Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Tour Stop & Giveaway: Pulled by A. L. Jackson

Name of book: Pulled
Author: A. L. Jackson
Publication: 5th April, 2012 by Sapphire Star Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Provided by author/tour host

For nine years, they drift through life, unable to forget the one who holds the strings to their hearts. In an attempt to escape the pain of her past, Melanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, while Daniel loses himself in a career that means nothing without Melanie by his side. Now, when their lives intersect, neither can deny the connection they felt so long ago. But will the power that drew them together be enough to heal the wounds from their past, and do they have the courage to overcome the insecurities and fears that threaten to keep them apart? Pulled is a story of attraction and separation, of destiny and duty, of a love so strong it refuses to give up even when all others have.



-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     When I read "Take This Regret" by A. L. Jackson (here's my review), last month. I HAD to get my hands on any other book of hers. A. L. Jackson is a really fantastic author; I LOVE her writing style and her characters.
     Melanie and Daniel shared a love many would die for. Everyone believed that they were made for each other. But when their beloved daughter dies, misunderstanding and misjudgment clouds their lives and they are separated.
     Nine years later, Melanie is trapped in a loveless marriage with her abusive husband, Nicholas. Daniel is living his dream, he is the huge doctor he has always wanted to be but it means nothing without Melanie by his side. When their paths cross, the love they share consumes them both.  But Melanie is married and one of Daniel's one-night-stands is turning into much more than that.
     Why did Melanie and Daniel separate, nine years ago? How will they overcome the boundaries? And will they ever forgive each other? Find out much more when you read Pulled, which is emotional, touchy, and one of the best romantic novels out there.
     I liked this book a lot! I love A. L. Jackson's writing style. It is so simple but different, she engages you with the events and the characters; you will never want to stop reading. Her characters are SUPERB; she makes you feel with each one of them. This book was from 2 POVs, one of Melanie, and one of Daniel. It flowed smoothly and I fell head-over-heels in love with both the main characters. Like many other novels, their relationship starts as the bizarre-connection thing, but the love they share is so romantic and cute, that I didn't care whether it was love at first sight or not.
     If you want an emotional but very enjoyable book, then you SHOULD read Pulled. It will make you smile with some pages and cry with some others, but trust me, you will never want to leave Melanie and Daniel's world. I will recommend this to every hopeless romantic who believes in the power of love (which includes every girl in the world, I guess).



-- Giveaway --


-- Interview --

Me: Hello, and welcome to my blog. I am so happy to have you here. I would love to know, how long have you been writing?

A.L.: I began writing back in college. Back then, my writing looked a lot more like poetry than stories. Writing poetry definitely has had an effect on my writing style.

Me: Did you feel like there was a difference in your writing style between "Pulled" and your other books (like, Take This Regret)? Was writing "Pulled" easier or harder than writing your other books?

A.L.: Definitely. I seem to grow with each book I write, learning more and more from my editors and critique partners each time. It’s so cool to look back and see the difference.

Writing “Pulled” was much easier than anything else I’ve written. It was the first novel I wrote, and it was done without a lot of expectations, so I completely poured myself into it without much outside influence. That had both its benefits and drawbacks, since it was much, much too long, so almost a quarter of it had to be edited out. But I loved every minute of writing it, so that extra editing was worth it.

Me: Which character is your personal favorite? Which character did you put more "you" in? 

A.L.: Oh, I love Daniel. When I read, I’m drawn to dark, broken men, so he was the perfect protagonist for me. The character in “Pulled” who I’d say is the most like me is probably Daniel’s sister, Erin. She loves her family and is there to support her brother through anything, though she doesn’t hesitate to point out the mistakes he’s so clearly making, which she does only because she cares about him.

Me: Do you have any other works on the way? Spare us some hints?

A.L.:  I actually have a couple of things in the works.  “When We Collide”, my third contemporary romance, is set for release on November 2, 2012.  I also have a WIP that I’m hoping to see released some time next summer or fall.

Me: And now for some quick Q & A

    Favorite book?

            White Oleander.

    Favorite singer / musician?
           
            Brian Aubert of Silversun Pickups

    Favorite blog on the web?

            Oh gosh, this is really hard, because there are so many fantastic blogs.  The one I follow closest is probably Bob Mayer’s blog, just because he has so much fantastic insight and I like his casual, but direct style.

