Ruth Wind or Marjorie Liu. Fantasy: Jacqueline Carey. SF: Neal Stephenson. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Stephen King. Anne McCaffrey. Christine Feehan. Elizabeth Lowell. Neil Gaiman. Jane Austen. Dean Koontz. The list is endless.
What’s your favourite genre to read?
I tend to stay with romance (contemporary or paranormal), fantasy and science fiction, but one of my top ten favourite books of all time is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Good fiction knows no genre.
Do you have any advice for other writers? 
Set a goal every day, whether it’s 100 words, five minutes or two hours, and stick to it. Do the goal you have committed to every day without fail. It will seem weird and awkward at first, that page will be very white and very blank, but the more you do it the easier it gets. And then before you know it, you have a working first draft.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? 
Good luck and keep the words going!

Blog Tour: Roe Valentine

Blurb: 
Realist, Dr. Carla Harris, believes that people create their own fate, through hard work and careful planning. She believes in playing things safe. But, while preparing for her upcoming nuptials she’s forced to confront the most reckless thing she’s ever done, her estranged husband, Jacob.
Idealist Jacob Moreau believes in soul mates, as much as he believes in saving endangered companies. When his long lost wife reenters his life seeking a divorce, he is convinced more than ever they are meant to be together. And he will do—and lose—anything to have her again.
She thought she had her life planned to perfection. He thought they made perfect sense together. Would marrying Jacob be the craziest thing she’s ever done, or divorcing him?


You can add Almost Married to your to-read list on Goodreads

Title: Almost Married
Author: Roe Valentine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 27 January 2013

About the Author:
Roe Valentine was born into the right family. Not only does the name Valentine suit her, but her grandmother, unknowingly, introduced the young Ms. Valentine to her first romance novel. She hasn’t read anything else since. She calls herself a romantic at heart and believes that love conquerors all.

The San Antonio native, who now lives in Houston, attempted to write her first contemporary romance novel when she was nineteen years old. That attempt didn’t take, but her story has a happy ending. She kept pursuing the dream until she landed her first publishing contract. Almost Married is her debut novel.

When not busy writing or reading love stories, Roe can often be found in a yoga class or chatting with friends at her favorite coffee shop. Enjoying margaritas with some girl-talk isn’t unusual for her either. For a night in, she watches reruns of her favorite TV shows and, of course, romantic comedies on her Roku, usually with a glass of wine.

Roe Valentine also LOVES talking to readers. You can contact her in the following ways:
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Website
- Email - info@roevalentine.com

Interview

What have you had published?
ALMOST MARRIED is my debut, but I have a second book coming out this year. It’s a 1920 historical romance called LOVE EASY.

What genre(s) of book do you write?
Contemporary romance, historical romance, erotic romance

What inspired you to write your first book?
I wrote my first contemporary romance when I was 19. I was inspired after I read this Harlequin Superromance called Too Many Bosses. While I loved reading historical romances, there was something about the contemporary setting that made me feel like I could be a heroine in a romance novel. So, I just cooked up a story that was rejected all over the place, and for good reason!

How long did it take you to write “Almost Married”?
Well, I don’t like to say this because I could get slapped, but it took me three whole weeks to write ALMOST MARRIED—it was called LEFT TO FOREVER back then. I haven’t been able to repeat that zeal again so far, so it still surprises me how fast I wrote it.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?
LOVE EASY will be published this year with the Wild Rose Press

Current titles for my next books are –
LOVE HARD
DEVIANT HEIRESS (book one of a trilolgy)

When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing when I was a kid, maybe 6 or so. I think I wrote to escape.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?
So far I am going the traditional publishing route. If I indie publish, it will be years down the line.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?
Getting and stopping the momentum. Some days the words just don’t come out. Other days I can’t stop writing, but I have to because of other responsibilities.

What do you do in your spare time?
Usually go to Yoga, read at my favourite coffee shop, or have wine/margaritas with friends. I also like binge watching episodes of various shows. Right now I’m watching Dracula, Frasier (Daphne/Niles romance is one of my favourite), and any documentary/show about the Tudor Dynasty.

Who is your favourite author?
I have too many. Currently, I really like Sylvia Day.

What’s your favourite genre to read?
Romance of course!

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for your time! I appreciate you having me on your blog.


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Blog Tour: "Royal Pain" by Danielle Doolittle

Title: Royal Pain 

Author: Danielle Doolittle 

Series: Sweetwater Creek #1 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Release Date: January 6, 2014 

Blurb: Falling in love can be a royal pain. 

