Review/ Author Interview- Dream Smashers by Angela Carlie

Title- Dream Smashers
Author- Angela Carlie
Release Date- April 4th 2011
Published by- Darkside Publishing
Genre- YA
Rating- 3/5

Blurb- “Sixteen-year-old Autumn is a human heartache. Everywhere she turns people are stomping on her hopes and dreams. Her mom's a tweaker. She's lived with her chain-smoking grandmother for as long as she can remember. Even her best friend has issues. Autumn seems to be the only responsible person she knows and she's sick of putting up with it all.

When she meets Evan, a hot guy without a worry in the world, she can only wonder if he's for real or just another Dream Smasher.

A girl who no longer wants to care and a boy who cares enough for the both of them, Dream Smashers is a love story, but most of all, it's about letting go.”

Review- Dream Smashers is a great story with a great moral behind it. Substance abuse is such a common occurrence in todays society yet we never hear how it effects the people who watch their loved ones with the addiction. It was a nice change to read from their point of view. There were so many obstacles that Autumn faced throughout Dream Smashers, all connecting to each other in a believable way. Reading Dream Smashers made me come to the realisation that no matter what poop life throws at you, you can learn from it and move on. That it's ok to have dreams and aspirations for yourself and to not let anyone stand in your way. Even if your mother is a junkie as Autumns is. Autumns Mum Jacinda is your typical selfish “tweaking” mother who cares for nothing but getting her next hit. Reading her side of the story was so frustrating but it opens your eyes to what it's really like for someone who is an addict. Autumn to me had rose coloured glasses on a lot of the time. She didn't see things and people how they really were. She grew up with one friend (Rainy) and that's all she knew. So watching her start venturing out being uncomfortable was really interesting. Meeting Evan (sweet, carefree, hot guy) helped Autumn open up and realise she is lucky to have the life she has, even though it may not seem great sometimes. Which is why I love Evan! He was my favourite character in the novel. He never judged. If the world was full of Evans there would be world peace for all time. He balanced Autumn out. I really think there is so much to be taken away from Dream Smashers. I have taken away things like not having irrational goals, have a bit of faith and I have smashed my rose coloured glasses. Not everyone is what they seem to be on the outside. So what I am giving to you as a person reading my review is an instruction. It is to READ DREAM SMASHERS! That is all!

Author Interview- Q1- First of all I'd just like to say that I really enjoyed reading Dream Smashers! There is an issue with substance abuse in Dream Smashers that tends to be one of the main obstacles that Autumn has to navigate around, so my question is, Why did you choose to write about that particular subject?

A1 - Thank you, Renee. I'm glad you enjoyed Dream Smashers.
The number of people addicted to meth or who know someone addicted to meth is crazy high. Many of the YA fiction books I've read pertaining to meth have been about the protagonist's struggles with addiction. There are, however, far more people out there who haven't even touched the drug, but the drug has touched them and pretty much destroyed their lives. What about them? They had no say in their mothers' or fathers' or siblings' or best friends' decision to use meth, yet they still pay the price.

I, too, have meth addicts in my life. I felt compelled to write Autumn's story, a story of hope, for their children and others like them.

Q2- I noticed that while reading Dream Smashers I found myself thinking “oh maybe I worry too much” and“ ok maybe I cant control everything”. Was this your intention?To try and make people realise, Hey you only have one life make the most of it, live your dreams?

A2 - Wow. That's a great conclusion. It's true. We can't control everything, but what we can control is how we react. I didn't intend to create a message so much as to tell a story. I think if there is an underlining message in Dream Smashers, though, it is that life doesn't always have happy endings. What it does have is choices. You can choose to follow the path or you can make your own. It's up to you and only you.

Q3- Now I loved Evan. He was so loving and carefree. Who is your favourite character?

A3 - Yay! An Evan lover. I like Evan, too. Many people don't because he's not dirty enough or something. All the characters are my favorite, but if I had to choose one, I'd choose Autumn. She's so lost and trying to find her way, just like us all, yet she's strong and knows that she can reject the way of life she was brought up in and can find her own way.

