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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Valentine's AUTHOR INTERVIEW: TL Travis


1. When/why did you decide to become a writer? *

About 8 years ago when I was going through some major life changes. It happened by accident but turned into a great outlet for me.

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today? *

Judy Blume and Anne Rice. I still read Anne Rice but mostly read erotic romances now.

3. What was the inspiration behind your latest release? *

Behind my latest release The Database there really wasn't any inspiration. It was just an idea that came to me. The only book with any real inspiration behind it is Girl Crush which releases 6/24. That book is very near and dear to my heart.

4. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life? *

Only for Girl Crush, that is about my one female crush that I've never acted upon. Something I'll probably never share with the person it's about out of fear of ruining our friendship.

5. Why do you write in your chosen genre? What other genres would you like to try your hand at? *

I've actually written a children's picture book series that I hope to release someday.

6. What would you do if you were your main character? *

Kick ass and take names!
7. Will we ever see these characters again? *

Oh quite possibly....
8. Would you like to see this book as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters? *

For The Sebastian Chronicles I could see Brock O'Hurn as Sebastian - but he would have to be willing to kiss and have sex scenes with a man since the middle books in this series are LGBT.
9. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?

Hopefully on a beach somewhere writing with my cabana boy by my side and an adult beverage in my hand.
10. Is there anything you haven't touched on that you'd like readers to know about your book? *

I love to interact with my readers so feel free to stalk me!
11. What would you be doing if you weren't writing? *

Constructing buildings and managing maintenance teams.
12. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next? *

I am working on 2 MM erotica novels now. Battered and bruised, but not broken I am co-writing with the illustrious Piper Kay. And the 2nd book is a MM time travel called Only time will tell.
13. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with? *

Bram Stoker
14. What are three things that may surprise your readers to know about you? *

I'm an avid Disney collector and have been since the age of 8, I have 2 grandchildren and 5 adult children (but only gave birth to 2 of them)
15. Please list your links where readers can find you online and purchase your works. *

www.tltravis.com - all my book buy links are listed on my website.

Valentine's AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Matt Converse


1. When/why did you decide to become a writer? *

I wrote a short story in the 3rd grade and my teacher accused me of copying it from a movie or TV; I took it as quite the compliment. My Mom first got me into watching scary movies, which inspired my writing.

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today? *

Stephen King, and I still love his work. I want to read the book Psycho by Robert Bloch next to see how it differs from the movie.

3. What was the inspiration behind your latest release? *

I was a stripper before becoming an author, so I wanted to share a gritty, real life story of a stripper, not the Hollywood version like Magic Mike.

4. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life? *

Definitely. Some are totally made up or embellished but some are pretty close to real life.

5. Why do you write in your chosen genre? What other genres would you like to try your hand at? *

I am a horror writer at heart, but become a M/M Romance erotica author by virtue of the subject matter of Strip Shot and Behind the Velvet Curtain.

6. What would you do if you were your main character? *

Many of the same things he did, although I might want to correct some of the mistakes he made, but isn't that what life is about, learning from our mistakes?

7. Will we ever see these characters again? *

Yes! Readers wanted a sequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain, I gave them the prequel instead in Strip Shot but am currently working on the sequel. 

8. Would you like to see this book as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters? *

Of course! I think Matt Bomer would be perfect for the lead who is also named Matt. Channing Tatum would be perfect for his hunky boyfriend Justin. "The Creeper" has to be a scary character, so maybe an unknown actor would be best for him. 

9. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?

Publishing my first full length novel, with many more to come.

10. Is there anything you haven't touched on that you'd like readers to know about your book? *

My stories have steamy sex, but there is more story to them than most in this genre. There is also humor along with the mix a horror in my M/M erotic tales.

11. What would you be doing if you weren't writing? *

Going crazy! Ha. I love to write I can't imagine doing anything else.

12. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next? *

I am writing the sequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain and am also working on a sci-fi story as well as a full length horror novel. 

13. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with? *

I'm not big on the collaboration thing but I guess I wouldn't mind teaming up with Stephen King for a horror novel! 

14. What are three things that may surprise your readers to know about you? *

Many years ago I was married...to a woman. I am an avid bridge player--it's great fun and not just for old ladies! I was a pretty good tennis player back in the day! 

15. Please list your links where readers can find you online and purchase your works. *

Strip Shot smarturl.it/StripShot
Behind the Velvet Curtain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TBPESD0

Valentine's AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Hope Daniels


1. When/why did you decide to become a writer? *

Probably when I was about five. My next door neighbor was a teacher. She was my second mother and she taught me the love of books and the worlds which could be found between the pages. Once I began reading, my imagination took flight. I've always had trouble writing short stories for school because there was so much more behind each character. The red editing pen is horrible! :)

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today? *

Margaret Henry, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Gertrude Chandler Warner as a child; Stephen King, Janet Dailey, Lora Leigh, Gena Showalter, Shayla Black, Cherry Adair, Dean Koontz

3. What was the inspiration behind your latest release? *

This is the third installment of the Magical Forces Series. So, the inspiration is two-fold. One, because Tessa has been yapping in my head saying she is tired of being a virgin; J.T. is in total agreement. Two, although each book is a standalone, there is a story playing in the background which has carried through from book one. 

4. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life? *

Little bits and pieces, but I can't say a single person is represented in a single character.

5. Why do you write in your chosen genre? What other genres would you like to try your hand at? *

I couldn't imagine not writing in the paranormal genre. I love the idea of magic, fantasy and the possibilities of things beyond our known reality. However, I would like to try my hand at New Adult, or a Psychological Thriller. I'm actually writing a solo project which will fit the Thriller genre.
6. What would you do if you were your main character? *

Oh, this is a loaded question. It is hard to answer fully without giving away secrets. The main thing I would do is jump J.T.'s bones. Have you seen him? He is H.O.T.!
7. Will we ever see these characters again? *

Yes, they will be in Book Four, Hell Of A Life, as supporting characters.
8. Would you like to see this book as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters? *

Of course I would love to see it as a TV show, but on HBO or Showtime. Have to be able to show the good stuff! As for the characters of Tessa and J.T., I'd love to see Clint Ewing as J.T. and Jenn Proske be Tessa. What their chemistry would be like together on film, I have no idea, but they are my vision for the characters.
9. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?

Hopefully still writing, but under much less stress and with office space!
10. Is there anything you haven't touched on that you'd like readers to know about your book? *

This is a hot romance spanning fifty years. You'll find a bit of everything in Hell Of A Night. Sweet romance to pervy goodness, but don't forget to start with the first Hell In Heels, currently just 99 cents.
11. What would you be doing if you weren't writing? *

I would be a reflection of my insanity.
12. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next? *

After the release of Hell Of A Night and my own solo project, my co-author and I will be working on Magical Forces 3.5. An as of yet, untitled novella. This will revisit Ryan, Zoey, Nia, Feather and Newt as they take a trip north to "visit" the old pack. That's all the clue I'm giving you. ;)
13. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with? *

You there are so many. I would love to write with anyone. You can learn so much from other people. Everyone has their own style of writing, their own way of doing things. Alicia and I have a natural progression which just works. You'd think we were married since we finish each others sentences. I'd love to see if I could get to that level with every author.
14. What are three things that may surprise your readers to know about you? *

I love ice cream, especially lemon ice cream. Like, I will cut you to get the last of it, I love it that much. There is absolutely NO sharing when it comes to my ice cream. I'm a horse lover. I don't own one, not because I don't want one, but the township I live in requires more land. Oh, money might have something to do with it too. But if I have the chance to be around horses. I am there. Shovel shit? Yep, as long as I can love on the horses too. Groom them? Hell yes! There is something about the smell of horse and leather. It's almost as good as man and leather, but that is a different question entirely. Another thing readers may not know about me is that I am a registered life time member of the Girl Scouts. I joined years ago when I was in school, then became an award winner for the Salvation Army Girl Guard program. Then when my daughters were in school, I joined Girl Scouts as their Leader. Working to make sure girl's voices were heard is a no brainer. No more selling cookies for this Council, but I definitely still support the ultimate goals of GSUSA.
15. Please list your links where readers can find you online and purchase your works. *

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004355659363

Monday, February 13, 2017

Valentine's AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Victoria Kinnaird


1. When/why did you decide to become a writer? *

I don't remember really making a conscious decision, but I started writing little short stories when I was really young. I finished my first novel in my early to mid teens. The first time I really decided to have a go at writing as a career was when I applied to university to study Journalism and Creative Writing!

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today? *

When I was young, my inspiration came from a really wide range of authors - from J K Rowling and J R R Tolkien through to Anne Rice and J D Salinger. I loved Goosebumps and Point Horror, then Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. I discovered The Vampire Chronicles and Catcher in the Rye at roughly the same time and they both had a massive impact on me despite being very different! I sadly don't have much time to read these days, but I try to set some time aside for Joe Hill, Neil Gaiman, the wonderful Rue Volley and Cassandra Clare. 

3. What was the inspiration behind your latest release? *

Well I guess that depends which release I'd class as my latest! In terms of release date, The Red Sun Rises Boxset is my latest release. It's a three novel boxset that chronicles the life/death/rebirth of a teenage vampire called Eren Anderson. I wanted to write about vampires because I was obsessed wit he Anne Rice and Buffy the Vampire Slayer when I was growing up, so I've always loved vampires. When Eren randomly announced that he was bisexual, when I was still sketching out the character, the series sort of politicised itself - so it wasn't just about the massive changes we undergo as we grow up, it took an angle of young gay kid VS a religious society that doesn't approve of who he is, how he behaves and the person he falls in love with. The inspiration for that sadly comes from real life, from watching my LGBT friends struggle. "Fake It" is my most recent release that is purely original content - and it's a bit lighter, I swear! "Fake It" is very much based on my personal experience growing up. I was devoted to my favourite bands and the music scene they were a part of. I'd go to shows, stand in front of the stage, blinded by the lights and singing along to every word and my heart would just be full. I knew, way back then, that having moments like that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. That's very much what "Fake It" is based on - how a deep love of music can change your life, how it can make you braver, how it can create lasting friendships and how it can even save your life. So as much as "Fake It" is a love story between Jack and JJ, it's also my love letter to rock'n'roll.
4. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life? *