     A cocktail of sex, booze, and breakneck speeds is what sends Prince Henry of Benignus into rehab. He’s expecting to skip out on lectures and smoke behind the shed. He’s not expecting Carleigh.

     Carleigh Philips knows Henry is trouble. His bad-boy attitude reeks of self-importance and over-indulgence. She’s not expecting him to lift a royal finger during his time at the ranch. She’s not expecting him to be a threat to her heart.
     When Carleigh’s life is on the line, will Prince Henry step up to the plate? Or will he prove he really is nothing but a phony royal pain?

You can add Royal Pain to your to-read list on Goodreads

  

About the Author: 

With a bachelor’s degree in English, Danielle has always had a passion for the written word. Initially starting out to be a high school teacher, she soon realized writing was her calling. Danielle lives in Ohio with her family. When she’s not writing (which is rare) she’s spending time with her husband, wrangling two rambunctious boys and one rowdy little girl, and baking like she’s on Cupcake Wars.   

Danielle enjoys copious amounts of coffee and dark chocolate, chatting on Twitter, and a good love story. Oh, and an Alpha hero is a must! 

You can find and contact Danielle here:  

Twitter, Facebook, Website

Royal Pain is available to buy here:
Amazon

Interview

What have you had published?

Royal Pain is my debut novel. But look for more from me in the near future!

What genre(s) of book do you write?

I like to say that I'll write anything with a love story. RP is a sweet romance but I have everything from Young Adult to steamy paranormal romance in my backlist waiting to be thrust out into the world.

What inspired you to write your first book?

The first book I finished was written because I couldn't find anything I really wanted to read. I was looking for something specific and I just couldn't find it so I figured why not write it myself. Easy right? I made it about half way into the book before my muse took a hike and I began wondering how I got myself into such a mess.

How long did it take you to write “Royal Pain”?

It took about two months to finish my rough draft...and another two to have my critique partner tear through it and for me to do a rewrite.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

Right now I'm working on the second book in the Sweetwater Creek series, calling it Royal Promise, featuring another prince (Henry's brother, Alexei) with a whole set of problems of his own to solve. The rest are a tightly guarded secret....but I can tell you there's at least one more hero in Sweetwater who has a story to tell. ;-)

When and why did you begin writing?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I know, I know...every author says that but it's true. I've been telling stories since my first grade teacher made us keep a writing journal...it sort of stuck.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

Royal Pain is published by Entranced Publishing.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

I find it hard to work on one story at a time. Right now I have three WIPs started and another five I want to work on. Oh...and editing. Making changes to your baby always stings but in the end it makes it that much stronger.

What do you do in your spare time?

What is this thing you call spare time? With three kids under the age of six alone time is nearly as foreign to me as a meal not containing a form hot dogs or chicken nuggets. On the rare occasion I find myself with time on my hands and no sibling dispute to put an end to I like to read anything I can get my hands on, occasionally see a movie that isn't animated or featuring talking animals, and hanging out with my family. And writing of course.

Who is your favourite author?

This is always a hard question for me to answer. I love so many books it's really a close call as to who I love more.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

Throwing the favourites at me today! I can't say that any genre sticks out as a clear favourite (I know I'm lame). My reading habits are so varied that I can say then only thing I prefer above any other is that there's a clear romantic plot. It doesn't have to be the main plot line, but I crave a HEA when I read.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never, ever give up. I took a writing class in college that introduced me to Stephen King's On Writing (if you haven't read it you should). In the book Mr. King confesses he kept his rejection slips on a nail he hammered into the wall of his bedroom to inspire him to keep going. It only takes one “yes” to get your book out there and each time we write we hone our craft. So never EVER let yourself stop writing.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you so much for allowing me to take up space on your blog. I've had fun!

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Interview: S.C Rhyne

What have you had published? 

My debut novel which is based on my blog of the same name, The Reporter and The Girl

What genre(s) of book do you write? 

This particular book is an erotic romance, but with some dark and heavy undertones. The main characters are also unique and diverse!

What inspired you to write your first book? 

I wanted a romance themed book that was different from what is out there. So, looking at tidbits of my past and friends’ tales, I decided to write a story that is humorous, honest, and self-evolving. It started out as a short story, but a friend encouraged me to make it into a blog series, and then readers encouraged me to turn it into a book.

How long did it take you to write “The Reporter and The Girl MINUS The Super Man!”? 

Almost 8 months, not including edits.

What is the working title of your next book(s)? 

Right now it is untitled. But it looks like a coming of age story.

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing creatively last year when I started my blog. It was a fun hobby in which I developed a love of expressing myself on paper.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency? 

Self.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest? 

Writing can be emotional, so letting go or “flow” can be hard.

What do you do in your spare time? 