Q4- What is next on the agenda for you?

A4 - My new novel, Loramendi's Story, was released in August. It's the first in the Lords of Shifters series and I'm currently working on the second book, Spider Wars, now.
I also have a local tour this October. The Rain Boots Required YA Author tour kicks off at our first stop in Vancouver, Washington, this Saturday. We'll be at the independent bookstore, Cover to Cover Books. I'm very excited about the tour. You can find out more on our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/rainbootsrequired

Q5- And finally a personal question, if there is anywhere you would like to go in the world where would it be and why?

A5 - Why pick one place when you can go to them all? But seriously, I'd go somewhere tropical first. I need to hear ocean crashing against the sand and the breeze through some palm trees to get my relaxation groove on.

For more information on Angela Carlie visit her website here  or her blog  here
Check out the trailer
Why not check it out on Goodreads
And for information on publishing check out Darkside Publishing

Guest Post w/ Emma Michaels

The Writers Voice 

Where you get to know the people behind the pages 

(http://ourbooksourvoice.blogspot.com) 

This is Emma Michaels, the author of The Thirteenth Chime’ and I am taking over! Don’t worry, it is only for one post. To introduce you to the team of amazing authors who are a part of a new blog called, ‘The Writers Voice’. A blog run by 12 authors. Dedicated to letting you get to know each of us and the authors we feature! 

What is the hardest emotion for you to convey?

“Blood-lust, possibly. I’ve never craved blood, so I’m using my unhealthy lust for chocolate as a substitute.” -Brenda Pandos

“I think certain experiences in life help a writer to convey a wider range of emotion and be able to put themselves into a situation and feel it as if it were happening to them - question how they would feel if it were happening to them - so there’s not really an emotion that’s hard for me to convey but a characterization. I find it difficult to write characters that are easily swayed by other people and their opinions. Every world you create should be diverse and so should the characters and I have to remind myself of this: that not everyone can stand up for themselves, are open enough to voice their opinions, that some people just don’t have the confidence to do that. I don’t think I could ever write a heroine/hero that was easily malleable unless they developed into something MORE by the end of the novel because I love writing about characters that my readers can learn something from and look up to.” 

-Samantha Young                                            

“I think fear. Most people are pretty consistent in how they feel fear. Some hearts race, some pound slower and harder, some stop altogether. For some people, palms might get sweaty while for others, knees might knock. Some become quiet with closed throats while others won’t shut up, sometimes screaming. But from situation to situation, each person is pretty consistent in how they physically react to this emotion. So your characters need to be consistent, too, but when they’re frequently in danger, you don’t want to become repetitive in how you describe what they’re feeling. It’s a fine line.”
-Kristie Cook

“Sadness – because I tend to see the bright side of life.” 

-Jayde Scott 

“Romance. Hands down. I blush at the drop of the hat. My friends find this amusing.”
-Danyelle Leafty

“The emotion that tends to escape me is normalcy. David and Megan are so normal in their interaction and specific opinions but I’m not. My father raised me to be anyone I wanted to be which didn’t exactly make for an easy life but it made me who I am so I wouldn’t trade it for the world, the only issue is that I have no idea what normal is! I end up asking my fiancé all types of random questions about what “normal people” do. Of course… he is going out with me… how would he know?” 

-Emma Michaels 

“Hmm ... that's a tricky one. Probably being too serious. I love humor in all situations so I have to be careful with that.”
-Victoria Simcox

“I find all emotion difficult to convey. Writing isn’t an exact science so each scene, each feeling, is unique. I have to delve in deep when I write emotions.” 

-Megg Jensen 

“I’ve always struggled with adding enough romance or love in my books without making it corny. I don’t write romance novels, although I do enjoy a little romance in my books. It’s just a matter of finding the right balance.” -Kim Richardson

“Grief. It’s not that I haven’t felt this emotion or do not have a clear understanding of how utterly painful it is – it’s just that when I write this emotion I remember feeling this way and those memories are hard to handle from time to time. I’ve written scenes full of heart break, but as a paranormal writer I’ve managed to avoid the full effect of the emotion of grief, a final goodbye.” 