Me:Thank you very much for being here with us today, it's a great pleasure. Any last words?

A.L.: I just want to thank you for having me on, and to everyone for taking the time to stop by and say hello. I appreciate you all! ♥

-- About The Author --


A.L. Jackson first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student.  She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three beautiful children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.


  
Links to Buy




Tour Stop & Interview: Phantom by Laura Deluca


Name of book: Phantom
Author: Laura Deluca
Publication: March 30th, 2012 - Pagan Writers Press
Genre: YA Thriller
Source: Kindly provided by author...


The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.


-- My Rating --

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review.*

-- My Thoughts --


     I have never read The Phantom Of The Opera, many of  my friends said it was good, but I never gave it the chance. After reading this book, I am definitely going to read The Phantom of The Opera. I cannot begin to describe this book, it's a mix between horribly beautiful and magically creative.
     Rebecca's obsession was always the musical "Phantom of The Opera", when her high school chooses the Phantom as their annual production, she jumps at the chance. With her exotic voice, she gets to play the role of the heroine, Christine, who is caught between the darkly seductive Phantom and the rich lord who are both in love with  her.
     What Rebecca didn't know is that her life was about to mirror the famous play. She is caught between the two boys, the  mysterious, seductive, Gothic Justyn and the All-American jock,Tom.  What's more? Someone is turning the scenes from Phantom into reality, and is using verses from the musical to threaten Rebecca. It could have been a joke but people are ending up dead in Phantom style.
     Can Rebecca stop the series of deaths? Can she find out who is threatening her? And who willl che choose: Tom or  Justyn? Find out much more  when you read this terrifying, ground-breaking read, Phantom...
     I  liked this book very much! Laura Deluca took the original idea of  the play. She twisted and turned the idea like an elastic band to produce this electrifying version of The Phantom. I have to say that the characters are all very typical, some of them are even one-dimensional.  Like, I don't know anything about Rebecca's life outside the school. She doesn't speak about her parents, her house nor  anything else outside of the play and the rehearsals and her two love interests.
      The story is unique and the writing style of the author is organized, I liked it! This book is really terrifying and horrible, in a good way. The end is really scary and the  phantom will end up being someone you haven't expected AT ALL! Although this book won't make it to my top favorite books,  it is still a wonderful addition to my reading list, you better try this or you're missing out!



-- Interview with Laura Deluca --


Me: Hello, and welcome to my blog. I am very happy to have you here. I would like to know, how long have you been writing?  
Laura Deluca: I have always wanted to be a writer. As far back as I can remember I had a pen and paper in my hand and was jotting down short stories.  I finished my first book when I was thirteen, but I didn’t actively pursue getting published until I became a stay at home mom a few years ago.


Me: Where did you get the idea for "Phantom"? Did anyone inspire it? 
Laura Deluca: Much like Becca, I have always been obsessed with the beautiful music in The Phantom of the Opera and the love story behind it.  I thought a few times about trying to write a modern day version, but I wanted it to be something unique.  Then I met this amazing actor and musician named Lord Justyn. We spent a lot of time chatting online before I met my husband.   One day, I was listening to the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack while I was cleaning, and I thought to myself, “Wow, Justyn would make a great Phantom.”  And that was how it all started…


Me: Which character is your favorite? Which character has more "you" in it? 
Laura Deluca: Justyn is my favorite character. Like the original Phantom, he is darkly seductive, and even if you think he’s doing horrible things, it still easy to fall for him. Don’t tell my husband, but I still fantasize about him at night. Rebecca is the most like me. We share the same nurturing nature and nervous energy.  I even mentioned her playing the violin in the orchestra like I did in high school. Unlike Becca, I was a much better violinist than a singer, and everyone should be grateful I stayed hidden in the orchestra pit.


Me: What is your favorite scene in "Phantom"?  
Laura Deluca: I have a few favorites, but the only one I can talk about without giving too much away is the belly dance scene. When Justyn finally gets Rebecca to go out with him, he takes her to an Indian restaurant where they watch an exotic belly dance routine. This scene was inspired by my friend Laura “Tempest” Schimdt, who is a world renowned Gothic belly dancer.  I actually wrote most of that scene on napkins while I was watching her perform at a local restaurant. 