Other than writing and blogging, I enjoy reading and swimming.

Who is your favourite author? 

I have read so many great authors across many genres, it would be unfair to say I have one, but recently I’ve read this year: Larissa Ione, Stieg Larsson, Suzanne Collins, Sandra Brown, Robert Kirkman, and L.J Smith.

What’s your favourite genre to read? 

I have an eclectic taste, and have discovered a lot of great genres in 2013, from paranormal romance to thrillers. I just like great story lines that pulls the reader into the world. I also read a lot of nonfiction books too.

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Just keep writing. Everyday you develop your craft and passion for it.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Thank you for having me on your blog, I hope your readers have as much fun reading the interview. I invite anyone to contact me via my blog, TheReporterandTheGirl.com or tweet me @ReporterandGirl or send me a message on facebook or goodreads!

New Years Special: GLASS HALF FULL

GLASS HALF FULL is officially OUT NOW. Look below for more information, a short extract from the book and buy links.

Title: Glass Half Full

Author: Katie L Thompson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 2013

Blurb: Natalie hasn't been on holiday for years, and there's good reason for it. She hates holidays, but when her boyfriend, Sven, suggests a romantic get-away in the countryside to welcome in the New Year, she can hardly turn him down.

When Sven dumps her, Natalie decides to go away by herself. What happens in that one week away is enough to change her view on holiday’s forever. 

Extract:

Natalie switched off the TV and swivelled herself around on the sofa so that she was facing Sven. He had a grin on his face stretching almost from one ear to the other. “What are you grinning about?”

“Nothing.” Sven’s expression didn’t change. There was a sparkle in his eyes that she’d never noticed before. It reminded her of the children she taught at school – they always had that glint in their eye when they were excited about something or up to no good.

“Come on, Sven, tell me. I’m your girlfriend, don’t I get to share a part of your happiness.”

“Oh alright,” Sven gave in as easily as the children in her class at school, “I wanted to wait until tonight but, since you insist, I’ll tell you now.”

Natalie waited while he fumbled around behind him.

“I got you something. Think of it as an early Christmas present.”

You can add GLASS HALF FULL to your to-read list on Goodreads

Available from the following retailers:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Blog Tour: "Main Attraction" by Ava O'Shay

Title: Main Attraction
Author: Ava O’Shay
Genre: contemporary erotica romance
Release Date: November 25, 2013
Blurb: Jessica Hunter lost her heart and her husband at the same time. He died, and she discovered his infidelities, leaving her a shattered mess.
     Five years later, Jessica still isn’t interested in a relationship. That is, until she meets sexy, lead actor Penn Jackson on the set of a popular tween movie—and her life gets turned upside down. Swept away by Penn’s carefree attitude, she lets him into her heart—and her bed—even though Penn warns her that being with him will change her life.
     Penn’s warning doesn’t mean much to her. But when his publicist begins a campaign to get rid of her, and a trip to the emergency room turns into a tabloid explosion, she doesn’t just lose her anonymity, but also her job. Now, Jessica will have to choose between the man she loves and the life she’s always known.

You can add Main Attraction to your to-read list on Goodreads

About the Author:
Ava O'Shay grew up in the north Seattle area but now resides on a hill in the heart of the city so she can be inspired by the sights and sounds of the Seattle waterfront. She loves the outdoors and gets most of her inspiration during long bike rides and kayaking adventures with family, friends, and her three dogs which she loves like children. She can be found on the balcony of her home, wrapped in warm sweater people watching in the winter and enjoying the concerts at the Seattle Center in the summer, while typing on her pink computer.

You can find and contact Ava O’Shay here: 

Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Excerpt 2

“No, I’m not married.”

“But…the ring?”

I raised my hand to look at my wedding band. I never thought to remove it. I shrugged. “Widowed. Five years.”

“You thought I didn’t like the kiss?” he said incredulously.

I felt him tense when I leaned in and placed my mouth to his. This time, I was the one that caused the moan to escape his lips. “It’s kind of like riding a bike,” I mused.

“I thought you were leaving.” He smiled slyly.

“I thought you didn’t want me to.” I kissed him again.

“Jess…I loved the kiss. I just didn’t want to have to convince you to leave your husband for me.” His fingers gripped my hips and he nuzzled my neck, his words hot on my skin. “I think you’ll need to sit on the other side of the room for us to continue to talk or I’ll end up breaking my word.”

“What word would that be?” Tangling his hair through my fingers, I laughed when he playfully nipped at my jaw.

“That I didn’t invite you here for sex,” he mumbled.

I found my lips craving his. His mouth tasted so good. “But you did. Didn’t you,” I stated, pulling back a little.