-Jamie Magee 

“In writing, I think the hardest emotion for me to convey is happiness, which is also the hardest emotion for Gemma, the main character in The Fallen Star, to convey.”
-Jessica Sorensen

“Oo, that’s a hard question. I guess fear. And more in the sense of the fact that in some of my books, my characters are living in a constant state of fear so keeping the emotion high for so long is difficult.” 

-Keary Taylor 

Oh yeah, did I mention we have amazing guest authors? Here is a sneak peak of a few of the interviews we have planned for the future:

“Sadness. I get so deeply entrenched in my character’s lives that I have a very hard time torturing them and making them sad, the way a good author must. It’s my authorly Achilles heel.”
-Inara Scott

“I’ve never really thought about it, but probably frustration. I think it’s the most difficult to put into words, the most difficult to express in visceral terms.” 

-M. Leighton 

“Happiness. I don’t know why but when my characters are happy I tend to go to the stereotypical and cheesy and I just feel like I’ve entered the shallow zone. I hate it when my writing isn’t deep, thought provoking and emotionally invoked.”
-Rhiannon Paille

“Pain, both physically, and emotionally” 

-Morrigan Michele 

We are the team of authors for The Writers Voice but our blog is about so much more than just us, writing or even literature. It is about everything reading can bring to each individual person’s life, the work and lives that go into novels and all authors out there with their own stories and voices to share. I hope you will join us at The Writers Voice and hear more from our team and other writers from around the web! 

http://OurBooksOurVoice.blogspot.com

“The Writers Voice: Where you get to know the people behind the pages”

COVER REVEAL!!!

We have a special treat for you all today. We are happy to be able to reveal to you the cover of  Cold Blood by Author Heather Hildenbrand, book 2 in the Dirty Blood series.




                                Cold Blood

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process. Which happens more often than not for the freshman. Lucky for them, my presence has just stolen the spotlight, and they get a break from the daily joys of hazing.

At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea.

So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming commitee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here?


Cold Blood, Book 2 in the Dirty Blood series, is due out Fall 2011. If you haven't already read Dirty Blood, you can download it for your Kindle for just .99!

In honor of the cover reveal, Heather is hosting a giveaway on her blog, where you can enter to win a signed PAPERBACK of Dirty Blood, fresh off the press with its own new cover art. The winner of this giveaway will be receiving the very FIRST paperback with the new cover art! Second prize is a set of bookmarks, one with a special wolf charm, and the other signed by Heather.

To enter, visit Heather's site at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Wow! That cover is gorgeous! Check out my Review of Dirty Blood. Such an amazing book.

Happy Reading!

WINNERS

Hey Book Lovers,

I have some winner announcements here.

Winner of The Keepers e-book is...


                          nayjf


Winner of Elemental Reality e-book is...


                        Janhvi Jagtop


Winners of the 18 & Over Blog Hop are...

            Clarissa Pereira (Power Of The Moon)


            Ashley Prince (Dark Protector)


               Kati R  (Dark Lover)


CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congrats to all our winners, we hope you enjoy your prizes.

Thanks so much for everyone who entered, more giveaways are coming so keep an eye out.

Happy Reading!

Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress blog tour Interview/Giveaway

Hey Book Lovers,

We have a special treat today. I had the pleasure of Interviewing author Christine E. Schulze for the Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress blog tour. So get comfy and enjoy!



What or who inspired you to become a writer?

As a very little kid, I used to watch painting shows with my grandma; then, I thought I wanted to be an artist. Thank God that changed, because I really can't paint all that well.

However, I did turn my artistic flare elsewhere. I dunno, I guess it was always in me, like a gift and a purpose from God all wrapped into one. My first books were when I was quite young and contained only pictures. Then, around the age of five, I was asked to write a story for a wedding present for a family friend. "Jonny to the Rescue" was born, and I've been going ever since.