Me: If you were Rebecca, would you do anything she has done, differently? If you had the chance, who would you choose; Justyn or Tom?  
Laura Deluca: Tom was actually based on a real surfer boy that I dated back in high school. I liked him a lot, just like Becca liked the All-American Tom. But if a musical genius like Justyn had shown up in town, he would have swept me away in a moment. The artist in me wouldn’t be able to resist him.  His dark side wouldn’t scare me at all. If I had been in Becca’s place, I would have trusted my instincts instead of listening to my friends and worrying about what other people thought. I was never one to follow the crowd.


Me: Do you have any other works on the way? Can you give us some hints? 
Laura Deluca: I am currently working on a fantasy novel called Morrigan. Morrigan is a teenage witch who has been shuffled from one foster home to another all her life.  Now she is about to discover she is a princess from the mystical land of T?r Na N?g. The handsome werewolf Filtiarn guides her through countless perils to find her mother, Ceridwyn, and grandmother, Hecate. Only together can they complete the magical triad and save their world.  
I also just started a sequel to Phantom tentatively titled “Demon” which draws inspiration from the musical, Sweeney Todd.


Me: And now for some quick Q & A
Favorite drink?  
Laura Deluca: Coffee. with amaretto creamer. 


Favorite book? 
Laura Deluca: The Mists of Avalon by Marion  Zimmer Bradley


Favorite singer / musician? 
Laura Deluca:  It’s a toss-up between Enya and Josh Groban. 


Me:  Thank you very much for being here with us today, do you have any last words? 
Laura Deluca: Thanks so much for chatting with me and sharing my book! It was an honor to be a part of your fabulous blog.


-- About Laura --




     Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.

Contact: 


Buy Links:

Tour Stop & Interview: Shadowland by C. M. Gray

Name of book: Shadowland
Author: C. M. Gray
Publication: February 7th 2012
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Provided by the author...
Goodreads    Smashwords


‘I have lived more years than I can remember, probably more than the sum of all your years combined. Kings have called me friend and brigands have sworn to burn the flesh from my bones even if they have to search all seven halls of the shadowland to find me.’

On the night of midwinter’s eve, a storyteller takes his listeners back to the Dark ages and a tale from his youth.

Deserted by its Roman masters, Britain has been invaded by the Saxons at the invitation of Vortigern, traitorous leader of the Britons. Now, as the tribes unite to reclaim their land, one man must rise to lead them and become their true and only king.



-- My Rating --


-- My Thoughts --


     While reading all of these series, you come to forget the pleasure of reading a standalone. The pleasure of knowing the end soon enough, so you won't have to predict it a hundred times. This book is a great pleasure to read!
     An old storyteller tells a story that goes back far through time. He tells a story that is so old that none had lived to tell it. But the storyteller narrates the story as he have been there, and he really was there. At least, that's what he thinks.
      The book is the story of Usher, his best friend, Calvador, and many others. It is the story of a king rising in the land when he was needed by the people. It is the story of the powerful and wise king of the Britons. The story of rage, betrayal, and vengeance.
      I loved this book! There were numerous aspects that I loved. First, the storyline is original, there are parts that no other books have these days, the author created and manipulated the world like a professional magician. That's what this book was, it was magical!
     Second, the voice of the author is breath-taking. It is as if my grandpa is sitting and telling me a tale of his old times. The writing style is wonderful, just look:


They continued listening to the men's conversation until their dreams placed a blanket on their minds.


     The only complain I had  was the pace was too slow, you would read a dozen pages, just for something new to happen. But toward the end, the pace quickened. This book strays away from the books  I usually read, it was different! And that's exactly what you will feel too, you will feel that this book is different,special, and electrifying.  This book is wonderfully written indeed, it should be given the praise it rightfully earned.


-- Interview with C. M. Gray --

Me: Hello, and welcome to my blog. I am very happy to have you here. I would love to know, how long have you been writing?
C. M. Gray: Hi, thanks for inviting me here it's a great pleasure to be speaking with you today. I've been writing since I first discovered that I'm not a great fan of modern reality shows on tv, which was about seven years ago! I live in Spain, but being English we get UK tv, which was great until my wife found programmes like Big Brother and all the different Simon Cowell shows where they look for enough people to turn up and embarrass themselves by singing badly ... Anyhow, I decided back then to listen to the little voice I had been hearing, telling me to try and write a book, after all, we all have a book or two inside us, don't we?