There are some characters in my books who are based on real people - Jessica from "Fake It" is based on my kickass friend, Jessica Rose. Andy and Rayner from "The Red Sun Rises" are also based on real people! I have a lot of fun writing my friends into my books, it's a way of thanking them for their support.
5. Why do you write in your chosen genre? What other genres would you like to try your hand at? *

Well, luckily I've been able to make a bit of a jump so I don't write just one genre - "The Red Sun Rises" is LGBT YA paranormal, and "Fake It" is LGBT YA contemporary romance. I'm branching out into the superhero genre soon, which will be really fun and a dream come true for me! I think three different genres might be my limit though! The one thing that ties all my books together is that they have main characters who identify as LGBT. I think that's something that will continue for the rest of my career. I'm passionate about the LGBT community. When I was growing up, I could open a book and find myself but my friends who identified as gay or bisexual really struggled to find books that could do that for them. I want to make sure LGBT kids know that they're not alone, that they can fall in love and pursue their dreams and be happy. That's why I write LGBT characters, to hopefully help in some small way.
6. What would you do if you were your main character? *

If I was JJ or Jack, I'd just hang out with their band, Forever Fading Echoes - they're hilarious and a ton of fun. If I was Eren, I'd just raid Corbijn's wardrobe!
7. Will we ever see these characters again? *

Absolutely! Eren, Corbijn and The Red Sun Rises characters will be back for another three novel arc starting with "The Red Sun Rises: Shadow Killer". JJ and Jack will be back really soon in their follow up novel, "Take It".
8. Would you like to see this book as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters? *

I would love to see The Red Sun Rises as a Netflix or Amazon Original series. I think those books are better suited to television! Fake It would make a fun film though, I think/hope! But my readers could probably cast the characters way better than I can - whenever I think about it, I just draw a blank!
9. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?

Well, I know I will still be writing. Hopefully with some of my work adapted for cinema/TV!
10. Is there anything you haven't touched on that you'd like readers to know about your book? *

Nope, these questions have been great :)
11. What would you be doing if you weren't writing? *

Probably music journalism! It was my chosen career before I started taking novel writing seriously and I do miss it.
12. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next? *

Next up will be "Take It", the "Fake It" sequel. From there I'll be moving on to "Struck", the first book in my YA Superhero series, and then back to All Hallows for "The Red Sun Rises: Shadow Killer".
13. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with? *

I'd love to work with Anne Rice! And if Joss Whedon wants to adapt any of my books, he's more than welcome!
14. What are three things that may surprise your readers to know about you? *

The first band I ever loved was Hanson. My little sister is the one who keeps me organised and focused - if you see me at a signing, that's because she's been working for ages to get me there! Oh and I have really big feet.
15. Please list your links where readers can find you online and purchase your works. *

Facebook: www.facebook.com/victoriakinnairdofficial
Official website: www.victoriakinnaird.com
The Red Sun Rises boxset: www.smarturl.it/rsrboxset

Valentine's AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Layla Dorine


1. When/why did you decide to become a writer? *

I always loved the book The Outsiders, and when I was about 12 I learned that the author S.E. Hinton, had written it when she was just 15. I thought it was so awesome that someone not much older than me had written something so wonderfully cool and thought provoking and emotionally deep. I decided then that I was going to write a book, and promptly got started on it. I made it something like 3 or 4 chapters before abandoning it, in truth, it read more like Outsider fan fiction before the invention of fan fiction, but I still have those pages somewhere. I got hooked on words at a very young age and wrote a lot of poetry and song lyrics in middle school and high school but I always wanted to try my hand at novel writing and when my son, who is now almost 20, was little, I started working on stories again, though it would take well over a decade before I was ever comfortable enough to show anyone my work. I used to play make believe a lot when I was little, I was an only child, and sometimes, my fantasy world characters were my only companions. It got to a point where I just wanted to share the worlds I created and the adventures that were unfolding in them. 

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today? *

Oh wow, aside from S.E. Hinton, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, I also enjoyed the Laura Inglas Wilder books, Charles Dickens, Robert Frost, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Mark Twain, and many other classical writers. I loved poetry, and read Dickinson, Poe, Browning, Lord Byron, Shelly, Keats, Yeats, E.E. Cummings, Tolkin, Walt Whitman, and Jack Kerouac and Jim Morrison's Poetry. Today, I'm a huge fan of Charlie Cochet's Thirds Series, I read a lot of Paranormal Romance, I love dragons, shifters, anything along those lines, I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood Book, I love the Harry Potter Series, I read mangas, like saiyuki, and Wolf's Rain, Priest, and Crying Freeman. I love the Darkness comics, Nightwing, some Batmans and Punisher, I'm also a big fan of Neil Gaiman and George R.R. Martain. 