Who is your favourite Author & what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Favorite authors include masters like Diana Wynne Jones, Neil Gaiman, and J.K. Rowling. Yup, apparently I am a Bristish buff. I love the uniqueness, or, as some would say, the quirkiness of their worlds and yet, their worlds seem so real at the same time. Not to mention their masterful story-telling.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

Hm. I wrote it when I was eighteen, so that's...five years ago by now. I don't recall any major challenges to be honest. A lot of times, the stories just come to me, and if I am not in the mood to write a certain thing, I just set it aside, work on something else, and come back to the first thing later though.

Editing, now, THAT was the true challenge. But also a brilliant learning experience.

What was the most surprising things your learned in writing your book?

The book, while definitely full of fantasy, adventure, and romance, also contains an important lesson about forgiveness and acceptance. Sometimes, I think I forget that lesson, so it's good to go back, read the book, and re-learn my own standards and expectations for myself.

Do you ever experience writers block?

Not often, but when I do, I usually just set aside the project to come back to it later. On occasion, if I need ideas fast, I'll talk to friends. I have a couple close comrades that are excellent at spawning ideas in the most crucial moments.

How did you come up with the title?

Well, I guess it just fits, for one. :) For another, it's part of a four-book series, and each title is similar, naming some of the people the story is about, usually those who are affected by some sort of dark spell:

Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress
Memory Charmer
Wind Whisperer, Truth Gazer,
Wish Granter

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love video games (esp. Zelda), drawing, composing music, playing piano, singing (esp. in choirs), and spending time with my most wuvvable Snugglemuffin, Jonny. ^_^

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Oh, yes, my characters, if nothing else, almost always reflect me and others around me. I wrote this story when I was dealing with my own abuse and needing faith and God's love to pull me through. Aaryn is based upon a young man whom I loved for seven years plus; the love was unrequited, but we are still good friends. And even Lund was inspired by a savvy English teacher I had my first year of college.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As I said above, first an artist, and then, that being an obvious fail, an author.

What project are you working on now?

Mostly, I am trying to get notice for my currently-published works. However, I have become a chapter writer for chainbooks, an awesome site all writers should check out once it launches at the end of September. I am also writing short stories and such in my spare time, while seeking reviewers for my books. If anyone reading this is interested in receiving a free ebook in exchange for a review, please feel free to contact me at ChristineESchulze@gmail.com

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Never give up, and always keep learning! I improve and learn with each new book and story I write. Don't be stubborn; advice is good and usually improves the whole story, especially that from your editors. Don't conform either though; if you have a unique voice, go with that and just strive to make it the best it can be. And again, never give up! It's a hard, long road, but you must keep climbing or you will never reach the top.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

Thanks to all of you! You are what fuels my passion; please keep reading, and help me share my stories with the world!



Light or Dark chocolate?


Coconut. I am allergic to milk and sugar, but there's this brilliant new chocolate ice cream out made with coconut and agave syrup.

Tea or Coffee?


Tea. But only if it's green.

Dogs or Cats?


Both, but the latter make me sneeze.

Favourite Colour?


Green. Sage green, if you want specifics.

George Clooney or Hugh Jackman?


Um...no. I like Elijah Wood, thanks.

Favourite Disney movie?


TANGLED! I am SO Rapunzel, from many of her character traits down to her life story and green eyes and freckled nose. And, my Jonny is my Eugene. :)


Thank you so much for answering my questions and for joining us today.