Me: We sure do! Where did you get the idea for "Shadowland"? Did anyone come to inspire it?
C. M. Gray:  It wasn't inspired by anything or anyone really. I'm not keen on romance and there are too many vampire and zombie novels out there, so I had the notion of an old storyteller sitting down by the fire at the end of a villages mid-winter's eve feast, the villagers gathering around him to listen to a fanciful tale. 
At this point I had no idea where the books was going and hadn't thought of anything Arthurian, but it just crept up on me as I hope it creeps up on you!


The storyteller ends up telling a story taken from his youth. It is set in the period of history known as the dark ages, so the name Shadowland comes from that, a shadowy time that we know so little about as the Romans are leaving Britain and Saxon aggressors are arriving in boats to lay claim to the undefended land. Uther Pendragon rises when he is needed by his land and the scattered tribes.
The other reason the book is called Shadowland is the name describes the space between life and death, between light and darkness, the Shadowland. One of the protagonists walks the Shadowland, that's Cal and he is a strange character.


Me: Which character is your personal favorite? Which character did you put more "you" in? 
C. M. Gray:  Ooh, good question. Well Merlyn is one of the main protagonists and I like the idea of wise Druids and magic users...but then Uther is the central figure and is a pretty mean swordsman, which is cool. However I think I mostly enjoyed writing the scenes with Cal, so maybe he is more in tune with me. I especially like that When writing for Cal it takes three different forms; when he is young, when he is old and when...well his character has a third very different side as well!


Me: What is your favorite scene in "Shadowland"?
C. M. Gray:  I liked the scenes with the wolves. To be in the head of a wolf makes for an interesting chapter.


Me: Do you have any other works on the way? Spare us some hints?
C. M. Gray:  I recently released my second novel, it's a YA fantasy questing adventure, called The Flight of the Griffin. There is no historical reference with this one, it's pure fantasy but it rips along at a fast pace as the four orphans living on a boat named 'The Griffin' try to finish a 'last great spell' while demons and an evil hunter are pursuing them.




Me: And now for some quick Q & A
    Favorite drink?
C. M. Gray:  I have several. I'm English so I love tea. I also enjoy a glass of wine, preferably Spanish red from the Ribero del Duero region. But on a hot day I just love lime juice over crushed ice!


    Favorite book?
C. M. Gray:  Anything by John Steinbeck, he was an incredible writer. I love the books by M.C.Rice (Manda Rice) with her books about Boudicca and Rome...I love books basically!


    Favorite singer / musician?
C. M. Gray:  John Martyn, but maybe you haven't heard of him? I also like Ray Le Montaigne who I hope you know. I also listen to a lot of Jazz and Blues.


    Of course I have! Favorite blog on the web?
C. M. Gray:  Why this one of course!


Me:Thank you very much for being here with us today, it's a great pleasure. Any last words?
C. M. Gray:  If you have ever thought you could write a book...one day... Make that day today and give it a go. You never know what you'll come out with!

Tour Stop & Interview: Determinant by A. M. Hargrove


Name of book: Determinant (The Guardians of Vesturon: Book 3)
Author: A. M. Hargrove
Publication Date: June 30th, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by the author...

January St. Davis, on her own since the age of sixteen and struggling to stay in college, thinks she’s scored in a major way when she lands a paid summer internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. One evening, after working an especially long shift, a chance encounter with a group of mysterious men alters the course of her life.

Rykerian Yarrister, a Guardian of Vesturon with unearthly powers and impossibly gorgeous looks, finds himself at odds over the human female he recently saved from certain death. When it seems he is on the verge of winning her over, she is ripped from his hands by a strange and powerful being, threatening to destroy her if his demands are not met.

Do Rykerian and the Guardians have the ability to meet this fierce barbarian’s ultimatums, or will January suffer a horrid demise?