3. What was the inspiration behind your latest release? *

My upcoming release, Serpent's Kiss, is a M/M snake shapeshifter romance, with a bunch of political intrigue added in. I was inspired, primarily, by my love of the naga mythology and wanting to put my own twist on the myths. In the world of the Serpenmatas, one can be a pure blood, with the ability to shift between human and snake cleanly, or one can have mixed human and snake features at all times. Some can even appear so monstrous that there is no way for them to pass as humans even with personal illusions in place. Shapeshifters and the ability to take another form have always fascinated me, and through the years I've spent a lot of time reading and researching mythology on skinwalkers and shapeshifters. Somewhere in all of that research, the characters began talking and Zaiden and Darian's story began to unfold. 

4. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life? *

There is something of my personality in all of my characters. There is always something drawn from the people I've met in my travels and the places that I've been. In this case, the idea that Darian has found himself outcast from his family because of their fear of his visions, was drawn from watching the way family members tend to pull back from those who are different from themselves or who buck convention. I wanted to show Darian becoming part of a different tribe, finding his place in their world, coming into his own, embracing who he was, and finding love too. I think the quest for happiness and happily ever after is one that we can all relate to, especially those who have had doors slammed in their faces or been shunned by those who were supposed to love and care for them. 

5. Why do you write in your chosen genre? What other genres would you like to try your hand at? *

I write LGBTQ stories because my characters fall on the spectrum, that's who they are, and though at first, I was kind of hesitant to explore that with them, I've found it to be soul cleansing and cathartic. In the course of my writing I was finally able to come out and admit my own bisexuality. It also opened the door for my daughter to come out to me, when she asked what I wrote and I replied with honesty. I believe that all love should be celebrated. I believe that every character should have the opportunity for their story to be told, no matter who they are or who they choose to love. In my novels I have had Bisexual characters, a transgender character, gay characters, a lesbian character, straight characters, Pan characters, and in two current WIPs, I've got Gender Fluid characters who surprised me at first, when I was writing and they made their pronoun preferences known. I've written contemporary, paranormal, a tough of science fiction, an urban drama, a novel featuring a dirtbike racer and one that would be considered a historical fantasy. I try to keep an open mind and look at the world the characters are showing me, embrace it and see where it takes me. As to a genre I haven't written but would like to, I think the only one that would fit the bill would be high fantasy. 

6. What would you do if you were your main character? *

Wow, awesome question. If I were Darian in Serpent's Kiss, I think I might think twice about leaving my guns behind. I think I would be as leery of Zaiden's intentions as he was in the course of the story, and I think I may have had to do some negotiating to ensure my own safety before i got in the car at the start of the trip. Actually, I might have gone on vacation and made it more difficult for them to find me, but that would have delayed the inevitable, I think and maybe even made things more difficult for he and Zaiden in the end. I'd like to think I would have been a bit more willing to help though, that I could have tried to see my powers through their eyes and been a bit more willing to learn about them and their world before being so testy. 

7. Will we ever see these characters again? *

Never say never. While this was written as a stand alone, it would be fun to revisit them again, maybe a few years after the end of Serpent's Kiss to see how much the bond between them has grown and how Darian is fitting in at the compound. 

8. Would you like to see this book as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters? *

Wow, with the creation of shows like Shadow Hunters and the like, I could see this as a TV show or even a film, that would be interesting. CG has come so far, as have makeup and effects that I think the characters could be portrayed correctly. I would love to see Jason Mamoa play Zaiden, and as for Darian, it would be cool to see him played by Charlie Hunnam or Chris Hemsworth. 

9. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?

Still writing books, still exploring worlds, still traveling and researching and meeting new people and searching for new things to inspire me, researching and attending workshops, taking photographs and learning with every new story. I would love to see myself with a series under my belt and that high fantasy novel written too. 

10. Is there anything you haven't touched on that you'd like readers to know about your book? *

Just that the politics is as important as the romance, and that overall, the culture of the characters is very important to the story as well. 

11. What would you be doing if you weren't writing? *

Wildlife/nature photography, which I actually do as a hobby and freelance submitting pieces to magazines both online and print. I'd likely create more digital art too, or reform a band, I've always loved music. One thing I do know for certain is that it would be something creative. 

12. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next? *

Several things actually. A romance featuring a rocker and his bodyguard, another story in which a marketing executive falls for the escort who he hires to accompany him to his companies winter gala, and lastly, a novel about returning home to find oneself and in the process, finding love with the half-brother of one's ex. 

13. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with? *

Jim Morrison, on song lyrics and poetry. That would be the epic be all end all for me. On novels, Tolkien, on that high fantasy piece. 

14. What are three things that may surprise your readers to know about you? *

I love motorcycles and rock bands, I am super into camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, just all of those outdoor things, and I love to spend time learning about haunted places and reading ghost stories. 