BUY LINKS: Amazon PB  Amazon Kindle  Nook  Smashwords


                                                 Author Bio
                               
Christine E. Schulze has been creating books since she was too young to even write them in words. Her collection of YA fantasy books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books which can all be read separately but which weave together to create an amazing fantasy. Her fanatsies also incorporate many other genres, such as Christian fantasy, romance, and even a spark of horror at times. She hopes to inspire readers throughout the world with these books by publishing in both traditional and electronic formats to make them available to all readers.
Christine has published several stories with Calliope and Kalkion magazines and is an active member of the WEbook online writing community. She has also published several Christian/fantasy books which are available at various online retailers, as well as publishing several eBooks via Writers-Exchange.
Her latest and most exciting venture includes her publications with Old Line Publishing: Bloodmaiden and Tears of a Vampire Prince: the First Krystine. She also anticipates her upcoming publication with Old Line, Lily in the Snow, as well as releasing The Chronicles of the Mira with Writers-Exchange in both paperback and electronic forms.
Christine currently lives in Belleville, Illinois in her first and most thrilling apartment.

Leave us a comment with your email addy and you'll have the chance to win an e-copy of Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress

The next blog stop on the tour is over at  Book Sake

18 & Over Book Blogger Giveaway Hop

Hey Book Lovers,

We are stop 16 on the list. Thanks to Bitten By Paranormal Romance and Reading Between The Wines Book Club for hosting such an awesome hop.

Have to be 18 & over to enter, we have THREE prizes up for grabs...

FIRST prize is a paperback copy of the steamy Power Of The Moon by Tina Carreiro

Have you ever looked at someone and knew they were going to die? Miakoda Starr has. After trying to help a homeless man whose aura has him marked for death, Mia is in more trouble than she knows. Soon she meets Detective Cole Barnett, a man that shatters her world in more ways than one. And shows her a world of fear as well as desire.

SECOND prize is a paperback of Dark Protector by Alexis Morgan...

Devlin Bane: Born a Paladin, he is a member of an ancient band of warriors locked in a centuries-old war against evil.

His destiny: To die over and over again to protect mankind from the Others, only to be revived each time by his mortal Handler.
But his fierce strength and courage cannot save him from gradually becoming one of the monsters he was born to destroy.
Dr. Laurel Young, who has spent years training to become a Handler, must remain detached from her patients. But each time she revives the darkly compelling Devlin Bane, he claims a little more of her soul and incites in her desires that grow wilder and wilder — even as he inches closer to losing his humanity. As the war against the Others grows more desperate, Laurel and Devlin can't help but give in to the fierce hunger that's sizzled between them for so long. Now they'll face the ultimate battle together — to save a dark, passionate love that goes against every rule as they join forces to fight an enemy who is closer than they ever imagined....
                

THIRD prize is a paperback copy of Dark Lover by J.R. Ward...

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW.

Here's a little treat for the ladies... Yep, JIMMY THOMAS! **SIGH**

*picks jaw off the ground while fanning my face* Phew! It just got hotter in here. *winks*

Good Luck to you all.

Don't forget to check out all the other awesome blogs and their giveaways.

Book Review: Elemental Reality by Cesya MaRae Cuono

Title: Elemental Reality
Author: Cesya MaRae Cuono
Release date: 21st August 2011
Published by: Revolution Publishing
Genre: YA, Paranormal

Blurb: When Callie Pierce was ten, her mother disappeared without a trace. On the eve of her disappearance twelve years later, the earth seemingly comes alive. The elements speak to Callie, and that's only the beginning. Everything she has ever known was a twisted fabrication to protect her. Now the truth is set free. Callie and her sister are more powerful than any Faerie ever born. Now they have to use their powers to save their mother and family from the evil hands of fate that threaten to tear them apart. Welcome to her elemental reality.




My Rating:  A KEEPER!


My Review: Holy Moly! What can I say except...I LOVED this book! The cover was the first thing that caught my eye, can you blame me?! *winks* It's simply gorgeous and what lies inside is even more enchanting..

From the very first page I was intrigued, and the more I read the more I became captivated by Cesya's story. Her writing style is fun and awe-inspiring, she brings her characters to life in your mind with each word. Your taken on a thrilling journey, with danger around every corner, many twists and turns you'll be on the edge of your seat. Powerful faerie magic. Tingling, head of heels, passionate, love. An adventure I'll be taking over and over again.