-- My Rating --


-- My Thoughts --

     Well, this is the third book in the series, Guardians of Versturon, but as the author stated, it can be read as a standalone. Although it wasn't required, I decided to read the first two books (Check out my reviews here and here). I liked this book very much, and I wonder whether I would have liked it that much if I didn't read the first two books. So you might want to give them a try then read this! Fortunately, the first book, Survival is free on Smashwords (Download it here), and the second book, Resurrections is only a few bucks (Buy it here).
     So, the first two books were from Maddie and Rayn's point of views. But although this book picks up where Resurrection left off, it is from Rykerian and January's point of views. Which is very enjoyable and humerous.
     January  is having a difficult life; her mother threw her out of the house, she doesn't know who her father is, and she doesn't have any money. Because of how much she has been through, she doesn't believe in relationships, or love or happiness. But all that changes when she meets six strangely-dressed men in the facility where she works.
     Rykerian is Rayn's brother. He has everything he needs and his life is good, but if only he can forget the beautiful young girl he saw near his house. When Rykerian saves January's life,a blazing spark forms between the two. Rykerian finally has the chance to win her over, but she is suddenly taken away from him by an unknown being who threatens to kill her if his demands are not met.
     Will January let go of her past, and give Rykerian a chance? Will Rykerian be able to resue January from her abductor?  Find out this and much more when you read Determinant. Which is an incredibly romantic, exhilarating read.
     Although I didn't like the first two books very much, this book was the total opposite... To say I loved it, is a huge understatement. The plot is much more quicker, you will just swim with the flow. Although the setting is the same, it is throughoutly explained and detailed. And the characters will take your breath away!
     I don't know why, but I wish that the first two books were also about Janurary and Rykerian. I loved both of them. January has been through so much, but she is willing to change everything she has believed to get a chance at real love. Rykerian is just the perfect dream boy, protective, caring, strong-willed and overly sensitive. I am head over heels in love with Rykerian, you better not ask me what I will do to him if he is real!
     This book is a lovely roller coaster, full of unexpected twists and turns. If you are willing to refresh your views on true love, then you better not miss reading Determinant!

-- Interview with A. M. Hargrove --


Me: Hello, and welcome to my blog. We are very happy to  have you here. First of all, where and when did you get the idea for this book?
Ms. Hargrove: Determinant is the 3rd book in my series, The Guardians of Vesturon.  When I’m writing, it seems that the inspiration for my next book sort of pops into my head.  That’s what happened for Determinant.  While I was writing Resurrection, I was writing a scene involving Rykerian and Maddie and the whole idea for Determinant just started forming in my head.  I actually had it playing out so much I wanted to hurry up and finish Resurrection so I could start on Determinant.  Ironically, the same thing happened while I was writing Determinant.  The idea for my next project began forming based on a new character that I introduced.

Me: Did anyone encourage you to write the book?
Ms. Hargrove: My husband encouraged me to start writing the first book.  I was sort of trying to figure out what to do.  I’d lost my job--the company I had been with for over 20 years was bought out by another and nearly everyone in my division was released--and I was searching for a new direction.  I had always loved to write; I minored in journalism in college and had always dreamed of writing a novel some day.  

Me: Which character do you relate the most to , i.e. which character has more "you" in it?
Ms. Hargrove: Definitely Rayn!  I’m strong-willed, demanding and bossy at times.  Just ask my husband *winks*  I would be the one that would take control in an emergency situation and start telling everyone what to do.  

Me: What is your favorite scene in the book?
Ms. Hargrove: In Determinant, my favorite scene (spoiler alert) was when January goes into labor and Rykerian, who is normally so calm and put together, totally loses it and is running through the house in his boxers.  I’ve had so many readers write to me telling me how much they laughed at that scene because it was so out of character for Rykerian.  It catches the readers off guard.

Me: Great choice, I was laughing so hard at that part... Do you have any new works on the way? Maybe you will give us some hints?
Ms. Hargrove: Of course!  I am in the process of working on getting all my books in print.  Up to now, they’ve only been available in ebook.    And I’m also getting ready to start writing my first book in my next series.  It’s a series based on Jurek, whom I introduced in Determinant.  It will be called The Praestani series and will be in the adult genre because when you read Determinant you will find that Jurek is such an irreverant sort, he would never be able to be written as the main male character in the YA genre.  Right now, I think it will be a trilogy, but it may pan out to be more that than.  

Me : Oh great, I loved Jurek. Now for some quick Q & A
        Hot drinks or cold drinks?
Ms. Hargrove: Cold in summer and hot in winter.