15. Please list your links where readers can find you online and purchase your works. *

http://layladorine13.wixsite.com/layladorineauthor rainbowlyricsandmellowmushrooms.blogspot.com

Valentine's AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Rue Volley


1. When/why did you decide to become a writer? *

I don't think that I ever did. It chose me. 

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today? *

Oddly enough I'm inspired by movies, comics, and TV series. I do have a few favorite books, but my true inspiration comes from film makers, and comic book writers such as Joss Whedon, Brian Singer, Neil Gaiman, Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, Peter Jackson, Ridley Scott, David Lynch, Stan Lee, Wes Anderson, and Tim Burton...just to name a few. 

3. What was the inspiration behind your latest release? *

It's been eight years since I have written about vampires in a YA/New Adult setting. 13 Ways to Midnight came to me as a dream. The prologue haunted me for about two months before I finally sat down and typed out what would be the beginning of a new series for me. Although the book is an easy read it's filled with complex characters and mystery, which is the basis for every story that I write. I would rather the reader be completely absorbed into the world building as opposed to grabbing a dictionary and trying to figure out what some obscure word means here and there throughout the story line. So I keep it simple, yet balance it with a rich backdrop that entices them to become part of the adventure. 

4. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life? *

Always. I've never written a single character without truth woven into it. I think that's why I've been successful. People can believe that these characters exist, and honestly they do, right here inside of me. 

5. Why do you write in your chosen genre? What other genres would you like to try your hand at? *

The stories that rise up in me dictate what genre I'll be focusing on. Right now I'm focusing on Young Adult Paranormal Romance and Dark Fantasy. One appeals to anyone 12+ and the other is 18+ with a mature rating. My two big series this year will be The Midnight Saga (YA) and Hellhound (MA). Hellhound will re-release in June. That series was originally released in 2014 and has a movie based on the first chapter of book one. I decided to unpublish the three book series and revisit the entire story arc. I released a backstory on one of the main characters (Dorin) last Fall (Tale of the Red Dragon) which allowed me to explore not only a male POV, but it was set in the time of Vlad the Impaler. I hope that anyone interested in the Hellhound series will start with that book so that they will know a little bit about Dorin and where he came from. In May I'll be releasing the second novel in The Midnight Saga, and I plan on releasing the third book in the Fall if my schedule allows it.
6. What would you do if you were your main character? *

I always am. lol
7. Will we ever see these characters again? *

The Midnight Saga will be a multi-book series so yes, these characters will be around for a long time.
8. Would you like to see this book as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters? *

I write every book as if it's going to film because I'm a screenwriter first and foremost. We're shopping The Midnight Saga now not only with directors, but we're exploring the option of a television series. This story has mass appeal because it's just edgy enough to attract adults and still maintains it's young adult appeal. I think it would be best suited for Netflix or The CW. As far as character roles, I'm not sure yet. This is a new baby for me and I haven't given any thought to who might best personify these characters. But if we're talking directors, I would love to see Tim Burton, Brian Singer, Joss Whedon, or Wes Anderson make it shine. All masters in their field.
9. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?

I think that eventually I'll be working on films and deeply invovled in graphic novels.
10. Is there anything you haven't touched on that you'd like readers to know about your book? *

I would like them to know that if they choose to read it they won't be disappointing.
11. What would you be doing if you weren't writing? *

Sleeping more.
12. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next? *

I'm currently working on the second book in The Midnight Saga, 13 Ways to Midnight, Book #2: The Veil. I'm also working on Hellhound (Episode One: Dead is Dead).
13. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with? *

Holly Black, Neil Gaiman, Lewis Carrol, Oscar Wilde.
14. What are three things that may surprise your readers to know about you? *

I'm Wiccan, bi-sexual, and I love staying home. lol
15. Please list your links where readers can find you online and purchase your works. *

Sunday, February 12, 2017

KSR RECOMMENDS: Valentine's Day Reads



Okay, so in the past year or two, I have discovered a darker side of romance that I, a horror lover by nature, really enjoy. All the books featured here have been reviewed and given at LEAST a four-star rating right here on KSR, and all are perfect reads for Valentine's Day. (Note, these are almost all 18+ reads, so kiddies might want to look away.)
Happy V-Day! <3 KSR

(Psychological BDSM erotica)

Sebastian Chronicles by TL Travis
(Paranormal erotica)

The Database by TL Travis
(BDSM erotic novelette)

Invicta Series by Piper Kay
(M/M erotic romance)

Miranda's Rights by Lily Luchesi
(Horror/paranormal with a romantic twist)

The Envious Series by Katie Keller-Nieman
(Fantasy romance)

Death Love Lust anthology
(multi-genre erotica)

(multi-genre erotica)

The Moon Series by Lisa Kessler
(paranormal romance)