Callie is such an awesome main character, I loved her attitude, she cracked me up alot with her snippy remarks and come backs. The fights she'd have with herself was a hoot, who doesn't do that?! lol.
   Her sister Lola is simply adorable she has more of a outgoing, snarky attitude and she'll have you in fits of giggles as well. Together they are a force to be reckoned with and so much fun to read about.
   Now onto our fellow Aussie Oli, wow! It was such a refreshing change to read about an Aussie character. I simply LOVED his Aussie slang! It gave him a special individual quality, you'll just fall for him. He's most definitely a true blue, mate! *winks*

I have to share with you a little quote from Callie that had me spitting out my drink in giggles, I've never heard this expression before...

"I became so entranced my eyes practically licked him, raked over him, devoured him. You get the point. Hello, Tall, Dark, and Sexy!"

"My eyes practically licked him." *giggles* I seriously love it!

Cesya has done an amazing job for her debut novel, if you haven't read it yet I'd recommend giving it a go, or even popping it onto your 'to be read' pile.

Believe me, the ending will have you coming back for more. I know I'm hanging out for book 2 "Battle Scars"

BUY LINKS: AMAZON or BARNES & NOBLE

The Keepers Blog Tour Guest Post/Giveaway w/ Monique O'Conner James

Hey Book Lovers,

We are the next stop in The Keepers Blog Tour. Author Monique

O'Conner James has a special post for us today, so enjoy!                 
                                       

                                 Paranormal Connection


I never made a decision to write paranormal fiction. The genre picked me long before I had any idea I’d someday write novels. I first started writing at age eight or nine, when my mom bought me a journal as a present. Of course, at that age my ramblings were all about best friends and birthday parties. The content was very girly – all rainbows and butterflies.
However, by the time I reached high school, I started writing poetry and most of it was dark and filled with teenage angst. A friend of mine told me years later that she’d turned in one of my poems as completion of a homework assignment. She made an “A” on the poem, but the guidance counselor called her parents to discuss the dark subject matter of the poetry.
I have to laugh when I think of that now, because I was obsessed with Anne Rice and her vampires and witches. This was the days before vampires could be found on every bookshelf and in every movie, and not everyone got the fascination.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home where I was never belittled for anything I wrote. I know there were times that my parents must have cringed at some of the ideas that were created in my young mind, but they were always supportive and allowed my imagination to flourish.
I knew when I sat down to write my first novel there would be lots of paranormal subject matter in my stories. Angels, vampires, demons, psychics, etc., have always captured my creative side and it’s a blast to see how far you can push the envelope and still have a believable tale.


What are some of your favorite paranormal characters? Have you always been interested in this genre?
I hope you enjoy The Keepers and all my upcoming tales of fantasy 

Cheers,
Monique O’Connor James
www.moniqueoconnorjames.com



Thank you Monique, it was a pleasure having you on our blog today.

If you haven't read it then your missing out on an amazing book.

Here's my REVIEW

BUY LINKS: Astraea Press OR Signed copies 

You can find Monique in these few places.. FACEBOOK , BLOG ,  FACEBOOK (personal) OR GOODREADS

Author Bio

Monique is the mother of two beautiful children and lives in a small community outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She currently works full time as an insurance agent, but her favorite jobs are mother, wife, and author.
On her eighth birthday, her mother bought her a journal and said "write whatever you want, just write". And so, a love affair with words was born. She wrote poetry and short stories in high school and college, until 1993 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
After her mother's death in 1998, deep in depression, she found herself unable to write. Nine years passed, and only on rare occasion did she attempt to write.Finally, in 2007, under the urging of friends, she sat down and pecked out her first novel. It was raw and unpolished, but the process had been unquestionably cathartic. The next three years were spent filling her hard drive with seven complete manuscripts.
At the beginning of 2011, Monique decided it was time to edit the work and share it with the world. She hopes you enjoy the ramblings of a truly southern girl raised in a state rich with heritage and love.

The next stop on the tour is over at Hands And Home


Giveaway time...Just leave a comment with your email addy and your entered to win an e-copy of The Keepers, closes 15th September.
This is a book you don't want to miss out on..Good Luck to you all.