Me: Paperbacks or e-books?
Ms. Hargrove: Ebooks...totally addicted to my iPad.  I can’t seem to help myself.  I’m a troubled woman. 

Me: Reading inside or in the garden (outside)?
Ms. Hargrove: Since it was 90 degrees at 8 am I would say inside.

Me: Your favourite book?
Ms. Hargrove: This is the worst question I ever get asked because I change with the direction of the wind.  If you ask me this next week, my answer will be different.  But, at the risk of sounding cliche, I still love Pride and Prejudice.  Jane Austin was like a sorcerer weaving her spells when she wrote that book and I can’t help be affected by her words every time I read it.  But for todays books, there are simply too many to name.

Me: Favorite kind of music?
Ms. Hargrove: Another difficult question.  If you’d see my playlist, you’d know why.  I have everything from opera to classical to alternative to metal to rap.  I can’t narrow it down because I like so many different genres.  I drive my husband absolutely crazy.  He won’t even listen to my iPod anymore because you never know what’ll start playing!

Me: Birds, Cats, or Dogs? Just curious...
Ms. Hargrove: Dogs and dogs and more dogs.  Love ‘em and can’t live without ‘em.

Me: Thank you very much for being here with us today, do you have any last words?
Ms. Hargrove: Thanks so much for inviting me here today. It’s been so much fun.  I did want to remind all the readers out there that Survival, the first book in my series is free everywhere, as is Beginnings, which is the prequel novella (but doesn’t have to be read before the series).  I would also like to say that Determinant is a stand alone novel, even though it is the 3rd book in the series, it can be read without reading books one and two.


-- About The Author --


    One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.
     So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

 Boss:  Hello
 A.M.:  Boss, is that you?
 Boss:  Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?
 A.M.:  Er... right.  Well, I'm calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.
 Boss:  Why ever would I want to do that?
 A.M.:  Because I quit!
 A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.
 A.M.:  Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?
 Hubs:  Sure... Having some car trouble?
 A.M.:  Not at all.  I don't have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.
 Hubs:  WHAT?!
 A.M.:  It's time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.

     So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love.  Survival and Resurrection are her first and second full length novels in the series and Beginnings is the prequel novella.  Her third installment, Determinant, was released on June 30, 2012.  (It didn’t happen exactly like that, but you get the idea!)

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Tour Stop: One Major Mistake by Starr Reina

Name of book: One Major Mistake (The Ivanovich Series #3)
Author: Starr Reina
Publication: July 10, 2012
Genre: Suspense
Source: Provided by author



Despite having brought down two major crime families, Pavel’s life is still filled with problems. The two bright things in his world: Teresa Mancini, his fiancée, who, on a good day, has the ability to bring him to his knees and his daughter Rita Grace, a result of a whirlwind affair before he fell in love with Teresa.
Once again, murder is the prime evil propelling Pavel into his latest case. After the murder of his partner and friend Nick Haxton’s ex-wife Brenda, Pavel leads a team to dethrone Guillermo Diaz, the leader of a drug gang believed to be responsible for Brenda’s death. Detective Danni Stone joins the local agency. Stone knows Diaz on the most intimate of levels, and wants to be present at his demise.
During the investigations, not only does the team grieve with Nick over Brenda’s death, they also deal with the loss of their long-time Assistant Director in Charge Steven Lazlo, who was gunned down in their own backyard. Pavel has a particularly hard time dealing with Lazlo’s death and is determined to hold everyone involved responsible.
As if Pavel can take anymore, Teresa receives a substantially large check from an anonymous benefactor, and insists that Pavel deal with it while she decides how to spend it. But not before she uses her iron-willed determination to find out who the benefactor is even if it means breaking into her attorney’s office looking for answers. Being thrown in jail would stop any ordinary woman, but apparently not Teresa.
Join Pavel as he wades through harrowing situations, suspects aplenty and suspense in this third thrilling installment of the Ivanovich Series. 