“No. You aren’t like the others.” He ran kisses along my collarbone trying to distract me.

“Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to go back on my word.” Hope filled his voice. “You know, if you’re a willing participant.”

“Maybe,” I muttered when his mouth found mine again and again, sending a zing straight through my body. My breath caught when his hand found its way under my shirt and his knuckles grazed over my nipple. Regaining my wits, I stepped back. “No. I can’t. We have to stop.” I side-stepped him and rubbed my face, readjusting the shirt that had become bunched around my breasts. “We shouldn’t…well, we should at least slow down.”

He turned away and appeared to be readjusting himself. “You’re right. That isn’t how I want this to go.” He grabbed a new bottle of beer and plopped onto the far end of the couch, taking a long swig.

“How did you see it going?”

Penn stared blankly. “I don’t see it going into my bedroom if that’s what you’re asking. You already seem to have gotten the Penn is a douchebag memo. I don’t want them to be proven correct.”

My ten favorite books:
1. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
2. Where the Red Fern Grows
3. Where you are by J.H. Trumble
4. The Thoughtless Series by S.C. Stephens
5. The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare(I know another series)
6. On The Island by Tracey Grarvis -Graves
7. The Enemy series by Charlie Higson 
8. Rot and Ruin series by Jonathan Maberry
9. What I didn't Say by Keary Taylor
10. Don't let me go J.H. Trumble
* disclaimer: I am constantly reading so this list is in flux, except for the first 2 books, they will never change. 

My ten favorite adult/erotica books:

1. H.M. Wards books with the Ferro Brothers
2. Fueled and Driven by k. Bromberg
3. Fixed on you by Laurelin Page
4.Srings and Beats by Kendall Grey
5. Real by Katy Evans
6. All over you by Emily Snow
7. Anything by Kallypso Masters
8. Anything by Beth Kery
9. Gabriel's inferno Sylvian Reynard
10. Masters of the Shadowlands Cherise Sinclair

Freebie Friday - Going's On

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. It's five days until 2014 - how scary is that? Today I have two things to share with you:

1. I had more free downloads of SALLY'S CHRISTMAS CUPID in the past three days than I've ever had on any book before. In the UK it got to #2 on the list of free short fiction stories and #131 of all free eBooks. I'd like to give a massive thank you to all of you who retweeted my tweets and helped to draw attention towards it, also a huge thank you to everyone who downloaded it. 

If you read and enjoyed SALLY'S CHRISTMAS CUPID please please please leave a review on Amazon, I'd love to know what you all thought of it. 

SALLY'S CHRISTMAS CUPID has now returned to it's full price. UK - £1.88, US

Blurb: Sally and Jason have lived next door to each other for three months, and they've never exchanged more than a friendly greeting, but when the postman delivers Sally’s baubles to the wrong address, she gets more than she ordered.

Add SALLY'S CHRISTMAS CUPID to your Goodreads

2. GLASS HALF FULL, my short romantic fiction story designed for New Year, will be out sometime in the next few days. Since it's Freebie Friday I'm going to give you a snippet from the book.

Title: Glass Half Full

Author: Katie L Thompson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 2013

Blurb: Natalie hasn't been on holiday for years, and there's good reason for it. She hates holidays, but when her boyfriend, Sven, suggests a romantic get-away in the countryside to welcome in the New Year, she can hardly turn him down.

When Sven dumps her, Natalie decides to go away by herself. What happens in that one week away is enough to change her view on holiday’s forever. 

Extract:

As she rounded the corner the music grew louder. The sound of the latest Dizzee Rascal track felt like an earthquake on her eardrums. Moving closer, Natalie could see hundreds of people dancing about – the girls wearing inappropriately short dresses, the guys in torn jeans and t-shirts, with large logos printed onto the front of them.

A giant keg stood at one side of the field with a large crowd of people around it, but she didn’t need to get a drink, the stench of alcohol hanging in the air was enough to make her feel lightheaded. She could already taste the cheap quality beer.

A group of girls tottered past her, knocking her sideways. Without thinking Natalie grabbed onto a nearby table to regain her balance only to be met by a patch of something sticky. She looked around for a napkin to wipe her hand on but, of course, there weren’t any.

“I’ve walked into a party with all the local Uni kids,” Natalie muttered. She’d never liked this type of party when she was in University, and she definitely wasn’t going to hang around to see how this one ended. 

You can add GLASS HALF FULL to your to-read list on Goodreads

This is the last Freebie Friday before New Year. I will be posting again before the New Year to let you know that GLASS HALF FULL has been released and to provide you with links. Happy New Year in advance everyone!