Elemental Reality Blog Tour Interview/Giveaway

G'day Book Lovers,

We are the next stop on the Elemental Reality Blog Tour and I had the pleasure of interviewing the Author Cesya Cuono. So sit back, relax and enjoy!



What was the hardest part about writing your book?

Hardest part was writing without an outline to guide me. Because of that, it took me a lot longer to write some chapters because I had no idea what direction my brain was going to take me.


What was the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?

I’m great at describing the scene around my character. I never knew I was able to do that since I never had a reason to do so.

Who designed the cover?

My publisher and author, Laura Kreitzer. She’s pretty much a cover design goddess.

How did you come up with the title?

I had a rough time doing it. I went through so many titles but none of them seemed to fit. One day I had my music playing and a song by From First to Last came on and it caught my attention. It had nothing to do with the title but for some reason Elemental Reality came to mind and it was love at first thought.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher. At least that’s what my mom told me. I can’t, for the life of me, remember. Actually, I don’t think my mom remembered either. She probably just said the first career that came to mind.

Are you working on anything now? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

I’m currently working on book two in the series, Battle Scars. Because I like to be very vague with almost everything, just know that there will be A LOT revealed in this book. Even I can’t believe what’s happening!

Can you share with us your favourite quote from your book?

"You don’t want him. You fear him. I wanted him.No. Yes. Stop! Admit it. We’re done. The mental war in my head was about to turn bloody.”

The Aussie Test . .

Q1.. If someone says they’re "aggro" what are they? (Cesya answered - C )

a) a gardener
b) drunk
c) upset

Q2.. If someone asks you to come over this "arvo" when should you arrive? (Cesya answered - C )

a) this morning
b) this weekend
c) this afternoon

Q3.. If someone says to you to give them a "fair suck of the sav" they want you? (Cesya answered - A )

a) shut up & listen
b) to share the beer
c) to help pay for something

Q4.. The Aussie Salute? (Cesya answered - C )

a) 2 thumbs up
b) secret hand shake
c) using a hand to brush away the flies

The correct answers are.. Q1 - C , Q2 - C , Q3 - A , Q4 C ...



Well done Cesya, your answers were all correct. Your ready to come down under *winks* 
I think I made them a little too easy LOL

Did you get them all right? (to the readers)



Two Random questions just for fun...

Favourite Disney Movie?

Nightmare Before Christmas.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Jackson Rathbone‼ Crushin’ on him since I was sixteen. Met him three times. It was the highlight of my life, for real.

(as Steve Irwin would say) CRICKY mate that was fun! Thank you Cesya for answering my questions, even my wacky ones. It was a pleasure having you on our blog and being apart of the Elemental Reality Blog tour.

My review for Elemental Reality will be posted in the next few days so keep an eye out for that.

Now on with the giveaway...  

Good Luck to everyone.

BUY LINKS:  BARNES & NOBLE & AMAZON

You can find Cesya here.. FACEBOOK , BLOG  or  GOODREADS

About the author...

Cesya MaRae Cuono hails from a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Alvernia University where she majored in Business Administration and also received her certificate of Multi-Media & Production makeup from Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry.

 With that said, she'd like to leave you with this advice: Ideas pop into your head at the strangest of times. Don't let them go. Write them down right away and try to make a story out of it. Who knows, it may be worth while.

WINNERS

Hey Book Lovers,

I apologies for the lateness of announcing our winners, life seems to get in the way LOL

Ok so our winner of the Picture Perfect e-book is...


                                 Ruby95660


The winner of the Sunrise at Sunset e-book is...


                             Nikki

AND our winner of the pre-ordered copy of The Iron Knight is.....


                             Alice Priday


CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!!

The 2 e-book winners we'll pass your email addy onto the authors and they'll get those books out to you soon.

Thanks so much for all the entries, we do have a huge giveaway coming up since we have reached over 500 GFC followers...YAY!!! So look out for that.

Sorry again about the lateness.