-- My Rating --
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review.*

-- My Thoughts --

     One Major Mistake is the third book in the thrilling Ivanovich series. I guess I should have read the other two books before it, but I didn't have time nor the books.  I did just fine, reading One Major Misrake without the other two, there were a case when I didn't know what happened before, but it wasn't a big deal.
     Pavel Ivanovich, an FBI agent, has had his load of horrible cases to last for a lifetime. But it isn't over just yet. A case concerning drug deals is transffered from another state. Now, Pavel and the group under his command try to bring down the clever dealer, Diaz and all his allies.
     At the same time, Pavel's best friend, Nick Hexton has  his ex-wife murdered.  Pavel feels like this case and Diaz's case are linked, but there is no proof.  To complicate matters even more, Pavel's friend and beloved boss is murdered right in his office and there is a leak in the agency that informs Diaz of their plans.
     Pavel's girlfriend, Teresa is drowning in her own investigations. She has received a large some of money from an unknown person, and with her stubborn determination, she is set to find out who is the sender. Even if it means breaking into buildings and spending time in  jail. Seems like nothing can stop Teresa Mancini...
     Can Pavel finally put Diaz in jail? Can he find the source of the leak in the office? And will he be able to make Teresa see that the world does not revolve around her? Find out the astonishing and heartbreaking conclusion to the Ivanovich series when you read, One Major Mistake...
     I liked this  book very much, it reminded me of the wonderful James Petterson's "Alex Cross" series. There is  something very special about mystery/thriller serieses, you will fall in love  with the characters so much that you won't want anything bad to happen to them. That's exactly what I felt when I read One Major Mistake.
     Starr Reina is a professional writer, I love her style and how she expresses exactly what she wants the readers to feel in a compelling way.The pace is quick which is the case with almost all the thriller serieses. The setting is portraited very well. The only thing that I didn't like was the ending and some of the characters. I will say that I LIKED this book but I didn't fall in love with it. Although I fell in love with Pavel and Teresa, I still felt like something was missing.
     I loved the beginning and loved to hate the ending. You get the idea. If you want to read something that will take you breath away in anticipation, then you must read "In The Name of Revenge" then "Deadly Decisions" then "One Major Mistake". Be sure to read them in order, but if you are lazy like me, I won't blame you!

-- Interview with Starr Reina --

Me: Hello, and welcome to my blog. I am very happy to have you here. I would like to know, how long have you been writing?
Starr Reina: I put pen to paper for the first time when I was about fourteen. Unfortunately, because of being dissuaded by my father, I quit writing and didn’t pick it up again until I was an adult.

Me: Where did you get the idea for the Ivanovich series? Did anyone inspire it?
Starr Reina: No one really inspired it. Honestly, a Russian character begged to be written. I didn’t even know he was going to be FBI until toward the middle of the first book. I guess that’s when he told me. :)

Me:  Which character is your favorite? Which character has more “you” in it? 
Starr Reina: I have to say Teresa, most definitely. Although I did not intentionally model her after me (at least consciously), a bit of her is me and another side of her is who I wish I could be.

Me:  What is your favorite scene in "One Major Mistake"?
Starr Reina: I can’t reveal details as it would ruin it for the readers, but the ending. Those who have read it for advance praise said they didn’t see it coming and it made some upset. That means, as an author I did my job and created characters who have instilled feelings into the hearts of my readers.

Me:  Did you feel that there was some difference between "One Major Mistake" and the two books before it?
Starr Reina: Yes. My characters grew from book one to book three, especially Teresa. She is a typical Italian princess but toward the end, she began to grow up a little and realize the world didn’t revolve around her.

Me:  Do you have any other works on the way? Can you give us some hints?
Starr Reina: I absolutely do. I’m penning a paranormal now and following, I will be doing a legal thriller. So, from suspense/crime, I am giving my readers and fans a bit of versatility in the vernacular.

Me:  And now for some quick Q & A
Favorite drink? 
Starr Reina: Non-alcoholic: coffee or diet Snapple. Alcoholic: rum and coke. Then again, I would turn away a shot of tequila either.

Me: Favorite book?
Starr Reina: Gosh, there are many. The last one I read I couldn’t put down (as with many people) was “Hunger Games,” but at present I’m reading “Freak” by Jennifer Hillier and that’s outstanding. 

Me: Favorite singer / musician?  
Starr Reina: Train! I love their newest CD. I’m hooked.

Me: Favorite blog on the web? 
Starr Reina: Obviously, Insomnia of Books is on the top of my list. As it Reading Addiction.  There are too many terrific ones out there to choose just one. 