Saturday, February 11, 2017

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Tam May

1. When/why did you decide to become a writer?
When I was fourteen. My sister's best friend had been writing since she was five and introduced it to her. We're twins, so of course I always wanted to know what my sister was up to :-). I was so fascinated by the idea of writing fiction, creating new worlds that were so different from my own, that I started a journal and a children's book soon afterwards. Writing became my voice.
2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today?
Honestly, I don't remember much about what I was reading when I was younger. I do remember loving the Harriet the Spy books because I loved the idea of a curious writer character in a girl and Harriet seemed to be pretty bold. When I was 16, I discovered Anais Nin's short story book "Under a Glass Bell" and that led me in a whole different direction in terms of writing and reading. Today I enjoy reading fiction that is sort of off the beaten path, like Nin's work, Jane Bowles, Paul Bowles, Anna Kavan, Virginia Woolf. But I also love classic literature so I love more classic writers such as The Brontes, Jane Austin, Edith Wharton. I read not long ago Thomas Mann's "Death in Venice" and was blown away by it, so I think I'm adding him to my list.
3. What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
My latest release, Gnarled Bones and Other Stories, came out of a difficult transition I was going through a while back. I had a family crisis and it changed my entire perspective on my family and my childhood. I wrote three of the stories - "Mother of Mischief", "Bracelets", and "Broken Bows" - during that time. I was just discovering my own voice and style as a psychological fiction writer. I wrote the other two - "A First Saturday Outing" and "Gnarled Bones" - about ten years later, when my voice and style were a little more established.
4. Were any of the characters personalities or emotions taken from real life?
Since I write psychological fiction, most of the character emotional realities that I write come from real life. They might be my own emotional experiences or people I know or people I read about. As for personalities, I weave reality and imagination so my characters usually have aspects of real personalities (again, people I know or read about or seen) along with imaginary elements.
5. Why do you write in your chosen genre? What other genres would you like to try your hand at?
I write psychological reality because it's really my passion to explore characters from the inside out. My stories come from the characters internal conflicts and also their pasts and their memories. As for other genres, I've always been fascinated by the psychological suspense genre. Not thriller, but suspense, something more subtle and character-based rather than fast-paced action. I actually have an idea on the backburner for a psychological suspense novel. I'm sure I'll get to it someday!
6. What would you do if you were your main character?
I can't really answer that question, I'm afraid, because my recent work is a short story collection, so there are many main characters!
7. Will we ever see these characters again?
Anything is possible :-). I usually leave short stories as they are, except for revising, of course. But a few people have told me that they would love to see the story "Broken Bows" expanded into a longer work because they were fascinated with the two characters who meet on a train. I hadn't considered it at all, but you never know...
8. Would you like to see this book as a film or TV show? If yes, who do you want to see play your characters?
Again, that's not a question I can really answer, since the book is a collection of short stories. It might be interesting to see the story "Gnarled Bones" as a short teleplay on TV. I have no idea who I would want to play the lead. I'm a little out of touch with contemporary film and TV, I confess. I'm more of a classic film and TV lover.
9. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?
I've always been bad at visualizing myself in the future! I just hope that I'm continuing to publish the fiction that I love and giving readers something to think about with my fiction and that gives them insights on human nature, and possibly on themselves.
10. Is there anything you haven't touched on that you'd like readers to know about your book?
I would like readers to know that my writing is a little off the beaten path. I write in a more lyrical fashion, so the style of writing might be something they don't see often. But I hope that readers enjoy it and get something out of it.
11. What would you be doing if you weren't writing?
I'm guessing you mean what would I be doing for a living if I weren't a full-time writer :-). I would be involved in my own private tutoring business for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students. I used to tutor and teach EFL students and I really loved it.
12. Can you tell KSR what you're working on next?
I'm working on a novella series called the Waxwood Series. I'm polishing the first round of revisions for Book 1, The Order of Actaeon, submitting chapters to my insightful critique group to help me with the second round of revisions. I just started the first draft of the second book, The Claustrophobic Heart. I'm also working on another book titled House of Masks.
13. What authors, dead or alive, would you like to collaborate with?
Honestly, I wouldn't like to collaborate with any author, dead or alive. I'm more of a loner writer type.
14. What are three things that may surprise your readers to know about you?
One is that I have a twin sister who is five minutes older than I am and much wiser :-). Another is that I love watching British mystery series, especially the Agatha Christie Poirot series. And the last thing is that I have a phobia of life-sized puppets and ventriloquist dummies. I don't know why!
15. Please list your links where readers can find you online and purchase your works.
For more about me, readers can visit my website at www.tammayauthor.com and sign up for my newsletter at http://tammayauthor.com/index.php/newsletter/. They can also join me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tammayauthor/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/tammayauthor, and Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/tammayauthor/. Thanks so much, Kelly, for having me!

Monday, February 6, 2017

RELEASE DAY + REVIEW: "Wolf Moon" by Lisa Kessler


As the last Pack member without a mate, Luke Reynolds has become an outsider. When he takes a job as the head horse trainer in Sedona, Arizona, he’s looking forward to starting a new life. But everything changes the night he finds a beautiful woman stranded on the side of the highway.