Happy Reading!

Romancing your dark side tour: Book Review - Pulse Of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny w/ Giveaway

Title: Pulse Of Heroes

Author: A. Jacob Sweeny

Released: 31st October 2010

Published by: Thalamas Press

Genre: Paranormal, YA

Blurb: Michelle used to feel like she was behind in everything, especially school and relationships. Her great aunt from the old country says she is like a bland meal, "no salt or pepper". But in junior year, everything changes. Her father takes a position on the Town Council, a popular boy in school becomes interested in her, and most importantly, the Hekademos Learning Center, a private school for 'troubled' students, moves into her quiet neighborhood amidst the protests of the entire town.

After an embarrassing fall over the school wall, Michelle meets Elliot and her ordinary ‘bland’ life changes its course forever.

Elliot is no ordinary human. In fact, no one at the Hekademos Learning Center is. Beautiful and fierce, they have survived throughout the millennia by weaving in and out of human events. Through them, Michelle learns that history and myths from around the world are dotted with references to their kind. Michelle falls madly in love with the ever-striking and mysterious Elliot and, as much as he tries to fight it, he develops strong feelings for her as well. Although Elliot carries numerous painful memories from his many pasts, he disregards his own better judgment and the advice of his friends, and finds himself falling for Michelle‘s offbeat personality. Their feelings grow in intensity, but when History catches up with them, the difference between their life paths threatens to destroy any future that they might have had together.

Michelle learns that there are infinite shades of gray between black and white, and has to deal with the bundle of contradictory emotions called love. She has to trust her intuition in order to face the danger and uncertainty of being drawn into Elliot’s wondrous world. Ultimately, it is up to Michelle to make the split-second, life-altering decision that will either tear them apart forever, or give them another chance.

My Rating:  A KEEPER!

My Review: Wow! What can I say...this book seriously just blew my mind. When I saw that this book was in the Romancing your dark side tour, I seriously squealed lol, I've been dying to read this book for so long, with all the amazing reviews I've read. So many 5 star reviews and now I know why...

This story well and truly exceeded my expectations, it's so beautifully written, A. Jacob Sweeny has such a unique and refreshing writing style. One that'll seize the reader and have them glued to every page, each turn of the page brings something new and exciting. We delve into deep history that has so much depth and magnitism, it will captivate you. I was blown away by how much detail has gone into this book, I had a clear picture of everything in my mind while reading and it felt like I was there along for the ride.

Each character brings their own individual spark to the story.. The main characters Michelle and Elliot had me in an emotional wreck LOL one minute I was all gooey and weak in the knees *sigh* the next I was balling my eyes out (heart-breaking) then I was ready to jump in the book and kick some serious butt!

The secondary characters were so much fun to read, each one had their own adventurous story to tell, we get to experience several different POV's which was something new and exhilarating. This book has to be in my top 5 best stories I've read in 2011 or ever for that matter. 

If your looking for something new and truly mind blowing, then I recommend you check out this book. Believe me, you won't be disappointed but left with a thirst for more.

PLACES TO CHECK OUT: Pulse Of Heroes FACEBOOK PAGE , WEBSITE & BLOG

BUY LINKS: You can get a signed PB/HB copy and also Kindle HERE or not signed at AMAZON & BARNES & NOBLE

A LITTLE NOTE: We would also like to say how sorry we are to author A. Jacob Sweeny for what's happened. Someone (she knows who) has been pirating Pulse Of Heroes after purchasing it from Smashwords (which it is no longer available) all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into this story, it truly makes us sick that there are people out there that do this. If you see this story or others like it on websites for sale or to download for free PLEASE report it. These authors have worked their butts off to bring us these amazing stories and deserve to be treated with more respect. Thank you!

Onto the giveaway just leave us a comment, you can ask a question or tell us what you think about all this pirating going on, also your email addy so we can contact you. We'll pick one winner using Random.org from the comments and they'll win themselves an e-copy of Pulse Of Heroes, ends 9th September. 

Happy Reading!