Me:  Thank you very much for being here with us today, do you have any last words?
Starr Reina:  Thank you for featuring me and “One Major Mistake.” If anyone has any questions or comments, I invite them to email me personally at sreina@QueenWriter.com.


-- About The Author --


A paralegal by day, she’s an author by night. Apart from being an award winning author for her short story "Cut", Reina has appeared in a blaze and made her mark on the literary world with her Ivanovich Series. The first is “In the Name of Revenge”, the second, “Deadly Decisions” and the third, "One Major Mistake" is to be released July 10, 2012. Having studied and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Literature/Creative Writing, she has found her unique style and is known for her works' distinctive voice, making every character stand out.
 Reina is the artistic creator of the Ivanovich series featuring Pavel Ivanovich. Flanking Ivanovich's side in "Deadly Decisions" is Teresa Mancini, who vies with Ivanovich for readers' attention. According to J.M. LeDuc, who was "raised in an Italian family", Teresa "is perfect...like all your characters". Reina is also the author of young adult novella "Cruel Whispers" and its sequel novel "Cruel Past".
 Reina is an executive editor for Suspense Magazine. She has been interviewed in the newspaper and on the radio with relation to her fiction work. She has been a co-host on Suspense Radio.
 She has won three Best Speaker awards as well as Best Evaluator at the Voice Ambassadors chapter of Toastmasters. Reina is a member of Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles Chapter and nationally. She has always been active in events. As co-chair and main coordinator for the West Coast Author Premiere, she arranged the weekend-long event to help authors from all over network, learn and share their work with the public. Reina has also been instrumental in compiling authors and planning a local author event at Barnes and Noble in Ventura, California along with the store’s event manager.

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Review & Interview: The Magic Window by John M. H. Pratt



My Rating:

Facts:

Name of Book: The Magic Window
Author: John M. H. Pratt (Book Blogs)
Buy it: Amazon
Source: Provided by the kind author...


My Thoughts:

     A wonderful read, describing the life of a family of Robins. I found out that John M. H. Pratt has a very lyrical voice, as he uses rhyming verses in his short story. 
     It is a very quick read, that you can enjoy along with your little kids or with your family, it can even be enjoyed as a bedtime story. Although I am a teenager, and this is not my type of books, but I really enjoyed the meaningful verses and the wonderful pictures, illustrating the life of the Robins in their nest. 
     I was a bit unsure when I saw that the book is illustrated but as I look back at it now, I find that the pictures explained so much more that words could have. I would definitely be waiting for other works by this author...

Author Interview w/ John M. H. Pratt
  
 To know more about this story, we will interview the author, John M. H. Pratt:

Me: Hello, and welcome to my blog. First of all, where did you get the idea for this story?
Mr. John: I was really fortunate that those birds chose to nest in such a fantastic and accessible setting... As I watched the birds in the window building their nest I took a few pictures with my phone and sent them to my nieces and nephew. The more photos I took the more the story naturally unfolded...

Me: Did anyone incourage you to write this story?
Mr. John: My friends and family saw my first version that I'd written only for the kids (nieces and nephew) and it just kind of snowballed into The Magic Window.

Me: Did you have any experience in writing verses and poems before you wrote this story?
Mr. John: I've written some poetry for old girlfriends, mostly bad...

Me: Do you have any other works on the way? Maybe you can give us some hints?
Mr. John: I've got another 250 photos of another nest that isn't as picturesque but is much more detailed...I've got some other great nature photos and ideas. Yes, I plan to write more but I might give the birds a rest.

Me: Now for some quick Q & A
        Hot drinks or cold drinks?
Mr John: Cold

Me: Paperbacks or ebooks?
Mr. John: I'm old school - paperbacks!

Me: Reading inside or in the garden?
Mr.John: Beach (garden)

Me: Your favourite book?
Mr. John: Too tough a question, love to read!

Me: Favorite kind of music?
Mr.John: Depends on my mood, love Bonnie Raitt

Me: Birds, Cats, or Dogs? Just curious...
Mr. John: Animal lover

Me: Thank you very much Mr. John for being here with us today, do you have any last words?
Mr. John: Yes, I'd like to thank you and everyone else for your kindness,
patience and encouragement.