Feisty and headstrong Raven Wood has been bitten and turned against her will. Luckily, her spirit is stronger than most, and she has every intention of escaping the Sedona Pack. Somehow. The sexy lone wolf who rescues her might be just the answer she’s looking for. 

But the Sedona Pack Alpha has a mission, and unless Luke and Raven can survive him, they’ll lose everything.

* * * *

Note: Each book in the Moon series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Available now!




This is not the last Wolf Pack book, but it is the last book about a member of the pack itself and knowing that saddens me. In this book we get to know Luke, a loner compared with the rest of his Pack who moves away to Arizona to get a change of scenery, which is where he meets Raven, an unwillingly turned werewolf escaping an abusive pack, trying to also rescue her werewolf sister, Isabelle.
Raven is now my second favorite female member of the pack (first always being Lana). She's got fire in her heart and steel in her guts to go through what she has and still have the will to fight. She is a perfect addition to the series and I couldn't have imagined a better mate for Luke.
Luke is not my favorite wolf, but he's a great, solid character whose story was worth waiting for. He's got a very unique voice and his story reinforces the sense of family and camaraderie that I felt was missing since book two.
The plot was the most fast-paced yet, filled with action and information. With a few quick plot twists and a wonderful ending, this book will make you pull an all-nighter (I did!) and this series will enrapture you. Kessler has a gift for creating unique and likable characters that will stay in your heart forever.
Now...that being said, I can't WAIT for Isabelle's story (because I know it's coming and can't freakin' WAIT!!!)

5/5--satisfying, exciting, and sweet.

Friday, February 3, 2017

BLOG TOUR + FREE E-BOOK: "Mind: The Message" by Jenn Nixon

#MIND Freebie and New Release Blog Tour with @Jennnixon




MIND: The Beginning (Bk1) – Free March 2 nd through 6 th www.amazon.com/dp/B017M3IJM8

After Dina Ranger loses telepathic contact with her twin brother, Duncan, she breaks into his

apartment and stumbles onto a special government unit responsible for monitoring the psychic

population. She’s offered a job where she can use her psionic gifts to help people.

Stranded on earth over a hundred years ago, Liam of Shria is searching for a metal needed to

repair his ship when he finds Dina inside an alien escape pod and narrowly saves her after she

trips the alarm.

As the mystery and their relationship deepens, Liam helps Dina learn the truth behind her

abilities while uncovering a plot to rebuild an ancient weapon, exposing dangerous secrets about

the alien presence on earth that may change the future forever.




MIND: The Message (Bk4) – New Release on sale March 4 th 2017 amazon.com/Jenn-

Nixon/e/B002BLNBBQ

After years of trying to fit in, Casey Wu made her own path, her own way, working as a private

security consultant in New York City. When Casey’s apartment is broken into and she and her

mother become targets of powered individuals with ties to her long-missing father, reality is

turned upside down as she’s pulled into an exciting and treacherous world she’s more connected

to than she realizes.

Former General Theo Struck left the military behind to shore up the strength of the MIND team,

worried about the significant emergence of psychic and visitor abilities on Earth. While trying to

recover from the trauma he suffered during The Reckoning, and attempting to keep the entire

team safe, he learns a mysterious private investigator is tailing him. The moment Theo confronts

the powerful descendant sparks fly, but her story, almost too unbelievable to consider, isn’t

something he can ignore.

Determined to uncover the truth about her extraordinary powers, Theo agrees to help Casey, and

when they uncover connections between her father and a government chip his former unit used

on human psychics, their blossoming friendship is tested as the dangerous investigation puts the

entire MIND team at risk.


MIND: The Message Release Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/575657465965855/

Jenn Nixon's love of writing started the year she received her first diary and Nancy Drew novel.

Throughout her teenage years, she kept a diary of her personal thoughts and feelings but

graduated from Nancy Drew to other mystery suspense novels.

She often adds a thriller and suspense element to anything she writes be it Romance, Science

Fiction, or Fantasy. When not writing, she spends her time reading, observing pop culture,

playing with her two dogs, and working on various charitable projects in her home state of New

Jersey.

Jenn Nixon is a member Liberty States Fiction Writers.

Website: jennnixon.com

Facebook: facebook.com/JennNixonAuthor

Blog: jennafern.blogspot.com

twitter.com/jennnixon

goodreads.com/author/show/712429.Jenn_Nixon




Excerpt

“I had a feeling I’d see you again,” the voice called.

Dina looked around the wooded area, feeling confused for a moment. It seemed familiar.

Across the marsh, Liam was leaning against a tree, casually dressed, hair slightly less shaggy

than it had been last time, hands shoved in his skinny jeans. A light mist lingered over the grass,

a taste of salt in the air. How did she get here?

“What?”

“Didn’t think it would be this soon,” he replied with a shrug.

The Gut surrounded her. She didn’t remember coming here, yet she was in the Bay Hook.

Solid ground beneath her feet and the stench she breathed in, all real. “Why, uh . . . did you come

back?”

“The real question is why did you call me here?”

“What are you talking about? You were already here, and I didn’t call. I don’t even have

your number.”

“Want it?” he asked, smirking, then shook his head. “No, wait . . . oh. Uninhibited speech,

foggy backdrop, extra flirty. I get it.”

“Get what?”

“We’re dreaming. You’re asleep right?”

“No,” she spat, spreading her arms, twisting in place. She pulled a cattail-punk out of the

ground and shook it at him. “We’re in the Hook, hello, don’t you see the trees? Can’t you smell

the marsh?”

“You must have been thinking about me, which is normal, frankly, given the circumstances.

But how the hell are you keeping me here?”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Dina, did both your parents have psionic abilities?”

“Only my father, why?”

“Curious,” he said, moving toward her, gray eyes sweeping up and down. “What about his

parents, either of them?”

“I don’t know. What does it matter?”

“People don’t normally share dreams. You’re strong—”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Dina threw her hands up in the air and walked

away. “Who cares if I am or not? There’s some dude out there burning up people, and I don’t

have time to tramp around the swamp with E.T.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing. Doesn’t matter. I’m outta here.”

“Wait, Dina,” he said, catching up and surpassing her. He grabbed both her arms to stop her.

“You really are dreaming.”

Everything around her was too real to be a dream. She felt the pressure of his fingers, even

the sinking feeling of her feet on the soft ground. “So this isn’t the Gut, it’s a dream? Right, and

you’re sharing it with me, sure.”

“You’re amazing!” He laughed boyishly. “Even after all you’ve seen, you’re still

questioning everything.”

“Then prove it to me. Call me, here’s my number,” she said, mentally sending the digits to

his head.

Liam smiled at her. A sweet, sincere smile that made her smile back before shrugging.

“Dina—”

Her eyes popped open. The ceiling of her bedroom stared back. “Oh, what the hell?”

Dina sat up, brow furrowed. She reached toward the nightstand for her phone. Was it going

to ring? It had felt as if she had been there, standing in the grass with Liam. She shut her eyes,

trying to bring the images back, but they were already fading.

Had she just shared a dream with Liam?

RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: "13 Ways To Midnight" by Rue Volley

Title: 13 Ways to Midnight
Author: Rue Volley
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Blurb:
You'll never miss the sunlight until it's gone.
Sixteen-year-old Echo Navarri, daughter of world-famous archaeologists, Alice and Peter Navarri, had spent her life traveling from one expedition to the next as her parent’s unearthed lost civilizations.
On their thirteenth dig, Midnight, Echo's twin sister, disappears without a trace. This prompts a year-long search that leaves the family nearly broken.
In an attempt to find some closure, they reluctantly host a mock funeral for Midnight without ever recovering her remains.
Nearing the one year anniversary of Midnight's assumed death, Echo is sent to live with her eccentric Aunt Luna who is the caretaker of the centuries old Navarri Estate in Port Royal, Maine.
Echo attempts to settle into her new life in Port Royal, but soon finds that she's destined for adventure as the mystery of her family’s history, the sunless town, and it's oddly intriguing people teeter on the supernatural.
Rue Volley was born in Lima, Ohio in 1970 to a father of Irish descent and a mother of Blackfoot Indian heritage.
She loves the art of storytelling and spends all of her time building supernatural worlds in the library that her husband so graciously built for her.
She is accredited with two award-winning screenplays for film, Hellhound (original script, 2014) and Awakening (contributing screenwriter, 2015). IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7043310/
Rue is represented by Gladys Gonzales Atwell, Publicist, and Sarah Davis Brandon, Publisher. Business inquiries: ruevolley@gmail.com
Author Links:
Buy Links:


I was excited when I was given the opportunity to beta read Rue's newest book. I'd been able to read her adult efforts, the Devil's Gate Trilogy, and had in the past indulged in her YA Blood And Light Series. More vampires from her? Hell yes, bring them on!
So I opened the book and from page one I was hooked in on Echo's story of an unending bond between twins and a deep mystery that goes back for centuries. The plot is deep, involved, but never strays. You always have an underlying sense of fear and anticipation, as if with every new paragraph something might jump out and go "BOO".
The characters are all so individualized, especially Echo and Aunt Luna. I could hear and see them so clearly. By the time I was done with the book, I thought that Echo was more of a personal friend than a character in a book. Her personality, her insecurities, and her love of everything paranormal (even though she's been conditioned not to believe in any of it) was so endearing. As was her sister, Midnight, whom we only meet for a short time. The character leaves an indelible imprint on your heart after just a couple of chapters, you love and miss her as much as Echo does.
Thorn was, well, if I were just five years younger he'd be my book boyfriend. He is everything you expect out of a leading man in thus type of series and more. The air of mystique that surrounds him and his family is exactly what this book demanded.
Once again Rue managed to write a book that will be timeless, that people will give to their teenagers one day. Despite being categorized as YA, it doesn't matter your age, anyone over thirteen will fall madly in love with this book, as I did.

5/5--this needs a movie made, stat!